Stop, Look & Listen

Can San Francisco reclaim its place as one of America's great music cities? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, LeTroy Gardner sits down with musician, entrepreneur, and real estate developer Rudy Colombini to discuss his ambitious mission to revitalize the Bay Area music scene through Music City San Francisco and his groundbreaking Star Machine concept. Rudy shares how he's creating a mas...

How do we raise Black boys to be confident, resilient, and proud of who they are in a world that often judges them unfairly? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, LeTroy Gardner welcomes author and professor emerita Dr. Kimberly Biddle to discuss her children's book As You Are, the inspiration behind its powerful message, and the importance of representation in children's literature. Dr. Bid...

Media personality Shener joins LeTroy Gardner to talk about reinventing herself and entering a new chapter of her career. From her beginnings in college radio and years working red carpets to acting, modeling, education, and the upcoming Conversations with Shener, she explains why the transition isn't about starting over, it's about growth. Shener also takes listeners behind the scenes of working...

What happens when the agency responsible for delivering U.S. foreign aid is suddenly told to stop? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with former USAID Mission Director and author Clifford H. Brown, author of Inside USAID, for a candid conversation about the history, purpose, and impact of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Brown explains what USA...

What does it mean to keep evolving as an artist while staying true to yourself? Tony Award-winning actress and Grammy-nominated singer Melba Moore returns to Stop, Look & Listen for her third conversation with host LeTroy Gardner. This time, she opens up about her new single, “Love Wins Every Time,” the healing power of music, and what it means to enter a new chapter of her career. Melba talks...

What happens when your voice becomes your way to survive? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with Thai-born Punjabi Sikh independent recording artist Kneet to talk about her journey from Bangkok to New York, finding her voice through music, and fighting for change after experiencing domestic violence, coercive control, and difficult family court battles. Knee...

This week on Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with John Smith, guitarist, songwriter, comic book artist, and founding member of Nu Shooz, for a candid conversation about the band's incredible journey from Portland's Latin jazz scene to international pop success. John shares how "I Can't Wait" went from an independent release to a club sensation in New York, the story behind t...

Ralph Rolle has played on some of the world's biggest stages, but his greatest lessons didn't always come from music. On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner welcomes back drummer, entrepreneur, and founder of Dear Family Stories, Ralph Rolle. Fresh off a six-week European tour with Nile Rodgers & Chic, Ralph shares what he's learned from decades in music, building a fa...

What does it really take to build a lasting career in entertainment? 🎤✨ On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner welcomes legendary publicist and Double XXposure founder Angelo Ellerbee back to the show. With decades of experience representing some of music's biggest names, Angelo shares how he's transforming DoubleXXposure.com into an affordable learning platform designed...

Can you be your authentic self and still win in politics?  On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with political strategist, When We Win podcast host, Blue State Executive VP, and author Maya Rupert for a thoughtful conversation about politics, representation, and the power of authenticity. Maya reflects on growing up in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree, the politic...

What were you doing at eight years old? DJ Switch Ghana was winning a national talent competition and launching a career that would take her to stages around the world. 🌟 On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with award-winning DJ, producer, and philanthropist DJ Switch Ghana to discuss her remarkable journey from rural Ghana to becoming one of Africa's most re...

What inspired Simone Green to create her empowering anthem "Black Queen," and how did her battle with breast cancer change her outlook on life? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with singer, songwriter, and activist Simone Green for a powerful conversation about music, resilience, and purpose. Simone discusses the success of her charting single "Black Queen,...

What if the secret to surviving the music industry isn’t just talent but ownership?  On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with Detroit guitarist, songwriter, and producer Tim Bowman to talk about music, money, and building a career that lasts. Tim shares stories from his early days playing in church, studying music theory on scholarship, and touring with legend...

What if the scariest thing isn’t the house… but your own mind? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, LeTroy Gardner sits down with filmmaker Joseph Mbah to talk about his new psychological horror thriller Whispers Bind, now streaming on Roku, Samsung TV, and Fawesome. 🎥 Joseph shares the inspiration behind the film, building suspense through psychological fear, and what it takes to create i...

Can Salt Lake City produce the next wave of hip-hop artists? Obeeyay thinks so. 🎶🔥 On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, LeTroy Gardner talks with Salt Lake City artist Obeeyay about his journey from studio engineer to performer and how growing up with seven older siblings helped shape his sound and competitive mindset. Obeeyay shares the artists that influenced him, including Michael Jack...

What happens when a once-in-a-lifetime love story becomes a book you have to tell? ❤️📖 On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with author, artist, and storyteller Debora Masterson to dive deep into her powerful new novel, Freedom Quest: A Love Story. Inspired by her real-life relationship with musician Craig Ingraham, this conversation uncovers a journey of love...

🔥 What does it take to keep FUNK alive across generations? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with guitar legend Marlon “The Magician” McClain to break down a career that helped define the sound of funk, soul, and beyond. From the roots of Portland’s iconic Albina music scene to global stages, Marlon shares how Pleasure was born, the influence of mentors lik...

On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, R&B vocalist Yvette Michelle pulls up for a conversation that bridges the golden era of ’90s music with her bold return today.  Yvette opens up about her journey from a strict Pentecostal upbringing to finding her voice in the church choir while secretly chasing her dreams behind the scenes. She breaks down how she caught the attention of Funkmaster...

On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, we sit down with Grammy-nominated soul powerhouse Eric Roberson to unpack the heart, healing, and honesty behind his latest album, Beautifully All Over the Place. From turning failed relationships into timeless music to finding inspiration in everyday family moments, Eric reveals how chaos and creativity go hand in hand.  He opens up about: 🔥 His unique...

What really happened behind the scenes of one of R&B’s most iconic groups? 👀🎶 In this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with Abdul Ra’oof of The S.O.S. Band to uncover the untold stories behind the music that defined a generation. From falling in love with music in junior high 🎺 to becoming the voice behind timeless records, Abdul shares his journey—from Alba...

What happens when a thriving business success story suddenly turns into a $1.5 million legal battle? In this powerful episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Executive Director of Black Theater United Kettia Ming to talk about the highs, the setbacks, and the ultimate reinvention of her career and life. 🎙️ Kettia shares how she built Smarter...

On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with former NFL fullback and longtime NFL running backs coach James Saxon. A proud Battery Creek High School product from Beaufort, South Carolina, Saxon shares how Lowcountry culture, discipline, and fierce high school rivalries helped shape the mindset that carried him to the NFL. Saxon reflects on being selected in the 6t...

What happens when a hurricane hits not just homes but history?  On this powerful episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with cultural strategist, oral historian, filmmaker, and author Majella Mark to discuss preserving Caribbean memory in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. From her Grenadian roots to the lasting impact of the U.S. invasion of Grenada, Majella shares how h...

What if the solution to a hidden crisis started in your garage? 🛠️ This week on Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with Luke Mickelson, author and founder of Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP), to tackle the heartbreaking reality of child bedlessness and how one simple act of service sparked a global movement. 🌎 Growing up in Kimberly, Idaho, Luke learned the value of community ear...

What happens when a chart-topping voice trades the stage for shaping young minds? This week on Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with the legendary Sybil, the powerhouse behind timeless hits like Walk On By and Don't Make Me Over. Sybil takes us on a heartfelt journey from her upbringing in Paterson, to her college days at North Carolina A&T State University, to performing...