The Kalaj Dame Podcast

Toy Slaughter, Pittsburgh activist, Black anarchist, and Afro-punk, shares her experiences challenging government authority, confronting racism, and participating in protests that blocked Pittsburgh's Parkway following the death of Antwon Rose. In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, Toy reflects on growing up in Pittsburgh, discovering alternative music and Afro-punk culture, embracing individ...

Samantha Black, entrepreneur, military veteran, and community advocate, shares her journey from Jamaica to Pittsburgh, discussing capitalism, Black economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the acquisition of Emerald City, a $4 million downtown building. In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, Samantha reflects on growing up in Jamaica, immigrating to America, her military experience, and the...

KiKi Jones, Pittsburgh's first Black woman radio program director, shares her journey through WAMO 107.3, breaking barriers in broadcasting, the music industry, entrepreneurship, financial success, and community responsibility. In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, KiKi reflects on growing up in Pittsburgh as the daughter of radio personality Sly Jock, finding her way into broadcasting, and b...

Pittsburgh music producer and recording engineer Soy Sos reflects on decades in the music industry, hip-hop history, recording studios, and the realities of building a lasting career in music. In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, Soy Sos joins Kalaj Dame to discuss his journey from performing and touring with bands to becoming an established recording engineer, working with generations of Pi...

Damien Lowry (Quita), Pittsburgh's viral comedian, opens up about childhood trauma, federal prison, coming out as gay, drug addiction, overdose, and recovery. His journey from the streets to social media fame is a story of survival, self-acceptance, and reinvention. In this episode of The Kalaj Dame Podcast, Damien shares his journey from growing up in the streets of Pittsburgh to serving seven ye...

What does it take to turn hip hop, podcasting, life experience, financial literacy, and personal growth into a platform built around learning, service, and success? In this episode, It’s Marly joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about podcasting, hip hop, success, financial literacy, prison, technology, personal growth, community, creativity, and the experiences that shaped his perspective. Marly...

What does it take to go from Pittsburgh street life and hip hop to viral content, entrepreneurship, filmmaking, and creating a Black wrestling movie? Pittsburgh filmmaker, entrepreneur, and content creator Jay Ruffbone White joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about his evolution from street life and music into entrepreneurship, video production, social media, and independent filmmaking. Ruffbone...

Can Black America confront systemic racism without avoiding difficult conversations about culture, accountability, media influence, and the choices shaping the community? In this episode, Javier Roman joins Kalaj Dame for a candid conversation about race in America, Black identity, systemic power, personal accountability, media narratives, hip hop, politics, historical trauma, and the forces shapi...

What does it take to go from the streets of Larimer in Pittsburgh to Rostrum Records and beyond while continuing to move with intent? In this episode, Boaz Bey joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about hip hop, The Govament Rap Group, Rostrum Records, independence, incarceration, fatherhood, Moorish American identity, community work, reading, history, food, and his evolution as a man and artist. B...

What does it take to stay relevant for more than 30 years while hip hop, the music business, and the opportunities around you continue to change? In this episode, K Pound joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about hip hop, longevity, reinvention, artist management, confidence, relationships, opportunity, personal growth, and the lessons that come from more than three decades in the game. K Pound re...

What does it take to build a successful beauty business, grow a public platform, deal with the hate that comes with visibility, and still recognize everything you've accomplished along the way? In this episode, Aliya Wray joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about entrepreneurship, the beauty industry, social media, content creation, motherhood, relationships, personal growth, and redefining succes...

What does it take to start from the bottom, build a successful recording studio, work with major entertainment companies, and then learn an entirely new game through social media and the algorithm? The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who've experienced their own forms of success. In this episode, Mike H...

What does it take to stay unstoppable through decades of music, business, reinvention, setbacks, and personal growth—and realize that being a Juggernaut is ultimately a mindset? In this episode, J. Pad joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about hip hop, music production, entrepreneurship, mentorship, reinvention, technology, communication, personal growth, longevity, and the mindset behind building...

What does it take to turn years of experience in the skilled trades into an opportunity to teach, mentor, and give both kids and adults practical skills they can use in everyday life?      The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who've experienced their own forms of success.      In this episode, Jim Johns...

What does it take to leave a lasting impact on a city, an industry, and generations of people without always being the one standing in the spotlight? The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who've experienced their own forms of success. In this episode, Lee Davis joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about Pi...

What does it take to rise above poverty, build a Billboard-charting music career, and stay grounded while success changes everything? In this episode, TrapnHardo joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about hip hop, entrepreneurship, discipline, success, Pittsburgh music history, the music industry, personal growth, business, and the mindset required to build a lasting career beyond fame. Through sto...

How does technology shape the way we think, solve problems, and navigate everyday life—and why is understanding it becoming more important for everyone?      In this episode, Devon Gardner joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about technology, engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, critical thinking, curiosity, and the analytical mindset that drives innovation. Through real stories...

What separates a rapper from a true emcee? Stretch joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about emceeing, freestyle culture, hip hop competition, lyricism, artist development, creative discipline, and why mastering the fundamentals matters more than chasing viral moments. From growing up in Pittsburgh's hip hop scene to becoming one of the country's most respected freestyle competitors and founder of...

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success. In this episode, Chelsea Newby joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about nursing, entrepreneurship, family, fatherhood, motherhood, personal responsibility, relationships, healing, self-awareness, financial independence,...

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success. In this episode, Sukay Quay joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about Pittsburgh music, viral success, TikTok, entrepreneurship, fatherhood, community, branding, authenticity, business, personal growth, and what it means...

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success. In this episode, Franchise of The Come Up joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about Pittsburgh hip hop, independent music, The 58s, Mac Miller, Rostrum Records, touring, artist development, entrepreneurship, creativity, a...

The Kalaj Dame Podcast helps to bridge cultures, business, intellect, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who’ve experienced their own forms of success. In this episode, Freya Tha Goddess joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about artist development, entrepreneurship, audio engineering, entertainment, BDSM, consent, communication, relationships, personal growth, and the re...

The Kalaj Dame Podcast bridges culture, business, creativity, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who have built success on their own terms. In Episode 22, Kalaj Dame sits down with Pittsburgh hip hop duo BBGuns to discuss independent music, DIY touring, entrepreneurship, creative freedom, and building a sustainable career outside of the traditional music industry. Known...

The Kalaj Dame Podcast bridges culture, business, creativity, and everyday life through long-form conversations with people who have built success on their own terms. In Episode 21, Kalaj Dame sits down with Brett Allen for a conversation about media ownership, entrepreneurship, film production, education, leadership, and the value of building platforms that create opportunities for others. As the...

What can life insurance, hip hop, financial literacy, masculinity, critical thinking, and personal growth teach us about navigating life in today's world? In this episode, Cory "Eaux" O'Domes joins Kalaj Dame for a conversation about life insurance, final expense insurance, financial literacy, hip hop culture, masculinity, critical thinking, self-education, technology, AI, and the realities of bal...