Str8Up Show Podcast

When most people think of movies set in Las Vegas, they picture the bright lights, casinos, and chaos of the Strip, not an action-packed thriller buried deep in the Nevada desert. But that’s exactly where filmmaker Mark D. Bonner takes us in his gripping new suspense film, Rear Desert. In the Season 9 finale of The Str8Up Show Podcast, we sit down with the award-winning filmmaker to discuss the cr...

America is facing deep political division. Republican vs. Democrat, Left vs. Right. But what will it truly take for us to come together as one nation again? On this episode, former California State Assemblyman Mike Gatto sits down with host and special guest co-host Joey for an honest conversation about America’s current political climate. From the challenges facing both major parties to the growi...

On this explosive episode of Str8Up, we host a live TikTok debate that dives into South Park’s most controversial episode yet, the one where they suggest Donald Trump made a deal with the devil. Trump supporters and critics go head-to-head as we unpack the satire, political commentary, and whether the show finally crossed a line. But that’s not all, we also break down a shocking new report involvi...

With the recent changes to birthright citizenship, naturalized citizens now facing possible deportation, and the “big, beautiful bill” now passed, what’s next for immigration in America? After a powerful and eye-opening first appearance, immigration attorney Carla Casas returns to break down the latest developments surrounding mass deportation and reacts to ICE becoming one of the largest law enfo...

June 11th and 12th, 2025, a night Las Vegas streamer Karlin Martinez will never forget. What began as a peaceful anti-ICE protest ended with flashing lights, handcuffs, and a viral TikTok Live that left viewers stunned. But what really happened that night? We sit down with Karlin’s attorney, Stephen Stubbs, who breaks down the shocking chain of events that could’ve landed the U.S.-born streamer in...

We dive into the Trump Administration’s renewed crackdown on undocumented immigrants. With ICE ramping up nationwide enforcement and families being torn apart, fear is rising and so are protests across the globe. Immigration Attorney Carla Casas joins us to unpack the chaos. She breaks down President Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, explains what they really mean for those living undocumen...

Being a Black man in America isn’t just difficult, it’s a daily struggle often overlooked. But when life gets heavy, where can Black men turn? Where are the safe spaces that remind them they’re not alone? We sit down with Dr. Maurice Ball, community leader and life coach, for an honest conversation about the pressures Black men face, breaking generational trauma, and the importance of older Black...

If you’re a true music fan, you know the best songs are the ones that speak to your soul, and Las Vegas artist Kuttup is doing just that. On this electrifying episode of Music Monday, we sit down with Kuttup to uncover her journey into the music industry and what makes her style impossible to replicate. From her raw lyrics to her captivating stage presence, Kuttup is proving why she’s one of the r...

Is social media silently impacting your mental health? Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jamie Micco of The Concord Center joins us and breaks down how social media can influence your emotional well-being for better or worse. Tune in as Dr. Micco shares cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) based strategies to help you manage screen time, reduce stress, and develop healthier online habits. Follow Dr...

It’s often said that we go through many tests so we can share powerful testimonies. On this Music Monday, we sit down with the incredibly talented gospel rapper Young Preach. He opens up about his troubled past, how it led him to God and music, and the biggest misconceptions about gospel rap. Then, Young Preach takes the stage to perform his anthem, “My Testimony.” FOLLOW YOUNG PREACH Facebook: @K...

In our Season 9 premiere, we dive into one of the most polarizing issues in America today, immigration and mass deportations. With families being torn apart, we hear firsthand accounts from those directly impacted: Jaclyn, whose spouse is currently detained; Meg, whose father was deported during Trump’s last presidency; Kev, who once unknowingly lived undocumented; and Vanessa, who faces racism si...

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode, Erin Johnston, LPC-S of Healing Minds Counseling, discussed why so many are afraid to seek therapy. Erin returns to continue our groundbreaking conversation about why is much needed when going on your healing journey! Erin then gives tips to host, Calvin, about how he can overcome a previous toxic relationship. Healing Minds, LLC official website: https://www.heal...

Why do most of us have Psychophobia or a fear of going to therapy? Are we scared to face our own truths or just afraid to acknowledge the trauma we keep pushing away? We talk to Erin Johnston, LPC-S of Healing Minds, LLC about the importance of therapy. Erin analyzes our previous episode, "The Mermaid Effect" and breaks down how therapy would have been beneficial in Calvin's toxic relationship. Th...

If you're a football fan, you know that halftime IS game time for a lot of bands. But, if you're from New Orleans, Louisiana, being in a band is a way of life. We talk to Edna Karr High School's band director, Chris Herrero all about his award winning band. Chris joins us to talk about his unique style of leadership, his gifted students and how his band was able to capture the attention of the one...

Women in rock bands are often overshadowed by their male counterparts, but the female led band RōZY is quickly making a Texas size impact on the music industry. On this Music Monday we talk to sisters Zoe Molly, guitar players Brandon and Aris about how the RōZY was formed, their upcoming music projects and an announcement about their next tour! The band then hits the Str8Up Stage to perform a son...

HE’S BACK!! The one and only Pen Assassin himself, FIVE ​⁠returns to Music Monday! Listen as FIVE talks about where he’s been since he last came on the show, he’s recent run in with rapper Dave East ​⁠and his upcoming projects. FIVE then performs his single, “Reps” from his new album “Nothing Personal But It’s Personal” available now on all streaming platforms.

It's a country full of love, music and pride. The Str8Up crew heads to Brazil. Join us as we talk to Marianna and Debbie, two Brazil natives, all about their home country. Our guest talk about the love of their culture and breakdown the misconnects the world has of Brazil and the Brazilian people.

In this age of social media, it's easy to find yourself being discouraged due to a number of life issues. But how you handle your negative situation is a practice that many of us can use. We talk to viral motivational speaker Will Diggs aka @WillKeepItReal about the different ways of having a motivating mindset. Will then gives our listeners encouraging message about self love. Follow Will Diggs:...

“All Roads Lead to Shreveport,” says Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson after his recent purchase of the old Millennium Studios in Shreveport, LA. But what does this mean for the area? We talk to Hollywood actors/stuntmen and longtime Shreveport-Bossier residents, Tim J. Smith and Dother Sykes IV about the impact G-Unit Film & Television Inc will have on northwest Louisiana and the surrounding areas. The tw...

WE'RE BACK!! And boy, there is so much to talk about! On the Season 8 premiere, Calvin opens up about his personal love life by inviting two of his personal friends to the show.  Tune in as they point out his flaws and help him cope with such a bad ending to a relationship/friendship/situationship. Where do you think he went wrong? 

WE MADE IT TO 100 EPISODES!!!! But what does this mean for our podcast? Tune in as the Str8Up Crew celebrates this big milestone of reaching 100 podcast episodes. The crew also talks about the future of the Str8Up Show Podcast. Also, previous guests and listeners stop to congratulate the Str8Up crew on 100 episodes. Thank You to all of our supporters and listeners over these past 3 years. We would...

In our final installment of our Music Mondays, we talk to Shayliff lead singer, Shay Bailiff. Shay talks to us about his impressive music career and why audiences from all over can’t get enough of his captivating voice. Shay then performs one of his band’s hit singles, ”Stranger.” Follow Shay and Shayliff: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shayliff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shayliff/ Y...

COVID-19 has been the biggest global topic in the world over these past couple of years, but are we finally at the end of the life changing pandemic? We continue our "COVID-19 Impact" series as we talk to traveling emergency physician, Yvette McQueen, MD. Tune in as Dr. McQueen gives us an update on the COVID-19 Pandemic and if we can start living a normal life. Dr. McQueen then provides guidance...

After gaining over 600 lbs, Anthony Lopez knew he had to make a change to his life. We talk to Anthony Lopez about his incredible weight loss journey and how he was able to lose over 350 lbs. Anthony then talks to us about his program, Heavy To Modified, which is helping others on their weight loss goals. Follow Anthony: Website: https://www.heavytomodified.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/...