The Highlight Real

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Coach Shyheim Small, diving deep into HBCU basketball, his journey from North Carolina to making waves with the Central State Marauders, and the real pressures behind coaching at an HBCU. This episode offers a lot of perspective as we break down the struggles, triumphs, and the often-overlooked behind-the-scenes hustle that keeps the...

What happens when you stop running the rat race and start chasing peace? In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Jelani Taylor—a Flint, Michigan native, artist, and creative —about his brand-new album "The Rat Race," his journey through music, and breaking free from the cycle of exhaustion. From reflecting on Nina Simone's timeless wisdom to unveiling the raw, soul-baring...

Grammy Award-winning songwriter RNB June is back, and this convo is packed with gems! We’re chopping it up about his Grammy win, working with music legends like Chris Brown, and his creative evolution in the ever-changing music industry. From navigating collaboration vs. competition to his plans for a major rebrand, June shares it all—including how his upbringing shaped his humble yet unstoppable...

Life in your 20s is a wild ride! In this episode, my special guest is Micahiah Davis of @sowmthinaboutour20s! We’re chopping it up about lessons learned, personal growth, and all the ups and downs that come with this transformative decade. From moving out of your parents’ house to balancing work, relationships, and creative wellness, we’re keeping it real about navigating adulthood. Plus, we’re di...

Ever wondered how creators are flipping the script and redefining Black culture in comics? In this episode, we’re chopping it up with Trey Small and Brock Allen of Bigg41 to dive into their brilliant and captivating comic series, "The 513." From DreamCon highlights to the deep messages behind their art, they’re bringing Black masculinity, identity, and community to life in a very artistic way! Tun...

Alright y’all, let’s talk about the REAL deal behind Black Love and the truth they don’t want us to see! In this episode, we’re chopping it up about Black love, identity, and what it really means to build community in a world shaped by expectations, media stereotypes, and societal pressures. We dive into the beauty, challenges, and history of Black Love, exploring how it’s been influenced by commu...

EIGHTY episodes! Crazy right? For this 80th episode, you're definitely in for something a little different. This episode was shot at an AIRPORT in the middle of the NIGHT because we got STUCK! So this is The Airport & DreamCon Episode! My cousin and I share our thoughts on DreamCon 2025, and detail what our experiences were like. We talk about anime culture, black culture, and all of the thing...

What's good y'all! We're back to The Highlight Real! Life’s been a whirlwind to say the least! I’m chopping it up about why I had to take some time off, how I bounced back, and what’s been going on behind the scenes. From getting a new apartment, leveling up in my personal journey - and so much in between - this episode is packed with real talk and lessons learned. Whether you’re think...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I chop it up with Dono (@justdono_), a rising star from Cincinnati who's ready to take the music industry by storm! In this raw and honest conversation, we dive into her incredible journey from walking off stage in middle school to becoming a confident artist ready to compete with the best. From sleeping on couches in LA to recording with artists in Atlanta,...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we're chopping it up with my friend Yanni! She is the creator of the streetwear brand Wise Label and is also a cohost of Growing Painz Podcast! She is a powerful example of what can happen in your life when you move on faith. Yanni's inspiring journey from Maryland to Atlanta is the perfect example of faith over fear. Of course, we will talk about faith, fear...

Ever wondered who's behind the vibrant and creative force known as JAELL? Tune in as we dive into a lively chat with my talented friend, Jayda Ellis, the couture fashion designer and powerhouse behind JAELL and member of Growing Painz Podcast! In this episode, we chop it up about her journey from Houston to Atlanta, her experiences at an HBCU, and the ups and downs of creative entrepreneurship. Fr...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I'm chopping it up with my guy Tre'Vion! This time, we're taking you on a journey from New Jersey to Atlanta detailing Tre'Vion's background. We talk about podcasting, graphic design, and Tre'Vion's interesting opportunities working with Queen Naija and other Youtubers like Deshae Frost! Tre'Vion also drops MANY gems about imposter syndrome, the changing of f...

Ever wondered how patience pays off? Let's chop it up about the wild ride of patience and growth, and how life's obstacles can turn into wins! In this episode, I'm sharing my journey from feeling stuck in a part-time gig and how that patience has allowed me to flourish! Tune in if you've ever been on the fence about whether your patience will pay off. We'll dive into how patience enables you to de...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I'm chopping it up about my first trip out of the country, the big 2-5 life reflections, and how these experiences have sparked a new direction in my life. I also discuss a little about my loc journey and how that has influenced my perspective as well. This episode includes many quick revelations and perspectives I wanted to share! Tune in! I'm curious—how do...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I'm chopping it up with my amazing friends, Rachel, a hip-hop media correspondent, and Tyrik, a national news anchor! We're talking about the differences between podcasters, reporters, and media correspondents — what's the difference in today's day and age? We do many of the same things but there are also many things that we do differently. How can you tell?...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I'm chopping it up with the incredible Samarah Poe about balancing motherhood and media! Dive into Samarah’s journey from HBCU student, to entrepreneur, to her role as a tour manager for one of the biggest platforms in Tonight's Conversation! She shares how her experiences as part of a media team have helped her to cultivate her own. Samarah also shares some...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we're going to discover the secret behind Cincinnati's top selfie museum with Amari, the creative mastermind behind Selfie Cincy! Ever wondered how a journey from studying drama at an arts high school to traveling the world influences a unique business venture? Tune in as we chop it up about resilience, embracing rejection, and how Amari's experiences in acti...

Embracing change isn't easy, but it's necessary! In this episode of The Highlight Real, I'm chopping it up with my uncle, who’s not just family but a mentor, minister, and therapist. We talk in depth about the power of embracing change, tackling fears, and the importance of putting action behind your dreams. Tune in to gain some perspective on adulting, discipline, and embracing your f...

With everything that's going on in your life, have you ever stopped to think WHY is this happening to ME? I've definitely been experiencing a lot recently. In this episode of The Highlight Real, I'm giving you a quick update on what's been going on in my life and what I've been learning from it! It's definitely been some very interesting and questionable things, to say the...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re celebrating Juneteenth 2024! We wanted to get outside for this episode to ask people questions based around Juneteenth and how they feel on this day! Juneteenth is the celebration of the freedom of enslaved African people and we definitely wanted to catch people in their element! Tune in to this episode to hear different perspectives and some very inter...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I talk with my friend Marisa! Marisa is a realtor, construction project management assistant, and an entrepreneur whose journey embodies resilience and triumph. From her initial dreams in fashion merchandising to conquering the real estate world and beyond, Marisa's story demosntrates how resilience can truly set you up for success. Marisa discusses colle...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we have a very special guest! We have fellow entrepreneur, student, and podcaster Rikki Lee! From her journey as an entrepreneur to her adventures in podcasting and everything in between, Rikki details how she's been able to handle it all. From being a full-time student at THE Ohio State University, being involved in school organizations, being an entrepr...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I talk with my friend Jamilah! Jamilah is a multimedia journalist in Columbus, Ohio and is passionate about her work. In this episode we talk about the importance of storytelling, the power of empathy in journalism, and how the combination of both can change lives. We also discuss some interesting things like news voices, the effort code, and how Jamilah didn...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we dive into the world of fashion and entrepreneurship with Qiantria! Qiantria (aka "Q") is the creator and CEO of Capanova, an premium hat store that started in Cincinnati, Ohio and has branched into Los Angeles, California in a few short years. In this episode we discuss Qiantria's journey toward entrepreneurship, the backstory of Capanova, an...

In this episode of The Highlight Real, I'm talking with my friend Niles! I first met Niles in a creatives group chat and have followed and seen much of his creative projects through social media. I've seen him create all kinds of things that may sometimes seem random to some but also seems noticeably authentic to his personality and what he likes to create. I thought this would make him a...