The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture / Music and Rhythm

Whether you’re dreaming of a sun-soaked beach getaway , a thrilling national park adventure , or an urban exploration of vibrant cities , The Interludes Podcast has your travel inspiration covered! As we kick off Season 7 , Val “The Voice” Johnson takes you on an insider’s tour of some of the best U.S. vacation destinations for 2023 , inspired by U.S. News & World Report travel writer Elizabet...

Val “The Voice” Johnson introduces a captivating conversation with international recording artist Jesse Campbell —a proud Chicago native, devoted father, and standout finalist from Season 2 of NBC’s The Voice. As The Interludes Podcast concludes its celebration of Black Music Month , Jesse joins Val and Coach Tony Thompson to reflect on his incredible journey through the ever-evolving music indust...

Val “The Voice” Johnson hosts a powerful roundtable conversation with DJ Krate Digga and an incredible lineup of artists, podcasters, and creatives to celebrate 50 years of hip-hop culture . Recorded live on Clubhouse , this special episode dives deep into hip-hop’s roots, its evolution, and the direction the genre is headed beyond its first half-century. Together, these thought leaders reflect on...

Val “The Voice” Johnson sparks an engaging and soulful conversation with DJ Krate Digga , one of the most influential figures in Columbus, Ohio’s music scene . Together, they explore the profound impact of hip-hop on culture , the legacy of Black Music Month , and the roots of Krate Digga’s journey—from his humble beginnings behind the turntables to becoming a respected DJ, educator, and community...

Coach Tony Thompson welcomes former basketball sports consultant and author Merl Code to Talk on Tuesdays for a candid conversation about his book, Black Market: An Insider’s Journey into the High-Stakes World of College Basketball . From recruitment pressures to the money flows shaping modern programs, Merl pulls back the curtain on the machinery behind elite college hoops—and what it means for a...

Val “The Voice” Johnson explores the intersection of business technology and service-driven strategy with Azaniah Israel , visionary tech entrepreneur and founder of Sirach Consulting . In this insightful episode, Val and Azaniah discuss his entrepreneurial journey, uncover the guiding principles behind sustainable business growth, and reveal how storytelling and film have inspired his innovative...

Val “The Voice” Johnson dives into Hollywood’s latest trend of revisiting beloved classics and long-running franchises. From Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid to the modern reimagining of White Men Can’t Jump and the adrenaline-fueled continuation of Fast & Furious X , Val explores what’s driving this wave of nostalgia in today’s entertainment industry. 🎧 Tune in for an entert...

Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with veteran actress Paulette McDaniels for an insightful conversation about the state of Hollywood amid the Writers Guild of America strike and her experiences working alongside some of the most talented actors of our generation. With decades of experience in film, television, and theater, Paulette offers a behind-the-scenes look at the industry’s creative heartb...

Should we judge a book by its cover? In this thought-provoking episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson explores the art and strategy behind great book design with Natalie Stokes-Peters , veteran designer and founder of On Point Book Design , who brings over 20 years of industry experience to the conversation. The episode begins with Mr. Wamble and Val’s review of the Netflix documentary “The Light We Car...

Val “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble dive into a powerful discussion of Allen Hughes’ acclaimed documentary series Dear Mama — an intimate exploration of the life, art, and activism of Tupac Shakur and his mother, Afeni Shakur . Together, Val and Michael unpack Tupac’s evolution from a brilliant lyricist and performer to a fearless social commentator , tracing how his moth...

Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and Michael Wamble for an exciting deep dive into the hit Chicago-based independent series, Seasoned , streaming now on Tubi . In this engaging conversation, they sit down with Aretha “Ms. Respect” Tatum , the show’s talented director and showrunner , and Tracy Kincaide , singer, songwriter, and actress starring in the series alongside Taroniah Rice and Natasha L. Hudg...

Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Monique Lisa Johnson , a Bronx native, award-winning playwright , and writing coach whose passion for storytelling began at the age of seven. From her early love of theater to her acclaimed stage productions, Monique has spent her life bringing powerful stories to life and empowering others to find their voice through writing. In this inspiring conversation,...

Holy Week is upon us — a sacred time when Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ . In this special Easter edition of The Interludes Podcast , Val “The Voice” Johnson welcomes friend of the show and urban apologist Phil Fox for an enlightening conversation about faith, tradition, and the heart of the Easter message. Together, they explore the origins of Easter tradit...

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, Val “The Voice” Johnson celebrates three phenomenal African American women writers whose words continue to inspire, challenge, and captivate readers around the world — Toni Morrison, Octavia Butler, and Victoria Christopher Murray . From Morrison’s poetic examinations of identity and freedom, to Butler’s visionary storytelling in science fiction, to Murra...

Val “The Voice” Johnson continues the celebration of Women’s History Month with a special spotlight on Lekeisha Mosley — a wife, mother of three young kings, author, entrepreneur, and U.S. veteran who is now carving out her own lane in the virtual DJ space . From serving her country to serving her community, Lekeisha embodies what it means to be a soldier of light, a soldier for change, and a sold...

For more than five decades, Debbie Allen and Judith Jamison have shaped the world of dance, film, and television — moving generations with their artistry, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In celebration of Women’s History Month , Val “The Voice” Johnson pays tribute to these two extraordinary African American choreographers, whose influence extends far beyond the stage. From Al...

For more than 40 years , African American women filmmakers have been shaping the language of cinema — telling stories that reflect truth, power, and perseverance. Their work continues to inspire generations, even if Hollywood hasn’t always given them the recognition they deserve. In honor of Women’s History Month , Val “The Voice” Johnson turns the spotlight away from those in front of the camera...

Carol Moseley Braun. Ketanji Brown Jackson. Regina Wilson. Each of these phenomenal women has shattered barriers and rewritten history. For African American women, those barriers aren’t just glass ceilings — they’re tinted glass ceilings that reflect both race and gender challenges overcome through resilience, brilliance, and courage. In this inspiring episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson and Executiv...

In celebration of Black History Month , Interludes turns up the volume on one of America’s most influential genres — Chicago House music . Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and Coach Tony Thompson as they dive deep into their House music roots , tracing how this revolutionary sound—born in Chicago’s underground clubs—transformed dance floors and reshaped the global music scene. From its soulful origins...

Sometimes it’s champagne and roses . Other times, it’s red velvet cupcakes and filtered water . Valentine’s Day can be the sweetest celebration—or the sharpest reminder of where we are in love and life. In this heartfelt and honest episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson and Mr. Michael Wamble dive into one timeless question: Do soulmates really exist? Together, they unpack the myths, meanings, and minds...

In this special Black History Month Business Spotlight , Interludes welcomes Tasha “TC” Cooper — faith-based entrepreneur, author, and business coach — for a powerful conversation on how faith and biblical principles can transform the way we lead, serve, and succeed. Val “The Voice” Johnson explores how Tasha integrates her spiritual foundation into her business strategies, helping entrepreneurs b...

In honor of Black History Month , the Interludes team takes a thoughtful look at the powerful Hulu docu-series The 1619 Project , created by Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones . Join Val “The Voice” Johnson and the Interludes crew as they reflect on the series’ themes, its historical significance, and the impact of reframing American history through the lens of 1619 — the year t...

Film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert set the gold standard for movie discussions—sharp insight, lively debate, and a true love for cinema. In that same spirit, Val “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble pay tribute to the legendary duo with their own spin: a spirited review and prediction session for the 2023 Academy Awards nominations . From likely winners to surprise conte...

Val “The Voice” Johnson welcomes back serial entrepreneur, author, and longtime friend of the show, Jori O’Neale , for an inspiring conversation about faith, mentorship, and walking boldly in purpose . Jori opens up about her recent experiences as a mentor and coach , sharing valuable lessons learned while guiding others toward personal and spiritual growth. Through her ministry work and creative...

In this inspiring episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. , reflecting on his profound influence on generations of leaders, dreamers, and change-makers. Following the tribute, the Interludes Extra: Talk on Tuesdays team sits down with Coach John Saintignon , an internationally recognized coach, author, and motivational speaker. Together, t...