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

When it comes to music, there’s a difference between famous and Blackfamous — and that difference is the Sound of Blackness. In this powerful and reflective episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson explores what truly defines that sound — not by skin color, but by the soul, spirit, and story an artist brings to their music. From gospel roots to R&B grooves, from the pain of the past to the joy of resi...

As triple-threat star Ariana DeBose once quipped, when it comes to Broadway, “The Great White Way should be a nickname — not ‘how to’ instructions.” And she’s absolutely right. From The Wiz to MJ: The Musical , the influence of Black and Brown artists on Broadway over the past 50 years has reshaped the sound, style, and soul of musical theater — adding rhythm, power, and authenticity to stages onc...

Not the drum machine — but the real-life artist snapping the snare, tapping the toms, and sizzling the cymbals. As we celebrate Black Music Month and look forward to a (hopefully) COVID-free festival season, Val “The Voice” Johnson dives into the joy of live music with performer and producer Kendall Nesbit , for whom music is truly life . Together, they explore the current state of what gets playe...

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer — a time to fire up the grill, grab your favorite hot wings, and enjoy great conversation. In this festive episode, Val “The Voice” Johnson is joined by soul food scholar Adrian Miller for a mouthwatering discussion on the history and heart behind barbecue culture and its deep roots in African American culinary traditions. Then, stick around as Val...

May 19th is the birthday of Malcolm X. EP Michael Wamble and Val "the Voice" reflect on the life of Malcolm X, speak with award-winning musician Speech Thomas about his contribution to the soundtrack and the film that brought Malcolm to many of our collective consciousness.

Walk with Val 'the Voice" Johnson as she enters the Sunshine of Self-Care. Join Val as she celebrates her birthday at a day spa in suburban Chicago as a reminder that self-care isn't a luxury but an essential to maintain a healthy "you."

Celebrating mothers by talking with three dynamic women who are busy working moms raising children and being great examples. Also, Val "the Voice" Johnson takes a few moments to honor her mom, Rosie.

In the new TV series "Seasoned," Chicago-based producer Andre Blaze Rodgers takes us into a world where there is no age limit on achieving your dreams. "Seasoned" stars Taroniah Rice and Tracy Kincaide join series creator and director Aretha “Ms Respect” Tatum in conversation about a show that explores themes of endurance and faith.

Three professional women share their experiences as daughters of very different, though loving dads in the book, "I Am My Father's Keeper." Meet Kelani Wilson, Adrienne Upchurch and Tamiko Lowery Jones and the men they called "dad."

Are you a busy creative with limited time to maintain the business financials? It's tax season and celebrating our monthly installment within the “Financial Literacy Series,” meet a talented CEO and founder of “Booked and Busy Bookkeeping Services LLC” Janelle Hyppolite.  

As we age, our food should become our fuel.  Learning how lean proteins and healthy oils can become fuel vs the traditional carbs loaded diet is apart of the Keto lifestyle.  Meet Keto Masterchef Jose Gonzalez as he talks about his journey from becoming a personal chef to mastering the Ketogenic way of preparing meals, professionally and personally.  

Interludes is all about the music. This week, EP Michael Wamble and host Val “the Voice” Johnson come together and bring their Grammy award winning predictions via Record of the Year, Best R&B performance and Rap Album from the past year.

Branding is important for every business. One person that has learned the importance of branding is Aneka Grandison, aka the Shopify Queen.  

Imagine the intersection between technology and business networking meet within one app.  Meet IT developer and business owner Cynthia McCalister, who has created a game changing app called KeySpot, to help local small businesses reach people beyond their neighborhoods.

Interludes continues the "Telling HER Story" Women's History Month series with an in-depth look at a few female filmmakers who have been recognized for their talents.  

  Tuesday marks the start of Women's History Month. To recognize this month, here are Interludes we are celebrating the lives of four media maven who have helped to communicate the accomplishments of women and other often unreported groups. Meet Carole, Robin, Ida and Nikole "Telling HER Story."

Interludes continues our Financial Literacy series with CEO of YGS Solutions, and children author Shaltreece Chandler, better known as Your Gal Shal.  Saving our hard-earned salaries and profits is one skill in order to build confidence.  And the next generation needs to learn how to exercise self-discipline in spending and start saving now…

Interludes presents our Financial Literacy series with financial strategist and former attorney Rhonda Leonard-Horwith.  Being prepared in retirement planning, estate management and financial investments such as insurance are some of the many ways we can make our money matter long beyond our careers.

Relationships can be tough. Tough to initiate and even more difficult to nurture into something special. That’s the cut and dry of it. Yet, we all know that things are better when they resemble prime rib or a fine bottle of wine - in other words, it’s better when it's juicy. Relationship coach Evelt Vertil shares tips with Val “The Voice” Johnson and EP Mr. Wamble just in time for Valentine’s Day...

Can we learn about our personal and professional goals through our dreams? Meet Karen Glace, a certified dream-builder coach and motivational speaker who is on a mission to help encourage people to realize it's never too late to create a fulfilling and desirable life.

Can we learn how to self-love ourselves in the ever-changing society amid Covid? Introducing Clubhouse creator of the Slayground, a self-love expert and best selling author Tracy King.  

Do we take time to exhale and be well? Creating a wellness journey should be important to everyone, especially during these important times. Meet Dr. Marie Celestin, a best-selling author and wellness coach on a mission to teach others how to use mindfulness, integrate plant care and develop good nutritional habits to help many on their self-care journey.

Representation matters in the arts, film & literature…especially when it comes to children. Sometimes the presence of an item confirms that what some adults might view as impossible is possible. Meet Haitian-born and Chicago bred children’s author Judith Annique François and her new book, “Meet The Three Princesses.”

It’s worth a thousand words when it’s still. How much more valuable when it moves? But before many filmmakers can find the financing to support their Silver Screen ambitions, they must make the first move. And that move is a pitch. Our moviemaking duo looks at the evolution of the pitch from a verbal request to a binder to a visual display - the pitch deck - in their next step to bring Project X t...

We look back on the year of 2021 and people and stories we highlighted as Interludes.