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

We need to free our minds so success will follow. In order to do that some of us will need to make a shift to change lanes. Meet Mindshift Clarity coach, author and motivational speaker Dr. Stephanie Burroughs who has helped hundreds of business owners become successful.  And now, she’s ready to help us free our minds so business success will follow. 

Renting vs ownership.  Paycheck to paycheck vs generational wealth.  Real estate investing has become a proven method to generate a sustainable income.  Smart investors know how to leverage good relationships in order to put together great real estate deals.  Meet Derrick Young, business owner and founder of Day Group 21.  He’s changing the mindsets of would-be investors f...

Can you be a light in the world?  Meet a dynamic entrepreneur who is using her God-given passion to be an illuminating presence in the Wicks by Whit business.  We talk with Whitney Saint-Fleur, a wife, mother and a woman of faith.

There's a big difference between gentrification and reinvestment when it comes to neighborhoods of color. Angela Hurlock, executive director with the nonprofit organization Clairetian Associates talks about how her organization and Fifth Third Bank worked tirelessly to secure a $20 million revitalization project for one of my beloved South Side neighborhoods.

It's about legacy. It's about ownership. It's about mentorship. We all have a purpose. How close are you to reaching that purpose and arriving at "you" that you were always meant to be.  Meet business owner Terrence Brown of Swan Associates. It's about the journey. It's about business.

Ever wonder how the math and science concepts within engineering can be applied in life coaching? Habit 2 Greatness founder and engineer Bakar Bey is living his best life by showing others how with engineering principles.  

Science. Technology. Engineering. Mathematics. Collectively they are known as STEM. Among some kids, they are known as "fun." The mission of educators like Dr. Stephen Jones is find those who see STEM as fun and ignite a spark of curiosity to pursue a career in the sciences.

Can we make the dreams for our lives a reality?  For many, taking action toward their dreams or goals can be difficult to accomplish, especially alone.  Interludes talks with certified coach Rebecca Goros, a Jersey girl with a bold vision to help people be accountable to their stated dreams.

Squid Game: Debt & Dystopia: Soul-crushing debt. Descent into a dystopia. These twin themes battle for the spotlight in one of the most watched dramas in the world. “Squid Game,” a series that could be described as “The Hunger Games” meets hopscotch, provides a compelling fictional look into a world - that if we’re not careful - could become a reality.

It’s WNBA Finals week, and the competition — both on and off the court — is heating up. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson welcomes back women’s basketball coach and athlete advocate Tony Thompson for an in-depth look at the WNBA Finals, the recent controversy surrounding former NFL head coach Jon Gruden, and the inspiring leadership of Candace Parker as she pushes to...

Every entrepreneur should know not to pursue that goal alone. Just like historic racer Bubba Wallace knows, every driver needs a solid pit team. Just like in sports, in business, teamwork makes...you know... And if you need to build out your team's message, see Stan Matthews.

The conversation continues in this special edition of Interludes, as Executive Producer Michael Wamble and host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson explore the path forward for independent creators. Together, they gather insights and real-world strategies from a working independent filmmaker, offering an inside look at how vision, persistence, and adaptability shape success in today’s evolving film landsc...

How are we truly coping with life’s challenges in the midst of a global pandemic? In this thoughtful episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Cresenda Jones, life coach and certified Time Line Therapy® Master Practitioner, for an open and compassionate conversation about grief, therapy, and social injustice during one of the most transformative periods in modern histo...

The children and grandchildren of the Great Migration continue to benefit from the sacrifices and achievements of the African American men who once served as Pullman porters — pioneers who helped lay the groundwork for civil rights and economic progress. In this reflective episode of Interludes, Roz Wamble and Executive Producer Michael Wamble take listeners on a journey through living history, sh...

Actor and comedian Jonathan Keaton joins Interludes Executive Producer Michael Wamble to revisit a moment in time when personal joy and national tragedy collided. Set against the backdrop of September 11, 2001, they recount the story of the Keaton wedding — a celebration of love and commitment that unfolded during one of America’s darkest weeks. A poignant reflection on how laughter, faith, and co...

As the 2021–2022 school year begins, educators and students across the country face the return to in-person learning after nearly 18 months in a virtual world. In this episode of Interludes, Michael Wamble — educator, writer, and producer — shares his firsthand experiences from the classroom. He reflects on the challenges of teaching during a pandemic, the shifting expectations of students and tea...

As the fall season arrives, classrooms across the country are once again filled with the energy of students returning in person. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble talk with Dr. Shawn Brown — educational consultant, podcaster, and Brooklyn-based principal — about the preparation, leadership, and heart required to welcome students b...

Many gifted actors eventually find their way behind the camera, transforming their storytelling from performance to direction. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble continue their conversation with actress and director Bernadette Speakes as she shares insights from her creative transition into filmmaking. Bernadette offers encourageme...

The struggle is real — but so is faith. In this revealing episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble speak with singer, songwriter, and first-time author Melika Miller about her deeply personal book, “40 Years A Virgin: Why the Wait.” Melika opens up about her walk with God, her creative journey, and how she’s learned to honor her faith without co...

You may know her today as Ruth Scott from the hit CW series All American, but actress and director Bernadette Speakes first captured hearts as Sheila Downes in the 1997 cult classic love jones. In this first of a two-part Interludes conversation, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Bernadette to reflect on her early days in film, the lessons learned along the way, and how her creative...

Filmmaking dreams move from vision to possibility in this special edition of Interludes. Host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble share their aspirations and early steps toward producing an Interludes feature film. Together, they discuss the creative process, collaboration, and the determination it takes to turn an idea into motion picture reality. A behind-the-scenes...

The mark of a great coach goes beyond strategy — it’s built on love, respect, and a lifelong dedication to the game. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with Tony Thompson, women’s basketball coach and mentor in the Women’s National Developmental League (WNDL), which operates alongside the WNBA. Thompson opens up about his coaching philosophy, his approach to...

A diagnosis can reroute a life in an instant. In this episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson sits down with breast cancer survivor and podcast host Frances Hammond to explore how an “unexpected detour” became a journey of resilience, faith, and purposeful positivity. Frances shares candid reflections on treatment, recovery, and the daily practices that strengthened her mindset—alo...

What does “space” really mean — and how do we navigate its boundaries? In this reflective episode of Interludes, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble unpack the many dimensions of space: the personal space we protect, the digital space we share through social media, and the vast outer space that continues to spark human curiosity. A thoughtful exploration of conne...

It started as a spark — a space for stories, voices, and connection. One year later, Interludes has become a platform for reflection, inspiration, and discovery. In this anniversary episode, host Valarie “The Voice” Johnson and Executive Producer Michael Wamble celebrate the first year of Interludes by revisiting why the podcast began, what it’s become, and the standout moments that resonated most...