The UpNUp Podcast

Michelle Lang-Raymond, founder and Executive Director of Acts on Stage, joins The Up and Up to share her journey of creating spaces where artists of color and people of faith can bring their full authentic selves. From her southern roots in Mississippi to building a groundbreaking theater company in Seattle, Michelle discusses how she's bridging the gap between faith communities and artistic expre...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jesse Rhodes Jr., author of "Leadership Unlocked: Harness the Power of Your Ambition" and a transformative leader who's reshaping how we think about authentic leadership and personal growth. From his groundbreaking work as Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Amazon Web Services to mentoring our youth and future leaders of tomorrow, Jesse shares how a...

In a world where artists struggle to survive, Julie Chang Schulman chose to build something different. Journey from her early days as a teenage hip-hop artist navigating trauma through music, to becoming the architect behind Seattle's most innovative creative movement. Discover how 'Forever Safe Spaces' and 'On The Block' are revolutionizing the creative economy by putting community ownership and...

Join us for an inspiring journey through Everett's first-ever Let Us Create showcase, where entrepreneurs and creatives came together to celebrate community, innovation, and success! KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: • Building successful businesses from scratch • The importance of community in entrepreneurship • Overcoming challenges and staying focused • Finding your authentic voice in business • The power...

From Corporate Tech Executive to Cultural Bridge Builder: Meet Keisha Free, founder of Hey Black Seattle. Journey through her transformation from a 15-year tech industry veteran to creating a digital platform connecting Black culture, business, and community across the Pacific Northwest. Learn how personal purpose became a powerful movement for change. Key gems shared: • Redefining Black excellenc...

Join us as 'DJ Nayiram' shares his extraordinary journey from Medina, Ghana to becoming Seattle's premier Afrobeats curator. Learn how he went from practicing on YouTube tutorials to sharing stages with Davido and revolutionizing the Pacific Northwest music scene. This episode is a masterclass in cultural entrepreneurship, music business development, and authentic community building. 🎵 In this ep...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Laron Daniels, former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, and Co-Owner of the amazing 'Self-Made Couture'. Laron shares his journey of stepping off the court and making a bold pivot from sports to the business world of fashion by partnering with the founders of Self-Made Couture, a bespoke luxury clothing brand based in downtown Seatt...

From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration & empowerment. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: Entrepreneur/Creative Artist: Aaron Davis aka "Mr. UKnow" (@mruknow) Entrepreneur/Community...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we welcomed Annabel Quintero, M.Ed., a dynamic author, speaker, and DEI strategist committed to uplifting communities through storytelling and social transformation. Annabel's life trajectory shifted after surviving the September 11th attacks from the 46th floor of the World Trade Center, and since then, she has dedicated her life to advancing equity and dism...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Leo Nguyen, the visionary behind 'Community Gardens NW', a clothing brand that captures the essence of Seattle through creative expression and collaboration. For nearly two years, Leo has been cultivating a brand that not only creates unique products but also represents and highlights the diverse culture and community of the city. Leo shares...

Last week we were honored to join in and contribute to such an amazing vehicle/gathering in the legendary Occidental Mall for the powerful ‘Seattle MXR’ series. Powered by SeattleOED 'MXR Events' 'FreeagentSea' + many more! ‘The UpNUp Podcast’ hosted a live recording episode hosted in the amazing Frederick Holmes Gallery located in the legendary Pioneer Square Occidental Mall setting the stage to...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Jeffery L. Cheatham ll, Author, Entrepreneur and the founder of the 'Seattle Urban Book Exchange'. A visionary who turned frustration into action when he couldn't find children's books that reflected Black and Brown faces. Starting with no experience in publishing, he faced a steep learning curve—writing, revising, funding, and navigating th...

Join us for a flavorful journey with Tarik Abdullah, Founder & Executive Head Chef, on this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast'. With 30 years of culinary experience spanning Los Angeles and Seattle, Tarik's cooking is a vibrant fusion of Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, African, and Mediterranean influences. Raised in a culturally rich neighborhood, Tarik's love for spices and diverse culinary traditi...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we have an engaging conversation with Lynnwood City Councilmember Josh Binda, who is making headlines with his bid for the 2nd District Congressional seat. At just 22 years old, Binda is aiming to make history as the youngest African American ever elected to Congress in the United States. Join us as we delve into Binda's journey from his election to the Lynn...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Owner of the new emerging Winery 'Saanj Winery', Shahron Chaudhry, takes us along a journey of truly bringing a vision to life that will be changing the game in the wine industry, for years to come. From him and his wife's first date of wine-tasting adventures to the creation of an inclusive wine experience, the dynamic duo's story is one of passion, resilie...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', join us for an insightful journey into the evolving landscape of media/activism through the eyes of TraeAnna Holiday, a Seattle native whose passion for media began at a young age. From her early training to her academic journey at Howard University and the University of Washington, TraeAnna's path has been shaped by her deep connection to her community and...

From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: Music Artist/Community Builder: Marshall Hugh from the 'Marshall Law Band' (@...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Professional Actor/Performer/Artist, Jon Meggison, takes along an amazing journey of answering your true calling and never hanging up! On the eve of the pandemic, Jon Meggison embarked on an incredible journey to become a professional film actor. With no prior acting experience, formal training, or industry connections, he set out to prove to himself that he...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we sit down with Terrell Jackson, Owner and inspiring force behind Seattle’s beloved 'Jacksons Catfish Corner'. Growing up working in his grandparents’ iconic restaurant in the Central District, Terrell witnessed firsthand the impact of displacement on Black-owned businesses. After the original Catfish Corner closed many years back, Terrell embarked on a miss...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we sit down with Mitch Pfeifer, the visionary Founder of Respect My Region, who truly exemplifies what it means to stay consistent in an ever changing landscape. In our conversation, Mitch shares insights from his diverse background within the hardships in his entrepreneurial beginnings. From apparel, music, and live events, highlighting the pivotal moments t...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Jonathan Batista, from Rio De Janeiro to the global stage, this ballet virtuoso has graced renowned companies with his unparalleled talent. Learned and trained at esteemed institutions like the English National Ballet and The Royal Ballet School, Jonathan's journey led him to principal roles at prestigious companies including Boston Ballet and Oklahoma City B...

From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: Branding/Marketing Expert/Entrepreneur: Briaan Barron(@briaanbarron) Entrepre...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', multi-talented artist, community force, and entrepreneur, Takiyah "T-Dub" Ward takes us on a journey of how belief in your artistic vision can unlock the doors to not only your dreams, but culture shifting impact. Born and raised in Seattle, Ward is a wildly multifaceted artist: a muralist, dancer/choreographer, television host, connector, entrepreneur and t...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Founder and Leader of Seattles #1 destination for the entire creative community 'Kolors Studios', Armando Garzon, takes us along a journey of bringing a vision to life that eventually became the home for so many others visions and dreams. From his early journey of finding his way and developing his professional tool belt in the worlds of sales and finance, it...

From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: DJ/Entertainer "THEISHYU" @theishyu Top Mortgage Lending Expert Gary Barquet...