The UpNUp Podcast

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the one and only 'Jay York', sits down with us to share a journey of truly letting your expressions and creativity pave the path you want for yourself. From his early upbringing being raised in Oakland California, the musical and cultural influences of this thing we call Hip Hop were always all around him. The career of an artist sees many highs and lows, an...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the dynamic duo and powerhouse leaders of 'La Union Studio', Sonia-Lynn and Sergio-Max, take us through a true journey of designing your own future. From their early upbringings, both growing up in Seattle, it was only a matter of time until they'd have the opportunity to pour back into the very same city/region that built them up. When it comes to the desig...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder/Owner of 'Lexscope' Productions and 'Scope Screenings', Lexscope, takes through a journey of directing your dreams through your own lens. As an award-winning Artist, Director and film festival programmer, he traces his artistic roots to NorthCarolina, with a transformative decade here in Tacoma/Seattle shaping his multidisciplinary journey. His lates...

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’, we are joined by the amazing leaders and forces for change, City of Seattle Councilman, Girmay Zahilay and CEO/Founder of ‘Community Passageways’, Dominique Davis, for a much needed conversation and dialogue for a better direction. Whether it’s the rising issues in Gun Violence, Public Safety, and overall Community Wellbeing, we all have a significant role t...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Owner/CEO of the Pacific Northwest staple and legendary home for fashion 'Throwbacks NW', Rio Estolas, takes on a journey of using nostalgia to carve out the future. From his early upbringing in the Bay Area, being surrounded by the culture clash of Hip Hop, Streetwear, Vintage, and everything in between, he was developing a master plan and didn't even know...

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’, Storytelling powerhouse, Media extraordinaire and Community uplifter herself, Teena Thach( @teena_thach ) takes us along a journey of true passion turned into truer purpose and impact. With an early upbringing being fully emerged in such diverse culture and communities, along with always having a drive to learn more about those around her, storytelling was t...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Education advocate, Leader and President of the City of Seattle's School Board himself, Brandon K. Hersey(@bkhersey) takes us along a journey of truly stepping in to step things up! From his early upbringing growing up in Mississippi, being surrounded by so many strong black educators in his family, the seeds were planted early for him to flourish into his f...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Professional Therapist and Owner of 'Whys Words Therapy' herself, Nhautrey Brown, opens the conversation to elevate our focus on our collective wellness. From her early days of entering such an immense role, she immediately embraced not just the job title but the "calling". Carving her way to elevate her passion to help end the stigma that constantly surroun...

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’ we felt it was only right to make this one all about REFLECTION. This episode is an ode to: The 99 legacies we’ve helped amplify The 99 moments in history we’ve preserved The 99 visionaries & culture cultivators The 99 attempts to push & contribute for “us” 🥂 to 💯 Make sure to tune in and reflect, recap & recharge w/ the squad. This one will definitely keep...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', professional speaker, author, leadership consultant, and mentorship expert himself, Dr. John PUSH Gaines, shares an amazing journey of truly owning your story to inspire the world to own theirs. Growing up surrounded by drugs and violence, facing personal struggles, and being bullied for his differences, he had every reason to give up, but he pushed through....

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder/Creative-Director of 'Taswira', Avery Barnes, brings us into the world of curating dreams and visions while opening doors for those coming from behind. As a self-taught entrepreneur, designer, and philanthropist, who began to broaden her global perspective at 19 by traveling solo to parts of Asia and Africa. During her travels, she built close relati...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', CEO/Founder of 'Converge Media' and Veteran Journalist, Omari Salisbury, takes us along what has been a path/journey of walking and working fully in ones purpose and truth. From his early years growing up in Seattle's historical Central District, pouring into his community in various different ways, it wasn't until later on in his time at school in North Car...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the impactful and ever-growing Entrepreneur, Business Woman, and overall community builder herself, Keisha Credit, takes along a journey of truly leaning into the potential that comes from betting on your own vision. From her early upbringing of high-achieving academic accomplishments, professional accolades, and early success, her trajectory took a major le...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', the amazing and talented pioneer herself, 'Gifted Gab' takes us along a journey of true commitment, dedication and respect for consistent growth in ones craft. From her early upbringing growing up in Seattles thriving Central District filled with nothing but influential/cultural talent all around her, it allowed her to find her own gift to bring to the world...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Councilman Mohamed Abdi, takes us along a journey of truly stepping into your greatness, while bringing his community and culture along with him. From his early upbringing as a first-generation Somalian American, navigating the course of his life, with nothing but pure optimism, he learned early on that betting on his-self was his only option. Answering the...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Professional Sports Brand/Marketing Agent, Creative Director and visionary himself, Keyonte "Key" Frager (@key.frager) shares a journey of true resilience in bringing his visions to life through helping others do the same for themselves. From his early upbringing in the DMV, fully immersed in his pursuit to take his hoop talents to the next level, his vision...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', world renowned Artist, Creative and Philanthropist himself, Keegan Hall(@keegan.hall), takes us along a journey of truly listening to your passion and then following it. From an early upbringing filled with a passion for the arts, along the journey there's been many pivots and obstacles to overcome. From his days of leading a successful sales career for the...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', world-class DJ, Creative, and tastemaker himself, 'DJ Charma' (@chrischarma), sits down with us to discuss a journey of true resilience and belief in oneself to create the perfect soundtrack to their own life. Since 2009, Charma has carved out a legacy in the entertainment industry as a talented DJ and tastemaker who has cultivated meaningful/impactful conne...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', professional national insurance Advisor/Consultant, Mussa Asrat, takes us along his journey of growing and paying dues in the space of Insurance and financial literacy to ensure he can double back with a wealth of knowledge to give back to his community. From his early life of navigating and leaning into the paths that weren't always mapped out for him, it w...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Owner/Founder of the amazing 'Native Soul Cuisine', Jeremy Thunderbird(@nativesoulcuisine), shares with us a journey of truly finding freedom through not only serving the most amazing dishes, but more importantly amplifying and pushing his Native American culture/heritage to the forefront of his brand/platform. From his early upbringing and growing up gradua...

In this episode of ‘The UpNUp Podcast’, Social Entrepreneur, Live-Event Curator and Founder of ‘Laid Back Allure’, Anthony J R(@anthonyujr) takes along a journey of truly finding a way to create space for himself and his people. From his early upbringing of being fully immersed in the intersection between fashion, nightlife, entertainment and culture, he was looking for a way to package it all int...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Port of Seattle Commissioner and true trail blazer himself, Sam Cho(@samhcho), takes us along a journey of true self belief, determination for growth and a focus to contribute to our communities forward progress. From his early taste of the political arena after college working under President Obama's administration as a political appointee, he was able to c...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder, Educator and Healer of 'Yoga By Biola', Abiola Akanni(@yogabybiola), takes us along her journey of merging her passion with the vision to revolutionize the Yoga/Wellness industry for the generations to come. From her early beginnings of discovering the love and value the practice of Yoga can provide, she learned quickly that if she was going to crea...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Owner/Operator of fast growing Barbershop/Grooming service company/brand, 'Day Makers', Fasil Eshete, takes us along his journey of truly pouring into a craft that has evolved into open doors for others and himself. From his early upbringing in South Seattle of navigating various ups and downs, it was a pair of clippers that gave him an outlet to find his pa...

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder and Operator of the fast rising and growing clothing company/collective, 'Mediums Collective', Roger Maldanado takes us all on a journey of truly building a brand and movement that has empowered their community in the most fashionable way possible. From their early arrival in the industry back in 2015, the 'Mediums Collective' has poured into the fab...