Verbally Effective

Episode LX | “WE’RE NOT THE CLUB, WE’RE THE WKND” by Ena Esco

Whether you know it or not podcasting is definitely the wave of the future for content marketing. My guest for episode 59, Dominic Lawson, is the founder of OWLS LLC and The Startup Life Podcast. As he approaches his 100th pod, Dominic's show has taken a life of its own as he meets with entrepreneurs with some having national notoriety. He shares a passion for podcasting like myself and understand...

On episode 58, I had the pleasure of speaking to not one but two female entrepreneurs who will be recognized this weekend as #HERoine Legacy honorees with Tell Publishing. Cristina McCarter is the owner of City Tasting Tours where you can uncover some of the best culinary gems in the city. Welcoming you to a healthier lifestyle, South Memphis native Quavisa Henderson is the founder and owner of El...

Before my Soror Tami Sawyer became Shelby County Commissioner for District 7 she had a life. Before her phone was blowing up with threats as a result of the #takeemdown901 movement to remove Confederate statues in Memphis, TN she had a life. In episode 57, Tami and start at the beginning which may surprise many of you just like it did me. For example, did you know she attended Hampton University a...

Episode LVI | "ROCK IT WEAR IT GIVE IT" W/ Davina Jones by Ena Esco

Growing up in a household with 10 siblings can definitely be interesting. But what is even more interesting is growing up around the theatre learning the ins and outs as a creative at a very young age. My guests for episode 55 are sisters Faizah Husniyah and Munirah Safiyah Jones. Faizah is a professional hair and makeup artist who is definitely a student of the game. Munirah is a writer/filmaker...

Would you believe me if I told you that Yoo Ali actually started his film directing career by creating parody videos of himself and friends when they were rappers in Germantown high school? Yes, that's where it all began. He knew he was on to something on a creative level as his YouTube videos were reaching upwards of 30K views. Shortly after, he started to nurture his craft and became one of the...

You've probably seen my guest for episode 53 performing alongside Bruno Mars on the Grammy's, Super Bowl, Victoria Secret Fashion Show, etc. Kameron T. Whalum comes from a musical family learning bass guitar at age nine and trombone at ten. Growing up as a preacher's son, Kameron is deeply rooted in his faith. Like many of us, upon graduating from high school, he had to learn the art of balance as...

Singer, songwriter and overall entertainer Jalyn Danae grew up in Union City, TN. At the age of 11, Jalyn moved to the music mecca known as Memphis. Jalyn picked up an interest in arts at 15. She enrolled into homeschool and focused her spare time on learning and developing her passions. Jalyn studied literature, traditional arts, digital arts, learned to play guitar and to write her own music in...

Tailoring is an art that my guest for episode 51 began studying at the age of 13. Some of you may have seen some of Fresh's early designs back in the day at the BSA's fashion show at University of Memphis. Although he attended college to study architecture, Fresh dropped out because the fashion world kept calling his name. That's when he started tailoring for dry cleaners and held odd jobs to stay...

Serial entrepreneur Kenneth Worles, Jr. is the president of the award winning civic and advocacy communications firm Three(i) Creative Communications which is comprised of young millennials of color. Upon graduating from MTSU, Kenneth knew he needed to be in a space where he could learn from the culture in regards to politics. That's when he moved to D.C. working numerous jobs, discovering the in...

From art, culture, music, politics and entertainment, take a listen as Ena shares the "BEST of 2018" Verbally Effective Podcast.

Whether you have been naughty or nice this year, here's an episode all of you can enjoy on this Christmas Eve. Founder of non-profit The Dividend, Tim Green tells us about growing up in White Haven being the only boy with six sisters. His roots are centered in music where he and I share our own rendition of the classic "Christmas Song" that will bring joy to your heart. Tim and I also discuss how...

Do you still have the exact group of friends you grew up with? Well get ready to meet the SQ901 comprised of childhood friends who are now in business together. Their social brand is deeply rooted in friendship while providing positive vibes and diversity. Known for their signature Silent Party Events, the SQ901 breaks down why party goers are drawn to this unique atmosphere. As these gentlemen pl...

When I received the phone call from my producer SunAh that Jamond Bullock wanted to meet on location for the podcast I was extremely excited. I've been watching Jamond flourish over the years being a masterful artist where he mixes and matches colors that would seem senseless together creating a flow of visual harmony. He is the founder of Alivepaint which is a visual arts company where you can se...

Episode XLV | "MELODIC" by Ena Esco

We define psychology as the study of behavior and mind. My guest for episode 44, Justin Dodson, is an expert in this field practicing as a mental health therapist who is currently pursuing his PhD. I wanted this UT Chat alum to come on Verbally Effective Podcast to share his insight as we often hear the term “mental illness” quite a bit lately. How do you know if you have mental issues? Are you bi...

In part one of my podcast episode with the legendary Howard Q aka The Teflon Don, we discuss some of the developmental stages of his life and career. Howard was a gypsy of sorts being an army brat growing up in the Westwood area. His love for music ignited at a very young age as his father was a musician. Upon graduating from Hillcrest, he ventured off to college at Tennessee State University majo...

The inaugural Verbally Effective Podcast live show was definitely one for the books. Held at my alma mater, Lemoyne Owen College, I had 6 dynamic panelists in the areas of activism, music and collegiate royalty. Topics on the agenda included social media, voting and music. Tune in and hear some insightful discussion in a live setting during LOC's homecoming.

My guest and I for episode 41, Mickell Lowery, go way back. Back to our days as business majors at our beloved HBCU, LeMoyne Owen College. It was great catching up with Mickell as he has been busy making major moves. We touch on quite a few things such as his upbringing and how he made the decision to become a Magician. As a proud graduate of LOC, we dispel all stigmas associated with our historic...

Atlanta native Cynthia Daniels has leveled up the event planning world in the city of Memphis. Although she’s only been here for less than a decade, her impact is explosive. You may have been to one of her signature events such as Memphis Black Restaurant Week, Top 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Professionals, Level Up Conference, Black Christmas Expo or Black Bridal Expo. She has built an empire of oppo...

The life of a woman is filled with a never ending balancing act. Giving everyone and everything an equal amount of time is impossible! At the end of the day, prioritization is key to keeping our sanity. My guest for episode 39, Jerica Phillips, shares how she accomplishes this very thing while recognized as a leading journalist on WMC Action News 5. Jerica and Ena cover a wide range of topics incl...

Media insiders are fully aware of the challenges faced with the sense of urgency placed upon having the most up to date news at any given second. Today there are so many platforms to rely on to seek information. My guest for episode 38, Jessica Gertler, has witnessed the evolution of TV news as it engages in a delicate dance with social media. Being a California native, Jessica has adapted well to...

Being an entrepreneur has its rewards. But when you're able to invest in your community and create opportunities for the disenfranchised, the rewards are more fruitful. Orange Mound native, Kelvin Woods, is my guest for episode 37. He is the founder and co-owner of The Tee Shirt Lab, a screen-printing and apparel decoration company. Kelvin walks us through growing up attending Overton High School...

Sociology is the study of development, structure and functioning of human society. My guest for episode 36, Wendy Marie, holds a SOCY PhD and is currently an Assistant Professor at her alma mater University of Memphis. Although she eventually worked her way into this position, the road was filled with many peaks and valleys. At four months, Wendy was adopted by a white working class couple and rai...