Tune in to South Memphis Legend IBN Young AKA Playa Fly as he gets Verbally Effective with Ena Esco on Ep 169. Playa Fly is an artist, writer, musician, and entertainer who became a certified hood celebrity at the age of 21.  Many of us still to this day recite verbatim Memphis anthems such as “Gettin It On,” “Crownin Me,” and “Nobody Needs Nobody.”   He talks of his close relationship with his grandmother Minnie Mae who he refers to as being a "safe haven" during his formative years.  In addition, he talks candidly of the bond between him and his father Bill Chill who you can hear on many of his most coveted tracks. Nowadays, Playa Fly is the CEO of Minnie Mae Muzik and is monetizing his brand in numerous ways.  Take a listen as he shares his thoughts on Memphis, social media and performing during a pandemic.  Fly is currently on a mini tour promoting his new single “Don’t Know Me" produced by Zaytoven.

EPISODE CLXIX | "NOBODY NEEDS NOBODY" w/ PLAYA FLY

Born in New Orleans and based in Memphis, Preauxx mines musical inspiration from both cities even as his lyrics take listeners far beyond his humble Southern roots. Preauxx recently dropped his new project entitled "Slide" that is accompanied with a nice two-step dance. Take a listen to Preauxx's story stemming from a military family filled with religion and discipline.  You'll discover that music has always been at the cornerstone of his life as he navigated through a plethora of situations.  Fast forward to today where Preauxx is a part of the Unapologetic family deeply rooted in creativity and execution not only through music but also in the Orange Mound Community.  Tune in as we talk missed opportunities, Ye vs. Drake and depression.

EPISODE CLXXIXX | "TAKING ALL MY FLOWERS" w/ PREAUXX

Hailing from North Memphis, Jus Bentley is maximizing her craft. I first met Jus Bentley at Dream Fest showcase over ten years ago and I am so proud on the artist that she has grown into. She starts the pod sharing the legacy of her family's gas stations, King Grocery, which is a staple throughout the city of Memphis.  Although Bentley went to three high schools (Cordova, Germantown and Bartlett) due to zoning, she says that Cordova was her absolute fav.  Upon high school graduation, she attended MSCC which is now called Arkansas State Univ Mid-South on a basketball scholarship. After receiving her degree in the arts, Bentley went full force into music.  She credits her artist development to both her Uncle and Don Trip who have assisted with the business aspect of the music industry. Bentley is taking her career to another level these days with music placements in both P Valley and The Aftermath.  She has also fallen in love with something new as of late.  Honey Glaze Visuals is a photography/videography company Bentley started on October of 2021. Take a listen as Jus Bentley shares her amazing journey.

JUS BENTLEY "ELEVATING BU$Y" | EPISODE CXCII

East Memphis native, Bianca Mcmillian, is an actress and entertainer with over 10 years of experience on the stage and a couple of years on film. She reluctantly began her thespian journey in the drama department at Kirby High School.  Bianca shares that she was very shy and experienced bullying prior to entering the world of drama.  However, she experienced an amazing breakthrough once she joined. These days you can see Bianca expressing herself on social media as a content creator or on the stage in "Soulful Murder Mystery" and "Mountaintop".  Bianca now has an agent who keeps her busy juggling projects.  Take a listen as Bianca shares a few secrets before she hits the stage with Ena such as mouth exercises and multiple accents. Enjoy!

BIANCA MCMILLIAN "I CAN DO IT TOO" | EPISODE CXCIII

Nikki Barnes, known in the entertainment industry as Ooowee Nikki B, is a Memphis event planner and promoter. This South Memphis native is a graduate of University of Memphis where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Hospitality & Resort Management. 

Nikki B began here promotional career in high school while being a part of the Hottest No ID Required promoter, Shunn Gunn’s street team. While later joining her God brother, G. Webb to begin throwing their own events and bringing artists such as Nicki Minaj.  

From there, Nikki ventured off to forming a connection with Thomas Brownlee becoming a member of BBEMG marketing group where she helped host some of the most popular parties such as, Mynt Night Club, Sunset Day Party, All Black Day Party, Denim & White Affair. 
After being in supporting roles, Nikki was finally ready to put her own ideas out for the world to see and make a real name for herself with events such as Trap Gala, Drunken Karaoke, Super Saturdays and Reflex Sundays.

Take a listen as Nikki walks us through her journey. Very few women dominate the nightlife scene especially in Memphis, TN. Respect, safety, and social media are a few of the discussions we dive in to on the pod. Nikki also shares a touching moment of when she lost the love of her life to gun violence just a year ago. This week's Esco's Pop Talk segment entails Rihanna's pregnancy and the new Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler.

NIKKI BARNES "JUST A GIRL FROM SOUTH MEMPHIS" | EPISODE CXCVIII

Originally from East St. Louis, multi-disciplinary artist Eso Tolson joins us for episode 201.  Eso talks us through his upbringing as an "art kid" in Missouri while pointing out the many comparisons of both Memphis and St. Louis.  Although Eso moved to the Bluff City at the age of 22, he has definitely embraced his inner Memphis. He describes the art scene as one that is building community with a need for more resources. In addition, Eso breaks down his love for type faces illustrating his style as urban, grass roots, authentically BLACK and approachable.  This plant zaddy talks us through how Artistik Lounge was created as a platform for creatives to thrive. Lastly, we dive into "Less Grind, More Chill" which was Eso's TedEx talk. Be sure to check out Eso's website www.esotolson.com.

ESO TOLSON "EMBRACE YOUR INNER MEMPHIS" | EPISODE CCI

Orange Mound, TN native, Marcus Washington is an Emmy Award winning journalist, currently working as the morning anchor at NBC Bay Area in the San Francisco Bay Area. He's lived in six cities over the past seventeen years in the news industry. Tune in as Marcus talks us through his time at University of Memphis in the journalism program while pledging Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc.  He takes us back to his first gig as a producer at WREG working side by side with some of the Memphis greats.  Marcus lays out the San Francisco scene which is extremely diverse with a very small percentage of AA's. You'll discover more about his Emmy Award winning show Race In America and how it came about during the wake of the George Floyd killing. We even dive into the double standards of how both men and women are perceived in the media space when it comes to vanity.  Find out more about his impactful journey including what's next on his radar on Ep 206!

MARCUS WASHINGTON "CREDIBILITY MATTERS" | EPISODE CCVI

Originally from Pine Bluff, AR, Fabian L. Matthews has definitely found his niche in the Memphis media space. His entry into the technical side of television began shortly after graduating from Arkansas State University and a brief stint in the military.  Fabian worked as a a producer/director at KAIT TV in Jonesboro, AR and joined WMC TV-5 in Memphis as a Senior Commercial Producer/Avid Editor in 1997.  He later started his media company Spotlight Productions which is still flourishing after twenty two years and has picked up three Emmy Awards and a plethora of Telly Awards.  Take a listen as Fabian shares many stories from both the tv business and entrepreneur world.  You'll learn about some of his most notable clients including a few projects he's currently working on.  Fabian describes Memphis as "We are what people want to be" in reference to our rawness, grit and hospitality.  Fabian also shares how The Smoke Podcast began in addition to how he's helping other creatives hone their craft.

FABIAN L. MATTHEWS "BEHIND THE SCENES" | EPISODE 217

South Memphis native Chris McNeil a.k.a. DJ Superman keeps Memphis motivated as the voice of middays at KXHT Hot 107.1FM in addition to the producer of the Morning Show Hustle. Growing up at College and Mclemore street, DJ Superman had a close connection with the community with both Stax and LeMoyne Owen College nearby. He followed his mother's footsteps and attended both Memphis Catholic High School and later matriculated to LeMoyne Owen College where he pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. His father, mother and uncle exposed him to a plethora of music at a very young age taking him to jazz concerts in addition to Prince, Rick James and Parliament shows. Once he entered into the radio space, DJ Superman had a musically trained ear for all genres.  Take a listen as DJ Superman shares plenty of gems encompassing history, music and Memphis.  You can also catch DJ Superman at his new residency in downtown Memphis every Thursday and Friday night from 6-9pm at Caption by Hyatt Beale Street for "The Corporate Connection."

CHRIS MCNEIL aka DJ SUPERMAN "TWENTY PEARLS" | EPISODE 226

Jamal Whitlow joins Ena for a second time around live on WYXR for Verbally Effective. Jamal is the founder of Privileged brand in addition to being the creator of LOL Music Festival. Take a listen as Jamal and Ena tackles Memphis culture and politics in the beginning and ends with deets on LOL Music Festival.

Jamal Whitlow "LOL Music Festival 2023" | Episode 252

From Aretha Franklin, Al Green and Isaac Hayes to Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG and Yo Gotti, Memphis has always been fertile soil for producing music superstars. Entering that arena with all the aspirations of a young Al Green is rising singer/songwriter and Memphis native, Kendrick P.
Like so many before him, Kendrick P. began singing in his grandfather’s church, learning to play piano and drums along the way.

Today, Kendrick’s single, Get What You Give sits at #46 on Billboard’s Urban Radio Chart and is trending all over Shazam. The accompanying video, as well as several others (Don’t Look Back and Fake Love) are currently in rotation on BET Jams, Yo MTV, BET Soul and Music Choice. Kendrick is dropping his new project "Years & Tears" on August 18th on all platforms. 

Take a listen as Kendrick discusses his upbringing in East Memphis, his approach with this new body of work and when he fell in love with hip hop.

KENDRICK P "YEARS & TEARS" | EPISODE 267

Michalyn Easter-Thomas with Memphis River Parks is curating work around Tom Lee Park's art installation by artist Theaster Gates titled "A Moment to Listening."  For the opening, until the remainder of the year, she has gathered local creatives that includes Fenton Wright (The Big We), Jennifer McGrath (Orpheum Memphis) and Gabrielle Brooks (Urban Art Commission) to be guest curators in order to promote the activation of this artwork for Memphians.

"A MONUMENT TO LISTENING" | EPISODE 276

From Houston to Memphis, DJ 007 has been a powerhouse on the turntables. With roots in radio from a young age, DJ 007's passion for music and spotlighting creative talent has been unwavering. Making his mark in Memphis, he held it down on-air and in the club scene at both Hot 107.1FM and K97FM. At iHeartRadio, DJ 007 pioneered Indie Day Radio, showcasing top music talent worldwide. Now, in 2024, find DJ 007 back in Houston, TX, continuing to push boundaries in music and media. Tune in and enjoy the journey!

DJ 007 "MIX DJ VIBES" | EPISODE 284

Anthony Sain is the host of the Anthony Sain Show with Bluff City Media as well was the founder of Asylum Media Group - an organization created to provide mentorship to young up and coming journalists and content creators. He is a father and an advocate for the youth of the city of Memphis.

Tune in to hear Anthony's journey in addition to plenty of sports talk. With the WNBA at the tip of everyone's tongues you know we had to chime in on the latest updates.

Anthony Sain breaks down Memphis media, NBA finals and his exclusive sports talk show

Cecily Wilborn, an Arkansas native and Full Sail University Music Production graduate, has quickly risen in the music scene with her self-produced hit single "Southern Man," which garnered over 4 million streams worldwide in its first year. As an independent artist under JayWil Entertainment, Cecily has performed alongside notable artists like King George and West Love, captivating audiences at venues such as BB King’s in Memphis, the Essence Festival, The Apollo, and the FedEx Forum. Her music is a unique blend of Blues, RnB, Country, Pop, Gospel, and Southern influences, reflecting her roots and versatility. 

Cecily recently released her new album, *Kuntry Gurl Playlist,* featuring tracks like "Party" and "Red Cup Blues," in partnership with OneRPM. Growing up in the small town of Marianna, Arkansas, with a population of about 3,500, Cecily, a Preacher's Kid, comes from a musically gifted family. In this episode, she shares the challenges of navigating the music industry, particularly working with her husband as her manager, and reflects on the personal and professional shifts she has faced, including the loss of her brother Cecil during the launch of her new album. Enjoy the soulful sounds and stories of Cecily Wilborn.

Rising Star Cecily Wilborn: From Small-Town Arkansas to 4M Streams & Beyond | Kuntry Gurl Playlist

In this live podcast recording at Novel Memphis, I sit down with Memphis native, business professional, and published author, Charlie Crenshaw IV! From his roots in Orange Mound to his service in Iraq, Charlie’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and community. His latest book, 40 Birthdays 40 Lessons, dives into the pivotal experiences and insights that have shaped his life.

Join us as we discuss Charlie’s reflections, his mission with Memphis Made Inc., and how his life lessons inspire his community and family. And for those who joined us in person, thank you for helping make the event unforgettable. Listen now and grab your copy of 40 Birthdays 40 Lessons!  

40 Lessons with Charlie Crenshaw IV: A Memphis Journey from Service to Storytelling

Join Ena Esco on the Verbally Effective Podcast as she chats with TN State Representative Antonio Parkinson about his impactful Fresh Start Community Baby Shower initiative. Dive into critical global topics, including President Biden's missile approval for Ukraine and the Pentagon's recent revelations about UAPs emerging from the water. Later, Bishop Antonio Lawson joins to share insights about his upcoming holiday play, Another Christmas Temptation. Don't miss this engaging blend of community, politics, and culture!

Fresh Perspectives with TN State Rep Antonio Parkinson & Bishop Antonio Lawson

Did you catch my conversation with Jarvis Hall, the host of Thrive Tribe, on WYXR? We dived into his inspiring fitness journey and how astrology shapes his daily life. If you missed it, don’t worry—you can now stream the full episode anytime! Take a listen and let me know your favorite takeaway! 

Stars, Strength, and Success: Jarvis Hall on Fitness and Astrology

On this episode of the Verbally Effective Podcast, we’re joined by Memphis super producer James Dukes, aka IMAKEMADBEATS. James takes us behind the scenes of his latest project, Wands, sharing the inspiration and creative process that shaped this innovative work. We also explore his profound impact on Memphis’ music and culture, as well as his bold vision for the future of 2025. Tune in for an in-depth conversation with one of Memphis’ most influential creators.

Behind The Beats: IMAKEMADBEATS on Wands, Memphis Legacy, and 2025 Dreams

On this episode of the Verbally Effective Podcast, we’re joined by political commentator Theryn C. Bond to unpack the heated Memphis-Shelby County School Board meeting and its controversial attempt to oust Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. Theryn provides sharp analysis and context surrounding the drama, highlighting the potential implications for Memphis’ education system.  

We also shift gears to celebrate Memphis rap sensation Glorilla’s homecoming to her alma mater, Melrose High School, where she made a heartfelt impact by donating $25,000. Tune in as we discuss the significance of her generosity and how it reflects the power of giving back to the community.  

Join us for an engaging conversation that blends politics, culture, and the spirit of Memphis. Now streaming on all podcast platforms!

Power Moves: School Board Showdowns & Glorilla's Homecoming Impact w/ Theryn C. Bond

Keyanna Sawyer-Jones is a leading strategist in beauty and wellness brand development, with nearly two decades of experience driving growth for multicultural brands. As the founder and CEO of Bleum Creative, Keyanna has established a premier brand strategy agency dedicated to helping BIPOC beauty, lifestyle, and wellness brands create lasting legacies and achieve meaningful market impact.

Take a listen as Ena and Keyanna discuss her early career as a model and actress, finding Bleum Creative, collaborating with iconic brands and her philanthropic efforts.

Business of Beauty:  Keyanna Sawyer-Jones tackles beauty and wellness with Bleum Creative

Join me as I sit down for a live podcast inside of Cossitt Library with Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, to explore his inspiring journey and leadership. In this episode, Dr. Wigginton shares insights into the museum's plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, current and upcoming exhibitions, and the parallels between the modern civil rights era and the legacy of Dr. King. Discover how the museum continues to educate, inspire, and empower future generations in the ongoing fight for equality and justice.

Russell Wigginton on Leading the National Civil Rights Museum: MLK Day, Exhibits & Modern Civil Rights

In this special episode, I'm sitting down with the visionary behind PLATFORMS by Christy B: The Hair & Fashion Experience—none other than Christy B herself. We're diving into why this is a must-attend event for creatives, trendsetters, and beauty industry professionals. Christy shares her inspiration behind the show, how she’s building platforms for stylists and fashionistas to shine, and what attendees can expect from this elevated and diverse showcase of talent. From bold cuts to runway-ready looks, this experience is all about celebrating the culture, highlighting innovation, and building brands in the beauty, barber, and fashion world. Tap in as we talk style, substance, and the powerful movement Christy B is creating through PLATFORMS.

PLATFORMS Unveiled: A Hair & Fashion Experience with Christy B

In this Financial Literacy Month edition of the Verbally Effective Podcast, we’re diving deep into smart money moves, digital banking trends, and everyday financial empowerment. Ena Esco is joined by Brody Wamble of Simmons Bank and Karen Madlock of the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center for a powerful conversation on FINTECH, budgeting, credit, and how to build wealth in a digital world. Whether you’re just starting your financial journey or ready to level up, this episode is packed with insight and practical advice you can bank on. 

Money Talks: Fintech, Credit, Budgeting & Building Wealth

In this powerful episode of Verbally Effective, American writer, professor, editor, and social commentator Roxane Gay joins Ena Esco for an intimate conversation that spans identity, intellect, and influence. Roxane reflects on her upbringing in Omaha, Nebraska as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, and how those roots shaped her voice as a writer and cultural critic. We dive into the evolution of feminism, her current role as a professor at Rutgers University, and why she believes HBCUs are more vital than ever. Roxane also shares bold thoughts on artificial intelligence—and why she’s not impressed—plus details on her exciting new romance novel project with none other than Channing Tatum. 

Roxane Gay: Truth, Feminism & Writing from the Heart

Tune in from past to present on the history of Memphis Jookin with one of the most notable legends in the field G Nerd.  Discover the impact this form of dance has made not only in Memphis but throughout the world.

Episode IV | "Jookin"

After meeting my guests for episode 35, The Dudley Boys (Mario and Carlos), I soon discovered that the art of "checking" is a sport.  You may have seen them come down your Instagram timeline with a two sided screen displaying their victim of choice on one side and them ruthlessly lashing out checks on the other side in a video.  We laugh and joke because this art form is amusing especially if you are not the person being targeted.  In addition, what makes this comedy duo different is that one member has a disability that he utilizes as his super power.  Their chemistry is amazing.  This is comedy in its purest form.  But what I learned from the Dudley Boys is that this skill is very lucrative and can also be a gift and a curse.  Their inboxes are often flooded with requests as a result of this newfound fame. Take a listen as Mario and Carlos discuss paid promotions, video appearances, family, topics they stay away from and bringing positivity to the city of Memphis.

Episode XXXV | "LAUGHTER"

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 majoring in computer science.  As a member of the band at TSU, Howard quickly transitioned from carrying crates for local DJs to becoming one of the founding members of Voice Entertainment. Howard shares quite a few memories during his college years but one duly noted is his initiation into Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.  Listen closely as he also describes how he navigated the delicate balance of corporate life and the underground world of nightlife which birth the Collegiate Connection.  If you’re in my age range you may remember frequenting Denim & Diamonds back in the day hearing Howard on the mic whose words would make anyone blush.  Of course he goes into detail on how he used “sex” as a unifier for party goers.  We close the pod out with Howard informing us on his latest project with Studio 3.   Unfortunately we did not have enough time to capture all the juice in one episode.  Keep your eyes and ears open for part two in the very near future.

Episode XXXXIII | "CRATES"

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 depth non-profit sector and ultimately experiencing the school of hard knocks.  Focused on magnifying messaging, Kenneth has worked with the leading names in politics and advocacy of our generation. Take a listen as Kenneth begins the pod with discussing his Yearly Success Plan: For Those Looking to Improve, Impress & Inspire that has reached more than 10,000 people across five countries.  On episode 50 find out why D.C. has made Kenneth bougie, his many travels, thoughts on R. Kelly and the government shutdown.

Episode L | "SOHK"

With only four years of djing under his belt, DJ KVNG has worked with a plethora of artists and has even had the opportunity to dj numerous concerts.  Kvng is currently the official dj for Duke Deuce who just signed to QC based in Atlanta.  As you listen to the pod, you will discover the trials and tribulations he encountered along the way as he details his first gig at O'cielo and the sets he organized back in his UofM days.  Although he loves to spin records, Kvng has an even deeper affection for community engagement.  Last year he began the "901 Hope Project" which caters to those in our community who are in need and not exclusive to the homeless.  Nowadays, Kvng is a traveling dj who is expanding his platform so that it reaches the masses in order to make the work of giving back and improving the living situations of those in the 901.  Take a listen as he shares some of his dj pet peeves in addition to his thoughts on Kanye's new "Jesus is King" album.

EPISODE XCII | "PATH TO INSIGHT CHANGE" w/ DJ KVNG

As a real estate agent, tax professional, and credit counselor, Crystell Oliver is more than a successful serial entrepreneur.  Her passion for entrepreneurship and others is part of what can be attributed to her success and the growth of Dream Team Solutions, LLC.

The road to entrepreneurship was not easy, as it took many failures and lessons for Crystell to realize her calling.  On episode 202 Crystell talks about dealing with the duality of being an entrepreneur, toxic relationships, and a DUI that was the turning point in her life.  Crystell is on top of her game and wants to share her calling with others.

EPISODE CII | "THIS IS MY CALLING" w/ CRYSTELL OLIVER

Orange Mound native, Alexis Cole, is a saxophonist and highly decorated beauty queen.  Having low self-esteem growing up, her mother always challenged her to go beyond.  Alexis had a very cultured upbringing staring on the piano and transitioning to the saxophone in the 6th grade.  She entered the pageant world at the age of sixteen and won the title of Miss Black Memphis.  Alexis was also crowned Miss UAPB in 2013-14, Miss Black USA in 2019 and currently working towards the Elite Miss Tennessee Earth USA title.

Take a listen as Alexis walks us through her insecurities growing up, being the only black woman in many settings, her love for fast cars and how she is coping as an essential healthcare worker during COVID19.

EPISODE CXXV | "BE TRUE, BE BOLD, BE YOU" w/ ALEXIS COLE

Memphis native Brent Hooks comes from a legacy of racial justice activism.  Brent is a young capitalist whose work ethic and education speaks volumes in creating the leader he is today. He grew up in a very diverse environment with him often being the only black male in many settings.  Take a listen as Brent walks us through the importance of being civically engaged, relationship building and some very strong advice for budding entrepreneurs. He also shares some of his favorite reads that have shaped his business mind frame giving him an edge as a millennial. Brent is currently the co-owner of AllWorld Project Management, Vice President of Administration for 100 Black Men and a board member to Shelby County/City of Memphis Film and TV Commission.

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