In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', award winning and world-renowned Photographer/Photojournalist, Meron Menghistab(@meron_photo) takes us on a journey of true patience and dedication to build a lane to call his own. From discovering a passion for photography early in his teen years and pouring into that passion consistently year after year, he took is ambitions and talents to the "Big Apple" and didn't look back. Whether it was finding ways to earn his stripes early on, winning an 'American Photography' award, or preserving the visual legacies of greats such as Nipsey Hussle and many others, this episode is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp.

'Just P I C T U R E it' w/ Meron Menghistab

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', CEO/Owner of fast-growing 'Black Coffee NW' (@blackcoffeenw), Darnesha Weary, takes us along the journey of true integrity and ownership of building up her community through her dream business. 

From the past work of racial equity and activism along with her family, she envisioned a space in the world of Coffee that could integrate excellent service, not just through amazing coffee, but an amazing shop where customers can experience the true brilliance that is black culture. Whether it's the internship/development programs they provide for our community's youth, the collaborative events w/ fellow black business owners or the expansion of their brand in opening multiple locations, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

'Cup of B L A C K Excellence' w/ Darnesha Weary

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder of 'The Peace Bus' humanitarian aid organization, Kwabi Amoah-Forson, takes along his long journey to not only find his purpose of peace, but his mission to change the world through teaching us how to actively practice peace. 

From his early upbringing he was always a voice that spoke when he felt something needed to be said, he started out speaking to local folks in parks about the importance of peace, which eventually transitioned the passion into a tangible and impactful organization known as 'The Peace Bus'(@thepeacebus) which now is leading campaigns for peace both nationally and internationally. From his hometown of Tacoma all the way to countries such as England, Ireland and much more, it's his consistent work in feeding the hungry, educating our youth or driving his mission across the world that makes this story definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp.

'Pushing (P) E  A  C E' w/ Kwabi Amoah-Forson

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Founder of emerging and fast growing Outdoors/Adventuring experience/service 'Miles Hike Club'(@mileshikeclub), James "Booby" Miles, takes us along his journey of transforming his joy of hiking/nature into a platform/movement that has been reconnecting so many with magic that is nature.

As a black-owned business in the great-outdoors space, it was a vision for him to take up space while undoing the creations of stigmas and narratives regarding his culture and their lack of engagement with the great-outdoors. Whether it's the amount of benefits from a health/wellness perspective his platform has provided for so many or just carving a path that will lay the foundation for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp.

'Go H I G H E R' w/ James "Booby" Miles

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Award-Winning Sports Journalist/Writer, Michael-Shawn Dugar, takes us along his journey of truly finding his passion within the pen. From his early up-bringing growing up in South Seattle, where he was surrounded by the best in sports, he found a way to stay close to the games he loved, and that was by amplifying the voices/stories of athletes who he wanted to make sure we're being humanized while being admired for their success in their sport. 

From entering an industry of Journalism/Media that has been historically lacking in diverse representation, he's now helping break barriers as a lead writer/contributor for 'The Athletic' covering the  @Seattle Seahawks  along with various other sports. Whether it's him winning the NSMA 2021 "Best Reporter Under 30" Award or creating and co-hosting his own sports radio programs, it's safe to say this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

'Write Place Write Time' w/ Michael-Shawn Dugar

In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Wellness provider and Author of newly released book 'Love, Sex & Sorrow', Tigest Beyene(@lovetigest25), takes us along a powerful journey of finding your truth and utilizing it to show us all that our truths deserve to be empowered and amplified.

In a reflective and honest way, she's been able to take what was once viewed as mistakes and hardships, and transferred that energy into intentional/impactful work. Whether it's her work in mentorship with the 'Seattle CARES' group "Community Wellness Circles", helping guide mothers and young women in their pursuit in bettering themselves, or her writing and publishing a book that will serve as a resource for current/future women/girls to use for their growth and development, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp   

('Love, Sex & Sorrow' is available on Amazon Books)

'Turn the Page' w/ Tigest Beyene

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 passion in developing within a craft that taught him not only the skillset at the highest level, but the essence of true entrepreneurship and relationship building. Whether it was learning the ropes from his barber mentors in the city, to eventually launching and opening his own shop/company, 'Day Makers', the process has come with a lot of teachings along the way. Opening doors for his extended ventures such as 'Whips N Cutz', which is his new creative company/brand, or mentoring up and comers in his city, this story is truly one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

'We Don't Cut Corners' w/ Fasil Eshete

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 was his commitment to staying studious, engaged and open minded that led him into a career of Advising individuals/families in making the wise/smart decisions that aren't always available for us when it comes to insuring our futures. 

Whether its about how to properly plan out your finances, selecting the proper coverages to protect your home/auto/life insurance, or growing/excelling professionally in your career, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

'It's Our Turn to Learn' w/ Mussa Asrat

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 Carolina where he answered the call to fully pursue his career in Media/Journalism.

From working his way up the ranks in college sports media, creating monumental projects for companies such as 'And-1' and Def Jam, to establishing and helping build multiple media networks/stations overseas in countries all over Africa and the Middle East, it all came full circle when he returned back home to the Northwest to serve his community in the form of 'Converge'. Creating impactful media in the highest form, serving and uplifting the voices that matter.

It's safe to say, this story is definitely one to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

'Commitment is King' w/ Omari Salisbury

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 us all on #TheUpNUp

Ep.100 'Reflection is Eternal'

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 it. With decades of contributions to the PNW Streetwear/Fashion space, what's most interesting is how he's managed to keep his foot on the pedal in the lane of longevity. 

Whether it's using his platform and brand to preserve and keep memories/moments alive through fashion or paving the way for the next generation of fashion/streetwear enthusiasts, his run is nothing short of legendary and a true blueprint to success.

Another story definitely made to keep us all on #TheUpNUp

'Always in Style' w/ Rio Estolas

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' (@marshallhugh22) ( @MarshallLawBand )

Entrepreneur/Community/Builder:
Caleb Jackson(@officialupliftig)

Wellbeing Wake Up: (Ep.4) 'Pay it Forward Always'

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 Lynnwood City Council back in 2022 to his current ambitious campaign. We discuss his motivations, the fresh ideas he brings to the table, and the youthful energy and unique perspective he hopes to introduce to a whole new generation of aspiring leaders who will hopefully follow in his footsteps.

Don’t miss this compelling episode as we explore Binda's resilience, vision for the future, and the impact of such a groundbreaking campaign. This is a conversation about overcoming adversity, pushing for change, and the powerful role of young, diverse voices in shaping our political landscape.

'We Got Now Not Next' w/ Josh Binda

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 episode:

1. The power of staying teachable in the music industry
2. Building cultural bridges through music
3. How rejection led to opening for Davido
4. Creating authentic spaces in new markets
5. Balancing entrepreneurship with artistry

'Control Your Crowd' w/ 'DJ Nayiram'

Resilience, creativity, and purpose define Seattle artist Creative Lou's remarkable journey.

In this episode, Damon Brown opens up about: 
• His transition from corporate design to becoming one of Seattle's most impactful public artists 
• Overcoming a life-altering health crisis that temporarily left him paralyzed 
• Creating the first Black-themed marathon running shoe for Brooks 
• Designing Starbucks' 50th anniversary poster and special collection 
• His signature "complex simplicity" style that invites viewers to complete the narrative

"Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen and thinking what no one else has thought." This Einstein quote that Damon shared perfectly captures his innovative approach to art that transforms communities.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation about art, identity, and the healing power of creativity.

'When Life Imitates Art' w/ "Creative Lou"

In our latest episode, we sit down with LaTaunya Witherspoon, founder of 'Spoon Fed Training' @spoonfed_training and one of the less than 3% of Black women who own fitness facilities nationwide!

From competing on American Ninja Warrior to training NFL stars like Richard Sherman, LaTaunya shares her journey of building a fitness empire that was voted "Best Gym in Renton" in 2023.

In this powerful conversation, she reveals: 

• How she started her business by clearing her entire savings 

• Her approach to making fitness accessible for ALL bodies 

• Why she believes in taking things "one spoonful at a time" 

• The mindset that keeps her competitive edge sharp 

• How faith drives her entrepreneurial journey

This episode is packed with gems for fitness enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to transform their passion into purpose.

'The Real Wealth is Health' w/ LaTaunya Witherspoon

From cutting hair in 7th grade to owning Seattle's 'J Styles Barbershop' for 20 YEARS, Jameel Shabazz's journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

In our latest episode, Jameel shares how his father, the legendary Brother Benjamin Shabazz's lessons shaped his path. Also he speaks on how barbershops should be treated as community centers and serve everyone from "the grandmother bringing her grandchild" to "the pastor," and how faith anchors his business decisions.

Key highlights you won't want to miss: 

• How he turned self-taught skills into a thriving business 
• The surprising way he defines entrepreneurship 
• His powerful philosophy of "creating your own sun" 
• Why he believes marriage saved his life 
• The secret to building a barbershop that serves the entire community

Whether you're a barber, business owner, or someone seeking purpose beyond profit, this conversation cuts deeper than hair—straight to what makes a life well-lived.

'The Hustle is Spiritual' w/ Jameel Shabazz

"I don't compete in the same arena as everyone else. I run my own track."

Meet Jaebadiah Gardner, the force behind 'Gardner Global' who's redefining what it means to develop real estate with purpose and cultural integrity. In this powerful conversation, Jaebadiah shares the wisdom gained from his remarkable journey—from humble beginnings to becoming one of Seattle's most innovative developers.

What does it take to build wealth that transcends generations? How can buildings honor cultural legacy while creating new opportunities? Jaebadiah tackles these questions with refreshing honesty and hard-earned insight, revealing the principles that have guided his success against all odds.

His story will inspire you to think differently about wealth, community, and what it means to create spaces where people truly belong. This is a masterclass in resilience, vision, and staying true to your roots while building something revolutionary.

ENTREPRENEUR GOLD you can't miss: 

• The counterintuitive reason why starting during a recession became his secret weapon 

• His "work first, play later" philosophy that separates successful entrepreneurs from the rest 

• The four wealth pillars that matter more than your bank account 
(and how to build them from scratch) 

• Why he says most people claiming to be "developers" are actually disrespecting the craft

'Keep On Building' w/ Jaebadiah Gardner

Ernest Kelly III went from struggling to find Black-owned businesses in Seattle to founding the Seattle Black Business Network - one of the most influential community organizations in the Pacific Northwest. In this powerful conversation, Ernest shares the exact blueprint he used to build a thriving business community from scratch.

🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: 
✅ How to build a business network with zero connections 
✅ The Malcolm X principle that changed his entire approach 
✅ Why 15% of Seattle's population owns less than 5% of businesses 
✅ Step-by-step community building strategies that actually work 
✅ How to turn personal frustration into profitable opportunities 
✅ The "performance mindset" that drives daily success 
✅ Why being introverted is actually a business superpower 
✅ How to get mentors before spending money on your business

🎯 PERFECT FOR:

Aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build networks
Business owners wanting to grow their community
Anyone moving to a new city and building connections
Community leaders and organizers
Black entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and strategy
Small business owners in competitive markets

'Give Back or Give In' w/ Ernest Kelly lll

Season 2 kicks off with a powerful conversation about balancing entrepreneurial ambition with personal well-being!

Join host Robel Andmicael as he sits down with Chase Linder (Acre Media) and Patrick Smith (Graduated Money) to discuss:

- The real cost of grinding without boundaries
- How fitness transformed their business mindset
- Breaking the cycle of burnout culture
- Building sustainable success habits

'Well-being Wake Up' Season 2 (Ep.1) - 'Take Care of You'

From Puerto Rico to Pacific Northwest Hip-Hop Royalty - This is the "BeatsByCotto" Story

In this episode, we sit down with Cotto (BeatsByCotto), the producer behind hits for 'BigXThePlug', Afroman, 03 Greedo, LaRussell and many more. Discover how he transformed from a college soccer player to accumulating 850+ production credits in just 5 years.

What You'll Learn:

- How the 2020 pandemic became his breakthrough moment
- The internship at Sage Studios that changed everything for him
- Why he believes "scared money don't make money"
- His approach to building authentic artist relationships
- The business side of beat making and royalties
- Why in-person collaboration beats remote work

and so much more...

'Produce the Dream' w/ Cotto ("BeatsByCotto")

Building Champions: The Donald Watts Jr. Method

Ever wonder why Seattle consistently produces elite basketball talent? If you look at the Watts family - you'll find three generations who've helped contribute to the culture of Pacific Northwest basketball from the SuperSonics era to today's college stars.

Why This Matters for Basketball Development: 

Donald Watts Jr. isn't just the son of SuperSonics legend Slick Watts or father of Maryland's Isaiah Watts. A former UW basketball great and someone who helped architect one of Seattle's most successful basketball training programs, with a proven track record of developing college-bound players through his revolutionary approach at 'Watts Basketball Academy'.

What You'll Learn About Elite Player Development:

- The exact shooting mechanics that made Donald lead the Pac-10 in three-point percentage
- Why Seattle players have a different basketball IQ than anywhere else in the country
- The training philosophy that consistently produces college scholarship recipients
- How to build fundamentals that translate to elite performance under pressure
- The mental approach that separates good players from great ones
- What college coaches really look for in recruits (insider perspective)

'Do It For The Love' w/ Donald Watts Jr.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Matt McAlman, drummer for Marshall Law Band and the cinematic folk-pop band OK Tiger, as he shares the real truth about making it in the music industry. Discover how Fremont Fridays transformed from a pandemic necessity in an empty parking lot to one of Seattle's premier music festivals, attracting 650+ artist applications!

Key Topics Covered:

- What it really takes to be in a professional band
- Music industry business advice for aspiring musicians
- The 5-year journey of Fremont Fridays
- OK Tiger's creative process and new music
- Building community through music
- Seattle's music scene insights

"Just A Conversation"(Spotlight Series) w/ Matt McAlman

When teachers wrote off Ivery Rhodes as "just another Black misguided kid with no future" they had no idea he'd become the change agent our schools desperately need.

Ivery's story isn't just about overcoming obstacles—it's about becoming the mentor he needed, creating the village that raised him, and proving that when you lead with love and high expectations, transformation is inevitable as he serves as a Principal at Garfield High School.

This conversation will challenge how you think about education, community responsibility, and what it really takes to create lasting change.

In this powerful conversation, Assistant Principal Ivery Rhodes breaks down: 
✅ Why 58 out of 102 Seattle schools are classified as "highest need" 
✅ How he went from homeless to Harvard-level leadership 
✅ The real difference between community problems vs school problems 
✅ Why there's a critical shortage of Black and brown educators when representation matters most 
✅ His blueprint for dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline

'Kick That Knowledge' w/ Ivery Rhodes

Discover the inspiring journey of Tyrah Majors, morning news anchor at KOMO-TV Seattle, as she shares her path from San Diego child model to major market television success. In this in-depth conversation, Tyrah reveals the strategies behind her career progression from market 125 to market 12, her approach to work-life balance with a 2:30 AM schedule, and how she built multiple revenue streams as a journalist, children's book author, and university professor.

Key Topics Covered:

- Breaking into broadcast journalism and internship strategies
- Navigating market transitions and geographic moves
- Building personal brand while maintaining journalistic integrity
- Managing demanding schedules and self-care practices
- Creating children's books and teaching opportunities
- Representation and diversity in media

'We Major' w/ Tyrah Majors

Join us for a powerful conversation with two community change makers who are literally transforming lives in the Puget Sound region every single day. Jimmy Brown, Executive Director of Build to Lead (serving 1,800+ students and community members since 2021), and Anthony Curtis, Founder/CEO of Black Equality Coalition, share raw insights on grassroots organizing, youth empowerment, and building sustainable community impact.

What You'll Learn:

How to start serving your community without overthinking it
The difference between direct service and coalition building
Real challenges of securing funding vs. creating impact
Why "jumping off the plane and building the parachute on the way down" works
How to stay connected to your "why" as you grow

Key Programs Discussed:

Build to Lead's POWR framework (Prosperity, Opportunity, Wellness, Empowerment, Resilience)
Workforce development for diversion youth
Community events that grew from 60 to 700+ people
Financial literacy for elementary students
Perfect for: Community organizers, nonprofit leaders, youth workers, anyone wanting to make real change in their neighborhood.

"Just A Conversation"(Spotlight Series) w/ Anthony Curtis & Jimmy Brown

Michael Huang is the founder of Milli Agency, Vice Chair of the Seattle Film Commission, and a former professional breakdancer who's revolutionizing how creative agencies operate.

Learn how this Taiwanese-American entrepreneur built a social impact agency using hip-hop culture principles, why he left Madison Avenue success to start over in Seattle, and how he's helping transform the Pacific Northwest into a major film destination.

This interview covers: 
- Entrepreneurship 
- Social impact business models
- Creative industry insights
- Seattle Economic Development
- Film production incentives in Washington
- Hip-Hop culture in business and  leadership strategies

'The Invisible Work' w/ Michael Huang

Welcome back to another episode of "Just A Conversation" - where we highlight and amplify the incredible work happening in our community.

Today I'm joined by Michael-Shawn Dugar, Seattle-based journalist and author of the new book "The Franchise: Seattle Seahawks - A Curated History of the Legion of Boom Era." This is his first book, and the stories he uncovered will give you chills.

Mike spent two years researching this era, conducting countless interviews with players, coaches, and staff. He literally maxed out Google Docs' character limit with his research (1.3 million characters!). The dedication shows in every page.

In this conversation, we dive deep into: 
• The real brotherhood that made the Legion of Boom special 
• Why Super Bowl 49 hurt so differently than a regular loss 
• Brandon Browner's essential role that fans don't know about 
• How Doug Baldwin's endorsement gave him confidence to tell these stories 
• The writing process during paternity leave (midnight to 4am sessions) 
• Why research is the cure for writer's block • How this era put Seattle on the global sports map

This isn't just a sports conversation - it's about commitment, brotherhood, research, fatherhood, and the power of storytelling.

📚 Get "The Franchise: Seattle Seahawks" wherever books are sold

"Just A Conversation"(Spotlight Series) w/ Michael-Shawn Dugar

Join us for an incredible conversation with Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs - a hip-hop artist, author, racial equity consultant, and entrepreneur who's redefining what it means to build a creative empire.

In this episode, Philip shares his journey from community college to founding Rebel Firm, a creative consultancy that spans music production, book publishing, and racial equity work. Discover how he's using innovative tools like his board game "Reveal the Elephant" to help Fortune 500 companies have difficult conversations about race, why he released three vinyl records in one month, and how 10+ years of stock market investing changed his relationship with his art.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

- How to build a product ecosystem that generates multiple revenue streams
- Why mental toughness is the most important skill for the next decade
- The psychology behind using games to discuss racism in the workplace
- How to balance artistic integrity with business strategy
- Investment strategies for creatives and entrepreneurs
- The evolution from idealism to battle-tested wisdom

'Unapologetic Hustle' w/ Phillip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Franchesca "Fancy" Vargas—CEO of Elevate PR Management, serial entrepreneur, community organizer, and art curator who's changing the game in Seattle's creative economy.

🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:
• How a children's protest during the BLM movement sparked a PR empire
• The "mothership" business model: Managing 6 interconnected impact-based businesses
• Why collaboration over competition is the key to sustainable success
• How to use art as a tool for social change and community healing
• Navigating tokenization and maintaining authenticity in corporate spaces
• The power of generational mentorship and learning from community elders
• Self-taught grant writing strategies for creatives and organizers
• Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship (4 kids + 6 businesses!)


📍 ABOUT FANCY VARGAS:
Fancy is the founder of Elevate PR Management, Events by Elevate, CULTIVATE the Collective, and Black Love Market. As an Afro-Latina entrepreneur and first-generation American, she's dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices through strategic PR, art curation, and community-driven events. Her work has impacted hundreds of local artists and transformed how Seattle approaches cultural programming.

'Lift As You Elevate' w/ Fancy Vargas

'The UpNUp Podcast' brings you authentic conversations with visionaries, entrepreneurs, and community builders who are shaping the future. Hosts Robel Andmicael and Ermias "DJ Erm" Haile dive deep into the journeys of people creating lasting change—from local communities to global movements—delivering insights that inspire action and purpose across all walks of life. 

Our mission is to build pathways and inspiration for the next generation of visionaries ready to create their own impact, helping us all keep our lives on "The UpNUp"

The UpNUp Network

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