BRNDD: Conversations with Creatives

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

@BRNDDPodcast

Instagram:

@brnddpodcast

facebook:

Ronald James'

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Episode 21: Blake Thomas 0

Aug 13, 2017

Blake Thomas is one of the best freelance photographers on the wrestling circuit. He has worked with the likes of; Mia Yim, Veda Scott, NXT's Nikki Cross and Baltimore Legend, Ruckus. Over the years, he's also gotten into management and production for different leagues across the nation. Ronald and Donte' catch up with Blake to talk about his story and ultimately striving to work for the WWE.

Highlights:

9:21: Power of Friends Motivating Friends
10:33: Humble Beginnings
14:20: The Evolution of Love for Wrestling
21:45: What Makes a Good Wrestling Match
31:40: Watching the Growth of Your Friends
35:42: The Importance of Supporting Friends
44:52: Burnout
47:15: Who's Next in the Game
51:50: Attending Youtube University
55:29: The Favorites
1:03:02: The BRNDD 10

Contact Blake:

Twitter/Instagram:

@itsbliz

BRNDD Podcast:

Website: debonairmaterial.com

Episode 20: BRNDD Live: BCMakes Series for BCPL 0

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

@brnddpodcast

Instagram:

@brnddpodcast

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Jul 17, 2017

Baltimore County Public Libraries invited our hosts Donte' Cotton and Ronald James to host one of their Inspire Nights to talk about BRNDD, how they started the podcast, what's it like being a creative and what challenges they faced, and what makes them successful.

Highlights:

2:22 - What is Podcasting?
5:06 - Inspiration
7:00 - Trials and Tribulations
10:12 - Success Stories
14:20 - What is Debonair Material?
18:47 - What Inspired the Podcast?
24:22 - Streetwear: Mastered
27:01 - Production Challenges
32:01 - Scheduling Issues
34:18 - The Art of Following Up
35:25 - How to Create and Maintain a Strong Circle
37:13 - Fight through the Challenges
43:24 - Use Your Resources
47:04 - Baltimore Comedy Festival
50:40 - Pensole Academy
53:31 - Q & A Segment

BRNDD 10 Playlist:

BRNDD Podcast:

Website: debonairmaterial.com

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter/Instagram:

@BRNDDPodcast

facebook:

Episode 19: Pierre and Jamyla Bennu 0

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Jul 2, 2017

Pierre and Jamyla Bennu are the owners of Oyin Handmade and Exit the Apple. This New York couple migrated to Baltimore over a decade ago and have been a thriving part of the scene ever since. Jamyla being the brains behind Oyin's natural products and Pierre being an all-around artist, the two have an amazing story. They were fortunate enough to celebrate their 18th anniversary sharing their story with us.

Highlights:

9:35 18 years, 18 years!
12:52 I make stuff; I do art
15:09 discovering of Fullness of self
21:44 The Creative Process
25:32 What is Oyin Handmade
31:00 Shea Butter Twitter represents
37:03 Ethics and Integrity
42:26 The Dream Hammer
46:30 The Original Netflix
48:28 From New York to Baltimore
53:21 Exit[ing] the Apple
1:02:20 The Culture Ambassador
1:05:14 The birth of Bennu
1:08:23 the Growth of Oyin and Exit the Apple
1:17:25 Hip-Hop is like Buddhism
1:21:46 The BRNDD 10 & Favorites

BRNDD 10 Playlist:

Exit the Apple's:

Instagram: exittheappleartspace

Twitter: @exittheapple

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exittheapple/

Website: http://exittheapple.com/

Oyin Handmade

Website: oyinhandmade.com

Instagram/Twitter: @oyinhandmade

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oyinhandmade/

Jamyla's

Twitter/Instagram: @heyJamyla

BRNDD Podcast:

Website: debonairmaterial.com

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th:

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Episode 18: Ivan Martin 0

Jun 13, 2017

Ivan Martin is a Duval, FL transported to Maryland via the Navy. He's a working comic, teacher and Festival founder. He's done shows up and down the sea board and has had some great experiences with other rising comics such as Quincy Jones and Jordan Rock. Ronald and Donte' talk to Ivan about his journey as well as his upcoming Baltimore Comedy Festival!

Highlights:

- 4:10: I'm happy...and broke

- 5:56: What was your 1st hit joke?

- 10:39: Stepping into new comedy territory

- 16:50: the Hypocrisy of Black Comedy

- 21:01: the importance of a good crowd

- 27:06: The love of the art

- 29:56: Morality in Success

- 34:42: Young Gifted Niggas

- 38:49: Technology and live comedy

- 44:38: Hecklers

- 47:37: Enjoying contemporaries

- 48:46 Baltimore Comedy Festival

- 55:22: How media covers Baltimore Comedy

- 58:10: Meeting Comedian Quincy Jones

- 1:02:59: The BRNDD 10

Ivan's

Website: http://comedianivanmartin.weebly.com/

Baltimore Comedy Fest: http://www.baltimorecomedyfest.com/

BRNDD Podcast:

Website: debonairmaterial.com

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th:

Episode 17: Dino Hatfield(of Baltimore Sneaker Show) 0

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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May 28, 2017

Dino Hatfield has become a pioneer in the age of sneaker news. He has broken numerous stories, from the Yeezy 650 first ever leaks to the Jordan 8 releasing and informing the world a whole year before it's release. He has taken his social platform and set himself apart from any other outlet available. With the help of his team, 7 years ago, he also established Baltimore's Premier sneaker event, the Baltimore Sneaker Show. A show with so much buzz, that Under Armour has given the event its own shoe collab. Donte' and Ronald sit down with Dino and break down all this and more.

Highlights:

3:45: How'd it Start
8:00: The importance of Safety and Insurance
13:54: First show that almost didn't happen
20:50: The Culture of Collecting
27:42 The Rise of Sneaker Twitter
31:38: The Evolution of Sneaker Copping
34:57: The Art of Storytelling & the Rise and Fall of Nike SBs
39:22: Galaxy Foams and the Peak of Sneaker Hype
40:38: Baltimore Sneaker Show x Under Armour
48:26: Confidence x Research = Success
52:04: The end of the Under Armour beef
55:23: 7 for 7
59:00: The Power of Nike: Fusions vs. Countdowns
1:05:12: Kanye's influence on Sneaker Design
1:10:42: Supreme and the Era of Collabs
1:19:19: Being First vs Being Right
1:21:30: Dino vs. Adidas
1:38:26: Dino "the Scammer" Saga
1:39:36: Dino Vs. Nike
1:42:55: The Sneaker News to Trump all Sneaker News

Dino's

Twitter & Instagram: @BaltsneakerShow

BRNDD Podcast:

Website: debonairmaterial.com

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th:

Episode 16: Ericka Blount Danois 0

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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May 8, 2017

Ericka Blount Danois is an award winning author who has worked as a staff writer, editor, freelancer, and stringer for a number of publications including: Spin, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN The Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Vibe, and The Source. She also has written a non-fiction book on the history of Soul Train, entitled, Love, Peace and Soooooouul! The BRNDD hosts caught up with her to talk about her career over the past couple decades; from interviewing Pac to meeting former Cuban President Fidel Castro.

Highlights:

15:01: Behind the Scenes of All Eyez On Me and Rooming with Benny Boom
23:40 Journalistic fairness and the story behind Little Melvin
29:45 Working for Vibe and Covering Nas before illMatic
38:32 Writing for the Legendary Source
41:38 The world of Freelance Writers
44:29 Writing Love, Peace and Soooooouul!
51:25 the Transition from Traditional Print to Digital and Blogs
54:26 Black Comedy
1:02:15 Unsung Stories and Charlie Murphy
1:08:28 Sports Figures and 30 for 30
1:11:52 Interviewing Fidel Castro
1:17:18 Fake News
1:23:00 Where Were you When Prince Died?
1:30:41 The Impact of Love Peace & Soul
1:32:28 Advice to Upcoming Writers; is it still fun for you?

Ericka's

Website: http://www.erickablount.com/

Love, Peace & Soul Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/lovepeaceandsoul/

Purchase Love, Peace & Soul:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-peace-and-soul-ericka-blount-danois/1114718203?ean=9781480341012

BRNDD Podcast:

Website: debonairmaterial.com

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th:

Episode 15: Sam Smith(Of New Vintage by Sam) 0

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Apr 23, 2017

Sam is is a business owner, mother, wife and creative director, all of which she is successful with. She She owns New Vintage by Sam, an apparel and accessories company, Sam Styled you, a personal styling company as well as her mommy blog, Dressed in Motherhood. Coming from a corporate background, she decided she needed more to feel fulfilled in life. Join Ronald and Donte' as they talk with Sam about being an Entrepreneurial mommy and how to handle it all.

Highlights:

5:40 - The Psychology of Self Image
8:32 - The Transition into being a business owner and its Difficulties
11:42 - The balance of Motherhood and Business
16:36 - Movies that inspire Fashion
18:44 - Indie is the Wave of the Future
21:02 - Music and How is Spurs Daily Inspiration
26:30 - What is Dressed in Motherhood & advice for Entrepreneurial Mommies
34:30 - The Importance of breaking Societal Norms & Black Love
41:30 - The Favorites
45:11 - Get Out, The Commercialism of Black Culture, & White Mediocrity

Sam's

Dressed in Motherhood Blog:

https://dressedinmotherhood.wordpress.com/page/2/

Instagram:

@newvintagebysam/SamStyledYou

Website:

http://www.newvintagebysam.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/NewVintagebySam/

https://www.facebook.com/TheStyleStrategist/

BRNDD 10: Playlist:

BRNDD Podcast:

Website: debonairmaterial.com

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

Episode 14: Kalilah Wright(of Mess in a Bottle) 0

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Apr 9, 2017

Kalilah Wright is the founder of mess in a bottle. A company that makes inspirational shirts and packages them in a special bottle. The brand has been going strong a little over a year now and has even been recognized by the likes of Mark Cuban.

Ronald and Donte' kick off the episode talking briefly about Kalief Browder's story, and his music with his cousin, under the crew name Catch the fade. Then Ron gets into how he met Kalilah at Under Armour and she speaks on her architecture background. She also speaks on how she came up with Mess in a Bottle over a year ago, and how she started with designing baby furniture and apparel(7:31). The BRNDD hosts also get her to talk about her New York roots and attending Art and Design High School, and why she chose the architecture route initially over apparel and how she got back into it(11:31).

Ronald transitions the conversation into how social media helps her business and how she developed her social currency(14:30). Then the three speak on her experience meeting Mark Cuban on The Harry Show and sharing her dream of being interviewed by Oprah(15:41). She also shares her difficulty of running a business by herself and bringing in a staff(19:48). Ron also gets her to speak on how she balances herself and her positive energy with the help of her Therapist friend(24:40). Kailiah gets personal and talks about the importance of her family and how they inspire her as well(33:37). Winding down, Kalilah talks about becoming an author and what others can do to chase her dreams(38:55).

Kalilah's

A Mother's Dream Book Page:

https://www.facebook.com/kwritebooks/

Instagram:

@messinabottle

Website:

https://www.messinabottle.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/amessinabottle/

BRNDD 10: Playlist:

BRNDD Podcast:

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

Episode 13: Brian (of Creative Culture Lifestyle) 0

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Apr 2, 2017

Ronald and Donte' are back for Season 2 with a 2-hour premiere! Creative Culture lifestyle is a brand started by Brian in 2016 that focuses on black males' beards with a line of natural care products. They've been featured on news channels from Baltimore to Philly, sold in several beauty supply stores across the state of Maryland and their online presence is ever-growing. This year, Brian be launching his non-profit H.U.S.T.L.E.R. and all that and more is discussed in this episode.

Before the episode starts, Ron announces he's going to London for a week, the two talk about traveling and announce more information about their first live event(3:30)! The conversation starts off when Brian talking about growing his beard in corporate America and being concerned about it until he saw his white counterparts be able to do so(8:24). Then the conversation leads into Brian explaining why African Americans need his product and why the products cater to them.

Brian also talks about his school days, from selling Lil' Mike Mixtapes in High School(13:15), to selling t-shirts at Morgan St. University. He also talks about how he was always driven to be in sales but never illegally and how "risk-reward" played into it.

Brian also discusses the importance of reputation for not only yourself, but your business as well(26:08). The conversation leads into Brian explaining the issues of selling a natural product and how he built a support system through his women audience and friends such as Baltimore Political figures Nick and Marylin Mosby(34:50).

Brian's

Instagram:

@creativeculturelifestyle

Website:

https://www.creativeculturelifestyle.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/creativeculturelifestyle/

Twitter:

@CCLBeardButter

BRNDD 10: Playlist

https://play.spotify.com/user/brnddpodcast/playlist/5yRRyJWnYskOkkaiyI1bHK

BRNDD Podcast:

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

Episode 12: Joey Malinski(of ATB Productions) 0

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

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Feb 19, 2017

Joey Malkinski is a Brooklyn Park, MD native. growing up with a love of film, he always pursued his dream of directing and producing visual content. Ronald and Donte' sit down with the creative behind the company, Across the Bridge Productions and break down how he got to this point.

The BRNDD hosts go over the beginnings with Joey, from him starting his own class in high school and how he felt the need to move to NY to start his career(6:34). After moving to New York, Joey got the opportunity to be able to work with Justin Timberlake and Ciera, for their "Love, Sex, Magic" video(8:42). From there, he speaks about feeling the need to come back home and bring some of the projects back to Baltimore(9:30).

The BRNDD hosts also get Joey to expound on working with the great Wally Pfister(cinematographer for The Dark Knight Trilogy and Inception), Def Jam and even working on Future's I'm Just Being Honest documentary (10:53).

The show leads into ATB's future and what Joey wants it to stand for. From envisioning Baltimore being the East Coast Portland to and ATB being one of the city's major video content exporters(18:01). He also talks about how they currently do work for Comcast, have some viral PSAs and an upcoming commercial for March Madness(23:42) and gives advise on how to get into production and how you could possibly work for ATB(25:40).

Joey Malinski's

E-Mail: joey@atbproductions.com

Twitter:

@JoeyMalinski

Instagram:

@atbproductions

ATB Productions'

Website: atbproductions.com

BRNDD 10: Playlist

BRNDD Podcast:

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

Donte Cotton

Twitter and Instagram:

Episode 11: Jerrill Sankey(of Creative King) 0

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Feb 12, 2017

Donte' and Ron are back again. This week they caught up with Jerrill Sankey, the owner of Creative King. Jerrill crafts his hats by hand, from scratch. A unique aspect in an industry where everything is manufactured and mass produced, Creative King exists in a space of its own. In the span of a few years, the head of Creative King went from a Public School Janitor to a recognizable, internationally sold brand.

Before they get into the interview, Donte' and Ron speak about the art of freelancing(1:05). Then Ron tells the story of seeing Creative King for the first time(7:15) and allows Jerill to tell us how long his journey has been, moving to Maryland and being inspired by 90's hip-hop fashion, like Roc-a-Wear and FUBU (11:00).

The conversation leads into dealing with criticism and how it helps personal and business growth(16:22). He also talks about the transition from janitorial work to working at Sewlab USA(25:15). To rap it up, the three talk about the future of Creative King; from working on being carried in Dover Street Market and Opening Ceremony, expanding the brand to bags and building the team(42:33)

Creative King's

Website:

http://www.creative-king.com/

Twitter:

@creativekingllc

Instagram:

@creativekingllc

BRNDD 10: Playlist

https://play.spotify.com/user/brnddpodcast/playlist/7ALKJzJhJtdctoouneP5GR

BRNDD Podcast:

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

Donte Cotton

Twitter and Instagram:

http://www.salon.com/writer/d_watkins/

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Episode 10: D. Watkins 0

Feb 2, 2017

The BRNDD podcast has reached double digits! To celebrate, they bring on one of their most successful guests to date. Two-time New York Times Best selling Author, Editor-At-Large for Salon.com, and contributor to a hosts of publications; from ESPN, to Rolling Stone, to the New York Times, D. Watkins.

Ron sparks off the conversation with asking D to speak on the moment he realized it was important for someone to speak on black culture from the inside, opposed to other outlets controlling the narrative(6:38). D. also speaks on how things like police brutality affected his writing experiences and how he didn't even think reading was for him growing up, being only exposed to white literature.

Later, D. Speaks on getting into Johns Hopkins for his Masters, being inspired to write and submitting his work to 500 agents before getting his first deal(20:55)! He also speaks on the process of getting his work out through essays such as Too Poor for Pop Culture, which had over one million hits in one day. This lead to a three hour wait for his first book deal(24:34). D. also speaks on planning his future projects, and how hard it is to release a book when he's working on writing for movies such as; Mike Brown's biopic, a possible Netflix series and Jada Pinkett-Smith's directorial Debut(50:45). He ends the podcast by being the first guest to ever give his BRNDD 10 playlist live(1:12:35)!

D. Watkin's

Website:

http://d-watkins.com/

Salon.com Articles

Twitter:

@dwatkinsworld

Instagram:

@dwatkinsworld

BRNDD 10: Playlist

https://play.spotify.com/user/brnddpodcast/playlist/3vyfxlj7LBpQtudLMNx4jb

BRNDD Podcast:

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

Donte Cotton

Twitter and Instagram:

Episode 9: Brian Bomster-Jabs 0

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Jan 26, 2017

Ron and Donte' are back with their first podcast with a guest for the year. They sit down with Brian Bomster-Jabs A.K.A. Bomster-Jabs Studio. They dive right into it and talk about being stereotyped being an adopted Korean raised in Baltimore(4:06). Brain also talks about what inspired his art and how he chose art at a young age by way of a traditional Korean custom(8.10). They also how he went from learning how to paint in high school, transitioning to college and feeling the pressure of being an art student with no job(14:53).

Bomster speaks on being able to go back to Korea and teach for two years and meet his biological family(28:05). He then talks about returning home, grinding and getting his art on Nicekicks.com(34:04), landing a job painting murals for Baltimore Raven, Eugene Monroe via facebook(37:10) and how being born with a cleft palette inspired him to give back to Operation Smile which changed his life(41:13).

Bomster's

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/BomsterJabsStudio/?fref=tsInstagram:

Instagram:

@bomsterjabs_studio

BRNDD 10: Playlist

https://play.spotify.com/user/brnddpodcast/playlist/6edGi2HffLTlgLruJYmxdc

BRNDD Podcast:

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

facebook:

Ronald James

Twitter and Instagram:

@whoisronjames

Donte Cotton

Twitter and Instagram:

Episode 8: Best of '16, Welcome to '17 0

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Jan 17, 2017

The BRNDD podcast is back for 2017! Ron and Donte' sit down and discuss their absence, how they spent the holidays(1:09) and what they are looking forward to in 2017 along with the official announcement of Debonair Material Media(10:14). Also, the two highlight their favorite moments from 2016. Listen to some of their favorite moments from guests; Jordan C. Jackson(25:15), Beya Likhari(29:27), Harrison Davis of For Rent Shoes(32:01), Sun Zulu(37:39), Reed BMore(42:16), Daniel Biltmore of MSSL CMMND(47:42), and Fraizer of City of Gods(53:18).

The two wrap up the show by going over their favorites; podcasts(1:13:31), shows(1:24:42), actors(1:29:01) and comedians(1:32:40). You'll finally get to hear the hosts give their BRNDD 10 lists(1:35:33)! BRNDD is ready for the new year and we took some time to get you warmed up for the rest of season 1 of this amazing show!

BRNDD Podcast:

Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast

Twitter:

Instagram:

@debonairmaterial.com

facebook: