Shows
Mama We Made It!Episode 75: Evan Haskell"Be completely present and conscious of what you're in." Evan Haskell is an entrepreneur, and Founder/CEO of the hospitality brand Urban Flat. But before building a multi-city, luxury housing company, Evan was class clown with a 2.3 gpa, with childhood dreams of being a firefighter.He grew up in the hills of LA, a privileged area, and a different city experience, where coyotes roamed the streets, and stargazing was an nightly ritual. In his house, it was always family first. His brothers are his greatest gift, and his father is his biggest role model.2018-12-042h 57Mama We Made It!Episode 74: Laci Jordan"We all have an extraordinary set of skills. Discover how to use them, and bet on your magic." Laci is a multi-disciplinary graphic designer, creative director, and entrepreneur, who has worked with Disney, CAA, and brands like Nike, Jordan, and Hibbett Sports. But as young child growing up in Hunstville, Alabama, Laci has memories of crying to her mother saying, "why am I not creative?" However, it wasn't that Laci lacked creativity, but rather confidence to let it out.As an observant kid, from divorced parents, with four older brothers, Laci developed a strong sense of...2018-11-274h 18Mama We Made It!Episode 73: Chief Johnson"Share your story, people need to hear your struggle." Born in West Virginia, raised in Colorado, Chief was from a military family, where learning to be resilient was a cornerstone of his upbringing. At a young age, he was a part of a music and dance group, with his father at the helm, leading like a drill sergeant. While other kids were playing sports and games, Chief and his group were practicing day and night, performing throughout the city, and winning competitions. However, paralleling this road was also that of hanging around gangsters, selling drugs, violence, and being one...2018-11-202h 32Mama We Made It!Episode 72: Davin Gentry"When you're doing what you're supposed to, everything clicks." Davin is a designer, artist, and co-founder of the clothing brands Premium Co. and Diet Starts Monday. Raised by his mother in Madisonville, Kentucky, Davin grew up in a trailer park, and would often struggle with his identity. Dealing with issues of race and wealth, Davin would find himself escaping through worlds of skating, basketball, and drawing. But it wasn't until after high school, when he would fully tap into his creative side. Influenced by legendary painter, Bob Ross, Davin began to hand paint t-shirts and sell the...2018-11-133h 12Mama We Made It!Episode 71: Willie B“The moment I gain personal happiness is when I stop caring.” LYNWOOD STAND UP! This one’s for y’all. Enter Willie B aka The Ichiban Don. Willie grew up Lynwood, CA - a city with integrity and respect, but “you don’t take no shit!” Everyone knows each other, grows up together, but divided by two sides of gangs. But, Willie was someone who got along with everyone, a neutral character with a positive soul. Willie’s household built on the foundation of morals. His mother was from Mississippi, and his father from Cleveland, bo...2018-11-061h 52Mama We Made It!Episode 70: Hommy Diaz“Take every negative, and outweigh it with a positive.” Born and raised in Queens, NY, Hommy grew up quickly, with a savviness that could only be learned from the streets. His parents immigrated from the Dominican Republic, and while Hommy was learning English by reading TV Guides, and immersed in the rich culture of his family, he also was exposed to the deep poverty of the country, making him truly grateful for all that he had. At an early age, Hommy started drawing, and began tapping into his creativity. But it wasn’t until he discovered the art of skateboard...2018-10-303h 22Mama We Made It!Episode 69: Amelian Kashiro Hamilton“Trust the timing of your life.” Amelian is a multi-disciplinary, wardrobe stylist, painter, artist, visionary, creative, and a true sartorialist. Her mother is from Japan, and her father is from East Oakland, and both met in Anchorage, Alaska where Amelian was born and raised. Although she would find herself battling to sometimes fit in, Amelian loved and embraced her mixed background, and always had a lot of pride in who she was. Her deep passion for the arts, guided her through school, as well as the tough times of moving, tumultuous relationships, financial struggles, and self-doubt and guilt. Ar...2018-10-233h 31Mama We Made It!Episode 68: James Supreme“You have to invest in yourself before anyone can look at your situation and offer help. That’s what separates people.” Born in Nyack, NY, with the same birthday as Kobe, James entered this world to do something great. His family is first generation Haitian, and James grew up in a diverse neighborhood, as a kid playing basketball, loving hip hop, and into girls, clothes, and his tight crew of friends. But at 14 years old, his life was turned upside down, as he would have to leave everything he knew, and move to Georgia. C...2018-10-162h 58Mama We Made It!Episode 67: Danny "Topshelf Junior" Williams“Everything I do is the business card for my next job.” Born and raised in LA, Danny grew up in the parallel of sports and creativity. He learned the value of strength, work ethic, and discipline from his mother, and discovered his passion for photography through old photos of her journey from Jamaica to the US. Music also played a major role in Danny’s household, and was first introduced to the industry through his older brother. This would soon lead Danny to the world of promotion, as he and his high school friends became a powerhouse crew working with the b...2018-10-091h 53Mama We Made It!Episode 66: Joe Weil“The root of all suffering is desire.” From a suburb just outside St. Louis, Joe Weil was quickly on the path of exploring all his creative impulses, getting lost in stories of adventures and different worlds, and truly falling in love with art, and movies. But it wasn’t until a run for 8th grade student body president that “The Election” would be the start of Psycho Films, and his entrepreneurial journey as a filmmaker. Joe was often labeled as the “weird, artsy movie-making kid” but rather than fighting it, he fully embraced it, and used this ability to connect with pe...2018-10-022h 15Mama We Made It!Episode 65: DevanOnDeck"Make the best of what's in front of you." The Town is once again in the building!! Oakland, CA, a young kid with fire engine red hair, rocking his mom's stylish jacket, dope sneakers, and a die-hard fan of 90s cartoons; enter Devan. His mother was a cosmetologist, who exposed Devan to the creative culture of style, fashion and art, while instilling confidence and teaching him the invaluable life lesson of being yourself. However, as kids, it can be tough to be yourself when others view you as an outcast. And for Devan, it was something that he would...2018-03-272h 38Mama We Made It!Episode 64: Asher Roth"Our relationships, our friendships with our family members, and our friends...those are our real assets." Morrisville, PA, a middle-class suburb that gave Asher a diverse experience, and humble upbringing. Growing up with two influential older sisters, and loving, supportive parents, Asher has a deep appreciation for family (just listen to "Family Man"). As a kid, he was someone who could naturally bridge social gaps, and simply got along with everyone. But when he was faced with a new environment in middle school, he found himself struggling with anxiety, which would play a pivotal role in how he views...2018-03-062h 21Mama We Made It!Episode 63: Itika Oldwine"Risk it all, bet it all, because you're going to land on your feet." Itika was born in the projects in Richmond, CA, surrounded by working-class families who wanted to better themselves and help one another. However, she spent her early years growing up in an upper-middle class suburb outside of Richmond, where she was shown a new world of possibility. But it wasn't until she moved back to Richmond to live with her grandparents (shot out to Big Mama!) that the culture shock set in. From that point on, the focus was getting out of Richmond...and the...2018-02-272h 32Mama We Made It!Episode 62: Keith Leak Jr."The dream does not stop." Born in Middletown, OH, Keith came into this world "blessed" - just ask his strong, supportive mother who would guide his hand while drawing at the age of 1. Keith's father was a minister and a musician, and even tho they kept a religious household, both his parents always allowed and encouraged Keith to experience life to the fullest. His love for drawing became his life, spending his time getting lost in portraits, and mastering his own style and craft. But as he entered high school, his hunger for being challenged grew, and soon found a...2018-02-201h 49Mama We Made It!Episode 61: MdotforMayor"The quicker you grow to love the struggle, the easier it is." Pasadena, CA, a young Mdot grew up loving all things creative. His bedroom walls were completely covered with pics from magazines like the Source, XXL. Moving around every year after 10 years old, leaving friends as soon as he made them, and discovering new ways to survive socially, Mdot's only real place to find his identity was through the hip-hop culture. This creative space was a place for him to also escape the realities of gang violence and poverty that encompassed his neighborhood. However, as he was entering hi...2018-02-133h 26Mama We Made It!Episode 60: Super Duper Jesus Araujo“Be as cool as you can be, to as many people as you can, because that’s what you would hope would happen to you.” Let the story of Jesus begin. It was a beautiful day in Oxnard, CA when José and Maria met at church, with a destiny to bring their first son into this world. Raised by his immigrant parents, Jesus was taught to be great at everything he did, and more importantly, respectfully represent for his family and culture. He spent his youth actively in church on one side, and falling in love with sports on the other...2018-02-063h 09Mama We Made It!Episode 59: Brandon "Eazee" Banks"Anything culture is always going to be about consistency and longevity." Welcome to the Crenshaw District, home of some of LA's most creative and influential people who push #theculture forward daily. Enter Brandon Banks, a young child with a big imagination, who instantly fell in love with drawing as soon as he picked up a pencil. His fascination with art was nurtured by his mother - a teacher who pushed him to do the things he loved, and at the same time instilled work ethic, and taught him to stay curious. As art continued to guide his journey, he wen...2018-01-303h 22Mama We Made It!Episode 58: Justice Baiden"Understand where you fit in." Welcome to LoveRenaissance, or as the tat on Justice's wrist says: LVRN. Growing up in Atlanta, Justice was influenced by his ambitious, hard-working, immigrant father from Ghana, and his strong mother, who instilled the importance of family in Justice early on. However, Justice was always a dreamer, and as he would balance the two worlds of work and family, he never fell into the structured mentality that his parents wanted for him. "Am I going to live the life I want to live, or am I going to live for someone else?" Looking up t...2018-01-231h 50Mama We Made It!Episode 57: David Sabastian“The only thing holding you back, is your own fear of not being good enough.” Los Angeles, CA. Welcome to the School of Unconventional Thought, where we teach people how to use imagination and throw away self doubt. Born on April 7th, at 7am, on the 7th floor of the hospital, David stepped into this world as the Bible dropped from his mother’s hand and landed on the story of “David & Goliath.” David was a loner, wandering his own mind, getting lost in comics and drawing. He gets his fast, abstract style from his father, but it was his mother...2017-12-122h 20Mama We Made It!Episode 56: Cole Walliser“Be nice, and be good to work with.” From a small corner of Richmond, Vancouver, Cole grew up among the outdoors, charged with creativity and adventure. He came from a supportive family, where his mother instilled trust that he’d always make the right decision. Being biracial, Chinese and white, Cole struggled with feeling alienated. But as he got older, he embraced both his cultures as it gave him a greater ability to connect with others. Cole expressed himself through breakdancing, and skateboarding; two art forms that require relentless dedication and drive. But it was skateboarding that made him realiz...2017-12-052h 27Mama We Made It!Episode 55: Ricardo Emmanuel“Always know where your two feet are planted.” Bronx, NY, young Ricky didn’t grow up in the best of neighborhoods, but always got what he wanted, while surrounded by his Dominican Republic roots, family, and culture. As a first generation American, Ricky was brought up by immigrant parents, who both worked incredibly hard to provide a life that him his siblings deserved. His mother was his role model, teaching him discipline, work ethic, and what it means to be yourself. After moving from the Bronx to Orlando, Ricky had trouble adjusting to the new culture, and never truly fit in. ...2017-11-282h 24Mama We Made It!Episode 54: T-Dot Illdude“Self Correction; understand you’re not always gonna be right.” Willingboro, NJ, a place between the good and bad, where you you would see who can fight the best, play ball the best, dance the best, and be the best. It may not be NY, Philly, or LA, but T-Dot proudly puts it on the map. Growing up, T-Dot didn’t leave his rough neighborhood, and thought that’s what just being a kid was. He loved playing sports, immersed himself in painting, and always questioned everything. He wasn’t the best fighter, baller, or dancer, but became an assassin with hi...2017-11-071h 46Mama We Made It!Episode 53: Johan“Music can transcend these boundaries.” Let's take it back to the burbs of Boston, where if your not eating at Joe's Pizza, you’re escaping to the outdoors, chasing the spirit of adventure, and finding freedom. This was Johan’s world. Growing up, he immersed himself in music, but not necessarily as a musician - his true love was found with classical composition, with heroes like John Williams, and Beethoven. While everyone was listening to the new Eminem or Outkast albums, Johan was bumping the soundtrack to Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Los Ark. Even though he found himself disconnecte...2017-10-312h 30Mama We Made It!Episode 52: Rahki“What helped me keep pushing, is never being satisfied.” Minneapolis, MN, you may not see celebrities walking around, but it’s birthed many legends like Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Morris Day. Another legend would soon be added to the list…When Rahki was 2 years old, he was at church moving around, and dancing up and down. A preacher came from another city that day, saw Rahki, and said “That child right there is going to be blessed with music. PUT HIM ON THE DRUMS!” Rahki’s father was a minister, his mother was a choir singer, and Rahki grew up...2017-10-243h 06Mama We Made It!Episode 51: TiRon & Ayomari“Sometimes you need to lose who you think you are so you can rediscover who you are.” Welcome to Kankakee, IL, at one time ranked the worst city in the U.S. Growing up moving around a lot, with little dreams of a big city, TiRon found himself getting lost in creativity as a way to escape the world around him. He was always drawn to music - not to any genre, but to how it made him feel. His natural curiosity for people and experiencing new things was his way out of his small town, and his mind… Welcome t...2017-10-182h 51Mama We Made It!Episode 50: Leslie Rosales“Stay curious.” Leslie was born in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, but moved to South Central when she was 4 - a place that raised her, became her home, and her community. Leslie was influenced by her mother, who encouraged her to stay active, as Leslie delved into sports, performing arts, and student government throughout her youth. Elected Senior Class President in High School, Leslie was able to use her leadership role to inspire change, and bring people together. “Being a leader is not only being able to captain the ship, but being able to teach everyone how to captain the ship.” Using...2017-10-122h 50Mama We Made It!Episode 49: Mansa"The greats are ones who redefine the model." Let's take you to Oakland, CA, but unlike a lot of people, young Mansa grew up in the Hills, where people lived a more luxurious lifestyle. As a kid, he was into skating, music, and "nerd stuff" - learning computer coding, and always ahead of his class. He never went to parties, and had never even been to downtown. However, at 13, his life was turned upside down. Unfortunate legal issues caused his family to leave their fortunate life, and within 2 years, they moved 7 times, residing in West, Oakland. Being a rich kid...2017-09-191h 08Mama We Made It!Episode 48: Audio Push"Keep Working." Inland Empire, CA, a place far from the ocean. It was the 90s, and kids didn't have cell phones or tablets, but instead had dancing, skating, and gang-banging. For Oktane, he was a middle child who lived what some would call a "normal life", inspired by his parents, and Mint Condition, Rakim, and Earth, Wind & Fire were the soundtrack of his childhood. However at any moment, he could've easily been kicked off course, but Oktane's gift of incredible focus, and his relentless dedication to the things he loves, kept him on a road to greatness. Price grew up...2017-09-122h 11Mama We Made It!Episode 47: Ali Saint Q"As soon as you the put the fear of looking stupid behind you, things happen." Ali has always found himself in the middle of clashing worlds, but has a gift of bringing them together. On one end, he was born in Paris, France, the fashion capital of the world. On the other, he grew up in West Covina, CA, where you were either a skater, baller, or gangster... and if you mixed styles, you'd get beat up. But for Ali, he found himself right in the middle; skateboarding listening to Puffy, playing basketball listening to Metallica. It was hard to pi...2017-08-291h 55Mama We Made It!Episode 46: Iddris Sandu"The word impossible is my favorite word because I don't believe in it." It's rare to come across someone who can truly make you see the world differently - whether it's perspective, colors, or "slices". Iddris did that for all of us, and at 20 years old, his mind proves to be lightyears ahead. Born in Harbor City, CA, Iddris grew up simply as a "nerd", wildly fascinated with technology. "Tech was my freedom, it's in my code". His parents were both from Ghana; his mother, who is his heart, came from great wealth, and his father from poverty. But it w...2017-08-222h 47Mama We Made It!Episode 45: YMTK"You are your star player." EVERYBODY FROM THE TOWN STAND UP! It's the mid 80's in East Oakland, a young Murph is born as the city is still feeling the impact of the "crack era". His mother, a special education teacher, and gifted Gospel singer who wrote songs in her dreams. His father, a multi-business owning, self-made man, who holds down the definition of working hard. Murph lived in a juxtaposition - a kid from the East Oakland streets, and a private school student. But his true identity was hoops, and ball was life. Playing for some of the top tea...2017-08-152h 36Mama We Made It!Episode 44: Mir Harris"What you think, you become. What you feel, you attract. What you imagine, you create." Enter Mir: born in the Bay, grew up in LA, made in Brooklyn. She was a "fortune baby", raised by her Buddhist mother, who at the time was finishing college and entering grad school. After graduating, they moved to LA and lived with Mir's grandparents. This would soon become an environment that encouraged Mir's gifts and imagination, as she was being conditioned to be great. Hyper aware at an early age, and influenced by adults, Mir's way of seeing the world was guided by truth...2017-08-081h 37Mama We Made It!Episode 43: K. Roosevelt"You have to believe it first, before anyone else can believe it." Los Angeles, CA, born and raised, Kevin was banging on pots and pans at the age of 2. He grew up surrounded by legends; their music was the soundtrack of his youth, and their stage was his playground. Supported by both his parents, and inspired by his father Keb' Mo', Kevin was taught to harness his truth, and let music guide his path. Drums were life, and Kevin's deep appreciation for musicality led him to be one of the stand-out drummers among a community of LA's finest musicians. But it...2017-08-011h 10Mama We Made It!Episode 42: George Jefferson"Look in the mirror and talk to yourself for 5 minutes." George's journey started in Oakland, down to East LA, and moved throughout South LA. Much of what he remembers is being a bad-ass kid, constantly getting kicked out schools. Never had a chance to make real friends, disrespected all his teachers, and never stuck to something long enough to be good at it. But when George would go home to his mom, and Oma, it was all love; an incredible dichotomy. It wasn't until high school, that George would soon realize being bad was no longer cool, and for once i...2017-07-252h 12Mama We Made It!Episode 41: Youssef Grant"Once you start meeting your true self half way, you'll have a much easier journey." Born in Cairo, Egypt, a Coptic Orthodox Egyptian, Youssef came to the US for religious reasons when he was six years old. His parents made the true "immigrant sacrifice" to spend their life savings to save their life. When arriving to the States, they moved around a lot, first living in Hancock Park, then later South Central. Youssef didn't speak English, or have the tools to communicate and express himself. This led to locking himself in the library, reading everything he could, to figure it o...2017-07-181h 44Mama We Made It!Episode 40: Priscilla Renea"Get bit or get better." Vero Beach, FL on a 3-acre farm, surrounded by animals, trees, fruits, veggies, and huge family - a young Priscilla was roaming free. Though introverted and timid, she was in love with MTV, had ballerina aspirations, and was drawn towards forensic science. Mom and Dad were both church singers, and it came natural for Priscilla at the age of 2. But as a military kid, growing up in a strict household and moving around frequently, Priscilla struggled with expressing herself. To find her voice, she would secretly record and write songs when her parents weren't home...2017-07-112h 29Mama We Made It!Episode 39: Stayfly Thrash"What are you living for if you have no story to tell". Welcome to Hawkinsville, GA, population: 2017-07-051h 24Mama We Made It!Episode 38: Denise Jones"Never compromise your principles". It's the 90's in Compton, CA, and the police just raided your house again. You wake up to go to school 4 cities away, where all you have to do is look at someone the wrong way to catch a beat down. You're Black and Hispanic, you don't fit in, and the only crew you're rolling with is the books in your rolling backpack. Enter Denise (y'all ain't ready for the last name yet). Her mother was her rock, her step-father was her protector, and her abuelita was her reflection. But despite being a straight-A student, who...2017-06-273h 30Mama We Made It!Episode 37: Ajay Relan"Hopefully, everything you've ever done, is to prepare you for everything you're about to do". Born in Detroit, but from L.A., Ajay was raised by his mother, an extremely hard-worker who took every opportunity to create something out of nothing - a quality that was passed to her son at a young age. Often helping his mother as she built her business, Ajay learned the value of work ethic, sacrifice, and being resourceful. As he got older, he started tapping into his ability to sell, along with his passion for creating things that provide value to people. That sell...2017-06-202h 44Mama We Made It!Episode 36: Nia Andrews"Just because a person manages to smile and has grace, does not mean they didn't arrive here through blood, sweat, and tears." Growing up in Inglewood, CA, with a large family of 5 sisters, and 5 step-sisters, Nia was the only sibling that was a musician. But it wasn't just about the act of playing music. Nia was into music in a way that was categorized as "other", and didn't have many peers who shared that. There was a strong, emotional connection to music, and as piano became her first real friend, it was the outlet for Nia's feelings. Her father was...2017-05-303h 03Mama We Made It!Episode 35: Jacob Fischer"Be you, stay you." Born and raised in the Arizona desert, where every sunset is a picture, and the landscape is a painting. It's not surprising that it would breed one of the most captivating, young photographers of our generation. But for Jacob, life wasn't always the perfect shot. Growing up, Jacob never liked being told what to do. Getting into trouble often, he found himself as the black sheep of his family, and eventually expelled from school. When you're labeled as the "bad kid" for so long, it can become your identity. Jacob wasn't a bad kid though, and i...2017-05-231h 29Mama We Made It!Episode 34: The Lost TapesComing soon... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2017-05-1600 minMama We Made It!Episode 33: John Colombo"Pain is the first ten rungs on the ladder of success". From Brooklyn to Staten Island, John is 100% Sicilian and had the classic Italian upbringing. While we were eating PB&J sandwiches, he was throwing down chicken cutlet heroes (Shot out to Linizio). Being the only kid in a house full of parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, there was always a little bit of chaos, and a lot of love. Causing ruckus throughout his youth, John was the class-clown, and expert prankster. From getting kicked out of high school, and almost failing out of college, John struggled with finding his dire...2017-05-092h 22Mama We Made It!Episode 32: Vanessa Chester"You better love this, because it's not for the faint of heart". Moving to Hollywood, chasing big-screen dreams, and sacrificing everything for the rich and famous lifestyle is far from uncommon. But what if you're just a kid? For 6 yr old Brooklyn-born Vanessa Chester, it was only about one thing: working for that next Happy Meal toy. Every audition was a chance to shine, and before she knew it, she was working with some of the greats, from Big Bird, and Mr. Snuffleupagus, to Alfonso Cuarón and Steven Spielberg. Vanessa was self-admittedly, "that weird actor kid" and owned it 100...2017-05-022h 59Mama We Made It!Episode 31: Francesco Foggia"Have a plan in life, if you don't have a a plan you're not going to be confident" - says the guy who is among the top 1% in the mortgage business, rockin' a Stefano Ricci tie, Cartier belt, and rollin' in a 550 Benz. But what if we told you this same guy flunked the 2nd grade? Or that he was an all time C student? And that it took him 8 years just to make it through community college? The story of Francesco is one of true grit, tenacity, relentless drive, and confidence above all. With that, you can overcome anyth...2017-04-111h 36Mama We Made It!Episode 30: Matt SeigelYou gotta know the rules to break them. Enter Matt Seigel. Growing up in Beverly Hills, Matt experienced the life we all aspire to provide for our families. One that was filled with love and possibility. He was a city kid, playing baseball, and the world was his oyster. When you have the opportunity to be whatever you desire, it may seem natural to "dream big". For Matt, there was only one thing he set out to be; a giver. As college approached, it was time to leave the bubble, and set out to discover. There, he was introduced to the l...2017-04-043h 45Mama We Made It!Episode 29: Benny CassetteLet's take it back to the 90's, East LA, during a time when gangs were the culture, and you had to "be" from somewhere. Whether you like it or not, this is your bubble, and you either belong or don't belong. For Benny, it was a time of survival, and seeking the meaning of acceptance. Art soon became his anchor to exist, and painting, designing tattoos, and graffiti were his way to fit in. But in his heart, he wasn't himself, but rather a product of the environment. It wasn't until Benny discovered faith through Bahá'í, that the real quest be...2017-03-282h 39Mama We Made It!Episode 28: NoMBeChasing dreams will make us do crazy things, but like Jimi Hendrix said, "You have to go on and be crazy. Craziness is like heaven." For NoMBe, there was simply no other option. Growing up in Germany, he lived in a true melting pot of cultures. His father, a German artist-manager, and mother, a world-renowned model from Brooklyn. But, it was music that really touched NoMBe's soul when he first was introduced to piano, and encouraged to let his imagination run wild. As his path continued, with aspirations to be a producer, he would find himself dedicating every possible moment...2017-03-213h 54Mama We Made It!Episode 27: Earry HallThe next time someone calls you weird, say "thank you". Earry Hall is the definition of weird (look it up). Growing up in South Side, Chicago, gangs were like teams, ball was life, and Earry was the dude rockin' bell bottoms, listening to Marvin Gaye. His role model was his mother; a protector, entrepreneur, and father figure. To her, Earry wasn't weird, he was "rare". Discovering art as a young kid, Earry would often get in trouble for drawing excessively in class. But it was in those moments where his mother would teach him the most important life lesson...2017-03-143h 56Mama We Made It!Episode 26: "Sneaker" Steve PatiñoISSA MOVIE!! Welcome to Elmhurst, Queens. One of the most culturally diverse places in NY. It was the 80's and young Steve Patiño was jumping rooftops, climbing fire escapes, with the soundtrack of Thriller, break beats of Hip Hop, bright colors of the graffiti painted trains, and the Mets win the World Series. Life was good, but the struggle was very real. Steve comes from a family line of merchants and learned the game at an early age from the best to ever do it; his Mama. Growing up in Queens was all about style and fashion, and w...2017-03-074h 01Mama We Made It!Episode 25: Marc E. BassyA star can't shine without darkness. It's wild how tragedy often plays such a huge role in someone's success. For Marc, tragedy was almost like a way of life. Growing up in San Francisco, Marc was was raised in one of the most creative and thriving environments in the world. He was surrounded by a supportive family, and inspiring teachers. His mother gave him his music, his father gave him his voice. But it wasn't until his father passed away, when Marc discovered what that voice was. Being introduced to poetry slams, Marc quickly bonded to a community that understood his...2017-02-284h 17Mama We Made It!Episode 24: JAYLIENSometimes, before we reach the top we have to hit rock bottom. As terrifying as that may be, it's often the most pivotal and beautiful part of the journey. For Jaylien, it was simply necessary. Growing up in the heart of Mizzou, and the son of a choir singer and choir director, Jaylien had music in his blood from birth. But, it wasn't until after in high school when he centered in on his skills, and aspired to be the "hottest producer under 21" (shot out to Myspace). Before we go any further, and talk about all the producers he learned from, the h...2017-02-213h 23Mama We Made It!Episode 23: JD McElroyThis is for the one-two steppers, Harlem shakers, pop lockers, droppers, breakers, walkers, dabbers and even the Gangnam Stylers. It doesn't matter who you are, where you're from, or what you look like - dance is a true universal language that instantly brings the world together. For some of us, it's an escape from reality, a moment where we can be vulnerable and free. For others, it's just a way to turn up. For JD McElroy, dance was his identity. As a Korean kid, adopted by Irish-American parents from Boulder, Colorado, JD struggled with fitting in. Being bullied and getting into f...2017-02-142h 10Mama We Made It!Episode 22: Nino ScaliaLet's be real, skateboarding wasn't always as glamorous as the X-Games, Big Air, and million dollar sponsorships. For most, it was an escape, something that bonded people together, and allowed you to define yourself. Nino Scalia was someone who had little stability growing up. Moving from city to city, there wasn't an opportunity to establish roots, or even have close friends - and if it did happen, it was taken away just as fast. When introduced to skateboarding, Nino instantly found something he could grab on to. As his family finally settled in South Philly, it was just in time for Nin...2017-02-075h 11Mama We Made It!Episode 21: Meko YohannesIt's often the most quiet people who have the most to say, so it's not surprising this episode with Meko Yohannes is our longest to date. Some may describe Meko as a creator, artist manager, record label president, strategist, etc. but we'll just call him "the silent assassin". But, before the life lessons of "eat what you kill" transpired, Meko was a young kid from Ontario, CA, who was searching for his identity while constantly being stripped of it. Moving around between mother and father, Ontario and Pasadena, California and Georgia... how can you know who you are, when you don't...2017-01-244h 07Mama We Made It!Episode 20: Jeff WeissEveryone has a voice, and once you find it, sometimes you have to yell if you want to be heard. For Jeff Weiss, he found his voice through writing. However, well before that was a young kid, growing up in LA during the 90s, playing sports, and living among the bold influence of West Coast hip-hop. Jeff will even tell you he tried to be a rapper at one point, but let's be real, we all became rappers after The Chronic was released. It wasn't until a tragedy of a good friend took place, where Jeff began to find himself. Diving...2017-01-171h 42Mama We Made It!Episode 19: Billy HawkinsTake a second and think of a time where you had nothing to lose. It's not uncommon to feel like these moments are impossible to come by, when consumed with the fear of losing money, status, and career opportunities. But, if you ask Billy Hawkins, he'll tell you "you're always in a position of nothing to lose". Growing up in Southeast, Washington, D.C., when it was the murder capital, with a massive crack epidemic, Billy spent his days as a dreamer. On the inside, he's a self-proclaimed nerd, but on the outside, he was always looking for the next b...2017-01-103h 13Mama We Made It!Episode 17: Brandon "BWC" WadeB-Wade's story is like a modern day Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Raised in South Central, CA, by his Belizean mother and grandmother, life was good. Days were filled with reggae music, Belizean cuisine, and playing throughout the neighborhood. But, perspective didn't really set it until he was exposed to life outside of South Central, and into one of the wealthiest areas of LA. Before he knew it, he was playing in a mansion, eating at Whole Foods, and learning Photoshop. Possibility became reality, and his outlier journey began. However, it wasn't about seeking money or abundance for B-Wade. It was about buildi...2016-12-272h 44Mama We Made It!Episode 16: Lorenzo Diggins Jr.Lorenzo is your favorite creator's favorite creator. A classic man, a gentleman, The Essential Man. As an LA Native, living duel lives in South Central, and Culver City, CA, Lorenzo had a unique perspective that allowed him to see the world differently at a young age. Someone who was friends with everyone, but didn't really have friends. Ball is life, or art is life? When you're constantly being pulled in two directions, how could ever know where you really are? Ask Lorenzo, and he'll tell you he's right here, right now, and it's that simple. He takes us through his entrep...2016-12-202h 34Mama We Made It!Episode 15: Azad NaficyDo you know Azad Naficy, formerly known as Azad Right, and currently known as just, Azad? Well, before we introduce him, let us give u a brief history lesson from the Mama We Made It™ perspective. The music industry is one of the most difficult industries to break into. For artists, it's a battle of finding your creative vision, trusting your instincts on how you see and process the world, and most importantly how you package all of those senses into song. The pressures are tremendous, the conditions are atrocious, but that's why so few make it. On the other ha...2016-12-131h 46Mama We Made It!Episode 14: William "J.Dubb" SmithBehind every smile, there's a story and there are very few people in this world with a smile as big, and a story as powerful as William "J.Dubb" Smith. In life, the accumulation of our experiences truly make us who we are and lead us in the direction of who we will ultimately become, which couldn't be more true in J.Dubbs case. So many people know Dubb for his personality, work ethic, and his seemingly endless pursuit of greatness, regardless of the medium. Very few people know the intimate account of how the man became the myth, known as...2016-12-062h 34Mama We Made It!Episode 13: Ely AlexanderEly doesn't fit under most doorways (dude is a GIANT), let alone life's conventional path. He leads each day by following his gut, and creating opportunities that fit, rather than molding to the status quo. Ely left high school at 15, was enjoying frat life by 16, and started his business, Retrospec Bicycles, before college was over. It wasn't that he was trying to make a buck - Ely saw there was a void that needed to be filled, an idea that could relate to everyone, and a way for him to bring his love for the outdoors to the world. It's easy t...2016-11-291h 49Mama We Made It!Episode 12: Felicia La TourIn this day and age it’s rare to find someone who truly epitomizes the character and spirit of Super Woman. Ladies and Gentlemen, allow us to introduce you to her, in the flesh. Her name is Felicia La Tour! This incredible spirit embodies strength, compassion, love, and vibrant energy. She is a makeup artist to some of your favorite artists and entertainers (you know Jhené Aiko, don’t you?), she’s a mother to the most beautiful little princess, Peace, and she is a voice and blogger whose messages resonates in the hearts and minds of thousands of young women acr...2016-11-221h 50Mama We Made It!Episode 11: David DannTake a moment and conceptualize the brilliance and purity behind the notion of a "mind of a genius." What is it that comes to mind? (insert your thought here). Now that we've made it interactive, let us tell you our perspective from our 2 hours with David Dann, the mind behind Mind Of A Genius Records. Ready? Good. Here we go. The mind of a genius is a blank slate, curious enough to wonder, bold enough to question, and ultimately vulnerable enough to become. The journey is about becoming. Genius' are crazy enough to believe they can. Insert David Dann. The...2016-11-081h 47Mama We Made It!Episode 10: Oren YoelOren Yoel's journey is all about possibility. As a producer who created the soundscape for Asher Roth's Asleep In The Bread Aisle, and who brought the soul out of Miley Cyrus in the leading track "Adore You" from her album Bangerz, Oren's vision for music is like no other producer in the game. He puts all his life's experiences into every sound he creates, and in this episode, he takes us through those pivotal life moments that shaped his career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2016-11-012h 56Mama We Made It!Episode 9: Vincent MartinezThe story of Vincent Martinez is one about finding out what you don't want, in order to figure out what you want. He takes us through his pursuit of happiness, from leaving the "perfect" job at one of the top consulting firms in the world, to putting it all on the line, jumping into entertainment, and ultimately managing acclaimed actor, Lance Gross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2016-10-262h 14Mama We Made It!Episode 8: Kirk MorrisonThis is for Raider Nation, Hells Bells, and the Black Hole. Kirk's story is one that takes us through the life of an Oakland kid becoming one of the most dominant linebackers in the NFL. But what's most fascinating is what happens next, when the helmet comes off and the cleats are hung up. Kirk's evolution from being an pro-athlete to now an analyst for the LA Rams is a true testament to the journey, sparking new fires, creating new dreams, and never stopping the hustle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...2016-10-182h 27Mama We Made It!Episode 7: Replay & GoldenchyldThere's no one path to success in the music industry. Hailing from an age where turntablism was the dominant DJ form, and technology hadn't hit the industry yet. Replay and Goldenchyld's paths crossed behind the decks. This is a story of young kids in the bay area that dedicated their youth to the art of DJing and took two brilliant yet very different paths to success. Join us as we take you through the story of the "runner" becoming a multi-grammy nominated producer, and the DJ who went from corporate job to touring the world. Hosted on Acast. See...2016-10-111h 37Mama We Made It!Episode 6: Gavin "Mizzle" McNeillThere are few people who truly spend every moment perfecting their craft, working tirelessly to build their vision, and in realizing the power of their voice and personal brand, use it not only to uplift, but, inspire the YOUth of their generation. Gavin "Mizzle" McNeill, ladies and gentlemen, is one of those few. We take you through a journey of constant creation and recreation. From Majestic Soul, through JBC and YOUth, all the way to 4Hunnid. Mizzle takes us through his journey and his quest for artistic greatness. It's only right that you rock with us as we talk with...2016-10-041h 58Mama We Made It!Episode 5: ThurzThey say you can never understand someone until you walk a mile in their shoes. Well, it's time to lace up those kicks and walk with us as we take you through an in-depth, unfiltered discussion about the journey of Inglewood's very own, Thurz. An artist whose passion for the pen took him from lunch break cyphers in high school, to being a part of one of the most polarizing and influential rap duos in LA history, U-N-I. It was that same passion for the craft that led him to make the decision to depart from U-N-I, and embark on...2016-09-272h 38Mama We Made It!Episode 4: FisticuffsMulti-Grammy nominated music producers, Fisticuffs, share their journey behind the sonic landscapes of artists like Miguel and Jhené Aiko. Mac and Brian's story is one which beautifully displays the power of chance and the grind of creatives that know it's only a matter of time before the world takes notice of their brilliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2016-09-201h 48Mama We Made It!Episode 3: Mike RossWouldn't it be nice to play video games for a living? This Mike Ross guy figured out how to do it. Listen as Mike shares his journey of from playing Street Fighter in his bedroom, to becoming a global champ, and then hundred-hand slapping the gaming industry to the next level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2016-09-131h 51
Short Story Long#19 - MeThis week I sit down with Anoush Moin and Joe Rausch from the 'Mama, We Made It!' podcast to flip the normal routine & talk about life growing up in Akron, Ohio to where I'm at now. Stories I haven't told working for Rob Dyrdek to being on Rob & Big, Fantasy Factory and creating Young & Reckless and now this podcast. Listen as we discuss a lot of my stories & inspirations that led me to want to tell these stories and share these conversations with other young successful entrepreneurs & entertainers.2016-09-083h 01Mama We Made It!Episode 2: Super Duper Nolan SmithNolan Smith, Manager of Super Duper Kyle, takes us through his journey from delivering pizzas to delivering dreams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2016-09-063h 11Mama We Made It!Episode 1: Chris "Drama" PfaffDrama joins us to tell the story of "2 Girls" and how he went from being a skater in Akron, to a reality star on Rob & Big, and then creating the global clothing brand, Young & Reckless. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2016-09-061h 06Mama We Made It!Episode 0: Noushy & RauschyWhat it do tho! Noushy & Rauschy welcome you to the Mama, We Made It! Podcast. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.2016-08-2411 min