Shows
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesCheresse Thornhill-Goldson and Liz ConnellyDonte and Ronald are joined by Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson (Design Director of Adidas S.E.E.D. and No Shoes Creative) and Liz Connelly (Co-founder and program manager of Adidas S.E.E.D.). The BRNDD duo get to chop it up with Liz and Cheresse about their history in design, forming the S.E.E.D. program and more! Highlights: 5:50 - Introductions 17:29 - What is Adidas S.E.E.D.? 20:15 - Taking a Leap of Faith 25:58 - Creating a Comfortable Space 31:39 - The moment of C...2022-02-271h 03
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesDexton DeboreeDexton Deboree is a filmmaker and branded content creator who has worked with the likes of Nike and Jordan Brand. He's also the founder of Falkon, a creative production agency. Ronald and Donte sit down with Dexton to talk about his journey into becoming a director, working with Will Smith, his Unbanned: The Legend of the AJ1 documentary and more. Time Stamps: 6:21 - Finding Sports 12:03 - Moving from Athlete to Artist 17:41 - From Cigar Talk to Commercial Work for Jordan Brand 32:20 - Unbanned: The Legend of the AJ1 38:24...2022-02-131h 13
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesNuma PerrierNuma Perrier is a creative whose artistry extends to curation, acting, producing, directing and beyond. Her devotion to authenticity and quality has insured that she is a staple in the entertainment industry. Her movie Jezebel , distributed by Ava Duvernay's Array, is now streaming on Netflix. Highlights: 0:00 Intro / Catch Up 22:06 Numa Perrier Introduction 28:15 BLACK + SEXY TV 41:42 Smilf and Frankie Shaw 48:09 When did you first start creating? 52:30 Jezebel, Sex Work, and its relevance 1:17:48 Queen Sugar 1:18:52 Black People are Light 1:24:17 Jordan Peele A.K.A. "Boyfriend Jordan" 1:28:03 The Perfect Find, Blood Mother and Toxic 1:35:19 Which artists are on Numa's...2021-02-071h 56
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesJazerai Allen-LordJazerai is a Sneaker Strategist, Designer and writer from California living in New York. She's worked with the likes of Reebok to put out her own shoe and is featured on Lena Waithe's Sneaker docu-series "You Ain't Got These" now streaming on Quibi. Highlights: 4:07: Blue Chucks 7:19: The Birth of Sneaker Internet 9:30: The Challenges of being a woman in to Sneakers 13:50: The Club C x Jazerai 25:59: Sneaker Mom 28:30: "You Ain't Got These" 32:45: Lena Waithe 34:58: Working with Reebok 44:03: the importance of Women Empowerment 47:40: Kicks on Fire 55:28: Life after KOF 1:04:21: Being "That Bitch" 1:08:00: The Wall of Fame 1:21:06: The...2020-08-021h 48
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesTommie BattleTommie Battle is a professional photographer who got his start shooting sneakers for fun and Baltimore Night life in college. Over the years he's progressed to shooting for the MLS in New York, podcasts and more. Highlights: 3:50: Life in Quarantine 6:25: sneakers and Kodak cameras 13:06: radio is dead 21:17: The Smoking Section and Early Blog Days 24:54: Going off Instinct vs. Technique 27:42: Taking a break from photography 34:54: Nike Talk to Twitter 45:03: picking the Camera back up 57:07: The Favorites 1:10:30: The BRNDD 10 2020-07-191h 20
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesJacques "Kustoo" SladeJacques Slade is one of the biggest personalities in Youtube Sneaker media. His video of his tour of Michael Jordan's famous Illinois Mansion recently hit 16 million views. Donte and Ronald talk to Jacques on how he went from a music teacher to where he is today. Highlights: 3:11: Who is Jaques Slade 6:10: Kicks on Fire Days 14:32: Jacques first video 18:24: Quality vs. Content 20:29: Can't smell your own roses 27:24: The Brands are Watching 31:35: The Future of Sneaker Media 34:09: Working Outside of Youtube 39:50: The Last Dance 41:48: Technology in sneakers 44:28The Favorites 47:00: The BRNDD 10 2020-05-2757 min
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesErnie TalbertErnie Talbert is a Delaware native who went from being booked over half a dozen times for Graffiti to holding multiple degrees and being a one of the best marketing brains in the game. Ronald and Donte talk to Ernie about his amazing story to where he is today. 2:48: Delaware School Daze 6:11: Skateboarding is a gateway activity 9:36: Exploring the elements of Hip-hop 16:02: Art was pain-relief 20:42: Don't Test Me 26:54: Chasing a dollar 35:55: Why can't I do that? 40:15: Challenges 47:19: Shorts and Timbs 53:41: UA 1:01:53: The future with Amazon Originals 1:09:07: The Favorites 1:12:10: The BRNDD 10 2020-05-2400 min
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesPatrick HorvatAnother episode from the BRNDD vault, Ronald brings on his good friend Patrick Horvat. Born in Upstate and working around the world, Patrick has worked with brands from the NHL to the NBA. Highlights: 5:56: The B-More Flea 8:10: Upstate, NY and Graffiti 10:20: I fooled them... 12:05: Syquest and Photoshop 18:03: Post-College Tetris Disorder 21:34: I Fooled them again... 26:41: the NHL Days 30:28: Creating a design language and identity 37:09: the challenge of being creative 43:11: The Nike Years, Hong Kong 50:12: Australian Shark Attacks 55:20: International Sneaker Releases 59:53: The Under Armour years 1:05:10: signing UA athletes(possibly)- 1:10:00: Favorites 2020-05-171h 47
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesArvay AdamsFrom the unreleased archives; The Co-hosts of the BRNDD podcast caught up with Arvay Adams, Designer and creative behind This Sporting Life. They talk about his days at Phat Farm to having beef with HBO and everything in between! Highlights 2:00 - Ronald and Donte' recap what they've been up to 8:26 - Introduction of Arvay 12:14 - from Woodlawn to New York 14:02 - Skateboards & tees in L.A. 18:34 - the Phat Farm Days 21:25 - The birth of This Sporting Life 23:26 - L.A. Living 26:12 - the Secret Behind Design 31:13 - Bethlehem Steel and the importance of S...2020-05-101h 22
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesCurrency MichaelsDonte' and Ronald catch up with an old friend, Michael Haskins Jr. Better known as Currency Michaels. Michael is the owner and founder of Currency Studios, a staple brand in Baltimore, established back in the late 2000's. They got a chance to talk about the history of Baltimore Streetwear, break down old industry beefs and more! Highlights: 4:15: The Legend of Garth 12:12: "The Cool" 16:57: Baltimore to Ball Harbor 22:33: Building a Legacy Brand 29:27: Respect Your Wealth 37:15: PedX and Gentai 48:06: The importance of a team 55:23: Helping by not helping 59:57: Ronald vs. the Baltimore Sun 1:03:19: Reconciliation and understanding 1:09:24: Se...2020-04-261h 35
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesSeason 2 wrap-UpRonald and Donte' reflect on the podcast up until the last released episode and what happened in life in between. Highlights 2:50: The Pensole/Portland Experience 9:20: What's next for BRNDD? 12:03: Kaepernick vs. Trump 13:49: Because the Internet 13:35: Goals for BRNDD 19:20: Behind the process 24:54: Keys to Building for the Future 36:00: room for improvement 40:56: the Social Media Matrix 44:51: Cops and Drops 54:26: Favorite Podcast moments 56:45: Future Guest wishlist 59:53: The Favorites 2020-03-221h 04
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesD'Wayne EdwardsD'Wayne Edwards is the founder of Pensole Footwear Design Academy, located in Portland, OR. He's spent over 30 years in the industry, from working with Tupac and Biggie at Karl Kani to working with the GOAT, Michael Jordan. After spending 10 years working at Jordan, D'Wayne decided to start a school for footwear designers to help the next generation and has established one of the top schools in the world for Footwear Design. Donte' not only got to learn under him but interview him for the podcast. Listen as Donte' and D'Wayne talk about the journey that led D'Wayne to Portland. 2017-08-2058 min
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesBlake ThomasBlake 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 Supp...2017-08-131h 14
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesBRNDD Live: BCMakes Series for BCPLBaltimore 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 throu...2017-07-171h 06
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesPierre and Jamyla BennuPierre 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 rep...2017-07-021h 40
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesIvan MartinIvan 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 Com...2017-06-131h 14
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesDino Hatfield(of Baltimore Sneaker Show)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 t...2017-05-282h 00
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesEricka Blount DanoisEricka 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...2017-05-081h 38
The Feed The Official Libsyn Podcast095: Podcasting at NAB, W.H.A.C. and Stats AddictionFill out our survey! Quick Episode Summary: Intro :11 Promo 1: The Inspired Entrepreneurs Guide Podcast 1:44 A request, what do you want on the blog? 2:22 Promo 2: Honestly Lisa 3:15 How we feature you! 3:41 Audio Rockin’ Libsyn Podcast: BRNDD 4:17 Promo 3: Reflections of a Recovering Ugly Duckling 10:37 Rob & Elsie Conversation 11:08 Help us with a 30-second promo for The Feed! Audio feedback from Kevin Bachelor about recording more than one person 14:07 Chat about Skype out and some name dropping Libsyn and iTunes in one, all about your iTunes URL, Scandinavian letters, and ampersand. iHeart Radio, referrers and user agents Thoughts about podfading and consistency Yo...2017-04-301h 22
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesSam Smith(Of New Vintage by Sam)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 bus...2017-04-2359 min
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesKalilah Wright(of Mess in a Bottle)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 u...2017-04-091h 20
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesBrian (of Creative Culture Lifestyle) 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...2017-04-022h 08
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesJoey Malinski(of ATB Productions) 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...2017-02-1947 min
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesJerrill Sankey(of Creative King)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 f...2017-02-121h 18
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesD. WatkinsThe 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 ex...2017-02-021h 32
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesBrian Bomster-JabsRon 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 o...2017-01-261h 13
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesBest of '16, Welcome to '17The 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 f...2017-01-171h 39
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesFraizer (of City of Gods Shop)City of Gods has become a pillar in Baltimore. Not only have they created a staple for themselves in the fashion department but also the community aspect. From their Conscious Book Club to feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving. We sat down with part of the creators of the brand to talk about C.O.G. beginnings and how they became such a strong pillar in East Baltimore. Donte' and Ronald sit down with Fraizer to talk about their book club, community service, Team City of Gods basketball team and more. The Morgan St. graduate by way of N...2016-12-081h 51
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesDaniel Biltmore(Of MSSL CMMND) From working with musical legends to traveling the world. Daniel Biltmore has done a lot in his lifetime. Donte' and Ronald sat down with Daniel to tell his story, the highs and the lows of his DJ Career. Daniel Biltmore is 1/2 of the Duo MSSL CMMND, the other being Chad Hugo of The Neptunes. Daniel talks about how the two became friends, going to Virginia to work with the Neptunes and traveling the globe with Chad DJing amazing sets. From Abu Dhabi to Hip-Hops first Banaroo jam session, Dan's seen a lot and he talks about it all. Li...2016-12-011h 36
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesReed Bmore Reed BMore is one of Baltimore's most unique street artists. While many of his friends and peers are known for tagging walls, he's mastered a different craft, wire bombing. Known for hanging his works in a busy intersection on traffic lights so everyone that rides by sees his work, Reed Bmore has been featured on the local news, designed pieces for Tyler the Creator, and lead him to meet Chance the Rapper. Listen as Ron and Donte' learn the story of Reed Bmore along with you. Reed BMore's BRNDD 10 Playlist: ope...2016-11-191h 08
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesSun Zulu Sun Zulu is a Baltimore born and bred Emcee and Producer. He has traveled the country with great indie acts such as Blu and J*Davey. He's also a youth mentor and supporter of the city. The BRNDD hosts sit down with Sun to talk about growing up in Baltimore, finding music at a young age and his inspirations from anime to Wu-Tang. The trio also discuss today's trend in hip-hop, recording in the same space Chance the Rapper recorded his first projects and more. Sun Zulu's BRNDD 10 Playlist: https://exit.sc/?url=h...2016-11-031h 14
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesHarrison DavisHarrison Davis is the owner of For Rent Shoes Baltimore, a top streetwear boutique in Baltimore established in 2013. Since its opening it has become an integral part of Baltimore's fashion scene. Housing exclusive brands you can't find anywhere else in the city. Ron and Donte' sit with Harrison to discuss how bringing an image boutique to Baltimore was a new, challenging experience; how the riots affected his business, how the store has become a part of Baltimore and the overall good and bad of what it takes to run a fashion spot. Harrison Davis' BR...2016-10-061h 01
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesBeya LikhariRonald brings on his good friend and rising R&B star, Beya Likhari. The BRNDD hosts dig deeper, discussing her influences, what being on Elle UK's Magazine "R&B Artists to Watch" list, and the intricacies of her songs and projects. Listen and learn about Baltimore's next R&B star, Beya Likhari. Beya Likhari's BRNDD 10 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/brnddpodcast/playlist/25AJrLamRtf694KaNvr2V6 Twitter & Instagram: @soundsboutwrite website: http://www.beyalikhari.com/ Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/beya-likhari ...2016-09-2956 min
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesThe IntroductionHost Donte Cotton sits down for a brief introduction of the show. Donte' breaks down what BRNDD is, what Debonair Material is, who and what to expect from the show and prepare you for the ride that is BRNDD BRNDD Podcast: E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ Donte Cotton Twitter and Instagram: @Cotteonsmooth2016-09-2211 min
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesJordan C. Jackson The BRNDD hosts sit down with Apparel Designer Jordan C. Jackson, who has worked for the likes of Giorgio Armani and Under Armour. Jordan tells his story of going from an HBCU in Atlanta to FIT and taking fashion design head on. Listen to Jordan's story as he goes from almost failing out of his fashion program to heading the design of an entire UA collection. Jordan also talks about how Massimo Osti inspires him, checking Highsnobiety for what's trending and how technology is playing a part in the progression of fashion in today's world. Ron and Donte...2016-09-221h 09
BRNDD: Conversations with CreativesWelcome Ronald JamesDonte' and Ronald sit down for the 1st time to talk about what to expect from the show, their expectations, what type of guests to look for and set you up for the premiere episode. BRNDD Podcast: E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial.com facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @RonIsUnthawed Donte Cotton Twitter and Instagram: @Cotteonsmooth2016-09-2210 min