Shows
The DerrionLH ShowEpisode IX | The Pivot That Fed the City: Buffalo Eats CLTWhen no one would lease him a space at the start of COVID, Mohammed Zaid didn’t fold — he pivoted. As the founder of Buffalo Eats CLT, he turned rejection into a booming food brand serving up some of the most talked-about wings in Charlotte. In this episode, we talk about betting on yourself, building from scratch, and how social media became his secret weapon. Now, with a second location on the way, his story is just heating up.2025-08-1034 minThe DerrionLH ShowEpisode VIII | Pivoting with Precision: How Brandon Harris Built a Premium Barber BrandWhen Brandon Harris picked up the clippers, it wasn’t just about fades—it was about freedom. From Detroit to Charlotte, he turned his side hustle into a premium brand, now trusted by athletes, media professionals, and a growing community. Brandon shares how he built his $100 cut business, why community matters more than clout, and how his IG group is inspiring barbers and creatives nationwide. This episode is all about ownership, elevation, and the pivot that changed everything.2025-07-2637 minThe DerrionLH ShowEpisode VII | Pivoting with a Partner Featuring Nicole F. SmithWhat happens when your pivot doesn’t just affect you — but your relationship too?In this episode, Nicole F. Smith gets candid about the emotional weight of pivoting while in a relationship, navigating shared expectations, and learning how to ask for support without passing the blame.We also talk about what it feels like to walk away from corporate America, only to later find yourself overqualified and questioning whether you should go back.If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, ambition, and accountability during your pivot — this one’s for you.2025-07-2025 minThe DerrionLH ShowEpisode VI | New City, New Problems? Featuring Tariq GhafooriIn the premiere of The Pivot Series, fitness trainer and entrepreneur Tariq Ghafoori joins the show to share his journey of leaving Virginia for the Queen City in hopes of elevating his brand and chasing new opportunities. But the move wasn’t without its challenges.Tariq gets real about the struggles of starting over in a new city, balancing personal battles, and navigating the pressure to succeed. He also reveals what keeps him motivated on the tough days and how he’s reshaping his mindset through it all.If you’ve ever thought about pivoting to a ne...2025-07-1328 minThe DerrionLH ShowEpisode V | So, What's The Vibe This Summer?We’re back and setting the tone for the rest of the summer! This week, we’re catching up on all the vibes — from the concerts we’re hitting, taking that Emmy L (yeah… we’re unpacking it 👀), what’s getting us on the dance floor, and of course, all the Love Island drama.Plus, we’re laying the groundwork for our upcoming series on pivoting — because sometimes life hits you with a plot twist, and it’s all about the comeback.2025-07-0623 minThe DerrionLH ShowEpisode IV | So, What The Comments Say?Everybody says “don’t read the comments”… but we did. This week, Nicole F. Smith joins me to break down the wild, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking conversations happening in the comment sections. From the STL storm aftermath to renters insurance debates and the Diddy trial drama — we’re unpacking what those comments really reveal about us and our culture.#TheDerrionLHShow2025-05-1936 minThe DerrionLH ShowEpisode III | So, What Happened?So What Happened? pulls back the curtain on The Billionaire Broke Girls — the award-winning investigative piece now Emmy-nominated and a NABJ Salute to Excellence finalist.Jeanette Vasquez, one of the fearless women who blew the whistle, joins the show to unpack what really went down at BC Lounge in Bessemer City, NC (just outside Charlotte). Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the hurdles, newsroom politics, and last-minute decisions that almost left this story on the cutting room floor.But that’s not all — hear a review of the Kendrick Lamar and SZA Grand National Tour stop in Charlotte, a...2025-05-111h 08The DerrionLH ShowEpisode II | So, What Now? Pt. 2We pick up right where Episode 1 left off. Derrion Henderson wraps up the story of his transition out of the news industry and his move to Charlotte. Plus, special guest Nicole F. Smith drops gems on knowing when it’s time to pivot, how to lean into life’s unexpected turns, and fully embrace your journey.2025-05-0434 minThe DerrionLH ShowEpisode I | So, What Now? Pt. 1After years of delivering the news, I stepped away from the anchor desk — and ever since, the question has followed me: Why? In the premiere episode of my podcast, hosted through S.P.E.A.K. UP LLC, I open up about my decision to leave the TV news industry and begin a new chapter.Joining me for this candid conversation is our monthly contributor and leadership coach, Nicole F. Smith. Together, we unpack the power of purpose, the fear of transition, and what it truly means to bet on yourself. This is more than ju...2025-04-2756 min