Building Champions: The Donald Watts Jr. Method Ever wonder why Seattle consistently produces elite basketball talent? If you look at the Watts family - you'll find three generations who've helped contribute to the culture of Pacific Northwest basketball from the SuperSonics era to today's college stars. Why This Matters for Basketball Development: Donald Watts Jr. isn't just the son of SuperSonics legend Slick Watts or father of Maryland's Isaiah Watts. A former UW basketball great and someone ...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 20 min
From Puerto Rico to Pacific Northwest Hip-Hop Royalty - This is the "BeatsByCotto" Story In this episode, we sit down with Cotto (BeatsByCotto), the producer behind hits for 'BigXThePlug', Afroman, 03 Greedo, LaRussell and many more. Discover how he transformed from a college soccer player to accumulating 850+ production credits in just 5 years. What You'll Learn: - How the 2020 pandemic became his breakthrough moment - The internship at Sage Studios that changed everything for him - Why he beli...
Jun 17, 2025•47 min
Join in on an in-depth conversation between Robel and LexScope, Seattle's newly appointed Film Commissioner (Position 8) and founder of 'Scope Screenings', Seattle's premier film festival. In this conversation, we dive deep into his journey from videographer to city leader, the evolution of Scope Screenings from 50 to 300+ attendees, and his mission to bridge the gap between grassroots creators and major productions. KEY TOPICS COVERED: - How to submit to film festivals using FilmFreeway - The r...
Jun 12, 2025•32 min
Ernest Kelly III went from struggling to find Black-owned businesses in Seattle to founding the Seattle Black Business Network - one of the most influential community organizations in the Pacific Northwest. In this powerful conversation, Ernest shares the exact blueprint he used to build a thriving business community from scratch. 🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ How to build a business network with zero connections ✅ The Malcolm X principle that changed his entire approach ✅ Why 15% of Seattle's populat...
Jun 10, 2025•49 min
Season 2 kicks off with a powerful conversation about balancing entrepreneurial ambition with personal well-being! Join host Robel Andmicael as he sits down with Chase Linder (Acre Media) and Patrick Smith (Graduated Money) to discuss: - The real cost of grinding without boundaries - How fitness transformed their business mindset - Breaking the cycle of burnout culture - Building sustainable success habits
Jun 08, 2025•56 min
"I don't compete in the same arena as everyone else. I run my own track." Meet Jaebadiah Gardner, the force behind 'Gardner Global' who's redefining what it means to develop real estate with purpose and cultural integrity. In this powerful conversation, Jaebadiah shares the wisdom gained from his remarkable journey—from humble beginnings to becoming one of Seattle's most innovative developers. What does it take to build wealth that transcends generations? How can buildings honor cultural legacy ...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 16 min
From cutting hair in 7th grade to owning Seattle's 'J Styles Barbershop' for 20 YEARS, Jameel Shabazz's journey is a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. In our latest episode, Jameel shares how his father, the legendary Brother Benjamin Shabazz's lessons shaped his path. Also he speaks on how barbershops should be treated as community centers and serve everyone from "the grandmother bringing her grandchild" to "the pastor," and how faith anchors his business decisions. Key highlights...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 24 min
In our latest episode, we sit down with LaTaunya Witherspoon, founder of 'Spoon Fed Training' @spoonfed_training and one of the less than 3% of Black women who own fitness facilities nationwide! From competing on American Ninja Warrior to training NFL stars like Richard Sherman, LaTaunya shares her journey of building a fitness empire that was voted "Best Gym in Renton" in 2023. In this powerful conversation, she reveals: • How she started her business by clearing her entire savings • Her approa...
Apr 30, 2025•51 min
Resilience, creativity, and purpose define Seattle artist Creative Lou's remarkable journey. In this episode, Damon Brown opens up about: • His transition from corporate design to becoming one of Seattle's most impactful public artists • Overcoming a life-altering health crisis that temporarily left him paralyzed • Creating the first Black-themed marathon running shoe for Brooks • Designing Starbucks' 50th anniversary poster and special collection • His signature "complex simplicity" style that ...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Michelle Lang-Raymond, founder and Executive Director of Acts on Stage, joins The Up and Up to share her journey of creating spaces where artists of color and people of faith can bring their full authentic selves. From her southern roots in Mississippi to building a groundbreaking theater company in Seattle, Michelle discusses how she's bridging the gap between faith communities and artistic expression. In this episode, we explore: • How Michelle secured a million-dollar grant to launch Acts on ...
Apr 01, 2025•1 hr 10 min
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jesse Rhodes Jr., author of "Leadership Unlocked: Harness the Power of Your Ambition" and a transformative leader who's reshaping how we think about authentic leadership and personal growth. From his groundbreaking work as Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Equity at Amazon Web Services to mentoring our youth and future leaders of tomorrow, Jesse shares how a mantra he created at age 16 - "The power of vision drives me forward" - has guided his remarkab...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In a world where artists struggle to survive, Julie Chang Schulman chose to build something different. Journey from her early days as a teenage hip-hop artist navigating trauma through music, to becoming the architect behind Seattle's most innovative creative movement. Discover how 'Forever Safe Spaces' and 'On The Block' are revolutionizing the creative economy by putting community ownership and artist wellbeing first. With over 200+ artists supported and multiple spaces in Capitol Hill, Julie ...
Feb 22, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Join us for an inspiring journey through Everett's first-ever Let Us Create showcase, where entrepreneurs and creatives came together to celebrate community, innovation, and success! KEY TOPICS DISCUSSED: • Building successful businesses from scratch • The importance of community in entrepreneurship • Overcoming challenges and staying focused • Finding your authentic voice in business • The power of networking and collaboration • Real stories of persistence and growth GUEST HIGHLIGHTS: Miguel Le...
Feb 15, 2025•1 hr 36 min
From Corporate Tech Executive to Cultural Bridge Builder: Meet Keisha Free, founder of Hey Black Seattle. Journey through her transformation from a 15-year tech industry veteran to creating a digital platform connecting Black culture, business, and community across the Pacific Northwest. Learn how personal purpose became a powerful movement for change. Key gems shared: • Redefining Black excellence • The power of authentic community building • Why saying no preserves your peace • How to maintain...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Join us as 'DJ Nayiram' shares his extraordinary journey from Medina, Ghana to becoming Seattle's premier Afrobeats curator. Learn how he went from practicing on YouTube tutorials to sharing stages with Davido and revolutionizing the Pacific Northwest music scene. This episode is a masterclass in cultural entrepreneurship, music business development, and authentic community building. 🎵 In this episode: 1. The power of staying teachable in the music industry 2. Building cultural bridges through ...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Laron Daniels, former pro basketball player turned entrepreneur, and Co-Owner of the amazing 'Self-Made Couture'. Laron shares his journey of stepping off the court and making a bold pivot from sports to the business world of fashion by partnering with the founders of Self-Made Couture, a bespoke luxury clothing brand based in downtown Seattle. With a vision to dress everyone in the city in custom-tailored style, Laron discusses the transi...
Nov 02, 2024•1 hr 3 min
From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration & empowerment. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: Entrepreneur/Creative Artist: Aaron Davis aka "Mr.UKnow" (@mruknow) Entrepreneur/Community Builder: Najee Ladd Ali (@flyaboveathleticss)
Oct 02, 2024•48 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we welcomed Annabel Quintero, M.Ed., a dynamic author, speaker, and DEI strategist committed to uplifting communities through storytelling and social transformation. Annabel's life trajectory shifted after surviving the September 11th attacks from the 46th floor of the World Trade Center, and since then, she has dedicated her life to advancing equity and dismantling the limiting beliefs rooted in racism and colonialism. As the author of best selling 'Step S...
Sep 25, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Leo Nguyen, the visionary behind 'Community Gardens NW', a clothing brand that captures the essence of Seattle through creative expression and collaboration. For nearly two years, Leo has been cultivating a brand that not only creates unique products but also represents and highlights the diverse culture and community of the city. Leo shares how 'Community Gardens NW' serves as a powerful vehicle for uplifting small businesses and driving ...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Last week we were honored to join in and contribute to such an amazing vehicle/gathering in the legendary Occidental Mall for the powerful ‘Seattle MXR’ series. Powered by SeattleOED 'MXR Events' 'FreeagentSea' + many more! ‘The UpNUp Podcast’ hosted a live recording episode hosted in the amazing Frederick Holmes Gallery located in the legendary Pioneer Square Occidental Mall setting the stage to connect with some amazing power players in our city. All focused on driving our creative economy! Fe...
Aug 28, 2024•59 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with Jeffery L. Cheatham ll, Author, Entrepreneur and the founder of the 'Seattle Urban Book Exchange'. A visionary who turned frustration into action when he couldn't find children's books that reflected Black and Brown faces. Starting with no experience in publishing, he faced a steep learning curve—writing, revising, funding, and navigating the complexities of the book industry. Despite setbacks, his determination led to the release of his f...
Aug 21, 2024•50 min
Join us for a flavorful journey with Tarik Abdullah, Founder & Executive Head Chef, on this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast'. With 30 years of culinary experience spanning Los Angeles and Seattle, Tarik's cooking is a vibrant fusion of Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian, African, and Mediterranean influences. Raised in a culturally rich neighborhood, Tarik's love for spices and diverse culinary traditions has shaped his unique approach to food. Beyond his culinary creations, Tarik is a community ...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', we have an engaging conversation with Lynnwood City Councilmember Josh Binda, who is making headlines with his bid for the 2nd District Congressional seat. At just 22 years old, Binda is aiming to make history as the youngest African American ever elected to Congress in the United States. Join us as we delve into Binda's journey from his election to the Lynnwood City Council back in 2022 to his current ambitious campaign. We discuss his motivations, the fr...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', Owner of the new emerging Winery 'Saanj Winery', Shahron Chaudhry, takes us along a journey of truly bringing a vision to life that will be changing the game in the wine industry, for years to come. From him and his wife's first date of wine-tasting adventures to the creation of an inclusive wine experience, the dynamic duo's story is one of passion, resilience, and breaking barriers in the wine industry. Tune in to learn about the challenges they've faced...
Jul 10, 2024•56 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast', join us for an insightful journey into the evolving landscape of media/activism through the eyes of TraeAnna Holiday, a Seattle native whose passion for media began at a young age. From her early training to her academic journey at Howard University and the University of Washington, TraeAnna's path has been shaped by her deep connection to her community and the challenges of gentrification. TraeAnna, now an Emmy award-winning Media Personality and Producer...
Jun 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min
From tackling mental health to navigating the rollercoaster of emotions in career pursuits and everything in between, the ‘Wellbeing Wake Up’ is your dose of inspiration, empowerment, and connection. No judgment, no pretenses—just real people, real dialogue, and a real commitment to our wellbeing. Today's guests feature: Music Artist/Community Builder: Marshall Hugh from the 'Marshall Law Band' (@marshallhugh22) ( @MarshallLawBand ) Entrepreneur/Community/Builder: Caleb Jackson(@officialupliftig...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Professional Actor/Performer/Artist, Jon Meggison, takes along an amazing journey of answering your true calling and never hanging up! On the eve of the pandemic, Jon Meggison embarked on an incredible journey to become a professional film actor. With no prior acting experience, formal training, or industry connections, he set out to prove to himself that he could succeed. Over the past 4 years, Meggison has risen from local TV commercials to starring roles...
Jun 12, 2024•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we sit down with Terrell Jackson, Owner and inspiring force behind Seattle’s beloved 'Jacksons Catfish Corner'. Growing up working in his grandparents’ iconic restaurant in the Central District, Terrell witnessed firsthand the impact of displacement on Black-owned businesses. After the original Catfish Corner closed many years back, Terrell embarked on a mission to bring it back and do it for future generations. From his early entrepreneurial beginnings of ...
May 22, 2024•40 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we sit down with Mitch Pfeifer, the visionary Founder of Respect My Region, who truly exemplifies what it means to stay consistent in an ever changing landscape. In our conversation, Mitch shares insights from his diverse background within the hardships in his entrepreneurial beginnings. From apparel, music, and live events, highlighting the pivotal moments that led him to launch Respect My Region. From throwing concerts and events across the Pacific Northw...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' Jonathan Batista, from Rio De Janeiro to the global stage, this ballet virtuoso has graced renowned companies with his unparalleled talent. Learned and trained at esteemed institutions like the English National Ballet and The Royal Ballet School, Jonathan's journey led him to principal roles at prestigious companies including Boston Ballet and Oklahoma City Ballet. Join us as he shares his remarkable path to shattering stereotypes and breaking barriers as a...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min
