Media insiders are fully aware of the challenges faced with the sense of urgency placed upon having the most up to date news at any given second. Today there are so many platforms to rely on to seek information. My guest for episode 38, Jessica Gertler, has witnessed the evolution of TV news as it engages in a delicate dance with social media. Being a California native, Jessica has adapted well to the southern comforts of Tennessee. This UT Knoxville alum has fully embraced Memphis as a proud ci...
Oct 08, 2018•44 min
Being an entrepreneur has its rewards. But when you're able to invest in your community and create opportunities for the disenfranchised, the rewards are more fruitful. Orange Mound native, Kelvin Woods, is my guest for episode 37. He is the founder and co-owner of The Tee Shirt Lab, a screen-printing and apparel decoration company. Kelvin walks us through growing up attending Overton High School and having a gift for the arts. He attended UT Chattanooga and caught the entrepreneur bug very earl...
Oct 01, 2018•44 min
Sociology is the study of development, structure and functioning of human society. My guest for episode 36, Wendy Marie, holds a SOCY PhD and is currently an Assistant Professor at her alma mater University of Memphis. Although she eventually worked her way into this position, the road was filled with many peaks and valleys. At four months, Wendy was adopted by a white working class couple and raised in Memphis, TN. Her story begins with identifying the obvious differences both internally and ex...
Sep 24, 2018•1 hr 2 min
After meeting my guests for episode 35, The Dudley Boys (Mario and Carlos), I soon discovered that the art of "checking" is a sport. You may have seen them come down your Instagram timeline with a two sided screen displaying their victim of choice on one side and them ruthlessly lashing out checks on the other side in a video. We laugh and joke because this art form is amusing especially if you are not the person being targeted. In addition, what makes this comedy duo different is that one membe...
Sep 17, 2018•44 min
Music is a way of life for my guest for episode 34 Tonya Dyson. This singer/songwriter is the founder of NeoSoulVille which is a Memphis lifestyle marketing and event production firm that caters to the “soulful” side of life. Take a listen as Tonya gives us a rich lesson in music history with the birth of Stax Records and Hi Records. As many of you know, the recording industry is filled with numerous stories of talented artists having to navigate their way through unmerited contracts. Much has c...
Sep 10, 2018•1 hr 8 min
Memphis definitely lives in my guest for episode 33. DeVonte Payton wears the "M" proudly as he advocates for engagement and development in the community involving schools, families, nonprofits, and private sector. As you take a listen to his journey you'll find that the road hasn't always been easy. While many of us were enjoying our college years in our late teens, DeVonte was shaping his work ethic and starting a family. This UofM graduate walks us through his passion for education, career ch...
Sep 03, 2018•1 hr 2 min
Cultured can be defined as being refined, educated and polished. My guest for episode 32, Rhobb Hunter Jr., definitely fits into those categories. He's lived in multiple cities and countries throughout the world and is part owner of Robusto by Havana Mix cigar lounge in the heart of downtown Memphis. You many have seen him on the reality show “Bar Rescue” that offers professional expertise and renovations to businesses. Also, discover how he moved to Memphis to assist his father Rhobb Sr. in pen...
Aug 27, 2018•51 min
Many of you may know my guest for episode 31 for his contributions with the Memphis music scene and the Shelby County school system. However, Peppa's story begins growing up in the South Memphis community. As a graduate of White Station High School he was introduced to the music business early on by DJ Paul. This relationship flourished into artist management and Peppa becoming the Vice President of Def Jam South and being very instrumental in Yo Gotti's career. Take a listen as Peppa gives the ...
Aug 20, 2018•40 min
Nothing but good vibes ever since I met my soror Tiffany Dotson. And if you know her, you would know that she is one of Lil Wayne's biggest fans. He actually inspired her to get 26 tattoos. Her love of art has a story behind it. And her love for music goes even deeper. Tiffany is one of the few award winning female promoters in the city of Memphis. Although this is a male dominated industry, TDOT has excelled with flying colors. Her artist showcase series entitled "Speakerboxx" has featured many...
Aug 13, 2018•26 min
The law can be interpreted in so many ways. It seems as though the world we live in today forces us to understand and sometimes challenge the law as it stands. In episode 29, Ena sits down with her soror Victoria Young who is currently approaching her last year of law school at University of TN College of Law. They discuss her road to law school as a native Memphian in addition to various projects she has in the works. She is about to open Spincult in the heart of the Medical District on August ...
Jul 30, 2018•40 min
East St. Louis native, El Mac, lightens up episode 28 with an array of topics. He begins with his start at Memphis State University as a marketing/journalism student who was pledged into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity as a freshman. At this time in life social media was at its beginning stages and El was an eager participant. Hence, El's daily "HOT TOPIC" on facebook. He talks us through how he develops the topics and some very entertaining stories from going viral.
Jul 23, 2018•53 min
Many are called but few are chosen. I've been seeing the term "BOSS" thrown around lately as if this is something easy. In episode 27, you get a chance to meet a real boss who wears many hats. Chef Ragan is a serial entrepreneur, chef, mother and wife. Although she makes it looks easy please believe the grind is not for the faint of heart. Ragan tells us how her story began as a teenage mother who beat the odds, her start in owning her first business and how her magnetic personality transitioned...
Jul 16, 2018•1 hr 31 min
One Love Theo is an international independent artist from Trelawny, Jamaica specializing in reggae/dancehall music. Theo moved to the states at the tender age of eleven and began his musical journey. Although he's lived in quite a few states, he calls Memphis,TN home. In episode 26, Theo discusses growing up in Jamaica, his transition as an immigrant to the US and being accepted as a reggae/dancehall artist in this fickle music business. In addition, he talks about his passion for fast cars whic...
Jul 09, 2018•25 min
There are numerous variables that go into blogging. I didn't realize this until I met lifestyle blogger and visual content creator Kim Thomas. Although the blogging community in Memphis is currently in its growth stage, the opportunities are endless. Kim walks us through the many components that make up a successful blog which doesn't always mean thousands of followers on social media. Engagement is key! It takes hard work and dedication in which Kim provides workshops helping other bloggers mon...
Jul 02, 2018•1 hr 28 min
Police brutality is a hot topic amongst our community. But do we ever really get a chance to hear the perspective from an actual law enforcement officer? In episode 24, Ena sits down with law enforcemenet detective Hayward Anderson to discuss police brutality, the opioid crisis and how social media can lead to solving numerous crimes.
Jun 25, 2018•1 hr 3 min
Episode XXIII | "LAYERS" by Ena Esco
Jun 18, 2018•1 hr 12 min
In episode 22, Ena sits down with entrepreneur and fellow podcaster Memphis Meeks. You may have seen his t-shirt line with the words “I’M ROOTING FOR EVERYBODY FROM MEMPHIS” on the front. Not only is Meeks busy with his clothing business but he is also one of the busiest promoters in Memphis. You can find him marketing some of the biggest events in the city on any given day. However, one of the most intriguing pieces to this man was his military background serving in Iraq. Meeks is a huge Kanye ...
Jun 11, 2018•1 hr 1 min
Have you ever had a major career change in life? Maybe you were no longer fulfilled at the very thing you spent your college years pursuing. Many of us have reached this fork in the road and soared like my guest for episode 21, Melvin Guy. Listen closely as Melvin walks us through starting his career as an educator and then transitioning into the world of real estate. This husband and father has an inspiring story to tell in which he simply calls "God's Plan." Ena and Melvin also discuss their t...
Jun 04, 2018•1 hr 4 min
What media outlet do you trust to get your news from these days? Many of us rely on the internet as we are thirsty for information at our finger tips. My guest for episode 20, Nicole Harris, has worked as a digital content producer for both television and print media. She is currently serving in this role on the USA Today team at The Commercial Appeal. Her background in journalism has served the Memphis public well as she explores some of the most highlighted events in the mid south. Tune in as ...
May 28, 2018•51 min
As he approaches his 40th birthday, Ena sits down with Grammy nominated artist Mr. Del. You can immediately feel his positive presence. Mr. Del’s story is one that comes with many peaks and valleys. He walks the Verbally Effective podcast through growing up in Memphis in an abusive environment and finding music as an outlet to survive. What many people don’t know is the real story behind him discovering his voice under the mentorship of Howard Kew and navigating a music deal with 3 6 Mafia. And ...
May 21, 2018•38 min
Ena sits down with her soror Angelique Jolie who owns an online fashion boutique called 1of1sbyJolie. Not only do they discuss fashion but also balancing being a business owner, a wife and a mother. In this very candid conversation these two ladies touch base on a myriad of topics including insecurities, body image and vanity. Angelique also fills us in on her experience at Coachella and her thoughts on the 2018 Met Gala.
May 14, 2018•1 hr 13 min
As we continue to celebrate MLK50 in Memphis, TN there is one fact that remains the same. Memphis is still number one in POVERTY. In episode 17, Ena discusses the breakdown in poverty with Darrell Cobbins in addition to plans in place (POVERTY UNPLUGGED) to change this alarming issue. Also on the agenda, is Darrell’s recent appointment by the governor as the 9th Congressional District Representative for the Board of Education, diversity procurement, Starbucks settlement and Kanye West. Are you W...
May 07, 2018•1 hr
Credit is the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future. Unfortunately, so many of us are unarmed with the facts about credit. On episode 16, Ena has an informative discussion with her sister in law Lakita Fox about financial literacy. Lakita is a Financial Well Being Advisor who offers FREE services to guide you on your financial journey and to help repair your credit if needed. Did I say FREE SERVICES?!?!
Apr 30, 2018•32 min
In episode 15, Ena discusses the ins and outs of being an event promoter with one of the best to ever do it Thomas Brownlee. Listen as they reminisce on how night life has evolved over the last 20 years in regards to new players, entertainment and social media. In addition, Brownlee addresses a very serious matter which led to the closing of Mynt Lounge in December of 2017.
Apr 23, 2018•1 hr 2 min
Episode XIV | "CHRISTOPHER" by Ena Esco
Apr 16, 2018•1 hr 16 min
In episode 13 Ena sits down with Jamal Whitlow who is campaigning for Shelby County Clerk in Memphis, TN. Jamal discusses how he is balancing the two worlds of being a promoter and politician in addition to having an intentional campaign.
Apr 09, 2018•38 min
In episode 12 Ena sits down with Jason Smith, co-host from the Jason and John show on ESPN 92.9FM. They discuss several hot topics such as Penny Hardaway's recruiting status at UofM, professional athletes and activism, scandal with college recruiting and so much more.
Apr 02, 2018•50 min
In episode 11 Ena sits down with Memphis native Marco Pave as he discusses his music journey, the arts and racism, coping with abuse and a hip hop opera he developed.
Mar 25, 2018•36 min
On episode 10 Ena and her Soror Alexis discuss navigating through the world of having a multimedia career. Topics also include UofM getting Penny Hardaway as their new Tigers head coach, campus safety and Rihanna vs. Snapchat.
Mar 18, 2018•50 min
In honor of Women's History Month, we are kicking off episode 9 with entrepreneur TJ Jefferson with Fresh Touch Publicity. Take a listen as Ena & TJ discuss the world of public relations, her Heroine Legacy Brunch and PR faux pas.
Mar 04, 2018•47 min
