Creative Roots Podcast
Creative Roots Podcast is where stories begin. Every week, host Tae sits down with artists, entrepreneurs, and makers of all kinds to explore the journey before the spotlight—when the vision was still raw, and the hustle was rooted in passion, not popularity.
We go beneath the surface—talking consistency, growth, setbacks, and the real creative process. Whether you’re an early-stage creative or someone finding your way back to your roots, this podcast is here to inspire, reflect, and remind you why you started in the first place.
🌱 New episodes drop every Thursday.
Episodes
52 episodes
Judge A Book From Within, Not Just The Cover - Naomi | Ep. 50
In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with his cousin Naomi from Nae’s Bookshelf — an avid reader, content creator, and advocate for literacy and representation.Naomi is currently a student at North Carolina A&T State Uni...
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Episode 50
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1:21:31
The Uncomfortable Middle Phase: Every Creative Goes Through It | Ep. 49
There’s a part of the creative journey nobody really talks about.Not the beginning. Not the success. The middle.In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae and Shamar sit down to unpack “The Uncomfortable M...
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Episode 49
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1:24:47
Family, Sports, Life - Ty Talks | Ep. 48
In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with Ty from the Ty Talks Podcast, and from the moment the cameras start rolling, you can tell this one is going to be a good time.Ty came through the studio ready for jokes, laughs, and ...
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Episode 48
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1:13:45
What I've Learned From Having A Business Partner - Ammar | Ep. 47
Today’s episode of Creative Roots looks a little different - we’re going virtual.Tae taps in with Ammar, the other half behind Kolor Magazine, for a thoughtful conversation about the state of creatives, embracing new and humble beginnin...
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Episode 47
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1:21:50
Expressing Your Artistry Through Multiple Avenues - Chef Fonz | Ep. 46
In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with Chef Fonz, the creator behind Black Gourmet CLT, for a conversation that blends movies, music, and of course… food.Chef Fonz shares his journey from music and film into the kitchen, ...
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Episode 46
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54:37
Yahweh For Her: A Devotional Journal For Women - Kendall | Ep. 45
We’re closing out our February series, “Love God, Love Yourself,” with a powerful and heartfelt conversation.In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with Kendall O’Neal, co-host of Authentic N Christ and founder of Yahweh for H...
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Episode 45
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1:19:51
This Is The Year of Execution - Gaura Guzman | Ep. 44
This episode of Creative Roots continues our February series, “Love God, Love Yourself,” with a timely and honest conversation.Gaura Guzman joins Tae to unpack a shared realization:2026 is the Year of Execution.After spendin...
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Episode 44
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1:26:10
In Due SZN: My Parents Faith Isn't My Own - Jonathan Everett | Ep. 43
This episode of Creative Roots continues our February theme, “Love God, Love Yourself,” with a real and thoughtful conversation.Tae sits down with Jonathan Everett, host and founder of the In Due SZN Podcast who’s been podcasting c...
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Episode 42
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1:02:05
The F3 Brand: Encouraging People To Live A Holistic Lifestyle - Cydnee Hymes | Ep. 42
February on Creative Roots is themed “Love God, Love Yourself”, and we’re kicking it off with a meaningful conversation.In this episode, Tae sits down with Cydnee Hymes, founder of The F3 Brand and co-host of Authentic N Christ Podcast...
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Episode 42
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59:57
Due To Inclement Weather | Ep. 41
This episode of Creative Roots is a moment to pause, reflect, and spotlight the voices that have already passed through the studio.Due to inclement weather, we chose not to force a full sit-down conversation. Instead, this curated episo...
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Episode 41
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1:02:20
Your First Audience Is Your Crew - Terrance McLeod | Ep. 40
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with Terrance McLeod, filmmaker and cinematographer, to break down his creative journey and how he successfully released his film “A Season For Love” on Tubi, along with platforms lik...
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50:00
2026: Ambitious Goals And Mental Health - Natasha | Ep. 39
In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with a graduating classmate and trusted professional, Natasha - a licensed therapist, speaker, writer, and Founder of Up Company, PLLC.Titled “2026: Ambitious Goals and Mental Health,” th...
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Episode 39
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1:06:33
Understanding The Business of Your Craft - Kashh | Ep. 38
In this episode of Creative Roots, Tae sits down with Kashh - a music artist, photographer, and model who’s actively building across multiple creative lanes.This conversation gets straight to the point. No filler. No surface-level talk....
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43:26
Stop Playing: The Creative Wake-Up Call You Didn’t Want | Ep. 37
Happy New Year!If your creative life looks exactly the same next year as it does right now… that’s not bad luck. That’s a choice.In this New Year’s Day episode of Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with Shama...
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55:53
Merry Christmas From Creative Roots | Ep. 36
This episode is a celebration of community.From past guests to live-event moments, this highlight reel brings together the voices, stories, and energy that make Creative Roots Podcast what it is. Set to our theme song, you’ll see clips ...
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Episode 36
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3:38
Creative Roots Podcast LIVE: The Night Before Christmas | Holiday Special
Creative Roots Podcast went LIVE for a special holiday celebration - The Night Before Christmas - and it was nothing short of powerful.In this 4-hour live experience, we welcomed returning guests, a live studio audience, and our...
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4:12:04
Mental Health, Wellness & Longevity in Podcasting - Stori Daniel | Ep. 35
This episode features Stori Daniel, Charlotte Podcast Studio’s longest-running podcaster — and that longevity is no accident.Stori’s podcast explores mental health, wellness, healing, and real-life conversations that many people avoid b...
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Episode 35
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1:10:17
Carolina Film Festival - Oliver Crooms | Ep. 34
This week, Tae sits down with someone he’s called his little brother since high school — Oliver Crooms, one of the most multi-talented creatives in Charlotte. From Spidey N Charlotte, to skilled saxophone player, to the ...
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Episode 34
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45:08
From MC'ing to DJ'ing - Promyse | Ep. 33
This week, we sit down with Promyse - DJ, host, MC, philanthropist, and one of the realest guys doing it for the culture and the community. Recommended by DJ Kue One, Promyse has been putting in work for nearly 20 years, serving the people thro...
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Episode 33
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53:17
Creative Roots Thanksgiving Special! | Ep. 32
We’re closing out our Thanksgiving run with a special episode featuring Tae, Shamar, and Deana - just us, laughs, and real conversation. This one feels like home.We catch up with Deana after her internship at Alan Lux Studios, talk abou...
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Episode 32
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52:29
Real Mom, Real Food, Real Love - Falon | Ep. 31
Today’s episode features someone incredibly special - my sister, Falon, the creator and owner of Mom Life Kitchen. What started as a simple TikTok idea turned into a growing community across TikTok and Instagram, where she shares real, relatabl...
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Episode 31
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44:54
Just Call It The Perfect Batch - Chef Walter | Ep. 30
In this heartfelt episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae reconnects with Chef Walter, the creator and owner of The Perfect Batch Foods, known for his flavorful sauces and seasonings. But this conversation goes far deeper than food.F...
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Episode 30
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1:05:57
Healing, Mental Health, & A Big Question - Chef Darius J | Ep. 29
In this powerful episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with Chef Darius J, a passionate creative and culinary artist, for a raw and transparent conversation that goes beyond the kitchen. As the second chef in our Thanksgiving celeb...
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Episode 29
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1:02:28
The Recipe for Purpose & Passion - Chef Naz | Ep. 28
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with Chef Naz, a passionate culinary artist whose love for food started at just 3 years old, cooking alongside his grandmothers in the kitchen. From family meals to receiving the ultima...
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Episode 27
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42:48