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
36 episodes
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
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! We're Going LIVE! | Ep. 27
This episode is a big one. Tae and Shamar sit down to unpack everything happening behind the scenes at the Creative Roots Podcast - from new milestones to the real challenges of running a podcast and what’s next for the show.We talk soc...
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40:43
Pursue Together, Run Together, Lose Together - Tony | Ep. 26
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with Tony, the visionary founder of Lose Leaf Clothing, to talk about what it really takes to build a clothing brand, stay consistent, and turn an idea into a movement.Tony op...
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Episode 26
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39:41
When There's No Title For You, You Create It - MaShayla | Ep. 25
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with MaShalya, a Junior at North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride!), who made the bold decision to switch her major from Engineering to Fashion Merchandising & Desig...
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Episode 25
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1:04:34
Mobile Showers, Laundry & Giving Hope to the Homeless - Phresh | Ep. 24
In this inspiring episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae and Shamar sit down with Manny “Phresh” from Hope Vibes - a nonprofit dedicated to bringing dignity and relief to the homeless community in Charlotte, NC and beyond.Hope Vibes...
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Episode 24
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1:01:13
Fired Today, Creating Today - Mya Lamis | Ep. 23
In this inspiring episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with Mya Lamis — a bold content creator with something real to say. What started as a reel-recording session turned into an unforgettable podcast conversation when Mya recei...
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Episode 23
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38:20
Learning Through The Pain & Growing From It - Angie | Ep. 22
In this powerful episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae sits down with Angelique (Angie) - actor, writer, director, and owner of Foxy Red Productions. Together, they reflect on their high school past, childhood creative journeys, and the pa...
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Episode 22
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1:16:42
Piecing Together A Story 103 Years Old - Ebony | Ep. 21
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with Ebony A, a talented photographer and one of the first people to tell Tae, “You should be a photographer!” From college portraits to high school portraits, family events, and even t...
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Episode 21
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57:53
From Cosmetology to Being Your Dope Memory Creators - Kenitra | Ep. 20
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with Kenitra, owner of Pose It Up CLT, a creative business dedicated to being your “dope memory creators.” From 360 booths to headshot stations to her signature “Glamarazzi” instant pho...
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Episode 20
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49:11
Vinyl Roots, Music Eras, and Hip-Hop Today - DJ Kue One | Ep. 19
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with DJ Kue One to trace his journey from watching his father spin vinyl records to becoming a student and lover of music himself. From the 80s and 90s golden eras of hip-hop to today’s...
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Episode 19
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58:27
When Determination IS Enough - Deana G. | Ep. 18
In this episode, I step behind the camera while Shamar leads the conversation with photographer Deana G. Deana joined us through the Alan Lux Studios Residency Program, where she showcased her talent and growth as a creative.Now, she’s ...
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Episode 18
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48:04
Quitting Is Not An Option - FoeTrel | Ep. 17
In this episode, we sit down with @foetrel co-owner of @loseleafclothing (not loos...
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Episode 17
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53:29
Celebrating 15 Episodes - It's Shamar's Birthday! | Ep. 16
In this special episode, Tae and Shamar reflect on the journey so far — 15 episodes in and the growth has been real. From the early episodes to now, we’re seeing the Creative Roots Podcast blossom into something powerful.We break down k...
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Episode 16
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1:09:45
Navigating Life And Mental Health - Perry Osbey | Ep. 15
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with Perry “P.O.” Osbey — podcast host of the Follow Suit Podcast and founder of Just One Recruiting, a game-changing service for student-athletes and families navigating the recruiting...
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Episode 15
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53:46
Matching Your Confidence To Your Skillset - MonaNisa | Ep. 14
In this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, Tae and Shamar sit down with MonaNisa — a gifted artist, muralist, and painter whose journey started with crayons and coloring books and now spans full-scale murals, including custom character artw...
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Episode 14
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57:01
How To Create With A Full Time Job - Nigel | Ep. 13
On this episode of the Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with @nigelisaiah2988 Editor-in-Chief of Kolor Magazine, to talk about building a legacy through f...
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Episode 13
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50:32
How To Elevating Your Creative Passion - Ramon Reed | Ep. 12
In this episode of Creative Roots Podcast, we sit down with actor and singer Ramon Reed – best known for his early start on Broadway and Disney Channel – as he shares how his passion for performing began at just 8 years old. Now at 19, Ramon br...
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Episode 12
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32:20
From Spray Paint To Body Art - Tanaro Reed | Ep. 11
On this episode of Creative Roots Podcast, we’re joined by Tanaro Reed, a California-born, North Carolina-based tattoo artist and designer with deep roots in creativity. From sketching Peg Leg Pete as a kid to designing bold spray-painted denim...
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Episode 11
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30:12