Dear Media IRL 2024 brought the platform’s biggest hosts to New York City for a day of conversation on podcasting, relationships and navigating life online.
With the success of Dateline NBC to Netflix’s Unsolved Mysteries, it’s safe to say that America has a “slight” obsession with true crime series.
Amazon’s podcast platform Wondery unveils We Playin’ Spades, a video podcast with comedian and actor Desi Banks and rapper Waka Flocka Flame in a weekly card battle of spades. Each week, the Atlanta duo will challenge a new celebrity guest while sparking genuine conversations and entertaining encounters.
We Playin’ Spades premiered on Sep. 25. on Wondery+ with its first special guest Nick Cannon.
Playing spades is like a keystone for fostering unity, communication, and competition in the black community. The show is the first of its kind and is sure to give anticipated viewers a heavy dose of both black culture and entertainment.
The chemistry between Desi and Waka isn’t limited to their on-screen interactions. Their playful banter and clever comebacks demonstrate that their bromance extends beyond this collaboration.
“It just reminds me of some Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Devito shit,” said Waka when talking to us about why people may be surprised by the unlikely pairing. “Like, what the fuck them two doing in a movie together?”
Much like the characters in the 1988 film “Twins,” Waka and Desi’s dynamic is unique. While we can’t say who would play the Schwarzenegger or DeVito roles, it’s clear that, like those iconic actors, Waka and Desi are determined to create a show that will achieve both success and cultural impact.
Desi is notably known for his funny sketches and videos on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Since gaining popularity and a significant following across social media, he’s since ventured into film and TV. Now, Desi is headlining “The Purpose Chaser Tour” where he’ll be hitting cities throughout the U.S. including Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C.
Since his reign as one of the most renowned rap artists during the mid-2000s, Waka has reduced his involvement in music but his significant influence on southern rap remains undeniable. In fact, the chorus from his 2010 single “Grove St. Party” was recently integrated into fellow Atlanta rapper Latto’s latest song “Issa Party” featuring Baby Drill.
We Playin’ Spades is available widely from Oct. 2 on Amazon Music and YouTube.
Watch the trailer for We Playin’ Spades with appearances from rapper-actor Kamillion, Nick Cannon, and Lil Rel.
The 2023 Invest Fest led by Earn Your Leisure Podcast hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings brought nearly 20,000 people to The Georgia World Congress Center this past weekend. Geared towards educating and networking with emerging minds navigating entrepreneurship, business, and finance in today’s socioeconomic climate, the 3-day festival hosted a VIP Night on Day 1 where Jermaine Dupri, rappers Jim Jones and Ja Rule, Lala Anthony, and Terrance J. popped out to speak on the power of ownership and being your own boss.
On Day 2, Influencers, celebrities, entrepreneurs, and small businesses hit the Earn Your Leisure and Fidelity stages to speak on several financial topics, from taxes and investing, to AI and real estate. Renowned experts across all industries hosted interactive workshops and panel discussions to offer knowledge to established and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Billionaire buddies and headliners Invest Fest headliners Diddy and Robert F. Smith were in attendance. During his talk with Rashad and Troy, Diddy gifted the Earn Your Leisure platform a check for $1,000,000 to invest in their business, which is now expanding on a global scale. Invest Fest is embarking on a world tour and will be in London in October. This isn’t your typical podcast. The platform has become much bigger than two men and a microphone. It’s also home to a vending business, a virtual university, and a streaming network.
19 Keys hosted his panel ‘High-Level Conversations with 19 Keys’, where he spoke about turning your dreams into reality.
On Day 3, Chair of the California Reparations Task Force Kamilah Moore, Esq. joined Congressman Jamaal Bowman and Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump, Esq. on the Fidelity Stage for a groundbreaking conversation surrounding reparations for the African diaspora across the globe.
From Attorney Crump detailing the strenuous yet rewarding work that went into recently attaining justice for Henrietta Lacks and her estate on her 103rd birthday to Kamilah breaking down how the California Reparations Task Force came to fruition; this group of black visionaries did not hold back and their testimonies were nothing short of inspirational. Congressman Bowman also shared some valuable insights into the voting in the upcoming elections and the importance of crowdfunding.
NBA player Lonzo Ball, Maverick Carter, Cam Newton, Fox Sports host Joy Taylor, Sports Agent and mogul Rich Paul also showed up to Invest Fest on their a-game during their respective panels.
Other standout moments from the weekend include The Women In Business panel featuring Tabitha Brown, the Hair & Cosmetics panel with influencer and Remedy By Ari CEO Ari Fletcher, Mielle Organics founder Monique Rodriguez, and Topicals founder and CEO Olamide Olowe, and the live showing of The Know For Sure Podcast with influencers B. Simone and Megan Ashley at the Earn Your Leisure Podcast stage.
Speakers like Steve Harvey and Galaxy Investment Firm CEO Michael Novogratz kept the high energy going on Day 3. Before closing out the weekend with a performance, Jeezy stopped by the Invest Fest Vendor Marketplace where happily signed copies of his new book Adversity For Sale for fans. Vendor Marketplace housed dozens of booths for small business owners to sell and promote their products and services.
Businesses included clothing boutiques, health and wellness, beauty and hair, and tech. A DJ booth sat in the center of the room with multiple DJs providing the vibes all weekend.
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Raven-Symoné and Miranda Pearman-Maday have burst into the podcasting scene with a bang, bringing their delightful chemistry and unfiltered conversations to “The Best Podcast Ever.” As the title suggests, this show aims to redefine the podcast experience by injecting a thrilling element of chance into each episode.
In an exclusive interview with The Knockturnal, the captivating Raven-Symoné and the talented Miranda Pearman-Maday provided insight into their highly anticipated podcast, “The Best Podcast Ever.” The dynamic duo’s new show promises a unique twist in the traditional podcast format, offering listeners an exciting and unpredictable experience.
The concept of “The Best Podcast Ever” centers around a spinning wheel, determining each episode’s conversation topic. Drawing inspiration from their former YouTube channel, “Tea Time,” where they would discuss a chosen word, the hosts decided to elevate the idea further by embracing chance and randomness. Raven and Miranda explained, “The idea was to make it random, and we spin a wheel, and there’s a random word that pops out, and then we go ham on that word.” This spontaneity adds an element of unpredictability to their conversations, making each episode a delightful surprise for both hosts and listeners.
Raven-Symoné, known for her illustrious career in the entertainment industry, expressed her wife’s passion for podcasts and meaningful dialogues as the driving force behind their foray into podcasting. For both hosts, authenticity, and freedom of expression are paramount. Podcasting, as Raven-Symoné noted, allows them to be their authentic selves, liberated from any restrictions imposed by traditional media.
“The Best Podcast Ever” doesn’t just boast captivating hosts; it also features an impressive lineup of celebrity guests. Demi Lovato, Jojo Siwa, Adrian Bailon, Howie Mandel, Megan Trainor, Daryl Sabra, and Kiki Palmer are notable names who have graced the show. The element of chance on the spinning wheel provides levels in the playing field, offering guests and hosts an opportunity for unscripted and candid discussions, free from the typical interview format.
In their debut episode, aptly titled “Welcome to the Best Podcast Ever,” the hosts introduce themselves to listeners, offering a glimpse into their joyful married life. The show’s unique format sets the stage for candid discussions that traverse unexpected territories. Listeners are treated to amusing anecdotes about living with Lindsay Lohan, ideal troubles, and the perplexing concept of dressing like a horse at Erewhon. The excitement builds as the show begins its journey, with Raven and Miranda at the helm, steering through the unpredictable landscape of conversational chance.
In their second episode, “The Best First Guest Ever,” the hosts pull out all the stops, welcoming the multi-talented superstar Demi Lovato to their podcast. Demi engages in an unfiltered and candid conversation, giving insights into her views on healthy relationships and sharing endearing stories about her boyfriend, Jutes. Listeners are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions as they explore Demi’s journey and discover her secrets to staying calm and level-headed. Moreover, the episode culminates in an entertaining game where Demi competes for a 5-in-1 blender, leaving audiences anticipating the next guest’s adventures.
Continuing the streak of intriguing guests, Raven and Miranda sit with the captivating Keke Palmer in the third episode, “An Hour with Keke Palmer.” Once again, the spinning wheel reigns supreme, guiding the conversation through exciting and thought-provoking topics. Keke opens up about her journey of self-discovery, discussing her sexuality with honesty and vulnerability. The episode takes an intriguing turn as Keke shares her beliefs in the supernatural, including her experiences with ghosts. Raven’s unique possession of Miss Cleo’s belongings adds an entertaining twist to the conversation, and Keke competes for a ceramic, mouse-shaped succulent pot in a fun game segment.
As “The Best Podcast Ever” gains momentum, it is a refreshing addition to the podcasting landscape. Raven-Symoné and Miranda Pearman-Maday’s unique approach to conversations and their remarkable guest lineup captivate audiences and leave them eagerly anticipating what the spinning wheel will unveil in each episode.
Join Raven and Miranda on this exhilarating journey by tuning in to “The Best Podcast Ever.” Expect candid discussions, heartfelt moments, and laughter as the wheel of chance steers the show into uncharted territories. With each episode, the hosts promise to deliver an unforgettable experience that will keep listeners returning for more.
Episodes of “The Best Podcast Ever” are available now, and fans can’t wait to see what surprises the next spin of the wheel will bring. So, buckle up and get ready for a thrilling ride with Raven-Symoné and Miranda Pearman-Maday, as they redefine the art of podcasting with their refreshing and entertaining show.
Prepare to be charmed, amused, and inspired by “The Best Podcast Ever” as the dynamic hosts spin their way into your hearts and leave you eager for more. Remember to catch their first episode now, and stay tuned for thrilling surprises in each subsequent episode!
Monique Chenault, President of News, Specials & Documentary at REVOLT, is a force to not be reckoned with. Her resume is extensive with titles like Emmy-nominated Executive Producer, Journalist and Showrunner appearing often. As of 2021, she can now add President at Revolt to her 20+ years of achievements.
Who is 19 Keys?
Carter Kench was a delight to interview as we discussed moving and celebrating the holidays in the West as fellow Southerners, his TikTok presence and inspirations, and his partnership with International Delight this season.
For the first time, the Festival is dedicating spaces to music with a lounge.
Time to get this party startled! ?
Kiernan Shipka stars in the first podcast movie from C13Features podcast movie studio titled Treat! Treat is a 90-minute podcast… movie about two teenage siblings dealing with a dysfunctional household on top of a spooktacular Halloween legend. Creepin’ it real, the script is super scary. But in the most fun way!
If you’re asking yourself, “What is a podcast movie?” You’re not alone. It’s a newer entertainment medium based on one of Hollywood’s earliest pursuits, radio shows! Think Lucille Ball in My Favorite Husband (pre I Love Lucy.)
Convenient and fun, just pop in your AirPods and close your eyes. You will escape to a sleepy little town where everybody knows your name and Halloween is the perfect excuse to eat, drink, and be scary. Kiernan narrates as character Allie West. When she’s not dodging the school bully, she’s avoiding mummy or mommy of the year. Her Mom has been a hot mess ever since their father left and Allie has taken on more responsibility. Little did she know, someone… or something has other plans for her.
Kiernan tells The Knockturnal‘s Kinsey Schofield that navigating acting throughout a podcast movie can be quite ghoul-ing but she enjoyed the exercise. Overall, she found the experience fa-BOO-lous!
Accompanying Kiernan, Treat features David Shih, Noah Robbins, Marc Menchaca, Kyle Beltran, Peggy J. Scott, Christa Scott-Reed, Ryan Buggle, Sara Echeagaray, Bill Lobley, Renata Friedman, Marin Ireland, and Wayne Knight.
Listen to Kiernan Shipka’s Treat whenever you get your podcasts on October 25, 2021! Happy Halloween! ?
Kinsey Schofield is a contributor to The Knockturnal and you can follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.
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