BRNDD: Conversations with Creatives

Donte and Ronald are joined by Cheresse Thornhill-Goldson (Design Director of Adidas S.E.E.D. and No Shoes Creative) and Liz Connelly (Co-founder and program manager of Adidas S.E.E.D.). The BRNDD duo get to chop it up with Liz and Cheresse about their history in design, forming the S.E.E.D. program and more! Highlights: 5:50 - Introductions 17:29 - What is Adidas S.E.E.D.? 20:15 - Taking a Leap of Faith 25:58 - Creating a Comfortable Space 31:39 - The moment of Clarity 33:56 - Getting into Adidas S.E.E.D. 38:00 - Age Ain't Nothing but a Number 42:34 - Working at the Brooklyn Farm 50:05 - The Favorites 55:33 - The BRNDD 10 Check out Cheresse and Liz's BRNDD 10 Playlist on Spotify: Cheresse: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4fGt7Obz4cWRn1OBih90hh?si=Nob41-kURIy4f3KJx3F_Lg Liz: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/78KPEK41I4YouHR77Esi3h?si=aVamPRkTS3y2FBLefOLe7w Visit http://brnddpodcast.com/ to subscribe to the podcast, listen to past episodes, and find out about future projects! Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast https://www.instagram.com/brnddpodcast https://twitter.com/brnddpodcast

Dexton Deboree is a filmmaker and branded content creator who has worked with the likes of Nike and Jordan Brand. He's also the founder of Falkon, a creative production agency. Ronald and Donte sit down with Dexton to talk about his journey into becoming a director, working with Will Smith, his Unbanned: The Legend of the AJ1 documentary and more. Time Stamps: 6:21 - Finding Sports 12:03 - Moving from Athlete to Artist 17:41 - From Cigar Talk to Commercial Work for Jordan Brand 32:20 - Unbanned: The Legend of the AJ1 38:24 - The Importance of Minority Storytelling 48:45 - Will Smith's "Best Shape of My Life" 58:19 - Favorites 1:01:43 - The BRNDD 10 Check out Dexton's BRNDD 10 Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46gdlUkr9xXSIcSfQ2ONje Visit http://brnddpodcast.com/ to subscribe to the podcast, listen to past episodes, and find out about future projects! Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast https://www.instagram.com/brnddpodcast https://twitter.com/brnddpodcast

Numa Perrier is a creative whose artistry extends to curation, acting, producing, directing and beyond. Her devotion to authenticity and quality has insured that she is a staple in the entertainment industry. Her movie Jezebel , distributed by Ava Duvernay's Array, is now streaming on Netflix. Highlights: Check out Numa's Toxic Edition BRNDD 10 Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/46gdlUkr9xXSIcSfQ2ONje Visit http://brnddpodcast.com/ to subscribe to the podcast, listen to past episodes, and find out about future projects! Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast https://www.instagram.com/brnddpodcast https://twitter.com/brnddpodcast

Jazerai is a Sneaker Strategist, Designer and writer from California living in New York. She's worked with the likes of Reebok to put out her own shoe and is featured on Lena Waithe's Sneaker docu-series "You Ain't Got These" now streaming on Quibi. Highlights:

Tommie Battle is a professional photographer who got his start shooting sneakers for fun and Baltimore Night life in college. Over the years he's progressed to shooting for the MLS in New York, podcasts and more. Highlights:

Jacques Slade is one of the biggest personalities in Youtube Sneaker media. His video of his tour of Michael Jordan's famous Illinois Mansion recently hit 16 million views. Donte and Ronald talk to Jacques on how he went from a music teacher to where he is today. Highlights:

Ernie Talbert is a Delaware native who went from being booked over half a dozen times for Graffiti to holding multiple degrees and being a one of the best marketing brains in the game. Ronald and Donte talk to Ernie about his amazing story to where he is today.

Another episode from the BRNDD vault, Ronald brings on his good friend Patrick Horvat. Born in Upstate and working around the world, Patrick has worked with brands from the NHL to the NBA. Highlights:

From the unreleased archives; The Co-hosts of the BRNDD podcast caught up with Arvay Adams, Designer and creative behind This Sporting Life. They talk about his days at Phat Farm to having beef with HBO and everything in between! Highlights

Donte' and Ronald catch up with an old friend, Michael Haskins Jr. Better known as Currency Michaels. Michael is the owner and founder of Currency Studios, a staple brand in Baltimore, established back in the late 2000's. They got a chance to talk about the history of Baltimore Streetwear, break down old industry beefs and more! Highlights:

Ronald and Donte' reflect on the podcast up until the last released episode and what happened in life in between. Highlights

D'Wayne Edwards is the founder of Pensole Footwear Design Academy, located in Portland, OR. He's spent over 30 years in the industry, from working with Tupac and Biggie at Karl Kani to working with the GOAT, Michael Jordan. After spending 10 years working at Jordan, D'Wayne decided to start a school for footwear designers to help the next generation and has established one of the top schools in the world for Footwear Design. Donte' not only got to learn under him but interview him for the podcast. Listen as Donte' and D'Wayne talk about the journey that led D'Wayne to Portland. Highlights: Pensole's Website: http://www.pensole.com/ Instagram: pensole_academy Twitter: @pensole_academy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pensole.footwear.design.academy/ BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @BRNDDPodcast Instagram: @brnddpodcast facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast/ Ronald James' Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Blake Thomas is one of the best freelance photographers on the wrestling circuit. He has worked with the likes of; Mia Yim, Veda Scott, NXT's Nikki Cross and Baltimore Legend, Ruckus. Over the years, he's also gotten into management and production for different leagues across the nation. Ronald and Donte' catch up with Blake to talk about his story and ultimately striving to work for the WWE. Highlights: Contact Blake: Twitter/Instagram: @itsbliz BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @brnddpodcast Instagram: @brnddpodcast Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Baltimore County Public Libraries invited our hosts Donte' Cotton and Ronald James to host one of their Inspire Nights to talk about BRNDD, how they started the podcast, what's it like being a creative and what challenges they faced, and what makes them successful. Highlights: BRNDD 10 Playlist: BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter/Instagram: @BRNDDPodcast facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Pierre and Jamyla Bennu are the owners of Oyin Handmade and Exit the Apple. This New York couple migrated to Baltimore over a decade ago and have been a thriving part of the scene ever since. Jamyla being the brains behind Oyin's natural products and Pierre being an all-around artist, the two have an amazing story. They were fortunate enough to celebrate their 18th anniversary sharing their story with us. Highlights: BRNDD 10 Playlist: Exit the Apple's: Instagram: exittheappleartspace Twitter: @exittheapple Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exittheapple/ Website: http://exittheapple.com/ Oyin Handmade Website: oyinhandmade.com Instagram/Twitter: @oyinhandmade Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oyinhandmade/ Jamyla's Twitter/Instagram: @heyJamyla BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial facebook: www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast/ RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th: https://www.facebook.com/events/1293084974112947/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Ivan Martin is a Duval, FL transported to Maryland via the Navy. He's a working comic, teacher and Festival founder. He's done shows up and down the sea board and has had some great experiences with other rising comics such as Quincy Jones and Jordan Rock. Ronald and Donte' talk to Ivan about his journey as well as his upcoming Baltimore Comedy Festival! Highlights: - 4:10: I'm happy...and broke - 5:56: What was your 1st hit joke? - 10:39: Stepping into new comedy territory - 16:50: the Hypocrisy of Black Comedy - 21:01: the importance of a good crowd - 27:06: The love of the art - 29:56: Morality in Success - 34:42: Young Gifted Niggas - 38:49: Technology and live comedy - 44:38: Hecklers - 47:37: Enjoying contemporaries - 48:46 Baltimore Comedy Festival - 55:22: How media covers Baltimore Comedy - 58:10: Meeting Comedian Quincy Jones - 1:02:59: The BRNDD 10 Ivan's Website: http://comedianivanmartin.weebly.com/ Baltimore Comedy Fest: http://www.baltimorecomedyfest.com/ BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial facebook: www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast/ RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th: https://www.facebook.com/events/1293084974112947/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Dino Hatfield has become a pioneer in the age of sneaker news. He has broken numerous stories, from the Yeezy 650 first ever leaks to the Jordan 8 releasing and informing the world a whole year before it's release. He has taken his social platform and set himself apart from any other outlet available. With the help of his team, 7 years ago, he also established Baltimore's Premier sneaker event, the Baltimore Sneaker Show. A show with so much buzz, that Under Armour has given the event its own shoe collab. Donte' and Ronald sit down with Dino and break down all this and more. Highlights: 3:45: How'd it Start 8:00: The importance of Safety and Insurance 13:54: First show that almost didn't happen 20:50: The Culture of Collecting 27:42 The Rise of Sneaker Twitter 31:38: The Evolution of Sneaker Copping 34:57: The Art of Storytelling & the Rise and Fall of Nike SBs 39:22: Galaxy Foams and the Peak of Sneaker Hype 40:38: Baltimore Sneaker Show x Under Armour 48:26: Confidence x Research = Success 52:04: The end of the Under Armour beef 55:23: 7 for 7 59:00: The Power of Nike: Fusions vs. Countdowns 1:05:12: Kanye's influence on Sneaker Design 1:10:42: Supreme and the Era of Collabs 1:19:19: Being First vs Being Right 1:21:30: Dino vs. Adidas 1:38:26: Dino "the Scammer" Saga 1:39:36: Dino Vs. Nike 1:42:55: The Sneaker News to Trump all Sneaker News Dino's Twitter & Instagram: @BaltsneakerShow BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial facebook: www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast/ RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th: https://www.facebook.com/events/1293084974112947/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Ericka Blount Danois is an award winning author who has worked as a staff writer, editor, freelancer, and stringer for a number of publications including: Spin, The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, ESPN The Magazine, Sports Illustrated, Vibe, and The Source. She also has written a non-fiction book on the history of Soul Train, entitled, Love, Peace and Soooooouul! The BRNDD hosts caught up with her to talk about her career over the past couple decades; from interviewing Pac to meeting former Cuban President Fidel Castro. Highlights: All Eyez On MeLove, Peace and Soooooouul!30 for 30 Ericka's Website: http://www.erickablount.com/ Love, Peace & Soul Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/lovepeaceandsoul/ Purchase Love, Peace & Soul: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-peace-and-soul-ericka-blount-danois/1114718203?ean=9781480341012 BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial facebook: www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ https://www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast/ RSVP for BRNDD Live: July 13th: https://www.facebook.com/events/1293084974112947/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Sam is is a business owner, mother, wife and creative director, all of which she is successful with. She She owns New Vintage by Sam, an apparel and accessories company, Sam Styled you, a personal styling company as well as her mommy blog, Dressed in Motherhood. Coming from a corporate background, she decided she needed more to feel fulfilled in life. Join Ronald and Donte' as they talk with Sam about being an Entrepreneurial mommy and how to handle it all. Highlights: Get Out, Sam's Dressed in Motherhood Blog: https://dressedinmotherhood.wordpress.com/page/2/ Instagram: @newvintagebysam/SamStyledYou Website: http://www.newvintagebysam.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewVintagebySam/ https://www.facebook.com/TheStyleStrategist/ BRNDD 10: Playlist: BRNDD Podcast: Website: debonairmaterial.com E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial facebook: www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames

Kalilah Wright is the founder of mess in a bottle. A company that makes inspirational shirts and packages them in a special bottle. The brand has been going strong a little over a year now and has even been recognized by the likes of Mark Cuban. Ronald and Donte' kick off the episode talking briefly about Kalief Browder's story, and his music with his cousin, under the crew name Catch the fade. Then Ron gets into how he met Kalilah at Under Armour and she speaks on her architecture background. She also speaks on how she came up with Mess in a Bottle over a year ago, and how she started with designing baby furniture and apparel(7:31). The BRNDD hosts also get her to talk about her New York roots and attending Art and Design High School, and why she chose the architecture route initially over apparel and how she got back into it(11:31). Ronald transitions the conversation into how social media helps her business and how she developed her social currency(14:30). Then the three speak on her experience meeting Mark Cuban on The Harry Show and sharing her dream of being interviewed by Oprah(15:41). She also shares her difficulty of running a business by herself and bringing in a staff(19:48). Ron also gets her to speak on how she balances herself and her positive energy with the help of her Therapist friend(24:40). Kailiah gets personal and talks about the importance of her family and how they inspire her as well(33:37). Winding down, Kalilah talks about becoming an author and what others can do to chase her dreams(38:55). Kalilah's A Mother's Dream Book Page: https://www.facebook.com/kwritebooks/ Instagram: @messinabottle Website: https://www.messinabottle.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amessinabottle/ BRNDD 10: Playlist: BRNDD Podcast: E-Mail: brndd@debonairmaterial.com Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/brnddpodcast Twitter: @DebMaterial Instagram: @debonairmaterial facebook: www.facebook.com/DebonairMaterial/ Ronald James Twitter and Instagram: @whoisronjames