Creative Roots Podcast

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Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

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Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey. 

Where to find us:

Website:

www.creativerootspodcast.com

YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast

IG/TikTok:

https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast

https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast

Tae-@taewiththeedits
Shamar-@alanluxstudios

Send us Fan Mail

Chef Darius J is BACK! And what better way to kick off our annual Thanksgiving episodes than bringing a familiar face back to the table?

This time around, Chef DJ joins us to talk about his latest venture: Sage & Citrus! We get into his new restaurant, the grand opening, and what it's been like stepping into this next chapter of his culinary journey.

But you know every business owner isn't going to please everybody. Chef DJ has already found himself with a crowd that doesn't agree with his stance...

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Surprise! This week, Tae isn't on camera, and Deana G is taking over!

That's right! Deana takes the lead as we welcome Harry, owner of Carrie's Floral Designs, for a conversation about business, flowers, friendship, and the connections that bring a community together.

Harry shares the story behind his business, the journey that brought him to where he is today, and some of the events he's been part of, along with what's coming up next. We also get into a conversation about gatekeeping, sharing knowledge, and what it means...

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What if the biggest thing holding your business back…is you?

Today on Creative Roots, I sit down with Emi Kirschner of Ceraluna Consulting, an intuitive strategic advisor who helps service-based founders pursue profit without sacrifice and leadership without burnout. We also get a surprise visit from Dyme Witherspoon of Dyme Digital Media, a returning guest, friend to both of us, and the person who brought us together for this conversation.

We get into the realities of running a business, the personal traits that shape how we lead, and wh...

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We were supposed to have a little one-on-one conversation… but Shamar and Deana made it to the studio, so you already know how that went.

This week on Creative Roots, the three of us sit down for a conversation about where we've been, what's still coming in 2026, and where we could take Creative Roots in 2027.

We start with a quick look at how Creative Roots has been going since the beginning of the year and some of the conversations that have helped shape the podcast along the way.

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Let's Talk About This Live! | Creative Roots Christmas LIVE

It's that time again! We're getting ready for our Creative Roots Christmas LIVE, and this year, we're bringing it back with a little more holiday spirit!

Deana G., Shamar, and I sit down to talk about our upcoming Christmas LIVE, happening December 12th from 2 PM–5 PM at Charlotte Podcast Studio - aka your favorite cousin's house!

We take a trip back to last year's live, reminisce about some of the people, moments, and things we...

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I sat down with Shaleiah Sanders, founder of Life For The Hopeless Foundation, for a conversation about what it really means to show up for your community.

For more than five years, Shaleiah has been advocating for people in need and working to raise awareness around mental health, behavioral health, and access to resources-particularly within underserved communities. Her organization has created community events, wellness initiatives, and opportunities to connect people with support.

We talked about her journey, what keeps her serving the community week after week, and the realities...

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What happens when your own life becomes a documentary?

In this episode of Creative Roots, I sit down with Brian Daye, writer of By Any Other Name: An Opus to James Baldwin.

We spend time diving into the play, the inspiration behind it, and the many layers of James Baldwin’s life and work. But the conversation goes beyond the stage. We talk about how the different aspects of Baldwin’s life connect, how his story continues to resonate, and why there is still so much to learn from the...

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Sometimes you have to stop and celebrate the wins.

I sat down with Ollie Crooms again, but this time, we weren't talking about what could happen.  We were talking about what DID happen.

Eight Ball has been award-nominated and award-winning multiple times, has surpassed 15,000 views on YouTube alone, and is now available on OMNI TV Plus!

In this conversation, we talk about what it took to get Eight Ball from an idea to where it is today, the people who helped make it happen, and the importance o...

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What if we told you there's more to a maple tree than maple syrup?

Nicole Bentler from Pocono Maple Water reached out to Creative Roots as a potential guest, and we're so glad she did!

Nicole introduces the Creative Roots team to something that may be new to many of us: maple water.  The naturally occurring sap collected from maple trees before it becomes maple syrup.

She takes us through the story of the farm, its history of producing maple syrup and other products, and h...

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Marcus Scott is in the building!

Award-nominated actor, award-winning Best Male Lead, producer, and an all-around great guy to be around, Marcus joins Tae on Creative Roots and gets right to it.

We talk about the realities of pursuing a career in the film industry, what it means to remove compassion for the industry, and the importance of continuing to sharpen your craft. Marcus opens up about his experience taking acting classes, his desire to keep growing as an actor, and the lessons he's picked up along the way.<...

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Sometimes, getting to the next level is about putting yourself in the right rooms.

Tae sits down with Jennifer Starr-director, producer, actress, and film lover-for a conversation that started at the Queen City Triple Feature with a surprising discovery: they had both worked on the same short film, Eight Ball.

And the connections didn't stop there.

During the premiere, Tae and Jennifer also discovered they attended the same high school alongside Ollie Crooms, founder of Carolina Film Festival and a previous Creative Roots guest.

Jennifer...

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What happens when childhood, culture, and imagination come together?

This week on Creative Roots, Tae sits down with Zenzi Hodge, a children's book author, dedicated mother, and creative originally from the Virgin Islands. With two books under her belt, The Never Snowy Christmas and I Am, Zenzi joins us for a conversation that quickly turned into more than a discussion about children's literature.

Over two hours, we talked about our childhoods, our children, and the similarities we discovered between our cultures. We reflected on the things we experienced growing...

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This episode is a special one because we're introducing something we've been building behind the scenes: Studio 212 (pronounced two-twelve).

Shamar and Tae sit down to discuss the vision behind our newest creative space and the endless possibilities it offers. Whether you're a photographer in need of a professional studio, an entrepreneur looking to host a workshop, a creative planning a paint-and-sip, or someone needing a space for presentations, meetings, or community events, Studio 212 was designed with versatility in mind.

We also talk about who this space is...

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This episode is a celebration - 10 years of Alan Lux Studios!

A decade in business is no small feat, and today, Tae sits down with Shamar to reflect on the journey behind the milestone. From the highs and lows of entrepreneurship to the lessons learned through perseverance, this conversation is packed with honest experiences and hard-earned wisdom.

We talk about what it really takes to sustain a business for ten years, the "why" that keeps you going when things get difficult, and the realities of serving clients while navigating...

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Natasha Oates is back!

Earlier this year, Natasha joined us for a powerful conversation surrounding mental health. This time, she returns to tackle a topic that affects countless creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals: Imposter Syndrome.

How many business opportunities, creative ideas, and dreams have been left on the table because of fear?

Together, we explore the many ways imposter syndrome shows up in our lives, from the fear of failure and embarrassment to the fear of success, judgment, and being misunderstood. We discuss how these fears...

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Deana G is back in the lead seat!

This episode, Deana sits down with two special guests, Fantah Hooker and Trayshaun, the writer and director behind A Blues 4 Mama.

What began as a teacher's passion for passing knowledge to the next generation has grown into a powerful stage production that challenges audiences to think, reflect, and connect. We discuss the journey of bringing A Blues 4 Mama from paper to the stage, the importance of preserving history and wisdom, and the responsibility of equipping those who will one day lead...

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If you've been thinking about attending the Empowered Podcasting Conference, this episode is your inside look at everything you need to know.

Tae sits down with Jason Cercone to talk about what makes the Empowered Podcasting Conference different from the typical industry event. We discuss why Charlotte was chosen to host the conference, who it's designed for, and why the smaller, more intimate setting creates meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate.

Whether you're a podcaster, videographer, photographer, studio owner, content creator, or business owner looking to grow your...

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This episode, Tae sits down with Caroline Rena, Spiritual Alchemist and host of the Awakening Soul Divinity Podcast, for a conversation centered on self-awareness, personal growth, and what it truly means to be in tune with yourself.

Awakening Soul Divinity is a space for conversations about being human - our lived experiences, emotional truths, and what unfolds when we stop trying to fix ourselves and instead allow clarity to emerge through presence and awareness.

Together, we explore identity, inner healing, and the journey of understanding who you are beyond...

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This episode is all about family, memories, and meaningful conversation.

Shamar takes the lead as he sits down with his cousin, Quintin, host of TEA with Q, for a conversation filled with laughter, reflection, and appreciation.

Together, they revisit cherished memories of their grandmother and the role she played in shaping their lives. Quintin shares how her encouragement helped him overcome a speech impediment, while both cousins reflect on the values, lessons, and love that have carried through their family over the years.

The conversation also highlights...

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For our Juneteenth episode, we welcome Dr. Lisa Collins from Oregon for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation.

Dr. Collins joins us to discuss her book, her short film, and her involvement in launching the Portland chapter of Coming To The Table, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a more just and truthful society by acknowledging, understanding, and healing from the racial wounds of the past, from slavery and its lasting impact to the many forms of racism that followed.

Throughout this episode, we explore the different types of trauma...

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When I say this episode is long for a reason, I mean it.

Despite being nervous from the very first phone call, Sherry accepted the invitation to join us on Creative Roots Podcast - and what unfolded was a conversation neither of us expected.

Sherry, owner of Sherry Denise Designs, is known for creating custom brooch ties for women and connecting with customers through pop-up shops and community events. But this conversation quickly became about much more than business.

We begin with a powerful reminder: stop belittling...

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This episode is a little different!  Deana G takes over the lead seat!

Deana invited this episode's guest and leads the conversation with Tinesha Matthews, a natural hair stylist turned content creator whose journey into content creation started with a heartfelt Mother's Day reel dedicated to her mother. Since then, she hasn't looked back.

Together, Deana and Tinesha dive into topics surrounding natural hair, content creation, faith, hearing from God, and the unexpected lessons that come from life's everyday experiences - including a story you'll have to hear for y...

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We’re closing out Mental Health Awareness Month with a powerful conversation that’s been a long time coming - 6 months, to be exact.

This episode, we sit down with Brittnee Isaac, founder of Mama’s Block, to talk about creating real spaces for women and mothers to show up fully as themselves. Mama’s Block was built out of what was missing from many women’s groups: authenticity, freedom, community, and the ability to just be YOU. No pressure, no strict expectations… and yes, leave the kids at home, lol.

Thr...

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Continuing with Mental Health Awareness Month, we sit down with Nurse Practitioner Valeea, who brings over 15 years of healthcare experience and has been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2018. Her passion for motivating, encouraging, and educating shines throughout this powerful conversation.

In this episode, we dive into personal experiences ranging from growing up as latch-key kids to living alongside family members dealing with mental illness. We also unpack the effects these experiences can have on children, the stigma surrounding mental health and medication within the Black community, and the importance of...

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As we continue Mental Health Awareness Month, we sit down with Deloris Calhoun-Wright, author of A Child In The Middle.

This conversation goes far beyond the pages of the book. We dive head first into the reality of growing up between two separate households and the emotional weight placed on children when the adults around them are still trying to figure things out themselves.

A Child In The Middle is more than a title, it’s a lived experience for many people, and this episode opens the door to ho...

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New month. New guests. Real conversations.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we’re kicking things off with Modd from Active Dad: a community focused on rewriting the story of fatherhood and creating space for men to grow, heal, and show up differently.

This episode goes deeper than surface-level talk. We get into past childhood trauma, the responsibility of raising young Black men, and what it really means to find an outlet where you can be understood without judgment.

This is a leveled conversation - man to...

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One year in.

In this episode of Creative Roots, we kept it simple. Just a real conversation between us reflecting on the journey so far.

We talk about the moments that stood out, the guests who left an impact, what we’ve learned along the way, and how the podcast has grown over the past year. From the early days to now, this episode is about taking a step back and recognizing the process.

If you’ve been rocking with us since the beginning, we appreciate you. If y...

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Dyme is back on Creative Roots, and this conversation goes exactly where it needs to.

The topic is simple, but not easy:
“Starting Over or Keep Going?”

What starts as a focused conversation quickly takes a turn after one show-stopping statement that shifts the entire direction of the episode. From there, it becomes an open, honest discussion - the kind you can’t script.

We get into:
Knowing when it’s time to pivot vs. stay the course
Letting go of what’s familiar to grow

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This episode of Creative Roots is a little different and a lot of fun.

Tae sits down with his two sons and the neighbor’s kid for a real conversation about video games, but from a perspective you don’t always hear… the kids themselves.

We talk about:

How video games can actually be educational
Learning strategy, problem-solving, and decision-making through gaming
How they feel about their parents’ rules around gaming
The balance between fun and responsibility

Along the way, Tae takes a few tr...

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In this episode of Creative Roots, we sit down with Jae of A Jae Of All Trades: a creative entrepreneur using her God-given gifts to build tools that actually help creators move with intention.

From custom mugs and cups to the standout piece of this episode: her Social Media Journal. Jae is creating resources designed to help you stay organized, consistent, and focused on your goals across every platform.

And this isn’t just talk - this is application.

We dive int...

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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 University with plans to pursue a career in law, but her love for reading started long before that. Coming from a family of educators, she turned that passion into action by creating a free book pantry outside of her church, making books accessible to her community.

This conversation goes deeper than...

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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 Middle Phase.”  That space where you’re no longer new, but not quite where you want to be either.

This is where doubt creeps in.
Where progress feels slow.
Where most people quietly stop showing up.

We talk about:

 The real signs y...

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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 real conversation with the team. On his podcast, Ty covers a wide range of topics including sports, family, culture, and everyday life, and this conversation follows that same energy.

We get into:

How Ty started the Ty Talks Podcast
The...

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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 beginnings, and what it looks like to approach life and creativity with a different mindset.

This episode explores:

The current landscape creatives are navigating
Why humility and starting fresh can be powerful
Shifting your perspective when life calls for a reset
The importance of growth, refl...

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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, revealing how creativity doesn’t always stay in one lane. What started as a passion eventually turned into a business, serving plates throughout Charlotte in salons, barbershops, and catered events.

We talk about:

His early love for music and film
How creativity translated into cooking and...

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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 Her. Kendall is a woman of faith whose vision extends beyond words - into journals, conversations, and a lifestyle that reflects alignment with God.

This episode gets real.

We discuss:

The heart and vision behind Yahweh for Her journals
Building a faith-based brand with intentio...

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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 spending much of 2025 planning, preparing, and sitting on ideas that never saw the light of day, both Tae and Gaura felt a clear shift - it’s time to move. Not rushed. Not forced. But aligned with God’s will.

In this episode, we talk about:

The difference between planning and obed...

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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 consistently for nearly two years. As he prepares to launch his website and upcoming merch, Jon opens up about his journey as a podcaster, creator, and believer navigating faith in a very public, digital space.

We dive into:
What it means to be a Christian on social media
Faith, account...