The Grind It Up Podcast

In this clip of the Grind It Up Podcast, Derrick dives deep into his strategic journey through the business and liquor industries. From managing road tours at the age of 17 to navigating high-stakes deals with Ozone Vodka and First Class Vodka, Derrick shares the lessons learned while working alongside Trill Entertainment legends like Boosie Badazz and Webbie. He discusses his transition from Baton Rouge to Dallas, the importance of professional branding, and the inspiration behind his latest venture, Crown Marquis. The conversation also covers the launch of Chronic Magazine, featuring the next generation of talent, and Derrick's ultimate mission...

The blinds shot straight up on their own while we touched the Ouija board. The crew break down chilling ghost stories, classic horror movie favorites, and raw hometown street history.

The crew gets into their top five slasher movies including Friday the 13th, Child's Play, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Candyman before calling up Meathead to verify a real childhood paranormal experience with a Ouija Board. The conversation takes a wild turn into wild breaking news, old-school local controversies around Cahokia Heights, and whether kids should stick to trunk-or-treat instead of street trick-or-treating.

Is dating a stutterer off limits and are Cowboys fans truly delusional? We’re settling the score on this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast #53. From the decline of the dance floor to intense sports debates, nothing is off the table as the crew breaks down the hustle and the culture. Tune in for an unfiltered look at why modern nightlife is changing and whether legends like Barry Sanders really learned anything from Thurman Thomas.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:01:16 - Dallas Cowboys vs 49ers Rivalry Debate

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Is eating buffalo wings every single day a lifestyle or a cry for help? (Grind It Up Podcast Episode #52) Coach, Nice, King Odie, Jack, and JC break down the bizarre obsession with spicy food, viral family drama, and what happens when you have only 48 hours left to live.

From the chaos of kids spending college funds on trucks to the strange debate over proper etiquette in public, this episode covers the most unhinged stories on the internet. We also weigh in on the viral news about eviction rates and the mystery of the gas...

In this pivotal Grind It Up Podcast, Jiro and Yung Ro of Black Pearl reveal how they expanded a St. Louis family empire from award-winning tattoos to high-end car wrapping, building a multi-generational legacy. From facing down disrespectful customers in their shop to navigating the complexities of an NFL team leaving town, these entrepreneurs share their raw journey and the powerful lessons learned about family, business, and staying true to your roots in the STL. They break down the world of custom vehicles, the future of auto wraps, and what it truly takes to make it.

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We built a $2M empire from scratch and found out the hard way that family and business don't always mix. In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with powerhouse entrepreneurs Tamara Krolik and Rochelle to talk about the brutal realities of scaling, the cost of burnout, and why you need to protect your peace. We get into the raw stories behind their success, the mistakes that almost cost them everything, and how to actually manage people who aren't your kin. This is a real conversation about the grind, staying afloat, and why sometimes you...

A raw, personal Stage 4 cancer diagnosis reveals shocking truths about internet 'cures' vs. chemotherapy on Grind It Up Podcast #49. Plus, we debate LeBron James' controversial Memphis comments, NBA load management, and if old-school centers would dominate today's game.

Join us as Darrell and DeMarco "Freedom" dive into why modern NBA players lack the 'love for the game' of legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, drafting all-time lineups, and revealing Snoop Dogg's unparalleled global fame. From historical NBA facts to an intense personal health battle, this episode is packed with unfiltered takes and critical...

G Souldier went from watching football on Sunday to Wednesday starring in a major movie with Natara Naughton just days later! This episode of the Grind It Up Podcast explores his insane journey, revealing how he went from a struggling student to a multi-faceted creative powerhouse in film, music, and literature.

Join us as G Souldier, an award-winning film director, rapper, and #1 bestselling author, shares his unique perspective on everything from transforming a 1.2 GPA into a 3.9 honors degree in film production, to the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking. He dives deep into his...

An ex-cop's phone gets tapped by feds, leading to a shocking conspiracy arrest in Grind It Up Podcast Episode #47 as Roland Page reveals how mere affiliation can land you in federal prison.

In this raw and eye-opening episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, former St. Louis police officer and author Roland Page shares his journey from patrolling the streets to surviving a federal indictment. Roland dives deep into the dangers of conspiracy laws, how his refusal to co-sign fed stories put him behind bars, and the critical differences between old-school street codes and...

Teens trashed her five-million-dollar venue, but this legendary founder is fighting back. In Grind It Up Podcast Episode #46, black female entrepreneurs expose the brutal truth of the hustle.

Join hosts King Odie, Nice, Cowboy Stice, and Coach Edwards (DJ Black Ice) alongside powerhouse sisters Rochelle Bea. (Beginning Futures Academy & City Jump) and Tam King-Krolik (Lake St. Louis Beauty Supply). They dive deep into the modern parenting crisis, why nobody dances at the clubs anymore, securing major business grants, navigating IEP diagnosis for children with learning delays, and what it truly takes for black-owned businesses...

We secretly built a fully playable retro video game and played it live! (Grind It Up Podcast Episode #45) Watch Mark dominate the custom levels in this insane gaming milestone.

In this wild ride, the crew dives deep into hilarious debate territory: who are you choosing if your wife punches your mom? We also break down our ultimate survival gear items, expose the truth behind the "scripted" Ray J celebrity fight, debate whether Taylor Swift eclipses Beyonce, and drop a massive surprise—our brand-new custom retro video game that you can play right now at gr...

Hidden mines are sinking homes while ancient laws freeze local business growth. (Grind It Up Podcast Episode #44) features zoning expert Dusty Hosna revealing the truth behind property taxes.

In this captivating episode, Belleville's Zoning Administrator Dusty Hosna sits down with the crew to break down the complex world of urban development, municipal financing, and the high-stakes game of keeping property taxes low. From rewriting outdated 1960 zoning codes to tracking down illegal Airbnb rentals, Dusty shares how cities actually generate revenue and protect neighborhood integrity.

The conversation takes wild turns...

"I told my teacher I wanted to be a pimp like my dad" on this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast with former cop Roland Page.

Join us as we sit down with entrepreneur, author, and former police officer Roland Page to discuss his wild St. Louis upbringing, his shocking transition from law enforcement to federal prison, and his battle with Lupus. Roland opens up about building the iconic Black Pearl Tattoo Shop, leaving a legacy for his son Young Ro, and his passion for music history from Roger Troutman to hip-hop classics.<...

I almost died in 2023 with a 4.2 hemoglobin level while carrying trauma. In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast (#42), we expose the silent crisis of mental health and heavy grief.

Mental health professional and author Nikki Edwards joins the hosts to discuss the heavy, invisible burden of being the 'strong one.' From her own near-death experience to the painful loss of her mother, Nikki shares how silent grief and compassion fatigue can physically destroy your body. We dive deep into the rising suicide rates among Black men, the dangers of laced street...

He threw a live microphone at a sound guy and got arrested on tour! Grind It Up Podcast explores legendary St. Louis DJ Sno's wild career, breaking Chingy, and his meeting with Prince.

DJ Sno drops by the studio to share incredible, unfiltered stories from his 30+ year career in hip-hop. From launching Q95.5 out of an apartment bedroom to touring the world three times with Chingy, Sno has seen it all. He details the famous night Prince threw a sudden afterparty at a dirty local club and personally cleaned it up, how a fake...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we debate Tupac vs DMX, survive wild Vegas AVN awards, expose crazy swinger camps, and discuss Chesna fighting a 6'4" giant.

Join Jack Stice, Mark, Nice, Odie and special guest Chesna Perez as they dive deep into hilarious personal stories, raw local St. Louis news, and unfiltered life lessons. From accidental encounters at camping resorts to the frustrating realities of loaning money and street fights, this general discussion episode pulls no punches. Chesna also shares what it's really like acting as a dead body on...

Discover St. Louis hip-hop promo secrets with Terrill Weston of Playmaker Media in this legendary episode of the Grind It Up Podcast. Learn indie music branding and marketing strategies!

In this highly nostalgic episode, the crew reunites with old-school promoter Terrill Weston (aka Playmaker Media, now Praymaker). We dive deep into the classic mid-2000s St. Louis music scene, exploring how we printed paper flyers, engineered flash banners on slow-rendering PCs, and managed to break local artists onto BET with zero budget.

Terrill shares his powerful transition from secular...

In this hilarious and revealing episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with dynamic twin models and photographers, Tara and Trisha. The sisters take us behind the scenes of their careers, from their early days as haunted house actors in straightjackets to transitioning into freelance modeling. They share incredibly funny twin stories, including accidental boyfriend mix-ups, matching tattoos, and a legendary mishap where they cried at the wrong stranger's funeral.

But it is not all fun and games; the twins open up about their deep bond, navigating the tough modeling industry...

What's worse: a street snitch or a deadbeat father? In this episode, we debate hard truths on toxic parenting, cultural classics, and what it really takes for kids to rise above their circumstances and succeed.

In this raw, unfiltered episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew welcomes returning guest Darrell "DD" Dowell into the newly remodeled studio. The conversation kicks off with an organic taste test of cold-pressed greens from Juice Heal Thrive, sparking a deep dive into healthy vegan living, before transitioning into a high-energy, rapid-fire St. Louis culture clash. From...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew is joined by regular guest and law enforcement veteran JC to tackle some of the most controversial and jaw-dropping stories of the week. From the high-stakes debate surrounding the Camelo Anthony trial and police 'horseplay' caught on dashcam, to a chilling cautionary tale of a man whose home was completely cleaned out by a U-Haul after his girlfriend of six months set him up, this episode covers it all.

Plus, we dive into local St. Louis lingo, debate whether Father’s Day gets ig...

In this powerful episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with the legendary DJ 618 to celebrate 618 Day and dive deep into the history of the East Side music scene. From being named by Nelly to his 21-year residency at the infamous Club Casino (The Beano), DJ 618 shares incredible stories from the frontlines of hip-hop history, including the day he premiered "Country Grammar" and the wild "Tip Drill" video shoot.

Beyond the music, 618 opens up about his courageous two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer, offering inspiration and advice for others facing similar health struggles...

Join us for this exciting episode of the Grind It Up Podcast as Mark broadcasts for the first time from the brand-new Las Vegas location! In this episode, we dive deep into current events including controversial firearm laws in Illinois and the global implications of China's ban on OnlyFans. The crew also explores heavy-hitting conspiracy theories surrounding human trafficking, Big Pharma's role in the medical industry, and the history of public figures being silenced by powerful entities. Mark provides a raw and honest update on his health journey following surgery, sharing the realities of his recovery process. We wrap...

In this high-octane episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew dives deep into a wild trip to Las Vegas for SHOT Show and CES. From witnessing the future of robotics—including laundry-folding bots and humanoid tech—to a behind-the-scenes look at the newest innovations in the firearm industry, this episode covers the cutting edge of tech and tactical gear. However, the trip took a dark turn when a targeted theft in Chinatown cost the team thousands in gear and priceless footage.

Beyond the Vegas chaos, the team discusses the reversal of the host...

In this high-energy episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, JC fills in for Mark Mauer as the crew dives into a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from hilarious locker-room humor to deep cultural debates. The guys break down the recent financial fallout between Boosie Badazz and VladTV, questioning the ethics of paying for interviews and the value of a platform versus an artist's brand.

The conversation takes a controversial turn as the crew debates Barack Obama's cultural identity and the evolution of 'team hopping' in the NBA. From deep philosophical questions about religion to...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly talented Nick Anthony Broyles from Crimson Dove Tattoos to discuss his 13-year journey in the ink industry. Nick shares the humbling transition from professional realism drawing to the technical difficulty of tattooing, which he describes as 'drawing on a bowl of water.' We dive deep into his grueling one-year unpaid apprenticeship, the cutthroat nature of the St. Louis tattoo scene, and the surprising background in finance that led him to follow his artistic passion.

Nick also reveals the...

In this deeply moving episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with a lifelong brother-in-arms to discuss the power of resilience, faith, and the true meaning of friendship. The conversation traverses through incredible life stories, from the guest's service in the Air Force security forces during the onset of 9/11 to the emotional moment he sat in a car with Mark as he received his cancer diagnosis. This episode explores how to stand 'ten toes down' when life throws its hardest punches.

Beyond the personal struggles, we dive into the evolution of...

In this deeply emotional episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, host Mark D. Mauer announces a major transition as he prepares to move to Las Vegas for specialized cancer treatment and clinical trials. Joined by his close friends Chris Wills and Terrell Weston, Mark reflects on his journey so far and the future of the Mauer Foundation. This episode marks a pivotal turning point for the show as part of the team prepares for a new chapter in a new city, fueled by faith and overwhelming community support.

The highlight of the episode...

In this powerful episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we are joined by St. Louis artist G.A. Barz and the East Side's own No Leeway. GA Bars opens up about her incredible journey of resilience, from her upbringing on a farm and running away as a teen to her rise in the St. Louis hip-hop scene during the mid-2000s. She shares the raw details of her life-threatening health battles, including surviving a massive thyroid tumor and losing over 140 pounds to reclaim her life.

Beyond the music, we dive into deep discussions...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew sits down with Coach Edwards and his wife Nikki for a deep dive into social dynamics, gender roles, and the weight of responsibility. Nikki shares an unpopular opinion on why men carry the most responsibility on the planet, leading to a thought-provoking discussion on emotional boundaries and societal expectations.

The conversation heats up as we tackle controversial topics like whether watching porn constitutes cheating, the DaBaby vs. Charleston White artist drama, and the limits of freedom of speech in professional sports. We wrap...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with the legendary Mr Skip (Skip a Beat), a multi-talented producer and celebrity barber who paved his way from the streets of St. Louis to the sets of major Hollywood productions. Skip shares the origin of his iconic producer tag, the story behind landing a major placement with Chris Brown, and the grit required to move to LA with nothing but a couch to sleep on and a dream to fulfill.

Skip also takes us behind the scenes of his transition into...

In this high-energy episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew is joined by DJ Nsayne and No Leeway for a deep dive into the most viral moments in entertainment and the realities of the music industry. The conversation kicks off with a heated debate over Chris Brown’s recent stage antics involving a married fan, leading into a broader discussion about provocative performances by legends like Janet Jackson and modern stars like Doja Cat.

The guys also get personal as No Leeway shares his evolution as an artist and DJ Nsayne reveals hi...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with Brian "Logic" Davis, a multi-talented martial artist, actor, and fight choreographer. Brian shares his incredible journey from working "hood security" in St. Louis to providing private protection for the late Nipsey Hussle, and how a chance encounter on a film set launched his career in movie choreography.

We dive deep into the crucial differences between martial arts as an art form and practical self-defense, the psychology of "no mind" in combat, and why he’s now teaching meditation to school districts. Wh...

In this powerful episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with Jeus and James from Headspace Kulture to discuss the vital importance of men's personal growth and mental health. This non-profit organization is dedicated to creating a safe space for men to have tough conversations centered around three core pillars: Family, Faith, and Finance. We explore how they are breaking the "hard" man persona and providing resources through peer-to-peer therapy and clinical partnerships. The guys dive deep into their origin story, the healing power of vulnerability, and the evolution of masculinity after 40. From mentoring the next...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with published author, entrepreneur, and spoken word artist Mossie Cason to discuss her powerful new memoir, No More Hiding My Pain. Mossie dives deep into her journey from a young poet in the seventh grade to a seasoned artist using her words as a form of protest. She shares raw stories about her Blaxican heritage, the profound impact of her mother's passing, and the resilience required to navigate loss, motherhood, and self-reinvention.

Beyond her literary work, Mossie discusses her diverse career as...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew dives deep into the latest headlines shaking up the entertainment world. We kick things off by dissecting the persistent friction between Ja Rule and the G-Unit camp, specifically the recent viral interaction with Tony Yayo. The guys debate whether these legendary beefs should finally be laid to rest or if the trolling from 50 Cent is simply too elite to ignore. We also weigh in on the controversial discussion surrounding Eddie Murphy’s potential return to stand-up—is he still the GOAT, or has the game passed him by? The...

Join us for an electrifying episode of the Grind It Up Podcast featuring the unstoppable Yomp CEO. We explore his journey from the Air Force to becoming a staple on St. Louis radio, the philosophy of 'Your Own Motion Productions' (YOMP), and the fascinating story of how he received his signature crown.

The conversation heats up as we discuss the challenges local artists face with radio airplay, his brush with major labels through Metro Boomin's family, and why authenticity is the ultimate currency in the age of AI. Yomp CEO also drops essential gems...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew goes unplugged to tackle some of the most controversial topics in sports, music, and society today. We break down the Super Bowl halftime show numbers, debating whether talent still matters in a world driven by analytics and global demographics. The team also dives deep into hip-hop history, dissecting controversial lyrics from Biggie Smalls and the influence of the industry's biggest moguls on the culture.

The conversation doesn't stop there as we shift into everyday life pet peeves, from disrespectful restaurant behavior to the...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with Derrick Marquis Johnson (Derrick4Real), the visionary entrepreneur and mastermind behind the SUPA Unit booking agency. Derrick breaks down his pivotal role as the business engine for legendary Louisiana artists like Webbie and Boosie Badass, sharing how he navigated the industry from the MySpace era to founding the first national black-owned distribution company. He provides a masterclass on the importance of building a corporate structure, managing family dynamics in music, and choosing an asset-driven mindset over ego.

Derrick also opens up...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, the crew explores mind-bending conspiracy theories ranging from extraterrestrial life and ancient civilizations to the existence of a multiverse. They debate whether the pyramids were power sources, the validity of the moon landing, and the eerie connection between our dreams and alternate dimensions.

The conversation shifts to the future of humanity, examining how power and greed influence global issues like hunger and the scrutiny of public figures. They also touch on personal resilience, the mission of the Mauer Foundation, and wrap up with a critical...

In this episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we sit down with veteran firefighter Will Smith and entrepreneur K to discuss the raw realities of life as a first responder. With 28 years of service, Will opens up about the adrenaline, the trauma, and the evolving culture within the fire department. K shares gripping personal stories of surviving house fires and the vital importance of community preparedness. The discussion covers everything from the physical demands of the job to the mental health challenges first responders face after retirement. We also go behind the scenes of the famous 'Guns and...