Episodes

Join us as we explore the transformative experience of the 2026 Dripping in Black Creators Retreat in Detroit. The panel shares insights on collaboration, creativity, and the power of brotherhood in the creative space, highlighting key moments like the Motown Museum visit and innovative content creation strategies. This episode features a deep conversation among brothers about the power of community, creative collaboration, and the impact of retreats on their growth. They share insights on respe...

In this episode of the Dripping in Black podcast, special guest host Dominic Lawson interviews Desmond Ross, a self-published author and entrepreneur. Desmond shares his journey of writing children's books aimed at inspiring kids and promoting self-love. He discusses the importance of fatherhood, the inception of his company Make a Change Today, and how he navigates challenges in business while being a present father. The conversation highlights the significance of emotional intelligence in pare...

What is Dripping in Black?

Join Dominic Lawson, the multi-award-winning podcast host, as he sits down with the unapologetic and vibrant Paula, the voice behind Talk Shit With P. In this episode, they dive into Paula's journey as a powerhouse project manager, her experiences as a Guinness World Record holder, and her passion for authentic networking. Discover how Paula's fearless approach to life and her dedication to mental health advocacy have shaped her unique brand. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with lau...

Join us as we delve into the inspiring journey of Evan Fay, a former U.S. Air Force officer turned entrepreneur, who is transforming Detroit's community landscape. Discover how Evan's ventures, including Roar Brewing Company and Cafe Noir, are not only revitalizing local neighborhoods but also fostering a spirit of innovation and collaboration. From his strategic investments in real estate to his commitment to supporting local artists, Evan's story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship...

In this episode of the Dripping in Black podcast, host Mr. Al Pete interviews Tamala Baldwin, a filmmaker and cultural architect. They discuss Tamala's journey in the film industry, her upcoming Becoming Love Festival, and the importance of storytelling as a means of healing and transformation. Tamala shares her experiences in creating positive representation in film, the challenges of navigating the business side of filmmaking, and her commitment to honoring community heroes through the Heart A...

In this episode of the Dripping in Black podcast, host Mr. Al Pete engages in a dynamic conversation with Erica Bullock, founder of Wander World Destinations. They explore Erica's journey from corporate America to becoming a travel designer, her mission to empower Black travelers, and the importance of making travel accessible for everyone. The discussion delves into cultural experiences, representation in the travel industry, and the significance of self-care through travel. Erica shares insigh...

Join us on this episode of the Dripping in Black podcast as special guest host Dominic Lawson sits down with Leah B., the creator and host of "In the Mix with Leah B." Leah shares how Detroit's rich music culture has influenced her podcasting journey, from her early inspirations to the city's gritty hustle. Discover the stories behind the music and the passion that fuels Leah's creative path. #DetroitMusic #PodcastJourney #InTheMix Leah B Website: www.inthemixwithleahb.com Dominic Lawson: www.m...

In this compelling episode, join Candace Johnson and Mr. Al Pete as they delve into the multifaceted nature of Black identity. Through personal reflections and cultural references, they explore what it means to be Black in today's world. From the iconic "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" to personal taglines, this conversation challenges stereotypes and celebrates individuality. Tune in for an insightful discussion that redefines identity and belonging. Candance Johnson’s Website: www.candacejohnson.c...

Edited Version In this episode of Dripping in Black, special guest host Dominic Lawson interviews Toni Kennedy, a dynamic children's entertainer and educator. They discuss Toni’s journey from her childhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, to her experiences in Hawaii, her career as a makeup artist for Whitney Houston, and her passion for early childhood education. Toni shares valuable lessons learned from her life experiences, including the importance of humility and self-affirmation. The conversatio...

In the season five finale of Dripping in Black, hosts Shawn Smith, Dominic Lawson, and Mr. Al Pete reflects on the season's highlights, including the impact of podcasting, the contributions of guest hosts, and the success of the Creators’ Retreat. They discuss the importance of community engagement and future plans for quarterly events, emphasizing the significance of Black excellence in podcasting. In this episode, the hosts discuss the upcoming Elevation Lab, celebrate the achievements of vari...

In this engaging conversation, special guest host Mr. Al Pete and Alyce Rose explore the themes of community connection, personal growth, and the importance of authenticity in content creation. Alyce shares her journey from being overlooked to becoming a community connector through her brands, ThriftNic and Auntie Outside. They discuss the significance of uplifting voices, the challenges faced in the Jacksonville community, and the role of podcasting in fostering connections. The conversation em...

In this engaging conversation, Toni Kennedy hosts the dynamic duo of Queue Points, Jay Ray and DJ Sir Daniel, as they explore the origins, essence, and impact of their podcast. They discuss the importance of music in shaping culture, the power of community in podcasting, and the personal connections that fuel their creativity. The hosts reflect on their experiences with caregiving, representation in media, and the joy they aim to spread through their content. They emphasize the philosophy of emb...

The conversation revolves around the experiences and insights gained from the Dripping in Black Inaugural Creators' Retreat. Participants share their personal journeys, the camaraderie developed, and the challenges faced during the event. The discussion highlights the importance of community, learning, and future plans for continued engagement among creators. The conversation reflects on a recent retreat experience, highlighting personal reflections, insights from participants, technical challen...

In this engaging conversation, Dominic Lawson interviews Otis D. Winston, an accomplished actor, storyteller, and author of 'Stuttering to Success.' They explore themes of self-love, resilience, and the journey of personal growth. Otis shares his experiences growing up in Ohio, the challenges he faced with stuttering, and how he found solace in acting. The discussion delves into the importance of loving oneself to love others, the craft of storytelling in acting, and the transformative power of ...

In this episode of the Dripping in Black Podcast, host Dominic Lawson engages with Dr. Claire Murigande, a scientist and podcast host, discussing her journey, the importance of curiosity in science, and the challenges faced by science today. They explore Dr. Murigande's experiences as a person of color in Switzerland, her insights from the Afros and Audio panel, and her motivation behind launching the Narratives of Purpose podcast, which aims to amplify positive stories from Africa and challenge...

In this engaging conversation, special guest host Dominic Lawson speaks with K. Wilkes, host of Pondering Thoughts podcast. They explore K's journey from her early passion for the arts to her current role in podcasting. The discussion highlights the importance of arts education, the challenges of navigating the podcasting landscape, and the evolving media environment shaped by the attention economy. Kay shares her aspirations for her podcast and the significance of fostering creativity and curio...

In this episode of the Dripping in Black Podcast, special guest host Dominic Lawson engages in a heartfelt conversation with Anna DeShawn, a Chicago-born social entrepreneur and award-winning podcast host. They discuss the importance of storytelling, the impact of growing up in Chicago, and the significance of representation in media. Anna shares her experiences at the Democratic National Convention and reflects on the current political climate, emphasizing the need for advocacy and the power of...

In this engaging conversation, Mr. Al Pete hosts Sametria Beckem, a self-published author and CEO, who shares her journey of personal growth, faith, and empowerment. Sametria discusses her books, including Daughter, Woman, Mother and Minute Meditations, emphasizing the importance of daily devotion and the impact of her work on her family and community. The conversation explores themes of motherhood, creativity, and the significance of setting a positive example for future generations. In this en...

In this episode of the Dripping in Black Podcast, guest host Dominic Lawson engages in a deep conversation with Kristine McPartlin, the creator of the Mind the Force Podcast. They explore the intersection of Star Wars and mental health, discussing how storytelling can reflect personal experiences and foster community. Kristine shares her journey into the Star Wars universe during the pandemic and how it inspired her to create a podcast that examines characters through a mental health lens. The c...

In this episode of the Dripping Black Podcast, host Mr. Al Pete engages in a dynamic conversation with Minista Jazz, exploring her transformative journey from hairstylist to tech advocate. They discuss the intersection of technology, mental health, and the importance of diversity in tech. Minista Jazz introduces Jerome AI, a character designed to support Black men's mental health, emphasizing the need for technology that reflects and uplifts marginalized communities. The conversation highlights ...

In this episode of Dripping in Black, host Dominic Lawson engages with Dr. Jason McGee, a transformational leader in education. They discuss Dr. McGee's journey from childhood responsibilities to becoming a leader who emphasizes service, relationships, and community engagement. Dr. McGee shares insights on the importance of understanding school culture, building trust with students, and the role of family in his leadership style. The conversation also touches on the significance of cooking as a ...

In this episode of Dripping in Black, special guest host Dominic Lawson interviews Toni Kennedy, a dynamic children's entertainer and educator. They discuss Toni’s journey from her childhood in St. Petersburg, Florida, to her experiences in Hawaii, her career as a makeup artist for Whitney Houston, and her passion for early childhood education. Toni shares valuable lessons learned from her life experiences, including the importance of humility and self-affirmation. The conversation culminates in...

This episode of Dripping in Black highlights Corey Gumbs, founder of the Black Podcasters Association (BPA), as he shares his journey of building a platform to amplify Black voices in podcasting. With special guest host Mr. Al Pete from the MPN Network, Corey dives into the power of storytelling, the challenges of the industry, and his mission to empower creators. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, innovation, and cultural impact. Corey Gumbs Social Media Website: blackpo...