The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture / Music and Rhythm

There are some conversations that go beyond the microphone… and this is one of them.In Season 10, Episode 1013 of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with someone who represents both business and blessing—Karen Glace. Not just a guest, but one of the first sponsors of the podcast and a trusted partner since 2022, this episode is a powerful full-circle moment.Karen shares her journey and her heartfelt contribution to the book, You Can Overcome Anything with God, offering real-life testimony, faith-driven insight, and encouragement for anyone navigating challenges, purpose, and growth.This conversation explores:The power of faith in overcoming life’s obstaclesBuilding meaningful business relationships rooted in trustHow purpose, storytelling, and obedience to God intersectThe beauty of evolving from partnership into genuine friendshipThis isn’t just an interview—it’s a reflection of what happens when you stay consistent, walk in purpose, and build with the right people.✨ Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a person of faith, or someone in need of encouragement… this episode is for you.Resources Mentioned:💜⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠⁠⁠Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.This week's article, "⁠Leadership, Integrity, and Influence: A Conversation with Janice Coleman⁠," highlights the standout points from this episode. ABOUT VAL "THE VOICE" JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.⁠⁠⁠⁠Get your print or digital copy today!

In this episode of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with leadership strategist and keynote speaker Janice Coleman for a powerful conversation about leadership, career growth, integrity, and influence.With over 25 years of leadership and executive development experience, Janice has helped hundreds of leaders gain clarity, improve communication, and lead with accountability and purpose across nonprofit, corporate, education, technical, and faith-based organizations.Val and Janice discuss:What makes a good leader vs. a great leaderLeadership fatigue and performance pressureHelping leaders gain clarity in their careers and businessesThe importance of integrity and accountability in leadershipMusic that inspires leadership and creativityTheir shared connection to Philadelphia and North Philly cultureThis episode is for leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone considering a career change or stepping into leadership for the first time.Leadership is not just about position—it's about responsibility, communication, and integrity.SHOW NOTES:The Interludes Podcast with Val “The Voice” JohnsonSeason 10 – Episode 1012Guest: Janice ColemanJanice Coleman’s leadership journey and backgroundWorking with nonprofit, corporate, and education organizationsHelping leaders get clear about their goals and directionLeadership fatigue and how leaders manage pressureCommunication, accountability, and alignment in leadershipMusic that inspires leadership and creativityNorth Philly connection and cultural influencesLeadership lessons for entrepreneurs and creativesKey Takeaway: Great leadership is built on clarity, communication, accountability, and integrity.Resources Mentioned:💜 ⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠⁠⁠Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.This week's article, "Leadership, Integrity, and Influence: A Conversation with Janice Coleman," highlights the standout points from this episode. ABOUT VAL "THE VOICE" JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.⁠⁠⁠Get your print or digital copy today!⁠⁠⁠

Sometimes we think impact only happens on big stages, in big cities, with famous people. But real impact often happens in classrooms, workshops, studios, and community rooms where someone decides to pour into someone else.In this episode of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson shares her experience attending a press event and graduation celebration for the DO! Entertainment Industry Apprenticeship Program, founded by Chicago native Danita E. Patterson through her organization, Destiny Outreach.Val first learned about Danita’s program months earlier when the apprenticeship was just getting started with its first group of students. Now, returning for the second cohort’s graduation, Val had the opportunity to speak directly with Danita and several apprentices about the program, their experiences, and the opportunities being created for young people interested in working in the entertainment industry.The program includes industry training, leadership development, and hands-on work experience designed to prepare apprentices for careers in media, film, television, and entertainment production. Through partnerships across Chicago’s entertainment and workforce development community, the program is helping open doors for the next generation.In this episode, you will hear:Val’s conversation with founder Danita E. PattersonReflections on mentorship, leadership, and paying opportunities forwardConversations with apprentices about how the program impacted their confidence and career directionDiscussion about film, storytelling, and recognizing filmmakers for their work and impactThis episode is about purpose, training, mentorship, and transformation — and how one person’s vision can create opportunities for many.Show NotesVal speaks with Danita about the creation of the apprenticeship program, her mission to mentor and develop young people for careers in the entertainment industry, and the importance of leadership, character development, and workforce training.Val also speaks with apprentices, includingJaden MadisonJada LawsMia K. BerryThey discuss their experiences in the apprenticeship program, what they learned, and how the program helped prepare them for future opportunities in the entertainment industry.The episode also includes discussion about filmmaking, storytelling, and recognizing filmmakers such as Ryan Coogler for their work and impact in the film industry.DO! Entertainment Industry Apprenticeship Program55 hours of weekend workshopsIndustry professionals and leadership trainingPaid 8-week, 200-hour job placementsWorkforce development and entertainment industry exposureFounded by Danita E. Patterson, Destiny OutreachKey ThemesMentorshipWorkforce developmentEntertainment industry careersLeadership and character developmentCommunity impactChicago film and media industryApprenticeship programsPaying opportunities forwardResources Mentioned:💜 ⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠⁠⁠Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.ABOUT VAL "THE VOICE" JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.⁠⁠⁠Get your digital copy today!⁠⁠⁠

In this special Season 10, Episode 1010 of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson steps behind the DJ booth to celebrate three iconic women whose music shaped generations: Sade, Lauryn Hill, and Mariah Carey.Blending DJ memories, musical storytelling, and cultural reflection, Val revisits the catalogs of these legendary artists—highlighting both classic hits and deep album cuts that still resonate today. From Sade’s timeless quiet-storm elegance to Mariah Carey’s genre-blending influence on pop and hip-hop collaborations to Lauryn Hill’s groundbreaking fusion of rap and soul, this episode explores why these women deserve recognition in the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.Val also shares a clip from Interludes Extra Presents Talk on Tuesdays, where she and Coach Tony Thompson discussed the Rock Hall fan vote and the artists currently on the ballot.If these artists were ever part of your CD collection, vinyl stack, or digital playlist, this episode will take you back to the songs, memories, and moments that made their music unforgettable.🎧 Tune in, reflect, and don’t forget to cast your vote for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees.• Val reflects on DJ memories connected to the music of Sade, Lauryn Hill, and Mariah Carey• A look at the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame fan voting process• Why these three artists deserve serious consideration for induction• The cultural impact of their catalogs across R&B, pop, hip-hop, and soul• Classic hits and deep album cuts that defined their eras• A featured clip from Interludes Extra Presents Talk on Tuesdays with Coach Tony Thompson discussing the Rock Hall nomineesSadeSmooth OperatorCherish the DayNo Ordinary LoveThe Sweetest TabooMariah CareyVision of LoveFantasy (Remix featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard)Always Be My BabyTill the End of Time (deep cut from her debut album)Lauryn HillDoo Wop (That Thing)Ex-FactorEverything Is EverythingLauryn Hill’s work with The FugeesResources Mentioned:⁠⁠⁠⁠The Morning Meetup ⁠⁠⁠⁠is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands. Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention.🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠⁠⁠⁠Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.💜 ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get your print or digital copy today!⁠⁠⁠⁠

During Black History Month, we pause to remember a towering icon of civil rights.In this special episode of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson reflects on the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson—from his early work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to founding Operation PUSH in Chicago to his historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.But this episode is more than history.It’s personal.Val shares childhood memories of hearing “I Am Somebody” echo through her living room, recounts meeting Reverend Jackson through her uncle and later through her cousin Kendall Nesbitt, and unpacks how Jackson’s presidential runs reshaped the Democratic Party’s delegate system—creating a structural pathway that made Barack Obama’s 2008 victory possible.This is a reflection on legacy, leadership, and the power of using your voice.Because before Obama, there was Jesse.And because of Jesse, generations were reminded:We are somebody.Listen now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.📝 Show Notes In This Episode, We Discuss:• Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing during Black History Month• His birth in Greenville, South Carolina (1941) and move to Chicago in 1964• Work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference• Founding Operation PUSH in 1971• Cultural impact—Sesame Street (1972) and Save the Children (1973)• The 1984 presidential campaign and the formation of the Democratic Leadership Council• The 1988 campaign and the shift from winner-take-all to proportional delegate allocation• Why that rule change mattered in Barack Obama’s 2008 nomination• “Run, Black America, Run” and political coattails across the South• Personal reflections and two encounters with Reverend Jackson• The generational bridge between Dr. King and President ObamaSpecial Mention:Kendall Nesbitt—musician and producer for The Interludes Podcast—created a tribute reel honoring Reverend Jackson, reminding us how music and leadership intersect.Resources Mentioned:⁠⁠⁠The Morning Meetup ⁠⁠⁠is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands. Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention.🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠⁠⁠Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.💜 ⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one. ⁠⁠⁠Get your print or digital copy today!⁠⁠⁠