The mic opens on a check-in and turns into a masterclass on presence. Che' Afrique—singer, songwriter, and teacher—joins us to talk about becoming a better mother, paying attention to kids in a loud world, and why “being there” beats any illusion of balance. We dig into the moments parents miss, the power of boundaries, and how structure saves more futures than speeches ever will.

From Boston classrooms to Chicago memories, Shea breaks down how education and edge shaped her voice. She takes us back to her first performances, the shaky hands that came with stage fright, and the mindset shift that turned critique into confidence. Then we get into the heart of craft: creativity, authorship, and the debate around ghostwriters. Che take is bold—give the pen its flowers, not just the face on the cover. Credit the creators, expand who gets seen, and let authenticity lead the sound.

The standout story lands with “Not The One,” a heartbreak track born on New Year’s Day, written through tears and recorded as a freestyle. That song became proof that vulnerability travels: men and women heard their own lives in it. We talk fame versus privacy, choosing fortune over endless cameras, and how artists can share truth without selling their peace. Along the way, we call out book bans, defend critical thinking, and map how to teach kids to question with respect. We close with property goals, an EP on deck, and a simple vow: keep pushing Black love—patient, purposeful, and present.

Hit play, share with a friend, and tell us what you’re working on internally. If this moved you, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it to someone who needs a nudge toward their own voice.

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Ever notice how the best artists don’t just make noise—they guard their peace? We bring Teddy into the booth to talk about what it takes to create with intention when the world keeps pulling your focus. He unpacks the shift from reacting to responding, and why that one choice protects your energy, sharpens your decisions, and lets your music breathe.

Teddy’s path reads like a mixtape: born in Germany, raised across military bases, soaking up cultures from Kansas to Alaska to California before dropping anchor in Chicago. That movement shaped an ear that loves variety—family record crates, a grandmother who DJ’d in Chicago, and early moments of discovery that made hip-hop feel both personal and global. We dive into how context unlocks sound, why cadence matters as much as content, and how local scenes forge identity before the world catches on.

We trace the grind from ciphers and hallway battles to a makeshift studio powered by a tape deck, PS2, and MTV Music Generator—then into Magix, Ableton, and Maschine. Along the way, we compare California and Chicago show ecosystems, the role of open mics in building an artist’s voice, and the pride a city takes when its sound travels. We also face the industry head-on: streaming’s reach vs. revenue, the early pioneers who took the heat for brand-building, and whether AI can polish a track yet still miss the human connection that turns songs into moments. We close with life lessons that carry into the studio: a healthy relationship as a place of growth, safety, and accountability—and a few laughs about love, loyalty, and even impossible deodorant.

Pull up for craft, perspective, and a warm invite to Kitty’s Cocktail Lounge Sunday Service in Blue Island. If you’re into live music, community energy, and artists who put heart first, you’ll feel at home. If this conversation moved you, subscribe, rate, and share it with a friend who needs a creative spark. Your support helps the culture grow.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.

What if the biggest drain on your life is being “overly accessible”? We kick off with a raw check-in that flips the script on generosity and boundaries, then move through a life lived at full volume: growing up in South Dorchester, becoming a father young, and choosing values over vibes. The stories are sharp and funny, but the lessons cut deeper—protect your time, know your worth, and give your best to people who truly earn it.

Nick T brings a wild arc: Division I athlete, young husband and dad, security pro, live streamer turned top 10 percent podcaster. He opens up about donating a kidney to his best friend’s son and the brutal aftermath—sepsis, hospital stays, and choosing loyalty anyway. Along the way we unpack a real-world safety playbook for daughters on campus and in cities today, from rideshare risks to tracking tech and social engineering in public spaces. It’s actionable, honest, and built from experience in security staffing.

Then we wade into the online dating trenches. Catfish tactics, “travels for work” euphemisms, babysitter-payment scams, and the surprisingly high cost of modern courtship collide with practical rules that work: verify on video, never send money, spot red flags fast, and keep your standards. From there, we trace Nick’s pivot from streaming burnout and clout-chasing to podcasting with purpose—creating community, amplifying other creators, and staying grounded when the numbers start popping.

If you’re juggling fatherhood, dating, and creative work while trying to stay true to yourself, this one hits home. Tap play, share it with a friend who needs tougher boundaries, and drop a review so more people can find the show. Subscribe for more candid conversations on relationships, safety, culture, and building a life that actually fits.

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: The SHITTS Podcast. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeart Radio. Subscribe and comment.