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.

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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.

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Two minutes in and you can hear it: this is soul built for feeling and for the floor. We sit with Spanish artist Carlos Abril to unpack the spark behind Love So Strong, the disco‑tinted energy of Sensational and Get Down, and the quiet discipline of slowing down so songs can actually breathe. He traces a line from Don Blackman and Sheik to present‑day production choices—live‑leaning strings, drums with pocket, arrangements that give DJs space to work—and explains why he writes like a diary: honest, specific, and not edited for the algorithm.

We talk upbringing and how a small city with big support turned experimentation into a habit, not a risk. Stevie Wonder looms large—in lyric, arrangement, and sheer wonder—and that reverence becomes a north star for taste, not imitation. Carlos opens up about working mostly alone, catching himself before perfectionism breaks the vibe, and how a healthy relationship with yourself might be the most underrated tool in a songwriter’s bag. The conversation stacks into a bigger theme: time beats money. With time, you write, practice, connect, and heal. Without it, even a budget can’t buy you voice.

For selectors and heads, there’s plenty here: DJ‑friendly intros, the logic of long mixes, and why modern soul thrives when club intent meets headphone detail. Looking ahead, Carlos teases a debut album that folds in folk colors, Brazilian sway, and a touch of psychedelic haze—Motown uplift filtered through his own compass. If you’ve been craving groove with heart, hooks with heritage, and stories that feel lived‑in, this one’s for you.

Stream the episode, add the tracks to your playlist, and tell a friend who needs a lift. If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share a clip, and leave a quick review—your support helps more people find the music that moves them.

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What if the biggest relationship breakdown in your life became your greatest breakthrough? In this raw and revealing episode, certified Integrated Attachment Theory Coach Brian Power takes us on a journey through the invisible forces that shape our connections with others.

Brian shares his personal story of relationship collapse—complete with a restraining order and temporary separation from his son—that ultimately transformed into healing and reconciliation. With remarkable vulnerability, he explains how childhood abandonment wounds from his father's absence created patterns that sabotaged his adult relationships until he finally confronted them.

The conversation explores the four attachment styles (secure, anxious preoccupied, dismissive avoidant, and fearful avoidant) and how they manifest in everyday relationship behaviors. From checking a partner's phone to appearing emotionally unavailable, these patterns signal deeper wounds begging for attention. The most powerful revelation? The qualities that trigger us most in our partners often mirror our own unhealed trauma.

Through practical exercises and insights, Brian demonstrates how we can reprogram subconscious patterns within 21 days of consistent practice. He breaks down the six core elements needed for healing: addressing wounds, identifying needs, processing emotions, establishing boundaries, improving communication, and changing behaviors.

Whether you're struggling in a current relationship, healing from a past one, or preparing for future connections, this episode offers both compassion and practical tools for transformation. The path forward isn't about finding perfect partners—it's about becoming more whole ourselves so we can create the deep, secure connections we all desire.

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What happens when life's setbacks become the catalyst for extraordinary success? Mr. Devour's story answers this question with raw authenticity and entrepreneurial fire.

When a workplace injury left him unable to return to conventional employment, Devour faced a critical choice—give up or reinvent himself. With a wife and two children depending on him, he revived a dormant dream and launched Devour Collection, what he proudly calls "the only exotic streetwear brand in the world." Born and raised in Chicago's Roseland neighborhood, Devour infused his South Side roots into a fashion philosophy that's caught the attention of filmmakers and tastemakers alike.

"I gave myself a 10-year deadline," Devala reveals, "and honestly, I make five years in October and I've done a lot more stuff than I thought I would have done." That "stuff" includes clothing features in multiple films alongside notable actors, expanding his brand into couture and intimate apparel divisions, and launching a music label under his Pretty Fly Corporation umbrella. But success hasn't come without profound personal challenges, including battling depression and childhood tragedy—Devour lost two brothers in a fire when he was young.

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from Devour's journey is his perspective on time versus money. "What can you do with money without time? Nothing," he states. "What can you do with time without money? A whole lot. I come from the bottom." This wisdom permeates his approach to business and life, creating generational wealth for his daughter (who has her own brand, Motivation) while relentlessly pursuing his vision despite naysayers.

Visit DevourCollection.com and use promo code DEVOUR for 15% off, or catch the brand's upcoming fashion show in St. Louis on October 18th. As Devour would say, "Live freely in your lifestyle while devouring your prey. Whatever trials and tribulations you go through, step into that shit as the lion, and never the mouse."

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What happens when relationships break down? What makes them thrive? DJ Monsoon welcomes Brandon Caldwell and Alicia Balark for a raw, unfiltered conversation about modern connection that goes far deeper than typical relationship talk.

The trio dives into what truly constitutes a healthy relationship, with both guests identifying respect and clear boundaries as foundational elements. Brandon eloquently explains how "mutual respect" creates the necessary framework, while Alicia adds nuanced perspective about meeting each other "where we are that day and loving each other through that." Their insights highlight how successful partnerships require both structure and flexibility.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through discussions of generational differences in relationships. Brandon observes that our grandparents didn't have the "accessibility" modern couples do—when problems arose, they couldn't simply swipe to the next option. This prompts a compelling exploration of how technology has fundamentally altered our approach to commitment, creating what Brandon calls a "7-Eleven" dating culture where people discard relationships at the first sign of challenge.

Perhaps the most thought-provoking segment examines masculinity in urban culture, with Brandon delivering an unflinching assessment: "You don't see James Evans Sr. as a man anymore." The guests dissect how limited representations of Black manhood leave younger generations without nuanced role models, creating cycles that affect everything from dating dynamics to parenting approaches. Alicia's perspective as a strong woman navigating these expectations adds valuable dimension to the conversation.

The episode closes with powerful reflections on healing, communication, and finding harmony despite our differences. As Brandon poetically notes, sometimes the simplest gesture—a genuine smile—can "light up the back ends of heaven."

Ready for relationship insights that go beyond surface-level advice? Listen now and join the conversation. Have thoughts or want to be featured on a future episode? Email djmonsoonstaraw@gmail.com to connect.

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Get ready for an inside look at the adult film industry as we chat with Vic Lagina, a veteran producer who's been a key player for two decades. From his Philly roots to his Vegas evolution, Vic shares his wild entry into the porn business, sparked by an ad on adultstaffing.com, and his mission to bring professionalism to a chaotic industry. We promise you'll gain a new perspective on how digital platforms like OnlyFans are revolutionizing the game, empowering performers, and flipping traditional power dynamics on their head.

We also tackle the gritty side of the industry, exposing the unethical practices that plague major players like MindGeek. With candid discussions on controversial topics such as non-consensual content and the fallout from the "Takedown" book, this episode doesn't shy away from the tough conversations. Dive into the complexities of personal relationships within the industry, as we debate if working in porn can desensitize one to sex and explore the boundary-pushing world of porn addiction and its effects on a healthy relationship.

There's more to this episode than just serious industry talk. We lighten things up with a playful game matching drugs to party types and share humorous tales from the AVN Awards. Celebrate hip-hop culture with us, as DJ Shells drops beats that pay homage to legends like Eazy-E and Dre. To wrap things up, discover the importance of building a dedicated fanbase and get a sneak peek into Vic's book, "Filthy: The Rise and Pending Death of Vic Lagina." Whether you're here for the laughs, the insights, or the music, this episode is packed with something for everyone.

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