A Regular Thing Podcast

From Protests to Peace: J-MAL on Art, Activism & Oakland Legacy | A.R.T. Episode #20

In this powerful and unfiltered episode of A Regular Thing (A.R.T.), we sit down with Oakland’s own JJ—artist, photographer, documentarian, and frontline activist. From risking his life during the George Floyd protests to live-streaming conflict resolution in East Oakland, JJ’s story is a raw reflection of art, purpose, and the price of truth-telling. We talk legacy, community impact, and how sometimes, the most revolutionary act is just showing up with a camera and telling the real story.
Whether he's capturing stars like Drake and Kamala Harris or standing in the middle of protest zones with a gas mask and a shaky livestream, JJ’s commitment to his people never wavers. This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about creativity, activism, legacy, and healing.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Remembering Relationships & BoundariesHow we navigate old memories, co-parenting, and digital footprints.
2:00 – A.R.T. Officially Begins + Guest IntroMeet JJ—activist, artist, and documentarian rooted in Oakland.
3:30 – Why JJ Deserves His FlowersCommunity service without the spotlight and being overlooked.
6:15 – From Oakland Hoops to Humble OGGrowing up together and recognizing the shift into elderhood.
9:00 – Capturing Celebrity MomentsJJ talks photographing Drake, Lauryn Hill, Kamala Harris, and more.
11:00 – Protest Work: From Oscar Grant to George FloydThe turning point that made JJ put down the day job and pick up the livestream full-time.
14:00 – Livestreams That Changed the NarrativeHow Facebook Lives became tools of truth—and why his platform was ultimately suppressed.
17:10 – Shadowbanned and SilencedJJ’s social media reach was destroyed after streaming police violence in real time.
18:30 – From Oakland to Portland to DCHow JJ was flown out to protests across the country, including the March on Washington.
20:00 – Meeting the Central Park 5 + Behind the ScenesRaw, funny, and real stories from the frontline and backstage.
22:15 – Police Surveillance and Personal RiskBeing named by masked officers and tagged in digital databases.
24:00 – Turning Down the NewsWhy JJ refused to sell his footage to media outlets who wanted to spin the story.
25:15 – Arrested but MisrepresentedOut of 200+ arrests, only JJ’s face aired—showing the manipulation of mainstream narratives.
27:00 – “It Wasn’t for the Money”Losing money and missing work to serve the truth with his camera.
28:15 – Guns Down, Gloves UpJJ documents Rico the Kid’s boxing events in Oakland as an alternative to gun violence.
30:00 – Conflict as a Catalyst for RespectRunning fades with structure, respect, and resolution.
31:30 – Hood Diplomacy: Fight, Shake Hands, Move OnStories of fights ending in handshakes, hugs, and deeper respect.
33:00 – The Culture of Healing Through ConfrontationLetting aggression out today so it doesn’t fester into tomorrow.
34:30 – Legacy Over LikesJJ’s mission to capture truth, teach youth, and protect the culture by any means necessary.

Becoming the Hat Matter: Sir Michael Wayne Turner III on Poetry, Theater & Legacy | A.R.T. Ep. 19

In this episode of A Regular Thing (A.R.T.), we sit down with the electrifying multi-hyphenate artist Sir Michael Wayne Turner III. From his poetic roots at Brave New Voices to powerful one-man shows like Hat Matter and Ghost of King, Michael takes us on a journey through Black artistry, identity, and legacy. He breaks down the art of performance poetry, the deep influence of the church, and his mission to revive historical moments with immersive storytelling. Whether you’re a creative, a dreamer, or someone rediscovering your voice, this episode is a masterclass in turning life into art. Chapters & Timestamps: 0:00 – Proximity to Purpose & the Kanye Conversation 1:37 – Welcome to A.R.T. & Guest Intro 2:30 – Legacy in a Name: Sir Michael Wayne Turner III 3:05 – Houston to the Bay: Finding Home 4:18 – First Impressions & Performance Style 5:19 – Acting Through Poetry 6:22 – How Poetry Found Him at 16 7:50 – Dancing with Destiny’s Child at 8 8:54 – Discovering Brave New Voices 10:43 – The Power of Youth Performance 13:48 – Stories That Make You Cry 15:51 – Love Among the Unhoused: A Poem That Stuck 17:15 – Creativity That Cuts Through 18:17 – Falling in Love with Acting 19:24 – Church as a Training Ground for Performance 21:38 – What Makes a Great Actor? 23:54 – The Birth of Hat Matter 28:09 – How a Halloween Costume Sparked a Movement 30:35 – Becoming the Black Mad Hatter 33:22 – Dancing Between Sanity & Madness 34:58 – Taking Hat Matter Global 37:06 – Ghost of King: Reclaiming MLK’s Voice 40:07 – Humanizing the Legend 43:22 – Why Love Is Still the Only Way 45:04 – The Pastor Behind the Icon 47:25 – What’s Next: Films, Music, and Timeless Visions 51:33 – Poetic Grammy Dreams & Bay Area Love 52:36 – Final Reflections & Socials

Burnout to Backpacking: Brandon’s Journey to Joy, Art & Impact | A.R.T. Episode 18

In this episode of A Regular Thing (A.R.T.), we sit down with Brandon to unpack what it means to choose joy, travel with purpose, and create without apology. From quitting his tech job to backpacking through Southeast Asia, Brandon’s story is a masterclass in trusting your gut, betting on your gifts, and letting the universe meet you halfway. Whether you're a creative, a traveler, or someone craving a life reset — this one’s for you.
⏱️ Chapters:
0:00 – Welcome Back: We’re Still Creating1:25 – Can You “Cheat” on an Album?2:28 – Life Happened, Not Drama4:07 – We Got Robbed (Literally)5:00 – The Bipping Story (Bay Area Car Break-In Culture)7:00 – Adjusting to Loss Without Losing Momentum10:25 – From DJing to Healing Spaces13:12 – Identity Shifts and New Creative Chapters15:44 – Transitioning From Artist to Author19:35 – The Power of the Inner Child & Rebirth24:51 – How Travel Transforms Your Self-Worth29:15 – Leaving the Bay: The Push & Pull Factors35:50 – Heartbreak Abroad: Making & Losing Connections41:13 – How Backpacker Culture Builds Vulnerability46:27 – Kodak’s Spontaneous Trip to Costa Rica50:39 – Why It’s Okay to Travel Without a Plan54:08 – The Photo Book Origin Story58:23 – Getting Laid Off from Twitter & Choosing Sabbatical1:04:47 – Preserving the Journey: From Instagram to Legacy1:10:17 – Representation in Hostels & Cultural Visibility1:13:29 – You Don’t Have to Do Life the “Programmed” Way1:17:05 – Dodgeball with a Photographer’s Arm1:21:36 – Gratitude, Brotherhood, and the Wrap-Up
Subscribe for more raw, soulful, and creative convos every week. We do this for the art — and the artists.

Millennial Fatigue, Black Artistry & Spiritual Downloads | A.R.T. Episode 17

Welcome back to A Regular Thing (A.R.T.) — a raw, funny, and deeply soulful squad pod episode where we reflect on health resets, creative resilience, nostalgic music eras, dream portals, and what it means to reclaim our stories as Black creators.
From LakeFest chaos to Kendrick and Beyoncé’s Emmy nods to Maki’s tinfoil theory on déjà vu, we take you on a layered journey filled with laughter, legacy, and the power of cultural self-definition.
👇🏾 Chapters & Timestamps 👇🏾
00:00 – 01:36 | Welcome Back + Squad Pod Energy06:40 – 08:28 | Welcoming Britt: The Fourth Horse(wo)man08:29 – 10:53 | LakeFest Recap: From Chaos to Connection20:37 – 24:40 | New Music Drops: Bieber, Kehlani, Clipse & More36:34 – 41:12 | 2005 Was Untouchable: A Golden Music Year41:13 – 43:13 | Millennial Fatigue Is Real: We’ve Seen Too Much52:58 – 56:00 | Kendrick, Beyoncé & the Gatekeeping Debate56:01 – 1:02:44 | Maki’s Tinfoil Moment: Dreams, Déjà Vu & Dimensions1:02:45 – 1:03:45 | Kodak’s Corner: Animation, Grief & Black Nerd Spaces

DJ Lexappel on House, Healing, and Reinvention Through Music & Identity | A.R.T. Episode 16

n this episode of A Regular Thing (A.R.T.), the crew sits down with DJ Lexapeel to talk about navigating identity, DJ culture, Black artistry, safe party spaces, and the journey of starting over — again and again. From her Atlanta roots and Bay Area grind to her soulful party series Woo and new production goals, Lex shares how healing, music history, and intention shape her unique approach to creativity and community. Whether you’re a DJ, music lover, or culture builder — this conversation is packed with real talk, behind-the-scenes gems, and a whole lot of love.
👇 CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPS 👇
 
00:00 – Spirit Animals & Opening Energy Lighthearted spirit animal intros spark laughter and set the tone for the episode. 02:03 – Astrology & Emotional Intelligence The cast explores astrology, identity, and emotional patterns in creative life. 08:24 – Intro to DJ Lexapeel & A.R.T. Vibes Kodak and Maki welcome Lex and explain why the pod feels like home. 10:11 – Creative Beginnings & DJ Mentors Lex shares how her journey into DJing started at an HBCU with the right support. 18:37 – The HBCU Experience & Atlanta Culture From party tents to musical roots, the crew dives into what made the HBCU scene special. 26:52 – Legendary Peers & Atlanta DJ Scene Reflecting on college peers who blew up and how Lex built community early on. 31:10 – DJing as Spiritual Practice & Mental Tetris The psychology of crowd control, flow state, and reading the room. 36:33 – DJ Set Structure & Etiquette Opening DJs vs. headliners and the unspoken rules of live sets. 40:18 – Starting Over in the Bay Lex opens up about humility, ego checks, and her first gigs in Oakland. 44:40 – DJ Politics, Popularity & Pay-to-Play The crew discusses talent vs. social clout and navigating Bay Area gatekeeping. 48:23 – Women DJs, Gaslighting & Building Your Own Lane Why Lex created Woo to uplift Black and Brown women DJs and throw her own events. 54:32 – Safe Space Energy: What Made Woo Special How intention, hospitality, and fashion created memorable community-centered events. 58:45 – Teaching Kids Mindfulness in East Oakland Lex explains how she uses meditation, music, and sensory techniques in after-school programs. 1:02:05 – Favorite Cities to DJ In Lex compares the vibes of New York, Atlanta, and dance cultures across regions. 1:05:15 – House Music & Black Origins Revisited Why house is making a comeback and how Lex reintroduces it in modern sets. 1:08:20 – The DJ as Educator: Music History in the Mix Lex shares how she reveals samples and musical roots in her sets to educate the crowd. 1:12:55 – DJs Are the New Rockstars (Again) Social media’s role in re-centering DJs as tastemakers, creators, and mainstage artists. 1:14:40 – Celebrating DJs: Miss Milan, Doechii & Legacy The importance of giving DJs their flowers — from Soul Election to Quincy Jones. 1:15:35 – Producing vs. Beatmaking & What’s Next Lex talks about transitioning into production with intention and originality. 1:21:14 – Upcoming Projects: Digital Underground & More Details on Lex’s next event, international sets, and why 2024 is just the beginning. 1:23:05 – Final Shoutouts & Sign-Off Closing love, energy, and where to follow everyone on their journeys.

From Bootlegs to Broadcast: G Biz on Hustle, Legacy & Making It in the Bay | A.R.T. Podcast Episode 15

Welcome back to another episode of A Regular Thing (ART) — where real ones talk real things. In this deep, hilarious, and inspiring convo, we sit down with Bay Area radio legend G Biz to talk about everything from growing up in East Oakland to navigating radio politics, giving local artists game, iconic interviews (Ice Cube, Monique, and Pam from Martin), plus building a life beyond the mic. Whether you’re an artist trying to get radio play, a creative building consistency, or just here for the stories, you’ll laugh, learn, and leave motivated.
💯 👇🏽 Chapters & Time Stamps below 👇🏽
0:00 – Can You Cheat on an Album? Playful debate about music loyalty and artistic polyamory. 1:25 – Welcome Back to the Pod Why we were gone and what brought us back. 2:28 – It Wasn’t Drama, Just Life No beef, just real-life setbacks—handled with unity. 4:07 – We Got Robbed The break-in that set us back... and lit a fire. 5:00 – How It Happened Kodak tells the story: a shift, a suitcase, a smashed window. 7:00 – Understanding Bipping Culture A Bay Area breakdown of organized car break-ins. 9:30 – Broad Daylight Thefts Crime, risk, and staying present in the Bay. 11:01 – Art as a Lifestyle The many definitions of ART and why this podcast exists. 13:30 – Radio, Personality & Purpose How G Biz became a Bay Area voice. 15:45 – Bay Area Nostalgia Block parties, old-school games, and family memories. 21:55 – Black Boy Joy in the Bay Vulnerability, duality, and the code of Oakland culture. 29:48 – Radio vs. Social Media How the game has changed and what it takes now. 33:25 – How G Biz Got Into Radio From internships to legacy—earning stripes on-air. 41:45 – What Makes a Great Radio Host? The balance of realness, humor, and healing. 47:30 – East Oakland Roots Growing up fast and making it count. 55:15 – Defining Your Own Lane Legacy, character, and redefining success. 1:02:30 – Gatekeeping vs. Guidance Real talk on helping others without hand-holding. 1:12:15 – Teaching the Next Generation Community, mentorship, and showing up. 1:18:01 – Personal Evolution Health, heartbreak, hustle, and healing. 1:23:15 – Giving Flowers Why giving love while folks are here matters most. 1:30:33 – Auntie Etiquette & Growing Up Black House rules, respect, and lessons that last. 1:41:22 – Do Radio & Local Artists Clash? Breaking down the radio game for indie artists. 1:42:45 – Why Local Songs Don’t Play at Prime Time Radio slots, sample sizes, and strategic spins. 1:45:48 – When the Streets Buzz, Radio Follows From late-night spins to power records and gold records. 1:49:00 – Getting Played Is Earned, Not Owed Footwork, promo, and putting your song in people’s faces. 1:51:27 – Bad Songs Get Submitted Daily Why effort, not just music quality, determines rotation. 1:52:24 – Larry June Don’t Need Radio How self-promotion builds leverage. 1:53:21 – Getting That First Radio Spin: A Confidence Boost Appreciating the moment—even without prime time. 1:54:15 – LaRussell’s 10,000 Clips A masterclass in consistency and visibility. 1:55:05 – Don’t Blame Radio—Promote Yourself First Why social media, shows, and effort matter more. 1:55:19 – Favorite Interviews? Ice Cube Topped the List How one interview question ended up in a Drake song. 1:57:45 – G Biz’s Most Viral Moment: Monique Interview The learning moment that changed the game. 2:00:30 – Recreating a Scene With Pam from Martin Improv with Tichina Arnold and a full-circle moment. 2:01:28 – Acting Origins: G Biz at San Jose State From theater class to the highest-grossing play in school history. 2:03:15 – Comedy, Sketches, and Organic Artistry Why acting came naturally from doing what felt fun. 2:05:32 – How Do Radio Personalities Get Their Names? Behind the mic: the origin of “G Biz,” Vonz, Lexx, Rick Lee & more. 2:07:17 – The Story Behind the Name “G Biz” Football, drills, and a nickname that stuck. 2:08:30 – Ricky “Sleeveless” Lee: A Legend in Any Weather No sleeves, no problem. Radio gym inspiration. 2:09:04 – What G Biz Is Working On Season 3, youth mentorship, comedy, and passive income. 2:10:30 – Gearing Up for 2024 New goals, health shifts, and building new lanes. 2:11:15 – The Hosts Wrap the Show Gratitude, growth, and a preview of what’s next. 2:12:15 – Final Joke: Stay Away From the Hot Pastrami You had to be there.

We Got Robbed, But We’re Still Creating | A.R.T. Podcast on Dreams, Fear & Creative Comebacks

n this episode of A Regular Thing (A.R.T.), we bounce back after our gear was stolen. Instead of quitting, we dive into a raw, funny, and inspiring conversation on fear, failure, support, and purpose. Whether you’re creating, supporting, or still finding your lane—this one’s a reminder: art doesn’t expire, and neither do dreams. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Can You Cheat on an Album? 1:25 – Welcome Back to the Pod 2:28 – It Wasn’t Drama, Just Life 4:07 – We Got Robbed 5:00 – How It Happened 7:00 – Understanding Bipping Culture 9:30 – Broad Daylight Thefts Are Real 11:51 – Almost Got Robbed at the Pump 12:08 – The Blessing in the Break 13:48 – God’s Glory Through Setback 14:14 – The Luggage Came Back... Empty 15:55 – Do Setbacks Kill Creativity? 16:38 – Fuel for the Fire 19:08 – Building Without Experience 21:37 – We Got Invited to Lake Fest! 22:47 – Setback = Setup 23:00 – Still Grateful 23:46 – Creative Confidence from the Start 24:29 – A Mom’s Perspective Saves the Day 25:52 – We Didn’t Lose Everything 26:28 – Enjoy the Creative Journey 27:27 – See Us at LakeFest 2025! 29:04 – Creative Check-In: Music Collabs & Wins 32:14 – Planning a Wedding & Big Life Moves 33:36 – Vacation Vibes & Creative Breaks 35:06 – Live So You Have Something to Say 36:36 – Write Off Your Whole Life (Legally) 38:15 – The Power of Doing Nothing 39:01 – Float in Silence: Sensory Deprivation Tanks 43:52 – Reckless Behavior Season 3 Is Out! 46:21 – From Acting to Podcasting 47:49 – From Acting in Someone’s Dream to Living Your Own 48:37 – Life Updates & New Creative Projects 49:02 – No Buns in the Oven, Just Big Ideas 49:53 – Why We Need More Tommies 51:07 – Imagine If the Jacksons Protected Mike 52:52 – Be the Village for Your Gifted Friends 1:07:00 – Step Up, Step Back 1:13:00 – Giving Away Genius 1:21:00 – Is the Bay Area in a Creative Renaissance? 1:24:00 – Ryan Coogler & Kendrick: Support in Action 1:25:00 – The Soundtrack Era Is Coming Back 1:26:12 – Learned to Fly at 78: Age Isn’t the Limit 1:26:58 – Dreams May Pivot, Not Die 1:28:55 – Pivoting Can Be the Dream 1:29:12 – Try and Fail Greater than Never Try at All 1:30:01 – There’s No Age Limit to Being an Artist 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments. 🎧 Listen to A Regular Thing (A.R.T.) on all podcast platforms. 📍Follow us on socials to stay tapped in.

A Regular Thing | The Power of Authentic Storytelling w/ Michaela P. Shelton Part 2

In Part 2 of our conversation with the inspiring Michaela Shelton, we dive even deeper into her creative journey and the evolution of Reckless Behavior: The Series. 🌟 Michaela shares her early passion for storytelling, the lessons learned through trial and error, and the power of staying true to her vision despite the challenges. 🎙️ Key topics in this episode: Michaela's first steps into writing and creativity ✍️ The grind of balancing passion projects with real-life responsibilities 🎧 How Reckless Behavior went from an experiment to a full-blown series 🎥 The tough calls Michaela made to ensure quality and growth 📈 Her thoughts on the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning 🌱 This candid discussion is packed with inspiration, real-life lessons, and invaluable advice for creatives and entrepreneurs alike. Don't miss this inside look at the mind of a visionary who’s redefining independent filmmaking! 🚀✨ 🔗 Watch now and share your thoughts in the comments below. 💬 Follow Michaela Shelton and stay connected: [Insert Michaela's social media links]. #CreativeJourney #RecklessBehaviorSeries #AuthenticStorytelling #IndependentFilmmaking #Podcast #WomenInFilm #BlackCreatives

A Regular Thing | The Power of Authentic Storytelling w/ Michaela P. Shelton Part 1

🎬 Welcome to Another Episode of A Regular Thing! 🎤 In this jam-packed episode, we’re diving deep into pop culture, creative journeys, and the real stories behind some of your favorite shows and movies. From the evolution of iconic series like Power and Insecure to the struggles and triumphs of independent creatives, we cover it all with our special guest, Michaela P. Shelton, the creative genius behind Reckless Behavior: The Series. 💡✨ 🎥 Highlights: Michaela reflects on the journey of creating and distributing Reckless Behavior 🎭 The team shares insights on method acting, character building, and storytelling 🎬 We debate the best TV shows, movies, and why some adaptations just don’t hit the mark 📺 Hilarious banter about relatable moments, from Love Is Blind pods to surviving creative burnout 💬 💡 Key Takeaways: The beauty of authentic storytelling in modern media 🌟 Why vulnerability and relatability are keys to audience connection ❤️ A sneak peek into Michaela's upcoming projects and her newly signed distribution deal 🔥 👀 Watch, Laugh, and Learn as we peel back the layers of creativity, authenticity, and the hustle it takes to bring visions to life. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share! 🎉 📢 Shoutout to our amazing guests and squad: Mikayla Shelton (@]Michaela.p.shelton) Kodak ( @Kodeezy_) Maki ( @shamari.ray.belll) Vernon Syncere ( @vernonsyncere  ) And all the supporters of Reckless Behavior: The Series 🌸 🎧 Follow us on social media for updates and more content: [Insert links here] #aregularthing#Podcast #CreativeJourney #RecklessBehaviorSeries #Storytelling #MethodActing #PopCultureTalks #LoveIsBlind #TVShows #Movies #IndependentCreators #artpodcast

Creativity, Community, Boundaries W/ Shayla James Part 2

In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, Shayla shares her incredible journey of resilience, transformation, and self-discovery after moving to Houston. She opens up about navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, finding strength in her faith, and embracing life’s unexpected challenges with grace. This video takes you through Shayla's experience preparing her body for treatment, rediscovering her identity, and the pivotal moments that shaped her new outlook on life. From the highs of personal victories to the raw vulnerability of growth, Shayla's story is a testament to overcoming adversity and finding joy amid trials. ✨ Topics covered: Moving to Houston and facing the unexpected Preparing physically and mentally for a health journey Redefining self-love and embracing personal growth The importance of therapy, boundaries, and self-care Inspiring others through creativity and resilience 💬 “I wanted people to see that even when life takes an unexpected turn, you can still show up for yourself and live fully.” Watch this video to hear Shayla’s powerful story, her thoughts on breaking societal expectations, and why self-care and faith are non-negotiable. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories! #Resilience #BreastCancerJourney #SelfCare #PersonalGrowth #HoustonLife