The Interludes Podcast
184 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 days ago -What exactly is an interlude? For me, it's those magical, fleeting moments between tracks on a CD or LP record, where powerful harmonies transition you into the next chapter of music. This is where inspiration meets rhythm, and it's where I live as a DJ at heart. "The Interludes Podcast" is the extended play of those moments – a continuous stream of inspiration and up-tempo vibes.
I, Val "The Voice" Johnson, serve as your guide through the voices of creatives, entrepreneurs, and filmmakers who are carving out exciting paths of discovery and exploration. In my podcast, we share intimate conversations with the trailblazers in music, performing arts, sports, and film. It's all about uncovering the pulse of the culture in entertainment and sports - and doing a little self-discovery along the way.
I'm here to inspire you to find your own creative "interlude," to ignite that journey full of fun and awe that audiences are eager to experience. Every Wednesday, I offer you a glimpse into the evolving culture of the entertainment and sports, all while weaving in the music that connects us. It's an invitation to explore, learn, and be moved – with an original soundtrack that inspires.
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Episodes
A King and A Coach
January 12, 2023 00:55 - 42 minutes - 80 MBVal the Voice plays tribute to civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King and his influence. Also, Interludes extra Talk on Tuesdays team speak with internationally known Coach John Saintignon about the important of being more than just a coach.
We Love The 90s
January 05, 2023 00:02 - 31 minutes - 57.4 MBWe love the 90s and apparently… the TV and film industry as well. EP Michael Wamble and Val the Voice are going back into time to the 90s. We review the recent revival with Malcolm Lee’s The Best Man - The Final Chapters and highlight other film and musical classics that made the 90s worth loving.
Uncuffed vs Cuffed
December 15, 2022 02:44 - 13 minutes - 25.7 MBVal the Voice defines the term “cuffing season” and how singles can prepare the defense against the emotional offense of the holidays.
Fashionably Black
December 07, 2022 20:59 - 27 minutes - 47.4 MBBrooklyn-based designer Wilbur Pack Jr. shares about the music and films that have inspired his work and how he is growing the brand SK Wilbur.
Be Seen and Be Loved with Christie Love
December 01, 2022 01:24 - 22 minutes - 41.4 MBMeet motivational speaker and talk-show host Christie Love as she shares her life, her initial fears in public speaking and the people who have inspired her to be the confident, fearless woman with a knack of making her audience feel seen and loved.
Epilepsy Awareness
November 24, 2022 00:24 - 21 minutes - 40.6 MBNovember is Epilepsy Awareness Month. Val 'the Voice' Johnson speaks with digital compositor and entertainment consultant Karla Braithwaite about her challenges and breakthroughs with the neurological disorder, epilepsy. Karla shares why she started a daily fundraising walk on her Instagram account to help increase epilepsy awareness.
Journey to Wakanda
November 17, 2022 00:21 - 57 minutes - 97.4 MBThe Epic Sequel has arrived & so too has a special audio breakdown with Val "The Voice" & Mr. Wamble presenting you with a passport to understand the world of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Unicorn Forever
November 09, 2022 15:25 - 20 minutes - 38.6 MBInterludes continues our lively conversation with Chicago playwright and professor Alvin Malcolm Daniels, an unicorn of a creative and the importance of ETA Creative Arts Foundation.
Son of A Preacher Man
November 02, 2022 23:51 - 21 minutes - 40.3 MBAlvin Malcolm Daniels. He’s a playwright, filmmaker and the son of a preacher woman in Daniel's case. Val 'the Voice' and EP Michael Wamble catch up with Daniels regarding his docuseries and stage play, “Preacher Kids: The Untold Stories.”
The Time is Now
October 26, 2022 21:39 - 23 minutes - 44.9 MBTalented singer, actress & breast cancer awareness advocate, Tracy R. Kincaide has a new single, "The Time is Now" and other exciting projects using her gifts.
Behind the Scenes Coming Soon
October 19, 2022 23:52 - 26 minutes - 48.1 MBYou already know about the big “Black” blockbusters coming to a cineplex near you this season. There’s Black Adam, DC’s comic book flick. And, of course, the much anticipated Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But what about those dramas made for adult audiences? We highlight films you should seek out on the silver and smaller screens.
Brown Sugar Cafe
October 12, 2022 21:45 - 28 minutes - 50.6 MBTerrance P. Elmore, author of “Love Letters: A Collections of Poems”, blogger and fellow podcaster has created a smooth vibe on his podcast called, “The Brown Sugar Cafe.”
Mindset Money Up
October 05, 2022 20:27 - 29 minutes - 51.7 MBAuthor the of book, "Why Are Church Folk Poor" and money mindset consultant Dr. Raykel Tolson shares her life-changing journey which lead to homeownership and entrepreneurship.
Homecoming
September 29, 2022 06:33 - 21 minutes - 40.3 MBHow has the African American experience for college students been portrayed on the big and small screens via movies and television? This week the Interludes team takes a look at Brothers and Sisters after high school, heading off to college in the fictional worlds via TV and film. Welcome to Homecoming
Fall Into Da Season
September 22, 2022 02:30 - 40 minutes - 77.1 MBWe are ready to fall into the new season, fall. Val the Voice reflects on her recent trip to Brooklyn and the team reviews the recent film release, "The Woman King."
Press Play with Coach Ty Evans
September 14, 2022 21:02 - 26 minutes - 51.1 MBInterludes Extra Sports Correspondent Coach Tony Thompson introduces us to one of his dear friends and leaders in the Women's Basketball arena, TSU’s Women’s Head Basketball Coach Ty Evans. It’s time to press play and get into the know with Coach Evans.
What's Worth Binging: Emmy Awards Preview
September 07, 2022 23:59 - 40 minutes - 77.2 MBAhead of the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, Val the Voice and Mr. Wamble gives their top five comedies and top five dramas that you should be binging.
What’s Worth Binging: Emmy Awards Preview
September 07, 2022 23:59 - 40 minutes - 77.2 MBAhead of the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards, Val the Voice and Mr. Wamble gives their top five comedies and top five dramas that you should be binging.
Our Voices on the Stage
August 31, 2022 23:36 - 33 minutes - 58 MBLorraine Hansberry. Lynn Nottage, Christine Houston. All playwrights from different eras with one essential message. Our voice matters. We speak with veteran actress Felisha McNeal in a recent interview about Christine Houston’s groundbreaking work, Two Twenty Seven.
The Leadership Locksmith
August 24, 2022 22:42 - 35 minutes - 64.7 MBAugust is National Black Business Month. It’s important for every business to adapt and learn the strategies in creating and maintaining a business. Dubbed as a “leadership locksmith”, business leader, educator and author Shirrod Le’Det shares what it takes to develop leadership skills in business and in life.
The VMAs Awards
August 18, 2022 01:24 - 16 minutes - 32.5 MBThe current music scene can be a little hard to decipher. When our parents couldn’t relate, music became noise to them. Allow the Interludes team to share the personal Val and Michael Awards aka VMAs Awards to acknowledge three artists that stand out above the noise in a sea of new music: Nigerian-born Tems, pop diva Lizzo and hip-hop artist Jack Harlow. They are the current ones to watch.
Swing for Success: Golfing While Black
August 10, 2022 22:46 - 30 minutes - 57.8 MBAfrican American athletes like Jackie Robinson and Tiger Woods are well known. Yet the history and current role of golf among African Americans have been somewhat less known. Interludes takes a walk through golf history and welcomes our special guest, Jim Beatty, Executive Editor of the African American Golf Digest as we learn about the billion dollar golfing industry.
Tyler, The Festival Creator
August 04, 2022 00:15 - 32 minutes - 62.3 MBWhen it comes to film, the name Tyler is becoming synonymous with movie magic. This week, we talk to Tyler - no, not that one - about his journey as a storyteller and his work as a film festival founder. Meet Andrew Tyler, who is bringing a film festival to Wheaton.
The Director's Chair
July 27, 2022 23:45 - 40 minutes - 73.4 MBFrom Scorese to Deniro. To Jordan Peele to Daniel Kaluuya. This week, the Interludes team look at movies from ‘Nope’ and “Get Out’ to “The Black Panther” Series to put the spotlight on special relationships between actors and directors. Welcome to the director’s chair.
The Director’s Chair
July 27, 2022 23:45 - 40 minutes - 73.4 MBFrom Scorese to Deniro. To Jordan Peele to Daniel Kaluuya. This week, the Interludes team look at movies from ‘Nope’ and “Get Out’ to “The Black Panther” Series to put the spotlight on special relationships between actors and directors. Welcome to the director’s chair.
The Taste of Summer Festivals
July 20, 2022 22:51 - 35 minutes - 62.2 MBGet a taste of this year's Lollapolooza music festival and a sample of other events - both big ticket & free - around Chicago this season. With artists as varied as R&B queen Erykah Badu, hip-hop hero J Cole and the legendary Diana Ross all schedules to blow into the Windy City, let Val "The Voice" and comedian Mr. Wamble be your guide on a 'Taste' of summer festivals.
We Be Comedy
July 13, 2022 18:36 - 23 minutes - 44.2 MBInterludes host Val 'the Voice" and EP Michael Wamble will debut their comedic talents in person before a live audience at Riddles Comedy Club this weekend. IYH Innertainment and comedian Jori O'Neale gives us tips on live performing comedy and what to expect at an upcoming comedy show.
Divinely Inspired Connections
July 08, 2022 15:23 - 25 minutes - 46.1 MBInterludes kicks off our fifth season with the Women in Business spotlight on Divine Connections founder and owner Deloris Williams. Be inspired by Williams' story of determination, faith and passion to help spotlight others on her media platforms.
Anniversary Celebration
July 01, 2022 04:19 - 27 minutes - 53.6 MBHow exciting to celebrate 100 episodes and the kick off to our fifth season. Join Val "the Voice" Johnson and her guest host and childhood friend, Princess Hoy as they look back on a few interview and fun times at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show.
Sound of Blackness: Juneteenth
June 22, 2022 22:30 - 33 minutes - 59.3 MBWhen it comes to music, the difference between famous and “blackfamous” is the Sound of Blackness. And as you will hear, in this episode it’s not about skin color but the soul an artist brings to their music and how it connects to the culture. The Sound of Blackness is the essence of empathy for the history of a people who have weathered pain, like the destruction of Black Wall Street, but also welcomed the joy of freedom celebrated each Juneteenth. “Joy and Pain/ like…”
Black Sway on the Great White Way
June 15, 2022 22:40 - 39 minutes - 66.3 MBAs triple-threat star Ariana Dubose quipped a, when it comes to Broadway, " 'The Great White Way' should be a nickname not 'How to'' " instructions. And she's right. From "The Wiz" to "MJ: The Musical," the influence of Black and Brown artist upon Broadway musicals over the past 50 years has given a special sound - a "Black Sway" to the Great White Way.
Live Music is Life Music
June 08, 2022 22:48 - 29 minutes - 55.8 MBGive the drummer some. Not the drum machine but the real-life person snapping on the snare, tapping the toms, and sizzling those cymbals. And the guitarist. And the bassist too. As we enter Black Music Month and hopefully COVID-free music festival season, we talk about the state of what gets played on the radio and the joy of live music with performer and producer Kendall Nesbit, for whom music is life.
Hot Wing Summer Movie Preview
May 26, 2022 00:25 - 18 minutes - 36.2 MBMemorial Day is the unofficial start to the summer. Time to fire up the grill, get those hot wings ready and talk BBQ with soul food scholar Adrian Miller and preview our picks for the upcoming summer movie season with Val “the Voice” Johnson.
Remembering Malcolm
May 18, 2022 22:13 - 36 minutes - 68.6 MBMay 19th is the birthday of Malcolm X. EP Michael Wamble and Val "the Voice" reflect on the life of Malcolm X, speak with award-winning musician Speech Thomas about his contribution to the soundtrack and the film that brought Malcolm to many of our collective consciousness.
Sunshine of Self-Care
May 11, 2022 20:41 - 18 minutes - 34.7 MBWalk with Val 'the Voice" Johnson as she enters the Sunshine of Self-Care. Join Val as she celebrates her birthday at a day spa in suburban Chicago as a reminder that self-care isn't a luxury but an essential to maintain a healthy "you."
A Momma’s Love Is Timeless
May 04, 2022 23:54 - 34 minutes - 61.7 MBCelebrating mothers by talking with three dynamic women who are busy working moms raising children and being great examples. Also, Val "the Voice" Johnson takes a few moments to honor her mom, Rosie.
Seasoned the Series
April 27, 2022 21:21 - 33 minutes - 63.7 MBIn the new TV series "Seasoned," Chicago-based producer Andre Blaze Rodgers takes us into a world where there is no age limit on achieving your dreams. "Seasoned" stars Taroniah Rice and Tracy Kincaide join series creator and director Aretha “Ms Respect” Tatum in conversation about a show that explores themes of endurance and faith.
I Am My Father's Keeper
April 21, 2022 02:24 - 46 minutes - 77.2 MBThree professional women share their experiences as daughters of very different, though loving dads in the book, "I Am My Father's Keeper." Meet Kelani Wilson, Adrienne Upchurch and Tamiko Lowery Jones and the men they called "dad."
I Am My Father’s Keeper
April 21, 2022 02:24 - 46 minutes - 77.2 MBThree professional women share their experiences as daughters of very different, though loving dads in the book, "I Am My Father's Keeper." Meet Kelani Wilson, Adrienne Upchurch and Tamiko Lowery Jones and the men they called "dad."
Being Booked and Busy Creatives
April 13, 2022 22:53 - 34 minutes - 59.4 MBAre you a busy creative with limited time to maintain the business financials? It's tax season and celebrating our monthly installment within the “Financial Literacy Series,” meet a talented CEO and founder of “Booked and Busy Bookkeeping Services LLC” Janelle Hyppolite.
Being Booked and Busy Creatives
April 13, 2022 22:53 - 34 minutes - 59.4 MBAre you a busy creative with limited time to maintain the business financials? It's tax season and celebrating our monthly installment within the “Financial Literacy Series,” meet a talented CEO and founder of “Booked and Busy Bookkeeping Services LLC” Janelle Hyppolite.
We Be Cooking Keto
April 06, 2022 21:00 - 33 minutes - 62.7 MBAs we age, our food should become our fuel. Learning how lean proteins and healthy oils can become fuel vs the traditional carbs loaded diet is apart of the Keto lifestyle. Meet Keto Masterchef Jose Gonzalez as he talks about his journey from becoming a personal chef to mastering the Ketogenic way of preparing meals, professionally and personally.
An Interludes Grammys Preview
March 30, 2022 22:47 - 43 minutes - 75.1 MBInterludes is all about the music. This week, EP Michael Wamble and host Val “the Voice” Johnson come together and bring their Grammy award winning predictions via Record of the Year, Best R&B performance and Rap Album from the past year.
Get to Branding That Business
March 23, 2022 22:53 - 24 minutes - 44.1 MBBranding is important for every business. One person that has learned the importance of branding is Aneka Grandison, aka the Shopify Queen.
Bridging the Gap in Tech
March 16, 2022 23:25 - 21 minutes - 39.4 MBImagine the intersection between technology and business networking meet within one app. Meet IT developer and business owner Cynthia McCalister, who has created a game changing app called KeySpot, to help local small businesses reach people beyond their neighborhoods.
Telling HER Story in Motion
March 10, 2022 00:26 - 41 minutes - 73.5 MBInterludes continues the "Telling HER Story" Women's History Month series with an in-depth look at a few female filmmakers who have been recognized for their talents.
Telling HER Story
March 03, 2022 02:08 - 17 minutes - 33.3 MBTuesday marks the start of Women's History Month. To recognize this month, here are Interludes we are celebrating the lives of four media maven who have helped to communicate the accomplishments of women and other often unreported groups. Meet Carole, Robin, Ida and Nikole "Telling HER Story."
Saving Money Matters
February 24, 2022 00:10 - 34 minutes - 63.7 MBInterludes continues our Financial Literacy series with CEO of YGS Solutions, and children author Shaltreece Chandler, better known as Your Gal Shal. Saving our hard-earned salaries and profits is one skill in order to build confidence. And the next generation needs to learn how to exercise self-discipline in spending and start saving now…
Making Money Matter
February 17, 2022 00:00 - 37 minutes - 70.3 MBInterludes presents our Financial Literacy series with financial strategist and former attorney Rhonda Leonard-Horwith. Being prepared in retirement planning, estate management and financial investments such as insurance are some of the many ways we can make our money matter long beyond our careers.
Juicy 4U
February 10, 2022 02:27 - 25 minutes - 46.2 MBRelationships can be tough. Tough to initiate and even more difficult to nurture into something special. That’s the cut and dry of it. Yet, we all know that things are better when they resemble prime rib or a fine bottle of wine - in other words, it’s better when it's juicy. Relationship coach Evelt Vertil shares tips with Val “The Voice” Johnson and EP Mr. Wamble just in time for Valentine’s Day about how to find a mate and keep things.... juicy.