In Their Closet

Kojo Darkwa Ampadu is the host of Little Black Book, a YouTube show where he shares some of the most relatable advice on relationships and love coupled with godly principles. His interviews have been with some of the OWN network’s reality tv relationship couples where they dive deeper on their search for love. Those conversations are sometimes followed by a conscious uncoupling journey, with a panel discussion, and the raw reality of creating a façade for television and couple goals. Kojo has the gift to gab, and the gift of discernment when presenting hard conversations in a soft way. We talk to him about his love life, his past and where the bright lights hold for the future. Listen, subscribe, comment and share! In Season Seven, we dive further into relationships when the WIVES speak up about love gained, love lost and how to grow love again after a bad harvest. Subscribe and stick with us!

We interview two of Houston’s Movers & Shakers, Adam Nelson of Culturally Distinct Podcast and his companion for the night, Jamika “The Lawyer” Wester. Our conversation about relationships, love, and marriage digs into Adam’s marriage of ten years and his many friendships with women. We dive deep on discussions like, “Can men and women JUST be friends?” Stay connected to Jamika Wester and Adam Nelson. Take a listen, subscribe, leave a comment, and add a review. Subscribe on Youtube, Leave a comment on Instagram, and leave a comment on our Instagram page. Stay connected and leave us your thoughts!

Relationship Experts Jackie & Jerri host some of the most successful dating events in the Houston area. With their help, we discuss the do’s and don’ts while dating in 2023.

Britney Jones is a Transformative Speaker and the Founder & CEO of BTJ Enterprises. She is anative Houstonian who is redefining what it means to be a millennial following Christ. She joins me in the studio to discuss her new purpose, Best Friend in Faith. In 2016, Britney launched her first business, EVO Cosmetics, under The EVO Brand, a vegan-friendly nail and gel polish company based in Houston. Expanding on the success of EVO Cosmetics, Britney created Bestfriend in Faith Foundation, anempowerment foundation that helps women improve their quality of life spiritually, mentally,emotionally, and physically. Britney enjoys helping others find their “why”, their purpose, andshape-shift their mindset to expect more out of life. Through Bestfriend in Faith, Britney isbuilding a community-curated for women from all walks of life to safely heal, grow, andbecome the women that they are destined to be. Britney serves as a catalyst through BFF tohelp aid women in shaping, transforming, and guiding themselves towards their desires formore.Britney knows that her gifts and talents will make room for her. She seeks to become apublished author, sought-after global transformative speaker, and empowerment activist. Atthe heart of her unique drive for personal development, stands her leadership mantra, “Remainon the course, ignore perfection and work for progress. Be an advocate for change andremember even in a dry spell, you can still bloom.”

What about your friends? Welcome back to Season Six, where we pick up on Friendships, Relationships and Love. I thought Valentine’s Day would be the best time to start the conversation. I am joined in the studio with my dear friends Tonya & Rechelle. We discuss friendships needing a break and coming to an end. We also discuss Season & Reasons, Protecting Your Peace and Finding Love on the Inside First. Its a fun girl chat with lots of laughs, so please excuse the giggles. We only have five more episodes left before the last podcast! Tell me what you think by leaving us a message below or through social media. XOXO, Elle

Lora Roseman is an Affirmation Coach. Listen to her story while you’re preparing Thanksgiving dinner with your family. Xoxo, Elle

Saba Haile is a business owner and assist other entrepreneurs in the Houston area. Her bold personality and down to earth conversation was the spark that caught my attention on social media and in real life. Tonight, Saba shares her story of resilience and triumph providing hope to myself and the women who surround her. She shares the foundation that led to her change, including the books she read and the mindset she developed to transform her old views into the vision she has always pictured for her future.

Shawntell McWilliams is the managing partner at Trez Bistro and Wine Bar. She is a Breast Cancer Survivor and advocate to many great causes in Houston, Texas. Tonight she shares her story.

Candice Easley is the owner of Tresor Cache Boutique. We go deep into her closet as she shares her battle with Cancer and her triumphant story of why she is a survivor. Fashion and Faith come together in this conversation of thriving after life’s toughest trials.

Shay Tatum joins us on the couch to discuss her organization, Pretty girls That Brunch, including the best, and worst, restaurants to visit for Sunday dining. PGTB gathers every Sunday for brunch, connecting women from all over Houston with great food and conversations. Empowering Women To Have More Confidence And Providing Them With The Guidance For A Fulfilled Life And Booming Business to let their light shine.Shay Tatum is a dedicated business owner focused on building connections and networking opportunities, and the founder of the breakout Facebook group, Pretty Girls That Brunch consisting of over 9000 members. PGTB gathers every Sunday for brunch, connecting women from all over Houston with great food and conversations.  She is also the founder of the nonprofit organization, Pretty Girlz Rock. Her organization focuses on opportunities and support for young girls ages 11 to 18. Pretty Girlz Rock provides mentoring, STEM workshops, and an extension organization, Pretty Girlz Can, provides support and scholarships for girls who have had cancer. Shay’s primary goal is to focus on the whole person, and if you build someone on the inside, then that light can shine for everyone to see. 

Introducing Kelly & Nicole your hosts of the Champagne Wives Podcast.  It’s a place where girlfriends can chat, laugh and hatch plans to conquer the world all while sipping champagne!  Join us as I discuss with the ladies how their experiences as wives, mothers, entrepreneurs, and HR professionals have shaped and fueled their pursuit to have it all.  We talk about click bait, the salaciousness of podcasting and the passion at all cost. I also review some of their POPPING trending topics and newsworthy subjects of celebrities and their pour behavior. We hope you’ll add this new podcast to your list of things to listen to, wherever you find your favorite show. Cheers!

Welcome back to a new season, SEASON SIX! I am so proud of this podcast and all the women (and men) who have shared their stories on my platform! I want to go back, way back, and talk to the people who have helped me to become the woman that I am. This new season starts with my two sisters, actress April Grant and rapper Troublesum. April Grant is an American Theater, Film, Television, and Voice Actress that was inspired to act at the age of eight by Robin Williams, John Ritter, Diahann Carroll, and Kim Fields. She started her acting career at the age of 37 after her only child graduated high school and went to Prairie View University . April enjoys volunteering in the community and is also an Inspirational Speaker. She currently resides in Houston, TX. TroubleSum, The Teflon Diva, also known as Houston’s First Lady of Hip Hop, continues to be a contributing force to the growth of southern music and culture. The Fashion Forward emcee has received numerous awards and honors, representing her city everywhere she goes.  She has received coverage with top media outlets MTV, BET, VH1, Comedy Central and AllHipHop.com (where she’s been awarded the coveted Breeding Ground Artist title) . She’s also been bestowed the title of 2016 Best Female Rapper in Houston by The Houston Press, featured on Bun B‘s album “Trill OG“,  and has an impressive performance on the nationally distributed “Hip Hop Life” DVD along w/Young Jeezy and Rick Ross. With a future as bright as her winning smile, this artist has not forgotten her roots. She regularly donates her time, star power, and talent to non-profit organizations and charitable causes.  We talk about their start in the industry, both musically and in television, and then discuss topics like GIRL CODE that will be the common thread in all upcoming episodes. Tune in, subscribe, rate and leave a comment.

DJ X.O. joins me in the studio to discuss his hot new single, HOOD HOP. We discuss his career path to this new level of success and learn a lot of valuable lessons like never giving up on your dreams, as told by the Houston native himself. The Houston music scene is known for its culture, unique sound, and extreme talent. The talent in Houston is undeniable, and there is a crucial force that has played a major part in working with Houston-based talent and national talent; he goes by the name of DJ XO (XO).  The Houston native has been described as a musically inclined mastermind by notable talent from all over the world. His ability to reach all genres of music has made him one of the most diverse producers. XO is one of the CEO’s of NoSleep MG (Music Group) which was created over 10 years ago. NoSleep is responsible for curating some of the top concerts, and special events in the country. They also work with upcoming producers, artists, and engineers.   Many may have seen XO djing for Kirko Bangz, Young Jeezy, T Grizzley, Lil Durk, and many others, but the multitalented DJ is also an artist and producer that has worked with some of the music industries top notables such as 2chainz, 21 Savage , Lil Uzi Vert, YFN Lucci, Lil Baby, Slim Thug, Lil Keke,  Dave east, Erica Banks, Jazze Pha, OTB Fastlane, Erica Banks, and Twysted Genius, to name a few. In 2015, XO recorded “Pulled Off The Lot” featuring Sosaman & Rizzo which immediately took off and became the summer anthem. Achieving over 2 million views on Youtube, and heavy rotation on radio, the song took XO to another level as an artist. Off The Lot was literally Off The Charts as it was one of the leading records in over 10 markets with over 250+ spins a week for over a duration of 9 months. The record was #1 on Iheart Media- Houston for 18 weeks straight.  In 2015 XO released his 1st compilation project (XOLikeTheDrug) which featured Off the Lot .  The talented artist/ producer signed a partnership deal with the legendary Rap-A-Lot Records in 2019, in which he also released several singles such as “Big Bank”. The single was featured in the film “Dear Frank” which starred actors Brian White, Torrie Hart, and Claudia Jordan. Since signing with Rap-A-Lot, XO has successfully had a college tour, been featured in various magazines, and worked with many artists. In Spring 2020, XO produced a chart-topping song for Moneybagg Yo & Blac Youngsta, 1,2,3. The song reached the top 10 on the Billboard Charts, and was certified Gold.  Summer 2021, DJ XO announced his “Big Dreams” tour which will be an interactive promotional tour making stops in his hometown of Houston, Oklahoma City, Austin, and Dallas. He is scheduled to release  a new project before the end of the summer. The project will feature Trey Songz, Foogiano, Slim Thug, and more to be announced. XO will also be on a highly anticipated tour Fall 2021 that is scheduled to stop in over 20 cities.  When not performing, DJ’ing or being a creative, XO enjoys being a father to his kids, doing community outreach with the youth of Houston and surrounding areas, and participating in events that will promote unity amongst Houston-based talent. 

Ain’t That DJ Chose Over There? Yes! Yes, it is! And I am in the studio discussing our first meet up at The Texas Smoke Break and the big break of his biggest hit during the quarantine, “Thick“. We discuss the hard work that goes into building a successful career and the humble beginnings that started in Brookshire, Texas. Tune in!

Quiana Robinson is the creator of Real Talk Houston, a panel of Houston Influencers who shake up the conversation with strait shot discussions followed by a light chaser. The Love Guru returns with “Q” to discuss the upcoming event at Bar 5015, Brunching with Brothers. The panel will run through topics that the women need to hear and burning issues that the men need to say with their chest. Subscribe, rate and join the conversation!

Joy M. Hutton is a native of Chicago, Illinois but has made Houston, Texas her second home. Joy is the Founder of Joy of Consulting, a management consulting firm and on the go GLAM™, an on demand platform that delivers beauty services to men and women in the comfort of their home, office, or hotel. Joy serves on a number of small business councils and works with organizations that develop female entrepreneurs. Her personal development continues with being a part of Leadership Houston, Class XXXVI and the Inaugural Class of Leadership ISD. She is also the co-host of two podcasts: beautyish radio and Failure Two Communicate. Joy was honored by the City of Houston for her leadership in entrepreneurship. February 4, 2020 was named “Joy M. Hutton” Day. In honor of this day, she launched the LeadHERship Fund, a micro grant fund for female entrepreneurs

Meet Jay Bradley, founder of Equinox Realty Group, Real Estate Broker, Entrepreneur, Community Leader and Philanthropists who believes in making positive and life-changing impacts through strategic investments within the community. Jay is also a former cast member of Ready To Love. After running into him at a few restaurants in the city, we sat at a bar and talked about dating life. And Jay was open to coming on the podcast and sharing dating advice. Finally, we revisit the conversation and get an update on his relationship with Joy Hutton and their new podcast, Failure Two Communicate.  Jay’s work within the real estate industry not only as a professional, but his contribution to the development of other agents has landed him recognition by the HAR association as 1 of the Top 20 under 40 real estate professionals, Board of Directors of Houston Association of Realtors, Board of directors of the Texas Association of Realtors,  the Houston Black Real Estate professionals named him 1 of the Top 20 professionals and he was voted as 1 of Top 50 Black Professionals and Super Entrepreneurs of Texas by D-MARS. Because of his 20+ years tenure in the real estate industry Jay is often called upon by various news outlets to lend his expertise. Jay has been seen on FOX News, CNBC, Houston Business Journal, Houston Chronicle, OWN Network and more. Enjoy our friendly exchange of ideas about dating, parents and marriage, among so much more!

Sam Williamson is well known in Houston, Texas as The Love Guru. His out of the box dialogue coupled with his controversial views make him a great guest to speak to about men’s views on love, relationships, marriage and divorce. This episode is for MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY as we speak candidly about men and women. I’d love your feedback as a comment or a review for the podcast to hear your thoughts on this topic. As a subscriber, we are making this episode available one day early, and invite you to share with friends and get a peak first, before anyone else. Enjoy!

Ladies and gentleman, season five returns with more love talk! Joel Ware joins us from the fourth season and cast of Ready to Love from the OWN network. We share his touching story of being single by losing a loved one to Lung Cancer. Joel also takes us on a journey of crime and his rise to success through hard times and tough love. Its a remarkable story of motivation, determination and reclamation into life’s new chapter. Joel teaches us something important in his story, never give up! Please share, like, leave a comment and subscribe to our podcast. You can find us here (on the website) and anywhere you listen to your favorite show.

And now, the conclusion…