Trell's Podcast

Excellence isn't accidental — it's intentional.Emmy award-winning costume designer and celebrity stylist Zerina Akers sits down with Trell Thomas for a conversation about the journey behind the vision. From her Panamanian roots and Sunday dinners at her grandmother's table, to the lasagna dinner that opened the door to Beyoncé, to building a real estate portfolio while navigating burnout — Zerina holds nothing back.She talks about unlearning imposter syndrome, what code-switching cost her early in her career, showing up nervous to meet Beyoncé, why she believes money is energy, and how walking on faith after losing everything led to her greatest season. She also opens up about finding her joy again working with Megan Thee Stallion and Keke Palmer — and what she wishes people really understood about her beyond the style.Topics: Celebrity fashion stylist, Beyoncé stylist, Black women in fashion, generational wealth, imposter syndrome, faith and entrepreneurship, Black Excellence Brunch, How Excellent podcast, Zerina Akers interview, costume design, styling career advice.Watch the full video episode on YouTube

Comedian, actor, and BET+ creator KevOnStage joins Trell Thomas at the kitchen table to talk about growing up in a house full of laughter, navigating the tension between faith and comedy, and how he built the hit show Churchy after years of rejection.From playing church as a kid to performing for millions, Kev shares the real story behind the jokes — and why you don't have to be perfect to win.Topics: Growing up in the church, family traditions, comedy as ministry (or not), building a platform, entrepreneurship, navigating criticism, and why he's a comedian who is a Christian, not a Christian comedian.Watch the full video episode on YouTube: ⁠HERE