Well Versed with Parish Butler

In this episode, I sit down with LaShata’ Grayson—motivational speaker, advocate, fitness instructor, and leadership development specialist who has made a powerful impact in the Indianapolis community. LaShata’ is the founder of the fitness initiatives Black Girls Who Lift and Carry The Weight, movements focused on strength, empowerment, and community.We talk about her journey into fitness, how lifting became a tool for confidence and personal growth, and the mission behind creating spaces that empower women through strength training. LaShata’ also shares insights from her TED Talk, her work helping college students build confidence in public speaking, and why leadership development matters now more than ever.Of course, we couldn’t talk gym culture without getting into the music that fuels a great workout, the mindset needed to stay consistent, and how community can change the way people approach fitness.This conversation is about more than just lifting weights—it’s about carrying purpose, building confidence, and showing up stronger in every area of life.Follow Well Versed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellversedshow/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellVersedShowFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Well-Versed-with-Parish-Butler/61578698346071/

This week on Well Versed, Parish is joined by Kelah McKee, aka The Polished Lady—journalist, advocate, cultural amplifier, and storyteller who has been building community and elevating brilliance since 2015. From her early influences in old-school music to her career in radio at HOT96.3 (2015–2020), Kelah shares how passion, purpose, and human connection have shaped her journey.This conversation explores the growing lack of human connection, the importance of storytelling as community-building, and Kelah’s evolution into event hosting and social media strategy. She opens up about motherhood as the mother of The Polished Prince, her upcoming book and documentary, and the crowdfunding efforts helping bring those visions to life.On the music side, Kelah reflects on formative records and moments that left a lasting imprint—from the story behind Anthony Hamilton’s “Charlene”, to her first album purchase, Beyoncé’s Dangerously in Love. She also highlights underrated and special tracks like “Let Me Blow Ya Mind”, “Bodak Yellow”, and “Like This” by Kelly Rowland ft. Eve, unpacking why these songs still resonate. She's also related to the one and only BABYFACE!This episode of Well Versed is a reminder that music is memory, conversation is connection, and storytelling is how culture stays alive.🎧 Tap in for an honest, soulful dialogue about music, motherhood, and meaning.Follow Well Versed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellversedshow/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellVersedShowFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Well-Versed-with-Parish-Butler/61578698346071/THE POLISHED LADYOfficial Website: https://www.thepolishedlady.bizInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepolishedlady/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelahMckee/

What does authenticity really mean in hip-hop today?In this episode, we break down the top albums of 2025 and what they reveal about where the culture is headed. We unpack the lasting ripple effects of the Drake vs. Kendrick battle—who truly shifted the narrative, and how it changed the competitive spirit of the genre. Looking ahead, we discuss what to expect from hip-hop in 2026, from sound and storytelling to business and independence.The conversation gets spicy as we ask: Is 50 Cent the biggest bully in hip-hop? We also reflect on a major radio moment—the end of Hot 97 and Ebro in the Morning—and what it signals about the future of hip-hop media.Plus, a special guest appearance from Franky’s son, Zyon, sparks a powerful and unexpected conversation about fatherhood, legacy, and what being present really looks like.Tap in—this one’s about truth, growth, and keeping hip-hop real.Follow Well Versed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellversedshow/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellVersedShow

Happy New Year! 2026 is here which means Season 2 has begun! On this episode I recap my holiday season, Leon Thomas and Gucci Mane concerts, discuss Best of 2025 Hip-Hop and R&B, Artists to watch in 2026 and alot more.Follow Well Versed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellversedshow/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellVersedShow

In this episode, we dive into a surprising moment in music history: a week on the Billboard Top 40 with zero hip-hop songs. What does it say about the current state of the genre? Is this a temporary dip, a sign of shifting listener habits, or evidence of a deeper transformation happening within hip-hop itself?From there, we pivot into a rich conversation about the enduring legacy of D’Angelo—the quiet revolutionary who reshaped neo-soul, redefined artistic mystique, and influenced an entire generation of musicians. We explore his impact on R&B, the cultural weight of Voodoo and Black Messiah, and why his absence still feels profound.Tune in for a thoughtful breakdown of the charts, the culture, and the artists who shape the soundscape of today.Follow Well Versed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellversedshow/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellVersedShow

On this episode we have my favorite guest in whole world. My daughter Kennedy! We chat about her volleyball season, upcoming basketball season and she gives us some insight some of the music she's been listening to recently.Well Versred on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellVersedShow"Well Versed" is a podcast where we dive deep into the powerful connection between music and life. Each episode explores how different genres, artists, and songs shape our emotions, experiences, and culture. From personal stories to expert insights, we unravel the ways music impacts our mental health, relationships, and even our sense of identity. Whether you're a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, join us as we discuss the rhythms that resonate and the lyrics that stay with us long after the song ends. Tune in, get Well Versed, and let the music speak to you.

This week on Well Versed we have Aisha Rose, media specialist and founder of apparel brand "CUFFIN SZN" @alwayscuffinszn. We talk everything from creative inspiration, work life balance, summertime in Indy, 20 Years of Chris Brown and so much more!Instagram: @theaisharoseX: @theaisharoseX & Instagram: @alwayscuffinsznLOVE N TRAP SZN | 9.18.25 PROPER INDY | 614 MASS AVE.7PM - 11PMcuffinszn.comWell Versed on Instagram: @wellversedshow

The Blues had a baby and they named it Rock & Roll. In this episode of Well Versed, I sit down with guitarist and music enthusiast Mr. James Ezell for a deep dive into the birth of rock music and how blues, gospel and jazz influenced it all. We explore the legendary life and influence of Jimi Hendrix, unpacking how his artistry reshaped the landscape of modern music. James shares his own musical journey growing up in Chicago, offering stories of the city’s vibrant scene and the sounds that shaped him. Last but not least, we get a special live guitar performance. A first for Well Versed but not the last. From the raw energy of Hendrix to the rhythms of Chicago streets, this conversation is a celebration of music’s power to inspire, connect, and transform.Follow Well Versed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellversedshow/

Dom Jackson joins me to discuss the business of Nightlife, giving consumers more value for their money, creating memorable experiences that the people can enjoy and future plans for the marketing collective "Love N Trappyness. We also talk songs of the summer, the first albums we ever bought and specifics of cuffing season. Look out for more from the "Love N Trappyness" crew!Dom on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justdom_3?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==LOVE N TRAPPYNESS: An Hip-Hop and R&B ExperienceTRAP HOUSE: https://posh.vip/e/rb-day-1LOVE ‘N TRAP SZN: THE PREGAME: https://www.cuffinszn.com/love-n-trap-pregame

In this episode of Well Versed, we sit down with the high-energy, genre-blending DJ and tastemaker, DJ Nick Nasty. He talks about his journey to becoming DJ, Husband and the Author of four books. Known for his ability to move crowds and seamlessly fuse classic sounds with modern beats, Nick takes us behind the turntables to share his process—from the first spark of inspiration to carving out his name in the nightlife and music scene.We talk about the grind of becoming a respected DJ, the art of reading a room, and the way music can create unforgettable connections between strangers. Nick also drops gems on the hustle behind the craft, the importance of staying authentic, and how the culture continues to shape him.Whether you’re a music lover, an aspiring DJ, or just someone who thrives on the power of a good vibe, this episode will give you a new appreciation for the artistry and dedication that go into every set.Nick Curry Ent: https://www.nickcurryent.com/There's an I in Marriagehttps://www.amazon.com/Theres-Marriage-Look-Beyond-What/dp/B0DQ1VZF3BDJ Nick Nasty Youtubehttps://youtube.com/@djnicknasty317?si=F1lDLdT8rflZ8UWoThere's An "I" in Marriage Youtubehttps://youtube.com/@thecurrys_?si=JIwe7VGhpNiYz_RmPodcast in Personhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/podcast-in-person-by-theres-an-i-in-marriage-tickets-1629048761699?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&aff=ebdsshios&sg=ce481e2ef00c75600058ef2bd41698dcc92027f0f27c5bd81749459e638517c7271c6fa49d8f2fdc7df8a47a64ab6ec34942f06b98dd4a2da1c5aac6b50023013e7b46381250e9fdd1d75121fbLOVE N TRAPPYNESS: An Hip-Hop and R&B ExperienceTRAP HOUSE: https://posh.vip/e/rb-day-1LOVE ‘N TRAP SZN: THE PREGAME: https://www.cuffinszn.com/love-n-trap-pregame

The Post Drill Era, Alfredo 2, Lifestyle Rap, Posse Cuts and more....