What does it really take to build a creative business when your identity is part of the story?

On this episode of Behind the Creative, Shahlayo Ranson, host of The Ultimate Blerd podcast, shares how his love and passion for anime, sci-fi, and content production turned into a business. We talk about tangibly building something from the ground up, finding the white space in a crowded market, and using your unique perspective as fuel rather than a limitation.

Shahlayo opens up about moments of being “the only one” in certain rooms, but more importantly, how he used that experience to stay authentic while creating a brand that resonates far beyond himself. If you’re ready to stop waiting for a seat at the table and start building your own, this conversation will give you both the inspiration and the strategy to make it happen.

This episode is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

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Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon

In this powerful episode of Behind the Creative, Dr. Kristelle dives deep into the real story behind the laughs as comedian FURG opens up about the unfiltered highs and lows of life on stage. From the heartbreak of divorce and the struggle of being broke to the thrill of big wins in comedy, this conversation reveals the resilience it takes to keep chasing the mic when life feels like a joke.

At the heart of his journey is the unwavering influence of family — the love, lessons, and grounding force that helped turn pain into purpose. This episode isn’t just about the grind of comedy, it’s about finding strength when everything seems to fall apart and learning to rise again, one punchline at a time.

Whether you’re a comedy fan, a creative navigating your own struggles, or someone who’s ever had to rebuild from the ground up, this episode will remind you why laughter is one of the most powerful tools for healing and hope.

Watch his pilots:

https://youtu.be/Pa8kobV6GOE

https://youtu.be/NWLZlCEpc8g

https://youtu.be/hkPt8_2Oi7w

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This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon / Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon

Is there really such a thing as the right energy for your art, and who gets to decide? In this episode of Behind the Creative, Dr. Kristelle (https://www.instagram.com/drkristelle/) sits down with actress, radio, and TV personality Myckell Harris (https://www.instagram.com/prettymycki/).

From her days in radio, to appearing in the critically acclaimed Beyond the Gates, rated100% Rotten Tomatoes, and working on projects at Tyler Perry Studios, with Kevin Hart, and Terrence Howard, Myckell knows the power of mastering energy to shape a career.

Together, they explore:

• How to channel the right energy when no one can see you (radio vs. acting).
• The stereotypes creatives face in the industry and how to own your identity.
• The challenges of balancing reality while stepping into character.
• What it means to show up as a strong, Black woman on TV.
• How creative brilliance evolves when moving from New York to Atlanta.
• Practical ways to protect your energy, build your brand, and stand out in auditions.

Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or professional building your own stage, this conversation will inspire you to ask: Are you channeling the right energy for your brilliance?

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This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon

Elliott McKnight joins us on Episode 5 of Behind the Creative to explore why the future of creativity depends on embracing technology instead of fearing it.

From AI, music, to emerging tools we haven’t even imagined yet, Elliott makes the case for curiosity over hesitation. We dig into how innovation can open doors for accessibility, opportunity, and connection, and why this moment is a rare window we simply can’t afford to miss.

With the wisdom of someone who’s seen trends come and go, Elliott reminds us that every breakthrough we now take for granted, from microphones to cars, was once cutting-edge tech.

The real challenge? Ensuring our communities aren’t left behind in this next wave of change. Whether you’re a creative, a technologist, or just tech-curious, this episode will shift the way you see the tools shaping our world.

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This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon

Your emotions aren’t just something you feel—they’re shaping every decision, every design, and every creative choice you make, often without you even realizing it. In this episode of Behind the Creative, Kristelle sits down with Liz Connelly, designer and creator of the ADIDAS SEED program, to explore how emotional framing impacts not just the work we do, but how we see ourselves as creatives.

Liz shares how she’s learned to channel emotion into design, the fine line between emotions that fuel creativity and those that derail it, and how awareness of that framing can change the entire trajectory of your work.

🎙️ Whether you’re an artist, designer, or simply someone who wants to understand how to bring more intention to your craft, this conversation will have you rethinking the role your emotions play in your creativity.

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This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon

In this powerful episode of Behind the Creative, former WNBA star Lynetta Kizer opens up, for the first time ever anywhere, about her deeply personal journey through addiction, recovery, and reclaiming her life on and off the court.

Known for her strength, skill, and spirit, Lynetta’s story goes far beyond basketball. She shares what it took to confront her truth, fight her way back to herself, and redefine what it means to bounce back in the public eye. We talk about the pressure of professional sports, identity beyond the game, and what it means to truly heal while still performing at the highest level.

Whether you’re a fan of the WNBA, a creative navigating your own comeback, or someone who’s ever had to start over, this conversation will move you.

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This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon

What keeps you grounded when everything around you changes?

In this episode of Behind the Creative, rising R&B artist Eric Penn shares how he stays rooted in his artistic cornerstone—through music, storytelling, and immersive performance. From navigating the ever-shifting industry to designing his own "American Fairytale Experience," Eric walks us through the moments that have shaped his journey and how he remains intentional with every move.

If your creativity had a foundation, what would it be and how do you protect it?

Tap in to explore what it means to evolve without losing your essence.

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This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon

Audio Engineer: Kennis Clark

In this episode of Behind the Creative, Dr. Kristelle Beecher sit down with Khadija Speer: international actress, creative director, and collaborator of Donald Glover — to unpack what it truly takes to scaffold your own path in an industry that often asks you to wait for permission. With her signature clarity and soul, Khadija shares how her global experiences, commitment to personal evolution, and unwavering creative vision have shaped a career that defies traditional lanes.

We talk about what it means to live between worlds, the tension between visibility and authenticity, and why resilience isn’t just a trait, it’s a spiritual practice. Khadija also reflects on the internal architecture required to not just make it, but to build something that reflects who you really are.

This is a conversation for the creatives who are tired of waiting for a seat at the table, and ready to build their own.

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This podcast is brought to you by The Creative Corporate: www.thecreativecorporate.com

Lead Producer: Dexter "Furg" Fugerson

Music Produced by: Devin O’Bannon/Black Irish Entertainment

Artist: Devin O’Bannon