Most people see reinvention as a detour—Blake Martin shows us it’s the MASTER plan. From dancing behind stars to planting his flag as a Vogue cover artist, he’s proof that your background doesn’t define your ceiling. It’s your FIRE, your authenticity, your willingness to break every box they try to put around you.

In this electrifying conversation, Blake shares raw truths about childhood trauma, breaking free from arrested development, and the unstoppable power of authenticity. You’ll discover how his journey through pain, addiction, and abandonment fueled his fearless pursuit of creativity—and how you can do the same.

We break down the unfiltered power of storytelling rooted in realness, why marketing with no apologies wins big, and how to turn failure into mastery. Blake’s story is a blueprint for anyone tired of waiting for permission, tired of playing small, or feeling like it’s too late to start over.

This isn’t just about success—it’s about legacy, the kind that lives long after the stage is gone. It’s about shedding the baggage and unleashing the real you. Perfect for creators, dreamers, and rebels ready to rewrite their story—because your next chapter starts NOW.

Ready to embrace your authentic power? Hit play and remember: boxes are just illusions. Walk out, claim your spot, and never look back.

On this episode of The Kolby Kulture Show, host Derrick Jakolby Washington, known as Kolby, sits down with author and multidisciplinary artist Antonio Michael Downing for an honest, soul-level conversation about what it truly costs to tell your story.

Antonio reflects on growing up in Trinidad, the influence of his grandmother, and the emotional journey behind writing his memoir Saga Boy. Together, we explore themes of migration, identity, and the intersection of Black and Indigenous histories, including how those experiences shape his work in Black Cherokee.

This episode goes beyond writing as a craft and into storytelling as an act of courage. We talk about memory, healing, music, and the idea that home isn’t always a physical place but something we carry within us. If you’ve ever wrestled with telling your truth, honoring your roots, or understanding the emotional weight behind creative work, this conversation will resonate deeply.

Tune in for a powerful reminder that our stories matter, even when telling them comes at a cost.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Frederick Smith discusses his journey as a Black queer author and educator, exploring the influence of his Detroit upbringing on his writing. He emphasizes the importance of tenderness in Black queer love stories and the political nature of love. Dr. Smith shares insights on balancing his dual identities, the impact of higher education on his fiction, and the need for more diverse voices in romance literature. He also highlights the significance of listening to Black women and the legacy he hopes to leave through his work.