DJ Strick's Podcast

Episode 7: Inside the Mind of Birmingham’s Top Event Designer: LaDonna Ford | Strick City Live

On this episode of Strick City Live, DJ Strick sits down with Birmingham’s own LaDonna Ford the powerhouse event designer behind some of the city’s biggest celebrations, corporate productions, weddings, and luxury experiences. From corporate events for Books-A-Million to celebrity parties to personal milestones, LaDonna’s creativity, professionalism, and signature attention to detail have made her one of the most sought-after event planners in the region. We talk about her journey from psychology major to full-time entrepreneur, how she handles pressure with shark-like focus, and what it really takes to build a thriving business built on relationships, excellence, and consistency. In this episode, you’ll learn: How LaDonna built a booming events business from scratch Why she often plans two to three events in a single weekend (sometimes even the same day!) The psychology she uses to understand clients and create personalized moments How she stays calm during high-pressure moments The importance of brand, presentation, and showing up “ready” for every event Why content and visibility matter for creative entrepreneurs Her experience working with celebrity clients, including cast members of Love & Marriage Huntsville LaDonna is humble, hilarious, creative, and laser-focused and her story will inspire anyone chasing a dream. #StrickCityLive #LaDonnaFord #EventPlanner #Birmingham #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #Creatives #EventDesign #AllADreamEPD Let’s build together → https://strick.bio.link [https://strick.bio.link]

Episode 6: Leadership, Legacy & The Future of Birmingham: A Deep Conversation with Ed Fields | Strick City Live

In this powerful episode of Strick City Live, DJ Strick sits down with Ed Fields, Senior Advisor & Chief Strategist for the Mayor of Birmingham a leader whose voice, vision, and honesty are reshaping how the Magic City thinks about its future. From his early work building civic networks, to helping run Randall Woodfin’s historic mayoral campaign, to producing the new documentary “As Goes the South”, Ed opens up about leadership, policy, creativity, and why Birmingham is on the brink of something special. In this episode, you’ll hear: The story behind Ed’s unexpected entry into politics  Why Birmingham needs new foot soldiers and why WE are them now  How his strategic leadership works inside the mayor’s office Why Birmingham’s land size, history, and density shape every policy decision  The birth of his new documentary As Goes the South and why it’s a love letter to the city His field day experience riding on a garbage truck and what it taught him about real leadership  Ed keeps it raw, transparent, funny, and deeply insightful. If you care about Birmingham, leadership, storytelling, or community impact — this episode will move you. Let’s build together! Tap in here → https://strick.bio.link #StrickCityLive #EdFields #Birmingham #Leadership #AsGoesTheSouth #Documentary #RandallWoodfin #Policy #Community

Episode 5: Faith, Leadership & Growth: A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Beavers | Strick City Live

In this episode of Strick City Live, DJ Strick sits down with @Dr. Thomas Beavers, Senior Pastor of The Star Church in Birmingham, Alabama. From navigating the climate of Birmingham politics and church leadership, to expanding The Star Church across multiple campuses, Dr. Beavers opens up about faith, humility, leadership, and family. What you’ll learn in this episode: Why humility and prayer matter in leadership How churches can thrive through unity, transition, and teamwork The explosive growth of The Star Church — with thousands of lives changed since 2023 The importance of balancing family, faith, and ministry Practical advice for people wrestling with church hurt or questioning their faith Subscribe to Strick City Live for more conversations with leaders, creators, and visionaries from Birmingham and beyond. Connect with me at https://strick.bio.link #StrickCityLive #ThomasBeavers #TheStarChurch #Faith #Leadership #Birmingham

Episode 4: Breaking Free: Tal Prince on Faith, Addiction, and Redemption | Strick City Live

In this powerful episode of Strick City Live, DJ Strick sits down with Tal Prince a Birmingham-based counselor, ministry leader, and international speaker whose journey from business success to personal struggle to healing others is nothing short of remarkable. Tal opens up about his time working with the Billy Graham Association, his personal battles with addiction, and how he turned pain into purpose by helping others find freedom through faith and counseling. In this episode, you’ll learn: The untold story of Billy Graham’s “Modesto Manifesto” and what it means for integrity in ministry How addiction rewires the brain and why freedom starts with facing reality The connection between trauma, shame, and recovery. How Tal’s faith and family helped him rebuild his life and calling Real steps toward healing and spiritual restoration If you’ve ever battled shame, addiction, or the weight of your past this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and a way forward. Let’s build together! Tap in here → strick.bio.link #StrickCityLive #TalPrince #Faith #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #Leadership #Birmingham #BillyGraham #Counseling #Redemption

Episode 2: Activist, Educator and Producer: The Creative Power of T. Marie King | Strick City Live

In this inspiring episode of Strick City Live, DJ Strick sits down with T. Marie King — an Emmy and NAACP Image Award–nominated film producer, educator, activist, and creative voice shaping Birmingham’s cultural story. From her award-nominated documentary Shuttlesworth to her new short film The Before, T. Marie shares her journey of turning purpose and pain into powerful storytelling. She also opens up about her work mentoring youth, her community leadership, and her upcoming stage play Taps — a deeply personal story about forgiveness, healing, and family. In this episode, you’ll discover: How T. Marie went from Disney intern to Emmy-nominated producer The story behind Shuttlesworth and telling Birmingham’s civil rights legacy right Why her activism happens both in the streets and behind the scenes Her role at Jones Valley Teaching Farm mentoring the next generation The power of storytelling as a tool for healing and social change T. Marie’s passion for community, creativity, and connection will move you to rethink how you use your own gifts to make a difference. Let’s build together! Tap in here → strick.bio.link #StrickCityLive #TMarieKing #Faith #Filmmaking #Activism #Leadership #Birmingham #Documentary #Storytelling