Dirty Roses Podcast

Return Blaque to Love w/ David "Stackin Kickz" Jefferson & Kela Jones

In this powerful season finale, host Leigh LaRie is joined by Portland’s own powerhouse couple, David Jefferson and Kela Jones. David, the CEO of Stacking Kickz and a Season 1 alum, returns to the mics—but this time, he’s not the single entrepreneur "riding the fence." He’s back with his partner, Kela Jones, the visionary behind Say My Name In Kursive, to discuss their transformative journey toward "Return Blaque to Love." The couple dives deep into what it means to attract what you need rather than chasing what you want. From their shared history as high school classmates to the intentional, five-hour phone conversations that built their foundation, they get real about spirituality, boundaries, and the importance of healing deep wounds before entering a partnership. They also introduce their revolutionary seven-part series, Return Blaque to Love, designed to revive Black love in the community from the roots up. Whether discussing the myth that single moms can't raise men or explaining why men need to learn to be alone before they can be "found," this episode is a masterclass in intentional relating. EPISODE TIME BREAKDOWN: * [00:00] Intro: Welcome to the Season 7 Finale! * [01:20] Catching up with David Jefferson: From Season 1's "Single Entrepreneur" to Partnership. * [02:47] The Prep: How David’s ideologies on dating shifted through spirituality. * [04:53] The Spiritual Shift: Realizing both partners must be spiritually inclined to thrive. * [05:57] Kela’s Journey: Eight years of intentional singleness and dating herself. * [06:29] Accountability in Attraction: Healing the wounds that attract the wrong partners. * [08:03] The High School Connection: From classmates who didn't talk to intentional partners. * [09:06] Chasing vs. Attracting: Why boundaries and standards are often mistaken for "incapability." * [11:18] The DM that Started it All: "We have things to talk about." * [12:24] Dallas 2021: Why the connection didn't click until the energy was right. * [18:22] Unwrapping the History: Why they spent weeks talking for 5 hours a night before linking up. * [20:17] Masculine & Feminine Dynamics: Balancing leadership with logic and the subtleness of the feminine. * [23:46] Love Languages: The power of being heard vs. the act of protection. * [25:14] Foreseeing the Path: Navigating David’s "overthinking" vs. Kela’s "protection." * [28:27] Black Love in the Public Eye: Showing the community that healthy Black love exists. * [32:05] Divine Feminine Healing: An overview of Say My Name In Kursive and InnerG Elements. * [34:15] Compartmentalizing Business: Supporting each other’s individual brands while building together. * [36:35] The Relationship Tax: David addresses why sales with women decreased after going public. * [39:57] Hard Boundaries: No screaming, no yelling, and never betraying your moral compass. * [41:01] The Processor vs. The "In the Moment" Communicator: Navigating different conflict styles. * [43:53] Return Blaque to Love: The origin of the 7-part series and the Black Love Ball. * [49:00] Repairing the Roots: Why mentoring kids requires healing the parents first. * [51:50] What to Expect: Plays, panels, and conflict resolution in physical form. * [57:39] Future Vision: Bringing Jason Wilson and April Mason to Portland. * [01:00:25] Self-Sabotage vs. Protecting Peace: Knowing when you are the common denominator. * [01:01:32] Being "On the Fence": How to protect your peace while staying open to good circumstances. * [01:03:02] Biggest Myths: Generalizations about provision and the "dateability" of moms. * [01:07:08] Advice for Love: Writing the list and never silencing your gut. * [01:11:16] Purpose-First Principles: Why men need space to find themselves first. * [01:12:43] Where to find Stacking Kickz, Say My Name In Kursive, and RBTL PDX. * [01:14:10] Product Highlight: Milani Vegan Soothe Conditioner. SEASON 7 SPONSOR INFORMATION Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Sustainable, plant-based, and responsible products for your self-care journey. * Product Highlight: Soothe Conditioner (A tea tree and peppermint oil treatment that detangles while soothing dry scalp) * Website: www.MylaniBeauty.com * IG: @MylaniByChadowboxx * For Additional Savings Use Code: LEIGH PRODUCTION & EDITOR * Website: www.BetterDaysWest.com * IG: @BetterDaysWest CONNECT WITH DIRTY ROSES PODCAST * Like, follow, subscribe on all platforms! * @DirtyRosesPodcast (all platforms) * Leigh LaRie: @LeighLaRie (all platforms) * Nik B.: @NikB_NikB (Instagram) Leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Your support helps us grow. Share with your networks! Tell a friend to tell a friend. Submit your letters! Request advice or share crazy dating stories to DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com We made the 5 of the top 25 Lust Podcasts!!! Top 25 Lust Podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/lust_podcasts/

Yasss Queen w/ Tralice Lewis & Ambrosia

In this high-glam, high-vibration episode, host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris are joined by the ultimate duo of beauty and creativity: Tralice Lewis of Kelly’s Custom Hat Wigs and Ambrosia of The Lam Art Studio. Tralice shares her powerful journey from healthcare professional to becoming the only Black-owned wig store owner in the Pacific Northwest, honoring her late mother’s legacy through "healing hands" and "vibe-architecture." Meanwhile, Ambrosia discusses how she pivoted from a retail boutique to a thriving art and wellness business, tripling her revenue by focusing on community paint and sips and mobile art therapy. The Queens get real about the "thug thistle" of entrepreneurship—from surviving targeted vandalism and internet scams to the manifestation moment involving a DM from Tabitha Brown. They dive into the necessity of collaboration over competition, why "no negative self-talk" is the #1 rule in art, and how a custom wig can be a total game-changer for a woman's spirit. Grab your crown and your sparkling cider—this episode is packed with gems on branding, faith walks, and the power of Black women supporting Black women. EPISODE TIME BREAKDOWN: * [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 9 – The Queen Edition. * [00:22] Product Highlight: Milani Vegan Tame Leave-In Conditioner (The "Swiss Army Knife" of hair care). * [02:10] The Sparkle Story: How Leigh met Tralice through a blinged-out water bottle. * [03:21] Small World Connections: How Charlisa and Ambrosia’s paths crossed years ago. * [03:52] Communal Juice & Mocktails: Creating recovery-safe creative spaces. * [04:36] Why "Queen"?: Honoring the ancestors and good stock. * [05:37] Callie’s Legacy: Founding a business in honor of a hospice nurse mother. * [06:37] Healing Hands: Why Tralice won't create wigs when her energy is off. * [08:46] Salon Drama: The infamous "rabid emotional support cat" story. * [10:55] The Gap in Beauty School: Why ethnic hair and wig education are minimized. * [12:37] Art as Therapy: Releasing trauma through doodles and paint. * [14:11] The #1 Rule: No negative talk in the art studio. * [15:30] Showers & Signs: Crying in 170 square feet and asking God for a sign. * [16:45] The Tabitha Brown Miracle: A DM that changed everything after a home-buying scam. * [18:50] The Callie Sign: A chilling revelation about names and destiny. * [20:15] The Critique vs. The Boutique: Advocating for signage and foot traffic. * [21:40] Learning to Pivot: Why letting go of "the dream" is necessary for growth. * [22:50] Tripling Revenue: Taking the hard advice to focus on one stream. * [25:35] Targeted Vandalism: Rebuilding after hate speech and stolen mother’s signs. * [28:34] Look for a Black Woman: Why we are the ultimate safe spaces. * [30:30] Celebrity Vibes: Working with Lunell and being a caregiver at heart. * [33:15] Manifestation: Writing it down and speaking it into existence. * [34:33] Reclaiming the Garage: Opening a storefront in downtown Gresham. * [37:32] Funniest Business Moments: "I'm too old to wear that color." * [39:35] Branding with Pink: Honoring "Baby Kelly" and standing out. * [40:35] The Table Story: When Tralice took up half the building with her brand. * [42:35] Rashida (LHHATL) Inspiration: The blueprint for multiple business lines. * [45:58] Winning Together: Breaking the scarcity mindset in the hair industry. * [49:15] Shark Tank Summits: Collaboration with Queen Jazz and hair oils. * [52:50] Paying it Forward: Blessing a fellow entrepreneur with $10,000 in inventory. * [55:10] The Support Systems: Shoutout to husband Rayfield and the "muscle" behind the scenes. * [57:56] Wig Grips: Making sure it "ain't going nowhere" (tested and tried!). * [01:00:25] Largest Black-owned Counseling Center: Anchor Within Counseling shoutout. * [01:02:30] Where to find Kelly’s Custom Hat Wigs and The Lam Art Studio. * [01:05:45] Outro: Connecting with Leigh LaRie and the Dirty Roses Podcast. SEASON 7 SPONSOR INFORMATION Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Sustainable, plant-based, and responsible products for your self-care journey. * Product Highlight: Tame Leave-In Conditioner (Perfect for detangling, wig maintenance, and keeping bundles fresh) * Website: www.MylaniBeauty.com [https://www.mylanibeauty.com] * IG: @MylaniByChadowboxx * For Additional Savings Use Code: LEIGH PRODUCTION & EDITOR * Website: www.BetterDaysWest.com [https://www.betterdayswest.com] * IG: @BetterDaysWest CONNECT WITH DIRTY ROSES PODCAST * Like, follow, subscribe on all platforms! * @DirtyRosesPodcast (all platforms) * Leigh LaRie: @LeighLaRie (all platforms) * Nik B.: @NikB_NikB (Instagram) Leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Your support helps us grow. Share with your networks! Tell a friend to tell a friend. Submit your letters! Request advice or share crazy dating stories to DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com [DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com] We made the 5 of the top 25 Lust Podcasts!!! Top 25 Lust Podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/lust_podcasts/

Cupcakes & Comebacks w/ Damala Badon

What does it take to build a dessert empire while navigating the hardest trials life can throw at you? Host Leigh LaRie is joined by the "Cupcake Queen" herself, Damala Badon, owner of DB Dessert Company. In this moving and transparent episode, "Cupcakes & Comebacks," Damala shares her journey from self-taught home baker to a powerhouse entrepreneur with multiple locations in Portland. Damala opens up about the "thug thistle" of the hustle—from expanding to three stores and dealing with vandalism to the difficult decision to consolidate for the sake of her family. The conversation takes a deep dive into the reality of Black motherhood and entrepreneurship, as Damala discusses the tragic loss of her oldest son and how she continues to move forward for her two living children. From the "cracker pie" that inspired her grandmother to the technical challenges of shipping cupcakes in jars, Damala embodies resilience. They discuss the myth that women can't raise men, the importance of therapy, and navigating a public divorce while maintaining your grace. This is a story of legacy, survival, and the sweet taste of a well-earned comeback. EPISODE TIME BREAKDOWN: * [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 8 * [01:05] Meet Damala Badon: The myth, the legend, and the Cupcake Queen * [01:59] The Beginning: How a 2-year-old’s birthday cake sparked a 16-year career * [03:49] Legacy over Bills: Why Damala chose the path of a brick-and-mortar business * [05:25] The Expansion Journey: From Gleason and Alberta to consolidating back to one * [06:55] Trust and NDAs: How to build a team without losing your secret sauce * [08:46] Finding the Niche: Transitioning from custom 3D cakes to high-volume cupcakes * [10:44] Business Fails: The story of the "lost cake" and how to apologize like a boss * [12:54] Favorite Designs: Letting her sons test her skill set with Minions and basketball courts * [14:44] Representation in Portland: The heavy weight of being a Black woman in business * [16:03] Inspiration: Cracker Pie and the "Apple Pie" survival mode of the 1930s * [18:19] Mentoring the Youth: Giving young people their first jobs and operational support * [19:32] Community Service: Supporting the community through SNAP benefit cuts with free bread * [21:00] Cupcakes in a Jar: The trial and error of shipping logistics * [23:12] The Snowstorm Rebuild: Coming back after a collapsed ceiling and a flooded bakery * [25:15] Navigating Grief: Moving forward after the tragic loss of her son * [28:08] Self Care & Therapy: Leaning on a core group of friends and professional support * [30:50] Parenting Black Men: Autonomy, natural consequences, and the myth of the single mom * [36:46] Public Figures & Private Divorces: Staying silent when "hurt people hurt people" * [41:00] Choosing Yourself: Why staying "for the kids" isn't always the best decision * [45:51] Reintroducing Yourself: Finding peace in the quiet moments of the "soft life" * [48:43] The Dating Scene: Introverted dating and avoiding the "piss in the pool" * [51:19] Leigh’s Love Lounge: The funny story of Damala’s social media "Singles" post * [54:03] Portland vs. The South: Why Damala prefers traditional Southern-raised men * [55:50] Best Dates: Hopping on a plane and being flown out like a boss * [01:00:21] Advice for Grief: Sitting in it and letting life do what it does * [01:01:45] Where to find DB Dessert Company * [01:01:51] Product Highlight: Mylani Vegan (S)hey Pudding Curl Cream * [01:03:00] Outro: Follow Nik B. and Leigh LaRie SEASON 7 SPONSOR INFORMATION Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Sustainable, plant-based, and responsible products for your self-care journey. * Product Highlight: (S)hey Pudding (An amazing curl cream that keeps hair juicy and soft, perfect for all textures from kinky curls to light waves) * Website: www.MylaniBeauty.com [https://www.mylanibeauty.com] * IG: @MylaniByChadowboxx * For Additional Savings Use Code: LEIGH PRODUCTION & EDITOR * Website: www.BetterDaysWest.com [https://www.betterdayswest.com] * IG: @BetterDaysWest CONNECT WITH DIRTY ROSES PODCAST * Like, follow, subscribe on all platforms! * @DirtyRosesPodcast (all platforms) * Leigh LaRie: @LeighLaRie (all platforms) * Nik B.: @NikB_NikB (Instagram) Leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Your support helps us grow. Share with your networks! Tell a friend to tell a friend. Submit your letters! Request advice or share crazy dating stories to DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com [DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com] We made the 5 of the top 25 Lust Podcasts!!! Top 25 Lust Podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/lust_podcasts/

Black Folks Don’t Do What?! Black & Hunting w/ Kenny Hamlett

In this highly anticipated episode, host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris bring their man behind the glass to the front of the mic. Joining them is none other than Kenny X. Hamlett, the Emmy-award-winning producer, filmmaker, and the visionary behind Better Days West. Known for his professional eye and " шоколад" (chocolate) demeanor, Kenny sits down to dismantle the stereotypes of what Black folks "don't do." From his upbringing in the historic Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma to his career filming high-stakes sports and outdoor expeditions, Kenny shares how he found his identity as a Black man who loves hunting, fishing, and rock climbing. The conversation gets deep and hilarious as they discuss the "Junior" twin dynamic, the necessity of code-switching as a survival mechanism in the PNW, and why Kenny creates films to heal his "inner little kid." Plus, things take a wild turn as they revisit the "preservative" power of crack and Chadowboxx pitches an OnlyFans for her warehouse workers. Tune in for a masterclass on designing your own life, staying true to your passions, and breaking every box society tries to put you in. EPISODE TIME BREAKDOWN: * [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 7 – Black Folks Don’t Do What?! * [01:15] Nik B.’s Pre-Op Journey: Protein drinks and Homecoming dedication. * [02:44] Meet Kenny X. Hamlett: The producer, filmmaker, and "professional handsome man." * [03:10] The Twin Dynamic: Kenneth Xavier vs. Kendale Wayne – The "Split Junior" story. * [04:45] The Orchestra Switch: Why the violin and saxophone swap only lasted 15 seconds. * [05:50] Bad Uncle energy vs. Grandma at 40: A family breakdown. * [09:30] The White Girl Joke: When a prank about parents goes too far. * [10:45] Marriage & The Table: A male perspective on long-term commitment and Ghana citizenship. * [13:20] Growing Together vs. Evolving Apart: Seeing people in all their seasons. * [16:10] Strip Club Dates: Why Kenny’s girlfriend is the ultimate "outside" partner. * [17:30] Better Days West: Building a film production empire since 2019. * [19:50] Healing Little Kenny: Dismantling "monolith" Black identity through the outdoors. * [21:10] Cowboy Boots & Sweater Vests: Making everything "hella Black." * [22:54] Tacoma Roots: Life on the Hill in the 90s and the Jheri curl era. * [27:45] Finding Community: Surfing and drinking whiskey on the Oregon Coast. * [30:15] The "Coastal Elites" Assumption: Struggles in the Northwest. * [31:00] Seasonal Passions: Duck hunting with the dog and blanks in the bushes. * [34:30] The "Whitewashed" Rebuttal: Navigating the box of Black masculinity. * [36:45] Fly Shops & Bow Shops: Dealing with passive-aggression as an "outsider." * [38:25] The Code-Switching Struggle: Placating for success vs. being your true self. * [41:10] DMV Origins: Why East Coast Black folks talk the same everywhere. * [43:05] Customer Service Kinship: Making Facebook friends on an Apple Care call. * [45:45] The "Normal People Attractive" Model: Modeling for REI, Carhartt, and Croatia trips. * [49:25] No Diddy Parties: NDA talk and riding catamarans. * [52:55] Passions vs. Work: The VP of Fujifilm’s advice on self-care. * [54:05] Negative Self-Talk: Using anger as a motivator. * [56:18] Favorite DRP Moments: The Domestic Violence episode fruit-gobbling incident. * [58:15] The Preservation Theory: Revisitng the "Crackheads Live Forever" debate. * [01:00:05] The Warehouse Vision: Mixing shampoo "buck naked" and OnlyFans vlogs. * [01:01:35] Product Highlight: Mylani Vegan Hair Vibrator (Scalp Massager). * [01:03:45] The Autism Connection: Why Chadowboxx started her product line. * [01:05:09] Outro: Connecting with Better Days West and Dirty Roses. SEASON 7 SPONSOR INFORMATION Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Sustainable, plant-based, and responsible products for your self-care journey. * Product Highlight: Scalp Massager & Essential Oil Nebulizer (The "Hair Vibrator" that provides an orgasmic salon treatment at home) * Website: www.MylaniBeauty.com [https://www.mylanibeauty.com] * IG: @MylaniByChadowboxx * For Additional Savings Use Code: LEIGH PRODUCTION & EDITOR * Website: www.BetterDaysWest.com [https://www.betterdayswest.com] * IG: @BetterDaysWest CONNECT WITH DIRTY ROSES PODCAST * Like, follow, subscribe on all platforms! * @DirtyRosesPodcast (all platforms) * Leigh LaRie: @LeighLaRie (all platforms) * Nik B.: @NikB_NikB (Instagram) Leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Your support helps us grow. Share with your networks! Tell a friend to tell a friend. Submit your letters! Request advice or share crazy dating stories to DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com We made the 5 of the top 25 Lust Podcasts!!! Top 25 Lust Podcasts https://podcast.feedspot.com/lust_podcasts/

Black & Bougie in Portland: Issa Journey w/ Alexis McKinney

What is it really like to navigate the "whitest city in America" as a Black woman? Host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris sit down with the vibrant Alexis McKinney—better known as Lex in the City—to discuss the reality of being Black and bougie in Portland, Oregon. Alexis, a Milwaukee native and professional content creator, shares her journey of moving to the PNW for work and the "culture shock" that came with it—not because she wasn't used to diversity, but because she was used to Black excellence being the norm. From experiencing microaggressions at a Jesuit college to navigating the "transplant bubble," Alexis gets real about the elitism that exists within the local community and why "where the Black people at?" is a lazy question. They dive deep into the Portland dating scene, the "resentment spirit" in ambitious relationships, and why Alexis isn't afraid to shoot her shot. Plus, stay tuned as Alexis curates the ultimate Portland guide, sharing her favorite "Black & Bougie" spots, the best hiking trails, and why following DJs is better than following venues. Whether you're a Portland native or a new transplant, this episode is a masterclass in building community, maintaining boundaries, and living your best "Black Girl Magic" life in the Rose City. EPISODE TIME BREAKDOWN: * [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 6 – Black & Bougie in Portland * [01:10] The Small Community Reality: Understanding Portland’s 6% Black population * [02:55] Meet Alexis McKinney: The "Lex in the City" Origin Story * [04:20] Milwaukee vs. Portland: Growing up in one of America's most segregated cities * [05:40] The Awakening: Dealing with microaggressions at a PWI * [07:15] Blackness is not a Monolith: From Anime nerds to Creative musicians * [09:20] Spike Lee and Cinematography: Leigh’s high school awakening * [11:00] The "Transplant Bubble": The Class of 2017-2019 Yearbooks * [12:30] Swiping for Friends: Using apps to build community pre-pandemic * [14:15] Pivot to Curation: Throwing events for Black women in Washington County * [16:15] Defensive Natives: Why transplants should stop complaining about their new city * [18:15] Regional Segregation: Why you only see Black people on the North Side * [19:15] The Soul Food Debate: Why restaurant soul food rarely hits like Sunday dinner * [21:00] The Mediocrity Trap: Professionalism and feedback in Black-owned businesses * [23:15] Following the DJ: How to find your vibe in the Portland nightlife * [24:10] Generational Spaces: Why we need more 30+ clubs in Portland * [25:35] Shooting Your Shot: Alexis’s different experience with dating in the PNW * [26:50] Hair Narratives: How different styles attract different types of men * [28:10] The "Spice Intolerant" Ex: A pandemic dating cautionary tale * [30:50] The Resentment Spirit: When men struggle with ambitious, career-driven women * [33:15] Living Alone: Why having your own space is a dating non-negotiable at 30 * [36:40] Content Creation Burnout: Moving from corporate marketing to personal branding * [39:20] Viral in Portland: Why the "Black in Portland" content always hits * [40:40] The "Saying Hi" Debate: Is it bad energy or just regional differences? * [44:50] Visibility vs. Accessibility: The parasocial trap of social media fame * [48:45] Sagittarius Season: "Lexemer" and the art of celebrating yourself * [01:03:30] Where to find Alexis McKinney (Lex in the City) * [01:04:15] Product Highlight: Mylani Vegan Raw Brown Sugar Scrub * [01:05:45] Outro: Connecting with Leigh LaRie and Dirty Roses Podcast SEASON 7 SPONSOR INFORMATION Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Sustainable, plant-based, and responsible products for your self-care journey. * Product Highlight: Raw Brown Sugar Scrub (Perfect for exfoliating and keeping skin hydrated during the cold Oregon winters) * Website: www.MylaniBeauty.com [https://www.mylanibeauty.com] * IG: @MylaniByChadowboxx * For Additional Savings Use Code: LEIGH PRODUCTION & EDITOR * Website: www.BetterDaysWest.com [https://www.betterdayswest.com] * IG: @BetterDaysWest CONNECT WITH DIRTY ROSES PODCAST * Like, follow, subscribe on all platforms! * @DirtyRosesPodcast (all platforms) * Leigh LaRie: @LeighLaRie (all platforms) * Nik B.: @NikB_NikB (Instagram) Leave us a 5-star rating and a review! Your support helps us grow. Share with your networks! Tell a friend to tell a friend. Submit your letters! Request advice or share crazy dating stories to DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com [DirtyRosesLetters@gmail.com] We made the 5 of the top 25 Lust Podcasts!!! Top 25 Lust Podcasts [https://www.feedspot.com/fs/tk/GEbRwJAi6uoc4hYY1sUfzRETyrZhS%2BrrFRMSSQnGHMwUQ%2Fq4ZCLjGh3jFkfbzR%2FL6A7A9Y9S8PYR3R9KHAkj2RdWCPChI%2BLlVSAVSAUIWscVR%2FnkoVkiKhMUIFLTAVsMI0EE75JMFClZJOAkCvpL%2FRhG0bVjIujuF%2BPXRBcHSdYVFPPmk0onK1cWFUQJAkcCGw7A9KdZGPMlFyBREARdDh8%3D]