Echo and Ember

Being Comfortable With Failure: Hannah Journey from Design to Brand Strategy | Echo & Ember S2 E5

What if the key to growth is learning to fail — and keep going anyway? In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with strategist and former industrial designer Hannah Rankin to explore how creativity, business, and identity intersect — and why embracing failure might be one of the most important skills you can develop. We talk about her transition from packaging and experience design to brand strategy, and how true creativity isn’t just about self-expression — it’s about solving real-world problems with clarity and care. Hannah shares insights from working with some of the world’s most recognizable brands, how to navigate feedback without falling into micromanagement, and what it takes to thrive in both agency and in-house environments. Whether you're a creative professional or a strategist, this conversation will equip you to build better collaborations and stay grounded in your value — even when things don’t go as planned. Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative: https://www.wizkidcreative.com/ [https://www.wizkidcreative.com/] 🎙️ Featuring Hannah Rankin LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rankin-75017a69/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-rankin-75017a69/] 📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution: http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ [http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ] 🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection: https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n [https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n] 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro [https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro] 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Instagram • Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/] • Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/ [https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] LinkedIn • Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii] Website • https://visagemediaproduction.com/ [https://visagemediaproduction.com/] 📩 Business Inquiries: info@visagemediaproduction.com

I Always Transform Into Myself: T Walker’s Journey | Echo & Ember S2 E4

What if the journey itself is the destination? In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with T Walker — hip hop artist, poet, curator, and educator — to explore the transformative power of creativity, purpose, and staying true to who you are. We dive into his new album I Always Transform Into Myself and discuss how he balances his art, land, and education. T shares insights on creating without boundaries, leading with humility, and building community through creativity. This conversation is all about purpose-driven artistry — and how staying obedient to your gift can lead to a meaningful creative life. Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative: https://www.wizkidcreative.com/ [https://www.wizkidcreative.com/] 🎙️ Featuring T Walker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twalkernc/ [https://www.instagram.com/twalkernc/] Website: https://www.heavyenergyuniversity.com/ [https://www.heavyenergyuniversity.com/] 📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution: http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ [http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ] 🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection: https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n [https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n] 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro [https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro] 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Instagram • Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/] • Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/ [https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] LinkedIn • Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii] Website • https://visagemediaproduction.com/ [https://visagemediaproduction.com/] 📩 Business Inquiries: info@visagemediaproduction.com

Be Mindful, Be Centered: Shermar’s Artistic Journey & Embrace Of Neurodiversity | Echo & Ember S2 E3

What if your difference is actually your greatest creative strength? In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with Shermar — a multidisciplinary artist, curator, and mental health advocate — to explore what it means to be a modern creative in a world that constantly demands more. We dive into reclaiming creative identity, embracing neurodiversity as a superpower, and breaking free from genre limitations and external expectations. Shermar opens up about the delicate balance between hustle and healing, and how mindfulness and mental health are inseparable from the creative process. Whether you're a musician, visual artist, or simply navigating life’s chaos, this episode will meet you where you are — and remind you that your creative process is valid. Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative: https://www.wizkidcreative.com/ [https://www.wizkidcreative.com/] 🎙️ Featuring Shermar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mx.shermar/ [https://www.instagram.com/mx.shermar/] Listen to “Richter Scale” on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/1y1Kgfe5U7HHOwOvShjFpX [https://open.spotify.com/track/1y1Kgfe5U7HHOwOvShjFpX] 📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution: http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ [http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ] 🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection: https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n [https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n] 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro [https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro] 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Instagram • Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/] • Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/ [https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] LinkedIn • Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii] Website • https://visagemediaproduction.com/ [https://visagemediaproduction.com/] 📩 Business Inquiries: info@visagemediaproduction.com

The Art Of Persistence: Micah The Artyst’s Journey Of Creativity & Resilience | Echo & Ember S2 E2

What if persistence is the secret ingredient to a thriving creative life? In this episode of Echo & Ember, I’m joined by Micah The Artyst — a multi-hyphenate creative who turned his passion for art into a full-fledged career. From near-death experiences to massive career pivots, Micah’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and staying true to your creative path, even when the odds are stacked against you. We explore his evolution from pencil sketches to mastering brand strategy, digital marketing, and content creation. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone ready to break free from limiting boxes and live a creative life on their own terms. Whether you're reinventing your career or simply figuring out your next move, this episode will fuel your creative fire and remind you: creativity isn’t just a job — it’s a lifestyle. Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative: https://www.wizkidcreative.com/ [https://www.wizkidcreative.com/] 🎙️ Featuring Micah The Artyst Website: https://www.micahtheartyst.com/ [https://www.micahtheartyst.com/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/micahtheartyst/ [https://www.instagram.com/micahtheartyst/] 📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution: http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ [http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ] 🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection: https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n [https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n] 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro [https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro] 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Instagram • Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/] • Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/ [https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] LinkedIn • Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii] Website • https://visagemediaproduction.com/ [https://visagemediaproduction.com/] 📩 Business Inquiries: info@visagemediaproduction.com

Want To Break Free From A 9-5? The Creative Leap You Need With David Jones | Echo & Ember S2 E1

What if leaving your 9–5 is exactly what you need to find creative freedom? In this episode of Echo & Ember, I sit down with David Jones — creative director and co-founder of Wizkid Creative — to explore what it really takes to leave a stable career behind and pursue your own creative path. David shares his transition from agency life to independent business owner, offering hard-earned insights on building a passion-driven brand, finding collaborators who align with your vision, and staying grounded through uncertainty. If you’ve been dreaming about making the leap into your own creative venture, this conversation will give you the spark — and the strategy — to take your next step. Season 2 of Echo & Ember is sponsored by Wizkid Creative: https://www.wizkidcreative.com/ [https://www.wizkidcreative.com/] 🎙️ Featuring David Jones Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonesdavida/ [https://www.instagram.com/jonesdavida/] Wizkid Creative: https://www.wizkidcreative.com/ [https://www.wizkidcreative.com/] Roadworthy Car Club: https://www.roadworthycarclub.com/ [https://www.roadworthycarclub.com/] 📍 Hosted by Jerald Roberts II Website: https://www.jeraldr2.com/ [https://www.jeraldr2.com/] ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔗 Simplify self-employed finances with Found — your all-in-one business banking and bookkeeping solution: http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ [http://found.com/refer/3GQHCZ] 🔗 Take back your time with Reclaim — smart AI scheduling and focus time protection: https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n [https://go.reclaim.ai/538m275tzf1n] 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more episodes and updates: https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro [https://www.youtube.com/@visagemediapro] 🔗 Stay Connected With Us Instagram • Echo & Ember Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/ [https://www.instagram.com/echoemberpod/] • Visage Media Production: https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/ [https://www.instagram.com/visagemediapro/] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/ [https://www.instagram.com/jeraldr2/] LinkedIn • Visage Media Production: https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction [https://www.linkedin.com/company/visagemediaproduction] • Jerald Roberts II: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerald-roberts-ii] Website • https://visagemediaproduction.com/ [https://visagemediaproduction.com/] 📩 Business Inquiries: info@visagemediaproduction.com