85 | Jelani Taylor talks about love, music & new album "The Rat Race"

86 | Inside HBCU Basketball: Coach Shyheim Small's Journey

In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Coach Shyheim Small, diving deep into HBCU basketball, his journey from North Carolina to making waves with the Central State Marauders, and the real pressures behind coaching at an HBCU. This episode offers a lot of perspective as we break down the struggles, triumphs, and the often-overlooked behind-the-scenes hustle that keeps these programs thriving. From navigating his PWI experiences at NKU to embracing the vibrant culture of HBCUs, Coach Small shares raw insights on teamwork, community building, and even the anxiety that comes with striving for greatness. Whether you're a diehard basketball fan, contemplatiing attending an HBCU, or just here to listen, this episode promises something for everyone. Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and join the ocnversation! Tune in! Follow Us: - The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠] - Shyheim : https://www.instagram.com/coachswerv_/ [https://www.instagram.com/coachswerv_/] - Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/ [https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/] #thehighlightreal #podcast #hbcubasketball #centralstate CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:08 - Shyheim’s Journey to Becoming a Coach 06:56 - Importance of Film in Coaching 10:43 - Aspiring to Be a Head Coach 12:51 - Sankofa: Go Back and Fetch It 15:45 - Checking Your Ego in Coaching 22:15 - HBCU Experience and Impact 27:14 - Coaching as a Labor of Love 33:03 - Coaching's Life Lessons 37:10 - Managing Anxiety and Pressure 40:30 - Shyheim's Goals for the Season 41:33 - Final Thoughts from Shyheim 43:31 - Shyheim's Fundraiser Event 44:29 - Outro

85 | Jelani Taylor talks about love, music & new album "The Rat Race"

What happens when you stop running the rat race and start chasing peace? In this episode of The Highlight Real, we’re chopping it up with Jelani Taylor—a Flint, Michigan native, artist, and creative —about his brand-new album "The Rat Race," his journey through music, and breaking free from the cycle of exhaustion. From reflecting on Nina Simone's timeless wisdom to unveiling the raw, soul-baring inspiration behind tracks like "Galaxy Lane," Jelani talks love, music, and life with refreshing honesty. We also dive into his journey through the Ivy League grind at Cornell University, balancing dreams of the NFL with creative expression, and building a life alongside his fiancée - who also doubled as an executive producer on his new album! You’ll hear how their partnership fuels his artistry and why he’s fearless about blending love and ambition. Whether you’re on the fence about taking that next leap or just need some perspective on making life work for YOU, this episode’s got gems for days. Press play for all things music, love, and the hustle to find balance in today’s world. Don’t miss out—this conversation might just change how you see your own race. Tune in! Follow Us: - The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠] - Jelani: https://www.instagram.com/je.lani2/ [https://www.instagram.com/je.lani2/] - Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/ [https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/] #thehighlightreal #podcast #explore #jelanitaylor #theratrace CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 00:51 - Jelani’s Album “The Rat Race” 01:50 - How Excited is Jelani for His Album ? 05:22 - What Are We Running Towards 09:51 - What is The Rat Race 15:05 - Why "Jelani"? 19:53 - College and Football 24:41 - Black Boy 2020 26:34 - Finding Purpose in Another Dream 27:58 - The Full Spectrum of Hip-Hop 32:15 - How I Make My Life Happen 34:24 - Making Soul Food 37:27 - Changes Between "Life’s a Bar" and "The Rat Race" 40:02 - The 27 Club 41:40 - Jelani’s Relationship with Tyshaia 48:00 - Penwood Productions 50:15 - What Do You Want People to Take Away from The Rat Race? 52:30 - Final Thoughts

84 | Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter rnbjune Talks Grammy Win & Creative Evolution

Grammy Award-winning songwriter RNB June is back, and this convo is packed with gems! We’re chopping it up about his Grammy win, working with music legends like Chris Brown, and his creative evolution in the ever-changing music industry. From navigating collaboration vs. competition to his plans for a major rebrand, June shares it all—including how his upbringing shaped his humble yet unstoppable mindset. If you’re on the fence about pursuing your passions or want to gain some perspective on balancing success with staying grounded, this episode is for YOU! Tune in to hear how June’s journey from rapping freestyles to crafting Grammy-winning tracks is inspiring a new wave of creativity. Whether you're a fan of R&B, pop, or just love a good story about growth and community building, you’ll definitely leave this episode feeling motivated to chase your dreams. Follow Us: - The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠] - June : https://www.instagram.com/rnbjune/ [https://www.instagram.com/rnbjune/] - Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/ [https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/] #thehighlightreal #podcast #rnbjune #explore #grammywinner CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro 01:00 - How Are You? 04:36 - Competition vs Collaboration 09:14 - Trouble Collaborating? 11:20 - Recognition and Its Impact 14:32 - Parents' Upbringing Influence 17:03 - Meaning of Community 18:54 - AI in Music Industry 24:35 - Current Inspirations 27:40 - Who Inspires You? 28:19 - Writing About New Topics 30:45 - Feeling of Being a Grammy Winner 34:05 - Grammy's Impact on Opportunities 36:04 - Possible Rebrand? 39:50 - What's Next for You? 41:40 - Personal Growth and Improvement 46:15 - June Gives Jhariah His Flowers 48:18 - Outro 49:04 - Thank You for Watching

83 | Life in Your 20s: Lessons, Growth & Real Talk w/ Micahiah Davis of Somethin' About Our 20s Podcast

Life in your 20s is a wild ride! In this episode, my special guest is Micahiah Davis of @sowmthinaboutour20s! We’re chopping it up about lessons learned, personal growth, and all the ups and downs that come with this transformative decade. From moving out of your parents’ house to balancing work, relationships, and creative wellness, we’re keeping it real about navigating adulthood. Plus, we’re diving into the podcasting grind, hosting events, and building community while staying true to yourself. If you’re on the fence about where life is taking you or just need some perspective, this episode is for YOU! We’re talking mental health, career pivots, and the importance of celebrating small wins— you’ll definitely want to hear this. Whether you’re figuring out how to juggle goals, reflecting on relationships, or just trying to stay grounded, this convo will leave you inspired. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation. Follow Us: - The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/ [https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/]⁠ - Somethin About Our 20s : https://www.instagram.com/somethinaboutour20s [https://www.instagram.com/somethinaboutour20s] - Micahiah: https://www.instagram.com/micahiah_ [https://www.instagram.com/micahiah_] - Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/ [https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/] #thehighlightreal #podcast #somethinaboutour20s #lifetalk CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Catching up with Micahiah 02:20 - Mental Well-being Check 03:06 - Exploring New Perspectives 06:37 - Upcoming Events 09:54 - Lessons Learned Since Last Episode 12:55 - Embracing Slow Growth 16:48 - Personal Changes Over Time 18:45 - Impact of Work on Life 26:07 - Achieving Work-Life Balance 28:41 - Prioritizing Joy Over Work 29:58 - Scheduling Happiness 32:33 - Current Personal Goals 36:55 - Understanding Your Type 41:30 - Evolving Preferences in Relationships 42:05 - Perspectives on Marriage 46:13 - Additional Life Updates 54:02 - Catching Up with Jhariah 56:34 - Outro

82 | Bigg41 are redefining black culture with their comic book series “The 513”

Ever wondered how creators are flipping the script and redefining Black culture in comics? In this episode, we’re chopping it up with Trey Small and Brock Allen of Bigg41 to dive into their brilliant and captivating comic series, "The 513." From DreamCon highlights to the deep messages behind their art, they’re bringing Black masculinity, identity, and community to life in a very artistic way!Tune in to hear how these entrepreneurs are blending creative expression with real-world struggles, all while staying true to their roots. Whether you’re into anime, comics, or just repping where you’re from, this conversation is one you can relate to! We’re talking inspirations like "The Boondocks," challenges of navigating white spaces, and how they’re building a community through art. If you’ve ever been on the fence about supporting indie creators, this is your sign to do so. Gain some perspective and get inspired!Don’t miss this authentic convo, and connect with Trey, Brock, and the Bigg41 team for more dope content. Follow them at @bigg41.art on Instagram and check out their store at bigg41store.com for exclusive merch and comics!Follow Us:- The Highlight Real: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thehighlightreal__/⁠- Bigg41 : https://www.instagram.com/bigg41.art- Jhariah: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jhariahw/#thehighlightreal #podcast #comics #indiecomics CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:52 - Meet Bigg4104:12 - The 51310:21 - Contribution to Art12:43 - Audience for Your Art13:33 - Making Art Matter19:53 - Creative Journey Challenges22:49 - Team Behind the Book24:50 - Expanding the Team27:17 - Art Styles in the Book30:02 - Trusting Others in Branding33:20 - Childhood Influences34:51 - Artistic Inspirations39:40 - Star Wars: The Clone Wars Influence41:06 - Regular Show Impact41:48 - The Boondocks Significance42:51 - Static Shock Legacy44:28 - One Piece Influence46:25 - DreamCon Experience49:49 - Sales Skills Development52:29 - Final Thoughts53:55 - The Umbrella Concept55:27 - The Umbrella Pitch Deck59:40 - Balancing Black Experiences1:00:12 - Dream Con Overview1:03:05 - Outro1:03:23 - Where to Find Them