More Than Pressing Play w/ DJ IC3

What happens when the people who are supposed to protect you become the very people responsible for your pain?In one of our most emotional and personal conversations, author Nat Hagee joins the Str8Up Show Podcast to share their journey of survival, resilience, and healing.Through their memoir, Surviving Hagee, Nat opens up about growing up in a prominent religious household, enduring childhood sexual abuse, and the painful silence surrounding their experiences.Nat also discusses the lasting effects of trauma, struggles with addiction, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of therapy, self-love, and breaking generational cycles.Host Calvin shares his own experiences as a survivor of childhood abuse, creating an honest and vulnerable conversation about guilt, family betrayal, faith, and finding the courage to heal.This is more than a conversation about surviving. It's about reclaiming your voice, finding peace, and learning how to thrive.In This EpisodeThe story behind Nat's memoir, Surviving HageeChildhood abuse and the consequences of family silenceGrowing up with a father who was a minister and police officerThe emotional and psychological effects of childhood traumaAddiction, relationships, and the search for healingReligious trauma and the abuse of authoritySeeking justice and confronting complicated family emotionsTherapy, mental health, and breaking cycles of abuseFinding happiness and learning to love yourselfNat's message of encouragement for fellow survivorsABOUT NAT'S BOOKSURVIVING HAGEE BY NAT HAGEEA deeply personal memoir exploring childhood trauma, family relationships, survival, and the journey toward healing.Available on Kindle. Paperback release scheduled for October 31, 2026.FOLLOW NAT HAGEEInstagram: @surviving_hageenatTikTok: @.survivinghageeORDER SURVIVING HAGEEPaperbackHardcoverKindleTRIGGER WARNING This episode contains discussions of childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, physical and emotional abuse, addiction, and suicide attempts. Some portions of this conversation may be difficult for listeners. Please prioritize your well-being and listen at your own discretion.SUPPORT RESOURCESIf you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, confidential support is available through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline.Phone: 800-656-HOPE (4673)Website: https://rainn.orgFor mental health or suicide crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.

BOOK'EM WITH XEROPRIME 99 | STR8UP SHOW PODCAST | SEASON 10Reading is fundamental, but are we doing enough to encourage the next generation to pick up a book?The Str8Up Show Podcast introduces Book'Em, a new segment dedicated to celebrating authors, writers, poets, and the power of literature.For our inaugural installment, Calvin welcomes back longtime friend of the show Dorsey, better known as XeroPrime 99, to discuss his transition from gaming enthusiast and storyteller to published fantasy author.XeroPrime 99 takes us inside his creative process, explains why he wanted to develop fantasy worlds featuring characters who reflect Black culture, and discusses the importance of making literature exciting and accessible to younger generations.IN THIS EPISODE:Why Calvin created the Book'Em segment to spotlight authors and encourage literacy.The growing concern surrounding reading proficiency and literacy in our communities.How an elementary school assignment inspired XeroPrime 99's lifelong passion for writing.The connection between video games, anime, fantasy literature, and original storytelling.The inspiration behind Dreadwake, a horror fantasy adventure blending online gaming, artificial intelligence, and real-world consequences.Exploring The Unimaginable Realm of Prime: Origins Volume One, a collection of six stories featuring superheroes, assassins, and fantasy adventures.Why Black representation, natural hair textures, cultural identity, and diverse characters are important in fantasy literature.Introducing How to Become a Thief: The Black Paw Method, a fantasy adventure featuring a goblin and a mysterious raccoon.Overcoming writer's block and learning to finish a story before worrying about editing.Encouraging aspiring writers and young creators to take positive risks and share their work.A special reading from Lyrical Flux, a space adventure described as Romeo and Juliet meets Bonnie and Clyde.BOOKS DISCUSSED:DreadwakeA horror-inspired fantasy adventure exploring what happens when an artificial intelligence begins influencing the direction of an online game.The Unimaginable Realm of Prime: Origins Volume OneSix interconnected stories set in the fictional world of Prime, featuring the cities of New Saint and Nocturne, with superheroes, assassins, and culturally inspired characters.How to Become a Thief: The Black Paw MethodA fantasy adventure set in Nocturne following a young goblin whose encounter with a mysterious raccoon leads him into the world of thievery.BONUS READING: LYRICAL FLUXStay tuned for a special reading from Lyrical Flux, a science fiction adventure combining romance, danger, and space exploration.FOLLOW XEROPRIME 99TikTok: @XEROPRIMEInstagram: @BOOKS_BY_XEROPRIME99BOOKS AVAILABLE ON AMAZONSearch for XeroPrime 99 and his published titles on Amazon.CONNECT WITH STR8UPWebsite: https://str8upshowpodcast.comCatch up on previous episodes, discover more guest stories, and explore the conversations that make Str8Up a platform for culture, creativity, and authentic storytelling.ABOUT BOOK'EMBook'Em is a Str8Up Show Podcast segment highlighting authors, poets, and storytellers whose work deserves to be discovered. From emerging independent writers to established literary voices, Book'Em celebrates the imagination, culture, and experiences behind the stories we read.Have a story to tell or a book to share? Connect with the Str8Up Show Podcast for future guest opportunities.Remember, there's only one rule to our show. You gotta be Str8Up!

DJing is more than selecting songs. It's about understanding music, connecting with audiences, and mastering your craft.IN THIS EPISODE:DJ IC3's journey from house parties to the FIFA World CupHer friendship and professional relationship with Snow Tha ProductEssential DJ equipment, Serato, and music pools for beginnersUnderstanding BPM, musical keys, and seamless transitionsReading the crowd and playing across different genresOvercoming challenges as a woman in the DJ industryPerseverance, chasing dreams, and the emotional power of musicRESOURCES MENTIONED:Serato DJ: https://serato.comDJcity: https://www.djcity.comShazam: https://www.shazam.comFOLLOW DJ IC3TikTok: @DJ_IC3_Instagram: @DJ.IC3CONNECT WITH STR8UP SHOW PODCASTWebsite: https://str8upshowpodcast.com 

On this episode of Str8Up, mother and daughter authors Jhordynn and Charity Grace join us for a powerful conversation about literacy, education, representation, and the importance of embracing our differences.From America's literacy crisis and reading comprehension challenges to bullying, self confidence, and inclusion, we explore how storytelling can inspire meaningful change.Jhordynn shares her experiences as an author, her perspective on literacy in Black and Brown communities, and the inspiration behind her writing. Young author Charity Grace discusses her passion for creating stories that encourage children to celebrate what makes them unique.SPECIAL FEATURE: Charity Grace closes the episode by reading a portion of her children's book, I'm Different and I Love Me!BOOKS FEATUREDJhordynnScrape It Out with a Spatula!Charity GraceI'm Different and I Love Me!Come Play with Me!FOLLOW JHORDYNNFacebook: @JHORDYNNInstagram: @JHORDYNN_WRITESTikTok: @GHOSTWRITERJHORDYNNYouTube: @JHORDYNN.WRITESFOLLOW CHARITY GRACEFacebook: @CHARITYGRACEInstagram: @AUTHORCHARITYGRACETikTok: @AUTHORCHARITYGRACEYouTube: @AUTHORCHARITYGRACELISTEN, WATCH & SHAREEnjoyed this episode? Share it with a parent, educator, aspiring author, or anyone who believes in the importance of reading and representation.Subscribe to the Str8Up Show Podcast for more conversations that educate, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.

After living in the United States for 35 years, Danny's life changed when he was taken into immigration custody and spent 178 days in detention before being deported to Mexico.In this episode of the Str8Up Show Podcast, Danny shares his firsthand account of life inside immigration detention, including the conditions he experienced, the physical and emotional toll of being detained, and the moment he learned he was being deported.Danny also takes us beyond detention and into what happened next. He discusses being released at the border, arriving in a country he had not lived in since he was three years old, adjusting to life in Mexico, reconnecting with the culture and figuring out what starting over looks like after 35 years in the United States.Day 179 represents more than the day after detention. It marks the beginning of an entirely different chapter of Danny's life.FOLLOW DANNYTikTok: @danny_darkoooSUPPORT DANNYCashApp: $Dannyortiz87

Goldiee joins the Str8Up Show Podcast for a candid conversation about living with albinism and the misconceptions that often come with it.Goldiee opens up about growing up Black with albinism, the bullying she experienced as a child, and the assumptions people have made about her appearance, eyesight, abilities and identity. She also discusses representation of people with albinism in movies and television, dating, confidence, self image and why educating others about albinism is important to her.Through the challenges, Goldiee shares how she learned to stop wishing she looked different and fully embrace who she is today. Her story is a conversation about albinism, but also about confidence, perspective and learning to love what makes you different.FOLLOW GOLDIEEINSTAGRAM: @GOLDIEE.X2XTIKTOK: @GOLDIEE.X2XSUPPORT GOLDIEECASH APP: $g0ldieex2x

Orlando Delcid left El Salvador at seven years old and grew up in Houston, Texas. Decades later, he returned to the country of his birth and is now seeking the presidency with Fraternidad Patriota Salvadoreña, or FPS.In this episode, Orlando shares his experience immigrating to the United States as a child, the teacher whose kindness had a lasting impact on his life, and the role faith has played in shaping his path.The conversation also explores Orlando’s vision for El Salvador, including creating jobs and investment, expanding opportunities for Salvadorans, strengthening the country so people do not feel forced to leave in search of opportunity, and encouraging Salvadorans abroad to bring their knowledge and experience back home.Calvin also presses Orlando on current U.S. immigration enforcement, whether a seven year old Orlando arriving in America today would have the same experience he did, and how his years living in the United States influence his perspective on immigration.Finally, Calvin asks a question Orlando may face throughout his campaign: after spending most of his life in America, why should Salvadorans trust him to understand and lead El Salvador?Topics DiscussedOrlando’s childhood in El SalvadorImmigrating to America at seven years oldGrowing up in HoustonFaith and public serviceReturning to El SalvadorWhy Orlando entered politicsJobs and investment in El SalvadorThe Salvadoran diasporaU.S. immigration enforcementSalvadorans returning homeU.S. and El Salvador relationsWhy Salvadorans should trust his leadershipOrlando’s vision for El Salvador

On this edition of Music Monday, we turn the spotlight on RenRiot, a Black, queer, female alt-rock/grunge-punk band from Washington, D.C.Blending the vulnerability of emo, the grit of grunge, and the energy of punk and alternative rock, RenRiot is creating music rooted in raw emotion, personal experiences, and a desire to make space for voices and perspectives that haven’t always been centered in rock.IN THIS EPISODEWe talk with RenRiot about:The origin of RenRiot and how the band came togetherDeveloping a sound that blends alt-rock, emo, grunge and punkTheir experiences as Black women making rock musicNavigating intersectionality as Black and queer artistsRepresentation and creating space within the alternative music sceneBreaking expectations surrounding what a rock band is “supposed” to look and sound likeUsing vulnerability and personal experiences as inspirationHow music can become an outlet for identity, emotion and self-expressionBuilding RenRiot’s sound, chemistry and creative directionWhat’s next for the bandSPECIAL PERFORMANCE The conversation doesn't end with the interview.RenRiot closes out this edition of Music Monday with a special performance of their new song, “Hunt You Down.”ABOUT RENRIOTRenRiot is a Black, queer emo soft-grunge band from Washington, D.C., blending raw emotion and vulnerable lyricism with influences from alternative rock, grunge, emo and punk. Their music combines nostalgia with a perspective and sound distinctly their own.FOLLOW RENRIOTWEBSITE: WWW.RENRIOT.NOISEYARD.COMINSTAGRAM: @RENRIOT.WAVTIKTOK: @RENRIOTBANDBANDSINTOWN: @RENRIOT

Season 10 of The Str8Up Show Podcast begins with the return of immigration attorney Carla Casas for an important conversation about the changing immigration landscape in America.With immigration continuing to dominate national headlines and the midterm elections approaching, Carla joins Str8Up to help separate legal realities from political rhetoric, misinformation, and social media speculation.IN THIS EPISODE:• Changes affecting U.S. immigration law and policy• What immigrant families should know right now• Immigration enforcement and ICE• Detention and due process• Understanding your legal rights• Common misconceptions surrounding immigration• How changing policies affect immigrant communities• The importance of seeking accurate legal information• Immigration and the national political conversation• What could happen as the country approaches the midterm electionsABOUT OUR GUESTCarla Casas is an immigration attorney and returning guest of The Str8Up Show Podcast. Through Casas Immigration Law, Carla and her team work with individuals and families navigating the U.S. immigration system.CONNECT WITH CARLA CASASInstagram: @immigration.attorney.carlaYouTube: @AbogadaCarlaCasasTikTok: @AbogadaCarlaFacebook: Casas ImmigrationWebsite: www.casasimmigration.comFlorida Office: 407-205-9358Chicago Office: 312-971-7221

When most people think of movies set in Las Vegas, they picture the bright lights, casinos, and chaos of the Strip, not an action-packed thriller buried deep in the Nevada desert. But that’s exactly where filmmaker Mark D. Bonner takes us in his gripping new suspense film, Rear Desert. In the Season 9 finale of The Str8Up Show Podcast, we sit down with the award-winning filmmaker to discuss the creative journey behind Rear Desert , from the inspiration that sparked its intense storyline to the powerful themes that drive its emotional core. Mark opens up about what it takes to bring bold ideas to life on screen, the challenges of independent filmmaking, and how audiences are already responding to his work with high praise. Whether you’re a movie lover or an aspiring filmmaker, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and storytelling wisdom straight from one of the industry’s most passionate voices. Watch Rear Desert here: https://bit.ly/49kqO8m Follow Mark D. Bonner: Instagram – @RearDesert | @TheMindOfMFilms