Stop, Look & Listen

Can San Francisco reclaim its place as one of America's great music cities? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, LeTroy Gardner sits down with musician, entrepreneur, and real estate developer Rudy Colombini to discuss his ambitious mission to revitalize the Bay Area music scene through Music City San Francisco and his groundbreaking Star Machine concept. Rudy shares how he's creating a massive music development hub designed to give aspiring artists access to rehearsal studios, live performance venues, education, and the tools needed to become successful entertainers.Rudy also reflects on his decades in the music industry, fronting the Unauthorized Rolling Stones, sharing stages with legendary performers, and navigating the changing landscape of music in the age of artificial intelligence. From the influence of Mick Jagger and James Brown to his personal journey through loss, spirituality, and entrepreneurship, Rudy explains why he believes live performance and human connection are the keys to music's future.Learn more at https://musiccitysf.com.Listen to the entire Stop, Look & Listen family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/ 

How do we raise Black boys to be confident, resilient, and proud of who they are in a world that often judges them unfairly? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, LeTroy Gardner welcomes author and professor emerita Dr. Kimberly Biddle to discuss her children's book As You Are, the inspiration behind its powerful message, and the importance of representation in children's literature.Dr. Biddle shares her personal experiences raising a Black son, the difficult conversations parents must have about racial bias, and why teaching children self-worth, hope, and resilience is essential. They also explore microaggressions, the challenges Black boys face in schools and society, and how literature can inspire understanding across racial and cultural backgrounds.Listen to the entire Stop, Look & Listen family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/ 

Media personality Shener joins LeTroy Gardner to talk about reinventing herself and entering a new chapter of her career. From her beginnings in college radio and years working red carpets to acting, modeling, education, and the upcoming Conversations with Shener, she explains why the transition isn't about starting over, it's about growth.Shener also takes listeners behind the scenes of working a red carpet, discusses the challenges women continue to face in sports and entertainment media, reveals the surprising connection between Yella Rae and LisaRaye, and shares some ambitious goals that extend from television and podcasting all the way to law school.Listen to the entire Stop, Look & Listen family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/ 

What happens when the agency responsible for delivering U.S. foreign aid is suddenly told to stop?On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with former USAID Mission Director and author Clifford H. Brown, author of Inside USAID, for a candid conversation about the history, purpose, and impact of the U.S. Agency for International Development.Brown explains what USAID was created to do and how foreign aid became another tool of U.S. influence overseas, working alongside diplomacy and the military. He shares stories from the field, including efforts to build industries and electrify villages in Central America, support legal and economic systems following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and protect the environment.The conversation also examines the cost of foreign aid, how USAID missions worked with host governments and U.S. embassies, and what happened when countries chose not to accept American assistance.In this episode:The original mission of USAIDWhat foreign aid actually costs AmericansHow USAID worked with governments and U.S. embassiesBuilding infrastructure and industries overseasSupporting countries after the Soviet Union collapsedWhat happened when USAID programs were ordered to stopThe human impact of disrupted aid programsClifford H. Brown’s book, Inside USAIDHis experiences with trafficking and bride kidnappingThe personal story behind his career in foreign development CONNECT WITH CLIFFORD H. BROWN:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clifford8brownLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clifford-h-brown-2608428/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jefferdogYWebsite: https://cliffordhbrown.com/Join LeTroy Gardner on Stop, Look & Listen for conversations that explore the people, stories, and issues shaping our world.Listen to the full family of Fourcast Media shows at www.pushplaypods.com!

What does it mean to keep evolving as an artist while staying true to yourself?Tony Award-winning actress and Grammy-nominated singer Melba Moore returns to Stop, Look & Listen for her third conversation with host LeTroy Gardner. This time, she opens up about her new single, “Love Wins Every Time,” the healing power of music, and what it means to enter a new chapter of her career.Melba talks about working with longtime collaborator Rahni Song and his daughter Chloe Barjona-Dunbar, finding new ways to use her voice without relying on vocal “acrobatics,” and why she believes music can be a powerful vessel for healing.She also shares the story behind releasing music through her daughter Melba’s label and building a family business that brings multiple generations together. Plus, she previews a diverse, radio-friendly album arriving this fall.In this conversation, Melba discusses:The inspiration behind “Love Wins Every Time” Music as a form of healingHow her voice and lifestyle have evolved throughout her careerBuilding a family business and passing the baton to the next generationHer cameo in Tried by Fire on TubiUpcoming performances at Blue Note and plans to tour Faith, healing, and the daily practices that keep her groundedThe possibility of creating a new cast version of “Lift Every Voice and Sing”What fans can expect from her upcoming album Melba Moore's career continues to evolve, but her message remains clear: love, faith, family, and music still have the power to heal.Connect with Melba MooreFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mooremelba/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melba1moore/Website: https://www.iammelbamoore.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXI1Itl8UL5fpzAHLYkirdwJoin LeTroy Gardner on Stop, Look & Listen for more conversations with artists, creators, and changemakers.Listen to the full family of shows at www.pushplaypods.com

What happens when your voice becomes your way to survive?On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with Thai-born Punjabi Sikh independent recording artist Kneet to talk about her journey from Bangkok to New York, finding her voice through music, and fighting for change after experiencing domestic violence, coercive control, and difficult family court battles.Kneet shares how music became part of her healing, from songs like “Rise” and “To The Moon” to her upcoming single “Bangkok to New York.” She also opens up about the challenges of proving psychological abuse in court, why documenting patterns matters, and how finding the right support can make a difference.The conversation also explores Kneet’s work with Protect Children New York, her advocacy for child protection and family court reform, her graduate studies in developmental psychology, and the online communities and resources she uses to help other parents.In this episode:• Kneet’s journey from Thailand to New York • Using music as a tool for healing • Domestic violence and coercive control• The challenges of navigating family court • Why documenting patterns of abuse matters • Child protection and family court reform• Her upcoming single “Bangkok to New York” • Helping other parents find resources and supportConnect with Kneet:Website: https://www.kneetmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kneetmusicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kneetmusicYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kneetVEVOProtect Children NY: https://www.change.org/ProtectChildrenNYJoin LeTroy Gardner on Stop, Look & Listen for an honest conversation about music, survival, family, and the fight to create meaningful change.Tune into the full family of shows at www.pushplaypods.com

This week on Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with John Smith, guitarist, songwriter, comic book artist, and founding member of Nu Shooz, for a candid conversation about the band's incredible journey from Portland's Latin jazz scene to international pop success.John shares how "I Can't Wait" went from an independent release to a club sensation in New York, the story behind the "American version," and the overseas remix element the band called the "Barking Seal." He also explains how that momentum led to a record deal with Atlantic Records.Along the way, John reflects on:Building Nu Shooz from the ground upThe blessing and pressure of having a massive hitTouring the world and learning the music businessRecording Poolside and Told You So with Jeff Lorber and producer David Z. RivkinBeing dropped by Atlantic and reinventing his careerComposing music for advertising for decadesRetiring from music, selling the Nu Shooz catalog, and creating Optical Pictures graphic novels with his sonWhether you're a longtime Nu Shooz fan or discovering their story for the first time, this episode offers a fascinating look at the highs, challenges, and creativity behind one of pop music's most memorable acts.Connect with John Smith & Nu Shooz:Website: https://www.nushoozmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushoozmusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nushoozmusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nushoozmusicEnjoyed the conversation? Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth interviews with musicians, creators, and cultural icons.Listen to the entire Stop, Look & Listen family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/

Ralph Rolle has played on some of the world's biggest stages, but his greatest lessons didn't always come from music.On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner welcomes back drummer, entrepreneur, and founder of Dear Family Stories, Ralph Rolle. Fresh off a six-week European tour with Nile Rodgers & Chic, Ralph shares what he's learned from decades in music, building a family business, and creating a platform that helps families preserve their legacy.They discuss:Life on tour with Nile Rodgers & Chic How Soul Snacks Cookies grew from a family recipe into major retailersThe expensive lessons of selling through Walmart and why marketing mattersTurning setbacks into opportunities instead of giving upWhy supporting Black-owned businesses is more important than everHow Dear Family Stories helps families preserve recipes, photos, videos, and memories for future generationsPersonal reflections on losing his mother and the lasting friendship that shaped his journey with D'AngeloWhether you're an entrepreneur, musician, or someone who values family history, Ralph's story is full of practical wisdom and inspiration.Learn more about Ralph Rolle and Dear Family Stories: https://dearfamilystories.com/Subscribe to Stop, Look & Listen for more conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers.Discover more great podcasts from the Push Play Pods network: https://www.pushplaypods.com/

What does it really take to build a lasting career in entertainment? 🎤✨On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner welcomes legendary publicist and Double XXposure founder Angelo Ellerbee back to the show. With decades of experience representing some of music's biggest names, Angelo shares how he's transforming DoubleXXposure.com into an affordable learning platform designed to help artists, entrepreneurs, and aspiring publicists build successful careers.Angelo discusses the new resources available through the platform, including career strategy, press releases, artist development, management guidance, etiquette, diction and speech coaching, tax awareness, exclusive member content, and an interactive "Ask Angelo" feature.The conversation also explores why authenticity matters more than ever, how to earn credibility in today's media landscape, the importance of artist development inspired by Berry Gordy, and why trust and self-love are essential foundations for long-term success.Plus, Angelo previews the September release of the audiobook for Before I Let You Go and shares details about his upcoming book, Brick by Brick, which celebrates the people, culture, and legacy of urban communities like Newark.Whether you're an artist, publicist, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode is packed with practical advice from one of the industry's most respected voices.⏱️ In this episode:🎙️ Revamping Double XXposure into an educational platform📣 PR, branding, and career development strategies📝 Press releases, management, and business fundamentals🎧 The upcoming Before I Let You Go audiobook📖 A preview of Brick by Brick💡 Why authenticity, trust, and self-love are the keys to lasting success🔗 Learn more about Angelo Ellerbee and Double XXposure:🌐 https://doublexxposure.com/🎙️ Subscribe to Stop, Look & Listen for more conversations with influential leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers.▶️ Explore our family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/

Can you be your authentic self and still win in politics? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with political strategist, When We Win podcast host, Blue State Executive VP, and author Maya Rupert for a thoughtful conversation about politics, representation, and the power of authenticity.Maya reflects on growing up in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree, the political moments that shaped her, and her journey from social justice advocacy to managing Julián Castro's presidential campaign. She explains why Democrats shouldn't abandon their values to appeal to the middle and how long-form podcasts are changing the way voters connect with candidates.The conversation also explores the themes of Maya's book, The Real Ones, including the impossible standards Black women often face in politics, the myth of electability, and why authenticity is judged differently depending on who you are.In this episode, you'll hear about:🎙️ Growing up in Yucca Valley and discovering politics🗳️ Managing Julián Castro's presidential campaign📚 The inspiration behind The Real Ones✊ Authenticity, race, and gender in American politics🎧 Why podcasts are reshaping political conversations🌎 The future of the Democratic Party💙 Mentorship, optimism, and what's next with Charles BookerWhether you're passionate about politics, leadership, or creating meaningful change, this conversation offers valuable insights and fresh perspectives.Connect with Maya Rupert:🌐 Website: https://mayarupert.com/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maya.rupert/👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maya.rupert.7/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-rupert-8474612b0/🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Stop, Look & Listen with LeTroy Gardner.🌐 Explore our family of podcasts at www.pushplaypods.com