Can We Talk RnB? Podcast
Can We Talk R&B is a weekly podcast series, that explores the history, culture and future of R&B music through in-depth interviews with artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals. The show dives into the creative process, the business side of music, and the cultural impact of R&B. Can We Talk R&B is a place for R&B fans to discover new and veteran talent.
Episodes
September 13, 2026 • 69 mins
In this powerful, unfiltered conversation, Ian Von sits down with songwriter, drummer, and producer Raymond Calhoun – the man who wrote one of the most enduring R&B records of all time, “Outstanding” by The Gap Band.
Raymond breaks down:
- How he hustled from DC churches to The Manhattans, Peaches & Herb, and eventually to The Gap Band.
- The exact story of how “Outstanding” was written in h...
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September 6, 2026 • 20 mins
In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von chops it up with the legendary R&B supergroup Day26. Nearly 20 years after they first hit our screens on Making the Band, the guys break down their journey from reality TV to chart-topping success, group breakups and reunions, going independent, and stepping into a new era with fresh music.They talk about what made their chemistry feel ordained, why there were no...
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In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B/pop girl group 3Quency to talk about the modern resurgence of groups, building real sisterhood in the music industry, and carving out their own lane after their breakout on Netflix’s Building the Band.
They share how they formed “Love Is Blind–style” in pods without seeing each other, the pressure and beauty of c...
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June 28, 2026 • 42 mins
Ian Von sits down with R&B singer-songwriter Dondria for an honest conversation about her journey from YouTube discovery and early chart success to healing, independence, and rediscovering her love for music. She opens up about stepping away from the spotlight, overcoming depression, embracing solitude, building a career on her own terms, and why self-love became the foundation for her marriage, her creativity, and her new era,...
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June 21, 2026 • 30 mins
In this episode of the Can We Talk R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with London-raised, Guyanese-rooted R&B artist Ama (Ama Lou) to unpack her new era — a “fearless reset” that strips away cryptic storytelling in favor of direct, deeply personal songwriting.
Ama opens up about moving from hiding behind aesthetics to writing from her real life, the vulnerability behind her viral duet “Needed U Bad...
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June 15, 2026 • 39 mins
Rising R&B vocalist Gabby Samone joins Ian Von to discuss her journey from singing in church as a pastor’s daughter to becoming one of the genre’s most promising new voices. Gabby opens up about her musical upbringing, viral breakthrough, American Idol experience, and the stories behind her music, including "Complicated" and 21 and a Half.
The conversation explores artistry, vulnerability, faith, online criticism, ...
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Ian Von sits down with triple–threat talent Keith D. Robinson for a rich conversation that moves between two worlds: R&B and acting. Keith opens up about growing up in 90s R&B culture, getting his start in harmony groups, landing a short–lived Motown deal, and how a leap of faith to Los Angeles led to major film and TV roles.
He breaks down the parallels between his own journey and his breakout role as CC in Dr...
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May 31, 2026 • 38 mins
In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, Ian Von reconnects with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Roberson to discuss his 18th studio album and companion book, Beautifully All Over the Place.
Eric shares insights into his creative process, the importance of completion and consistency, balancing music with family responsibilities, and finding joy through life's challenges. He also discusses collaborations with Av...
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May 25, 2026 • 50 mins
In this episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary screenwriter and producer Michael Elliot, whose pen has shaped some of the most beloved depictions of Black love and Black life on screen. From Brown Sugar and Just Wright to Like Mike and Netflix’s Ruth & Boaz, Michael breaks down how he found storytelling in his 30s, the very real grind behind his Hollywood break, and why love remains the center of his work.
They dive d...
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May 17, 2026 • 14 mins
Ian Von catches up with Phabo backstage in New Orleans during his tour run with Ari Lennox for an honest conversation about life on the road, performing for Ari’s loyal R&B audience, and how every city brings a different energy to the show.
Phabo also breaks down his new project Ratchet & Blues, the creative freedom behind it, paying homage to classic R&B, and how touring has helped him grow as an artist and perf...
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May 10, 2026 • 15 mins
In this special live episode, Ian Von sits down backstage at Tipitina’s with powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Pounds, along with his musical collaborators Family Company. Fresh off soundcheck and just minutes before showtime, they break down Sam’s journey from North Carolina church roots to producing for Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg, crafting the Day Shift theme song, and ultimately la...
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May 3, 2026 • 39 mins
Ian Von sits down with Denmark-born, London-based artist Marie Dahlstrøm to explore her journey from a small town with no R&B scene to becoming a standout voice in UK modern soul. They discuss her independent approach, move to London, and how motherhood has reshaped her creativity and vulnerability.
Marie breaks down her albums Like Sand and Good Life, plus her latest single “Frostbite.” The conversation also touch...
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April 26, 2026 • 47 mins
In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist RJ The Weirdo to unpack his unique sound, his bold honesty in songwriting, and his mission to bring accountability and emotion back to R&B.
RJ opens up about the story behind his name, the influence of his father and Dallas’ diverse music scene, and how genre-bending, vulnerability, and raw truth shape his music. He and Ian dig into the culture of “toxic...
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April 19, 2026 • 51 mins
In this episode of Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Marc Lo) a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist making serious waves.
From his roots in church and musical theater to working with artists like Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Teddy Swims, Mark shares his journey and why he’s now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
We dive into his upcom...
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In this episode of Can We Talk R&B, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Von Waters – a Virginia native whose pen is quietly shaping the sound of modern R&B. From growing up in a tiny church-going town and moving to L.A. in a boy band, to landing placements with Chris Brown, Trey Songz, Summer Walker, and Christopher Williams, Von walks us through his journey one chapter at a time.
He shares how a ...
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April 6, 2026 • 25 mins
In this episode, Ian Von sits down with singer, songwriter, and producer Aaron Page to explore his journey from Connecticut to Houston and his rise as one of R&B’s most exciting new voices, including opening for Bryson Tiller and PartyNextDoor. Aaron shares how his early influences, family, and artists like Ryan Leslie and Ne-Yo shaped his sound, and breaks down the inspiration behind his project Before I Go, a raw, conve...
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March 31, 2026 • 48 mins
In this episode, Ian Von sits down with artist, songwriter, and producer Ye Ali – widely known as the self‑proclaimed Trap House Jodeci – for a deep dive into modern R&B, collaboration, independence, and the business behind the music.
They break down Ye’s journey from Chicago and Indiana to Los Angeles, how he accidentally slid from rapping into R&B, and the moves that led to placements with Chris Brown, ...
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March 24, 2026 • 51 mins
In this powerful episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary vocalist Ann Nesby for an inspiring conversation on faith, legacy, artistry, and love. From her roots in church to global success with Sounds of Blackness and a thriving solo career, Ann shares the story behind “Optimistic,” her journey as an artist, and the heart behind her new R&B project Anniversary.
Packed with wisdom on music, relationships, and true s...
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March 15, 2026 • 32 mins
In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B podcast, Ian sits down with rising powerhouse vocalist Vella, a Cuban-American artist out of Tampa whose raw, soul-drenched voice has been turning heads worldwide.
Vella shares how a simple TikTok cover recorded out of boredom during the pandemic turned into a viral moment that led to label attention, a deal with an indie LA label, and ultimately signing with Universal Sweden. She breaks...
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March 8, 2026 • 49 mins
Ian Von sits down with R&B legend Marques Houston for a candid conversation about his 30+ year journey—from child star in Bébé's Kids and member of Immature, to solo success, acting, and co-founding Footage Films. He breaks down the impact of “Never Lie,” the golden era of ’90s R&B, helping launch artists like Usher and Ty Dolla $ign, today’s music industry, fatherhood, AI in creativity, and wh...
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