Verbally Effective Podcast
Verbally Effective with Ena Esco is a topical interview-style podcast that intersects art, culture, politics and entertainment. Each week Ena is joined by a featured artist, entertainer, elected official or professional with roots in Memphis. Verbally Effective delves into each guest’s personal journey to uncover the incredible stories fueling their purpose, the highs and lows of their pursuits, and how through their passion they are moving the culture forward.
Episodes
May 8, 2025 • 43 mins
In this powerful episode of Verbally Effective, American writer, professor, editor, and social commentator Roxane Gay joins Ena Esco for an intimate conversation that spans identity, intellect, and influence. Roxane reflects on her upbringing in Omaha, Nebraska as the daughter of Haitian immigrants, and how those roots shaped her voice as a writer and cultural critic. We dive into the evolution of feminism, her current role as a pr...
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April 30, 2025 • 38 mins
In this Financial Literacy Month edition of the Verbally Effective Podcast, we’re diving deep into smart money moves, digital banking trends, and everyday financial empowerment. Ena Esco is joined by Brody Wamble of Simmons Bank and Karen Madlock of the Greater Memphis Financial Empowerment Center for a powerful conversation on FINTECH, budgeting, credit, and how to build wealth in a digital world. Whether you’re just starting your...
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April 24, 2025 • 22 mins
In this special episode, I'm sitting down with the visionary behind PLATFORMS by Christy B: The Hair & Fashion Experience—none other than Christy B herself. We're diving into why this is a must-attend event for creatives, trendsetters, and beauty industry professionals. Christy shares her inspiration behind the show, how she’s building platforms for stylists and fashionistas to shine, and what attendees can expect from this ele...
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January 16, 2025 • 65 mins
Join me as I sit down for a live podcast inside of Cossitt Library with Dr. Russell Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum, to explore his inspiring journey and leadership. In this episode, Dr. Wigginton shares insights into the museum's plans for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, current and upcoming exhibitions, and the parallels between the modern civil rights era and the legacy of Dr. King. Discover how the museum c...
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December 26, 2024 • 53 mins
Keyanna Sawyer-Jones is a leading strategist in beauty and wellness brand development, with nearly two decades of experience driving growth for multicultural brands. As the founder and CEO of Bleum Creative, Keyanna has established a premier brand strategy agency dedicated to helping BIPOC beauty, lifestyle, and wellness brands create lasting legacies and achieve meaningful market impact.
Take a listen as Ena and Keyanna discuss he...
Take a listen as Ena and Keyanna discuss he...
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December 19, 2024 • 52 mins
On this episode of the Verbally Effective Podcast, we’re joined by political commentator Theryn C. Bond to unpack the heated Memphis-Shelby County School Board meeting and its controversial attempt to oust Superintendent Dr. Marie Feagins. Theryn provides sharp analysis and context surrounding the drama, highlighting the potential implications for Memphis’ education system. We also shift gears to celebrate Memphis rap sensation Glo...
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December 14, 2024 • 54 mins
On this episode of the Verbally Effective Podcast, we’re joined by Memphis super producer James Dukes, aka IMAKEMADBEATS. James takes us behind the scenes of his latest project, Wands, sharing the inspiration and creative process that shaped this innovative work. We also explore his profound impact on Memphis’ music and culture, as well as his bold vision for the future of 2025. Tune in for an in-depth conversation with one of Memp...
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December 5, 2024 • 50 mins
Did you catch my conversation with Jarvis Hall, the host of Thrive Tribe, on WYXR? We dived into his inspiring fitness journey and how astrology shapes his daily life. If you missed it, don’t worry—you can now stream the full episode anytime! Take a listen and let me know your favorite takeaway!
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November 21, 2024 • 48 mins
Join Ena Esco on the Verbally Effective Podcast as she chats with TN State Representative Antonio Parkinson about his impactful Fresh Start Community Baby Shower initiative. Dive into critical global topics, including President Biden's missile approval for Ukraine and the Pentagon's recent revelations about UAPs emerging from the water. Later, Bishop Antonio Lawson joins to share insights about his upcoming holiday play, Another Ch...
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November 14, 2024 • 32 mins
In this live podcast recording at Novel Memphis, I sit down with Memphis native, business professional, and published author, Charlie Crenshaw IV! From his roots in Orange Mound to his service in Iraq, Charlie’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and community. His latest book, 40 Birthdays 40 Lessons, dives into the pivotal experiences and insights that have shaped his life.
Join us as we discuss Charlie’s reflections, his miss...
Join us as we discuss Charlie’s reflections, his miss...
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October 31, 2024 • 58 mins
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Indie Memphis leadership, Executive Director Kimel Fryer and Director of Programming Kayla Myers, as they dive into the highlights of this year's Indie Memphis Film Festival. In this episode, Kimel and Kayla discuss the festival’s exciting lineup, including featured films, hidden gems, and showcases from talented Memphis filmmakers. They’ll also reveal the behind-the-scenes logistics of or...
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September 5, 2024 • 56 mins
In this episode, we sit down with Tennessee State Representative Gloria Johnson, who has dedicated her life to fighting for justice and standing up for those left out or left behind. A special education teacher for 27 years, Gloria became fed up with elected officials attacking the rights of public school students and teachers. As a member of the “Tennessee Three,” she demanded that Republican politicians in Nashville stop the nons...
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Cecily Wilborn, an Arkansas native and Full Sail University Music Production graduate, has quickly risen in the music scene with her self-produced hit single "Southern Man," which garnered over 4 million streams worldwide in its first year. As an independent artist under JayWil Entertainment, Cecily has performed alongside notable artists like King George and West Love, captivating audiences at venues such as BB King’s in Memphis, ...
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August 1, 2024 • 56 mins
Meet Racheal Shantel from Collierville, TN—an inspiring force in urban development and community empowerment. With two bachelor’s degrees in Interior Design and Commercial Construction Management, a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning, and founder of Mane Up Memphis, Racheal is dedicated to uplifting Memphis through financial literacy, education, and community engagement. She's also a content creator, culture influencer, fitnes...
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Join me for episode 295 as I sit down with East Memphis native Cameron Hill, also known as Cam The Artist. This extraordinary young talent has created stunning pieces of art using grey, red, and purple as his primary colors. Cam shares how a pivotal moment of violence pushed him to pursue his artistry seriously. His work has garnered admiration in Memphis and beyond. Tune in to discover Cam's vision for Memphis, hear incredible sto...
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In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kenneth Muhammad, a former inmate turned advocate for restorative justice in the Mid-South. Kenneth shares his transformative journey from incarceration to becoming a key figure in the movement for justice reform. Discover how his experiences have shaped his mission to promote healing, accountability, and positive change within the community. Join us for an inspiring conversation about red...
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She's your favorite songwriter's favorite songwriter! Grammy Award-winning songwriter Crystal Nicole joins me for episode 293. With over 20 years of experience, Crystal has penned chart-topping hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, JLo, Jennifer Hudson, Camila Cabello, Chris Brown, Monica, Lecrae, and many more. Now, she's stepping into the spotlight with her single, "Won't Stop," featuring Christia...
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June 20, 2024 • 61 mins
Warren Patten Jr. is a leadership coach, award-winning author and speaker for TEDx Orangemound. In 2022, he started Patten Entertrainment with a focus on leadership skills, profit productivity, people culture, and employee retention. Mr. Patten is also the author of "Father Knowts: Being A Better Father On Purpose" and 2X Award-Winning children’s book titled "Can We Go Out And Play?"
Warren will be one of eleven speakers at the Inau...
Warren will be one of eleven speakers at the Inau...
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June 13, 2024 • 59 mins
Anthony Sain is the host of the Anthony Sain Show with Bluff City Media as well was the founder of Asylum Media Group - an organization created to provide mentorship to young up and coming journalists and content creators. He is a father and an advocate for the youth of the city of Memphis.
Tune in to hear Anthony's journey in addition to plenty of sports talk. With the WNBA at the tip of everyone's tongues you know we had to chime ...
Tune in to hear Anthony's journey in addition to plenty of sports talk. With the WNBA at the tip of everyone's tongues you know we had to chime ...
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Whitehaven native, Brandy J. Flynn, is a licensed therapist, officiant and cancer survivor. She is a luminary committed to empowering our communities to be resilient and transparent as it relates to mental health. Featured in numerous media outlets, Brandy has been in the counseling field for over two decades and has a growing private practice which includes conducting therapy, training for corporations, speaking engagements, and m...
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