SPEAKER_03 1:45

Welcome to the Hilltop Glove Podcast. In today's episode, we have the pleasure of introducing Chris Kalen, also known as the Princess of Charleston. Chris is the dynamic media personality and podcast host who graduated from South Carolina State University in 2016. Her distinctive voice has graced the airways of Charleston's local radio station as well as the popular shows like The Breakfast Club with Charlamagne God and DJ Envy. Alongside Clay, who she co-hosts the What Was Said podcast, where they dive into trending topics, current events, and they share the latest gossip. Don't forget to follow them on social media, subscribe to their YouTube channel, and engage in most of their sorry, let me just do it over. Don't forget to follow them on social media and subscribe to their YouTube channel for engaging content. Stay in the loot with Chris Kalen's weekly updates on her community events in Charleston and in Charleston. Chris has received numerous accolades, including being recognized by the South Carolina State 30 Under 30, Boss on the Rise, and South Carolina's Black Caucus 40 Professionals to Know. Her dedication to her craft and the commitment to providing insightful content has earned her a well-deserved place among the emerging talents in the media industry. How are you doing today?

SPEAKER_01 3:05

Oh, first of all, thank you. That was an amazing intro. Thank you. I'm like, oh, you're talking about me.

SPEAKER_03 3:10

You do a lot in the community, like a lot. Like a lot. Everywhere I go, everybody's like, yes, we know the Princess of Charleston. I follow you. Um, definitely inspired by you. Because being a personality host and like a media mogul, that's like you're merging two different areas together, and the way that you have grown your your brand and your name is just like remarkable.

SPEAKER_01 3:32

Thank you. I appreciate that. Sometimes I'm just like, I don't feel like I'm doing enough. But like when I hear things like this, I'm like, okay.

SPEAKER_03 3:38

And when I was looking at your like bio and your history, I'm like, she do a lot. Like I'm like, I didn't know she did all this stuff. Well, so like how do you even do it all? You have a team or is it just you?

SPEAKER_01 3:48

Okay, so like it's okay, for like the last couple of years, it was just the one man band. So now, like with Clay, you know, we do the podcast together, but I do the editing and I break all that stuff down. So really, it's so like a team of one, two. I have my stylist tie, but like when it comes down to anything media related, it's just completely independent. So, like, I always tell myself, when I actually get like a a PR and a manager, like I can only imagine like where I'll go. But everything I'm doing right now as a one-man band, just pushing it along. So all of my content down to my podcast, I edit everything. I do all the marketing. I do all the marketing. Like, I live on Canvas. So I live on Canva, I live in Capcut. So like, even down, so like now for In the Loop, actually a young lady reached out to me with her videographer, and like they just like, we just wanna, we just want to film it. So I'm like, I don't have to do it anymore because like my mom films the loop. Like my mom is behind the camera in the lube. So like actually, right, so actually, I haven't told her this yet, but I'm gonna be retiring her services and only because we're just elevating it. So just do it. I'm not gonna do no mother's day. I'm gonna let her know before the episode comes out though. But no, just to have the opportunity for someone to like see what you're doing and be like, look, I just want to help, I just want to feed into the brand how I can. And like they reached out to me, so she was like, we just want to do this, me and my videographer. And I'm like, well, shoot, I would love to do that. Editing that I have to do, then the better. But yeah, so like everything is like a one-man band, but I just love being able to control the content that I'm putting out. I don't have to wait on anyone's time. And that's the thing. So we did have somebody doing our podcast, but like the amount of money we were being charged and just not coming out when we wanted it to. And it's like, you know, I used to edit, right? You know I can film my own stuff, right? So it's just like, okay, let me just do this myself. Right. And that's just you know what it came to, but it's just like being able to control that. But me and Clay always say, we know we made it when we'll just have someone edit this for us, all we gotta do is sit down and leave. So, like, yeah, we try to get there too, right?

SPEAKER_04 5:46

Yeah. No, no, no, I hate editing. I actually hate it. We can all edit.

SPEAKER_01 5:50

And that's the thing, is like I can do it, but it's just kind of like I'm like option Z. It's like I can do it, but it's just like, do we exhaust every other option? So yeah, but I mean, I enjoy it, you know, just being able to put the content out. And I like I've I've been doing this since Bulldog Bite. So like that was 2013, 2013, 2014.

SPEAKER_04 6:09

You don't think that's five to ten years?

SPEAKER_01 6:11

Yeah, so like I always tell people, I was like, you know, if TikTok and Instagram was what it was back then, I would have been out of here by now. Like I would have been like TikTok weak. Yeah, so like and so every time I often think about that, I'm like, you know what? If I was doing like Bulldog Bite back then, like if TikTok and now was how all this social media stuff, like because it was Instagram, it was cool, but it wasn't like what it is now. Right. So I definitely feel like I was ahead of the curve by like 10 years.

SPEAKER_02 6:35

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 6:36

But but if you stick to what you know, if you stick to what you're good at, I cracked before, so I knew I can crack again. So what did you do?

SPEAKER_03 6:43

Study at South Carolina State, bro.

SPEAKER_01 6:45

So I went in as a business marketing major, took accounting, filled it with flying colors. Shout out to Dr. O for failing me because if it was not for him, I would have not switched my major. And it's crazy. Yeah, like I had a tutor, like I had a tutor and everything, and I was like, accounting is not for me. Like the numbers were just like dancing across the page, like nothing, like nothing made sense. And I was just like, So when I went in, I was like, you know, if I get a business degree, I'll get a job when I graduate. My whole thing is like getting a job. But then, like, once I took that accounting class, and that was like the first time I failed in my entire academic career. Like, I never got an F in my entire academic career until I took that class, and I was like, you know what, I'm gonna switch my major. And so I first like, no, you shouldn't do it. You know how sometimes when you know you just need to listen to your gut and yourself.

SPEAKER_05 7:28

Like, I know y'all are trying to be encouraging, but like but also, yeah, I agree, yeah, you know, this is no, do y'all gonna see these numbers?

SPEAKER_01 7:35

Like doing a Millie Rock across the picture. Like, what are we talking about here? But yeah, no, so like I just went on to my advisor and I was like, I want to do what Ryan Seacrest does. And they were just like, okay, so that's what I majored in uh broadcast communications, and like at the time I stayed like the program was just building, like it was just getting to where it is. So, like, honestly, everything I did on Bulldog Bite, I found on YouTube University. So, like, I always keep my first episode up on YouTube because my people were orange, like, I really didn't know anything about sound color, color, none of that. But I had an idea, and I always tell people if you have an idea, if you can build off of that, just keep going. Like, because people come up to me now and they're like, Well, how do I start a podcast? I don't got mics. You got a camera, you got a phone.

SPEAKER_05 8:15

Like, yeah, let's go. You can do anything with your phone.

SPEAKER_01 8:18

So it's like you just cannot let that be an excuse. And if you're in school, you can rent cameras out.

SPEAKER_05 8:23

Like, and you didn't gotta use your local library, you might still be able to. Right.

SPEAKER_01 8:27

And so it's my whole thing is like now it's just too many options. Like you say, everybody got a phone, everyone has a phone. You got toddlers with iPads. So bar your look has an iPad and do what you gotta do. But yeah, so it's just kind of like I had an idea and I built on that. So I don't know if y'all remember the show like Guy Code, girl code. So we're telling our age, absolutely. But like, so I used to watch it and I was like, I'm still gonna borrow this idea. So I stole the idea, but I made it about HBCUs. So we talked about Fried Chicken Wednesday, financial aid, homecomings, the walk of chains, like all of these, so all of these different things. So I ended up having like three seasons of it, and you know, I just got like my friends to be cast members. And like just to see the growth, how it started, we ended up with uh I had a jingle for the show, like all we had like an intro, like all of these different things, and like I'll never forget this guy who went to Clemson. He was like, We have a watch parties for Bulldog Bite, and I'm like, oh Clemson. Right, so I was just like, oh, this is like a big thing. So I'll never get like we did an SC State versus Claflin episode that got like 80,000 views, like my highest view thing on YouTube. So, like, of course, when I graduated, I didn't want to be like the older person who's still hanging out on campus. So it's like, you don't want to be that so like I was like, what am I gonna do next? So that's when it flipped, like I had all these subscribers, so it was like, what am I gonna do? So I I like talking to people, I like interviewing people. So it turned into the Charleston Summer series, and at the time, Jerelle Jerome was here filming Mr. Mercedes. And it was a show that was like on HBO, and then like this is right before he left to go do when they When They C S? How they see us? When they yeah. So I ended up I interviewed him because he was like during music at the time, and then it did really well. And I realized when I so I was interviewing like chefs, boutique owners, just like different people around the city, but when I interviewed musical artists, that's where I got the most views. So I'm like, aha, I need to stick to this. So I ended up interviewing him just like a lot of local artists, and I was interviewing local artists that like the post and courier and the Charleston City paper were like overlooking. And the thing about like Charleston is just kind of like you have to be palatable for white audiences. Like, even if you're like a hip hop of if you're a rapper from Charleston, you still gotta be palatable for white people for them to even give you any type of acknowledgement, to put you on any platform, to even say like you're decent. I'm marked. So the only person that was palatable for them was like, he changed his name, but it was Matt Monday now, but I forgot what his name was before, and like Benny Starr. And like these were like the only black people that you would see. Yeah, and you would see like Anthony and stuff like that, but like it wasn't like you wouldn't see Harley Boy, you wouldn't see a VT, you wouldn't see a back, so you wouldn't see a low barge, you wouldn't see L O B G. So I'm just like, but these people are talented. So guess what? I have a platform now, so that's when I just started interviewing those artists. And so at so it kind of came full circle, like the city paper ended up interviewing me about this whole thing, and like it was an article, but it's just kind of like now it was just like so. Then it was like, you know, putting a spotlight on these artists. So from then, like, and I always tell people I never applied for radio station, it came to me. So I was like, yeah, so I was like at one of these like rapture events, because like I would go to the shows to listen to the artists to see, like, you know, I'm in the scene. So like if I want to interview you, like either I'm coming to get B-roll or just to see like who's in the scene. Yeah, so like one of the girls, she worked at the station, she was like, Do you want to be on radio? And I'm like, girl, I gotta face with TV. Like, I wasn't interested at all. And then like she was persistent about it. She was like, you know, I told my program director about you, like she's interested. You just gotta do an ear check. So like I was like, what the hell is an ear check? So, like, for those who don't know, an ear check is like a audio resume. An audio resume. So you pretty much chop up everything and you just put it in like a minute segment and you send it over to PDs. Yeah.

SPEAKER_05 12:05

It's audio like real.

SPEAKER_01 12:06

Yeah, almost like a audio reel. So is it like your resume? Yeah. So like at the time, I wasn't doing radio. So like I would go to the studio and I would just record stuff. So like I would just, she would show me how to do bricks and things like that. So I sent it over to the station like December, didn't hear anything back. So at the time, I'm still working at South Carolina State, driving back and forth every day from Charleston. I know, I was literally insane. And I was at I was admissions counselor, so I was traveling, trap traveling to Charleston, Orange Burg. They want to have somewhere to go, like driving all the way to DC by myself, driving back, driving all these different places. I'm the only traveling admissions counselor everyone.

SPEAKER_04 12:40

You have to go to events. Yeah. I'll forget about all my events.

SPEAKER_01 12:43

Admissions, college fare, just all of these. So I'm traveling all across South Carolina, out of state, and like it was just a thing. And at a certain point in time, your body's gonna shut down. Yeah. So like I was just like, I can't do this anymore. So like the day I put in my two weeks, the next day I was driving to work, I got a call from the radio station. It was like, we want you to start on Saturday. And I was like, shit, I should have quit earlier. I would have had more time off. I'm literally waiting for you to tell me. Right. So I was like, you just sometimes you just gotta take that leap. So I started on Saturday, then I got Saturday and Sunday, had the number one weekend spot, Ricky Smiley morning show. And then I will say, like, even when the pandemic happened, that's where I got the most interviews. So like I interviewed, I said, I talked to Brandy. Like, Brandy, I like I still have my branded dolls. Yes, Moesha with the braided bar. Like, so from her to Kanye West to 50 Cent to Kelani, beaking, like, it's just so many people I got a chance. Megan Estallion. And it's just like, these are the interviews that ended up going viral. So Megan Estallion, Kanye West, and 50 Cent, they went viral. And yeah, just being able to like build off of those things and just to see, like, you know, if you study your craft, if you know what you're doing, like things that just happen. So, like, like I was saying, you know, with the build off by thing, if I can crack it before and figure out how to do this, I can do this again.

SPEAKER_03 14:05

You can't made your own avenue, that's what I can say. Right.

SPEAKER_01 14:09

So it's just like almost for everything, even like within the loop. So, like, after I ended up leaving a radio station, and I was doing so what I was doing was a segment on the local news station. So I was there just covering all the events or whatever. There was an incident that happened, and you know, literally got blackballed in Charleston. Absolutely insane. Which is like literally got blackballed in Charleston, and so I got pulled off the TV segment. And I'm just like, dang, like, so every time, like I always tell people, like, even with Bulldog Bite, like that came from a like a dark place. You know what I'm saying? Like a really depressed, a dark place. Like Bulldog Bite came. I think, oh, it was like, dang, what happened that time? But like I went out for AK the first time, didn't make it, came out with Bulldog Bite. You know what I'm saying? So like your lemons in the lemon. Yes, instead of throwing them at people. Because when you throw them at people, you get in trouble.

SPEAKER_04 14:56

I never heard anybody say that.

SPEAKER_01 15:01

When you just decide to bing somebody with a lemon, you just you get in trouble, so you gotta squeeze it in lemonade. So like Bulldog Bite came from, you know, me going out for aka the first time and not making it. So I'm just like, dang, like, and then the thing about it, like all my friends made it. So like I gotta hold the jackets while they stroll. And I'm like, so it's just like I got to do something that's gonna like, you know, put me back out there. And it's not saying that like, you know, super, I was happy for them, and it's just like I didn't want to like live in nobody's shadow. Yeah, yeah. Like I wanted to be my own person and do my own thing on my own accord. So then my senior year, I did come out spring 16, they did sing, but it's just like I wasn't Chris the AKA. I was I wasn't an AKA and her name is Chris. I was Chris, and I happened to be an AKA. So like I didn't let that like make my whole thing. So like as far as in the loop, like I said, I got kicked off the TV segment, and I'm just like, this ain't my fault. Like, I'm dealing with all of this stuff. And so like I was just sitting in my house one day because like I had all my cameras and stuff, so I dropped down a backdrop and I was like, you know what, y'all ain't stopping nothing. Like, I get more stuff on my social media, and that's when I just started to realize like the real because in my mind, I'm like, dang, I was on TV, like all these viewers, but I'm like, no, social media, I got way more followers. Like and even after I pulled, even because I didn't-were interesting you start with because you were already doing it. Exactly. So it's just like once I and I mean granted, the segment was like like five o'clock in the morning, so it was like people I but people weren't really like watching. So it's like when I posted it on social media, that's when it really got around. So I'm just like, I'ma just cut the middleman out. Like, y'all don't want me on y'all show, I don't care. And I'm gonna do my own thing. And like from there came collaborations and just different things. So, like, just to do it on my own accord. So, like, now even with radio, like, I might have tossed up if I want to get back in it, if I don't want to get back in it. I'm just right now in love with controlling my own narrative and owning my content. I like that. And that's the thing, it's just like if I go to any station, they're gonna want to own my podcast, they're gonna want to own my my interview, anything they're gonna want to stick their logo on it, and they're gonna put it in this box.

SPEAKER_05 16:57

Yeah, I'll be a syndication for my own production company.

SPEAKER_01 17:00

Right, and that's just the thing. So, like, I'm just kinda I'm and I'm loving the idea of like doing this independent. Like, I own a breakfast company independent. Mm-hmm. So I have nobody backing me.

SPEAKER_03 17:11

But I like that you're like you're saying, you're leveraging other people. Yeah, they're not taking control of you. And that's what they're trying to catch up on. Mm-hmm. And you're like, I've been doing this for 10 years, I need to do that.

SPEAKER_01 17:20

Yeah, it's like when you say like, dang, it's been 10 years. But no, yes, a Libra. You are you don't get many Libras. October. October 4th, to me that.

SPEAKER_05 17:32

Yeah, we don't get many. Barack Obama. Huh? You know your whole chart.

SPEAKER_01 17:36

I know. Do you want to pull it up for me?

SPEAKER_05 17:39

I don't know. I just I know a few Libras, and you got you got some some fiery energy about you. Oh, Barry.

SPEAKER_01 17:44

I always tell people, I was just like, I'm born to be great. Barack Obama was August 4th, Beyonce September 4th, Chris Caitlin is October 4th.

SPEAKER_03 17:51

Talk about the four four four. Oh, yeah.

SPEAKER_05 17:55

Yeah, I think you've got to either your moan is either Leo or Aries album.

SPEAKER_01 17:59

Nah, I'm gonna pull this out.

SPEAKER_03 18:00

Nah, so I have a really good question. So, how do you create captivating content? Like, how do you know what's going to like grab the people, the viewers?

SPEAKER_01 18:09

You know what's so funny? So, like, um the gentleman out there, he was asking me about the of course I'm from Charleston video. And like, to be completely honest with you, when me and Clay did that, what happened was I told him, I was like, let's do it. And he was just like, okay, whatever. So, like, the thing, because like I'm a natural reader, writer, like, I don't know, I just love those things. That's why I tell people, it's like, I'm gonna get my foot in the door. If I gotta write a script, if I gotta get behind the camera, if I gotta run audio, you cannot get rid of me. I'm going to be here. I am an asset. So, like, not a liability. Right.

SPEAKER_00 18:40

Not a liability.

SPEAKER_01 18:41

So, like, I wrote down like at least 60 different things. Of course, I'm from Charleston. I was like, Clearly, I'm going downtown to film this. I said, if you're not coming, then you're not gonna be viral. Like, in my mind, I'm telling myself this, like, we're gonna be viral. Like, I don't know what's gonna happen, but shit, we're gonna be viral. And he's just like, don't do it without me, I'm coming. Da-da-da-da. So we like, we went downtown and we did it. And like, I honestly did not expect it to do what it did. So, like, when you're just like, when I'm planning, I will say for my interviews, when I'm interviewing people, like I I do interview with intentions when going viral. Because like, I've done like, you know, when you when you're doing like radio and like the the artist has like an interview pressure run, you got like 20 jocks. And like this is the time we're doing it over Zoom. So like I never wanted to be that person that asks the same questions that 20 other people asked you already before. So it's like I'm going to investigate. Like, are you all familiar with Nardoir?

SPEAKER_04 19:30

Yeah. I love Nardoir interviews.

SPEAKER_01 19:32

Like, I because he just asks the most random questions. So like I all like people like him, like I him, oh god, the guy who has the show on Netflix. Oh gosh, he used to have the show. Why can't I think? And I have to look him up. He's another amazing and like I just like to study great interviewers. Like, not to necessarily mimic them, but just like how they ask their questions, how they, you know, like just how they get, you know, in tune with the person that they're sitting across from. So like that's what I study. But like getting to the point, so like when I interviewed 50 Cent, this was like the day, right? The day before, Vivika Fox was just like, oh, he was the best boyfriend ever, and da da da. And she just kept talking about him. So I was just like, I'ma ask him about her. So when I sat down, I interviewed him, and I was just like, you know, Vivika Vox is saying, like, you know, you were the best boyfriend ever, like, would you have your back with her? And like, you know, because online he's like a huge troll. I thought he was gonna be like so rude, but he was like, you know, she was cool, da-da-da. But like, less than two hours later, picked up on the shade room, picked up on TMZ, picked up on the neighborhood talk. That's the thing. So it's so it's just kind of like that when I'm thinking about an interview, so like regular content creation, like, I'm not necessarily thinking about going viral. Like, I had to realize the more relatable you make the content, the quicker it'll go viral. True. So, like, that's what I had to realize with like content like that. If you create something relatable, it's because everyone can relate to it.

SPEAKER_03 20:50

Maybe that's why TikTok is so booming. Yeah, because people are relatable on TikTok.

SPEAKER_01 20:55

Yeah, and that's just a thing. So like people are not trying to dress up and do like certain things. So, like, and I'll never forget, I had this one guy, he was just like, you know, he was like, you don't put your personality on Instagram. I was like, yes, I do, because I'm thinking like on my stories, not on my main feed. And so, like, the things that I post on my my story, I'm like, I would never post that on my feed. Right. Just because it's just like it's a big difference. I just couldn't, I like in my mind, I still can't get to grips with that. I'm trying I'm trying. Like, I'm really trying. 24 hours make a difference. They're not gonna see it tomorrow. Hello, like I learned that. You really go in with that 24 hour. And that's what matters. So it's like I'm trying to get over the fact, and it's just like if I post half of the shit that I post in my story, I know I would have been viral. But it's like I just I'm trying to break that third wall. But like he was just like, you know, you post more of your personality, like it's not on your feed. And I was like, you know what, you're right, but like I'm still working on breaking that third wall. So it's like, but I did realize like posting that, of course, it was relatable. Yeah. Like people from Charleston, everywhere in the world, whatever, they could relate to it. And it's just kind of like it was funny, like it just brought attention. So it's just like with my current content, I have to like break that, like being relatable. But it's just kind of like within the interview, was like, I'm gonna ask that question that like I know everyone wants to know.

SPEAKER_03 22:08

Which is the hook and what you say is the hook and reel.

SPEAKER_01 22:10

The hook and real, you gotta think it. Tell them about that. Yeah, so it's just like so when we were at so I went shout out to Benedict, I had the opportunity to go speak to the media students at Benedict, and it was this the hook and reel. So I was always saying, you know, like when I'm doing an interview or a commercial, like, if I want you to stick around and come back to the commercial, it's just kind of like in three minutes, I got a chance for you to win a thousand dollars. Yeah, like if you want the thousand dollars, you might stick around for three minutes for a chance to win a thousand dollars. And it's just like what so when I interviewed Kanye West, so that day was crazy because he was he came down to Charleston to do his whole campaign thing or whatever. And so, like that that's that Yay 2020. So, like, Charlamagne called me and he was just like, I want you to interview Kanye West. I don't know what I was doing, but I stopped what I was doing because I know was not as important as that. So, like, and I was just like, okay, well, I gotta see if I get in the station because technically another jock was on, but I'm like, if he pre-recorded his show, then no one's in the studio. When I kicked through the door and I did not see him there, I was like, tell him to call in now. Like, even if he was there, I'm like, listen, I just need you to go away for like 20 minutes, like please. So, like, with that, I think like towards the end, he was saying, I was asking who he wanted his running mate to meet to be. And he was like, Well, his initials start with your your state name, and I'm like, SC, Sean Carter. Yeah, I want Jay-Z. So, like, picked up, CNN. K Kanye West wants Jay-Z to be his vice president. Yeah, so that whole thing, and it's just like certain things like that, that is just kind of like, so like on interviewing, if I know like I want I want it to hit, I want other people to see me, like, I'm gonna ask those questions.

SPEAKER_03 23:43

So, like controversial, okay.

SPEAKER_01 23:45

Yeah, so like it's just like, you know, the different toss-ups so yeah.

SPEAKER_04 23:49

Do you ever have this is like an interesting one to ask because your personality, right? I gotta ask this. Do you ever have fear when asking those questions that you're gonna receive specific like backlash questions?

SPEAKER_01 24:01

Yeah, so I was scared as hell interviewing Kanye West. I was nervous as hell because I didn't know what Kanye was gonna get. Like when I Right, so like when I went into the interview, like originally all these establishments that he hit up were black-owned. So I'm like, you know, if you campaigning, like, I was like, so why did you like target only black-owned establishments? Well, I didn't target only, matter of fact, let me let my campaign man. I was like, oh shit, it's going late. Let me steer it back, let me steer it back, let me tear it back. So it was just kind of like, you know, you just gotta get the temperature. And it's just kind of like, all right, let me not go. Even like when I asked 50 cent about Vivica Fox, I was just like, he could flat out curse this lady out and say, I don't know why this bitch keeps talking about me, blah, blah, blah, blah. Keep bringing up my blessings. Right. But like the fact that he was just such a gentleman the way he handled it, I was just like, oh wow. Being grown and whatnot. Right. Even though he's just like telling Tierra what's her name, you so owe me a $10,000. Like, he never got off of her neck. But it's just like, so things like that. It just depends on, I guess, the person. But I'm always like kind of cautious of that. Like, I'll never forget, I was interviewing Kaylani, and like I was just like, so I was like, you know, if the guys want to talk to you, like, how, you know, what should they do? She was like, Well, I don't like guys, I like girls. I was like, oh shit, okay. Well, what if everyone wants to talk to you? Like, she didn't, she didn't really come out yet. Like, she had to be like, yeah, so she was she like just had the baby or something like that. So like she wasn't fully out. I was just like, okay, comfortable.

SPEAKER_04 25:27

You're breaking news. Right. We break it news.

SPEAKER_03 25:33

How does it feel being the first person to break certain content or news about an instant?

SPEAKER_01 25:38

Awesome. Like, I will say, just to like, you know, just coming from an independent, you know, platform, it's cool just to be able to have that platform. And to me, in my mind, it's just kind of like, one, my degree didn't go to waste. True. But like, but two, for me, it's just kind of like, I feel like Charleston never really got that attention. So, like, in my mind, the first thing I'm like, I'm from Charleston doing this. And it's just like to know that like we we have things going on, like we can do, we can run with anybody. Like, I feel like you can put me against any other radio personality, and I'm gonna hold my own. So, like, and that's just the thing. So, when I just do these things, it's just kind of like I just kind of I don't want to say I want to prove, but just to know, like, at the end of the day, I just feel like Charleston hasn't gotten that recognition that we should have gotten for certain things. They just like this. That's it, and the tourism because it's just like a Confederate Disney World. So that's why they like it down here. We're in Charleston. Downtown Charleston. West side to bed side. I grew up on Cracky Street. Go ahead. But yeah, so like, I don't know, that's just always like, I feel like the the number one thing on my agenda. It's just kind of like, I just want to be like, I'm from Charleston!

SPEAKER_03 26:44

Just highlighting your city. You're highlighting the city, you're bringing people to the city, right? Right.

SPEAKER_01 26:49

And so that's just like what I want to do. So it's just kind of like, and I just want other girls who may look up to me, and it's just kind of like you, my mom always told me you cannot allow your environment to dictate your outcome. And it's just kind of like every time I like do some things and I just like kind of like amaze myself. I'm like, dang, like, I remember like when I was at SOA and hanging out with some Jack and Joe kids, and like I was on food stamps, and it was talking about people on food stamps, and I was just like, dang, but like I didn't feel no type of way because I was still eating steak and shrimp, so I ain't give a damn. Like it mattered to me. But like, I don't know, it just seen a growth and just like knowing like what I still want to do that I haven't even scratched the surface yet.

SPEAKER_03 27:27

Can you explain the importance of networking and influence? Because you have both, you do both.

SPEAKER_01 27:32

So I truly believe like a lot of people, I think when they think in their mind, like you should, you know, being on a Breakfast Club, right, in their mind it's like, oh, you hung up with Charlemagne, so you should like start moving around in his circle, which is cool, but in my mind, it makes more sense to network across. Right. I'll never forget when Issa Ray said that she was like network across. Because you can like get in these big rooms, but then people like, besides the person that you know who got them in there, like you want to be able to stand on your own and be your own person. So, like, I believe, like, you know, doing anytime someone asks me to come on a podcast that especially local, absolutely, because I just kind of like, all right, you get here, we do this, and we build up. So either I can like meet your cameraman or who, whatever, or whatever studio that you're using, and maybe I can come back here and use this studio. Whole point. Yeah, so it's just kind of like I truly believe in networking across because it's just kind of like at the end of the day, somebody out this equation is gonna make it to the top, right? And it's just kind of like when that one person makes it, I feel like it just breaks the levy. So, like, that's why I was just like, I make it so prevalent on highlighting artists from South Carolina. Like, other artists are fabulous. Continue to send your music, okay?

SPEAKER_05 28:36

But you all got other people. Yeah, promotion.

SPEAKER_01 28:38

So it's just kind of like if I can use what I can just to like highlight the people down here, and that and that's how everything started off. Like, I never really cared to like necessarily because in my first next up interviews, if you go back and look at them, I'm not in the camera. I never cared. Like, I'm asking questions behind the camera. Old school vice. Oh my god. I love vice. First of all, y'all. Okay, so vice is what inspired the next up series. Oh, cool. So I'll never forget the first vice. Now I'm about to go home on YouTube and look at Vice back in the day with something. The first vice I watched was the one with the Migos and then the 21 Savage one. Like just all the whole Atlanta thing. Oh, yeah. Even the intro, the Gucci Man intro, and I just loved how gritty it was, and just like you just in here, like with that. So, like, I truly like I my first next up interviews, I because I went, like, I pulled up on it, wherever they was at. Like the first one I did with JV, pulled up on the east side on America Street. Like, where it was at. So, like, I just love the the realness in of it. Granted, you know, with everything that comes with elevation, but like, so yes, like when you say advice, I just went on a completely different tangent. But yeah, so that's what started my next up series. I just I love that. And so like I said, I wasn't in the camera, so I never I my goal was not like influencing at the time. My whole thing is I just wanted to use my platform to give these. Yeah, because I feel like I'm like, they're dope and y'all not paying them any attention. Hello, somebody drive this thing, but yeah, so like so I was just like, so that's what I was using it for. I didn't necessarily focus on being an influencer until I got on the radio. Because I'm just like, all right, because you know, you have to. I had no choice, so I had to. So like from appearances to all of these different things, that's how you make your money, and that's how you start to pull all this thing together. So it was just kind of like, you know, I was Chris Kalen, you know, on social media, but like I'm just doing my interviews. Like, my whole thing is a lot of people didn't know even know who to fake. Because I remember someone on YouTube, they was like, you don't even have your social media, we don't know what you look like. And I'm just like, oh shit.

SPEAKER_02 30:39

So they were angry about that, yeah. They were very it was all cats, too.

SPEAKER_01 30:43

So like so that's why I'm just like, all right, so people want to know who's gonna connect with the person. Oh, that's the thing. So like I didn't necessarily worry or not worry, but like concern myself with being an influencer or a personality until I got on air. And then like that just opened up a whole new door. So like I will say, when it comes to networking, network across. Like, you don't know who you can meet. Someone can just like give you their contacts, like, and just be yourself. And I was having this conversation on my podcast when Natasha, she had her podcast is called Close for Maintenance, and it was just like it was an event that she went to, and you know, like sometimes when you meet people on social media, they're not like they don't act the same on social media that they do in person. And I always tell people that is like such a huge turn off for me. But when you're not showing up online, your authentic self, you don't you forget the character that you're playing. So it's like if you're playing a character, if you're showing up as like someone that you you took this a little bit from TikTok, you took a little bit of that from Instagram, and you try to mix it together, you forgot who the hell you are. So like now when somebody meets you, you don't know if you got an accent, you don't know how you talk, you don't know how you dress, you don't know your hand gestures.

SPEAKER_05 31:46

So it's just like I always feel like if you show up because like like comedians would do this, they create a character, but that was like a long, ongoing process, right? And now everybody's just kind of slapping one together on the internet.

SPEAKER_01 31:59

And it's just like so when you meet them in person and like they feel really cold to you, it's like, no, that's the real person, that's who that person actually is. Exactly, and that's where the disappointment comes in. So, like, even so getting to my point when you're being an influencer, show up your authentic self because if someone meets you in person, like I always tell people, I was just like, they're like, Well, you always gotta be on. I was like, I get that, but I kind of signed up for this. And I never want anyone to ever meet me in person and be like, I met Chris Kalen, she was a bitch. Right. Like, I could have been having a bad day, and that's like my biggest thing, right? Yeah, and it's just like, and that's my biggest, and it's like I could be having a bad day, but it's like at the end of the day, what I have to realize is that person who came up to me excited to see me, they ain't do shit to me. So, like, if I'm having a bad day, I am able to put it on for at least 30 seconds to this minute, engage with them as much as I can and how they want me to. If they won't take a picture, hit you with the peace sign. And like, because at the end of the day, they're supporting me. Like, I appreciate all of that. So it's just kind of like if I'm having, and that's when you have to learn, like, some things you can't project on other people. If you're having a bad day, if this person came up to you at the Goodness City Hall and they say, I love your content, I share your stuff, like How are you so emotionally intelligent? I listen, because my first of all, a lot of therapy. Okay. A lot of therapy. But you know, just having these conversations like with my mom and my therapists and my friends, like, you gotta be more, and and and I will say, like, after that incident that I was in, just seeing like how people were saying horrible things about me online.

SPEAKER_03 33:25

They'll cancel you real quick.

SPEAKER_01 33:26

And it's just kind of like so, just I was working at a radio station. I left a radio station. A couple months after that, I was attacked by a jock at this event that I was at. And so, like, from there, you know, it hit the news or whatever. I will say, if something ever happens to you, do not look in them comments. Do not the worst decision I made was looking at the live five comments and seeing people write paragraphs about me who do not know me or who knew nothing about the situation. So, as far as you say, emotional intelligence, because like my whole thing is I would never want to be, and I've never been that person, but I never want to be that person online talking about the next person. You don't know what that person's going through, you don't know what type of mental anguish that person's going through. Like, if I don't, like my whole thing, it takes nothing just to keep strolling. Yeah, like it takes absolutely nothing to keep strolling to just keep going by, like to mind your business. So, like, after experiencing that, like, it opened up a whole third eye. So, like, you know, just having to like gain that emotional intelligence and like talking to my therapist and her being the first and only person that said, Chris, you have a right to be mad because that should have not happened to you. And like, everybody, you know how southern people go, like, oh, don't be mad, you know.

SPEAKER_03 34:32

It's not that big of a deal.

SPEAKER_01 34:33

Sorry, I'm gonna have to bleep that out, but I was I was so angry. And for my therapist to be the first person to say, no, you got a right to be mad. So it's just kind of like from then that point on, like, and and my mom will always tell me, she was like, Chris, it's a reason why people do the things they do. You may not understand it, but it's a reason why people do the things they do. And whether it's old childhood traumas that may have triggered them or whatever the case is, she was like, You have to realize it's not you and you're projecting on you. Yes, that projection may suck and it may traumatize you. But you know, that's out of your control. Yeah. So like once you get to that like point of like understanding and like emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, just all of that, it's just like a whole nother thing. So like now when I tell people it's just like if I don't meditate in the morning, like just like you put your like you put your lotion and all that shit on, that's just like a part of my regimen. Like, if I don't do that, I'm gonna have a probably a real if somebody says something to me, I'm just my jump back. Like, if somebody says something to me on Instagram, I just might You might clap back. You might clap back. I just claimed. No, but like now on Instagram before you post the comment, Instagram's like, are you sure you want to post that? It goes against the guidelines. And I was like, you know what? Delete, delete, delete, delete. I don't want to lose my account. But it's just like those things as to where, like, and I and you know, I have these conversations with my mom. She's like, Chris, you know, if this is what you want, and you know, you're opening yourself to more people, people are gonna say really mean things about you, and people who don't know about you are gonna talk about you. But like, if this is what you're signing up for, you gotta be mentally prepared for this. So it just like was one of those things that is just kind of like, you know, this is what I signed up for. Like, I cannot engage with everybody, and I have to realize everything in my battle, everything is in my fight. And a lot of times people are miserable. And if you actually click on these pages, they're like either they're either kids or it's a private page, or like it's just something so.

SPEAKER_05 36:27

It ain't even a lot of people. You grew up on the internet, some you've been a troll at some point, right? Because what ends up happening is is we ain't getting, we ain't, we we're not able to vent it out to the people. Should be able to vent it out to now we go and just puke it all over the internet. Literally, it just means disgusting people. That's it, then do it.

SPEAKER_01 36:49

So many people who are doing this online, they don't touch grass. Like, they do not go online, they do not touch grass, like they just sit in their house and just troll all day, and it's just like y'all got to go. And like, if you look at some of those people in those shade room comments, it's just like you need to find you something to do.

SPEAKER_04 37:03

Yep. You got too much time on your hand.

SPEAKER_01 37:05

Too much.

SPEAKER_04 37:06

But I know I don't pay attention to comments, because I don't Yeah, I don't pay attention to comments, so you know you can at me if you want. I'm chilling, I'm feeling great about myself out here listening.

SPEAKER_01 37:17

And you have to get to that point, like, you know what? I can close this app out and I don't have to deal with none of this. Like, and like even with the of course video, like it was people who like started arguing. I don't know why they were arguing in my comments, but I blocked all of them. They argued your comments about the of course video. I'm like, we're not, because every time it's like 50 notifications, 50 comments, and it's like the same people going back and forth. Shut the hell up under my page. Like, everybody got blocked.

SPEAKER_04 37:42

They got their own sidebar in your company. That's how you go viral, don't you? Yeah, it is.

SPEAKER_01 37:47

Because right, and then with the engagements, but it was like three days straight of that. I'm like, all right, enough it is. I've had enough mute it enough.

SPEAKER_04 37:55

So, how do you um how do you have a separation? Because it's funny that you say that, between doing that and then just being Chris outside of that with your family and et cetera. Because the type of the type of business that you're in is 24-7.

SPEAKER_01 38:10

Yeah. It's funny. I went to this event at Music Farm and I was just by myself because my friends didn't come out, and this guy about that to me. He was just like, Are you by yourself? And I'm like wondering, like, why the hell you asking me that? Like and like in his mind, I guess he like and getting to the point, he was just kind of like, you know, I just didn't think like somebody like you would just be out by yourself. And I'm saying, Mine, well, shit, maybe I need to get somebody who wants to be like, you just said not in the bathroom. Right, like, why are you giving up to me? Right, right, what do you want? But like, so I and you know it's so weird, and I don't know, but it's just like it's always weird how people react to me. Because like, in my mind, like, I'm minding my business.

SPEAKER_06 38:47

Like, in my mind, I'm just like, you don't do it.

SPEAKER_01 38:49

I'm in Target. Like, you know, trying to buy some dove. And then somebody was just like, like, you never, like, if you ever had someone peer at you down the corner, that's a little freaky. That's the weirdest thing.

SPEAKER_04 39:00

Girl, you more famous than what you know. Don't you think? I'm not gonna lie, you're what it is.

SPEAKER_01 39:05

And it's like a lot of times, like, I just think like, in my mind, I'm like, they don't, they don't know who I am. Like, so I'm just minding my business. But and then I'll get like amazing. I saw you win. I'm like, oh, okay.

SPEAKER_03 39:15

So like you I do that to people though. I text them up, but I just saw you at the stoplight. Yeah.

SPEAKER_05 39:22

I know you and then you embarrass and shit. So you just gotta be like, hey, didn't I just see you at front of you? Real stuff. How do you play it off? How do you play it off?

SPEAKER_01 39:30

First of all, I ended up posting this one video on my Instagram. So like every Monday, we do me and my friends, SCR's Development. Shout out to Mike and Jordan. Um we do the the live music reviews. So like artists are send their music in. So we were doing it at Blue Note. Notice I say we were doing it at Blue Note. So we was doing it one night, and like, granted, I know Blue Note is an establishment, but like they don't open all Monday. And like, so you know, some people walked in because they forgot to lock the door, and it was like, you know, we're closed. Okay, whatever, no big deal. So, like, this one guy walked in, and as we're on live, he's just like, I heard your voice, so I came in. Okay, creep meter at 10. We're creeped out, creep, creep, creep. So, like, he's holding his phone in his hand. Mind you, like, we're blue. It's like a Chinese restaurant and hair store, food line. You just weren't blue. You weren't walking in the neighborhood. No, you weren't. You online.

SPEAKER_04 40:20

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 40:21

So like he like walks in and he just like, oh, I'm trying to get my song reviewed. And so, like, we're and it because like my whole thing is you don't know when nobody, like, you don't know when nobody got on there. So it's just kind of like, we're trying to assess this, like, how, because we don't know this man gonna shoot. We don't know me. You alive. And we're gonna lie. Like, we're on live. So like I'm just like, okay. So I'm just like, so he's like, so he's looking, like he's walking towards me, and like we're making eye contact. And so, like, mind you, like, we have other people who are there who are viewing music. So I'm like, maybe Mike invited him, maybe Jory invited him. Like, because I know the person I invited, they're already here. But I'm just assuming that you came with one of these other people. But like, he kept walking towards me, and I'm just like, hi. He was just like, that's when he was like, Yeah, I heard your voice, and I was just like, like, what do you want?

SPEAKER_05 41:06

And he was getting too famous, you need a producer. Right, and he was just like, So we were just like, what do you want?

SPEAKER_01 41:11

He was like, Oh, I want to submit my music. So I was just like, you don't come in here, like, Mike also live. I'm like, you don't come in here doing that. So like Mike is in like in a bag, like talking to him. Mind you, like you can see him on live, but like he's there for like another 20 to 30 minutes. He does not just leave. So it's like so uncomfortable and so awkward. So, like, we don't do the live reviews anywhere there anymore. We have an undisclosed location now. Thank you. But like, it's just like things like that. So it's like, and on in one extreme, I'm just like, you know, he could have like the guy in music farm, he just wanted a conversation. He just wanted to talk about it. Yeah, he was just surprised. Yeah, he would have surprised, he wanted to ask me about the breakfast club.

SPEAKER_05 41:44

Don't take no for an answer. That's what he was going through.

SPEAKER_01 41:47

And so, like, it was cool, but then it's like another extreme as to where it's like some shit like that, and I'm like, when I'm leaving here, I'm having my friends follow me home because I don't know if you're gonna try to follow me home and have this like some players club shit.

SPEAKER_04 41:57

Because I will show you something like something avoiding to follow you home.

SPEAKER_05 42:01

So, like, it's just like still like are you promoting the show?

SPEAKER_01 42:05

Right, and so it's like now you're just thinking the best of it, thinking the best of it.

SPEAKER_02 42:08

I gotta try, otherwise, I just be bummed out all the time, right?

SPEAKER_01 42:12

So it's just like now it's like granted, I like want to go places like by myself, but it's just kind of like now I have to realize that like people are like they they know who I am. Yeah, they know. And this is like even if I don't know, if I don't think that they know, it's just like what happened when when when my man came out and he saw you, what did he do?

SPEAKER_04 42:27

He got on the ground and started bowing. Real, yeah. You didn't tell a different area.

SPEAKER_05 42:32

The interview before.

SPEAKER_04 42:34

Different areas, bro.

SPEAKER_05 42:37

Oh, you Charleston Rose.

SPEAKER_03 42:38

Yeah, he was like, No. Who was she like? Who was she doing?

SPEAKER_04 42:50

Yeah, that's that's you.

SPEAKER_01 42:51

I was like, because in my mind, I'm like, I just feel regular now. Other people are just like, you're the bot, but I'm like, I am. Like, let me tell y'all something. Tell I can put my bills on auto draft, then I'm regular. So like, when y'all do it, oh shit. That's how I feel like y'all follow me around Target. Like, tell I can put my bills on auto draft, then.

SPEAKER_04 43:10

You gotta get you there. We gotta get you there. Because you know what? If you can put the bills on autograph, then you can send you with somebody to wherever you go. Exactly. So you can't have people popping up on you like that.

SPEAKER_01 43:19

I know, but like it's still so weird to me because I'm like, people will do that, and I'm like, and like somebody was just like, oh, you're cool. I'm like, y'all think I eat people?

SPEAKER_05 43:27

Like, a lot of celebrities and famous folk do. And a lot of people that try to be in the public eye. That's the point.

SPEAKER_01 43:33

Yeah, and it's just like, and I like I said, I never want to give that like super bit, because that is not who I am. Like, I'm like, yeah, like I like that, but I like to be a good time. But it's like, I never want people to be like, oh, well, I made you like you're every time I'm just like, oh, you're actually cool. I'm like, what the f for you?

SPEAKER_04 43:46

They so used to stuck up this. You blew my mind because when I came out talking to you, it just felt like I was talking to one of my friends from back around the way.

SPEAKER_01 43:53

And that's and that's why I tell people I was like, I'm a regular person. That's how I tell people, I'm like, I don't eat people. Like, I don't know, and every time I like do an interview or a podcast and stuff, I'm tell people, like, I don't eat people. Like, like, don't don't run up that says that. Like, put my it's like, don't run up on me now. Like branding.

SPEAKER_02 44:09

Right, right. Hello. Right, right.

SPEAKER_01 44:14

Right. It's just like, don't come up with me all crazy type of way, but like, we can totally have a conversation. Like, I'm always open to a conversation. So, yeah.

SPEAKER_03 44:22

So, how do you balance everything besides your morning meditation?

SPEAKER_01 44:26

You know, that's a really good question. Cause like, even to well, like I said, I'm starting doing in the loop like a whole team now. But it's like, even with that, like I was so exhausted one day. My mom was like, You need to rest. She was like, they'll find out how to find events and trolls. Right. She was just like, they'll find other events and trolls then, but like that one day, like I just slept. And like now I'm like realizing that like I have to listen to my body, I have to respond to my body. I just cannot ignore my body.

SPEAKER_04 44:54

What are you talking about before we started?

SPEAKER_01 44:55

Like, got to you can't.

SPEAKER_04 44:57

Your body don't bounce back the way. No, it do not.

SPEAKER_01 44:59

Like, once you crack 30, like it does not bounce back. And if you do not take the time to get the rest that you need, your body's gonna be like, all right, well, I'm gonna sit you down. And like that's literally what happened. It was just like before that even happened, I think it was the top of the year, like I had a sinus infection down for like two weeks. Cause we we wasn't looping nowhere. So it was just like one of those things that's to where, like, you know, one organizing and planning better. So it's just kind of like, if I don't shoot in a loop by Thursday, it's not gonna happen. Because Friday, like, I'm running, Saturday, I'm running, I'm trying to do all these different things. Like, I just don't have time. Like, even with this segment, like this guy wants me to do is an entertainment segment. And it was like, it's cool, but it's like, can it be pre recorded? Because like now I'm getting to the point, I want to have my weakness to myself. So, like, if I want to be able to do stuff like this, I can do it because I'm not tied into an engagement. Or like a dead set time. Like after I left the radio station, keep in mind, I was working weekends four years. Like I have not had my I have not had my weekends for four years. So like when I left the station, I'm like, whoo, wait, this is what y'all doing today. Like, that's why I love a branch. What?

SPEAKER_04 46:04

What time were you getting up on the weekend?

SPEAKER_01 46:09

Because I had to do everything. So I had to be, you know, I had to be. So it wasn't, it was nothing like the, you know, with the Breakfast Club, like the beauty of that was like, I just sat there and I sat down. So remember we were talking about like having to edit all that stuff earlier. Like when I'm sitting there, love. Right. And so it was just like the beauty of the Breakfast Club. Like when so the first time I went on there, like they have like these like cameras, like I didn't even know they were like the actual cameras. I'm thinking, I'm expecting them to come on with the things over their shoulders, but like BET was recording the entire time. So I'm like, oh, okay, cool. Right. And so like as I'm talking to them, notifications going off. So I just did the rumor report three minutes later, they got a girl who's in the room who's editing all this stuff down. Shooting it out. When I come in with the rumor report, and mind you, in the Breakfast Club, they have all black women producers. They're no more than 30 years old. They're no more than 30. They're all young black producers. They have um Mac, Eddie, and Ovieo. I can't think his name, but like they like run the cameras and stuff. But like those are the main producers. So like all when you get a black, when you let black women run your thing, it's gonna be amazing every time. But like, so like when I first walked in in the morning, one and producer sim, like she writes all the topics, everything. So the rumor report, she wrote a script for me, but she was like, if you want to go off strip, totally do that. So you have her, then you have Sid, who's like taking all the pictures, who's uploading your media content. And then, like, the last time I went on, I had my own drop. So it was just like the Diva Talk Chris Kalen doing your rumor report. So Taylor is like editing this in real time. So like I was on like early, and I said something. I was like, what going on, y'all boy? And like I had I heard the original uh drop that she did for me, but then when she put it in again, she added the what going on, y'all boy, and she did this in a matter of 10 minutes. So it's like that's how that machine runs. So like all I had to do, they even had somebody come take my Starbucks ordered. Like, so you do get breakfast at the Breakfast Club. Yeah, so it's just like all of this is just like a well-oiled. So like I so while I had to be up at 7 o'clock in the morning, I had to cut my own stuff. I had to go pull my own interviews, I had to go pull my own topics, I had to go pull my own drops, and I had to upload all of it. So I had to do everything that they got each individual doing stuff for. So like that's why I had to be up at the Crack of Dawn on the Saturday and on the Sunday, just to do it. And it's just like if I didn't want to pre-record my show for Saturday on Sunday, then I had to go in early Sunday morning and get it done. So it's just kind of like I I have not been to church. Well, back then, like, I haven't been able to go to the church on a Sunday because I had to do the show or I had to do a live remote. So it's just like once I stopped that and I'm just like, this is what the weekend feels like. So now it's just like when people ask me to do like things, like if it's a booking or something cool like that, but like I don't want something as to where I gotta at in the middle of my Saturday, I gotta do this every week at two o'clock. I don't want to do that. Like, I don't wanna give up my time like that anymore. If we can pre-record it, fine. If not, then you gotta find somebody else. Like, unless there's a nice coin attached to it, then we can discuss. Okay. Oh, yeah. But yeah, but yeah, but it's just like volunteering, like, and I told somebody I was just like writing down, like, if you want to come talk and sit and interview with me, like, my time ain't free. And you gotta respect that. Like, so if you are saying something that you know if it if it benefits both of us, absolutely. But if it's just kind of like, if I don't know you, and I you want to come on my platform, I'm charging you. Like, because you just and then it's just kind of like I was telling the artists, like, if you want to come on, you need you need a media kit. Like, y'all don't have shit on y'all Instagram. No, I don't know.

SPEAKER_03 49:37

What's your thing? Email, what's your email?

SPEAKER_01 49:39

I can't find anything. So, and that's what I'm telling them. I'm just like, I said, we can do the interview, but I was like, you gotta, what's a media kit? Okay, this is why we have the SCR development. So and that's the thing. So it's like you and not in the humblest way possible, but you want to sit with me and you don't got a media kit.

SPEAKER_05 49:54

But honestly, if you went to, if you went, I don't know, any station, any, any, any record store. There goes you for that.

SPEAKER_01 50:01

So and that's the thing, it's just, and that's the thing, we want to prepare you for greatness. Like, you cannot, you think you're just gonna sit on a breakfast club with no media kit? Nah. Like, you're not sitting on here with no media kit. Right. Like, you like I got an email from the Hilltop asking me for my like, and I had to produce something. Granted, some things you can find online, but it's just like when people are asking you for media kits, one, they're not doing it to like belittle you or make you feel away. Nope. But it's like if you want a well-thought-out interview, and you just want me set up here asking, what's your what's your favorite color, what's your favorite food? Like, if you like, come on, you gotta meet me halfway. Like, you got to meet me halfway. So it's just like when you know people want me to interview them and they don't have a media kit, it's just like you don't have nothing on your Instagram. You don't have you, and I'm not doing that much of a dive on you. Like, because I can't find it, like, it's like it's different if I can Google you. No, that's totally different. But like, if I don't know anything.

SPEAKER_04 50:58

Right, and I'm not doing all of that. They want to be famous for you.

SPEAKER_03 51:03

And that's what I'm saying. Like, you're like, You better yourself accessible.

SPEAKER_01 51:06

Right, so it's just like, and like when you tell artists, so I'm just like, you know, so that's so when I do the live music review on Monday. So, like, if you need help with songwriting, help you with songwriting, if you need help shooting a video, if you need a media kit, all of that is in one house, but it's just like you know, I say you can take a host of water, but you can't make them drink. It's like I can give you all of this stuff, I can take it to people who do the media kit, but like I can't, I can't make you do it. Like, I cannot make you produce this information that you need to give. And it's just like when you ask people what they buy online, got one, write one.

SPEAKER_04 51:35

Oh lord, you don't have to.

SPEAKER_01 51:36

AI generator got one. Like, you don't know anything about you. Like, if you don't know anything about you, I don't know what you want to do. I don't want to talk to you. Like, I'm not a magician.

SPEAKER_05 51:49

I can't just That's why we had to write book reports and shit. Yeah, it's like you don't have to be a great writer, but you gotta be able to come up with a paragraph when you need to. Come on.

SPEAKER_01 51:58

Give me five, you can give me five strong sentences about this. But yeah, so that's just the thing, it's just you know, getting people as to where they need to be. So it's just kind of like for me, like to just some things you just gotta have.

SPEAKER_03 52:08

Yeah.

SPEAKER_01 52:08

Like we can we can giggle all day, but some things you gotta have.

SPEAKER_03 52:11

So, do you have anything coming up that we can stay on the lookout for?

SPEAKER_01 52:15

Yes, so I will be taking my talents to Atlanta for Women's History Month. So they are having a three-day experience from March 29th through the 31st. So I will be speaking down at Atlanta City Hall. They're gonna have a vendor day with just different speakers. It's gonna be really awesome. And then they're gonna have a brunch to close it out. So I'm super, super, super excited. I know, like I could not believe it when the girl asked me to speak. So I also work with Media Girls Network, so it's Media Girls on Tour, and they do a lot of things. So this year I plan to be on some red carpets doing interviews, screaming that I'm from Charleston from the top of my lungs. Yeah, so I'm super looking forward to that. So that is a date that I have coming up. So, Atlanta, if you are tuning in, meet me for the Media Girls on Tour Women's History Month. It's gonna be a three day three-day event. It's going to be amazing. I'm dropping the episode of my podcast, the Wobba Say podcast. We not as classy as y'all up here. But I still like it. I was doing it too. I still love it. So yeah, so like you want plays for you. Yeah, so I love it.

SPEAKER_04 53:13

You really like each other.

SPEAKER_01 53:14

We do, and you know what's crazy? Our birthdays are a day apart. He's October 3rd, I'm October 4th. It's time about that Libra energy.

SPEAKER_04 53:20

Y'all probably gotta be popping.

SPEAKER_01 53:22

Listen, so yeah, that's what I have. Um, the next uh playlist. So if you are an artist, unsigned indie artist, if you want some exposure, submissions are $10 per song. All of that is on my social media, Chris Kalen, and oh my next up interviews. Yes. So um, artists, unsigned artists, if you want to be on the platform. I have uh two interviews coming up that I'm really excited about. Y'all will see it when it drops. But yeah, so that's what I'm doing right now. So make sure you are connected with me, Chris Kalen on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, the underscore Chris Kalen on Twitter. That's K-R-I-S-K-A-Y-L-I-N. And make sure you stay tuned because I'm always keeping a loop. Yeah. I love how you made that a drop. I got one last question.

SPEAKER_03 54:05

If somebody wanted to book you, or like what are what areas are you looking to get into that you're not in right now? So if somebody wanted to book you in the future.

SPEAKER_01 54:11

Ooh, I really want to be on red carpets. Like, that's my next thing. So, like, I actually I submit the application for the Dreamville media. So we were just talking about that. Yes, so hopefully, fingers crossed, crossing everything. But if not, then I'll be the crowd surfing. But I would love to be back there doing interviews, so I really want to do that. And like, I really want to be my goal. Like, if I can get to the B, well, I've done the BET Awards Radio Room. So if I can do the BET Awards red carpet, or just like any awards show, just to just start off. But I really, my goal for 2024 is to interview, do a red carpet interview.

SPEAKER_03 54:44

So Atlanta will help you. Heck yeah.

SPEAKER_01 54:46

So like if I can get down there and do an AC3 or like one of those festivals down there, or like revolt. Well, I don't know what's going on, Revolt never mind. But sorry. A lot going on right now.

unknown 54:57

Sorry.

SPEAKER_02 54:58

I don't want three tapes at all.

SPEAKER_01 55:00

I don't want three tapes at all. But um, but I but yeah, so any festivals or anything of that sort, just to be your funny, just to be backstage. I'm I'm ignoring you. Just to be backstage on the red carpet, so I would love that opportunity.

SPEAKER_04 55:15

Oh my gosh. I try not to get people in trouble. I'm good this interview people. You was I was real good. You were.

SPEAKER_03 55:22

I appreciate that.

SPEAKER_04 55:23

Yes, ma'am, yes, ma'am.

SPEAKER_03 55:24

Just because you was on a time schedule, that's it. But if he wasn't, he would have been asking a million questions.

SPEAKER_04 55:29

What's the talk again? We're to talk again.

SPEAKER_01 55:31

Oh no, absolutely. No, I love this.

SPEAKER_04 55:33

We can be in your podcast.

SPEAKER_01 55:34

Heck yeah. Oh, we're gonna have a grand time.

SPEAKER_04 55:36

That's what I'm saying.

SPEAKER_01 55:36

Y'all gotta come and turn up with us.

SPEAKER_04 55:38

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We're gonna go ahead and get you out of here because we don't want to hold you up anymore. No, you're gonna be able to do that.

SPEAKER_01 55:44

I appreciate this so much. No, absolutely. No, you're fine. You are fine. No, I en I enjoy this. Everyone's vibe is like really cool. I wish I could feel it through the camera.