Maya Houston is an accomplished writer whose career includes standout DC projects such as CW’s flagship superhero series Arrow and Batwoman. In this episode of From the Concrete, we explore the influence of Shondaland on her creative journey, her identity as a Black queer woman, and how writing has remained the cornerstone of her life’s purpose.

This inspiring conversation is a masterclass in staying true to your identity while navigating the relentless demands of the Hollywood industry. Watch as Houston shares insight on owning your unique perspective, nurturing your creativity, and why your lived experience is essential to the stories you tell.

Don’t miss this special conversation — streaming on all platforms now!

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Alex Ivany is an acclaimed editor known for standout work including The 13th, Queen Sugar, and Jay-Z and Beyonce's “Family Feud” from the Grammy-nominated album 4:44. In this From the Concrete episode, he reflects on how his photographer mother sparked his creative lens from childhood, how film school deepened his love for storytelling, and how his desire to connect to his roots fueled his commitment to elevating Black culture through the projects he’s chosen.

The NAACP Image Award nominee speaks candidly about the craft of editing — not only as a profession, but as a foundation for how he observes the world, processes his experiences, and understands himself. This inspiring conversation is a masterclass in intentional storytelling and the power of shaping narratives from behind the scenes.

Don’t miss this special conversation — streaming on all platforms now!

#ftcpod #fromtheconcretepod #dsrproductions #gettingtotheroot #pourintoyourself #wildflower #givethemtheirflowers #alexivany #jayz #beyonce #blueivy #avaduvernay #the13th #queensugar #cherishtheday #editor #ace #grammys #oscars #cesarchavez #indiefilm #youtube #applepodcasts #spotify #iheartradio #amazonmusic #youtube #dsr #fromtheconcrete

Lekeith “Dashawn J” Williams-Jones is an independent filmmaker best known for his viral short film Urgency, which has garnered over 800,000 views on YouTube—making it one of the most-watched Black short films on the platform.

A writer, producer, and director—and proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University—Lekeith has been carving his own path with relentless hustle, vision, and creativity.

In this episode of From The Concrete, Lekeith shares his journey through the world of reality television, the surprising role soap operas played in shaping his storytelling, and how watching One Tree Hill inspired him to write his first spec script at just 13 years old. He also reflects on wisdom shared by The Chi showrunner Justin Hillian, and the unlikely assist from his barber that led to an opportunity on Love & Hip Hop.

Don’t miss this dope convo — streaming on all platforms now!

Raashi Kulkarni is a force to be reckoned with — a phenomenal composer and classically trained pianist whose work spans superhero television, Disney films, and award-winning documentaries. Her independent albums Raashi and Afterglow both topped the iTunes World Music Charts, showcasing her distinct ability to blend cinematic storytelling with global sound.

Raashi joins From the Concrete to share her journey as a creator, composer, and advocate reshaping the soundscape of Hollywood. Beyond the studio, she champions BIPOC composers and expands access to music education for the next generation.

Her dedication, optimism, and artistry remind us to find the rhythm and purpose within our own lives. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with Raashi — streaming now on all platforms.

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The legendary and hilarious showrunning duo John D. Beck and Ron Hart join us on From The Concrete to share their incredible journey — from meeting at Syracuse University to creating their very own Disney Channel Original Series, Liv and Maddie.

Beck and Hart pull back the curtain on their early days in the writers’ room, landing their first network job, and writing for some of our all-time favorites including Hey Arnold!, The Hughleys, According to Jim, and Shake It Up starring Zendaya.

With humor and heart, they reveal how mentorship, discipline, and plain ol' kindness shaped their path in Hollywood — dropping priceless insights and laugh-out-loud stories along the way.

Don’t miss this inspiring and joy-filled conversation with two of TV’s most dynamic creative forces — streaming now on all platforms.

Writer and Producer Stephanie McFarlane joins From the Concrete to share her inspiring journey from NYU Tisch School of the Arts to becoming an accomplished Supervising Producer on CBS’s hit series FBI. Stephanie opens up about her bold leap into writing, how rejection fueled her rapidly growing social media platform, and the lessons she’s learned navigating the entertainment industry.

In this episode, Stephanie gets real about excelling in television, prioritizing joy and self-care in a career full of uncertainty, and her mission to make TV education more accessible to all.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation with one of TV’s rising creative forces available now on all streaming platforms.

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You don’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with Emmy award-winning veteran producer Angela Renee Nichols, whose faith and foresight led her from the world of advertising to the biggest stages in daytime TV. In this episode of From the Concrete, Angela opens up about how she landed her first gig on The Ricki Lake Show, what it was like producing for legends like Queen Latifah, Steve Harvey, and Jennifer Hudson, and how divine alignment guided her to OWN and Emmy-winning success with Carpool Karaoke.

Watch this episode to hear Angela’s take on how staying spiritually grounded has fueled her 16+ year career in a constantly evolving industry. Trust us—this is one you’ll want to watch from beginning to end!

Host and journalist Sárah Lee joins From the Concrete’s Briana Elmore to share her inspiring journey—from her early days on the radio in Decatur, Illinois, to interviewing icons like Michael B. Jordan and Pharrell. From working with brands like AT&T to starting her podcast Set Up 4 Success in her bedroom, the Hampton University graduate teaches us the importance of intentionality and staying the course, even when life complicates your path. At just 23, Sárah is already proving that you’re never too young to be an inspiration—and never too old to bet on yourself.