During Black History Month, we pause to remember a towering icon of civil rights.

In this special episode of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson reflects on the life and legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson—from his early work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to founding Operation PUSH in Chicago to his historic presidential campaigns in 1984 and 1988.

But this episode is more than history.

It’s personal.

Val shares childhood memories of hearing “I Am Somebody” echo through her living room, recounts meeting Reverend Jackson through her uncle and later through her cousin Kendall Nesbitt, and unpacks how Jackson’s presidential runs reshaped the Democratic Party’s delegate system—creating a structural pathway that made Barack Obama’s 2008 victory possible.

This is a reflection on legacy, leadership, and the power of using your voice.

Because before Obama, there was Jesse.

And because of Jesse, generations were reminded:

We are somebody.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts.

📝 Show Notes

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Reverend Jesse Jackson’s passing during Black History Month
• His birth in Greenville, South Carolina (1941) and move to Chicago in 1964
• Work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
• Founding Operation PUSH in 1971
• Cultural impact—Sesame Street (1972) and Save the Children (1973)
• The 1984 presidential campaign and the formation of the Democratic Leadership Council
• The 1988 campaign and the shift from winner-take-all to proportional delegate allocation
• Why that rule change mattered in Barack Obama’s 2008 nomination
• “Run, Black America, Run” and political coattails across the South
• Personal reflections and two encounters with Reverend Jackson
• The generational bridge between Dr. King and President Obama

Special Mention:

Kendall Nesbitt—musician and producer for The Interludes Podcast—created a tribute reel honoring Reverend Jackson, reminding us how music and leadership intersect.

Resources Mentioned:

⁠⁠⁠The Morning Meetup ⁠⁠⁠is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands. Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention.

🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn

⁠⁠⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠⁠⁠

Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.

💜 ⁠⁠⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠⁠⁠

Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.

ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.

⁠⁠⁠Get your print or digital copy today!⁠⁠⁠

In this powerful Black History Month conversation, Val “The Voice” Johnson sits down with creative entrepreneur and former hip-hop artist Adolphus “Danja Mowf” Maples for a reflective dialogue on evolution, ownership, and legacy.

Once recognized nationally in hip-hop as “Danja Mowf,” Adolphus shares how his journey shifted from music industry momentum to building purpose-driven businesses rooted in storytelling and live experiences. As the founder of Maples Media Group and co-owner of premium event brands, he now channels creativity into impact, family, and long-term vision.

At the heart of this episode is a deeply personal discussion about his visual project, “Grandaddy’s Lynching Story: Experiments, Memory, Process, Reimagining.” Through archival voice recordings, photography, and the cultural weight of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” Adolphus explores how modern tools can preserve generational truth without erasing its humanity.

This episode explores the rhythm of DJ culture, the responsibility of storytelling, and what it means to build a legacy that your children can inherit with pride.

🎙️ Music. Memory. Meaning.

🔑 Episode Highlights

• From Industry Artist to Owner: What Adolphus learned from his early hip-hop career and how it shaped his transition into entrepreneurship and legacy-building.

• Honoring History Through Creativity: The intentional process behind “Grandaddy’s Lynching Story” and how modern media can amplify ancestral truth without diluting it.

• The Power of Music Beyond the Stage: How DJ culture connects celebration, healing, marriage, and community—and the universal songs that move every room.

Resources Mentioned:

⁠⁠The Morning Meetup ⁠⁠is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands. Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention.

🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn

⁠⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠⁠

Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.

💜 ⁠⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠⁠

Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.

ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.

⁠⁠Get your print or digital copy today!⁠⁠

Snowed in and staying warm in Chicago, Val The Voice Johnson invites listeners into a reflective winter episode of The Interludes Podcast centered on music, memory, and creativity.

Recorded during a January snowstorm, this solo episode opens with real-time weather reflections and a heartfelt request for prayers for co-host Coach Tony, who experienced a multi-day power outage in Nashville. From there, Val poses the core question of the episode: What music do you listen to when you’re snowed in?

Val shares her own winter soundtrack—rooted in neo-soul, jazz, and 80s/90s throwbacks—shaped by her Chicago upbringing, her father’s jazz records, and legendary artists like Herbie Hancock, Stanley Clarke, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane.

The conversation also looks forward, as Val discusses experimenting with AI-powered music tools, including using Suno-generated tracks for podcast background music and exploring collaborations with relaxing, faceless YouTube music channels like SoFi Room.

This episode blends nostalgia, innovation, and community—inviting listeners to reflect, relax, and engage with the sounds that carry them through the winter season.

📌 Show Notes

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Chicago winter reflections and “snowed in” energy

• A prayer request and community update for Coach Tony

• Neo-soul, jazz, and throwback music for winter listening

• Chicago radio influence and jazz legends that shaped Val’s taste

• How AI tools like Suno are being used in podcast production

• A call for listener participation and upcoming music polls

Listener Questions:

• What music do you play when you’re snowed in?

• What’s your favorite genre of music right now?

Coming Up:

• Listener poll results

• Shout-outs to independent artists and listeners

• Continued exploration of AI, music, and podcast creativity

• Resources Mentioned:

  ⁠The Morning Meetup ⁠is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands.Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention.

  
  

  🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn

  ⁠The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media⁠

  Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.

  💜 ⁠Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)⁠

  Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.

• 🎙️ ⁠Kickstart Your Podcast for 2026: AI Style⁠🗓️ Saturday, January 31st⏰ 10:00 AM Eastern / 9:00 AM Central

  This live webinar is for anyone ready to stop waiting and start—or restart—their podcast with clarity, confidence, and intention. Also, we will show AI tools for podcasting.

  • What have you been sitting on longer than you want to admit?

  • Is your pause about fear—or capacity?

  • What would starting again look like if you gave yourself grace?

  ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON: "A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.

  ⁠Get your print or digital copy today!⁠

Podcasting was first suggested to me back in 2012—but I didn’t release my first episode until 2020. And even now, starting again still requires honesty, grace, and intention.

In this reflective Season 10 episode of The Interludes Podcast, I sit with a DJ Culture Moment that stayed with me—why it took eight years to begin, what fear disguised as “waiting” really looks like, and how pivoting into video helped me protect my creativity and my health.

This episode weaves together lived experience, culture, entrepreneurship, and reflection for anyone who feels delayed, paused, or unsure about their next step. If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll start when…,” this conversation is for you.

📌 Show Notes—Episode 1006

In this Season 10 episode of The Interludes Podcast, Val “The Voice” Johnson reflects on the long road to starting—and restarting—creative work.

What began as a microphone sitting unused for years became a deeper lesson about timing, fear, health, and grace. This DJ Culture Moment explores why starting isn’t a one-time decision, how honoring your body can protect your creativity, and why progress doesn’t require perfection.

• Why fear often disguises itself as “waiting.”

• What it means to start again—even when you’re experienced

• Pivoting your workflow to match your energy and health

• DJ culture, storytelling, and reflection as creative tools

• • Why starting imperfectly still counts as starting

  
  

  Resources Mentioned:

  The Morning Meetup is a global community for entrepreneurs and creatives founded by David Shands.
  Membership is $19/month and offers community, accountability, and business conversations for creators building with intention.

  
  

  🔔 Subscribe to The Interludes on LinkedIn

  The Interludes Newsletter by Pure Lighthouse Media

  Get behind-the-scenes access to Interludes Extra and The Pull Up Podcast Show, plus reflections on culture, creativity, and podcasting—from the mic to the mindset.
  

  💜 Join the Interludes Community on Patreon (Free)

  Join the Interludes Patreon for free and get even more behind-the-scenes moments, podcasting insights, and community updates as the shows continue to grow.

  
  

• 🎙️ Kickstart Your Podcast for 2026: AI Style
  🗓️ Saturday, January 31st
  ⏰ 10:00 AM Eastern / 9:00 AM Central

  This live webinar is for anyone ready to stop waiting and start—or restart—their podcast with clarity, confidence, and intention. Also, we will show AI tools for podcasting.

  • What have you been sitting on longer than you want to admit?

  • Is your pause about fear—or capacity?

  • What would starting again look like if you gave yourself grace?

  ABOUT VAL THE VOICE JOHNSON:"A DJ Saved My Life" is the book by Val "The Voice" Johnson. The debut book features a heartfelt tribute to the healing power of music and the therapeutic potential of podcasting, all with the ABCs of podcasting rolled into one.

  Get your print or digital copy today!

(A DJ Culture Holiday Episode)

As the year winds down and the holidays settle in, Val The Voice Johnson invites you into a reflective, soulful conversation about music, movies, vision, and what it truly means to move forward with intention.

In this episode, Val blends DJ culture, holiday nostalgia, and entrepreneurial mindset as she reflects on the soundtracks that shape the season, the films that sparked conversation in 2025, and a powerful vision of what’s possible in 2026. From classic Christmas music and cozy movie moments to dreaming bigger without apology, this episode is about pausing long enough to listen—to yourself, to God, and to the direction you’re being called toward.

This is a space for grounding, dreaming, and giving breath to the visions that matter—all while honoring rest, joy, and the journey.

If you’re closing out the year with reflection and opening the next with clarity, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How music becomes a grounding tool during the holidays

• Reflections on favorite films of 2025 and awards-season anticipation

• Why dreaming bigger requires clarity, not comparison

• How DJ culture and entrepreneurship intersect at “30,000 feet” & Encouragement to vision intentionally as we head into 2026

• Calling All Aspiring Entrepreneurs!

  Say y’all… My morning routine will never be the same. I recently joined an online community that has truly changed my life! Every weekday, I connect with hundreds of entrepreneurs inside The Morning Meetup—a powerful space for live coaching, mentorship, accountability, and real growth.

  The content is 🔥, and the monthly themes keep the momentum strong.

  💼 Ready to elevate your business and mindset? Join now for just $19/month and thank me later

  🔗Join The Morning Meetup Today!⁠

  🌐 Stay Connected with Pure Lighthouse Media Platforms

  Read the Pure Lighthouse Media Blog

  Subscribe to our Pure Lighthouse Media LinkedIn Newsletter

  Support the Movement:⁠ Patreon.com/interludes⁠

  📺 Catch LIVE Weekly Episodes: Via our YouTube Channel

  * Mondays – ⁠The Pull-Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson ⁠

  * Tuesdays – ⁠Interludes Extra Presents Talk On Tuesdays ⁠⏰ Both at 8PM CST / 9PM EST / 6PM PST

  
  

This episode is the most honest I’ve ever been behind the mic.

Six years after losing my mom… During a season of overwhelm… While juggling platforms, clients, brand deals, grief, and the weight of solopreneurship… I had a moment where I thought about quitting podcasting.

Not because I lost my love for it—but because I lost my energy around it.

In this heartfelt December reflection, I walk you through:

• The grief that hit me this holiday season

• The moment overwhelm got loud

• The clarity that returned

• The recommitment to my purpose

• And the five reminders that saved me from quitting ✨
  I also share my 2026 vision—from AI-powered creativity to new community spaces like Patreon and my upcoming Skool hub, plus exciting new guests from DJ culture, music, and podcasting.

If you’ve ever felt burnout, doubt, grief, or loneliness while building something you love… This episode is for you.

💡 Visit: ⁠purelighthousemedia.com⁠ 📘 Read: A DJ Saved My Life by Val “The Voice” Johnson

Calling All Aspiring Entrepreneurs!

Say y’all… My morning routine will never be the same. I recently joined an online community that has truly changed my life! Every weekday, I connect with hundreds of entrepreneurs inside The Morning Meetup—a powerful space for live coaching, mentorship, accountability, and real growth.

The content is 🔥, and the monthly themes keep the momentum strong.

💼 Ready to elevate your business and mindset? Join now for just $19/month and thank me later

Join The Morning Meetup Community today!!!⁠

🌐 Stay Connected with Pure Lighthouse Media Platforms

Read the Pure Lighthouse Media Blog

Subscribe to our Pure Lighthouse Media LinkedIn Newsletter

Support the Movement:⁠ Patreon.com/interludes⁠

📺 Catch LIVE Weekly Episodes: Via our YouTube Channel

* Mondays – ⁠The Pull-Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson ⁠

* Tuesdays – ⁠Interludes Extra Presents Talk On Tuesdays ⁠⏰ Both at 8PM CST / 9PM EST / 6PM PST

The Interludes Podcast is stepping into its 10th season! 🎉 Val “The Voice” Johnson opens the season with musician, educator, and content creator Rodney Edge Sr., founder of EdgeMuzik.Rodney takes us inside his journey as a musical director on tour with major artists and shares how his love for music has evolved into teaching, mentoring, and building community through his monthly jam sessions and classes. His story is one of artistry, brotherhood, and the lasting impact of pouring back into others.📌 In this episode:* Behind-the-scenes life as a touring musical director.* Why Rodney created jam sessions to uplift local musicians.* How teaching and mentorship shape the next generation.* Reflections on legacy, community, and creativity.🔥 Join us as we celebrate music’s power to inspire and connect with this season-opening conversation that sets the tone for The Interludes Podcast with Val “The Voice” Johnson.👉 Like, share, and subscribe for more episodes every week.#TheInterludesPodcast #ValTheVoiceJohnson #RodneyEdgeSr #MusicIndustry #Season10 #EdgeMuzik

Calling All Aspiring Entrepreneurs!

Say ya’ll… my morning routine will never be the same. I recently joined an online community that has truly changed my life! Every weekday, I connect with hundreds of entrepreneurs inside The Morning Meetup—a powerful space for live coaching, mentorship, accountability, and real growth.

The content is 🔥 and the monthly themes keep the momentum strong.

💼 Ready to elevate your business and mindset? Join now for just $19/month and thank me later!

🔗Click here to join The Morning Meetup⁠

🌐 Stay Connected with Pure Lighthouse Media Platforms

• Read the Pure Lighthouse Media Blog

• Subscribe to our Pure Lighthouse Media LinkedIn Newsletter

• Support the Movement:⁠ Patreon.com/interludes⁠

📺 Catch LIVE Weekly Episodes: Via our YouTube Channel

* Mondays – ⁠The Pull-Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson ⁠

* Tuesdays – ⁠Interludes Extra Presents Talk On Tuesdays ⁠⏰ Both at 8PM CST / 9PM EST / 6PM PST

In this special edition of The Interludes Podcast, host Val “The Voice” Johnson drops the beat on a brand-new chapter of creative storytelling. After five years of inspiring conversations, The Interludes expands its rhythm to spotlight entrepreneurs, musicians, and the global DJ culture.

From the birth of The Pull Up Podcast Show theme music to the rebrand now called The Interludes Podcast: Entrepreneurs and DJ Culture / Music and Rhythm, Val reveals how business and art collide in powerful, purposeful ways.

She reflects on the journey — from carrying crates of vinyl to spinning virtual sets during the pandemic — an experience that inspired her book A DJ Saved My Life. Along the way, she pays homage to modern creative icons like D-Nice, Questlove, and Idris Elba, whose stories prove that passion can evolve into enterprise when you keep remixing your purpose.

🎧 Tune in for lessons on ownership, storytelling, and staying true to the beat that moves you.

• The evolution of The Interludes Podcast name and mission

• DJing as a bridge between music, business, and culture

• Inspiration from Idris Elba’s creative resilience

• The entrepreneurial brilliance of D-Nice and Questlove

• How A DJ Saved My Life became both a movement and a mindset

Val “The Voice” Johnson is a media visionary, podcast host, and DJ who bridges storytelling, business, and rhythm. Through her platform Pure Lighthouse Media, Val amplifies voices that inspire creativity, connection, and community across music and entrepreneurship.

• 💡 Visit: purelighthousemedia.com

• 📘 Read: A DJ Saved My Life by Val “The Voice” Johnson

Say ya’ll… my morning routine will never be the same. I recently joined an online community that’s truly transformed my life! Every weekday, I connect with hundreds of entrepreneurs inside The Morning Meetup — a powerful space for live coaching, mentorship, accountability, and real growth.

The content is 🔥 and the monthly themes keep the energy flowing.

💼 Ready to elevate your business and mindset? Join now for just $19/month — and thank me later!
👉 Click here to join The Morning Meetup

• Read the Pure Lighthouse Media Blog

• Subscribe to our LinkedIn Newsletter

• Support the Movement: Patreon.com/interludes

YouTube Channel: Pure Lighthouse Media

• Mondays: The Pull-Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson

• Tuesdays: Interludes Extra Presents: Talk On Tuesdays
  ⏰ Both at 8PM CST / 9PM EST / 6PM PST