Podcast
BLK ON THE SCENE
Hosted by Jon Gist · EN
BLK ON THE SCENE is a love letter to Black creators, Black content and Black voices who are helping to drive change and representation in entertainment. As two industry professionals who have worked on some of the most iconic multicultural film and TV campaigns over the years, co-hosts DeDe Brown & Jon Gist, will honor the many accomplishments across film, TV, music, art and sports that celebrate diverse and nuanced stories that embody OUR culture. On each episode we will shout out and give flowers to some of the folks you know and those you should know for being BLK ON THE SCENE.
15episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 61: Standing on Business with OJ Williams
Apr 2, 202501:12:09Tap to summarizeIn this powerful season finale hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist sit down with media disruptor and creative multi-hyphenate OJ Williams, founder of The Knockturnal to talk how he built outlet from the ground up; why diversifying revenue streams is essential for media survival; the importance of community, mentorship, and so much more. From starting out at The Source at just 15 years old to launching his own editorial and lifestyle brand, OJ gets candid about his journey through journalism, talent management, casting, A&R, and modeling. He reflects on wins, misses (including underestimating Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry 👀), and what it really means to stand on business—especially as a Black creative.Whether you're an aspiring journalist, entrepreneur, or just someone who values culture and creativity, this episode is filled with gems on perseverance, pivoting, and purpose.Connect with our guest: @OJWilliams4 & The KnockturnalConnect with us: Blk on the Scene Listen now on Revolt Creator Network and all major platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 60: Standing on Business with Massah David & Miatta Johnson — Building MVD Inc. & Shaping Culture
Mar 26, 202500:47:28Tap to summarizeTo close out Women’s History Month, Blk on the Scene brings you an inspiring conversation with powerhouse sister duo and co-founders of the award-winning creative agency, MVD Inc.—Massah David and Miatta Johnson.Hosts Jon Gist and DeDe Brown dive into how these cultural architects built a legacy rooted in creativity, strategy, and storytelling, working with iconic brands like Netflix, Sony Pictures, The Recording Academy, and more. From bootstrapping the launch of MVD with pure hustle to pioneering experiential marketing for artists like Kanye West and Big Sean, Massah and Miatta share the real behind-the-scenes of entrepreneurship, sisterhood, and trendsetting for the culture.Plus, hear how their platform #DopeAfricans is creating space and community for creatives across the diaspora.Connect with our guests: MVD, Inc., Massah David & Miatta Johnson Connect with us: Blk on the Scene Listen now on Revolt Podcast Network and all major platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 59: Standing on Business with Angelina Darrisaw: Scaling Success & The Power of Coaching
Mar 19, 202501:02:27Tap to summarizeBlk on the Scene hosts Jon Gist and DeDe Brown sit down with Angelina Darrisaw, the dynamic founder and CEO of C-Suite Coach—a game-changing leadership development firm that’s worked with Google, Major League Baseball, Warner Music Group, Pandora, and more. As one of the elite 4.8% of women-owned businesses generating over $1M in revenue, Angelina shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the power of coaching, and what it takes to scale a business while staying true to your values.Follow Angelina Darrisaw, Founder & CEO, C-Suite Coach - LinkedIn | InstagramFollow C-Suite Coach - www.csuitecoach.comBlk on the Scene - @BlkontheSceneListen now on Revolt Podcast Network and all major platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 58: Standing on Business for the Culture with Kamala Avila-Salmon
Mar 12, 202501:03:36Tap to summarizeIn this powerful Women’s History Month episode of BLK ON THE SCENE, we’re celebrating trailblazing women making history! Our guest, Kamala Avila-Salmon, has been at the forefront of inclusive storytelling in Hollywood, from leading global campaigns at Google and Facebook to breaking barriers as the first-ever Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate. Now, she’s stepping into a new role as a film producer with her own production company, KAS KAS Productions, backed by Lionsgate.Join hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist as they dive into Kamala’s inspiring journey—how she pivoted from music to tech to film, the challenges of advocating for underrepresented filmmakers, and how her groundbreaking initiative, Story Spark, is reshaping Hollywood’s approach to inclusive storytelling. She also drops invaluable gems on how underestimated creatives can navigate the industry and get their projects greenlit.If you’re a creative, a film lover, or just someone who cares about shifting culture, this episode is a must-listen!Listen now on Revolt Podcast Network and all major platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review!Follow Kamala Avila-Salmon via LinkedIn and Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 57: Standing on Business with Candis Grace, entrepreneur and founder of The Brand Group
Mar 5, 202500:42:14Tap to summarizeIn this episode of BLK ON THE SCENE, hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist sit down with Candis Grace, a trailblazing entrepreneur, marketing strategist, and founder of The Brand Group. A Compton native, Candis made history as Hollywood’s only female promoter, later launching a full-service marketing empire with clients like the NBA Players Association, Adidas, Netflix, BET, and more.As we kick off Women’s History Month, Candis shares her journey of breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, the power of relationships in brand-building, and why giving back to her community is at the core of her success. From providing resources for families in Compton to creating high-impact partnerships, she is a force for cultural and economic empowerment.Listen now on Revolt Podcast Network and all major platforms. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 56: Standing on Business with Gil Robertson IV: Entrepreneur, Journalist and Founder of the African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
Feb 26, 202501:00:19Tap to summarizeAs we close out Black History Month, BLK ON THE SCENE is spotlighting a true architect of Black storytelling—Gil Robertson IV, co-founder and president of the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the world’s largest group of Black film critics. AAFCA has become a driving force in Hollywood, producing the annual AAFCA Awards—an annual major event on the awards season calendar, recently attended by icons like Tyler Perry, Amber Ruffin, Colman Domingo, RaMell Ross, and Danielle Deadwyler.With over 50 national magazine covers, multiple NAACP Image Award-nominated books, and a career dedicated to amplifying Black voices, Gil has shaped conversations around media representation for decades. As an author and editor, he has published works including Writing as a Tool of Empowerment and anthologies exploring Black identity, love, and family. A frequent commentator on entertainment and culture, he also serves on the boards of the Geena Davis Instituteand California Humanities.Gil really gives hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist the playbook on being a media entrepreneur, spotting opportunities, and when to act on them plus the importance of having the right team beside you.Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and share Blk on the Scene so you don’t miss any conversations with industry leaders shaping culture and business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →EPISODE 55: Standing on Business with Myles Worthington: How the Worthi Agency is Redefining Multicultural Marketing
Feb 19, 202500:53:41Tap to summarizeIn this episode of BLK on the Scene, hosts Jon Gist and DeDe Brown sit down with Myles Worthington, the CEO and founder of Worthi Agency, an award-winning ethnographic marketing and communications agency that’s revolutionizing how brands connect with historically Underestimated Audiences™.Myles shares his journey from launching game-changing multicultural campaigns at Netflix, like Strong Black Lead, to building an agency that partners with brands such as Google, Disney, Amazon, Hulu, and Peloton—all while prioritizing authenticity, cultural impact, and long-term business growth.They deep dive into the following: How Worthi was built from the ground up in just 18 months with no outside funding Why Underestimated Audiences™—Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities—are driving Hollywood’s bottom line The importance of underestimated audiences and how brands should invest in them beyond heritage months Behind-the-scenes insights on The Blackening campaign and how Worthi’s creative risk turned into a theater-wide activation - watch it Google Play Movies & Amazon Prime Video The challenges and triumphs of scaling an agency from a one-person consultancy to a 35+ employee firm How Myles prioritizes workplace culture, ensuring his team feels valued while navigating the high demands of entertainment marketing Lessons in entrepreneurship, from making tough hiring decisions to the must-have tools for running a successful agency Whether you’re a marketing professional, creative, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on standing on business for the culture and shaping industries that truly reflect our communities.To learn more about Myles and the Worth Agency you can check them out on LinkedIn.Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating and share BLK on the Scene so you don’t miss any conversations with industry leaders shaping culture and business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 54: Blk on the Scene Season 6 Standing on Business – Kick Off
Feb 12, 202500:43:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Blk on the Scene, hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Guest are back and better than ever for Season 6! The duo reflects on their journey from the podcast’s humble beginnings to becoming a staple in conversations around Black culture, Hollywood, and the entertainment industry. They unveil the theme of the season: "Standing on Business," highlighting the resilience, creativity, and business acumen of Black professionals thriving in Hollywood and beyond.They also discuss their emotional experience attending AliciaKeys musical, @HellsKitchenBroadway, a powerful and moving story with reimagined music by the Grammy-winning icon herself. Jon and DeDe share their reactions to the show’s stellar cast, choreography, set design, musical arrangement and more! Additionally, the hosts preview upcoming episodes featuring industry leaders like Gil Robertson, Myles Worthington, and Kamala Avila-Salmon, each of whom has left an indelible mark on inclusive content creation and Black entrepreneurship. Get ready for insights, laughs, and inspiration as they celebrate the movers and shakers redefining media, marketing, and creative industries.Guest Lineup Sneak Peek: Gil Robertson: Co-founder of @AAFCA African American Film Critics Association Myles Worthington: Founder of @WorthiAgency Lina Darrisaw: Founder of @CSuiteCoach Kamala Avila-Salmon: Founder of KAS KAS Productions Massah David & Miatta Johnson: Founders of @MVDinc Candis Grace: Founder of @TheBrandGroupInc OJ Williams: Founder of @TheKnockturnal Subscribe to Blk on the Scene on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast platform! Remember to leave a review and share with your friends and follow us on Instagram @BlkontheScene.Support the Show: Want to see Black on the Scene live? Help us build a loyal listener base by spreading the word! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →BLK ON THE SCENE CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH: HONORING BLACK WOMEN IN FILM & TV
Feb 12, 202500:48:42Tap to summarizeIn this special Black History Month episode of Blk on the Scene, hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist shine a spotlight on the groundbreaking contributions of Black female filmmakers, producers, writers, and showrunners who have transformed the landscape of film and television. From trailblazing directors to powerhouse storytellers behind the scenes, this episode celebrates the creative visionaries whose work continues to inspire and influence culture worldwide.Featured Black Female Filmmakers: Gina Prince-Bythewood – Love & Basketball, The Woman King Julie Dash – Daughters of the Dust Rent or Purchase Nia DaCosta – Candyman AV Rockwell – A Thousand and One Rent or Purchase Melina Matsoukas – Queen & Slim Dee Rees – Pariah Rent or Purchase Kasi Lemmons – Eve’s Bayou Rent or Purchase, Harriet Regina King – One Night in Miami Stella Meghie – The Weekend Rent or Purchase, The Photograph Tina Gordon – Little Ava DuVernay – Selma, 13th, A Wrinkle in Time Lisa Cortés – Little Richard: I Am Everything Rent or Purchase Dawn Porter – Luther: Never Too Much still in theaters at the time of this recording! Featured Black Female TV Producers/Writers/Showrunners: Ava DuVernay – Queen Sugar Shonda Rhimes – Scandal, Bridgerton Issa Rae – Insecure, Rap Sht* Tasha Smith – P-Valley, Survival of the Thickest, 911, Bel-Air, Mayor of Kingstown Salli Richardson-Whitfield – The Gilded Age Kerry Washington – Insecure, Reasonable Doubt Courtney A. Kemp – Power Raamla Mohamed – Reasonable Doubt Tune in as we discuss how these brilliant creatives have redefined storytelling, brought authentic Black experiences to the forefront, and paved the way for future generations. From iconic films to must-watch TV series, their influence continues to break barriers and set new standards in Hollywood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Episode 52: Blk on the Scene with Actress/Producer, Luna Lauren Vélez
Mar 20, 202400:38:04Tap to summarizeIn the Season 5 finale of Blk on the Scene, hosts DeDe Brown and Jon Gist welcome the multifaceted actress, Luna Lauren Vélez! Hailing from New York City, Luna is an OG Afro-Latina actor with a super impressive resume spanning theater, television, and film.Luna has graced the big screen in award-winning films like "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" and "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts." Her breakout role in "I Like It Like That" garnered critical acclaim and highlighted the importance of Afro-Latina representation in Hollywood.On television, Luna has captivated audiences in "How to Get Away with Murder" and as the unforgettable Captain Maria Laguerta in "Dexter," earning accolades and nominations for her powerful performances.Join us as we take a deep dive into Luna's inspiring journey, discussing her career highlights, sources of inspiration, and the significance of authentic representation in the industry.BLK on the Scene podcast is more than just a show; it's a celebration of Black entertainment and culture. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating! Episode Mentions:Luna Lauren Vélez - https://www.instagram.com/lunalaurenvelez?igsh=MWYydmtxNmU0ZjV0Mg==I Like It Like That - https://youtu.be/PesH6qe-Qy4?si=7wVx5TUinHaGo3-DSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - https://youtu.be/g4Hbz2jLxvQ?si=XDzYkDopq9AZo38wLa Lupe - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Lupe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →