Mr. Tendernism Breaks Silence On Going Independent, No Equity & Fight For The “Tendernism” Trademark

Summary

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Earn Your Leisure Podcast: Mr. Tendernism Breaks Silence On Going Independent, No Equity & Fight For The “Tendernism” Trademark

Release Date: March 12, 2026
Guests: Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings (hosts), Walter Johnson aka Mr. Tendernism

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Episode Overview

This special episode dives deep into the journey of Walter Johnson, aka Mr. Tendernism, whose viral barbecue prowess turned him into a social media sensation. The conversation traverses his half-century in the food industry, the origins and meaning behind the “Tendernism” phenomenon, the power dynamics of ownership and equity, lessons on intellectual property (trademarks), and the entrepreneurial leap from pitmaster to personal brand. Laced with humor, wisdom, and hard-earned insights, the episode serves as a master class in turning craft into culture—and protecting your name in the process.

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Key Topics & Insights

1. Mr. Tendernism’s Origin Story

• From Indiana to the Nation: Johnson shares his early days in Illinois and Indiana, learning to cook as a child and being drawn to the culinary trade (05:37).

  “I was a little kid… I like the cooking field. And I went into it, I went into it with love, you know, I want everybody to be happy when they finish sitting down eating what I got.” (05:45 – Walter Johnson)

• 50 Years of Barbecue: Johnson recounts traveling across the U.S., learning regional flavors, working at iconic restaurants (Denny’s, IHOP, Ruby Steakhouse, Blue Smoke in NYC), and blending different culinary influences into his signature style (07:31).
• Philosophy:

  “Three things need water, you need electrical and you gotta eat. So which one was easier for me—the eating part.” (05:54 – Walter Johnson)

2. Defining “Tendernism”

• The Viral Moment: Johnson tells the story of how “Tendernism” came from an oxtail dish so tender, the bone rolled right out, sparking a phrase that stuck (11:39).

  “That word been stuck in everybody’s brain ever since. It’s 10, and I want to tenderize the world.” (11:39 – Walter Johnson)

• Catchphrase:

  “You don’t need no teeth for the meat.” (07:10 + multiple)

3. Viral Fame and Social Media

• Unexpected Virality: Johnson describes not understanding virality at first, simply trying to sell his food and be himself (12:48).

  “I’mma put it on there just like it is. I ain’t going to fake it… my heart come out my mouth.” (16:18 – Walter Johnson)

• Keith Lee Effect: Social media food influencer Keith Lee’s review skyrocketed Mr. Tendernism’s fame and brought attention—and controversy—about ownership and compensation (17:40).

  “Keith Lee… he came. They couldn’t give me the money… it was $4,000. I never seen the money.” (18:40 – Walter Johnson)

4. Ownership, Equity, and Going Independent

• The Equity Debate: As Mr. Tendernism’s profile exploded, fans assumed he owned his restaurant. He reveals he did not, which catalyzed his decision to separate and go independent (20:26).

  “That was that, and a person not giving me the consideration due to… If I want to talk to you, I’m gonna talk to you. This man can’t intercept me talking. You don’t speak for me.” (20:40 – Walter Johnson)

• Reflections on Ownership:

  “The only thing I own dirt up under my fingernail.” (21:10 – Walter Johnson)
  He emphasizes the importance of asking for equity and notes that a lack of it led to his departure.

5. Securing the “Tendernism” Trademark

• Trademark Backstory: Johnson describes how another party (Attorney Kevin Harris) filed the “Tendernism” trademark after noticing its virality but ultimately transferred it to Johnson, ensuring he could capitalize on the brand (23:34).

  “The man named Kevin. Kevin Harris. Attorney Kevin Harris. And so I met with him, and he said, I’m giving you the word. You can have it; do the paperwork.” (23:41 – Walter Johnson)

6. Business Vision, Legacy, & Merchandising

• Beyond the Pit:
  Johnson talks about aspirations ranging from teaching cooking classes (in-person and virtual), launching merchandise (aprons, sauces, seasoning), organizing pop-ups, and giving back to communities—including senior citizens and kids (28:36; 36:31).

  “One day you might just see me in all stores across the United States… I ain’t talking about no little brand deal. I’m talking about that end game, brand deal.” (34:11 – Walter Johnson)

7. Mentorship & Community Impact

• Teaching and Inspiring: Johnson sees his purpose in passing down culinary skills and life lessons to younger generations (38:12).

  “If I could teach some of these kids out here in the world… if they learn this trade, this cooking thing, there’d be some of the happiest people in the world, because you can’t think about all that crazy stuff. Nothing cook, you see?” (38:12 – Walter Johnson)

• Culinary as Life School: The trade teaches discipline, patience, and respect for craft.
• Handling Imitators: He takes pride when others imitate his style or brand, seeing it as a testament to his influence (41:31).

8. Style, Identity, and Cultural Roots

• Daily Drip: Mr. Tendernism’s signature suits, glasses, and style are not marketing—they’re who he’s always been (51:14).

  “I’ve been putting this look out a long time. I ain’t gonna walk… We grew up like this. Had a few brothers… shoes, pinstripes… you know what I’m saying?” (51:14 – Walter Johnson)

• Authenticity: He credits his straight-talking, down-home language to his upbringing and values (52:44).

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Memorable Quotes

• On Doing What You Love:

  “The first ingredient is love.” (06:56; 30:06; 38:10 – Walter Johnson)

• On Being Imitated:

  “You invent something and then people will steal it.” (03:02; 25:05 – Walter Johnson)

• On Resilience:

  “If you keep moving forward… Life too short [for grudges].” (22:12 – Walter Johnson)

• On Community and Spirituality:

  “My lady preach, I feed folks… Jesus say, feed them first. Then I’m going to give him the word. If you on an empty stomach, you ain’t listening to nobody.” (49:54 – Walter Johnson)

• Top Five Food Cities:

  “You got Cajun down there in New Orleans… Kansas City… Mississippi… Chicago got some food… Texas… Houston, Dallas… maybe Alabama.” (45:06–46:17 – Walter Johnson)

• On Trademarks and Business:

  “You invent something and then people will steal it… I had an intent to use for meat. Anything I cook. I don’t care. It could have been some cake. I was going to tenderize the cake.” (25:05 – Walter Johnson)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Topic | Timestamp | |---------|-------|-----------| | Mr. Tendernism’s Journey | Childhood, career origins | 05:37–07:30 | | Cross-country Culinary Learning | Traveling/working in 50 states | 07:31–09:15 | | Birth of the “Tendernism” Phenomenon | How the catchphrase began | 11:33–12:21 | | Going Viral, Social Media Influence | Social fame, Keith Lee effects | 12:48–18:55 | | Ownership & No Equity | Not owning the restaurant, leaving | 20:26–23:18 | | Trademark Fight & Resolution | Legalities, trademark transfer | 23:33–26:09 | | Brand Strategy, Vision, Merch | Expansion, pop-ups, brand plans | 28:24–36:31 | | Life Lessons & Teaching | Cooking as mentorship/life skills | 38:12–39:43 | | Style & Authenticity | Dressing, language, identity | 51:14–53:38 |

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Standout Moments

• The Tendernism Origin Tale (11:39): Johnson’s story of the oxtail bone rolling out, giving birth to the term “Tendernism.”
• Keith Lee’s $4,000 Review (18:42): The viral review and the story about the money Johnson never saw.
• Trademark Rescue (23:41): How Attorney Kevin Harris gave Johnson back his own word.
• Business Insights (34:11): Johnson hints at merchandising, brand product lines, and virtual classes with a twinkle.
• Generational Wisdom & Motivation (38:12, 52:44): Johnson’s lessons for youth and reflections on keeping it real.

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Episode Takeaways

• Protect Your Brand: Johnson’s fight for the “Tendernism” trademark is a textbook lesson for creators about the importance of intellectual property.
• Value and Equity: The story raises urgent points about asking for and structuring equity partnerships—especially if your work is driving business success.
• The Power of Authenticity: Johnson’s rise proves that being true to self, embracing your roots, and speaking the language of your community can make you a viral—and lasting—success.
• Food as Love and Legacy: Cooking isn’t just about eating—it’s about giving, teaching, and making culture.

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Follow Walter Johnson (Official Mr. Tendernism) on social media for more updates, appearances, and (maybe soon) the world’s most tender barbecue brand.

Transcript

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

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[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

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[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

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[Clayton Eckerd]

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[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

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[Clayton Eckerd]

If I could press a button and rewind it all, I would.

[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

That's when his life took a disturbing turn. A one night stand would end in a courtroom.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The media is here. This case has gone viral.

[Clayton Eckerd]

The dating contract.

[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

Agree to date me, but I'm also suing you.

[Clayton Eckerd]

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[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

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[Clayton Eckerd]

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[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

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[Clayton Eckerd]

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[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

Was this before he wrote his stories? It must have been.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Okay, I don't think that's true.

[Clayton Eckerd]

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[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Anything I cook, I don't care. It could have been some cake. I'm gonna tenderize the cake.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Because you're not just a cook, you're a pit master. How do you feel as this thing is now going viral?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The viral shoot. I felt I was trying to sell oxtail, everyone. That went viral.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

How easy is it for you to shoot a video?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The first ingredient is love.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Are you seeing people trying to pop up in a way that you went viral and trying to replicate?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

You invent something and then people will steal it.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

What's some of the things that that you've learned?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

You don't need no teeth for the meat.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Let's shake the Internet up. What's the top five food cities in America?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The number one state. Tendonism.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

When I hear Mr. Tenderism, I think something much bigger. If you don't replicate yourself, how can you scare?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

If you wake up in the morning, see, you can't say what's going to happen. Cause we don't know if I can teach some of these kids out here in the world if they learn this trade, this cooking thing, two things go together. Him upstairs and food that brings love at the end of that love. Tendonism. When I did the podcast with you

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

all, I was telling you probably the most impactful interview I've done in my career.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Heroes now, like, real heroes.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I heard Rashad Detroit talk about the

tags list about finance, but we talk in a language that is common to the people. That's from the communities that we grew up with.

You all are the bright spot.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Thank you.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Real estate.

Thank you. And entrepreneurship for black Americans.

This is the knowledge that actually matters. I applaud both of you for this.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Thank you.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Literacy isn't a country issue. It's not an American issue. It's a world issue.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

He came to earn our leisure.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

All right, guys. Welcome back. Eyl. It's a special, special episode. First of all, shout out to Lisa. I called her, I texted her two days ago. And actually it just kind of happened organically. So somebody I've been wanting to talk to, I know we've been wanting to talk to for a while, especially with everything that's been going on. So I think it's a lot of lessons that entrepreneurs and creatives and people in the world can learn from a marketing standpoint, from a business standpoint, just from a viral sensation standpoint. A lot going on. So Walter Johnson, Mr. Tenderism himself. Here, Su.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

My brother.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

He's here in the flesh. Did you came to play with you.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Oh man, look at here. I just know I tenderize the room. That's my.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Just have a little tenderness, that's all. Happy you're here.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Oh, hey man, I'm happy to be here, man. This, this is in Harlem, right?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yes, yes.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Well, that's what I'm talking about. That's what I talk about. A man away.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

He knows his way around town.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Little bit. A little bit. Not much.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Well, yeah. Thank you for joining us. Appreciate it. So, all right, let's get into it. People, they know you on social media, but I don't think a lot of people know your backstory. I just found out that you was from Indiana. So tell us your backstory. And I know you've been involved in cooking barbecue for 50 years, right?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's about correct.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So how did you get started? And yeah, walk us through your journey as far as being a cook.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I was a little kid and my brother never had Porky's Pig. It was in a place called Robertsville, Illinois in Maywood. So I used to cut the wing flap off. So shoot, I want to learn. And I ate a few of them. Diet a few. And so ever since then, it just intrigued me. I said, well, you got electricians, you know, water, plumbers. So what kind of job? Food. Three things need water, you need electrical and you gotta eat. So which one was easier for me, the eating part. So I like the cooking field. And I went into it, I went into it with love, you know, I want everybody to be happy when they finish sitting down eating what I got. You know what I mean? I want them to be happy, Smile on their face, patting their feet. Kids grown up senior citizen people ain't got no teeth. Cause you don't need no teeth for the meat. It took me some time to get to that point. But you don't need none now. Yep. And so over the years, I probably cooked in majority of the states in the United States to learn different trades about this cooking time.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yeah, I was going to talk to you about that, but I can't go any further without acknowledging the drip here. No, we just not going not acknowledge that. We see you in the pinstripes with the shoes. Everything looks good. The love is in the air. I can feel it. The people are here. Food has brought you all around the world, right? All around the United States, for sure. You said you've been at least in every state eight times, at least as you're traveling, because you're not just a cook, you're a pitmaster. Yeah, that's a little different than just a regular cook. Are you learning each state about flavor? Like, what are you doing as you're traveling?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I went to all the Southern states. First I went down. I was in New Louisiana. I went to Bayou because I wanted to get that Cajun twist. Then I went to Carolina. They got a little thing they use, like, vinegar in their sauces and stuff. Then I went to Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi. All them places down there, Arkansas. So I stayed in these states so I can get a twist on what they used in my hair. If I can get these twists and blend them all together, I might have some. So I tried it. So I took the Southern and went back to the Midwest. I mean, it worked. And I said, well, I have to go out by them Rockies. I went to Colorado. Not too bad. Then I came over them Rockies to Vegas, Utah, all them little places. So, you know, a variety of people eat different food. I wanted to learn how to cook it all, so. But I blend together with them seasoning. Booyah. Boy, look a hill. Tendonism. Tendonism. Yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So when you traveling all across the country, are you working at different restaurants?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I worked at many restaurants. I opened a lot of IHOPs. I opened a lot of Denny's. I opened a lot of whole lot of places, man. Look, Ruby Steakhouse, man. Blue smoke. Downtown Manhattan in New York. New York. Park Avenue. Yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

What flavors did you take from New York? Man, we New Yorkers. You've been here a lot. The Southern flavor is very distinct. You Louisiana, for sure. What did you take from us?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

What did I take from y'? All? Y' all got different spices up here. There's kind of difference because you got a blend of people. They call this the melting pot, right?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yes, sir.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

So that all these people come together. So I come up here and say, oh, yeah, we got this here. See, I went to Spanish Harlem. Then I came over here to Harlem. Then I went back to Manhattan. Brooklyn Queen, Staten Island, Coney Island. Even though same state, kind of big. That's why they named it twice. But I said, everybody got some flavors now. I got to entwine out here. Some of them seasoned, because some people, it can't be too hot, can't be too spicy. So how Can I cut it down and put it back in with what I was doing? And I figured it out, though, man. It didn't take a rocket sizer for a minute, you know what I mean? Then it came together. I said, oh, I got them too. And so once you get to blending all this stuff together, you got to be like a sample. You gotta sample a whole lot of seeds. See, people don't understand that you put all these seasons together, don't make no difference. But if the season don't taste right from the season itself, then it might have a little twist. And then you got different types of meat. Pork is one. Then you got beef, then you got poultry, then you got fish. So you got to count on which season go right with which piece of meat. Just like wine. You can't drink wine with everything. But if you got a nice steak and the wine kind of mellow. Yeah, that go pretty good. Then you find out brandy go good, too. Brandy go good. In some of the seasonings, you just gotta drive. Can't tell you all that. But anyhow, yeah, that's all.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Not the secret sauce.

So you've been. So you've been traveling all around America. You've been learning. You've been picking up different game from different places. When social media finds out about you, it's in Californian tenderism.

Yeah.

So the tenderism campaign. Right.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

So, all right.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

When you came up with the word

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

one and only tendonism, black diving. That's right. You don't need no teeth for the meat.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So. So. So explain it. Explain the tenderism. Explain what that means. And how did you. How did you come up with that.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Oh, gosh, tail. So the oxtail come out. I hit on the plate. So I was fitting to roll it. I mean, pick it up like this. As I was gonna pick it up, it just rolled off like you peeling the orange. So it kind of like went out like a bowling ball. I had the meat in my hand and the bone just rolled to the other side of the plate. I said, boy, this ain't tender. This is tendonism. And that word been stuck in everybody's brain ever since. It's 10, and I want to tenderize the world. And I appreciate all the people out here that support me. Hey, boy, look how like to tenderize they whole household. Yes, sir. I love the word.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I think what I love the most is the reaction after you say it. Like, God dang. Like, that reaction is what got me. It became mean. I'm wondering as you're doing it, I Feel like this is naturally what you're doing. Are you aware of social media at the time? Like, are you involved in it? Like, how do you feel as this thing is now going viral? Because, like, if I try to explain virality to my parents, they're like, what? They're like, are you. Are you in the game understanding what's happening?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I understand if the part is viral. I know what the words mean, because we had to go to school when I was coming up, but we didn't have no social media or nothing like that. And the viral and up. And then, you know, I'm getting a little up in age. Yeah, there's a whole lot of stuff to read now. I don't know about viral, man. So I said, what's this viral stuff? Oh, that's when you get so much of this and so many of these. I said, okay, so you have followers, you have reviews. I said, no, I didn't know nothing about it, man. I'm gonna be straight up with you. The viral shoot. I thought I was trying to sell oxtail to everyone that went viral. You know, I may have been.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

All right, so what was the moment that you knew? Like, was it one moment? Cause I don't know the exact moment. Like, what was the one moment where it was like. It just went crazy online, that oxtail.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Then one time, I had this beef rib. Y' all probably seen it. Big bone, dinosaur, three glasses, slut. Man, look, I got a pound right now. If I had some of them oxtails here, y' all would be slacking them. Boy, we be those totally little glasses up. You know what I'm saying? Cause, hey, when I dropped that. That bone, it was too tender.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Mind.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's tenderness, boy. That was tenderness on the big bone. You know what I'm saying? I said, oh, we got something here. And then people just started flocking. They coming from everywhere. We had people come from Hong Kong. Yeah. Germany, China. Yeah. They seen the video in their countries. They worked for a company, Fisher company. It was engineered. They said, man, I'll be here every time I come back, you know, come to California. I said, it's good. I appreciate it. Tenderness. I knew I was on something about eight little guys. Eight Chinese guys. And they was talking. Excuse me 10 years. They was trying to say tenderness. So I said, oh, okay. Tenderness and brother tendonism. And, you know, doing a little thing. You dig it out, man, it went crazy from there.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Are you, as this is happening, are you realizing people are coming to taste what you've created, but they're also coming to see the personality, are you? How are you dealing with that?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Man? They. Come on, man. I'm gonna be the same way, man, 24. Seven. Seven days a week. I can't change this. Ain't no faith. You see me now, you see me later on tonight, I'll be the same. Don't make no difference where I'm at. So I just look at it like, hey, this is really not hard to do. Not being me. It's so. Hey, I take it all stride.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

When you saw the lines wrapped around the block like you said, people coming from China and different parts of the world, now you do it. You just doing it. And then you realize that it's big. At what point do you think, like, wow, this is really something that, you know, I didn't even think it was going to be this big.

Yeah.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I never grabbed. I never even thought. Thought or thought about it. You know what I mean? It wasn't a thought, man. Look at this fine night mind I got in my head, man. Look at them.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

What?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

How many people? Wow. Now that's crazy. Then I just got to thinking about, hey, personality. I can't say. Cause I'm just me. So my personality is going. It's impossible to change.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

How easy is it for you to shoot a video? Like, is it like one take? Or like, do you actually have to do a different. Like, okay, let me. Let me do.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

No, just come up with it. I'mma get it, Jay. I'mma put it on there just like it is. I ain't going to fake it. I ain't going to want to read no scripts or none of that. I'mma tell you just whatever comes to your heart, man. Look, it come. My heart come out my mouth. You hear what I'm saying? I'm spitting it too. I'm spitting strong. I ain't be playing with these folks

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

who's saying, like, let's make another video. Because after the first one goes crazy, right? Is there somebody in the restaurant? Is there somebody in the family or the team saying, like, that was crazy. Let's do this again.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, there's been. People come around saying, man, you shoot video? Yeah, we shoot the video. Can you shoot a video? Can you shoot a video? Say, wow, what's all these shooting these videos about? You know, I don't know about shooting camera. Whoa. Then they kind of found out, hey, this is a new tv. I say, well, hey, I might well get on everybody else on it. Look here, let's tenderize the world. Let's Just tenderize the world. And for real, leave your teeth at home. You don't need no teeth for the meat.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

No teeth neither.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

No.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

And no teeth for the meat. That's crazy. Let's talk about Keith Lee. Cause I know that you met a lot of celebrities, but there was one turning point. Keith Lee. He's very influential. In full review, who do you. How did that change everything? Like, how did Keith Lee's review change everything?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Well, I'm telling you. Cause, you know, I'mma spit it from the hip. I was in Ed. I mean, he's like a rapper.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yeah, the Outlaws. That's right.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's right. Now we just like out next door. It's a wall divided us.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Well, he has a restaurant.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

No, we were shooting a podcast.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Okay, okay, okay.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

All right. And so Lee come by Keith to see me. I didn't know he was going to give me no money or nothing or even no offer. But I look at it like this. Any person that come to see me, there's no block. I don't have a blocker. Just come see me. So whoever working, wherever they work, you go. Hey, hold on a second. Let me go get.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Walk.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Bring him back. You know, he had to give me a quarter. It's just a pun. You came to see me, that's all. It's enough for me. That's just been a bonus. And so when he came, they couldn't give me the money.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

It's like, what is it, 4,000 off?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yes, sir. Yes, sir. That's what they say it was. I didn't ever see the money. I talked to Mr. Lee since then, but I never discussed any money value. But, yeah, it was $4,000.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So you didn't take the money?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I never seen the money. Yeah, but if. Hey, Lee, if you out there. No, I'm just playing, man. You can reach me. 9, 5, 5, 5, 4, 2, 2. No, I'm just playing. You know, y', all. You gotta have a little fun. Hey, hey, man. But other than that. Yeah, it made a turning point. And that turning point got me here. See, the Lord don't make mistakes. I didn't make nothing with 10, and I ain't making that on this move. I don't cry about yesterday. I just keep going forward.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

You did.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Ain't no need of crying. It ain't gonna help. So get. Get it together. And that's what I've been trying to

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

do during this process. Obviously, as social media is going crazy about it, people are trying to figure out how to get to the restaurant. People are showing up at the restaurant. I'm sure that's bringing a lot of money for the restaurant. People are coming to see you. The idea of own comes into the conversation. Does he own the restaurant at that point? I mean, I'm sure throughout the career, 50 years, a long time of being a pitmaster. Are you thinking, let me create my own restaurant? And did this intensify that thought or how did you.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, it definitely intensified the thought, you know, because, hey, look at here. I can go in the backyard right now and do this here. This ain't nothing. I need no practice on no mole. I think I need is the equipment and a few pieces of wood. Like them trees outside. Boy, I tenderize Harlem today, not tomorrow. Right away. That's right.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So when people found out that you were not the owner, it made a lot of news on social media. Right. So I'm sure a lot of people restarted to reach out to you. So was that, like, the turning point in why you actually left the establishment?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That was that, and a person not giving me the consideration due to. It was two people and a few people now. You know what I mean? Well, you know, that was kind of, like, bogus, I thought. See. Cause if I want to talk to you, I'm gonna talk to you. This man can't intercept me talking. You don't speak for me. So I can understand that.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

The equity, like ownership. Not saying ownership.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Oh, yeah. You know, I don't own nothing. I know one thing. Only thing I own dirt up under my fingernail. So now I might try to do something about that. Give me a Mr. Tender Nielsen restaurant, and then we'll see what we do. That's the possibility. But, you know, I got people reaching out at me. You know, I got some brand deals coming up. So it's a good thing you say,

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

God, don't make any mistakes. I'm wondering as you approach this conversation, because a lot of times we bring value to companies. We've seen this happen plenty of times in our community. And then we never asked for equity. The fact that you had the idea speaks a lot about your character and how you're thinking about your future. Were they receptive to it, or they were just like, that's not even a conversation worth having.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Evidently not worth having, because we had a point to where we at right now. So I had to. Like I said, y' all see I ain't wanting to bash folks because I don't have time to do that. Life too short.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Absolutely.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

So what you do, you learn from that. Little small mistake. And you just move forward. If you keep moving forward. It's old saying, I was driving years ago, but when I let that man named Jesus start driving, I sit in the backseat, things got to be, oh, got to straighten it out. You didn't have to worry about running into no trees, no rocks or nothing. You know what I'm saying? So, yeah, I take this as a blessing, you know, and it's a blessing to be here with y'.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

All. Nah, it's a blessing to have you. Just to put. It's a learning experience even for owners. Right. Cause sometimes owners don't value the people that they have, and they lose. Great. You know, people. That's more than just an employee. If hypothetically, ownership was given to you on a. On a percentage, do you think that you would have stayed?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

There's a possibility. What kind of percentage we talking about and what's in it? But, you know, hey, like I say, no backstepping. Now I gotta keep putting shoes on one at a time.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

You should do a close up on the shoes.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute, man. Y' all trying to get my shoe. Man, you doing one at a time, Mike. Hey, look here. Hey. But anyway. Yeah. And you keep looking forward. Don't. Don't never look back.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Well, recently, we saw you may move with the. The word tenderism.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's right.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So explain that, because apparently there was another brother that trademarked the word tenderism. And then he. He gave it to you?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yes. The man named is Kevin. Kevin Harris. Attorney Kevin Harris. And so I met with him, and he said, I'm giving you the word. You can have it found. Do the paperwork. It was my word originally, though. See, in 24 of probably the tenth month. 24. I filed. Yeah. Something happened with the tender. It wasn't me. And then I guess whatever happened. Yeah, I think data will show that, though. So if he was hollering around, they tending. No, you ain't. You don't even know where tenderness come from. Yeah, that's slow and easy.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So you had previously filed for it?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yes, sir.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Oh, see, like, that's part of the story. The way the story was painted was almost. Almost like the former owners or the owners of the restaurant tried to trademark it, and then they held it. But this is somebody completely separate from the situation that has.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's correct.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Okay, I got you. So the legality part is something that you already. Is that something you knew from your experience being in the space, saying like, hey, this is a word that I've created I've got to have ownership on it with the. And this is important, the intent to use, because I think a lot of people miss that part. They just think, oh, let me just trademark it. But they don't understand how trademarks work. Are you intending it to use it for media merchandising, you know, anything you had it with the intent to use for just categories.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I had an intent to use for meat. Any. Anything I cook. I don't care. It could have been some cake. I was going to tenderize the cake. You know what I mean? But the whole point of it was you invent something and then people will steal it, as everyone know. So.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So when. When did he reach out to you or how did. How did that happen? How did that connection happen where he says, look, I trade. I'm assuming the reason why he did it is because he saw it going viral and he wanted to just protect it. Is that why he did it?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I don't know. His. His understanding. My understanding from him was he was making sure didn't nobody else do it. So therefore we'll have it. You know, then one day we meet and he'll be able to. To give it to me. That's. That was what he told me. So. Happy last.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

He reached out to you.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

He reached out to a team member. You know, I got team. And yeah, we met. He did what he said he gonna do and that's cool.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Horrible.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. Cause, you know, hey, I don't be wanting to go up against nobody, man, but I will if I have to.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I mean, this has been a pre whirlwind of the past six to 12 months for you. Having to build a team, having to have a public doing all these things. I mean, how did you see this in the future where you were headed? Obviously, being a pitmaster and food is the passion. The business side is something that most people don't learn until they're in the space. How did you go about navigating that?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Well, it was kind of like Dr. Joe reached out to me and I went to talk to see a guy named Mr. Ronald Isley, and boy, look at him. Ever since he got that star on that avenue, he put a star on me and I'm a ride with it. You know what I mean? Yes, sir. I'm a man. Look here, I'm going to shout it out. I don't know what I'm talking about.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I wanted to go to the Ryan Isaac piece. I mean, that's. Are you. I know you worked some events for him. How did that Connection even come about.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Like I said, it was a guy, Dr. Joe White. And he helped me out, he hooked it up. I seen Ron, his wife, hey, they cool in the game, you know what I mean? So I was like, hey, well we should have been together, you know what I mean? He do the singing and I do the tyndonism. That's what we should have been doing. Matter of fact, CKD cut me a record. The boss, well that'll be showing up lying in. Yeah, I might be able to cut a rub. That's the kind of stuff I like doing, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, but that's how that came about. And since then, yeah, I had some bride office like you gotta go to Atlanta when I leave here, I got some pop up I gotta do. Then we go to Fresno when I leave Atlanta and I think it's about next month sometime be in Houston. And then I'm gonna see Mr. Lee, he got an event coming up down that way. So everything come together like two butt cheeks, you know what I mean? That's what I'm talking about.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So is your goal to have your own restaurant or do you like just what you're doing now as far as pop ups and catering events and brand deals? Like what's your vision?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Hey, look here, I wanted really. I want to do a lot of celebrities, I want to do a lot of senior citizen, you know, and people that don't, you know, have much, I want to give them some too because it is meat ain't cheap. But then when everybody get a taste of it, they say, boy, look at here, look at here. Might have some little classes or something. Just put, put me on one of them podcasts or something. It let me get down early in the morning. Y' all have to watch it kind of late. Cause that's like 4 o' clock in the morning when you gotta get up. And we don't wanna get up like that. Cause you know I ain't getting no younger and these hairs ain't getting no darker. Matter of fact, they getting grayer, you know what I mean? So my wife don't like me be gone all day. So I got.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

How often do you. Do you get to stay in the kitchen or in the pit as much as you'd like to. Obviously doing a lot of traveling, you know, you're not being able to prepare the food at the same rate that you, that you used to do does. How do you balance that? Do you miss it a little bit?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, I miss cooking. You're gonna always Miss something you love, so. But you gotta move on too. Now, I can train a person how to do that. If they got some time, it ain't gonna come out tenderness. They'll know where it came from. You understand? It just take a little time. You gotta have love, though. You got to. You can't rush.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

First ingredient is love.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The first ingredient is love.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I love it.

What have you learned from this whole situation as far as trademarks and ownership and marketing? Like what. What's some of the things that. That you've learned?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I learned this right here as we were saying. I'm true to the game. Game came back true to me. I just try to do the best I can, man. Keep pushing forward. So. And the thing about when you doing something and something happened, most people look at the bad. I look at the positive. This wouldn't have happened. It didn't happen. It happened for a reason. So what was the reason why it happened? Like seasoning. You don't season fish with some beef seasoning. You have beef season for beef, season fish for sis, Fish seasoning for fish. So it must have been my time. And look, I got all the way to Harlem from a little city called Hume. Can y' all tell me where Heman is?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I cannot.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Me neither. Yeah. I ain't know about no hearing, you know what I mean? So, hey, I take my blessings all the time and thank you again. Yes, sir.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

We talked about Ron Isley, obviously, Keith Lee, Desi Banks, which was an incredible video that went viral. Is there somebody that's reached out that was surprised you or that you were taken back by that showed you support? That was like, wow.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I tell you.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Really? Really.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Who? Ronald Eyes.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

That was war.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Hey, man, look, to be around the gentleman say now that's all right right here. I cut a million steps from the Ronald and his brothers. So, man, look here. That's beautiful. Then I just left Ms. Shepherd show. That's even more lovelier, you know what I mean? And it got me way down here in Harlem. And that's beautiful, too. Yeah. So, hey, then I gotta get on the plane and go to Atlanta. Yeah. I see a guy out there, shout out to Steve, Steve Barbecue. We coming, boy. We finished setting off. Yeah. I just want to say that in my hands anyway. Yes, sir.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Talk about, like, so many times, people don't understand overnight success. They use the word overnight success. So it literally took you 50 years, right? 50 years of traveling to every state in the country, working at every type of restaurant to hit your moment where now you're Becoming an online sensation and that fame. So I think that's a lesson in itself. Like, talk about, like, you just having the patience and just staying the course and just doing the work every single day for 50 years to get to a point now where people are really respecting you and having such high reverence for you.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Now. That's the beautiful. That's. That's the. That's the end game. You know, like in chess, you got an opening game, you got a middle game, then you got the end game. I'm at the end game. So it's lovely. It's lovely. And I think I'm up just a tad bit. Cause I got two pawns. So if I can get this other pawn down there, I might have something. I look at it checkmating.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

You know, you talked about the end game. When I hear Mr. Tenderism, I think something much bigger. I think merchandising, I think product. Because the one thing in business that you learn early is that if you don't replicate yourself, how can you scale right? There's only so many interviews you can go to. There's only so many people you can cook for. Is that something that's on the vision board now as you're looking at the success that you had? Is it, hey, there's a cookbook. Or can we not. Where are we at? What's on the vision board? I guess.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Hey, C. Cook, they told me a loose lip, a single ship. So I try to keep everything on. Not that I'm gonna be quiet about it. Cause one day you might just see me in all stores across the United States. More over there in the other country, you know, so, hey, and brand deals. I ain't talking about no little brand deal. I'm talking about that in game, brand deal. You know what I mean? So that's where I met with that. You know, I don't want to discuss things that. I mean, there it is. But if you take that word life and you take the L and E off of it, you'll have if. If you wake up in the morning. So you can't say what's going to happen because we don't know. So I take this day. It's a blessing. I ain't gonna say. I ain't looking forward to them days. Cause the game ain't over yet. That's right. Yeah. They say the game be sold, not told.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

That's a fact. Well, I definitely think for my 2 cents, I mean, the podcast would be great. Like, you have a great personality. And like you said, just From a culinary standpoint, but just motivation and. And daily affirmation and stuff like that.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Like, man, come on with it, Mike. Now, you know, you got. You gotta be motivated, Mike.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

That's a fact.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

You gotta be motivated and dedicated.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

100.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. And I'm gonna stay motivated and dedicated.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

100.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. And I would keep it real, too. 110. I'll go and keep it real. There ain't gonna be no playing with this now. Yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

And then also, the brand deals is great, but like he said, I think you definitely could have your own line of Lori's seasonings and barbecue sauce and different things of that nature. Where.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. Mr. Tendon is.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

See that? The Mr. Tender is an apron, boy.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. You know one thing, man. I ain't gonna even tell you nothing, man. Hey, you been my bags or something, man. What. What's going on? I had a gift. You know what I mean? Oh, man. And it got Mr. Tendonism only.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Okay.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

But I ain't gonna tell y' all where I got that gift from. Y' all won't know that, but. Yeah. Hey, man, I'd like to see that, though. Some seasonings, barbecue sauces, you know. You know, baseball, calf, you know, even though I don't wear kango, why not have Mr. Tendonism Kangar? Why not?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Why not?

Why not?

Why not? And the cooking classes is a good idea, too, because there's a lot of people, younger people, so it's a disconnect between generations.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So they don't. They don't understand that Southern barbecue tradition. They just getting fast food now, so they.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

They will. Oh, look, I got something planned, man. Y'. All. Wait a minute, man. Y' all ain't got me bugged up with that. Y' all got, you know, all that stuff I didn't know nothing about. But how y' all know about it?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Artist just thinking from a bit.

You're just thinking from entrepreneurs, and that's it.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

But anyway. Yeah, that'll be beautiful. See? Cause I got kids and I got grandkids, and they might have kids. Kids, you know, I'm talking about some grandkids. I got kids. When I say grandkids. Some more kids. There's some more kids. I like all of them. You know, one day to see. I know him and my grandpa 10 years. Yeah. See that kind of stuff. But the whole world know me.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

They say, now, now, this is something that I need to know. Been married 14 years. I can make a few meals, right. You've been married a lot longer than I have. Who cooks in the house, man?

Look at him.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Let me tell you something right now, my baby don't feel like cooking, then I'm gonna have to throw down like that rat cheese packing. But, boy, my baby throw down cooking, you understand? I might go through a few Bloomingdales and things and all them kind of place, but as you know, get hungry this time. So. Hey, she can get down too, though. That's the good part about it.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Two chefs.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, boy. Ain't got to be doing a whole lot. You handle that part, I handle this part. And we get together at the table, I'll be trying to eat up everything, her part and my part.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Most important ingredient is love.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's it, man. That's it, man. That is what I'm telling you. And that's one thing. If I could teach some of these kids out here in the world, not just the world, if they learn this trade, this cooking thing, there'd be some of the happiest people in the world, because you can't think about all that crazy stuff. Nothing cook, you see? Cause if you don't burn something up, the kitchen might be one of them. So you gotta stay focused. As long as they stay focused. They come to my class. I'm gonna get them. Yeah, yeah, that's right. I'm gonna make them candy balls all kind of see the whole lot of stuff. Y' all don't know what, man. Yeah. Y' all know about 10 years of all one end. Are you all around cook, man? Everything.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Everything.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I can't say what I was finished, like, on my wife sitting over there. Pig, pussy, poke, boy. You know what I'm talking about? You talking about. Please. Oh, man. Whoa, whoa, whoa.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So. So that. I mean, you brought up a good point as far as the art of culinary. Because it does teach you a lot of different things. It teaches you discipline. Yes. It teaches you to follow authority because somebody has to teach you. So you gotta. You gotta listen to that. It teaches you patience. Like, you bake it like, it's gonna take a long time. So, yeah, that's good for everybody to know. But like, that, those disciplines, it's more than just tasting good, like you're actually learning real life skills.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's right. That's right. You got to. You got to know. You know, you use a boning knife for boning to get the feet. You don't use a chef knife to bone. You got to be doing that a long time to use that chef knife for boning. So, yeah, it's discipline. Come in like, your fingers might have a little cut on it. You know what I mean? So how do you not cut your hand? Don't cut your finger off. See, you mess with slicers. So it's a dangerous field, but it don't have to be dangerous. You just gotta pay attention to what you're doing, stay focused. And if you really want to do it, then y' all probably need to try to come to Mr. Tendonism class. Tendonism. I say come to his class. Gonna be open real soon. Just don't have a date. Yeah, you'll be able to reach me all over the world. Yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

And virtual. They got a virtual option for people that can't come tape it.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Man, look at him. Think of what they call that. Social media. Yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yeah.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Then that's why I better be on the social media program called Tenderness.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I can see it.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. I can teach you, right? Hey, all that you gotta do, make sure your parents send me a letter that. Cause you messing with them knives at home. Yeah, yeah. So I want you cutting your hands.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Gotta have a disclaimer.

Gotta have it.

Yeah. I mean, I wonder, as you move around the country, right, I feel like the impact is felt. Right. We've seen the viral sensation that has become what Mr. Tenderism is. Number one are other chefs, pitmasters, reaching out to you for advice. And the other part of that is that, you know, imitation is the greatest form of flattery. So are you seeing people trying to pop up in a way that you went viral and trying to replicate it?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, man. See, they be showing me. My little grandkids be showing me, look at grandpa. They trying to imitate you. So it was a guy walked in one day, he had a blue suit on. Hag, blue dude kind of look. He don't put white paper over his mustache now. But mind you, he came in with his kids and wife. So you trying to do me, huh? Yeah. I said, okay, that's pretty cool. Then everybody say, man, there's a whole lot of people out there invitating you. So imitate. Yeah, look, they show me all these clips, people doing all kind of stuff. But then they saw me, one guy just threw his glasses like that. Cause me tendonism, man. And so I said, oh, okay. Yeah. I mean, hey, here's what it is. I don't have no age. They want to do it, do it, you know? But you know really well what I really like. Give me some cartoon characters. Two kids about from 8 to 12. By the time they got 15, ooh, they be shoved. Well, I'm talking about razor sharp. Yeah. So I got something for them.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

The glasses don't break.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Hey, man, look out.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

What glasses? What kind of glasses are.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Hey, check this out. Them is really. I said. I told you. I gotta keep it real. Reading glass.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Hey, there's another man. Look.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, this is my.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

We just unsolved this.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

That's the throwing beds. That's the throwing pit, man.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Look.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Oh, they both throwing bed. Yo, Ray J could have learned something.

Rachel, It's. So those are the real indestructible glasses.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

You know Ray J. I'm trying to find Ray J. Yeah, yeah, he need them. He needs those. Yeah. Hey, look out. Oh, yeah, they still work. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We can still see them. Y' all contact Ray J. Yeah. Cause I showed you some tinnitism. Glasses. Yeah. I don't know why. There's something there.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

We got some.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Boy, that. What I'm talking now. Make this interesting, man. Now y' all talking my language, man.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I'm trying to call him right now. Yeah. I ain't calling it three years, but we gonna try to make it. Yeah, let's see if we can make some magic happen.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, look. Can you imagine, man? They're saying tender kneels. Tendon is wood frame.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I got.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I gotta.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I got a big idea.

What's that?

Well, you know, that AI is a real thing. Meta has the glasses. We might know some people over there. That might mean maybe you need to talk to.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Man, wait a minute. Y' all about. I mean, hey, man, what can.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

And we can watch you actually, as you're making it because you have the glasses on, man. See that? See that?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's cold, man.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Where y'.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

All. When we going over there? I'm gonna have to. We gotta catch that brain back, boy. That's on.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

We gonna make some calls. We go. I'm gonna make. I'm gonna make the call.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, I can walk a couple of blocks right now, man. And we can get on over there. Matter of fact. Oh, we can get there all right. Vanilla here got a call. Yeah, I know y' all got them. It's just too big. That New York. You ain't walk across New York. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Let me ask you this. Let's have this conversation. As far as. Like, I've been wanting to have this conversation forever. As far as we gonna. Let's shake the Internet up. You've been all over the map. All every state. You cooked in every state. You tasted food in every state. What's the Top five food cities in America.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The top five food cities in America.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

And why.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

And why you got Cajun down there in New Orleans? They got a twist that knock your feet off. You see what I'm saying? I mean, it's cold blood. Kansas City got a sauce. You know, people don't understand it, though, but they do. Mississippi got some of the best. Boy, I can't even tell you flavors. I don't know what it was. Might have been in the Delta. Y' all ever been to. Why not Mississippi?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

No.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Okay. I was down by them parts, you know. But anyway, so now, don't get me wrong, Chicago got some food. Yeah. And Texas. The whole state, man, look here. I ain't to say the whole state, but you go. You go between. I'll say Houston, Dallas. Oh, I got some snake. That's some nice food out there.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So you got. You got Mississippi, you got Louisiana, New Orleans, you got Chicago, you got Texas. And who was the fifth one?

Well, you said Houston. Inside of there, you got one more.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I got another state. Yeah, you should have gone over there and check out Alabama.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

All Southern states.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I mean, hey, man, they put it together like a swell piece of leather, boy. Look, you just gotta combine it. I'm talking about, they be cooking. They make mashed potatoes, taste good. You know what I'm saying? Yeah, you gave juju was raw mashed potatoes. But they put twist on the mashed potatoes. Boy, look here. You don't even know. You ain't got no meat on your plate. That's pretty good.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

That's silent.

That's all barbecue. That's all food.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's love. Talking about food. Food across the board.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Food across the board.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. You didn't.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Okay, so we ain't made the list.

No. New York.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Hey, man, look here. New York got their own thing out here, man. But you was talking about you should ask me for five. You would say six cents.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

You did what?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I'm saying. I did the five. I'm just telling y' all things I do and go there and check it out. Hey, look, you ain't got to believe me.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

What's the number? What's the number one?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The number one state. Tendonism. Tendonism is the number one state. Let's get. That's not correct. We ain't. No, it's not no competition. It's just tendonism.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Number one.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's it. So now, that's how that question get answered.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

So barbecue is a specialty. Do you ever explore in other cuisines? I'm West Indian So obviously I'm asking, because when you said oxtails, I'm thinking that might be crazy jerk chicken. Like, do you. Or you just stick to the barbecue?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

No, I cook all kind of meals all the way around the board. Yeah, I make oxtail omelette. I can make a pork chop omelet.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Oxtail omelette.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah. Yeah, man. You ain't had one of them?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

No.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

See, then you asked me about the. Y'.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

All.

Well, curry go, all that, huh? You got us?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, I got you. The only thing you got to do, man, get them oxtails, man. We all make it happen, kids. Y' all be oxtail albums every morning. Yes, sir. Boy. To put the bacon down, you'll put the bacon down.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

But that is a message that we will sponsor. Put the bacon down.

How does it feel to have social media, like, so many people love you, like, unk you, become like, that word has been used to describe you from millions of people all over social media that never met you. Like, anytime you post, it's so much support that you get. How does it feel? I'm sure when you walk the streets, people ask you for pictures. Like, how does that feel, man?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Feels. I just. I ain't gonna. It feel pretty good. I ain't gonna lie, but I feel the same way. I gave him a picture 20 years ago. You did what? I'm saying, I shook their hand. We could have had some fun then. You did, but, you know, things happen. And, hey, I don't mind being their uncle if they won't listen to me. Well, you gotta stop that nonsense and let's get it on, then. You know what I mean? Could you imagine me having a restaurant and all their employees? Boy, that'd be lovely, huh? All my nephews and nieces everywhere. Aunties, grandma. Boy, we all got rest right there.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

I see it, and I see it becoming a staple because people love you. They love the story. The food is important. That's why I think the Ron Eiseley piece was as important, because, yes, it's cool to meet somebody that you grew up listening to. What it does is it invites other people to say, look, I've had him for a private event. You also should have him for a private event to help business. I think that was part of the uproar, was like, wait, how do we help him? And I think that's a story that we should really highlight. We saw a story, and we didn't run from it. We said, how do we help? Did you get emotional about the outpouring support from the Community. Or was it like, man, look at God.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Man, look at God. But you know, I got feelings, too. So I say, wow, that's cool. In the gang, wow. I can help a lot of people. And the cold part about it, my lady preach, I feed folks so people do understand a little bit about the Bible. Jesus say, feed them first. Then I'm going to give him the word. If you on an empty stomach, you ain't listening to nobody. You won't listen to Jesus, you ain't listening to nobody. You try and get your stomach from your back. Yeah. And if you got some kind of life and them two things go together, him upstairs and food, that brings love. And at the end of that, love, tenderness.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

All right, my brother. Well, before we leave, before we leave, I gotta ask you about this. This, yeah, your style, right? Like, is that. That's part of your marketing. Like, you got the suit, you got the glasses, you got the oriole shoes on. Like when you wake up in the morning, are you. Are you purposely. Are you intentional about putting. Putting the lookout for the world to see? Is that part of it?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, man, I've been putting this look out, man. I ain't gonna tell y'. All, I am. I've been putting this look out a long time. I ain't gonna walk. I mean, we grew up like this. I had a few brothers. Yeah, man, shoes put crease in your pants, boy. Yeah, you going outside, boy, you'll go outside looking like, get in the house. So, you know, we come suited and booted, you know what I'm saying? And I just like the style now, you know, people don't. Oh, you dressed up. Dressed up. No, I ain't clean right now, but I can get. I could clean the border.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Hell, that's every day. Just every day.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

That's just an everyday thing with me, Mike. I like shoes. I mean, them tennis shoes, pretty good too, at 15, $20,000 a pound. But I can't be wearing no tennis shoes all the time. That's just ain't my style. Can't. Can't get loose with the, you know, I ain't on a basketball court or nothing. You know what I'm saying? So, hey, that's it. Now, I dress like this all the time. I've been doing this for a minute. Let me see. A long minute. Yeah. Alone. Yeah. Tweeze was in. Tweeze wasn't in. You know what I mean? We always had pinstripes, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, yeah. Double breasted and things like that.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yeah.

Poking out pocket squares.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, man, I see you over there, man. Look here. I just tried to do the best came. Cause I be, like, having fun all the time.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yeah, and where'd you get the slang? Like, where'd you get the language from that just comes that you grew up?

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

I've been talking this way all years I've been living. I don't even know a language, man. It ain't no language. Same language. You in school, too. You got the same language. See, people try to hide and fake it. I can't do that. I just talk the way I talk. I try to let people understand. And some of the words might be cut, little shout. You understand what I'm talking about, though? That's when you break it down. They understand. Yeah, they do. Hey, come on, man. And then, you know, I am from the African American family. There's no doubt about it. So I'll get it twisted. Yes, sir. So let's tell it like it is. I just try to do the best. It'll make no difference what side of the block you came up on. Over here, over there. If we come together like two butt cheeks, boy, I can make it happen. That's what I'm talking about. That's all you gotta do. Yeah, man. That's tenderness type talk. You know what I'm saying?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Yeah, I love it. I love it.

Well, thank you, my brother. It's been. It's been a pleasure.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

It's been a pleasure, man, coming down and kicking with y', all, Mike. Yeah, yeah, man. Y' all got that. Dude, what's your cuz? Name was Mater. You know the guy, you know make these things right here.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Oh, matter, matter. Yeah, yeah, we're gonna make that. I'm gonna make that call bigger.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah, man. The number 955222. You can touch tendonism at your wound. No, y' all just having fun. Mike, appreciate you joining us. So how can people follow you, Mr. Tendonism. Official Mr. Tendonism. Just look it up on social media. Official Mr. Tendonism. And you'll see another name called Walt Johnson. Stop following that page. I'm going to have glasses for you. I know some people that know. Some people say, might be able to get these glasses. Yeah, you'd be able to watch. Look at glasses, boy. You see all outside. Take pictures and things. You know what I mean?

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Okay, there we go.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yeah.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Up on the lingo.

All right, well, there you have it, ladies and gentlemen. Make sure y' all follow and stay tuned, because I'm sure I'M sure you're gonna have a lot of announcements coming soon.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Pretty soon.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Make sure y' all follow. Make sure y' all support. And once again, thank you, my brother. Appreciate it.

Yeah.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Cool in the gang. I say cool in the gang. Appreciate being here. Oh, God. All right, y' all keep holding it down.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Mike. Yes, sir.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Yup.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

From taco night in Tulum to sushi in Tokyo, every bite is rewarding and postworthy with MX Gold's 4X Membership Rewards points at restaurants worldwide. Wherever you dine, points are piling up. So bring your friends along for your next course. Because it's not all about the posts. It's about the company and the memories. How can Gold from Amex sweeten your next food moment? Learn [e-mail] Explore Gold terms and points

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Cap Apply peace to the planet Charlemagne. Tha God here. And listen, we are back. The Black Effect Podcast Festival is back in Atlanta on April 25th at Pullman Yard. Yeah, and the full lineup is nuts. We got the Grits and Eggs podcast, Deontay Kyle and Big Ice Cup Cat. We got Club 520 with Jeff Teague and the gang. Don't call Me White Girl Mona will be there. Keep it positive, sweetie. With Crystal Renee. We got Reality with the King with Carlos King. And yes, Drink champs will be in the building. Plus, you know we gonna have a lot of guests, so you need to join us. And we got the Black Effect Marketplace, the picture podcast, and everything you expect from the Black Effect Podcast Festival. Tickets are on sale right now. Go get [e-mail] podcast festival.

[Interviewer / Host (possibly Mike or a co-host)]

Don't play yourself.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Okay, pull up.

[Clayton Eckerd]

I'm Clayton Eckerd. In 2022, I was the lead of ABC's the Bachelor.

[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

But here's the thing. Bachelor fans hated him.

[Clayton Eckerd]

If I could press a button and rewind it all, I would.

[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

That's when his life took a disturbing turn. A one night stand would end in a courtroom.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

The media is here. This case has gone viral.

[Clayton Eckerd]

The dating contract.

[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

Agree to date me, but I'm also suing you.

[Clayton Eckerd]

This is unlike anything I've ever seen before.

[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

I'm Stephanie Young. Listen to Love trapped on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Clayton Eckerd]

You know Roald Dahl, he thought of Willy Wonka and the bfg. But did you know he was a spy? In the new podcast, the Secret World of Roald Dahl, I'll tell you that story and much, much more. What you probably won't believe it either was this.

[Podcast Promoter / Stephanie Young]

Before you wrote his stories.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

It must have been. Okay, I don't think that's true.

[Clayton Eckerd]

I'm telling you, the guy was a spy. Listen to the Secret World of Roald Dahl on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Next Monday, our 2026 iHeart Podcast Awards are happening live at south by Southwest. This is the biggest night in podcasting. Will honor the very best in podcasting from the past year and celebrate the most innovative talent and creators in the industry.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

And the winner is.

[Clayton Eckerd]

Creativity, knowledge and passion will all be on full display.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

Thank you so much, iheartradio. Thank you to all the other nominees. You guys are awesome.

[Clayton Eckerd]

Watch live next Monday at 8pm Eastern, 5pm Pacific. [e-mail] or the Veeps app.

[Walter Johnson (Mr. Tenderism)]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.