Still Standing: Jason Weaver on Resilience, ATL, and What's Next

Summary

Podcast Summary: Still Standing – Jason Weaver on Resilience, ATL, and What's Next

The Latest with Loren LoRosa · May 27, 2026

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Overview

In this engaging episode, host Loren LaRosa sits down with actor and singer Jason Weaver for a conversation that explores resilience in the entertainment industry, behind-the-scenes challenges, the cultural legacy of ATL, and what’s next for Weaver—including his new talk show project. With warmth and honesty, they delve into mental health, creative hustle, ownership in Black storytelling, and community impact, making this a must-listen for fans and anyone interested in the realities of Hollywood for Black creatives.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Checking In: Mental Health and the Entertainment Hustle

[05:23 - 11:32]

• Loren’s Daily Check-In: Loren invites Jason to open up about his current state, acknowledging how fast-paced creative work can mask real feelings.
• Jason on Navigating Uncertainty:
  • "I would be lying to you if I said I didn’t feel a little uneasy at times, especially with the current climate… But I also, in a weird way, feel hopeful because I’m seeing so many people use their voice and platforms to speak out." – Jason Weaver [05:35]
  • He notes the pressure of being a provider for his family and reflects on the collective anxiety many feel in uncertain times.
  • Jason encourages listeners: “During uncertain times is when… some of the greatest ideas or some of the greatest occurrences can happen, where innovation, you know, takes place and creativity.” [08:00]
  • Emphasizes the importance of taking things one day at a time, accessing community, and maintaining self-care—even if it’s just a little bourbon and some SportsCenter.
  • “All of this is temporary anyhow. Not to sound so morbid, but it’s true. This is an opportunity just for you to experience life and to learn from it and to grow and evolve.” – Jason Weaver [10:14]

2. Real Talk: Cultural Impact and the ATL Sequel Hurdle

[17:07 - 25:34]

• ATL Reunion and Sequel Conversations:
  • Jason explains missing the ATL cast reunion due to scheduling but emphasizes ongoing family-like bonds among the cast.
  • On the possibility of a sequel: “There were some conversations… but until you get a script and a budget and contracts… it's not real until then.” – Jason Weaver [19:07]
• Hollywood’s Reluctance:
  • Weaver breaks down Hollywood’s risk-averse math regarding Black-led films and why ATL hasn’t yet received a green light for a sequel, despite passionate fan demand.
  • “We, as a culture, look at ATL as an iconic…classic… To the average Hollywood executive… ‘Did it perform that well globally to [justify] investing 30 or 40 million dollars?’” – Jason Weaver [21:19]
  • Loren highlights the lack of social media and limited theater count at the time of ATL’s original release, pointing out that modern marketing and star power would make a sequel even bigger now.
• Cultural Economics:
  • Weaver explains the uphill battle for Black films to get made purely on their cultural value, and how creative ownership and control—referencing Byron Allen as an example—are changing the landscape. “I feel optimistic about the future… when I see people like Byron Allen stepping up… putting their money where their mouth is, buying up these companies… that will allow us to really have skin in the game.” [24:22]

3. Ownership, Community, and What’s Next

[31:03 - 34:53]

• The Power of Conversation:
  • Jason praises Loren for fostering open forum discussions that are “so, so important” for the culture.
• Announcing the New Talk Show: Leave It to Weaver
  • Jason reveals his upcoming late-night talk show, produced with the 85 South team: “I’m launching a late-night talk show… called Leave It to Weaver.”
  • The format will mix elements of the Arsenio Hall Show and 106 & Park: live band, studio audience, performances, and expansive, thought-provoking conversations with both talent and figures impacting the Black community, including politicians.
  • “I want to bring that back… a launch pad for Black talent, whether they’re emerging or legacy… for them to have a stage and a home to come to and perform and have something to say—and to be able to do it right here in the black, or the African American, mecca of Atlanta.” – Jason Weaver [33:23]
  • Loren is invited to be a guest on the show and promises to show up for “food and hookah.” [34:56]

4. Legacy and Looking Forward

[30:28 - 31:03, 34:53 - 35:30]

• Loren and Jason express a shared hope that these types of cultural conversations spark real industry change, not just for ATL but for shows like The Chi and new projects to come.
• Jason hints about more roles and developments for The Chi, pointing to the continuous evolution of Black creative expression on screen.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Perseverance:
  “Anybody out there as well that’s feeling the same things that we’re feeling, just know that you’re not alone—and don’t be too hard on yourself…just keep pressing forward because everybody’s feeling it.”
  — Jason Weaver [09:16]
• On the Value of Black Stories:
  “To the average Hollywood executive… ‘Did it perform that well overall, globally…?’ That’s how these executives look at it… Unfortunately, particularly when it comes to telling our stories… we always get hit with that.”
  — Jason Weaver [21:19]
• On Cultural Ownership:
  “When I see people like Byron Allen… that will allow us to really have skin in the game and to have ownership in what it is that we’re doing… empowering us as Black creatives so we don’t have to hear those rejections anymore…”
  — Jason Weaver [24:22]
• On the New Show:
  “I’m stepping more into… the arena of being a personality and helping to raise awareness around things and people in everyday topics that matter to me… not only entertain, but inform and enlighten.”
  — Jason Weaver [33:21]
• On Creating Space:
  “All they’re going to do is just spark up more conversation and more ideas among one another, and that’s what we really have to do…”
  — Jason Weaver [31:03]

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Timestamps by Segment

• [03:55] – Introduction and Jason’s perspective on Loren’s work.
• [05:23] – “Check-in” on mental health, resilience, and uncertainty.
• [09:16] – Advice for listeners on dealing with career struggle and maintaining integrity.
• [17:07] – ATL cast reunion, sequel rumors, and Hollywood’s perspective on Black films.
• [21:19] – Breakdown of industry economics for Black films.
• [24:22] – The importance of Black ownership in media.
• [31:03] – The role of open conversations in creating change.
• [32:00] – Jason unveils his upcoming talk show, Leave It to Weaver.
• [34:56] – Fun banter about appearing on Jason’s new show.
• [35:07] – Teaser for part two: Jason’s role in The Chi and future projects.

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Tone & Style

The conversation is warm, candid, supportive, and rooted in real talk about the challenges and triumphs of Black creatives in entertainment. Both Loren and Jason use humor, vulnerability, and straight talk to give listeners inspiration and actionable insights.

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Note:
This summary omits non-content sections and advertisements, focusing solely on the primary interview and conversation topics. For full context and more, check out the episode wherever you get your podcasts.

Transcript

[Lauren LaRosa]

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[Wheezy]

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[Lauren LaRosa]

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[Charlamagne Tha God]

Charlamagne the Godhead now look, y' all know I'm big on ownership. Owning your ideas, owning your business, owning your future. And that's exactly why I use Shopify. Shopify is the platform that lets you take an idea and actually build a real business out of it. What I love is how discoverable it makes everything sh puts products everywhere people actually shop. Google, YouTube, TikTok, shop the shop app. Even inside chat GPT you can literally go from conversation to checkout. That is the next level options in our changing world. And right now the Black Effect storefront is busy and Shopify is handling the heavy lifting I am excited that Shopify is going to be at our Black Effect podcast festival this year in a major way and I will be there preaching this platform to all our small black owned businesses that partner with us. Shopify is helping drive the marketplace this year at our festival and their footprint and commitment to us and, and the community of black owned businesses is something I am proud to be a part of. Build your store, own your audience and create something that lasts. Start [e-mail] Breakfast Club.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I'm the home girl that knows a little bit about everything and everybody exclusive.

[Jason Weaver]

You know she don't lie about that, right?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Lauren came in hot.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Hey, y', all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa. And this is another episode of the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. This is your daily dig on all things pop culture, entertainment news and all, all of the conversations that shake the room, baby. Now, joining me today in a conversation that I know is going to shake the room a bit, we have Mr. Jason Weaver. Some of you guys may know him as shot. It depends on where you're watching him at and what sentiment you're watching him because you may know his voice as well from the Lion King. Still to this day, there's been so many iconic moments in our history of storytelling that you've been a part of. So, you know, we are thankful to have you here at the Latest with Lauren LaRosa. How you feeling today?

[Jason Weaver]

What's up, Lauren? Hey, I'm so pleased and honored to be here. Thank you for having me on as a guest. Big fan of you and a big fan of the work that you do, especially on the Breakfast Club as well. So definitely happy to be here on the latest. This is dope.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Oh, well, that means a lot because you've been in the show business since you could blink ever, so.

[Jason Weaver]

Oh, yeah. But I pay attention, though. I always, I always pay attention to, you know, people that I see that are, that are ascending and that are rising stars and really standing out and, you know, that matter to the culture and, and have something positive to provide and to share and no. So I definitely respect, you know, your commentary and your perspective, especially related to current events, whether social, political. You always have a very intelligent perspective in the way that you articulate and express your thoughts, especially to that audience. I just really respect it. I think you do a fantastic job. So salute to you.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I appreciate it. But. But I, I'm used to everything being about you, not about me. Now, y' all know here at the Latest with Lauren LaRosa we always check in behind the scenes of the grind, and it is no different when we have our very special guest in the room back on the grind. So, Jason, how are you feeling today? And when I ask you that, you have to, like, really answer it, like, think about it a little bit, like, how are you? Because a lot of times when you are here hustling and figuring it out, we don't stop to check in on ourselves, for sure, but especially not each other. So I built this in so I could daily check in with myself.

[Jason Weaver]

You know what I love? I love this segment, and I love that question. I'll be honest with you. You know, I feel good. I recognize that I'm very blessed and that my family is very blessed. I would be lying to you if I said I didn't feel a little uneasy at times, especially with the current climate, everything that's going on in the country, you know, the state of the economy, and, you know, I'm a father, and I'm the head of my household, and I take care of my mother and, you know, as a provider in the things that are going on right now. And even just the. The tone, the. The tension that currently exists in the country right now, I do feel a little uneasy. But I also, in a weird way, feel hopeful because I'm seeing so many people, day in and day out, use their voice and their platforms to speak out in resistance of all of that stuff. And I see people even, you know, dealing with financial aspects and the uncertainty surrounding the economy. I'm seeing more people come to others, aid and be willing to help one another and come together. So it's weird. It's weird. But overall, I feel good, though. The show's out.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I know. Yeah.

[Jason Weaver]

You know what I mean?

[Lauren LaRosa]

The show's out. You working, you got some things moving. It's like you never want to complain because you always want to be grateful because of the climate. Things could be so much different. But, like, there's always this, like, it's so weird that you have that. Do you have that? Like, what if I wake up tomorrow and, like, this? Is this a complete 360? Do you see sometimes.

[Jason Weaver]

Oh, man. No, listen.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Your career, I feel like that now, and I felt like it's like a trauma of, like. Because I'm oldest. I'm the oldest kid in my house, oldest girl. So I'm always figuring things out for everybody in myself. And right now, things are moving. They're moving so fast. I literally get so nervous sometimes because I'm like, yo, what if I wake up tomorrow, everything's over, or I make a decision that, like, messes up everything and I'm providing for mad people right now.

[Jason Weaver]

You know what? That's a very normal feeling, especially those of us who, you know, are in this business and, so to speak, blazing our own trail. You know, there are times where you may not have steady or gainful employment in this industry, and there are a lot of times where what you generate as far as revenue is literally based on your hustle. Yes. And depending upon where you can be at any given time. And then with the landscape of our business constantly changing through the advancement of modern technology, and then finding. Having to always navigate and find different ways to reach and stay tapped in with your audience. Yeah, the. The feelings that you have are very normal. Even those of us who people view as, like, veteran players in the game or, you know, seasoned members of the industry, you know, all of us feel that way. It's just. It's just a. It's uncertain times. But also, I think during uncertain times is when, you know, some of the greatest ideas or some of the greatest occurrences can happen, where innovation, you know, takes place and creativity. So, you know, again, as uneasy as I think so many of us feel right now, I think there are a lot of us who still realize that we have to keep going and we have to keep pressing forward. And in that willingness to keep going, it shows the universe or it shows God, hey, I'm ready for it. And then before you know it, opportunities and new things enter into your life and, you know, and. And new ways are being made where you didn't see one at first. You dig what I'm saying?

[Lauren LaRosa]

Oh, I get you. I get you. Because then when you get to the other side, you like, oh, I see why I had the boom, boom, boom. Like, you understand the sticking move. You understand?

[Jason Weaver]

Absolutely.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I've been.

[Jason Weaver]

And I've been there a couple of times in my life, you know, whether, you know, I know people have this perception of me. It's like, oh, yeah, he's been on TV since he's a kid and he's done the Lion King, and. Yeah, and all that's true, and all that's good, and I have been very blessed, but that doesn't mean that I haven't encountered my fair share of obstacles and ups and downs. You know, I've. I've had lulls in my career as well where I've had to, you know, restart, re, kick start and find different ways to keep myself out there, while at the same time Maintaining my integrity and staying within the moral boundaries that, you know, I've set for myself. So, no, I mean, we're, we're all challenged with that on the day to day. So anybody out there as well, that's feeling the same things that we're feeling, like, just know that you're not alone and don't be too hard on yourself and, you know, take each day, you know, one day at a time and one foot before the other and, you know, just keep pressing forward because everybody's feeling it, you know, I mean, one

[Lauren LaRosa]

happy hour at a time. That's how we get through.

[Jason Weaver]

You know what I mean? You know, get you a glass. I'm a bourbon drinker, so, you know, if you have one of those days, you just need a light sip and you need to look at Sports center, you know, to clear your mind. That's what I do, you know. Yeah, do whatever it is, even if you meditate, do what works for you, you know, but. But find that inner peace because, you know, all of this is temporary anyhow. Not to sound so morbid, but it's true. It's life, you know, this is. This is an opportunity just for you to experience life and to learn from it and to grow and evolve. And it's not based all around how much money you have, what new bag you have, you know what I'm saying? What new house, a new car, like all the material stuff, especially in America, that people place such. So, so much importance on the surface level and superficial aspects of life and the material. Man, it ain't about that, man. You know, you can. You can feel down one minute and maybe sit down next to somebody at a barbershop or sit next to somebody at a bar and have a conversation that'll lift your spirit. So just be open to all good things and positive things and even confronted with the negative, understand that that's just part of the experience, but you will get through it and come back out on the other side of it a different and stronger person. That's what I just try to do. But we all deal with it, you know what I mean?

[Lauren LaRosa]

That's the way you do it. See, that's why we check in. That's literally why we check. Because you sometimes you need that reminder for yourself. Somebody listening may need it. We. Our community here is called the Lowriders, and it's over 8 million plus of them. So I try to make sure that, like, I know, right? It is so crazy. Podcast is a little over a year old. The Black Effect Podcast Network is They're very powerful. They, they, and they're really, they're really good at understanding what they have, talent wise. Because to be honest with you, what, all I do is press record sometimes from my car, from my bed. I might be, I mean, I be over wherever I'm at. I'm taking a podcast with me and I pride myself on that. And it's just been working out, but a lot of it is ups and downs, whatever. I'm very honest about what I'm going through, especially during this segment right here. It's like my, almost like my ministry or my testimony because people are watching me grow and watching the podcast grow in real time. So we appreciate you for checking in with us today.

[Jason Weaver]

No, and thank you for, for asking that. I appreciate because those, those questions are important and, and you presenting those questions and normalizing that to where even your guests probably when they do that with their friends.

[Wheezy]

This is wheezy. Wtf From Decisions, decisions. You know, a lot of us grew up not fully trusting the healthcare system. And honestly, the system has given us plenty of reasons to feel that way. But now it's time for us to take control of the conversation, to take control of our sexual health, learn the facts, ask questions, and advocate for ourselves. That's how we start changing the story. So let's talk. We like to think HIV is something that affects other people, but it is hitting our own community hard. Black women make up about 13% of women in the US but account for nearly half of all new HIV diagnoses around women. And being proactive doesn't mean you just don't trust your partner. It just means you trust yourself enough to stay in control. So know your options, ask questions, and protect your peace and your body. That's real power. Because protecting yourself isn't embarrassing, it's responsible. Sex is normal. Protecting yourself should be normal, too. Actually, it's kind of badass. Taking control of your sexual health is grown woman energy. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Hey, y', all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa. From the latest with Lauren LaRosa. And it is crazy to think that the first phone call happened over 150 years ago. Like, really sit with that. 150 years. And now it's springtime, the weather is getting nice, everybody's outside. And it kind of makes you think, who haven't you seen in a while? That friend or that family member that you keep saying, yo, we gotta catch up. Maybe it's time to stop saying it and Actually make the call, plan a walk, a picnic, a brunch, something simple just to reconnect. And you know, through all these years and all these calls, AT&T has been there connecting people in meaningful ways. This is more than just a story of technology and innovation. It's really a story of human connection. So as we celebrate 150 years of connection, take a moment today to reach out to someone that you care about. You never know how much that one call can really mean. Connecting changes everything. AT&T Connecting changes everything AT&T.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Amazon Health AI presents painful thoughts.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Why did I search the Internet for

[Wheezy]

answers to my cold sore problem?

[Jason Weaver]

Now I'm stuck down a rabbit hole filled with images of alarmingly graphic source

[Lauren LaRosa]

in various stages of ooze.

[Jason Weaver]

I can clear my search history, but I can never unsee that.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Don't go down the rabbit hole. Amazon Health AI gets you the right care fast. Healthcare just got less painful.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Okay, so quick behind the scenes moment about my business. Because people always ask me, like, how do I actually run everything? So Shopify is literally the platform where I turned this tiny idea into a business. Before this, I was really just like popping up at any in person event, any vending opportunity I could, which I still do, but I wasn't really as focused online. I was like, you know, the websites are going to be too much to build out. I'm not like a super techy person, even though I can make things cute. And I didn't want to put up a website that would run my customers away. I wanted it to be efficient, to be easy. And Shopify helped me build broncogrinding.com out. Once I switched to Shopify, it finally clicked like, okay, I can actually do this. It's not about it being tough. It's about using the right platform to make it easy. Shopify takes all of the guesswork out. I build my own store, I manage my community, own my own customer relationships. Plus, this is my favorite thing. Shopify gets my products everywhere. I'm able to link stuff through Google, YouTube, TikTok, Shop, the Shop app, even ChatGPT and Instagram, which is very important for me. And Shopify's AI co founder, sidekick, game changer, let me tell y'. All right? So it's helped me not only optimize my site, it helps me look at my sales trends, it updates my product skills, all the stuff I'm absolutely not an expert in. But it's like having a genius business partner that never sleeps. And right now, the Brongo grinding storefront and the Black Effects storefront is busy and Shopify is handling all of the heavy lifting. I love that for us. I am pumped, like, so pumped that Shopify is going to show up at the Black Effect Podcast Festival this year in a big way. And I will be there preaching this platform to all of the small black owned businesses that partner with us. So if you've been sitting on an idea or if you're ready to scale, which you've already started, this is your sign. Go to shopify.com ben. If I can do it, you can do it too.

[Jason Weaver]

I respect you and appreciate you for doing that. That's dope.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Of course. Now let's get on into the latest because we got Jason here, y', all, and y' all know we got get into the questions. Let's do it. I saw you guys link up for that ATL reunion.

[Jason Weaver]

Yeah, unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it for that. I was actually in New York.

[Lauren LaRosa]

You listen, when you was in New York, you didn't come by and see us at the Breakfast Club. And then you. And then when they, when they, when the. You know how nostalgic it was seeing that photo and videos of them together. It was. That's another thing where I'm like, we need, we need more. Why?

[Jason Weaver]

What happened? And this is what happened because I was trying to make it to the ATL premiere. I mean, to the ATL reunion, because Tip and Hannah. Shout out to Tip and Hannah. They, they had planned that like a month and a half, maybe two months prior to the actual event. So I was locked in to come. But right as we were wrapping the shy. Paramount had made us aware that we were immediately going to start premiering the new season. And so we had to go on the press junket to do that. So I had to go to New York and I, I'll be honest with you, Breakfast Club was definitely one of my destinations that I wanted to hit, but I had to take orders from the network.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Like, I get you, you know, they,

[Jason Weaver]

they put things with like the age groups and the generations. And so I think they wanted the, the younger class to be able to come on and hang with y'. All. But when I'm back in the city, I'm coming up there for sure.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And. Well, maybe you can come when you guys are telling us when we're gonna get the next atl. Because I know that it was, it was greenlit. Like a studio has said yes to you guys. Right.

[Jason Weaver]

Like, for a second there was some interest. I know that there was some conversations that were happening. I know that Tip and Chris Robinson had gone to Warner Brothers, and there were some discussions that were being had, but I don't know if anything ever really materialized.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I thought I saw something that said you guys were in development, but I don't know at what stage of development, because that could just simply be conversations, right?

[Jason Weaver]

Yeah, the development pretty much means that, is that there's conversations revolving around it. But until you get a script and until there's a budget set in place and, you know, and you've brought the actors back and contracts are signed, you know, it's not real until then. But. But what I will say is, is that if there ever is a time where we can get an opportunity to do a sequel to carry on that story, you know, I would love to be a part of it. I don't know how that story would be constructed. Maybe it would even be a new generation, like our children or whatever that are. That are into it now. But either which way, I would just jump at the chance of being a part of it, because I love all my cast members. You know, Tip, Lauren, Al B. Jackie, Evan, the twins, man, everybody. I mean, we. We literally grew into our own little family. And even prior to the. To the reunion, you know, we correspond with each other on a family group text. Like, we'll tap in with each other, like, every three months, just checking in with one another. So it. There are real friendships there. There is a real ATL family bond that's there.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Y' all do stuff. Like, I remember there was that video that y' all posted, and y' all were like, what? It was the video. Y' all was, like, walking down the street. It was. It was you, Lauren London.

[Jason Weaver]

Yep. And that was weekend.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yes. But we thought that that was, like, okay, filming's about to start. Like, y' all be playing with our heartstrings a little bit.

[Jason Weaver]

Nah, here's what it was. I'm gonna keep it real. And I hope. I hope Tip doesn't mind me sharing this and divulging this. But that was used as a strategy for the longest. Tip and Chris Robinson and all of us have been encouraging Warner Brothers to do a sequel for the film. Right. Okay, here's. Here's the problem, and here's how Hollywood sees this. Just so everybody knows, now, we, as a culture, we look at, ATL is an iconic or classic film that we all enjoy with our families, and that resonates with us, and it sits in our hearts. To the average Hollywood executive, they're like, okay, it Performed well domestically in a

[Lauren LaRosa]

theater,

[Jason Weaver]

it performs slightly. It performed moderately well in a foreign market. But does it. Did it perform that well overall, globally, to where, you know, it's worthy of me investing 30 or 40 million dollars to get this film done. And I may possibly make anywhere from 80 to maybe 90 of it back, or maybe not. If that. That's how these executives look at it. That's how they tabulate it.

[Lauren LaRosa]

That's crazy to me, though, because even if they culturally don't understand, you guys made what, like, $21 million by the end of the. The movie's run from what I'm seeing reported, right? Yeah, but think about it. That was at the time where, like, there was social media, but, like, not for real. For real. You guys know what? Y' all are way more seasoned in your career now. You know what to do. TI Is even bigger, bigger, bigger. King of the South. Even though he say he hanging up king and all of y' all are huge now. It's different.

[Jason Weaver]

No, let me point this out too, as well. Based on the performance that was on a limited amount of screens, we were. We weren't released, like, full amount of screens. So, like, to give you an example, and people can probably look this up as well in the analytics and the data, I think every theater because Ice Age, it was either Ice Age or Ice Age 2 came out the same weekend. Right? Every theater that we performed in along with that Ice Age, we, like, surpassed or we had numbers that were equal to theirs as far as, like, revenue that was generated at the box office. But the theaters that Ice Age was at that we weren't at because we had limited amount of screens that we were on. Of course, that's how they were able to get the numbers to where they won the weekend. But we came in, I think, initially at either a strong second or possibly a third. But we came in.

[Lauren LaRosa]

It was third. You guys came in at third. But to be fair, I just want to. I want to make this clear for people who don't understand what you're saying. So when Ice Age came in at. Came out, Ice age grossed about 600, $660 million worldwide. You guys came in at number three. You're telling me you were up against. You were limited in theaters? Right. And if I'm hearing you correctly, if you're limited in theaters, that mean the marketing behind you guys wasn't the same as, like, an Ice Age. So that's what I mean. So I don't understand why Hollywood studio wouldn't understand the easy genius Math there, like the fact that y' all had to put out that video to basically say, hey, look, the people want it, right?

[Jason Weaver]

Yeah, basically. And I mean, still, it was. It was met with a little bit of, like, not skepticism, because they know that it can be successful. I mean, Tip is a successful brand, right? They would just add it, like, well, what is it just worth the investment at the end of the day just to make a little bit of coin back? And that's how these executives, unfortunately look at it, particularly when it comes to telling our stories. You know, we. We always get hit with that. I mean, even when Sinners first came out. And I remember there was a. An article in Variety where they were more or less downplaying the performance that Centers had at the box office, although it performed well, performed better, I think, than most things it was competing against in the marketplace at that time. But they still tried to put a little bit of shade on the initial results, you know, of the numbers that came back. And you know, that unfortunately, that's just how it. How it was, how to some degree, it still is. But again, that goes back to my initial point of I feel optimistic about the future. You know, when I see. When I see people like Byron Allen stepping up and stepping forward, putting their. Putting their money on the line, putting their money where their mouth is, then buying up these companies or acquiring these companies, that will allow us to really have skin in the game and to have ownership in what it is that we're doing and empowering us as black creatives to where we don't have to hear those rejections anymore in those nos, you know, that's what I feel encouraged about, so that, you know, maybe. Maybe even ATL at some point, you know, maybe Warner Brothers would be willing to, you know, merge with the Stars or something on. Or co produce it with the Stars, and maybe we'll get a. A sequel then. But, you know, until things like that happen where we have control, full control over these intellectual properties, this is weezy.

[Wheezy]

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[Jason Weaver]

thoughts I I can't stop scratching my downtown. Mm, yeah, but I'm not itching to go downtown and tell a receptionist I'm here to talk about my downtown. Some things you'd rather type than say out loud.

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[Lauren LaRosa]

Okay, so quick behind the scenes moment about my business. Because people always ask me like, how do I actually run everything? So Shopify is literally the platform where I turned this tiny idea into a business business. Before this, I was really just like popping up at any in person event, any vending opportunity I could, which I still do, but I wasn't really as focused online. I, I was like, you know, the websites are going to be too much to build out. I'm not like a super techie person. Even though I can make things cute. And I didn't want to put up a website that would run my customers away. I wanted it to be efficient, to be easy. And Shopify helped me build brown girlgrinding.com out. Once I switched to Shopify, it finally clicked like, okay, I can actually do this. It's not about it being tough, it's about using the right platform to make it easy. Shopify takes all of the guesswork out. I build my own store, I manage my community, own my own customer relationships. Plus, this is my favorite thing. Shopify gets my products everywhere. I'm able to link stuff through Google, YouTube, TikTok, Shop, the Shop app, even ChatGPT and Instagram, which is very important for me. And Shopify's AI co founder sidekick, game changer, let me tell y'. All right, so it's helped me not only optimize my site, it helps me look at my sales trends, it updates my product skills, all the stuff I'm absolutely not an expert in. But it's like having a genius business partner that never sleeps. And right now, the brown girl grinding storefront and The Black Effect storefront is busy and Shopify is handling all of the heavy lifting. I love that for us. I am pumped, like so pumped that Shopify is going to show up at the Black Effect Podcast festival this year in a big way. And I will be there preaching this platform to all of the small black owned businesses that partner with us. So if you've been sitting on an idea or if you're ready to scale, which you've already started, this is your sign. Go to shopify.com b e n if I can do it, you can do it too.

[Jason Weaver]

Hello?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Hello, this is Malcolm Glebel from Smart talks with IBM. Today. We're diving into a fascinating conversation with Stefano Pallard, head of fan development for Scuderia Ferrari hp.

[Jason Weaver]

Your pronunciation is strongly American. It's more Scuderia Ferrari.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I'm still working on rolling my R's, but what I was able to learn from Stefano was the importance of engaging the Tifosi, the Ferrari superfans in the digital age.

[Jason Weaver]

Ferrari fans and super fans want to be part of something, want to belong to something. So they want to be part of

[Lauren LaRosa]

a community and ultimately they want to

[Jason Weaver]

be part of a winning team.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You've got Ferrari, which has a long history, design history, and now you're interacting in a kind of digital space. I'm curious how you balance those two traditions.

[Jason Weaver]

When it comes to fan engagement, it's really digital technology and digital channels are being able to create a deeper connection with our fans.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

To learn more about how Ferrari and IBM are using technology to build deeper connections with fans, visit IBM.com ferrari.

[Jason Weaver]

You know you're going to run into that kind of opposition from time to time for sure.

[Lauren LaRosa]

It's just insane though, to imagine that because it is such a cult classic to us, we put this out there. We hope that it sparks the conversation as supposed to. And you know, that's what that's. I in One of the things that I like about this job is that we can start conversations that actually like, can turn into real things that matter here at the latest. And I'm hoping that this does. It's not even just for ATL because I want to see it, but also for like the shy and seeing more things that, you know, Lena Waith is able to do the other cast of the shot which all are about to go and do because I know that there's only going to be more after that. Y' all stay working, okay? Especially you.

[Jason Weaver]

No, I mean, you know what? I, I try to keep it moving. Let me also say this too. I'm glad that, that you mentioned that and I want to compliment you on that as well with this show. The latest. Thank you for the, the questions that you're asking because all they're going to do is just spark up more conversation and more ideas amongst one another. And that's what we really have to do. We have to be able to have these kind of open forum discussions to where we can start talking about the future and where we see ourselves in it and looking at how we can empower one another versus looking outside and asking how can you empower us? So I commend you for having this kind of platform to where we can have those kinds of conversations because it's, it's so, so important. And, and you know, that's something as you, as you're saying, continuing to work. That's something that I'm looking to do as well. I'm actually, this summer I'm launching a late night talk show with my guys at 85 south called leave it to Weaver.

[Lauren LaRosa]

85 south, you know, they're Black Effect as well. We're on the same network. Oh, okay.

[Jason Weaver]

Yep, yep.

[Lauren LaRosa]

They're on the same network.

[Jason Weaver]

Yeah.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Shout out to 85 South Show.

[Jason Weaver]

Yep. So no, I reached out to those guys because I've, I've been fans of 85 for the longest and been on the show a couple times, but I pitched this late night talk show, Leave it to Weaver to them back in October and now we're about to shoot it this summer and it's basically we're bringing, you know, late night talk show back to, or to, to this new generation, introducing it to the new generation. So, you know, back in the day, in the 90s, we had the Arsenio Hall Show. Right, right. And. And we don't really have shows like that anymore now. And when you're seeing voices being now suppressed like, you know, the Colbert and the Camels and, and you know, as far as black people are concerned in the black voice and the black perspective, you just don't see it out there like that. So I want to bring that back. So Leave it to Weaver is essentially going to be a hybrid between the old Arsenio hall show format and 106 and park, where we'll have a live band, live studio audience, live performances. But we'll also have thought provoking, you know, conversations, extended conversations.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Going to host it. The one of the guys from 85 South. Like who?

[Jason Weaver]

No, I'm going to host it.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Oh, you're going host it too. Okay.

[Jason Weaver]

It's It's. It's.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Leave it. You left that part out.

[Jason Weaver]

Yeah, I'm hosting it. So I'm stepping more into, you know, kind of the arena of being a personality and helping to raise awareness around things and people in everyday topics that matter to me, that I want to share with the audience and not only entertain them, but inform them and enlighten them. So you're not just going to get your standard, like actor and singer. You know, I may bring on, you know, a politician who's running for office and who needs our vote and who I genuinely feel, you know, has our best interest, especially as black people at heart, you know, and represented us in government. I may have that person on to be able to kind of discuss or share what their agenda is and what their policies are so that younger voters are informed. So, you know, I think there's a. There's a space for it. Yes, I think in the way that we want to do it in helping to create a launch pad, if you will, for, you know, black talent, whether they're emerging or whether they're legacy talents. For them to have a stage and a home to come to and perform and have something to say and. And to be able to do it right here in the black or the African American mecca of Atlanta. I think it. I think it's going to be a beautiful thing. So not 85 south. The guys have gotten. Gotten totally behind me. Pause with this. They've gotten totally behind me with this and. And helping me to put this out. So I'm very excited moving forward about the future.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Well, congratulations. Let me know when that is coming.

[Jason Weaver]

You got to be a guest.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I'm down. Just let me know. Just hit me up. I'm down. I'm always down for a little trip to Atlanta. You know, get some food in hookah.

[Jason Weaver]

That's right. That's. Get some lamb. Shout out to Samuka.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Okay, exactly that. You get that at the car wash in Atlanta. That was part one of my interview with Jason Weaver. Stay tuned for part two where we get into his role on the Shy. I know y' all love shy from the Shy storyline development and a bunch of other stuff because, I mean, he has a lot to talk about. There's been a lot of roles, a lot of careers and a lot of episodes of the Shy. Stay tuned.

[Wheezy]

This is Weezy. WTF from Decisions, decisions, ladies. Let's talk about taking control of our sexuality. That's grown woman energy. You may think HIV affects someone else somewhere else, but the truth is it's impacting our community, and some of us are being hit harder than others. Black women make up just 13% of the women in the US yet account for nearly half of new HIV diagnoses amongst women. Taking care of ourselves is community care. Know your options, ask questions and protect your peace and your body. That's using your power. Sponsored by Care for the Culture from Gilead Sciences Ever show up late to

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[Lauren LaRosa]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.