Podcast
Unglossy
Hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank, Jeffrey Sledge · EN
Is influence built through hard work—or shaped by the choices no one sees?
Hosted by hip-hop legend Bun B, music industry veteran Jeffrey Sledge, and brand strategist Tom Frank, Unglossy cuts through the noise to explore what really drives creativity, influence, and legacy. No rehearsed talking points. No brand-approved answers—just honest conversations with people who’ve built something real.
Unglossy brings you inside the minds of artists, athletes, founders, and cultural architects to unpack the grind behind the growth: the risks taken early, the setbacks that sharpened the work, and the discipline it takes to turn ideas into impact.
If you care about culture, music, business, branding, or how ideas spread when effort meets opportunity, this is your front-row seat.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @UnglossyPod and join the unfiltered conversation.
Produced by Merrick Studios — where culture takes the mic.
28episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Unglossy x Comic Culture: Multiverse
Oct 1701:11:48Tap to summarizeA stretch limo, three kids on bikes, and Pete Rock’s block—by the time the crew steps out, half the neighborhood’s there. That’s the energy of this Unglossy crossover: Tat Wza, Mickey Factz, Pete Rock, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank colliding over comics, hip-hop, and the MCU with zero small talk.They go from childhood comics and bodega mystery packs to hot takes on Feige, Hulk’s nerfing, and whether Endgame was therapy or just fan service. Expect wild casting debates (yes, Doom gets his own mood board), sharp arguments, and a cliffhanger: Bun B’s secret Marvel cameo.Big stories. Bigger opinions. No filters."Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/Send us a textSupport the show
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The Future Is Conversational: Cardi, Kimmel, and Football
Oct 1101:14:00Tap to summarizeNo guest, no fluff—just Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge turning up the signal and turning down the noise. We kick off with what’s cooking at Merrick Studios (Unglossy, Mixed & Mastered, Our Love/Hate Relationship with Comic Culture, Pitch Lab) and why podcasts are becoming the new cable. Then it’s Cardi B at Trill Burgers and the rise of celebrity cosigns as cultural currency. We get into comedy vs. consequence (Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension and the line between accountability and censorship), why Fashion Week’s real runway is now the sidewalk, and football’s full takeover of pop culture—from NIL swagger to breakfast kickoffs abroad. Plus: Jeffrey’s bionic-eye comeback, a pro-wrestling guest tease, and enough food talk to make you order something you’ll love and regret."Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/Send us a textSupport the show
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Michael Ford: Blueprints, Beats, and Belonging
Oct 200:58:28Tap to summarizeThis week on Unglossy, Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge sit down with Michael Ford, The Hip Hop Architect—a designer using rhythm and rhyme to reshape skylines. From leading tThe Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx to launching the Hip Hop Architecture Camp, Ford proves design can be culture, not just construction.He shares how rap lyrics inspire real-world spaces, why representation matters in architecture, and how collaborations with Kurtis Blow, Lupe Fiasco and Herman Miller, and turn creativity into community impact.The crew dives into Virgil Abloh’s legacy, Lenny Kravitz’s world-building, and Ford’s next blueprint: a Hip Hop Museum of the South in Memphis.🎙️ Tap in as they connect bars to blueprints, showing how hip hop doesn’t just shape culture—it designs the future. This is Unglossy."Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/Send us a textSupport the show
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Chris Shepherd: Houston, Hustle, and Taste
Sep 2601:13:01Tap to summarizeJames Beard winner Chris Shepherd pulls up to Unglossy with Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank to talk real kitchen life—no foam, all flame. He traces the glide path from Tulsa dishwasher to Houston icon, why cooking clicked when school didn’t, and how using all five senses beats any recipe card. We dig into Underbelly’s whole-animal, write-the-menu-daily chaos; the gloriously unhinged One Fifth experiment (five concepts in five years); and the way Houston’s Vietnamese community reshaped Gulf flavors—from crawfish boils to kimchi on a “Chinese-Korean” menu. Bun and Chris revisit the night they wrote wine notes together (“that tastes red” is canon now), we adjudicate the great gravy debate (brown on almost everything; white strictly for chicken-fried), and Chris breaks down how Eat Like a Local can take a chicken-fried steak from 50 orders a week to 400. Most importantly, we go deep on Southern Smoke—emergency aid, mental-health care, real safety nets for hospitality workers—and how you can help. Come hungry, leave useful.🎙️ Tap in. This is Unglossy."Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/Send us a textSupport the show
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Hawaii Mike: Culture, Cannabis, and Connection
Sep 1901:25:47Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Unglossy, hosts Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank welcome Hawaii Mike, a creative force whose journey spans road managing Mobb Deep to editing at The Source. Today, he is the founder of Chef for Higher, where hip hop, cannabis, and culinary arts come together to create community through dining. Together the crew reflects on the growth of the Unglossy network and dive deep into the evolution of hip hop culture, the challenges of the music industry, and the power of authentic storytelling. Hawaii Mike shares how he’s blended food, cannabis, and culture into unique experiences, while the hosts explore themes of self-awareness, identity, and personal growth. From fashion and community to the global reach of hip hop, this conversation is a celebration of culture, connection, and carving out new lanes.🎙️ Tap in. This is Unglossy."Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/Send us a textSupport the show
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Chef Teach: Hustle, Heat, and House of Mac
Sep 1101:15:38Tap to summarizeChef Teach (Derrick Turton) pulls up to Unglossy with Bun B, Tom Frank, and Jeffrey Sledge to chart a wild route from Luke Records and Pitbull’s early grind to Miami’s cult-favorite House of Mac. We get into the origin of that legendary mac & cheese, the food-truck-to-brick-and-mortar leap, COVID pivots, DoorDash math, SOPs that save businesses, and why your playlist is part of the plate. Bun shares how a nudge turned into a movement—and how mentorship boomerangs. Plus: Trillburgers x KD “Easy Money” drop, MySpace with Lil Jon and E-40, and the hard truth about scaling without losing your soul—or your margins.🎙️ Tap in. This is Unglossy."Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/Send us a textSupport the show
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BARON
Jun 24, 2021Tap to summarizeNBA legend Baron Davis joins the show to talk about his forays into tech and his directorial debut with the film he also co-wrote: “Domino: Battle of the Bones.” Also on this episode: Tom tries to engage Lupe on human-eating whales and flying cars, Royce talks about his Monster relapse and the challenges of staying in shape. Email your questions to saywhatdotmedia@gmail.com OR leave us a voicemail at 707-276-6261 AND if you want more #LupeandRoyce join us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/lupeandroyce for bonus content, priority shout-outs and responses to your questions — plus perks like discounts, merch, and early access to news and announcements. Shout out to the sponsors of today’s show: StockX – Buy and sell the hottest sneakers, apparel, electronics, collectibles, trading cards and accessories at http://www.stockx.com Magic Spoon - Use promo code “lupeandroyce” to save $5 off your next purchase: https://magicspoon.com/lupeandroyce. And see the full trailer of Baron Davis’ “Domino: Battle of the Bones” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6Y-X6r6iFk The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media Production: https://www.saywhat.media/ It is hosted by Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5’9” and Tom Frank. It’s produced by Tom Frank and Lauren Sloat, and recorded and mixed by Claude Jennings. FOLLOW US: https://www.instagram.com/saywhat.media/ https://twitter.com/saywhatdotmedia Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Transcribe →Nudge
Mar 5, 2021Tap to summarizeTom gives an update on his underground t-shirt business. Lupe helps Royce prepare for a possible GRAMMY acceptance speech, shares some of his favorite “decline stories,” and checks in with the fellas on the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees. The men discuss the next TV Club assignment, and get nostalgic about BET: Uncut. Tom attempts to play some listener voicemails, leading the dudes to discuss the supernatural before Lupe and Royce debate the existence of the perfect verse.If you love the show, make sure to subscribe, leave us a review and give us a shout on social using #lupeandroyce. Email your questions to saywhatdotmedia@gmail.com OR leave us a voicemail at 707-276-6261 and make sure to tell LUPE who you are and where you’re calling from.The Lupe & Royce Show is a Say What Media Production: https://www.saywhat.media/ It is hosted by Lupe Fiasco, Royce da 5’9” and Tom Frank. It’s produced by Tom Frank and Lauren Sloat, and recorded and mixed by Claude Jennings. Send us a textSupport the show
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