Valeisha Butterfield has spent her career at the intersection of culture, politics, entertainment, and business—leading global initiatives while never losing sight of her truth. As the founder of C Media and a former Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer for the Recording Academy (Grammys), Valeisha has consistently championed voices and communities that have been strategically undervalued.

In this powerful conversation with host Astor Chambers, Valeisha breaks down why truth is the most important tool in leadership, storytelling, and life. From her reflections on pivoting careers to her decision to self-fund projects in order to maintain ownership, she offers wisdom on navigating toxic environments, building authentic platforms, and raising the bar for yourself and those you serve.

This episode explores:

• Why pivoting is really evolution—not reinvention
• The importance of owning your story and your business
• Navigating toxic workplace cultures with confidence and clarity
• Why “culture eats strategy for breakfast”
• How diversity and inclusion are being dismantled—and how we must respond
• The responsibility of both creators and consumers in shaping culture
• Why truth outperforms data every time
• The three seeds Valeisha wants to leave for future stewards of culture

This conversation is a masterclass in authenticity, resilience, and leadership. For anyone balancing ambition with integrity, or seeking to create change while protecting their energy, Valeisha Butterfield delivers an unfiltered blueprint for moving with courage, clarity, and joy.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired to raise your bar, trust your gut, and always stand in your truth.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Opening Reflections
00:20 – Valeisha Butterfield on Freedom & Identity
01:10 – Culture vs. Strategy: Trusting Your Gut
02:05 – Pivoting or Evolving? Rethinking Career Moves
04:00 – Transferable Skills Across Industries
05:35 – Navigating Toxic Workplace Cultures
08:16 – Playing the Game vs. Owning the Game
09:58 – Founding C Media and Choosing Ownership
11:13 – Why Self-Funding Matters for Creative Control
13:26 – Influence vs. Being Influenced
15:11 – The Power of Telling the Truth in Any Room
18:00 – Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Under Attack
20:20 – Building Community Power and Supporting Each Other
23:00 – Economic Divide: The Real Root of Inequity
24:00 – A Call to Action: Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
26:00 – The Need for Trusted Leadership & Clear Direction
28:00 – Mentorship & Scaling Yourself to Help More People
30:00 – Guarding Your Energy and Choosing Who You Work With
34:00 – Redefining Wealth: Energy, Joy, and Good People
35:00 – Valeisha’s Three Seeds for Future Leaders
37:00 – Closing Thoughts & Gratitude

#ValeishaButterfield #CultureRaisesUs #TrustYourGut #OwnYourStory #AuthenticLeadership #BlackWomenLeaders #CreativeOwnership #CareerEvolution #TellTheTruth #CultureEatsStrategy #InspiringInterviews #BlackExcellence #LeadershipMatters #ResilientLeadership

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In this eye-opening episode of Culture Raises Us, Kenny Mac joins us to dismantle the myths we’ve built around stress and why so much of what we carry isn’t real—it’s imagined. From the “what if” thinking that fuels anxiety to the childhood patterns that keep us in cycles of toxic familiarity, Kenny reframes stress as something we can confront, understand, and rewire rather than simply endure.

He shares practical ways to retrain your mind, treat your brain like a muscle, and create a daily “stress management regimen” that integrates mental, physical, and community care. Plus, Kenny drops a powerful ice-cube breathing exercise that can reset your nervous system in minutes.

This conversation isn’t about ignoring challenges—it’s about stripping the boogeyman of its power so you can see the truth, find solutions, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
#CultureRaisesUs #KennyMac #StressManagement #MindsetShift #BrainTraining #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealthTools #SelfRegulation #PersonalGrowth #OvercomingStress

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In this vulnerable and necessary episode of Culture Raises Us, Grace Harry returns to unpack the layers of intimacy—beyond the purely physical—and why so many men struggle to truly connect in their closest relationships. From emotional suppression learned in childhood to the weight of the “provider” and “protector” labels, Grace breaks down the cultural programming that keeps intimacy taboo for men and limits their ability to fully show up in all areas of life.

She offers practical, compassionate steps for men to build their “intimacy literacy,” including how to soften with themselves, embrace curiosity, and receive feedback without defensiveness. This isn’t just about romance—it’s about building deeper emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and physical connections with everyone in your life.

Whether you’re redefining intimacy for yourself or trying to understand it in your relationships, this conversation challenges old narratives and offers a pathway to something richer and more authentic.
#CultureRaisesUs #GraceHarry #MenAndIntimacy #EmotionalConnection #VulnerabilityIsStrength #RelationshipGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #HealthyMasculinity #PersonalGrowth #IntimacyLiteracy #BreakingStereotypes

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In this insightful episode of Culture Raises Us, Kenny Mac returns to break down the shifting landscape of cultural “tentpole” events—those iconic moments like the Super Bowl, All-Star Weekend, the Grammys, and beyond that once commanded collective attention but are now at risk of losing their impact.

Kenny and Astor explore why over-commercialization, poor preparation, and a KPI-driven approach have diluted the magic of these moments. They dig into the cultural cost of over-branding, the necessity of timing and authenticity, and how new platforms like the NBA Summer League and Fanatics Fest are emerging as fresh cultural hubs.

From protecting the soul of an event to knowing when to pivot toward the next big thing, this conversation is both a reality check and a playbook for brands, creatives, and cultural architects looking to build moments that last.

#CultureRaisesUs #KennyMac #TentpoleEvents #CulturalImpact #BrandStrategy #EventCulture #ProtectTheMoment #TimingAndAuthenticity #FanaticsFest #NBA #CulturalLeadership #MarketingWithIntegrity #EmergingCulture

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In this inspiring episode of Culture Raises Us, multi-Grammy Award-winning producer Warryn Campbell sits down with host Astor Chambers to share a timeless truth: before you can make your mark on the world, you must know yourself inside and out.

From his early beginnings to becoming one of the most respected names in music, Warryn has worked with icons across genres—Mary Mary, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, and more—but he credits his originality not to chasing trends, but to understanding who he truly is. He opens up about the habits, passions, and inner reflections that have shaped his creative identity, and how self-awareness becomes the foundation for any lasting success.

In this conversation, Warryn dives deep into:

• Why self-discovery is the first step to true originality
• How your habits and passions shape your creative voice
• The role of authenticity in building a sustainable career
• Balancing personal values with industry demands
• Why staying rooted in yourself matters more than external validation

Whether you’re a musician, artist, entrepreneur, or someone seeking clarity in life, this episode offers a blueprint for staying grounded while pursuing excellence. Warryn’s message is a reminder that your uniqueness is your greatest asset—and that it’s worth protecting at all costs.

This episode isn’t just about music—it’s about life, discipline, and the courage to remain authentic in every space you step into.

🎧 Listen now to gain insight from one of the industry’s most authentic voices and learn how knowing yourself can unlock your truest potential.

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
01:15 – Who Are You? The Foundation of Originality
04:02 – Discovering Your Passions and Habits
07:45 – Why Self-Awareness Fuels Creativity
12:10 – Staying Unaffected by Outside Influences
16:55 – Balancing Industry Demands with Authenticity
21:30 – Building a Career on Personal Truth
26:20 – Life Lessons from Years in Music
30:40 – The Spiritual Side of Creativity
35:10 – Protecting Your Uniqueness in a Competitive Industry
39:25 – Closing Reflections & Final Takeaways

#WarrynCampbell #CultureRaisesUs #KnowYourself #Originality #CreativeMindset #MusicProducer #SelfAwareness #Authenticity #LifeWisdom #CreativeJourney #BeAuthentic #SuccessMindset #PersonalGrowth #FindingYourVoice #ProducerInterview

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In this deeply honest episode of Culture Raises Us, Marquita Moore of How I Grew Today returns to unpack the spiritual and emotional journey of outgrowing identities, routines, and callings that once served us—but no longer fit who we’re becoming.

Marquita draws a clear line between faithfulness, which is rooted in obedience to God, and familiarity, which is rooted in comfort. She shares her own transformation from living in survival mode to stepping into a God-centered purpose, and the courage it took to walk away from personal and professional success that no longer aligned with her calling.

This conversation explores the fear of letting go, the danger of living for the applause of others, and the freedom found in rooting your identity in God rather than in patterns or past selves. If you’ve ever felt the nudge to evolve but feared the discomfort that comes with it, this episode is your reminder that faith often requires us to move beyond what’s familiar.

#CultureRaisesUs #MarquitaMoore #FaithOverComfort #CourageToChange #GodGivenPurpose #SpiritualGrowth #IdentityInChrist #LettingGo #PersonalTransformation #ObedienceOverComfort #FaithJourney #KingdomLiving

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In this powerful episode of Culture Raises Us, brand strategist and cultural thought leader Kenny Mac joins us to unpack what it really means to move with intention—and why platform alone isn’t the goal, it’s the tool. Together, we examine how artists like Bad Bunny are redefining influence, using their visibility to spark economic growth, cultural preservation, and long-term community investment.

Kenny breaks down a practical framework for converting experience and influence into meaningful execution—and challenges the entertainment industry to think beyond applause and into impact. From strategic timing to authenticity, this conversation explores how artists, athletes, and creatives can empower their teams to embed social good into the core of what they do.

This episode is a masterclass in doing more than performing—it’s about building.

#CultureRaisesUs #KennyMac #StrategicImpact #BadBunnyEffect #PlatformWithPurpose #EntertainmentIndustry #CommunityInvestment #CulturalLeadership #BlackExcellence #PurposeDrivenCreatives #BrandStrategy #ImpactCulture

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In this soul-nourishing episode of Culture Raises Us, Grace Harry returns to explore what it truly means to feed your body, mind, and spirit with intention. In a culture addicted to overconsumption—whether it’s food, content, or constant productivity—Grace challenges us to pause and ask: What am I really feeding myself?

From emotional eating and generational trauma to the daily habits that dull our intuition, this conversation reframes wellness as an act of self-respect, not just self-care. Grace gets honest about her own struggles with emotional “constipation,” the unseen weight we carry, and how simple tools like food journaling and awareness can reconnect us to joy, health, and spiritual clarity.

This isn’t about shame—it’s about agency. And it's your reminder that kings, queens, and creatives alike deserve to feel good from the inside out.

#CultureRaisesUs #GraceHarry #IntentionalLiving #FoodAsMedicine #EmotionalHealth #SelfAwareness #BlackWellness #SpiritualNourishment #MindfulConsumption #WellnessCulture #JoySnacks #GenerationalHealing #ConsciousEating

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