Shameika Rhymes wears many hats, but every one of them comes with heart. In this episode, I sit down with the award-winning journalist, producer, and creator behind Check the Rhymes TV, Solebration, and the Ladies Edition podcast. We talk about how her storytelling roots began in television news, how she built lasting relationships with icons like Ananda Lewis and Will Downing, and what it really takes to run multiple media platforms as a team of one. From going viral to growing tired, Shameika shares what keeps her grounded in the work—and in her love of music.

We Chat About:

• The origins of Check the Rhymes TV and how a pandemic birthed a platform
• Her storytelling magic: from BET carpets to booking Barry Sanders
• Why Solebration bridges the gap between health, soul, and celebration
• How she builds rapport with guests and honors their vulnerability
• Her deep love for Michael Jackson, H-Town, Prince, and the Jacksons
• Why music always finds a way into every season of her life

About Shameika Rhymes:

Shameika Rhymes is an award-winning journalist, producer, and host based in North Carolina. A storyteller at heart, she’s the founder of Check the Rhymes TV, Solebration on BlackDoctor.org, and the Ladies Edition podcast. Known for her charisma, connection, and curiosity, she’s interviewed cultural icons across music, TV, and wellness—including Ananda Lewis, Ernie Hudson, and Method Man’s kids—often from behind the camera with just a mic and a dream. Whether she’s spotlighting public health or pop culture, Shameika leads with empathy, hustle, and a whole lot of heart.

Connect with Shameika:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mofochronicles/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@mofochronicles?xmt=AQGzQ1XdQVs1qnYOW5krTSIlOL2vXNIJlGTmFjq9JNETkek

Connect with Julian:

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

In this episode, I sit down with Theo Smith, the creative force behind the viral street interview series Please Don’t Irk Me. We talk about everything from growing up in a musical family and finding his voice in church, to building an online brand that blends humor, heart, and healing. Theo opens up about the mission behind his content, the realities of monetizing social media, and how he stays grounded on the tough days. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay yourself in a world that wants you to package your personality, this one’s for you.

We Chat About:

• How Please Don’t Irk Me went from a catchphrase to a full-fledged show
• His creative process behind filming, scripting, and editing every episode
• What he’s learned about monetizing content on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook
• Why he always leads with joy, professionalism, and presence
• Navigating burnout and staying focused on the big picture
• The musical roots that still influence his content
• Artists he loves across gospel, R&B, pop, indie rock, and more

About Theo Smith:

Theo Smith is a Philadelphia-based creator, singer, and host of Please Don’t Irk Me, a viral street interview show known for its infectious energy, quick wit, and deep heart. A lifelong musician and natural performer, Theo uses his platform to spotlight everyday people, spread joy, and bring laughter to strangers across social media. Whether he’s cracking jokes on TikTok or sharing his love of music on YouTube, Theo leads with presence, playfulness, and purpose. He’s proof that with passion and persistence, a phone and a dream can take you far.

Connect with Theo:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasedontirkme/reels/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@pleasedontirkme?xmt=AQGzQ1XdQVs1qnYOW5krTSIlOL2vXNIJlGTmFjq9JNETkek

Latest YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dal7S1EhidE

Connect with Julian:

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

In this episode, I sit down with Jorge Valentine, an indie alt-rock artist who’s reshaping his sound—and his story—through emotional honesty and creative evolution. We talk about his move from Mexico to Milwaukee, how music helped him process a painful divorce, and why building systems has given him more freedom as an artist. From his early days navigating social anxiety to his current project VLNTYN, Jorge is proving that authenticity and strategy don’t have to be at odds. Whether you’re struggling to share your story or just trying to find your people, this one’s for anyone creating their own lane—one lyric, post, or open mic at a time.

We Chat About:

• The dark themes that shaped his music—and his healing
• Why he rebranded as VLNTYN and leaned into an alt-rock aesthetic
• The artists that shaped his sound: Bright Eyes, Brand New, Elliott Smith
• How he’s balancing emotional storytelling with digital marketing
• Navigating insecurity, social anxiety, and feeling “too old” to start
• His experience with fitness, discipline, and building creative systems
• The powerful shift from survival-mode songwriting to intentional creation

About Jorge Valentine:

Jorge Valentine is a Milwaukee-based musician who creates emotionally charged indie alt-rock under the name VLNTYN. Drawing inspiration from artists like Bright Eyes and Brand New, his music blends haunting melodies with introspective lyrics that explore grief, transition, and self-acceptance. A lifelong songwriter, Jorge is also a personal trainer and systems thinker, building the foundation of his artistry with intention and resilience. His latest releases reflect the duality of darkness and hope—and his commitment to connecting with listeners who’ve been through it too.

Connect with Jorge:

TikTok: http://www.tiktok.com/@vlntyntheband

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vlntyntheband

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlntyntheband/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@vlntyntheband?xmt=AQF0szyPSTku72AL7Jnxd6D3P66Cf58CJVTt30NX2QGKIrw

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3OaHjmFCcak0xwFVxIEvbV?si=listbVHZS0GWK7rlBkPmOQ

Connect with Julian:

Check out the loves music podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL