Author

This week on Behind the Mic, I’m joined by Anna Uche-Eme of The First Gems Podcast. We talk about her move from LA to Atlanta, her time working in Haiti, and how a tight cousin bond turned into a growing podcast brand. From public health to pop culture, Anna breaks down what it means to build something meaningful as a first-gen Nigerian-American.

🎶 B-Sides Track of the Week:
“Spending Time With You” – Janet Jackson

💽 Listen to our B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EysXGOWrzoQ3Zmp34VWLx

Chapters

00:22 Celebrating Black Music Month
00:59 Introducing Today’s Guest: Anna from The First Gems Podcast
01:50 Anna’s Background and The First Gems Podcast
04:24 Anna’s Journey to Atlanta and Career Highlights
13:30 Rapid Fire: This or That Music Edition

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and follow the playlist on Spotify.
Watch all episodes of The First Gems on YouTube and stream on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Follow Anna: @annam.e
Follow The First Gems: @thefirstgems

Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network
Hosted by Wize Grazette
Produced by The Indie Creative Network
Edited by Storytime Studios

#podcastepisode #revolt #behindthemic

What does it really take to live a big and simple life in today’s noisy, status-driven world?
In this final episode of Season 1, I share my personal journey from leaving corporate life, to moving countries, to choosing clarity over chaos. Some called it brave. Others… not so much. But for me, it was about becoming who I envision myself to be.

We explore:
What it actually means to live a big and simple life
– The fine line between courage and fear
– Why simplicity doesn’t mean small or broke
– Letting go of other people’s expectations

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or simply craving more meaning and less mess in your life this one’s for you.
👉🏽 Are you walking the line between courage and comfort? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Watch the full Clarity Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl48MDCkiuOXqUiZyR7Z40mkfXHdegc8W

*Sponsored by Made Alive Design & Co. – motion graphics + video editing that tells your story right.
Contact: akeem@madealive.me

This week on Behind the Mic, I’m joined by fellow REVOLT Podcast Network veteran and media powerhouse, Lalaa Shepard. Lalaa is the creator of The Progress Report, one of Atlanta’s most respected platforms for hip hop and culture. From her early days working with Cincinnati artists to building genuine relationships in Atlanta’s music scene, Lalaa’s journey is rooted in hustle, intention, and community.

B-Sides Track of the Week:
Lalaa shares “Hot Boyz” by Kai Cash, a standout track from one of her favorite emerging artists.

Lalaa opens up about how her upbringing and work ethic shaped her path from college to the strip clubs of Atlanta where she learned the real mechanics of the music business. She breaks down how The Progress Report became an essential stop for artists, producers, and tastemakers in Atlanta’s hip hop ecosystem.

Featured Quote:
“I’m just a student of the game. I’ve been in love with music and journalism since I was a little kid.”

Chapters:
00:52 Meet Lalaa Shepard
01:26 Lalaa’s Journey in Music and Journalism
03:18 The Progress Report and Atlanta’s Music Scene
05:25 Challenges and Inspirations
14:36 Rapid Fire: Overrated or Underrated
16:22 Lalaa’s Love for Sports

Don’t forget to subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you listen or watch podcasts. Leave us a five-star rating, drop a review, and hit that like button on YouTube. We’re building this community with your support.

Follow Lalaa Shepard:
Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube: @LalaaShep
Website: TPR Media Group
Instagram: @TheProgressReport101

Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by me, Wize Grazette. Special thanks to The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios for editing and producing this podcast.