Stop, Look & Listen

Fourcast Media

Stop, Look & Listen is an interview podcast hosted by LeTroy Gardner. The show features interviews with entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, politicians and other newsmakers. Check out the video version of the podcast and more at http://myfourcast.com

  1. 2D AGO

    She Turned Real Love Into a Novel With Debora Masterson

    What happens when a once-in-a-lifetime love story becomes a book you have to tell? ❤️📖 On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with author, artist, and storyteller Debora Masterson to dive deep into her powerful new novel, Freedom Quest: A Love Story. Inspired by her real-life relationship with musician Craig Ingraham, this conversation uncovers a journey of love, loss, music, and legacy that spans decades. 🎶Debora opens up about the emotional process of writing during the pandemic, why she chose to fictionalize real events, and how she’s preserving the legacy of a brilliant but largely unknown artist. From the rise and fall of the band Freedom Quest to deeply personal experiences involving identity, trauma, and resilience, this story goes far beyond romance—it’s about purpose. She also shares her creative roots in dance and theater, including her time performing in a major touring production with Sammy Davis Jr.—a pivotal chapter that helped shape her artistic path.🔥 In this episode, we explore: The real love story behind Freedom QuestTurning grief into creative purposeThe hidden legacy of musician Craig IngrahamWriting truth through fictionWhat’s next: Keeping Secrets and future adaptations 🎥If you believe in love stories that last beyond a lifetime, this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Deborah Masterson: 🌐 Website: https://www.deboramasterson.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomquestbook/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freedomquestbook/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FreedomQuestBook 🛒 Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ573WV4 🎧 Join LeTroy Gardner and the Stop, Look & Listen family for more powerful conversations: 🌍 www.pushplaypods.com

    56 min
  2. MAY 4

    Keeping Funk Alive! Marlon “The Magician” McClain on Pleasure, Dazz Band, Sampling & Funky Fridays

    🔥 What does it take to keep FUNK alive across generations? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with guitar legend Marlon “The Magician” McClain to break down a career that helped define the sound of funk, soul, and beyond. From the roots of Portland’s iconic Albina music scene to global stages, Marlon shares how Pleasure was born, the influence of mentors like Wayne Henderson, and the stories behind timeless classics like “Glide,” “Bouncy Lady,” and “Thoughts of Old Flames.” 🎶 He also dives into: 👉 His transition to the Dazz Band and joining in 1984 👉 Working with legends like Jeff Lorber, Tower of Power & Maurice White 👉 The evolution of funk through hip-hop sampling 🎧 👉 His Funky Fridays project and staying musically inspired 👉 The “United We Funk” movement and what’s next 💬 “Funk is something you feel… it never leaves you.” Whether you're a lifelong fan or just discovering the groove, this episode is a masterclass in musicianship, legacy, and staying relevant in an ever-changing industry. 🎧 Tap in with Stop, Look & Listen and the full Fourcast Media family 👉 www.pushplaypods.com 🔗 Connect with Marlon “The Magician” McClain: 🌐 Website: https://www.thedazzband.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macmanmusic3/ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FunkyFridays 📢 Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment your favorite funk track 🔔 Subscribe for more legendary conversations

    54 min
  3. MAR 30

    Abdul Ra’oof Breaks Down The S.O.S. Band Legacy, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis

    What really happened behind the scenes of one of R&B’s most iconic groups? 👀🎶 In this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with Abdul Ra’oof of The S.O.S. Band to uncover the untold stories behind the music that defined a generation. From falling in love with music in junior high 🎺 to becoming the voice behind timeless records, Abdul shares his journey—from Albany, Georgia roots to joining S.O.S. in Atlanta after passing on an early opportunity with The Commodores 😳 He also reveals how working with legendary producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis transformed the group’s sound, leading to classics like “Just Be Good to Me” and “Tell Me If You Still Care.” 🎧🔥 💬 "We knew the sound was changing… and it changed everything." Abdul discusses: ✨ The making of “Take Your Time (Do It Right)” ✨ The Jam & Lewis era and sonic evolution ✨ Touring and Tabu Records behind the scenes ✨ Mary Davis stepping away ✨ Becoming a legacy act in today’s music landscape ✨ The truth about sampling and modern R&B ✨ What really happened to R&B bands  Plus, he shares what’s next, including new music from a special side project featuring members of the band. 🔗 Connect with The S.O.S. Band: Website: https://www.thesosband.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@THESOSBAND Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealsosband/ 🎙️ Join LeTroy Gardner and the Stop, Look & Listen community for more incredible conversations: 🌐 www.pushplaypods.com

    1h 29m
  4. MAR 23

    A Story of Resilience and Reinvention With Kettia Ming

    What happens when a thriving business success story suddenly turns into a $1.5 million legal battle? In this powerful episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with entrepreneur, author, and Executive Director of Black Theater United Kettia Ming to talk about the highs, the setbacks, and the ultimate reinvention of her career and life. 🎙️ Kettia shares how she built Smarter Toddler from her Manhattan apartment into two commercial childcare centers serving nearly 300 families, successfully sold the business to Bright Horizons, and later reopened new locations—only to face a $1.5 million lawsuit over a non-compete clause based on “as the crow flies.” After months of mediation and crushing legal fees, Kettia made the difficult decision to settle. The experience ultimately led to a strategic business bankruptcy, a sale to KinderCare, and a deeply personal period that also included divorce. But this isn’t just a story about loss—it’s a story about resilience, reinvention, and staying present when life takes unexpected turns.Kettia explains the stigma surrounding bankruptcy, the difference between personal and business bankruptcy, and how running and meditation helped her navigate one of the toughest chapters of her life. Today, she leads Black Theater United, an organization founded in 2020 to diversify backstage roles on Broadway through education, mentorship, and opportunity. Her upcoming book “Run the Mile You’re In” (releasing May 5th) shares the lessons she learned about perseverance, leadership, and finding purpose in the moment you're living. 📚 Pre-order “Run the Mile You’re In” on Amazon 🌐 Learn more about Kettia Ming Website: https://www.kettiaming.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kettiaming/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kettia/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kettia.ming 🎧 Listen to more episodes from the PushPlay Pods family of shows: https://www.pushplaypods.com ✨ Don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that make you Stop, Look & Listen

    46 min
  5. MAR 16

    James Saxon on Life as a Running Backs Coach & the Future of the Position

    On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with former NFL fullback and longtime NFL running backs coach James Saxon. A proud Battery Creek High School product from Beaufort, South Carolina, Saxon shares how Lowcountry culture, discipline, and fierce high school rivalries helped shape the mindset that carried him to the NFL. Saxon reflects on being selected in the 6th round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, and his playing career with the Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles. He also takes listeners behind the scenes of his coaching career, working in the NFL with players like Adrian Peterson, Larry Johnson, Priest Holmes, Ricky Williams, James Conner, and Le’Veon Bell. Along the way, Saxon opens up about the analytics debate, the evolving value of the running back position, dealing with pressure in professional sports, and honoring the legacy of players he’s coached. He also shares lessons learned through adversity and previews his upcoming podcast highlighting the voices and perspectives of assistant coaches. If you love football history, coaching insight, and real stories from inside the game, this conversation is a must-listen. 👉 Join LeTroy Gardner and the Stop, Look & Listen community for this powerful conversation. 🎧 Listen to the full episode and explore our family of shows: 🌐 www.pushplaypods.com 👍 Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with legends, creators, and culture-shapers.

    1h 39m
  6. MAR 9

    Majella Mark on Carriacou, Oral History & the Diaspora

    What happens when a hurricane hits not just homes but history?  On this powerful episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with cultural strategist, oral historian, filmmaker, and author Majella Mark to discuss preserving Caribbean memory in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. From her Grenadian roots to the lasting impact of the U.S. invasion of Grenada, Majella shares how her parents’ embrace of Black American history shaped her global lens. She breaks down her work leading the modern rebuild of Carriacou’s people-founded museum—balancing preservation with a future-focused approach that refuses to glorify colonial architecture. Majella also touches on: 🌊 The Rising from the Waves project documenting post-hurricane recovery 🗣️ The power of oral history to capture everyday voices 🧠 Trauma support and therapy as part of cultural rebuilding 📖 Her upcoming feminism book “Cats are Trash Human Beings” (releasing March 8) 🎬 A film exploring Connecticut’s Black migration, tobacco labor & connections to Martin Luther King Jr. 💙 A forthcoming coffee-table book tracing indigo’s cultural threads across Africa, the Caribbean & the Gullah Geechee communityThis is a conversation about memory, migration, identity, and the responsibility we all have to document our own stories before they disappear. Follow Majella Mark: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/majellamark/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majellamark/ Website: https://www.majellamark.com/ 🎧 Join LeTroy Gardner and the Stop, Look & Listen family of shows now at: 👉 www.pushplaypods.com If this conversation moved you, like, comment, and subscribe—and start archiving your own history today.

    52 min

About

Stop, Look & Listen is an interview podcast hosted by LeTroy Gardner. The show features interviews with entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, politicians and other newsmakers. Check out the video version of the podcast and more at http://myfourcast.com