Merrick Studios

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Channel • 5 Shows

Personal Journals

Personal Journals

Updated weekly
Music Commentary

Music Commentary

Updated weekly
Mental Health

Mental Health

Updated weekly
Film Reviews

Film Reviews

Updated weekly
Music Commentary

Music Commentary

Updated weekly

25/03/2024

Mags Miller: Exploring the elements of authentic storytelling

The theme of the show, and this episode in particular, is brand, culture and the unexpected. Mags Miller, director, producer, and storyteller, is the perfect encapsulation of our theme. Why? Because everyone needs Mags Miller! Mags is a Global Citizen who grew up in Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. Over the past 20+ years she has worked on numerous Discovery Network and NatGeo TV shows. She’s embedded with the USMC in Afghanistan, navigated through hoarders’ homes, chronicled the lives of survivalists in the wilderness, directed a variety of personalities and has eaten delicious food in amazing locations. Hear her stories, including her time in a Nigerian prison with Tom, understand her “Do No Harm” policy, and appreciate the way she approaches storytelling that creates a space to allow people to open up.” "Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to 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/ This week’s episode of Unglossy is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Cynthia Ticao. Dr. Ticao served as the Executive Director and later International Development and Donation Specialist for Gede Foundation over the span of 21+ years. Please enjoy the documentary, Gede Foundation: A Story of Hope, that was discussed in this episode at https://merrickcreative.com/insights/unglossy-mags-miller Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
03/07/2025

Jasper Cameron

Send us a text In this episode of Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with legendary songwriter and producer Jasper Cameron to explore his journey from Atlanta church pews to crafting chart-topping hits. Jasper shares how Atlanta shaped his view of success, the church’s role in honing his talent, and how mentors like Dallas Austin opened pivotal doors. They dive into Atlanta’s tightly knit music scene, the rise of artists like Lloyd, Sammy, and Nivea, and the balance of writing mature songs for young voices. Jasper reveals behind-the-scenes stories of hits like “You” and “Girls Around the World,” working with icons like Christina Aguilera, and navigating the ever-changing music business. From CeCe’s star power to the complexities of girl groups and the magic of demo sessions, Jasper offers rare insights into what it truly takes to create music that moves the world. Support the show Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered.
27/05/2025

Extra Credit: Faith Newman

Send us a text In this Extra Credit episode of Mixed and Mastered, Faith Newman shares some unforgettable stories and insights from her legendary career in the music industry. From the artist she desperately wanted to sign (but couldn’t) to the wild experience with Public Enemy and some unforgettable concert moments, Faith’s journey is packed with amazing memories. Tune in to hear more about her life in music and the unforgettable moments that shaped it. Support the show Mixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered.
10/06/2021

JESUS

Tom & Lupe are joined by the new-and-improved Royce da Fridge9. The men go deep on bananas, then debate the spectacle of boxing in the aftermath of #MayweatherPaul. Lupe asks big questions about the origins of martyrdom in hip-hop, leading to a meaningful discussion about the unexpected role of religion in culture. And don’t miss the big announcement about our upcoming LIVE ZOOM HAPPY HOUR! 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 sponsor’s of today’s show, Masterclass: Our listeners can get 15% off an annual membership at masterclass.com/lupeandroyce 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 a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
19/04/2024

Marcus Samuelsson: Pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry

Witness culture and the unexpected converge, revealing the medley of tastes, sounds and experiences that influence the brand that is—Marcus Samuelsson. From a young age, Marcus aspired to be great by recognizing greatness in others. His path to becoming a decorated chef, restaurateur and philanthropist who's accolades include a 2023 Emmy Award (that makes two cameos in this podcast), was powered by creative and cultural experiences from his travels around the world. With restaurants spanning the US, Canada, Bahamas and his native Ethiopia, this eight-time James Beard Foundation award winner has inspired with his lyrical dishes from kitchens located in neighborhoods one might not expect to find them. Journey with us as Marcus dives into the why and how behind his ability to bring people and communities together while blurring the lines between music and cuisine until their cultural significance feels almost one and the same. "Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Creative and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to 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 a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15 May

Tim Frank: Playoffs, Ping Pong Balls, and the Future of the NBA

The NBA's Sr. VP of Communications, Tim Frank, makes history as Unglossy's first two-time guest. Twenty-two years at NBA headquarters, an NBA Championship in year one with the Houston Rockets, four straight WNBA titles with the Comets — Tim has seen it all and isn't afraid to talk about it. Tom, Bun B, and Jeffrey go deep on the Playoffs, the truth behind the Draft Lottery, the new TV rights deal, expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, and what genuinely worries Tim about the future of the NBA. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank and produced and distributed by Savage. All episodes at https://www.besavage.co/unglossy. Join the conversation @unglossypod.
15/02/2024

Unglossy (Official Trailer) with Tom Frank, Mickey Factz and Jeffrey Sledge

Welcome to "Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," where we delve into the essence of branding beyond the surface sheen. This isn't your average corporate podcast. Join Tom Frank, Partner and Chief Creative Officer at Merrick Creative, Mickey Factz, Hip Hop Artist and Founder and CEO of Pendulum Ink, and Jeffrey Sledge, a seasoned music industry veteran, for "Unglossy" as they get to the heart of what truly drives individual and organizational brand . In a world where where image is carefully curated and narratives meticulously crafted, we're here to explore the moments of vulnerability, pivotal decisions, and creative sparks that fuel the relationship between brand and culture. Get ready for a thought-provoking journey into the heart and soul of branding – the unscripted, unfiltered, and truly Unglossy truth. Tune in to "Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture" on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod and join the conversation. *EPISODE 1 COMING MARCH 2024* Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
20 Mar

Rodney Shealey on Tour Life, Def Jam Era, and Record Breaking

This week on Mixed and Mastered, Jeffrey Sledge sits down with veteran music executive Rodney Shealey — a Brooklyn-born industry leader whose career spans the rise of modern hip-hop and R&B and includes shaping records for some of the biggest artists in the world. From growing up in East Flatbush and getting his start on the road during hip-hop’s earliest touring era, to rising through the ranks at Virgin, Epic, Island, and Def Jam, Rodney walks us through a journey built on proximity, relationships, and seizing opportunity. Along the way, he shares stories about breaking records in the golden age of radio, working alongside legends, navigating the inner workings of major labels, and the real dynamics behind Black music departments. They also get into the evolution of the business, the shift from radio to streaming, career vs. money decisions, and how those experiences led Rodney to his current role at HarbourView Equity — where he’s helping build one of the most ambitious Black-led investment platforms at the intersection of culture and capital. This is Mixed and Mastered with Rodney Shealey. Mixed and Mastered is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Jeffrey Sledge. Join the conversation on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod Mixed and Mastered is hosted by Jeffrey Sledge and produced and distributed by SAVAGE. Catch all our episodes at https://www.besavage.co/mixed-and-mastered.
25/11/2025

Grief and the Body

In this episode of Two Mothers, One Aché, Dionne and Yvette welcome their very first guest—author, athlete, mother, and fierce grief-advocate, Myra Sack. Together, they explore how grief lives in the body—how it tightens the throat, aches in the heart, disrupts our systems, and demands to be felt. Myra shares the story behind her memoir 57 Fridays and the creation of eMotion, the nonprofit she founded to help grievers heal through movement, ritual, and community. The conversation flows through: • The physical symptoms of grief—and what they’re signaling • Emotional musculature and learning to trust ourselves again • Breathwork, micro-rituals, and the power of a “quiet mile” • The cultural discomfort with grief and why community matters This episode is tender, grounding, and transformative. A conversation for anyone learning to live in their body again after loss. Aché. Send us a text Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Yvette Dávila and Dionne C. Monsanto. Each episode offers a brave and intimate space where grief is spoken aloud, healing is shared, and love refuses to fade—listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever your journey takes you. Join the conversation on Instagram @2mothers1achepod and learn more at wearemerrickstudios.com/two-mothers-one-ache-pod. Original music by Dasan T. Broadnax, known artistically as O.D. Mongrel. Discover more of his work on all streaming platforms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
21 Apr

Healing in Real Time

Not polished. Not resolved. Just real. In this intimate episode, Yvette and Dionne reconnect across distance and grief, sharing what it means to keep healing while life is still unfolding. Through breathwork, honest reflection, and lived experience, they explore how grief evolves, how joy and pain can coexist, and why listening to your body is part of the journey. This is healing as it happens—in real time. Pro Tip: Boost your Mood (and Energy) with this Yoga Flow - https://joyousocean.kit.com/moodlift

We don't just market people and events. We make them matter. SAVAGE is a lifestyle, and a creative growth engine built to spread it. We manage social currency through the creation of digital content. Attention becomes influence. Influence becomes commercial value.

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Merrick Studios

Top Shows

Mags Miller: Exploring the elements of authentic storytelling

Jasper Cameron

Extra Credit: Faith Newman

JESUS

Marcus Samuelsson: Pushing the boundaries of culinary artistry

Tim Frank: Playoffs, Ping Pong Balls, and the Future of the NBA

Unglossy (Official Trailer) with Tom Frank, Mickey Factz and Jeffrey Sledge

Rodney Shealey on Tour Life, Def Jam Era, and Record Breaking

Grief and the Body

Healing in Real Time

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Merrick Studios

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