The UpNUp Podcast

The UpNUp Network
  • 4.9 (72)
  • Society & Culture

'The UpNUp Podcast' brings you authentic conversations with visionaries, entrepreneurs, and community builders who are shaping the future. Hosts Robel Andmicael and Ermias "DJ Erm" Haile dive deep into the journeys of people creating lasting change—from local communities to global movements—delivering insights that inspire action and purpose across all walks of life. Our mission is to build pathways and inspiration for the next generation of visionaries ready to create their own impact, helping us all keep our lives on "The UpNUp"

  1. Jul 14

    'I Ain't No Joke' w/ Mr. Goopie

    "Mr. Goopie" — real name Michael Kebede — is one of the most exciting young voices in comedy and content creation right now. In this episode of the 'The UpNUp Podcast', we sit down with the 23-year-old Ethiopian-American comedian, streamer, and emerging actor from Atlanta, Georgia to talk about the real journey behind the viral moments, the grind nobody sees, and the creative risks that have defined his rise. From accidentally going viral with 18 million views his freshman year at UGA, to performing at the Atlanta Hawks halftime show, to building a multi-platform audience across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch — Michael breaks down exactly how he got here and where he's going next. This conversation covers identity, immigrant family dynamics, the discipline it takes to build something real, and why taking bold creative risks is the only strategy that has ever worked for him. If you are a content creator, comedian, aspiring entertainer, or anyone trying to figure out your next move — this episode is for you. Topics covered in this episode: How one dorm video changed Michael's life overnight (00:31:07) Growing up Ethiopian-American in Atlanta (00:15:05) Attending a PWI as a Black student & turning that experience into comedy (00:29:24) Why he almost dropped out of college and what changed his mind (00:40:17) The discipline and strategy behind his creative risks (00:51:40) Performing at the Atlanta Hawks halftime show (00:52:47) His 30-day New York City move and what it produced (00:53:58) Building on Twitch from the ground up (01:03:07) Stand-up comedy, acting ambitions, and what is next (01:13:42)

    'I Ain't No Joke' w/ Mr. Goopie

  2. Jun 8

    'People, Places, Things' w/ Hussein Ugas

    What happens when someone takes their darkest chapter and turns it into a lifeline for an entire community? In this episode of 'The UpNUp Podcast' we sit down with Hussein Ugas — Executive Director and Co-Founder of Rahma Recovery Center in Federal Way, Washington. Hussein's journey from homelessness and addiction on the streets of Minneapolis to founding two Washington state firsts is one of the most powerful stories we've ever had the privilege of sharing on this platform. In this episode we cover: (00:46) The opening of House of Du'a — WA's first faith-centered recovery home for Muslim women (8:09 & 28:31) How stigma and silence kill more people in immigrant communities than the drugs themselves (9:16) The Recovery Farm, Narcan training, and what's next for Rahma Recovery (30:09) How Hussein went from homeless and battling addiction to nonprofit founder (38:21) Why there is no word for "addiction" in the Somali language — and how it affects an entire community (45:50) The founding of Salaam House — WA's first accredited culturally responsive sober living home for Muslim and East African men (53:29) What "culturally responsive" recovery actually looks like in practice (1:14:17) Narcan training — how he's trained 400+ people to save lives in their own communities Whether you've been touched by addiction, work in recovery, or simply believe in the power of community — this episode is for you.

    'People, Places, Things' w/ Hussein Ugas

  3. May 25

    'Just A Conversation' (Spotlight Series) w/ 'Acts On Stage'

    Welcome back to another episode of 'Just a Conversation' Today Robel is joined by three incredible brothers from 'Acts On Stage' - Jeremy Rubin (writer), Isiah Anderson Jr. (director), and Josh Webb (actor) - representing three different generations of Black men who've come together for their powerful production "Black Man Goes to Therapy." This conversation gets real about mental health, vulnerability, and how the stories we carry can either hold us back or move us forward. What We Cover: • Why Black men struggle with seeking mental health support • How theater creates safe spaces for healing and vulnerability • The importance of multi-generational conversations about mental health • Breaking down stigmas in the Black community around therapy • The creative process behind bringing sensitive topics to the stage • How community and brotherhood support mental wellness Key Takeaway: "We put on these masks because we feel like we have to fit in. How exhausting is that? The hope is that people can start having conversations with loved ones and be okay being vulnerable." Perfect timing for Mental Health Awareness Month - this conversation could save lives. Acts On Stage - "Black Man Goes to Therapy": Show Dates: May 21-31, 2026 Location: Acts On Stage Theater Tickets: ActsOnStage.com

    'Just A Conversation' (Spotlight Series) w/ 'Acts On Stage'

  4. Apr 13

    'Just A Conversation'(Spotlight Series) w/ OG Mambo

    Welcome back to another episode of 'Just a Conversation' our spotlight series! Today I'm joined by OG Mambo, a Zimbabwe-born, Seattle-raised hip-hop artist who's been grinding in the Pacific Northwest music scene for years. This conversation gets real about the journey, the struggles, and what it actually takes to build something lasting in music. As well as how the Puget Sound Regions music landscape is growing with more potential than ever before! Whether you're an artist, creator, or someone who believes in the power of consistency and community, this conversation will resonate with you. What We Cover: 02:47 - OG Mambo introduction 07:23 - Background and journey into music 12:10 - Zimbabwe heritage and cultural identity 20:15 - The importance of consistency in music 25:01 - Opening for major acts and industry recognition 32:39 - Being students of the game 41:30 - Highlighting Seattle hip-hop artists 49:07 - Building community through music 54:04 - Making a difference vs. making a point

    'Just A Conversation'(Spotlight Series) w/ OG Mambo

  5. Mar 30

    '8 Year's Young' (Anniversary Episode)

    Eight years. March 31st, 2018 to March 31st, 2026. In this special anniversary episode, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared together. From those early days in a little room to the platform we've built as a community - this one's for everyone who's been part of the story. We're sharing our gratitude for the day ones, the guests who trusted us with their stories, and every listener who chooses to spend their time with us. Plus, we're giving you an exclusive audio preview of our 8-year anniversary film. To our podcast family who aren't on social media - this episode is especially for you. You'll get to experience our visual anniversary piece through audio, capturing the essence of what these eight years have meant to us. Thank you for believing in this vision. Thank you for being part of this journey. Keep your vision intact. Keep moving forward. And keep it on The UpNUp.

    '8 Year's Young' (Anniversary Episode)

  6. Mar 23

    "Just A Conversation" (Spotlight Series) w/ Carlos Banks

    Welcome to the first episode of our 2026 season and the launch of our 'Just A Conversation' series! In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Carlos Banks, Regional Director for iUrbanTeen Northwest, to discuss how his organization is transforming the lives of Black and Brown youth by exposing them to career pathways in STEM, arts, and skilled trades. Carlos brings a unique global perspective to youth development work, having spent seven years in South America where he became fluent in Spanish. Now he's channeling that experience into connecting young people with industry professionals right here in the Pacific Northwest. What We Cover: 01:26 - Introduction of Carlos Banks and iUrbanTeen mission 08:17 - What makes iUrbanTeen different - connecting youth to industry professionals 14:06 - AI hackathon announcement for high schoolers 15:22 - Paid work experience program - $25/hour opportunities 19:04 - STEM+Arts+Trades approach and why it works together 31:42 - Seattle gala April 4th - "Illuminating Futures" event details 39:23 - Success metrics - 20,000+ youth served, 86% to college/trade school 40:15 - Travel as education and opening doors for youth 44:39 - Carlos's original poetry - "Awakening" Whether you're a parent, mentor, educator, or someone who cares about youth development, this conversation offers valuable insights into programs and opportunities that could change a young person's trajectory. Connect with iUrbanTeen: Website: iurbanteen.org

    "Just A Conversation" (Spotlight Series) w/ Carlos Banks

  7. Mar 10

    'Listen Before You Speak' w/ 'Yonny'

    This isn't just another artist interview. This is 90 minutes of pure transparency from someone who just lived the dream most people only fantasize about - and he's breaking down exactly how it happened. "Yonny" didn't just "make it." He strategically built something from nothing in Seattle, turned down major label offers, and chose his own path to Warner Records. The decisions he made will challenge everything you think you know about the music industry. WHAT MAKES THIS DIFFERENT: Most success stories skip the real parts. The declined credit cards. The self-doubt. The moments when quitting felt easier than continuing. Yonny doesn't skip anything. Key Moments: 10:57 - The Busta Rhymes moment that started everything 17:28 - Meeting his core team in Seattle 23:23 - The show that changed his career 29:00 - Getting signed to Warner Records 44:17 - The story behind "Rich in Melanin" 46:42 - Real advice for upcoming artists 52:12 - Seattle's hip-hop renaissance 54:58 - His mom's inspiration 59:27 - Music industry secrets 1:02:47 - What drives him every day

    'Listen Before You Speak' w/ 'Yonny'

  8. Feb 18

    'Service Never Sleeps' w/ Jesse Johnson

    Jesse Johnson isn't just talking about change - he's building the future of work. His new revolutionary Pre-Apprenticeship Program has a maxed out waitlist because students are seeing 6-figure career potential without crushing debt. This episode reveals the blueprint for workforce revolution that's happening RIGHT NOW. THE GAME-CHANGING WORK HAPPENING NOW: • Federal Way Pre-Apprenticeship Program with 50+ person WAITLIST • Kids graduating ready for $65/hour electrical work at Boeing • 1.5 MILLION in funding secured for trades training • Students painting the NEXT AIR FORCE ONE • Breaking the "college or bust" mentality that's crushing families

    'Service Never Sleeps' w/ Jesse Johnson
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4.9
out of 5
72 Ratings

About

'The UpNUp Podcast' brings you authentic conversations with visionaries, entrepreneurs, and community builders who are shaping the future. Hosts Robel Andmicael and Ermias "DJ Erm" Haile dive deep into the journeys of people creating lasting change—from local communities to global movements—delivering insights that inspire action and purpose across all walks of life. Our mission is to build pathways and inspiration for the next generation of visionaries ready to create their own impact, helping us all keep our lives on "The UpNUp"

Information

  • Creator
    The UpNUp Network
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The UpNUp Podcast

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