Creative Roots Podcast

Tae Harris

Creative Roots Podcast is where stories begin. Every week, host Tae sits down with artists, entrepreneurs, and makers of all kinds to explore the journey before the spotlight—when the vision was still raw, and the hustle was rooted in passion, not popularity. We go beneath the surface—talking consistency, growth, setbacks, and the real creative process. Whether you’re an early-stage creative or someone finding your way back to your roots, this podcast is here to inspire, reflect, and remind you why you started in the first place. 🌱 New episodes drop every Thursday.

  1. 6d ago

    Where Do We Go From Here? | Creative Roots Update

    Send us Fan Mail We were supposed to have a little one-on-one conversation… but Shamar and Deana made it to the studio, so you already know how that went. This week on Creative Roots, the three of us sit down for a conversation about where we've been, what's still coming in 2026, and where we could take Creative Roots in 2027. We start with a quick look at how Creative Roots has been going since the beginning of the year and some of the conversations that have helped shape the podcast along the way. Then we get into what's still ahead for the rest of 2026 - including our Thanksgiving episodes, the Creative Roots Christmas LIVE on December 12th, our Christmas episode, and our New Year's episode. From there, we start looking ahead. What could Creative Roots look like in 2027? More community events? Meetups? New ways for creatives to connect? Different types of conversations? We have ideas, but nothing is set in stone. And that's where YOU come in. We're asking our audience for honest feedback about the podcast. Are the episodes too long? Too short? What do you enjoy? What would you like to see more of? What guests should we have on? What topics should we explore? And if you could change, add, or create ONE thing about Creative Roots in 2027, what would it be? We're listening. So while this episode started as a simple update, it turned into something a little more important - a conversation about the future of Creative Roots and the community we're building around it. Have some feedback? We want it. Use the feedback form linked below and help us shape where Creative Roots goes next. https://www.creativerootspodcast.com/shape2027 And don't forget to mark your calendar: Creative Roots Christmas LIVE December 12th | 2 PM–5 PM Theme: Home for the Holidays Charlotte Podcast Studio Come comfortable. Come ready to laugh. Come hang with your favorite cousins. Creative Roots is a platform for creatives to share their stories - unfiltered and unscripted. We sit with creatives and talk about their journey from the beginning, offering solutions to others who may be dealing with the same things. Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

  2. Oct 1

    Let's Talk About This Live! | Ep. 75

    Send us Fan Mail Let's Talk About This Live! | Creative Roots Christmas LIVE It's that time again! We're getting ready for our Creative Roots Christmas LIVE, and this year, we're bringing it back with a little more holiday spirit! Deana G., Shamar, and I sit down to talk about our upcoming Christmas LIVE, happening December 12th from 2 PM–5 PM at Charlotte Podcast Studio - aka your favorite cousin's house! We take a trip back to last year's live, reminisce about some of the people, moments, and things we'd love to bring back, and start talking about what we want to see this year. But this isn't just about what we want. We want to hear from YOU, too! What did you enjoy about last year's event? Who would you love to see again? What should we bring back, add, or do differently? Chime in and let us know, because we're building this experience with our community in mind. Somewhere along the way, this conversation turns into an open discussion - almost like a planning meeting with the family. And honestly, that's exactly what it feels like. This year's theme is “Home for the Holidays,” so come ready to relax, get comfortable, and share a whole lot of laughs with your Creative Roots family. And for those who want a little extra time with us, we're offering a VIP Pass that gets you access to us one hour before the live begins, along with a limited-edition sweatshirt created specifically for this year's event. So mark your calendars, start thinking about what you'd love to see, and get ready to spend the afternoon at your favorite cousin's house! Creative Roots Christmas LIVE December 12th | 2 PM–5 PM Theme: Home for the Holidays Location: Charlotte Podcast Studio We can't wait to see y'all there! #CreativeRoots #CreativeRootsPodcast #ChristmasLive #HomeForTheHolidays #CharlottePodcastStudio #CharlotteEvents #CharlotteNC #HolidayGathering #CreativeCommunity Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

  3. Sep 24

    Who Helps the People Who Help Everyone Else? - Shaleiah Sanders | Ep. 74

    Send us Fan Mail I sat down with Shaleiah Sanders, founder of Life For The Hopeless Foundation, for a conversation about what it really means to show up for your community. For more than five years, Shaleiah has been advocating for people in need and working to raise awareness around mental health, behavioral health, and access to resources-particularly within underserved communities. Her organization has created community events, wellness initiatives, and opportunities to connect people with support. We talked about her journey, what keeps her serving the community week after week, and the realities of doing “boots on the ground” work. We also got personal, diving into trauma, therapy, and how those experiences have impacted both Shaleiah and me. Deana G joined us from behind the desk for this one, and together we went as deep as we could into something many people don't see: how nonprofits actually get the funding to do the work. From smaller organizations trying to make an impact with limited resources to larger nonprofits with more established funding structures, we talked about the challenges, realities, and questions surrounding nonprofit funding. And if this conversation moves you to do more than watch, Life For The Hopeless Foundation is always looking for people who want to get involved and serve the community. Visit www.lifeforthehopeless.org, learn more about their work, and find out how you can volunteer, support, or get connected. Sometimes helping doesn't require having all the answers. Sometimes it starts with simply showing up. Creative Roots is a platform for creatives to share their stories—unfiltered and unscripted. We sit with creatives and talk about their journey from the beginning, offering solutions to others who may be dealing with the same things. Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

  4. Sep 17

    The Life, Legacy & Art of James Baldwin - Brian Daye | Ep. 73

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when your own life becomes a documentary? In this episode of Creative Roots, I sit down with Brian Daye, writer of By Any Other Name: An Opus to James Baldwin. We spend time diving into the play, the inspiration behind it, and the many layers of James Baldwin’s life and work. But the conversation goes beyond the stage. We talk about how the different aspects of Baldwin’s life connect, how his story continues to resonate, and why there is still so much to learn from the life he lived and the work he left behind. Brian brings his own perspective as a writer and creator, giving us a deeper look at what it takes to bring a story like this to life. By Any Other Name: An Opus to James Baldwin runs September 23–27, and tickets are on sale now. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/by-any-other-name-an-opus-for-james-baldwin-tickets-1310741586369 If James Baldwin’s words, life, and legacy have ever made you stop and think, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear. Creative Roots is a platform for creatives to share their stories - unfiltered and unscripted. We sit with creatives and talk about their journey from the beginning, offering solutions to others who may be dealing with the same things. Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

  5. Sep 10

    Over 15,000 Views And Incoming TV Deals - Ollie Crooms | Ep. 72

    Send us Fan Mail Sometimes you have to stop and celebrate the wins. I sat down with Ollie Crooms again, but this time, we weren't talking about what could happen.  We were talking about what DID happen. Eight Ball has been award-nominated and award-winning multiple times, has surpassed 15,000 views on YouTube alone, and is now available on OMNI TV Plus! In this conversation, we talk about what it took to get Eight Ball from an idea to where it is today, the people who helped make it happen, and the importance of taking a moment to recognize the cast and crew who poured their time, talent, and energy into the project. And, of course, we had to talk about what's next… including the possibility of Eight Ball Part 2. One of the best things about this experience has been the relationships created along the way. There's genuinely nothing bad to say about the experience, the people, or what this project has become. It's a reminder of what can happen when creatives come together, believe in the work, and actually see it through. So this episode is a celebration. A celebration of Eight Ball. A celebration of the wins. And a celebration of the people behind it. Shoutout to the entire Eight Ball crew! Creative Roots is a platform for creatives to share their stories—unfiltered and unscripted. Every Thursday at 9 AM, we sit with creatives and talk about their journey from the beginning, offering solutions to creatives who may be dealing with the same things. Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

  6. Sep 3

    There’s More to a Maple Tree Than Syrup - Nicole Bentler | Ep.71

    Send us Fan Mail What if we told you there's more to a maple tree than maple syrup? Nicole Bentler from Pocono Maple Water reached out to Creative Roots as a potential guest, and we're so glad she did! Nicole introduces the Creative Roots team to something that may be new to many of us: maple water.  The naturally occurring sap collected from maple trees before it becomes maple syrup. She takes us through the story of the farm, its history of producing maple syrup and other products, and how those experiences eventually led to the creation of Pocono Maple Water. And throughout this entire conversation, Tae can't help but be amazed at just how much can come from one tree. From the roughly six-week process of collecting and producing the water to bottling, customer reactions, and the journey of bringing a new product to market, Nicole gives us a look at the work, creativity, and possibility behind something that starts in nature. It's a conversation about agriculture, entrepreneurship, health, and recognizing opportunity when it's right in front of you-or, in this case, growing right above you. Sweet, unexpected, and full of possibilities. This one is definitely worth a listen. Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

  7. Aug 27

    Experiences That Last a Lifetime - Marcus Scott | Ep. 70

    Send us Fan Mail Marcus Scott is in the building! Award-nominated actor, award-winning Best Male Lead, producer, and an all-around great guy to be around, Marcus joins Tae on Creative Roots and gets right to it. We talk about the realities of pursuing a career in the film industry, what it means to remove compassion for the industry, and the importance of continuing to sharpen your craft. Marcus opens up about his experience taking acting classes, his desire to keep growing as an actor, and the lessons he's picked up along the way. Of course, we had to pay homage to the person who brought us together: Ollie Crooms. Marcus and Tae previously worked together on Eight Ball, a short film directed and produced by Ollie, who has also been a guest on Creative Roots. But somewhere along the way, this conversation takes an unexpected turn. Tae opens up about things he hasn't said out loud before, creating a moment of honesty that goes beyond the film industry and into the heart of what it means to be a creative. What keeps you creating when the road gets difficult? What happens when the passion is still there, but the journey starts testing you? If your urge to create is as strong as ours, this conversation is for you. New episodes of Creative Roots drop every Thursday at 9 AM as we sit down with creatives, explore their journeys, uncover the challenges along the way, share solutions, and have the conversations that help us take better care of ourselves mentally. Tap in. Recorded exclusively at Charlotte Podcast Studio Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

  8. Aug 20

    I Placed Myself In The Right Rooms - Jennifer | Ep. 69

    Send us Fan Mail Sometimes, getting to the next level is about putting yourself in the right rooms. Tae sits down with Jennifer Starr-director, producer, actress, and film lover-for a conversation that started at the Queen City Triple Feature with a surprising discovery: they had both worked on the same short film, Eight Ball. And the connections didn't stop there. During the premiere, Tae and Jennifer also discovered they attended the same high school alongside Ollie Crooms, founder of Carolina Film Festival and a previous Creative Roots guest. Jennifer shares her journey into acting and the film industry, including the powerful impact of a letter from one of her teachers that gave her the motivation to keep pushing forward. Today, she's developing several projects of her own while also stepping into producer and director roles for other filmmakers. This conversation is about more than film. It's about surrounding yourself with people who believe in you, staying curious about what's possible, recognizing opportunities when they show up, and continuing to put yourself in rooms where growth can happen. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking world, the relationships that make projects happen, and what it looks like to keep creating while building your place in the industry. If you're interested in film, storytelling, creative collaboration, or simply hearing what can happen when you put yourself in the right rooms, this episode is for you. Support the show Thanks for listening! If this episode hit home, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with a fellow creative on their journey.  Where to find us: Website: www.creativerootspodcast.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeRootsPodcast IG/TikTok: https://www.instagram.com/creativeroots.podcast https://www.tiktok.com/@creativeroots.podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CreativeRootsPodcast Tae-@taewiththeedits Shamar-@alanluxstudios

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About

Creative Roots Podcast is where stories begin. Every week, host Tae sits down with artists, entrepreneurs, and makers of all kinds to explore the journey before the spotlight—when the vision was still raw, and the hustle was rooted in passion, not popularity. We go beneath the surface—talking consistency, growth, setbacks, and the real creative process. Whether you’re an early-stage creative or someone finding your way back to your roots, this podcast is here to inspire, reflect, and remind you why you started in the first place. 🌱 New episodes drop every Thursday.

Information

  • Creator
    Tae Harris
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Creative Roots Podcast
  • Show Website
    Creative Roots Podcast