RayPresents

Ray
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RayPresents is a conversation series hosted by Ray Leroy, featuring thoughtful and honest discussions with inspiring voices across culture, business, media, sports, and public life. Each episode explores the journeys behind success, the risks taken, the lessons learned, and the values that guide leaders, creators, and changemakers from Canada and around the world. The tone is relaxed, authentic, and reflective, creating space for real stories and meaningful insight. RayPresents is about perspective, purpose, and the people shaping our world, one conversation at a time.

  1. Sep 27

    The Florida Highwaymen: The story the world needs to know

    26 artists, hundreds of thousands of paintings. One extraordinary chapter of American history.The Florida Highwaymen created far more than iconic landscapes. Their story is one of art, history, determination, entrepreneurship, race and legacy.On this episode, I sit down with Tony Hayton, Director of the Florida Highwaymen Exhibit, collector and longtime advocate for the Highwaymen, for a conversation that takes us deep inside their remarkable story.Tony has spent more than two decades helping preserve and elevate their legacy. His journey has connected him with the artists themselves and has helped bring their story to audiences far beyond Florida, including in Canada.Behind the paintings are 26 remarkable individuals, including Mary Ann Carroll, the only woman among the original Highwaymen.Who were they? How did they build one of the most fascinating artistic legacies in American history? And why should the world know their story today?This conversation is about history, art, resilience, entrepreneurship and legacy. But above all, it's about people whose story deserves to be told.There’s always more to the story.https://floridahighwaymenexhibit.com

    The Florida Highwaymen: The story the world needs to know

  2. Aug 28

    What nobody tells you about being a professional singer | Nicole Thalìa

    Nicole Thalìa knows what the stage looks like at the highest level. The singer, Creative Director and entrepreneur has performed around the world, from singing at the Royal Wedding with The Kingdom Choir to touring with Italian superstar Marco Mengoni and performing as part of Black Coffee’s orchestral show on a night that also featured Alicia Keys.But the stage is only part of the story.Nicole returns to RayPresents for Episode #70 to talk about the side of being a professional singer people don’t always see: the work behind the voice, the discipline, the pressure, the business and what it takes to keep growing in an industry that can be incredibly demanding.We get into what Nicole listens for in a great vocalist, why understanding your voice matters, why artists can be so hard on themselves, the realities of touring and some of the lessons she’s learned throughout her career.She also talks about giving that knowledge back to the next generation, including returning to the BRIT School to lead a Contemporary Vocalist Masterclass.And then I put her on the spot… Céline Dion or Whitney Houston? Her answer, and the way she breaks it down, might settle a few debates. Or start some new ones.There are plenty of gems in this conversation for aspiring singers, creatives, entrepreneurs and anyone curious about what really happens behind the music.Nicole Thalìa returns to RayPresents for Episode #70.If you enjoy the conversation, like, comment and subscribe for more conversations across music, film, sports, business and culture.

    What nobody tells you about being a professional singer | Nicole Thalìa

  3. Aug 16

    City Fidelia: The truth about being an independent artist in Ottawa

    What does it really take to build as an independent artist in a city where the talent is there, but the support doesn’t always follow?I sat down with Ottawa rapper and entrepreneur City Fidelia at Exit Lounge, the restaurant he owns with his partners, for an honest conversation about music, entrepreneurship, funding, community and creating your own opportunities.City has taken his music far beyond Ottawa, including touring in Japan and gaining recognition from major artists and platforms. At the same time, he has continued to build businesses, create opportunities and invest in the city he calls home.We talk about the realities of being a Black independent artist in Ottawa, the challenges around funding and support, and how independent creatives are often making a major impact with far fewer resources than larger organizations. But this conversation isn’t only about what’s missing. It’s about what we can build together.City talks about the importance of supporting one another, speaking each other’s names in rooms we’re not in, sharing opportunities, bringing people with us when doors open, and choosing collaboration over competition.And we ask a bigger question: What would it take for Ottawa to become one of Canada’s great creative cities?This conversation is about more than music. It’s about ownership, entrepreneurship, community, opportunity and building something that lasts.

    City Fidelia: The truth about being an independent artist in Ottawa

  4. Jul 26

    The Jobfather’s guide to landing your dream job | Jermaine Murray

    What does it take to stand out in today’s job market, especially as a Black professional?In Episode 68, I sit down with Jermaine Murray, better known as The Jobfather. As the founder of JupiterHR, Jermaine has helped thousands of black professionals break into tech, advance their careers, and rethink what it means to build a fulfilling professional life.In this conversation, we discuss:• How Jermaine earned the nickname The Jobfather• The mindset that separates successful job seekers from everyone else• The importance of networking and building meaningful relationships• Representation, mentorship, and creating opportunities for othersThis isn’t just a conversation about finding a job. It’s about building a career with purpose.Connect with Jermaine Murray:🔗 LinkedIn: Jermaine L. Murray | LinkedIn🔗 JupiterHR: https://jupiterhr.ca/

    The Jobfather’s guide to landing your dream job | Jermaine Murray

  5. Jul 15

    Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe on the cost of youth sports, the World Cup & Ottawa’s Future

    The cost of youth sports is rising, and more families are asking the same question:Can every child still afford to play?In this episode, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe returns for a wide-ranging conversation about youth sports, affordability, Canada’s historic FIFA World Cup 2026 run, Ottawa’s future, leadership, and why access to sport matters more than ever. As Canada rides unprecedented soccer momentum, the challenge is ensuring every young athlete has the opportunity to participate, not just those who can afford it. If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe, leave a comment and share it with someone who cares about the future of Ottawa and youth sports.Follow RayPresents:Instagram: @raynald_leroyLinkedIn: Raynald Leroy

    Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe on the cost of youth sports, the World Cup & Ottawa’s Future

  6. Jun 13

    Actor, writer, producer Michael Xavier on Fatherhood, Success and leaving a legacy

    Live from his California home, actor, writer, and producer Michael Xavier joins me for RayPresents Episode 66.Michael was one of the early guests on the show and has been a great supporter over the years. It was a pleasure to welcome him back for a second conversation and hear how life has evolved since we last spoke.In this episode, we talk about fatherhood, success, personal growth, family, and the legacy we hope to leave behind. As Michael welcomed his first child, he reflects on the responsibilities that come with this new chapter and how it is reshaping the way he thinks about life, purpose, and what truly matters.We also discuss the lessons he’s learned throughout his journey in the entertainment industry, the importance of discipline, and how our definition of success can change as we grow.Let me know in the comments:Has becoming a parent changed the way you define success?Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the headlines and explore the stories behind the people.

    Actor, writer, producer Michael Xavier on Fatherhood, Success and leaving a legacy

  7. Mar 6

    Cabbie Richards: Mastering the Craft of the Sports Interview

    One of the most recognizable personalities in Canadian sports media joins RayPresents.Fresh off the Winter Olympics, Cabbie Richards sits down for a conversation about the craft behind great interviews, authenticity in media, and the moments that shape a career.Cabbie built a reputation for bringing energy, humor and authenticity into interviews with some of the biggest names in sports. But behind the charisma is a thoughtful media mind who helped change the way athletes are interviewed.In this conversation we talk about:• What it feels like working on the Olympic stage• The mindset behind “ask for forgiveness, not permission”• Finding your voice in the media industry• Fatherhood and perspective after years in the spotlight• The interviews that actually stay with you

    Cabbie Richards: Mastering the Craft of the Sports Interview

  8. Jan 23

    Episode 64 - Actor Michael Mando (Better Call Saul) | Raw, Unfiltered, Real

    Live from Miami, I had the chance to reconnect with my friend, actor Michael Mando. We first met in high school, and it’s been inspiring to watch his journey from those early days to the international stage. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Arabic, and having lived in many cities across four continents, Michael brings a global perspective that naturally shows up in his work and in the way he approaches life. He became a fan favourite with his unforgettable performance as Vaas Montenegro in Far Cry 3, and brought rare depth and humanity to Nacho Varga in Better Call Saul. His ability to explore the psychology of complex characters continues to resonate with audiences around the world. We moved from memories of our high school hallways to reflections on craft, discipline, growth, and the unexpected turns that shape a creative life. Michael also shared passion for music. Michael’s story is what happens when talent meets purpose.

    Episode 64 - Actor Michael Mando (Better Call Saul) | Raw, Unfiltered, Real
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About

RayPresents is a conversation series hosted by Ray Leroy, featuring thoughtful and honest discussions with inspiring voices across culture, business, media, sports, and public life. Each episode explores the journeys behind success, the risks taken, the lessons learned, and the values that guide leaders, creators, and changemakers from Canada and around the world. The tone is relaxed, authentic, and reflective, creating space for real stories and meaningful insight. RayPresents is about perspective, purpose, and the people shaping our world, one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Ray
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ray
  • Show Website
    RayPresents