STL Hustle Insider

H Cortez Springer
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Entrepreneurship

STL Hustle Insider is the podcast spotlighting the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, and community builders moving St. Louis forward. Hosted by Cortez Hustle, this show goes behind the scenes with local entrepreneurs, small business owners, community leaders, artists, organizers, and everyday builders who are creating impact across the city. Each episode explores the story behind the work, the St. Louis connection, the lessons learned along the way, and the ways the community can support what is being built. This is more than a podcast. STL Hustle Insider is a local media platform created to document the real hustle, real impact, and real stories shaping St. Louis from the inside out. Subscribe, share, and nominate someone we should feature. STL Hustle Insider The people, businesses, and movements building St. Louis.

  1. 4d ago

    Fearless: How Ebony Bowden Built a Real Estate Portfolio From Scratch

    Ebony Bowden, better known as STL Real Estate Guru, joins Cortez Hustle on STL Hustle Insider for Episode 13 and a conversation about real estate investing, financial freedom, entrepreneurship, property management, portfolio building, and what it means to move fearlessly. Ebony is a St. Louis-born real estate broker, investor, author, developer, business owner, and mother whose journey started long before she had all the answers. She worked as a teenager, bought her first car before she even knew how to drive, realized early that she did not want to spend her entire life working a traditional job, and began searching for ways to create income and freedom for herself. After working for AT&T Yellow Pages, Ebony eventually took a severance package and joined her mother in purchasing a roughly $9,500 investment property in North St. Louis. She admits she did not know what she was doing. There were no inspections. There were contractor problems. There were taxes, citations, renovation stress, family disagreements, sleepless nights, and plenty of lessons. But the property eventually rented. The checks started coming. And instead of walking away, Ebony said, “I’m going to do it again.” That first property became the catalyst for a real estate career that eventually led to more investments, leaving corporate America, earning her real estate license, building Guru Realtors, creating property management services, helping out-of-state investors, teaching a 90-day real estate investing workshop, writing a beginner real estate book, and investing internationally in the Dominican Republic. Featured Guest Ebony BowdenSTL Real Estate GuruBroker | Investor | Author | DeveloperFounder, Guru Realtors Guru Realtors: https://www.gururealtors.com/STL Real Estate Guru: https://www.facebook.com/stlrealestateguruPhone: 314-795-5735 Ext. 2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamQueenCarlisa Sponsor iHustle Media Group - Turn online attention into real leads, booked appointments, and revenue. https://ihustlemg.com So Clean Laundromat - https://socleanstl.com Interested in sponsoring STL Hustle Insider? https://stlhustleinsider.com/become-a-sponsor Music “Sweet Love” by Lateefhttps://LateefLive.com    00:00 - Welcome to STL Hustle Insider00:45 - Who is Ebony Bowden?01:45 - Born and raised in St. Louis03:00 - Soldan, school life, and growing up outside05:00 - Independence and doing her own thing07:00 - Working young and buying her first car09:00 - Why the 9-to-5 never felt like the final destination11:00 - Early entrepreneurial instincts13:00 - Journalism, college, and changing direction15:00 - Break and music from Latif16:00 - AT&T, severance, and the first real estate investment18:30 - Buying the first property for about $9,50021:00 - Contractor problems and hard lessons23:00 - Getting the property rented and discovering cash flow25:00 - Buying the next property and leveraging the first27:00 - Investor-friendly agents and finding deals29:00 - Contractors, due diligence, and building your team31:00 - Vetting tenants and property management33:00 - Leaving corporate America35:00 - Getting licensed and launching Guru Realtors37:00 - Freedom, boundaries, and entrepreneurship38:30 - Helping investors build portfolios40:00 - The 90-day investment workshop and book41:30 - Ebony’s Top Five STL43:00 - Freestyle: investing in the Dominican Republic44:15 - How to connect with Ebony Bowden44:40 - Closing words from Cortez Hustle About STL Hustle Insider STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle and produced by iHustle Media Group LLC. We spotlight the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, leaders, and movements building St. Louis from the inside out. Subscribe, recommend a guest, sponsor the show, or stay connected at: https://stlhustleinsider.com Legal Disclaimer STL Hustle Insider is produced and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. All show content, including video, audio, graphics, branding, and related media, is copyrighted property of iHustle Media Group LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, sponsors, advertisers, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official position of iHustle Media Group LLC, STL Hustle Insider, its partners, affiliates, or sponsors. Content shared on this show is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, real estate, tax, investment, business, or other professional advice. Always consult qualified professionals before making decisions based on anything discussed. Mentions, interviews, sponsorships, advertisements, products, services, events, organizations, properties, investment opportunities, or resources featured on STL Hustle Insider do not automatically constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by iHustle Media Group LLC. By watching, listening to, sharing, commenting on, or engaging with STL Hustle Insider content, you acknowledge that iHustle Media Group LLC is not responsible for any actions, decisions, outcomes, or results based on the information presented. © iHustle Media Group LLC. All rights reserved.

    Fearless: How Ebony Bowden Built a Real Estate Portfolio From Scratch

  2. Sep 10

    Omar Perkins Jr. Explains AI Literacy, Geospatial Tech, and Black Ownership

    Omar Perkins Jr. joins STL Hustle Insider for Episode 12 to talk about Black Tech Midwest, TPI, AI literacy, positive psychology, HBCU culture, workforce development, and the future of Black entrepreneurship in technology. Omar explains how his early work through The Perkins Institute used positive psychology to help young Black men create life plans. He later shifted into AI literacy after seeing that communities like ours were often being introduced to artificial intelligence through fear, propaganda, and confusion instead of education, possibility, and access. Through TPI, Omar focuses on making artificial intelligence understandable, especially for people who are not coders or traditional tech professionals. His work is rooted in three pillars of positive AI introduction: growth mindset, learned optimism, and critical thinking. Omar also discusses Black Tech Midwest, Sipping Tech, Hack House USA, geospatial technology, drone career pathways, the importance of collaboration, and the belief that Black people must move beyond creating culture into owning the systems, companies, investments, and technology connected to that culture. Omar Perkins Jr.Founder, Black Tech MidwestFounder, TPI, Tech Positive InnovationsAI Literacy Advocate, Entrepreneur, and Community Builder Omar Perkins Jr. is the founder of Black Tech Midwest and TPI, Tech Positive Innovations, formerly known as The Perkins Institute. His work focuses on artificial intelligence literacy, positive psychology, entrepreneurship, youth development, workforce innovation, and helping people from every area code and socioeconomic background gain access to the information they need to make educated decisions about technology. Through Black Tech Midwest, Omar is helping build a stronger Black tech ecosystem across St. Louis, the Midwest, and beyond. Guest Links Black Tech Midwest: https://blacktechmidwest.comBlack Tech Midwest on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-tech-midwest-presents-unite-tech-conference-expo-2026-tickets-1989097685723Omar Perkins Jr. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omar-perkins-tpi/ About STL Hustle Insider STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. The show spotlights the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, leaders, entrepreneurs, and movements building St. Louis from the inside out. Through real conversations and local storytelling, STL Hustle Insider brings attention to the builders, visionaries, and community movers shaping the future of the region. Subscribe, recommend a guest, sponsor the show, or stay connected at:https://stlhustleinsider.com Legal Disclaimer STL Hustle Insider is produced and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. All show content, including video, audio, graphics, branding, and related media, is copyrighted property of iHustle Media Group LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, sponsors, advertisers, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official position of iHustle Media Group LLC, STL Hustle Insider, its partners, affiliates, or sponsors. Content shared on this show is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, mental health, tax, investment, technical, business, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on anything discussed. Mentions, interviews, sponsorships, advertisements, products, services, events, organizations, investment opportunities, conferences, technologies, or resources featured on STL Hustle Insider do not automatically constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by iHustle Media Group LLC. By watching, listening to, sharing, commenting on, or engaging with STL Hustle Insider content, you acknowledge that iHustle Media Group LLC is not responsible for any actions, decisions, outcomes, or results based on the information presented. © iHustle Media Group LLC. All rights reserved.

    Omar Perkins Jr. Explains AI Literacy, Geospatial Tech, and Black Ownership

  3. Sep 3

    Cortaiga S. Collins on Faith, Entrepreneurship, and Single Motherhood Ep. 11

    What does it look like to build a life, a family, a ministry, and multiple businesses through obedience? In Episode 11 of STL Hustle Insider, Cortez Hustle sits down with Pastor Cortaiga S. Collins for a conversation about Kingdom Business, single motherhood, faith, entrepreneurship, childcare, nonprofit work, real estate, adult daycare, laundromat ownership, church leadership, and turning pain into purpose. Cortaiga shares how her life experiences pushed her into entrepreneurship even though she never set out to become an entrepreneur. From becoming a mother while still in school, receiving support from educators and family, attending UMSL on scholarship, working in government and local media, and later moving back home with two children, her story shows how preparation, obedience, and action can open doors. The heart of the conversation is Cortaiga’s belief that God can use one act of obedience to shift an entire life. Her first major entrepreneurial step came when she could not find quality early childhood care for her son. After fasting and praying, she heard three words that changed her life: “open your own.” That decision eventually led to Good Shepherd Early Learning Center, the Foundation for Strengthening Families, Collins Properties, So Clean Laundromat, adult daycare, becoming a best-selling author, and founding The Unconventional Church. This episode is for entrepreneurs, parents, single mothers, ministry leaders, business owners, believers, and anyone trying to understand how faith, systems, teams, service, and integrity can work together. Cortaiga S. CollinsPastor, Entrepreneur, Author, Founder, and Executive Director The Unconventional Church: https://unconventionalchurchstl.com Good Shepherd Early Learning Center: https://goodshepherdelc.com Good Shepherd Early Learning Center Phone: 314-260-9090 So Clean Laundromat: https://socleanstl.com Cortaiga S. Collins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cortaiga.singletoncollins Episode Sponsors So Clean Laundromat This episode is brought to you by So Clean Laundromat. So Clean Laundromat is located at 10552 Page Avenue, near Page and Ashby. It offers a clean, modern laundromat experience with new machines, large-capacity washers, and a polished environment designed to make laundry day easier. Learn more:https://socleanstl.com Interested in sponsoring STL Hustle Insider?Visit:https://stlhustleinsider.com/become-a-sponsor Music Attribution Music featured during the break: “Different This Time” by LateefLink: https://lateeflive.com About STL Hustle Insider STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC.  The show spotlights the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, leaders, entrepreneurs, and movements building St. Louis from the inside out. Through real conversations and local storytelling, STL Hustle Insider brings attention to the builders, visionaries, and community movers shaping the future of the region. Subscribe, recommend a guest, sponsor the show, or stay connected at:https://stlhustleinsider.com Legal Disclaimer STL Hustle Insider is produced and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. All show content, including video, audio, graphics, branding, and related media, is copyrighted property of iHustle Media Group LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, sponsors, advertisers, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official position of iHustle Media Group LLC, STL Hustle Insider, its partners, affiliates, or sponsors. Content shared on this show is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, mental health, tax, investment, religious, spiritual, business, childcare, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on anything discussed. Mentions, interviews, sponsorships, advertisements, products, services, events, organizations, churches, childcare programs, or resources featured on STL Hustle Insider do not automatically constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by iHustle Media Group LLC. By watching, listening to, sharing, commenting on, or engaging with STL Hustle Insider content, you acknowledge that iHustle Media Group LLC is not responsible for any actions, decisions, outcomes, or results based on the information presented. © iHustle Media Group LLC. All rights reserved.

    Cortaiga S. Collins on Faith, Entrepreneurship, and Single Motherhood Ep. 11

  4. Aug 27

    Expungement, Second Chances, and the Digital Prison with Sandra Kay Keely EP 10

    Sandra Kay Keely joins STL Hustle Insider for Episode 10 to discuss expungement, criminal records, collateral consequences, and the work of 3 Daughters and 1,000 Sons. The conversation covers Sandra’s Saint Louis upbringing, her entrepreneurial spark as a child selling vegetable seeds, her love of libraries and science fiction, her time at Spelman College, and her experience witnessing Black political leadership in Atlanta and Saint Louis. Sandra then explains how her brother’s 50-year prison sentence, her real estate background, her comfort navigating courtrooms, and Missouri’s expanded expungement opportunities led her to create a process to help people seal eligible records. The episode also includes Tapra Wells, one of Sandra’s three daughters, who shares how she grew up watching her mother do community work and how she now supports Three Daughters and One Thousand Sons through social media, marketing, journalism outreach, and visibility. Key Takeaways A criminal record can create long-term barriers even after a person has completed their punishment.Sandra uses the phrase “digital prison” to describe how records can follow people through employment, education, housing, financial opportunity, and daily life.Expungement can create a path toward restoration, but many people do not know they may be eligible.Cost, paperwork, fear, and lack of guidance can keep people from pursuing record sealing.Three Daughters and One Thousand Sons exists to educate, support, and guide people through the expungement journey.Sandra’s life in real estate, politics, community work, courtrooms, and family justice prepared her for this mission.The organization’s work is not only technical. Sandra frames it as community restoration, dignity, and spiritual healing.Tapra Wells’ role shows how generational involvement can help a movement grow through marketing, social media, journalism, and visibility.Second chances are not just about forgiveness. They are about access, opportunity, and removing barriers that keep people from becoming who they can become.Featured Guest Sandra Kay KeelyFounder and Executive Director, 3 Daughters and 1,000 Sons Sandra Kay Keely is a Saint Louis native, community advocate, real estate professional, justice reform organizer, and founder and executive director of 3 Daughters and 1,000 Sons. https://3daughtersand1000sons.org/ Her work focuses on record expungement, public education, community support, and helping people understand that eligible records may be sealed so they can move forward with greater opportunity and dignity. Through Three Daughters and One Thousand Sons, Sandra brings together lived experience, faith, legal education, community partnerships, and a deep belief in the brilliance and resilience of people who have been impacted by the criminal legal system. Featured Contributor Tapra WellsFounder, TEPRA Marketing LLCOne of the Three Daughters Tapra Wells joins the conversation as one of Sandra’s daughters and shares how she supports Three Daughters and One Thousand Sons through marketing, social media, journalism outreach, visibility, and community awareness. Guest Links Three Daughters and One Thousand Sons: https://3daughtersand1000sons.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558595220857TEPRA Marketing LLC: https://tepra-marketing-llc.square.site/Other resources referenced: October 31, 2026  Expungement Clinic Extravaganza - A Second Chance Resource Fair Celebrating Healing, Redemption, and Joy at Harris-Stowe State University  Jan Spiller — Astrology for the Soul https://amazon.com Michael Eric Dyson — JAY-Z: Made in America (https://us.macmillan.com National Inventory of Collateral Consequences of Conviction (NICCC) [NICCC — Search the Collateral Consequences Inventory](https://niccc.nationalreentryresourcecenter.org

  5. Aug 20

    Rahn Williams on Food Safety, Brand Standards, and Building Black Excellence Through Systems

    Rahn Williams on Food Safety, Brand Standards, and Building Black Excellence Through Systems A good business does not grow by accident. It grows when the systems, standards, people, and leadership are strong enough to operate beyond the owner. In this episode of STL Hustle Insider, Cortez Hustle sits down with Rahn Williams, founder of Stokeswill Consulting, for a conversation about food safety, restaurant operations, brand standards, Black excellence, community networking, and the systems that help businesses grow. Rahn shares his St. Louis story, from growing up with chronic allergies and asthma, using creativity as an outlet, graduating from Hazelwood East, attending Southeast Missouri State, and learning from early experiences that shaped his worldview. The conversation then moves into business, where Rahn explains how working with his father in McDonald’s operations helped him understand systems, leadership, people, and the difference between working in a business and working on a business. Today, through Stokeswill Consulting, he helps food service entrepreneurs, restaurants, and community partners strengthen operations, meet food safety requirements, improve brand standards, and build toward growth. In This Episode Cortez and Rahn talk about: Who Rahn Williams isStokeswill Consulting and the work Rahn doesGrowing up in St. Louis and graduating from Hazelwood EastLiving with chronic allergies and asthmaCreativity as an escape through writing, short stories, drawing, poetry, and hip-hopTouring as a spoken word artist and releasing musicHow his mother helped him stay on track in school despite missing days because of illnessAttending Southeast Missouri State in Cape GirardeauExperiencing racism in North County and Southern MissouriHazelwood East, Black awareness, and the Black Awareness Support GroupHow exposure to African students helped expand Rahn’s worldviewWorking for his father at McDonald’sWhy he did not appreciate restaurant work at firstLearning leadership through managementSeeing McDonald’s from a district-manager-level viewWhy business is about leadership and peopleHow McDonald’s taught him the power of systemsWhy restaurant owners need systems that work when they are not thereRahn’s role as a ServSafe instructor and proctorFood handler, food manager, and alcohol certificationWhy certification is only one part of real food safetyWhat customers should look for when entering a restaurantWhy smaller restaurants need checks and balancesWhy outside evaluations can help restaurant owners improve and growThe role of brand standards in customer experienceParking lots, windows, greetings, uniforms, order accuracy, service, restrooms, and timingWhy brand standards are more than food safetyRahn’s Top Five STL restaurant picksStokeswill Community Partners Networking EventRahn’s business collective and community partnershipsHow to connect with Stokeswill ConsultingKey Takeaways Systems allow a business to operate even when the owner is not physically present.Food safety certification matters, but the real work is putting food safety into daily practice.Restaurant growth requires checks, balances, evaluations, training, leadership, and accountability.Owners should not be trapped in every operational role forever. Their job is to build, expand, and improve the business.Brand standards begin before a customer ever tastes the food.Clean windows, parking lots, greetings, uniforms, restrooms, order accuracy, and service timing all shape the customer experience.Black excellence in business is not just talent or ambition. It is standards, systems, consistency, leadership, and community connection.Community partnerships can help entrepreneurs share resources, build networks, and create more opportunities together.Featured Guest Rahn WilliamsFounder, Stokeswill ConsultingServSafe Instructor / ProctorFood Safety, Brand Standards, and Restaurant Operations Consultant Rahn Williams is a St. Louis native, Hazelwood East graduate, creative, spoken word artist, hip-hop artist, consultant, and founder of Stokeswill Consulting. Through Stokeswill Consulting, Rahn helps food service businesses and entrepreneurs strengthen food safety practices, complete certifications, improve operations, evaluate brand standards, and build systems that support growth. Guest Links Stokeswill Consulting: https://stokeswill.comPhone: 314-348-8833Resources Mentioned Stokeswill ConsultingServSafeServSafe Food HandlerServSafe ManagerServSafe AlcoholMcDonald’sMcDonald’s UniversitySoutheast Missouri State University / SEMOHazelwood East High SchoolGranemann Elementary SchoolVocational RehabilitationBlack Awareness Support GroupSoul Vi Poetry CollectiveKathy’s KitchenElicious RestaurantSt. Louis Fish & ChickenChicago Fish & ChickenMiami GrillStokeswill Community Partners Networking EventUpward Bound100 Black MenSLU / Saint Louis UniversityJust FiveCustom Merchandise MarketsShot by Derrick100 American DreamsHarvest Time Farms and FellowshipEpisode Sponsors STL Virtual Resource Center https://stlouishustleinsider.com/vrc Interested in sponsoring STL Hustle Insider?Visit:https://stlhustleinsider.com/become-a-sponsor Music Attribution Music featured during the break: https://the3kngz.bandcamp.com/track/see-me-prod-by-cry-story Chapters Note: Chapter timestamps are estimated and capped under the full 45-minute show length, including intro, outro, and commercials. Please adjust to match the final edited audio export. 00:00 - Welcome to STL Hustle Insider00:45 - Who is Rahn Williams?01:30 - Stokeswill Consulting and Rahn’s St. Louis roots02:30 - Growing up with allergies, asthma, and creativity04:30 - Writing, poetry, hip-hop, and creative escape06:00 - Hazelwood East and Black awareness08:00 - SEMO, college life, and growing up10:00 - Racism, standing up, and life lessons13:00 - Break and music from Rahn Williams14:00 - Transitioning into business15:00 - Working in his father’s McDonald’s17:00 - Learning leadership and people management19:00 - McDonald’s systems and business operations21:00 - Stokeswill Consulting and ServSafe training23:00 - Food safety certification and daily practice25:00 - What to look for before eating at a restaurant27:00 - Why mom-and-pop restaurants need checks and balances29:00 - Getting owners out of the store31:00 - Brand standards and customer experience34:00 - Why systems support online branding36:00 - Rahn’s Top Five STL restaurants38:00 - Stokeswill Community Partners Networking Event41:00 - Just Five and community business shoutouts43:00 - How to connect with Rahn Williams44:30 - Closing words from Cortez Hustle About STL Hustle Insider STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. The show spotl...

    Rahn Williams on Food Safety, Brand Standards, and Building Black Excellence Through Systems

  6. Aug 13

    Osunlade on Yoruba Records, Afro House, AI & Protecting the Soul of Music

    Osunlade joins STL Hustle Insider for a wide-ranging conversation about music, St. Louis, ownership, soul, and creative evolution. He talks about growing up in North St. Louis, being adopted and raised as an only child, finding music as his outlet, learning piano at seven, attending Beaumont, playing in bands, being influenced by funk and Prince, and eventually leaving St. Louis for Los Angeles. Osunlade also discusses working with major artists, moving through the traditional music industry, realizing that major-label pressure was pulling him away from his own sound, becoming a Yoruba priest, launching Yoruba Records, and building a label rooted in ancestral reverence, spirituality, soul, and independent ownership. The episode also explores AI in music, stem separation, remixes, DJ culture, how technology is changing music, and why human musicianship, mistakes, live instruments, and emotional interpretation still matter. Featured Guest OsunladeFounder, Yoruba RecordsMusician, Producer, DJ, Artist, and Creative Osunlade is a St. Louis-born musician, producer, DJ, artist, and founder of Yoruba Records, a label founded in 1999 specializing in deep soulful house. His career has taken him from North St. Louis to Los Angeles, New York, London, Milan, Croatia, Australia, and stages around the world. Through Yoruba Records and his own creative work, Osunlade has helped shape and influence the sound and movement now widely connected to Afro House, soulful house, spiritual music, and global dance culture. Guest Links Yoruba Records on Bandcamp: https://yorubarecords.bandcamp.comYoruba Soul on Bandcamp: https://yorubasoul.bandcamp.comInstagram: @yorubasoulofficialTikTok: @yorubasoulofficialTwitch: Yoruba Soul TVMixedCloud: Search “Osunlade”Streaming platforms: Search “Osunlade”Upcoming album: Neon Box Documentary: Big Giant Wave About STL Hustle Insider STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. The show spotlights the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, leaders, entrepreneurs, and movements building St. Louis from the inside out. Through real conversations and local storytelling, STL Hustle Insider brings attention to the builders, visionaries, and community movers shaping the future of the region. Subscribe, recommend a guest, sponsor the show, or stay connected at:https://stlhustleinsider.com Legal Disclaimer STL Hustle Insider is produced and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. All show content, including video, audio, graphics, branding, and related media, is copyrighted property of iHustle Media Group LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, sponsors, advertisers, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official position of iHustle Media Group LLC, STL Hustle Insider, its partners, affiliates, or sponsors. Content shared on this show is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, medical, mental health, tax, investment, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on anything discussed. Mentions, interviews, sponsorships, advertisements, products, services, events, or resources featured on STL Hustle Insider do not automatically constitute an endorsement, guarantee, or warranty by iHustle Media Group LLC. By watching, listening to, sharing, or engaging with STL Hustle Insider content, you acknowledge that iHustle Media Group LLC is not responsible for any actions, decisions, outcomes, or results based on the information presented. © iHustle Media Group LLC. All rights reserved.

    Osunlade on Yoruba Records, Afro House, AI & Protecting the Soul of Music

  7. Aug 6

    Smooth 1432 on Cornhole, Brotherhood, Mental Health, and Building Safe Spaces for Men

    Sometimes the game is not really the game. In this special STL Hustle Insider spotlight episode, Cortez Hustle sits down with four men connected through Smooth 1432, a collective using cornhole, conversation, mentorship, education, therapy, and brotherhood to create safe spaces for men and young people across the St. Louis region. This episode features Mike Elliott, Earl Docket, Jay McDaniels, and Josh Gilliam. Each man brings his own brand, profession, and calling to the table, but together they represent a larger movement: men showing up for other men, young people, families, schools, and communities. Through Smooth 1432, Cornhole with Smooth, Fly Beyond Limits, The Breakfast Club, Vertical Therapy LLC, and 1432 The Podcast, this group is using something unexpected — cornhole — as a conversation starter for deeper topics like mental health, marriage, fatherhood, depression, trauma, purpose, education, mentorship, and community connection. Earl Docket shares his work as an educator, coach, founder of Fly Beyond Limits, and creator of The Breakfast Club, a school-based mentorship effort focused on young Black male students, mental health, behavior, attendance, and self-worth. Jay McDaniels, founder of Cornhole with Smooth, explains how he discovered cornhole during COVID, why he is introducing the sport to inner-city youth, and how cornhole can open doors to confidence, scholarship opportunities, discipline, and purpose. Josh Gilliam, owner of Vertical Therapy LLC, talks about therapy, men’s mental health, confidentiality, trauma, and the importance of creating safe spaces where men and young people can process what they are carrying. Together, these conversations show how Smooth 1432 is building something bigger than an event. It is a movement of men using play, purpose, and presence to reach the community. In This Episode Cortez talks with the Smooth 1432 collective about: What Smooth 1432 is and why it existsCreating safe spaces for men to connect, talk, and try something differentHow cornhole became a tool for community engagementWhy men need spaces outside of work, home, and marriage where they can be honestThe pressure of being the only Black man in professional environmentsWearing a “mask” in certain spaces and needing time to decompressMarriage, communication, and growing together as a coupleThe role of 1432 The Podcast in conversations around marriage and men’s livesEarl Docket’s work as an educator and coachFly Beyond Limits and the meaning of “First Love Yourself”Depression, mental health, and the realities facing young peopleThe Breakfast Club and mentoring young Black males in schoolReducing suspensions, referrals, and chronic absence through intentional supportWhy parents should not be afraid of IEPs and individualized supportThe importance of consistency at homeJay McDaniels’ journey from traditional sports to cornholeCornhole with Smooth and bringing the game into schoolsWhy cornhole is mental, strategic, and accessibleScholarship opportunities and nontraditional sports pathwaysUsing cornhole as a conversation starter around purpose and identityJosh Gilliam’s work through Vertical Therapy LLCWhy men need therapy and confidential spaces to talkHow trauma affects children and young peopleWhy therapy helps people stop dancing around the issue and address the real thingSmooth 1432’s larger mission around men, youth, mental health, and communityKey Takeaways Cornhole may be the activity, but connection is the mission.Men need safe spaces where they can talk honestly without judgment.Being the only Black man in a professional environment can create pressure, exhaustion, and emotional weight that often goes unseen.Marriage requires more than telling people to communicate. Couples have to learn how to communicate as they grow and change.Young people need adults who will listen to what they need, not just tell them what they need.IEPs and educational supports should not be treated with shame. They can help children receive the individualized support they need to succeed.Cornhole gives youth another pathway to confidence, teamwork, discipline, competition, and even scholarship opportunities.Therapy is not weakness. It is a confidential space where men and young people can process trauma, loss, development, and life.Smooth 1432 is showing that creative intervention can meet men and young people through something simple, then open the door to deeper conversations.Featured Guests Mike ElliottSmooth 1432 / 1432 The Podcast Mike Elliott is part of Smooth 1432 and 1432 The Podcast. His work centers on creating spaces where men, especially married men and Black men navigating professional environments, can connect, talk, and build community. Earl DocketFounder, Fly Beyond LimitsEducator and Coach Earl Docket, also known by many young people as Coach Docket, is an educator entering his 23rd year in education. He serves at KIPP Inspire Academy and is the founder of Fly Beyond Limits, which stands for First Love Yourself Mentorship and Leadership. He also leads The Breakfast Club, a mentorship effort focused on supporting young Black male students. Jay McDanielsFounder, Cornhole with Smooth Jay McDaniels is the founder of Cornhole with Smooth LLC, a podcast and brand using cornhole to reach youth and community members in a new way. Through the Cornhole with Smooth Youth Academy, Jay is introducing the game to schools and using it as a tool for purpose, confidence, mental focus, and opportunity. Josh GilliamOwner, Vertical Therapy LLCLicensed Professional Counselor Josh Gilliam is a licensed professional counselor and owner of Vertical Therapy LLC. His work focuses on helping men and young people process trauma, loss, life development, emotional struggles, and the internal battles people often carry in silence. Guest Links Smooth 1432: [Add official website link]Smooth 1432 Instagram: [Add link]Smooth 1432 YouTube: [Add link]1432 The Podcast: [Add link]1432 The Podcast Instagram: [Add link]1432 The Podcast TikTok: [Add link]1432 The Podcast YouTube: [Add link]Cornhole with Smooth Email: cornholewithsmooth@gmail.comCornhole with Smooth Facebook: [Add link]Cornhole with Smooth Instagram: [Add link]Cornhole with Smooth TikTok: [Add link]Fly Beyond Limits: [Add link]Earl Docket Instagram: [Add link]Earl Docket Facebook: [Add link]Fly Beyond Limits Email: [Confirm full email address]Vertical Therapy LLC Instagram: [Add link]Josh Gilliam / Vertical Therapy website: [Add link] Resources Mentioned Smooth 14321432 The PodcastCornhole with SmoothCornhole with Smooth Youth AcademyFly Beyond LimitsThe Breakfast ClubVertical Therapy LLCNAMI St. LouisKIPP Inspire AcademyJob CorpsSt. Louis Virtual Resource CenterSTL Virtual Resource CenterCornholeIEPs / Individualized Education PlansYouth mentorshipMen’s mental healthBlack male mental healthMarriage and communicationYouth mental healthEpisode Sponsors St. Louis...

    Smooth 1432 on Cornhole, Brotherhood, Mental Health, and Building Safe Spaces for Men

  8. Jul 30

    Devon Moody on The 89th Collective, Community-Rooted Innovation, and East St. Louis Ownership Ep. 6

    What happens when someone stops waiting for community to be built somewhere else and decides to bring the resources home? In Episode 6 of STL Hustle Insider, Cortez Hustle sits down with Devon Moody, founder of The 89th Collective, for a conversation about East St. Louis, small business, family legacy, motherhood, village-building, ownership, innovation, and creating space for people who need to know they belong. Devon shares how growing up as the youngest of ten, the daughter of a cobbler and a cosmetologist, shaped her understanding of entrepreneurship from an early age. Small business did not just inspire her. It helped pay for her life, sent her to college, and taught her how deeply local enterprise can impact a family and a community. This episode is for entrepreneurs, community builders, creatives, consultants, business owners, parents, students, and anyone who believes innovation does not have to be disconnected from the neighborhood. It can be rooted in it.    In This Episode Cortez and Devon talk about: Who Devon Moody is beyond the business titleGrowing up as the youngest of ten with seven older brothersBeing raised by a cobbler, a cosmetologist, and a family of entrepreneursHow small business paid for Devon’s life and opened doors for herLessons from her father, mother, and grandmotherTreating everybody with dignity, regardless of titleEast St. Louis pride, East Boogie, and the City of ChampionsStarting a candy store at 10 years oldTurning skills into opportunities through clothes, hair, papers, taxes, and serviceAttending the University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignNavigating a predominantly white institution as a Black womanThe importance of the “Black House,” CBSU, and safe community spaces on campusRelaunching a student retention program and seeing mentees complete degreesBecoming pregnant senior year and still finishing schoolWhy village is everything, but village must be reciprocalAsking for help without shameThe origins of The 89th CollectiveWhy timing mattered for opening a co-working and community business spaceOpening The 89th Collective on 618 Day in 2025Serving thousands of people across generations in the first yearWhy Devon calls The 89th Collective a legacy launch padHonoring her grandmother as the “original CEO mom”What community-rooted innovation meansWhy innovation can be as simple as improving a process or solving a problemWhy Black entrepreneurs should not only create, but ownMoving from fear to ownershipWhy it is okay to serve community and build wealthDevon’s Top Five All ESTL recommendationsHer final word to people who think they do not belong   Featured Guest Devon MoodyFounder, The 89th Collective Devin Moody is a native of East St. Louis, Illinois, a mother, daughter, consultant, community builder, and founder of The 89th Collective. Her work is rooted in helping people improve their quality of life by learning how to monetize their gifts, build legitimate businesses, access resources, and connect with community. Through The 89th Collective, Devin is building a legacy launch pad for entrepreneurs, creatives, youth, business owners, and community members in East St. Louis and the surrounding region. Guest Links The 89th Collective: https://the89thcollective.comThe 89th Collective on Facebook: @the89thcollective  Episode Sponsors The 89th Collective This episode was recorded at The 89th Collective Studios in East St. Louis, Illinois. The 89th Collective supports entrepreneurs and business owners with space for classes and workshops, business mailbox services, community connections, networking, memberships, and access to resources. Learn more at:https://the89thcollective.com Interested in sponsoring STL Hustle Insider?Visit:https://stlhustleinsider.com/become-a-sponsor     Music Attribution Break music mentioned in this episode: “Different This Time” by LateefListen at:https://LateefLive.com    00:00 - Welcome to STL Hustle Insider00:34 - Who is Devin Moody?01:21 - Growing up in East St. Louis01:42 - Youngest of ten and daughter of entrepreneurs02:42 - Business lessons from family03:10 - Treat everybody with dignity04:41 - Growing up with older siblings06:05 - East St. Louis, East Boogie, and City of Champions06:45 - Starting a candy store at 1007:29 - East St. Louis High School and student life08:41 - University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign09:29 - Navigating a PWI as a Black woman10:18 - The Black House, CBSU, and safe spaces12:29 - Student retention and the power of community13:53 - Becoming pregnant senior year16:11 - Building a village as a college student17:56 - Asking for help without shame20:14 - Break and music from Latif21:00 - Welcome back from The 89th Collective Studios21:45 - Why East St. Louis needed this ecosystem22:12 - The early vision for a co-working space23:30 - Timing, obedience, and bringing resources home24:20 - Opening The 89th Collective on 618 Day25:28 - Serving thousands of people across generations26:19 - Gratitude after the first year26:38 - Honoring Devin’s grandmother and the original CEO mom28:10 - Community-rooted innovation29:19 - Ownership, culture, and Black entrepreneurship30:00 - Serving community and building wealth31:45 - Moving out of fear and into legitimacy32:29 - Owning the systems around what we create33:44 - Devin’s Top Five All ESTL34:09 - Personal Touch Boutique35:00 - Delicious food truck35:30 - Eastside Chop Suey and St. Louis-style rice36:53 - Big Mama’s BBQ37:26 - Skate King / Skate City38:17 - Freestyle: You belong39:25 - The 89th Collective address and contact40:25 - Closing words from Cortez Hustle About STL Hustle Insider STL Hustle Insider is a St. Louis podcast and local media platform hosted by Cortez Hustle and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. The show spotlights the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, leaders, entrepreneurs, and movements building St. Louis from the inside out. Through real conversations and local storytelling, STL Hustle Insider brings attention to the builders, visionaries, and community movers shaping the future of the region. Subscribe, recommend a guest, sponsor the show, or stay connected at:https://stlhustleinsider.com Legal Disclaimer STL Hustle Insider is produced and owned by iHustle Media Group LLC. All show content, including video, audio, graphics, branding, and related media, is copyrighted property of iHustle Media Group LLC unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by hosts, guests, sponsors, advertisers, or contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or official position of iHustle Media Group LLC, STL Hustle Insider, its partners, affiliates, or sponsors. Content shared on this show is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, me...

    Devon Moody on The 89th Collective, Community-Rooted Innovation, and East St. Louis Ownership Ep. 6
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About

STL Hustle Insider is the podcast spotlighting the people, businesses, creatives, nonprofits, and community builders moving St. Louis forward. Hosted by Cortez Hustle, this show goes behind the scenes with local entrepreneurs, small business owners, community leaders, artists, organizers, and everyday builders who are creating impact across the city. Each episode explores the story behind the work, the St. Louis connection, the lessons learned along the way, and the ways the community can support what is being built. This is more than a podcast. STL Hustle Insider is a local media platform created to document the real hustle, real impact, and real stories shaping St. Louis from the inside out. Subscribe, share, and nominate someone we should feature. STL Hustle Insider The people, businesses, and movements building St. Louis.

Information

  • Creator
    H Cortez Springer
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © iHustle Media Group LLC
  • Show Website
    STL Hustle Insider