Stop, Look & Listen

Fourcast Media

Stop, Look & Listen is an interview podcast hosted by LeTroy Gardner. The show features interviews with entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, politicians and other newsmakers. Check out the video version of the podcast and more at http://myfourcast.com

  1. 4d ago

    Kneet’s Story of Music, Survival & Advocacy

    What happens when your voice becomes your way to survive? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with Thai-born Punjabi Sikh independent recording artist Kneet to talk about her journey from Bangkok to New York, finding her voice through music, and fighting for change after experiencing domestic violence, coercive control, and difficult family court battles. Kneet shares how music became part of her healing, from songs like “Rise” and “To The Moon” to her upcoming single “Bangkok to New York.” She also opens up about the challenges of proving psychological abuse in court, why documenting patterns matters, and how finding the right support can make a difference. The conversation also explores Kneet’s work with Protect Children New York, her advocacy for child protection and family court reform, her graduate studies in developmental psychology, and the online communities and resources she uses to help other parents. In this episode: • Kneet’s journey from Thailand to New York  • Using music as a tool for healing  • Domestic violence and coercive control • The challenges of navigating family court  • Why documenting patterns of abuse matters  • Child protection and family court reform • Her upcoming single “Bangkok to New York”  • Helping other parents find resources and support Connect with Kneet: Website: https://www.kneetmusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kneetmusic TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kneetmusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kneetVEVO Protect Children NY: https://www.change.org/ProtectChildrenNY Join LeTroy Gardner on Stop, Look & Listen for an honest conversation about music, survival, family, and the fight to create meaningful change. Tune into the full family of shows at www.pushplaypods.com

  2. Aug 10

    John Smith of Nu Shooz on "I Can't Wait," Fame, and Life After the Hit

    This week on Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with John Smith, guitarist, songwriter, comic book artist, and founding member of Nu Shooz, for a candid conversation about the band's incredible journey from Portland's Latin jazz scene to international pop success. John shares how "I Can't Wait" went from an independent release to a club sensation in New York, the story behind the "American version," and the overseas remix element the band called the "Barking Seal." He also explains how that momentum led to a record deal with Atlantic Records.Along the way, John reflects on: Building Nu Shooz from the ground up The blessing and pressure of having a massive hit Touring the world and learning the music business Recording Poolside and Told You So with Jeff Lorber and producer David Z. Rivkin Being dropped by Atlantic and reinventing his career Composing music for advertising for decades Retiring from music, selling the Nu Shooz catalog, and creating Optical Pictures graphic novels with his son Whether you're a longtime Nu Shooz fan or discovering their story for the first time, this episode offers a fascinating look at the highs, challenges, and creativity behind one of pop music's most memorable acts. Connect with John Smith & Nu Shooz: Website: https://www.nushoozmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nushoozmusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nushoozmusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nushoozmusic Enjoyed the conversation? Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth interviews with musicians, creators, and cultural icons. Listen to the entire Stop, Look & Listen family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/

  3. Jul 27

    Ralph Rolle on Dear Family Stories, D'Angelo, CHIC Tours & Building a Lasting Legacy

    Ralph Rolle has played on some of the world's biggest stages, but his greatest lessons didn't always come from music. On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner welcomes back drummer, entrepreneur, and founder of Dear Family Stories, Ralph Rolle. Fresh off a six-week European tour with Nile Rodgers & Chic, Ralph shares what he's learned from decades in music, building a family business, and creating a platform that helps families preserve their legacy. They discuss: Life on tour with Nile Rodgers & Chic How Soul Snacks Cookies grew from a family recipe into major retailers The expensive lessons of selling through Walmart and why marketing matters Turning setbacks into opportunities instead of giving up Why supporting Black-owned businesses is more important than ever How Dear Family Stories helps families preserve recipes, photos, videos, and memories for future generations Personal reflections on losing his mother and the lasting friendship that shaped his journey with D'Angelo Whether you're an entrepreneur, musician, or someone who values family history, Ralph's story is full of practical wisdom and inspiration. Learn more about Ralph Rolle and Dear Family Stories: https://dearfamilystories.com/ Subscribe to Stop, Look & Listen for more conversations with artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Discover more great podcasts from the Push Play Pods network: https://www.pushplaypods.com/

  4. Jul 20

    PR Legend Angelo Ellerbee Returns: Building Artists, Branding Success & The Future of Double XXposure

    What does it really take to build a lasting career in entertainment? 🎤✨ On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner welcomes legendary publicist and Double XXposure founder Angelo Ellerbee back to the show. With decades of experience representing some of music's biggest names, Angelo shares how he's transforming DoubleXXposure.com into an affordable learning platform designed to help artists, entrepreneurs, and aspiring publicists build successful careers. Angelo discusses the new resources available through the platform, including career strategy, press releases, artist development, management guidance, etiquette, diction and speech coaching, tax awareness, exclusive member content, and an interactive "Ask Angelo" feature.The conversation also explores why authenticity matters more than ever, how to earn credibility in today's media landscape, the importance of artist development inspired by Berry Gordy, and why trust and self-love are essential foundations for long-term success. Plus, Angelo previews the September release of the audiobook for Before I Let You Go and shares details about his upcoming book, Brick by Brick, which celebrates the people, culture, and legacy of urban communities like Newark. Whether you're an artist, publicist, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this episode is packed with practical advice from one of the industry's most respected voices. ⏱️ In this episode: 🎙️ Revamping Double XXposure into an educational platform 📣 PR, branding, and career development strategies 📝 Press releases, management, and business fundamentals 🎧 The upcoming Before I Let You Go audiobook 📖 A preview of Brick by Brick 💡 Why authenticity, trust, and self-love are the keys to lasting success 🔗 Learn more about Angelo Ellerbee and Double XXposure: 🌐 https://doublexxposure.com/ 🎙️ Subscribe to Stop, Look & Listen for more conversations with influential leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, and changemakers. ▶️ Explore our family of shows at https://www.pushplaypods.com/

  5. Jul 13

    Maya Rupert on Democracy, Race & The Real Ones

    Can you be your authentic self and still win in politics?  On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with political strategist, When We Win podcast host, Blue State Executive VP, and author Maya Rupert for a thoughtful conversation about politics, representation, and the power of authenticity. Maya reflects on growing up in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree, the political moments that shaped her, and her journey from social justice advocacy to managing Julián Castro's presidential campaign. She explains why Democrats shouldn't abandon their values to appeal to the middle and how long-form podcasts are changing the way voters connect with candidates. The conversation also explores the themes of Maya's book, The Real Ones, including the impossible standards Black women often face in politics, the myth of electability, and why authenticity is judged differently depending on who you are. In this episode, you'll hear about: 🎙️ Growing up in Yucca Valley and discovering politics 🗳️ Managing Julián Castro's presidential campaign 📚 The inspiration behind The Real Ones ✊ Authenticity, race, and gender in American politics 🎧 Why podcasts are reshaping political conversations 🌎 The future of the Democratic Party 💙 Mentorship, optimism, and what's next with Charles Booker Whether you're passionate about politics, leadership, or creating meaningful change, this conversation offers valuable insights and fresh perspectives. Connect with Maya Rupert: 🌐 Website: https://mayarupert.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maya.rupert/ 👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maya.rupert.7/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-rupert-8474612b0/ 🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Stop, Look & Listen with LeTroy Gardner. 🌐 Explore our family of podcasts at www.pushplaypods.com

  6. Jun 29

    How DJ Switch Ghana Learned to DJ in Just 5 Days and Performed for World Leaders

    What were you doing at eight years old? DJ Switch Ghana was winning a national talent competition and launching a career that would take her to stages around the world. 🌟 On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with award-winning DJ, producer, and philanthropist DJ Switch Ghana to discuss her remarkable journey from rural Ghana to becoming one of Africa's most recognizable young talents. DJ Switch shares how her mother challenged her to learn DJing in just five days for an audition, how she won Talented Kids at age eight, and why she believes the best DJs think like producers. She also opens up about growing up as the only girl among four brothers, performing for global leaders, being booked by Michelle Obama, and balancing music, education, and philanthropy. In this episode, you'll hear about: 🎧 Learning to DJ in only five days 🏆 Winning Talented Kids at age eight 🌍 Performing on international stages and for world leaders 🎵 Her creative process as a DJ and producer 🎤 Her debut single "Deceiver" featuring her mother 🎓 Life after high school and what's next for college 🤝 Collaborations, new music, and upcoming mixtapes 📚 The impact of the DJ Switch Foundation and its focus on education, gender equality, health, and wellbeing DJ Switch's story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when talent, hard work, and opportunity come together. Connect with DJ Switch Ghana: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djswitchghana/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DjSwitchGhana/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DJSwitchGhanaofficial 🎙️ Join LeTroy Gardner and the Stop, Look & Listen family of shows at www.pushplaypods.com

  7. Jun 22

    Simone Green Shares the Inspiration for Black Queen and Her Survivor Journey

    What inspired Simone Green to create her empowering anthem "Black Queen," and how did her battle with breast cancer change her outlook on life? On this episode of Stop, Look & Listen, host LeTroy Gardner sits down with singer, songwriter, and activist Simone Green for a powerful conversation about music, resilience, and purpose. Simone discusses the success of her charting single "Black Queen," the Curtis Mayfield-inspired sound behind the record, and the message of strength, confidence, and self-worth that continues to resonate with listeners. She also shares her deeply personal breast cancer journey, from being diagnosed at 43 to marrying her husband before surgery, undergoing treatment, and facing a second diagnosis that led to a double mastectomy. Simone explains why advocacy and supporting organizations like Different Shade of Pink/Brave Chicks and The Tatisa C. Joiner Foundation remain so important to her mission. In this episode, you'll hear about: ✨ The inspiration behind "Black Queen" 🎵 The vintage soul and Blaxploitation influences in her music 💖 Her breast cancer survival story 🎬 The concept behind the "Black Queen" music video 🎤 Her journey from Chicago's Soul Sanctuary to leading her own band 📀 The upcoming Black Queen album releasing August 7 🚌 Upcoming tour dates and live performances Connect with Simone Green: 🌐 Website: https://www.simonegreenlive.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonegreenlive/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimoneGreenLive ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@simonegreenlive 🎙️Join LeTroy Gardner and the Stop, Look & Listen family of shows for conversations with inspiring artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. 🌐 Listen to more episodes at www.pushplaypods.com

About

Stop, Look & Listen is an interview podcast hosted by LeTroy Gardner. The show features interviews with entrepreneurs, musicians, actors, politicians and other newsmakers. Check out the video version of the podcast and more at http://myfourcast.com