The State Specific Show

Gabriel Fortson

We weave across the country and the world to highlight the local sneaker and fashion cultures from a grassroots perspective.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    The State of Energy: Building Brands with Authenticity

    In this insightful interview, Jason shares his journey from social work to becoming a key figure in sneaker culture, fashion, and brand leadership. He discusses his early influences, the evolution of sneaker collecting, breakdancing, hockey, and his collaborations with top brands and artists, highlighting the importance of energy, community, and authenticity in the culture.

    1h 15m

  2. May 6

    The State of Sneaker Photography

    Ric shares his journey from Brooklyn roots to becoming a renowned sneaker photographer and collector. Discover how his childhood influences, family support, and passion for sneakers and photography shaped his unique style and perspective. In this engaging interview, Ric shares his journey through social media, sneaker photography, and the importance of authentic relationships. Discover insights on staying relevant, building genuine connections, and the future of sneaker culture and fashion.

    1h 15m

  3. Apr 8

    From Sneakers to Style Icon: Destin Grayson's Journey

    In this engaging interview, Destin Grayson, a Columbus-based fashion icon and influencer, shares his journey from childhood sneaker obsession to building a personal brand that empowers big and tall men. Discover insights on style evolution, social media growth, and the importance of authenticity in fashion and content creation.

    1h 14m

  4. Mar 18

    Maurice Garland: Explores the rich sneaker culture of Atlanta, Journalism and the Run Culture!

    Summary In this conversation, Gabriel Fortson and Maurice Garland explore the rich sneaker culture of Atlanta, delving into personal memories, neighborhood styles, and the cultural significance of sneakers. They discuss how individuality in fashion has shifted over the years, the impact of celebrity culture, and the evolution of sneaker styles. Maurice shares his journey into writing and journalism, offering insights and advice for aspiring writers in today's digital landscape. In this engaging conversation, Maurice Garland discusses the cultural significance of Atlanta, the influence of the Dungeon Family on style, and his journey from writer to community leader in the running scene. He highlights the importance of community in running, the evolution of sneaker culture, and shares insights on the future of the sneaker industry. Maurice also introduces his podcast series 'Atlanta Is' and his upcoming initiatives with Nike, emphasizing the value of storytelling and community engagement.

    1h 45m

  5. Feb 19

    Marketing Unveiled: Be Brief, Be Bold, Be Gone!

    In this episode, Gabriel Fortson and AD Sneaks explore the rich tapestry of sneaker culture, diving into personal stories, regional influences, and the evolution of style. They welcome guest Bimma Williams, who shares his journey from childhood sneaker memories to his current role in analyzing sneaker collaborations and marketing. The conversation touches on the importance of research, the impact of high school experiences on sneaker choices, and the nostalgia that drives collectors. Bimma also discusses his transition to front of camera work and the challenges of sharing his opinions in a crowded space. The episode concludes with a discussion on bucket list sneakers and the significance of quality and storytelling in sneaker releases. In this engaging conversation, Bimma shares his experiences in the sneaker culture, discussing the evolution of sneaker resale, memorable moments, and the significance of collaborations. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in the sneaker community and the role of Collab Lab in fostering connections. Bimma also provides valuable insights on communication, vision, and conviction in achieving success in the industry.

    1h 51m

  6. Feb 3

    The State of Building from the Ground Up

    Christina Faith joins us for Season 6, Episode 2 to talk about how the culture of sneakers and fashion extends well beyond the product and end user.

    41 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

We weave across the country and the world to highlight the local sneaker and fashion cultures from a grassroots perspective.

Information

  • Creator
    Gabriel Fortson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gabriel Fortson
  • Show Website
    The State Specific Show