CultureCon Uncut is a podcast for creatives, thinkers, and innovators. Host Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, interviews Black culture-shifters who have forged their own paths, often against the odds. Imani dives into the highs, lows, and messy middles of their careers. Whether you're starting your own creative journey or looking to connect with new ideas, CultureCon Uncut pulls back the curtain on the creative process of some of today’s biggest visionaries – uncut and unfiltered.
Taylor Rooks: Pressure, Purpose & Becoming Yourself
Imani Ellis interviews two-time Emmy-nominated journalist Taylor Rooks about navigating pressure, purpose, and embracing authenticity to build the life you deserve.
3 Dec 2025TRANSCRIPT
Abdul Karim Abdullah: Pressure Is a Privilege
Imani and Ike discuss why we should bring back philosophers, how to scale your skills, and why you shouldn’t focus on feeling “behind” in life. Founder of AfroFuture, Abdul Karim Abdullah, joins Imani to talk about building AfroFuture, his views that pressure is a privilege, and why failure isn’t an option.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
26 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Kayla Nicole: Leaning in to Your Yes Season
Imani and Ike discuss the smallest hill they’ll die on. Kayla Nicole joins Imani to chat about entering a season of yes. From making dating fun again to the power of creatine, Kayla proves that saying yes can be its own kind of healing.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
19 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Whitney Headen: You Can’t Make Me Feel Imposter Syndrome. I’m Not an Imposter
Imani and Ike discuss whether you should tell your friends about a new person the moment you start dating them and why Imani doesn’t want to be a warrior anymore. CEO and Entrepreneur, Whitney Headen joins Imani to share how she became an accidental entrepreneur with an 8-figure successful agency brand and why she no longer believes in Black Girl “Magic.”
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
13 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Justin Frett: How To Never Betray Yourself
Imani and Ike reminisce on the first time they met. Imani sits down with creative powerhouse Justin Frett. Known for blending humor, heart, and purpose online. Justin opens up about growth, faith, and the lessons hidden in waiting seasons.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT
Toni Chapman: How To Know It’s Time To Leave
Imani and Ike discuss food compatibility and Ike judges Imani for how she likes her steak. Toni Chapman, culinary content producer and author, joins Imani to talk about the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer serves you. Toni also opens up about rediscovering purpose, pivoting with intentions, and the beauty of letting go to make space for her next adventure.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
29 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Charlamagne Tha God: Keep That Same Energy
Imani and Ike discuss whether therapy has become too “cosmetic.” Imani sits down with Charlamagne Tha God to discuss why he’s no longer as mean as he used to be, building a business using the ‘Iceberg Effect’, and what he’s learned about life and love.
Content Warning: Please note that this episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 and be connected to help.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
22 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Joey Bada$$: I refuse to be one thing
The conversation on zodiac continues as Ike breaks down the basics for Imani while the two discuss their optimal work environment styles. Joey BadA$$ joins Imani to talk conspiracy theories, embodying Virgo energy, why he’s no longer drinking alcohol, and how to overcome overthinking.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15 Oct 2025TRANSCRIPT
Kamie Crawford: The Moment I Knew: The Power of Trusting Yourself
In the season two premiere of CultureCon Uncut, Imani and Ike break down their dating attachment styles and whether birth order is actually a stronger compatibility indicator than zodiac signs. TV host and model Kamie Crawford discusses her dating non-negotiables, trusting herself and the unexplainable power of premonition.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
3 Oct 2025
CultureCon Uncut Season 2 Trailer
CultureCon Uncut is back for Season 2! This time Imani is joined by your problematic fave, Ike Slimster, plus an inspiring lineup of creatives and entrepreneurs — including Joey Bada$$, Kamie Crawford, Charlamagne Tha God, and more.
Follow CultureCon Uncut on Spotify to watch new video episodes every week, starting Wednesday, October 15.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
3 Oct 2024
Episode 6: Rickey Thompson: Staying True To You [VIDEO]
[Video Available on Spotify] The glow-up really hits differently when you’ve been working on your craft. In this episode, Imani sits down with Forbes Top 50 Creator Rickey Thompson to discuss self-acceptance and showing up unapologetically as yourself in every space. Rickey also shares his views on dating do’s and don'ts, how his childhood bullies reacted when he ascended to social media fame, the importance of affirmations in his life, and his Real Housewives Mount Rushmore.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate, and review our show!
Resources
Follow Imani on Instagram: @imaniimani
Follow Rickey on Instagram: @rickeythompson
Stay Up to Date with CultureCon
Watch on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CultureCon
Follow CultureCon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/culturecon
Visit our Website: www.theccnyc.com/culturecon
Produced by Spotify & CultureCon Studios
Creative Producer: Jade Whaley
Technical Producers: T Cruz and Gemma Watters
Lead Producer: Jonathan Ratliff
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
26 Sept 2024
Episode 5: Jordyn Woods: Embracing Your Waiting Season [VIDEO]
[Video Available on Spotify] What do you do while you’re waiting for what’s next? In this episode, Imani sits down with serial entrepreneur Jordyn Woods to discuss the pressure of living life in the spotlight, how it feels to be in your lover-girl era, and what life looks like when you’re in a waiting season. Jordyn also talks about her approach to self-care and navigating dating while being in the public eye.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate and review our show!
Resources
Follow Imani on Instagram: @imaniimani
Follow Jordyn on Instagram: @jordynwoods
Stay Up to Date with CultureCon
Watch on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CultureCon
Follow CultureCon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/culturecon
Visit our Website: www.theccnyc.com/culturecon
Produced by Spotify & CultureCon Studios
Creative Producer: Jade Whaley
Technical Producers: T Cruz and Gemma Watters
Lead Producer: Jonathan Ratliff
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
19 Sept 2024
Episode 4: Fawn Weaver: Building A Billion Dollar Brand [VIDEO]
[Video Available on Spotify] What does it take to build a billion-dollar empire from scratch? In this episode, Imani sits down with Uncle Nearest Founder & CEO Fawn Weaver to discuss her liquor empire as the fastest-growing American whiskey brand in U.S. history, the art of stepping out on faith, and the importance of not settling in your life. Fawn also discusses how to reframe your mind to overcome challenges, betting on yourself, and being an effective leader.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate and review our show!
Resources
Follow Imani on Instagram: @imaniimani
Follow Fawn on Instagram: @fawn.weaver
Stay Up to Date with CultureCon
Watch on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CultureCon
Follow CultureCon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/culturecon
Visit our Website: www.theccnyc.com/culturecon
Produced by Spotify & CultureCon Studios
Creative Producer: Jade Whaley
Technical Producers: Jonathan Ratliff and T Cruz
Lead Producer: Gemma Watters
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
12 Sept 2024
Episode 3: Sir John: Trusting Your Creative Vision [VIDEO]
[Video Available on Spotify] A strong plan starts with a vision! In this episode, Imani sits down with Global Makeup Artist and Creative Director, Sir John to discuss creativity as a business, his experience collaborating with Beyonce, and the power of optimism. Sir John also shares how to craft a vision for your life, how to stay prepared, and letting go of the situations that aren’t yours to hold.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate and review our show!
Resources:
Follow Imani on Instagram: @imaniimani
Follow Sir John on Instagram: @sirjohn
Stay Up to Date with CultureCon
Watch on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CultureCon
Follow CultureCon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/culturecon
Visit our Website: www.theccnyc.com/culturecon
Produced by Spotify & CultureCon Studios
Creative Producer: Jade Whaley
Technical Producers: Jonathan Ratliff and T Cruz
Lead Producer: Gemma Watters
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 Sept 2024
Episode 2: Jay Ellis: Overcoming The Fear of Success [VIDEO]
[Video Available on Spotify] In this episode, Imani sits down with her long lost “cousin” --- actor and author, Jay Ellis to discuss how imagination can unlock creative ambition, why we must resist the urge to rush through life, and what his ‘Insecure’ character Lawrence taught him about communicating his emotions. Jay also touches on self-sabotage and coming face-to-face with the fear of success.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate and review our show!
Resources
Follow Imani on Instagram: @imaniimani
Follow Jay on Instagram: @jayrellis
Stay Up to Date with CultureCon
Watch on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CultureCon
Follow CultureCon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/culturecon
Visit our Website: www.theccnyc.com/culturecon
Produced by Spotify & CultureCon Studios
Creative Producer: Jade Whaley
Technical Producer: Jonathan Ratliff
Lead Producer: T Cruz
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
29 Aug 2024
Episode 1: Elaine Welteroth: Pivots Are Part of the Plan [VIDEO]
[Video Available on Spotify] In the premiere episode, Imani sits down with award-winning journalist, author and advocate, Elaine Welteroth, to discuss knowing when it’s time to pivot, overcoming resistance, navigating different friendship seasons and the grief that comes with growth. Elaine also discusses her newest venture, birthFUND and the steps she’s taking to surrender to whatever life throws her way.
If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate and review our show!
Resources
Follow Imani on Instagram: @imaniimani
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainewelteroth
Stay Up to Date with CultureCon
Watch on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CultureCon
Follow CultureCon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/culturecon
Visit our Website: www.theccnyc.com/culturecon
Produced by Spotify & CultureCon Studios
Creative Producer: Jade Whaley
Technical Producer: Jonathan Ratliff
Lead Producer: T Cruz
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Join host Imani Ellis, Founder and CEO of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, as she interviews trailblazing Black culture-shifters who have carved their own paths, often defying the odds. Featuring guests like Elaine Welteroth, Jay Ellis, and Jordyn Woods, Imani delves into the highs, lows, and the messy middles of their remarkable careers.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Inside a recent episode
Taylor Rooks: Pressure, Purpose & Becoming Yourself
Published 31 Aug 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] I love it. Like, I like when they make you think about something different. Like, It's a really simple sentence, but my therapist is always just saying, there's another way. Like sometimes we think the way is the way, but there's always another way. There's another way to be. There's another way to do. […]
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
