Functional Conversations

About Functional Conversations

Function Conversations is where creativity meets commerce. Host DJ Shakee sits down with DJs, musicians, actors, comedians, chefs, and other creatives to uncover how they’ve built careers doing what they love. From side hustles to full-time success, each episode explores the real-life stories of turning creative passion into a sustainable living. Insightful, inspiring, and always authentic. This is the conversation behind the craft. New episodes every other Wednesday. Follow us: @functionalconversations @thefunctionLA @functionalmedia

Publisher

The Function

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 May 2024

Latest episode

7 May 2025

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 May 2025

   Episode 13: GR8 "From 8-Counts to 808's"

   From the dance floor to the studio, Brandon's been has lived it all. In this episode of Functional Conversations, we sit down with Brandon Greathouse—aka GR8—to talk about his journey from dance cyphers to beatmaker, DJ, and music mentor. With nearly 30 years in the game, GR8 shares how his roots in dance shaped his approach to producing music, the lessons learned from teaching, and why he’s still evolving as an artist. Whether you're a dancer, creative, or aspiring producer, this episode is full of insights, inspiration, and real talk about staying true to your craft. ⁨@gr8⁩  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCZvtmBxyC7FaiAeox6o0S1g)  ⁨@TheGR8Vibe⁩  (https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCF2BVwGRV2e4DyOQejZ-qQA) www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

2. 

   23 Apr 2025

   Episode 12: BXDDY BEATS - "The Come Up: From Beginnger to Booked"

   In this episode of Functional Conversations, we sit down with BXDDY BEATS an up and coming DJ and car enthusiast navigating his way through the creative industry. We dive into his journey from getting his first turntables at 12, stepping away, and reigniting his passion to build a name in LA’s DJ scene. We talk about: The real costs of becoming a DJ How to land gigs through networking and social media Balancing creative passions with financial planning His vision of merging music, cars, and style into a business The importance of mentorship and guidance in creative careers Whether you're a DJ, artist, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on building your brand, staying consistent, and planning for long-term success as a creative. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how to turn your passion into a sustainable path! Follow: @bxddybeats

3. 

   9 Apr 2025

   Episode 11: Destruct "Independant by Nature, Relentless Hustle by Choice"

   This week on Functional Conversations, DJ Shakee reconnects with L.A. lyricist and creative force Destruct. They dive into his journey from freestyling in front of family in Brazil to dropping 30+ albums, building a full-time career without a label, and founding his own film company. Destruct shares real talk about the grind, the business side of music, building a life with his wife, and why "conviction is everything." Tune in for an inspiring look at what it really means to stay true to your craft.-www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

4. 

   26 Mar 2025

   Episode 10: Kristine de la Cruz "From Flan to Business Plan"

   Running a business isn’t just about profits—it’s about people. 💼💛 In this clip, Kristine De La Cruz of Creme Caramel LA shares the real weight of being a business owner: knowing that your team’s livelihoods are in your hands.This is the kind of leadership mindset that separates entrepreneurs from employers.🎙️ Full episode of Functional Conversations out now!#SmallBusinessTruths #EntrepreneurLife #FilipinoAmericanBusiness #CremeCaramelLA #BusinessOwnership #LeadershipQuotes #KristineDeLaCruz #WomenInBusiness #FunctionalConversations #RealTalk #BusinessWisdom------www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLAwww.instagram.com/TheFunctionLAwww.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLAwww.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up:https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/-Equipment used to produce this Podcast.Rodecaster Pro2:https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2Samson Microphone 3 Pack:https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUrSony Headphones:https://amzn.to/4dSR21PSony a7III with lens:https://amzn.to/3VhT309External Monitor:https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

5. 

   12 Mar 2025

   Episode 9 | Toquon Tha MC "Surviving and Thriving as an MC"

   How Toquon Tha MC Built a Hip-Hop Career Without a Record DealMost artists chase record deals or viral fame. Toquon Tha MC found another way.In this episode of Functional Conversations, DJ SHAKEE talks with Toquon about how he turned live performance and hosting into a full-time career. From rocking clubs to major events, he breaks down how artists can monetize their talent beyond streaming and social media.What You'll Learn:Why most artists struggle to make moneyHow hosting and live performance can pay more than music salesThe key business moves every independent artist needs to know

6. 

   7 Aug 2024

   Episode 8 | Katie Batres "From Dance to Finance"

   In this episode we sit with Katie Batres who started in the dance community fresh out of high school, then made a transition to professional dancing, to modeling, and now is a financial professional. We talk about why it's important to plan for your future, and to start as early as you can. @katierose.bae @djshakee - www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLA www.instagram.com/TheFunctionLA www.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLA www.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up: https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/ - Equipment used to produce this Podcast. Rodecaster Pro2: https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2 Samson Microphone 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUr Sony Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dSR21P Sony a7III with lens: https://amzn.to/3VhT309 External Monitor: https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

7. 

   24 Jul 2024

   Episode 7 | DJ Swift "From 90's Hip Hop in Paris, to the Artist Hustle in Los Angeles"

   Getting his start as a DJ in mid 90's Paris, France, DJ Swift came up as a turntablist battling in the DMC, transitioning to DJing for rock/rap band Silmarils. Eventually making his way to Los Angeles, CA to work with Soul Assassins, Wu Tang Radio, and teaching at Scratch DJ Academy and the Music Institute. We talk about the ups, and downs for his career, and how he's made it this far in life as an artist.@thefrenchdjswift @Wild1_Radio @djshakee - www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLA www.instagram.com/TheFunctionLA www.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLA www.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up: https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/ - Equipment used to produce this Podcast. Rodecaster Pro2: https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2 Samson Microphone 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUr Sony Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dSR21P Sony a7III with lens: https://amzn.to/3VhT309 External Monitor: https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

8. 

   10 Jul 2024

   Episode 6 | Sherry Younge "From owning a Hair Salon to all Vinyl DJ Sets"

   With roots in Los Angeles, and parents immigrating from The Philippines, Sherry Younge had plans to go into Pharmacy, like her mother, then switched it up to Cosmetology for a more fulfilling life path. Which lead to being a hairstylist, owning her own salon, which doubles as a record shop, and eventually starting a side career as a DJ. All while being a wife and raising a family. @sherryyounge @the_artform_studio @djshakee - www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLA www.instagram.com/TheFunctionLA www.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLA www.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up: https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/ - Equipment used to produce this Podcast. Rodecaster Pro2: https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2 Samson Microphone 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUr Sony Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dSR21P Sony a7III with lens: https://amzn.to/3VhT309 External Monitor: https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

9. 

   26 Jun 2024

   Episode 5 | Zavala "From Corporate Jobs to Living Life To The Fullest"

   What happens when a life changing event, alters your career path? In this episode of Functional Conversations, we speak to Denise Zavala, or simply the mononym Zavala, about her creative journey as dummer in a high school band, to working a corporate job, then hustling as a musician in the LA nightlife. All leading to performing around the world. @zavalamuzic @djshakee - www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLA www.instagram.com/TheFunctionLA www.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLA www.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up: https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/ - Equipment used to produce this Podcast. Rodecaster Pro2: https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2 Samson Microphone 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUr Sony Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dSR21P Sony a7III with lens: https://amzn.to/3VhT309 External Monitor: https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u

10. 

    12 Jun 2024

    Episode 4: Mike Murdah "From Roller Skating Jams, to winning America's Best Dance Crew. That's Just Where It Started."

    From unfulfilling jobs, to international recognition. In this episode, we talk to BBoy/DJ/Music Producer Mike Murdah, about his starts at Roller Skating Rinks, to Bboy Cyphers, which lead him and Super Cr3w to winning MTV's America's Best Dance Crew, and how it opened doors for both the crew and himself, as a DJ and more.

11. 

    29 May 2024

    Episode 3: DJ NVS "Dad Life, DJ Life, and the Hustle to Make it All Work"

    In Episode 3, DJ NVS talks to us about his beginnings as a DJ in Oxnard, California. From quinceaneras to raves. From working at Banana Republic to a Record Label. We also talk about his early struggles of living life as a single dad, student, and DJ who was starting over when moving to a new city, Dallas, Texas. @djnvs @djshakee - www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLA www.instagram.com/TheFunctionLA www.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLA www.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up: https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjRRWGEwNFVLRG9FY05uQWxkMWxFa1hrZWFxd3xBQ3Jtc0trb0VZOFU2Z3dPZ19xQm4tX2JXTGRlR3IwUVpDU2dDMWhSX3FoZkRuOXJMU3ZjQ05ndEN0eFhVSkZ6eENPcVRpMk1YUFF3ZlhTR0dNQUVXb2NVcHF1VUdlNTY4ZmlGbmQ0YTJyeXJrTDdqcHo2bVc1TQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fthefunctionla.storenvy.com%2F&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) - Equipment used to produce this Podcast. Rodecaster Pro2: https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWptUjBONk5uYlBfVmxER2d6X3hXd0tIQmFsQXxBQ3Jtc0tuQ3hlcE5xZGx2dXc5cjRYbUt0NEUzeE9lR2lpZVFWbmR6SXVJQy1yN2V4dEVDRTFnenpsN1hVUDNsS09QZlFSQ3ExYVQwMENOMlZxWjVnTGdCeGhZd0V1VVJkbmZyRWRDT1luNVJpNzRJUUVicUxGNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3yx3Cn2&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Samson Microphone 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUr (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkJ0Zk5XODAyNWhWQjQwT0FuZngwcU9CRkdGd3xBQ3Jtc0tucHlTWkNYWmZJemVialJITW5sLVA4MEk1N0tHNl9YUUZIN0g5VmwzVGp0Yy1PVDJlRUxzWFk3anhXcFR1TXd0RG9QN1FTQldWRWpqM3pvWEhvRWJKZVRfM2Y0RE9tbzY3dWtOaDJZYm5wZ2ZhLWF0Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3Kk1XUr&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Sony Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dSR21P (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVRHSDZlN1JWOElSQndReGZ0QkdWTGNKYW1fd3xBQ3Jtc0ttS3ZwZGlTTE5YVlZ4Wm1DbnJUTVRKWEFobXpKZ1Z5WjVpUkU2XzlTS25ydDlmMXMyazFpdU5SeS13Y2xFRVZzQnQzZ21TWjF2allITl9KTXBmYllqaXh1RW1mVWdoT3hHUi00RkQ3bnlIaVA5TmpQTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F4dSR21P&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Sony a7III with lens: https://amzn.to/3VhT309 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnI5M1FnbVpWTDk4X0VXWFEzckVYbktQR2VmZ3xBQ3Jtc0trX3VjaUJBNDQwdHJlMkFHSHdZNHQ3bTRNMko0UTltZVZoRUwtWURjQm55MldrS292ZGhUa0ZkejByc2s5MDhhNXNmNjlfVFdUbFU1Z0U5aTd2OFJueVZ4LTNBMndCWVNPN2JsbG9nZG9ESzFzeVJxOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3VhT309&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) External Monitor: https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblptUG9PQktiWUZJcFRkUkJfOUpvZ0xBYXFYUXxBQ3Jtc0tsaHlVZ204MTFsaTNGSWpjWExUejlWaHZnWnR5em1aVV9aOGF2d29yZmNmSVFVQ2tFZ05jVk56NU5KNEthaEJfemhfa1RXdEQzZGp6QkFGanFlRk9vSS0wZ0JObnFIZC1GcGwwaU5OdE1yRU9SbWdCZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3UYFd1u&v=V1kaEd2hYwU)

12. 

    15 May 2024

    Episode 2: DJ Icy Ice "From Mobile DJ to Business Owner, Legend and Beat Junkie Shares His Story"

    In Episode 2, DJ Icy Ice, representing Legend Entertainment, The World Famous Beat Junkies, shares his story of coming up under an established DJ Crew, to creating his own DJ crew, then eventually making a transition to night clubs, commercial radio, and owning his own business, up to navigating the current DJ industry climate. @djicyice @djshakee - www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLA www.instagram.com/TheFunctionLA www.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLA www.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA - Equipment used to produce this Podcast. Rodecaster Pro2: https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWptUjBONk5uYlBfVmxER2d6X3hXd0tIQmFsQXxBQ3Jtc0tuQ3hlcE5xZGx2dXc5cjRYbUt0NEUzeE9lR2lpZVFWbmR6SXVJQy1yN2V4dEVDRTFnenpsN1hVUDNsS09QZlFSQ3ExYVQwMENOMlZxWjVnTGdCeGhZd0V1VVJkbmZyRWRDT1luNVJpNzRJUUVicUxGNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3yx3Cn2&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Samson Microphone 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUr (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkJ0Zk5XODAyNWhWQjQwT0FuZngwcU9CRkdGd3xBQ3Jtc0tucHlTWkNYWmZJemVialJITW5sLVA4MEk1N0tHNl9YUUZIN0g5VmwzVGp0Yy1PVDJlRUxzWFk3anhXcFR1TXd0RG9QN1FTQldWRWpqM3pvWEhvRWJKZVRfM2Y0RE9tbzY3dWtOaDJZYm5wZ2ZhLWF0Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3Kk1XUr&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Sony Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dSR21P (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVRHSDZlN1JWOElSQndReGZ0QkdWTGNKYW1fd3xBQ3Jtc0ttS3ZwZGlTTE5YVlZ4Wm1DbnJUTVRKWEFobXpKZ1Z5WjVpUkU2XzlTS25ydDlmMXMyazFpdU5SeS13Y2xFRVZzQnQzZ21TWjF2allITl9KTXBmYllqaXh1RW1mVWdoT3hHUi00RkQ3bnlIaVA5TmpQTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F4dSR21P&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Sony a7III with lens: https://amzn.to/3VhT309 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnI5M1FnbVpWTDk4X0VXWFEzckVYbktQR2VmZ3xBQ3Jtc0trX3VjaUJBNDQwdHJlMkFHSHdZNHQ3bTRNMko0UTltZVZoRUwtWURjQm55MldrS292ZGhUa0ZkejByc2s5MDhhNXNmNjlfVFdUbFU1Z0U5aTd2OFJueVZ4LTNBMndCWVNPN2JsbG9nZG9ESzFzeVJxOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3VhT309&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) External Monitor: https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblptUG9PQktiWUZJcFRkUkJfOUpvZ0xBYXFYUXxBQ3Jtc0tsaHlVZ204MTFsaTNGSWpjWExUejlWaHZnWnR5em1aVV9aOGF2d29yZmNmSVFVQ2tFZ05jVk56NU5KNEthaEJfemhfa1RXdEQzZGp6QkFGanFlRk9vSS0wZ0JObnFIZC1GcGwwaU5OdE1yRU9SbWdCZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3UYFd1u&v=V1kaEd2hYwU)

13. 

    1 May 2024

    Episode 1: Bianca G "From Fashion to Music to Being a Good Mom"

    In this 1st episode of Functional Conversations, we talk to DJ/Fashion Designer Bianca G about her journey though dance, DJing, Fashion, Hospitality, and back to DJing and Fashion. All while being a single Mom! @biancag_official @djshakee - www.mixcloud.com/TheFunctionLA www.instagram.com/TheFunctionLA www.tiktok.com/TheFunctionLA www.facebook.com/TheFunctionLA Gear Up: https://thefunctionla.storenvy.com/ (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1UzZzR5REFXWThTNUNUcUhGVHhZajFQU1Z5UXxBQ3Jtc0ttSGNEWVJMS0NwWWpPZ0dMQzFTd2ZCMjJreTZITFBXN3g3UkJWNEU4eXNLWjBCbkZxVjBMdTZQVEZmQ1R1anIxMmNuSTNCd2t4U2tfaDVhc2haTDRWUnVwb0ZhLTdTdVFoSkhvTThoYTZUZmRvZkx0MA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fthefunctionla.storenvy.com%2F&v=IscYMTthOcE) - Equipment used to produce this Podcast. Rodecaster Pro2: https://amzn.to/3yx3Cn2 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWptUjBONk5uYlBfVmxER2d6X3hXd0tIQmFsQXxBQ3Jtc0tuQ3hlcE5xZGx2dXc5cjRYbUt0NEUzeE9lR2lpZVFWbmR6SXVJQy1yN2V4dEVDRTFnenpsN1hVUDNsS09QZlFSQ3ExYVQwMENOMlZxWjVnTGdCeGhZd0V1VVJkbmZyRWRDT1luNVJpNzRJUUVicUxGNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3yx3Cn2&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Samson Microphone 3 Pack: https://amzn.to/3Kk1XUr (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkJ0Zk5XODAyNWhWQjQwT0FuZngwcU9CRkdGd3xBQ3Jtc0tucHlTWkNYWmZJemVialJITW5sLVA4MEk1N0tHNl9YUUZIN0g5VmwzVGp0Yy1PVDJlRUxzWFk3anhXcFR1TXd0RG9QN1FTQldWRWpqM3pvWEhvRWJKZVRfM2Y0RE9tbzY3dWtOaDJZYm5wZ2ZhLWF0Zw&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3Kk1XUr&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Sony Headphones: https://amzn.to/4dSR21P (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVRHSDZlN1JWOElSQndReGZ0QkdWTGNKYW1fd3xBQ3Jtc0ttS3ZwZGlTTE5YVlZ4Wm1DbnJUTVRKWEFobXpKZ1Z5WjVpUkU2XzlTS25ydDlmMXMyazFpdU5SeS13Y2xFRVZzQnQzZ21TWjF2allITl9KTXBmYllqaXh1RW1mVWdoT3hHUi00RkQ3bnlIaVA5TmpQTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F4dSR21P&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) Sony a7III with lens: https://amzn.to/3VhT309 (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnI5M1FnbVpWTDk4X0VXWFEzckVYbktQR2VmZ3xBQ3Jtc0trX3VjaUJBNDQwdHJlMkFHSHdZNHQ3bTRNMko0UTltZVZoRUwtWURjQm55MldrS292ZGhUa0ZkejByc2s5MDhhNXNmNjlfVFdUbFU1Z0U5aTd2OFJueVZ4LTNBMndCWVNPN2JsbG9nZG9ESzFzeVJxOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3VhT309&v=V1kaEd2hYwU) External Monitor: https://amzn.to/3UYFd1u (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblptUG9PQktiWUZJcFRkUkJfOUpvZ0xBYXFYUXxBQ3Jtc0tsaHlVZ204MTFsaTNGSWpjWExUejlWaHZnWnR5em1aVV9aOGF2d29yZmNmSVFVQ2tFZ05jVk56NU5KNEthaEJfemhfa1RXdEQzZGp6QkFGanFlRk9vSS0wZ0JObnFIZC1GcGwwaU5OdE1yRU9SbWdCZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3UYFd1u&v=V1kaEd2hYwU)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 25 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

37

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32