Last week on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by cultural producer and Hey, Black Seattle! founder Kiesha B. Free, alongside QueenCare Products and Life Enrichment Group CEO Monika C. Mathews.

They dove into Kiesha’s work in community engagement and technology, explored Monika’s mission of fostering resilience through entrepreneurship and social impact, and discussed how both guests are creating safe, healing spaces for Black women.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O will sat down with Tamica Gant, a registered nurse and the founder and CEO of Abundance Health, to discuss her work delivering compassionate, community-centered healthcare and address the critical need for health equity in Seattle.

Joined by community advocate Deaunte Damper, the conversation covered the evolution of the BIPOC Health & Wellness Fair, the impact of racial disparities in the healthcare system, and the essential role of Black-led healthcare networks in empowering patients to advocate for themselves.

On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with Sharron Hayes, owner and lead stylist at the Puyallup-based hair studio Braided and Dreaded. With decades of experience, Hayes has become a pillar in the community, providing specialized care for braids, locs, and textured hair while styling high-profile athletes and political leaders.

Hayes reflected on the growth of her business over the past year, dove into the cultural history of Black hair and the impact of systemic prejudice, and explored her personal journey as a small business owner and mother.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, we are joined by Cal Bonner, a Seattle-based creative entrepreneur, professional tattoo artist, and painter with over 11 years of industry experience. As the founder of The VI Family Studios, Cal is building a creative ecosystem focused on empowerment through mentorship and career development.

In this episode, we explore his long-standing relationship with Converge, the mission behind The VI Family Studios, and how his art deeply intersects with the community. We also delve into his perspective on fatherhood and the ways it informs both his mentality and his creative work.

Tonight on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by two community leaders who are driving change in Washington. He sat down with top-producing real estate professional Anzhane Slaughter to discuss her work with Young Black Homeowners (YBH), her recent office grand opening, and how she is empowering the Black community through culturally relevant, trauma-informed homebuyer education. He also welcomed Andrea Suarez, founder of We Heart Seattle, to dive into her hands-on approach to addressing homelessness and drug policy, her team’s recent community initiatives, and the urgent need for systemic reform in our city.

Together, they explored the intersection of these issues, from the challenges of housing affordability to the impact of the fentanyl crisis, and discuss how we can collectively hold leadership accountable and build a stronger, more supported community.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by Seattle-based creative executive Curtis "Cuddy" Delgardo II and recording artist Mafi D for a look into the Pacific Northwest music scene. They recapped their recent trip to New York City, explored the inspiration behind Mafi D’s “On The Radar” verse, and discussed Cuddy's work with the Cuddy Management Group to elevate local talent on a national stage.

From defining the Seattle hip-hop sound to looking ahead at their upcoming industry plans, this episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about PNW culture and community impact.

On Friday’s episode of The Pop-Up!: All My Friends Are Dope, Erik Kalligraphy tapped in with brothers Roger and Cesar Maldonado, the creative minds behind Mediums Collective, the Seattle-based clothing brand and cultural hub holding it down on Capitol Hill.

They broke down how Mediums grew from a streetwear line into a full-on creative ecosystem and community space, rooted in their Mexican heritage and South End upbringing. The brothers shared the story behind their new Mexico World Cup-inspired jersey, the Aztec eagle symbolism, and how indigenous dance, fashion, and protest all come together in their work.

Roger also talked about leveling up their cut-and-sew operation with support from the city, crafting custom pieces, and sourcing textiles directly from Mexico. Throughout, they reflect on safety and solidarity between Black and Brown communities, and why culture, family, and community will always be at the heart of Mediums Collective.

On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up, host Deaunte Damper was joined by South Seattle Emerald founder Marcus Harrison Green and room shaker and result maker Jessica B. Thiessen to explore the intersection of community storytelling and resource accessibility. Marcus reflected on the Emerald, the evolution of his journalistic mindset and the power of authentic narratives in driving social change. Jessica dove into her work bridging the gap between renewable energy initiatives and local arts through the SunRise Fairs. Together, they tackled questions on how to foster reliable information sharing and strengthen community infrastructure across the Northwest.

Host The Big O had an insightful conversation with Sean Goode, founder of Movement Makers and a prominent advocate for community well-being, on The Pop-Up! last night. Building on the themes from his recent appearance on The Mother’s Justice Show, Goode joined the show to explore the intersection of grace, leadership, and personal healing.

On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O welcomed two prominent voices from the Seattle community: Efrem Fesaha, founder and CEO of Boon Boona Coffee, and Port of Seattle Commissioner President Ryan Calkins. They dove into the Port's role in preparing the city for the World Cup, strategies for fostering local economic growth, and what it takes to adequately support the local economy and small businesses in the Emerald City.

Recently on The Pop-Up! Presents: All My Friends Are Dope, Kalligraphy sat down with Sye Hollywood for a different kind of episode. They had a script—but instead they let the conversation flow naturally, covering everything from FIFA and Seattle culture to AI, hip-hop, politics, and conspiracy theories through honest conversation, different perspectives, and plenty of hot takes.

Recently on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with Colman Commons Director Ashleigh McCurdy, multidisciplinary artist Takiyah "TDUB" Ward, and DJ T.A.B. Together, they dove into Colman Commons’ upcoming After Hours Art Walk event happening July 2 and For The Pilates Gworls event that happened June 27.

In last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with Seattle-based multi-disciplinary artist Damon Brown, also known as Creative Lou, to discuss his journey as a creator and advocate. Together, they dove into how Damon’s designs anchor local spaces, including the Black Media Matters Studio, and explore the intersection of art and community advocacy. Damon also spoke on the importance of supporting small businesses through initiatives like Intentionalist's Special Edition Buy Black Card, which he designed.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, guest host Sean Goode sat down with Jerome Hunter, a prominent educator, speaker, and thought leader dedicated to fostering healthy masculinity. A former Chief Academic Officer and founder of the Seattle School for Boys, Jerome brought his expertise in supporting the social, emotional, and academic development of youth to the table. Together, they discussed the challenges and opportunities facing our schools and communities, alongside a recap of the latest headlines making waves across our region.

On The Pop-Up! last night, host The Big O sat down with powerhouse duo, Warnessa “YaGirlNess” Victorian and Mr. Nyice Guy. Together, they dove into the creative journey that brought them together as a creative duo, exploring how they seamlessly blend music, food, and community. In celebration of Black Music Appreciation Month, they’ll discuss how music has shaped their lives and careers and the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses in the Pacific Northwest.

Friday night on The Pop-Up Presents: All My Friends Are Dope, host Erik Kalligraphy sat down with two respected voices in Seattle hip-hop, Justin Pinder and LA, for a conversation that goes beyond music. From the importance of third spaces like 3P, Hidmo, The Fair, and Ancient Grounds to the evolution of Seattle’s creative community, they explored the experiences, relationships, and lessons that helped shape their journeys.

The trio also dove into artist development, How2Listen, battle rap, and the legacy of community spaces that helped build a generation. They also premiered “Payback,” the new single from Pinder and LA, and take a deeper look into the project behind the music, the creative process, and what they hope listeners take away from it.

All My Friends Are Dope is about getting a different perspective on the people shaping culture—not just their art, but their mind, creative process, and legacy.

Tune in Friday at 9 PM and tap into the conversation.

Hosts The Big O and Ashleigh McCurdy sat down with guest Wyking Garrett, the visionary President and CEO of the Africatown Community Land Trust last week. A third-generation community builder and social entrepreneur, Garrett discussed Africatown’s Juneteenth Celebration at Jimmy Hendrix Park in Seattle.

In last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by Laura Clise, founder and CEO of Intentionalist, to discuss the special edition Buy Black Card and the power of gathering changemakers to drive local impact.

Joining them was Harold Fields, founder of Umami Kushi, who shared his journey as a community-driven entrepreneur in Seattle’s South End and reflected on the growth of his business through Converge Media’s Support Black Business campaign.

Together, they dove into why circulating dollars within our communities is more important than ever and how we can all show up for local Black-owned businesses.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down with Sean Goode, founder of Movement Makers, TED speaker, and dedicated advocate for community well-being. Together, they explore the intersections of grace, leadership, and justice, while diving into conversations about mental health, pressing issues facing Seattle’s Black and brown communities, and how to move with grace.

Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! kicked off International Men's Health Week with host Deaunte Damper and two influential community advocates. Joining the program were former State Representative Jesse Johnson and Cortez Charles, the founder of the Fatherhood Accountability Movement, for a conversation on the importance of men's health in the modern era. This special broadcast highlights the roles these men play in community advocacy while exploring essential health topics and beyond.

Friday night on The Pop-Up!, Tacoma media professional and culture curator, Elisha Michelle, was back in the hosting seat for another Tacoma Takeover episode. Elisha, the visionary behind The Legendary Dope Show and the Legendary AF brand, spotlighted two renowned artists from the 253: KGodd and Sentu Taylor.

KGodd is a Federal Way, Washington-based artist bringing authentic West Coast flavor to the forefront. Versatile in his craft but rooted in that signature West Coast sound, KGodd is building momentum with his sights set on a global stage. With new music on the way, he’s just getting started on putting his city where it belongs: on the map.

Sentu Taylor is a Tacoma-bred creative entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of art, culture, and community. As the founder of the clothing brand “Random Idiot,” Sentu built a brand around the idea that self-awareness beats self-absorption, symbolized by a lightbulb wearing a dunce cap. Sentu is a published author, film writer, blogger, and graphic designer.

Thursday night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O welcomed Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes and City Attorney Erika Evans for a deep dive into the city's public safety challenges. Following their recent joint press conference at City Hall that same day, the guests broke down the escalating crisis on Aurora Avenue, addressing urgent community concerns regarding the intersection of gun violence and sex trafficking.

The conversation moved beyond the immediate headlines to examine the systemic impact of these issues on Black Seattleites, offering a frank discussion on the balance between legislative response, community advocacy, and the shared commitment to building a safer, more equitable future for all residents.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by cultural producers and community leaders Jerome "JD" Davis and Naudia Miller for a conversation on the importance of community-controlled spaces and the enduring significance of Juneteenth.

They will explore the ongoing work of WayOut Kids and the Seattle Black Panther Party Interpretive Center, respectively, in fostering youth empowerment, preserving Black history, and cultivating safe, resilient environments across the Pacific Northwest.

On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with two impactful community leaders who are shaping the future of Seattle. Real estate developer and author Jaebadiah Gardner, CEO of GardnerGlobal, joins us to discuss the current state of affordable housing in Seattle's gentrified neighborhoods and share updates on The Sarah Queen project.

The host also welcomed David Long, Executive Director of Testimony Praise Worship Gatherings, to explore how his organization is tackling the fentanyl epidemic through community connection and education, while discussing the intersection of his sales coaching expertise and advocacy work, as well as his upcoming "Showing The Lost What Found Looks Like" fundraising event this Thursday, June 11 at the Art Love Salon.

Last night on The Pop-Up!, we welcomed King County Superior Court Judge Sean O'Donnell and community leader Melvin Slaughter for a conversation on justice and civic engagement.

Judge O’Donnell, who has served on the bench since 2013 with extensive experience in family, civil, and criminal law, will discuss his experiences trying sex trafficking cases on Aurora Avenue and the overarching role of the court.

Melvin Slaughter, the founder of Solutions for Seattle, will share his inspirational journey of personal transformation and his mission to foster collaboration and celebrate Seattle’s youth, including a look ahead at the upcoming Solutions for Seattle Day on June 17.

Tune in to The Pop-Up! weeknights at 9 p.m. on all Converge Media streaming platforms.

On last Thursday's episode of The Pop-Up!, we continued "Together We End Gun Violence Week" with guests Kimberly Wyatt, King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and Karyn Brownson, Seattle & King County Lock It Up Program Manager.

The conversation explored key firearm safety and legal measures, covering the role of the Prosecuting Attorney, the function of emergency and civil protection orders, and how the Lock-It-Up program helps residents store firearms safely.

Converge Media partnered with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) for "Together We End Gun Violence Week" because both organizations are committed to owning the narrative around gun violence and public safety. This partnership is a strategic "takeover" of The Pop-Up!, which is explicitly designed to bring meaningful news, culture, and conversation to Seattle’s Black community–a community disproportionately affected by gun violence.

On Friday’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O explored the work of gun violence prevention and community advocacy alongside special guests Gregory Joseph, Communications Director for the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, and King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) Youth Ambassadors for Change Joshua Wheeldon and Melodie Slaughter.

While Joseph discussed the Alliance’s efforts to empower survivors and influence policy, the Youth Ambassadors shared their perspectives on the impact of gun violence and the necessity of youth voices in shaping our future.

Converge Media partnered with ROGVP for "Together We End Gun Violence Week" because both organizations are committed to owning the narrative around gun violence and public safety. This partnership is a strategic "takeover" of The Pop-Up!, which is designed to bring meaningful news, culture, and conversation to Seattle’s Black community–a community disproportionately affected by gun violence.

On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, we continue our "Together We End Gun Violence Week" series with special guests Eddie Purpose, Founder and Executive Director of Progress Pushers, and Marvin Marshall, Executive Director of the Freedom Project.

Alongside host The Big O, the guests discussed the importance of leveraging lived experience in public safety work, the necessity of collective community action, and how partnering with established systems can lead to more effective violence prevention.

They also highlighted the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention’s 6th Annual National Gun Violence Awareness Day Gun Lockbox Giveaway happening this Friday, June 5.

Converge Media is partnering with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention (ROGVP) for "Together We End Gun Violence Week" because both organizations are committed to owning the narrative around gun violence and public safety. This partnership is a strategic "takeover" of The Pop-Up!, which is explicitly designed to bring meaningful news, culture, and conversation to Seattle’s Black community–a community disproportionately affected by gun violence.

This episode of The Pop-Up! is part of Together We End Gun Violence Week—a special series centering community, survivors, and public health solutions. Host The Big O was joined by:

• Eleuthera Lisch – Director, King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention

• Deaunte Damper – Community Engagement Specialist, King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention

• Ariana Donneville – Communications Lead and survivor of gun violence

Together, they broke down what it really means to take a public health approach to gun violence—treating it like a disease that can be prevented, interrupted, and healed when **community and government move in alignment. In this episode, they discuss:

• How the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention coordinates with mayors, police chiefs, schools, and community organizations across seven geographic areas of the county

• The role of community-led public safety through groups like Community Passageways, Urban Family, Freedom Project, and Progress Pushers

• Rapid response and stabilization for families, apartment complexes, and neighborhoods after shootings

• Prevention and harm reduction tools, including Stop the Bleed trainings and free firearm lock box giveaways across King County

• The emotional and spiritual labor of survivors and families—fathers, mothers, and loved ones—turning pain into purpose

• The connection between Pride, public safety, and the ongoing work to keep LGBTQIA+ and Black communities safe

You’ll also hear personal reflections from Ariana on losing her mother to gun violence as a child and how that shapes her work today, and from Eleuthera and Deaunte on why this is more than a job—it’s a mission. This week is a reminder: ending gun violence is not just government’s job or community’s job—it’s all of us. Together We End Gun Violence.

Tune into The Pop-Up! all week as the conversation continues with survivors, organizers, and leaders who are building real safety across Seattle and King County.

Last night, The Pop-Up! launches "Together We End Gun Violence Week,” presented in partnership with the King County Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention. The Big O sat down with Jenine Lewis, Founder of Solace, and Lonnisha Landry, Founder of Just/Us Loved Ones.

The conversation will focus on their personal journeys as survivors, exploring how they have navigated grief, found hope, and why their experience is essential when addressing gun violence. Jenine and Lonnisha will also share information about their respective organizations (Solace and Just/Us Love Ones), discuss what "together we end gun violence" means to them, and highlight upcoming events like the Solace Weave walk on June 6th.