Business First w/Sonia Alleyne by Mean Ole Lion Media

April 14, 202640 min

From the Music Business to the Passion for Music

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with 90s R&B artist Yvette Michele for a soulful and inspiring conversation about her return to music and her new single, “Mr. DJ.” Yvette reflects on the nostalgia of the 90s era while sharing what it takes to navigate today’s fast-paced, technology-driven music industry. She opens up about overcoming insecurities, staying authentic in a constantly evolving landscape, and how community support has played a key role in her journey. The conversation also dives into Yvette’s unique ability to blend her creative talents with her background in technology and marketing—showing how artists can build sustainable careers beyond just the music. She discusses her songwriting evolution, the importance of perspective, and the personal growth tools that have helped her reclaim her voice. Looking ahead, Yvette shares her excitement for new collaborations and expanding her reach internationally, particularly in the UK and beyond. This episode is a powerful reminder that reinvention is always possible—and that your voice still matters, no matter where you are in your journey. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

April 7, 202632 min

Be In Overflow Pt. 2

In this dynamic episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with visionary entrepreneur Jeff Watkins, the force behind Overflow—an AI-powered film distribution platform reshaping the industry. Jeff shares his journey of building a disruptive model that leverages AI to amplify storytelling, empower creators, and open doors for underrepresented voices in film. From navigating fear and taking bold risks to developing proprietary tools that increase efficiency, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community in supporting diverse storytellers, the power of authentic narratives, and how AI is becoming a true equalizer across industries. Jeff reflects on the importance of inner work, overcoming ego, and committing to continuous self-learning as key drivers of both personal and professional growth. If you’re interested in innovation, storytelling, and building with purpose, this episode delivers both inspiration and strategy. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and inspired.

April 3, 202627 min

Operation Restaurant Pt. 2

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Andre Truss to discuss how discipline, leadership, and purpose shaped his journey from the United States Marine Corps to building a thriving restaurant business. Andre shares how the leadership principles he learned in the Marines helped him design strong business systems, build effective teams, and create a culture rooted in authenticity and community. The conversation explores the importance of structure, intentional leadership, and spiritual grounding in sustaining long-term success in business. Through personal stories and practical insights, Andre explains how thoughtful system design and a commitment to people can transform a simple idea into a scalable and impactful enterprise. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app and be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share.

March 31, 202629 min

Be In Overflow

In this dynamic episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with visionary entrepreneur Jeff Watkins, the force behind Overflow—an AI-powered film distribution platform reshaping the industry. Jeff shares his journey of building a disruptive model that leverages AI to amplify storytelling, empower creators, and open doors for underrepresented voices in film. From navigating fear and taking bold risks to developing proprietary tools that increase efficiency, this conversation dives deep into what it really takes to innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape. The discussion also highlights the critical role of community in supporting diverse storytellers, the power of authentic narratives, and how AI is becoming a true equalizer across industries. Jeff reflects on the importance of inner work, overcoming ego, and committing to continuous self-learning as key drivers of both personal and professional growth. If you’re interested in innovation, storytelling, and building with purpose, this episode delivers both inspiration and strategy. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and inspired.

March 17, 202630 min

Operation Restaurant

In this episode of Business First, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with entrepreneur and restaurateur Andre Truss to discuss how discipline, leadership, and purpose shaped his journey from the United States Marine Corps to building a thriving restaurant business. Andre shares how the leadership principles he learned in the Marines helped him design strong business systems, build effective teams, and create a culture rooted in authenticity and community. The conversation explores the importance of structure, intentional leadership, and spiritual grounding in sustaining long-term success in business. Through personal stories and practical insights, Andre explains how thoughtful system design and a commitment to people can transform a simple idea into a scalable and impactful enterprise. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app and be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share.

March 10, 202646 min

CSO: Chief Sleep Officer

In this episode of *Business First*, sleep strategist and corporate wellness expert **LaShasta Bell** joins the conversation to break down why sleep is one of the most overlooked drivers of success in business and life. LaShasta shares powerful insights into how sleep impacts our mental clarity, physical health, and emotional resilience—especially for entrepreneurs and professionals who often operate in “hustle mode.” She explains how chronic sleep deprivation affects productivity, decision-making, and long-term wellness, and why companies must begin prioritizing rest as a core part of corporate wellness strategies. Throughout the discussion, LaShasta offers practical tools and actionable strategies for improving sleep habits, integrating wellness into workplace culture, and shifting from constant hustle to a more sustainable rhythm of harmony and balance. If you’ve ever sacrificed sleep in the name of productivity, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what true performance and success really look like.

February 10, 202648 min

Running Records to the Running Business

On this inspiring episode of Business First Podcast, Rick Ross shares how he transitioned from success in the music industry to becoming a serial entrepreneur committed to community impact through running, education, and service. Rick breaks down the importance of mastering the business side of music, creating unforgettable customer experiences in his running store, and building a nonprofit rooted in access, opportunity, and wellness. From entrepreneurship to purpose-driven leadership, this conversation highlights how serving others, promoting health, and staying grounded in mission can turn passion into lasting impact for both business and community.

January 14, 202631 min

Sound and Screen: Untold Stories

In this episode of #BusinessFirst, host #SoniaAlleyne sits down with award-winning filmmaker and music supervisor #LinnetteHarrigan for a powerful conversation at the intersection of #Music, #Film, and #Business.

January 7, 202635 min

Swiping Is A Young Person's Game

In this episode of #BusinessFirstPodcast, host #SoniaAlleyne sits down with #KimDickerson and #DeniseKaigler, co-founders of #MahoganyMates, a social engagement business creating intentional spaces for Black singles over 50 to build real, meaningful connections. The conversation explores their old-school approach to dating in a digital world, the realities of launching a niche business, and the importance of fostering community over algorithms. Kim and Denise break down Mahogany Mates’ programming — from local in-person events to online mingles — and address the stigma surrounding singlehood, particularly among #BlackMen, while challenging outdated narratives about relationships and aging. This episode also offers honest reflections on entrepreneurship, resilience, and the vision behind building a business rooted in connection, purpose, and cultural understanding.

December 23, 202532 min

PJ's For The Culture

In this episode of the **Business First Podcast**, host Sonia Alleyne sits down with Vanessa and Dallas Streeter, the mother-and-son duo behind **PJs for the Culture**, a pajama brand rooted in cultural pride and representation. Vanessa and Dallas share the inspiration behind creating holiday pajamas that reflect Black culture and identity, and how a simple idea turned into a growing business. The conversation explores the realities of product development, from concept to production, and the challenges they faced bringing their vision to life. They also discuss what it’s like navigating entrepreneurship as a family, balancing roles as mother and son while building a brand together. Along the way, they reflect on the overwhelming support from their community, the importance of listening to customer feedback, and how that feedback continues to shape their business decisions. Looking ahead, Vanessa and Dallas share their plans for expansion, new product lines, and how they hope to continue creating products that celebrate culture while building generational impact. This episode is an inspiring look at family, entrepreneurship, and building a business with purpose.

Business First w/Sonia Alleyne

About the show

Listen to episodes

From the Music Business to the Passion for Music

Be In Overflow Pt. 2

Operation Restaurant Pt. 2

Be In Overflow

Operation Restaurant

CSO: Chief Sleep Officer

Running Records to the Running Business

Sound and Screen: Untold Stories

Swiping Is A Young Person's Game

PJ's For The Culture

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