On Why Yet’s Watch with Sharai Robbin

Anyone who knows me (and I mean REALLY knows me), knows that I LOVE a good book. I am a book nerd wrapped in a gorgeous face, lol! On my show, On Why Yet’s Watch, I recently had the pleasure of interviewing an author from my hometown of Philadelphia, Sharai Robbin. Sharai is the author of the novel, Candace Reign, which was picked up by Simon & Schuster in 2015.

Candace Reign Sharai promo

Sharai is an inspirational woman all by herself even before you get to her writing. Sitting and talking with her about her passion for crafting her words into book form was divine! I am at a loss for words to describe the interview. All I can say is you would have to listen for yourself and come to your own conclusion. We need more individuals who are looking to improve and inspire the current generations’ preparing to come of age so that they in turn can improve and inspire those that come behind them. That will create a better world for us ALL!

On Why Yet’s Watch with Matthias Mr. 16 Bars

On Why Yets Watch bannerDo you remember the first time you heard hip hop? Do you remember how the music made you feel? How about now when some of the classics play, how do you feel? Well, that old matthiasmr16bars-1school hip hop feel is returning and one of the hip hop artist bringing the classic sound, the classic feel of hip hop back to the forefront of our minds is Matthias Mr. 16 Bars.

A North Philadelphia native and army veteran, Matthias uses his musical talents to uplift and inspire the younger generation. Letting them knowmatthias-theforgottencd that all is not lost as long as you keep your focus on the positive.

Matthias joined me tonight on my show, On Why Yet’s Watch, and he shared his insight and a freestyle with us all the while letting everyone know where they can hear more music and find out more about events where he’ll be. You can check Matthias out on these sites:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Reverbnation

YouTube

Soundcloud

So after you check out all of the hot music make sure you leave feedback with Matthias. Remember, artists need feedback to keep bringing you the hotness!

First Interview of 2016!

On Why Yets Watch bannerGood evening! Happy New Year! On Why Yet’s Watch was on fire tonight! And what a beautiful way to kick in the new year than with an awesome author, Chase Monet, debuting her first novel, Secrets of a Cheating Heart (available on amazon.com) and preparing for the release of her second novel, One Taste Just Ain’t Enough (January 20, 2016 release date).

Chase Headshots

Chase is so relaxed that it’s no wonder her fans are curious to find out what’s next on her to do list of wonders. Being a freelance writer, Chase is no stranger to the rigors of writing regularly. She has submitted countless how-to articles and web content for companies such as Textbroker, Break Studios and Scripted. She’s written grants, business contracts and proposals for small business owners as well as sales and marketing scripts for lead generation companies.

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With all of that going on, Chase’s passion is for writing fiction with twisting plots and steamy, provocative love scenes. Her debut novel, Secrets of a Cheating Heart, features all of that and more. Her newest novel, One Taste Just Ain’t Enough will be released on January 20th, 2016. You can follow Chase Monet on facebook: Chase Monet; on instagram: @chasememonet; and on twitter: @ChaseNMonet. To listen to her interview you can go to On Why Yet’s Watch with Chase Monet.

OneTaste by ChaseMonet

Now don’t feel bad if you missed this interview. I broadcast live every Thursday evening from 9-10 pm EST on blogtalkradio.com. To keep up to date on who’s coming to the show follow my author page on Facebook: Why Yet, Author. Next week, hip hop artist Matthias All Bars will be returning to the show to share some more of his music and wisdom with our listeners, so don’t miss out!

On Why Yet’s Watch with Darryl Carr

Victim of Love II just finished a wonderful interview with author Darryl Carr. He is the author of Victim of Love (which is FREE on amazon for a limited time). Being inspired by Stephen King, the writers of Dynasty, Falcon Crest and Dallas, Darryl strives to create believable characters that we can connect with. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY Darryl began writing when he was 16 years old. A lover of words, Darryl already has Victim of Love 2: Master in My Bed ready for release on October 23, 2015. Darryl Carr can be followed on http://www.facebook.com/darryl.carr3, and http://www.twitter.com/dcarr217 . Grab your free copy of Victim of Love, check out the interview On Why Yet’s Watch with Darryl Carr and follow Darryl Carr to keep up on new books being released!

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On Why Yet’s Watch with Blackwell of BlakkNation Music

I am extra excited this week. Last week I interviewed Victoria Catherine and even though we had to fight through some technical issues with Blogtalk Radio, the interview was still hot! That’s why I love my guests and my listeners. They are a part of my radio family11709625_1583192168608033_4178267984408335270_n and together I am able to bring you what’s going on. Well, what’s going on this week is my interview with hip hop emcee, Blackwell of BlakkNation Music.

Born and raised in Ohio, Hip Hop and R&B artist Blackwell has been writing and performing since the age of 15, since developing his skills of playing guitar, drums, piano, and sax. He’s been largely influenced by such artists as Jay-Z, Eric B. and Rakim, LL Cool J, and Notorious B.I.G., and presents a new school and old school style in his lyrics to appeal to all ages.

He uses a mix of old and new school style in his lyrics which promote postive messages to plus size and BBW women. He describes his style of music as, “Music to wake up your eardrum!” He’s opened for such national acts as Kayne West, LL Cool J, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Paul Wall, Bizzy Bone, Twista, Drake,  Usher, Afroman, and Wiz Khalifa. He’s also collaborated with Danity Kane, Ralph Tresvant and Ronnie Devoe from New Edition!, and Janet Jackson.

Blackwell has formed his own production company and management, ”BlakkNation Music”, that will feature new and upcoming acts of all genre of music, and continues to work and educate new artists in the industry to learn the business and present new material to the Hip Hop and R&B field. He’s a valuable asset to the music industry with more yet to deliver.

You can check out his mixtape, I Am Blackwell, here. You can check out Blackwell’s new single, Kurvalicious, on youtube.

Thursday nights are where you can get the chance to listen in and hear what’s going on with talented indie artists who write, rap, perform and encourage our next generation. Check out On Why Yet’s Watch on Thursdays, 9 pm EST by calling in at 773-897-6297.

On Why Yet’s Watch with Victoria Catherine

On Why Yets Watch bannerThursday nights are energetic for me. Why you ask? Because every Thursday night I get to interview someone new. This week I have the pleasure (pun intended) of interviewing erotica authoress, Victoria Catherine. Chicago native who relocated to Fort Wayne, IN, Victoria has been writing since she was a “pure, innocent, and virginal pre-teen”. Most of her early stories were based off of the Red Shoe Diaries on Showtime. Fascinated with the psychology of what made people lust after each other she began writing what she coins as “bathtub lit”. Her debut novel, One: Sex & Lies, is available on amazon.com.

ONE by Victoria Catherine

Victoria Catherine is the name of the alter ego created from the love of secrets, anonymity and all naughty things we hide away, but in real life she is a wife and mother with many pets. She is a foodie who has a day job and loves classic movie musicals. Victoria Catherine’s writing goal is to write at her own pace and have fun doing it. If you like secrets and finding out all naughty things we hide away then this is a not to miss interview for you. Join me, Why Yet, as I step into the world of bathtub lit with Victoria Catherine on blog talk radio. The call in number is 773-897-6297. Or you can check it out here. I broadcast live Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 9 pm EST.

Why A Thug Can’t Love Me by Monica Jeremie

I just had the pleasure of interviewing brand new author, Monica Jeremie on my show, On Why Yet’s Watch. A mom of two, she has her hands full but she didn’t allow that to halt her dream of writing a novel of substance. Why A Thug Cant Love MeHer debut novel, Why A Thug Can’t Love Me, was published by Mahogany Red Books. With a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies under her belt and beginning work on her degree in Public Administration, Monica has set her sights on her second novel, part two of Why A Thug Can’t Love Me.

Monica’s passion for writing began after reading Mary B. Morrison’s Soulmates Dissipate. With aspirations to help teens and young women learn to love and accept themselves for who they are and where they are in life, Monica’s goals mrb-monicainclude creating stories that are relate-able, entertaining, and original. You can follow Monica on facebook: @monicajeremie twitter: @monicajeremie and on instagram: @monicajeremie .

On Why Yet’s Watch with Mya Kay

wpid-img_20150618_134820.jpgI am truly enjoying my radio hosting gig at BRPP Radio on blogtalkradio.com. I have the pleasure to meet and interact with the coolest artists, writers, musicians and entrepreneurs. I have been hosting since March of this year. I started out co-hosting a show, Sistahs With Purpose, with my real-life sister, The Author Yani on BRPP Radio. She had to go on hiatus for a bit just as our “boss” Kim Morrow started a sister station – BRPP Presents: The Interviewers. It was scary when I began hosting interviews by myself in May. Since then I have learned to relax and have fun with my guests. That makes the show less stressful. Tonight’s show was proof of that.

Tonight I had the pleasure of interviewing Mya Kay. She’s an author, writer, philanthropist, entrepreneur and motivational speaker, whose energy and upbeat attitude is contagious. From growing up in North Philadelphia to teaching English in South Korea for a year – Mya is not afraid to open the door when opportunity knocks. During her year in South Korea, Mya took the extra down time she had after work and wrote three books. After many rejections from Barnes and Nobles, Mya succeeded in having one of her novels, A Song For Jordan, booked in one of their locations in Atlanta, GA for a book signing event where she ultimately sold 11 out of 20 books! Proof that positive persistence pays off. A Song for Jordan

Not slowing down, I asked Mya about her newest venture – Empress by Mya Michele, a nail color line she just launched. Mya stated she was inspired by Tammy from an episode of Basketball Wives who had started a similar business of signature nail colors. Inspiration can come from anywhere as long as you remain open to it. To celebrate the launch of her new nail color company, Mya is currently promoting a giveaway. You can read about it here: I Love A Good Giveaway. I asked Mya for advice that she would give to new authors and entrepreneurs and she stated these three principles to follow:

  1. Grace over Grind
  2. Keep God First
  3. Believe in your vision before you tell anyone about it

You don’t have to take my word for it. You can hear it in her own words On Why Yet’s Watch with Mya Kay.

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Author/Entrepreneur Mya Kay

My Interview with Lisa Sparrow and How Mental Illness Affects All of Us

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Lisa Sparrow is an inspirational woman. She sat with me for an hour on my blogtalk radio show, On Why Yet’s Watch, and was completely open about her daily battle with mental illness. That in itself is bravery in my book. Mental illness is such a touchy topic to speak on because growing up we (as a society) were taught to only speak of such things in the house – especially when it pertained to a relative or close loved one. Lisa shared her story with our listeners and I am truly grateful.

Depression is the most common form of mental illness that people are familiar with. There is NO one single cause of depression. There can be a combination of causes that can trigger depression:

  • Trauma – a serious trauma that occurs early in life can change our brain’s response mechanism.
  • Genetics – mood disorders and risk of suicide tend to run in families but anyone with a genetic tendency would be more likely to show signs of depression at an early age
  • Life Circumstances – marital status, financial standing, where you live could all influence or trigger depression
  • Brain Structure – depression is associated with changing how your brain responds to hormone stimulation
  • Drug and Alcohol Abuse – 30% of people with substance abuse problems also have depression

16 million Americans had a least one major depressive episode last year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Women are 70% more likely than men to experience depression. Young adults aged 18-25 are 60% more likely to experience depression than people aged 50 and over. Unfortunately, Blacks and Latinos are more likely to be misdiagnosed.

There are many forms of treatment:

  • Medications
  • Psychotherapy
  • Brain Stimulation Therapies
  • Light Therapy
  • Exercise
  • Alternative Therapies
  • Self Management Strategies and Education
  • Mind/Body/Spirit approaches

Should you or someone you know suffer from depression or believe you do, seek help. There is strength in asking for help because we all need help at one time or another. For more information about depression and some of the causes of depression check out the following websites:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

Joyful Heart Foundation

To listen to the interview with Lisa Y Sparrow, listen to On Why Yets Watch with Author Lisa Y Sparrow

There is nothing to be ashamed of when dealing with ourselves or a loved one who battles mental illness.

Stay blessed.

Can’t Love What I Don’t Trust by Khara Campbell

Can’t Love What I Don’t Trust is a new urban romance novel by author Khara Campbell that was released by Mahogany Red Books. I am a lover of romance stories even when a part of me wants to run from them screaming (only because I have yet to discover my happily ever after).

But, I digress. Tonight on my radio show, On Why Yet’s Watch with Khara Campbell, I get to sit down with Khara Campbell and find out what makes her characters tick. I have been interviewing authors and artists for a couple of months now and I am discovering that I love it. The stereotype is that artists and published authors are unapproachable and I am finding them to be regular people, just like you and me. They have real life problems just like we do. We’re all human. Even the fictional characters in these novels.

That is what caught my attention with this novel. How can you love someone you don’t trust? You can’t, plain and simple. So many people want to convince others of how loving they are and fling accusations about like paint on a toddler easel. You may have guessed I have a bit of experience with this here.

A former significant other of mine constantly accused me of cheating on him. All the while professing how much he ‘loved’ me. Needless to say that gets tiring quickly, and before I change who I am to satisfy his accusations I will leave. Well, his accusations (unjustified I might add) continued and I said ‘sayonara!’.

cantlovewhatidonttrustThat is what Cassandra is dealing with in the story. Undependable and not-yet-ready-for-committment type guys that we have seen or dealt with ourselves at one time or another. Here’s a brief synopsis from the author herself:

Cassandra had been in love before and if you asked her, love was pain; every day she was reminded of that with the hand she was currently dealt. She struggles to provide for the kids, working a dead-end job while going to school. Stuck in a meaningless relationship, which only involved midnight creeps into her bed, she ends things with Darius in hopes for something better in life. 
Just when Cassandra isn’t looking for anything or anyone, that’s when Marco comes along; he’s handsome, a great father to his son, and a business owner. Marco’s had his share of women and often juggled relationships, but upon meeting Cassandra, his desire is kindled and he has to fight against wanting anything more than just a casual thing. With each day, they both fight the obvious; they want each other. A night of forbidden passion leads them into bed together; they soon wind up going back and forth, as Cassandra begins to date Damian to distract her from the one she really wants–Marco.

To hear more about Cassandra, Darius, Damian and Marco you’ll have to tune in to On Why Yet’s Watch tonight at 9:00 pm EST by calling in to 646-716-5330.  We always have fun. Listen to Why Yet? Why not?!