Kevin De Liban is a legal aid attorney devoted to the idea that the amount of money you have should not determine how much justice you get. Working at a non-profit legal aid organization, he helps low-income individuals with issues involving health, employment, disability rights, education, and domestic violence. Before becoming an attorney, Kevin worked in Washington state as a social worker assisting homeless individuals with mental illness to get stably housed and in San Francisco city government to enforce good government and campaign finance laws. While in San Francisco, the Society of Professional Journalists recognized Kevin for becoming a whistleblower and refusing an order to destroy documents damaging to the mayor. Though originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Kevin has been in the Mid-South since 2011 and proudly calls it home. When he's not practicing law, he is passionately creating music as a rapper, with his debut album, Plunge Into Sunshine, released in March 2015.
Founder and Executive Director of the Memphis Immigration Project (MiP), Rondell Trevino moved to Memphis in the summer of 2009 where the Lord graciously saved him. At the end of the summer, he decided to stay in Memphis where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies at Belhaven University. He then received his Master of Divinity from Capital Seminary in 2016. Rondell is a Pastor at Woodland Presbyterian Church and routinely preaches on various topics in the Bible and also speaks on immigration from a Biblical perspective around the Southeast.
Tackling Immigration in Bluff City
In this mini episodethe Dynamic Duo catches everyone up on their European adventuretraveling via plane, train and automobiles. Hear the highlight reel of their journey and what they have planned for this year!
Catching Up With The Duo
There are a few producers in hip hop that have as much combined skill and mystery attached to their name as IMAKEMADBEATS. The enigmatic, faceless man behind the boards has built his reputation on an obsessive dedication to his craft, a mad scientist-like approach to tweaking samples, drums, and live instruments, and a signature sound that’s put listeners in the emergency room with severely broken necks.
While most people first became aware of IMAKEMADBEATS from his 2009 collaborative project, The Transcontinental with Oxnard rhyme- Slinger Roc C, the story of the demented hip hop recluse - also known as NeMO - runs much deeper.
This episode is sponsored by Euro Imports
The Beat Behind Bluff City
In this episode the dynamic duo is joined by OAM founder and network producer Gil Worth to reflect on this past year and discuss a few of their favorite Christmas traditions and pastimes. Also discussed, what does everyone REALLY think about 2016, what do we hope for the upcoming year and where in the heck are we headed in the coming months? This is the candid episode you surely won't want to miss.
Episode 9: The Candid Christmas Episode
During episode 8 the duo interviews the incomparable Lisa Mac. Lisa Mac is a self described artreprenuer , musician and owner of Studio 688.
This episode is brought to you by Euro Imports of Memphis
Episode 8: The Go-Getter Behind Bluff City
In episode 6 the dynamic duo interviews Kevin Dean. Kevin received his Bachelor’s in Communication from the University of Memphis in 2002. In 2009, he completed his Masters Degree in Executive Leadership from Christian Brothers University.He is the former Executive Director of Literacy Mid-South. He was also named one of Memphis’ Top 40 Under 40 by Memphis Business Journal in 2011.
He currently works as a consultant for nonprofits in the Memphis area by bringing them his notable expertise in turnarounds, leadership development, fundraising, marketing, business and strategic planning. He also created and curates the Dean’s List for MakeMemphis!, a nonprofit born out of a desire to connect Memphians who want to make things happen, encourage ideas, and to Make Memphis better.
Episode 7: The Dean Behind Bluff City
In this episode, the dynamic duo interviews Nick Redmond, band member of Star & Micey a soulful folk/pop band from Memphis, TN. The band is signed to the legendary Ardent Music label who launched power pop pioneers, Jody Stephens, better known as Big Star. These three sons of Tennessee fuse Stax-era soul, folk from the Mississippi delta and the finest sweets from the pop music they grew up on. The music they make transcends material possessions and exhibits something that is always tangible; that thing is love.
This episode is brought to you by Euro Imports of Memphis
Episode 6: Th Voice Behind Bluff City
In this episode, the dynamic duo interviews Hardy Farrow, Founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit called Let’s Innovate Through Education, otherwise known as LITE Memphis. Hardy attended George Washington University where he earned a BA in Political Science. He then moved to Memphis as a Teach for America Corps Member. During his time as a corps member he taught 11th Grade Government/ Economics at Power Center Academy. He was also selected as Teach for America National Innovation Award Finalist (one of the 5 most innovative teachers in the country). He now runs LITE Memphis full time and hopes to empower low-income students to explore their passions through launching entrepreneurial ideas.
Episode 5: The LITE Behind Bluff City
In this episode the dynamic duo interviews transplant Eso Tolson. Originally from East St. Louis, IL, Eso Tolson, is what you would call a Freelance Creative Director/Designer. He enjoys brand identity design and developing creative content. He is passionate about music, typography, pop culture, and inner city life. He is the creative genius behind the 'Embrace Your Inner' movement in Memphis. Join us as we unearth what it means to embrace your inner Memphis during this fun-filled episode.
Today's episode is brought to you by Euro Imports of Memphis!
Episode 4: The Cool Urban Hippie Behind Bluff City
For the 3rd official episode of Behind Bluff City, the dynamic duo interviewed Katie Barber and Jacob Geyer. They are both accomplished photographers and advocates for Operation Broken Silence, a non-profit organization which leads a global movement for peace and justice in Sudan through innovative programs and advocacy. They are both on a team that creates stunning documentary films, short videos, and photography that inspires people around the world to action. They also design powerful campaigns that train and equip grassroots activists to successfully engage their communities and leaders. During this episode they discuss their recent trip to Sudan, what it’s like being transplants in Memphis and how they plan to change the world one photograph at a time!
Episode 3: Breaking the Silence In Bluff City
Episode 2 features David Rose ,founder and CEO of One Body Medical and the Executive Director of Inner L.I.G.H.T. Memphis. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis and is well-known within the Memphis startup community. He is about to launch Start Camp for its third consecutive year. He also uses his talents to be an advocate for social enterprise and issues within the MidSouth.
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Episode 2: Inner L.I.G.H.T. Behind The Bluff City
During this episode we interview Memphis Socialite, Rhonnie Brewer. Rhonnie is the founder of Socially Twisted, the blogger behind Socialite Approved and host of the Sports Twist show. She serves on the board of Memphis Urban League Young Professionals and various other community foundations. She is a transplant from Los Angeles, California but has developed deep roots within the Memphis community through social action and advocacy. In this episode she discusses recent projects undertaken by the MULYP and why she is a Memphian by choice.
Episode 1: The Socialite Behind Bluff City
In this pilot episode, Off the Record’s Taylor Smith stops by to interview the duo and help you get to know the voices behind the Behind Bluff City podcast.