THE POP-UP!
The Pop-Up! is Converge Media’s new summer series that brings back hard-hitting headlines, news discourse, community, and culture. Airing live weeknights at 9 p.m. from the Black Media Matters Studio in Pioneer Square, the show acts as a collaborative hub where community voices and personalities converge to discuss "what's poppin'" in the city and beyond. With a relaxed vibe and a rotating roster of guests, the program delivers a conversational perspective on major events like the 2026 World Cup and Pride celebrations, while diving deep into local news, lifestyle, and the stories shaping the Black experience in the Emerald City.
NEW EPISODES
Last week on All My Friends Are Dope, guest Katoya Palmer, a strategist, creator, and founder of ToyBox Consulting, joined the show to discuss her unique approach as a self-described "composer of experiences.”
Known for building public moments like the Golden Hour Unboxed pop-up that gather people around big ideas and good feelings, Palmer reflected on her professional journey, exploring the transition from supporting others' visions to realizing her own deserves equal attention.
The conversation delved into the infrastructure behind her mission, covering how she manages to balance structure with soul while considering the lasting legacy she hopes her work will leave behind.
Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! featured Kelabe Tewolde, a candidate for State Representative in the 37th LD, and community organizer Sierra-Leone Jones. Tewolde, a Seattle Planning Commission member and educator, discussed his vision for public safety and Seattle’s Black community, while Jones shared insights into her organization, A Space Inside.
The show dove into the importance of creating spaces for Black voices in Seattle and promote upcoming community events, including Inside’s BIPOC-centered Open Mic Night at Colman Commons happening every last Friday of the month.
Elisha Michelle guest hosted a special Tacoma Takeover edition of The Pop-Up! last night, where she sat down with two of Tacoma’s most influential voices. She dove into the creative and community-building scenes with Savo, the founder of the visual media brand Get To Know ‘Em TV, and Terrance Turner, the philosopher and community leader behind "Create the Space Mentoring."
Last night on The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with nationally recognized relationships expert Debrena Jackson Gandy, known as "The Relationships (R)Evolutionary," who leads a "State of the Union" discussion on the current landscape of Black love, the necessity of a new relationship paradigm, and how couples can move toward deeper fulfillment.
The Big O also touched base with designer and stylist Nate Alexander, the creative force behind the brand Mainly Razedebar. Alexander discusses his journey from Atlanta back to his roots in Tacoma, Washington, detailing how he incorporates Black culture into his handmade garment creations and reflecting on the evolving creative scenes across both cities.
On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O is joined by two Pacific Northwest creatives: poet Darryl Foto and musician/filmmaker LIVt.
Darryl Foto, a Tacoma-based Cameroonian poet, discussed his journey into spoken word, the importance of elevating Black joy, and how his heritage shapes his work on mental health, self-reflection, and healing.
LIVt explored the unique music scene south of Seattle, discuss her work as a Black queer artist, and how she uses her storytelling to navigate the complexities of the Black experience, including themes of love, grief, and redemption.
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guests Tatiana Brown, candidate for Washington State Senate, District 37, and Silas James, candidate for Seattle City Council District 5, joined the show to discuss their respective platforms and visions for the city.
Brown, a community organizer, and James, an educator and former Seattle Disability Commission Chair, discussed housing affordability, public safety, and strategies for supporting local small businesses and the Black community.
On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O was joined by two candidates in the upcoming primary election: King County Council District 2 candidate Miriam Mboya and Washington State House 46th Legislative District candidate Ron Davis. They dove into local issues, including strategies for affordability and small business support, approaches to public safety and worker’s rights, and how to create a more inclusive, responsive government that serves the city and county’s Black community and beyond.
On last night’s episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Sean Goode welcomed two local candidates to the Black Media Matters Studio for a conversation on the future of Seattle and King County. Goode sat down with Seattle City Council, District 5 candidate Nilu Jenks and State Senate, District 43 candidate Hannah Sabio-Howell to discuss their platforms and visions for the community.
Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! featured a conversation with Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth, hosted by The Big O at the show’s new start time of 7 p.m. across all Converge Media platforms. Together, they tackled pressing issues facing Black Seattleites and the broader community, including the current legislative debate surrounding the city's free school lunch program plans.
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.
Ashley McGirt-Adair & Tha Def Chef
Seattle icons "Tha Def Chef" Jimaine Miller and revolutionary therapist and author Ashley McGirt-Adair joined The Pop-Up! on Tuesday, May 19th—a massive link-up of two frontline leaders dedicated to feeding the soul and healing the minds of our community. They broke down major headlines: the urgent battle for Black voting rights stretching from the frontlines in Alabama, the polarizing intersection of AI and mental health, and the fierce online debate surrounding reality star Cheyenne Bryant’s academic credentials.
Angela Rye & Papa Black Davinci
Rapper Papa Black Davinci and legal analyst Angela Rye joined The Pop-Up! on Monday, May 4th for a wide-ranging discussion on business, politics, and social issues. Alongside The Big O, they discussed the demise of Spirit Airlines, the nationwide expansion plans of Lewis Rudd, the co-founder of Ezell's Famous Chicken, and the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry. Rye provided an analysis of recent Supreme Court decisions affecting the Voting Rights Act, framing the current political climate as a "dangerous retraction" of civil rights.
Deaunte Damper, Ashleigh McCurdy, & The Big O!
Deaunte Damper, Ashleigh McCurdy, and The Big O broke down the block's biggest headlines on Thursday, May 21, from Mayor Katie Wilson’s update on her comments about millionaires to former Mayor Bruce Harrell’s unexpected pivot to a green-tech startup CEO role. Plus, the crew is keeping it entirely real with a deep dive into whether 23rd and Jackson is still the true cultural heart of the Central District, the hilariously complicated state of dating in Seattle, and your weekend soundtrack.
WATCH LATEST CLIPS
Did you catch the latest Tacoma Takeover last week on The Pop-Up? Guest host Elisha Michelle welcomed motivational speaker and philosopher Terrance Turner, a.k.a. C.A.U.T.I.O.N., who discussed the concept of "pain profiteering.”
Watch Terrance’s recent interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/SavoTerrance
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
What inspires you to create? Spoken word artist Darryl Foto recently appeared on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O where he dropped some wisdom and explained the core intentions behind his artistry. He shared his desire to validate the difficult experiences of others and the importance of making people feel truly witnessed and seen.
Watch Darryl’s full interview, alongside singer LIVt, at tinyurl.com/LIVtFoto
Make sure to check out Darryl on TikTok and Instagram.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
A Lakewood icon joined The Pop-Up! last week. Singer and filmmaker LIVt shared her mission to break down barriers in the film and music industries by creating behind-the-camera opportunities for underrepresented voices, particularly women of color.
Beyond artistic expression, her goal is to make a direct economic impact by providing experience and breaking down barriers that prevent creators from doing what they love.
Watch LIVt's recent interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/LIVtFoto
Stream LIVt’s fresh new songs now at greentea.lnk.to/SummerCrush
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
King County Council District 2 candidate Miriam Mboya recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to share her vision for a more people-focused King County government.
During her appearance, she emphasized the importance of community involvement, increased transparency in budget meetings, and ensuring that leaders carry the voices of the people into council chambers.
Watch Miriam’s full interview, alongside candidate for the 46th District, State House Ron Davis, at tinyurl.com/MboyaDavis
Learn more about Miriam’s campaign at electmiriam.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
#ThePopUp - T-Minus four days until Primary Election Day! Seattle City Council District 5 candidate Silas James recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to share how his lived experience using a wheelchair and a cane informs his perspective on public benefit systems.
Drawing from over 30 years of navigating these systems and helping others do the same, he expressed his desire to create meaningful change on a larger scale by fixing systemic gaps rather than just assisting individuals one by one.
Watch Silas’ full interview alongside candidate for Washington State Senate, Leg. District 37 Tatiana Brown at tinyurl.com/SilasTatiana
Learn more about Silas’ campaign at silasforseattle.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
The countdown to Primary Election Day continues. State Senate, District 37 candidate Tatiana Brown recently appeared on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O to discuss housing development in South Seattle.
She explained the importance of self-determination and building housing through models like community land trusts and social housing to combat displacement.
Watch Tatiana’s full interview alongside Seattle City Council D5 candidate Silas James at tinyurl.com/SilasTatiana
Learn more about Tatiana’s campaign at tatianaforwa.org
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Last week on The Pop-Up!, 46th District State House candidate Ron Davis explained how he would tackle rising living costs, drawing from his own experiences with childcare debt in Seattle.
He outlined a legislative agenda aimed at expanding affordable housing, boosting public transit, implementing universal free childcare for working families, and appropriately taxing the rich to fund essential public investments.
Watch Ron’s full interview, alongside King County Council District 2 candidate Miriam Mboya, at tinyurl.com/MboyaDavis
Learn more about Ron’s campaign at voterondavis.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
What makes a good leader? Miriam Mboya, a candidate for King County Council District 2, shared her insights on the importance of experiential leadership on The Pop-Up! last week with host The Big O.
She said that effective leaders should come directly from the community and possess lived experiences, rather than relying solely on theoretical backgrounds, to truly empathize with and solve local crises.
Watch Miriam’s full interview, alongside candidate for the 46th District, State House Ron Davis, at tinyurl.com/MboyaDavis
Learn more about Miriam’s campaign at electmiriam.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
No one reps heart and soul like the CD. Washington State Senate, Leg. District 37 candidate Tatiana Brown recently appeared on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O where she discussed housing and affordability issues in Seattle’s Central District.
She emphasized that anti-displacement policies must be at the very center of how housing is approached in the city and state.
Watch Tatiana’s full interview alongside Seattle City Council D5 candidate Silas James at tinyurl.com/SilasTatiana
Learn more about Tatiana’s campaign at tatianaforwa.org
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Seattle City Council District 5 candidate Silas James recently joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! where he discussed public safety and infrastructure improvements along Aurora Avenue.
He shared his perspective on decriminalizing consensual sex work for safety and emphasized the urgent need for better sidewalks, lighting, and accessible crosswalks.
Watch Silas’ full interview alongside candidate for Washington State Senate, Leg. District 37 Tatiana Brown at tinyurl.com/SilasTatiana
Learn more about Silas’ campaign at silasforseattle.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Last week on The Pop-Up! with guest host Sean Goode, Washington State Senate, District 43 candidate Hannah Sabio-Howell discussed how her mother's family immigrated to the United States from the Philippines—a background that has shaped her perspective on policy and leadership.
Watch Hannah’s full interview on The Pop-Up!, alongside Seattle City Council District 5 candidate Nilu Jenks, at tinyurl.com/HannahNilu
Learn more about Hannah’s campaign at hannahforwashington.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Last week on The Pop-Up! with guest host Sean Goode, Seattle City Council District 5 candidate Nilu Jenks shared her family's background of political asylum, including her aunt's execution in Iran's Evin prison for fighting for freedom.
She explained how witnessing her parents' selfless sacrifices and her family's history of enduring torture inspired her lifelong commitment to fighting for her community.
Watch Nilu’s full interview on The Pop-Up!, alongside Washington State Senate District 43 candidate Hannah Sabio-Howell, at tinyurl.com/HannahNilu
Learn more about Nilu’s campaign at neighborsfornilu.org
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
#ThePopUp - How can we make Seattle more affordable? Recently on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O, candidate for the 46th District, State House Ron Davis expressed his desire for everyone to have the opportunity for upward mobility and the ability to live without financial stress in the Emerald City.
He discussed how Seattle offers amazing opportunities but argues it has become exclusionary, comparing it to an expensive country club that requires a high financial buy-in.
Watch Ron’s full interview, alongside King County Council District 2 candidate Miriam Mboya, at tinyurl.com/MboyaDavis
Learn more about Ron’s campaign at voterondavis.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
#WWConverge #BlackMediaMatters
How do we release generational trauma? QueenCare CEO Monika C. Mathews recently appeared on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O where she shared her passion for opening the Spa House by QueenCare, a safe space dedicated to helping women release generational trauma through body work and spa services.
Watch Monika’s full interview alongside Hey, Black Seattle! founder Kiesha B. Free at tinyurl.com/KieshaMonika
Learn more about QueenCare at queencareproducts.com
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
How do we solve homelessness in Seattle? King County Council District 2 candidate Miriam Mboya recently appeared on The Pop-Up! where she discussed Seattle’s homelessness crisis, drawing from her own experience with homelessness.
She emphasized that rather than applying trial-and-error theories, leaders must engage directly with people on the streets to properly categorize their needs and connect them with behavioral health resources.
Watch Miriam’s full interview, alongside candidate for the 46th District, State House Ron Davis, at tinyurl.com/MboyaDavis
Learn more about Miriam’s campaign at electmiriam.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Washington State Senate, District 43, candidate Hannah Sabio-Howell recently appeared on The Pop-Up! with guest host Sean Goode where she discussed how addiction should be treated as a public health crisis in Seattle. She said the issue is tied to a lack of housing, underinvestment in behavioral health care systems, and the fentanyl crisis facilitated by corporate greed.
Watch Hannah’s full interview on The Pop-Up!, alongside Seattle City Council District 5 candidate Nilu Jenks, at tinyurl.com/HannahNilu
Learn more about Hannah’s campaign at hannahforwashington.com
Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 4th. Ballots must be postmarked by this date or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Did you catch Council President Joy Hollingsworth on The Pop-Up? Alongside host The Big O, Hollingsworth clarified her position on an amendment regarding a free meals program in Seattle Public Schools.
During her interview, the Council President expressed strong support for the Universal Meal Program accelerated by Mayor Katie Wilson, emphasizing that the current discussion focuses on implementation strategy. She outlined an approach that doubles the investment to $3 million over six years specifically allocated for food assistance to support low-income families and children experiencing homelessness.
Hollingsworth stated that her experience working at the Emergency Feeding Program and Northwest Harvest, alongside key data, informs her decision. According to Hollingsworth, Black Panther Party Seattle Chapter co-founder Elmer Dixon supports the food equity amendment she introduced.
Watch Council President Hollingsworth’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/HollingsworthThePopUp
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Have you heard of Hey, Black Seattle? Last week on The Pop-Up!, speaker and cultural producer Kiesha B. Free gave us some insight into exactly what Hey, Black Seattle! is all about. In her words, it’s a digital hub for Black life in the Puget Sound.
Watch Kiesha’s full interview alongside QueenCare CEO Monika C. Mathews at tinyurl.com/KieshaMonika
Explore Hey, Black Seattle! at heyblackseattle.com
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Healthcare access is the truth. Recently on The Pop-Up!, Abundance Health CEO Tamica Gant shared her reflections on Black communities in King and Pierce counties in Washington state, describing the areas as educational and financial deserts. She highlighted how these systemic limitations extend to healthcare, where a history of previous harm created deep mistrust toward providers within the Black community.
This weekend, Abundance Health is hosting the annual BIPOC Health & Wellness Fair:
- Saturday, July 25, 2026
- 11 AM – 2 PM
- Eastside Community Center, 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA
- Visit Abundance Health’s Facebook and Instagram for more information
Watch Tamica’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/TamicaDeaunte
Learn more about Abundance Health at abundancehealthllc.com
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
How do we create a better world for the generations to follow? Speaker, cultural producer, and Hey, Black Seattle! founder Kiesha B. Free views her work as a form of mothering, aiming to create a better world for future Black generations.
Recently on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O, she described her efforts as participating in a relay race, carrying the baton passed down by her ancestors to complete her part of the journey.
Watch Kiesha’s full interview alongside QueenCare CEO Monika C. Mathews at tinyurl.com/KieshaMonika
Explore Hey, Black Seattle! at heyblackseattle.com
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Do you feel valued in the healthcare system? Abundance Health CEO Tamica Gant recently appeared on The Pop-Up! alongside community advocate Deaunte Damper to discuss what drives her continued dedication to putting on accessible healthcare events for the community.
As a former teen parent and a product of her people, her purpose is to pour back into others, provide hope, and ensure they feel valued and educated in the healthcare system.
Abundance Health is hosting the annual BIPOC Health & Wellness Fair this weekend:
Saturday, July 25, 2026
11 AM – 2 PM
Eastside Community Center, 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA
Visit Abundance Health’s Facebook and Instagram for more information
Watch Tamica’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/TamicaDeaunte
Learn more about Abundance Health at abundancehealthllc.com
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
“You are worth it.” QueenCare CEO Monika C. Mathews recently appeared on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O to share her mission of changing the narrative surrounding self-care. She made it clear that everyone is worth the time and energy to be well, regardless of financial status.
Watch Monika’s full interview alongside Hey, Black Seattle! founder Kiesha B. Free at tinyurl.com/KieshaMonika
Learn more about QueenCare at queencareproducts.com
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Love is in the air! Relationships coach and best-selling author Debrena Jackson Gandy recently returned to the Black Media Matters Studio on The Pop-Up! with guest host Sean Goode for a new edition of The Love Lab With Debrena.
During her appearance, she discussed how God waits for us to ask because asking demonstrates our readiness to receive and accept the answers.
Learn more about Debrena and her work at milliondollarmentor.net
Stay tuned for Debrena’s return to The Pop-Up! on Tuesday, July 28th.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
How do we best set an example for the next generation? Recently on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O, Braided and Dreaded owner Sharron Hayes shared how her personal triumphs serve as a blueprint for her two sons. By overcoming immense personal struggles, she demonstrated to her children and her community that recovery and positive change are always possible.
Catch Sharron’s full episode alongside community advocate Deaunte Damper at tinyurl.com/SharronHayes
Learn more about Braided and Dreaded at braidedanddreaded.com
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Have you heard of Braided and Dreaded? Recently on The Pop-Up!, the Puyallup-based salon owner Sharron Hayes reflected on the importance of breaking generational curses for her children, and her journey through rehab.
Catch Sharron’s full interview alongside community advocate Deaunte Damper at tinyurl.com/SharronHayes
Learn more about Braided and Dreaded at braidedanddreaded.com
How do we effectively elevate our Emerald City community? Autumm Coles, co-owner of Zara Jo Beauty Supply, thinks it's about addressing the core issues, not the symptoms. As a small business owner, she gave more insight into her sociological mindset on The Pop-Up! last week.
Learn more about Zara Jo Beauty Supply at zarajobeautysupply.com and visit their storefront at 1143 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Seattle, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
When was the last time you took a moment to be curious? In a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, Movement Makers founder Sean Goode discussed how self-critique relies on a non-existent version of ourselves rather than who we are in the present.
He explained that by embracing curiosity instead of judgment, we can access the present moment, find space to heal, and realize that we are already complete.
Don’t miss Sean guest hosting The Pop-Up! TONIGHT, Tuesday, July 14th at 9 p.m. where he’ll sit down with relationships coach and best-selling author Debrena Jackson Gandy.
Check out Sean’s work with Movement Makers at movementmakers.us
Catch Sean’s full episode with host The Big O at tinyurl.com/SeanOmari
Who’s your favorite PNW artist? Artist manager Curtis "Cuddy" Delgardo II recently appeared on The Pop-Up! to discuss his mission to put Seattle and the Pacific Northwest on the map as a nationally recognized musical hub. His goal is to cultivate professional, creative artists who can tell stories and build lasting catalogs that rival major markets like LA, New York, and Atlanta.
Watch Cuddy’s full interview, alongside recording artist Mafi D, at tinyurl.com/CuddyMafi
Make sure you stay up-to-date on all things Cuddy Management Group on Instagram. Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Have you been to Zara Jo Beauty Supply in Seattle's Central District? Co-owner Autumm Coles recently joined The Pop-Up to discuss Zara Jo’s first year of business, the community’s incredible support, and the challenges facing small business owners in the Emerald City.
Learn more about Zara Jo Beauty Supply at zarajobeautysupply.com and visit their storefront at 1143 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Seattle, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
Did you catch Seattle artist Cal Bonner on The Pop-Up! last week? Cal didn’t shy away from opening up about searching for a father figure throughout his life, which has inspired him to highlight his own Black love, royalty, and family.
Catch Cal’s full interview on The Pop-Up! at tinyurl.com/BonnerCal
Tune in to The Pop-Up! weekdays live at 9 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
MORE FROM THE POP-UP! BLOG
The vibes were high in the Black Media Matter studios this week when The Pop-Up! welcomed Colman Commons Executive Director Ashleigh McCurdy. With the city buzzing in anticipation, McCurdy took to the mic to discuss one of the most exciting community developments of the summer: the Colman Commons Grand Opening, happening tomorrow, Thursday, August 6.
Silas James, a candidate for Seattle City Council District 5, recently joined The Pop-Up! with host The Big O. Their conversation covered disability and lived experience, affordability, small business corridors like Lake City and Aurora, and long-term approaches to poverty and homelessness.
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with Tatiana Brown, a candidate for State Senate in Washington’s 37th Legislative District. The conversation explored climate policy, taxation, affordability, displacement in the Central District, and approaches to public safety.
With the primary election fast approaching, candidate Ron Davis made an appearance on The Pop-Up! with host The Big O. Davis, a former tech entrepreneur and Harvard Law graduate, is running to represent Washington's 46th Legislative District in the state house down in Olympia.
King County Council District 2 candidate Miriam Mboya recently outlined her vision for a more responsive, accountable, and people-centered county government on The Pop-Up!.
Last week on The Pop-Up!, guest host Sean Goode sat down with Washington State Senate District 43 candidate Hannah Sabio-Howell to discuss her professional background, policy motivations, and relationship with the Seattle community.
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Sean Goode sat down with Nilu Jenks, a candidate running for the Seattle City Council to represent District 5, which spans the city's far north end.
Structural discussions on community healing met recapping recent headlines when Monika C. Mathews returned to the Black Media Matters Studio for The Pop-Up! Mathews, the CEO of QueenCare Products and the Life Enrichment Group, sat alongside host The Big O to share her vision of self-love as an essential tool for social impact.
Speaker and cultural producer Kiesha B. Free recently returned to the Black Media Matter studios in downtown Seattle. Appearing as a guest on The Pop-Up alongside host The Big O, Free championed Black grassroots support systems and outlined the evolution of her digital network, Hey, Black Seattle!
Seattle City Council President Joy Hollingsworth joined The Pop-Up! with host The Big O on Monday, July 20 to address an ongoing narrative that she is trying to delay or deny food for Seattle’s students.
Tamica Gant, a registered nurse and the founder and CEO of Abundance Health LLC, recently joined The Pop-Up! with hosts The Big O and Deaunte Damper to discuss systemic healthcare disparities, community advocacy, and the growth of the annual BIPOC Health and Wellness Fair, happening this Saturday.
Live from the Black Media Matters Studios in downtown Seattle, The Pop-Up! host The Big O recently welcomed Sharron Hayes, the founder, CEO, and lead stylist behind the Puyallup-based hair studio Braided and Dreaded. Together, they discussed redemption, resilience, and the power of breaking generational curses.
Andrea Suarez, the founder of the grassroots organization We Heart Seattle, recently appeared on The Pop-Up! in the Black Media Matter Studio where she dove into her experience as a community organizer and Belltown resident fighting for major changes in public safety in the Emerald City.
The Pop-Up! host Omari Salisbury recently welcomed Anzhane Slaughter, the visionary founder and CEO of Young Black Homeowners (YBH), to the Black Media Matters Studio.
Multi-disciplinary artist Cal Bonner returned to the Black Media Matters studios for a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O. Over an expansive, emotionally raw interview, the Seattle-based creative entrepreneur opened up about his creative journey, past public controversies, struggles with accountability, and how fatherhood has radically elevated his life frequency.
The energy in downtown Seattle's Black Media Matter studio was high when Seattle recording artist Mafi D joined The Pop-Up! The hip-hop artist showed his authenticity, sharing insights on his evolving career, recent national breakthroughs, and the deep brotherhood fueling his rise.
Seattle’s creative landscape is shifting, and Curtis "Cuddy" Delgardo II is right at the epicenter of the movement. The creative executive, artist manager, and producer recently sat down with host The Big O on The Pop-Up!
As the minds behind Mediums Collective, a Seattle-based clothing brand and creative studio, brothers Roger and Cesar Maldonado recently sat down on All My Friends Are Dope with host Erik Kalligraphy to share how their streetwear empire has evolved from a simple clothing line into a radical vehicle for community storytelling and self-discovery.
Journalist and South Seattle Emerald founder Marcus Harrison Green recently brought his signature depth, wit, and reflective energy to the latest episode of The Pop-Up!. Filling in for regular host The Big O, Deaunte Damper guided a conversation that touched on local economics, utility rate hikes, environmental justice, and the heavy emotional weight of the 4th of July.
In a world dominated by social media validation and curated public personas, the act of simply being yourself has somehow become a radical performance. This was the central theme of an introspective conversation on a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, where host The Big O sat down with community leader, TED speaker, and founder of Movement Makers, Sean Goode.
Seattle is widely recognized as the global capital of coffee, but for Efrem Fesaha, the founder and CEO of Boon Boona Coffee, the true story of coffee begins thousands of miles away in East Africa.
Port of Seattle Commission President Ryan Calkins recently joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! to discuss the rapidly shifting economic landscape of Washington state. Calkins provided an extensive look at how global politics, artificial intelligence, and a massive transition to sustainable energy are reshaping the region's workforce and infrastructure.
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down with Jessica B. Thiessen, a project management professional and creative advocate. She discussed everything from rising utility bills to her upcoming community event, Sunrise Fair, happening this Saturday in Auburn, Washington.
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Sean Goode welcomed educator and thought leader Jerome Hunter to the Black Media Matters Studio. What followed was a meditation on masculinity, memory, and the intentional journey of making men.
The premiere episode of All My Friends Are Dope officially dropped last month, and it did not disappoint. Hosted by Converge Media co-founder Erik Kalligraphy, this spin-off series of The Pop-Up! featured artistic duo Justin Pinder and LA (Language Arts).
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, Converge Media welcomed back a familiar face whose fingerprints are quite literally all over Seattle: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward. From the iconic “Black Media Matters. Period.” wall inside the Converge studio to murals, footwear, and community activations across the city, Takiyah’s work has quietly shaped how Seattle sees itself.
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host The Big O sat down with two powerhouse curators of the Pacific Northwest: Warnessa "YaGirlNess" Victorian and Mr. Nyice Guy. The episode was a victory lap of local culture, diving into the heartwarming and hilarious origins of one of the region’s favorite community duos.
Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! was one of those rare conversations where we stopped worrying about the rundown and just followed the heart. Host The Big O sat across from multidisciplinary artist Damon Brown, also known as Creative Lou, inside the Black Media Matters Studio.
In a recent appearance on The Pop-Up, Harold Fields, the founder of the Seattle-based fusion concept Umami Kushi, shed light on the systemic challenges facing small businesses in Seattle’s South End. Fields voiced perspectives on city policy, public transit inequities, and economic exclusion of marginalized communities.
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, host Deaunte Damper sat down for an emotionally resonant conversation with community leader and consultant Sean Goode. Goode joined Damper to unpack the complexities of leadership and mental health and share the core philosophy behind his latest endeavor, Movement Makers.
Last night on The Pop-Up!, we were thrilled to be joined by Seattle hip-hop pioneer Gifted Gab, who shared insights on her artistic inspirations and legacy in the PNW hip-hop scene, and Ashleigh McCurdy, the Executive Director of Colman Commons.
The conversation explored the importance of creating dedicated spaces to honor Black creatives and highlight the upcoming Grand Opening of Colman Commons, a premier waterfront cultural venue, taking place this Thursday, August 6.