Holistic health practitioner and IT expert Heru TchaasAmen recently appeared on The Day With Trae to address the modern crisis of stress and isolation. Challenging the tendency to manage anxiety in seclusion, TchaasAmen emphasized that true healing occurs within a community. 

TchaasAmen integrates ancient wisdom with his expertise in information technology to provide a holistic approach to personal and professional development. His teachings focus on "pattern breaking," a conscious effort to identify and rewrite generational behaviors passed down through family history. Furthermore, he promotes ethical, self-contained AI models to support local businesses, ensuring that technology serves to free up time for human well-being rather than inheriting systemic biases or placing demands on natural resources.

To further support his mission, TchaasAmen has consolidated his resources, including courses and stress-reduction modules, into a centralized platform at heruheals.com. 

He is also partnering with the WOW Gallery to host a curated outdoor group chi healing experience at Seward Park on the evening of August 6th. This public event invites the community to come together, breathe, and commit to a shared journey of self-love.

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Jenefeness Franke, an educator and the founder of Fiscal Finesse Consulting, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss the importance of breaking down economic barriers for local entrepreneurs. 

As the master of ceremonies and a featured presenter for the upcoming Fifth Annual Black Business Leadership Conference, Franke is championing the need for long-term business sustainability. Organized by the Rudd’s R.U.B.B. Initiative, the event will provide attendees with a strategic blueprint to evaluate their business trajectory and plan for long-term success. 

To further address the gap between acquiring capital and operational success, Franke has partnered with Zenovia Harris of the NAACP Washington State Conference to launch a new three-week pilot curriculum. This program aims to ensure 30 established small businesses become "access ready" by strengthening their internal infrastructure, such as handling tax debt and payroll compliance, rather than focusing solely on securing funding. 

Follow Fiscal Finesse via social media to learn more about the three-week curriculum. 

The Fifth Annual Black Business Leadership Conference is happening Saturday, August 15th from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Washington South Hub. Tickets can be found at ruddsrubb.org.

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Seattle artist, music minister, and entrepreneur Sheila Kay Blackwell recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss her upcoming album, Dancing Naked. This release is a raw sonic archive of Blackwell's personal journey and highlights her commitment to vulnerability as a transformative power. She continues to blend her creative career with the mission-driven goals of her company, Inspirational Productions.

For Blackwell, the creative process is deeply personal, stemming from a spiritual and identity shift as she navigated the challenges of life, aging, and past traumas. Embracing the mantra "turn your pain into art," she uses her music as a conduit for emotional processing and community healing. Tracks like "So Alone" reflect her belief that self-examination and acknowledging one's sadness are essential steps toward finding the other side of a difficult experience.

Fans can celebrate the launch of this project at the Dancing Naked album release party, taking place on August 8th at The Royal Room in Seattle from 8 PM to 11 PM. For more information on the release and future projects, visit inspirationalproductions.net.

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Najee Ladd-Ali, co-founder of the Daddy Stroller Social Club Seattle, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to celebrate the organization's upcoming one-year anniversary. Joined on set by his young daughter, Ladd-Ali highlighted how the club has created a space for local fathers to find community and emotional support. 

Central to the club's impact is their signature concept of "striding,” a method of pairing physical movement, like walking through local parks or gyms, with guided, meaningful dialogue. Ladd-Ali explained that this approach helps members break through societal expectations that often pressure men to remain stoic and internalize their struggles. 

The community is invited to join the celebration of this successful first year on July 19th at 10 a.m. at Powell Barnett Park in Seattle's Central District. This family-centered event will feature community partners, resource distribution, and giveaways for local families. Whether attendees are fathers, grandparents, or neighbors, the milestone is an open celebration of the collective family unit. 

RSVP for the Daddy Stroller Social Club Seattle 1-Year Celebration on July 19th at 10 a.m. at Powell Barnett Park here. 

Those interested can learn more about the movement at daddystrollersocialclub.com.

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Host Trae Holiday recently sat down with Priyansha Bagaria, the CEO and co-founder of Seattle-based Loopr AI, on The Day With Trae. A fourth-generation entrepreneur with roots in a manufacturing family business, Bagaria discussed her journey from her upbringing in India to the creation of her innovative tech startup. By applying data science and computer vision to the factory floor, she aims to solve the persistent quality control challenges she witnessed firsthand throughout her career.

Bagaria highlighted how Loopr AI addresses the "high-mix, low-volume" crisis currently facing modern manufacturers. As production lines handle increasingly complex and custom orders, manual tracking has become error-prone and labor-intensive. Loopr AI serves as a "four-eye technology," providing an extra layer of digital inspection to prevent costly reworks and errors, while also helping to bridge the labor gap as seasoned manufacturing veterans begin to retire.

Since its founding in 2021, the company has expanded to a team of nearly 30 employees and recently earned the prestigious 2026 GeekWire Award for its contributions to the industry. Looking ahead, Bagaria remains committed to transparency, positioning the startup as a trusted, long-term partner for clients in manufacturing and aerospace. 

Those interested in learning more or connecting with the team can find further information at www.loopr.ai or through LinkedIn.

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Dr. Nadia Guy, principal of Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle, and Katie Seltzer, Vice President of the school's Corporate Work Study program. Their conversation highlighted how the institution is transforming the educational landscape in the Pacific Northwest by offering a unique approach to high school success for students from limited economic backgrounds.

Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle distinguishes itself by pairing rigorous college preparatory academics with a pioneering Corporate Work Study (CWS) program. Students as young as 14 gain professional experience by working at top-tier firms, while also receiving essential training in professional "soft skills" through the school's mandatory Montserrat summer program. This model is designed to empower students, with the school boasting college graduation rates at two and a half times the rate of their peers.

The school’s mission is grounded in a "covenant promise" that sets a high bar for both students and families, prioritizing a clear path to and through college. By focusing on empowering students to shape their own futures rather than just saving them, Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle is setting a new standard for educational equity in King County. Interested families and partners can find more information by visiting the school’s website or reaching out to their admissions team.

Learn more about Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle at cristoreyseattle.org 

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, Dr. Dana Nickson, an assistant professor at the University of Washington College of Education, joined host Trae Holiday to discuss the intersection of academic theory and community organizing. Drawing from her childhood experiences in Sunnyside, Texas, Dr. Nickson explained how her grandparents’ legacy of community leadership shaped her understanding of education as a tool for collective care and place-making. 

Throughout her career, Dr. Nickson has worked to shift the educational narrative away from deficit-oriented perspectives, recognizing the inherent brilliance and dedication already present within marginalized families. Her research and practical efforts, including her work with the Early Literacy Collaborative, demonstrate how uplifting community knowledge can fundamentally transform how schools engage with Black students.

Now based in Seattle, Dr. Nickson continues to support the next generation of educators by teaching courses like Black Geographies of Educational Leadership. She described her role as an active partner to students and local advocates, working to navigate and challenge institutional systems while honoring the intergenerational wisdom that Black communities contribute to the field of education.

To connect with Dr. Dana Nickson or learn more about her research, you can visit her official faculty page on the University of Washington website or reach out via email at dnickson@uw.edu.

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Community organizer and cultural curator Prince Reece recently shared the journey behind the Skyway Nia Festival during an appearance on The Day With Trae with host Trae Holiday. The motivation to create the festival emerged during the 2020 social justice protests, prompting Reece to reflect on his own relationship with his hometown of Skyway, which he felt had been treated more like a shortcut than a destination.

Driven by a desire to "pay the fee" back to his community, Reece drew inspiration from the concepts of Nia (purpose) and Umoja (unity) to establish a recurring celebration that could bridge local identity with the broader Black diaspora. Launching the festival became a demanding three-year endeavor, frequently interrupted by personal loss, structural delays, and significant hardships involving key partners. Despite these immense setbacks, Reece persisted, leading a skeleton crew to pull together the successful inaugural 2023 launch.

The 2026 festival, scheduled for Saturday, August 8th at Skyway Park, promises a family-friendly atmosphere featuring a performance by R&B headliner J. Holiday, alongside food trucks, retail vendors, and a basketball tournament. Stay updated on the festival’s Facebook and Instagram pages. 

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In a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Jackie Vaughn, Executive Director of Surge Reproductive Justice, and Myesha Mitchell, owner of My Time for Massage. The discussion spotlighted their collaborative initiative, Black and Worthy of Wellness, which addresses the systemic challenges of medical racism and chronic stress through a powerful fusion of grassroots policy and intentional community care.

Vaughn emphasized the importance of community-directed advocacy, encouraging Black women to leverage their lived experiences to shape policy, rather than feeling constrained by legal language. Complementing this approach, Mitchell shared her journey of building a successful massage therapy practice from the ground up, which now operates on a pay-what-you-can structure to ensure that wellness services remain accessible to those who need them most.

Their partnership aims to combat "medical weathering"—the institutional phenomenon where chronic stress from racism leads to accelerated health decline in Black women—by repositioning massage as an essential preventative health measure. Applications for the program’s second cohort are opening soon, and Surge Reproductive Justice is currently seeking community volunteers to assist with voter registration efforts at upcoming festivals.

Learn more about Surge at surgereprojustice.org and My Time for Massage at mytimeformassage.com 

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed author, podcaster, and "intuitive creative" Cinnamon Jovon to the Black Media Matters studio. Their conversation focused on Jovon’s holistic approach to wellness and her expanding digital presence as she continues to advocate for community mental health.

Central to her wellness philosophy is her book, Drink Your Beauty, which offers approximately 115 juicing and smoothie recipes. Each recipe is paired with visuals and affirmations designed to foster self-love and intentionality, rooted in Jovon’s personal health journey of using a plant-based diet to successfully reverse type two diabetes.

Jovon also introduced her new solo podcast, CJ: Unfiltered, a platform dedicated to hosting honest conversations about complex and often taboo topics. The podcast's inaugural episode focuses on Black men's mental health, a deeply personal subject for Jovon that honors the memory of her late ex-husband while providing support for their four sons.

Follow Jovon's upcoming projects, read her blog, or purchase Drink Your Beauty by visiting her website, cinnamonjovon.com 

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In a world where leadership frequently leads to burnout, isolation, and decision fatigue, Dr. Tafona Ervin is working to change the narrative. During a recent episode of The Day With Trae, Dr. Ervin discussed how she and her husband, Brandon, utilize their Ervin Consulting Group to support high-capacity individuals. 

Founded in 2018, the Ervin Consulting Group was inspired by a personal desire to build a legacy while leveraging professional expertise to aid organizations and leaders navigating complex environments. Dr. Ervin emphasized that true leadership support requires looking at the "full self"—mentally, physically, and emotionally—rather than focusing solely on technical, structural aspects.

This philosophy of stepping back to move forward is embodied in "The Release Experience," an upcoming event designed to provide a reprieve for high-capacity individuals carrying unseen sacrifices. Taking place on July 24th and 25th at the Silver Cloud Hotel at Point Ruston, the event focuses on community building, intentional breath work, and resetting the nervous system in a safe space. 

Secure tickets at experiencetherelease.com, and learn more about Dr. Ervin’s executive coaching services at tafonaervin.com.

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Priyanka Kulkarni, CEO of Casium, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss how she is reshaping the immigrant professional experience by integrating advanced AI with essential human expertise. Drawing on a decade of leadership at Microsoft, Kulkarni founded Casium to address the systemic challenges she personally encountered during her own ten-year journey through the U.S. immigration system. 

Recognizing that many innovators struggle to find clear guidance or personalized support, she launched her platform to provide the transparency and education that immigrant professionals need to successfully navigate their options. Kulkarni argues that immigration is a deeply personal, high-stakes experience that is too often reduced to mere administrative paperwork. She points out that the uniqueness of each individual's path makes it difficult for attorneys to provide the necessary attention at scale. 

By leveraging AI technology, Casium bridges this gap, offering immigration attorneys detailed context in minutes. This innovation allows legal professionals to focus on high-level strategy rather than getting bogged down in complex communications between HR departments and law firms. Ultimately, Kulkarni’s work aims to make the immigration process more human-centric, ensuring that every candidate is seen and supported. 

Learn more about Casium at casium.com 

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Ida Keeley, a candidate for State Representative in Washington’s 39th Legislative District, recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to share her vision for government service rooted in lived experience. 

Growing up across Washington, from Beacon Hill to the Central District, Keeley navigated foster care and the juvenile justice system firsthand. This background, coupled with her professional career as a social worker and juvenile court administrator, informs her determination to bring community-centered, informed leadership to Olympia, she said. 

During the interview, Keeley outlined several pillars of her platform, emphasizing a departure from top-down decision-making. She championed a nuanced approach to victim advocacy, arguing that the justice system must provide robust rehabilitation services for the incarcerated while simultaneously ensuring equal access to trauma-informed support for victims. 

Learn more about Ida’s campaign at IdaForWA.com.

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On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, transformational architect EL’ona Kearney joined host Trae Holiday to discuss her work through her company, Mindset Reset. Kearney shared her personal evolution, detailing a journey that began with childhood depression and led to her current mission of helping individuals, particularly the formerly incarcerated, reframe their perspectives to reclaim their lives.

During the conversation, Kearney reflected on the moments that shaped her philosophy, including a transformative experience in the military. Challenged by a First Sergeant to undergo a "mind transformation" rather than facing punitive measures for her struggles with authority, she learned to research and understand the history and purpose of rules. 

Today, Kearney leverages this expertise through Mindset Reset, where she teaches clients to dismantle obstacles by cultivating character, establishing healthy boundaries, and taking ownership of their results. Beyond corporate training, she and her husband actively demonstrate the power of these principles by converting their own home into a transition house for formerly incarcerated men. 

For more information on Kearney’s work, visit mindsetreset.co.

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Author and program coordinator Jeffrey Cheatham II recently joined The Day With Trae to announce "Literally Ours," a fresh literacy initiative launched under the organization Acts On Stage. Designed as a dedicated platform for Black and brown authors, the program seeks to develop, showcase, and amplify literary work, ensuring community members have the resources needed to tell their own stories from initial concept to final performance.

The inspiration for "Literally Ours" reflects a personal renewal for Cheatham. Following a period of burnout, a pivotal conversation with Michelle Lang-Raymond of Acts On Stage transformed the concept into a specialized literary arm within the theater organization. This initiative distinguishes itself by moving beyond traditional publishing to embrace "performative literature," encompassing everything from spoken word poetry to stage plays.

The program prioritizes a collaborative development process that keeps authors central to their creative voice and cultural language. Looking ahead, the initiative plans to host master classes for aspiring children’s book authors, complete with stipends for participants, further supporting the community's creative growth.

Learn more about “Literally Ours” and Acts on Stage at actsonstage.com 

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Multifaceted artist Karlos Farrar recently sat down with host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to reflect on his creative journey, which has taken him from his roots in Detroit to his current home in the Pacific Northwest. A talented singer, songwriter, actor, and scriptwriter, Farrar shared the experiences that have shaped his artistic foundation and career path.

Raised in a household immersed in Motown, Michael Jackson, and Prince, Farrar discovered his voice early on, influenced by the music around him. He credited his father—his first manager—with instilling the discipline required for success, emphasizing the value of mastering his craft and recognizing the financial importance of songwriting over simple entertainment.

Farrar’s career has been defined by his willingness to take risks, spanning from an early acting stint in Los Angeles to a successful tour in China. Now a Seattle resident, he is enthusiastic about the city's booming energy and music scene. Currently, he is focusing on new music, with his latest single, "Hands on Your Knees," scheduled for release in July 2026.

Fans can follow Farrar's journey and stay updated on his upcoming releases across his social media platforms.

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La Tanya Horace-DuBois, founder and executive director of The Silent Task Force, recently joined The Day With Trae to discuss her long-standing dedication to community health. Her career has been defined by direct engagement with the Black community, tackling critical issues such as HIV/AIDS education, breast and cervical health screenings for homeless women, and broad systems advocacy. 

The Silent Task Force is a grassroots, Black-owned non-profit in the Greater Seattle area committed to healing the impacts of systemic inequity on Black families. The organization is currently reaching a significant milestone with the renovation of its new building in South Seattle’s Skyway neighborhood. 

Beyond community health, Horace-DuBois is a dedicated champion of the Ebony Alert to ensure faster response times for missing Black individuals. The Silent Task Force continues to provide essential support through youth outreach programs and basic needs services. 

Those interested in supporting the mission or seeking assistance can learn more by visiting thesilenttaskforce.org or visiting their location at 11410 Renton Avenue South in Seattle.

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