Griffinstein chops it up with Big Doug, a Richmond legend. This documentarian has told the stories that others won’t touch, but need to be told. His latest “Uzikee” is a masterpiece. Please look on YouTube for it. Mr. Harris also works telling stories for the Richmond Museum, the city, and sports.
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Griffinstein chops it up with Psycho Trap Rapper PharaohVenom911, they talk about dark music, children, and entheogen. PharaohVenom911 is a Richmond artist who has a unique rhyme flow and created his own genre “Psycho Trap”. With titles like Blood Thirsty and Katanas he will be gaining notoriety quickly.
PharaohVenom911 is a philosopher and a medicine man looking to natural remedies to cure maladies. A very proud father his sole wish is that his son does better than him and he will give him all the tools to do this. Please enjoy episode 25 of How Do You View You?
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On this episode of How Do You View You, Griffinstein sits down with Author, Mentor, Entrepreneur, and Poet, TJ Sykes. His book “Section 8” is on Barnes and Nobles. His candied walnuts are available for delivery. He mentors at RYSE in Richmond, and the wordplay of his poetry can be heard at an “Open Mic” coming soon to The Rich.
TJ is firmly focused on his mental and physical health. Through meditation, yoga,hiking, cycling, and eating no meat or dairy he loves his life. Recognizing pitfalls of his family history and bypassing them by being healthy. His candied walnut business “Devine Treats” is a delicious treat with flavors Calming Apple Cinnamon, Strawberry Bliss, Chocolate infused with Seamoss, and more please hit him up on Instagram _DevineTreats2020. These are great over salads or fruit. Please enjoy episode 24 of the How Do You View You show.
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Griffinstein explores the issue of mental health with long time friend Lavette Grant. She talks about her day to day life dealing with depression, anxiety, and agoraphobia. Lavette believes that trauma in life, that is not properly addressed will manifest as mental issues. Anger, overly self conscious, and drug abuse are just a few ways it could manifest.
In the world we live in today scrutiny and stigma shapes the thoughts on mental health. It is not a weak condition, it is a call to action. Just like any other sickness you treat it so that life is manageable. Lavette will be kicking off her own podcast called “Loving My Growth Podcast” here on the Dark Network later this month. Where she will dedicate her voice to shining a light in the dark spaces. Please enjoy episode 22 of How Do You View You.
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Griffinstein discusses “Bubble Therapy” with the Bubble Therapist, Author Pamela Garrison. They talk about being the best you no matter who’s watching. Also dealing with tragedy, with a healing attitude. Her signature phrase “You can’t blow bubbles if you’re mad”, is so true that it resonates with everyone who hears it. Pamela Garrison talks about her dream of speaking to stadiums helping everyone that hears her voice. She also speaks on the roles of women in relationships. Please enjoy episode 19 of How do you view you.
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Griffinstein is chopping it up with Author Tyvon Price. Tyvon is author of the book Adopted By The Streets, from Richmond, Ca. Tyvon talks about his family, his writing style, and his favorite pastimes. His book Adopted By The Streets is available in all major stores and online.
Tyvon also talks about how people’s perception of him has changed. Family is always first and he plans to teach his son and daughter the ways of the world. Please enjoy Episode 18 with Author Tyvon Price. Enjoy.
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Griffinstein chops it up with Lejon, Patrick, and Dante. They talk about being incarcerated young with a 40 year sentence and seeing the outside despite all odds. Each man has a distinct and riveting story of faith, patience, and strength. All done with Islam as the motivation. They are speaking on finding themselves and others all in the name of uplifting humanity.
Lejon has an organization “Motivated 2 Help Others” his mission statement is: Serving the community with fitness/exercise. Giving to the poor, needy, and wayfare. Having positive and encouraging dialogue with the youth. Being a resource for those ex-convicts returning to society with transitional housing, drug programs and pre-apprenticeship opportunities.
Patrick has laid the groundwork for his organization DORTHY.org which stands for Defenders Of Real Truth Helping Youth. His outreach will focus on all children living on the outside of society and getting them the confidence, resources, and leadership to traverse this world they live in. Patricks goal is a world view. His aim is to be a public speaker of truth helping all over the world.
Dante will use his organization to focus on nutrition. He says, “Healthy clean food is the key to a healthy clean mind.” He has a plan to reach out to schools and children leagues to promote healthy eating habits. Hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, are running rampant. Informing children now, he feels will curb those statistics.
Each of these men has been through trials and tribulations. With each others help and support they were able to get through what most of us could not imagine. Please stay on the look out for these organizations in the streets of Richmond, because they are out here making a difference. As Lejon says, “I destroyed a lot when I was young, it’s time to give instead of taking.” A sentiment shared by all three of these honorable Muslim men.
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I sit down with Coach “Big James” Portlock, a Richmond native. James is a youth basketball coach for Salesians High School. He is also part of Team Rampage, a youth basketball league based in Vallejo. I have know James for about 35 years. We both grew up in Easter Hill, a housing project on the south side of Richmond. This was the 80’s and crack was in full swing. The things we saw in the streets was not for kids to see. And a lot of us did not make it, so I try to celebrate any of us doing good after all this time.
James is a father, coach, and a car salesman, and he feels proud to be each one. His daughter is his life, his reason for living. While coaching, serves as his way of giving back. Now as a car salesman, he explains that he is not trying to sell cars. He is in truth helping friends get the best car for them at the time. That perspective is what helps him stay focused at Kia of Oakland. James has been through ups and downs in his life he owned and operated his own dealership, but as he spoke about in the podcast it wasn’t his time and he is ok with that. He says it was not a failure, he learned from the whole process. And when the time is right he will do another dealership the best way possible.
Coach “Big James” Portlock has a lot of projects and dreams he has yet to achieve. A coaching job at a major college, hopes of bringing sports to Richmond, and to help people in need of help. He is a good dude and we will be checking in with him soon to check on his progress and see if we can help in any endeavors that he is undertaking. Everybody has a story. How Do You View You?
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Today On How Do You View You I sit down with my cousin Pastor Carla Davis, pastor of Trumpet & Zion Ministries. She explains a church with no walls and her relationship with God. Also, trying to live as close to Christ like in a very un-Christlike atmosphere.
Carla was born and raise in Richmond, Ca. She lived a very different life than most, but still way to common in these days and times. Drug use, prostitution, and homelessness all leading her to start Trumpet & Zion Ministries. It was a rocky road and she has came through it all with one goal. That goal is helping those who are like her to get where she is today. “Prayer in the Park” in East Oakland with raffles and information to get on the right track is what she offers and delivers.
I talk to Carla about her goals for the ministry and plans to bring the word to the masses. Her main aim is women health, well-being, and mental state. Holding seminars to battle their way back from the streets. I was not clear on how to help people who may not be ready for help. Giving the perfect answer, she says, “God waits, so shall I, I will be here when they need me.” Even though I do not believe in God the way most folks believe. I do enjoy the thought of helping people, and if helping my cousin is the way I am to help the so be it.
The future for Pastor Davis seems very bright. She maintains a Facebook presence and has prayer line on at least 3 times a week. The aim is to ultimately have a women’s retreat. That will meet once a month where woman can stay, pray, and get healthy. All in order to do battle with obstacles in these streets. In my personal opinion, it will be a very hard road, but she seems up to it and very excited about it. Please enjoy the episode. Thank you for listening to “How Do You View You” podcast, Hosted by Griffinstein. Pastor Davis Trumpet & Zion Ministries.https://www.itsthedark.com
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I was in the CoBiz offices with Bret Sweet talking about, the purpose of CoBiz, the entrepreneur spirit in Richmond, and the need for sacrifice in business. He also speaks on the need for people to build and own start businesses. He delves into the link between a healthy mind and body, before under taking on a small business venture, with everyday household items and martial arts. This is a very illuminating episode with a nugget of information for all of us, I was taking notes. Bret Sweet Griffinstein How Do you view you podcast
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I sit down with Moss and Mr. Ripley and talk about Solepickles.com and UpNAdamDailey.com. Life in general and the difference between inspiration and motivation.
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We sit down with John Palmer, artist, bassist, philosopher, poet, and spiritual man, talks to us about the role of Black men. He also, shares his opinion on loving your fellow man and getting love in return.
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Griffinstein sits down with Chuck T, owner and Engineer at Richcity Studios in Richmond. We spoke on his 10,000 hour program for children and the finer points of the music business. He talks about the science of music and defines some terms that folks overlook. Chuck T is a rapper, producer, and an college educated engineer.
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Today we sit down at, The Multicultural Children’s Bookstore in The Shops at Hilltop, with Mrs. Tamara Shiloh, author, speak and owner. Mrs. Shiloh speaks about the inspiration for being a children’s book author, her plans for the future and how reading is fundamental to success.
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The host of The How Do you View You podcast, Griffinstein explains his reasons for doing the podcast and answers question from listeners. Defines his 5-year plan and his hopes for the future of his City of Richmond. His hopes of helping people not supporting them.
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For episode 4 of How Do You View You, I sat down with Mrs. Ghaliyah Roberts-Palmer in her shop “Gratitude” in Richmond, Ca. Her shop is located at 322 Harbour Way Ste 1A. Gratitude is an Afrocentric Gift Store, with Dashikis shirts and dresses. She also carries black soap, scented oils, and incense. Bible covers, inspirational books, book bags.
We spoke for about 2 hours about the scariness of faith, the separatism in religion, and the basics of being a good human being in a world that seems so corrupt, among other things. Mrs. Palmer has a simple motto love everybody. While we were in her shop a lady came in and wanted to buy a bible. She did not want to get the wrong one. She told Mrs. Palmer about when she was growing up and how she had this shiny bible. By chance, Mrs. Palmer had one leather bound and it was exactly what the customer wanted. She did not quite have the money, but I could see just like Ghaliyah did she really wanted it. Ghaliyah told her take it
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For Episode 3 of the “How Do You View You” podcast, I sat down with Raven Richardson of 20/20VZN Films. He spoke about his upcoming film projects. His over a hundred music videos and his plans for the future. Raven has a special place in his heart for Richmond. Podcast was recorded at Kellers Beach in Point Richmond. We sat there about 2 hours the amount of people that knew him was amazing, some even stopped the podcast to talk to him.
Raven used to work at the Soup Kitchen in Richmond helloing the people and Rubicon a work program that helps young folks get back on their feet. Being homeless at one time himself he knew the hardships and prejudices associated with with being in that predicament. He hopes to be a champion for the homeless all over, but especially in Richmond, Ca. Speaking about the pride he had when he got his first apartment, because it was such a journey from homeless to that point.
He reminisces over the hundreds of music videos he has filmed for rappers and pilots for tv. His aspirations are in movies and shorts. “The A,B.C’s of Life”, his new movie venture which he has asked me to be his second camera. I accepted and looking forward to helping his vision come true. It’s a very relatable story with none of the usual “hood” elements, which he is very proud of.
Raven is Richmond, Ca’s champion he wants to change the view of people when they think of Richmond, one video/movie/short at a time. He wants to elevate music and film and the people doing it. He will employ all of Richmond with his films he hopes. So, sit back relax and let Raven’s point of view wash over you. Enjoy.
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I sat down with Diana Jones, gardener, maintenance person, and organic enthusiast. We spoke about pursuing a healthy lifestyle enriched with organic consumables as not only as food, but as medicine. She also is owner of The Porch and Brea’s Divine Hands Intuitive Massage. Diana and her wife Brea’s lifestyle is to get the freshest consumables and experiences to people in the City of Oakland. She is in the process of securing plots of land to start growing food throughout her community. Hoping to foster a feeling from an older age where bartering and community was on everyone’s mind.
Along with her wife Briona, they attack inflammation and other afflictions. The results of “bad” food with an holistic approach of clean food paired with massage and mindful meditation. Because, at Brea’s Divine Hands you can can get your body and your mind right. Organic Enthusiast get used to the phrase. You will hear more these is a movement that will “grow”. We also touch on medical marijuana and edibles, that she also makes on site.
She speaks on the LGBTQ community and explains her part in it. Diana and Briona are entrepreneurs and positive people trying to bring their community closer. Diana plans to have a barter system and “leases” yards in the community to grow her produce. All based on the barter system, the way it works is that she asks to use a persons yard and barter with work performed on the person’s house, fixing gates, walls or whatever the owner wants. She is a handy person and a premier landscaper. Please sit back and relax, and be entertained.
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This the very first episode of “How Do You View You” podcast. I wanted to do a podcast to get to know people. My first guest today is Travis Keeton A.K.A. YBBI, Ya Boy Black Ice, Travlyrics.com. We talk about everything from the rap game to finances, but not leaving out family. Travis is a financial advisor and has a bunch of useful information on cleaning up your credit. Planning for the future is not hard if you take the right steps early. He also expounds on the Hilton family. How many of us are thinking about leaving our grandchildren a legacy? So, sit back and relax and soak up some game/knowledge, because life is too short to go without it. Real talk about finances.
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