Level Up with Gene and Jay: Recent Episodes
Level Up with Gene and Jay
This is a Podcast for those who are looking to level up in life! LUPWGJ is dedicated to providing solid entertainment and provide people with a bridge to get information on multiple subjects. Interviews, sketches, comedy and much more! Be sure to subscribe to Level Up - with Gene & Jay on YouTube!Stay Leveling up friends
We sat down and spoke with an old friend, Aaron Johnson.
A few years back, (Pre-Covid) Aaron suffered a stroke at the young age of 37 he became paralyzed from the neck down and was hospitalized for 3 months! Aaron shares with us the extreme mistreatment he received during his stay at the hospital as well as the nursing home he went to for his rehabilitation. He now wants to bring attention to this, so that the treatment he received, doesn’t happen anyone else like him.
Aaron also has a rare disease called sarcoidosis, which presented itself in his lymph nodes, what can affect others in different ways. It is an inflammatory disease in which the immune system overreacts, causing groups of cells to form clusters of inflamed tissue called “granulomas” in one or more organs of the body. Aaron talks about how he navigates through this disease as well as the post effects of Covid and his stroke.
He is an Activist and an Ally, and is currently working on filming a documentary about homeless encampment in Minneapolis, titled: (They Sleep Among Us) which he is hoping to have the film wrapped up by October.
We appreciate Aaron taking the time to sit down with us and share his story and we are very excited for you all to see this episode!
Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/KTQIQH_C6Q0?si=o50fMeUqqd1bGS_A
Episode 26 is here! We had the opportunity to sit down with Don Ryan who just published his first book - The Secret Struggle: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One. Don has suffered a great deal of loss, due to the completion of suicide of 3 family members. His father, Brother and Cousin. We were great for Don's willingness to share his story with us.
We also had a surprise guest, Kimberly Ko on the show! Kimberly lost her husband to suicide as well, and since then, has been a beacon of hope to all who suffer from mental illness. She also has a show in Instagram called: You Matter Live were she provides support and tips on overcoming mental struggles.
This was a very powerful episode and we hope you all enjoy it!
Watch on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/wFjrl9CSHIk?si=B3jnFK57wZ2Wp7dQ
Watch on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/100076379376165/videos/454269217187557
Follow us on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076379376165
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@levelupwithgeneandjay8237
We sat down with Damone Presley, the father of Nitosha Presley, the young women who was murdered along with 3 other friends in a tragic quadruple homicide, back in 2021. His longtime friend of 16 years National Peace Activist Kay G Wilson came to support Damone this powerful conversation. Damone explains how he maintains peace of mind and the symbiotic relationship him and Wilson share. Damone walk us through the day of this tragic event and both men share things they have never revealed to media.
Watch the episode on Facebook: https://fb.watch/rNd3fvccMY/
You've see Marvina Haynes in the News and in Communities around the Twin Cities, fighting for justice for her brother, Marvin Haynes, who was just 16 years old when he was wrongfully convicted and sentenced to nearly 20 years in prison for a crime he DID NOT commit!
After years of fighting the Justice System, Marvina and her organization Mn Wrongfully Convicted judicial reform, and help from the Great North Innocence Project, they were able to finally get her brother Exonerated!!! Now hear her story, in her own words, on what it took to make this happen and the harsh toll that it took on her family.
Congratulations and a HUGE WELCOME HOME!!! to Marvin Haynes!!
Also, big shoutout to Jon and Chelsie Joy Lopez for interviewing us and taking amazing pictures of this episode! As well as being our first studio audience!
Footage of the interrogation you will see during this episode, was obtained by Unicorn Riot!! Check out their page and see the mini documentary they put together for the Haynes family!
We hope you enjoy the episode and as always,
Stay Leveling Up, Friends
justice #marvinahaynes #MarvinHaynes #lupwgj #podcasting#podcastshow #mnwrongfullyconvictedjudicialreform #MN
We had the privilege of sitting down with Gilisho Josphat on a video call, all the way from Narok, Kenya! Josphat is a longtime friend of Jay’s aunt, Anita Abdelli Muldoon. She met Josphat some years back when she was visiting his country. They became great friends through their shared passions of helping others and being a part of something bigger than themselves.
Josphat shared with her his vision of building a school in his hometown, even on his own land!! Because he strongly believes that knowledge is the most powerful tool on earth. She loved the idea and since then, the two have been working tirelessly to make this happen.
Today, January 8th, 2024, the school opened its doors to excited kids who are very eager to learn. This is a wonderful accomplishment, but Josphat says there is still work to do. The land that the school is built on, is open to wildlife and so safety for the kids is very important and transportation is a must!
That’s where WE THE PEOPLE come in! They have a GoFundMe and are looking for donations. Josphat goes into detail of this during the interview, so please watch, and if you can, please help. links provided in the comments below.
We appreciate everyone’s continued support of our podcast and hope that you can help out and donate to such a great cause! Enjoy the episode!!
GoFund Me for Gilisho Freedom Academy:
https://www.gilishofreedomacademy.com/?fbclid=IwAR3YZgYKMm_odNWJV8aCB9eMTqvovcPKW-N180bWryaY31Dgrel-ThvBLi0
Watch this episode on our Facebook Page!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0qSrVpkqRZt2iZbf8XK4mYxCkrw4LXjrenQLJWoMMQF56PANJMwrBQAzKEdbHfBX3l&id=100076379376165
podcastclips #podcasting #Narok #kenya #gilishofreedomacademy #lupwgj #levelupwithgeneandjay #culture #CulturalHeritage #schools #schoolsupplies #unity #donatenow #donate #donations Level Up with Gene and Jay
What better way to wrap up Black History Month than to have none other than The Muatas on our show!! Cam and Ayanna Muata are a dynamic musical group known for their fusion of traditional and modern elements, creating a captivating blend of rhythms and melodies. Their music seamlessly bridges cultural influences, offering a unique sonic experience that resonates with authenticity. With a diverse array of instruments and soulful vocals, The Muatas craft a distinctive sound that transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on listeners, showcasing the richness of their musical identity.
Watch this episode on our Facebook Page!!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid036383i1Nr5F7bPrtsaRFmmdHeDoTrZAatcg1XyLGhRKAsA3KXbSjSnVNroAwRHuBSl&id=100076379376165
Today, LUPWGJ sat down with the one and only, Yammy Bear!!
Yammy Bear is Minnesota’s Iconic Mascot of Love! Yammy Bear and Family was created in 2021 in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic to bring hope and comfort to those most effected by social isolation and social injustice. Founder Charles Jackson (Yammy Bear) and his wife CarolAnn Jackson, shared their incredible story with us and their vision, which is to continue to spread love, and hope, to children and families across the nation.
We were honored to have YAMMY BEAR and Family on our show and can’t wait for everyone to listen to this episode!
Below you will find links to Yammy Bears Socials, if you are looking to help in any way. We also will have link to subjects regarding this episode, as well as link to our YouTube for this episode.
Stay Tuned and Stay Leveling Up, friends
-Gene and Jay
Yammy Bear and Family Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/YammyBearandFamily
Yammy Bear's Personal Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/yammy.bear.52
Looking to help and or donate? Here is Yammy Bear and Family's Offical Website: https://www.yammybearandfamily.com/?fbclid=IwAR0hUeKf4aks9xv51c5HG0Tzo3znugPVm42cdAag_bS4YxtYApoLwvyekWE
Want to learn more about AL Amyloidosis? Here is some info from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/patient-visitor-guide/minnesota#:~:text=Located%20in%20the%20heart%20of,for%20more%20than%20100%20years.
Level up with Gene and Jay had the honor and privilege of sitting down with Darrell Young. He is a Youth Enrichment Programs manager for St. Louis Park’s Community Education. Darrell talks growing up in North Minneapolis, his struggles with family losses, playing semi pro football, mental health and more. He is a husband, a father and a dedicated community leader, who is on a mission, to provide today’s youth with support, mentorship and the tools they need to succeed to Level Up in life.
Video dropping later this week.
Level up with Gene and Jay sat down with Stephanie D Tillman-Luoma.
Stephanie has been battling breast cancer since 2016.
Recently, she has gained notoriety from dance videos that she creates while doing chemotherapy, then uploads those videos to Tiktok. Her videos have gone on to gain thousands of views, and inspired thousands of women across the nation. So much, that she was invited on Twin Cities live to share her story and even most recently the Kelly Clarkson show!
We are honored by her willingness to share her incredible story on our podcast.
Stay Tuned and Stay Leveling Up Friends,
-Gene and Jay
Our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGPfaB6NnqQ1nWkdEjMhsHA
Stephanie's TikTok Page:
https://www.tiktok.com/@stephy_luoma?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Kelly Clarkson Show:
https://youtu.be/GXSuYXJ4Qd0
Twin Cities Live:
https://fb.watch/jJqs2Jv_eZ/
Level up with Gene and Jay sat down with long time friend Kendrick Richardson! He opened up to us about his struggles with mental health, his criminal background, and his fight with drugs and alcohol. He is now 1 1/2 years sober, he is a believer, a mentor, a future pastor and an ambassador of Christ! We are so proud to call Kendrick Richardson our friend and grateful to have him on our show to share his story with you all!
Episode drops later this week! Thanks Red for taking the time to share with us! Bless up and level up! Gene and Jay.
Last night, Level Up With Gene and Jay sat down with Nasiy Nasir X! Brotha Nasir X is the National President of The Lion Of Judah Armed Forces and also the local president of the New Black Panther Nation.(They are recruiting membership by the way) We touch on their mission and objectives, Yahuah, Hebrew Yisraelite’s and much more! Brother Nasir X exhibit’s nothing but strength courage and leadership. Thanks Brother Nasir X for sitting down with us! Bless up! And Level up! Gene and Jay
Losing a child to is a families biggest fear. Especially to gun violence. For most of us, that fear has only remained a thought. But that’s not the case for everyone. For some, it’s a reality and an unbearable one at that. We sat down with Marsha Mayes. Mother to 3-year old Terrell Mayes Jr. Who was shot and killed in his home by a stray bullet in 2011. Two days after Christmas. His killer has yet to be apprehended. Kay G Wilson, who is the grandfather to Aniya Allen, the 6-year old girl, who was shot and killed by a stray bullet that hit her families vehicle while eating McDonald’s. Her killer is still out there. And Monda Greer, Grandmother to 11-year old Ladavionne Garrett Jr. Who was nearly killed on April 30, 2021 when he was hit by a stray bullet while riding in a car with his parents in north Minneapolis. Thankfully he survived, But his life and the life of his loved ones have been changed forever. Hear their stories, feel their pain. And help spread the word to catch these child killing cowards and bring all three of these families justice.
There is a Go Fund Me for Ladavionne Garrett Jr. His family is asking for help to purchase a van that they can mobilize to fit his needs.
Go Fund Me:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/t7gqk-ladavionne-deserves-a-safe-ride-fit-for-a-warrior
Marsha Mayes is also excepting charitable donations to help with the upkeep at her son Terrell’s gravesite. You can reach out to Roxanne O’Brien via Facebook Messenger for further details on how to go about donations for Terrell.
If you cannot donate, we just asked that you please SHARE SHARE SHARE!! This video with as many people as possible. Help us try to put an end to gun violence and the senseless killings of our children.
Introducing Josh Hedquist! 25 years in the industry! Executive chef, owner of multiple restaurants in Minneapolis, chairman of the Redemption Project and the future Mayor of Minneapolis! LUPWGJ had the honor of sitting down with Josh and discussing multiple subjects from redemption, to entrepreneurial-ship, leader ship and his aspirations of becoming Mayor of Minneapolis!
Joey's Meatballs:
https://instagram.com/joeymeatballsmn...
Salad Slayer:
https://instagram.com/saladslayermn?i...
OG ZAZA:
https://instagram.com/ogzaza_mn?igshi...
The Redemption Project:
https://www.redemptionproject.org
With all the buzz about the new hit show The Bear on Hulu, It's only right that we do an episode about life in the restaurant industry!! We has the opportunity to sit down with our long time friend Kendell Richardson who has almost two decades of experience in this line of work. He shares with us his perspective of the industry. From customer service and crazy long hours, to bartending and serving in high intensity situations!
Watch the episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fly-ELq-zjo
Drop a comment and let us know you’re crazy restaurant experience and as alwayz. Stay leveling up friends.
- Gene and Jay
Taking time to appreciate what we have and who we have in ours lives, while sharing a few laughs along the way. Happy Holidays from all of us over here at LUPWGJ!!
Stay Leveling up friends.
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1y3JFdXbeE&t=10s
So…the Earth is round, right? 🌍
While the general consensus is a resounding yes, there are some that believe the old theory that the Earth is flat.
Contrary to what you think, a lot of those people have well thought out, rational reasons for thinking the way they do.
This week Level Up sits down with our long time friend, Ike, and gets the low down on how his journey to prove the #flatearththeory as false ended up being the biggest research project ever….and made him change his mind.
Will he change yours?
We can’t wait to hear what you think of this weeks podcast episode. It’s gonna be an interesting ride, friends.
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsAkYEXajXk
Gene and Jay give shout outs to previous guests, we also talk about how far we have come and it’s just the beginning. We ask for recommendations for future guests and recommendations for Juneteenth and Raspberry days, we discuss The catalytic converter epidemic and much more.
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlz5dIII4J0&t=387s
This episode is both heartbreaking and important. We will had the honor of sitting down with long time peace activist Kay G Wilson. Wilson is the the grandfather of 6 year old Aniya Allen, who was shot and killed in North Minneapolis one year ago. She was a victim of this senseless gun violence that has poisoned the streets of Minneapolis for a long time. Wilson has worked tirelessly for years to fortify peace in Minneapolis and bring an end to gun violence in the community and wants nothing more, than to catch the killer, get Justice for Aniya and bring some form of comfort and closure to him and his family. we are hoping this interview will help Bring some more awareness to the terrible tragedy and help encourage others to continue to take action. Details on how to help are listed below. Bless Up.
Justice for Aniya Allen FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
Kay G Wilson FB Page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
MN Crime Watchers:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MNCRI...
Reward for the Capture of Aniya Allen's Murderer:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/14203...
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkTnbBvedF0&t=1246s
Hair.
It can define you. You spend time taking care of it….styling it to suite your personality, heritage, traditions or mood…coloring it to make a statement…cutting it off or growing it long…
It’s something that many people take for granted. (Well, maybe Jay doesn’t take it for granted )
On our latest episode, we talk to Rachel Bohn about the impacts of losing her hair due to Alopecia Areata in her early 20s & how she’s handled it since then.
Rachel - thank you so much for sitting down and having such a candid conversation with us. We appreciate you!
Be sure to like the video & subscribe to our YouTube channel to make sure you get get the first look at our new content!
Stay Leveling Up Friends,
National Alopecia Areata Foundation. https://www.naaf.org Restoring More Than Just Your Hair. https://www.itsstillme.com
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFuWtVT3P6c&t=26s
We are excited to introduce ya’ll to our most recents guests, Laura Dizon & Brittani Senser.
Both of these incredible women have experienced tragic losses.
They not only found the strength to fight their way through the hardship, but also found their own ways to create a positive impact in their communities.
This episode is a heavy one, but we are excited to share it with you. We learned a lot, and we hope you will too.
Below you will find links to their websites as well as info around suicide prevention.👇🏽Keep following for more info on how these two are pushing for more open dialogue around suicide & suicide prevention.
Brittani & Laura - thank you for sharing with us. Much love to you both.
Shout Out Loud MN - Laura Dizon
https://shoutoutloudmn.com
Do You Care Now? - Brittani Senser
http://doyoucarenow.life
Shout Out Loud - Suicide Prevention and Awareness Event video
https://youtu.be/JqLUFxrz8Iw
Film Credit for for video link above ⬆️ goes to: Chelsie Lopez
http://chelsielopez.com
Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nsze8H0gnPg&t=142s
We recently had the chance to sit down with local musician Amanda Yang. She is an incredibly talented singer, songwriter & self taught guitarist.
On this episode we talk about the music journey that began when she was 15, and the work it took to get where she is today - with almost 1.2 million monthly listeners on Spotify, & a killer new single, ‘Sideline Girl’ out for your streaming pleasure.
And this is just the beginning for Amanda, there’s definitely more to come.
Huge thanks to Amanda Yang for sitting down and talking with us. It was a pleasure.
Stay Leveling Up friends,
Gene & Jay
Links for Amanda's music and social sites are provided below:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hM7R...
Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ama...
Amazon Music:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Amanda+Yan...
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/amandayang
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/accounts/lo...
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AmandaYangMu...
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/amandayangmusic
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXx6vXQeMlA&t=1s
This episode is part of our spin off episodes called "Nite Caps with Gene and Jay". This is where we don't hold back on language and just chillax and drink beers, as we discuss the world today. Enjoy.
After some time off this winter, we are back full force. Edit mode activated
This week we had the opportunity to speak with Jared & Katie, an ex-pat couple living in Bulgaria, and hear about the impact they hope to have(along with many others in Bulgaria) in helping Ukrainian refugees get settled into new communities outside of their home country.
A corporate sponsor will be matching donations this week up to $5000USD.
In the US & feel moved to help?
Watch episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yzAiXyeI5s&t=2067s
In this episode of LUPWGJ, we welcome our first ever guest in the studio. An Asian American entrepreneur that has spent many years in the local entertainment industry, Soda is also an old friend. We are looking forward to his take on our topic - Racism in the US, specifically the rise in awareness of hate crimes to Asian Americans. Here’s how you can be a part of this episode: Submit any questions you’d like to ask Gene, Jay or Soda about the topic of racism, micro-aggressions, or any other current events you’d like us to discuss.
You can either ask your questions directly underneath this post, or email them to: Lupwgjconnect@gmail.com
We can’t wait to hear from you!
Video Episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLLtF4YJjTQ
This is technically our first Podcast episode!......Well, sort of.
We had a couple try and fails putting this Podcast together. This episode we discuss wheat brought to starting a podcast and all the work that went into making it happen! Check out the link to our YouTube Channel as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUbacm1rRJQ because we are a video podcast first and foremost. Maybe this could help someone "Level Up" by gaining the knowledge they need to start their own podcast! Enjoy.
In this episode we cover Halloween season, Dave Chappelle's The Closer, R.kelly's Sentence, Mental Health and more.
Video Episode on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hi7vg3XdBrw
In this episode of LUPWGJ, we welcome our first ever guest in the studio. An Asian American entrepreneur that has spent many years in the local entertainment industry, Soda is also an old friend. We are looking forward to his take on our topic - Racism in the US, specifically the rise in awareness of hate crimes to Asian Americans. Here’s how you can be a part of this episode: Submit any questions you’d like to ask Gene, Jay or Soda about the topic of racism, micro-aggressions, or any other current events you’d like us to discuss. You can either ask your questions directly underneath this post, or email them to: Lupwgjconnect@gmail.com
This Episode is also on our LUPWGJ Youtube Channel! https://youtu.be/PLLtF4YJjTQ
This is technically our first Podcast episode!......Well, sort of.
We had a couple try and fails putting this Podcast together. This episode we discuss wheat brought to starting a podcast and all the work that went into making it happen! Check out the link to our YouTube Channel as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUbacm1rRJQ because we are a video podcast first and foremost. Maybe this could help someone "Level Up" by gaining the knowledge they need to start their own podcast! Enjoy.