Hidden Gems Podcast: Recent Episodes
Marcus Johnson-Luther
Minnesota has so much untapped talent, that no one really ever takes the time to illuminate. Wanting that to change, I decided to make a platform that can do just that. Everyone of us has a story that's worth sharing, because you never know who has a similar story or is inspired by yours.
On the Hidden Gems Podcast, I'll be talking with people from all over the state about their passions, and life stories. In a world with so much going on we rarely have the time to truly get to know someone. In these episodes I hope you find a story that resonates with you.
Hosted by Marcus Johnson-Luther. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Have you ever wanted to start your own podcast but don't know where or how to start? Well Success was in a similar situation and she did the best first step you can do - she just started. As a way to document her college journey Success began the 9pm Curfew podcast as a way to commemorate the time. Since then the podcast has grown mightily, and seen immense success(no pun intended). Truthfully wise beyond her years, Success drops a lot of bars on this episode and was amazing the whole interview.
We talk about:
- How she got started
- Why she started
- How the podcast has helped her grow
- How successful the podcast has been
- Taking time for herself
- Merch!
- Much, much more.
9 pm curfew: https://www.instagram.com/9pmcurfew/?hl=en
9pm curfew links: https://linktr.ee/9pmcurfewpod
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Finally, Finally, Finally, Finally, got to catch up with my big homie Marlon. Beyond being a mentor and big brother figure to me, Marlon is a man with many many talents. As you'll see throughout this entire podcast the man has a way with words and knows what the hell he is talking about. I really wanted to catch up with him to talk about his life, being from New Orleans and how Katrina affected his life. This convo seems to move at a mile a minute because how great Marlon is. We could've gone several hours on this. But in todays episode we talk about:
- Comparing Minnesota to Louisiana
- How Hurricane Katrina affected his life
- Life after Katrina
- His trials and tribulations at LSU
- Clearly Misunderstood
- Much, much more!
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden Gems IG: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/?hl=en
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Finally got to catch up with my boy! Been tryna record this episode for what feels like a year, but he finally pulled up on me... virtually. It's always a good time with Nate. Nate's a musician who prides himself on being authentic. Despite making music Nate claims he has over 200 songs in the vault he wont release because they're not perfect like he wants them to be yet. Beyond music Nate also spends his free time helping his community by cutting hair for people.
In todays episode we talk about:
- His background in music
- How he surprised his mom with his first performance
- The people around him that have helped him grow
- The role emotion plays in his creative process
- Much, much more!
Nates Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nate_great1/?hl=en
Nate soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nate-mamo
Nate's apple music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/nati/1086255916
Hidden Gems twitter:https://twitter.com/home
Hidden Gems IG: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/?hl=en
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Sadie is a self taught multi-medium artist. After mastering drawing she decided to branch out into other mediums such as painting, digital and even expanded into water color. As a master of her craft, Sadie's level of skill has increased exponentially and she has exploded on the Minnesota Art scene. If I tried to name all the different places she's ad her art showcased, we'd be here all day... Needless to say, Sadie is a wildly creative person who loves to show much adoration and appreciation to others!
In todays episode we talk about:
- Her roots as an artist
- How she remains creative
- What inspires her
- How she adapted to other mediums
- How creating is therapeutic for her
- Much. Much. More!
Hidden Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/?hl=en
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Sadie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyysadie/?hl=en
Sadies email: artbysadiee@gmail.com
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
If you've ever seen our logo anywhere, that's a special thanks to the wonderful and ever talented Kemunto! Kemunto is a talented graphic and digital artist who specializes it making incredibly dope shit(like our logo). Besides that Kemunto has done amazing things with many local acts in Minnesota, but even big time brands including Nike! An amazing episode today. We talk about:
- Her creative process
- How she finds work life balance
- Being able to ground herself
- Her talented family
- Much, much more
Hidden Gems twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/?hl=en
Kemunto design page: https://www.instagram.com/kemunto.dsgn/?hl=en
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Season 2 keeps rolling on!
Soli is a stylist and fashion consultant, who uses her creativity as a way to express herself. As a creative she loves to help bring people joy, and put smiles on their faces. Her ability to work hard and understand a balance between work and life is one fo her strengths. In todays episode we talk about:
- Her background in fashion
- What her favorite part of the process is
- How she handles work life balance
- much, much more!
Hidden gems twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden Gems instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/?hl=en
Soli Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sololiya_/?hl=en
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Season 2.... We BACK
Julian is a name you'll know if you don't already. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin he's already made a huge impact on the Minnesota music scene. DJ'ing under the alias Ech0astral he's already done a myriad of things. Starting his own radio station is amongst one of his notable achievements. Most recently he opened for Pi'erre Bourne - and Rejected Sound with Hidden Gems Alumni Mark Khan.
In todays episode we talk about:
- Julians journey to graduation
- How he found inspiration for his famous grad pic
- His success in college
- Radio K and the Vangaurd
- DJ'ing
- Opening for Pi'erre Bourne
- Much, much more
Julians instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ech0astral/?hl=en
Julians Twitter #JulianArmy: https://twitter.com/vibeistan
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/?hl=en
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Dominant is the one word I would use to describe how Morgan plays basketball. An absolute force in every sense of the word while she's out there on the court, Morgan brought it every single day. From her young years to her now collegiate career Morgan has had success at every turn. WIth a successful family behind her and a bright future for herself Morgan is a young woman with the world as her oyster.
In todays episode we talk about:
- Morgan's athletic background
- How having older successful siblings was helpful
- Why scoring was so easy for her
- Much, much more.
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Don't let her small stature fool you, Tina is a fireball of energy and strength. She's someone who has picked up boxing in her 20's and hasn't looked back at all. From her early morning routines to beating people up in the gym, Tina is a person who is dedicated in all facets of her life.
In today's episode we talk about:
- Tina and I catch up
- How she uses her routines to help herself stay sane
- Life after graduation
- How she got into boxing
- much, much more
Hidden Gems Twitter:https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hiddens Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Tina's Mirror Moods: https://www.instagram.com/tinamirrormoods/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Elerson Smith, you're going to want to remember that name. A University of Northern Iowa graduate, Elerson is pursuing his dreams of making the NFL as a defensive lineman. A good guy on and off the field, Elerson was really open to talking about anything and everything. From him coming into high school a scrawny stringbean to being a 6'7 monster, we dive into it all.
In todays episode we talk about:
- The aftermath of George Floyd
- How he adapted to college football
- His high school football experience
- His athletic prowess
- Much, much more
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden Gems Insta: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Welcoming the man that raised me, my father Lucius Luther to the podcast.
You'll come for the wisdom and stay for the laughs, funny stories, randomness we share and more. I won't lie, this is one of, if not my favorite episodes I've recorded and I have a strong feeling you'll feel the same way. In todays episode we talk about:
- My dad growing up during the Jim Crow Era
- His parents involvement with MLK
- Growing up in Memphis, and dealing with the aftermath of MLK's assassination
- Being Black in America
- Moving to Minnesota
- Our families late growth spurts
- Having an awesome son
- Much, Much, more
Hidden gems instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Hidden gems twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
My dads instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discerning.light.photography/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
You've heard the mans name on the pod repeatedly, so I had to get him on the pod!
A superbly talented individual, who's to humble to admit it himself Foluso has a lot going for himself. An extremely creative mind who is well respected in the Minnesota art scene, Foluso made his name with photography. He has used his skills and creative mind with photography and used it as a vehicle to help him excel in his career as a marketer, where he works at General Mills today as a result. A man wise beyond his years, we have an amazing chat.
In todays episode we talk about:
- His background in Photography
- How he used photography as a vehicle for his job
- Him discovering the right path for himself
- His Adidas internship
- Much, Much more!
Hidden Gems instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Foluso Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phlushots/
Foluso Twitter: https://twitter.com/Phlushots
Foluso Website: https://www.phlushots.com/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Taking this title literally, Jen & Roy exude power in everything they do. Two of the strongest(pun intended) people I know. From their dedication to excellence in the weight room as well as their commitment to becoming better people they are extremely inspirational. A couple for nearly 5 years, their chemistry and charisma are extremely noticeable throughout our entire convo.
In todays episode we talk about:
- What's new in their life
- Establishing themselves in their new business
- How they stay motivated
- Background in weightlifting
- Their training methods
- Being themselves
- Using their platforms
- And all the other dope stuff they do
Hidden gems twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden gems instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Roy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roypalmer1/
Jen's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenesishope/
In-tension website: https://www.in-tensiontraining.com/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
With a diverse set of skills, experiences and opinions Rihab is a fireball of energy. She can talk to anyone, everyone and isn't afraid to tell you whats on her mind. In todays episode we talk about:
- Her first year out of college
- Growing up in Edina
- Her various career experiences
- Being an immigrant
- Much much more
Rihabs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rihabalemam/
Rihabs LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rihab-alemam-72b320181/
Hidden Gems Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Honestly one of my favorite episodes to record, Momo was super open from the very first question. I will say he went really in depth with all his answers, and shared his inspirational story. Momo is a super dope dude who's caring, thoughtful and an inspiration to me.
In todays episode we talk about:
- Him being a first generation college graduate
- What graduating meant for him and his family
- Him finding his footing at the U
- Being on the right path
- How he started the Durag wave
- His love for the gym
- His love for cooking
- Much, much more
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Momo's Food Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hoodiecooks/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Johnnie, Johnnie, Johnnie. What they say, since the sandbox? That's how far we go back, friends for over 18 years now Johnnie and I really grew up together. Watching him grow into the man he is today has been dope. He's literally the definition of don't put him in a box, a 1 of 1 dude through and through. From basketball to science he has it all.
In todays episode we talk about:
- His JUCO recruiting process
- How he used basketball as a tool to get to college
- His JUCO experience
- Going from JUCO to a 4 year university
- How he decided to pursue medicine
- And tons of fun side stories
Hidden Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Hidden gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
There's not enough adjectives to describe the leadership of Jael. Being the first Black woman student body president at the University of Minnesota is just one of the many list of accomplishments of this young woman. From success in the classroom, student government and student groups, she runs an incredible schedule everyday. You'll enjoy this episode because Jael drops so many instant classic lines. From running the entire Carlson school to being a future business mogul Jael is who your parents want you to be.
In this episode we talk about:
- Jael's childhood
- How she discovered her love for sports
- Her introduction to university student government
- Her running the world at CSOM
- Her tumultuous semester being the Student Body President
- Her calling for the UMNPD to disassociate with MPD
- Much, much more
Hidden Gems Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hidden_GemsPod
Hidden Gems Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Omar is a man who's life has taken many different twists and turns. Born in the United States but raised in Mexico for the first seven years of his life, Omar has a wide variety of perspectives on life. He's also a first generation college graduate, graduating from the University of Minnesota in the Spring of 2020. During his time in college, Omar took it upon himself to lose over 100 pounds, and even transform into a marathon runner. In todays episode we talk about:
- His early childhood years in Mexico
- What being a college graduate means to him and his family
- How he views life
- How he found the motivation to begin his weight loss journey
- How he got into marathon running
- Much, Much more
Hidden Gems Pod IG: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Tariq Spielberg, Tariq Lee, Tariq Tarantino. The best filmmaker around if you ask me. I've watched Tariq grow from having one camera filming a music video for our boy Zateb, and transform that into a business where he's making a name for himself. One of the most creative people I know, with an extremely creative family. Only 21 years old, and already doing big things. In this episode, Tariq and I talk about:
- How my dad almost hit him with a car before we knew each other
- How he stays creative
- the importance of self discipline
- Staying Humble
- AFRO-YUTE
- His dad almost throwing my shoes away
- Much, much more.
Tariq Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tariqmuata/
AFRO-YUTE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyeppd-PJGY
Hidden Gems Pod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Chrystal Otundo, a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota is a young Black woman who knows no bounds. From school to modeling to acting to starting her own non-profit organization, Chrystals been successful at every adventure she's taken. In this episode we break down:
- Her college experience and how she broke through the glass ceiling
- Her experience modeling and how she found success so quickly
- Her make-up experience with Chrystalized Looks
- How she started her own Non-Profit organization called can't forget the Kids, which distributes art supplies to inner city youth so that they are able to express themselves in ways they might not know how to verbalize yet
- Much, much more
Angela the music video: https://vimeo.com/377911920
Can't forget the kids: https://linktr.ee/cantforgetthekids
Hidden Gems IG: https://www.instagram.com/hidden_gemspod/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
The ever talented Mark, fashion icon turned photographer, turned back fashion icon. The owner and creator of his how clothing line called Universal Rejects, he tells stories through his clothes. He pays homage to his home country of Nigeria in his work. This man is successful y'all, he's been shared in Vogue, sold his own photography book and much more, not bad for something he considers his side hobby.
Mark and I talk about our lives living in a dorm, his progress into finding what he loves and which random celebrity got him into fashion. A dope convo with a dope human being.
TUNE IN
Marks Links:
- Universal Reject IG: https://www.instagram.com/universalrejects/
- Universal Reject Website: http://universalrejects.com/index.php/shop/
- Mark's IG: https://www.instagram.com/iam_markkhan/
- Mark's Website: https://www.mark-khan.com/
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
Oscar Booth is the strength and conditioning coach of DeLaSalle high school sports. At age 20 he's one of the youngest strength and conditioning coaches in the state of Minnesota. This man has a countless different workouts he can put you through, testing your will, but never anything he himself wouldn't do. We have a great conversation about:
- Mindset
- Life at the YWCA working 16 hour shifts
- His path to becoming a trainer
- Nutrition
- Minnesota Basketball
- His disgusting shoe he created that's a mix of a Jordan 11 and a Moccasin
- and Much much more
Oscar can be found on IG at: https://www.instagram.com/thegrindguru/
But if you hit that man up, BE READY TO WORK.
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support
The Introduction of The Hidden Gems Podcast hosted By Marcus Johnson-Luther, Subscribe to stay updated on every episode on whichever podcast platform you prefer. Episodes coming every week!
Special thanks to @kamoontoe on IG for the dope logo!
Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/marcus-johnson-luther/support