We had the good fortune of connecting with Troy Gaskins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Troy, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As a Black talk show host and being apart of the LGBTQ community. My platform gives creatives of all genres a platform to promote their businesses and give my audience a chance to know who they are. It’s also a safe space for members of the LGBTQ community to have a voice as upcoming creatives as well. I want to be able elevate others in anyway I can.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have created my own YouTube talk show by the name of Talk Live Tuesday’s with TAG. It comes on every two weeks on Tuesday at 10pm. My show is filmed in a studio with a small production team who keep me up and running. I think what sets me apart from other shows online is that it’s late night, so my guest can be unfiltered. They don’t have to hold back on what they say, each guest can be their authentic selves. It also provides a platform for artist to perform their new music. The thing I’m most proud about is that I have built a solid team that makes my show everything it is. I’m glad that I took the time to elevate my brand and make it exactly what I was going for. The show is only getting better. My journey to being a host has been a long time coming. I remember in college wanting to host a show for my favorite dance team but that never happen and honestly I don’t think I was ready. However, once I moved to Atlanta I join a YouTube reality series called Chasing Atlanta and that’s where I started to find my voice. This took me back to my degree in Public Relations and being in the journalism field. I started the show via instagram live and after my first pilot I thought why not elevate it. I have the platform to do so now, so that’s what I did. However, the task to get here wasn’t easy. It takes a lot of planning each week to write these shows out as well as have the equipment and space to do so. Also, building the platform for people to want to watch each episode. It’s hard building a YouTube following, especially promoting from other social media accounts. So, we are creating ways to grasp the attention through a new approach to promotion to keep the audience engaged. I’ve learned that everything takes time. You have to learn yourself and know what you really want in order to become the being you’re supposed to be. Anything that comes quick won’t last forever, so let the roots grow, build that foundation, so you can have the longevity. What I want people to know about my brand is that it’s for me to help others. I want people to know I choose people who can either help people who watch or people who are up and coming and have something to promote. I think in this world we need more laughter and positivity which it what I think my show brings.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was in the area and I wanted to show them the best time. First of all we have to hit up Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar on Edgewood. This is my favorite lounge/restaurant in Atlanta, it is always a good time. Whoever I bring to Harold’s has to try their catfish and gizzard’s combo, it’s like the in town. That’s honestly really all I go for. We would also have to stop by the Andretti’s because I’m still a big kid at heart and this adult arcade is always a move. I also love riding the go carts, although I don’t go to fast because I’m scared of crashing but it is FUN! Last but not least we would definitely have to go to Sandy Springs and eat at my favorite Korean barbecue place called Thrill. I love interactive eating and here you cook your own food and its all you can eat. The drinks are boom too!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to God and my parents first and foremost. I want to shoutout my production team and friends who help put my show together. Tip, Daysha, Devie, & James, I love you guys with all my heart. Also, the producers of Chasing Reality who gave me the opportunity to showcase my brand in front of millions of people. Lastly, shoutout to Dominique for thinking about me when it came to doing this interview, I appreciate you.
Instagram: @TouchedByTAG @TalkLiveTuesdays
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/troygaskinsjr/
Twitter: @TAGDidIt
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+boom+network
Image Credits
Toontym Visuals Christian Mayhew Andarrio Abrahams