We had the good fortune of connecting with Frankie LaCher and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Frankie LaCher, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my podcast Daddy’s Girl to honor my father the legendary Frankie The Bigger Bopper, a well-known DJ in the Charleston area. My dad passed away in April of 2018. It was one of the most devistating ordeals that have ever happened to me. However, After that, I found myself falling into a deep and dark place of which I didn’t want to do, but what else was there? Soon after, the question of podcasting came up. I had no earthly idea what a podcast was. Shanard Dease BKA ‘Kidd Shanard” a DJ here in Charleston who was mentored by my dad was actually the one that introduced me to podcasting. At first, I was totally against it. I think it was more fear than anything because I didn’t know anything about it. Shanard and I had a few conversations about it, and he mentioned that he and my dad always talked about what he knew I was capable of once I focused and put my mind to it. I think that was the push for me to explore the idea of podcasting. I thought Shanard would walk me through it, after all, it was his idea. (LOL) But instead, he said, “nope, I’ll give you the resources that I have and you can go from there.” I took advantage of it and decided to move forward into the world of podcasting. I had no idea what I was going to name my podcast until one day, (true story) I was in the bathroom and I heard a voice that simply said, “Daddy’s Girl.” Immediately I knew that was what I was supposed to name my podcast, Daddy’s Girl. It made so much sense. I had someone say to me, “Don’t you think you should come up with something a little more catchy?” My response was “what would be catchier than that?’ So, as of January 15, 2019, with 58 episodes, 575 downloads later, Daddy’s Girl Podcast had been launched and is soaring. I honor my dad in every aspect of what I do. I have learned a lot from watching and listening to my dad throughout the years, and is able to edit and produce all of my episodes. I use a lot of the sayings and phrases that my dad used in his shows which was called “All The Blues You Can Use And A Bit More.” From time to time, I invite guests who are doing positive things in the community. My dad called it “doing some good in the hood” I call it the same. Also in honor of my dad, I wrote a song called, ” He Taught Me Right.” It’s definitely a true song. It tells the story of how my dad taught and made sure that my two sisters and I loved and respected ourselves enough to know that if a man doesn’t say we’re beautiful or treat us as the beautiful queens that we are, it’s ok because it was already instilled and programmed within. Many times, as a young girl, my dad would say “you know, you’re a pretty little girl, or you’re a beautiful young lady.” Of course, back then I didn’t get what he was doing, but now “I’m a woman, I’ve been through a few things, daddy I understand.” (smiles) That’s actually a part of the lyrics in my song. My podcast was actually my saving grace, and that’s why I put my heart and soul into what I do. My dad did the same. People often express, the love they had and still have for my dad. That’s why my podcast exists. I also launched another podcast called The Best Of Frankie The Big Bopper. It’s all about his personality that was spread over the airwaves along with his unique style. People anticipated his arrival on Saturday mornings. When he signed on, they were ready for it. He was and still is a legend and through my podcast, the legacy lives on. He was Frankie The Big Bopper to many, but he was and will always be “daddy”.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I decided to go into podcasting, I wanted to bring a difference in which people can listen and enjoy, but at the same time, be uplifted and motivated. Even though I’m honoring my dad, I still wanted to give a twist and show my gifts and talents. I’m here because of perseverance, determination and self confidence. It wasn’t always easy because in the beginning, I was too focused and worried about what people were going to say or think. I overcame these challenges when I decided to just relax and have fun. Once I did that, it’s now easy as 1,2,3.
Those are the lessons that I’ve learned. When it comes to your gifts, what you need is already there. The only thing you have to do is relax, water, nurture it, have fun and watch it grow.
I want the world to know that there is someone name Frankie LaCher who is a product of the legend Frankie The Big Bopper. He expressed his love for music and shared it with people. Frankie LaCher is here to do that and more.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Charleston, SC there are many places to go and venture out to. Downtown Charleston is very popular during the summer season. It’s very historical. A lot of the slaves were brought to Charleston from Africa through the Atlantic Ocean which sits on the Southeastern coast. People are very intrigued about it. There are many plantations on which slaves lived and worked. Many tourists travels near and far to visit these plantations in order to see and experience the presence of being in a slave cabin.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow, where do I begin? First foremost, God. I am so grateful for life, health, and strength. The ability and the gifts that I have are truly because of you. You gave me the wisdom to understand the things I didn’t before but now do. Thank you. To my daddy, thank you. You saw in me, what I never knew was there. The gifts, the personality, the wisdom, and the know-how. There’s no me without you. To my mom Catherine, you are my biggest cheerleader. No matter what I do, whether I think it’s good or not so good, your words are always “I know you can do it.” and once it’s established, you would say “see, I knew you would figure it out,” then you’d smile. I’m blessed to have you as my mom. To my niece, Ra’Ven, thank you for seeing the gifts in me and choosing me to have this moment to shine. Ms. Joanne Williams, you may never know the love and gratitude I have for you. Your wisdom and sternness, and “keeping it real,” goes a long way. “Kidd Shanard” Dease, I’ve said it on several occasions and is not tired of saying it. Thank you. You too saw exactly what daddy saw and gave me the push I needed. You stood in the back because you knew that I would “figure it out.” I moved out of my comfort zone because of it. To my producer, Mr. Joseph Walker of King Joe Entertainment in Atlanta, Georgia. Thank you. You’re the music behind my lyrics. You brought it to life and made it what it is today. Your vision is 20/20. To Joe Nice, you were the icing and double fudge to my cake. You played a huge role in making my dreams come true in honoring my dad through music. To the rest of my family, my sisters, brother, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends, thanks for your support. May God bless and keep you.
Website: https://211387.buzzsprout.com
Instagram: imfrankielacher
Facebook: @FTBBizmydaddy Daddy’s Girl page
Other: I also started a page on FB called All N Tha Mix. This page was created to showcase local artists that don’t get the recognition that they need or deserve.