Meet Jay Watkins: Podcast / Event Host & Public Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jay Watkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jay, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
This is such an amazing question. As a podcast/event host , and creator, I must evaluate what information I put out into the world through my platform. Through my process of writing, researching, and interviewing I move with intention. Even in my day-to-day life I try to be aware of the energy I’m emitting, the things I say, and how I say them. Always attempting to be clear with my communication and intentional with conveying what I am trying to relay; this is my goal. This takes a pure form when I get behind the mic and begin conversing with guests on the Stay Up podcast or when I’m hosting an event. On my show, specifically, I try to evoke thoughts in the minds of my listeners and generate positivity in their minds when they think about themselves and the world around them. I want them to be aware of the World and the place we all hold in it. Ultimately , I am bringing valuable information to the world — packaged in tasteful comedic relief and genuine emotion.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a platform host I feel strongly in my ability to interview on any topic . However, I feel as though I am set apart because I never take a “cookie-cutter” approach to craft. I have had plenty of people tell me to outsource my production, pay someone to do this and pay someone to do that– I prefer to learn, create , and grow. I have a certain way I like to do things and only I know what that is. I honestly believe this is what sets me apart. I move with the drive of what I feel is needed to be heard at that time and I utilize that energy and focus.

I wouldn’t dare to say I’m “successful” on the scale that may be seen by the masses. I still face challenges each day that I am blessed to see but I have learned that success comes through my ability to maneuver these obstacles and come out on top. I am so thankful to be where I am overall. It has not been easy at all but I truly have to thank my circle for keeping me lifted and keeping me positive !

I want the world to know that I am my brand and my brand is me. I place myself into what I produce and trust that it can be useful to those that listen.

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.
I’d say start the day with Brunch (everyone’s favorite meal) at Milk and Honey. Walk off the weight of that buy taking in 3 of my favorite places : The Coca-Cola Museum, the aquarium , and the Center for Civil and Human Rights . I love interesting history so the Coke museum gives a good insight into that. Animals are so fascinating and fun! The love for Black history would start at Center for Civil and Human Rights but will have to be extended with visits to The Apex and the MLK King Center visitor Center between these visits I’d have to enjoy lunch at either Busy Bees or Slutty Vegan. Say Cheese will crave the sweet tooth … or Sweet Stack .

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Ultimately I have to thank God — there is no “success” without that acknowledgment. Thank you to all of my family who have added value to my life and made me feel loved through the lessons only you all could teach. I would like to thank my parents, Jeff & Valarie Watkins, who removed a fear of public speaking from me at a very young age! To this day my mother is a perfectionist when it comes to writing; I adopted that trait from her. From helping me write speeches for oratorical contests to believing in me every step of the way in all that I do, thank you Mama! I have to thank my Niece, Sanaa Watkins, for giving me hope for our future generations and knowing this is all for a purpose. She is such a bright and beautiful young person who I know will change the world! I would like to thank all the guests who’ve blessed my platform thus far because they have all been amazing in their way. Each person has added fuel to the next and it has been so exciting to be involved in this process. However, I have to highlight Sakinah Riley because she has given me the fire to stay focused on so many levels. From 2 hour Q&A sessions to planning my next move personally & professionally , Sakinah has uplifted me and shined a light on me that I didn’t even see shining on myself.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/274754

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_amjay/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamjaywatkins/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jay_thatdude

Image Credits
Photo Credit : Logo – Mante (therealmante) / www.therealmante.com