Meet Marco DePrence | Podcast Host, Actor, Model

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

Hi Marco, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my opinion, risk isn’t necessarily a negative thing it’s a necessity to advancing. Taking risks is what led me to being homeless at one point in my life. While this wasn’t an enjoyable part of my journey it was definitely something that needed to happen. I was living in Jacksonville, Florida back in 2016 and I decided to pack up all my belongings and move to Memphis Tennessee, because Florida just wasn’t working for me anymore. My time in Memphis was short as my living situation didn’t go as planned and I became homeless. This had a big impact on my life. After this risk taking situation failed, I found new motivation and began to tell myself that “I can’t complain about the things I can change”. I learned from that situation and took time to assess what I could have done differently before making my next steps. Looking back, if I wouldn’t have taken that risk I wouldn’t be as independent, self motivating, or be here to share this experience in order to help the next person. Risk is presented to us everyday and without taking risks, can you say that you actually lived?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The thing I am most proud of when it comes to my podcast titled Hear Me Out, is I have created a safe space for myself to have open discussions with individuals so we can grow. Growing up, I have always found it hard for me to be inclusive within my communities to share my story and be heard. It was difficult to create a space for my podcast because I got stuck in my head and talk to myself out of doing thing because I am focused on feedback. Once I came to the realization that I am not doing this for likes and/or feedback it became therapeutic for me. I have faced many challenges and insecurities by going to therapy and engaging in thoughtful dialogue with my therapist. More importantly, these tough conversations allowed me to do work on goals discussed in therapy. However, I have learned that my depression and anxiety periodically take control of my life and some days it is ok to not be ok. Life challenges me to change and prepares me for greatness. If I wanted the world to know anything about me, it would be this: I am Americrop Alumni, I served while living in Washington, D.C., back in 2014. I hold non-profits and community service close to my heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was in the area, and I wanted to show them the best time in the A, we would stop by CRU lounge on Peter St. I would order the watermelon mint hookah and jerk wings and enjoy the good vibes. For brunch, we would have to go to Crave in Little Five Points and grab the chicken and waffles with a side of Salmon Croquette, with the bottleless mimosas. In addition, there is nothing like a good DJ to set the mood while partaking on great food. Finally, I have frequented Culture experience ATL, a place where I have grabbed some dope pictures and created lifetime moments. I have always been a person who loves museums and learning, so I like visiting Martin Luther King Jr. historical park.

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?
On this journey of discovering myself, I want to acknowledge my creative director and modeling coach, Cortni. Cortni has always been by confidante even when I was not in the right mindset. I am a strong believer of keeping your circle small and your vision big and she always has kept that thought in my mind. When I think of small projects, she corrects me in my footsteps and creates a bigger vision for me. One thing she has always told me while on this journey is that: “You can’t dream big, with everyone.” That statement is a daily lesson I am learning to apply to everyday life. I am very thankful and appreciative of her for always being right by my side and keeping my stress level down. I know at times I can be very demanding, but she always maintains balance when it comes to me.

Website: www.MarcoDePrence.com

Instagram: @MarcoDePrence

Twitter: @MarcoDePrence

Youtube: Marco DePrence

Other: Please check my podcast out on all streaming platforms where podcast are available, Hear Me Out.