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

Hi Miles, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
When I started Real Talk with MJ, I wanted to create a platform that is my own. I wanted to create a platform so that I have ownership of something that no one can take away from me. Especially with the rise of social media, many athletes, celebrities and just every day people decided to start their own platform. We are in a different era where instead of the common person watching television to get their entertainment, they look to social media. I initially fell in love with sports media by watching my favorite sports debate shows and thinking, “One day that can be me.” Rather than waiting for someone to come knocking and give me an opportunity, I took it into my own hands to create my own podcast. I feel one thing that separates myself and my business from others doing the same thing is that I have the credentials of being a 2023 Morehouse College graduate and attending New York University this fall on a full tuition scholarship. I hope to continue to network with likeminded people that can help my podcast reach its potential. I believe the podcast can be a top 10 podcast in the nation, and that’s the goal I set out for myself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One thing that separates me from others is that I have a strong background in front of the camera, as well as behind the camera. With starting my own podcast I was on a budget. And I didn’t have the means to pay someone to edit my daily content to be post on all of Real Talk with MJ’s social media platforms. So I learned how to edit. I learned how to shoot video. I learned graphic design. I learned these skills because I absolutely had to or else there wasn’t going to be any Real Talk with MJ content getting pushed out. Many on air talents have no idea what goes on in postproduction. But learning the skill to edit and make graphics, allowed me to gain more of an understanding of the work that goes into pushing out a podcast episode and producing content for social media. I want people to know that I never quit. Even when it was tremendously hard and no one was listening to my podcast, I believed in myself. You must believe in yourself before anyone else because that confidence in you, is what will make you be successful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of my favorite places to eat is at Tuza. They have some of the best barrio tacos in the city. During the school year I would go there with my friends and have a great time. I also love going to Atlantic Station. The scenery there is great and if you want something to eat, there are plenty of options to choose from. Lastly, I have family outside of Atlanta and one thing we always do is take a trip to Stone Mountain park. Whether you are with your friends or by yourself, Stone Mountain is a great place to be immersed through nature and get away from the city. Going to Stone Mountain is definitely a way that privatize my mental health.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this article and feature to the director of the journalism program at Morehouse College, Ron Thomas. Professor Thomas was one of the first people I came to when I expressed my desire to start a podcast and he gave me pointers on how to improve my delivery and language. In addition to helping me with my podcast, he pushed me to become a better writer while I was in school. Although my main goal is to be on camera and in front of a mic, writing is key, and without having a strong background in that aspect you are at a disadvantage. Professor Thomas emphasized this to me and I don’t believe I would be where I am today as a Warner Media intern, NBA Digital Sekou Smith memorial intern, Real Talk with MJ founder and podcast host, and an incoming journalism graduate student at New York University, without his guidance.

Website: Mileshjohnsontv

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milesjohnsontv/ https://www.instagram.com/realtalkwithmj/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-johnson-a886031a0/ https://twitter.com/RealTalkWithMJ1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/milesjohnsontv

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgNX74Ed3P8GHJ0l_2aw4g

Image Credits
Kollin Washington Andy Harris Chris Doomes

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