Meet Rian-Louis | Podcast Host.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rian-Louis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rian-Louis, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
RIANOUTLOUD! Podcast was created at a very low point in my life. I just turned 30 years old, I was laid off from my job of 4 years , being in and out of the hospital sick. I could not afford therapy and I needed to vent, get my frustrations out. My best friend Monique was the main one telling me for years I would make a great host of my own podcast. Thought about it for a while and then it came to the name… One thing about me, I have an old soul, being around my grandparents- My grandfather would say “for crying out loud” and somehow don’t ask me how, but it clicked… RIANOUTLOUD! and that’s where I got the name from. However fast forward two years later I’ve shifted the focus of my podcast and made it more a safe space for black queer creatives… social media became an outlet for me at the beginning of the pandemic and I came across some amazing black queer creatives, singers, rappers, writers, actors and more. Which I owe the transition to my friend Stevie Derrick co-host of the black queer podcast “HIM Podcast” and he is also the creator of #IndieArtistSpotlight. As my brand continues to grow I want to continue being a voice for black queer creatives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I had someone tell me that I should try being less positive and more of a mean girl, saying that brand would thrive off of being messy. No one wants to be uplifted with positive energy everyday, trust me I get it.. but that will never be me and it couldn’t I don’t have a mean bone in my body. Of course I didn’t listen to that person and Ive literally built a following ( not much) and my podcast has reached over 5,000 listens. It is very important to stay true to myself and be me! I want people to be proud, I have my mother, my grandparents, my friends and a teenage goddaughter who’s watching… I have to make them proud.

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.
This is fun!!!

So Friday- I would pick my friend out, we would order food, chill and catch up… of course wine would be involved. plot out the rest of our weekend.

Saturday- Start off with brunch, because who doesn’t love a good mimosa or two. Thrift shop a little bit, hit a museum exhibit. Take some really cute pictures. Come home take a nap ( because naps are needed for those over 30) Wake up get dressed and go out maybe to dinner, then a night club.

Sunday- Brunch again, maybe less mimosas and just recapping the weekend.

Brunch is a thing for be haha.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This interview would not be happening without Chi Ilochi, we met back in November at an event and she has showed me nothing but love and support when it comes to my podcast. I truly owe her! Such a beautiful, talented young woman and I truly thank her!

My friends: Monique, Derikas, Donnie who I love and thank them for the support!

Those who shared, liked, retweeted or anything to do with RIANOUTLOUD!

Thank you!

Website: https://anchor.fm/rianoutloud

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ratedrian

Twitter: twitter.com/RatedRian

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rianlouiswoodson.mcneil

Image Credits
Jordan Jenkins of Life Camera Soul Photography