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

Hi Tamika, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I launched my own podcast back in 2019 and have since hosted several additional video shows on other platforms. But after going through those experiences, I found that the main problems I had with recording audio and video were poor sound quality from both me and my guests, unstable internet, and amateurish backgrounds. I also noticed how hard it was for the typical person to edit an audio or video recording. Post-production and editing is a very technical talent that most people don’t possess. To be honest, I never would have released a single podcast episode or recording if it weren’t for my spouse and partner Darryl, who has over 30 years of experience recording and producing music. Point blank, editing is hard!

Anyway, fast-forwarding to the summer of 2023, I had conversations with several entrepreneurs who wanted to launch their podcasts in a professional, dedicated space. That’s when something clicked in my mind. An office suite that Darryl and I owned and managed was already being rented out to several other tenants. However, the unit’s upstairs was just sitting there being used as a junk room. Once that lightbulb clicked, I immediately asked Darryl if he would be interested in turning the upstairs portion of the office space into a podcast studio. He replied “Yes” almost right away, and our studio adventure started.

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.
The road to most new ventures or businesses is seldom easy, and ours was no exception. Unexpected remodeling setbacks were undoubtedly experienced during the cleaning, de-junking, carpet removal, installation of new flooring, painting, furnishings, and—above all—the acquisition of high-quality recording equipment. And we managed to accomplish this ourselves, juggling our respective careers and businesses along with our family and young children.

I had originally planned to open in the Fall, but I ended up with COVID-19 and flu in September, which caused the studio renovations to be put on hold for the entire months of September and October. But if nothing else, I am a determined person, so I scheduled a tour and luncheon of the podcast studio for a select group of entrepreneurs for the middle of December, and that turned into our first official announcement of Total Play Podcasting Studio.

At the end of the day, the goal of Total Play Studio is to give our clients a top-notch podcasting experience. With state-of-the-art audio recording and editing equipment, we provide a wide range of backgrounds and sets to guarantee superb sound quality for every episode. To suit their individual demands, clients can choose from a variety of professional recording equipment and high-quality microphones. We offer more than just the physical space. We have experienced sound engineers and videographers on hand to provide assistance and knowledge throughout the process.

We work to give our clients the tools and support they need to create excellent podcasts, whether that means helping with social media reels, consulting, monetization, post-production editing, or technical advice. We are more than just a studio – we are creative collaborators who work with podcast hosts to realize their ideas with skill and expertise.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OMG! Considering that my life is totally different than it was 5 years ago, and I haven’t been anywhere in forever, I would definitely do my best to show Atlanta off to visitors. With that being said, I’m sure to include some oldie but goodie spots.

Sunday – Atlanta Belt-line – It’s a great way to explore the city and get some fresh air, exercise, and vitamin D all at the same time

Monday – City Winery – Because it’s such a cool spot, with good drinks and musical guests

Tuesday – Slutty Vegan – We all need a meatless day and their food is oh so tasty

Wednesday – Mellow Mushroom (Downtown Atlanta) – It’s Mellow Mushroom – how can you not check it out while in
Atlanta?!?! Good beer if you like it and relaxing outside

Thursday – Cala Bar & Grill – They have great live music and amazing food! Especially the Jerk Chicken Pasta and Bread Pudding!

Friday – Ice Bar in South Atlanta – I love 90’s R&B and Hip-Hop and it’s Old School Fridays here serving up all the best 90’s music!

Saturday – Downtown Decatur – You can shop, eat, drink, get a little historical, and just chill there, whether it’s during the day or night

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?
Sure! 2 people immediately come to mind who have been extremely instrumental in us opening Total Play Podcasting Studio.

First, a friend of mine, Reginald Smith, was one of the people who was looking for a studio to host his own podcast. Now while he is located in the Washington, DC area, as a consumer he was very open in sharing the things that he liked and didn’t like during his own podcast studio search. Unbeknownst to him, the things that he expressed gave us an inside track as to what clients would like to see as far as service, pricing, offerings, equipment, and ambiance. Reginald AKA Coach Reg has since launched his own show and podcast titled, “Fractured, Not Broken: The Relationship Wellness Podcast,” and we look forward to having him record at Total Play Studio when he records some episodes in the Atlanta area.

Second, a longtime friend and fellow Attorney, Jerbrina Johnson (no relation), immediately answered the call to help me with the visual layout of the studio. I have very little aesthetic vision and Jerbrina does. Before the studio renovation, she gave great suggestions on colors and arrangement. While I picked up additional help in furnishing the studio, Jerbina was very present in the few days before our first studio tour selecting and picking up accent pieces and rugs. She was definitely a life saver in this venture.

Website: https://totalplaystudio.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totalplaystudio

Image Credits
Que Vision Photography

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