Unglossy

Michael Ford: Blueprints, Beats, and Belonging 19.06.2026 57min

Michael Ford, the Hip Hop Architect, joins Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank to connect bars to blueprints. From the Hip Hop Architecture Camp to leading The Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx, Ford shows how rap lyrics inspire real spaces, why representation matters when only 2 percent of architects are Black, and how collabs with Shaw and Herman Miller turn design into community impact. Plus his next build: a Hip Hop Museum of the South in Memphis. This is Unglossy. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. See all of our episodes at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+

Pete Rock: Crates, Classics, and Knicks 12.06.2026 1h 8min

Some producers make beats. Pete Rock built a blueprint. On this episode of Unglossy, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank sit down with the legendary producer, DJ, and MC for a wide-ranging conversation that runs from his Mount Vernon roots all the way to the present moment. Pete takes us back to coming up under Heavy D, spinning on WBLS next to Marley Marl at 13 years old, and the basement studio where Biggie, Run DMC, Nas, and half of hip hop passed through. He breaks down the stories behind the classics: how "T.R.O.Y." came out of real grief and taught him to treat music like medicine, how Jam Master Jay tapped out the drums on "Down with the King," and how he ended up singing the hook on "The World Is Yours." Plus the new De La Soul album, his love of comics, and why, after 53 years without a chip, these Knicks have him out of his head in the best way. It is a masterclass, a memory lap, and a love letter to New York, all in one. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation, and get early access plus live recordings and more at Merrick Studios+. Unglossy is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios, where culture takes the mic.

Shawn Porter: Showtime, Sacrifice, and Sovereignty 29.05.2026 1h 5min

Showtime Shawn Porter sits down with Tom, Bun B, and Jeffrey for a conversation that goes well beyond the highlights reel. From training under his father Kenny at age four, to sparring Manny Pacquiao, to the real story behind that final round against Terence Crawford — Shawn holds nothing back. Plus: the state of boxing today, Floyd's real work ethic, and what he's building next including a documentary and a boxing film where he's playing the lead. Built different. This one shows it. Sharp, real, and a great one start to finish. This is Showtime. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. See all of our our episodes at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+

Jemele Hill: Detroit, Defiance, and the Uphill Climb 22.05.2026 1h 27min

This week on Unglossy, Jemele Hill joins the fellas for an unfiltered ride through her come-up from Detroit to ESPN, the tweet that changed everything, and the pivot to The Atlantic, Uphill, and Flagrant and Funny with Cari Champion. Plus Dwight Howard's Top 75 snub, Kobe stories, Skip Bayless, the Pistons, and whether Anthony Davis is a Wizard next year. Honest, funny, and Detroit to the core. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. See all of our our episodes at https://merrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+

Tim Frank: Playoffs, Ping Pong Balls, and the Future of the NBA 15.05.2026 1h 3min

The NBA's Sr. VP of Communications, Tim Frank, makes history as Unglossy's first two-time guest. Twenty-two years at NBA headquarters, an NBA Championship in year one with the Houston Rockets, four straight WNBA titles with the Comets — Tim has seen it all and isn't afraid to talk about it. Tom, Bun B, and Jeffrey go deep on the Playoffs, the truth behind the Draft Lottery, the new TV rights deal, expansion to Las Vegas and Seattle, and what genuinely worries Tim about the future of the NBA. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. See all of our our episodes at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+ at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/plus.

Mark Isham: Scoring Life, Film, and Everything In Between 07.05.2026 55min

This week on Unglossy, the fellas sit down with Mark Isham — Grammy-nominated composer and trumpeter behind some of Hollywood's most iconic scores, including Crash, A River Runs Through It, Point Break, and 42. Mark traces the journey from San Francisco's jazz scene to landing a $35 million Disney film with no formal training and 90 bucks in the bank — and how a home-duplicated cassette changed everything. He breaks down what it's really like to score films for Jodie Foster, Robert Redford, and Kathryn Bigelow, the night he rewrote the entire Point Break score, and why silencing self-doubt has been as important as any musical skill. Plus: where film scoring is heading, a new series about the Irish gangs of Brooklyn, and a new album in the works Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank. The show is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. For early access, live recordings and more, join us on Merrick Studios+

Bomani Jones: Playoffs, Prince, and Perspective 30.04.2026 1h 6min

This week on Unglossy, Bomani Jones joins the fellas and turns a conversation about the NBA Playoffs and NFL Draft into a deeper look at the business of sports—streaming chaos, rising costs, and why access isn’t what it used to be. From there, it goes where it wants: travel, chasing awe around the world, and why a waterfall might hit harder than front-row seats. Plus a no-holds debate on Prince vs. Michael Jackson, influence vs. popularity, and what really shapes culture. Along the way: sneaker resale, concert prices, and an Emmy that may or may not be a “participation trophy.” Smart, funny, and unpredictable—just like Bomani. Unglossy is hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank and is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios. Check out this and all our episodes at wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod

Mark Elias: Acting, Ownership, and Working Title: From Paper to Screen 09.04.2026 1h 12min

Most actors wait. Mark Elias builds. On this episode of Unglossy, the 9-1-1: Lone Star and Lucifer actor breaks down his journey from Houston roots to Hollywood—then the pivot from chasing roles to creating them. We get into his film We Could Be Heroes, raising money through WeFunder, and what it actually takes to go from idea to screen—plus why ownership changes everything. It all leads to his new podcast on Merrick Studios, Working Title: From Paper to Screen, where he’s documenting the process in real time. This one’s about betting on yourself—and doing the work to back it up. And, don't miss a very special offer for Merrick Studios+ Unglossy is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank. Join the conversation on Instagram @UnglossyPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+

Michelle Delamor: American Idol, Ownership & 60 Day Hustle 27.03.2026 1h 2min

Most people chase the spotlight. Michelle Delamor learned how to own it. This week on Unglossy, we sit down with the former American Idol standout turned founder, studio executive, and creator of Amazon Prime’s 60 Day Hustle to unpack what really happens after the cameras stop rolling. From auditioning alongside 110,000 hopefuls to navigating the machine of the music industry, Michelle shares how she turned early exposure into long-term ownership—and why building your own platform is the real endgame. We get into the psychology of reality TV, the business behind entertainment, and the hard pivot from artist to entrepreneur. Plus, she breaks down how 60 Day Hustle is flipping the script on competition shows—proving that real pressure, real stakes, and real growth don’t need to be manufactured. Because in this game, talent gets you seen… but ownership changes everything. Unglossy is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank. Join the conversation on Instagram @UnglossyPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+

Don Vito: Beats, Business, and Building Beyond Music 12.03.2026 1h 7min

On this episode of Unglossy, we sit down with legendary producer Don Vito for a wide-ranging conversation about hustle, reinvention, and the long road behind the hits. From growing up in Gary, Indiana, to serving in the Marine Corps, to finding his way into Atlanta’s exploding music scene, Don shares the unconventional path that led him to work with artists like Nelly, Ciara, Bow Wow, Cherish, and Kandi Burruss. Along the way, he breaks down the realities of the music business, the difference between making beats and making records, and why some artists reach the top while others sabotage their own success. But Don’s story doesn’t stop with hit records. After navigating the highs and shifts of the music industry, he pivoted into podcasting, digital media, and content strategy, earning the nickname “The Podfather.” In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on how creators can turn podcasts into real businesses—and why most people are approaching it the wrong way. It’s a conversation full of industry war stories, hard lessons, and unexpected insights about building something that lasts in an industry that’s constantly changing. If you care about music, media, entrepreneurship, or the future of podcasting, this is one you don’t want to miss. Unglossy is a Merrick Studios podcast hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank.

Jay Paterno: Happy Valley, Hard Truths, and Blitzed! 27.01.2026 1h 6min

Where you’re from doesn’t just shape you — it frames how you understand power, loyalty, and loss.Bun B is Houston to the core. Jeffrey Sledge carries New York City wherever he goes. And for Tom Frank, everything starts in State College, Pennsylvania — a town where fall Saturdays felt sacred, Penn State football felt pure, and Happy Valley felt like a place untouched by the rest of the world.Today's guest, Jay Paterno, grew up at the center of that belief system.As a former Penn State assistant coach, trustee, writer, and the son of the late Joe Paterno, Jay lived inside one of the most revered cultures in college sports — and then watched it unravel in public. He speaks openly about legacy, leadership, media narratives, and what it costs to stand inside a storm you can’t control. Not from a distance, but from inside his own family.This isn’t just a backward-looking conversation. Jay takes the same clear-eyed approach to the modern game — NIL, the transfer portal, revenue sharing, gambling, donor influence — and explains why college athletics is no longer what it pretends to be. His new book - BLITZED! The All-Out Pressure of College Football's New Era - pulls back the curtain on a system stretched to its limits, where pressure, money, and identity collide every Saturday.This episode isn’t about defending the past. It’s about context, consequence, and where the game is headed. "Unglossy" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RE-RELEASE: Mitchell Jackson 23.01.2026 1h 12min

Originally released February 25, 2025 Tom, Mickey and Jeffrey are back for a new season of Unglossy. In this compelling episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Mitchell S. Jackson opens up about his remarkable journey from the tough streets of Portland, Oregon, to becoming a celebrated writer and educator. Mitchell shares intimate stories of balancing street life with academics, the transformative power of writing, and the challenges of teaching during a global pandemic. He reveals how his time in prison and the long, arduous process of writing his debut novel, The Residue Years, shaped his identity and artistic vision. Alongside reflections on winning the Pulitzer and the evolving role of public intellectuals, Mitchell dives into the unexpected intersections of music, NBA fashion, and cultural narratives in his latest book, Fly: The Big Book of Basketball Fashion. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, authenticity, and the enduring art of storytelling. Unglossy is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/ Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RE-RELEASE: Marcus Samuelsson 09.01.2026 58min

Originally released April 18, 2024 "I recently stumbled across the Unglossy podcast – specifically the episode with Marcus Samuelsson. So tasty. I love how he explains cooking through sound."- Leon G. Witness culture and the unexpected converge, revealing the medley of tastes, sounds and experiences that influence the brand that is—Marcus Samuelsson. From a young age, Marcus aspired to be great by recognizing greatness in others. His path to becoming a decorated chef, restaurateur and philanthropist who's accolades include a 2023 Emmy Award (that makes two cameos in this podcast), was powered by creative and cultural experiences from his travels around the world. With restaurants spanning the US, Canada, Bahamas and his native Ethiopia, this eight-time James Beard Foundation award winner has inspired with his lyrical dishes from kitchens located in neighborhoods one might not expect to find them. Journey with us as Marcus dives into the why and how behind his ability to bring people and communities together while blurring the lines between music and cuisine until their cultural significance feels almost one and the same."Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studios and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank, hip hop artist and founder of Pendulum Ink, Mickey Factz, and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and learn more at https://www.wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

RE-RELEASE: Keenan Scott II 30.12.2025 58min

Originally released March 21, 2025 In this episode of Unglossy, Tom and Jeffrey sit down with Keenan Scott II, a prolific playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer from Queens, New York. Keenan delves into his artistic journey, beginning with his early passion for visual arts and comic books, and transitioning into poetry and performance as he navigated his formative years in Maryland. His experiences at open mic nights in D.C. were pivotal, shaping his creative expression and laying the groundwork for his future in theater. Keenan also discusses the genesis of his renowned play, "Thoughts of a Colored Man," which started as college monologues aimed at authentically representing Black experiences absent from mainstream theater. The conversation further explores the complexities and challenges of bringing a play to Broadway. Keenan sheds light on the logistical and financial hurdles, including navigating the influential theater families that control Broadway venues. Despite these challenges and the abrupt end to his play's run due to COVID-19, Keenan's work continues to make a significant impact. Looking ahead, he shares his excitement for future projects through his company, Project Toy Entertainment, aiming to fuse various artistic mediums and empower new creative voices. His advice to emerging artists—to believe in themselves and embrace perseverance—is a testament to his journey and dedication to the arts. "Unglossy: Decoding Brand in Culture," is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Merrick Chief Creative Officer, Tom Frank and music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/ Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Owen Hanson (The Cocaine Quarterback): Fame, Fallout & the Fight Back 18.12.2025 59min

This might be the wildest story we’ve ever told on Unglossy — and that’s saying something.This week, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank sit down with Owen Hanson, better known as The California Kid or The Cocaine Quarterback. Once a USC walk-on turned national champion, Owen’s life took a sharp left turn from the football field into international drug trafficking, cartel money, federal prison, and headlines that sound fictional until you realize they’re not.Fresh off the Amazon Prime docuseries Cocaine Quarterback, Owen breaks his silence on what really happened — from how the documentary came together, to what it got right (and what it couldn’t fully show), to how you rebuild an identity when your name becomes a cautionary tale.This isn’t a glamorized crime story. It’s a raw conversation about ambition, ego, consequences, survival, and second chances. We talk life inside prison, hustling legally and illegally, the mindset it takes to endure a decade behind bars, and how Owen turned a mop bucket, protein powder, and sheer will into a legitimate business on the outside.From USC glory to federal time… and from rock bottom to redemption — this episode is about what happens after everything falls apart.No polish. No excuses. Just the truth. This is Unglossy. "Unglossy" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trill in Real Time: Inside the Making of TrillStatik 5 12.12.2025 1h 10min

This week on Unglossy, we get rare, front-row access to hip-hop happening in real time. Tom and Jeffrey go full fly-on-the-wall as Bun B and Statik Selektah build TrillStatik 5 from scratch—live, unannounced, and completely unscripted—during Art Basel weekend in Miami.From surprise guests walking straight off the street into the booth, to verses written, recorded, and sequenced on the spot, this episode pulls back the curtain on what creative chaos looks like when mastery meets momentum. Bun breaks down the pressure of rapping on every track, the communal energy of artists who simply love to rap, and why TrillStatik is about execution, not exploitation.You’ll hear stories involving Tony Sunshine, Termanology, Robb Banks, Bone Crusher, and a legendary Busta Rhymes phone call that turned into a masterclass in respect, legacy, and bars. No rollouts. No safety nets. Just craft, competition, and culture—captured as it happens.If you’ve ever wondered how real hip-hop gets made when the clock is ticking and the mic is hot, this one’s for you. This is Unglossy. "Unglossy" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Soufiane “Souf” Bernoukh: Humor, Hoops, and Holy Buckets 01.12.2025 48min

Tom Frank, Bun B, and Jeffrey Sledge sit down with Soufiane “Souf” Bernoukh — the mind behind Halal Wrist and one of the most original voices in sports entertainment today. Souf shares how a childhood full of jokes, a late start in basketball, and the hustle of Division III ball shaped his creative path. He unpacks the creation of his signature trick shot, the midnight hotel-shift videos that ignited his rise, and the Ramadan clip that went viral enough for Drake to reach out. The conversation dives deeper into identity: how Souf navigates stereotypes, represents Muslim culture on a global stage, and uses comedy and craft to build connection. He discusses the growth of the Halal Wrist brand, lessons from running (and pausing) his restaurant, and the launch of the Helal Wrist Foundation — a mission to build courts, uplift communities, and create opportunity worldwide. With laughs, honesty, and plenty of basketball analogies, this episode explores how faith, culture, creativity, and brand storytelling come together in one of today’s most unique creator journeys. Tap in — when the prayers go up, the buckets come down. This is Unglossy. "Unglossy" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Noochie: Roots, Reinvention, and The Power of the Porch 22.11.2025 1h 16min

This week on Unglossy, Tom, Bun B, and Jeff pull up chairs with DC’s own Noochie—the mind, mic, and movement behind Live From the Front Porch. What starts as a freestyle on his stoop evolves into one of the most important new stages in contemporary culture, drawing everyone from Big G and Raheem DeVaughn to Robin Thicke, George Clinton, and Snoop in a borrowed wheelchair.Noochie walks us through his origin story—growing up in the shadows of Go-Go royalty, navigating label highs and industry letdowns, learning audio engineering in a legendary studio, and building a creative work ethic forged in DC, Atlanta, and Hollywood. Then he breaks down how the porch became a cultural touchstone: a homegrown Tiny Desk with more bass, more soul, and far more neighborhood dogs walking by.We get into the Houston–DC connection, the power of place in hip-hop, the responsibility of curation, why artists feel like family by the time they leave his block, and how the front porch just touched the Kennedy Center and might soon hit the road.Burgers get discussed. Crabs get promised. A Bun B porch appearance gets… dangerously close to confirmed.Pull up—you’re home. "Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Greg Street: Culture, Connection, and the Code of the South 07.11.2025 1h 15min

Before algorithms and playlists decided what we liked, DJs like Greg Street were the algorithm — breaking artists, building cities, and defining what hip hop felt like. In this episode, Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge, and Tom Frank sit down with the legendary DJ and radio personality whose career runs through every chapter of Southern music history.From Mississippi to Houston, Dallas to Atlanta, Street unpacks how the South built its own infrastructure, why authenticity always wins, and how community still moves culture more than technology ever could. This one’s a blueprint in conversation form."Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at https://wearemerrickstudios.com/unglossy-pod. Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New Era Energy: VIBE Reloads + Two Mothers, One Aché Debuts 28.10.2025 47min

In this special drop, Tom, Jeff, and Bun B introduce Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue, a powerful new series from Merrick Studios about love, loss, and the courage to heal out loud. You’ll hear why this show matters, why it belongs on our network, and why Bun is stepping up not just as a co-sign—but as a future guest.Then we get into last week’s headline: VIBE Magazine is teaming up with Rolling Stone. Smart evolution or culture grab? We break down what this means for hip hop journalism, why VIBE never lost its credibility, and who deserves the first cover when the new era begins. What do you think? We’re taking bets.And please, stay to the end for a sneak preview of Episode 1 of Two Mothers, One Aché: A Grief Dialogue. Tap in now to Unglossy. "Unglossy with Bun B" is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio and hosted by Bun B, Tom Frank and Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to hear this thought-provoking discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @UnglossyPod to join the conversation and support the show at https://unglossypod.buzzsprout.com/ Send a text Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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