Stories to Love Podcast

Interview by Angela Anderson

The Stories to Love Podcast is a podcast created by Tif Marcelo. Built on being an inspiration to its guest and listeners, Tif chat with creators and authors she knows and admires. The 30-45 minute podcast is filled with an engaging discussion of the creator’s process, books, book recommendations, and more. The off-the-cuff questions and fangirling moments bring great conversations and insight into how the guests are inspired and motivated.

Angela Anderson: How did you get started in podcasting?

Tif Marcelo: I started the Stories to Love podcast in September 2020 at a time when I missed my author friends. I was also lacking inspiration, and I thought that perhaps others felt the same way. In reaching out to creative folks, speaking with them, and then sharing those conversations, I hoped we could feel more connected.

AA: What inspired you to start a podcast?

TM: I had been a guest on several podcasts by that point and loved the fact that I could show up in my pajamas and my hair in a bun. On podcasts, I found myself more relaxed and thought it was such a great medium to chat with others. Also, I’m an avid listener of podcasts. I felt it was so accessible!

AA: How did you determine the name for the podcast, Stories to Love?

TM: The title is an invitation to listen to creatives and authors who had their own unique story to tell, besides the product or service they have put out in the world.

AA: What makes the Stories to Love podcast unique?

TM: I think what makes podcasts unique in general, are the voices and the conversations that vary by the individual. Inherently, it’s what makes the Stories to Love podcast unique.

AA: Share some of the behind-the-scenes of what it takes to make one podcast episode.

TM: I produce my own podcast, to include the interviewing, the writing, and the editing. I’ve been able to break it all down by the amount of hours to do each piece. Luckily, I now have Melissa, my assistant, to help with graphics and social media.

Also, all of my tools are digital! My only real equipment is my computer and microphone. I also record it all virtually, right in my office study. It is such a thrill to be able to chat with folks from all over the world.

AA: What is an aspect of your podcast that brings you tremendous joy?

TM: I learn so much from every person I speak to. I have such a great day whenever I get to meet and interview a creator.

AA: What can a listener expect to receive when they tune into the Stories to Love podcast?

TM: They can expect me fangirling over my guests. And if they are authors, expect for me to ask my burning questions about their book. And hopefully, all under a half hours’ time.

AA: What is one piece of advice you would share with someone who wants to start a podcast?

TM: Jump in! Know that you can edit the message, the format, and the mission of your podcast as time goes on.

AA: March is National Women’s History Month. When you reflect on the history of women who have paved the way for doors to be opened, who would you say inspires you?

TM: Whenever I’m struggling, I think of my grandmothers. One was a teacher, and the other was a nurse. They both had several children (one had five, and the other had seven). From what I know and remember of them, they didn’t overthink. They just did, even under the worst scenarios in the societies they were living in. I want to be as courageous.

AA: In addition to being a podcast host, you are an award-winning author. What do you enjoy about the creativity of both?

TM: On being a podcaster and an author, I liken it to breathing. In taking in and sharing another person’s story, I hopefully can write more nuanced stories. In being exposed to the breadth of people and their creativity, hopefully, I can dig deeper into my own.

AA: Share with us about your upcoming release.

TM: My upcoming contemporary fiction is called WHEN JASMINE BLOOMS. Inspired by Marmee of Little Women, a mother who is faced with the biggest sadness in her life wonders ‘what if’ and gets it.

AA: Spring is closely approaching; what can we look forward to in the coming Stories to Love podcast episodes?

TM: It’s going to be an amazing season! Stay tuned for episodes from an eclectic group of creators and authors from diverse backgrounds.

AA: How can people listen to the podcast?

TM: The Stories of Love podcast can be heard at Tifmarcelo.com/ podcasts or on any major podcatcher listening app.

AA: How can we stay connected with you?

TM: The best way to reach me is through my website at: www.tifmarcelo.com.

Hey everybody, it’s your boy, Tarius Knight! Since you’re familiar with my YouTube show, Rhythm and Views Show, you know while I’m not shy with self-promotion, I usually spotlight others. Today, I’m sharing a personal journey with you in the form of a song and subsequent music video that mean so much to me.

I was in a group conversation about an album collaboration titled We My Ethos (streaming now). Our main collaborator and beat-creator-extraordinaire, Slapp Turner, sent me a beat and I loved it and we made a song that was my first on the album. Not too long after we had finished the first song, Slapp came to me with a second beat. I don’t know what happened, if the artist couldn’t do it or whatever happened, but he asked me to see what I could do with it. I usually gravitate towards upbeat tempos and vibes, so right away, this was something special. I’m not one who usually gets writer’s block, but I got stumped with this one. It’s a very deep beat. It was a journey; it was so intense for me. I started contemplating things, things I hadn’t processed or worked through. I was going through some uncharted territory in my personal life at the time, which was already having me examine things in my life and life choices. The song turned into something I didn’t know I needed to work through, but I did. The song started as a first-person perspective – because it’s ME all the way – but it quickly evolved into a third-person perspective because it pertains to anyone. We’re all human. We all struggle. We all have challenges. All we can do is Get Up anyway.

I try to be very positive (if you’ve seen my Rhythm and Views Show, you know I aim to get my Ohm-Marion on daily), but even the most positive person faces challenges. That’s life. The lyrics and music meld into a cathartic dance, where they feed each other. Within the first few beats, your head starts bobbing. It resonates almost instantly. You feel it in your bones. It echoes long after the song ends.

The first time my Production Assistant heard Get Up she said, “it’s black and white and it’s short clips or snapshots of the story, not like a regular music video story” and I agreed. I think it was Slapp who asked me if I had thought about making a music video for it, that was all the seed I needed. We were making a music video! I started to put together a video sample storyboard for it, so I could visually (more easily) explain the idea. The sample images were so powerful and hit so well in the song, the storyboard evolved from a demonstration tool into the actual blueprint for it — almost frame-for-frame! With the video the song grew to be an even more meaningful message and experience. My youngest son was visiting during winter break, and we thought it would be so powerful to have him play young me/my inner child. He did such a great job, and I wouldn’t change a thing! I love that we got the chance to do this together; I’ve made family mini-movies and music videos with all my children, so I’m glad we have this.

Clarifying the message: I had shared the first drafts with some close friends, and some came back with suggestions. Usually, I’m wide-open for feedback and input, but this song is so deep and personal to me, the video is too, naturally. Their suggestions alluded to the idea that I missed an opportunity to clearly demonstrate a suicide angle for it, but I didn’t want to limit it to suicide – some struggles don’t lead down that path, but everyone struggles and faces challenges, especially over the last couple of years. I wanted the video to speak to everyone. It’s everyone’s song. We didn’t get that job. We aren’t the same level of success as our sibling. We got fired. We got divorced. We have a chronic illness or diagnosis. We’re living paycheck to paycheck when we had a more comfortable life envisioned for ourselves. We’ve contemplated suicide. We’re too fat, we’re too skinny. We’ve had our hearts broken. We’ve struggled with addictions. We’re not who we thought we’d be. We’ve lost people who were our heart and soul. Whatever it is, we’ve all faced hardships. We have to choose to Get UP! It’s a choice. As difficult as it can be, it’s all we can do.

No matter what we’ve been through to-date, we have a 100% survival rate, right? Everything we’ve faced, we’ve survived. You’re reading this now, so you’re on the winning side! We made it and everything is going to be all right – we make the choice to Get Up every day – some days are going to be harder than others. Some days we truly aren’t going to want to, but we will. It’s what we do. If you’re struggling, if you’re facing challenges, you’re not alone! Reach out –24/7 text line for any crisis, just text HOME to 741741, volunteer counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We got this! Let’s go! Come back for more next issue – we’ll catch you on the B side!

About the author:

Tarius Knight is … host, skilled singer, songwriter, and videographer. Knight has performed with the likes of Case, Bobby V, Deborah Cox and Donnell Jones and has interviewed living legends including Stevie D of Force M.D.’s, Lenny Williams, and (first interview of 2023, living – cancer surviving – legend:) Paul Anthony (who has worked with entertainers such as Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, James Brown, Black Eyed Peas, Bob Dylan, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Selena, Nicki Minaj, and Patti Labelle. His film credits include the House Party franchise and Krush Groove.). Tarius Knight lives in Oklahoma City where he runs a successful full-service video production company; he and his wife enjoy sharing meals at local eateries, attending festivals and community events, and exploring all Oklahoma has to offer!

HOSTED BY TARIUS KNIGHT

CONTACT US: rhythmandviewsshow@gmail.com

LINKS: https://www.youtube.com/ c/RhythmandViewsShow https://www.ramvisionvideos.com