Best Music. Inspiration. Music History. Morning Motivation Podcasts (2025)

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The PL Sweets Top 15 Duets – Part Three | (Top 5 Countdown) 22:22

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20h ago22:22

22:22

We’ve reached the final leg of the journey. In this third and final installment of The PL Sweets Top 15 Duets, we count down the top 5 musical collaborations of all time—pairings that didn’t just make hits, but changed culture, carved out sound, and left fingerprints on the soul of music itself. This episode is all about impact. These aren’t just d…

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The PL Sweets Top 15 Duets – Part Two | Duets That Defined Era's 16:02

3d ago16:02

16:02

In this second installment of The PL Sweets Top 15 Duets, we delve deep into a collection of collaborations that transcended time and genre to leave an indelible mark on music history. Starting with Ashford & Simpson’s “Solid”—a vibrant declaration of unwavering love—and moving to the heart-wrenching vulnerability of Patti LaBelle and Michael McDon…

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Top 15 Duets of All Time | Part One 17:55

5d ago17:55

17:55

In this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets kicks off Part One of a soulful countdown—his Top 15 Duets of All Time. These are the tracks where two voices don’t just sing—they merge, creating timeless harmony, emotional storytelling, and pure vinyl magic. From love-drenched soul ballads to street-certified hip-hop classics, these track…

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Be Stronger Than Your Strongest Excuse 🎵 Inspired by: “Stronger” – Kanye West 14:32

10d ago14:32

14:32

In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we unpack the mental and emotional discipline required to rise above the excuses that keep us stuck. Inspired by Kanye West’s “Stronger”—a bold, electronic-tinged hip-hop track that redefined crossover production—we explore what it really means to be mentally tougher than the stories we tell ourselves. Kanye’…

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Excellence in Every Moment 🎵 Inspired by: “Moment of My Life” – Inner Life 12:32

12d ago12:32

12:32

If you’ve ever danced through a hard time, you know this truth: joy isn’t just a reaction—it’s a practice. And excellence? That’s not just in the big milestones—it’s in how you make your bed, how you speak to a stranger, how you show up for the dream even when no one’s watching. On today’s episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets drops the needle …

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Be the Power 🎵 Inspired by: “All of the Lights” – Kanye West 12:32

15d ago12:32

12:32

“Build your own generator, so if someone tries to turn the lights off… you still have light.” That’s not just a lyric-inspired affirmation—it’s survival. It’s legacy. It’s soul preservation in a world that loves to cut the cord on those who shine too bright. Today on Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets dives into this layered anthem from Kanye West’s ma…

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Part of you has to die for you to evolve | Inspired by: “Fire” – Ohio Players 13:38

17d ago13:38

13:38

This morning, we turn up the heat—literally and spiritually. We’re grooving to “Fire,” the blazing 1974 hit by the legendary Ohio Players, a band that helped define the funk era That iconic opening—sirens blaring, drums dropping like thunder—it’s not just a sonic signature. It’s a spiritual alarm clock. One that shouts: Wake up. Change is coming. A…

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Testing 1.2.3 | featuring The Stylistics | Break up to Make Up 11:25

19d ago11:25

11:25

This morning, we’re slowing it down to examine something tender, raw, and essential: the testing of your faith. Inspired by the smooth falsetto and emotional honesty of The Stylistics’ classic “Break Up to Make Up,” PL Sweets invites you into a moment of soulful reflection. Because sometimes, the biggest tests in life don’t come with warning signs …

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Crossroad Decisions | featuring “Do I Do” – Stevie Wonder 12:47

22d ago12:47

12:47

Today’s track is upbeat, alive, and bursting with joy—but beneath the groove lies a soul-level question that echoes through every turning point in life: “What do I do?” On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson spins Stevie Wonder’s “Do I Do,” a timeless classic with more than just musical brilliance—it’s a masterclass i…

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Keep Your Dreams to Yourself | Featured Track: “Stars in Your Eyes” – Herbie Hancock 12:57

24d ago12:57

12:57

Today’s groove is deep, cosmic, and quietly powerful—just like your dreams. On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson guides you through the lush, synth-rich landscape of Herbie Hancock’s “Stars in Your Eyes”. With its shimmering keys and soul-funk fusion, the track invites you to reflect inward and protect what mat…

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From Underground to Iconic: The Motown Record That Shaped Hip-Hop 11:54

26d ago11:54

11:54

This morning, we’re digging into a groove that laid the groundwork for a cultural shift. On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson drops the needle on “Scratchin’” by The Magic Disco Machine—a pulsating instrumental track that helped shape the foundation of early hip-hop and DJ culture. Released in 1975 under Motown…

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Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Inner Life | Patrick Adams 15:50

29d ago15:50

15:50

This morning on Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson drops the needle on a dancefloor classic with a powerful message—Inner Life’s 1981 rendition of "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough." Originally a soul anthem made famous by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, and later Diana Ross, this version explodes with energy, thanks to powerhouse vo…

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Protect your Spark featuring Leroy Burgess 11:45

1M ago11:45

11:45

There are moments in a creative life when everything changes—quiet, powerful moments that may not come with fireworks, but set a new course in motion. For Leroy Burgess, one such moment came in the form of a groove, a rhythm, and a melody that would become the iconic anthem “Weekend.” But the story behind that song goes far deeper than a chart hit.…

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Top 5 James Jamerson Bass Lines | Inspired by the genius behind the Motown Sound 28:13

1M ago28:13

28:13

Good morning, groove lovers! Today on Good Vinyl Mornings, we don’t just celebrate bass—we celebrate the man who redefined it: James Jamerson. If you've ever felt your spirit move while listening to a Motown classic, chances are, Jamerson was the one behind that heartbeat. Before bass playing was cool, he made it art—playing with one finger (loving…

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Climb Your Own Ladder | featuring “Super Bad” by James Brown 14:34

1M ago14:34

14:34

Good morning, soul risers! Today’s Good Vinyl Mornings hits hard with attitude, groove, and unstoppable energy as we climb into the mindset of owning your power, fueled by the electrifying funk of James Brown’s “Super Bad.” Host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson breaks down how to channel that “I got soul, and I’m super bad” spirit into your daily grin…

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Just Show Up | featuring The Message” | Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five 12:32

1M ago12:32

12:32

Sometimes the biggest difference between stuck and successful is simply showing up. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson explores how the act of showing up — in the grind, in the face of fear, in the middle of chaos — is the beginning of breakthrough. Anchoring this message are two iconic songs from different e…

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Top 15 Songs – The Blue-Eyed Soul Edition 30:22

1M ago30:22

30:22

There’s soul that comes from struggle. There’s soul that’s born from tradition. And then… there’s Blue-Eyed Soul — a bridge. A cross-cultural heartbeat. In this powerful edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, your host, Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson, curates a sonic journey through the Top 15 Blue-Eyed Soul tracks — songs performed by artists who may not …

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Pass the Mic: Lift Someone Up Today | HipHop Hooray 15:28

1M ago15:28

15:28

Today’s groove is about power—shared, not hoarded. On this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, your host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson unpacks the message behind “Hip Hop Hooray” by Naughty by Nature, a certified anthem of celebration, inclusion, and community. But we don’t stop there—we rewind the record back to its soulful roots in “Make Me Say It Ag…

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Time is Your Most Precious Currency | featuring Michael McDonald | I Keep Forgetting 14:30

2M ago14:30

14:30

This isn’t just a phrase—it’s a philosophy. On this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, your host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson, breaks it down with depth and soul, anchored by two timeless tracks: Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’” and “Regulate” by Warren G & Nate Dogg. Michael’s smooth delivery in “I Keep Forgettin’” taps into the ache o…

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Good Vinyl Mornings Special Edition |Top 15 Instrumental Hits | 1970's 17:15

2M ago17:15

17:15

Before autotune. Before hooks were crafted by committees. There was sound—raw, undiluted, and electric. The 1970s birthed a golden age where instrumentation wasn’t just the backdrop—it was the story. And for this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, PL Sweets spins deeper than the grooves on the record. He’s pulling the needle back to a time whe…

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Entitlement Is the Thief of Hard Work | featuring The Mack | Soundtrack 16:33

2M ago16:33

16:33

Entitlement is loud, impatient, and expects the reward without the responsibility. But hard work? That’s quiet, steady, and rooted in the kind of truth you can’t fake. Today’s message is simple but sharp: if you don’t work for it, you’ll never fully value it. Willie Hutch’s “Brother’s Gonna Work It Out” wasn’t just music—it was a movement. A soulfu…

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The Stylistic and Jay Z | song | Hurry up this way Again | When Hurt Becomes a Teacher 17:14

2M ago17:14

17:14

Songs: “Hurry Up This Way Again” by The Stylistics & “Politics As Usual” by Jay-Z Pain isn’t always the enemy—it can be the teacher we didn’t ask for but desperately need. In this episode, we unpack the complex idea that suffering might not just be a setback, but a setup for something deeper, wiser, and stronger. The Stylistics’ “Hurry Up This Way …

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Two Occasions | The Deele and The Cost of Compromise 12:21

2M ago12:21

12:21

In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we travel into the late-night vulnerability of “Two Occasions” by The Deele—a quintessential slow jam that captured the ache of longing and the illusion of love held together by moments rather than mutual understanding. With its smooth synths, delicate keys, and Babyface’s tender yet haunted vocals, the song …

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Ray Caviano | The Sound of Change: Luther Vandross, Legacy, and the RFC Era 41:17

2M ago41:17

41:17

On this special edition of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss “PL Sweets” Thompson brings you into a pivotal chapter of 1980s music history—a moment when elegance met innovation, and one silky voice helped define a generation. We journey into the story of Change, the transatlantic funk/disco group whose polished production and infectious grooves be…

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Caring for the Ones Who First Cared for Us | I'll Always Love my Mama - The Intruders 14:15

2M ago14:15

14:15

Episode Description: Some songs don’t just play—they echo across generations. "I’ll Always Love My Mama" by The Intruders isn’t just a sweet dedication; it’s a soulful time capsule, capturing the heartbeat of the Black family, the sacrifice of matriarchs, and the way love evolves over time. This episode is an emotional pilgrimage through vinyl and …

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Be Cautious of Chameleons in Your Circle 14:33

2M ago14:33

14:33

Not everyone in your circle is in your corner—and sometimes the slickest shapeshifters blend in just well enough to go unnoticed. In this groove-rich episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we decode the message beneath Herbie Hancock’s timeless jazz-funk masterpiece Chameleon—a track as unpredictable and layered as the personalities we encounter in real l…

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Building Long-Lasting Friendships | featuring Unbreakable" by Alicia Keys 12:56

2M ago12:56

12:56

True friendship isn’t flashy—it’s soul-deep, tested by time, and rooted in trust. In this heart-centered episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we explore the invisible glue that holds real friendships together: consistency, vulnerability, and a rhythm that never skips a beat. We start with Alicia Keys’ “Unbreakable,” a warm, affirming anthem that speaks …

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Don’t Be Afraid to Change Directions - Kanye West "Bound" Yeeus Album 15:05

2M ago15:05

15:05

Some decisions in life might look like rebellion, but deep down, they are moments of realignment. In this soulful episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, we dive into the courage it takes to shift direction—even when that shift goes against the grain. Using Kanye West’s “Bound 2” as our creative guidepost, we trace its emotional core back to the hauntingly…

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Never let Pride Stop You | The Vision of Help by the Beatles 9:31

2M ago9:31

9:31

We all hit moments when we need a lifeline—but too often, pride keeps us quiet. In this heartfelt episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson takes a powerful look at "Help!" by The Beatles, a timeless anthem that cuts through ego and taps into human vulnerability. Released in 1965, “Help!” wasn’t just a catchy tune—it was Jo…

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Recommendations, Connections, and Opportunities 9:36

2M ago9:36

9:36

In this illuminating episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson delves into the power of recommendations and how they can shape careers, connections, and opportunities. From mentorship to word-of-mouth referrals, PL explores how the right endorsement can open doors, build influence, and create lasting impact. To illustrate t…

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What Is Bad Luck? Turning Setbacks Into Setups 9:22

2M ago9:22

9:22

Is it really bad luck—or just part of the process? In this gritty and soulful episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson takes us deep into the 1975 Philly soul classic "Bad Luck" by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, featuring the unmistakable voice of Teddy Pendergrass and production by Gamble and Huff. With its driving rhyth…

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Celebrate the Journey: Taking a Moment to Appreciate How Far You've Come 12:37

3M ago12:37

12:37

In the hustle to reach the next goal, we often forget to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come. In this uplifting episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson dives into the feel-good anthem "Let's Celebrate" by Skyy to remind us of the importance of gratitude and reflection. Released in 1981, "Let’s Celebrate" is more than …

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Be Careful Who You Take Advice From: Lessons from Deniece Williams' 'Silly'" 16:03

3M ago16:03

16:03

Not all advice is good advice—especially when it comes to love, life, and chasing your dreams. In this heartfelt episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson takes a deep dive into Deniece Williams' soulful ballad "Silly" and the lessons it teaches about trusting the right voices. Released in 1981, "Silly" is a masterclass in …

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Unlikely Collaborations: Growth Through Unexpected Partnerships 15:26

3M ago15:26

15:26

Sometimes, the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores how embracing unusual partnerships can lead to legendary success, using Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg’s iconic track "Nuthin’ But a G Thang" and its sampled foundation, Leon Haywood’s "I Want to Do Som…

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Prove It to Yourself: The Power of Self-Belief in Music and Life 12:55

3M ago12:55

12:55

How do you define your worth? Is it based on how others see you, or is it something deeper—something only you can prove to yourself? In this introspective episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson breaks down the soulful storytelling of Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name” and its deep connection to The Main Ingredient’s t…

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Take your Time and trust the Process 12:54

3M ago12:54

12:54

In a world that pushes us to move fast, hustle harder, and chase success at breakneck speed, what happens when we slow down and trust the process? In this soulful episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson dives into the classic groove of The SOS Band’s "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" to explore the art of patience, persisten…

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Be Careful What You Wish For: The Price of Fame from David Bowie to Jay-Z 13:53

3M ago13:53

13:53

Fame — it’s alluring, powerful, and often dangerous. In this thought-provoking episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores the double-edged sword of success through the iconic tracks "Fame" by David Bowie and "Takeover" by Jay-Z. Bowie’s 1975 hit, co-written with John Lennon, is a biting critique of the celebrity mac…

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Looking back to Move Forward | Mary J Blige "My Life" 13:53

3M ago13:53

13:53

Music has always been a bridge between eras — a reflection of our struggles, triumphs, and the resilience we carry. In this heartfelt episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson unpacks how the emotional depth of Mary J. Blige’s ‘My Life’ draws directly from the soulful grooves of Roy Ayers’ ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine.’ Bl…

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Make Better Decisions | Just Wait - Lessons from George Benson’s ‘Turn Your Love Around’" 12:53

3M ago12:53

12:53

When emotions run high and decisions feel urgent, it’s easy to make choices you’ll regret. But what if the best move is to pause, reflect, and wait? In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson spins the soulful groove of George Benson’s ‘Turn Your Love Around’ to explore the power of patience and perspective in decisi…

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Money Ain’t Everything | The Benjamins to REAL LIFE 13:20

3M ago13:20

13:20

They say "It’s All About the Benjamins," but is it really? In this thought-provoking episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson dives deep into the duality of money, success, and what truly matters. Puff Daddy’s 1997 anthem became a cultural phenomenon — a celebration of wealth, luxury, and the relentless pursuit of financia…

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Don’t Miss the Love Train: Embracing Life’s Quiet Moments | featuring The O'jays 10:41

3M ago10:41

10:41

When life slows down, it’s easy to mistake the stillness for boredom. But the truth is, peace and boredom aren’t the same thing. In this soulful episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson invites you to hop on board The O’Jays’ "Love Train" for a journey through the quiet times — those moments when life feels still, yet full…

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Future Foundations | Grover Washington Jr sample| How Many MC's" Black Moon 12:17

3M ago12:17

12:17

Every beat has a story, and every song carries the echoes of what came before it. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores how the past serves as the foundation for the future, using Black Moon’s "How Many MC’s" and its iconic sample of Grover Washington Jr.’s "Hydra" as a prime example. From the smooth, i…

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Who You Think You’re Not Will Hold You Back: Lessons from Tyrone Davis’ ‘Can I Change Your Mind’" 10:05

3M ago10:05

10:05

The biggest obstacle to your growth isn’t always your circumstances — it’s often the story you tell yourself. In this powerful episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson dives into the mindset shifts needed to break free from self-doubt and limiting beliefs. Using the soulful classic "Can I Change Your Mind" by Tyrone Davis …

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Bob James II Breakbeat and Hip-Hop | Necessarily the Mother of Invention 11:30

3M ago11:30

11:30

Some of the most iconic sounds in hip-hop history came from unexpected places. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson explores the legendary breakbeat from Bob James' "Take Me to the Mardi Gras"—one of the most sampled drum breaks in hip-hop—and its deep connection to the culture, especially through Run-D.M.C.’s …

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Was That All It Was? Finding Out Who’s Really for You 11:55

4M ago11:55

11:55

Not everyone in your life is meant to stay. Some people show up for a season, while others are truly for you—but how do you tell the difference? In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson unpacks the journey of discovering who’s genuinely in your corner and who was only passing through. Guided by the soulful elegance…

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Everything that good to you is not good for you | featuring Mos Def "Ms Fat Booty" 12:19

4M ago12:19

12:19

Temptation is real, and sometimes the things that feel right in the moment are the very things that lead us down the wrong path. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson dives into the timeless lesson that not everything that shines is gold—through the lens of Mos Def’s "Ms. Fat Booty" and its soulful sample, Areth…

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Little Things Add Up: Ramsey Lewis, Maurice White & the Birth of 'Sun Goddess' 11:43

4M ago11:43

11:43

Greatness isn’t built overnight—it’s the small moments, lessons, and connections along the way that shape legendary success. One of the best examples? The mentorship between jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis and a young, ambitious drummer named Maurice White, who would later go on to form Earth, Wind & Fire. In this episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Pre…

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Teach People How to Love You: Ask for What You Want 13:53

4M ago13:53

13:53

Love—whether in relationships, business, or friendships—isn’t just about what people give you; it’s about what you allow. Too often, people accept less than they deserve because they fear rejection, confrontation, or simply don’t believe they’re worthy of more. But here’s the truth: You set the standard for how people treat you. In this soul-stirri…

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You're Closer Than You Think: Chasing the Number One Spot 13:37

4M ago13:37

13:37

The journey to success can feel long, exhausting, and full of obstacles—but what if you're closer to your goal than you realize? Too often, people give up right before their breakthrough. In this high-energy episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson breaks down the importance of persistence, focus, and pushing forward—even …

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Gratitude in Every Groove: A Thank You to My Fans & Followers 10:35

4M ago10:35

10:35

This journey wouldn’t be the same without YOU—the listeners, the supporters, the ones who tune in, vibe out, and keep the love flowing. In this special episode of Good Vinyl Mornings, host Prentiss "PL Sweets" Thompson takes a moment to express deep gratitude for every fan and follower who has been part of this ride. And what better way to say "tha…