Best Rian Louis Podcasts (2025)

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Carter Wear & Confidence w/ Derek Ford Jr. 49:08

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3M ago49:08

49:08

In this powerful and inspiring episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, Rian-Louis sits down with Derek Ford Jr., the visionary founder and CEO of Carter Wear—a multinational apparel brand revolutionizing undergarments for men and women with bold, body-positive designs. With customers in over 120 countries, features in Men’s Health, product placement in Nordstrom,…

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Bonus Episode: A Flawsome First Listen 29:14

3M ago29:14

29:14

In this bonus episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, I’m giving you an exclusive first listen to the story that’s been six years in the making—my debut novel, Flawsome. I’m reading the first two chapters of this deeply personal and powerful journey following Carter Johnson, a DJ navigating grief, love, and purpose back in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Whether you’…

1
The Eli Ahmad Interview 44:19

4M ago44:19

44:19

From North Carolina roots to R&B brilliance, Eli Ahmad is carving out his legacy one note at a time. On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we sit down with Eli to talk about his creative process, musical influences (hello Brandy, Beyoncé, and Mariah!), and the deeply personal storytelling woven into every track. We explore his current projects Disc 1 an…

1
One Last Time. 20:22

4M ago20:22

20:22

In this brief heartfelt solo opener, host Rian-Louis reflects on how far we’ve come, why it’s time to let go, and what it means to transform out loud. This isn’t just an ending—it’s a celebration, a reckoning, and a thank you.

1
Love, Mental Health & Filmmaking with Tasheem Ingram-Dantzler 37:19

7M ago37:19

37:19

This one is a must-listen! 🎙️ Rian-Louis sits down with NYC filmmaker Tasheem Ingram-Dantzler to talk about his powerful short film, Just Us Two—shot entirely on an iPhone and already hitting 10,000+ views in just 7 days! 📱🔥 We’re diving deep into: 💙 Unconditional love & Black queer representation 🎭 The raw realities of mental health & bipolar diso…

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The Evolution of Jordan Kalé 46:16

7M ago46:16

46:16

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , R&B artist Jordan Kalé shares his 16-year journey as an independent musician. He opens up about his debut solo project, Out of My System, a deeply personal album about healing from a toxic relationship and embracing new beginnings. Jordan reflects on transitioning from groups to a solo career, his influences like O…

1
5 Years of RIANOUTLOUD! 1:02:25

8M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

We’re celebrating five years of RIANOUTLOUD! 🎉 For this special episode, the tables turn as Stevie Derrick—host of #IndieArtistSpotlight and #DearYall—interviews Rian-Louis for a change! They dive into the podcast’s journey, unforgettable moments, and the impact of Black queer representation. Join us for a powerful, unfiltered celebration of commun…

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The Rise of Jaïr Faria 29:15

8M ago29:15

29:15

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis sits down with rising star Jaïr Faria, a 20-year-old artist from the Netherlands. They discuss Jaïr’s journey as a Black queer artist, the personal nature of his music, and the influences that shape his sound. Jaïr shares the story behind his viral TikTok success, navigating the music industry, and s…

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Huny Young : Building Spaces For Black Queer Joy ( Part 2) 50:27

8M ago50:27

50:27

🎙️✨ Part 2 with Huny Young! ✨🎶 On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we dive into the world of R&B, pop music, and Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. Huny Young shares her journey with the Honcho DJ collective, Most Beautiful brand, and Honcho Campout, while discussing the power of diversity in the queer community. Plus, she drops wisdom on living authentica…

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Huny XO: Building Safe Spaces for Black Queer Joy (Part 1) 48:23

9M ago48:23

48:23

In Part 1 of this engaging conversation, RIANOUTLOUD! welcomes Huny XO, a multifaceted artist and DJ, to discuss her journey, the importance of community in nightlife, and the vibrant culture of Pittsburgh. They explore Huny's experiences in creating safe spaces for Black queer individuals, her innovative approach to DJing, and the significance of …

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The Power of Community in Storytelling with Ronald Hinton 1:02:03

9M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ronald Hinton, the creative mind behind the hit web series Natives and founder of Queer Voices NYC. Ronald dives into the origins of Queer Voices NYC, a platform dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ narratives, and shares the journey of creating Natives. This heartfelt series explores themes of grief, authentic…

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Taking Action with SHAH! 38:58

10M ago38:58

38:58

In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis reconnects with the talented artist Shah after two years. They discuss Shah's new single 'Action', the evolution of his sound, and the personal growth he has experienced during his time away. Shah shares insights into his creative process, the importance of authenticity, and his experiences in creative dire…

1
Avereaux Returns with It's Too Late For Summer 41:44

10M ago41:44

41:44

In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis and Avereaux discuss the importance of supporting Black LGBTQ creatives, the journey behind the mixtape 'It's Too Late for Summer', and the collaborative project 'INCLUSIPHY Volume One'. They emphasize the need for unity within the queer community and the significance of showcasing authentic artistry. Avere…

1
Disturbing The Peace w/ SaikoKastelliano 47:15

10M ago47:15

47:15

In this episode of the RIANOUTLOUD! podcast, host Rian-Louis interviews SaikoKastelliano, a multi-talented artist from Pittsburgh. They discuss SaikoKastelliano's journey in music, the influences that shaped his sound, and the importance of representing Pittsburgh in the evolving hip-hop scene. SaikoKastelliano shares insights into his creative pro…

1
BADBITCHTHRIFTIN' 101 1:31:44

10M ago1:31:44

1:31:44

In this episode of the RIANOUTLOUD! podcast, host Rian-Louis sits down with Lauryn, the creative force behind Bad Bitch Thriftin'. They discuss Lauryn's journey through fashion, the evolution of her personal style, and the importance of authenticity in the fashion industry. Lauryn shares her experiences as a thrifter and stylist, emphasizing the si…

1
Jalenography’s Journey 1:12:18

10M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis interviews Jalenography, a choreographer and creative director, about his journey in the dance world and the significance of representation for LGBTQ+ voices, particularly within the black community. They discuss the launch of Jalenography's project, INCLUSIPHY VOL 1 , which features a collaboration of blac…

1
This is BFF! 39:39

10M ago39:39

39:39

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, Rian-Louis kicks off a very special week with sibling duo BFF as part of the 5 Days of RIANOUTLOUD! event. They dive into their creative journey, musical influences, and the vibe of their latest EP. The duo shares the power of live performances, offers tips for aspiring artists, and delivers a dose of inspiration on…

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Friendsgiving with Donnie & Derikas! 1:10:23

10M ago1:10:23

1:10:23

In this special Friendsgiving episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis reunites with his friends—author Donnie Love and creator/podcaster Derikas—to discuss various themes, including the recent election, JoJo's musical journey and personal liberation, mental health advocacy during the holidays, and the importance of celebrating small wins. They sha…

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Heart to Hart with Bambihanna 1:06:13

11M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis chats with Bambihanna about the release of his new EP, King of Hearts. They explore themes of creativity, self-expression, and the challenges independent queer artists face in the music industry. The conversation touches on the importance of mental health, the creative process, and the value of commu…

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Navigating Politics with Councilman Fred Quinn lll 48:47

11M ago48:47

48:47

In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, Councilman Fred Quinn III shares his journey in local politics, highlighting the role of self-care, community engagement, and the influence of Black women. He reflects on the challenges of the pandemic, his political aspirations, and the importance of respect and understanding. Fred encourages young Black LGBTQ+ ind…

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In Conversation with SEVNDEEP 1:03:02

12M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

In the Season 7 premiere of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis welcomes the iconic artist SEVNDEEP for an insightful conversation about his journey as a Black queer independent artist. The episode explores the vital role of LGBTQ representation in the music industry and how it shapes both the creative landscape and personal narratives. SVN reflects on h…

1
The Ever-Evolving Wuhryn Dumas 53:24

1+ y ago53:24

53:24

Singer, songwriter, and producer Wuhryn Dumas makes a comeback for the season 6 finale of RIANOUTLOUD! We'll be discussing the impact of his debut EP "Glitter On Fire" and his brand new single "Bang Bang." We'll also delve into what's next for him, including the possibility of a new single and another project. You'll have to listen to find out! Wuh…

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Pregaming With Manny Dibiachi 1:05:04

1+ y ago1:05:04

1:05:04

On the latest episode of ROL, Pittsburgh rapper, songwriter, and creator Manny Dibiachi discussed his new EP "Let's Pregame," his artistic growth, and his recent performances during Pittsburgh Pride weekend. We also delved into his experiences as a headliner, his perspectives on the music industry as a black gay rapper, and much more while sharing …

1
INTO THE MAYA UNIVERSE 51:25

1+ y ago51:25

51:25

Kicking off #PrideMonth with a new episode of ROL featuring the multi-talented Maya Universe! In this episode, Maya will discuss her debut at Pittsburgh Pride as a solo artist and delve into the creation process of her debut EP "GLIMMER," which she self-produced. You won't want to miss this! All things MAYA UNIVERSE: https://linktr.ee/mayauniverse_…

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Too Hot For July with Hazell Azzer 34:17

1+ y ago34:17

34:17

On the latest episode of ROL, my guest is a dancer, educator, and award-winning voguer Hazell Azzer. We'll discuss his career and get advice on voguing. We're also talking about the upcoming event "Too Hot For July," The annual FREE HIV awareness event is hosted by AIDS Free Pittsburgh, in partnership with True T Pgh. As 2023 marks the 42nd anniver…

1
The Rebirth of Avereaux : Part 1 31:55

1+ y ago31:55

31:55

On this first part, we have the privilege of chatting with the multi-talented artist Avereaux. As our special guest, he shares with us his life-changing battle with cancer, and how it has influenced both his perspective on life and his new music. A songwriter, singer, rapper, engineer, and producer, Avereaux talks about his musical influences and h…

1
Self Reflection 103 : The Burnout 20:57

1+ y ago20:57

20:57

ROL is back! On this short episode, I want to be transparent about feeling a little burned out with putting out episodes and staying visible, especially with the unpredictable algorithms of social media. I took some time off for a vacation, reflected, and really enjoyed my small hiatus. This episode is just a warm-up for what's ahead for the rest o…

1
The 100th Episode with Amorphous 59:50

1+ y ago59:50

59:50

RIANOUTLOUD is celebrating its 100th episode with a special guest, DJ/filmmaker/producer Amorphous! In this episode, we catch up with him on his incredible journey in 2023 and how he became a part of Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour. We also get to know how it felt to be a part of such a historic tour. Additionally, Amorphous provides updates on th…

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Episode 99: Reflecting with Chi llochi 58:13

1+ y ago58:13

58:13

On this episode of ROL, the 99th episode of RIANOUTLOUD and there is a change in the hosting duties this time. Chi llochi, the CEO of Styling By Chi, a fashion styling company that aims to heal, empower, and inspire through the art of fashion and style, will be hosting the show. In this episode, Rian-Louis, the creator, executive producer, and regu…

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MIGUEL MISUNDSTD 33:26

1+ y ago33:26

33:26

On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD, I'll be joined by Miguel Rhomone, a Pittsburgh-based stylist, fashion designer, and owner of MisUndStd. During the show, we will be discussing how Miguel's passion for making clothes first came about, along with his advice for those lacking confidence in how they dress, or aspiring designers. Additionally, Miguel wil…

1
The Roy Covington Interview. 57:48

1+ y ago57:48

57:48

In this episode of ROL, I will be joined by the multi-talented Roy Covington, who is a singer, songwriter, and producer. We will be celebrating the release of Roy's new single, "Won't Supposed To Fall", which is a heart-wrenching R&B ballad that is sure to touch your emotions. During the episode, we will discuss Roy's influences and career, as well…

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BIG SHADY and not the little one. 50:45

1+ y ago50:45

50:45

On this episode of ROL, my guest is Big Shady, a rapper and songwriter who was born and raised in Pittsburgh. During the show, we discuss his influences, the origin behind his name, and the pros and cons of being an independent artist. We also take a deep dive into his discography, discussing his latest single "L8R" and the story behind his song "B…

1
Step Into The Dollhouse with Djor 42:49

1+ y ago42:49

42:49

On this episode of ROL, we'll be discussing with JD aka DJOR, who is a producer, songwriter, and rapper. We'll be exploring some of his influences, his top three albums, and his thoughts on his own music, as well as his latest release "Doll House Vol. 1 EP". Additionally, we'll be discussing his views on being a member of TAG Collective, which has …

1
The In Between With Roderick Woodruff 1:12:45

1+ y ago1:12:45

1:12:45

On this episode of ROL, we have Roderick Woodruff, a singer, songwriter, and producer, making his RIANOUTLOUD! debut. We will be discussing his debut album 'The In Between,' which explores black queer love, loss, and self-growth. We will go song by song, as Roderick takes us through the process and story behind each track. Our conversation is beaut…

1
Introducing The TAG Collective 30:52

1+ y ago30:52

30:52

On this episode of ROL, we will be discussing the launch of the True T Artist Group (T.A.G), which is a new program aimed at building an artist community here in Pittsburgh. Our special guest for this episode is Naheen 'NeekJames' Binion, who serves as the President of the Collective. We will be talking to him about the vision, the need, and the pu…

1
Self Reflection 102 with Donnie Love 1:04:31

1+ y ago1:04:31

1:04:31

New Year. New Energy. Welcome back to the first episode of 2024 and my special guest is author, speaker, and one of my best friends, Donnie Love. We will be doing another edition of "Self Reflection", setting the tone for 2024, and catching up on life with Donnie.

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Slams Laptop shut til 2024 17:49

2y ago17:49

17:49

This is the final episode of the year. I wanted to express my gratitude, reflect on 2023, and share what's in store for 2024. I'm deeply grateful for the immense support I've received this year. Thank you to all my amazing supporters! Until next year!!

1
Self Reflection 101 23:40

2y ago23:40

23:40

This episode of ROL features a new segment called "Self Reflection". It will be a recurring feature throughout the season with a guest host. My aim is to be transparent and share my own life experiences. In the first installment, I reflect on my dating experiences. I won't be mentioning any names, and it will all come from a place of love.…

1
A Late-night Conversation with Lendryx. 1:00:49

2y ago1:00:49

1:00:49

On this episode of ROL, we have a friend of the show, the talented singer-songwriter Lendryx, back. This time, we are discussing his new song "Insomnia" and talking all about his upcoming project in 2024. This episode is special as we get personal and reflect. For all things Lendryx: https://lendryx.com/…

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A Conversation with Keefe Grimes & Bobby Ashley 1:02:54

2y ago1:02:54

1:02:54

On the next episode of ROL, we will be discussing the popular Tubi film "Single Man Problems Vol. 1" . We are excited to have Bobby Ashley, the writer and director of the film, and Keefe Grimes, who plays the leading role of "Ronnie Maxwell", as our guests. About #SingleManProblems : Ronnie Maxwell, a self-conscious queer black man, delves deeper i…

1
RIANOUTLOUD 6.0 with Bry'Nt 36:59

2y ago36:59

36:59

Kicking off Season 6 of ROL with a legend - the SGL (Same Gender Loving) rapper, songwriter, and actor Bry'Nt, also known as "BRYCON". It was important to me to appreciate his work while he is still here with us. During our conversation, we talked about his inspirations, his successful acting career, and his latest album "Bry'Nt Park". FOR ALL THIN…

1
Giving Grace 28:56

2y ago28:56

28:56

As the season of ROL comes to a close, I am taking a moment to reflect on where life was, how things are going, and the future of RIANOUTLOUD! I am immensely grateful for the love, support, and encouragement that I have received. Remember to be kind to yourself and others. Stay tuned for some ROL exclusives that I dropped during this epiosde!Season…

1
Introducing Nova Ultra 45:15

2y ago45:15

45:15

a new episode of ROL will be released this week featuring Nova Ultra as my special guest. During our conversation, we discuss his influences, career, and how to find balance as a creative individual. We also delve into the inspiration behind his visually stunning series for his current single "Meantime" and tease what Nova might be working on next.…

1
Introducing Kurstin Rae & Club Renaissance Pittsburgh 1:12:46

2y ago1:12:46

1:12:46

On the latest episode of ROL, I have on the show Kurstin Rae - a model, event coordinator, and the founder of Butterfly Social. She's the mastermind behind the highly anticipated Club Renaissance event that's happening in Pittsburgh on July 28th, which is already sold out! During our chat, we talked about Beyoncé's Grammy award-winning album, Renai…

1
Reflecting with JeRonelle 1:07:41

2y ago1:07:41

1:07:41

Welcome to another episode of RIANOUTLOUD! Our guest today is the talented singer and songwriter JeRonelle. During our conversation, we discuss his musical inspirations as well as his experience on the reality TV show, The Four: Battle for Stardom. Additionally, we delve into his latest project "Regret & Reflect". In addition, he will be joining Du…

1
The Clara Kent Interview 1:07:11

2y ago1:07:11

1:07:11

On this episode, my guest is Clara Kent, the self-described “Multidimensional Artistic Individual” from Pittsburgh. We discuss her career, including her experience with @WYEP and her show, More Bounce. We also delve into her latest venture, Bounce House Studios & Productions LLC, and explore her new EP, "The Four Winds: The East." This EP is the fi…

1
TRUE T PITTSBURGH 1:00:39

2+ y ago1:00:39

1:00:39

On this episode of ROL. In this episode, we have Co-Executive Directors Duane "Naheen" Binion and John "Dez" Easter, as well as Programs Manager Julian McClain. We will be discussing the True T Pittsburgh platform, which serves as a valuable resource for the LGBTQ community. They provide a safe space for outreach, queer art, activism, and entertain…

1
Checking In 22:02

2+ y ago22:02

22:02

For this episode of ROL, I'll be returning to the basics, and there won't be any guests. It's just me checking in with my listeners. I'll be sharing the last five months of my life and what's in store for RIANOUTLOUD and myself in the future.

1
The Mean Gworllll Manny Dibiachi 1:29:37

2+ y ago1:29:37

1:29:37

On the latest episode of RIANOUTLOUD, I have a conversation with Manny Dibiachi, a Pittsburgh-based rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. We discuss his career, the shortage of black queer spaces in Pittsburgh, his hit single "Mean Girl," and his latest release "Matter Of Fact." He brought the tea and tequilia this episode! To find all things M…

1
Transparency with Stevie Derrick 1:05:49

2+ y ago1:05:49

1:05:49

Welcoming back to the show my friend and fellow creator Stevie Derrick returns to RIANOUTLOUD! and we are just catching up with Stevie, talking about #IndieArtistSpotlight & #DearYall and also touching on his mental health journey, life in a new state, new love and loss. We also get a RIANOUTLOUD! Exclusive on what's next for Stevie. You don't wann…