The Jeremiah Show: Pop Culture, Music Icons Food Gods

For more than four decades, Melvin Riley has created music and "writes the words people in love want to say."

 

As the founder and lead singer of Ready for the World, his unmistakable voice helped define an era with timeless hits like Oh Sheila, Love You Down, and Digital Display.

 

On this episode of The Jeremiah Show, Melvin joins us to discuss his new album, NO AI, a project rooted in the belief that nothing can replace genuine human creativity, emotion, and soul.

 

Our conversation explores the stories behind Ready for the World's success, the songwriting that helped define a generation of R&B, and why authenticity remains his greatest strength in a rapidly changing music industry. Melvin also reflects on staying creatively relevant, protecting the human element in music, and continuing to make records that connect with listeners on a personal level.

 

Whether you've been a fan since the '80s or are discovering his music for the first time, this conversation is a reminder that while technology may change, great songs—and authentic artists—never go out of style.

 

In this Episode:

The inspiration behind NO AI

Building the legacy of Ready for the World

Writing timeless R&B classics

Why authenticity still matters

The future of music in an AI-driven world

Advice for the next generation of artists

The music soundtrack for this episode includes Melvin Riley's Talkin In My Sleep, Can't Stay Away, Forget About Her, and They Won't Leave Me Alone

 

Spotify Playlist SN22Ep13

 

Melvin Riley’s Website

 

INSTAGRAM

 

CHAPTERS

0:00 — Intro

5:04 — Welcome to Melvin Riley and the “No AI” album

8:42 — Early days in Flint and breaking into Detroit radio

14:16 — Touring with Luther Vandross and learning stage professionalism

19:05 — Respect for women in lyrics and life

21:55 — Making a 19-track double album

25:13 — Why real instruments and real studio chemistry matter

27:18 — Ready for the World’s chemistry and the “Love You Down” story

29:19 — Why “Love You Down” still resonates

31:01 — Love, fan stories, and emotional connection

36:00 — Influence on younger artists like Usher and Jodeci

37:44 — Blues roots and how music hits the soul

40:20 — Layered sounds, textures, and the album’s sonic details

43:09 — Music in an AI-dominated world

46:20 — “Can’t Stay Away” performance

52:30 — Returning with “Forget About Her”

55:12 — Family, fish fry’s, and musical roots

57:32 — Advice for independent artists

60:58 — Fashion, brand, and authenticity

64:00 — Stories about Prince

66:38 — Hanging with Michael Jordan and Dick Clark

69:35 — Melvin’s “Forrest Gump” life connection story

70:07 — Closing thoughts and album promotion

71:34 — “They Won’t Leave Me Alone” intro

 

POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve

 

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The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network

www.thejeremiahshow.com

https://radio-evolve.rocks

 

Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins

Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio

 

THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES

 

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Music Connection Magazine

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Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

 

The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

Jeremiah D. Higgins

 

Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio

 

Did you like the music in this episode?

The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks 

 

The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band

 

NEW SHOWS - Every Friday

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One question changed Soulful Smallz's life forever.

Long before he became an R&B artist, Soulful Smallz was a little boy from East Long Beach who lost both of his parents at just six years old. Searching for belonging, he found himself caught in a cycle that led to juvenile hall, prison, and ultimately 14 years behind bars.

 

But it was inside prison where everything began to change.

 

In this deeply personal conversation, Soulful shares how music became his therapy, how one inmate's simple question—"Do you want to live life... or do you want a life?"—transformed the way he saw himself, and how Homeboy Industries helped him discover purpose beyond his past.

 

Today, Soulful uses his music and his story to inspire others who are searching for hope, healing, and a second chance.

 

This is a conversation about loss, redemption, and choosing the life you want to live.

 

Today’s Music Soundtrack Includes Music Artists: Soulful Smallz, Beno, and MM.

 

Soulful Smallz Instagram

 

Photographer's credit - CATHRYN FARNSWORTH

 

CHAPTERS

 

00:00 Introduction 
01:39 The value of time and early life challenges
03:09 Losing both parents at age six and its impact
04:34 Childhood personality and early trauma
05:31 Memorializing parents and their influence
07:29 Imagining how to spend more time with parents
08:34 Dreams of starting a winery and creative pursuits
12:32 Life after loss and turning to the streets
14:06 Juvenile hall and rediscovery of music
15:14 Music in juvenile hall and early influences
19:10 Musical inspirations and developing a style
22:43 Moment of self-reflection and overcoming depression
23:42 Suicide attempt and divine intervention
27:29 First encouragement and stepping into music
30:41 Performing on stage after prison
32:10 Playing 'Do the Time' and its meaning
37:46 The significance of community and mentorship
43:25 The influence of Coop and life-changing questions
50:04 Discovering Homeboy Industries and its impact
54:25 The mission of Homeboy Industries
56:47 Evolving through community and faith
01:05:07 Future goals and legacy building
01:08:27 Message of hope for struggling listeners
01:09:00 What Soulful Smallz wants his life to stand for

 

POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve

 

Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY

 

Partner with The Jeremiah Show

BRAND PARTNER DECK

 

The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network

www.thejeremiahshow.com

https://radio-evolve.rocks

 

Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins

Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio

 

THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES

 

Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

Music Connection Magazine

MusiCares

Omad Records

Nicole Sofia Voracious Records

Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

 

The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

Jeremiah D. Higgins

 

Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio

 

Did you like the music in this episode?

The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks 

 

The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band

 

NEW SHOWS - Every Friday

Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday

Stories Worth Passing Down

The first lessons we learn in life rarely come from classrooms.

They come from kitchens.

 

For author and publisher Mauricio Velázquez de León, the aroma of simmering beans, handmade tortillas, and family recipes became a bridge between generations.

 

Inspired by his relative, legendary Mexican culinary pioneer Josefina Velázquez de León, Mauricio has spent his career preserving culture through storytelling—first as the founder of the award-winning children's publisher Duopress, and now through food writing that celebrates the people, traditions, and memories behind every meal.

 

In this heartfelt conversation, Mauricio shares his journey from Mexico City to New York, explains how homesickness led him to rediscover authentic Mexican cooking, and reflects on why food has the remarkable ability to transport us back to the people and places we love most.

 

We also explore the philosophy behind Duopress, the importance of making books fun for children, and how scientific research, curiosity, and creativity shaped one of the most successful children's publishing imprints in America.

 

Finally, Mauricio introduces his delightful new cookbook, An Illustrated Guide to Tacos and Burritos: A Comic Book with Stories, Recipes, and More—an inventive blend of culinary history, authentic recipes, and graphic storytelling that makes Mexican cooking approachable for everyone.

 

Whether you're passionate about food, publishing, travel, or family traditions, this episode is a reminder that the best stories are often shared around the table.

 

THE MUSIC SOUNDTRACK FOR THIS EPISODE INCLUDES: 

Get Wild - HOUZEWORKZ & Quentin Hartz

Drive It Into The Ground - The Fuses

I’m Not Going Anywhere - The Golden Gaytimes

Guetta - Some Sprouts

 

Spotify Playlist SN22Ep11

 

 

In this episode:

• The extraordinary legacy of Josefina Velázquez de León, Mexico's first celebrity chef
• Growing up in Mexico City and finding home through food
• Building Duopress into one of America's most innovative children's publishers
• Why books should be educational—and fun
• Immigration, identity, and preserving culture through cooking
• The inspiration behind An Illustrated Guide to Tacos and Burritos
• How recipes become family heirlooms passed from one generation to the next

 

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Mauricio Velazquez de Leon and his work
02:12 The legacy of Josefina Velazquez de León in Mexican cuisine
04:02 Food as a connection to family and cultural memory
07:02 Mauricio's discovery of Josefina's true impact and influence
09:48 How Mauricio's career path was inspired by his family and Josefina
12:04 Breaking into American media with a story about Mexican food
15:46 The significance of traditional Mexican dishes and culinary techniques
20:07 The role of food in preserving cultural identity abroad
25:04 The founding and growth of Duo Press and its mission
30:05 The principles guiding Mauricio's publishing and storytelling
37:10 Introduction to the illustrated guide to tacos and burritos
39:54 The creative decision to illustrate the cookbook as a comic book
44:45 Design choices inspired by Mexican graphic art and street culture
50:03 Making food fun and accessible for a global audience
55:11 The scientific research behind infant visual development
01:00:06 How the book reflects Mexican culture and regional diversity
01:04:47 Mauricio's hopes for how readers will connect with Mexican culture
01:08:56 Closing thoughts and upcoming projects

 

Order AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO TACOS AND BURRITOS here!

 

TacosandBurritosBook.com

 

Instagram

 

Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY

 

Partner with The Jeremiah Show 

BRAND PARTNER DECK

 

The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network

 www.thejeremiahshow.com

https://radio-evolve.rocks

 

Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins

Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio

 

THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES 

 

Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

Music Connection Magazine 

MusiCares 

Omad Records

Nicole Sofia Voracious Records

Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

 

The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

Jeremiah D. Higgins

 

Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio

 

Did you like the music in this episode? 

Spotify Playlist SN22Ep11

The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks  

 

The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band

 

NEW SHOWS - Every Friday

Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday

Some journeys take us far from home.

Others teach us that home never really leaves us.

Born in Kazakhstan to a Kazakh father and an Uzbek mother, award-winning singer-songwriter SANGINA joins The Jeremiah Show for a deeply personal conversation about identity, freedom, and the experiences that shape who we become. From the ancient Silk Road and the traditions of Central Asia to recording music in Los Angeles, her story bridges two cultures while remaining deeply rooted in both.

During the conversation, SANGINA reflects on growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, discovering music through childhood choir, competing on international television shows including The Voice, and the life-changing competition in Turkey that gave her the confidence to pursue music professionally. She shares how studying at Musicians Institute opened new creative possibilities as a songwriter, producer, and independent artist while helping her build a career entirely on her own terms.

She also discusses blending Eastern musical traditions with contemporary Western production, preserving the excitement of songwriting, navigating the challenges of independence, and mentoring aspiring singers to become confident, self-sufficient artists rather than relying on a vocal coach forever.

Along the way, SANGINA reflects on representing Kazakhstan wherever she goes—not simply as the country where she was born, but as the place that taught her generosity, resilience, and, above all, freedom. She also shares the remarkable milestones of becoming one of Kazakhstan's first Grammy Voting Members, receiving multiple nominations at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, and explains why she believes success begins with remaining curious enough to keep learning.

In this episode:
 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction and Sangina's Heritage
02:54 Journey from Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan and her family story
05:09 Sangina's musical influences and cultural roots
18:16 Her early musical training and discovery of singing
22:45 Winning competitions and her breakthrough moments
28:24 Representing Kazakhstan and cultural pride
32:26 Why she moved to Los Angeles for her music career
36:29 Cultural differences and women's roles in Kazakhstan
40:16 Living with dual identity and embracing her roots
45:53 Her song 'My Motherland' and love for Kazakhstan
58:22 Kazakh music's influence on her sound
01:02:16 Incorporating traditional instruments and melodies
01:05:05 Writing lyrics in multiple languages and translation challenges
01:06:20 Preserving passion in music production
01:10:49 Recording at Frank Sinatra's studio and its significance
01:13:10 Challenges of being an independent artist
01:16:17 Maintaining confidence and passion amidst criticism
01:19:03 Recent inspirations and her recent achievements
01:21:23 Her role as a vocal coach and mentoring artists
01:26:52 Releasing her new single 'Shady' and upcoming projects

 

Featuring the original songs "My Motherland" and "Shady."

 

SANGINA WEBSITE

 

SANGINA INSTAGRAM

 

SANGINA SPOTIFY

 

POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve

 

Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY

 

Partner with The Jeremiah Show 

BRAND PARTNER DECK

 

The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network

 www.thejeremiahshow.com

https://radio-evolve.rocks

 

Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins

Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio

 

THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES 

 

Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

Music Connection Magazine 

MusiCares 

Omad Records

Nicole Sofia Voracious Records

Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

 

The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

Jeremiah D. Higgins

 

Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio

 

Did you like the music in this episode? 

The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks  

 

The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band

 

NEW SHOWS - Every Friday

Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday

Comedian Camilla Cleese and longtime friend Rocky Redfield reunite with Jeremiah for an uncensored, laugh-out-loud conversation about restaurant life, Santa Barbara nightlife, unforgettable friendships, and the chaos behind the scenes.

 

Classic Episode #251 * This episode originally aired on November 20, 2019

 

Every restaurant has stories guests never hear.

 

In this hilarious Classic Episode, comedian Camilla Cleese and longtime friend Rocky Redfield reunite with Jeremiah to relive their unforgettable years working in Santa Barbara's restaurant and nightlife scene. The daughter of Monty Python legend John Cleese, Camilla brings her signature wit to a reunion full of outrageous restaurant stories and Santa Barbara nightlife memories.

 

From roller-skating cocktail service and industry nights to outrageous customer stories, impossible drink orders, and lifelong friendships, this conversation pulls back the curtain on hospitality with humor, honesty, and more than a little mischief.

 

Equal parts comedy reunion and love letter to restaurant life, this episode reminds us why the people we meet in hospitality often become family.

 

Camilla Cleese Instagram

 

Camilla Cleese YouTube

 

Rocky Redfeild Facebook

 

00:00 Introducing Camilla & Rocky

03:30 How Their Friendship Began

07:20 Life in Santa Barbara's Restaurant Scene

15:00 First Bartending Jobs

20:45 Roller Skates Behind the Bar

30:45 Restaurant Lingo & Industry Secrets

39:15 Customer Stories

44:30 The Friendships That Last a Lifetime

56:00 Overtime: More Behind-the-Scenes Stories

 

POP CULTURE, MUSIC ICONS, & FOOD GODS - Listen More & Evolve

 

Catch Up With Past Shows and Your Favorite Guests - TJS MEDIA LIBRARY

 

Partner with The Jeremiah Show 

BRAND PARTNER DECK

 

The Jeremiah Show is brought to you by Evolve Entertainment Network

 www.thejeremiahshow.com

https://radio-evolve.rocks

 

Host | Executive Producer - Jeremiah D. Higgins

Senior Sound Engineer | Producer - Graham Palmer | Surprise Studio

 

THE JEREMIAH SHOW PROUDLY FEATURES 

 

Cuzen Matcha Worldwide - Get $30 Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

Music Connection Magazine 

MusiCares 

Omad Records

Nicole Sofia Voracious Records

Greens First - Get 30% Off at Checkout “JEREMIAH30”

 

The Jeremiah Show Radio Broadcast is heard in London, Somerset, U.K., New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Ontario, Canada, and Santa Barbara on Radio Candy Media. We are broadcast in London on Belter Radio and in Paris on My Indie Radio.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

 

Jeremiah D. Higgins

 

Graham Palmer, Surprise Studio

 

Did you like the music in this episode? 

The Jeremiah Show Original Music Soundtracks  

 

The Jeremiah Show Theme Song “The Ocean and the Butterfly” by The Dave Matthews Band

 

NEW SHOWS - Every Friday

Classic TJS Shows Drop Every Wednesday