The UpNUp Podcast

• 'Lift As You Elevate' w/ Fancy Vargas

  In this powerful episode, we sit down with Franchesca "Fancy" Vargas—CEO of Elevate PR Management, serial entrepreneur, community organizer, and art curator who's changing the game in Seattle's creative economy. 🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: • How a children's protest during the BLM movement sparked a PR empire • The "mothership" business model: Managing 6 interconnected impact-based businesses • Why collaboration over competition is the key to sustainable success • How to use art as a tool for social change and community healing • Navigating tokenization and maintaining authenticity in corporate spaces • The power of generational mentorship and learning from community elders • Self-taught grant writing strategies for creatives and organizers • Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship (4 kids + 6 businesses!) 📍 ABOUT FANCY VARGAS: Fancy is the founder of Elevate PR Management, Events by Elevate, CULTIVATE the Collective, and Black Love Market. As an Afro-Latina entrepreneur and first-generation American, she's dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices through strategic PR, art curation, and community-driven events. Her work has impacted hundreds of local artists and transformed how Seattle approaches cultural programming.

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• 'Unapologetic Hustle' w/ Phillip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs

  Join us for an incredible conversation with Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs - a hip-hop artist, author, racial equity consultant, and entrepreneur who's redefining what it means to build a creative empire. In this episode, Philip shares his journey from community college to founding Rebel Firm, a creative consultancy that spans music production, book publishing, and racial equity work. Discover how he's using innovative tools like his board game "Reveal the Elephant" to help Fortune 500 companies have difficult conversations about race, why he released three vinyl records in one month, and how 10+ years of stock market investing changed his relationship with his art. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: - How to build a product ecosystem that generates multiple revenue streams - Why mental toughness is the most important skill for the next decade - The psychology behind using games to discuss racism in the workplace - How to balance artistic integrity with business strategy - Investment strategies for creatives and entrepreneurs - The evolution from idealism to battle-tested wisdom

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• "Just A Conversation"(Spotlight Series) w/ Michael-Shawn Dugar

  Welcome back to another episode of "Just A Conversation" - where we highlight and amplify the incredible work happening in our community. Today I'm joined by Michael-Shawn Dugar, Seattle-based journalist and author of the new book "The Franchise: Seattle Seahawks - A Curated History of the Legion of Boom Era." This is his first book, and the stories he uncovered will give you chills. Mike spent two years researching this era, conducting countless interviews with players, coaches, and staff. He literally maxed out Google Docs' character limit with his research (1.3 million characters!). The dedication shows in every page. In this conversation, we dive deep into: • The real brotherhood that made the Legion of Boom special • Why Super Bowl 49 hurt so differently than a regular loss • Brandon Browner's essential role that fans don't know about • How Doug Baldwin's endorsement gave him confidence to tell these stories • The writing process during paternity leave (midnight to 4am sessions) • Why research is the cure for writer's block • How this era put Seattle on the global sports map This isn't just a sports conversation - it's about commitment, brotherhood, research, fatherhood, and the power of storytelling. 📚 Get "The Franchise: Seattle Seahawks" wherever books are sold

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• 'The Invisible Work' w/ Michael Huang

  Michael Huang is the founder of Milli Agency, Vice Chair of the Seattle Film Commission, and a former professional breakdancer who's revolutionizing how creative agencies operate. Learn how this Taiwanese-American entrepreneur built a social impact agency using hip-hop culture principles, why he left Madison Avenue success to start over in Seattle, and how he's helping transform the Pacific Northwest into a major film destination. This interview covers: - Entrepreneurship - Social impact business models - Creative industry insights - Seattle Economic Development - Film production incentives in Washington - Hip-Hop culture in business and leadership strategies

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• "Just A Conversation"(Spotlight Series) w/ Anthony Curtis & Jimmy Brown

  Join us for a powerful conversation with two community change makers who are literally transforming lives in the Puget Sound region every single day. Jimmy Brown, Executive Director of Build to Lead (serving 1,800+ students and community members since 2021), and Anthony Curtis, Founder/CEO of Black Equality Coalition, share raw insights on grassroots organizing, youth empowerment, and building sustainable community impact. What You'll Learn: How to start serving your community without overthinking it The difference between direct service and coalition building Real challenges of securing funding vs. creating impact Why "jumping off the plane and building the parachute on the way down" works How to stay connected to your "why" as you grow Key Programs Discussed: Build to Lead's POWR framework (Prosperity, Opportunity, Wellness, Empowerment, Resilience) Workforce development for diversion youth Community events that grew from 60 to 700+ people Financial literacy for elementary students Perfect for: Community organizers, nonprofit leaders, youth workers, anyone wanting to make real change in their neighborhood.

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