What does it take to build a dessert empire while navigating the hardest trials life can throw at you? Host Leigh LaRie is joined by the "Cupcake Queen" herself, Damala Badon, owner of DB Dessert Company. In this moving and transparent episode, "Cupcakes & Comebacks," Damala shares her journey from self-taught home baker to a powerhouse entrepreneur with multiple locations in Portland.

Damala opens up about the "thug thistle" of the hustle—from expanding to three stores and dealing with vandalism to the difficult decision to consolidate for the sake of her family. The conversation takes a deep dive into the reality of Black motherhood and entrepreneurship, as Damala discusses the tragic loss of her oldest son and how she continues to move forward for her two living children.

From the "cracker pie" that inspired her grandmother to the technical challenges of shipping cupcakes in jars, Damala embodies resilience. They discuss the myth that women can't raise men, the importance of therapy, and navigating a public divorce while maintaining your grace. This is a story of legacy, survival, and the sweet taste of a well-earned comeback.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 8
• [01:05] Meet Damala Badon: The myth, the legend, and the Cupcake Queen
• [01:59] The Beginning: How a 2-year-old’s birthday cake sparked a 16-year career
• [03:49] Legacy over Bills: Why Damala chose the path of a brick-and-mortar business
• [05:25] The Expansion Journey: From Gleason and Alberta to consolidating back to one
• [06:55] Trust and NDAs: How to build a team without losing your secret sauce
• [08:46] Finding the Niche: Transitioning from custom 3D cakes to high-volume cupcakes
• [10:44] Business Fails: The story of the "lost cake" and how to apologize like a boss
• [12:54] Favorite Designs: Letting her sons test her skill set with Minions and basketball courts
• [14:44] Representation in Portland: The heavy weight of being a Black woman in business
• [16:03] Inspiration: Cracker Pie and the "Apple Pie" survival mode of the 1930s
• [18:19] Mentoring the Youth: Giving young people their first jobs and operational support
• [19:32] Community Service: Supporting the community through SNAP benefit cuts with free bread
• [21:00] Cupcakes in a Jar: The trial and error of shipping logistics
• [23:12] The Snowstorm Rebuild: Coming back after a collapsed ceiling and a flooded bakery
• [25:15] Navigating Grief: Moving forward after the tragic loss of her son
• [28:08] Self Care & Therapy: Leaning on a core group of friends and professional support
• [30:50] Parenting Black Men: Autonomy, natural consequences, and the myth of the single mom
• [36:46] Public Figures & Private Divorces: Staying silent when "hurt people hurt people"
• [41:00] Choosing Yourself: Why staying "for the kids" isn't always the best decision
• [45:51] Reintroducing Yourself: Finding peace in the quiet moments of the "soft life"
• [48:43] The Dating Scene: Introverted dating and avoiding the "piss in the pool"
• [51:19] Leigh’s...

In this highly anticipated episode, host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris bring their man behind the glass to the front of the mic. Joining them is none other than Kenny X. Hamlett, the Emmy-award-winning producer, filmmaker, and the visionary behind Better Days West.

Known for his professional eye and " шоколад" (chocolate) demeanor, Kenny sits down to dismantle the stereotypes of what Black folks "don't do." From his upbringing in the historic Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma to his career filming high-stakes sports and outdoor expeditions, Kenny shares how he found his identity as a Black man who loves hunting, fishing, and rock climbing.

The conversation gets deep and hilarious as they discuss the "Junior" twin dynamic, the necessity of code-switching as a survival mechanism in the PNW, and why Kenny creates films to heal his "inner little kid." Plus, things take a wild turn as they revisit the "preservative" power of crack and Chadowboxx pitches an OnlyFans for her warehouse workers.

Tune in for a masterclass on designing your own life, staying true to your passions, and breaking every box society tries to put you in.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 7 – Black Folks Don’t Do What?!
• [01:15] Nik B.’s Pre-Op Journey: Protein drinks and Homecoming dedication.
• [02:44] Meet Kenny X. Hamlett: The producer, filmmaker, and "professional handsome man."
• [03:10] The Twin Dynamic: Kenneth Xavier vs. Kendale Wayne – The "Split Junior" story.
• [04:45] The Orchestra Switch: Why the violin and saxophone swap only lasted 15 seconds.
• [05:50] Bad Uncle energy vs. Grandma at 40: A family breakdown.
• [09:30] The White Girl Joke: When a prank about parents goes too far.
• [10:45] Marriage & The Table: A male perspective on long-term commitment and Ghana citizenship.
• [13:20] Growing Together vs. Evolving Apart: Seeing people in all their seasons.
• [16:10] Strip Club Dates: Why Kenny’s girlfriend is the ultimate "outside" partner.
• [17:30] Better Days West: Building a film production empire since 2019.
• [19:50] Healing Little Kenny: Dismantling "monolith" Black identity through the outdoors.
• [21:10] Cowboy Boots & Sweater Vests: Making everything "hella Black."
• [22:54] Tacoma Roots: Life on the Hill in the 90s and the Jheri curl era.
• [27:45] Finding Community: Surfing and drinking whiskey on the Oregon Coast.
• [30:15] The "Coastal Elites" Assumption: Struggles in the Northwest.
• [31:00] Seasonal Passions: Duck hunting with the dog and blanks in the bushes.
• [34:30] The "Whitewashed" Rebuttal: Navigating the box of Black masculinity.
• [36:45] Fly Shops & Bow Shops: Dealing with passive-aggression as an "outsider."
• [38:25] The Code-Switching Struggle: Placating for success vs. being your true self.
• [41:10] DMV Origins: Why East Coast Black folks talk the same everywhere.
• [43:05] Customer Service Kinship: Making Facebook friends on an Apple Care call.
• [45:45] The "Normal People Attractive" Model: Modeling for REI, Carhartt, and Cro...

What is it really like to navigate the "whitest city in America" as a Black woman? Host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris sit down with the vibrant Alexis McKinney—better known as Lex in the City—to discuss the reality of being Black and bougie in Portland, Oregon.

Alexis, a Milwaukee native and professional content creator, shares her journey of moving to the PNW for work and the "culture shock" that came with it—not because she wasn't used to diversity, but because she was used to Black excellence being the norm. From experiencing microaggressions at a Jesuit college to navigating the "transplant bubble," Alexis gets real about the elitism that exists within the local community and why "where the Black people at?" is a lazy question.

They dive deep into the Portland dating scene, the "resentment spirit" in ambitious relationships, and why Alexis isn't afraid to shoot her shot. Plus, stay tuned as Alexis curates the ultimate Portland guide, sharing her favorite "Black & Bougie" spots, the best hiking trails, and why following DJs is better than following venues.

Whether you're a Portland native or a new transplant, this episode is a masterclass in building community, maintaining boundaries, and living your best "Black Girl Magic" life in the Rose City.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 6 – Black & Bougie in Portland
• [01:10] The Small Community Reality: Understanding Portland’s 6% Black population
• [02:55] Meet Alexis McKinney: The "Lex in the City" Origin Story
• [04:20] Milwaukee vs. Portland: Growing up in one of America's most segregated cities
• [05:40] The Awakening: Dealing with microaggressions at a PWI
• [07:15] Blackness is not a Monolith: From Anime nerds to Creative musicians
• [09:20] Spike Lee and Cinematography: Leigh’s high school awakening
• [11:00] The "Transplant Bubble": The Class of 2017-2019 Yearbooks
• [12:30] Swiping for Friends: Using apps to build community pre-pandemic
• [14:15] Pivot to Curation: Throwing events for Black women in Washington County
• [16:15] Defensive Natives: Why transplants should stop complaining about their new city
• [18:15] Regional Segregation: Why you only see Black people on the North Side
• [19:15] The Soul Food Debate: Why restaurant soul food rarely hits like Sunday dinner
• [21:00] The Mediocrity Trap: Professionalism and feedback in Black-owned businesses
• [23:15] Following the DJ: How to find your vibe in the Portland nightlife
• [24:10] Generational Spaces: Why we need more 30+ clubs in Portland
• [25:35] Shooting Your Shot: Alexis’s different experience with dating in the PNW
• [26:50] Hair Narratives: How different styles attract different types of men
• [28:10] The "Spice Intolerant" Ex: A pandemic dating cautionary tale
• [30:50] The Resentment Spirit: When men struggle with ambitious, career-driven women
• [33:15] Living Alone: Why having your own space is a dating non-negotiable at 30
• [36:40] Content Creation Burnout: Moving from corporate marketing to personal branding
• [39:2...

Get ready for one of the juiciest episodes yet! Host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris are opening the vault and diving into your "Dear Dirty Roses" listener letters. From bizarre ex-lover friendships to delusional "magic sticks," no topic is off-limits in this candid and hilarious advice session.

Leigh kicks things off by sharing her own "brave but regrettable" experience going live on a national dating platform, only to be "eaten alive" by internet trolls—including a hater who tried to sabotage her live stream with a phone call! The ladies then tackle a series of anonymous letters that will have you clutching your pearls. They discuss the "Mr. Detective" ex who only calls when he senses misfortune, a man looking for the "cheat code" to transition from physical flings to true love, and the "opposite sex best friend" dynamic that feels a little too close for comfort.

Plus, don't miss the dramatic reading of the "Delusional Ding Dong" letter and a cautionary tale about why you should never send a dick pic with a ruler next to it—especially to your coworkers! Whether you're looking for dating "cheat codes" or just a good laugh at someone else's misfortune, this episode is exactly what you need.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 5 – Dear Dirty Roses
• [00:45] Product Highlight: Mylani Vegan Golden Indulgence Body Oil
• [02:30] Have you ever submitted a letter for advice?
• [04:15] Leigh’s Dating Site Experiment: Going Live with Kendra G
• [06:40] The Internet Ate Me Up: Dealing with Trolls and Haters
• [09:50] Letter #1: Ms. Stubbed Toe & Mr. Detective – The Ex who loves your minor suffering
• [12:20] Gleeful Squeals: Identifying "miserable" people who plot on your downfall
• [14:45] Can you really be "just friends" after being intimate?
• [20:30] Rules of Engagement: Setting boundaries for yourself, not others
• [21:30] Letter #2: No Play to Foreplay – A "reformed" selfish lover looking for the five-star experience
• [24:20] The BDSM Test: A cornerstone for sexual communication
• [25:50] Change of Scenery: How Airbnbs and balconies open up the "uninhibited" side
• [30:00] Planning the Perfect Date: Door swings and sensory deprivation
• [31:45] The Shroom Date Disaster: When the walls start melting
• [34:15] Letter #3: Opposite Sex Best Friends – Emotional cheating vs. platonic boundaries
• [37:05] The Ploy of Jealousy: Why some men deliberately mention other women
• [43:20] Career "Side Chicks" and targeting men in relationships
• [45:10] Letter #4: Secret Lovers – When you’re embarrassed to admit who you’re dating
• [50:50] Aesthetic Shame: The "Chubby Chaser" dynamic and loving out loud
• [53:30] Letter #5: Delusional Ding Dong – Dealing with the "un-magical" magic stick
• [57:25] Is it the "Motion in the Ocean"? The Keisha Ka'oir and Kanye West theory
• [01:00:20] The Google Search: What is the actual average size?
• [01:03:30] Letter #6: The Aspiring Eater – Tips for giving the best "headlock" exper...

In this powerful episode, host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris are joined by Martae Brown—a Northeast Portland native, Jefferson High School alumnus, former professional athlete, and current educator and restorative justice advocate.

Titled "Love Letters to the Hood," this conversation is a deep dive into the authenticity and history of Black Portland. Martae shares his journey from "mobbing" to the corner store with the homies to becoming the "Allen Iverson of education," disrupting the school system and speaking at Harvard University. He reflects on growing up in the mid-90s during the height of gang culture, overcoming the "double dutch" of street life and school, and the pivotal role a strong mother and a dedicated village played in his success.

Martae gets real about the challenges of being a Black man in education, overcoming early childhood loss, and the importance of "epigenetics"—the feeling that you are a living representation of your ancestors' strength and struggle. This episode is an inspiring testament to grit, resilience, and showing up as your 100% authentic self.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 4
• [01:30] Meet Martae Brown: Northeast Portland Legend and Jeff Alum
• [02:26] What "The Hood" Represents: Authenticity and Black History
• [03:40] From Northeast to Harvard: The Journey of a Hood Psychologist
• [05:42] The Power of a Push: How Mentors Changed Martae’s Relationship with School
• [07:10] Behavior is Communication: Apologizing to the Math Teacher
• [09:47] Childhood Memories: KC Foodmart, 99-cent Arizonas, and Walking the Quad
• [12:17] Backstreets and Alleys: The Survival Lessons of Portland’s Neighborhoods
• [13:16] Overcoming Loss: Speaking at Rob Ingram’s Funeral at 15
• [16:05] The Challenges of an Educator: Addressing Implicit Bias in the Classroom
• [17:20] "Are you the new Custodian?": Breaking Stigmas in the School System
• [21:09] Overcoming the Narrative: Why we don’t have to "Come from the Mud" to be Great
• [24:50] College Football and Activism: Raising a Fist in North Dakota
• [27:52] Humble Beginnings: Air Mattresses and Struggle in Arizona
• [31:05] Quick From the Hip: Using Comedy (Bernie Mac & Martin) as a Defense Mechanism
• [33:50] Subtle Flexes: Sitting with Ice Cube, Gary Payton, and T-Grizzly
• [35:21] Regrets and Night School: Threatening the Teacher and Saving the Senior Year
• [38:15] The Phone Call: How Mom Advocated for Her Oldest Son
• [41:30] Marriage and Fatherhood: Being a Girl Dad in a House Full of Strong Women
• [45:36] The Purpose of a Man: Leaving a Legacy Beyond Transactions
• [49:01] Sobriety and Strength: Uplifting the Wife’s Journey and Encouraging Safe Spaces
• [53:40] Parenting vs. The Hero Complex: Learning to Slow Down After a Trauma-Filled Workday
• [57:25] Finding Joy in the Stillness: Kirk Franklin’s "Den of Kings" Inspiration
• [01:00:44] Brotherhood and Tattoos: God, Goddess, and Dedication
• [01:...

In this power-packed episode, host Leigh LaRie sits down solo to interview Portland’s ultimate power couple: Crystal Chanel, CEO of Press Release Marketing, and Chef Kiara, the culinary mastermind behind Kitchen Killa. This episode, "Seasoned & Strategized," dives deep into the intersection of high-end branding, luxury culinary solutions, and the beautiful reality of a successful queer Black marriage in business.

Crystal and Kiara share their incredible journey from South Florida to the Pacific Northwest, explaining how they navigated an "accelerated" relationship that started as a professional client-consultant dynamic. From moving across the country on a private jet to fulfill a private chef contract to building a multi-staffed culinary empire in Portland, they reveal the real work behind the "glamour."

They discuss the "cobbler’s kids" syndrome in marketing, the necessity of building a team that is smarter than you, and why "humility with confidence" is the key to providing luxury service. Plus, they get real about the microaggressions they face as Black women business owners in the whitest city in America and why they prioritize giving back through their annual Community Cookout.

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking for relationship goals that actually work, this episode provides the strategy and the seasoning you need to elevate your life.

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Episode 3 – Seasoned & Strategized
• [01:10] Meet the Guests: Crystal Chanel (Press Release Marketing) & Chef Kiara (Kitchen Killa)
• [02:45] Seasoned vs. Strategized: Which word fits your skill set?
• [05:10] Balancing Romance and Business: Navigating the "Clocked In" vs. Spouse dynamic
• [07:15] Letting Go of the Scarcity Mindset: Transitioning into Abundance after 12 Years
• [09:25] Building a Team: Relinquishing Control to Scale Your Business
• [13:10] "New to You, Not New to This": Navigating the Struggle of Being Recognized
• [15:35] Defining Luxury: Anticipatory Service and Humility in Craft
• [20:15] Entrepreneurial Lies: Why the Job is Never Really "Done"
• [22:45] Breaking the Narrative: Building a Business by Supporting Black & Brown Communities
• [24:50] The Origin Story: DM Sliders, Pop-Up Dinners, and Professional Vetting
• [28:15] Falling in Love over Spreadsheets and Oysters
• [31:10] The Portland Move: A 48-Hour Decision and a Private Jet to the PNW
• [34:35] Dating Privately: The Social Media "Unveiling" and Matching Tattoos
• [36:45] The Proposal: Sunset over Biscayne Bay and a Surprise Engagement-Moon
• [39:40] Destination Wedding Strategy: Why Everyone Should Get Married in the Bahamas
• [43:55] Future Couple Goals: Romance Novels, Poetry Books, and The Family Compound
• [47:50] Marriage Dynamic Shifts: Learning Love Languages and Celebrating Wins
• [49:40] Eliminating Competition: Being Your Spouse's Biggest Protector
• [54:35] Navigating Portland: Paying Homage to Elders and Researching the Culture
• [57:40] Dealing with Microaggressions: The "Per My Last Email" Approach to Respect
• [01:02:50] Com...

Get ready for an episode filled with uncontrollable laughter and raw honesty! Host Leigh LaRie and guest co-host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris are joined by the multi-talented G Wade—comedian, podcast host, community advocate, and US Army veteran.

In this episode, G Wade shares the hilarious origin story of his name (and why he’s technically a "Second"), his accidental journey into the military, and how he transitioned into the comedy world after realizing he was funnier than everyone else at the open mic. The conversation takes a deep dive into his 10-year military career as a combat medic, including his time in Iraq and how those life-and-death experiences led him to a practice of meditation and self-care.

From "Private Burger King" stories to the "comedy equation" (Tragedy + Time = Comedy), G Wade keeps it real about his current divorce, navigating fatherhood, and his unwavering dedication to community outreach through Cultivate Initiatives. Plus, things get wild as the group discusses "designer crack" theories for affluent neighborhoods and why G Wade plans to start smoking crack at age 70.

Tune in for a masterclass on how to balance masculine energy, community service, and a professional comedy career—all while keeping your "man unit" intact!

• [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Season 7, Episode 2
• [01:15] Meeting G Wade: The Professional Leo and "The Second"
• [02:05] The Origin of G Wade’s Name: A Compromise Between Gus and Andre
• [04:20] Breaking Into Comedy: From the Hospital to the Open Mic
• [05:40] The "Man Unit" Debate: Bald Men, Hairpieces, and Accidental Donations
• [07:55] Community Work: Cultivate Initiatives, Beautification, and Shower Trucks
• [10:15] Why Tacoma is the "Blackest Space" in the Pacific Northwest
• [11:35] The Comedy Fraternity: Networking in the PNW Scene
• [13:05] Accountability in the Team: Honesty vs. Fighting
• [16:22] Meditation and Self-Care: Learning to Calm the Mind After War
• [17:50] The Therapy Story: Why G Wade Refused the Prescription Pad
• [18:45] Chadowboxx’s Blue Dolphin/Ecstasy Story and 2,000 Bars
• [20:33] The Comedy Equation: Tragedy + Time = Comedy
• [21:19] Black People and the Art of the Nickname (Big Ankles, Bullet Hole, and Musty Mike)
• [25:55] The Infamous General Admission Blazer Game Story
• [28:55] Bombing on Stage: Digging in on White Women and "The Legend" Story
• [31:45] The Night G Wade Threw a Neighbor Off His Porch
• [36:00] Navigating Divorce: 15 Years of Unspoken Issues and Amicable Transitions
• [40:40] Cancel Culture in Comedy: What’s Actually "Cancelable"?
• [43:40] Fatherhood: "Big G" vs. "Lil G" and Parenting Without Whooping
• [46:55] Laughing When It's Inappropriate: Funeral Snoring and Backflip Fails
• [48:35] Military Life: Joining the Army to Win an Argument with Mom
• [49:45] Reception and Basic Training: Penicillin Shots and "Private Burger King"
• [51:40] 68 Whiskey: From Healthcare Specialist to Combat Medic
• [56:15] The Com...

Welcome to Season 7, the lucky number! Host Leigh LaRie is joined by special guest host Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris (CEO of Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care) for an exciting season premiere and recap of everything that's happened since Season 1.

Leigh and Charlisa discuss the latest news and journeys, including co-host Nik B.'s inspiring weight loss and gastric bypass revision journey! They dive into Season 6 favorites, celebrating the most hilarious and moving moments with guests like Reggie (Chocolate Dope), B Wall, Ferguson (Popcorn Papi), Chyna (the female entertainer), Art Williams, and Zach Bayer (Queen’s Court).

Charlisa also opens up about her personal growth since Season 1, focusing on self-care, healthy boundaries, and the challenges of dating as a successful, independent woman. Don't miss the dramatic and hilarious throwback to Charlisa's infamous Alpo Sloppy Joe story, which is still haunting everyone's childhood memories!

They preview the incredible lineup for Season 7, featuring guests like Tralice Lewis, G. Wade, Alexis McKinney, Crystal Chanel & Chef Kiara (Kitchen Killa), David Jefferson & Kela Jones (Returning Blaque to Love), Damala Badon (Cupcakes and Comebacks), and Martae Brown.

Tune in as they kick off Season 7—a season dedicated to wellness, growth, and living your best, most authentic life!

• [00:00] Intro: Dirty Roses Podcast Season 7 Welcome
• [01:04] Introducing Special Guest Host: Charlisa "Chadowboxx" Harris
• [01:40] Nik B.'s Gastric Bypass Revision Journey & Wellness Talk
• [03:20] The Mental Health/Behavioral Side of Weight Loss Surgery
• [04:30] Season 1 Throwback: Charlisa's Infamous Alpo Sloppy Joe Story!
• [07:10] The "Aha" Moment: Deciding to End a Relationship
• [09:08] The RICO Sweep: How Leigh and Charlisa Met (And Got Blocked!)
• [11:40] Charlisa’s Personal Growth & Challenges of Dating as an Independent Woman
• [13:45] Product Highlight: Mylani Vegan Hair & Body Care Golden Indulgence Body Cream
• [15:00] Self-Care Routines, Grounding, and Shower Moments
• [18:35] Leigh's Journey with Life Coaching & Finding Peace
• [22:25] Dating Challenges: The Quest vs. Courting Dynamic
• [25:00] The Portland Dating Conquest & Podcast Fame Avoidance
• [30:40] Charlisa's Ideal Partner: Videographer, Biggest Fan, and Non-Competitor
• [34:30] Season 6 Recap Begins: Reggie (Chocolate Dope) & Condom Misinformation
• [37:18] B Wall: Normalizing Black Fatherhood & The Cinder Block Story
• [39:09] Ferguson (Popcorn Papi): Success, Sacrifice, and Finding the Right Partner
• [44:26] Chyna (Female Entertainer) & The Male/Female Industry Contrast
• [47:25] Kilaa & Nutz and Bosko: Couple Goals and Village Support
• [49:25] Art Williams (Celebrity Barber) & The Bobos Song
• [50:50] Zach Bayer (Queen’s Court): From Pastor to Reality TV
• [55:00] Giving Leigh Her Flowers: Celebrating 7 Seasons of Growth
• [57:50] Season 7 Guest Preview: Tralice Lewis, G. Wade, Alexis McKinney