Episodes

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 vandali...

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...

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 ...

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 educat...

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...

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 th...

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 (Ch...

DRPS6E9 Episode 9 | Reel Reactions | Dirty Roses Podcast This week, hosts Leigh LaRie and Nik B. are reacting to real-time content, from social media clips to viral videos. They're tackling some of the internet's most debated topics, including gender roles, dating expectations, and the "three F's" of relationships. Grab a drink and get ready for some unfiltered, honest, and hilarious takes on all things love, lust, and perception. Episode Highlights & Timestamps: [00:00] Intro: Welcome to Dirty...

DRPS6E8 Episode 8 | Power & Partnership: Love, Legacy, and the Industry w/ Kilaa & Terrance "Cool Nutz" Scott | Dirty Roses Podcast Get ready to be inspired! In this episode, Leigh LaRie and Nik B. welcome a real-life power couple and two of their dearest friends, Kilaa and Terrance “Cool Nutz” Scott. They open up about their beautiful and hard-won journey in love, life, and legacy. Discover the surprising origin of their love story, from a friend's setup to a pivotal moment over Popeye's and a ...

Episode 7 | The Black Mannequin Challenge w/ Bryan Walden | Entrepreneurship & Life Lessons | Dirty Roses Podcast Get ready to be inspired! In this episode, Leigh LaRie and Nik B. welcome the "Pop-Up King" himself, Bryan Walden, the visionary behind The Black Mannequin brand. Bryan shares his incredible journey from illegal hustling to becoming a successful entrepreneur, master barber, motivational speaker, and community advocate. Discover the surprising origin of "Black Mannequin," how Bryan ma...

Episode 6 | Listener Letters | Friendship Drama & Dating Dilemmas | Dirty Roses Podcast Get ready for some unfiltered advice, Rose Buddies! In this highly anticipated "Listener Letters" episode, Leigh LaRie and Nik B. dive deep into real-life dating and friendship dilemmas straight from their audience. From a complicated love triangle involving a best friend's boyfriend to a 25-year-old virgin's quest for her first sexual experience, no topic is off-limits. Plus, hear from a male listener naviga...

Episode 04 | Skripper Chronicles Part Deux: That Thong w/ Chyna | Dirty Roses Podcast It's "Skripper Chronicles Part Deux" and it's getting real! Leigh LaRie and Nik B. welcome the incredible Chyna (@QueenChyna_), a veteran dancer with 12 years in the industry, for an unfiltered conversation about the world of exotic dance. Chyna spills all the tea on her journey into dancing, from a CNA to a seasoned pro, detailing the realities of juice bars vs. full nude clubs in Portland. She shares shocking...

Episode 03 | Jack of All Trades: Increasing Your Value w/ David Ferguson | Dirty Roses Podcast Get ready to elevate your mindset! Leigh LaRie and Nik B. welcome David Ferguson, Portland's living legend, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and owner of Joe Brown's Carmel Corn! In this inspiring episode, David shares invaluable insights on building multiple successful ventures, from real estate to music publishing, and what it truly means to be a "Jack of All Trades" who has has mastered them all. Disco...

Episode 02 | When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Chocolate Dope w/ Reginald Parham | Dirty Roses Podcast Get ready for an incredibly "dope" conversation as Leigh LaRie and Nik B. welcome the man, the myth, the legend himself, Reginald "Reggie" Parham, founder of Chocolate Dope! In this raw and hilarious interview, Reggie shares his wild journey from Wisconsin to Portland, his multiple brushes with the law (including an unbelievable story about weed and police at the Idaho border!), and how life's c...

Episode 01 | Game Six: Recap Episode | Dirty Roses Podcast What up, Rose Buddies?! Get ready for Season Six of Dirty Roses Podcast! Leigh LaRie and Nik B. are kicking things off with their famous recap episode, diving deep into all the juicy discussions and hilarious moments from last season. Hear about their personal updates, epic podcast festival adventures (taco drama included!), and a sneak peek into the amazing guests and topics lined up for Season 6. Episode Highlights & Timestamps: [00:0...

Ladies are you ready to hear what men talk about? Fellas, does this episode sound familiar? Leigh LaRie and NiK B welcome Uncle E for a candid conversation exploring the male perspective on relationships. This episode delves into common complaints men have, communication challenges, views on body enhancements, and hot topics like sex and settling down. It's a revealing look at what men discuss behind closed doors. Find Our Guest: Uncle E IG: @Uncle_E12 Facebook: Eric Cheatham IG: @WineOnTheWaterBaltimore Sponsors: Dirty Roses Podcast is grateful for the support of Poetic Justice Foundation. This organization helps entrepreneurs build successful businesses by providing resources, mentorship, and community. They believe in the power of collective action to overcome challenges and create positive change. Learn more at www.ThePoeticJusticeFoundation.org or on Instagram @PoeticJusticeFoundation. Product/Brand Promotion: Looking to level up your life skills? Check out "Life Skills for T…

Get ready, Rose Buddies! Leigh LaRie and NiK B welcome Dominic & Kenda Lawson to explore the dynamics of "winning together" in marriage and business. Dominic & Kenda share insights on balancing individual projects and collaborative work, effective communication strategies, and their journey of building a life and business together. The episode delves into their personal and professional relationship, how they navigate challenges, and the secrets to their success. Find Our Guest: Dominic Lawson IG: @the_real_dominiclawson Kenda Lawson IG: @eatteachcreate Sponsors: Dirty Roses Podcast is grateful for the support of Poetic Justice Foundation. This organization helps entrepreneurs build successful businesses by providing resources, mentorship, and community. They believe in the power of collective action to overcome challenges and create positive change. Learn more at www.ThePoeticJusticeFoundation.org or on Instagram @PoeticJusticeFoundation. Product/Brand Promotion: Looking to lev…

Hold onto your roses, Rose Buddies! Leigh LaRie and Nic B welcome Cassondre Dunbar of Be Well Sis podcast to explore the intricate connections between stress, burnout, and relationships. Cassondre shares insights on identifying burnout, the impact on intimacy, and strategies for navigating these challenges in romantic, platonic, and familial relationships. The episode delves into communication, self-care, and the importance of recognizing the signs of burnout in oneself and others. Find Our Guest: Cassondre Dunbar IG: @bewellsis_podcast Sponsors:Dirty Roses Podcast is grateful for the support of Poetic Justice Foundation. This organization helps entrepreneurs build successful businesses by providing resources, mentorship, and community. They believe in the power of collective action to overcome challenges and create positive change. Learn more at www.ThePoeticJusticeFoundation.org or on Instagram @PoeticJusticeFoundation. Product/Brand Promotion:Looking to add some amazing scents to y…