Chris Smith, our next guest, has a wonderful show – Mine for the Tribe – that’s been showcased at Playground SF as well as other venues. I had the pleasure of seeing it and I had to have Chris on the show. Jake and I talk about Chris’ upbringing, what compelled him to tell such a powerful story and where he sees himself in the future. You can follow Chris and his future projects on via Instagram: @strongeyeproductions Alexis Green (Episode 330) has a wonderful product that will improve your mental and spiritual health. It’s the Clarity Journal – it’s a journal, designed from lived experience - a compassionate tool for anyone seeking deeper emotional awareness. With daily check-ins, a mood wheel, and free-writing spaces, Alexis and her company has created a nurturing environment to help you connect with your true self. As a journal writer myself for many years, I can attest to how soothing it is for me to have a journal – I think it’ll work for you too. Check out the Clarity Journal at https://clarity-journals.com/. Jameelah Rose has her own business selling healthy drinks - MelanA☥D is a black owned business that specializes in alkaline elixirs used to heal the mind and body. It's currently being sold at the Mandela Shopping Mart and you can find more info on MelanA☥D on this Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/melanaid We also want to thank Charles Blades Barbershop for sponsoring The Yay! Charles Blades Barbershop is located at 180 Second Street in downtown Oakland. It’s a very cool, relaxing place where you can get your cuts and they’ll even serve you a complimentary drink. Book an appointment online here: https://www.charlesblades.com Kehinde Koyejo (Episodes 214 and 262) has been a friend of mine since 2005, when I stage managed her for the Ray of Light musical, Bat Boy. She’s an amazing actress, model and creative artist. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur – and I want to introduce you to her business, Kalm Korner. Kalm Korner is an online boutique that specializes in aromatherapy gifts – love rubs, moisturizers, sprays, tea blends and candles. Kalm Korner also sells Choc’late Mama cookies – she brought some over the last time we interviewed her and it was fantastic. Let’s support a black female-owned business, a local business and make your first order by going to this website: https://kalmkorner.com/ SHOWS: Chicken & Biscuits (African American Shakespeare Company) Oct 18 – Nov 3 Brittany Sims (Episode 328) is in the show https://african-americanshakes.org/chicken-biscuits/ Pilgrimage (Golden Thread Productions) Oct 24 – Nov 9 Jeunee Simon (Episode 297) is in the play Bridgette Dutta-Portman (Episode 75) is a co-playwright https://goldenthread.org/productions/pilgrimage/ Dada Teen Musical: The Play (Central Works) Oct 18 – Nov 16 Alan Coyne (Episode 29) is in the show Zoe Chien (Episode 285) is in the show Gary Graves (Episodes 24 & 277) is directing the show https://centralworks.org/dada-teen-musical-the-play/#showtab=details Sally & Tom (Marin Theatre Company) Oct 30 – Nov 23 Adam KuveNiemann (Episode 274) is in the show https://purchase.marintheatre.org/EventAvailability?EventId=50001 Noises Off (San Francisco Playhouse) Sept 25 – Nov 8 Vivienne Truong (Episode 338) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/noises-off/ The Wisdom of Eve (Altarena Playhouse) Oct 24 – Nov 23 Kimberly Ridgeway (Episodes 155 and 251) directs the play https://www.altarena.org/2025-season-announcement/the-wisdom-of-eve-2025/ Into The Woods (SF Playhouse) Nov 20 – January 17, 2026 Eiko Moon-Yamamoto (Episode 120 & 225) is in the show https://www.sfplayhouse.org/sfph/2025-2026-season/into-the-woods/ Follow us on Facebook and Bluesky (TheYayPodcast)