"Creatively Speak'n" is a dynamic podcast for Creative Thinkers (Artists, Strategists, Visionaries, Go-Getters). Three seasoned creatives—Cook, Kadeja, and JLaw —come together to discuss the intricate aspects of the creative journey.
Each episode delves into the mindset and personal growth of creatives, offering insights on how they navigate challenges and success. In addition, the hosts break down major cultural events and industry trends, analyzing them through the lens of the creative mind. With a relaxed, communal vibe, the show encourages open dialogue, creativity, and inspiration.
Exclusively on the CTLN Network, "Creatively Speak'n" is where creativity meets conversation in an engaging and thought-provoking format.
"Creatively Speak'n" is a dynamic podcast for Creative Thinkers (Artists, Strategists, Visionaries, Go-Getters). Three seasoned creatives—Cook, Kadeja, and JLaw —come together to discuss the intricate aspects of the creative journey.
Each episode delves into the mindset and personal growth of creatives, offering insights on how they navigate challenges and success. In addition, the hosts break down major cultural events and industry trends, analyzing them through the lens of the creative mind. With a relaxed, communal vibe, the show encourages open dialogue, creativity, and inspiration.
Exclusively on the CTLN Network, "Creatively Speak'n" is where creativity meets conversation in an engaging and thought-provoking format.
In this episode of Creatively Speak’n, we’re joined by our Community Engagement Director, Chanel, for a behind-the-scenes look at how CTLN is showing up in real life. From DC to Baltimore, Chanel shares updates on upcoming events, creative collaborations, and how intentional community work shapes everything we do. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the network, this episode highlights the plays we’re running to keep creative culture alive and connected.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tapped in with CTLN.
📍 Topics Covered:
• Status updates on CTLN events in DC & Baltimore
• How community engagement fuels our strategy
• Building creative culture from the ground up
• Chanel’s insight on local impact + growth
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🔗 Stay connected with CTLN
www.ctlnnetwork.com |
In this episode of Creatively Speak’n, we’re taking you behind the velvet rope and beyond the flashing lights to spotlight the creatives who brought the 2025 BET Awards to life. From the bold stage design and viral choreography to the seamless brand integrations and campaign rollouts, “B.E.T. On It” is a front-row seat to the artistry and strategy behind Black entertainment’s biggest night.
We break down not just the show-stopping performances and red carpet moments, but the execution—highlighting the producers, art directors, social teams, and cultural curators whose hands were all over the night. Plus, we tap into the creative direction behind sponsor activations, commercial spots, and how brands like Meta, Sprite, and Amazon Prime tapped into the culture with intention.
Tune in as we give flowers to the people behind the magic, analyze the plays that worked, and uncover the blueprint for how award shows are becoming fully integrated content campaigns. This one’s for the dreamers and the doers—because when you bet on culture, you better come correct.
🎥 Segments:
• Creative Catch Up: Standout BET moments + trends worth noting
• Play Breakdown: How behind-the-scenes creatives made the show feel alive
• Rate: Best brand activations of the night
• Resources: Tools & platforms featured during award show season
#BETAwards2025 #CreativelySpeakin #CultureCurated #BETAwardsRecap #BehindTheCreative
The Group chat links back up to discuss Kith’s latest drop and its approach to audience segmentation and establishing your Creative Identity.
Episode 24 – Plus&Trust
This week on Creatively Speak’n, the team is locked in and looking ahead. Cook, J Law, and Mitch (@mitchbtv) break down the upcoming partnership powering The Group Chat Live—from how the play came together to what attendees can expect when community, creativity, and collaboration collide.
Then they shift gears and dive into some real talk about Joey Bada$$ vs TDE and the layered breakdown between RG3 and Ryan Clark—analyzing how ego, legacy, and intent show up in public debates.
Episode Resources:
🎙️ Cook – Micole Creative Studios (Patreon)
🏛️ J Law – Maryland State Arts Council
📍 Mitch – BeGreatDC
From the stage to the strategy board — The Group Chat is back with another unfiltered conversation, and this time, we’ve got special guest BeMo Brown in the building.
In this episode:
🔥 We break down the GNX Tour and what it revealed about today’s creative hustle, community building, and next-gen influence.
🎓 We explore Kai Cenat’s Streamer University — is this the future of entertainment education, or just a hype machine?
BeMo Brown drops gems on purpose, pivoting, and producing value at scale — all while navigating life as a creative and community leader.
Whether you’re in the game or on the come-up, this episode is a must-watch for anyone serious about executing big visions while staying grounded.
👇 Tap in and join the conversation. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
#TheGroupChat #GNXTour #KaiCenat #StreamerUniversity #BeMoBrown #CreativeCommunity #ContentStrategy #BlackCreatives #ExecutionSeason #Podcast
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👉 Listen to the full podcast:
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatively-speakn/id1779153794
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EqNn0Q29reigLIYlwDTqV
Follow CTLN: https://www.instagram.com/ctln_network
Follow the hosts:
📸 K Ligg https://www.instagram.com/_kliggans/
📸 Cook https://www.instagram.com/aguynamedcook/
📸 JLaw https://www.instagram.com/artbyjlaw_/
📸 BeMo https://www.instagram.com/bemobrown/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!
Welcome back to the creative group chat you didn’t know you needed. In Episode 22, Spoiler Alert: Murals, Movies, and Money, the Creatively Speak’n crew reconnects with J Law fresh off completing his latest mural for Baltimore’s ArtScape—just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.
This week, we explore creative execution across mediums:
We kick things off with a breakdown of A’ja Wilson’s powerful new Nike commercial—unpacking the symbolism, brand messaging, and what it means for visibility in sports marketing.
Then, J Law and K Ligg dive into a review of the indie film Sinners, giving their unfiltered take on the story, visuals, and emotional weight behind the project.
Whether you're painting walls, writing scripts, or plotting your next brand move—this episode’s for you.
Sponsored by PureGreen DuPont in Washington, DC — fueling creatives with clean, plant-based energy.
In this episode, Cook and Kadeja tap into the pulse of culture, kicking off with the BET Awards and what this year’s show says about the state of Black entertainment. The duo then breaks down the "Press Run of Sinners" — a conversation about how artists and public figures navigate media tours, redemption arcs, and the court of public opinion. They also spotlight the genius of Ryan Coogler, diving into his storytelling instincts, business moves, and what his latest work teaches us about longevity in the creative industry. From cultural commentary to craft breakdowns, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for anyone building something meaningful.
Trading Places, Cook and K Ligg are back at the mic with fresh updates on their ever-evolving creative and professional journeys. From unexpected pivots to big-picture breakthroughs, they break down what’s been happening behind the scenes. The duo also recaps key gems and standout moments from the Black Women Marketers Conference—highlighting the power of community, strategy, and storytelling in brand building. Plus, don’t miss the exclusive announcement of the Cousinz Fest lineup — a first look at the creatives, performers, and collaborators set to take the stage.
Whether you’re building, pivoting, or just trying to keep up, this episode reminds you that sometimes growth means switching it up and trading places.
In this episode, the crew checks in with Q1 reflections, and drops gems from The Group Chat event. We break down the Zeus Network debacle, spotlight an artist road-tripping and living in a van for 6 months, and analyze the Broccoli City Festival pivot to a new format.
We also show love to Black Women Marketers, talk about those “one of them days” moments, and discuss what it really means to channel creativity—even when things get unpredictable.
Resources:
J Law – reset your IG algorithm,
K Ligg – ViralMango,
Cook – @ThisIsNickys
Group Chat Live: Building Artist Ecosystems with Ahmad Davis of UnitedMasters
In this special live episode of The Group Chat, we’re joined by Ahmad Davis, Sr. Manager of Artist Relations at UnitedMasters, for an unfiltered conversation on what it really takes to build sustainable careers as independent artists. From understanding your value as a creative to navigating the evolving music industry, Ahmad drops major gems on community, consistency, and ownership.
Whether you're an artist, manager, or just curious about what happens behind the scenes, this one’s packed with real talk and strategy.
🎙️ Produced at DCTV Studios in Brookland – a community-powered space for creators in DC. Learn more at DCTV.org.
Cook is back with J Law and Kadeja for Episode 18 of Creatively Speak’n! The trio dives into the independent artist approach to entrepreneurship, exploring what it really takes to build and sustain a career without the backing of a major label. They break down the pros and cons of going independent vs. signing to a major, while emphasizing the importance of building a solid team.
Plus, they share all the details about the upcoming Group Chat Pop Out event on March 29th, featuring the talented Ahmad Davis. Whether you’re an artist, manager, or creative entrepreneur, this conversation will leave you with insights on ownership, collaboration, and making your own lane.
Tune in and get ready to take notes — because when it comes to independence, the team’s got the playbook.
Creatively Speak’n – Episode 17: Review$ 4 U
In this episode, Louis joins Kadeja and J Law for a breakdown of the latest creative moves shaping the industry.
🔥 Topics on Deck:
🎶 Drake’s "Some Sexy Songz for You" – We dive into the project, its vibe, and what it means for his sound moving forward. Does it deliver, or is it just a playlist in disguise?
🎬 State of the Film Industry – From box office trends to streaming shake-ups, we discuss the evolving landscape of cinema. Are we entering a new golden age, or are creative risks getting lost in the algorithm?
Tune in for unfiltered takes, creative insights, and a few laughs along the way. 🎤💡 #CreativelySpeakn
Resource:
Louis: Obsidian - https://obsidian.md
J Law: Adobe Portfolio - https://portfolio.adobe.com
Kadeja: The Community
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👉 Listen to the full podcast:
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatively-speakn/id1779153794
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EqNn0Q29reigLIYlwDTqV
Follow CTLN: https://www.instagram.com/ctln_network
Follow the hosts:
📸 K Ligg https://www.instagram.com/_kliggans/
📸 Louis https://www.instagram.com/louistinsley/
📸 JLaw https://www.instagram.com/artbyjlaw_/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!
In this episode of Creatively Speak’n, Kadeja, J Law, and Dez dive into the realities of balancing a career as a graphic designer while freelancing. Can you really do both without burning out? We break it down.
We also discuss J. Cole’s new track cLOUDs and the power of moving on your own terms—whether in music, business, or creativity. Plus, A$AP Rocky steps into a new role as the Creative Director of Ray-Ban. What does this mean for fashion and branding?
Resources from the hosts:
💡 KLigg: Collabstr – Find brand deals as a creative.
💡 JLaw: CallForArtists.com – Discover open calls and opportunities.
💡 Dez: Behance.net – Showcase and find creative work.
🎧 Tap in for insights, real talk, and creative gems. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe! #CreativelySpeakn #Jcole #ASAPRocky #GraphicDesign
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👉 Listen to the full podcast:
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatively-speakn/id1779153794
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EqNn0Q29reigLIYlwDTqV
Follow CTLN: https://www.instagram.com/ctln_network
Follow the hosts:
📸 K Ligg https://www.instagram.com/_kliggans/
📸 Cook https://www.instagram.com/aguynamedcook/
📸 JLaw https://www.instagram.com/artbyjlaw_/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!
In this episode of Creatively Speak’n, the team dives into the art of decision-making in the creative world and beyond. From Kanye’s latest moves to the balance between independence and industry backing, we discuss how choices shape legacies. Plus, we break down the impact of major figures like Trump at the Kennedy Center—does association strengthen or taint a brand?
Join Cook, Kadeja, and J-Law as they navigate the nuances of picking a side in creativity, culture, and business.
🎧 Listen now on all podcast platforms
📺 Watch on YouTube @CTLNNetwork
#CreativelySpeakn #Kanye #Independence #Legacy #CreativeDebate #Podcast
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👉 Listen to the full podcast:
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatively-speakn/id1779153794
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EqNn0Q29reigLIYlwDTqV
Follow CTLN: https://www.instagram.com/ctln_network
Follow the hosts:
📸 K Ligg https://www.instagram.com/_kliggans/
📸 Cook https://www.instagram.com/aguynamedcook/
📸 JLaw https://www.instagram.com/artbyjlaw_/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!
Episode 14: "Big As the What"
The Creatively Speak’n squad is back, and this time, we’re tackling the biggest cultural event of the year—the Super Bowl. From the game-changing plays to the halftime show that had the world talking, and the commercials that either fumbled or scored big, we’re breaking it all down with our signature creative twist.
But that’s not all—we’re tapping into the cultural moments that shaped the night, the branding strategies that stood out, and the unexpected takeaways that every creative should pay attention to. Plus, we’re serving up exclusive resources to help you elevate your own game. Whether you came for the sport, the spectacle, or the strategy, this episode is a creative playbook you won’t want to miss.
Creative Catch-Up:
Walmart x Carrot by Anwar: What does this partnership mean for the future of shopping and influencer-driven commerce?
Discuss the price of integrity as it comes to accepting opportunities and attaching your brand to others.
Kendrick Lamar’s Set List Predictions: With the hype building, what can we expect from one of hip-hop’s most calculated performers?
Resources:
KLigg: Bio.Site – The one-stop link hub for creatives.
JLaw: Consolidation Expenses – Why tracking and streamlining expenses is a game-changer.
Cook: iPhone Camera Settings – Pro tips to maximize content quality straight from your phone.
Tune in as we debate the art of collaboration, the unexpected alliances shaping culture, and what creatives should consider before saying "yes" to a deal! 🎙️✨
Creatively Speak’n – You already know we had to tap in! This episode, we’re breaking down One of Them Days with a raw, unfiltered review, calling our Super Bowl predictions (Kendrick and SZA? Oh, it’s UP! 👀🔥), and catching up on all things creative. From industry moves to cultural moments, we got you covered with real talk and no fluff. Lock in with your favorite podcast hosts
Resources:
K Ligg: Substack
J Law: Envato Elements
Cook: Black Women Marketers
Follow CTLN: / ctln_network Follow the hosts: 📸 K Ligg / _kliggans 📸 Cook / aguynamedcook 📸 JLaw / artbyjlaw_
In Episode 11, Creatively Speak’n unpacks the highs, lows, and controversies of the 2025 Grammy Awards. The hosts break down Grammy qualifications and open the discussion with the pressing question: Will the Grammys be canceled this year due to California wildfires?
From there, the conversation shifts to key categories, standout nominees, and cultural impacts:
High-Level Topics:
Resources
K Ligg: Phil Lewis Newsletter
J Law: SKIP
Cook: NAMIC
In this episode of *Creatively Speak’n*, the hosts dive into the art of branding, creative rollouts, and innovation in the cultural and corporate spaces. The conversation kicks off with a review of Doechii’s “Denial Is A River” video, analyzing its bold rollout strategy. Then, we explore the rising *NoLo* (no/low alcohol) lifestyle, the impact of Dry January on Gen Z, and a viral video inspiring friends to join the movement.
The team celebrates Simone Biles’ monumental achievements as she earns Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year and becomes one of the most decorated female Olympic gymnasts in history. Plus, we highlight creative campaigns from Verizon’s Super Bowl Fan Fest and Delta’s cutting-edge YouTube partnership for a personalized onboard experience.
Stick around for our *Rate* segment on Doechii’s visual storytelling and *Resources* to help elevate your creative journey.
Resources:
Kadeja: Notion (Use/Buy a Template)
Cook: United Masters
J Law: ReadAi
**Tune in for fresh insights, big wins, and inspiration to level up your creative game!**
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👉 Listen to the full podcast:
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creatively-speakn/id1779153794
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EqNn0Q29reigLIYlwDTqV
Follow CTLN: https://www.instagram.com/ctln_network
Follow the hosts:
📸 K Ligg https://www.instagram.com/_kliggans/
📸 Cook https://www.instagram.com/aguynamedcook/
📸 JLaw https://www.instagram.com/artbyjlaw_/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!
New year, new moves! In this episode, we’re calling the creative plays for 2025, predicting trends, and uncovering what’s next in arts and entertainment. From goal-setting hacks to growth tips, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Our 2025 crystal ball reveals: KLigg’s got Google Alerts for keeping you in the know, JLaw’s serving Brick to help you build your vision, and Cook’s all about Working Whole to balance it all.
This year, it’s all about acting different—so tune in and let’s set the creative tone for 2025!
Follow the hosts:
📸 K Ligg https://www.instagram.com/_kliggans/
📸 Cook https://www.instagram.com/aguynamedcook/
📸 JLaw https://www.instagram.com/
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!