🎙️ OUTLOUDERS, the first new episode of RIANOUTLOUD! is here — featuring the vocal architect himself, Chris French! 🎶
Straight out of Dallas, TX, Chris is an R&B artist whose gifts run deep. A child of a musician, he inherited music in his blood — now he’s serving vocals, pen, and production with a touch that hits the soul just right.
✨ Master of vocal arranging, songwriting, and production, Chris pulls from legends — Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, D’Angelo, The Clark Sisters, Kim Burrell — and from his saxophonist father, who set the tone for his journey.
And his mission?
“I just want people to feel at ease when they’re under the sound of my voice.” 😌🔥
We’re diving into his debut single — “Out of My Mind” — the making, the VOCALS, the visuals, and the Black queer narrative he’s proudly adding to R&B. 🖤🏳️🌈
Tap in, turn it UP, and kick off this new chapter with us!
Couldn’t make it to the show? No worries — now you can hear the magic for yourself.
Recorded live at TLC Libations in Pittsburgh, RIANOUTLOUD!: The Live Experience captures the heart, joy, and unapologetic brilliance of Black LGBTQ+ creativity, community, and storytelling — all in one unforgettable night.
Hosted by Rian-Louis McNeil, this special episode brings the audience into the room with powerful conversations, laughter, vulnerability, and celebration featuring three phenomenal guests:
✨ CC Calhoun – Educator, creative, and community shifter
✨ Miracle Jones – Advocate, organizer, and cultural truth-teller
✨ Manny Dibiachi – Rapper, curator, and sonic visionary
This live experience marks a milestone moment — 5 years of amplifying Black LGBTQ+ voices and stories. Whether you’re a longtime OUTLOUDER or stepping into this space for the first time, this episode is an invitation to feel seen, held, and inspired.
Press play and relive the energy, the gems, and the legacy in motion.
Season — a new era of RIANOUTLOUD! — begins November 4th, but until then, enjoy this bonus episode and witness history being made.
In this powerful and inspiring episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, Rian-Louis sits down with Derek Ford Jr., the visionary founder and CEO of Carter Wear—a multinational apparel brand revolutionizing undergarments for men and women with bold, body-positive designs. With customers in over 120 countries, features in Men’s Health, product placement in Nordstrom, and growing retail presence across the Northeast, Carter Wear is more than fashion—it’s a movement.
Before building this globally recognized brand, Derek held leadership roles in project, financial, and operations management at institutions like JP Morgan Chase, the Department of Defense, and Accenture. He holds degrees in Financial Management, Economics, and Marketing, and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Supply Chain Management & Logistics, with plans to expand into Real Estate Development.
But beyond the resume is a heart for purpose: Derek is a classically trained musician, a devoted community advocate, and a passionate volunteer for LGBTQ+ causes and youth financial literacy.
In this bonus episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, I’m giving you an exclusive first listen to the story that’s been six years in the making—my debut novel, Flawsome. I’m reading the first two chapters of this deeply personal and powerful journey following Carter Johnson, a DJ navigating grief, love, and purpose back in his hometown of Pittsburgh.
Whether you’ve followed my creative journey from the jump or you're just tuning in, this moment is for all the dreamers, the overthinkers, the heart-healers—and those finding the courage to be flawsome in a world that expects perfection.
So get cozy, press play, and welcome to Flawsome.
From North Carolina roots to R&B brilliance, Eli Ahmad is carving out his legacy one note at a time. On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we sit down with Eli to talk about his creative process, musical influences (hello Brandy, Beyoncé, and Mariah!), and the deeply personal storytelling woven into every track.
We explore his current projects Disc 1 and Disc 2, unpacking the stories, sounds, and soul behind them — plus the joys and challenges of being a vulnerable artist in today’s industry. He also teases a brand-new project dropping at the end of the year... 👀
If you love R&B with intention, this one’s for you. Tap in, turn it up, and get loud with us!
In this brief heartfelt solo opener, host Rian-Louis reflects on how far we’ve come, why it’s time to let go, and what it means to transform out loud. This isn’t just an ending—it’s a celebration, a reckoning, and a thank you.
This one is a must-listen! 🎙️ Rian-Louis sits down with NYC filmmaker Tasheem Ingram-Dantzler to talk about his powerful short film, Just Us Two—shot entirely on an iPhone and already hitting 10,000+ views in just 7 days! 📱🔥
We’re diving deep into:
💙 Unconditional love & Black queer representation
🎭 The raw realities of mental health & bipolar disorder
🎥 The highs & lows of independent filmmaking
Tasheem’s passion is undeniable, and his mission to bring authentic mental health conversations to the screen is something we ALL need to hear. If you’re a creative, a dreamer, or just love a good story—press play NOW! 🎧💡
🔗 Listen now! Link in bio. Don’t miss this one.
In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD! , R&B artist Jordan Kalé shares his 16-year journey as an independent musician. He opens up about his debut solo project, Out of My System, a deeply personal album about healing from a toxic relationship and embracing new beginnings. Jordan reflects on transitioning from groups to a solo career, his influences like Omarion and Luther Vandross, and how music fuels his growth. Plus, he teases future collaborations and what’s next. Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, reinvention, and R&B storytelling.
We’re celebrating five years of RIANOUTLOUD! 🎉 For this special episode, the tables turn as Stevie Derrick—host of #IndieArtistSpotlight and #DearYall—interviews Rian-Louis for a change! They dive into the podcast’s journey, unforgettable moments, and the impact of Black queer representation. Join us for a powerful, unfiltered celebration of community, growth, and the future of RIANOUTLOUD! 🎙️✨
In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis sits down with rising star Jaïr Faria, a 20-year-old artist from the Netherlands. They discuss Jaïr’s journey as a Black queer artist, the personal nature of his music, and the influences that shape his sound. Jaïr shares the story behind his viral TikTok success, navigating the music industry, and staying true to himself. They also dive into his debut EP Just As Ï Remember, exploring the special meaning behind the title. The conversation touches on his songwriting process, advice for emerging artists, and his future goals, including potential collaborations and a move to the U.S.
🎙️✨ Part 2 with Huny Young! ✨🎶
On this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, we dive into the world of R&B, pop music, and Pittsburgh’s nightlife scene. Huny Young shares her journey with the Honcho DJ collective, Most Beautiful brand, and Honcho Campout, while discussing the power of diversity in the queer community. Plus, she drops wisdom on living authentically, self-care, and embracing resilience.
Don’t miss it! 🎧🌟
In Part 1 of this engaging conversation, RIANOUTLOUD! welcomes Huny XO, a multifaceted artist and DJ, to discuss her journey, the importance of community in nightlife, and the vibrant culture of Pittsburgh. They explore Huny's experiences in creating safe spaces for Black queer individuals, her innovative approach to DJing, and the significance of representation in the music industry. The discussion also touches on Huny's signature drinks, her plans for the future, and the legacy she is building..
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ronald Hinton, the creative mind behind the hit web series Natives and founder of Queer Voices NYC. Ronald dives into the origins of Queer Voices NYC, a platform dedicated to uplifting LGBTQIA+ narratives, and shares the journey of creating Natives. This heartfelt series explores themes of grief, authenticity, and the beauty of queer joy, offering a fresh perspective on representation in media. Ronald opens up about his creative process, the importance of community in shaping culture, and the power of storytelling to foster genuine connections. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity, identity, and resilience!
In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis reconnects with the talented artist Shah after two years. They discuss Shah's new single 'Action', the evolution of his sound, and the personal growth he has experienced during his time away. Shah shares insights into his creative process, the importance of authenticity, and his experiences in creative directing. The conversation also touches on his performance at Moby Fest, his partnership with GLAAD, and the impact he hopes to have on the creative industry. Shah reflects on his journey, offering advice to his younger self and emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself.
In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis and Avereaux discuss the importance of supporting Black LGBTQ creatives, the journey behind the mixtape 'It's Too Late for Summer', and the collaborative project 'INCLUSIPHY Volume One'. They emphasize the need for unity within the queer community and the significance of showcasing authentic artistry. Avereaux shares insights about the creative process, the joy of collaboration, and the positive impact of their work on the community.
In this episode of the RIANOUTLOUD! podcast, host Rian-Louis interviews SaikoKastelliano, a multi-talented artist from Pittsburgh. They discuss SaikoKastelliano's journey in music, the influences that shaped his sound, and the importance of representing Pittsburgh in the evolving hip-hop scene. SaikoKastelliano shares insights into his creative process, the significance of collaboration, and the impact of his new album, Disturbing the Peace. The conversation touches on themes of self-acceptance, pushing boundaries in hip-hop culture, and the importance of community support for independent artists.
In this episode of the RIANOUTLOUD! podcast, host Rian-Louis sits down with Lauryn, the creative force behind Bad Bitch Thriftin'. They discuss Lauryn's journey through fashion, the evolution of her personal style, and the importance of authenticity in the fashion industry. Lauryn shares her experiences as a thrifter and stylist, emphasizing the significance of creating a gender-neutral shopping experience and the challenges faced in the fashion world. The conversation highlights the power of fashion as a form of self-expression and the need for inclusivity and community support in the industry.
In this engaging conversation, Rian-Louis interviews Jalenography, a choreographer and creative director, about his journey in the dance world and the significance of representation for LGBTQ+ voices, particularly within the black community. They discuss the launch of Jalenography's project, INCLUSIPHY VOL 1 , which features a collaboration of black queer artists and aims to create a platform for their voices. The conversation highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and the creative process behind the project, as well as Jalenography's aspirations for the future and advice for the younger generation.
In this episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, Rian-Louis kicks off a very special week with sibling duo BFF as part of the 5 Days of RIANOUTLOUD! event. They dive into their creative journey, musical influences, and the vibe of their latest EP. The duo shares the power of live performances, offers tips for aspiring artists, and delivers a dose of inspiration on self-belief and creativity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation full of heart and music, as BFF sets the tone for five days of exciting new episodes!
In this special Friendsgiving episode of RIANOUTLOUD!, host Rian-Louis reunites with his friends—author Donnie Love and creator/podcaster Derikas—to discuss various themes, including the recent election, JoJo's musical journey and personal liberation, mental health advocacy during the holidays, and the importance of celebrating small wins. They share personal experiences with seasonal depression, the power of friendship, and the significance of gratitude and support in their lives. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, reflection, and the joy of reconnecting with loved ones during the holiday season.