Down2Business Podcast - Engaging, Entertaining & Selfless

Welcome Back to Another BIG Yellow Pot Interview!

When starting a business, brand or YouTube channel, one major thing can either make or break your success, that thing for me is support. That definition can vary but my definition is simple. Support means being selfless and wanting to uplift others. Support is also offering a helping hand or exposure without having to gain anything in return. Whether it's financial, emotional or physical, support is something that evokes appreciation from others and places a warm feeling inside. When you’re up late on your laptop doing research or going through notebook after notebook scratching your pen through ideas, it is important to know others care about you and your journey. I haven’t met one person who is successful who hasn’t had a support system or gained support from a stranger when they needed it. When looking at my career goals, I don’t think I would've gotten as far as I have today without the support of friends, family and even some strangers who believed in my skills. Creating my blog was directly inspired by someone who believed in me enough to invest in my vision even before she ever tasted any of my food.

This Big Yellow Pot guest is someone who understands and exceeds what the definition of support truly means. In December of 2019, Tamar Turner started his Podcast Series “Down 2 Business”. Ever since, he has been interviewing and giving exposure to businesses of all kinds through this entertaining and informative podcast. I started listening to Down 2 Business around Episode 14 after seeing one of my classmates from ECU post it to her story on Instagram. Ever since that episode, I have followed and supported Down 2 Business. There are businesses of all kinds and I have even heard some of my friends' interviews which warms my heart. Not only are there businesses, but I have found some dope musical artists and spoken word poets as well. Tamar has a very soothing voice and humble spirit that comes through the mic in every episode. I encourage all of you to listen to Down 2 Business & I will make sure to link Mr. Turner’s link tree including his merch and articles related to the podcast. This blog echoes some of what Tamar is doing by uplifting people of all backgrounds and tying them into discussions about their work and great food! Please join me in welcoming Tamar Turner to The Big Yellow Pot!

A note from Tamar...

" I would like to thank the Big Yellow Pot family for welcoming me to this space, and I am certainly excited to be a part of this vision and see where it takes us all. I feel like the introduction truly embodied a lot of what I stand for and aim to do in the lives of others. Simply put, I recognize that there are so many dope creatives amongst us in all aspects of life and I want to highlight them in the manner they truly deserve. There is no reason why EVERYONE out here and their respective craft can’t be recognized worldwide. Additionally, seeing all the growth and connections that the podcast has made thus far is only motivation to continue in the path that I am on. “Can’t stop, won’t stop…’til we all on top” is something I say often and will stand by until I can no longer. I appreciate everyone for taking the time to share this space with you and encourage you to check out our website and social media! "

If you or anyone you know would be a perfect fit for the podcast, please DON’T hesitate to reach out.

Instagram: @mar26_ ; @down2businesspodcast

Twitter: @TamarT26

LinkedIn: Tamar Turner

Website: https://linktr.ee/Tamar726

LETS GET STARTED! :)

What was your inspiration or thought process when creating Down 2 Business? People everywhere are talking about everything, why did you choose this type of podcast?

    My inspiration for creating the podcast was really everyone who was around me. I recognized that so many of my peers were moving into their own creative space from opening up multiple businesses to pursuing their passion(s) full-time. I felt like they truly deserved exposure because of the quality and because I just love to support others. I combined that with my love for talking to others and a podcast was started. I do attribute a lot of the motivation to one of my graduate professors, Brent Axe because I went to him with a lot of questions after finding out he had his own podcast on ESPN. 

Tell us a little bit about your love for public speaking? Where did you learn to be confident/comfortable with speaking to others?

	My love for public speaking really started in high school when I was actually enrolled in one of those courses. It is something that growing up always seemed to just come naturally for me. From people telling me I have a way with words to being team captains all throughout my younger years, it was something I became used to. I love the English language and words are something that are very important to me...people truly don’t realize the power they possess. 

How has networking changed opportunities for you and the people you’ve interviewed? Have you heard stories of your supporters going to the people you’ve interviewed for their services, music or content? How does that feel?

Mannnnnnnnn what! It’s crazy how many followers have been able to connect as a result of this podcast. It’s also crazy how many of my interviewees and listeners have plugged me in with different businesses, entrepreneurs and artists. My love for networking is out of this world because of the results and experiences I have had first-hand. No, it is not something that is always easy but stepping out of your comfort zone is all a part of the process. I am fulfilled knowing that my podcast has played a part in influencing the lives of others because I do it for y’all. 

I've followed you and listened to the podcast for a little bit and you mention your faith or thank God daily. This blog is heavy on blessings, so could you share a little bit about how your faith has helped you along the journey in creating Down 2 Business?

    It took me practically losing my faith for it to truly strengthen and I thank God everyday for the blessings as well as the lessons. Without the faith I have, I wouldn’t be where I am nor would I be the man I am. It took going through some dark times (losing my mom specifically) for my perspective on life to shift. But that shift helped me realize my true purpose and I believe that is to impact and serve others in any way that I can. But most importantly, faith has kept me grounded during the podcast process because it is far from easy. Faith has served as motivation on days where I wasn’t feeling it or faith has opened doors for me that otherwise may have still been locked to this day. When I first started, there weren't many people I knew in the podcast space so a lot of it was me just learning as I went and really gaining a love for what I do.

During your time at Syracuse, I remember you having a segment on NCC News called “Mornings on the Hill”. Can you talk about what you learned while news casting and public speaking? Do you feel there is a difference in public speaking in front of a camera vs what you do on Down 2 Business?

	I learned how important camera presence is and that is the biggest difference between radio and television. It is one thing to be in front of a microphone and have nothing to worry about around you but it is another thing when that camera is facing you. There is so much that goes into it from positioning on the floor, eye contact, swaying, projection, annunciation, etc. However, I think that because of my comfort and experience level with both, they honestly strengthen one another. I have so much recording the interviews with audio only because I can truly focus on the interviewee. However, I do want to move more into the visual space but COVID-19 had other plans for me in the beginning of it all. 

After a while of listening to your podcast, I notice you always include small tidbits about yourself. Being born in the Bronx and growing up in Philadelphia as well as attending ECU for undergrad in North Carolina, you’ve grown in states that are notorious for food. Would you consider yourself a foodie? What are some of your favorite foods and your relationship with food?

The timing of this question is impeccable as I officially declared 2021 the Year of the Foodie. I LOVE food, my favorite being lasagna and salmon coming in at a close second. My relationship with food is as strong as it will ever be, especially with my love for travelling and wanting to branch out to different places, specifically restaurants. Lastly, let me add that potatoes in ANY form, will forever remain undefeated. 

Working with so many entrepreneurs, artists and business owners have you seen any essential do’s and don’ts for starting a business? How do you feel about me saying support is an integral part of owning or starting a brand, business or platform?

    I’d say there are definitely some commonalities when it comes to advice for what to do when starting your business. I couldn’t agree with you more as this is something that I preach day in and day out. So much so, my followers probably get tired of my rants on Instagram but it is integral in my opinion because you never know who is watching. Some key messages a lot of guests have communicated is to go all in with whatever it is that you do, don’t be afraid to fail, be open to feedback, invest in yourself and DARE TO BE DIFFERENT.  

You were recently featured in an article on Shoutout HTX, how does it feel to be recognized for just being supportive? How does it feel in general to be seeing such growth in Down 2 Business?

It feels humbling to be recognized for anything that I do, because no one is obligated to do that so it makes it worth all the more while. The growth of Down 2 Business has been mind-blowing, as I never really knew what to expect coming in. I didn’t realize so many people were interested in podcasts but it has been crazy to connect with such an array of people and to know there are so many more out there. The growth honestly scares me sometimes because it’s like what is next, what will I wake up to tomorrow, what will the next interview bring so it definitely keeps me on my toes. 

Do you see yourself growing Down 2 Business into something visual? Would you ever have your own talk show?

Honestly, that was the plan all along but COVID halted those plans when I immediately got started. A lot of people have told me I still should do something like IG live or a Zoom setup and while I’m not opposed to that I really just want the intimate connection of being face to face. I have one interview (Episode 16) that I was able to do in Miami and unfortunately my camera overheated nearly 10 minutes in. But I have something planned for my 100th episode and I can’t wait to see it come to life!

(Down 2 Business has since been showing up on Instagram Live, Tamar has linked his linktree and social media, so go check those out. We did this interview a WHILE ago, things have definitely been dropping. His new merch is also out. So again, check out that link tree.)

Last but not least, If you were a dish or meal, what dish would you be? Why?

WINGS. Now hear me out on this...wings at the core are very simple (drum or flat) but think about everything that could then go into them. From the plethora of flavors alone, to having them breaded or un-breaded, grilled or fried, ranch or blue cheese. That’s what I feel as if I encompass, at the surface I am me, Tamar Turner... But when you really get to know me and everything I not only stand for but am involved in you will come to realize that there is much more than meets the eye. 

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RECIPE!

(disclaimer)

You heard it here first, Tamar chose wings and told me he wasn't afraid of a little heat. So if you are a person who doesn't like spicy foods or you can't take the heat, this recipe might not be for you! **

Down2Business Wings / Super Crispy Fried Wings with Honey Habanero Glaze

What You NEED:

- 4 Habanero Peppers

- 1/2 Stick of Butter

- 1 1/2 Cup Honey

- Garlic Paste or Minced Garlic (1 tsp)

- 1 Cup of Cornstarch

- 1 Cup of All Purpose Flour

- 12 bone in wings, whole wings.

- 2 Limes (cut in halves)

- White Vinegar

- Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Salt, Coarse Salt, Ground Black Pepper

- Chili Oil

-Sriracha Sauce (to taste, I used 2 TBSP)

- Sunflower OR Peanut Oil

METHOD ...

// *Washing chicken is to your own preference, I wash mine because thats how I was taught but if you don't, no hate here, this is just how I am making this recipe* //

- In a clean large stainless steel bowl, pour white vinegar, coarse salt & cold water over your chicken wings.

- Use lime halves to scrub and clean your chicken wings. You should have 12 whole chicken wings. Get rid of slime, feathers & anything gross.

- Rinse chicken til water runs clear and pat them dry with clean paper towels. Wash your sink very hot water, soap & multi-purpose cleaner containing bleach.

In a small bowl, add your spices and seasoning.

1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 TBSP chili infused oil, 1/2 tsp coarse salt, 1 tsp ground black pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder is what I used.

- Mix spices together until well blended and set aside while you cut your chicken wings into small pieces.

- I used kitchen shears to cut my chicken wings at the joints. I cut the wing tip off first, then separate the flat from the drum. I usually use a chef's knife or cleaver because it breaks through the bones easier, but I misplaced my cutting board so we improvised :) ... Either way, cut your wings up.

- Once your wing sections are cut, you should have 24 pcs plus the 12 wing tips (which, I don't throw away.. you can boil them or use them in stocks for chicken flavor)

- Drizzle your wing pieces in chili oil and toss in your seasoning. Place in a Ziploc bag or cover with plastic wrap. Let marinate overnight.

- In a seperate bowl, mix in your corn starch and flour. Season this mixture lightly with the same seasonings you coated your wings in. Mix well and set aside.

- In a large pot or pan, pour sunflower or peanut oil until its deep enough to fry your wings. About 2 inches from the bottom of the pan.

- Heat your oil to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit & Fry your wings in small batches of 6-9 until crispy and golden brown.

SAUCE :)

Cut your Habanero peppers into thinly sliced ribbons.

Grab 1/2 Stick of Butter and Melt in a small saucepan until bubbly.

Add a tsp of garlic paste or minced garlic to your butter and stir until fragrant. Then add your sliced peppers into the mixture.

Immediately add 1 & 1/2 cup of any honey, I used some from the local farmers market.

Stir until incorporated and reduced and drizzle over your wings.

Toss then serve!

Full Step by Step of Recipe is Located on Instagram ... If you want it Down 2 Business Style, serve all drums. If you want it BIG Yellow Pot Style, serve with all flats. Also, vote with me on this weeks forum, FLATS OR DRUMS.

Thanks for coming to another post and special thanks to Tamar for joining us this week on The BIG Yellow Pot :)