Culture
Michelle Obama Premieres First Episode of New Spotify Podcast Featuring Barack As 1st Guest!
In 2019, President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, announced their partnership with Spotify to produce podcasts exclusive to the platform. The first project in their ongoing partnership will be The Michelle Obama Podcast premiering July 29th.
The former First Lady shared that her hope for the series… “the hope is that it can be a place to explore meaningful topics together and sort through so many of the questions we’re all trying to answer in our own lives. Perhaps most of all, I hope this podcast will help listeners open up new conversations — and hard conversations — with the people who matter most to them. That’s how we can build more understanding and empathy for one another.”
Whether through the story-telling in her book release, TV appearances or via her numerous speaking engagements in and outside of her White House duties, we’re always left captivated by whatever she has to say.
It’s no surprise that she already hooked us in with her first episode featuring none other than her husband Barak Obama! After hearing this premiere episode, it’s safe to say that this podcast will be our latest addiction!”
GET A PREVIEW HERE:
The former first lady will interview several loved ones in future episodes of “The Michelle Obama Podcast,” including her mother and brother.
“You’ll also hear from many of my girlfriends, the women who’ve always been there with a shoulder to lean on, a perspective to think about, or simply an open line to vent to,” she wrote in a recent Instagram post. “In this time of social distancing, it’s more important than ever to invest in the relationships that make us who we are.”
There will be a host of non-relatives featured on the show as well. Conan O’Brien, Kristin Jones, Craig Robinson and many more are scheduled to be featured as well. Tune in on demand below only on Spotify!
STREAM THE PODCAST HERE:
Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.
Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.
👉 Watch the live performance here.
Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥
Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.
Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.
The Vibe
With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.
Culture
ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.
A First Look at Churchy Season 2
Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.
Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members
For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.
Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:
- A private link to the full panel replay
- Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
- Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2
Why This Event Matters
Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.
About Churchy
After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.
Culture
Holy Smoke! Festival 2025 Kicks Off This Week in Nashville — Full Guide, Lineup, Schedule, & How to Tap In
1K Phew Links Up With WHATUPRG & Ty Brasel for “Ain’t He” — A Cultural Shot of Faith, Confidence, and Atlanta Energy
Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore Announce Their Exits from Maverick City Music: The End of an Era and the Beginning of Something New
NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”
Author Kenyatta Scott Is Doing More Than Selling Books. She’s Making A Difference!
K-Ci of R&B Group Jodeci Shares Near Death Experience & How His Faith Helped Him Recover
NEW MUSIC: Stream Derek Minor’s New Single, “Take Off” (Ft. KB, Canon & Ty Brasel)
Watch Jonathan McReynolds Perform “God Is Good” and Discuss His New Book “Before You Climb Any Higher” on Tamron Hall
Watch Pastor Mike Jr. Perform “Amen” & Discuss How to Thrive in 2025 on The Tamron Hall Show
One year later, Lee Vasi’s Single “Teach Me” is still making an impact!
-
ArtSoul Spotlight6 years agoAuthor Kenyatta Scott Is Doing More Than Selling Books. She’s Making A Difference!
-
New Music5 years agoK-Ci of R&B Group Jodeci Shares Near Death Experience & How His Faith Helped Him Recover
-
New Music8 years agoNEW MUSIC: Stream Derek Minor’s New Single, “Take Off” (Ft. KB, Canon & Ty Brasel)
-
Events7 years agoFormer “Forever Jones” Artist “DOE” Releases New Music
-
Events7 years ago
Joyful Noise: New Christmas music from your favorite artists
-
Entertainment5 years agoJonathan McReynolds Lands Lead Role in New BET+ Original Movie
-
Entertainment5 years agoChina McClain Quits the Black Lightning TV Series & Dedicates Her Career to God
-
Chicago Events9 years agoPropaganda & Murs Kick Off The Unlimited Up Tour in Chicago-July 15th!