Category: INTERVIEWS

— FEATURE STORY, INTERVIEWS —

Dame Dash Shares His Thoughts on the Astroworld Tragedy, Sean Diddy Combs, PTSD, & Health

December 12, 2021

Entertainment journalist Allison Kugel talks with entrepreneur Damon “Dame” Dash and fiancée Raquel “Rocky” Horn. The couple discuss family life, their plant-based lifestyle, and their personal relationship. In the second half of the interview, Dame shares his thoughts on Astroworld, Sean Diddy Combs, PTSD, health, and cannabis. This post may contain affiliate links. At no… Read More Dame Dash Shares His Thoughts on the Astroworld Tragedy, Sean Diddy Combs, PTSD, & Health

— CULTURE, FEATURE STORY, INTERVIEWS —

Filmmaker Aizzah Fatima Talks Making the First Muslim-American RomCom

November 8, 2021

In this celebrity interview, entertainment journalist Allison Kugel talks with filmmaker and actress Aizzah Fatima about Aizzah’s new film Americanish— the first Muslim-American rom-com! By Allison Kugel Pakistani-American filmmaker and actress, Aizzah Fatima, has managed to do what many before her could not. She turned her intimate stage play, Dirty Paki Lingerie, a monologue-driven piece… Read More Filmmaker Aizzah Fatima Talks Making the First Muslim-American RomCom

— FEATURE STORY, INTERVIEWS —

Jewel on the Surprising Talent That Made Her a Music Superstar

October 7, 2021

By Allison Kugel The first thing I noticed when I sat down with Jewel was her beautifully sculpted cheekbones and trademark smile, but I was instantly redirected toward her glow; a warm and welcoming glow emanating from that same place where, no doubt, her poetic music and lyrics originate. I wanted to learn more. It… Read More Jewel on the Surprising Talent That Made Her a Music Superstar

— CULTURE, FEATURE STORY, INTERVIEWS —

Master P On Rap Feuds, Conscious Parenting, Black Superheroes

September 17, 2021

By Allison Kugel Sitting among carved mahogany wood paneled accents and with displayed awards gathered from an unrivaled multi-hyphenate career, Master P began our conversation by allowing me to take the floor. Not surprisingly, he is a master delegator with a brilliant sense of when to shoot the ball and when to pass it. One… Read More Master P On Rap Feuds, Conscious Parenting, Black Superheroes

— CULTURE, FEATURE STORY, INTERVIEWS —

Wu-Tang’s RZA Talks Second Chances and Cut Throat City Film

February 11, 2021

As leader of the legendary multi-platinum selling rap group, The Wu-Tang Clan, RZA, or Bobby, as he is known to close friends and colleagues, had a particular way of putting beats to razer-sharp lyrics that made you feel part of a song’s creative process. Fans feel RZA’s music, both from Wu-Tang and his solo and… Read More Wu-Tang’s RZA Talks Second Chances and Cut Throat City Film

— CULTURE, FEATURE STORY, INTERVIEWS —

Five Questions with Detroit Blogger Jess McKenzie

February 3, 2021

One of the many things I enjoy about blogging is meeting other creatives. I’m a strong believer in the popular phrase “community over competition” because it has helped me grow as a writer and form new friendships. Last year, before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., I connected with Jess McKenzie, a graphic designer who… Read More Five Questions with Detroit Blogger Jess McKenzie

— INTERVIEWS, LIFESTYLE —

Five Tips for Toxic-Free Living (Plus How You Can Share Your Green Living Journey on #TOXFREETHURSDAY)

May 1, 2020

As Earth Month comes to an end, I thought I would share a blog post on how we can be more mindful of transitioning to toxic-free living or as most call it- green living. No, I’m not talking about eliminating drama or toxic relationships out of your life (although we all could benefit from a… Read More Five Tips for Toxic-Free Living (Plus How You Can Share Your Green Living Journey on #TOXFREETHURSDAY)

— CULTURE, INTERVIEWS —

T-Boz on TLC’s Legacy, Touring with Chilli and Beating the Odds

January 6, 2020

TLC’s Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins’ life is one filled with overcoming insurmountable odds and finding blessings in unexpected places. Watkins was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at the age of seven and spend much of her childhood in and out of hospitals due to episodes with the potentially fatal condition. She was told she wouldn’t make… Read More T-Boz on TLC’s Legacy, Touring with Chilli and Beating the Odds

— 2019 Blog Posts, CULTURE, INTERVIEWS —

The Grace, Beauty, and Grit of Vanessa Williams

November 12, 2019

By Allison Kugel Vanessa Williams is a creature unlike any other. It’s as though she came here to impart the ins and outs of living life on one’s own terms. From unwitting societal lightning rod during the 1980s to multi-platinum selling recording artist; and Broadway, film and television star, Vanessa Williams slayed the male-dominated Hollywood… Read More The Grace, Beauty, and Grit of Vanessa Williams

— INTERVIEWS —

Detroit T.V. Personality Jenifer Young is Stepping Out on Faith

October 26, 2019

When you’re an entrepreneur in the media industry, rebranding yourself can get a little tricky. First, there’s the risk of losing your readers/viewers, and second, rebranding can be a very long (and sometimes costly) process. Yet, sometimes, a new career shift can be a refreshing start to a new business endeavor. Meet Detroit entrepreneur Jenifer… Read More Detroit T.V. Personality Jenifer Young is Stepping Out on Faith

— INTERVIEWS —

Deepak Chopra on the Healing Power of “Love-in-Action”

October 9, 2019

Hi, friends! In today’s celebrity interview, syndicated entertainment journalist Allison Kugel talks with Deepak Chopra “to unpack the pressing issues of isolation, anxiety and depression and the growing epidemic of suicidal ideation and suicide, which has taken sharp incline over the past eighteen years.” Hope you enjoy today’s blog post! Leave a comment sharing your… Read More Deepak Chopra on the Healing Power of “Love-in-Action”

— CULTURE, INTERVIEWS —

Rick Ross on Living the American Dream and Not Fearing Death

September 17, 2019

By Allison Kugel One conversation with rapper Rick Ross will have you questioning the definitions of success, wealth and opportunity; how to identify opportunity, how to achieve success and how to maintain it while keeping your soul and bodily faculties intact. Ross, born William Leonard Roberts II, rose to prominence in 2006 with his breakout… Read More Rick Ross on Living the American Dream and Not Fearing Death

— INTERVIEWS —

Meet TEDxDETROIT Labs’ Three Inspiring Women

September 12, 2019

TEDxDetroit returns for its 11th year on Wednesday, November 6th! The annual conference will be held at the Masonic Temple beginning at 8 A.M. and concluding at 6 P.M. Are you planning on attending? You can get ticket information here if you’re interested. TEDxDetroit brings together the area’s leading thinkers, designers, entertainers, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists… Read More Meet TEDxDETROIT Labs’ Three Inspiring Women

— CULTURE, INTERVIEWS, Women's Lifestyle —

Piper Carter Talks Photographing Erykah Badu and the Advice She’d Give Women Photographers

July 24, 2019

The 2nd Annual ROCK THAT Photography Conference and Trade Show starts tomorrow. Are you going? The three-day conference will be held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan from July 25th to the 27th.  I plan on attending the conference and learning more about what ROCK THAT has to offer. Although I’m not a… Read More Piper Carter Talks Photographing Erykah Badu and the Advice She’d Give Women Photographers

— CULTURE, INTERVIEWS —

Anthony White- Choir Director of the Detroit Youth Choir- Talks ‘America’s Got Talent’ and Inspiring Detroit Youth

July 12, 2019

I have been keeping up with the Detroit Youth Choir’s journey on NBC’s hit show America’s Got Talent (AGT), and I am excited to see them compete in the finals!  If you’re not familiar with the story, the Detroit Youth Choir (DYC) competed on AGT and received the golden buzzer. The golden buzzer is a… Read More Anthony White- Choir Director of the Detroit Youth Choir- Talks ‘America’s Got Talent’ and Inspiring Detroit Youth

— INTERVIEWS, SPONSORED POST —

How Two Detroit Entrepreneurs are Encouraging Positive Workplace Culture for Women

July 5, 2019

Today’s post is sponsored by Northern Fashion, LLC. You can read our disclosure policy here. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Good Life Detroit! What is one negative quality a colleague has mislabeled you as having? For me, it would have to be two things: 1- Being called emotional. I’ve been called emotional… Read More How Two Detroit Entrepreneurs are Encouraging Positive Workplace Culture for Women

— INTERVIEWS —

Raven-Symone Plans on Motherhood, Her Degree & Directing TV

June 16, 2019

By Allison Kugel Raven-Symone’s alter ego, Raven Baxter, has been a staple on The Disney Channel since the child actor turned Hollywood renaissance woman debuted her famous character on the hit show, That’s So Raven, in 2003. Back then, Symone’s alter-ego played a teenager who could see into the future, and that extra-sensory ability often… Read More Raven-Symone Plans on Motherhood, Her Degree & Directing TV