<![CDATA[The Circuit]]>The Circuit is where real conversations meet real grind. Hosted by Derek Washington, this podcast shines a light on musicians, creators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who wear more than one hat and refuse to stay in one lane. These are the stories behind the hustle, the setbacks, the pivots, the breakthroughs, and the personal battles people fight while chasing purpose.

Expect honest interviews, powerful life lessons, creative insight, industry gems, and the kind of wisdom you usually only hear after the cameras are off. From the stage to the shop floor, from church to business, from struggle to strategy, The Circuit connects the dots between passion, survival, and success.

If you’ve ever had to build while bleeding, dream while tired, or reinvent yourself while the world was sleeping on you, this podcast is for you.

]]>https://dcsleds.wixstudio.com/circuit-podcastRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:29:53 GMTMon, 30 Mar 2026 00:15:51 GMT60DC Washington<p><b>The Circuit</b> is where real conversations meet real grind. Hosted by Derek Washington, this podcast shines a light on musicians, creators, inventors, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who wear more than one hat and refuse to stay in one lane. These are the stories behind the hustle, the setbacks, the pivots, the breakthroughs, and the personal battles people fight while chasing purpose.</p><p>Expect honest interviews, powerful life lessons, creative insight, industry gems, and the kind of wisdom you usually only hear after the cameras are off. From the stage to the shop floor, from church to business, from struggle to strategy, <b>The Circuit</b> connects the dots between passion, survival, and success.</p><p>If you’ve ever had to build while bleeding, dream while tired, or reinvent yourself while the world was sleeping on you, this podcast is for you.</p>episodicDC Washingtonderek@dcsleds.comno<![CDATA[Daryl Folks on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation with Darrell Foulkes delves into his multifaceted career, covering his roles as a musician, photographer, and fireman. It also explores the impact of emergency services on the community and the importance of preparation and readiness in various professions. The conversation with Darryl covers his journey as a firefighter, photographer, and musician. Darryl's passion for helping others and his early start in photography and music are evident throughout the discussion. The chapters explore his motivation to serve, advice for aspiring professionals, excitement in music, photography, and firefighting, as well as his encounters with famous personalities. Additionally, Darryl shares insights on photography and film development, professional photography etiquette, city infrastructure and development, and his musical aspirations. The conversation concludes with closing remarks and plans for future conversations.

Takeaways

  • Multifaceted Career
  • Preparation and Readiness
  • Emergency Services and Community Impact Passion for Helping Others
  • Early Start in Photography and Music

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Evolution of a Musician, Photographer, and Fireman
  • 23:36 The Call to Serve
  • 29:04 Excitement in Music, Photography, and Firefighting
  • 34:27 Professional Photography Etiquette
  • 39:32 City Infrastructure and Development
]]>706d98e3-a9ed-4327-b613-d201241e8e56Wed, 13 May 2026 19:19:47 GMT<p>The conversation with Darrell Foulkes delves into his multifaceted career, covering his roles as a musician, photographer, and fireman. It also explores the impact of emergency services on the community and the importance of preparation and readiness in various professions. The conversation with Darryl covers his journey as a firefighter, photographer, and musician. Darryl's passion for helping others and his early start in photography and music are evident throughout the discussion. The chapters explore his motivation to serve, advice for aspiring professionals, excitement in music, photography, and firefighting, as well as his encounters with famous personalities. Additionally, Darryl shares insights on photography and film development, professional photography etiquette, city infrastructure and development, and his musical aspirations. The conversation concludes with closing remarks and plans for future conversations.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Multifaceted Career</li><li>Preparation and Readiness</li><li>Emergency Services and Community Impact Passion for Helping Others</li><li>Early Start in Photography and Music</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Evolution of a Musician, Photographer, and Fireman</li><li>23:36 The Call to Serve</li><li>29:04 Excitement in Music, Photography, and Firefighting</li><li>34:27 Professional Photography Etiquette</li><li>39:32 City Infrastructure and Development</li></ul>no00:44:40Daryl Folks on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[Derek Thompson on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation with Derek Thompson covers his journey from working in a plant to becoming a successful inventor and entrepreneur. It also delves into his experiences in the tank business and his approach to wearing multiple hats in his professional life. Derek shares insights on motivation and the importance of understanding individual motivations. Derek Thompson shares his experiences working with felons and teaching them the value of giving. He also discusses career advice for college graduates and the importance of nurturing individual skill sets. Additionally, he talks about the process of inventing and bringing a product to market, emphasizing the need for patience and perseverance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on analog vs. digital.

Takeaways

  • Entrepreneurial journey
  • Wearing multiple hats
  • Motivation and understanding individual motivations Teaching the value of giving
  • Nurturing individual skill sets
  • Patience and perseverance in inventing and bringing a product to market
  • Analog vs. digital

Chapters

  • 00:00 From Plant Worker to Entrepreneur
  • 13:13 Experiences in the Tank Business
  • 22:09 Wearing Multiple Hats
  • 27:15 Teaching the Value of Giving and Professionalism
  • 43:37 Handling Far-Fetched Ideas and Partnerships
  • 51:21 Analog vs. Digital
]]>f5383d35-27c5-4275-805e-03cbb006ccc2Wed, 13 May 2026 19:18:09 GMT<p>The conversation with Derek Thompson covers his journey from working in a plant to becoming a successful inventor and entrepreneur. It also delves into his experiences in the tank business and his approach to wearing multiple hats in his professional life. Derek shares insights on motivation and the importance of understanding individual motivations. Derek Thompson shares his experiences working with felons and teaching them the value of giving. He also discusses career advice for college graduates and the importance of nurturing individual skill sets. Additionally, he talks about the process of inventing and bringing a product to market, emphasizing the need for patience and perseverance. The conversation concludes with a discussion on analog vs. digital.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Entrepreneurial journey</li><li>Wearing multiple hats</li><li>Motivation and understanding individual motivations Teaching the value of giving</li><li>Nurturing individual skill sets</li><li>Patience and perseverance in inventing and bringing a product to market</li><li>Analog vs. digital</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 From Plant Worker to Entrepreneur</li><li>13:13 Experiences in the Tank Business</li><li>22:09 Wearing Multiple Hats</li><li>27:15 Teaching the Value of Giving and Professionalism</li><li>43:37 Handling Far-Fetched Ideas and Partnerships</li><li>51:21 Analog vs. Digital</li></ul>no00:46:47Derek Thompson on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[Marlon Lyons on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation delves into themes of self-discovery, accountability, community work, motivation, building a legacy, collaboration, leadership, mental stability, business support, success stories, mentorship, and leaving a legacy. It emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, responsibility, community engagement, and the power of collaboration in creating a positive impact. The discussion also highlights the significance of developing mental stability, fortitude, and a strong mentality for business success and community service.

Takeaways

  • Legacy
  • Community work

Chapters

  • 00:00 Self-Discovery and Self-Acceptance
  • 06:32 Motivation and Inspiration
  • 13:14 Developing Mental Stability and Fortitude
  • 19:25 Mentality and Internal Fortitude
  • 26:38 Thrive's Vision for the Future
]]>e4cd1670-1fc2-40c2-8c8b-381fd2f9d80fWed, 13 May 2026 19:15:12 GMT<p>The conversation delves into themes of self-discovery, accountability, community work, motivation, building a legacy, collaboration, leadership, mental stability, business support, success stories, mentorship, and leaving a legacy. It emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, responsibility, community engagement, and the power of collaboration in creating a positive impact. The discussion also highlights the significance of developing mental stability, fortitude, and a strong mentality for business success and community service.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Legacy</li><li>Community work</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Self-Discovery and Self-Acceptance</li><li>06:32 Motivation and Inspiration</li><li>13:14 Developing Mental Stability and Fortitude</li><li>19:25 Mentality and Internal Fortitude</li><li>26:38 Thrive's Vision for the Future</li></ul>no00:32:45Marlon Lyons on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[Q. Thang Do on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>Q Thang Do shares his journey from childhood tinkering to becoming a versatile inventor and entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of the analog world in the digital age and provides insights into product development, AI, and time travel. Q Thang Do also discusses his role models and future plans.

Takeaways

  • Importance of analog world in the digital age
  • Challenges and insights in product development

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Q Thang Do
  • 07:11 The Impact of AI and Digital World on Education
  • 13:06 Advice for High School Students and Entrepreneurs
  • 19:32 AI, Time Travel, and Analog World
  • 27:09 Analog World and Time Travel
  • 33:06 Licensing and Product Development
  • 41:25 Patenting and Product Development
  • 52:35 Q Thang Do's Role Models and Future Plans
]]>20985e00-7818-4026-ba30-cb47a437cfd8Wed, 13 May 2026 19:13:13 GMT<p>Q Thang Do shares his journey from childhood tinkering to becoming a versatile inventor and entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of the analog world in the digital age and provides insights into product development, AI, and time travel. Q Thang Do also discusses his role models and future plans.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Importance of analog world in the digital age</li><li>Challenges and insights in product development</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Q Thang Do</li><li>07:11 The Impact of AI and Digital World on Education</li><li>13:06 Advice for High School Students and Entrepreneurs</li><li>19:32 AI, Time Travel, and Analog World</li><li>27:09 Analog World and Time Travel</li><li>33:06 Licensing and Product Development</li><li>41:25 Patenting and Product Development</li><li>52:35 Q Thang Do's Role Models and Future Plans</li></ul>no00:58:29Q. Thang Do on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[Quincy Stewart lll on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation with Quincy Stewart covers his early musical influences, the business of music, performing and studio experiences, transition in musical style, AI in music creation, unusual stage experiences, and advice for aspiring musicians. Quincy shares his passion for music and the challenges of balancing creativity with the business side of the industry. The conversation delves into the influence of African music on jazz, the concept of musical geography, personal experiences with famous musicians, the significance of autographs, negative experiences with other musicians, family and artistic inclinations, health and wellness in the music industry, involvement in city council and political views, the impact of politics on music and artistic expression, the current state of music and artistic expression, the mechanization of music, and dream collaborations and musical influences.

Takeaways

  • Passion for Music
  • Balancing Creativity and Business Music transcends geographical boundaries
  • The impact of African music on jazz and other genres

Chapters

  • 00:00 Early Musical Influences and Instruments
  • 06:02 The Business of Music
  • 13:02 Transition in Musical Style
  • 21:02 Advice for Aspiring Musicians
  • 27:01 The Concept of the 'Detroit Sound' and Musical Geography
  • 33:35 The Significance of Autographs and Fan Interactions
  • 39:31 Involvement in City Council and Political Views
  • 44:51 The Mechanization of Music and Artistic Integrity
]]>096570a1-d3a6-4690-9544-d2dece28fdd9Wed, 13 May 2026 19:10:42 GMT<p>The conversation with Quincy Stewart covers his early musical influences, the business of music, performing and studio experiences, transition in musical style, AI in music creation, unusual stage experiences, and advice for aspiring musicians. Quincy shares his passion for music and the challenges of balancing creativity with the business side of the industry. The conversation delves into the influence of African music on jazz, the concept of musical geography, personal experiences with famous musicians, the significance of autographs, negative experiences with other musicians, family and artistic inclinations, health and wellness in the music industry, involvement in city council and political views, the impact of politics on music and artistic expression, the current state of music and artistic expression, the mechanization of music, and dream collaborations and musical influences.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Passion for Music</li><li>Balancing Creativity and Business Music transcends geographical boundaries</li><li>The impact of African music on jazz and other genres</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Early Musical Influences and Instruments</li><li>06:02 The Business of Music</li><li>13:02 Transition in Musical Style</li><li>21:02 Advice for Aspiring Musicians</li><li>27:01 The Concept of the 'Detroit Sound' and Musical Geography</li><li>33:35 The Significance of Autographs and Fan Interactions</li><li>39:31 Involvement in City Council and Political Views</li><li>44:51 The Mechanization of Music and Artistic Integrity</li></ul>no00:51:34Quincy Stewart lll on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[John Willis on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation delves into the family's musical legacy, the impact of church hurt on musicians, the importance of humility and spirituality in music, the evolution of mindset and playing style over the years, and the diversity of musical interpretation in different church denominations. It also highlights the significance of staying close to God as a church musician.

Takeaways

  • Family musical legacy
  • The impact of church hurt on musicians
  • The importance of humility and spirituality in music
  • The evolution of mindset and playing style over the years
  • The significance of staying close to God as a church musician
  • The diversity of musical interpretation in different church denominations

Chapters

  • 00:00 Musical Beginnings and Family Legacy
  • 06:25 The Evolution of Mindset and Playing Style
  • 13:02 The Impact of Church Denominations on Musical Interpretation
]]>e6e15c70-aae8-470e-a1a1-6a7bda5a8c81Wed, 13 May 2026 19:07:27 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the family's musical legacy, the impact of church hurt on musicians, the importance of humility and spirituality in music, the evolution of mindset and playing style over the years, and the diversity of musical interpretation in different church denominations. It also highlights the significance of staying close to God as a church musician.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Family musical legacy</li><li>The impact of church hurt on musicians</li><li>The importance of humility and spirituality in music</li><li>The evolution of mindset and playing style over the years</li><li>The significance of staying close to God as a church musician</li><li>The diversity of musical interpretation in different church denominations</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Musical Beginnings and Family Legacy</li><li>06:25 The Evolution of Mindset and Playing Style</li><li>13:02 The Impact of Church Denominations on Musical Interpretation</li></ul>no00:43:33John Willis on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[Valerie Fullilove on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation covers the importance of lighting in the entertainment industry and explores Valerie Fullilove's multifaceted creative work. It delves into Valerie's personal background, multicultural experiences, education, family life, creative journey, and approach to writing and storytelling. Additionally, it discusses her experience as a producer and her perspective on preserving culture and truth in her stories. The conversation delves into the experiences of producing a play, the role of a producer in shaping the audience experience, the impact of storytelling on the audience, the spiritual and emotional impact of theatrical performances, humorous and unpredictable moments in theatrical productions, barriers faced by black writers and creatives, the influence of AI on creativity and writing, the educational path for aspiring writers and producers, and the impact of the current administration on creativity and life. The conversation delves into Valerie Fullilove's artistic aspirations and the reality of her journey. It explores her experiences, encounters with famous personalities, and the impact of her work on those around her. Valerie shares insights into her creative process and the recognition she receives for her productions.

Takeaways

  • The importance of lighting in the entertainment industry
  • The multifaceted nature of Valerie Fullilove's creative work The responsibility of a producer in a theatrical production
  • The impact of creativity and storytelling on the audience Diverse Influences
  • Artistic Journey

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Lighting in Entertainment
  • 06:06 Valerie Fullilove's Experience in Brooklyn
  • 13:26 Valerie Fullilove's Approach to Writing and Art
  • 19:17 The Nerve-Wracking Experience of Producing a Play
  • 24:40 Impactful Stories and Emotional Reactions
  • 32:16 Humorous and Unpredictable Moments in Theatrical Productions
  • 37:29 The Influence of AI on Creativity and Writing
  • 43:41 The Impact of Current Administration on Creativity and Life
]]>b45d9c76-a909-4f67-a2ef-7a9f7319064aWed, 13 May 2026 19:02:48 GMT<p>The conversation covers the importance of lighting in the entertainment industry and explores Valerie Fullilove's multifaceted creative work. It delves into Valerie's personal background, multicultural experiences, education, family life, creative journey, and approach to writing and storytelling. Additionally, it discusses her experience as a producer and her perspective on preserving culture and truth in her stories. The conversation delves into the experiences of producing a play, the role of a producer in shaping the audience experience, the impact of storytelling on the audience, the spiritual and emotional impact of theatrical performances, humorous and unpredictable moments in theatrical productions, barriers faced by black writers and creatives, the influence of AI on creativity and writing, the educational path for aspiring writers and producers, and the impact of the current administration on creativity and life. The conversation delves into Valerie Fullilove's artistic aspirations and the reality of her journey. It explores her experiences, encounters with famous personalities, and the impact of her work on those around her. Valerie shares insights into her creative process and the recognition she receives for her productions.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The importance of lighting in the entertainment industry</li><li>The multifaceted nature of Valerie Fullilove's creative work The responsibility of a producer in a theatrical production</li><li>The impact of creativity and storytelling on the audience Diverse Influences</li><li>Artistic Journey</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Lighting in Entertainment</li><li>06:06 Valerie Fullilove's Experience in Brooklyn</li><li>13:26 Valerie Fullilove's Approach to Writing and Art</li><li>19:17 The Nerve-Wracking Experience of Producing a Play</li><li>24:40 Impactful Stories and Emotional Reactions</li><li>32:16 Humorous and Unpredictable Moments in Theatrical Productions</li><li>37:29 The Influence of AI on Creativity and Writing</li><li>43:41 The Impact of Current Administration on Creativity and Life</li></ul>no01:09:16Valerie Fullilove on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[Spyder Turner on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation covers Spyder Turner's personal life, family, and career in the music industry. It highlights the importance of trust, timing, and luck in achieving success. Additionally, the discussion emphasizes the significance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry. The conversation delves into the challenges and adversities faced by musicians in the industry, as well as the importance of health and wellness for musicians. Spyder Turner shares insights and experiences related to these themes, providing valuable perspectives for aspiring and established musicians alike.

Takeaways

  • Trust is crucial in the music industry
  • Timing and luck play a significant role in success
  • Protecting intellectual property is essential Adversity in the music industry
  • Navigating the challenges of the music industry
  • Health and wellness for musicians

Chapters

  • 00:00 Life and Family
  • 07:54 Career and Success
  • 31:59 Navigating the Music Industry
  • 53:22 Health and Wellness for Musicians
]]>351835e8-5740-4d4a-89fe-22b2e2fbe66dWed, 13 May 2026 19:00:26 GMT<p>The conversation covers Spyder Turner's personal life, family, and career in the music industry. It highlights the importance of trust, timing, and luck in achieving success. Additionally, the discussion emphasizes the significance of protecting intellectual property in the music industry. The conversation delves into the challenges and adversities faced by musicians in the industry, as well as the importance of health and wellness for musicians. Spyder Turner shares insights and experiences related to these themes, providing valuable perspectives for aspiring and established musicians alike.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Trust is crucial in the music industry</li><li>Timing and luck play a significant role in success</li><li>Protecting intellectual property is essential Adversity in the music industry</li><li>Navigating the challenges of the music industry</li><li>Health and wellness for musicians</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Life and Family</li><li>07:54 Career and Success</li><li>31:59 Navigating the Music Industry</li><li>53:22 Health and Wellness for Musicians</li></ul>no00:51:21Spyder Turner on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull<![CDATA[Ron Otis on The Circuit Podcast with DC]]>The conversation covers a range of topics including the joy of friendship, physical health and well-being, the role of music in retirement, the influence of family members on musical interests, the challenges of managing multiple professional gigs, the unique sound of Detroit musicians, and the significance of artistic expression and collaboration in album creation. The conversation with Ron Otis covered various themes, including navigating the music industry, the approach to drumming, the use of AI in music, misconceptions about jazz drummers, representing Detroit through music, and creating a dream band lineup. Ron shared insights on the challenges of getting radio promotion, the importance of chemistry in a band, and the adaptability required in playing with different artists. He also discussed the use of AI as a tool in music creation and the potential drawbacks of relying on AI for music production. Additionally, Ron highlighted the unique energy and style of Detroit music and the impact of music on emotions and spirituality. Finally, he shared his dream band lineup, featuring deceased musicians he would have loved to play with.

Takeaways

  • The importance of maintaining physical health and well-being as one ages
  • The impact of family and mentors on musical interests and career
  • The significance of staying true to one's artistic identity and integrity Navigating the music industry requires adaptability and the ability to put together a strong team.
  • AI can be a useful tool in music creation, but it should not replace the human spirit and creativity in music.
  • The representation of Detroit music carries a unique energy and style that impacts emotions and spirituality.

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Art of Drumming and Aging
  • 07:32 Professional Drumming Career
  • 18:05 Navigating Multiple Gigs and Artistic Integrity
  • 24:29 Album Creation and Artistic Expression
  • 32:46 AI in Music
  • 39:32 Misconceptions About Jazz Drummers
]]>aee6598a-5cbe-4dc8-85b9-d50b36f6592aWed, 13 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers a range of topics including the joy of friendship, physical health and well-being, the role of music in retirement, the influence of family members on musical interests, the challenges of managing multiple professional gigs, the unique sound of Detroit musicians, and the significance of artistic expression and collaboration in album creation. The conversation with Ron Otis covered various themes, including navigating the music industry, the approach to drumming, the use of AI in music, misconceptions about jazz drummers, representing Detroit through music, and creating a dream band lineup. Ron shared insights on the challenges of getting radio promotion, the importance of chemistry in a band, and the adaptability required in playing with different artists. He also discussed the use of AI as a tool in music creation and the potential drawbacks of relying on AI for music production. Additionally, Ron highlighted the unique energy and style of Detroit music and the impact of music on emotions and spirituality. Finally, he shared his dream band lineup, featuring deceased musicians he would have loved to play with.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The importance of maintaining physical health and well-being as one ages</li><li>The impact of family and mentors on musical interests and career</li><li>The significance of staying true to one's artistic identity and integrity Navigating the music industry requires adaptability and the ability to put together a strong team.</li><li>AI can be a useful tool in music creation, but it should not replace the human spirit and creativity in music.</li><li>The representation of Detroit music carries a unique energy and style that impacts emotions and spirituality.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Art of Drumming and Aging</li><li>07:32 Professional Drumming Career</li><li>18:05 Navigating Multiple Gigs and Artistic Integrity</li><li>24:29 Album Creation and Artistic Expression</li><li>32:46 AI in Music</li><li>39:32 Misconceptions About Jazz Drummers</li></ul>no00:48:05Ron Otis on The Circuit Podcast with DCfull