CultureCon Uncut is a podcast for creatives, thinkers, and innovators. Host Imani Ellis, founder and CEO of CultureCon and The Creative Collective, interviews Black culture-shifters who have forged their own paths, often against the odds.
Imani dives into the highs, lows, and messy middles of their careers. Whether you're starting your own creative journey or looking to connect with new ideas, CultureCon Uncut pulls back the curtain on the creative process of some of today’s biggest visionaries – uncut and unfiltered.
Episodes
Latest Episode
August 31, 2026 · 38m
In this special Cannes episode of CultureCon Uncut, Imani Ellis sits down with two-time Emmy-nominated journalist Taylor Rooks for an honest conversation about pressure, ambition, identity, love, rest, and learning to fully become yourself. Together they discuss knowing what you want, discovering what you don’t want, and giving yourself permission to believe you deserve the life you’re building. Recorded in Cannes with Spotify. Episode Chapters: (02:25) Stepping Into Pressure (06:35) Living in Your Head vs. Being Present (11:06) The Power of Believing You Can Do Anything (14:36) Owning Your Success (20:17) Learning to Rest, Not Quit (22:28) Love, Surrender & Taking Up Space (30:18) A Season of Peace, Appreciation & Expansion (32:10) How Taylor Prepares for Big Moments (35:08) “You Can Just Be” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
More Episodes
Dec 3 · 1h 30m
Imani and Ike discuss why we should bring back philosophers, how to scale your skills, and why you shouldn’t focus on feeling “behind” in life. Founder of AfroFuture, Abdul Karim Abdullah, joins Imani to talk about building AfroFuture, his views that pressure is a privilege, and why failure isn’t an option. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 26 · 1h 5m
Imani and Ike discuss the smallest hill they’ll die on. Kayla Nicole joins Imani to chat about entering a season of yes. From making dating fun again to the power of creatine, Kayla proves that saying yes can be its own kind of healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 19 · 1h 7m
Imani and Ike discuss whether you should tell your friends about a new person the moment you start dating them and why Imani doesn’t want to be a warrior anymore. CEO and Entrepreneur, Whitney Headen joins Imani to share how she became an accidental entrepreneur with an 8-figure successful agency brand and why she no longer believes in Black Girl “Magic.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 13 · 1h 2m
Imani and Ike reminisce on the first time they met. Imani sits down with creative powerhouse Justin Frett. Known for blending humor, heart, and purpose online. Justin opens up about growth, faith, and the lessons hidden in waiting seasons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 5 · 59m
Imani and Ike discuss food compatibility and Ike judges Imani for how she likes her steak. Toni Chapman, culinary content producer and author, joins Imani to talk about the courage it takes to walk away from what no longer serves you. Toni also opens up about rediscovering purpose, pivoting with intentions, and the beauty of letting go to make space for her next adventure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices