We had the good fortune of connecting with Laila Hazel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laila, what do you attribute your success to?
Community is truly the foundation of my brand. Everything I create—whether it’s through podcasting, media, or business—comes back to building spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. As a podcast host and entrepreneur, I’ve realized that the relationships I cultivate within my community are what continue to shape my journey and keep my work meaningful.
Through my podcast, Unfiltered Conversations with Laila Simone, I have the opportunity each week to sit down with small business owners, young leaders, and creatives who are actively shaping culture, particularly those originating from Los Angeles, California. What makes these conversations special is that they are raw, honest, and intentional. My goal is to create a space where people can share their stories without filters—where their experiences, struggles, and successes are respected and amplified.
The artists and entrepreneurs who come onto the platform represent many different creative forms, from fashion and music to entrepreneurship and community organizing. By giving them a space to speak freely, the platform becomes more than just an interview—it becomes a bridge between the creators influencing culture and the audiences who are inspired by them.
For me, community isn’t just about support; it’s about collaboration, storytelling, and collective growth. When people tune in, I want them to feel like they’re not just listening to a conversation—they’re participating in a movement that celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the voices that are shaping the trends and narratives of today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey into podcasting began in 2022, and since then it has been a continuous process of learning, evolving, and building new skills each week. When I first discovered podcasting, I was working as a writer for the Southern University Office of Student Media, where I primarily wrote opinion pieces. Writing gave me the space to express my thoughts and perspectives, but it also introduced me to the power of having a voice in media. My college advisor noticed that my writing carried strong opinions and bold perspectives—pieces that often challenged readers to think deeper about the topics being discussed. Because of that, I was encouraged to step beyond the page and take those ideas to the microphone.
When the opportunity came to get on the mic, I honestly had no idea where to begin. Podcasting was completely new to me, and learning the technical and conversational aspects of broadcasting felt intimidating at first. Fortunately, I was surrounded by incredible peers and mentors who were willing to guide me through the process. While many of them were practicing their skills in class, I was learning in real time—observing how they carried themselves, studying their posture on the mic, and paying attention to how they structured conversations. Watching them helped me identify what worked well and also recognize areas where I needed to grow. Over time, I became more confident in navigating conversations, asking thoughtful questions, and developing my own voice as a host.
One of my first major opportunities came through hosting my university’s official podcast, JagTalk. Through that experience, I was able to sharpen my production skills and better understand what it takes to create meaningful content for an audience. That work eventually led to an incredible milestone when the podcast earned a College Media Association award for Best Podcast in New York. Winning that award was a turning point for me. It confirmed that podcasting was not just something I enjoyed—it was something I wanted to pursue with passion and purpose.
After that moment, I felt inspired to expand my work beyond the university platform. I wanted to create a podcast that reflected my personal voice and allowed me to explore deeper conversations about real-life experiences, media culture, and the stories of local creatives who often go unheard. That vision eventually became Unfiltered Conversations with Laila Simone. The idea first emerged while I was working on a podcast project during my internship with Latangela Fay at Max 94.1 FM Baton Rouge. During that time, I began brainstorming episode ideas, outlining potential conversations, and imagining the type of platform I wanted to build.
The earliest episodes were recorded in the simplest way possible—right from my dorm room. I was determined to start with whatever resources I had available. Once I moved back home to California, I began exploring new recording spaces and continued developing the show into what it is today. What started as a small project fueled by curiosity has grown into a platform that allows me to highlight real stories, discuss media and culture, and connect with artists and creatives who are shaping their communities.
Podcasting taught me that you don’t need perfect conditions to start—you just need a voice, a purpose, and the willingness to grow through every episode you record.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A typical week for me in Los Angeles is a balance between relaxation, creativity, and enjoying the culture of the city. Some of the places I find myself visiting most often include the beach, where I can unwind, reset, and take in the calming energy of the ocean. LA’s beaches offer the perfect space to clear my mind and reflect while enjoying the sun and the sound of the waves.

Of course, no week in LA would be complete without stopping by a great taco spot. The city is known for its incredible food culture, and I love discovering local taco stands and restaurants that serve authentic, flavorful meals. Whether it’s a quick stop for street tacos or sitting down somewhere with friends, good food is always part of the routine.

For entertainment and fun, places like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Park are always exciting options. They bring out a sense of nostalgia and adventure, and they’re perfect when I want to step away from everyday responsibilities and just enjoy the moment.

When I’m in the mood for a more relaxed evening, I enjoy going to IPIC Theaters. It’s a great experience because it combines the comfort of luxury seating with the fun of seeing a good movie. It turns a simple movie night into something that feels special.

Self-care is also important to me, so I make time for the spa during the week whenever I can. It’s a way for me to recharge mentally and physically, especially when life gets busy.

And of course, one of the most meaningful places I spend time is in the studio recording my podcast. That creative space is where I get to share conversations, ideas, and stories that matter to me. Podcasting has become such a big part of my life, and the studio is where those ideas truly come to life.

Altogether, my week in LA is a mix of enjoying the city’s vibrant culture, prioritizing self-care, and dedicating time to the creative work that fuels my passion.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a special shoutout to two very important aspects of my life that truly changed my path for the better. As a 2025 graduate of Southern University and A&M College, I discovered my true foundation in media through the Southern University Office of Student Media. That space became more than just a place to create content—it became a training ground that shaped the way I approach storytelling, production, and leadership in media.
Without the support of the students, administrators, and partners within the Mass Communications program, I would not have developed the skills or confidence needed to produce a full podcast independently. The Office of Student Media gave me access not only to equipment and resources, but also to an environment that encouraged experimentation, creativity, and growth. It was there that I learned the technical and strategic foundations of media production—from recording and editing to promotion and planning the direction of content. Those lessons became the building blocks that allowed me to pursue more opportunities and continuously refine myself as a producer, host, and creative.
Another life-changing experience came through my first opportunity in radio on Max 94.1 FM Baton Rouge, where I had the honor of working alongside Latangela Fay. During my time away from home, she became more than just a professional mentor—she was a motivational voice and a motherly presence who encouraged me to fully embrace my individuality as a creator. Latangela taught me that success in media doesn’t come from trying to fit into a mold, but from having the courage to bend barriers and bring your authentic voice into every room you enter.
Those experiences shaped not only my career, but also my confidence in knowing that my voice and perspective belong in this industry. They helped me understand that media is not just about producing content—it’s about using your platform to inspire, connect, and open doors for others who are finding their voice as well.

Website: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-unfiltered-conversations-w-297052080?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lailasimonee_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lailasimonee03?si=wrJ1qpzjO7dvDfUh

Image Credits
@greatpicsonly @the_jasmine_experience

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