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

Hi Archie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Before moving to Los Angeles nearly five years ago, I hosted morning radio, produced local news, and was a digital reporter for Fox News in St. Louis, MO. And as valuable as that experience was to my journey, it didn’t matter to my now surrounding community of LA, so I set out to create my platform and continue my on-air voice through podcasting while simultaneously working in production behind the scenes, figuring out my belonging. As an advocate for therapy, my show was birthed as an extension of my radio career, following my therapy journey, and served as “therapy on a budget” for my millennial audience. Now titled Archie: The Podcast, this is where self-help meets street talk. I wanted to curate a space that dives deep into the complexities of navigating life through dating, work, stresses, and messes. At the time, I didn’t see anyone having the conversations I wanted to have with thoughtfulness, intentionality, and education with an undertone of queer humor. And I still don’t. But it was and still remains a priority of mine to elevate inclusivity because while most of the podcast conversation highlights the experiences in the LGBTQIA community, I welcome all stories of laughter, healing, and chaos as we grow together.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love who I show up as in all facets (which didn’t come easy), and I realize the power I bring to the world and in spaces, which sets me apart. No one is uniquely the same, which is why I enjoy conversing with folks. With my show specifically, I’m proud of the evolution. It was a thought that turned into a weekly conversation that went from audio to video with little strategy in the first two years. This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done because I’ve had to consistently do the work to prioritize my self-love and professional craft to ensure I show up authentically in myself, as I request of others. And then the production, writing, editing, and execution while maintaining a full-time job… it’s no small feat.

I eventually reached the point where it wasn’t solely me. I’m grateful to my co-producer and videographer, Darnell, for stepping in and understanding the vision to help elevate my brand and the show. But that also was a challenge I had to overcome, accepting help and trusting someone else to hold my dreams with care across the finish line. So, learning to trust myself and others was a lesson I’ve had to learn throughout this journey, because to continue to be a thoughtful and colorful storyteller, I have to lean on others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, I love a good vibe! I would take my best friend on a morning hike and then grab a smoothie. I love a chocolate, peanut butter protein situation at Kreation or Jamba, but I make it better at home. No shade. Then after we freshen up, we’d hit the spa and really zen out. I would have lunch at Bottega Louie, Wabi on Rose, or the Grill on the Alley. Following that, we’d check out the PCH because I thoroughly enjoy a beach sip-and-see moment. Now, a beach sip-and-see is vibes by the water, wine in hand, and not going into that ocean because, let’s be honest, it’s frigid and not the Caribbean. At this point, we’re feeling great; maybe we stop by some shops and squeeze in another wardrobe change for dinner at 1010 Wine & Events, or Laurel Hardware. I also love gathering my friends together, so it would be a table of 5, my best friend, and my local friends, and call it a good night. And I would repeat that same thing for a week. haha!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was on the road to becoming a pediatrician until I got asked to be on a show called ‘Generation Rap.’ This experience changed my life. This is a leadership program sponsored by the Carter Broadcast Group where a panel of teenagers choose their topics, and produce and host a weekly radio morning show on the biggest Hip-Hop station in my hometown of Kansas City, MO. So for that, thank you, G-Rap.

Website: archiejay.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archiejayspeaks/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archie-jay-wilson/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArchieJaySpeaks

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ArchieJay/videos

Image Credits
Credits: Darnell Davis, Kai Byrd, Cam Creative, Ray Love Jr.

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