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
Abdul Karim Abdullah: Pressure is a Privilege
December 3, 2025 · 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
More Episodes
Kayla Nicole: Leaning in to Your Yes Season
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
Whitney Headen: You Can’t Make Me Feel Imposter Syndrome. I’m Not an Imposter
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
Justin Frett: How to Never Betray Yourself
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
Toni Chapman: How to Know It’s Time to Leave
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
Charlamagne Tha God: Keep That Same Energy
Oct 29 · 1h 3m
Imani and Ike discuss whether therapy has become too “cosmetic.” Imani sits down with Charlamagne Tha God to discuss why he’s no longer as mean as he used to be, building a business using the ‘Iceberg Effect’, and what he’s learned about life and love. Content Warning: Please note that this episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can call or text 988 and be connected to help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joey Bada$$: I Refuse to Be One Thing
Oct 22 · 59m
The conversation on zodiac continues as Ike breaks down the basics for Imani while the two discuss their optimal work environment styles. Joey BadA$$ joins Imani to talk conspiracy theories, embodying Virgo energy, why he’s no longer drinking alcohol, and how to overcome overthinking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kamie Crawford: the Moment I Knew: the Power of Trusting Yourself
Oct 15 · 1h 6m
In the season two premiere of CultureCon Uncut, Imani and Ike break down their dating attachment styles and whether birth order is actually a stronger compatibility indicator than zodiac signs. TV host and model Kamie Crawford discusses her dating non-negotiables, trusting herself and the unexplainable power of premonition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Culturecon Uncut Season 2 Trailer
Oct 3 · 0m
CultureCon Uncut is back for Season 2! This time Imani is joined by your problematic fave, Ike Slimster, plus an inspiring lineup of creatives and entrepreneurs — including Joey Bada$$, Kamie Crawford, Charlamagne Tha God, and more. Follow CultureCon Uncut on Spotify to watch new video episodes every week, starting Wednesday, October 15. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Rickey Thompson: Staying True to You [video]
Oct 3 · 33m
[Video Available on Spotify] The glow-up really hits differently when you’ve been working on your craft. In this episode, Imani sits down with Forbes Top 50 Creator Rickey Thompson to discuss self-acceptance and showing up unapologetically as yourself in every space. Rickey also shares his views on dating do’s and don'ts, how his childhood bullies reacted when he ascended to social media fame, the importance of affirmations in his life, and his Real Housewives Mount Rushmore. If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow, rate, and review our show! Resources Follow Imani on Instagram: @imaniimani Follow Rickey on Instagram: @rickeythompson Stay Up to Date with CultureCon Watch on Youtube: www.youtube.com/@CultureCon Follow CultureCon on Instagram: www.instagram.com/culturecon Visit our Website: www.theccnyc.com/culturecon Produced by Spotify & CultureCon Studios Creative Producer: Jade Whaley Technical Producers: T Cruz and Gemma Watters Lead Producer: Jonathan Ratliff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices