By Jermaine Sain

Before I share my thoughts about pursuing your dreams, I want to briefly explain why I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKER".   It's really simple!  I believe that you have to first SPEAK what you want to do before you can make it happen.  I once heard someone say that when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it. This is a concept I've continually tried to apply.  Many things that I've spoken outloud have happened.   I don't know if it's because I've continued to repeat them or if it's soley because I spoke it.  Also, I'm not saying that things have been exactly how I've spoken them or that everything I've spoken has happened.  However, I am saying that I've definitely seen links between what I've said and what's happened in my life.   
 In short, I call my supporters and followers "SPEAKERS" because I'm encouraging you to SPEAK into your life the things that you want, as I do the same.  I'm hoping that my words and personal journey will inspire you to become a follower of When We Speak TV (my dream) and encourage you to pursue your dreams​.

​The simpliest reason you should pursue your dream is because life is short and you don't know how much time you have on this earth but also it gives you a sense of purpose and direction.  When I first started When We Speak TV, my purpose was to meet singers and musicians in the Atlanta area and that was solely the driving force but, as I continued to meet people, I started to realize that it was pushing me outside of my comfort zone and challenging me to develop new skills that I never anticipated.  Through that process of development and growth, came fulfillment and meaningfulness to life. 
Pursuing a dream gives you something to strive for, something to look forward to.  Your journey can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation for others in pursuit of their own dreams.

Why do so many of us put our dreams on hold?  I think the biggest reason is fear....fear of judgement, fear of the unknown, fear of failure, but that fear is totally normal.  I can't express to you how many times in a day that I'm fearful about something as it relates to When We Speak TV.  I'm fearful that we wont be accepted into certain arenas because we don't have a huge following.  I'm fearful that people won't like the content that we produce.   To be honest, the list would take up the entire article but I've had to learn not to let my fear dictate my decisions. 
When I think about overcoming fear, I specifically think about something that Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked said to me. I'm paraphasing but in so many words he said not to be afraid of the mistakes because the mistakes are part of the journey.
​

​It's easy to doubt your abilities and question whether you're capable of achieving your goals. However, it's important to remember that self-doubt doesn't define who you are or what you're capable of. I've been challenging myself to replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  When I want to talk about something negative, I challenge myself to end it on a positive.  That goes back to what I mentioned earlier, "when you SPEAK thoughts aloud, your ears will hear it which allows your heart to believe it".   

Although I believe that fear is the greatest obstacle when pursuing your dreams, I also believe that most people don't pursue their dreams because they are trying to do too much at one time.  I'm definitely guilty of that.  It's important to take on smaller tasks that get you to your overall goal.  
When I think of setting goals, I think about eating a cherry pie.  Why a cherry pie?  I don't know!!!
If you decide to eat a whole cherry pie, you don't start consuming it from the middle of the pie and you don't stuff the entire pie in your mouth.  Instead, you slice the pie into portions that you believe are consumable and you eat each slice separately, until you have ultimately eaten the entire pie.  

Just like cutting that cherry pie, break down your goals into smaller milestones and set actionable steps.  Some steps may be greater than others but at least you've laid out the plan which makes it easier to consume and easier to track your progress.
Don't forget about deadlines!  I know most of us don't like them but if you set a deadline for yourself to have something done, it may be easier to hold yourself accountable.  I don't know why that is but it just seems to be better. 
Be realistic and flexible with your deadlines so that it doesn't overwhelm you.  If you know that you can't have something done by tomorrow, then set the deadline for the following day or following week. 
Remember that the ultimate goal is to make your dream a reality, not to get burned out and overwhelmed in the process.

I will be the first to tell you that it can be difficult to stay positive when you feel that your dream is not successful but a positive mindset is essential to pursuing your dreams.  Focus on the endless possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead, rather than dwelling on the road blocks.  
When I first started When We Speak TV, there was a statement that I would say regularly that I now know was essential to my success.  I need to incorporate it more....I call it a "You Never Know" mindset. I call it this because I noticed a few years ago that I would open my mind up to possiblities by saying "You Never Know where this could lead" or "You Never Know, this may allow me to meet other people" or "You Never Know, maybe this is the video that will go viral".
Those are just examples but I hope you get what I'm saying.  Having a "You Never Know" mindset kept me excited about the possibility that what I was doing may open up a new opportunity in the future.  Staying motivated throughout your journey can be challenging, especially when faced with setbacks or obstacles. Find what motivates you and use it as fuel to keep going. It could be a vision board that reminds you of your goals, a playlist of motivational songs, or regular check-ins with an accountability partner.

​Something else that has been beneficial in maintaining my "You Never Know" mindset has been celebrating my wins.  Its easy to forget how far you've come when you are only focused on where you're going.  It's important that you celebrate your progress along the way.  No matter how small.   
That doesn't mean that you have to throw a party everytime you succeed at something.  Sometimes that may only be that you take a moment to look back at how far you've come.  A personal practice of mine is, I like to go back and watch some of my previous episodes and I remember the struggles that I overcame.  It also ignites me to remember the obstacles that I've already tackled. 

​I hope this small article has encouraged you to pursue your dream.  No matter what that dream is.  I truly believe that the pursuit of your dream is a journey worth taking. It requires what one of my favorite artists would say, "Strengh, Courage, and Wisdom".  That's India Arie, in case you don't know.
Take it one slice at a time and maintain a "You Never Know" mindset and it will help you immensely along your journey.  Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination.
So, SPEAKER, it's time to pursue your dreams. SPEAK them outloud, hear the words you SPEAK, believe what you SPEAK, and take that first step. The world is waiting for you to make it happen.
What Do You SPEAK?

If this article has inspired you in any way, I would like to encourage you to share it with your friends or someone that you feel would be inspired by it and also follow When We Speak TV on social media. 
​We can't wait to SPEAK with you!!!

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Let Freedom Sing is a free, family friendly event that occurs on July 4th.  Nashvillians and visitors from all over come to celebrate the holiday in downtown Music City.  ​

The summer heat was turned up even hotter with the activities, and concerts.  We began the day in Music City Walk of Fame Park, at the Amazon Family Fun Zone, which included inflatables, live music, a cooling station, and free samples of Dr Pepper's new Strawberries and Cream.   ​

Thereafter, we head to Hyatt Centric hotel to speak with rising country artist, Tiera Kennedy, who performed the national anthem and opened the main show at Jack Daniel's Broadway Stage. ​

As the night drew closer, inclement weather brought the show to a pause but eventually the celebration continued with an explosive performance from country music superstar, Brad Paisley.....and ending the event with one of the country's largest July 4th fireworks shows synchonized to live music from the Nashville Symphony.  ​

During Bounce TV's red carpet premiere of Xernona Clayton: A Life in Black and White, Jermaine Sain speaks with guests such as Ambassador Andrew Young, Louis Gossett Jr, Mahdi Cocci, Timon Kyle Durrett, Jonathan Slocumb, and more about Xernona Clayton's influence in their lives.

​Xernona Clayton, an extraordinary woman who has impacted our country so respectfully and quietly that many aren’t aware of her enormous contributions. 
Her incredible career became the first Black woman in the South to have her own TV show, helped write the blueprint to desegregate hospitals in the South and even convinced a KKK Grand Dragon to renounce his position as well as the organization.

It goes without saying that we thoroughly enjoy speaking with creatives and music artists.  But more importantly, we want every person that watches a When We Speak TV interview or video to see the motivation and inspiration within it.
We recently spoke with saxophonist Dexter Tolson who is not only a veteran of the US Army but also a great example of determination.

We hope that as you view this 'What Do YOU Speak?' segment that you are empowered, encouraged, and determined to reach your dreams as well......

WEBSITE:  DexterTolson.com
INSTAGRAM:  Dexter.Tolson
FACEBOOK:  Dexter Tolson

Hey ya'll this is going to be a really short blog....I really just wanted to share with you the beautiful hat that I created for a party.  
Each year, a friend of mine hosts a holiday party. Each year, she has a different theme.  
For 2022, she wanted everyone to wear white or off white, and gold.

You know Jermaine Sain (ME) couldn't just show up in the colors without a statement piece.  That's when I came up with my idea of decorating a hat.  

Hey Speakers, It's Jermaine Sain of When We Speak TV at the GBC Met Gala and Icon Awards Dinner, celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Gwen's Business Corner with Deonta B. honoring past show guests as well as, business and entertainment industry icons who have had continued growth and success in their industry, such as Jason Lee of Hollywood Unlocked and Tamika Scott of Xscape. 

On July 17th, the city of Norcross, GA, will have Dexter Tolson on the Jazz In The Alley Stage!!!! 
Saxophonist, Dexter Tolson, invites YOU out to the 2022 Jazz In The Alley concert series in Norcross, Georgia.

Many of you already know that When We Speak TV attended the 2022 Black Music Honors in Atlanta, and covered the Red Carpet.....well we just want to share with you really quickly that our very own, Jermaine Sain, shined during the red carpet event!!!!!!   Check out him custom tuxedo jacket.... 
HE DID THAT!!!

Stay tuned for our red carpet coverage of the 2022 Black Music Honors Red Carpet!!!

The HISTORY® Channel premieres its new one-hour documentary
“Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War” on Monday, February 21st at 11PM ET/PT. Executive
Produced and narrated by historian and social justice advocate Kareem Abul-Jabbar, and Deborah
Morales of Iconomy Multi-Media & Entertainment, the documentary takes a close look at one of the most studied, debated, and dissected periods in American history, the Civil War, and the heroic figures whose bravery and selfless contributions helped define and reshape the reality of a democracy. 

The end of the Revolutionary War in 1783 saw a new nation break free from the shackles of British tyranny, but for hundreds of thousands of African Americans, the struggle for freedom was far from over. When the Civil War first began, of the 4.3 million African Americans living in the U.S., 3.9 million of them were still enslaved. At its core, the Civil War was about African American’s fight for their freedom and the opportunity to create a better life for themselves in a country they helped nurture and build.

​Anchored by sit down interviews and personal narratives from Abdul-Jabbar, coupled with anecdotes from noteworthy historians and authors, “Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War” takes an in-depth look into the events and figures who laid the foundational blocks of freedom for African Americans in the U.S. such as lesser-known figures like former enslaved man turned war hero Robert Smalls and Union spy Mary Richards, to wellknown heroessuch as influential abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Underground Railroad pioneer Harriet Tubman.  The Civil War highlighted the gross racial inequalities that still existed in this country carried over from a pre-abolitionist era, but also brought forth crucial figures who stepped up to eradicate inequality, paved the way for various freedom movements to come and showed that true democracy can be achieved. 

​“Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War” marks the NBA Legend’s third documentary with the network, who received an Emmy nomination in 2020 for outstanding narrator in “Black Patriots: Heroes of the Revolution.” “Black Patriots: Heroes of the Civil War" is produced for The HISTORY® Channel by the Six West Media group. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Deborah Morales serve as executive producers for Iconomy Multi-Media & Entertainment. Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, Jessica Conway and Stephen Mintz are executive producers for the Six West Media group. Jennifer Wagman serves as executive producer for The HISTORY® Channel.

​Huge thanks to VoyageATL for featuring Jermaine Sain and When We Speak TV!!!!  Thank you so much for the love and support!!!! 

ABOUT NELSON RAMOS
​(from sonjazzy.com)​
I was born in Guayama, Puerto Rico, on the Caribbean side of the Island. I come from a family of distinguished musicians, to include my Grandfather who was a master luthier. My musical journey started by observing my uncle’s orchestra, and playing and studying percussion instruments since the age of 5, to include drums, congas, bongos and timbales. My first live performance was at the age 7 with My Uncle's Salsa Orchestra at the Fiestas Patronales de Guayama, Puerto Rico. In 1974 my Father moved us to Atlanta, GA where I continued to play drums and percussion instruments. In June 1979, I graduated High School in Atlanta from Sylvan Hills High School. In 1980 I joined the military and traveled to Europe, and returned back to Puerto Rico in 1983, where I started to study and play guitar and piano with local salsa bands. I left Puerto Rico in July 1985 and moved back to Atlanta, GA and started to study and learn jazz guitar and piano with musical instruction and mentors such as Bill Brannon, Felix Febles, Jazz Organist Joshua Seabrook, percussionist Skip Burney, and drummer Steve Ellington. I started to play regular jazz gigs with local jazz groups, attending jam sessions, studying, performing and collaborating with jazz musicians and groups in the Atlanta area. In July 1991, I organized, recorded South Side Trio, and performed in the 1992 Atlanta Jazz Festival at Grant Park. The Southside Trio was an organ, guitar and drum jazz trio, selected among many local groups to perform in the 1992 Atlanta Jazz Festival. We had the privilege and honor of performing on the same stage where Horace Silver, Carter Jefferson, and Freddie Hubbard performed.

In 1995, I went back in the service and studied piano at the U.S. School of Music at Little Creek Naval Installation in Virginia Beach, VA. I continued the John Mehegan Piano Jazz studies program (1) Jazz Improvisation Tonal and Rhythmic Principles, (2) Jazz Rhythm and the Improvised Line, (3) Swing and Early Progressive Piano Styles, (4) Contemporary Jazz Piano Styles. I was later stationed in Kobe Barracks, Panama, where I performed for local dignitaries, and performed for the Southern Command’s activities for General Wesley Clark. In addition, I performed for Panama’s premier female jazz vocalist Ms. Barbara Wilson. I played with members of Panamanian National Band, and performed weekly at Las Bovedas Restaurant in the French Quarters of Panama City, Ciudad Panama. In 1997 I moved to San Antonio, Texas where I played with: Luis Shati Orchestra, El Combo Rican Orchestra, Orchestra Tropicana, and Orchestra Esencia Latina, backing the best salsa singers such as El Cano Estremera, Luisito Carrion, Albita, Paquito Guzman, and many others. In June 2001 I moved back to Puerto Rico where I performed with my Uncle’s Orchestra, “Orquesta La Grande”. In June 2004, I moved to New Orleans, LA where I played with Blues singer Jimmy Hicks, Ashe Son, Freddie Omar, and many other local jazz and Latin Jazz groups. Performed weekly at Tippitinas’s, Harrah's Casino New Orleans, and Café Brazil in the French Quarter. Performed in the 2006 French Quarter Festival with Asheson, at the 2007 New Orleans Jazz Festival with Ashe Son Cuban Group, and Freddie Omar’s Salsa Band.

From June 2006 to June 2008, I moved to Baltimore, MD were I performed with local bands in Baltimore, and D.C., and performed piano at the Barrack Obama Mambo Inauguration "Mambo" party with Ted David and his Orquesta “La Leyenda” out of Washington, D.C. I recently performed at the 2015 French Quarter Festival with Fredy Omar Con Su Banda. I am currently living and working in Roswell, GA where I lead and direct Son Jazzy Orchestra and perform with other Jazz and Latin groups in the City of Atlanta, Georgia and Southeast United States. Son Jazzy has performed at several venues in the Atlanta Metro area to include Our Place Cafe & Bakery, Churchill Grounds, Loca Luna Restaurant, the Sweet Auburn Festivals, Johnny's Bistro and Pizza, and the Atlanta International Jazz Festival May 2012, New Orleans French Quarter Festival 2015, New Orleans Cervantes International Guitar Festival 2016, City of San Juan, Puerto Rico Adoquin Jazz nights, May 2016. I am also a United States Army Gulf and Iraq War Veteran. I served for over 25 years, and served in leadership positions for over 20 years.