What does it really take to make a meaningful film when the story is personal, the journey is long, and the stakes are real?

In this powerful episode of A Conversation with Host Floyd Marshall Jr., host Floyd Marshall Jr. and co-host Okema T. Moore sit down with Cori Robinson — singer, actress, and executive producer — for an unfiltered conversation every filmmaker needs to hear.

Cori Robinson shares her real journey through the creative industry, from early artistic breakthroughs to moments of survival, self-doubt, and resilience. She opens up about sleeping at the YMCA, navigating the realities of independent filmmaking, and what it means to carry the responsibility of telling a story rooted in legacy.

At the center of this episode is Cori’s work as Executive Producer of the documentary I Was Born This Way, which explores the life and legacy of Carl Bean — Motown recording artist, minister, activist, and the original voice behind the anthem that later inspired Lady Gaga. Cori discusses what it means to protect truth, integrity, and humanity when telling a story that belongs not just to history, but to family.

This conversation is especially valuable for:

• Independent filmmakers

• Documentary directors and producers

• Film festival creators

• Storytellers navigating long production timelines

• Creatives balancing purpose, survival, and sustainability

Topics covered include:

• The unseen emotional and financial costs of filmmaking

• Why some films take years — and why that matters

• How to keep going when the industry tests your resolve

• Story ownership, legacy, and ethical storytelling

• Advice Cori wishes she had earlier in her career

This episode isn’t about overnight success.
It’s about endurance, responsibility, and why some stories demand to be told — no matter how long it takes.

If you’re a filmmaker questioning whether the journey is worth it, this conversation will remind you why you started.

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Amajae Hardy-Jones joins A Conversation With Floyd Marshall Jr. for a powerful, faith-centered deep dive into her journey from Philadelphia stages to Los Angeles film sets, proving what’s possible when purpose meets preparation.

In this inspiring conversation, Amajae shares how early training in theater, her transformative experiences at the Kimmel Center, and a decade of mentorship prepared her for roles in major productions—including BET+’s Angel, where she stars as Brandi. She opens up about navigating self-doubt, the reality of rejection in Hollywood, and how faith, discipline, and relentless professionalism shape her career.

You’ll hear how Amajae:

• Discovered her passion for acting watching Brandy & Whitney Houston’s Cinderella
• Trained rigorously from age 14, including with Eli & Lou Entertainment and I Can Act
• Took a leap of faith to move across the country and build her career in LA
• Handles “no” as redirection, not rejection
• Built Aspire to Inspire, her platform spotlighting creative journeys
• Became the assistant to powerhouse film producer Angela White of Silver Lining Entertainment
• Uses networking and character preparation to book rooms, not just roles

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This episode is a masterclass for actors, filmmakers, and anyone pursuing creative dreams. Packed with wisdom on craft, character development, industry relationships, faith, and resilience—it’s a must-listen for emerging artists ready to level up.

🎧 Perfect for listeners searching for:

acting advice • film industry insights • faith-driven motivation • Hollywood career paths • overcoming doubt • audition mindset • creative resilience • indie filmmaking • mentorship stories • entertainment business strategy

👇 If you’re a creator, young actor, or visionary—this episode will pour into you. Dive in.

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Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

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Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:

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In this episode of A Conversation with Floyd Marshall Jr. & Co-host Okema T. Moore, we sit down once again with Tracey Baker-Simmons — a 30+ year entertainment industry veteran, executive producer, and pioneer of reality television. From music videos and independent film to creating the iconic series Being Bobby Brown starring Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, Tracey has seen Hollywood transform from the inside out — and she’s evolved right alongside it.

Today, Hollywood is shifting again — studios consolidating, content pipelines tightening, AI reshaping workflows, and global production strategies changing the landscape. But is Hollywood really “dying,” or is it simply reinventing itself?

Tracey breaks down:

• Why major brands are building their own studio infrastructures

• How creators can adapt and stay competitive

• Why ownership and education are becoming the new power currencies

• How to position yourself and your projects for the next era of film and television

Whether you’re a filmmaker, aspiring producer, digital storyteller, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is a masterclass in mindset, strategy, and longevity in a rapidly evolving industry.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to stay ahead of the shift — not behind it.

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Submit Your Film to Our Film Collective:

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Connect With Floyd Marshall Jr:

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