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A colorblind muralist who sees more clearly than most. That’s Trevor Lucas—founder of Anomaly Art Studio—whose life spans rural Louisiana, a military move to Virginia, and a bold career painting community stories on brick and concrete. We dive into faith as a daily practice, not a slogan, and how a solid moral compass reshapes conflict, marriage, fatherhood, and creative decisions. Trevor’s lens is simple: judge by fruit, love with courage, and let the work serve people first.

We explore the winter grind behind his Sentara “Community Care” murals in Newport News—paint that had to dodge rain and freezing temps—and the history embedded in the design: Black physicians, a community hospital, Smith Pharmacy, and a 1930s Black-owned funeral home. Then we head to Busch Gardens for his “I Am Virginian” piece, built for everyone to see themselves in it: Black, Hispanic, Asian, Indigenous, European, all centered in belonging. Along the way we tackle culture wars and NFL expansion with a clear take on representation: growth demands wider circles, not tighter gates.

Trevor opens up about trauma—abuse, addiction, and a near-fatal burglary at 15—then the boys’ home detox, the Navy, and the first ship murals that told him his gift mattered. He reflects on forgiveness, reconciling with his father and stepfather, and why unresolved childhood wounds often drive adult rage and hypermasculinity. We talk responsibility, too: microphones and paintbrushes shape behavior; leaders owe their audience honesty, empathy, and accountability.

We close with War Paint, Trevor’s group art therapy that pairs guided images—like breaking shackles—with raw conversation about recovery and identity. It’s visual activism with heart: give people something to look at and they’ll see new options for who they can be. Want more of Trevor’s work or to bring War Paint to your community? Visit anomalyartstudio.com and follow along. If this conversation moved you, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more listeners find these stories.

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A shy loan officer from Norfolk turned his nerves into rocket fuel and found a home under the lights. We sit with comedian Rome Davis to unpack the seven-year grind behind a “90 seconds or nothing” America’s Got Talent audition, the nightly rituals that calm the shakes, and the hard lesson that changed his voice: stop faking it and tell the truth.

Rome walks us through early reps at the Venue on 35th Street, where poets, musicians, and even wrestlers sharpened timing and stage presence side by side. He talks about building material from real life—family, work, grief—and why honest jokes quiet hecklers better than any clapback. We trace the milestones: DC Improv, Baltimore, Mohegan Sun, a Laugh Factory shot that felt impossible, and a first WHRO Story Exchange special that proved long-form storytelling still hits. Along the way, he shares how watching sets on mute, studying crowd work greats like DL Hughley, and borrowing rhythm from wrestling promos improved his delivery and connection.

Beyond the stage, Rome opens up about being an introvert who needs silence after shows, how meditation and reading help him reset, and why he uploads full sets on YouTube instead of chasing clips. We dive into satire and church culture, the belief that comedy can ease racism by spotlighting shared experiences, and the simple aim that drives every gig: give people a real laugh after a long day. If you want a candid blueprint for building a stand-up career—writing, testing, trimming, and trusting your voice—this conversation meets you where you are.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, subscribe, and share with a friend who needs a laugh. Leave a review to help more people find the show, and tell us: what truth do you wish more comics would talk about?

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Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al Neely

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What if the cleanest joke in the room is also the funniest? We sit down with Quincy Carr—the self-styled “Quality Comedy King”—to unpack how a Navy vet from Austin built a stand-up career that wins over churches, cruise ships, comedy clubs, and television without leaning on profanity. The turning point came when a church booker heard past the curses and saw the core: an act that connects. From there, Quincy refined a simple promise—respect the audience, read the room, and be undeniably funny.

We trace his early missteps and breakthroughs: studying legends on VHS, learning why comics can’t “cover” bits, and writing the first original joke about his stutter that still stops crowds. He explains how a club owner’s advice shattered the “mainstream vs urban” myth: comedy isn’t black or white, it’s about empathy and timing. That mindset formed the backbone of the Quality Comedy Series—now in season 14 at Dave & Buster’s—where headliners like Omar Gooding and Cocoa Brown took the no-profanity challenge and crushed. It’s a master class in constraint as creativity.

Quincy also takes us aboard as a Norwegian Cruise Line headliner, where he collects material from real life: water-slide wipeouts, lactose bravado, and the strange fame of being recognized by thousands at sea. He breaks down why he avoids engaging hecklers, how he writes daily from observation, and what it’s like to turn awkward fan moments into perspective. We dive into his TV footprint through Coast Comedy Live with the local CBS affiliate, his global Dry Bar special, and his self-produced milestone “Too Young for 40”—each step proof that when doors don’t open, you can build your own stage.

If you’re curious about crafting jokes that last, leading with respect, and growing a regional scene into a credible platform, this conversation has playbook energy. Tap follow, share with a friend who loves stand-up, and leave a review with your favorite lesson from Quincy’s journey—what part changed how you see comedy?

Support the show

Do us a favor and like, comment, share, and subscribe so you don't miss any future episodes. To see the full video on YouTube go to Listen Up with Host Al Neely

Reach out to us on our socials and hit us up with any questions!

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Website: listenup.biz

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