Catching up with mr. royce, and the No shade just palm trees podcast.

No Shade Just Palm Trees was recently nominated for a Black Pod Award. Tell us about this experience

The experience from beginning to the end was something I have never experienced before, honestly.  Being acknowledged by your peers and being acknowledged alongside some major players in the industry such as Candace Park and other elite was humbling.  It confirmed what I already knew:  "I'm doing it right."  What's an even more exciting thought was if COVID didn't strike like it did, my cohost and I would've been in New York somewhere dressed to the nines, mingling with some of the finest in the black podcast arena.   Although we didn't win, the acknowledgement was enough for me. 

How did you learn of your nomination?  

I was actually at work at the time of finding out about the nomination.  Lately, email has been a lot more exciting than social media because those notifications are more interesting and exciting than stolen status updates and memes.

What was your initial reaction to the nomination? Who did you call first to share the news?  

My initial reaction, of course, was immediate happiness, I was overcome with emotions and simultaneously someone was chopping onions as I was driving.  I ain't gon'hold you, I cried like a baby because all the hard work and dedication was being acknowledged.  First people I called were my inner circle: my mom and pops, my co host Bonitasunshine, my best friend Az'sha and my girlfriend.  

 How has this nomination affected your outlook on your current craft? 

 It has affected me significantly but in a positive way.  Before, podcasting was just an outlet, something fun to do, but going into year two I realized people started to really resonate with the platform I created.  I look at other creatives--not just podcasts--as superheroes because I understand what goes into creating something out of nothing.  It's more of an appreciation of the arts.  I value integrity and authenticity differently now.  I don't like copycats or intellectual thieves because I understand what it takes to create. 

When did the idea for No Shade Just Palm Trees originate? 

May 22, 2018 was the first episode.  My first co host approached me with the idea because I would do these weekly stints on Facebook called "#StudiesShow" & "#NewRules" where I'd say something outlandish wrapped in truth but cloaked as a joke.  For example:  #NewRules Sex is not supposed to stink.  I was also posting monthly, I believe--my blog "The Animal Laws"--it's still up.  But it came from those things and she suggested we turn text to audio because people loved the content I was creating.  I was JustinLaBoy before Justin was LA Boy today.  I did a few episodes solo, then Bonitasunshine hit me up like "You don't have to talk to yourself, I can step in."  And that's how the dynamic duo was formed and we've been rocking ever since.  She's been a major component to the success of No Shade Just Palm Trees because she's so prepared, always ready to work, witty and a beacon of light.  Truly.

Describe the moment that you knew this idea had to become a reality.

Shit, when I spent my check on equipment.  Haha, no, but when I uploaded the first episode, I was like wow, I did it.  I was so nervous.  So much so I'd get drunk while recording.  If you can sit through it, which I don't recommend, go back and listen to the first nine or so episodes.  I'm drunk or on my way to being drunk.  It was nerves.  My best friend Az'sha fussed me out about it and I haven't drank on the podcast since.  Az'sha also is the person that told me I was the shit and to stop worrying about the numbers that will come.  But a little secret  Ep.163 featuring CrazyKarl from Ettrick, but that was more celebratory than anything. 

What were your first steps into making the podcast a reality? 

My first steps: Researching.  I read every book and article about podcasting and watched hours of how-to YouTube videos about podcasting because I don't like not knowing.  I don't like putting out subpar or mediocre content and slapping my name on it.  After I consumed all that information I spent that next month planning and purchasing equipment.  I'm a DIY guy.   

What emotions did you experience during the journey? How did you overcome nerves (if any)  

Oh man, pure nervousness at its highest level.  I'm not gonna sit here and pretend like I'm this calm, cool and collected guy 24/7.  I'm nervous during this interview, but I'm human.  I think that's important to remember that we're all human.  If any creative tries to feed you some shuck and jive bullshit about never feeling a type of way when showcasing something they put their heart and soul into?  They're lying.  Negative comments affect me.  It does.  I'm an artist.  An overachiever.  I want people to be satisfied and walk away with a sense of value.  Every time I hit "record" I'm nervous.  I don't think it's something you overcome, I think it's something you work through or with. Podcasting through the Pandemic 

 How has the pandemic shaped your business? Has it brought in more listeners? 

The pandemic forced me to step my game up, from sound quality to content, because nobody had the answers as to what to do and how to do it.  Everybody was winging it because there isn't an "industry standard," to refer to.  Anyway, by upgrading the hardware it allowed us greater capabilities such as remote recording which was pivotal for us because we needed to crank out content because people needed us.  And it definitely brought us more listeners, now, I can't tell you by how much, because I'm not a numbers guy.  I don't measure success by how many streams or listens or followers.  I measure it by the impact we have on--first our listeners and the culture--and second to the industry and general public.  

 What is the biggest takeaway from podcasting during the times of COVID?

 Biggest take away:  People love to be entertained but not lied to.  They want to laugh and have a good time and be informed at the sametime.  People ultimately want to like you and a part of what you have going on, but the second you lie or come off disingenuous?  They're ghosts.  They're out.  I mean, the fact that we've gone four years without visual, strictly audio and have been nominated for an award?  That speaks to our integrity.  We've never tried to be anyone but ourselves.  Sure, we've taken cues from our favorite podcasters like Joe Budden, from the podcast tag to playing music at the beginning and end, but we don't pretend to be music geeks or nerds.  We're lovers of music and casual consumers of it.  We don't pretend to be comedians, we're situational funny, because we're not comedians.  We're our unapologetic selves and people want to be "in" on everything you do because it's warm and fun.   For example:  I personally do not like John Legend, for no other reason than he's everywhere and nobody asked for him.  And people that listen will send me memes and articles or times that they see him.  It's like a running joke.  We're a judgment free come as you are, one size doesn't fit all black audio experience podcast. 

How does your team adjust during these times? Are meetings harder or easier to schedule? Meetings and all that were business as usual, it's just me and Bonitasunshine as the official team and we run this thing like a well oiled machine with text messages and emails.  It really didn't hinder us too much.  But the unofficial team for me consists of my parents, my brothers, Az'sha and my girlfriend.  I bounce ideas off of them or they present things to me that I should look at or should incorporate and I love and appreciate them for that.  And they have no problem DM'ing me, calling or texting me. Pushing the Envelope

 What is the craziest topic you have covered so far? What makes this stand out the most? 

The craziest topic I think we've covered was last year when an elementary school teacher taught some kids about masturbation to first graders with a cartoon.  I laughed my ass off at the outrage people had regarding the story.  I think that initial shock is what makes it stand out, because I saw the temperature on social media and within my co host.  She's a mother and was like no way!  And I was like everybody loves to say kids are smart but apparently it has its limits.  What I appreciate is that Bonita and our listeners never disqualified me from speaking because I'm not a parent currently.  I'll always be thankful to Bonita and the listeners for that.  Our listeners are highly intelligent.

What is a topic that you will never discuss on your podcast under any circumstance? 

Oh, there's no topic that I won't discuss, but what I will not do is debate anyone because it takes too much energy in my opinion.  I much rather learn or be taught something than to get my point across.  The value we present is to provoke thought, not change your mind.  If we can get you to look at something from a different perspective or say "Oh, I never thought about it like that."  Then our jobs are done.  I like to think of us as black culture detectives.  When you hear your favorite celebrity in a scandal we try to give a different outlook or plant a different idea of a given situation because everything is almost never what it seems.  Especially on the internet.

 What are some topics you would like to explore for future podcasts? 

 I'd definitely love to explore the black man in the LGBTQ community with complete transparency because I have so many questions that I believe people want the answers to.  I want to tackle financial literacy for marginalized communities and I really want to end the gender wars that are taking place today because I feel like it has damaged the state of our relationships today.  I don't just want to "have the conversation" or start it.  I want to come to a definitive conclusion to help the culture with a few laughs and jokes in between. 

Name your dream guest. What makes them so special? What is the one question you would "HAVE" to ask them?  

Dream Guest:  Pharrell Williams.  If the phrase "Be Yourself" was a person, it'd be Pharrell.  He's done so much without giving up his soul or the essence of who he is.  He doesn't move to anyone else's drum except his own.  The one question I'd ask him:  Is everybody in heaven butt ass or do you think you sport the same threads you have on at the funeral?  Haha, naw, but one question I'd ask after a dope interview: "Walk me through your biggest regret that is not pertaining to music or the entertainment industry?"

 What is the inspiration behind your topics? Any special formula?

 My inspiration stems from being relatable and understanding that being myself is interesting enough.  The way I think and the way I articulate subjects or topics inspire me.  My ability to take simple topics like Rihanna pregnancy and not care about the music but my first thought is A$AP Rocky in 2012 when he put the curling iron to his hair?  Man, look, he looks like a single mom trying to be a medical assistant.  That's where my brain goes.  It's not hate because I love A$AP Rocky's music but this is what I do, who I am.  It's not from a place of malice or trying to hurt someone, it's all in good fun.  I'm sure as the podcast elevates and reaches more people there will be someone out there saying "I hate Mr. Royce, ol'sleep face head ass."  And I will laugh.  It's the game. 

So, what excitement can we expect in the next chapter for No Shade Just Palm Trees? Other than more great, original, authentic content?  

Tuh, we're going to start putting faces to these voices real soon, so be on the lookout for that.  We're putting together for Black History Month, we're going to highlight a black person every Thursday starting February 3, 2022 with interviews and guest slots of influencers, entrepreneurs, creatives, etc., sort of like a modern day BHM.  We're also planning to do our first live show podcast this year. Fingers crossed.  We're looking for sponsors local and national, near and far so we can put on Cap City, VA.  Bring something new and different to the landscape because not all of us millennials want to be in a club.  Some of us like loud music and vibing, laughing, eating and learning at the same time.  Impact.  I want to impact the culture everywhere.  But that's the move.  And do more guest hosting with other podcasts and bring on more guests, we're working this year!  We also have an E-Newsletter that goes out every Friday as well, people can sign up for that too!