GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter MAJOR. fresh off his Billboard #1 single "I Prayed For You" joins Culture Raises US to share his powerful journey-from the story behind his viral hit "Why I Love You" to using his platform for social justice and cultural change. MAJOR. opens up about the importance of unwavering authenticity,
explaining how faith and genuine self-expression are his true superpowers
for shaping culture and inspiring others.

He discusses how "Why I Love You" began as a spontaneous moment but
evolved into a soulful anthem about love, reciprocity, and embracing your
honest truth13. The song, which has become a wedding classic and was even
dubbed "wedding song of the year" by Stevie Wonder, was written as a love
letter to and from God, reflecting MAJOR.'s deep spiritual roots and belief in
the transformative power of love.

The conversation explores MAJOR.'s advocacy for diversity and inclusion, his
commitment to challenging industry norms, and his passion for amplifying
diverse voices in creative spaces. Drawing on his own experiences at
Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, MAJOR.
highlights the lasting impact of arts education on his life and career.

He leaves listeners with three essential "seeds" for cultivating cultural growth:
stay consistent, stay excellent, and stay ready. This episode is packed with
heart, wisdom, and insights for anyone seeking to find their voice and make a
difference.

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity and faith are foundational to MAJOR.'s artistry and
  activism.
• "Why I Love You" is a soulful anthem about reciprocity, honesty, and
  embracing your truth.
• Arts education, like MAJOR.'s experience at HSPVA, can be
  transformative for young creatives.
• Diversity and inclusion are vital for cultural progress-MAJOR. champions the power of all voices.
• Social justice and self-expression go hand in hand in shaping culture.
• Consistency, excellence, and readiness are keys to personal and cultural growth.
• MAJOR. uses his platform to pour into others, especially those who are often overlooked.
• Love, both given and received, is a powerful force for change.

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The Creative Journey is the podcast for ambitious creators, artists, and professionals who want to go beyond chasing titles and accolades to build a life of true meaning and impact. Hosted by a seasoned creative leader who’s worked at the intersection of fashion, music, and corporate innovation, each episode dives deep into the real stories, mindset shifts, and hard-won lessons behind creative success.

Join us as we explore what it means to shift from seeking personal achievement to making a difference for others, featuring candid conversations about overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing authenticity, and building resilience through rejection. Expect inspiring interviews, behind-the-scenes moments, and practical strategies for thriving in creative industries-plus a few legendary music stories along the way.

Tune in every week and start your journey from success to significance. Follow us on Instagram for exclusive content and join our community of creators redefining what it means to win.

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Go behind the seams with visionary designer Charles Harbison, founder of the
luxury brand Harbison, on this episode of Culture Raises US. Charles reveals
the powerful influences behind his designs-from the enduring elegance of his
mother’s style to the vibrant tapestry of Black culture that shapes his
aesthetic.

Discover how Charles is redefining luxury through boldness, personalization,
and empowering self-expression. He shares how his custom work helps
clients unlock their unique style and confidence, blending modernity with
cultural heritage. Charles also opens up about the central role that faith and
community play in his creative journey and business.

The conversation delves into the future of authentic cultural exchange and
meaningful diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in fashion. Charles
emphasizes the importance of representation, ownership, and pushing for
systemic change within the industry.

For anyone passionate about fashion, culture, and the stories behind the
creators shaping our world, this episode offers inspiring insights and a call to
embrace boldness and authenticity.

Key Takeaways:

• Charles Harbison’s design philosophy is rooted in honoring heritage and
  embracing bold self-expression.
• His luxury brand blends culture, modernity, and sustainability with a
  personalized approach.
• The elegance and confidence inspired by his mother’s style deeply
  influence his work.
• Faith and community are foundational to Charles’s creative and
  business practices.
• Authentic cultural exchange and DEI initiatives are critical for the future
  of fashion.
• Representation must lead to ownership and decision-making power in the industry
• Custom fashion empowers clients to find and express their unique identities.
• Charles’s journey includes overcoming burnout and redefining success on his own terms.
• His designs have dressed icons like Beyoncé, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Ava Duvernay.

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What if joy and activism could start with a simple swap? In this episode of Culture Raises US, Grace Harry introduces 'Swap Me' -a community-driveninitiative designed to foster meaningful relationships, reduce mindless consumption, and ignite personal and collective change. Grace shares her journey of shedding materialism, reflecting on how true fulfillment comes from community support and mindful exchange rather than accumulating possessions.The conversation explores the many faces of activism, from everyday choices to systemic change, and highlights the power of small actions in building a more connected, supportive world. Discover how shifting from consumerism to community engagement can spark a revolution of joy and lasting impact.

Key Takeaways

• Swap Me' fosters community and curbs excessive consumption.
• Personal growth often begins with letting go of materialism.
• Community support is vital in a world that often prioritizes individualism.
• Activism can be both bold and quiet-every action counts.
• Relationships and connections matter more than possessions.
• Consumerism can be addictive; shedding it leads to deeper fulfillment.
• The pandemic underscored the need for strong support systems.
• Inner change is as crucial as outer activism for real progress.
• Small, mindful actions can transform lives and communities

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Are you holding back your best work?

On this episode of Culture Raises US, host Astor sits down with renowned
artist Hebru Brantley to talk about the importance of releasing your creativity
into the world. Hebru shares why you shouldn’t let fear or perfectionism keep
your projects hidden away, and what it truly means to “die empty.”

Tune in for a powerful conversation about the realities of being a creative,
building a legacy, and the cycles of influence that shape our communities.

Whether you’re an artist, a dreamer, or simply looking for inspiration to take
your next step, this episode will challenge you to share your gifts—before it’s
too late.

Listen now on iHeart, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your
podcasts.

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Astor sits down with Terrence Williams who is a co-founder of Inflection Point Entertainment, Culture Raises Us new production partner. They explore the essence of culture, the vision behind Inflection Point Entertainment, and the importance of authenticity in storytelling. They discuss the significance of living in the moment and embracing life's unexpected turns, emphasizing that the journey is just as important as the destination. The dialogue highlights personal growth, partnership, and the shared experiences that shape their creative endeavors.

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Welcome to a new season of Culture Raises Us—the show where culture isn’t just observed, it’s lived, challenged, and elevated. We tap in with the creators and trailblazers across music, fashion, sports, tech, and entertainment who are shaping what’s now and what’s next.

This isn’t just conversation—it’s a call to be mindful stewards of influence, and to reimagine what the future of culture can look like when we move with purpose.

Follow Culture Raises Us and press play—because culture doesn’t wait, and neither should you.

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Summary

The conversation between Astor Chambers and Shanti Das explores the concept of culture and its various facets. They discuss the importance of recognizing and preserving Black culture, which encompasses movement, people, vibration, and lifestyle.

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