In-depth and nuanced discussions and complex topics; tuning in to turn it up live

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The pandemic brought forth a lot of truths for us as a society. One of these truths is that working together on a global scale can shift the needle toward global restructuring. One of the most significant advantages is that it allows for a larger pool of resources and skills to be shared among members of a group. This can lead to greater economic and political power, which can be used to address issues affecting the group, such as discrimination, inequality, and social injustice.

Working together can help to create a sense of unity and solidarity among members of the group, which can strengthen their resolve and resilience in the face of adversity. It can also lead to increased awareness and understanding of the challenges facing a group of people across the world, which can help to build stronger alliances and support networks.

It is why we as a paper continue to stretch outside of Toronto, to bring the stories of community engagement, and powerful action. This week, we are not going too far; let’s take a trip right across the Niagara Falls border.

I met Michael Anthony at an event in Toronto, and upon meeting him, I was intrigued. He shared with me that he was from Buffalo; I noticed that even though he was not from here, he seemed to know a lot of people. I decided to get to know a little bit about Michael and the work he does.

Michael introduced me to his organization Turn it Up! It is a service-oriented community-based organization mentoring, coaching, and guiding youth, and adults to achieve personal, financial, and emotional growth through education and empowerment.

One of his marketing tools for Turn it Up Productions is a podcast platform strategically named Turn it Up Live. It has become highly effective in delivering his message and creating a strong connection with his audience. He has found a way to create a more personal and intimate experience and build trust and credibility with the audience.

Turn it Up Live provides in-depth and nuanced discussions of complex topics, and when I spoke with Michael this week, he opened up a little more on what his goals are with Turn it Up!

“Each podcast, I target a different audience. I identify youth who have a mindset of growth, those who are serious. I have had grade seven and eights come on my show and speak to their elevated experience. It is not about getting a job and working for someone. I want young people to be able to identify with other young entrepreneurs on their level.”

Turn it Up Live has a broad target base, and to service them all, Michael selectively picks topics and shifts his marketing to accommodate each target base.

Career Path Ages 12-17
This age group is provided with preparation material to direct them towards high school and throughout their high school career. The focus is the fundamentals of education and career choices. The goal here is to educate and empower them to find out what the student would like to do as a career and help streamline them with their course choices.

Career Path Ages 18-24
This age group is headed to post-secondary school, or already attending. They are provided with information, workshops, and programming to direct them in their desired career. The goal here is to educate and empower them so they have opportunities for internship or co-op programs that will provide experience within their career PATH.

Career Path Ages 25-Up
Information delivered to this group is focused on those who have likely completed post-secondary or have started to work within their career PATH. They receive professional insight and support towards furthering their careers and learning ways to reach new levels. The goal here is to educate and empower them to enhance their skills and knowledge.

“With the upcoming podcasts, I am targeting communities where financial education is not broad. I want to continue to use my platform to educate, empower and provide strategy. We have to use the same strategies that have helped other communities become financially successful, pivot these strategies, and make them our own. A start is educating people on the systems that are not taught in schools, ones involving: stocks and trades, financial planning, health, and wealth, saving, you know teaching our youth how to make money work for them.

Health awareness is also very important. We allow our politicians to serve us lower quality foods, and of course the other poison that they put in our communities. Many of us don’t know how to take care of our bodies. This is why I am bringing on this brilliant young doctor Dr. Dee Green; I want her to speak on her wealth of knowledge and impact our listeners, give them food for thought.” 

I love it!

What I love even more is that our community has grown; we encourage readers to support Michael Anthony and Turn it Up Productions; this is how we nation build.