The blueprint recap™

The Unwritten Blueprint:
The Recipes That Raised Us 

Our first episode established Blueprint The Culture™ as a space to document the lessons, strategies, and lived experiences our elders never wrote down; so our community can build with clarity, not guesswork.

Behind the Blueprint:
Building Buffalo’s Future 

This episode gave listeners a closer look at the new Buffalo Mayor-Elect through the eyes of two women who’ve worked with him for years; why they trust his leadership, why they agreed to guide the transition, and the career journeys that shaped their readiness for this role.

The Thankful Still Blueprint:
Love, Loss and Legacy We Stand On

This Thanksgiving, we talked about grief, gratitude, and legacy with Doreen Arrington, who just laid her mother to rest a month ago. Through her story and her business, E3 Designs, she showed how healing becomes a blueprint we carry forward.

The Deeper Dive:
Answering The Questions Our Community is Really Asking

Last time, we scratched the surface. This time, we went all the way in. The community asked for clarity, real answers to real questions about leadership transitions and what these changes actually mean for Buffalo and Western New York. 

The Table Set is Set:
Tradition Taste and Taking Back Our Space

We're talking about family, flavor and how to keep our spaces free from unwanted intruders during the Holiday season. We talk with Chef Erika and Kennedy Brayboy as we chop it up and keep the unwanted out. 

Beyond The Logo: Turning WBE Certification Into Real Opportunity

We sat down with Marinette Kozlow, a newly certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) Inspired Buffalo, to talk about what it really means to move beyond the logo, once the certification letter arrives, and the importance of hiring professionals.  

Christmas Memories, Music Debates & The Reason for the Season

This special holiday episode of Blueprint The Culture™, Talia and Chris Huff come together for a fun, reflective conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and real talk. 

From Christmas memories to debating who really did Christmas music best.

What 2025 Taught Us &
Building for 2026

In this New Year’s Day episode, we were joined by Brandye Merriweather, President of the Buffalo Urban Development Corporation. We  reflected on what 2025 required of leaders, the goals that were met, and the lessons that came with both. 

Blueprint The Culture™ TAKEOVER with Ed Drantch

In this Blueprint The Culture™ TAKEOVER, journalist Ed Drantch takes the lead in a candid conversation with Talia Johnson-Huff on entrepreneurship, leadership, and building through real-life challenges. You are not going to want to miss this. 

The Blueprint of Legacy

In this Blueprint The Culture™ we have a candid conversation with Kin Adams, New General Manager of the only Black Owned Bowling Center in New York State, Kerns Avenue Bowling Center. We talk about what it means having her father pass the torch and what the future of Legacy looks like for them.  You don't want to miss this. 

Experience to Expansion 

As we move deeper into 2026, we welcomed Marcus J. Moses for a conversation about starting business as a kid and growing into a business man. We reflect on life lessons that shaped him and his new ventures. Listen in to learn more about WUN Marketing and Top of The Line Cleaning LLC. 

The Money Conversation 

We had an in-studio conversation with Crystal Morgan of Pursuit Lending and Noa Simmons of Goodbread (via phone), where we break down what business owners should do when the bank says no and what real, viable funding options actually exist.

This is about what it truly takes to sustain and grow a business financially; not just in theory, but in practice.

From Seed to Structure

In this episode of Blueprint The Culture™, we welcome Mrs. Janique Curry to the studio. We spoke about what it means to pass the blueprint, why ad how she chose the cannabis retail business and what it really means for those who are considering that route. You don't want to miss this conversation.

Erie County Contract Opportunities

Dr. Cynetra Ferguson, with Erie County, joined us on Blueprint The Culture™ to discuss contract opportunities and how diverse businesses can set themselves up to bid on projects and win. From DBAs to RFP, this is a conversation you don't want to miss. 

​

Stay Tuned

Capacity Building Cohort Kick Off

We're joined in the studio by some members of the Buffalo Niagara Capacity Building Cohort. We talk about the energy, the learning and the connection from the first class. Participants share their expectations, their excitement and how this class is changing the trajectory and reach of their businesses, both alone and corporately. 

Civil Rights to Contracting Rights

We have an engaging discussion on Black Leadership, public procurement, and equipping marginalized businesses to access and secure contract opportunities. We speak with Constance Mitchell Jefferson of Synequity. Business, Certification and community impact is the center of it all. Check it out below.

Rochester Regional Conference

In this episode of BTC, we talk with City of Rochester’s Director of Purchasing, Tymothi Howard,  and Mina Hatami, MWBE Officer to discuss what to expect at this year’s Regional MWBE Conference, what it means for diverse businesses, the partnership with the Buffalo Niagara MWBE Conference and the money that is on the table for diverse businesses.

From Survival to Strategy 

Join Blueprint The Culture™ as we sit down with Monisha Groff for an unfiltered, powerful conversation about transformation, ownership, and financial empowerment.

Monisha creates upscale experiences through her business Cabaret Nights, LLC. You don't want to miss this conversation. 

​

From Opportunity to Ownership(ft. Ed Drantch WKBW Channel 7)

On this episode of Blueprint The Culture™, we’re bringing the energy from WKBW's Second Cup straight to the studio.

We continue the conversation; this time going deeper with two powerful members of the Buffalo Niagara Capacity Building Cohort.

​

 Buffalo’s Childcare Crisis Is Real

On this episode of Blueprint The Culture™, we sit down with Kasey Gustaveson, Founder and Executive Director of Agnes Youth & Family Center, the only nonprofit represented in the Buffalo Niagara Capacity Building Cohort. Kasey shares her journey of purpose, sacrifice, and building something meaningful in a city that truly needs it. 

Building Financial Readiness 

We’re joined by automotive and performance consultant Mykiel Wilkie of MDW Solutions, bringing 20+ years of experience in leadership, sales, and financial strategy.

He breaks down how money, mindset, and decision-making all connect, from boosting dealership profitability to helping everyday buyers make smarter financial choices.

Ignite The Moment 

Listen in as we sit with Lauren Jenkins, New Executive Director of the Canisius Women's Business Center,  to talk New Leadership, Fresh Collaboration and more...