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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?

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A poem can carry what a kid can’t say out loud. That truth runs through our conversation with Malik Jordan, facilitator and Safe Passage team member at Teens With A Purpose in Norfolk. Malik traces his path from an angry 11-year-old to a mentor who helps teens express emotion, find purpose, and build safer neighborhoods—with art, with gardens, and with consistent care.

We dig into how creative youth development turns vulnerability into strength. Poetry, music, and visual art aren’t just hobbies here; they’re practical tools for emotional literacy and leadership. Malik shares why reading a poem to his father was easier than starting a hard talk, and how healing circles and mental health first aid create space for grief, frustration, and hope. We also get real about manhood: the pressure to bottle feelings, how anger masks hurt, and what it looks like to lead at home by naming emotions and solving problems together.

Then we step outside. Purpose Park—TWP’s half-acre urban farm—feeds families, pays teens, and transforms a block into a stage for community. HIPterns learn horticulture, earn certifications, and see new careers in landscaping and city work. A community fridge shares harvests with nearby neighborhoods, while internships at cultural institutions expand skills and networks. On the academic side, TWP pairs daily support with clear expectations, contributing to a 95 percent graduation rate by linking homework to personal goals and creative growth.

Safety and dignity guide the work. As credible messengers, TWP staff walk the neighborhood, build trust, and deescalate conflict without policing. Malik recounts separating a heated confrontation near a youth practice and mediating afterward to stop retaliation. When a life was lost near the center, the team turned a makeshift memorial into lasting art with melted glass—proof that remembrance can heal and inspire. If you care about youth empowerment, violence prevention, food security, and real-world skills, this conversation offers a grounded blueprint for change.

If the story moves you, share it with a friend, subscribe for more conversations like this, and leave a review to help others find the show. Want to get involved or enroll a teen? Visit twpthemovement.org and follow @TWPthemovement.

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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 does it take to turn a region into a creative hub? We sit down with executive producer and community leader Jamar C. Davis to unpack the strategy, grit, and heart behind building large-scale festivals, leading Hampton Roads Pride, and launching programs that actually change lives.

Jamar traces his path from Governor’s School tech theater to founding JAM Entertainment after leaving a corporate event role during the pandemic. He shares how connection—not stages or lights—is the real product of live events, and why working on the soft opening of Pharrell’s Atlantic Park rewired his view of excellence. From artist advances to vendor wrangling, he opens the black box of production and shows how organized teams make magic feel effortless.

Beyond the stage, we explore volunteer power, the “family cookout” energy of the Cousins Festival, and a new wellness series for queer Black and Brown men focused on relationships and health. As the new president of Hampton Roads Pride, Jamar lays out an inclusive mission that stretches far beyond a weekend: scholarships for future leaders, film projects that preserve queer history, and partnerships that make healthcare and counseling easier to reach. He doesn’t dodge the hard parts either—naming the pressure on trans communities and the collaboration gap across the 757 that keeps great work from scaling.

If you care about culture, community, or the nuts and bolts of world-class events, this conversation delivers practical insight and real hope for what’s possible in Hampton Roads and beyond. Subscribe, share with a friend who builds things, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

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!

Email: Info@listenup.biz
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Facebook: Let's Talk About It - Listen Up
Twitter: ListenUp@Listenup4U
Website: listenup.biz

YouTube: Listen Up with Host Al Neely