Can We Talk R&B is a weekly podcast series, that explores the history, culture and future of R&B music through in-depth interviews with artists, producers, songwriters, and other industry professionals. The show dives into the creative process, the business side of music, and the cultural impact of R&B. Can We Talk R&B is a place for R&B fans to discover new and veteran talent.
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Ama: Love, Friends & Late-Night Calls; What R&B Feels Like Now
Sunday, June 21, 2026 ā¢ Duration 30:57
In this episode of the Can We Talk R&B podcast, host Ian Von sits down with London-raised, Guyanese-rooted R&B artist Ama (Ama Lou) to unpack her new era ā a āfearless resetā that strips away cryptic storytelling in favor of direct, deeply personal songwriting.
Ama opens up about moving from hiding behind aesthetics to writing from her real life, the vulnerability behind her viral duet āNeeded U Badā with Brent Faiyaz, and how Caribbean culture, London upbringing, and long-time friendships with artists like Brent and Tyler, The Creator inform her sound.
They also dig into intimacy, desire, and modern relationships, the ebb and flow of honesty in R&B, the importance of creative control across music, visuals, and fashion, plus what fans can expect from her upcoming tour with Ella Mai. The episode closes with rapid-fire questions and a reflection on what love sounds like to Ama right now.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
#canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes
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Gabby Samone: From Pew to Prime Time
Monday, June 15, 2026 ā¢ Duration 39:00
Rising R&B vocalist Gabby Samone joins Ian Von to discuss her journey from singing in church as a pastorās daughter to becoming one of the genreās most promising new voices. Gabby opens up about her musical upbringing, viral breakthrough, American Idol experience, and the stories behind her music, including "Complicated" and 21 and a Half.
The conversation explores artistry, vulnerability, faith, online criticism, and what it takes to build a career as an independent artist.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
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Keith D. Robinson: High school groups, Motown deals, Oscars stages, and CBS dramas; one continuous grind
Eric Roberson: Completion Over Perfection. The Real Secret to Longevity.
Sunday, May 31, 2026 ā¢ Duration 38:01
In this episode of the Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, Ian Von reconnects with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Eric Roberson to discuss his 18th studio album and companion book, Beautifully All Over the Place.
Eric shares insights into his creative process, the importance of completion and consistency, balancing music with family responsibilities, and finding joy through life's challenges. He also discusses collaborations with Avery*Sunshine, the stories behind standout tracks, and what's nextāincluding Beautifully All Over the Place 2 and a unique musical audiobook.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction
01:03 Meaning of "Beautifully All Over the Place"
03:08 How the Book and Albums Intertwine
04:01 Creating "Trust in Love"
06:26 Authenticity, Dark Seasons & Art as Therapy
10:18 18 Albums In: What It Represents
12:30 Fatherhood, Family & Creative Balance
17:30 Writer's Block vs. Writer's Confusion
22:28 Staying Present, Process Over Perfection
27:01 Beautiful Amid Chaos: Life, War & Touring Realities
31:32 Making "Sweeter Than You" ft. Avery*Sunshine
34:31 What's Next: Touring, Improv Shows & New Projects
36:27 Collaboration, Service & Closing
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Michael Elliot: Brown Sugar, Black Love: Writing Our Stories Into Hollywood
Monday, May 25, 2026 ā¢ Duration 50:14
In this episode, Ian Von sits down with legendary screenwriter and producer Michael Elliot, whose pen has shaped some of the most beloved depictions of Black love and Black life on screen. From Brown Sugar and Just Wright to Like Mike and Netflixās Ruth & Boaz, Michael breaks down how he found storytelling in his 30s, the very real grind behind his Hollywood break, and why love remains the center of his work.
They dive deep into:
Why Black love stories donāt always get box office supportāeven when the culture reveres them.
How R&B and hip hop literally birthed Brown Sugar.
The tension between our appetite for crime/drama versus romance on screen.
How faith, sensitivity, and emotional honesty became Michaelās āsuperpowerā as a writer.
The impact of streaming and new formats (like vertical storytelling) on Black creators.
The conversation is equal parts masterclass, testimony, and love letter to Black romance in film.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
PHABO: From Juke Joints to Blue Note
Sunday, May 17, 2026 ā¢ Duration 14:34
Ian Von catches up with Phabo backstage in New Orleans during his tour run with Ari Lennox for an honest conversation about life on the road, performing for Ariās loyal R&B audience, and how every city brings a different energy to the show.
Phabo also breaks down his new project Ratchet & Blues, the creative freedom behind it, paying homage to classic R&B, and how touring has helped him grow as an artist and performer. They also talk fan-building, the business side of touring, Ari Lennoxās impact on modern R&B, and whatās next ā including Blue Note performances and a full Ratchet & Blues tour.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
#canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes
Chapters:
0:00 Intro & Welcome
0:24 On Tour in New Orleans
0:42 Life on the Road & Venue Energy
1:11 First Hometown Performance
1:51 The Making of Ratchet & Blues
2:31 Full Creative Control & DIY Vision
3:01 Defining the Ratchet & Blues Sound
3:28 Classic R&B References & Juke Joint Energy
3:45 Favorite Album Moments
4:03 Tour Lineup Breakdown
4:33 Learning From Ari Lennox
4:49 Ari Lennoxās Originality & Influence
5:25 Balancing Male & Female Energy on Tour
6:03 Three Different R&B Styles on One Stage
6:33 Ariās Stage Production & Hotel Concept
7:03 Watching the Headliner Every Night
7:23 Standing vs. Seated Crowd Energy
7:32 Ari Lennoxās R&B Fanbase
8:11 Love, Vulnerability & Ariās Music
8:41 Matching Energies Across the Show
9:18 Best Intro Songs for New Fans
9:48 Nostalgia vs. Originality in Production
10:12 Favorite Lyrics & Standout Tracks
10:23 Touring, Ticket Sales & Music Business Talk
10:58 Sold-Out Tours & Building a Fanbase
11:29 Real Impact Beyond Social Media Numbers
12:02 Real-Life Support vs. Digital Metrics
12:18 Why New Orleans Crowds Matter
12:39 Whatās Next After the Tour
13:04 Blue Note Shows Announcement
13:20 Touring Ratchet & Blues Properly
13:39 Balancing Music & Podcasting
14:03 Tour Status Check
14:13 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude
14:24 Outro & Sign-Off
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Sam Pounds Live From New Orleans: Death Row & The Return of Real Soul
Sunday, May 10, 2026 ā¢ Duration 15:31
In this special live episode, Ian Von sits down backstage at Tipitinaās with powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Sam Pounds, along with his musical collaborators Family Company. Fresh off soundcheck and just minutes before showtime, they break down Samās journey from North Carolina church roots to producing for Jamie Foxx and Snoop Dogg, crafting the Day Shift theme song, and ultimately landing on the legendary Death Row Records.
They dive into why real instruments, live arrangements, and human feel still matter in an AI-driven era, how they channel the spirit of the late 60s/early 70s soul greats, and why this New Orleans show is one of the most important of Samās career. The crew also touches on the new single āQueenā, the sound and philosophy of Family Company, and what it means to build a tribe thatās committed to real R&B and soul.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
#canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marie DahlstrĆøm : Soul, Motherhood & Modern R&B
Sunday, May 3, 2026 ā¢ Duration 39:52
Ian Von sits down with Denmark-born, London-based artist Marie DahlstrĆøm to explore her journey from a small town with no R&B scene to becoming a standout voice in UK modern soul. They discuss her independent approach, move to London, and how motherhood has reshaped her creativity and vulnerability.
Marie breaks down her albums Like Sand and Good Life, plus her latest single āFrostbite.ā The conversation also touches on gospelās influence on R&B, the value of real musicianship, and making honest, emotionally grounded music while balancing art, family, and mental health.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
#canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes
Chapters
0:00 Intro & Welcome
0:55 Moving from Denmark to London
3:08 Discovering R&B & Gospel
4:29 Going Pro & Staying Independent
6:27 Defining Her Sound
7:48 Influences & āAmericanā Sound
9:20 Musiq Soulchild Influence
10:20 Writing from Real Life
11:19 Music as Therapy
12:40 Like Sand Creation Story
14:06 āHome With Youā Breakdown
15:01 Good Life & Motherhood
16:21 Balancing Family & Music
17:26 Touring with Kids
18:18 Album Growth & Process
19:26 Staying True in the Studio
21:03 Motherhood & Focus
22:09 New Vulnerability
22:35 Songwriting Process
23:25 Feeling Exposed in Music
24:20 Authenticity in R&B
26:21 Collaboration Style
27:00 Health, Routine & Balance
28:03 Working with Daniel
29:01 R&B Around the World
30:21 Gospel Roots of R&B
32:00 Musicianship vs Programming
33:24 Artists She Loves
34:47 Quick Fire Questions
36:32 Meaning Behind Good Life
37:28 āFrostbiteā Story
39:00 Closing & Outro
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rjtheweirdo: Vulnerability, Accountability & New Age R&B
Sunday, April 26, 2026 ā¢ Duration 47:25
In this episode, Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist RJ The Weirdo to unpack his unique sound, his bold honesty in songwriting, and his mission to bring accountability and emotion back to R&B.
RJ opens up about the story behind his name, the influence of his father and Dallasā diverse music scene, and how genre-bending, vulnerability, and raw truth shape his music. He and Ian dig into the culture of ātoxicā relationships, why honest male perspectives matter, and how R&B can once again be a space where men and women truly hear each other.
They also walk through RJās debut project At Least Sheās Beautifulāfrom the headspace he was in while creating it, to standout tracks like āPerfect Oneā (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) and āTricks Are For Kids.ā RJ shares how fatherhood softened and deepened his love for women, the guilt and grind of pursuing music while parenting, and how being homeless in L.A. and ghostwriting led him to being signed to Ty Dolla $ign & Leon Thomasā EZMNY.
This is a powerful, vulnerable conversation about artistry, manhood, love, and the beauty of just telling the truth.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
#canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Marc Lo: From Ghostwriter to Frontman
Sunday, April 19, 2026 ā¢ Duration 51:16
In this episode of Can We Talk? R&B Podcast, host Ian Von sits down with rising R&B artist Marc Lo) a singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist making serious waves.
From his roots in church and musical theater to working with artists like Justin Bieber, Dua Lipa, Miley Cyrus, and Teddy Swims, Mark shares his journey and why heās now stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
We dive into his upcoming album 11 Days, the stories behind āMarvel,ā āInterest,ā and āMoney, I Used to Love You,ā and how he blends R&B, soul, pop, and global influences into a fresh, timeless sound.
Plus, a deeper conversation on the meaning of R&B, his influences, and why gratitude is at the center of his life right now.
š§§ Support the Show:
https://www.patreon.com/canwetalkrnb
š±Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeart Now!!!!
ā Donāt forget to stream & rate us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and iHeart
- CLICK LINKS BELOW! āļøāļøāļøāļø
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4zfIA072HwTapLg019UDcM
iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-can-we-talk-rb-119355435/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-we-talk-rnb-podcast/id1703170636
š²Stay connected with Us! #CanWeTalkRnB #CWTRB
Hosted & Created by: Ian Von | www.instagram.com/IanVonMusic
Produced by: Launch Pod Studio | www.instagram.com/LaunchPodStudio
Links:
š±www.instagram.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±www.twitter.com/CanWeTalkRnB
š±https://www.tiktok.com/@canwetalkrnb
š„ www.youtube.com/canwetalkrnb
#canwetalkrnbpodcast #rnb #podcast #rnbmusic #rnbvibes
Chapters:
0:00 Opening & Mission of the Show
1:16 Introducing Marc Lo & His Artistic Roots
3:44 South Florida Influence
5:01 What is R&B? Genre, World Music & Feeling
8:10 Songcraft & Musicality
9:57 From South Florida to Hit Records
12:29 Musicianship & The Stolen Clarinet Story
15:26 Moving to L.A. ā Fear vs. Readiness
17:02 Harmony Language & Gospel Influences
19:13 The Story Behind āInterestā
22:28 The Story Behind āMarvelā
25:11 Concept Writing & āMoney, I Used To Love Youā
28:02 Neo-Soul Lineage & Marcās Sound
30:33 The Need for More R&B Voices
32:35 Teddy Swims, Justin Bieber & Holiday Jam Session
34:26 Songs He Wishes He Kept?
35:28 State of R&B & āBest Vocalistā Debate
39:03 Goals: Touring, Albums & Film Music
42:03 Album Themes: Love, Resilience & Gratitude
44:00 Vulnerability, Process & Defining Success
47:17 Using AI as a Creative Tool
48:22 Ianās Inspiration from Marcās Music
49:52 Whatās Next: Singles, Album & Where to Follow
50:30 Closing & Outro
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