BREAKING BOUNDARIES :LAUREN SETTLES, CHARLES GREGORY AND SPARKLE HOWELL

THE POWERHOUSE MEDIA PLAYERS

Mekka Magazine had the pleasure of speaking with media powerhouse players Lauren Settles, Charles Gregory, and Sparkle Howell this month. We also want to thank you for being on our cover!

Can you share a bit about yourselves and how you came together? Since you all come from different backgrounds, it would be great to hear how your individual stories led to the formation of your team.

Charles Gregory: I’m from West Philly, a place known for its “Brotherly Love.” I’ve spent over two decades in the fashion industry, building a career in styling and consulting. My love for pop culture and fashion inspired me to start “Talk The Talk.” After a few years, I rebranded it to “We Talk Weekly,” and not long after, we cast Lauren as a host. She’s been a driving force ever since. Later, we brought on Sparkle as a correspondent, and she quickly became the third host and one of the faces of the brand.

Lauren Settles: I grew up in West Philly and have always been passionate about the arts. I started singing in church at three, and by 10, I had already written, directed, and acted in my first mini stage play. I also modeled in local fashion shows and took acting classes at the legendary Freedom Theatre, along with other acting programs. I put my creative dreams on hold to earn a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. But when I auditioned for PhillyCAM, I found myself drawn to media production. That’s where I met Charles, and I began working on projects with him. Eventually, I joined “We Talk Weekly” as a co-host, and we later brought on Sparkle. The rest is history!

Sparkle Howell : I’m originally from Philly but now live in South Jersey, balancing life as a mother of four while building my career. I have a background in public speaking, theater, and film, along with a degree in health information management. My career in healthcare has been focused on improving patient outcomes, but I also own Vayana Organics, a health and wellness business. I joined “We Talk Weekly” as a correspondent and quickly became the third co-host, where I’ve had the pleasure of helping the show grow across radio, TV, and podcast platforms.

In addition to your media work, you all have been breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation through your philanthropic efforts. Can you share more about that?

Charles Gregory: Philanthropy is a big part of what we do. We’ve always been committed to giving back, especially in underserved communities. I’ve mentored young fashion designers and media professionals, guiding to help them break into the industry. We’re passionate about ensuring the next generation has the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their background.

Lauren Settles : Through “We Talk Weekly,” we’ve partnered with several initiatives that aim to uplift youth and marginalized voices. I’ve been involved in programs that teach media literacy and production skills to young people, ensuring they have a platform to share their stories. It’s rewarding to see them grow and realize their potential.

Sparkle Howell: I’m focused on health and wellness in the community. I’ve done a lot of work to provide resources, especially for women and children, around mental and physical health. With Vayana Organics, we’ve supported initiatives that promote holistic well-being, and I’ve been mentoring young mothers, helping them navigate both career and family life. Empowering the next generation is at the heart of everything we do.

We’d love to know more about your show—what you’re doing, the topics you cover, and if you have any favorite guests.

Charles :“We Talk Weekly” is more than a talk show. We cover everything from breaking news and social justice issues to entertainment, pop culture, and human-interest stories. We aim to create a space where different voices can be heard and important stories can be told. 

One guest who stands out is Shawn Mooring from the Lenfest Institute. He was one of the first to take a chance on us when we were trying to establish ourselves as a non-traditional news outlet. His belief in our vision gave us the boost we needed and confirmed we were on the right path. Supporting initiatives like “Every Voice, Every Vote” has been crucial in our growth, and it was all thanks to Shawn’s belief in local, independent media like ours.

What’s been the funniest moment during an interview?

Sparkle : We once had a guest who was discussing his music career when, out of nowhere, he came out as gay on the show! We were all sitting there with our mouths open. Charles asked, “Wait, did you just come out?” the guest confirmed it. We applauded, but then the guest’s publicist chimed in and said, “You weren’t supposed to come out on this show!” We couldn’t stop laughing—it was so unexpected!

Your content is always positive. Has that been a challenge?

Lauren: Not at all. We’re all about telling the other side of the story, especially for Black America, which is often depicted negatively in the media. We focus on solution-based journalism, highlighting the challenges facing marginalized communities but also celebrating their wins and offering solutions. It’s important to us to show the positive side of things, and it’s incredibly empowering to share stories that uplift and inspire.

What advice would you give to someone starting their own radio show?

Sparkle : Do your research. Learn everything you can about running a radio show. Start with budget-friendly equipment and find a mentor who can guide you. Building strong relationships is key, and don’t rush your timeline. Success can come at different stages, so stay focused and be patient. Above all, never give up—keep pushing, even when things get tough.

Do you have any upcoming projects we should know about?

We’re working on a few initiatives, including civic engagement and education through the “Every Voice, Every Vote” coalition program. We’re also expanding our social media platforms and staying focused on covering events and red carpets while supporting marginalized communities. We just want people to like, share, and subscribe to our channels. And if you know any entrepreneurs or interesting people, send them our way!

Where can people follow you?

Lauren: You can find us on all social media platforms @wetalkweekly. We’re on Philly’s WPPM 106.5 FM every Saturday from 8pm to 10pm EST, and you can join the conversation via Facebook Live. We’re also available on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, and YouTube. Our website is www.wetalkweekly.com.

You can also follow them individually at:

– Lauren Settles: @laurensettles_

– Charles Gregory: @charlesgregory

– Sparkle Howell: @sparklepricelesss1