Rising Stars: Meet Archie Jay

Today we’d like to introduce you to Archie Jay.

Hi Archie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up, I quickly gravitated towards entertainment as a hobby and profession. I was a big theater/choir kid who got an opportunity to serve on a teen radio talk show at age 15, where my passion took root. Going into University, I tackled it all to better equip me for the long-term goal of being a host. I did college radio, interned at every TV station, and perfected the skills needed to show up as I do today. Before moving to Los Angeles five years ago, I hosted morning radio, produced local news, and was a digital reporter for Fox News in St. Louis, MO. As valuable as that experience was to my journey, it didn’t matter to my now surrounding community of LA, so I set out to create my platform and continue my on-air voice through podcasting while simultaneously working in production behind the scenes, figuring out my belonging.

As an advocate for therapy, my podcast was birthed as an extension of my radio career following my therapy journey. Now titled Archie: The Podcast, this is where self-help meets street talk. I wanted to curate a space that dives deep into the complexities of navigating life through dating, work, stresses, and messes. At the time, I didn’t see anyone having the conversations I wanted to have with thoughtfulness, intentionality, and education with an undertone of queer humor. And I still don’t. But it was and remains a priority of mine to elevate inclusivity because while most of the podcast conversation highlights the experiences in the LGBTQIA community, I welcome all stories of laughter, healing, and chaos as we grow together. Today, I am more focused on the strategy of my vision as we look towards the end of the year so that there’s a clear goal of elevation.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road is never smooth when creating your blueprint. There have been many struggles, personally and professionally, that have ultimately made this journey very flavorful. I’ve always worked professionally for a company while building my brand as a talent and producing Archie: The Podcast. That road has been taxing in areas, from time and schedule to weighing project priorities. Not only that, but then dealing with the reality of being black in white work settings and having to show up for myself and create an opposite energy with Archie: The Podcast. My mental health has been tested so many times.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a media host, producer, content creator, and digital director. Public facing, I am mostly known for my podcast, Archie: The Podcast. In another world, I am known for building and producing digital strategies for companies to increase brand recognition and engagement. The podcast has allowed me to have spicy conversations with interesting, fun, and unique people. I’m most proud of the work I’ve been able to do independently. That has been the most rewarding. My idea created the best listeners who engage with me. There’s been visual growth each season, and we’re not stopping yet. It was humbling to win Best Podcast this year at The American Black Film Festival, and it’s because the quality is there, and I stay true to myself through it all. But I haven’t done it all myself; my faith in God has really held me up, and that sets me apart from others, plus my quirky humor and how I approach media and conversations.

What matters most to you? Why?
My family matters to me the most. No lie. Secondly, my dreams matter most, but I honestly wouldn’t dream as big if they hadn’t encouraged me at such a young age. I live in a world where I can do anything I put my mind to, which my mom instilled in me deeply. But so much matters to me, such as my work for my legacy, connecting with people, my health, and expressing love. I feel like these are things that fuel our spirit to go out and live a life of substance.

Contact Info:

• Website: archiejay.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/archiejayspeaks/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArchieJaySpeaks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ArchieJay

Image Credits
Ray Love Jr., Darnell Davis, Aaron J. Thornton