Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtez Kirkwood.
Hi Courtez, 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?
I am a southern boy from Memphis, TN living in the big city of Los Angeles. I’ve always dreamed of living here but not for fame or entertainment but just for the vibes. I am a tech guy, recently earning my Doctorate Degree in Executive Leadership and all-around fun guy to be around. So how did any of this get me to blogging?
Well, I am a super fan of reality tv, more specifically the Real Housewives Of Atlanta. My journey started in 2017 on Facebook, where I would create weekly posts in my status update, expressing my opinion and thoughts on the episodes. Through my posts, I noticed many of my friends and peers would engage and reply with their thoughts as well. This would create a dialogue between us all. I did this consistently for about two seasons of the Real Housewives of Atlanta before my friends/peers suggested I create a podcast/vlog/blog to store my content rather than Facebook. I was against the idea initially but decided to try it out. I then created a blog titled ‘the LEAN’ to store my written reviews.
The name ‘the LEAN’ was inspired by a phrase/term that many of my peers have associated me with, a night so lit that you end up ‘Leanin’ on your way home. The blog was successful but I did not feel completely satisfied and after completing my dissertation in the same month, I realized writing/typing my thoughts had become less enjoyable. In January 2020, I created a YouTube channel specifically for ‘the LEAN’ and uploaded my very first video review for the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Since then, I’ve expanded my audience by reviewing other types of shows such as Insecure, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Legendary on HBO Max and more.
The last phase of ‘the LEAN’ required some trial and error as I began to invite guests to film with me, making the reviews more conversational. This would also give individuals a platform to speak out and ‘lean in’ with their opinion on the subject at hand as well. Currently, ‘the LEAN’ has covered 10+ shows throughout the year, has had two celebrity guests, has over twelve reoccurring co-hosts and produces three shows minimum a week. Never did I think my weekly Facebook rants would become the Virtual Show it is today. Seeing people inquire about being a guest on my show really makes me happy and feel good about the progress made. I was booking an airbnb in Mexico for my birthday last year and the host noticed my name and asked if I was ‘Courtez from the LEAN’ and freaked out when I replied that is was me. These are the types of things that keep me motivated and going.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
the LEAN is a panel based platform that relies on conversation and discussion. Much like shows such as ‘The View’, no show will be the same and no opinion will be the same. It allows viewers to gravitate towards different thoughts and opinions from the panel. This is also a bit challenging as chemistry between the panel is important but also, availability plays a big part. As we all have things going on in our individual lives, it can sometimes be challenging to align everyone’s schedule. I am apart of every show but the goal is to have at least 1 co-host a week and this makes it flexible so that no one is burdened weekly or overloaded. A challenge yes but easily overcome with communication and planning on my end.
The road has been bumpy because I don’t come from a background of hosting, editing or production. These three elements are essential in creating your own content, specifically a virtual show and I’ve had to learn about each along the way. The toughest part of it all is remaining motivated and focused. Working a full-time career and creating content can be tough! With so many content creators out there, you often feel overwhelmed in trying to find a way to stand out but must always remember that even a small victory gets you closer to your goal. In the summer of 2020, I lost a bit of drive for creating content but quickly picked it back up after securing an exclusive interview with a Bravolebrity and Real Housewives of Potomac Star, Candiace Dillard-Bassett. This was the indicator that I needed to continue with my vision of ‘the LEAN’. Since then, I’ve had eyes on my content from many other reality tv stars and personalities and it is truly the greatest feeling ever. Consistency is also key because there is always someone relying on you to provide content and those individuals are the most valuable!
We’ve been impressed with the LEAN, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
the LEAN is a blog & virtual show that provides reviews, reactions and discussions on popular reality tv shows and moments.
The Panel based platform sets the LEAN aside from many others. It helps remove bias and gives variety as it relates to point of views. I love to voice my opinion but i also like to hear others as well. We live in a world where opinions are often times considered ‘invalid’ but on the the LEAN, we welcome all opinions! Preferably opinions that make the viewers want to ‘LEAN IN’!
How do you think about happiness?
Conversation makes me happy! I am very social whether it be in person or via social media, but I love to talk and to someone (not to myself, lol). Many people aim to inspire others, I just want to be the light to someone’s day and make them laugh. That also makes me happy. Outside of that, I love to travel and preferably international! Nothing makes me happier than boarding a plane whether I nearly missed the flight or not.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: theleanblog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theleanblog
- Twitter: theleanblog1
- Youtube: YouTube.com/thelean
