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Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee Brings National Wellness Tour to BET Weekend with the Play Hooky Experience

Entertainment Post Staff on June 4, 2025

This BET Weekend, the most refreshing experience in the culture isn’t about flashing lights or velvet ropes—it’s about intention, connection, and reclaiming rest. On Friday, June 6, 2025, The Play Hooky Experience will land in Los Angeles at 802 Mateo Street with a powerful reminder that culture and self-care can exist in the same space.

The Play Hooky Experience, founded by DJ, entrepreneur, and community advocate Darryl “FollowtheDj” Dungee, is not just an event. It’s a national movement that challenges high-performing communities to reimagine what rest and joy truly look like. Following its incredible kickoff in Fort Lauderdale, which drew over 500 attendees including first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs, Play Hooky is turning up the volume in Los Angeles—right in the heart of culture’s biggest weekend.

Darryl created Play Hooky to fill a void—a space where mental wellness, cultural pride, and communal healing could converge. His personal journey from the streets of Baltimore to the frontlines of mental health advocacy is rooted in lived experience. Raised in environments where rest was rare and resilience was expected, music became his refuge. That foundation inspired his mission to build experiences that don’t just entertain, but uplift.

As the city prepares for BET Weekend’s wave of celebrity events and exclusive showcases, Play Hooky brings something deeper: a community-centered experience built around wellness activations, live music, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Attendees will experience a curated atmosphere of joy and restoration, designed to meet them exactly where they are.

Darryl says the timing and location of the LA event are intentional. BET Weekend is a powerful expression of Black excellence and creativity, and Play Hooky adds a necessary dimension by centering healing and well-being. It’s a reminder that taking care of ourselves is a revolutionary act—and one worthy of celebration. The event will highlight emerging small businesses, cultural vendors, and artists from the local area, while also creating safe spaces for mental health support, high-energy play, and authentic connection across generations.

More than just a day to unwind, Play Hooky in LA is part of a larger movement gaining national traction. With plans to expand across cities and deepen partnerships with health organizations, school districts, and corporate wellness programs, this initiative is building momentum not just in entertainment spaces, but in everyday communities that need joy the most.

As Play Hooky grows, so does its impact—and Los Angeles is about to feel it. For those attending BET Weekend, the invitation is clear: protect your peace, honor your community, and remember that joy itself is power. Darryl’s mission with Play Hooky is to shift the narrative, to make wellness a visible and celebrated part of the cultural landscape. This isn’t about stepping away from the culture. It’s about honoring what keeps it alive.

Tickets are available at www.thesocialcollectivela.com. For media passes, interviews, or event coverage, contact Berry Dynamic Agency at Launch@berrydynamicagency.com. Follow @FollowTheDJ and @thePlayHookyExperience on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes moments.

Because Play Hooky isn’t just an event—it’s a lifestyle. And this weekend in Los Angeles, that lifestyle is center stage.

Power Moves and Paydays: Inside Both Sides of the Check—The Podcast That Unpacks the Game Behind the Glam

Entertainment Post Staff on June 4, 2025

By: Catherine “Ms Cat” Mitchell

The Truth Unfiltered: What You Can Expect from Each Episode

When you tune into the Both Sides of the Check podcast, you’re stepping into a space where real talk takes center stage. Hosted by Ms Cat and LiShon, this isn’t just another business podcast offering overly polished advice. Instead, it’s a candid reflection of the entrepreneurial experience, blending triumphs with the inevitable challenges that come with building a business.

Listeners can anticipate thought-provoking conversations covering everything from the spark of inspiration behind a startup to the less glamorous realities of managing cash flow. The hosts share personal anecdotes that will likely strike a chord with anyone who’s taken a risk in pursuit of their dreams. “Success sounds good—until it’s time to pay up” isn’t just a catchy phrase; it mirrors the real-life struggles many entrepreneurs face.

Each episode is designed to leave listeners with practical takeaways they can apply to their own ventures. Whether it’s strategies for scaling a business or observations on shifting market trends, Ms Cat and LiShon offer insights that feel timely and actionable. They’ve navigated the pressures of entrepreneurship themselves and strive to share tools that can help others do the same.

The podcast also fosters a strong sense of community, making listeners feel like they’re part of a broader dialogue about entrepreneurship. For a behind-the-scenes look, you can find the podcast on YouTube or follow along on Instagram, where additional content adds layers to the overall experience.

Whether you’re just starting out, hitting roadblocks, or aiming to grow an established business, Both Sides of the Check offers the vibe of a candid chat with friends—complete with laughter, hard truths, and a nuanced exploration of what it really means to be an entrepreneur. It’s not about painting success as effortless; it’s about honoring the journey—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between.

This blend of grit and encouragement sets the show apart. It speaks to those who value authenticity over scripted narratives and real stories over idealized versions of success. If you’re open to the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship, this podcast could be a valuable addition to your playlist. For bite-sized insights, their TikTok offers another way to stay engaged.

Lessons Beyond the Business: The Human Side of Entrepreneurship

While Both Sides of the Check zeroes in on entrepreneurial strategies, it also explores the personal dimensions that shape business leaders. Ms. Cat and LiShon acknowledge that entrepreneurship isn’t solely about bottom lines—it’s also about emotional resilience, personal growth, and the relationships that sustain us. They touch on the delicate balance between work and life, discussing how their roles as parents, friends, and partners intersect with their professional journeys.

These frank conversations shed light on topics many entrepreneurs grapple with but seldom discuss openly. The fear of failure, the impact on mental health, and the tension between personal and professional goals are all addressed with honesty. By tackling these subjects, the podcast creates a space where listeners can feel less alone in their struggles. “Doing it scared” isn’t just a mantra; it’s a shared reality for many.

The stories shared—of personal setbacks intertwined with business hurdles—serve as both comfort and motivation. The hosts emphasize the power of vulnerability and the courage it takes to seek support, fostering a community where no one has to feel isolated. Whether they’re talking about late-night brainstorming sessions or the complexities of parenting while growing a business, their relatability shines through.

For anyone who assumes entrepreneurship is a linear path to success, this podcast offers a reality check. It underscores that behind every venture lies a mosaic of experiences—moments of determination, doubt, and everything in between. If you’re looking for a mix of tactical advice and emotional grounding, Both Sides of the Check delivers on both fronts.

As you navigate your own entrepreneurial path, remember it’s not just about the grind. It’s also about the people you meet and the lessons you carry forward.