Loud & Clear with Tashara Parker
You can own your story, and Tashara Parker has done the work to show you how.
The Loud & Clear Show with Tashara Parker amplifies bold voices and powerful stories, offering authentic conversations that inspire you to own your truth and live unapologetically. Hosted by 5X Emmy Award-winning journalist Tashara Parker, this show dives into cultural milestones, personal growth, and breaking barriers with a mission to empower underrepresented voices. Tune in for life lessons, meaningful dialogue, and the tools to step into your power.
Loud & Clear with Tashara Parker
Why I Left TV, Transforming Media Narratives, and Building a Purpose-Driven Life | Loud & Clear with Tashara
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Reflecting on a decade-long journey in TV journalism, I invite you to join me on "Loud and Clear," where authenticity meets personal growth. Ever wondered how starting imperfectly can lead to something beautiful? I share my story of overcoming procrastination to launch this heartfelt project. As a four-time Emmy award-winning journalist, my mission is to connect with dreamers and trailblazers, fostering a community where we can all embrace our truths and live with clarity and confidence. Let's embark on this adventure of storytelling and soul-searching together.
From growing up in Houston with a desire to change the media narrative around my community, to breaking new ground with the Rooted series, my journey has been one of storytelling and advocacy. The series not only tackled the discrimination surrounding natural hair but also created a space for Black women to be seen and heard. This is where my mission to be a voice for positive change truly took root, influencing every step of my career. I've navigated the highs and lows of TV journalism while striving to use my platform responsibly, always with the aim of transforming challenges into triumphs.
Transitioning from TV news to founding Loud and Clear Media was driven by a desire for creative freedom and a need to amplify overlooked stories. "Loud and Clear with Tashara" serves as the centerpiece of this mission, offering raw, unfiltered conversations on social justice, personal growth, and more. This chapter of my life encourages embracing one's multifaceted nature and redefining oneself beyond job titles. Join us as we bring together changemakers and everyday heroes, sharing powerful lessons and connecting through shared stories. Together, let's own our narratives, claim our power, and step into a purpose-driven journey.
About Loud & Clear Show with Tashara Parker:
Loud & Clear with Tashara Parker is more than a talk show—it’s a new era of bold storytelling where authenticity, truth, and representation take center stage. Hosted by 5X Emmy-winning journalist Tashara Parker, this groundbreaking show amplifies voices and stories that often go unheard, diving into the real issues that inspire change and drive meaningful conversations.
With her signature warmth and unapologetic approach, Tashara steps into a new role, bringing you raw, unfiltered discussions that challenge norms and elevate perspectives. Whether it's exploring personal triumphs, community advocacy, or pressing societal topics, Loud & Clear creates a space for honest, impactful dialogue.
Tune in each week to join the movement, stay inspired, and celebrate the power of showing up loud and proud.
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Loud and Clear With Tashara
Speaker 1Okay , cousins , we are here . Hey , cousin , look , we are all family around these parts . It's your favorite internet , cousin , tashara . And baby , baby , baby , baby . I am so happy to be here with you today . Baby , I got to get something off my chest . Okay , yeah , get something off my chest . Okay , yeah , I've been telling myself you know , tashara , go ahead and get that first episode out , get it done . And I promise you , it's almost just like I just didn't want to deal with the conversation myself , because when life happens , it happens fast , and I feel like social media is only a highlight reel , and we know that . That's why it's a reel . That's why they call reels reels on Instagram , because it's real quick . Okay , you're only getting a little razzle , dazzle . You ain't going to get the full story , but , needless to say , we are here . I'm so happy to be here with you today . If you're just watching this , you see I'm just kind of chilling out .
Speaker 1This is not at all what I envisioned for the show . You know , I wanted to have all the bells and whistles , okay , you know the sit-down , face-to-face type episodes , but when I think about it , this really is what I envisioned and we're going to try a lot of different things when it comes to this show , but what I mean by what I envisioned is I don't want it to all be perfect , right ? Is ? I don't want it to all be perfect , right Like ? I want you guys to see that you can start , and you just need to get started with what you have Now . I do got a whole lot of stuff in the background . However , all I'm saying is get started , even if it's not what you envision and what you think it should look like . Okay and I really feel like a lot of that was procrastination on my behalf to fully launch this thing , because , at the end of the day , I want to talk to the people and the people want to talk to me .
Speaker 1So , before I get into this , I really have to say thank you , and I truly , truly mean that from the bottom of my heart . Thank you for watching me on your TV screens for the last 10 years . If you are new around these parts and you ain't got no idea who the heck I am , stick around . It's going to be a fun ride , but I do have to say that and I'm just so , so grateful for each and every one of you , your support , over the last decade Baby , I was just 17 yesterday . Seriously , I'm a long way from that . Your support over the last 10 years has meant the world , and some of you have actually known me for 10 years as I've been on TV . Y'all have been patiently waiting all the comments to show what's next , what are you up to ? Up to ? You know , the whole nine , okay , and I'm like , god damn , let me get my act together . So really , that's what you are watching in real time right now .
Speaker 1My goal with this show , loud and clear , is pretty straightforward it's about us , it's about you , it's about me , and I don't got no prophetic way to paint that picture . You know , I've made some huge changes in my life and I'm at the point where I just need us to really talk about some things that are happening . So we'll learn a little bit , a lot of it along the way , and I'll invite some of our favorite people and likely some you have never , ever heard before into our world to share their insights , to teach us , to educate us . Most importantly , loud and Clear is about leaning fully into my purpose and helping you do the same . This show exists for the people who I like to call dreamers , who feel stuck , the trailblazers , because a lot of y'all are out there seeking more , and anybody ready to live louder and clearer in every part of their lives . What I hope with this show is , through storytelling that's near and dear to my heart and a little bit of soul searching too , will create a space for listeners to embrace their truth , uncover their purpose and step into their next chapter with clarity and confidence .
Speaker 1I'm Tashara Parker , and welcome to Loud and Clear . I feel like I need some music at some point . We're gonna make it happen one of these days . I told y'all it ain't all put together . We gonna see this thing develop over time , so let's set the stage okay . If this is your first time hearing my voice , first of all , welcome on in . I'm Tashara Parker , and we're about to kick off something that is really special together .
Speaker 1But let me start here . If we're meeting for the first time and you ask me so who are you ? I'd probably pause because one , that's a weird question to ask somebody when you first meet them , but also not because I don't know who I am , but because there are so many ways to answer that question . Hold on y'all so good I can hit you with the resume . Oh , for those of you listening , by the way , that was me drinking a little bit of my coffee , because it's early this morning when I'm recording this , I can hit you with coffee . Because it's early this morning when I'm recording this , I can hit you with . So as far as who I am , I can hit you with the resume .
Speaker 1I'm a four-time Emmy award-winning journalist . I've spent years in the newsroom breaking stories , challenging norms and pushing boundaries . I've been named one of Black Enterprise's National 40 Under 40 recipients . Yeah , I'm the founder of Loud Women Lead , where I amplify voices that deserve to be heard . And yeah , I've got a history of testifying at the Texas State Capitol fighting for laws that actually protect people , like the Crown Act . It was a pleasure to walk alongside and behind our state rep here in Texas as she worked to get that passed alongside the Crown Coalition . So kudos to all the individuals who played somewhat of a role in helping make that happen .
Speaker 1Now my nose running . Y'all hold on . Sorry about that . You know if I'm being real , though , that's just the surface of who I am . If you want to know who I am at my core , I am the internet's favorite cousin , the loud one , the honest one , the one who will hype you up when you need it most , and I'm somebody who believes in showing up as your whole self , unapologetically , okay , no matter the space that you're in . I've lived the moments where you're told to tone it down , where the world tries to box you in , and I decided nah , I'm good on that . So this show is my love letter to anybody who's ever felt like their voice didn't matter . It's for the dreamers who've been told that their dreams were a little too much . It's for the person listening right now who's questioning if they are doing life the right way . Spoiler alert you are , and together we're going to unpack what it means to live louder , clear and fully and your truth . So if you didn't know me before , now you know a little , something , something . Stick with me , I promise You'll see why this moment is just the beginning . So today it's just you and me .
Speaker 1Before we dive into the incredible conversations that we got lined up , I wanted to take a moment to share my journey with you why I left TV news , what's next and why this show is so important to me . After that powerful episode and if you have not watched it , please go and do so with Jasmine Crockett , on election day , I realized it was time to kind of lay my story out for everybody , especially if you're new here . I've been getting a lot of questions lately , people asking Tashara , why did you leave TV news ? What is next for you ? Was it hard to leave ? Quick question , quick answer on that one ? Absolutely . How has life been ? Well today . I'm going to try my best to answer most of those questions . I ain't answering all of them , at least not you .
Journey in Media and Advocacy
Speaker 1This episode is about owning my truth , speaking directly to you and sharing what's driving me forward as I bring the Loud and Clear show into the world . I want y'all to know why I made the leap okay and why this show isn't just another project . It's all part of my purpose . So when it comes to my journey in TV news , it has truly , truly , truly been a blessing .
Speaker 1But to talk about how we got to the TV news portion of it , you know , when I was growing up in Houston , texas , originally from Trinity Garden , my family lives in parts of Fifth Ward now and really all over Houston , and when I was growing up in Houston I distinctively remember when you would see a news crew or police vehicles or what have you in our neighborhood . Baby , it was not for something positive , and so I wasn't one of those people that's like oh , my parents used to watch the news all the time . I used to watch my dad read the newspaper . No , that ain't my story .
Speaker 1And so what I wanted you know , if I was going to do this journalism thing when I got to college and all that good stuff there were a lot of reasons why I ended up choosing to go into journalism , including that science was not my thing , but there are a lot of reasons why I went into it . But that has to be one of the top reasons , right . Because I wanted for when young people that was my age , you know , when I used to see news crews coming to my community when they saw me coming , that they knew that it wasn't always bad . Right , I wanted 95% of the time to be something good , and if I did have to go to a community for a not so good story , they would know who I am and they would know that they can trust me . You know , because I feel like , because we're in such the hustle and bustle world that we don't get to know the people and the stories that we're covering as much as we once were able to know the people and the stories that we're covering as much as we once were able to . And you know the industry is changing , the world is changing . That's going to be another episode for a whole nother podcast , but yeah , so when we talk about my journey in TV news again truly been a blessing .
Speaker 1I've had the chance to tell quite a few meaningful stories , to be a voice for people and to connect with viewers in ways that I never imagined , never planned for . Spending 10 years in this industry was a formative experience as well , because it taught me the power , truly , of storytelling , the impact of what it means to be an advocate and advocacy work and the responsibility that comes with any platform that you have . A lot of times we have these platforms and people are using them for every reason , but the right one , okay . When you have a platform and you have a voice and you know that people will pay attention to and listen to what you are saying , I think that comes with responsibility and a lot of people are just not using it the right way . Okay , we're going to leave that alone . That might be another episode too .
Speaker 1You know , those years in journalism showed me as a local TV personality , I should say , showed me the highs and the lows of media . And those highs and lows continue because there's a lot of changes that are happening and you know , I know there will always be a place for local news and I'm going to always root for it , and so I just hope that as an industry we can figure out how to sustain the industry and how to move forward in that sustainability . So , lots of highs and lows in media . It really allowed me to develop a voice that felt true to me , but I also knew I wanted to bring that voice somewhere else . Hello , loud and clear . You know I spent years climbing up the corporate ladder , so to speak , from small TV stations to one of the largest local TV stations in the top five media market .
Speaker 1While in local TV news I was more than a news anchor . I became a community voice and advocate and someone that viewers look to for both the news and the stories that really matter to them . And honestly , when I was on the morning news I was just ready to make somebody smile . Okay , I know how hard it can be to wake up that early . After all , I was waking up at two o'clock in the morning , sometimes 1 , 45 AM to make sure I got my butt to work on time . You know , one of the most impactful stories that I can remember being in TV news was the rooted series .
Speaker 1Rooted for me was more than a project , because it was a turning point in my career . It started out as a personal story on natural hair , which is a no-no . Anything personal is a no-no when it comes to journalism , or so it has been . But , like I said , you know we were in there shaking things up , so it started with a personal story on natural hair . It's a subject that , if you don't know , I would encourage you to go and do some research on it . It's a subject that , if you don't know , I would encourage you to go and do some research on it . It's a subject that has deep cultural significance . It's often misunderstood , even discriminated against . Yeah , I'm talking about hair being discriminated against . Through this Rooted series I share my experiences and what happened to me . We can save that for another episode , but through Rooted I share my experiences with what some would call unprofessional hair in the workplace . Pride identity as a Black woman was also kind of intertwined into this series , but it wasn't just about me . The beauty is me and my executive producer who worked on this , and , of course , our station for giving us a leeway to go and create . We created a space for other Black women to come forward and share their stories too . We built a community through that series , a big community , a place where people felt seen and valued , which we know sometimes can be hard to find .
Unveiling the Loud and Clear Movement
Speaker 1That project didn't just impact viewers , that series , I should say it changed me too . It was my very first Emmy win . First Emmy win . Now we about three more later . Yeah , it really reminded me , though , of why I do this work , y'all . It showed me the power of telling stories that are often ignored , you know , rooted opened doors for me , of course , before those really important conversations , and it eventually led me to advocate and amplify the work surrounding the Crown Act . That was already being done , and if you have not heard of the Crown Act again , this show is going to be an educational show too . Right , so we don't learn some things and we don't learn how we can get more civically involved , but the Crown Act is a law that prohibits race based hair discrimination . The team took that fight to the Texas State Capitol . I was one of many individuals who testified in support of the bill Bill , excuse me and after pushing for years , it finally passed in 2023 . In Texas , bipartisan support Governor Greg Abbott signed it into law . That was a full circle moment for me . It reminded me that our voices and our stories can truly make a difference .
Speaker 1But as much as I love my viewers and all the work that we got to do and every bit of support that I receive , the daily grind of morning TV is brutal . If anybody tells you differently , they are lying . I'm just kidding . No , it's brutal y'all . It can wear you out , and so you gotta have a very rigid schedule that you stick to so that you can be the best that you can be when you're going in there every day to do the job that you're doing .
Speaker 1The early hours , the constant pace , the need to be on every single day it was taxing on my mind , on my body , on my spirit . I had gained so much weight . I'm like , oh Lord , what is going on ? So I mean there will be times where I would just . So I mean there will be times where I would just child . I was eating full course meals at 7 am OK , sometimes 530 am . In between commercial breaks OK , full meals .
Speaker 1And so it was just taxing . You pour yourself into the work because you believe in it , but over time , you know , I started to feel like something was missing , and the way that my brain works is I have to be fully present in everything that I do . And so , for me , waking up at that time of morning didn't allow me personally to be fully present and to be able to create . Now , we did create a lot of beautiful things throughout my tenure as a local TV news journalist , but I'm just saying for me , after doing that for so long and five years to some on the morning show may not be long , but it was long enough for me . Okay , truth is , I always felt like I really wanted to do a little bit more . I felt like I was kind of operating in a box , so to speak . Now , this box looked real good on the outside , but it was still a box . And listen , I know how that sounds or may come off to some people . Right , it's a place of privilege to even be able to say that , especially with the platform I have , and I do recognize that wholeheartedly .
Speaker 1A lot of people would probably look at my career and say , hey , ain't no way you was in the box . But here's the thing okay , my box ain't gonna look like your box . All right , think big . Y'all know the rest . My box not gonna look like your box and nothing about me is traditional .
Speaker 1So the idea of being limited even by something successful , it just didn't sit right with me and I just wanted to do just a little bit more . I wanted to blaze a new trail , create something new , something bold , something that really led me personally step into my full vision and voice and utilize that voice . So that's what I wanted to do . Especially in a day and age that we are living in , we need truth seekers and truth tellers . There are a lot of misinformation and miscommunication and miss it , all things . But I just really wanted something where I can lean in fully um to who I am as a person and really just start to capitalize and utilize on the gifts that God has blessed me with .
Speaker 1So I will tell you this leaving TV news was probably one of the hardest things for me . Second to that is confronting how much of my identity was being tied to being a TV news anchor , and it's something . It kind of sucks to say it , but it's true and a lot of people won't admit it publicly . It's so easy to let a title define you , so I had to claw my way out of that , to let a role become your entire identity . That's why this show is about purpose helping you lean into and find what your purpose is . Okay , because the only thing you should be tied to is that purpose . As incredible Audre Lorde once said look , if I didn't define myself for myself , I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive .
Speaker 1Ok , so this journey really has taught me that I am more than any job or title . So are you . I am a storyteller , an advocate , a community leader , and I needed to create a space where I could fully express that . Ok , it's a lesson I hope resonates with you too . Do not let any job , any person , including yourself , box you into a single identity , and I know , with the day and age of social media , you know if you're an influencer or creator or whatever everybody's like , okay , you need to pick an itch , you need to do this , you need to do that niche , whatever , however you say it , you don't have to pick a single one thing . Okay , you are multifaceted and your purpose is bigger than any one title that anybody can give you .
Speaker 1You know , I left too because I needed a little bit more freedom . I wanted to tell the stories that weren't being told . Or , if they were being told , it was only a certain timeframe for those stories to be told . And I really want to do this without limits or any filters . Loud and clear is my way of doing that , hoping to bring something fresh , something real to the table . As far as what is next , you are looking at it , but let me just say this because a lot of y'all get in the comments and it really bothers me what's next ? What's next , baby ? I am literally laying on a platter what's next and showing you what's next . Okay , so follow along with me and you're going to continue to see what we have coming up .
Speaker 1So this show is about amplifying voices , having honest conversations and digging into what really matters to our community . It's about being unapologetically ourselves and having the kind of impact we're often denied in some mainstream spaces . Was it hard , you bet ? Walking away from something that you've dedicated your life , your mind , your body , your spirit to ? And obviously we got paid for it ? Yes , it started off a little rough . Ok , at the very beginning . Don't let nobody tell you getting into journalism , make a whole lot of money , but that is not the story for the majority of us . Ok , but walking away definitely from something that was stable Again a constant income and Walking away from structure is very , very difficult , because I love structure in my life .
Speaker 1I do not like chaos at all . It was a dream job , a job that a lot of people dream about , so leaving there was not easy . There were moments when I doubted myself , but in the end I knew it was God talking to me , god telling me it was time to step into something new . And one day I'll share the story about a gentleman that I met and he just prophesied over my life , and in that story he really , really , really made me understand or when he was talking to me , I should say , he really really made me understand that God got you in anything that you choose to do . And that's when I was like you know what , god , I don't need you to knock me out , just pinch me a little bit so I can get on and do what I need to do . So as far as how life has been , you know it's been a journey . Launching the show has been challenging and rewarding at the same time , I really feel like I'm walking in my purpose and that is a powerful feeling for me , and this show , I hope , will help me continue to do that even more .
Speaker 1So you've probably seen the name Loud and Clear pop up in a few places as it relates to this brand , maybe on your social media feed , conversation or just in the title of the show . But let's break it all down , because Loud and Clear is more than just a digital TV show and podcast . It is a movement , y'all . So I want to first start off explaining kind of the structure of this . Right , I told y'all I like structure . Okay , so let's start with the company Loud and Clear Media Group . Okay , that is my baby , that is my vision and the umbrella under which all the magic will happen .
Empowering Voices Through Loud Media
Speaker 1It's not just about creating content , absolutely not . I had a mentor tell me that . It's about creating impact . Okay , loud and clear media is where we tell the stories that matter , whether that's through producing shows like this one , helping brands articulate their purpose through storytelling , or consulting with organizations to elevate their media game . At its heart , loud and clear media is built on three pillars Production yes , we do this . We don't just create content , we craft stories that resonate . We're going to be into brand storytelling , and that means we're going to be helping businesses and entrepreneurs change makers as well align their voice with their vision . Okay , media and consulting as well , guiding others to show up louder and clearer in a world that's noisy and it's cluttered . It's about amplifying the voices , the missions and the messages that deserve to be heard .
Speaker 1Now about this show Loud and Clear , with Tashara . This is the heartbeat of it all . Think about it , as this is where it all started . Okay , the company's mission comes to life through this show in real time . It's where we're going to sit . We're gonna have conversations that matter most . I mean , think about it . When was the last time you had a space to just be raw , raw , r-a-w , unfiltered and unapologetically yourself ? That's what this is and that's what I hope it continues to evolve into .
Speaker 1On this show , we're gonna dive into it all , from social justice , cultural shifts to personal growth and those everyday stories of triumph and transformation , because , what I say earlier , we want this to be educational too . This is where the bold voices oh , excuse me , the bold voice is the quiet truths and powerful lessons . It all comes together , and it's not just about those big name guests though , trust me , we do got some trailblazers coming your way but it's about the stories that really connect us , because I feel like a lot of times we feel like we're so different from the next person , but , baby , we got so many stories that connect us all together . You're going to hear from changemakers , dreamers , everyday heroes my everyday heroes too . Dreamers , everyday heroes , my everyday heroes too who have really taken life's challenges and turned them into stepping stones . They've lived the moments we can all relate to and they are bringing their lessons here to you . Here's why this matters to me .
Speaker 1I built this company , loud and Clear Media , because I've seen what happens when people are silenced , when their stories aren't told , when their truth doesn't have a platform , and I said not on my watch , baby . This isn't just about telling stories . It's about creating space , a space where we can see ourselves reflected , where we can dream bigger and where we can leave inspired , you know , to live , where we can , rather , be inspired to live louder and clearer in our own lives . So if you're here , you're already part of this family . Hey , cousin , loud and clear media , that's the engine , baby , that's going to keep this thing rolling and loud and clear .
Speaker 1The show is the road that we're going to travel together . Whether you're tuning in for a dose of inspo , a fresh perspective , or just to hear somebody say the thing you've been thinking but didn't have the words for , this is your space , too , as far as what's next . We've got a lineup that's going to make you laugh , going to make you cry and maybe even rethink how you're showing up in the world . But more than that , we're building something together . This is about creating ripples y'all . Through this show and this company , we are amplifying voices , challenging norms and rewriting what's possible for all of us . So welcome to Loud and Clear .
Speaker 1Whether you're here for the stories , the lessons or just the vibe , we are here together . There's so , so , so much more that we have in store for you , but I really wanted to share my story so that I can kind of lay the foundation for what we want Loud and Clear to look like . You know , this isn't just a show . It's a mission and a calling , and I'm really so grateful to have all of you along the journey with me . One of the things that I also wanna do as we have these conversations is I'm gonna be asking all of my guests and I'm gonna try my best to on our full episodes to give you what I call loud lessons , okay ? So , as we wrap this thing up , there's one thing that I've learned , and that is that the journey of owning your story isn't always easy . So one of the lessons that I learned is your voice matters .
Speaker 1This isn't just something cute to say , it is the truth . When you claim your story , you claim your power . So , from the boardroom to the newsroom , to whatever room you're in , don't let somebody else speak over you or define your narrative , because when you stand in your truth , you are standing in your power and you cannot let anybody take that power away from you . Don't let anybody put you in a box , not even one that looks good on the outside . Sometimes that path forward isn't always clear , so when you're blazing new trails , it can feel isolating . This feels isolating sometimes . Okay , you might even question yourself Did I make the right decision ? But remember this every path breaker knows that their vision isn't always going to make sense to everybody else . Keep pushing , keep believing and keep your eyes on your own purpose . People might not understand it now , but they'll see it when you show it .
Speaker 1Another thing don't let your identity . This is a big one . Get tied to any one role or title . This was so big for me . You are more than any job , any title or single moment of success . Don't limit yourself by letting your worth be defined by one role , one place or one achievement . You hear me , you are here to do so much more and you deserve to grow beyond anybody's expectations , even your own , and finally stand on business . Yes , there's a lot of power in knowing that your purpose is unshakable . If you're gonna put your name on something , let it be meaningful , impactful and true to who you are . Stand on what you believe in and build with intention , because that's how you create , how we are going to create something that lasts . Welcome to Loud and Clear Cousins . Okay , till next time . Bye you .
