Conversations with Malika David

Today we’d like to introduce you to Malika David.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started From the Block Podcast during my senior year of undergrad at Georgia State University in 2021. I really wanted to break into the media space; however, no media outlets in Atlanta wanted to give me a fair chance. After self-reflection, prayer, and watching motivational Nipsey Hussle and Young Dolph interviews, I decided I was going to create my own table.
I was sitting in class trying to come up with a name, and all of a sudden, the name From the Block Podcast came to me. I didn’t have many resources, but I had a vision. I wanted my podcast to focus on community, conversation, and culture. I filmed in the CMI building on campus, which had all the resources I needed.
Originally, I found two co-hosts and we worked together for a while. Eventually, we parted ways and I graduated from Georgia State. Since I was no longer a student, I needed a media space, a videographer, and a way to cover the overhead expenses. I knew the podcast was not a hobby — it was something I was fully committed to. It was a tough journey, but I stayed committed to the plan. It took a couple of months of planning and research.
Eventually, I was able to locate a studio and find a videographer whom I’ve been working with for three years.

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?
This journey has not been easy; however, I knew entrepreneurship would be a very bumpy road. When I graduated from Georgia State University, it took me a while to find a studio, a videographer, and enough money to manage the overhead expenses. I love being a creative; however, what people don’t tell you is the business side of things. When you’re first starting out, you have to budget, save, and wear many hats to make sure things are running smoothly. Another difficult part of the journey is sometimes dealing with guests who are not reliable. In this business, you have to know how to think quickly on your feet and navigate any obstacles that are randomly thrown your way. Learning business in general, there is always something new — it has kept me on my toes these past couple of years.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Malika David, and I’m the founder and producer of From the Block Podcast. From the Block Podcast represents community, conversation, and culture. We tell real stories, have insightful conversations, and give a voice to the people.
What I’m most proud of is giving people the opportunity to tell their stories and express themselves. I remember when I was trying to figure out my platform, just hoping and praying that someone would give me a chance to express myself and tell my story.
I’m also grateful for the opportunity to enlighten people, give them something interesting to watch, and provide representation. Whenever I’m creating, I always ask myself — if I were viewing this through another lens, would I still tune in? I want to create and watch something that is not only meaningful, but interesting, informative, and one in which people see themselves through me.
If I can do it, I want people to know that they can also achieve their dreams and build something they truly believe in.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Everything happens for a reason, but that’s not something I always fully understood, especially in the beginning of my journey starting From the Block Podcast. There are times where I’ve had amazing months and I’m so grateful to be able to live out my dream, and there have also been times where I’ve had challenging months where I’ve absolutely questioned whether this is something I really want to do. Through it all, I knew that God placed it in my heart to continue From the Block Podcast, and I’m not backing down from that.
The bad times allowed me to grow, and it was a very humbling experience. The good times allowed me to grow as well and be thankful when things are going well.

Pricing:

• $90- group interview
• $115 – solo interview
• $250 – mic performance solo interview
• $70 mic performance

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromtheblockpodcast/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@fromtheblockpodcast?si=MUzUlUzyW2DDoROg