Like so many young urban professionals from Detroit, Ken “Blanks” Harrell was faced with a choice: Use his dual degrees in business management and computer science from Northwood University to pursue riches and fame away from Detroit or come back to his hometown and be a part of a renaissance to bring the Motor City back to prominence. He decided to do both.

After becoming “a self–made thousandaire” through his companies Urban Soul Entertainment Group,  HBz Premiere Comedy Agency and AskBlanks consulting -- which counts urban comedy star Howie Bell as on of its clients -- the 29-year-old entrepreneur decided to take on a new challenge, radio. “Brothers and sisters need a sounding board, a medium that can get the views and opinions of Detroit's younger generation heard,” says Harrell, the creator and host of Real Talk FM radio with Mr. Wolf, a live call-in talk show heard from 8 to 9 p.m. Sunday evenings on WGPR 107.5 FM.

Harrell said the goals for the show are to provide “real-talk” to the mid 20s to late 30s demographic in the metro area who often have no one speaking to their issues. Metromix had an opportunity to talk to Harrell about his show and his mission to educate and entertain through the airwaves.

What is your show Real Talk all about?

A progressive talk radio-and-variety show focused on uplifting the community. We touch on health, finance, music, arts, education, politics, relationships and more.

What can listeners expect from the show each week?

They should expect to be well informed, made aware of important current issues, and be entertained.

What are some of the issues you are discussing now on the show, looking forward to bringing up?

What's going on with Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, the Detroit Public Schools…what's the problem with Michigan's economy, why the black family is so dysfunctional, child obesity. We’ll talk about everything. 

Every show has their resident sources who are well-respected professionals in their field of expertise. Who are the experts that will be regulars on the show?

We have Dr. Reginald Eadie, a physician and author of the “Essence” magazine best selling book, “Eat and Live Longer.” We also have Dr. Wendy Westbrook, a fitness expert and college professor. And Tanya Phillips, an attorney, is our legal expert.

If you could have a dream interview or guest on the show, who would it be and why?

My dad. He has a lot of stories. He's retired from the (City of Detroit Police Department). And, he can tell real stories from Detroit's streets, because he's seen it all.

Listen to Real Talk FM with Ken “Blanks” Harrell and Mr. Wolf on 107.5 Sunday nights from 8 to 9 p.m. Click www.RealTalkFM.com for 24/7 online streaming in the coming weeks.

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