Today we’d like to introduce you to Braylin Dumont Jenkins.
Hi, Braylin Dumont; we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Born & raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, my family was always community-minded, which profoundly impacted me. During my late teens, I started ‘an online radio show’ via ‘Blog Talk Radio.’ I felt lonely late at night when I couldn’t sleep, which might help someone who felt similarly and would listen in. What interested me was that I could do the show live, have my co-host Sharon Chaline and guests call a toll-free number, and run a switchboard on my computer. Each show was stored for later listening, so we did podcasts in 2009. Over the following years, I would interview musicians and artists at area venues, solidifying myself and my brand with creatives and nightlife. Aside from the show, I took an interest in our city’s lakefront and the potential to develop it. That landed me as a regular contributor for our local newspaper, the “American Press” Teen Expressions feature. From there, I wrote for McNeese State University’s newspaper, “The Contraband.” After working closely with the Mayor’s Office and Downtown Development, followed by a few retail/service industry jobs, a friend recommended I apply at a corporate-owned, local-focused radio cluster.
Starting as a news reporter/anchor and hosting the weekly public affairs show highlighting our community was exciting. I also wrote for local magazines, encouraging the readers to be more involved and explore all our area had to offer. I was then hired at a local TV station and, for a brief time, was the youngest person to work in television, radio, and print at the same time in Southwest Louisiana. After working in the news, I worked for a local dot com site while continuing my online radio show. That led to joining a community/university FM radio station as a volunteer, hosting their morning show, and bringing my online show to FM. I had never been happier. Everything I stood for and worked to build and connect came together as I had always dreamt.
I established a brand, ‘Hey Bray J,’ in 2014, and this year marks my 10th anniversary. The ‘MÀS, Music Artist Showcase, series was created to bring more to my hometown, and it also brought various music genres together in venues they usually would not have been able to secure. Up-and-coming musicians, talent, and businesses were featured and given a promotion platform. At some point, life hit me hard, and I realized I had been neglecting my self-care and mental health, so I walked away from media and, eventually, other aspects of the community. It wasn’t easy. However, my time away was the most rewarding and educational while healing.
Counseling or therapy with the right person can be life-changing for the better. I utilized the services offered to me following a low, and it made all the difference. I advocate for seeking assistance no matter how difficult it may seem at the time. I hadn’t realized that the death of my late friend, Caden Socha, in my early twenties began my deeply hidden depression. Having not properly healed and had other challenges over the years, I was drowning and didn’t know how to overcome them. Mental health is at the core of my current show and podcast ‘Wide Awake with Bray J,’ which I refer to as ‘Wide Awake Slumber Party,’ “the number one slumber party in the U.S.A.” I relaunched the show in October of 2023. As a new resident of Austin, Texas, I’ve found myself restarting the show in a way with the original intent; however, this time, with more experience and wisdom. I hope to inspire and encourage others to keep moving forward and pursuing their goals and dreams no matter what. I love to highlight and interview creatives, performers, and those who don’t get to share their stories and journey. Along with guests, discussing topics that can reach the heart of anyone listening and hopefully inspiring them to keep moving forward and striving to be better is what the late-night show was created for. This year will officially mark the return of hosting and organizing various events to continue bringing the community together, networking talented individuals/entities, and doing good to better ATX & Texas, the place I now call home.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were many situations I did not know how to navigate. Being raised to love and trying to see the best in people with my faith does not align with the way the world operates. So, there were many moments I had to learn the hard way. Trusting many who seemed genuine but had ulterior motives was the biggest hurt of my life. However, gaining those experiences got me to where I am today. Experience really can be the greatest teacher. I continue to love and try to see the best in people, just with more caution and a bit more guarded. The sad part was seeing each negative attempt backfire. I don’t enjoy seeing anyone suffer or be at a low. I know that place all too well. Forgiveness and acceptance have been two of my greatest strengths. While some may see it as a weakness, it’s freeing in many ways.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I bring heart to everything I do. My passion is what I am most grateful for. I’ve been called emotional and viewed it as a potentially negative attribute at one point. In media, politics, business, etc., emotions are rarely welcome. However, emotional intelligence has become a highly sought-after trait for today’s leaders, and I possess that trait after years of trial and error. As an interviewer, being able to connect with the interviewee just before the interview begins is my specialty. Making sure they feel comfortable and are open to vulnerability makes for a compelling interview. What happens next can be powerful. It can drive support, profit, backing, and relevance, among other things. Great responsibility and accountability come with that type of potential impact. While working in radio, television, and print, my uniqueness kept my subject matter relatable, down to earth, and respected. Integrity and transparency were also key over that decade. Despite the many opportunities to do so, I never used my influence or resources for bad. Hence, my faith has been a primary factor throughout my life. Being able to encourage, support, and champion others, especially when they wanted to give up or fold, and having them press forward or approach the situation differently was a highlight of those years for me.
We’d like to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
If I believed in luck, I’ve had an unlucky hand for most of my life or career. I often felt like I was Jim Carey in the 1998 film “The Truman Show.” No matter how much progress I seemingly make, I still need to get on a boat and leave my hometown due to multiple factors. I do believe in blessings, fate, and timing. God’s timing matters to me. So whether I understand or agree, I’m grateful I get to live this life and experience it for all it’s worth. My life is just beginning. My youth often kept me out of certain rooms or decision-making moments. Now, I’m at the prime age to utilize what I’ve learned and be received correctly.
Pricing:
- Negotiable
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heybrayj7/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braylin-jenkins-6152aa67/
- Youtube: WideAwakeSlumberPartyUSA
