Tag: Doc

I’m My Alter Ego for Halloween 2025: Alissa Fere

For many years, I’ve dressed up as a variety of characters. Halloween has always been my time to shine, a moment to embody creativity and personal expression. This year, my costume is more than just a look—it’s a personal release and a performance. I’m stepping into the shoes of someone known only to me: my alter ego, Alissa Fere.

In the past, I often chose costumes inspired by trending topics or cultural moments. This year, with the world feeling uncertain and chaotic, I wanted to create something meaningful and authentic rather than topical or morbid,  like an expired SNAP benefits card or an unemployed SSA employee.

Read: Get in the Spirit of Halloween: 5 Halloween Costumes by Doc

Despite the turmoil and challenges we face nationally, including the ongoing struggles since the Trump administration’s policies, I find hope in the resilience and solidarity of communities. Families in Oregon organize food drives, and I’ve witnessed firsthand the generosity in Maryland through my work with Instacart, delivering food to those in need. These acts of kindness inspire me to believe we can emerge stronger.

Since my son arrived, he’s developed a love for Halloween that mirrors my own. His costume had to be special—he requested to be a Happy Dragon. After weeks of interpreting what that meant, I transformed him into the happiest dragon I know. His creativity fuels mine, especially during this season.

Ro, The Happy Dragon and my sister dressed as a sim.

I chose to be his partner in crime this year. The Mother of Dragons herself visited my spirit, painting my hair blonde. I became Daenerys Targaryen, the fierce and complex character from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and the HBO series Game of Thrones. Walking alongside my son in this tradition, which my sister and I have cherished for three years, was truly magical.

The Many Faces of Halloween

Over the past decade, I’ve embodied many characters—from Tina Belcher of Bob’s Burgers to a Covid-19 germ, to cancel culture itself. Each costume tells a story, reflects a moment, or challenges a narrative.

Introducing Alissa Fere and the Official Mic Drop Video

With the release of “A Voice of My Own,” a free chapter from my memoir 4Da Streetz, I’m unveiling something special: my alter ego Alissa Fere and the official mic drop video for my very first music video.

Alissa Fere

Born in the Underground Dojo, Alissa Fere found her voice in Baltimore’s underground arts scene in the early 2010s. She is the alter ego of Taylor “Doc” Walker, founder of Doc’s Castle Media, and more than a name—she’s a reckoning.

For years, Alissa observed from the shadows, learning the grind and grace of artists around her while quietly nurturing her own lyrical fire. Now, she bursts forth with unapologetic boldness. Her music is raw, honest, and unfiltered—a declaration of selfhood, survival, and resistance against the silence polite society demands.

Alissa Fere doesn’t just write music. She tells it like it is. No filters. No apologies. Just her truth, amplified.

How to Engage with This Release

This Halloween, I’m not just dressing up—I’m stepping into my power and inviting you to witness the birth of Alissa Fere. Stay tuned for more creative releases and performances from Doc’s Castle Media.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Easy Rider Reborn: TheRealSmirf and the Legacy of Kush and OJ

The Real Smirf steps in as the infamous DJ of the Kush and OJ mixtape, Easy Rider.

Like I said before, the 4Da Streetz video is a tribute to the 15 Year Anniversary of Wiz Khalifa’s Kush and OJ mixtape. It’s from an era when mixtapes were the soundtrack to nights thick with smoke, laughter, and the pulse of the city. Kush and OJ wasn’t just music; it was the heartbeat of every kickback, every smoke cipher, every gathering where stories were shared and memories made. I downloaded it from LiveMixtapes in 2010 and didn’t skip a single track. That tape played on repeat, weaving itself into the fabric of those moments, earning its place as the dope-ass soundtrack everyone knew and loved.

Inspired by Wiz Khalifa’s Easy Rider

On Skit 1, which introduces the theme of the tape, we meet an unforgettable character named Easy Rider. Easy Rider is the host of the Kush and OJ mixtape, voiced by Wiz Khalifa. I’ve always liked this character and how he introduced Wiz to listeners. I wanted to do the same for Alissa Fere, giving her a theatrical introduction similar to Wiz’s way of introducing us to everything he brought to his listeners in this exceptional album.

I’m aiming to make this mic drop video stand out by using my favorite beat from the track, “Never Been,” produced by Sledgren. I discovered the original beat isn’t on streaming services because it samples music from the 1995 video game Chrono Trigger. Despite this, the beat resonated deeply with me, much like when Logic used it for his 2012 mixtape A Tale of Two Stans. Now, 4Da Streetz also features this beat. The song is available as a free download in my book, A Voice of My Own, gifted like a mixtape—once downloadable on platforms like Datpiff and LiveMixtapes, now on my Bandcamp for Alissa Fere.

Read: Baltimore’s Shot By Swish Directs 4Da Streetz Tribute to Wiz Khalifa’s Kush & OJ

TheRealSmirf acts as Easy Rider

What can I do that’ll bring this out more and show how much I really like this tape? I want there to be a skit, and I want someone funny to do it. TheRealSmirf, whom I discovered through his TikTok series “NotMeSmirf,” where he delivers sharp, humorous takes on a variety of everyday topics with a witty and relatable style, brings that energy perfectly.

Watch TheRealSmirf on Instagram

Smirf came through for me in a bind, and I appreciate him for it. When something falls through, I love it when artists can help make up for lost creative labor by sharing their expertise. That’s why I have to give extra applause to TheRealSmirf for not only acting as Easy Rider in the video but also helping coach me on the perfect visuals for executing my first video.

Tevin Towns Interview with TheRealSmirf on Personal Perspectives

Listen to Tevin Towns interview with TheRealSmirf on Personal Perspectives on YouTube. Watch as he opens up about his ten years as a comedian, his life’s challenges, personal growth, battle rapping, content creation, and support from Baltimore.

Watch the interview on YouTube

Want to hear something funny from TheRealSmirf? Follow him for skits, future show dates, and rap battles on his Instagram at @thereal_smirf.

Kush and OJ isn’t just a mixtape; it’s the pulse of nights woven with smoke, laughter, and the rhythm of connection—a soundtrack that shaped a generation’s gatherings and dreams. With TheRealSmirf stepping into the role of Easy Rider, that spirit is reborn, laced with humor and heart, bridging the echoes of past and present. I invite you to dive deep into this homage, to watch the 4Da Streetz video, and to rediscover the magic that mixtapes like Kush and OJ breathed into our lives. This is more than music—it’s a living legacy, a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Follow TheRealSmirf’s journey on Instagram at @thereal_smirf.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Download the free ebook A Voice of My Own.

Recording 4Da Streetz at The Lineup Room: Where Baltimore’s Sound Comes Alive

The Lineup Room is a Baltimore Hip Hop and Rap Recording Studio with mixes that are featured on Netflix, Billboard, and HBO. It’s the stomping grounds for many of the city’s creatives—Eze Jackson, TT The Artist, DDm, Mighty Mark, SU The Clique, Jay Ivy—who’ve all tapped into its production and engineering magic. The resume and notoriety of the studio alone is immaculate, and a big motivator for why I chose it as the location to record the official 4Da Streetz music video.

A Hub for Baltimore Creatives

The Lineup Room isn’t just a studio, it’s a cornerstone of Baltimore’s hip-hop ecosystem. Known for its professionalism and artist-first approach, it consistently rises above the noise of other city studios by nurturing talent and respecting the creative process. Whether it’s helping songwriters refine their sound or supporting recording artists in shaping their vision, The Lineup Room delivers with intention and care.

Beyond the booth, the studio plays a vital role in community uplift as a proud contributor to The Dream Bigger Community Institute’s flagship initiative, Beats Not Bullets, a transformative program that empowers at-risk youth through hands-on education in music production, sound engineering, and the business behind the art.

The Lineup Room Instagram. Sept 2025

I Chose the Lineup Room

I’ve recorded at The Lineup Room multiple times, working closely with engineers who provided exceptional customer service. The sounds were crisp—even before mixing and mastering. While being serviced at the studio, I worked with individuals who not only recorded my songs but also gave vital feedback and encouraged the development of a sound for Alissa Fere, my music persona and alter ego.

Now, let’s be real. While working on 4Da Streetz, I hit a few bumps. Some engineers were a bit shaky to work with. But what business doesn’t have a few bad apples trying to get a come-up? When I ran into issues, I knew my guy Brandon Lackey would make sure my project was handled with care. One quick call to an old friend, and he ensured I was satisfied with how everything turned out.

Read: The Music Highlight: Jose (Liquor Talkin) by Alissa Fere on Doc’s Castle Media

A Voice of My Own, a standalone chapter from 4Da Streetz The Book, traces Alissa Fere’s journey through Baltimore’s Underground Dojo, a space where raw experience meets lyrical truth. While her breakout track “Jose (Liquor Talkn)” wasn’t recorded at The Lineup Room, it’s the studio where the visual heartbeat of 4Da Streetz came alive. Filming there wasn’t just about location. It was about intention. The Lineup Room became a vessel for Alissa’s reclamation—a sonic sanctuary where she sparked a continuation of her story, embodying her voice, her truth, and her power.

Daniel Hess Interview with Brandon Lackey of The Lineup Room Studio

To learn more about Brandon Lackey and his journey with The Lineup Room, check out the interview with Daniel Hess of To Tony Productions.

This interview was awesome, mainly because they did it while coloring with Crayola crayons. Shout-out to the crayon plug. I love to color! Beyond that, it gave me deeper insight into Brandon, the owner of The Lineup Room, where he discussed the history and mission of a studio that’s been serving Baltimore artists since the early 2010s.

If you’re looking to book a session, hit up The Lineup Room on their official site. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just getting started, this studio knows how to honor your sound and your story.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Postpartum

Interlude:

This piece is about what happens after birth—the unraveling, the rebuilding, and the silence that surrounds it. It’s not a celebration. It’s a confrontation. “Postpartum” is the first in a series that names the struggle, honors the survival, and refuses to stay quiet.

So this is postpartum.

I didn’t expect it to feel like this.

I used to think it was exaggerated, just something women said to fill the silence.

But then I met it face-to-face.

And here I am.

The thoughts came in floods.

Not gentle waves, riptides.

Anxiety, I didn’t know I’d been carrying for years, suddenly had a name.

I thought everyone’s mind raced like mine.

I thought talking to yourself was just how people processed life.

Turns out, I was already surviving something I hadn’t yet defined.

I didn’t expect to be left when my son was six months old.

Didn’t expect his father to choose selfishness over family.

Didn’t know I was never part of his definition of “us.”

He was faking it.

And I was believing it.

I didn’t think betrayal would be part of my postpartum vocabulary.

But here we are.

I didn’t expect to still be in postpartum,

while raising someone who mirrored the man I was learning to unlove.

My son carries his father’s face,

with a flicker of mine tangled in the corners.

It’s a strange inheritance.

I heard the harshest words of my life

from the man I kept choosing,

even after he stopped choosing me.

And I was supposed to swallow them.

But how do you digest lies

When you’re trying to build a life rooted in truth?

I didn’t expect to carry most of the weight—

while promises dissolved into absence.

Fatherhood, it seems, was optional for him.

For me, it was never a choice. It was a vow.

Postpartum.

Is this something I was just supposed to know how to survive?

It’s chaotic. It’s loud.

Questions pile up like laundry I never asked for.

I’m overwhelmed.

but is it hormones?

Is it grief?

Is it just life showing up without warning?

I didn’t expect to lose people who once swore they’d never leave.

“Best friends” vanished.

Support systems crumbled.

The curtain dropped, and behind it,

I saw the truth:

I can’t depend on the same people who rely on me.

Not when I need them most.

What is a best friend when you’re postpartum?

When you’re not your most polished self?

When you need someone to just sit beside you,

without needing a reason?

I’ve asked for that kind of presence.

Unconventional, quiet, real.

But they don’t show up.

Not like I did.

And I don’t know why.

Maybe they don’t either.

Maybe silence is their only language.

Is it postpartum depression?

No.

This ache predates motherhood.

It’s the slow realization that some relationships

are built on expiration dates.

Outside of family,

Impermanence is the only promise I’ve ever seen kept.

I grew up knowing one thing for sure:

Family is what remains when everything else falls away.

But now, people want to pin my pain on postpartum.

They offer commentary like it’s comfort:

“Families look different these days.”

“Conventional love is outdated.”

“You’re strong—you can raise him on your own.”

They don’t get it.

I didn’t bring my son into this world for a situationship.

I wanted permanence.

Postpartum doesn’t excuse betrayal.

I didn’t expect to carry the full weight of shaping his future alone.

But I refuse to be a temporary figure in his life—

not when I’ve lived through too many of those myself.

Flashbacks.

Faces that faded.

Promises that dissolved.

I see the facade now.

I’m too blunt, too real, too rooted for people who only show up when it’s easy.

They can’t take me.

And I’ve stopped trying to be taken.

Turns out, it’s not postpartum at all.

It’s ADHD. Maybe bipolar.

Maybe just me—finally learning the language of my own mind.

I’m the one who’s going to know.

I’m the one who’s going to name it.

I’ve always seen the world in systems.

Now I understand why I’ve always felt like the outcast.

Postpartum?

My ass.

That label was never big enough to hold me.

I never knew my racing thoughts were tied to anxiety.

Never realized that what I called “normal” was actually depression,

threaded through years of my life like an invisible inheritance.

My mood swings?

They’re not character flaws.

They’re coded in my lineage.

And what is me—is not to blame.

I’ve always carried expectations this world doesn’t know how to hold.

They’ve called them unrealistic.

But I know how to reshape them,

How to bend perspective without breaking my truth

especially for the family I’m building.

The realization shook me.

Grief came in waves.

But this isn’t just postpartum.

This isn’t just a season.

These aren’t new wounds

They’re old truths finally being named.

And now, I know.

The blame was never mine.

The knowing is.

Postpartum is not.

But I empathize with the woman with postpartum, the one that people forget.

Have you heard 4Da Streetz by Alissa Fere? Watch the lyric video below.

Baltimore Local ACT-SO: Mentorship, Creativity & Empowering Young Artists

Sixteen years after competing in ACT-SO, I returned—not as a contestant, but as a judge for the Baltimore Local Competition. Sitting on the other side of the table was a surreal experience, bringing back memories of the day I stood in the Newtown High School gymnasium, nervous as I prepared to meet the judges. I remember watching the other contestants, convinced I had no chance of winning. They seemed confident, prepared—everything I wasn’t sure I was at the time. But ACT-SO wasn’t just about competition; it was about mentorship, creativity, and preparing young artists for something beyond the moment.

Now, as a judge, I have the chance to witness new generations step into the same experience that shaped my journey. The impact of ACT-SO still runs deep. As I reflect on my path, I realize how much it influenced my confidence. It also impacted my career and creative voice. I want to share—from nervous competitor to mentor—and why I believe ACT-SO is an opportunity that should continue reaching young artists. I hope that more former participants reconnect, support the next wave of talent, and keep this legacy alive.

About NAACP ACT-SO

The NAACP ACT-SO is a nationwide program designed to nurture high school students’ talents in academics, culture, technology, and the arts. Over a year, participants collaborate with community mentors to develop visual arts, business, performing arts, and culinary arts projects. The journey culminates in local and national competitions where students showcase their work and compete for scholarships and awards.

Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition

Baltimore’s ACT-SO program follows the same mission, providing students with mentorship and opportunities to refine their skills. Participants compete in one of 33 categories across six disciplines at the local level, with top performers advancing to the national competition.

Why ACT-SO?

In 2009, I was a contestant in the local Baltimore ACT-SO competition. I also participated in the national ACT-SO competition. This experience became a pivotal turning point in my journey. Joining ACT-SO introduced me to entrepreneurship and inspired me to build my own publication and art business. It was through this competition that I gained the foundational skills and knowledge to craft a blueprint for what I had always envisioned. ACT-SO also gave me my first real taste of networking, allowing me to connect with artists beyond my school and neighborhood. For the first time, I saw myself as part of a vast, vibrant community of Black youth. We were shaping the future together. I felt like a small fish in a big pond of limitless creativity and ambition.

At the award ceremony, I learned that participation in this year’s local ACT-SO competition was low—a reality that feels disheartening considering the profound impact the program had on my life. I’d like to believe the issue isn’t a lack of interest, but rather a lack of awareness. In the age of social media, that shouldn’t be the case. ACT-SO deserves to be in the conversation, accessible to teenagers just as readily as the latest viral trend or their favorite TikTok influencer. So I’m here to talk about it.

One of the most valuable aspects of ACT-SO was the mentorship. I had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors whose advice still resonates with me today. They didn’t just guide me through the competition—they shaped how I approach my creative and professional journey. Whether it was insights on storytelling, the art of networking, or the importance of owning my voice, their wisdom provided a strong foundation for my growth. Their encouragement helped me see beyond my immediate surroundings and recognize my potential. ACT-SO wasn’t just about showcasing talent—it was about cultivating it with the right guidance.

Throughout the school year that I participated, I worked closely with my entrepreneurship teacher to develop a business plan—one that ultimately helped me win the local ACT-SO competition. After that, I was paired with a judge who took my plan to the next level. As a consultant for the Maryland District Office of the Small Business Administration, he provided expert guidance, helping me refine every detail. Looking back, all I remember is a whole lot of editing—but that process shaped my understanding of what it takes to build a strong foundation for a business.

Watch Doc Judges the Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition

How can you get involved?

ACT-SO continues to shape young artists, but it thrives on community support. If you’re a former participant, consider reconnecting. The Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition is looking for volunteers and support for the national competition in July 2025. If you’d like to contribute, visit the NAACP’s official Baltimore Local ACT-SO Competition website to learn how you can help fund the next generation’s journey to the national competition in Charlotte, NC.

There are other major programs comparable to ACT-SO available for the youth in Baltimore City. Shout out some of your favorites in the comments. Let’s shed some light on that goodness.

What’s Up Doc: Returning from Hiatus: A Personal Update revised from 2014

For those curious about my reasons for taking a break, I’ve crafted a list just for you…. (I revised this from 2014. Talk about procrastination. It still applies.) Usually, I make a vision board in the new year. As March is the New Year for Doc’s Castle Media, I’m sharing my vision for the year. It’s not a vision board, but a video and list which shares what prompts me to go on my many hiatuses and my vision for 2025. 

Here’s my list…

Reason 1: The Media is Annoying

Being in the media has made me weary of it. I have a love-hate relationship with the news. Becoming the news has shown me a side of the media I can’t always respect. Everyone’s a critic, everyone’s nosy, and everyone’s chasing fame. There’s too much pressure on what’s true, while Doc’s Castle Media is just my commentary. Life has become about grabbing attention. It’s disheartening to see people change while seeking recognition, and I’m the middle person who has the power to influence that.

I want to write without hyperactive comments and concerns. I’m tired of the rush to cover stories and the hype of likes and views. I move at my own pace at Doc’s Castle Media. On my website, don’t bug me unless…$$$! Catch my drift?

Reason 2: Where is the Originality?

There’s a lack of originality. When I started blogging twelve years ago, I had it. Now, blogging is a new trend, like rapping, videography, photography, and other arts. I’m returning to the drawing board because everyone has a website, and we all do the same thing. But my website remains deeply personal because I want to do it MY WAY. Who else will write an article like this? Who else is going to dive into topics and discover the talents of other people like I do?!  Returning from this hiatus, please expect more unique content. You, the viewers, will see my originality. It’s time to get a little delusional for my viewers and let you into how I see life in my safe place in my Castle.

Reason 3: Lack of Resources and Consistent Help

I’m frustrated by the lack of resources. I hate depending on others and waiting for their help. I dislike working in groups (I learned that in school and networking with other creatives). It seems like a neverending story waiting for others to do their part often leads to disappointment.

A lack of resources forces me to teach myself things I’d rather not do. I just want to write, man. Why must I teach myself graphic or web design, video editing, or photography so my website looks how I want it? A whole publication? It’s fine once I learn it, but it distracts me from writing.

“Invest in your craft,” people say. But who has the money to get off the ground? Not me! So, years were put into learning how to produce a real publication. I deserve flowers for the years I put into what I’m passionate about. I’m coming for my crown.

Reason 4: Am I An Impostor?!

Many creatives can relate to the struggle of getting out of our heads and bringing our visions into the world. We’re constantly searching for ways to make what feels natural to us resonate as “normal” for everyone else. This is my way of life—not the way of life, if you know what I mean—so when life throws challenges my way, finding inspiration to climb out of a rut can feel impossible. There’s no clear guide or set of examples to follow when navigating mistakes for the creative I want to be. It’s taking me a long time to discover my creative “normal.”

As I break free from impostor syndrome and step boldly into reality, I declare to the world: This is who I am. There’s no rule book for becoming the person I aspire to be. I’m ready to be unapologetically myself, to stop hiding the parts of me that I’ve spent years questioning whether they were “cool enough.” With over 4.5K supporters behind me, I realize that maybe I am a little cool. So, here’s to step out further, for myself and for anyone who’s rooting for me. I’m learning to embrace just how cool I truly am.

As you can see, my frustrations have piled up, and the negativity has made me reconsider my approach. A huge question is pressing on my mind, and I haven’t figured out the answer yet due to this built-up frustration with running my castle. But I press forward anyway, with ideas ready to spill out for everyone to see. As always, we’ll see where my creative journey takes me.

Watch me be:

Taylor, Doc, Alissa Fere ❤

Just a Marvelous Time with Marvelous Oak (A Black Owned Wine Tasting Event)

During my visit to the Reisterstown Wine and Beer Tasting in 2023, I expressed the need for more wine festivals in Baltimore. It seems I’ve spoken a new wine tasting into existence by attending the annual Marvelous Oak Mo Wyne Cookout.

The Need for More Wine Festivals

Baltimore should have more wine and spirit tastings, particularly those featuring Black-owned businesses. I was fortunate to come across Marvin Parker in my ventures with alcohol last year. It led me to this wonderful event.

[Read We Need More Wine Festivals In Baltimore (A Doc’s Castle Recap) on Doc’s Castle Media]

Marvin Parker owns the Marvelous Oak Wine brand. I was thrilled to attend the Annual Marvelous Oak Cookout last summer. I loved seeing Black people enjoying themselves with cups of Marvelous Oak wine in hand.

The Marvelous Oak Experience

The star that sat gloriously in my cup was Marvelous Oak’s semi-sweet Malbec wine. At the picnic table, guests found a pitcher filled with sangria, using Marvelous Oak as its main ingredient. I enjoyed a cup while dining at the barbecue and watching the festivities. The atmosphere was lively, with guests grooving to line dances, playing UNO, and simply having a great time. The wine was smooth and stealthy, perfect for an enjoyable day.

Watch the 1st Annual Mo Wyne Cookout

About Marvelous Oak Wine Co.

Founded in 2022 by Marvin Parker, Marvelous Oak is a boutique wine brand dedicated to crafting exceptional, small-batch wines made entirely by hand. With a Level 2 WSET certification, Marvin brings expertise and passion to every bottle, ensuring a unique and memorable experience for wine lovers. Marvelous Oak also hosts exclusive wine-tasting events that highlight the artistry behind each vintage.

Posted on the Marvelous Oak Instagram page, there are details about an upcoming tasting event planned for March 29th! 

Have you been to any wine and spirit festivals in your town? Share your favorites in the comments below!

Exploring Last Call: The Trivia Show That Unites Friends

Well, well, well. We meet again, Mr. Karlito Freeze. This time, in a thrilling challenge thrown down by another Baltimore artist, Symone Hardy of Graphite Pulse.

In 2017, Doc’s Castle Media featured Karlito Freeze because we collaborated on a podcast when he was a former “intimate.” Whiskey Girl hosted the podcast back then, and things were a bit different with Mr. Freeze and me.

Listen to #LoveandHipHop Baltimore Featuring #StrongWayRadio and #DocsCastleMedia on Embrace the Crazy Podcast by Whiskey Girl (Gallery)

After years of silence over obvious things (our breakup), I reconnected with songwriter and aspiring multimedia mogul Karlito Freeze on a few art projects this year, with Last Call being one of our standout collaborations.

The chemistry between Freeze and me is unmatched and worthy of celebration. It’s why we return for Last Call Season 1 to showcase the same fire we exhibit on Ex Factor. It’s an exceptional example of building bonds beyond emotionally impactful differences we may have faced in the past. As a story may appear to end one way, it doesn’t mean it has to be the end all be all.

Sym’s, the host of Last Call, work is already so inspirational in Baltimore City. She captivates me because she’s a Baltimore Creative, just like me. You know, I love our people. I heard of Last Call from Freeze when he told me Sym was creating an experience bringing people together that I haven’t seen many people in Baltimore do before. I’m walking into the experience blind, not knowing what to expect, and only being told my opponent is my ex in a Trivia game. All that’s next came a gesture of the birdman hand rub and a declaration to Freeze that it was now, “Game on!”

Who knew I’d be such a trivia beast? Not me! It’s all thanks to the countless hours of Wheel of Fortune playing in the background at my grandparents’ house growing up. Trivia knowledge whispers to me even in my sleep. Freeze didn’t have a chance. The Graphite Pulse Last Call experience brings people together for a good time and plenty of laughter. I had a blast and would do it again if invited.

Who is Graphite Pulse?

Graphite Pulse is an art platform run by multimedia artist Sym, showcasing her art practices and the events she attends due to her incredible talents.

Follow Sym’s Instagram!

Last Call

Last Call is a lively trivia game show that brings people together for a night of fun, laughter, and mystery! With three exciting rounds, each featuring five random and entertaining trivia questions, players are tested on their knowledge across a wide variety of topics. But there’s a twist—the contestant with the lowest score at the end of each round must drink a mystery shot, adding an element of surprise and humor to the game. Perfect for families, friends, and communities, Last Call is all about creating connections, sparking friendly competition, and building camaraderie.

Watch Last Call: Ex Factor

How do you feel about couples collaborating on projects for their brands? Do you think it can be done? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

We Need More Wine Festivals in Baltimore (A Doc’s Castle Recap)

Doc’s back to drinking after her hiatus during pregnancy with taste-testing spirits at the 2nd Annual Reisterstown Beer and Wine Festival.

I enjoy trying new drinks at social events with my family and friends. As something slight for me to do the weekend after my birthday at the last minute, attending a wine festival fills the void I have to go outside with “my ass ratchet friends” when needed. I went to the 2nd Annual Reisterstown Beer and Wine Festival with my sister to fill that need to leave my house after being inside most of 2023 with an infant. The event’s crowd was good, and with a purchased unlimited taste testers ticket, I felt good amidst the crowd.

There were a total of 8 to 10 vendor booths for wine connoisseurs to venture into. I’m highlighting two that were my favorite to visit. But overall, it was a good amount of vendors to spend a good Saturday afternoon getting tipsy.

Tipsy Teacher

Tipsy Teacher is a group of teachers who love wine and created a brand to help provide resources for teachers in need. Proceeds from purchases of wines from anything in their collection went to buying supplies for classrooms.

Misfit Winery Coconut Wine

Misfit Winery is a company a person who frequently attends festivals in Maryland might see often as a vendor. They’re a famous winery that I found packs their event calendar on their site with dates of where their wine is featured. I enjoyed their Coconut Wine. I decided to purchase this one to take home.

Overall my experience could have been longer. We spent 2 and half hours at a wine festival, and I thought we’d be there a little longer. I just didn’t feel the need to continue visiting the same 10 booths after I did a round of seconds. Maybe there were so few selections of spirits because this was only their 2nd annual beer and wine festival. But the lack of variety caused us to make our exit early.

Don’t get me wrong. There are many Beer and Wine Festivals for people to attend throughout Maryland. Baltimore recently hosted its first Wine Village in the middle of the Inner Harbor. I also attended The Secret Garden Weekend Wine Fest in Westminster, MD. It’s just that my experience warranted me to say we need more because this one, in particular, wasn’t too great.

Watch We Need More Wine Festivals in Baltimore via Doc’s Castle Media YouTube Channel.

Revisiting My Bucket List from a Decade Ago

I created a bucket list in the wee hours of Doc’s Castle Media, in 2013, with the hopes of completing everything that’s on it before I die. Participating in a fashion show, recording a rap song, and releasing a mixtape are just a few things I can mark complete from my Bucket Lists. Now it’s nearly a decade later, and it’s time to revisit my bucket list from 2013 to see if I somehow continued to scratch things without staying on top of it all of these years.

At the time, I made a bucket list to keep myself busy while searching for a gateway to my career. It’s funny how that was so unnecessary to do because life has a way of making you busy with all its crazy twists and turns. With that said, I kind of forgot about my list until it started trending on Doc’s Castle Media this summer. I guess viewers suddenly have an interest in what aspirations I made for myself 8 years ago. Nevertheless, I am revisiting my list to see what I completed without the thought of conquering my list even being on my mind.

[Read 1000+ Bucket List Ideas by Bucket List Journey]

In the last decade, I learned that creating lists helps me feel fulfilled. They’re made to give me purpose. I don’t need reasons to do things, but it’s better when I set goals for myself that grant direction whenever I hit a period in my life I feel I am “stuck.” As a mental health practice, conquering bucket lists and creating vision boards gives me reasons to live.

Doc’s 2020 Vision Board

By all means, please don’t confuse it with the vision boards I share online each year, my bucket list is of tasks to complete before I die. There’s no deadline for any of what I want to achieve on this prior to that. In fact, this particular list of goals is full of things that I think are cool saying I can complete throughout my lifetime. 

Doc’s 2021 Revised Bucket List:

After living my life these few years, I find that a list of only 12 aspirations is not enough. I want to do so much more. Furthermore, I realize as I age, I should dream of more ideas for my bucket list because every time I complete a task, it feels so amazing. It’s a feeling that should be frozen in time.

Below is my revised bucket list 9 years after it initially appeared on Doc’s Castle Media. The things crossed out represent what’s completed. 

  • Make a Song (Listen to my rap song.)
  • Be in a music video
  • Write/Produce a video
  • Go to 4 different states in one year
  • Go to a Rave (similar to those that I see in movies)
  • Walk-in a fashion show (See the recap of the fashion show.)
  • Go on a Cruise with friends
  • Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
  • Snow Tubing
  • Attend Mardi Gras
  • Swim with some exotic animal
  • Release a mixtape (Listen to Songs From Da Dugout.)
  • Start a Vlog
  • Host A Tequila Tastings (Read a recap of 1st ever tequila tasting.)
  • Become Certified as a Bartender
  • Open an Art Store (Shop for Tipsy Decor.)
  • Have A Pop-up Shop
  • Purchase a school bus and paint it
  • Be an audience member in a live show taping (Preferably Ellen)
  • Write and Publish a Book
  • Complete SEO/Marketing Certification
  • Turn my house into my art museum
  • Own a personal library in my home

Will I revisit this list again in the next decade? Why not? Tracking and revisiting whether I completed any goal is cool. What’s surprising is having the support from my readers reminding me to always come back to it.