The Turnaround with Jesse Thorn Reggie Ossé (Combat Jack)
Jul 24, 2017
Reggie Ossé, known as Combat Jack, is a former music-industry lawyer and host renowned for in-depth interviews with hip-hop artists. He shares how he stumbled into podcasting after burnout and emphasizes the importance of long conversations for artists to fully express their stories. Reggie highlights his unique interview style influenced by icons like Howard Stern while focusing on vulnerability and authenticity. He delves into the challenges of addressing sensitive topics and the impact of public comments, encouraging a deeper understanding of hip-hop beyond its surface.
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Trust From Shared History
- Artists open up to Reggie because he isn't perceived as an outside journalist hunting headlines.
- His prior roles as lawyer and industry insider build trust and allow deeper conversations.
Ask How It Felt
- Reggie always asks guests how moments felt at pivotal points in their lives to reveal possibility and motivation.
- He uses emotional memory to find the moment that shifted someone from survival to ambition.
Respect Boundaries, Let Silence Speak
- Respect guests' boundaries and let them decline topics; silence can itself be revealing.
- Prioritize trust over headlines to preserve relationships and truth-telling.
