Today we’d like to introduce you to Lamark Plaskett
Hi Lamark, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Once upon a time there was a king that was born in the Bronx on June 25, 1995 at 5:32pm. (Shoutout to the cancers) He grew up in Queens, went to catholic school and this lil boy just wanted to be a STAR but he couldn’t sing like Brandy so he had to figure something out. I’m going to stop talking in third person now, I went to Bayside High School, and was going to study journalism in college but had a teacher (Ms.Hagen) who pulled me aside and told me that Journalism wouldn’t fit me but I should look into Radio & TV, at the point I was offended because I can write too but Ms.Hagen was spot on and saw the vision. Once I started college and became familiar with my college radio station WKRB 90.3, I knew this was the start of something big. I started a radio show called “The Fresh Movement” and that show lasted for eight years on many different platforms including Party 101.9 Radio, an affiliate to iHeartRadio. The show won awards, featured major guests, a sold out live show in Time Squares and I couldn’t be more proud of what I’ve accomplished. After the show ended I moved to ATL to start my On-Air Radio journey and never got the job, I was going to quit radio but received a call from iHeartRadio about a year later when I moved back to NYC and that really changed the game for me. I’ve interned and worked street team at many stations in NYC but this was the first time I was brought on for just programming at a major company.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth isn’t even the word, not only was it not smooth but it’s bumpy, cold, dark and lonely but it’s a part of the story. One of my biggest struggles was trying to put myself in a box or not feeling accepted by any group. I was trying to make sure I catered to my black side or my gay side anytime I did anything on radio, podcast or just in general, I had to release that and just be me, not let others decide my outcome or my story. I’m a “black gay man” but that’s not all I am to the world. I want people to see me for me and not my skin color, my sexual orientation but the guy who is making dope content, making you laugh and opening doors for groups who never thought they could. If you’re reading this I hope you feel inspired to keep going and to never give up on your dreams no matter the circumstance. Life can be such a mess sometimes but only you can control you, so ensure your happiness and mental health are top priority.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a Podcast Creator, Host, Producer, Editor and social media for “Lamark After Dark” My podcast talks about sex, pop culture, conversations about real life issues, interviews and overall a place for you to get an escape from reality and laugh your ass off. I also work at iHeartRadio as a Board Op, Producer and On-Air Talent for fun segments with DJ Self on Power 105.1 & Maxwell & Crystal on Z100. I just recently started being a host at Club Lambda Bk for body positivity parties, (Shoutout to Roger Blacc) so I like to consider myself the jack of all trades. I think what sets me apart from most is my drive & ambition. I’m willing to network my ass off and think outside of the box. However, I don’t really like to compare myself to anyone, I think what’s meant for me is for me and we all have our paths. I’m proud of how far I’ve come from college but it’s just the beginning. As of now please check out my podcast “Lamark After Dark” on iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple Podcast, YouTube and anywhere you can stream podcasts. Special Shoutout to my co-host Chelsea and the entire team at Lamark After Dark!
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was super shy, insecure and very to myself. I had a very difficult childhood due to bullying at school, figuring out my sexuality, abuse at home and not feeling wanted. I will dive into my childhood trauma more when I write my autobiography but I’m forever grateful for my mom for being my rock, my brother (Lamel) for being my friend and my stepdad (Steven) for being the father figure I needed. But on a more lighter note I always loved entertainment as a child. The Bet Awards, Wendy Williams, VMAs, 106 & Park were the ultimate guides for me into the industry. Once I saw 3LW’s “No More” video on 106 & Park I knew that I wanted to be on TV/ famous but just didn’t know how I would get there. 20 years later and I know I’m made for this industry, just not as a singer but the guy who can help the singer express their story via podcast, interview or etc. My goals for the future is to show more representation in Entertainment, host the VMAs, ensure my mother never has to work again, host and produce a syndicated radio show, write a book, make a fragrance and become best friends with Normani.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-lamark-after-dark-107166153?cmp=ios_share&sc=ios_social_share&pr=false&autoplay=true
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamark_fresh?igsh=MXRsYXdkNTc4czl4ag==
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FleeBoyMark?si=bDT6Ef-uIJHpMa0t
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/6B9bx2jy0MzWLVQApGSmHc?si=Jtxo2e0eQ5ygf3dEyoYIHw
