Latest news with #SocialCon
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Shreveport event explores surviving social media with your mental health
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—Social media has changed how we connect in daily life and even the workplace. Today, many define success through social media, but it also comes with a mental health cost. Recognizing the symptoms of hyperfunctioning depression in women Social Con is a local event that is sparking real conversations about the reality of social media. From highlight reels to instant viral fame, social media is a blueprint for life for some, but Kalli Combs, owner of Social Con, says people often only see part of reality. She says social media's impact on mental health is important, and sometimes, that requires taking a break. 'Things that have been working for me, that I've found that works with my mental health, because we all need to step away sometimes, you cannot as a human being involve yourself in negativity or anything that may be conducive to your spirit all the time,' said Combs Combs says comparing culture online can lead to false realities and unrealistic expectations. Proposed bill in Texas would prohibit minors from using social media. Learn tips for managing child's online activity 'You see people that you know, they may have nice cars or they may have money… But you don't know that they're renting that… So all you see is what's in front of you,' said Combs. That's why she urges parents to stay aware of what their kids consume and shares what works for her family. 'When we're in the car driving, I'm listening… or leaving the door open and listening to what he's watching on TV, so we can further advocate,' said Combs. Former U.S. Surgeon General Doctor Vivek Murthy says to be aware of mimicking what you see on social media. Mental health facility opens in Northeast Texast to help patients in crisis 'What I worry about, for young people in particular, is the impact that technology is having on their social connection. We tend to think, 'Oh. Kids are on social media. That's great because they're connected to one another.' But, no, we have to recognize there's a difference between the connections you have online and the connections you have in person. And as more relationships are shifted online, we're realizing that, number one, more kids are struggling with this intense culture of self-comparison online, which is shredding their self-esteem.' Murthy. At the end of the day, Combs says the realest thing we can do is to be transparent. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Social media trolls can't dim Leona Gray's shine as she preps for SocialCon 2025
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – In the digital age, many people take pride in being 'multihyphenates,' individuals with multiple professions and skills. This is very true of Shreveport Police Corporal Leona Gray. You may have seen Gray with other officers securing the perimeter of events, ensuring safety, interacting with community members at SPD events, or perhaps as one of the faces of the department's recruiting campaign, which caused some controversy and will be covered later. Or still, perhaps you're one of her dance fitness students, hired her as a DJ, photographer or maybe she's been helping you fix your life like Iyanla. SocialCon ambassadors seek to learn, inspire at upcoming event However, you became familiar with Leona Gray; she's now adding 'SocialCon ambassador' to her list of accomplishments. Gray is joining a host of local content creators and national influencers for the upcoming digital marketing and networking event and says showing up in every space as her authentic self is what opened the door for this moment and her rapidly growing social media presence. 'Showing up authentically is key. Building community is key. And it's not about like, how many followers you have. It's about actually building relationships with people that support you. And that's where the movement starts,' Gray said. But no movement is without detractors, and when the Shreveport Police Department started rolling out its recent recruitment campaign, some social media users saw it as a time to regurgitate negative commentary and outdated racist tropes about Gray's appearance. According to those who believe job performance and professionalism are direct products of hairstyling, Gray's neatly woven, braided locs and tight fade are unbecoming of a police officer, even though she has risen through the ranks to become corporal. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Shreveport media personality ready to share digital talents, expert insights at SocialCon While the negative voices were loud, the support was even louder, and reluctantly, Gray released a video on her social media platforms detailing who she is and why closed minds and negativity will not detour her path or purpose. She said her faith is what got her through the ugly rhetoric. 'Truth moment, I pray. It's easier said than done because sometimes you do want to clap back. But that's not. That's not who I am. And so I think the biggest thing is having, a solid foundation in who you are and in Christ, not to sound, you know, but that that's true,' Gray said. 'You have to have that and that, that that is what brings me through is prayer and going and meditating and knowing that, hey, listen, I know who I am and listen, they talked about Jesus. So, who am I? That's the biggest thing for me.' What the online haters and trolls sought to diminish is her superpower: 'For me, purpose is everything. And I do my best to show up in any capacity. With that in mind, that this is my purpose. And I truly want to help people become the best selves, inside and out. That's that's from fitness life coaching. And my media business. All of that ties into, my passion for purpose and people.' On June 7, 2025, at the inaugural SocialCon, Gray and other like-minded creators, digital marketers, influencers, lookers, lurkers, and fans will gather in downtown Shreveport at the Eleven Events Center to interlock their collective passions and purposes for a day of sharing and preparation for growth. Content creators, influencers, small businesses don't miss SocialCon 2025 'With SocialCon, people will have access to the leaders who know how this works. They'll have the tools that they need to get started. Once they leave, and I think that the biggest thing is just being in the room with like-minded people, is a huge, huge thing with us. We need that.' For Gray, success on social media resembles self-awareness. As many who achieve rapid social media success have learned, burnout can come quickly as content consumption increases. But for those who create from the heart and share glimpses of their authentic selves, success soon follows. 'The real secret is truly showing up as your authentic self, because sometimes we get so caught up with the algorithm in the trends. Not realizing that people are looking to connect with the actual person, not the product,' Gray said. Tickets, information on featured speakers, and award nominees can be found on The full interview with Leona Gray can be viewed on the KTAL News YouTube channel. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
East Texas Comic Con: celebrities, autographs, and cosplay contests in Longview
LONGVIEW, Texas (KTAL/KMSS) — For years, local fans of comics, anime, and nerd culture in general had few places to go. The East Texas Comic Con in Longview is one of them. Shreveport's Geek'd Con returns, what you need to know The event will feature autograph sessions and meet-and-greets with celebrities from the world of voice acting, horror movies, professional wrestling, and more. SocialCon ambassadors seek to learn, inspire at upcoming event Patrons can participate in anything from board games and trading card games to video game tournaments, or walk across the cosplay stage for a chance at prizes and photo ops. East Texas Comic Con is on June 28 and 29 at the Longview Exhibit Center. More guests and an official schedule will be announced soon. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
SocialCon ambassadors seek to learn, inspire at upcoming event
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)—The inaugural SocialCon, an event that will bring together local and national influencers to expand the networks and visibility of local content creators, is fast approaching. On June 7, 2025, social media lovers and experts will gather at the Eleven Events Center on Texas Street for the first-ever SocialCon. Two locals tapped to represent N. Louisiana creators as ambassadors for the event are photographer, stylist, and content creator Michael Anthony, and Brittany Ann, who is passionate about her engaging with her community and physical fitness. Content creators, influencers, small businesses don't miss SocialCon 2025 Michael Anthony is a native of Minden but resides in the greater Shreveport area. Brittany Ann is from Mer Rouge, Louisiana, the revelation of which caused an impromptu geography lesson because of its remote location and tiny population. But they both say they are moving in their purpose: to share, guide, and create via social media platforms. Both Michael and Brittany say they were shocked when event organizer Kalli Combs invited them to serve as ambassadors. 'I received the email saying congratulations. You are being asked to be an ambassador for the first SocialCon for 2025, in Shreveport, Louisiana. And of course, I was super excited. I could not resist,' Brittany Ann said. Michael said he was wowed by the invitation: 'When someone pays attention, notices you, and wants you to be part of what they have going on, it was just a wow for me.' Both said that while they are very nervous about the duty of helping Kalli and Ryan Combs set a high bar with the first-ever SocialCon, they are also very excited about the opportunity. Shreveport media personality ready to share digital talents, expert insights at SocialCon 'I really feel that it's needed because there's so much potential with so many great people who are doing content in the area, info to have this space in, you know, it's everything for us, you know, because we don't have this space. We don't have moments like this where we can all come together, you know, just network and collab and, you know, just have fun, you know, and doing what we love to do,' Michael Anthony said. Both creators say authenticity is the key to a successful social media presence. No one wants to become popular behind a caricature of themselves, which will require a 'rebrand' because a lie is not sustainable. Brittany Ann admittedly is 'in love with social media' but says collaboration over competition is the key to maintaining that love and fulfilling her purpose. 'Do not try to do it alone. There's plenty of room for everybody at the top. If we can lock in with somebody, we can always grow together.' You can follow Brittany Ann and Michael Anthonny on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about them or follow their journey. SocialCon 2025 is on Saturday, June 7, at The Eleven Events Center on Texas Street; for tickets or more information, visit their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shreveport media personality ready to share digital talents, expert insights at SocialCon
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A Shreveport entrepreneur and content creator is among those tapped to serve as an ambassador for an upcoming event meant to connect those seeking online success and partnership with those who have achieved it or can provide guidance. SocialCon is the first of its kind for Shreveport. It is slated for June 7, 2025, at the Eleven Events Center downtown and is the brainchild of Kalli and Ryan Combs. The couple has tapped several notable creators from Louisiana and elsewhere, like New Orleans native, rapper, author, and educator Dee-1, whose Instagram following is approaching one million. Tommy W. Nard is a Shreveport native, founder of Nard Music Group, and creator of Culturally Connected TV, a podcast that features newsmakers, trendsetters, local events, and entertainers. He will serve as one of the event's ambassadors. Are you one of Shreveport's TikTok Titans? 'I believe SocialCon is very important for people to network, content is everything, I tell people. I just told someone the other day that content lasts forever,' Nard said. He says SocialCon is an opportunity for people to come and understand some key elements of content creation that will bring visibility and potential revenue. 'This is an opportunity for Social Con – for everybody to come. And I just understand the power of content, the power of curating content that will make, change, move the world. You know, I'm saying in an impactful way, no matter if it's negative or a positive way.' Nard did not always dream of being a content creator. He has no 'formal training' in film or television. His family owns Lil' Animals Seafood on Line Avenue in Shreveport; his father, Tommy Nard, Sr., is pastor and founder of Family Life Church of Shreveport. He said his journey into content creation and Culturally Connected TV was born after a friend, who he calls 'the Oprah of the South,' needed his help, and he needed hers as well. Boss Brothers launch radio show for kids 'So I was like, you know what? Let's put this together. And we kept thinking about what can we call this? Because it's not just for me, it's for everybody. So culturally connected, culturally, okay, culture,' Nard explained. 'I want to connect everybody, you know, in a positive light.' With negative depictions of Shreveport in abundance, Nard and his partner set out to spotlight the good things happening in the area and highlighting changemakers and people doing their best to support the city they love. He understands that positivity is slower to spread than gossip and untruths, but in the three years since launching Culturally Connected TV on YouTube, his consistency is paying off. 'So I'm thankful. SocialCon is going be a great opportunity for different other content creators to come together,' Nard said he his hopeful about the rich networking experience that SocialCon will bring to Shreveport. One element of SocialCon that Nard said he is looking forward to the most is the opportunity to meet with other creators one-on-one and discuss their struggles to gain a following or where to start. 'I'm here. I'm here to help you. I'm here to support. And this is this. This means everything, someong seeing the ambassador in me. I didn't think that I was. You know, it's just doing God's work and what he's downloaded in me and the vision that I wrote on the well one day. He (God) says, write, the vision and make it plain.' Now, Tommy W. Nard's vision is clear and highly ambitious. He wants to become a media mogul producing content for audiences far beyond Shreveport and the ArkLaTex. He applauds 50 Cent's actions as he acquires the elements needed to build his G-Unit empire, but Nard is not waiting for Mr. Jackson. His advice to those working to make a name for themselves in the digital space, 'continue to do what you do, but do it with excellence. With excellence and keep God at the center.' Visit the website for more information about SocialCon sponsorships, presenters, or tickets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
