Rothaniel Jerrod Carmichael, born on April 6, 1987, is a multi-talented American comedian, actor, writer, and filmmaker. Hailing from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Carmichael's career took off in the early 2010s comedy club scene in Los Angeles. He has released three stand-up comedy specials on HBO, including "Love at the Store" (2014), "8" (2017), and "Rothaniel" (2022), the latter of which earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special. Additionally, he co-created, co-wrote, produced, and starred in the semi-autobiographical NBC sitcom "The Carmichael Show" (2015–2017) and made his feature film directorial debut with the dark comedy "On the Count of Three" (2021). Carmichael's talents extend to hosting, as he hosted the 80th Golden Globe Awards in 2023 and appeared in the Academy Award-winning film "Poor Things." In 2024, HBO released the documentary series "Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show," offering an inside look into his life. Carmichael's early influences include comedy legends George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, and Sinbad. He currently resides in New York City and openly discusses his experiences with both men and women, having come out as gay in his comedy special "Rothaniel" (2022). With

Jerrod Alexander Heard, born on September 10, 1995, is a former professional football wide receiver and quarterback. He gained recognition during his college football career with the Texas Longhorns from 2014 to 2018. Heard's journey in football began at John H. Guyer High School in Denton, Texas, where he excelled as a quarterback and led his team to State Championships in 2012 and 2013. Notably, he was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and committed to the University of Texas for his college football endeavors.Heard's college career showcased his versatility, as he transitioned from a redshirted freshman to a quarterback who demonstrated exceptional skills in passing and rushing. Despite encountering a shoulder injury in 2016, Heard adapted to a new role as a wide receiver, displaying his adaptability and determination on the field. His performances and contributions to the Longhorns' victories against formidable opponents, such as Oklahoma and Kansas, solidified his impact in college football.Beyond college, Heard continued to pursue his passion for football, playing for the Dallas Renegades, Team 9 of the XFL, and the Frisco Fighters of the Indoor Football League (IFL). Throughout his career, Heard's dedication, resilience, and multifaceted abilities have left an indelible mark on the football landscape, earning him admiration and respect from fans and fellow athletes alike.

Jerrod Edson, a Canadian novelist born in 1974 in Saint John, New Brunswick, has garnered widespread critical acclaim for his literary works, with fellow New Brunswick writer David Adams Richards hailing him as "one of our best young writers." Edson's novels, all set in Saint John, delve into the underbelly of society, portraying characters who often grapple with alcoholism and seek redemption. His novel "The Goon" was shortlisted for the 2011 ReLit Award for Best Novel. In 2013, he was recognized with the David Adams Richards Prize for his manuscript "The Moon is Real." Notably, his latest novel "The Boulevard," a venture into speculative fiction, published in 2023 by Galleon Books, Moncton, has been lauded by critics and listed as one of the year's best books by The Miramichi Reader. Edson's vivid portrayal of urban life and the working class in Saint John has enriched the literary landscape, shedding light on the complex reality of the region. His notable works include "The Boulevard," "The Moon is Real," "The Goon," "A Place of Pretty Flowers," "The Dirty Milkman," and "The Making of Harry Cossaboom."