All Things Fine And Gentry

We conclude Part 1 of the Morehouse Men series with none other than J. Kwest - Julian Deshazier. Julian was one of the first Morehouse Men I met on campus and we've been friends ever since. Ju breaks down his upbringing, music and baseball and how that all led him to Morehouse. We also talk about his perpetual quest to get better at being him and the crucial conversations that he had which helped him navigate life's forks in the road. This interview is full of laughs and deep moments. We hope you enjoy. Please like, share, rate and review this episode.

Branden has always had an old soul. Not like your granddad, but more like that wise uncle who always had a cigar or pipe in his hand, spitting knowledge to the young children in the room. In this interview Branden “LA” doesn't disappoint. Reflecting on his grandmother's push for education, his mom's focus on hard work and his own personal desire for growth all that culminated with him attending Morehouse and tackling the world thereafter. Branden is truly “The Oracle!” Make sure you like, share and follow the show. Leave a rating and review while you're there as well!

When it's time to talk music, one of the first phone calls is Glenn Boyd. A connoisseur of music from his upbringing, Glenn shares his experiences from the Bay area and Sac-Town to Morehouse and beyond. We talk about moving literally across the country to from the west coast to the east coast to attend Morehouse and how that experience helped him to become the man he became today. We also talk about loosing his father at a young age and the understanding and appreciation for the balance he brought to the family and how Glenn now is picking up where his dad left off. We hope you enjoy this episode! Make sure you like, share and subscribe, also rate and review.

We continue our Morehouse Men series with David Scott who shares his story from inner city Jersey to Morehouse. We discuss his balance of an urban upbringing and a private Christian school and discovering his passion and purpose at Morehouse, the quintessential family man, we also discuss loosing his father at a young age and how that has also impacted his outlook on taking care of his family and continuing to grow into the man he is called to be. We hope you enjoy this episode!Make sure you like, share and subscribe to this podcast.

Will has always been a man of the people. Relaxed, jovial and full of jokes. But don't let the relaxed persona confuse you, Will is an accomplished comedian, writer, director and Hollywood staple. We chat with Will about his upbringing, time at Morehouse and how he's navigated success and failure in his entertainment career. This episode is a must listen. You can find Will on social @mrwillmilesMake sure you listen, like, share, rate, review and subscribe today.

We kick off our Morehouse Men Series with no other than THEE Clark Jones. I've known Clark since my first few weeks at Morehouse and we've become brothers ever since. Clark shares his experiences from the Southside of Chicago to Morehouse, NYC to LA, headlining comedy shows and screenwriting for award winning shows. He shares funny times and heartbreak. This wide-ranging interview is one you don't want to miss. You can find him on social @theeclarkjones on instagram and twitterMake sure you like, share and follow the show. Leave a rating and review while you're there as well!

What do the keys behind the live tours for artist like Babyface, Brian Mcknight and Tamela Mann have in common? Erskine Hawkins! We talk with Erskine about his passion (vice) for music and his methodical method for collecting miles while traveling on tour. Erskine shares his career progression from being the Music Director at Potters House to being on tour with Eminem and Rhianna. We also learn his pet peeves while traveling and how the boarding area is for chumps! We hope you enjoy this episode.Make sure you like, share, subscribe, rate and review!

“It's Just Like Riding a Bike” How many times have you heard that saying? Well there's a difference between riding a bike and riding one well, as Carnell puts it. We dive today into the vice of cycling. From starting as a pandemic outlet to putting up 100+ mile rides, Carnell shares his introduction and then indulgence into the word of cycling. Tune in and learn something new, any maybe you will hop on the bike and ride. Make sure you like, share, subscribe, rate and review!

Who doesn't like food? We all do. And there are some who even self profess to be foodies. But until you start getting reposted by restaurants and sought out for your reviews and comments, you're not really in the game. We're joined this week by Calundra Moore, who has burst onto the scene as North Texas' newest food critic. We talk with her about her experiences growing up and craving those foods that she wasn't allowed to eat and balancing her diet desires with her culinary cravings. Join us as we get hungrier by the minute with Calundra. Make sure you like, share, rate and review!

Over 65% of Americans drink coffee every day! Now if that isn't a common vice I don't know what is! The problem is most people don't think past the coffee pot in the break room or the standard "cup of joe". Well thats where the coffee connoisseur comes in. Justin McLaughlin shares with us his growth from casual coffee drinker to a connoisseur to a thriving roasting and distribution business Xenia Roastery. We learn the right way to drink coffee and how to value and evaluate specialty coffee. You can smell the coffee just listening to this episode. We hope you enjoy! Remember to like, share, rate and review this episode!

We all wear shoes, but some around us take it to the next level. We talk with Brandon Williams about being a shoe collector and sneakerhead. He gives us a glimpse into the community of collectors, traders and connoisseurs who enjoy the "vice" of sneakers. Brandon talks about how he got into collecting and ultimately turning it into a thriving business. This is an educational and entertaining episode we hope you enjoy!Make sure you like, share, rate and review this episode!

Do you admire great artistry? Always amazed at those who take time to ink their own canvas? We venture deeper into Vice City with a discussion about Tattoos with Jamar Jefferson. Jamar talk about getting his first tattoo at age 17 and not looking back since. Jamar shares his passion behind the ink, the meaning behind his tattoos and how the methodically takes time to pick out his next artwork. If you're a fan of tattoos or have always had a curiosity, tune into this episode. Make sure you like, share, subscribe, rate and review!

Its Football Season and ask anyone, there seems to be an obsession with watching College and Pro Ball. Well we dive into what it truly means to appreciate and be a connoisseur of sports with no other than Scoop (Kyle Yeldell). We break down the difference between a fair weather or highlights only sports fan and someone who actually enjoys sports for the athleticism and strategy it is. Some call it passionate, we call it Vice City.Make sure you like, share, subscribe, rate and review!

We kick off our Vice City Series talking to the one and only Matt Douglas. Matt is the quintessential connoisseur who helped me discover things during my formative years. We talk on this episode about Sticks (cigars) and Stones (whiskey stones) and understanding the balance between a hobby, indulgence and a vice. Be sure to check out the brands we mention in this episode and share with us, some of your favorite sticks and stones. Make sure you like, share, subscribe and rate this episode.

Summer Time carries its own feel, vibe and flavor to it. So what better way to celebrate the summer than a Lyrics and Libations Summer Edition. Larry and I are joined by Jason Spruell to talk about our favorite music that creates the soundtrack for the summer. We also dive into our own twits on margaritas and mojitos. There are some familiar tunes which everyone can enjoy, but also some surprise tracks which we dive into the sentimental value they provide. We hope you enjoy the episode, add a few songs to your summertime playlist and take a sip of a mojito or margarita to close out the summer.Make sure you like, share, subscribe and rate this episode!

What a way to conclude our Extraordinary Gentlemen series than to have a conversation with my good friend Steve White. Steve talks with us about his experiences growing up in Long Beach and determining that he always wanted more for his life. As a talent acquisition and development expert, Steve gives us a glimpse into the world of professional and personal development and how to leverage those skills to achieve your goals in life. Steve teaches us that an Extraordinary Gentleman is always looking at a way to improve himself and methodically look for greater in his life. Please, rate, review, like, share this episode and subscribe to this podcast!

There are men whose reputation precedes them. A mythical legend, a tall tale or a fable as one would say. Well Jeremy Joseph is one of those gentlemen. One who's presence is felt even when he's sitting silently, we learn the fact behind the fable in this interview how Jeremy has always felt that he has to do more, do better and grow. After this interview you can see why Jeremy is an Extraordinary Gentleman. Make sure you like, share, rate, review and subscribe!

It's one thing to be an African-American its another to be an African in America and to bridge the gap between two American realities. Ajibade shares his story of immigrating to America at age 12 and the experiences he's had since, including claiming and refining his personality and identity. Ajibade rounds out the interview sharing how his love of photography helps to shape the way he views the world and lives out his passions. You can see why Ajibade is an Extraordinary Gentleman. Make sure you like, share, subscribe, rate and review this episode!

There are people you just want to sit down and have a cigar with and talk about the meaning of life, that person, Connoisseurs, is Mr. Brandon Hodges. We talk about his life from Charlotte to D.C. to Detroit and how those experiences helped him develop his self awareness and developing commercial real estate in different parts of the country. We also learn how Brandon uses art to help center himself and become a more holistic Gentleman. Make sure you like, share, rate, review and subscribe!

Discovering, accepting and ultimately embracing oneself is a superpower of an Extraordinary Gentleman. Dustin Thompson shares his story of discovery and acceptance and the challenges he's had to overcome to get there, including his own insecurities. This episode registers with all of us, as our biggest hinderances to being happy is ourselves! Make sure you Like, share, rate and review this episode!

We love to hear stories of triumph over struggle, but this isn't Hollywood or a fairy tale. This is the story of one of my best friends, Brandon Williams. Brandon shares his story of growing up in New Orleans, navigating the balance of the streets and sports. Ultimately, using the same grind and hustle that let him survive into success on the streets into success in the board room. Using your powers for good and not evil is a trait of an Extraordinary Gentleman. Make sure you like, share and subscribe today!

Being able to grow from the challenges life throws at you is an admirable characteristic of an Extraordinary Gentleman. We talk with Justin (Big KJB) about his accelerated path into Fatherhood, becoming a father at age 16. And how he's turned that experience into a brand supporting fathers across the country. I always enjoy talking with Justin, a younger me/younger brother, I hope you all enjoy this conversation as well. Make sure you like, share, subscribe, rate and review!

The Ladies had their moment. Now it's time to talk with the fellas, Gentlemen to be specific. We kick off our new series: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen with and interview with my father - French Thompson, JR. We talk about growing up during desegregation, pursing the trifecta of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, 32nd Degree Freemason and Army Airborne Ranger School and a reflection on a life well lived. We hope you enjoy!

Let me introduce you to the O.G. Super Woman in my life - my own sister: Emerald Washington. We close out our Super Woman series with a conversation with Emerald. As she's approaching 40, we talk about her experiences growing up, the lessons learned from the past 40 years and what she's taking into the next 40 years. We reflect on her being a big sister, needing to take charge in most situations and how her thirties changed her perspective on her approach to life and how to life freer and clearer in the years to come. We hope you enjoy!

If you're going to do it, do it right and challenge not only yourself but the system. Dr. Kyla McMullen, Ph.D. joins the podcast today to talk about her journey through the world of Computer Science and Computer Engineering. We talk through her learning from mentors in her field and her own "Google Me" moment. Tenure track professor and host of her own Podcast - Modern Figures, Kyla shares some great insight in her own life and how to motivate and encourage others to achieve their own goals - a true Super Woman of our time. Like, Share, Subscribe and Rate and Review!

You ever meet a person who says what you want to say and expresses themselves with candor and confidence? Let me introduce you to Marisa Blackshire. Join me as I chat with a good friend of mine about her mixed race background, her family dynamic and how she has carved a place in this world for herself. A great conversation and a way to challenge your acceptance of the world around you!You can follow Marisa @rangerover02 on instagram. Make sure you like, share and subscribe to the podcast.

When you heed and submit to your calling, it permeates your being. From birth, Tia was destined to have a passion for beating the odds and loving education. Join Tia and I as we talk about her company: The Cole Lab, her non-profit: Colelaborate and how Tia balances it all. You can connect with Tia at www.thecolelab.net and tia@thecolelab.netMake sure you like, share and subscribe to the podcast for more awesome content.

There's no one like your mom to be a Super Woman in your life. I was able to interview my mother, Linda Thompson, about her life, her motivation and what it was like growing up the only girl with five brothers and breaking the family mold moving to Washington D.C. Double bonus to be able to interview my mom for Mother's Day as well. Make sure you like, share and subscribe to the podcast for more awesome content. Listen today on all your favorite podcast platforms or the link in Bio!

Have you ever spoken to someone so accomplished but they are so humble you would never know it? Welcome to my interview with Jessica Hatter, photographer extraordinaire. From her first $50 photo shoot to being on tour with Lupe Fiasco, shooting Drake and Young Money, the Dungeon Family and so many more, she's been exercising her Super Woman powers. This was a great interview for me and I know you will enjoy it too. You can connect with Jessica at www.jhatter.com or @jhatter on social media.Make sure you like, share and subscribe to the podcast for more awesome content.

Did you know that Black Women are the ultimate creators? Well if you didn't know you will after this interview with Patrice Cameau. A raw and passionate conversation with one of my long time friends about her journey to creating one of the DMV's hottest content creation studios and how she manages to put on her superwoman cape every morning.You can connect with Patrice and CAMPspace at www.campworkspace.com Make sure you like, share and subscribe to the podcast for more awesome content.

Join me as I talk with Dr. Janese Laster, MD - one of the top Neuro-Gastroenterology doctors in the U.S. and my Spelman Sister! We talk about her background, how she got into Gastroenterology and how she's doing things differently at her own practice - Gut Theory Total Digestive Care. This was a great conversation talking about our challenges in the U.S. with our digestive health and the challenges for a Black Woman in the medical field. Make sure you like, share and subscribe to the podcast for more awesome content. If you want to get in touch with Dr. Laster - you can find her at https://www.guttheoryhealth.com/ and @dr_janeselaster.

Join me as I kick off our Super Women series with no other than my wife, Katherine Thompson. We dive into her background, her career paths, motherhood, battling depression and finding her calling. We also challenge her on the Super Women in her own life and how they have shaped her own pursuit of womanhood. I hope you enjoy!

Whats better than one connoisseur? Two! Join me as I talk with the Genteel Quadricous Driskell about living out a Fine and Gentry Life and how to live life in all its glory. We dive into his path of getting to know himself better and how that has shaped his life thus far.

What's more fierce than a woman with a gun? A black woman with multiple guns! Join us as French chats with Indra about her initial exposure to fire arms growing up in a house of a law enforcement official, to her own firearm ownership journey. She drops some great nuggets on how to get connected and educated in this sphere. We hope you enjoy.

We're back for another look at Black Men In Education - This time with Stacy Harper a High School English teacher. We dive into his path to education and how he's seen teachers, students and the education system evolve over his two decades worth of experience. We hope you enjoy!

We start our Revelations and Explanations with Ralph recurring series talking about the strained relationship between Race and Religion. Ralph talks about his own journey leading multi-cultural churches and the opportunities he sees in the future of Western Christianity. This conversation is sure to start many discussions. We hope you enjoy.

Ever wonder what's up with the African American community and their relationship with medicine? We take a deep dive into the health care system, specifically the pharmaceutical side of the world and how we look at diversity in medicine and how to improve it. A great conversation with someone on the inside of the industry. We hope you enjoy!

Ever wonder how to create a timeless wardrobe and stop chasing fast fashion and fads? We talk with Jonathan Barnes, fashion guru, about his fashion journey, the ups and down and how he creates timeless style in his closet. We hope you enjoy.

New years resolution to create a vision for your life and needed to actually write it down? Ever wonder how and why to use an actual planner? Mystified by the plethora of options at the store? Well, join us as we talk with Tia Cole, planner extraordinaire, about how to actually properly pick out and use a planner. Tia provides us with practical tips and steps to be better planners in our life. Want to learn more? You can reach Tia at www.thecolelab.net or tia@thecolelab.net.

Welcome to Season 2! We hit the ground running with Elliott Holland - prolific Venture Capitalist and Private Equity consultant. We talk about how to apply VC and PE principles to your own life as you push to reach your true potential in 2021. An amazing conversation with my Morehouse Brother and several dimes dropped. To connect with Elliott further you can find him on LinkedIn.

Wow, what a season it has been. Our inaugural season and so many guest and great content. I hope that you've enjoyed and are looking forward to what 2021 has to offer and what 2020 provided us.

Are you ready for those conversations at the holiday dinner table? Physical, virtual or otherwise? Join French as he talks with Robert White and Joseph Solis to tackle current events and catch up with them over the past few months. We're having the conversation you want to have at your dinner table.

Join French and Larry as they embark on another episode of Lyrics and Libations - Holiday Edition. We sample some of the famous winter libations while reflecting on some of the Christmas music that brings on nostalgia and present day memories. Sit back, grab a drink and enjoy this episode.

So the Fellas couldn't just lay it down about singleness in the Holidays. So we Brought it back for Part 2 with the ladies: Gerlynn and Stef who bring the women's perspective on Living Single in the Holidays, COVID and maintaining your standards while fulfilling your purpose. Great listen!

Welcome back to another episode of All Things Fine and Gentry: As we continue in our Healthy For The Holidays series, French talks with Kent Justin Brown and Jeremy Joseph about challenges with Living Single during the holidays, with the prevalence of social media, the impact of COVID-19 and other challenges that abound. We hope you enjoy!

The holidays can be tough on marriages, join French as he talks with Akil and Rediesha Allen about how to keep your marriage healthy through the holiday season. The Allens of ForeverIDoDFW drop knowledge, tips and some good nuggets on how to keep your marriage strong when under pressure.

Have you scenario planned your holidays? Do you have escape plan for uncomfortable conversations? You can't be healthy without first getting your mind in the right place. Join French as he speaks with Dr. Megan Pickens, LPC-S about mental health and how to navigate the holidays in a healthy mental state as we continue our Healthy For The Holidays series.

Rest is so important. Are you resting right? Join French as he kicks off the sub series Healthy For The Holidays where we will dive into aspects of holiday living starting with the most important aspect REST.

Join French as he talks with Katherine, His wife, the host of More for Me by KatNecole. Sometimes you just want to know why. Well this is joint podcast episode dives deeper into the why for both French and Katherine. We hope you enjoy.

French talks with Jamar Jefferson about being unapologetically and authentically you. we dive into his upbringing and experiences that led him to live a life of freedom in being himself - we hope you learn a tip or two!

A surprise followup episode for Lyrics and Libations with Larry. After talking through Bill Withers we end up talking about fulfilling purpose and how to live life freely. We hope you enjoy!