LEAVE EMPTY

One of the best things we can do for ourselves is to simply thrive in our personal journey. From time to time, we can become distracted by what others are doing and forget about the mission that's been assigned to us.Today I bring Miss Alex Ingram from Make the Distinction mentoring organization to LEAVE EMPTY. Alex has a very infectious outgoing personality that transcends today's culture. She has a natural ability with youth that allows her to communicate a message of hope and understanding. Her family describes her as thoughtful and supportive; I like to say that she is a unique powerhouse who understands the assignment. Please go on this ride with me as I have a very inspiring conversation with this Founder and Executive Director of Make the Distinction.Contact info: www.make the distinction.orgInstagram- @mtdistinctionFacebook- Make the Distinction 

If you have a sibling or close cousin or friend, you know how challenging it can be to maintain a healthy relationship. Today I sit down with family, two nephews who absolutely love the fact that they are brothers and best friends.Rhakeem & Idriese are the epitome of what brothers and brotherhood should be. Lighthearted, graceful, tough, sensitive and family oriented. These two brothers share a unique bond that can never be broken by a mere disagreement. They agree that love is the key element of building and maintaining a healthy family relationship. You can support their business at foreverthankful.org or follow them on instagram @_foreverthankful

It is inevitable that we all have a personal appointment with our creator. For some, it can be very scary. For others, it is filled with absolute hope and certainty.I once met a man who impressed, impacted and inspired me to be a better person, a better husband and a better father. Today that man transitioned into eternity, leaving behind a legacy and foundation for a whole generation to glean from and build on. Rap Curry was a man on a mission, lived his life with a passion and zeal that could not be quelled. His love for his wife Gina and their 3 children was special to say the least. Rap was a son, a brother, an uncle, a mentor, coach, a leader and friend. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched and the people he loved most.This episode is dedicated to my friend and brother, Mr. Ralphal “Rap” Curry Jr..

One of the most challenging things in life is to ask for help. We often feel isolated, frustrated and even weak if we show our vulnerabilities. For many of us, not asking for assistance can cause us to do irreversible damage to the ones who love us most.Today I sit down with (Ret. Army Sergeant and Combat Veteran) Irving Henry Joyner, to discuss his journey into the man he is still becoming. J, as he's affectionately called, takes us through his early years of being a serious child to how he became a soldier and disciplined family man. Listen, be inspired and gain valuable insight as we have a  great conversation centered around growth, impact and personal evolution.To all the veterans who have served our country near and far, thank you for your service and sacrifice!

Starting something that you've always wanted to do can be challenging. Too often we allow ourselves to get stuck in the ideas of what others think and what we don't have on board. All of us possess the possibility to achieve great things, so tap into it!Today I sit down with a very determined retired Army Veteran(Lt. Colonel Rhonda R. Snipe) to discuss action items and next steps. Rhonda is proof positive that starting is just the beginning. She is a published author, consultant, facilitator, entrepreneur, public speaker, philanthropist and many other things including a woman of great faith.Rhonda is the embodiment of “I can so I will”Please go on this journey with us as we LEAVE EMPTY in this very inspiring conversation.Connect with Rhonda Snipe:Rhondasnipe.comAmazon: DAILY WEALTH AFFIRMATIONS A guide for Women Veterans to think, create, and generate wealth 

Good friends are hard to come by and when you meet one, make sure you invest the proper time and energy to make it last.Today I sit down with a good friend and her son to discuss the dedication it takes to make their relationship stay on a healthy course. Mutual respect, desire for understanding and a much needed conversation centered around family and legacy are just a few things we cover in this episode. Jai and Marquis are a one of a kind mother son duo that will inspire you to make every moment with your loved ones count. Get ready to LEAVE EMPTY!Guests: Julia “Jai” Scott & Marquis Holiday Connect with Jai on Instagram @hautestylebyjai

The age of fast moving parts and constant transitioning is one of the challenges for the modern day millennial. Day trading, entrepreneurial ventures and chasing the “bag” are just a few stigmas tied to the right now have it all post generation X members. Today I sit down with a bona fide 27 year old millennial who wants to serve others and leave a legacy for his children's children. Marquis Holiday is an unassuming young man trying to work his plan while maintaining his calm. Outside pressure will not distract this former flight attendant from executing his long term strategy for success.Sit back and enjoy this slow-burn conversation and discover your own patience as we LEAVE EMPTY.Guest: Marquis Holiday 

For many men, becoming a father did not come with a rule book or a specific set of instructions. It was by far the most challenging on the job training we've ever experienced. Parenting can be daunting but also very rewarding. Making that early connection with your children can have lasting positive outcomes and prepares them for the support they will need to navigate this life.Today I sit down with Steve Young and Daniel Gardner to discuss “Fatherhood & Faith”. We  explore the various nuances of being a father, a teacher, role model and even a “dad cook”. We acknowledge that there is plenty of work to be done with men in the community but we also recognize that there are an enormous amount of good fathers raising their children with the help of God. Prepare to be inspired and challenged as we have an honest conversation that will no doubt want you to be a better father or parent. Let's get ready to LEAVE EMPTY! Contact Dan and SteveDaniel Gardner:facebook.comSteve Young:facebook.com

Welcome back to Season 2 of LEAVE EMPTY! Not only are we back to have more great conversations but we are here to inspire, encourage and challenge you to be your best self. Today I am joined by two great friends who share their nearly 24 years of “Sisterhood”.  This lifelong Educator/School Psychologist (Maia Campbell) and Congressional Liaison/Entrepreneur (Ronell Smith), take us back to the inception of their friendship, how it evolved and eventually turned into a bond that is solidified by their faith.  In this very insightful and inspiring discussion, Ronell and Maia share the delicate balance between honesty, patience and love. Listen with your heart as these “sister friends” talk about the meaningful intentionality of navigating challenging spaces with grace and dignity.Ride with us as we LEAVE EMPTY!Maia Campbell:Facebook Ronell Smith:FacebookR&R Leisure and Wellness Co.restandrefine.com

Welcome back to Season 2 of LEAVE EMPTY! Thanks a ton to all of you who have been stopping by and being a part of this journey with me, I appreciate your support! Remember to spread the word.Let's continue to have those great conversations and take full advantage of the time we've been given by living with purpose.Enjoy the conversation,Tony Antoine

In this final episode of season 1, I get to have a very insightful conversation with my 10 year old daughter Gabriella. Gabbi as I like to call her is a determined young lady with big goals and great aspirations to become not only an influencer but a Pediatrician one day. Her thoughts on returning back to in-person learning and her favorite food are just some of the things we discussed in this conversation.It is our responsibility as parents to impart love, a healthy environment and motivation into our children so that they can thrive and exceed our expectations. God has gifted us with our youth and I believe we have an obligation to give them the values needed so that they can tap into their potential and and maximize on their purpose. LEAVE EMPTY with Gabbi and I as we show you what legacy looks like.

Have you noticed that the world is becoming a lot less caring and a little more daring? I thought it was just me.In this episode, I take you on a solo trip of my week in review. While my wife is in Guatemala living her best life, I'm dealing with major dysfunction in our world we call supply and demand. If you've ever gone into a store and witnessed unpleasant customer interaction then you're  not alone. It seems to me that more and more people in the service sector care less about courtesy and professionalism and more about social capital. LEAVE EMPTY with me as I discuss more important matters and why we should make a conscious effort to think before we speak.

Sometimes a good conversation with someone can provide you with valuable insight into that person's life. Your perceptions or misconceptions about them are transforming and educational but also causes introspection.In this episode of LEAVE EMPTY, I sit down with a bona fide thriver who knows what it's like to have difficulty and extremely challenging times at a young age. Shane Lewis is a man who doesn't make excuses, doesn't hide and doesn't blame other people for his choices. Tragically, Shane's journey took a dark turn at age 12 and growing up slowly was no longer an option. We discuss everything from perseverance to faith, only pausing to share perspectives about (“Grace & Race”, an honest conversation about how we deal with race relations in present day.) Open up your mind a little and take this drive with us. I promise you will not be disappointed.Connect with Shane Lewis: @shanesaffinity on Twitter 

Have you ever looked back over your life and discovered that there was a point and time when stupidity may have been normal? Okay, maybe not normal for some of you but an occasional brain freeze now and then. At some crossroad, you began to think about your choices and found yourself with a new friend called discipline. Today I sit  down with a former camper, Shemar Green. We catch up to discuss what he's been doing since leaving camp at age 14. He's almost 20 now and it's good to hear about his maturation process, goals, family and much more. Shemar is young, humble and focused. His insight on serving his community and helping those in need will inspire you. Travel down memory lane with us as we LEAVE EMPTY!Connect with Shemar Green:https://www.instagram.com/shmoney_marwww.digitalewiredmarketing.com

Have you ever heard someone banging on cars? If you have, it may have very well been today's guest, Robert Lee Strother Jr.. Bro. Bob as I like to call him is a musician who has a lot of tricks up his sleeves. He is a husband, father, teacher and author amongst many other things. The one I find most fascinating is his ability to keep things moving forward. From joining the U.S. military to martial arts and being a barber, there isn't much he hasn't done.Today we sit down to discuss his journey and quest to accomplish everything he is destined to do. He considers himself to be “seasoned and not old”. You will be impressed with Bro. Bob's vigor and vitality as he shares important perspectives on why imparting determination in our youth is key to their development. We tackle the challenges of being relevant in this culture and unpack the little things that make the difference in people's lives. LEAVE EMPTY with us as we take this ride together!Connect with Robert Lee Strother Jr. on Facebook. Also, check out his children's book on Amazon, Is-So Discovers Is-So.

Being born into a specific race comes with its traditions, customs and various languages. For most of us, our cultural identities are woven into the the fabric of our ancestral beginnings. We take our cues from the elders within the community and enlightening stories  help to shape and mold our values. For many of us, we share similar features, interests, vocal tones and even core competencies but still, we are not a monolith.Today I sit down with Trieste Charles to discuss family, parenting, “culture within the culture” and a great reason why we should keep an open mind about other people.  Go with us as we unpack some misunderstandings about (“the black experience”) and engage one another in a healthy dialogue that challenges your traditional perspectives about the African diaspora. Get ready to LEAVE EMPTY!Connect with Trieste Charles:http://www.Instagram.com/triestecharles http://www.Facebook.com/triestecharlesComing soon-Bridging The Gap of Our Cultures Podcast 

Family Therapist Dr. David Pulley treats us with a prescription of relinquishing control. For many of us, holding on to control can put a strain on our relationships and also our personal  health. Sometimes we are unaware of the level of stress we cause ourselves.Today Dr. Dave and I discuss the importance of recognizing our triggers for stress, control and having a “balanced perspective”. We take a deep dive into discovering purpose and the inevitable outcome. How many of you would go back and change something about your life's journey? What have you gained from your experiences?These and other questions are addressed in this very insightful episode of LEAVE EMPTY.Dr. David PulleyExecutive Director and Chief ConsultantTender Loving Care Clinical Consultants             The Soul Mate SpecialistMixed Method Relationship Consulting                Specialized Relationship Consulting andfor Individuals and Couples                                           Advising for Singles and Couples                267-603-4487                                                        http://tlcclinicalconsultants.com                                the2become1.com                                                                                                                    Out of the many, there is...The One.               At TLC, we provide what everyone really needs...Tender Loving Care.                  Love is but the discovery of ourselves in others and the delight in the recognition. - Alexander Smith                     Ranked among the top 3 Relationship Consultants through LinkedIn ​and number 1 brand specializing in Soul Mates through Google.                                                                                                                                                                                             

Inspiration can sometimes  show up when you least expect it.  If you're not careful, it can put you on a path to greatness or disappointment. The word alone touches emotions that breathe confidence, self-awareness and intentionality.  Some of us just need a little push to get us started on our way to purpose road.  Once there, we'll meet some people who won't hesitate to encourage us to keep moving forward.Today my good friend Jacki Cordery takes us through her journey of becoming an award winning songwriter/producer, wife and mother. She shares her intimate reflections on family, the early years of her influencers, “growing up church” and the legacy of music and life left by her parents and grandparents. In our conversation, a good helping of honesty is on the menu.We also discuss mental health, coping with loss and the importance of leaving a lasting impact with the time we've been privileged with. Go with us as we LEAVE EMPTY!Jacki Cordery: http://www.instagram.com/jackicordery                                  http://www.instagram.com/jackjackssnacks

Have you ever conquered something so enormous that everything else pales in comparison? Maybe you've tried to achieve a goal but it didn't work out the way you thought it would.Today I sit down with my good friend Lawrence James to have a heart to heart conversation about overcoming the impossible. This Brooklyn NY native son is the epitome of courage, determination and humility. When doctors told him he wouldn't be able to have a family, he and his wife Tia prayed for a year and miracles began to happen. Lawrence is a true family man and doesn't mind a 5 hour trip up the Amazon River.  I'm not kidding! His infectious love for life will have you thinking about all the things you could be doing and kicking yourself for the things you should have been experiencing.Sit back and enjoy this wild ride with Lawrence and I as we LEAVE EMPTY!Connect with Lawrence James on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lnice

When you think of parenting, what comes to mind? How often do you model for your children the art of apologizing? In this episode, I sit down with Michelle Rouse to discuss her parenting guidelines and what works for her as she is raising a teenage daughter.Not only is Michelle a parent, she is also creative, entertaining and has been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. Her understanding of style has provided her the opportunity to showcase her talents in many different spaces. She once took over a cruise ship with her soulful singing and became an instant favorite to the passengers.Come cruise with Michelle and I as we LEAVE EMPTY!Connect with Michelle on Social Mediahttps://Instagram.com/Mac_mehappyhttps://Instagram.com/thefashion_finderhttps://www.facebook.com/michellerouse

For many teachers, teaching alone can be a very stressful profession. Competition for the classroom is an ongoing battle between teachers and students. High demand from school administrators and parents are not easily navigated and teachers are the first to be blamed.In this episode, I sit down with Dawn Merritt to discuss her 23 years as a public school teacher in Philly. She shares her teaching philosophy and advice to anyone entering this space. Dawn is also an artist who uses her paintbrush and canvas to decompress from the long days of educating some of the most intelligent and challenging students. Go with me on this journey with Dawn Merritt as we LEAVE EMPTY!(Please check Dawn out on Instagram: @dawnmerrittart or @artdawning)

The pandemic of 2020 continues to be one of the most disruptive times in our history. COVID-19 cases are into the millions and hundreds of thousands have lost their lives. Today I sit down with nurse Lisa West, BSN, RN-BC to discuss her personal experience of being on the frontlines as a caregiver.Her chilling account of the early days of the pandemic is a reminder that nurses and doctors are essential and amazing human beings. After 21 years of being in the field, Lisa West is standing strong and preparing to LEAVE EMPTY!

Today I sit down with Gina H. Curry to discuss her role as wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and education advocate. Gina is also an entrepreneur(Coach Your Vision LLC), DEI and Social Justice Consultant. We take a stroll down memory lane to discover the nuances of her journey and to gain insight into her purpose. She is driven by her faith, family and a desire to see that everyone has fair access to equitable opportunities. Come along with us as we LEAVE EMPTY.

Frustration is not a barrier to success, only a speed bump. Stop & Think, slow things down and surround yourself with people who are proven experts.

Leave Empty is about discovering your purpose, potential and legacy. I believe that we are all here for a reason so let's embrace it. Many of us are full of potential but don't leave lasting legacies. Go with me on this journey and discuss, discover and explore all of your possibilities. Make your life count!