Narr.O.W. Podcast

No spoiler alerts but seeing Creed III reminded me that, for many Black men across America, survivor's remorse is a triggering norm. This episode focuses on the fact that those of us who consider ourselves to have attained a level of success cannot fail because of the people who positioned themselves against insurmountable odds so that I can be here now living the life that I do. Brothers, take care of your mental health. And keep going. Featured Spirit: Heaven's Door Straight Bourbon The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 5 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from MGMBackground Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You KnewIntro music for this season by A-Trak & Cam'ronTrack: Dips**ts

I'm sick of them killing us and then the media turning around to show the footage as if it is a Micheal Jordan highlight reel that was created to be played on repeat. Black children, women, and men should not have to prove their humanity to not be killed, especially by those who are sworn to protect and serve us. I refuse to watch these videos. Featured Spirit: Parker's Heritage Collection Double Barreled Blend The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 5 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from CNNBackground Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You KnewIntro music for this season by A-Trak & Cam'ronTrack: Dips**ts

Christmas is right around the corner and, what is, for many, the most wonderful time of the year, is a reminder for many others of those who will not be around the tree with them this year. And, for others, it is a season of stress where we try to be the parents, spouses, and loved ones we aspire to be by way of gift-giving. On this episode, I address the beauty of Christmas and the challenges that come alongside it. Whether you're celebrating joyfully or somberly remembering loved ones, I hope that you find as many reasons to smile as possible this holiday season. Featured Spirit: Evan Williams Eggnog & Trader Joe's Old Fashioned Eggnog The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 4 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from Melani J. PhotographyBackground Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You KnewIntro music for this season by A-Trak & Cam'ronTrack: Dips**ts

As I jump back into podcasting after an unusually long hiatus, I'm in the best space I've been in in a long while. The peace, joy, and relief I felt as I was recording this episode was nothing short of divine. Season 5 is here and I hope you all are ready for some dope episodes, both individual and with guests. Here's to 35!

I ended up in my favorite city in the world twice over the past 3 months. As a matter of fact, this past weekend puts NYC as my most visited spot since COVID began (seconded by Charleston). I had a great time last weekend, checking out the new Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit, an awesome Jazz at Lincoln Center performance led by Grammy award winning artist (and family friend) Wynton Marsalis, a Yankees-Cubs "game," and much more. But, before that, I was up there for the wedding of one of my best friends as well as a men's retreat with two of my closest confidants. Check out the episode to find out how I move in my second home. Featured Spirit: Kentucky Owl -- St. Patrick's Day Edition The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 4 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You Knew

You all know me for great whiskey suggestions and a good wine every now and then. It's only recently that I've tried to venture into cocktails (sometimes successfully, other times, I've failed horribly). But today's guest, Alexandria Poole, creator of The Crafted Soul, is a truly gifted cocktail crafter, among other things (including a longtime friend of mine). And she has been recognized by the award winning brand, Uncle Nearest, as an exceptionally creative cocktail professional. I say all that to say check out this episode, follow her on social media, and hire her for your private events. You won't be disappointed. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 4 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You Knew

On this episode, I had the chance to chop it up with "Canadian by birth, American by choice" Justin Minott. We talked about everything from his passion for coffee to why he chose Durham has his home and, most importantly, what it means to have an impact-centered business, and how that business can be sustainable and scalable. If you want to connect with Justin, it's as simple as typing @justinminott into Twitter or Instagram and, there you have it. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 4 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from The InterceptSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You Knew

A week ago, in a twisted combination between the murders of Philando Castile and Breonna Taylor, Amir Locke was executed where he slept. As a law abiding citizen who had not committed a crime and, thus believed he was in no position to have a warrant executed on his place or his person, he reacted as any legal gun owner would. He did not point his weapon toward officers. He did not shoot at officers. In an attempt to gather himself from his sleep while assessing the situation around him, he was shot and killed by a band of masked white people. "Driving While Black" has, for years, been associated with why we are stopped by officers. Now we can't sleep while Black? We can't legally carry firearms while Black? Are slave codes back in effect? Let us know because y'all say just follow the law but I'm confused. And, yes, Black lives matter. The statement. I'm not asking or begging. I'm telling you. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 4 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from The InterceptSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You Knew

Dads are expected to work hard and sacrifice for our familes. And we do it willingly and happily because that is the way we are socialized. But, the day I recorded this episode, I was so drained. And, when I came home from a long day at the office, I expected to see him smiling but he was in bed with Desirée napping. Thankfully, his nanny Vaughn was ahead of the game and had a smile waiting for me. Listen to find out what it was. #BlackFathersMatter The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 4 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You Knew

Sorry I ghosted y'all last season. It wasn't my goal. I just had a lot going on with this now 9-month-old child who lives in my house and takes all my energy. But, anyway, today's episode is about whisk(e)y. I go into some of my favorite whiskies and I talk about my new infinity bottle. Thanks for tapping in. Looking forward to a great season 4! The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 4 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab Studios.Track: If You Knew

Over the past year and a half, America has been dealing with an internal reckoning. It has been pushed to headlines across the country that centuries of inequities have been endured by People of Color and, specifically by Black people within the United States of America. From violence at the hands of law enforcement officers to underrepresenation in bookstores across America, we realize that the Black experience and the popularized American expereince are two very different realities. To combat the issue of underrepresenation in bookstores, which will have the domino effect of improving conditions for Black people as a whole, Victoria Scott-Miller and her family started Liberation Station Bookstore, a space where books that focus on children's books for demographics whose stories are often overlooked. On the episode, we chop it up about everything from parenthood to travel to the Liberation Station and how it came about. Since Victoria is a Tennessee native, we had to have a solid pour of Uncle Nearest 1884, the Black-owned whiskey that was named in honor of the formerly enslaved man who taught America's most known whiskey name to make whiskey. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by The Willougby Project.Track: Retro

On this episode, I had the pleasure of kicking it with my longtime friend, fellow Spartan, and all around good Black man, Quay Weston. We discussed everything from his hometown of Pantego, NC to the fact that, in the words of the legendary Gil Scott-Heron, Whitey is on the moon. But, most importantly, we focused on his new book, Yonda. By the way, by the end of this month, I will have given away 2 copies of Yonda to some lucky listeners. Make sure you're following on Instagram to have a chance to win. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by The Willougby Project.Track: Retro

On this episode, Laphelle Taylor, who is now my most regular guest, and I chop it up about everything from poltiics to race to religion and how these things affect the plight of Black folks in America. As business owners, we both know how much of a hand the government has in our successes and the struggles of our people so we come at this episode with two separate, but respected, perspectives. Something like Booker T. vs. W.E.B. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.This episode was recorded at Soul Lab Studios in Greensboro, NC.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsBackground Music provided by The Willougby Project.Track: Retro

...so when you tell me I'm the best it's a compliment. This week, I had the opportunity to see two of my favorite groups, Dipset vs. The LOX in a historic moment in hip-hop... And I did it from the front row. Find out how I spent the entire show in a $1,056 seat but only paid $45 to get in the venue. And I don't advise you try this because, if I'm being honest, you aren't me. This is that Deryle Daniels, Sr. energy that I, as Junior, got honest as possible. In the words of Kiss, I'm not cocky, I'm confident. Oh... And it's still Dipset all day. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by The Willougby Project.Track: Retro

Check out this special Father's Day edition of the Narr.O.W. Podcast where I decided to recount some of my thoughts during my first 74 days of fatherhood. It's been fun but it has also had its challenges. Still, I wouldn't trade these moments for the world. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from Cayélle Publishing, LLCSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Audio Library PlusTrack: Lazy Sunday by Vendredi

On this episode, I had the chance to chop it up with one of my closest friends, Kwame Carrol-Bey, who also happens to be my fraternity brother and prophyte. Kwame takes this opportunity to tell of his journey and how he got from Southeast to the Hollywood... Ok, not really Hollywood but he is stationed in Cali and it just made sense to play on JAY Z's song titled "Marcy to Hollywood," since Hov is Hotep's favorite artist. You can follow Kwame on Instagram at The Hotep Show and Styled by Hotep. I chose to release this episode on #NationalBourbonDay because I think Kwam's story is that transformational and could change someone's outlook on life. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from Cayélle Publishing, LLCSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Audio Library PlusTrack: Lazy Sunday by Vendredi

This week, I had the chance to chop it up with my favorite new nonfiction author, Brady Moore, who also happens to be my line brother and close friend. Earlier this month, he released his third novel, The Fourth Kinetic: Clairvoyants. It is the first of a trilogy and, in our conversation, we chat about how his writing process, inspiration, motivation, and what is next to come. Click here to order your copy of The Fourth Kinetic: Clairvoyants now. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, recorded and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from Cayélle Publishing, LLCSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Audio Library PlusTrack: Lazy Sunday by Vendredi

In the wake of the loss of what was 26 lives lost at the time of this recording (now numbering over 30 with at least 10 being children), I had to address the facts that children should not be dying at the hands of any nation-state, America should not be giving over $3B per year to Israel, especially when the Israeli government is engaging in actions such as this against civilians, and speaking out against a world power who is committing evil acts is not xenophobic, racist, or discriminatory in any way. What it is is honest. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.This episode was record by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosSound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from Tim WalkerSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Audio Library PlusTrack: Lazy Sunday by Vendredi

Too often, poor people fight amongst one another based on simple issues such as race and religion as opposed to uniting to fight the powers that be. There is strength in numbers. Until we realize this, we will always lose to those with the dollars. It is our responsibility to come together and create something better for the next generation. Thanks for joining me for (what was initially intended to be) episode 1 of my third season. This season will be the best one yet. Peace. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was produced, and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.This episode was record by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosSound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Audio Library PlusTrack: Lazy Sunday by Vendredi

Today is the Kentucky Derby (which should also be called Mint Juelp Day) and I decided to record a quick teaser since it's the first day of the month that Season 3 drops. I hope this gives you a sense of what you can expect from the Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast for the next few months. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was recorded, produced, and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from DSquared VisualsSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Audio Library PlusTrack: Lazy Sunday by Vendredi

I didn't want to start Season 3 until May because I knew that I'd need to get ahead on some pieces now that I have two pretty new responsibilities, one being the public launch of Daniels Development & Branding, LLC (the company that owns this podcast) and the birth of our son. But I had to do this episode in real time. Duante Wright should not be dead. Warrant or not, the brother should be a live, law enforcement officers, as a whole, should be better trained and educated, and the fight to protect Black bodies is nowhere near over. Ok... I'm going back to my off season process. Catch you all in May. The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLCThis episode was recorded, produced, and engineered by Deryle Daniels, Jr.Sound consulting for Season 3 by Laphelle Taylor of Soul Lab StudiosNarr.O.W. Podcast logo, animation, and color scheme designed by Tully Murray of The Good PixelCover art for this episode from Rep. Maxine WatersSound effects obtained from https://www.zapsplat.com, https://www.dreamstime.com/, and https://www.freesoundeffects.com/.Background Music provided by Audio Library PlusTrack: Lazy Sunday by Vendredi

No real topic on this episode. Season 3 begins in May. Catch y'all in a couple months! @NarrOWPodcast The Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast is a subsidiary of Daniels Development & Branding, LLC, here for all your fundraising and storytelling needs.

On this episode, I have entrepreneur and personal coach Meaghan Langston of Durham, NC on the podcast to talk a few things coaching and many things related to foster care. She and her husband have fostered 3 children over the past few years and, while this has been one of the most rewarding experiences she's ever had, there are some things about the system that could make it better for all parties involved. Check it out and, to connect with Meaghan for everything from coaching to questions about foster care, reach out to her on Instagram at @meaghan_langston.

Minimum wage means nothing when there is not a minimum standard of living. Everyone across the globe, but specifically in the USA, needs housing, health care and food security.

Would you attach it to your résumé? Then ask yourself if you should post it on LinkedIn?

Last week, Pres. Joseph Biden took the necessary steps to end federal prison contracts with privately-owned prisons. This is step one in removing incentives to keep Black people locked up. We cannot tie people's livelihoods to oppressing other individual and think that they won't try to find any way possible to keep those people oppressed. If I think that hurting you will keep food in my children's stomachs, there is a better chance that I will dehumanize you and subconsciously justify the injustices that I subject you to. That is what America has done to Black people and other people of color for centuries.

This episode was inspired by a series of tweets from Dr. Alex Hamilton that I happened to come across when an Instagram account I follow reposted it. We really have to make an honest effort not to let the celebrity status of politicians (or the baseless views of celebrities) impact our ability to take ownership of the political process and elect the best person for any elected position. This isn't the Prom King or Prom Queen we're voting for these days. We are electing people who will determine the trajectory of our country from now until its end. Do we want to do that because of how cool their walk was? Dr. Alex Hamilton's Tweet

In this, one of my lengthier solo episodes, I try to paint a fairly brief picture of who I am. I go into my family, my upbringing, my education, my socioeconomic status, and my current personal and professional life. It is hard for me to speak of narratives without giving you all some insight into who Deryle A. Daniels, Jr. is. On this episode, I used Jim Beam's limited release Old Tub Bourbon. I'd suggest grabbing a bottle if you can find it.

"The original 'black lives matter' was that the slaves' lives mattered." -- Judge James Wynn, Jr. I tweeted this quote from Berean Baptist Church of Raleigh's 2015 Abolition Day ceremony and I just came across it again. It was very timely, as we see how, a week ago tomorrow, scores of (mostly) White people took siege of the United States Capitol building in Washington D.C., proving that, while peaceful Black protestors are seen as a threat to the democracy, White terrorists are literally escorted in. The episode jumps around some but paints one very clear picture: We aren't standing for second class citizenship anymore. We will not let America berate us, lessen the role our ancestors played in the building of this nation, or inflate the myths of their forefathers. We are here for truth, equity, integrity. Anything less is unacceptable. Today's drink: WhistlePig Old World Rye Whiskey

Getting my goals together with my vision board and my new daily planner. Starting the year in an organized fashion is one of the keys to my percieved success. What are yours? Drop a New Year's organization suggestion on my Instagram image with my 2021 vision board. Moleskin Day Planner from Target

Last week's episoded talked about how J.R. Sharp's life was spared by God by mere inches. Today, is about how life is a game of seconds. Time is something that I hate being wasted and I take this opportunity to quantify what lost time really looks like in the grand scheme of things. FYI, this will be the last episode of 2020 but I'll still be tossing some great content up on social media so make sure you're following me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram -- @NarrOWPodcast

A couple weeks ago, I released an episode called "All Emotion," discussing the shooting of a close friend of mine who also happens to be a law enforcement officer. Today, I had the opportunity to sit down with him and talk about life in general, as well as his experience and how we, as a community, can move forward to create a safer Durham. When I say Black lives matter, I truly mean it. This Black man could've been taken from his family. We all must value life more than we do. Follow J.R. at @SixPackFuel.

This is it! This week makes 1 full year of Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey Podcast and I had to drop an interview with one of my closest friends to commemorate it. In this episode, I chop it up with Cory Bennett, my friend of over 10 years about life, fatherhood, relationships, college lessons we learned together, and his 8-5 career as well as his 5-8 grind. Brands mentioned in this episode:Four Roses BourbonYNM Custom Printing & ApparelScotch Porter's MVP CollectionsTarget StyleRussell AthleticAlain DupetitGavin B.Watt Supply Co.

How often do we say something cannot be done because we haven't seen it before? In this day and age, we should believe any and everything can happen. We have the imagination and vision for whatever. Let's stop limiting ourselves only because we've only dreamt something. That should make us work that much harder to make it a reality.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of interviewing longtime friend, mentor, and confidant George Acheampong, Co-Founder of Capitalwize, LLC and Founder of Melanin Money. On this episode, we discuss building Black wealth, being a springboard for your children as they mature, the privilege of serving communities that have been financially ravished by America, and some exciting new projects he has coming out over the next few months. Here are some resources from this episode so you can learn more about financial health and support the work G.A. is doing, as well as learn about other thought leaders in his field.George AcheampongForbes GeorgePocket AdvisorCapitalwizeMelanin MoneyRobert SmithRashaun WilliamsI Will Teach You To Be RichOne Page Financial PlanFor The Love of Money PodcastMoney For the Rest of Us Podcast

Disclaimer: I am not saying don't vote. I am not saying which party to support. What I am saying is that it's time to make the Democrats uncertain that we're going to support them without some solid promises. I don't know about you but I'm tired of Black people's votes being taken for granted. Republicans write us off because they know we're probably going to vote Democrats. Democrats count us without doing anything for us because they know we're probably going to vote Democrat. We are the only special interest group that doesn't force anyone to make campaign promises specific to our issues. It's time to ask them for results that we can quantify and, if the results aren't met, they should know they can be replaced.

Today is Election Day 2020 and you would think it was Election Day 1920 due to the threats that have been made by terrorists who operate in the name of White Nationalism. Back in the day, Sundown Towns were communities where non-White people could not move safely after dark. Today, it feels as if we may be reentering that moment in history, even if briefly. Stay smart. Stay safe. On the front end of the episode, I mentioned Tully Murray, the graphic designer who did the logo for the podcast (as well as for my photography business). You can check his work out on Instagram by following @thegoodpxl.

Are you a 2A conservative, a evangelical conservative, a fiscal conservative, or a racist/discriminatory conservative? Those are the options. Pick one. And know that all of them make room for the discriminatory type to thrive.

I recorded this episode on curated lifestyles while I was an island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (how ironic, right?). I loved being here but it's not real life. Check out this short episode and leave a comment to let me know how you feel about American culture's apparent need to impress everyone who is looking at our timelines.

In 2020, Black people have accounted for 52.8% of new gun purchases. In this episode, I unpack reasons why it makes sense for Black gun ownership to increase in the United States, especially at this point in time. I'm not saying that Black people should be the aggressors but we should always be prepared to defend ourselves and our families against all undeserved threats to our liberty. Consider it and, if it is something you feel comfortable with, take the necessary steps to educate yourself and become a responsible gun owner.

Time is the one thing that you cannot buy back. Time gets you memories. It gets you success. It gives you the ability to relax and recharge. Please take the time to engage with yourself and disengage from work and the grind. Tomorrow is not promised. Take time for yourself whenever you need to. No one else will do it for you.

In this episode, I have Laphelle Taylor, owner of Soul Lab Studios, and Vince Jamael, co-owner of The Standard Grooming Co., as guests to discuss entrepreneurship, the impact of Covid on their businesses, and how they maintain their lifestyles while owning businesses. The conversation went so in depth that I'm broke it into two separate episodes. This is part 2.

In this episode, I have Laphelle Taylor, owner of Soul Lab Studios, and Vince Jamael, co-owner of The Standard Grooming Co., as guests to discuss entrepreneurship, the impact of Covid on their businesses, and how they maintain their lifestyles while owning businesses. The conversation went so in depth that I'm breaking this into two separate episodes. Part 2 is coming next.

In this episode, I give you all a glimpse of where I feel the value of a college degree lies; in relationships. Yes, education and critical thinking are valuable but those things alone are not worth what you end up paying at the end of your 4 (or more) years. That degree coupled with being in rooms filled with humans who can push you to the next level is where the true value presents itself. In this episode, I highlight some of the personal and professional relationships I gained in college that have helped me level up. So, if you're thinking your degree wasn't "worth it," think about what experiences and friendships you wouldn't have had without the time you spent at your alma mater.

As we all know, on August 28, 2020, award winning actor Chadwick Boseman passed away after fighting a very private battle with colon cancer. I'm not ready to discuss that yet (and I don't want to kick season 2 off with such a heavy topic) but, the morning after I found out, I decided to watch Black Panther, which I bought right when it became available on Amazon (there are some cool deleted scenes if you haven't seen them). One of the most impactful lines in the film is also, in my opinion, the most overlooked. Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, said, "You got all this security in here to watch me once I walked in, yet you ain't checking what you put in your body." In this episode, I unpack some of America's misplaced preoccupation with external defense (and punishment) versus internal improvement and investment.

Season 2 is almost here. Check out this quick episode telling you what you can expect from Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey this season. This time, I'm going for 600!

This is the final episode of my first season. 30 and out. I was trying to figure out where to "end it," and the number 30 just stood out to me. This episode ties closely into last episode but points out why, even though classism is the truest war, we still must combat racism if we want to be free. Check out the following excerpt for some context before jumping into this, my final episode of the season. Republican Sen. Tom Cotton introduced a piece of legislation on Thursday that will prohibit the use of federal funds to teach the award-winning New York Times piece The 1619 Project in K-12 schools. Under the proposed Saving American History Act of 2020, schools that teach the curriculum, which covers the early history of slavery in America, would be ineligible for federal professional development grants. Cotton, a senator from Arkansas, defended the controversial bill in statement to the National Review on Thursday. Source: The Grio

So often, we get caught up with race that we overlook class. While fighting racism is very important in the day-to-day struggles (because no one can think longterm if they're not alive), we have to infuse class into the narrative, with the understanding that those of us who are in the bottom 80% are much more alike than we are different. But, because the powers that be want to keep us at odds, race has been put into play as a distractor. Anyway, check this episode out and let me know what you think about the the intersectionality between the class and race narratives.

One of my favorite Rick Ross lines is from the album "Rather You Than Me," where Ross says "I'm happy Donald Trump became the president because you've got to destroy before you elevate." On this episode, I focus in on the way that America is in self-destruct mode and, if we are going to make it out of this period, we have to do it with such intentionality that we almost lose the selfishness that is foundational to the culture of modern America.

Throughout the month of July, I'm doing a series called BBQ & Bourbon. Now, that's kind of a misnomer. We won't have barbecue each time and all whiskeys aren't bourbon but, as a general theme, those are two of my favorite summertime things and one or the other will be apart of each episode. On this, my first episode, which I recorded on National Fried Chicken Day (there has to be a day for everything), I had one of my longtime friends, James Hart, on Narratives Over Wine & Whiskey. I wanted to bring James on for a couple reasons, one being that he is an example of a strong, Black faith-, family-, career-, and community-oriented brother. When I need advice making a tough decision James has helped me think through how to move forward successfully time after time. He went from being on my hall during his freshman year to being my VP of BBSA while I was president during my (first) senior year. On this, my 27th episode, we got into a conversation about being a good husband, gun ownership, homeownership, the current climate in America for Black men, and developing relationships with members of our community, among other things. Our conversation here is not far at all from the ones we have regularly. Tune in and feel free to leave some feedback.

Last night, two of my favorite artists, Fabolous and Jadakiss, went head to head in a Verzuz battle. While I enjoyed the battle, I also learned a lot from it. The biggest thing I learned was that, to succeed in your own game, you have to play to your strengths when it matters. Practice is practice but, in the game, you do what you do well so you can win. Sadly, Fab, in my opinion, lost the battle, not because he didn't have the skill but because he didn't have the strategy to win. Jadakiss came in and said he'd set a tempo that didn't match Fab's strengths. On this episode, I surprisingly had my third guest of the series, Kevin. Kev is a bourbon enthusiast and a huge Fab fan. As I was recording this episode, he called and his view on who won doesn't align with mine (for a logical reason) so I'm glad to have gotten some unexpected pushback.