Nothing To Lose But Yourself

My guest on the podcast this week is Marija Abney. Marija is a South Carolina native who moved to NY to pursue an arts education at The AIley School at Fordham University and went on to earn her MA in performance studies from NYU. Marija is an actress and dancer who has appeared as a Dora Milaje in "Black Panther" and "Wakanda Forever" as well as "Avengers Inifinity War" and "Avengers End Game," and was featured in Tubi's "A Killer Romance" and "Twisted Marriage Therapist."In many ways though, her most impactful contribution to "the culture" is founding The Soapbox Presents and launching a wildly successful series of "stoop concerts" in Harlem that builds loving community and attracts crowds of over 3500 people per event. The series is so successful it caught the attention of legendary singer-songwriter Babyface who asked to participate and entertained the crowd with a pop up performance of "Whip Appeal."We chat about her artistic journey, art as activism, and what it was like to work with the late Chadwick Boseman.Support the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest on the podcast today is singer-songwriter-producer and recording artist Gordon Chambers. Gordon is a success story in the music industry. His solo albums have been nominated for Independent Soul Album of the Year by Soultracks.com. His #1 hits as a lyricist include: Anita Baker's Grammy- winning hit “I Apologize”, Brownstone's Grammy-nominated “If You Love Me”, Angie Stone's “No More Rain (In This Cloud)”, the Grammy-nominated theme of Set It Off “Missing You” (performed by Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan). Yolanda Adams' “Someone Watching Over Me” and The Isley Brothers' recent comeback smash “Just Came Here To Chill.” He has written for over 75 recording artists, including household names Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Brandy, Trey Songz, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle and Marc Anthony.  In our wide ranging conversation, we chat about Gordon's upbringing in New Jersey, the concept of Black excellence, his successful career in music and the power of Love and the embrace of Blackness.Support the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guests on the podcast this week are the historic and dynamic country music group O.N.E. the Duo. These talented ladies are the first Black mother/daughter duo in country music history and they drop their debut album this summer.In our wide ranging and insightful conversation, I speak to the ladies about the pros and cons of working together, the relationship between mother and daughter, how they've been received in country music circles and the contributions of RZA of Wu-Tang Klan as a Dad and co-parent as well as his professional input and support of their careers. We also chat about Tekitha (the Mom) about her business acumen and approach to the business side of the entertainment industry. It's an eye opening and engaging conversation with two talented Black women who are making their mark in country music and beyond.O.N.E. the Duo websiteOfficial YouTube ChannelSupport the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest on the podcast this week is Dr. Michael A. Lindsey. Dr. Lindsey is a noted scholar in the fields of child and adolescent mental health, as well as a leader in the search for knowledge and solutions to generational poverty and inequality. He is the Dean and Paulette Goddard Professor of Social Work at NYU Silver School of Social Work, and an Aspen Health Innovators Fellow. In our wide ranging conversation, Dr. Lindsey and I chat about his call to serve the world in the field of social work, being raised by a single Black Mom, and the mental health crisis facing Black young people today. Dr. Lindsey provides insights, tools and more to help those who are trying to navigate these difficult times. He speaks to parents about how to observe our children and make sure to truly check in with them and ask how they are doing and what's on their minds. Most importantly, Dr. Lindsey provides hope and access to resources that can help in an emergency and access to treatment and intervention when necessary.  This is a conversation with a brilliant Black man committed to the well being of our young people and communities and to ending generational poverty and inequality.988 Suicide and Crisis HotlineSupport the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest on the podcast this week is the dynamic, engaging, and successful journalist and storyteller Naimah Jabali-Nash.  Naimah collaborated with acclaimed director, Stanley Nelson,as a producer on Netflix's Crack: Cocaine, Corruption, Conspiracy, and her work on the sports journalism series, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel earned her five Emmy Awards and two PeabodyAwards. Most recently Naimah served as a director and producer on the 1619 Project documentary series. for Hulu. In our wide ranging conversation, Naimah and I chat about the importance of family, her journey to producing and directing, navigating the industry as a Black woman and the power of storytelling to inform and to transform the world.Support the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest on the podcast this week is Raheim Johnson. Raheim is a native of Philadelphia, PA and a son to a single mother of four who at an early age developed a strong desire to travel and see the world. He took his first international trip in the summer 2013 to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and from there it was history.  Fast forward 6 years later and I've been to over 50+ countries across 5 continents with no signs of slowing down anytime soon.In our wide ranging conversation, Rahiem and I chat about growing up being raised by a single parent, the first time he traveled internationally, and the power of travel to open our eyes to all the possibilities that life holds and travel as a platform to help us discover and fall in love with our own humanity.This is an insightful conversation with a dope young brotha who's doing his entrepreneurial thing!TrayTableSeatBackRaheim's InstagramTrayTable InstagramSupport the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest on the podcast today is NaTasha Yvette Williams. Natasha is one of the few African American women to consistently star in major roles on Broadway such: Mama Morton in the  critically acclaimed Broadway hit Chicago with Brandy, Ms Sophia in The Color Purple with Fantasia, A Night with  Janis Joplin as Aretha Franklin, and currently as Sweet Sue in Some Like it Hot which has garnered her a Tony Award nomination. In our wide ranging conversation, we chat about her childhood and the influence of her parents, her LOVE of math and how it relates to her career as a performer, her successful career on stage and screen, her relationship to Blackness, and the role of faith and love in her life. It's a warm conversation with a talented, passionate, and dynamic human being engaged in doing the work she is called to do.Support the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest this week is author, attorney, media personality, and journalist Eboni K. Williams. Eboni is the host and executive producer of Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams in addition to hosting The Grio with Eboni K. Williams, which airs on The Grio cable television network owned by Mr. Byron Allen. In our wide ranging conversation, Eboni and I chat about her latest book Bet on Black: The Good News About Being Black in America Today. We also dive in about the perceived divide between Black women and Black men, how she follows "her calling" to fight for justice and equality, her experiences at FoxNews and on The Real Housewives of New York, and YES we touch on that viral comment about bus drivers. This is a great conversation with an a dynamic and brilliant Black woman. This is also our first ever two-part conversation with part two coming to you next week. Holding Court with Eboni K. WilliamsSupport the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest this week is author, attorney, media personality, and journalist Eboni K. Williams. Eboni is the host and executive producer of Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams in addition to hosting The Grio with Eboni K. Williams, which airs on The Grio cable television network owned by Mr. Byron Allen. In our wide ranging conversation, Eboni and I chat about her latest book Bet on Black: The Good News About Being Black in America Today. We also dive in about the perceived divide between Black women and Black men, how she follows "her calling" to fight for justice and equality, her experiences at FoxNews and on The Real Housewives of New York, and YES we touch on that viral comment about bus drivers. This is a great conversation with an a dynamic and brilliant Black woman. This is also our first ever two-part conversation with part two coming to you next week.Holding Court with Eboni K. WilliamsSupport the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest on the podcast this week has been called the most famous astrophysicist of our time. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and the author of the #1 bestselling Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, among other books. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has served since 1996. He is also the two-time host of the beloved TV series Cosmos — rebooting the original 1980 series was hosted by Carl Sagan. Dr. Tyson is also the host and cofounder of the Emmy-nominated popular podcast StarTalk and its spinoff StarTalk Sports Edition, which combine science, humor, and pop culture. In our conversation, we talk about his new book Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization, anti-intellectualism, gender and identity and more! He's dynamic, engaging, and shoots from the hip. Official WebsiteStarry MessengerHayden PlanetariumSupport the showPlease make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.

My guest on this 4th Season Premiere episode of the podcast is Sanya Richards-Ross. Sanya is long-ranked the world's best 400m runner, a 4-time Olympic Gold medal winner, a two time  IAAF Athlete of the Year, and Track & Field News' Athlete of the Decade. This talented black woman is also a NBC Track and Field commentator, the founder of Mommi Nation, a loving wife, devoted mother and a cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. In our dynamic and engaging conversation we reflect briefly on her childhood and journey to track and field, but things quickly get introspective as we discuss the toughest decision of her life, her loving partnership with her husband two-time Superbowl champion and former NY Giant Aaron Ross, the importance of family and embracing her blackness, and why she agreed to join the cast of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.This is a great way to start our fourth season and I hope you love this convo as much as I loved having it.Sanya's website Sanya's Mommi NationSupport the show

My guest on the podcast this week is a recording artist who has spent the last 21 years making amazing music and making his way in the music industry, Eric Roberson. Eric has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, been nominated for two Grammy Awards and a BET Award, taught at the Berkley School of music, performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., and released some of the best music of the past 20 years. In our wide ranging conversation, Eric and I talk about his time at Howard University and how both the school and Washington D.C. helped him to discover who he is as a man, artist, and independent spirit. We also chat about navigating the music business as an indie artist, the power of choice as a tool for creation, playing The Kennedy Center, and his new album, called lessons. Official WebsiteJoin The ProcessEric's InstagramSupport the show

My guest on the podcast is Alisha L. Gordon. Alisha is an awarded teacher, faith leader, and social strategist whose work intersects social advocacy and culture. She is the founder and Executive Director of The Current Project, a nonprofit organization, committed to closing the social and economic gaps for Black single mothers, utilizing the intersection of strategic programming and policy to lengthen the runway for thriving.In our wide ranging conversation we talk about her work with The Current Project and why helping single black Moms is good for building healthy communities. We also chat about her work as a faith leader and how one's gifts make space for you and how your creative and cultural curiosity could be the breadcrumbs that lead you to your next breakthrough.The Current ProjectAlisha's InstagramSupport the show

My guest on the podcast this week is a dynamic storyteller and beautiful soul, lauded portrait and editorial photographer Cheriss May. In our wide-ranging conversation, Cheriss and I speak about her transition from graphic design to photography as a profession, the role of her midwestern upbringing to her ethos as an artist, her experiences as a black female photo-journalist, her harrowing experience inside the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, and shooting iconic portraits of African American life.@CherissMayCheriss May websiteSupport the show

My guest on the podcast this week is Keith Boykin. Keith and I chat about his new book "Quitting." In our conversation Keith and I discuss how a desire for freedom and the space to live and enjoy life has lead him and so many of us to "quit" the traditional model of working and to find the courage to chart our own unique path through life. We talk about preparing for change, leaning into your vision for your own life and the role of freedom as the motivator for the choice to quit.It's an important conversation that provides insight into all the various forms that quitting can take and how quitting isn't just about leaving a job, but how it is often necessary to divorce one's self from situations, people, and relationships that no longer serve us.The book is available at https://try.scribd.com/boykin/Support the show

My guests on the podcast this week are Kurt Williamson and Warren Oliver, the creative entrepreneurs behind the reboot of Yo! MTV Raps for Viacom. In our conversation we chat about their journey to entrepreneurship, the power of positive partnerships in life and in business, paying dues in Hollywood and so much more. They also offer tips for new creatives trying to break in to the business. Support the show

My guests on the podcast this week are cultural producer, curator and current Ph.D Candidate at the University of Texas at Austin Ja'nell Ajani and legendary documentary, fashion, and street photographer Jamel Shabazz. In our wide ranging conversation we chat about 'Peace to the Queen,' the four-decades career retrospective of Mr. Shabazz' work at the Carver Museum in Austin, Texas.  Curated by Ms. Anjani, 'Peace to the Queen' has materialized and aligned at a critical moment in American history and Jamel Shabazz's resurgent career.  We chat about how the exhibit came together, how Ms. Ajani and Mr. Shabazz became friends and colleagues, their respective life journeys, and most importantly their shared commitment on using art to empower marginalized communities and to inspire humanity to be better and do better.Ja'nell Ajani IGJamel Shabazz IGPeace to the QueenSupport the show

My guest on the podcast this week is Ty Hunter. Ty is a designer, fashion stylist, and first time author of the new book "Makeover From Within."  Ty rose to fashion icon status as the stylist for Destiny's Child and then for the legendary Beyoncé and has also styled Solange, Kelly Rowland, and Billy Porter to name a few. Ty has also dedicated himself to motivating others via speaking engagements and with the with daily affirmations and inspirations he shares via his instagram account @tytryone. In our wide ranging conversation we chat about his becoming a parent at 22 years old, living in his truth, being a caregiver for his Mother in her battle with breast cancers, and the faith that powers his positive attitude and carefree demeanor. https://www.tytryone.com/Support the show

My guest this week is Shawn A. Ginwright PhD. Dr Ginwright is a leading innovator, provocateur and thought leader on African American youth, youth activism and youth development. He is  the founder and chief executive officer of Flourish Agenda, Inc., a research lab and consulting firm whose mission is to design strategies that unlock the power of healing and engage youth of color and adult allies in transforming their schools and communities. He is also a professor of education in the Africana Studies Department and a senior research associate at San Francisco State University and the author of the dynamic book The Four Pivots.In our conversation we chat about his upbringing in California, his research which examines the ways in which youth in urban communities navigate the constraints of poverty and struggle to create equality and justice in their schools and communities. The centerpiece of our conversation is his book in which he shares "four pivots" that can transform our awareness, encourage real connection between people, create and enhance our vision for the kind of society we want to create, and help us to become more present in our day to day lives and the work we are engaged in. Are you ready to pivot? If so, this is the conversation you've been waiting for.Buy the bookhttp://www.shawnginwright.com/Flourish AgendaSupport the show

My guest on the podcast this week is mixed media artist Deborah Roberts. In our wide-ranging conversation Deborah and I talk about her amazing work which challenges the notion of ideal beauty and humanizes black children, her own childhood in East Austin, Texas, and how she takes dehumanizing tropes and images of black people and repurposing them as power symbols to inspire self-love in black and brown around the globe. This is a dynamic conversation with an amazing artist and black woman using her gifts to serve others and call attention to some of the most urgent issues of our day.Deborah Roberts Official websiteSupport the show

My guest today is playwright, composer, lyricist of the 11 time Tony nominated musical A Strange Loop,  Michael R. Jackson. In our conversation, Michael and I chat about his upbringing in a religious family in Detroit, Michigan, his move to New York to pursue his dreams of becoming a writer for soap operas and the journey to finding himself via many trials and more than a few errors. The centerpiece of the conversation is his Tony nominated hit musical A Strange Loop on Broadway and the life experiences that lead him to write the show and find himself in the process.A Strange Loop ticketsSupport the show

My guest today is Nigerian-American actor, musician, and producer Olly Sholotan. Olly currently stars as ‘Carlton Banks' in Peacock and Westbrook's Bel-Air, the reboot of the classic hit series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In our conversation, Olly and I chat about living his childhood in Nigeria and Houston, Texas, his role as Carlton Banks on Bel-Air, and his passion for writing, producing, and performing music.We also chat about his experiences with therapy and the similarities and differences between his own teen years and those of the character he plays on Bel-Air. Olly's IG Olly's TwitterSoundcloudSupport the show

My guest on the podcast today is Dr. Lena Green a clinical social worker, psychologist, adjunct professor and the Executive Director of HOPE Center Harlem, a groundbreaking free mental health facility created by Rev. Michael A. Walrond Jr. of FCBCNYC. In our wide ranging conversation Dr. Green and I talk about her life and career, breakdown the myths and stigmas around mental well-being and therapy in communities of color, and MOST IMPORTANTLY we discuss some of the things we can all do to proactively protect our mental health as well as the professionals and platforms available for the diagnosis and treatment of that which ails us. Despite what one would think when you hear this introduction, this is actually an uplifting conversation designed to give us all hope and to provide awareness of the tools necessary to start our journey to wholeness and healing. HOPE Center Harlemhttps://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Support the show

My guest on this episode of the podcast is Representative Malcolm Kenyatta. Rep. Kenyatta  is the first openly LGBTQ person of color and one of the youngest members elected to the PA General Assembly. In our wide ranging conversation we talk his childhood in Philadelphia, his relationship with his late Mother,  the issues close to his heart including  creating an equitable and inclusive society, and his campaign for US Senator in Pennsylvania. Support the show

My guest on the podcast this week is screenwriter, author, and showrunner Rasheed Newson. Rasheed and his writing and producing partner T. J. Brady have worked on The Chi and Narcos among other drama series, and currently serve as the showrunners for the hit series Bel-Air on Peacock which reimagines the classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air as a drama. Rasheed and I talk about his upbringing in Indiana, the first time he held a boy's hand, finding himself while attending Georgetown University and the journey to his current role as showrunner on the hit series Bel-Air on Peacock!His first novel "My Government Means to Kill Me" is available for preorder.Support the show

My guest in this season two finale is multitalented and multifaceted artist and performer, Dawnn Lewis. Dawnn is a recipient of the Trumpet Award, a Grammy Award, multiple NAACP Image awards, BMI and ASCAP songwriting awards, and an inductee into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. She is of course a talented and beloved actress and director as well with TV credits that include A Different World, Veronica Mars, Hangin With Mr. Cooper, One Tree Hill, and the FOX series 911 to name a few. She is currently co-starring as Zelma Bullock, Tina Turner's mother in the hit Broadway musical Tina which is nominated for 12 Tony Awards. Support the show

My guest on the podcast this week is actor and director Amir Arison. Amir and I chat about his role as Aram on The Blacklist, his love of improv and comedy, the values instilled in him by his parents, and the power of love and the responsibility that comes with having a platform from which he can serve other and make the world a better place to live. This was a heartfelt, emotional, and engaging conversation between two grown men who aren't afraid to show our sensitivity to others.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

My guest this week is the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter-and producer Anthony Hamilton. In our engaging and thought-provoking conversation, we chat about his life and career and his experiences during our on-going global pandemic, including taking care of his three sons and surviving his own Covid-19 battle. We also talk his relationship with his father, our shared love of black women, and his new release Love is The New Black .Support the show

My guest on this week's episode is celebrity hairstylist, Johnny Wright . With over 20 years of experience, Johnny Wright is no stranger to success. He spent 8 years as Michelle Obama's personal hairstylist during the Obama Administration,  co-starred in To Catch a Beautician with Tamar Braxton on Vh1, and currently serves as Tamron Hall's stylist on her eponymous talk show. Johnny and I chat about his childhood in Chicago, how the the love and support from his family helped him to discover his life's passion, and the joy that emerges from simply living life as the person you were created to be.Support the show

My guest today is Emmy Nominated Event Producer and certified Entertainment Marketing ProfessionalYvonne McNair. Yvonne and I chat about her childhood shuttling between Naperville, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisiana, working with Prince and her innovative marketing campaigns and event management for major clients including; The Sundance Film Festival, NBC, BET Networks, Apple Music, and MTV, ADCOLOR, the City of New York, EBONY Media Group, NATIVE SON and Google to name a few.  Yvonne has built a successful and inspiring career in event production and earned 3 degrees in process, all after becoming a teen Mother and while raising her son. This is not a story about capitalism as much as it is about a woman who wont settle for less than she deserves and works hard to get it.Yvonne and I engage in a wide ranging discussion that demonstrates the power of belief in self, the importance of a strong work ethic and the role of education in Yvonne's brand of 'black girl magic.'Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

My guest this week is actor and producer, Darryl Stephens. In our wide ranging conversation Darryl an I chat about his acting career, the importance of Noah's Arc, ending toxic masculinity, and his new role in life as a father. Support the show

My guest this week is author and criminal justice activist Donna Hylton. Hers is a story of responsibility, resilience, and redemption. Donna and I chat about her childhood in Jamaica and in New York City, her experiences with sexual assault as a child,  her interaction with the criminal justice system, and her new life advocating for criminal justice reform. IMPORTANT NOTE - This episode includes conversation about childhood sexual assault, violence and murder. While the portions of the conversation that cover these topics are not sensationalized, they could still trigger survivors of assault or those who have lost loved ones to violence. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

My guest on the podcast this week is Cody Renard Richard. Cody is an advocate, educator, producer, and professional Stage Manager with a career that spans many genres including Broadway, Television, Cirque Du Soleil and Opera. He holds a BFA in Stage Management from Webster Conservatory and he has worked as a Stage Manager on Broadway for 14 productions and is currently a co-producer of the historic new production Thoughts of A Colored Man. In our wide-ranging conversation Cody and I chat about his career on Broadway, how he came to know and embrace his authentic self, and both the power of art to change how we see the world and each other. We also chat about his childhood growing up on a ranch outside of Houston, Texas, competing in rodeo events, and his new journey as an educator helping to groom the next generation of artists and production professionals.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In this week's episode I chat with model and actress Precious Lee. In our conversation, Precious and I chat about her journey into her trailblazing career in fashion and she reflects on her upbringing in Atlanta, the power of images, and her desire to create a where more people can experience the joy of simply being human and loving the skin we're in. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

My guest today on the podcast today is consummate change agent, visionary leader, sought after speaker, and President of New York Theological Seminary, the Reverend Lakeesha Walrond, PhD. In our wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation Dr. Walrond and I chat about the importance of education in creating a successful life and career, her history making turn as the first woman and African American to serve as President of New York Theological Seminary, and the role of faith in helping humanity learn to live in community and navigate our cultural wars over identity.  From teenage motherhood and sexual assault to the power of positivity and the importance of identity, no topic is off limits and her wisdom knows no bounds.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

My guest today on the podcast is recording artist, songwriter, and producer Rahsaan Patterson. In our wide-ranging conversation Rahsaan and I chat about growing up Pentecostal, the power of forgiveness to help him heal from trauma and assault, and his career as a beloved recording artist, dynamic performer, and writer of hit songs for other artists including Tevin Campbell and Brandy. It's an honest and revealing conversation with the potential to inspire.Support the show

My guest this week is Yvonne Victor. Yvonne leaned into her authentic self and turned her commitment to helping others champion their lives into a career as a certified Life and Business coach. Yvonne is passionate about helping people and in our conversation we chat about her new book, the benefits of life coaching, and the power of personal choice.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

This week's guest on the season premiere of the podcast is author, activist and CNN commentator Keith Boykin. In our wide-ranging conversation, Keith and I chat about his childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, working in the Clinton White House,  living his life out loud as a black gay man, and his new book "Race Against Time: The Politics of a Changing America."Support the show But the book here: HERESupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

Get ready for another season of inspiring and insightful conversations! Nothing to Lose but Yourself is back for season 2 starting September 14. Subscribe today to join us on our mission to "change the world one conversation at a time."Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

As we prepare to launch the second season of the podcast enjoy this brief recap of season one. Season two launches on September 14 and the season will again feature impactful and inspiring conversations with a diverse lineup of guests who lean into the power of self-awareness and self-love to fuel their journey through life. Share this with your friends and encourage them to subscribe to the podcast today!Support the show

In this week's episode, I speak with author and music industry professional Akim Bryant. Akim and I chat about his new book entitled "Stuck Pages Vol. 2 The Pleasure Principle," his career working on the programming side in the  music industry, his love for R&B music, living his life as a black gay man, and about his mental health journey and the power of therapy. We also chat about his childhood growing up New Jersey, being raised in a single parent household, and overcoming that all too normal trauma that so many black children endure. It's a wide ranging and dynamic conversation between friends and brothers committed to excellence, integrity and self-love. Support the show

This week's guest on the podcast is Kyle Hagler, President of Next Management where he oversees the development of careers in the fashion and beauty spaces like rising supermodel Grace Elizabeth, cultural phenomenon Anok Yai, internationally recognized Binx Walton, Lineisy Montero, Grace Hartzel, Anna Cleveland and Selena Forrest, actor Abbey Lee, to name just a few.In our wide-ranging conversation, Kyle and I chat about his dynamic and successful 24 plus year career in the fashion industry in which he is known for launching the careers of some of the most sought-after models to ever hit the world stage. His clients have included the likes of Heidi Klum, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Joan Smalls, Naomi Campbell, Shalom Harlow, and Kate Upton to name a few. Kyle has also been a huge advocate for diversity in fashion through his time as a manager and agency executive. We also chat about his childhood in New Jersey, attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, coming out as a gay man to his Mother who also happens to be queer. Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In this week's episode, I speak with super-producer Brian Alexander Morgan. Brian and I chat about his career as a songwriter and producer that includes 30 years of hit making for artists ranging from Martha Wash and Lala Hathaway to Drake and Khalid, and of course his number one hits for 90's R&B trio SWV. We also chat about his childhood growing up in Kansas, his vocal stance on today's social justice issues, his perseverance in the face of many challenges during his career, and his faith in his self and his talents. It's a wide ranging and dynamic conversation between friends and two black men committed to excellence and integrity. Support the show

In this week's episode I chat with community organizer, media producer, curator, and social entrepreneur Martha Diaz. Martha and I chat about her childhood as a latch key immigrant kid in Patterson, New Jersey, the moment she fell in love with hip-hop, and her life-long love of the culture. We dive deep into how hip-hop was instrumental in helping her form her identity as a woman, an artist, an educator and a human being and the many ways she has worked to preserve and celebrate the culture as well as her efforts to champion it as a critical tool in the education of our young people. Martha is a dynamic, passionate, compassionate, and engaged fan of hip hop who uses it to make the world a better place. For more information about the Universal Hip-Hop Museum as mentioned in our conversation, click on this link: Universal Hip-Hop MuseumSupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In this week's episode, I chat with Tamon George and Gary Williams the founders of Creative Theory, an award winning, Washington D.C. based, culture focused marketing agency. Tamon and Gary and I chat about the importance of family, the role of authenticity and inclusivity in life and business, and the day Gary shot those now iconic images of the late John Lewis visiting Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington D.C. at the height of the 2020 uprising. This is a dynamic and inspiring conversation with two passionately creative black men who are making money, making a difference, inspiring movements, and being terrific husbands and fathers who are building a legacy of greatness at the same time.For more information about Creative Theory https://creativetheory.agency/To follow Gary on IG @masterwilliamsTo follow Tamon on IG @Tamon_Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

Today's episode is “A word.” It is one of those occasions where I brain dump “a word” that is on my spirit about something going on in our society. Today's word is inspired by the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. Let's ruminate together on who we are as human beings and what it may take for us to fill the emptiness so many feel inside with love and a sense of our true selves as opposed to diminishing others in an effort to make us feel better about ourselves. This episode includes a couple of quotes that I'd like to credit properly.1) The Embodiment of Infinite Possibilities (spoken by Rev. Michael A. Walrond Jr.)2) Live, Love, Serve: The FCBC vision statement by Rev. Michael A. Walrond Jr.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In this episode, I chat with Hugh Love PhD, a New York based psychologist. Dr. Love and I engage in a wide-ranging conversation about identity and how it is formed and shaped and, in the process, we demystify psychology and therapy and hopefully encourage those who may benefit from therapy to consider it. We also spend some time chatting about masculinity, the stigma around mental health, his childhood in Memphis, Tennessee and being a black man in a profession in which there are tragically few African Americans and people of color, and he shares strategies for coping with the stress and anxiety generated by the complicated and trauma inducing times in which we live. I am not positioned as an expert so I cannot provide informed referrals. However, Dr. Love mentions Therapy for Black Men as a possible option for black men. The American Psychological Association has a page with lots of helpful information and services. These mental health resources can be accessed here: https://therapyforblackmen.org/https://www.apa.org/topics/online-therapySupport the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In this episode, I chat with Emil Wilbekin, the founder of Native Son a movement and platform created to inspire and empower Black gay men. Emil and I chat about his youth as an adopted child growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, what it means to be human, learning to live life authentically and the power and importance of community. This conversation is an opportunity to unpack the power of vulnerability and the benefits of honesty. Enjoy my conversation with the Emil Wilbekin.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In today's episode I chat with Katy Garetson and. Elaine Williams. Katy has worked in film and television production for over 3 decades. Her directing credits include; the season finale of the new Punky Brewster reboot, 2 Broke Girls, Fuller House, George Lopez and Girlfriends! She was nominated for two BET Awards for her episodes of Girlfriends and she also received a DGA Nomination for her debut episode on Frasier, a show she went on to direct many episodes of over the years.Elaine Williams has worked in the entertainment industry for over 3 decades as well. Elaine has worked in film/television production and development, but she is best known as senior acting teacher at Baron Brown Studio in Los Angeles, teaching the Meisner technique.  We talk about "making it" in Hollywood, our 3 decades of friendship, bringing your authentic self to your career, and so much more. This one is a long one, but it's also a lot of fun. Sit back, relax and enjoy my conversation with these two dynamic, driven, focused and talented women. Don't forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In today's episode I chat with Melissa Hunter Davis. Melissa is a a truly dynamic and inspiring black woman. She is the founder and publisher of the award-winning Sugarcane Magazine, an internationally lauded digital and print platform dedicated to global Black art and culture. Melissa is a graduate of Barry University in Miami, Florida,  an entrepreneur, wife, and mother.  We chat about her childhood in Gary, Indiana, being raised by a single Mother and attending college classes with her Mom when she was just 8-years old. We also explore her journey from theater major to magazine publisher, the role of art and artists in our society, NFTs, and more! Sit back, relax and enjoy my conversation with Melissa Hunter Davis. Don't forget to sign up for the monthly newsletter here.Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=NE26H44XSPXPG)

In today's 3rd episode of Women's History Month, I chat with actress, photographer, and adult entertainment icon Heather Hunter.  We chat about her unconventional and almost cinematic life's journey. In our wide ranging conversation, Heather reflects on her childhood in the Bronx, her loving but strict Mother, her career in adult entertainment, learning to make art from Keith Haring, her contributions to hip hop culture, and her current entrepreneurial and creative pursuits as a painter, photographer, and entrepreneur. Her story is thoroughly human, and she shares it with transparency, grace, and authenticity. Warning: This episode includes a conversation about sexual assault that could be a trigger for some listeners. Please listen with caution and care. If anyone is a victim of sexual assault the national sexual assault hotline can be reached by dialing 800.656.4673 or visit https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotlineSupport the show