Point Noir

Today we have some Point Noir first that we can't wait to share with you all. Joining us are Patty Hutchison and Roosevelt Edwards, the mother and uncle of one of our alumni Cedric Hutchison. They share their journey since Ced's passing as well as update us on the amazing projects they've created through their experience. You can find them at www.cedinthecityforever.com and @cedinthecityforever. This is a session unlike any other... don't forget your beveraage of choice :)

Well hey there travel fam! We're back just in time to close out the year with an intimate, unedited session from your favourite host, Kimono Jack. Not much more to say besides thank you for your patience and we'll talk again soon!

Our last session before the summer hiatus features adventurer, composer, and bandleader Jonathan Scales (@jonathanscales). We talk shop about growing up with travel through his parents, his musical adventures around the world and how things hit differently when you're in pursuit of your passion. For more on his dope group the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra head over to jonscales.com.

Welp.. 2 years are approaching quickly for us and the world is turning as fast as ever. Kimono Jack goes solo on this one to talk about the state of affairs and why it's still dope to be in this space with you all. If you want to skip the talk and go straight to the fun, grab your FREE ticket for our 2 year celebration at www.june19.eventbrite.com! Take care out there :)

Joining us today at the point is the distinguished Guthrie Ramsey! Guthrie is a world traveler, musician, educator, historian, author.. and the list goes on with his achievements thus far. After you sit for a spell enjoying his stories and perspectives on life and travel, make sure to check him out on Instagram (@ramseymusic) and his website musiqology.com. 

Joining us today at the point is a literal trial-blazer, Tyler Lau aka The Prodigy (@hikingprodigy). His accomplishments in the hiking world are the stuff of legend, but his dedication to the outdoors, and taking up space are equally important. Sit in for a spell and learn some of the lessons he's encountered along his journey, and how he feels men of color can benefit from the outdoors as well. You won't want to miss this one!

Joining us today at the point is Brandin Gause (@hesalwaysonvacation)! Hitting his true travel stride over the past three years, he's got a lot to show for it and bring some solid advice on growth while abroad. He's also a motivated entrepreneur, check out his brands Iron Visuals (@iron_visuals), AOV Travel Clothing (@aov_clothing) and Tour Skipper (@tourskipper / www.tourskipper.com). Come sit a spell and enjoy your stay at Point Noir!

The young man joining us today is no stranger to the platform. He was our second guest, and our first passport winner Cory J Adventures! Listen to all he's been up to since receiving his passport, and how he almost didn't make it back after his second trip abroad. Also check out his youtube channel Cory J Adventures as well as his IG for more travel content @coryj_adventures. Also in platform news, we'll be moving to a bi-monthly format, so we'll have more dope transformative travel stories for you in two weeks. Be safe and take care y'all!

Continuing our conversation from last week, David Andrade aka @thecousindave returns to conclude our chat. Also we celebrate Martinique (Marty) Lewis for women’s history month because she is the definition of diversity and inclusion in the travel space. Find her on IG at @marty_sandiego. Not only is she passionate, creative, and persistent, but she is literally opening doors through her experience and professionalism... thank you! Make sure you subscribed and are following on Twitter and Instagram @pointnoirshow.

Joining us today as our special guest is adventurer and photographer David Andrade aka @thecousindave. His first transformative experience abroad was so in depth he made two shows about it. Sit for a spell with your refreshing beveraage of choice and and hear tales of shady border crossings, street fights, the raw beauty of humanity, and self discovery all through Dave's eyes. Stay tuned for the next half next week! Also we celebrate the one and only Dr. Kiona of @hownottottravellikeabasicbitch for women’s history month because she is making history and is a huge support and influence for this platform. Thank you! We announce our February passport winner as well. Make sure you subscribed and are following on Twitter and Instagram @pointnoirshow.

March 14, 2020... we're fortunate to have one of our amazing alums Dr. Donté Flanagan (@doc.flanagan) call in to share with us an update on the  Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. It's been a shocking week for many.. and the intention of this brief conversation is to give you practical information about what is going on from a qualified medical perspective. The implications of this national state of emergency are huge, so please.. practice kindness and empathy as we move through this together. Cheers.. -KJ

Hey.. it may be close to midnight on Feb 29th, but don't get it twisted... Black History Month is good 'til the last drop. Kimono Jack gets on the mic to share some impromptu thoughts on the month, the platform, and gives kudos to some that are making current black history. Enjoy!

Joining us today is traveler and culture advocate Ronnell Perry (@afrobuenaventura)! From serving in the Peace Corps, to leading his own transformative trips, he shares with us just a slice of his knowledge and we know you're going to love it! Make sure to read through his blog and check out the upcoming trips he's leading at his website www.afrobuenaventura.com ! Enjoy your stay at The Point

Pick up a bucket because this session is covered with gems and gold nuggets! Joining us today at the Point is Lavar Thomas (@empower4greatness | www.lavarthomas.com). He's an experienced traveler, and a leader among leaders. Learn about his origin story, and why that has lead him to create @lfwleader. This is a packed session so sit back and enjoy the ride!

Festival knees, teenagers in China, tiny homes, the importance of hydration... cop a squat and enjoy this week's adventuresome guest, William Gaines!

The fiesta continues with Dexter Thomas (@dexdigi) in part II! Dexter is a traveler, writer, PhD candidate, correspondent for Vice media and at this time rocks one of the cleanest flat tops in the game! Hear the end of our convo and be prepared to think a little (or a lot)... a lot of gems coming up!

Our featured guest for the first ever TWO PART session is Dexter Thomas (@dexdigi)! Dexter is a traveler, writer, PhD candidate, correspondent for Vice media and at this time rocks one of the cleanest flat tops in the game! From his teenage experiences in Japan to his reporting done around the world... we chop it up as well as two observers of culture might. Stay tuned next week for part two!

Joining us today is marketing guru, podcast host, and adventurer Rondel Holder (@kingronthedon)! You may recognize him from his podcast Soul Society 101 (@soulsociety) where he's been encouraging community and travel for all members of the African diaspora. We talk about his adventurer origin story, his journey home to Africa, and the future of travel content for the community. Get ready!

Joining us today as our first guest of 2020 is Joshua McCoy (@joshuaemccoy @therarejems) entrepreneur, traveler, and photographer! Joshua's travels have not only helped him satisfy his thirst for new knowledge, but also helped him build better businesses as an entrepreneur. You'll feel right at home with our first session back.. so sit back, grab that refreshing beveraage of choice, and enjoy! Cheers!

Where we’ve been and where we’re headed in 2020! Welcome back to The Point.. we’re back from hiatus, refueled and ready to show you what we have in store for the new year

Everything you didn't know you needed to know about the outdoors is being brought to you today by Daniel White (@theblackalachain) AKA The Blackalachian. From hiking the entire Appalachian trail to trekking bogs in Scotland, his perspective and story is one not to be missed. Tune in! *Edited by Wize Grazette (icn.dj)

If today's guest seems familiar... it's because Jackie (@sirjvice) is another one of our passport winners here to share his first international experience! Already an accomplished professional drummer, Jackie was invited to Paris to play for one of his musical heroes and caught quite a bit of the Parisian experience in the process. Grab that refreshing beveraage, find a comfy chair, sit back and enjoy today's session.

Joining us today is the talented Kory Williams (@korywilliams). From his first trip (just three years ago) to his most recent adventure, he has cultivated an appetite for making international moves and has the talent to capture it on camera. You'll hear how his travel perspectives have shifted and what new adventures await... you won't want to miss this!

Our guest today is adventurer and experienced expat Leroy Tyler IV (@ablackmanabroad). We talk about his first inspirations to leave his hometown of St. Louis, being an expat in Australia and he shares some of his top travel budget tips. The future is bright for this man as he aspires to be a "known name in the travel game."

What's better than an adventurer traveling the world playing music? Two! Joining us today at Point Noir HQ is Daniel Gerona (@danielgerona), musician and adventurer extraordinaire! We toast a few refreshing beverages and talk travel, Filipino food and culture. If you're hip to get a taste of what all of this travel has brought him check out his pop-up food concept Not Your Lola's (@notyourlolas) and witness it for yourself. This is another great one... tune in!

Do you love the outdoors? We sure do! Meet CJ Goulding (@goulding_jr) a brother who is not only diversifying the outdoors but building community while doing it. We talk about the benefits of nature for men of color and all people, as well as some top tips for navigating potential challenges. We have a tonne of fun with this one. Bring your camping gear, another great session awaits!

It's another passport winner session! Joining us today at The Point is recent passport winner Lionel Hamilton (@l.hamilton5084) here to tell us all about his first trip abroad! You can feel the energy in his voice as he describes his time in Cartagena, Colombia taking in all of the sights, bites, and culture. This is a fun one... sit back and relax, you're home at The Point!

Travel, immigration, philosophy, we cover the spectrum with today's guest Bashir Mussa (@stoicview). Learn how this first generation Canadian has intentionally chosen to engage cultures through his global travels. He's even going back to school to help him contribute more to the cultures he visits... you won't want to miss this one!

Time to shine the spotlight on the next wave of up and coming travelers of color... meet our third Passport Winner's Circle! This session features Rodney (@mrcookforyourgirl), Cashe (@casheruleseverythingg), Markquis (@_markq), and Lionel (@l.hamilton5084), each sharing their experiences and dreams through the passport process. On top of all that, these 4 have had their passports sponsored by one of our former guests CJ Livingston (@whereiscjlivin). Thank's for the support in helping us impact the lives of men of color in a positive way!

Welcome to the Point! Joining us today is entrepreneur and traveler Nick Barreiro (@clayimports). You never know how travel will impact you life's path and this story is certainly a surprising one! Nick shares exactly how travel has grown him personally and his business Clay Imports (www.clayimports.com). Join us on this chill vibe on a cool Austin night and enjoy this latest release from the Point Noir Podcast! Cheers!

Ever wonder how our host Kimono Jack got started being a podcast slinging, risk taking, son-of-a-gun? Well, it all started with a little city they call Paris...

Today’s a Good Day To Have A Good Day... that’s one of the motto’s of this week’s guest Phil Calvert aka @philwaukee. He’s not only an adventurer but hosts his own travel show “Phil Good Travel” on the Matador Network. His perspective and positivity about men of color and travel are contagious so get ready to take in all the good vibes today!

Joining us today at The Point is recent passport winner Gabe Sheffield (@blackspadezmedia), who is a community leader and entrepreneur (blackspadez.club). He's with us on the show for his feature after having his first international experience! End to end this is one of the coolest conversations we've had on the show. Culture, what it's like having a new passport, lessons he's already been able to share with others, we have it all! Sit back and enjoy the show!

Our special guest today is Wize Grazette (@therealwize), founder of the Indie Creator Network (www.icn.dj and @icndj on Instagram). His experiences as a first generation Barbadian in the US, and adventurer have lead him to develop ICN; a digital media platform dedicated to supporting storytellers and podcasters across the diaspora... how cool! Ready for some real talk about travel, identity, and why the future is gonna be lit? This is your show!

Today we interview Jeff Jenkins, creator of the chubbydiaries.com (@chubbydiaries__). We talk "Pooh Sized" Travel, his early exposure to global cultures growing up in Disney World, and how we can all live our best travel lives, regardless of size. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this session!

A year in the bag and a new show mini series featuring Kimono Jack! Enjoy and THANK YOU!!!! 

Welcome to the Point! Our special guest today is José Guadalupe Adonis Gonzalés Rosales (@josebilingue) , an educator, outdoors-person, adventurer, and wise human on how to approach life. This interview is a deluxe feature with a break midway for you to refill your refreshing beverage but you'll love the perspective José has to share. So sit back, and relax.. we got you!

Joining us today at the point is Goodness Daramola (@thegooodness). I had the chance to sit with him in person over a drink and learn about his upbringing, travels to India and how travel has added perspective to his life. Goodness is def here for the culture, adventure, and making it look easy so sit back, relax, and enjoy this session!

Our special guest today is blogger and solo travel expert Roobens Fils (@beenaroundtheglobe). His work is featured on his travel blog beenaroundtheglobe.com and we have a great time talking about his start to becoming an adventurer, travel tips and hacks, and some of the challenges of traveling solo. A tonne of great content in this one so sit back, relax, and enjoy another session from Point Noir!

Joining us today at The Point is Alex Piechowski-Beget (@alex_pi3). He's a Diné (also known as Navajo) activist, advocate, and community leader who's travelled the world to gain his own experiences and create opportunities for indigenous peoples globally. We talk sheep, common narratives between peoples of color, and also how POC can be better allies for indigenous peoples. To keep up with all he does post show, head over to https://www.rezistanceart.com. Also.. we're co-hosting a trip to Paris this October! #turnup 5 days of yoga, activities, black history, photoshoots and I'll be your guide. Go to journeytoparis.com for more details.. hope to see you there!

Welcome to The Point! Today's featured guest is Kevin Pollard (@heavyrider25) our FIRST passport winner to take a trip overseas. Hear where he went, why, and what he learned throughout the journey as we welcome the brother into the fold of world travelers! Never been abroad before, but have seriously considered it? This one's for you.. stay tuned!

Joining us today at the point is Ali aka the Iranian Nomad (@iranian_nomad). Ali is a native Iranian who had the opportunity to travel the world early with his parents, schooling, and has since made travel a part of his lifestyle. This interview is a treat because it's not often that those of us in the west have an opportunity to hear the perspective of an Iranians experience much less someone as knowledgable as Ali. From food to landscape to culture, Ali give a great idea of the country as well as talks about some great points regarding privilege and engaging with communities. Grab that refreshing beverage of choice.. you're in store for another awesome session!

Welcome to the Point! Joining us today is Gabbok Bokongo (@gabbok17) a lifelong adventurer. Follow his journey from the unique and unfortunate conditions of his first trips abroad, to his inspiring father-daughter trips around the globe today. His voice is one all his own, and you'll love how direct and to the point he is about his observations and philosophy on traveling. As always.. this is another keeper!

Welcome to the Point! Joining us this week is master musician and world traveler Josiah Woodson (@josiahwoodson)! Raised in a few cities across the states, Josiah’s international adventures really began when he moved to Paris with his wife. Using his talents and Paris as a gateway to the world he’s been able to travel the world doing playing music. His openness to new experiences and ideas have helped grow host perspective of many things and I’m sure you’ll think a little differently too after listening.

Welcome to the Point! This week we have adventurer, entrepreneur, and "best life" liver Asa Leveaux (@asaleveaux - asaleveaux.com) sharing his perspective on travel! We hear his candid story about his first trips overseas as well as a trip to Cancun out of despair and how these experiences have shaped him to today. Serious gems in this session! Among the other trips he has coming up Asa also shares his new project helping entrepreneurs earn their first $10k called myfirst10k.co. Definitely worth a look if entrepreneurship is your thing and you want to work with someone who's been down a similar path. This is another keeper.. so sit back and enjoy today's session!

Welcome to the Point! Joining us today is one of the first in in spurring the black travel movement Erick Prince, aka Minority Nomad (@minoritynomad). After his military career, Erick took off into the world, leaving nothing behind. He created a career around travel involving photography, blogging, and vlogging, and is a go-to speaker in the travel industry (and if you haven't seen his work go to minoritynomad.com)!  All of that experience and expertise is delivered with a bravado all his own and I promise you, you will be challenged by this session, and that's a great thing! Sit back, relax, and enjoy today's session!

YEAHHHH!! Welcome to the Point.. more specifically welcome to the Winner's Circle #2! This is where we get to meet our recent passport winners, learn from their experience and encourage them forward to global adventure awesomeness. Joining us today we have Gabe (@blackspadezmedia), Micah (@iammicahdavid), Kevin (@heavyrider25), and Darrell (@thelifeofdarrell). Make sure to follow @pointnoirshow on Instagram to learn how you or someone you know can also get their passport sponsored 100% for free!

Welcome to the Point! Joining us today is traveler, businessman, and culture curator Graham Douglas (@grahamdouglxs). He spends some time sharing his experiences exploring the world as well as why he things travel has helped him in his professional pursuits as well. In addition to benefiting from his trips, he is the creator of the account @blackmentraveltoo which highlights black men who are out making moves,  as well as his travel agency @connectwithculture. We support all of those things here at the Point, so sit back an get ready for another awesome session!

Welcome to the Point! Our special guest today is entrepreneur, foodie, and weed connoisseur Mike Malcolm (@mikegdagod). We talk about business, weed culture, and why travel is a thing that's needed for men of color! Make sure to visit his new project weedtravelfood.com and follow them on Instagram as well @weedtravelfood.

Welcome To the Point! This week we feature adventurer Rick Southers (@rick_ontherun) who may be our first official boat expert on the show! He shares how be started traveling as an avid cruise fan and eventually broke out into overseas travel, visiting the Gondola's of Venice and the yachts of Croatia. He also drops some serious travel gems.. we call them Rick's gems in this one so bring a pen and paper, a lot to learn here!

Welcome To The Point! Joining us today is CJ Livingston (@whereiscjlivin) a relatively new world traveler that has taken to the experience in a massive way. We talk about his first trip overseas, a tough decision he had to make embark on his first solo trip to South Africa, and the incredible plans he has for the future of his own adventures and others. This is for sure a unique session.. so as always, grab that refreshing beverage and get ready for another Point Noir experience!