The 3rd Lap Podcast

This week host Mal Davis connects with Isaiah Walker Chief Program Officer at Common Ground Foundation, INC, experienced Principal, and Instructional/Leadership Coach. Isaiah is one of the most honest and forward thinking leaders in the Urban Education space, and uses his personal and professional experiences to lead as an empath. Isaiah continues to be honored and recognized for his leadership, in '22 he was accepted into the first ever Surge Academy Philly cohort and in '23 he was named the Director of Community Engagement for the Black Alumni Council of Columbia University. Isaiah's story is engaging, and inspiring, so you definitely don't want to miss this episode!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Dr. Diem Mooney, an Industrial and organizational Psychologist with specializations in human computer interaction, research & development, service design, and talent management. Dr. Mooney is an advocate for positive employee, user, and customer experience, while also having experience as a strategist working in e-commerce, government, healthcare, and technology. Dr. Mooney's story is engaging, and inspiring, so you definitely don't want to miss this episode!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Christina Warner, transformative educational leader who has spent the vast majority of her career working to make school discipline less punitive and more restorative in nature. Christina has a unique and innovative approach to school culture, and she goes in-depth around ways schools can create better relationships between the students and staff members.

This week host Mal Davis connects with Aaron Shepard, former NASA intern, Science/STEM enthusiast, and all around incredible person. Mal and Aaron talk about Aaron's path to finding his passion for Science and how he was able to then turn that passion into the work he does daily. Aaron's story is one of overcoming obstacles and being true to yourself and your mission in life. As always make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Aaliyah Rainey, dynamic talent acquisition professional and leader with a background in recruitment in Tech, education, non-profits, and start-ups. Aaliyah also is an avid basketball fan and Knicks supporter, who also has coached and played basketball at the high school level. Aaliyah and Mal talk about how they initially got to know each other, what it was like working together, and the valuable lessons Aaliyah learned growing up in Newark and going to college in D.C. As always make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Freddy Shegog, founder and CEO at the motivational-speaking company The Message LLC. Freddy is an experienced motivational speaker and workshop facilitator that believes in the importance of hard work and redemption. Freddy's story is incredible, as he went from unhoused and struggling with his mental health to graduating from college and becoming a leader in his community. As always make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Dr. Travis Bristol, associate professor of teacher education and education policy at the University of California, Berkeley's School of Education. Dr. Bristol is an accomplished researcher, with his research appearing in peer-reviewed journals including Urban Education, the American Educational Research Journal, the Journal of Teacher Education, Teachers College Record, and Harvard Educational Review. He co-edited (with Conra Gist) The Handbook of Research on Teachers of Color and Indigenous Teachers, which was published by the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Dr. Bristol and host Mal Davis talk about how schools of education can better equip themselves to create a more culturally aligned and equitable teaching force of the future. As always make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Dr. Tamara Beckford, Emergency Room doctor, podcaster, and coach, to talk about her experience working through the Covid-19 pandemic, how she began podcasting, and starting her business Ur Caring Docs. Dr. Beckford's story is impressive and she traces her pathway from Jamaica to NYC all the way to living now in Houston, TX. As always make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Vince Rizutto, President at Philly Sports Trips, the premiere travel option for attending away games for Philly's best professional teams. Vince talks about how why he decided to make the move to starting his own business, the things he's learned along the way, and the advice he would give to aspiring entrepreneurs. Vince has a really unique and inspiring story, so make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with author and educator Mishel Williams to talk about her experience as a special education teacher, and what led her to writing her book "Little Z & Firefly". Mishel discusses the importance of mental health and having conversations with young people about how to speak up for themselves and manage their own mental health. Mishel is an amazing person and thoughtful, so this is absolutely an episode that you want to listen to. As always make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the incredible Archye Leacock, founder and Executive Director of the Institute for the Development of African-American Youth, Inc. (IDAAY). Archye talks about his upbringing in Trinidad and Tobago, going blind as a teenager, and how he re-learned how to navigate the world minus his sight. He also goes into details about how he recognized a need in North Philadelphia for young people needing additional academic support, which led to founding IDAAY. Archye's story is motivational and inspiring, so make sure to check out the episode, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the homie Kevin Leacock to talk about his work in the non-profit world, how work with the Covid-19 vaccine, and where he sees himself headed into the future. Mal and Kevin talk about the dangers of anti-intellectualism, and how people need to take time to vet their sources and how conspiracy theories can get the best of people. Kevin drops knowledge through out this episode, so as always make sure to tune in, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with heavy hitter Michael O'Bryan to talk about his company Humanature, his background in theatre and how it was foundational in his development as a person and creative. Michael drops all types of jewels this episode, so as always make sure to tune in, subscribe, share the podcast, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with brother and co-host Tim Massaquoi to talk about his life growing up in Newark, NJ, moving to Allentown, PA in high school, and what he learned playing college football at Michigan University. Tim also goes in-depth about his transition from playing in the NFL and how he made his way to becoming a therapist and mental health advocate. Tim is an incredible human being and a motivation for all people looking to find their way. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the homie Michael Sonbert to talk about his business Skyrocket, what he was up to before becoming an educator, how he made his transition into education, and why he chose to create Skyrocket. Michael has some unique insights into what school leaders need to do to support their teachers and students, and what may be holding them back from making those changes. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the amazing Shanelle Henry to talk about growing up in Brooklyn, how she got into education and her transition into diversity, equity, and inclusion work along with working in the independent school space. Shanelle has a lot of insight into how educators can move into the independent school space, what questions families should ask if they're looking to enroll their students in an independent school, and so much more. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the homie Donovan Forrest to talk about him being born addicted to substance, being adopted and raised in North Philly, and his long journey to being in Education Policy and on the verge of graduating from UPENN. Don talks about what it means to be a product of North Philly, and how he's had to prioritize his mental health to ensure he's able to see his vision through to fruition. Don is an all-around dope dude and his vision for how he will impact the non-profit world is incredible. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the homie Reginald Benbow, change agent, former Baltimore City educator, and current candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, 43rd District. Mal and Reggie talk about Reggie's childhood growing up in Baltimore, how that influenced his decision to become an educator, and how he ultimately decided to make a run for public office in his home state. Reggie is an amazing person and his episode is a testament to why he should be elected this upcoming November. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week is the second part of host Mal Davis's conversation with Rictor Craig, Founding Director of Instruction at Statesmen College Preparatory Academy, and CEO of The National Association of Black Male Educators. Mal and Rictor continue talking about the importance of investing in young black and brown boys in the school environment, and why it's important for them to have black and brown men as teachers, leaders, and role models. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the homie Rictor Craig, Founding Director of Instruction at Statesmen College Preparatory Academy, and CEO of The National Association of Black Male Educators. Mal and Rictor talk about Rictor's pathway to education, how he became a part of the founding group at Statesman, and why he believes it's so important to have an organization dedicated solely to supporting Black male educators. Rictor is an incredible person and super intelligent and his episode (part 1) is something that you don't want to miss. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Charles Penn and Corey Dishmen, co-founders of The Library NJ to talk about their path to opening up their recreational marijuana dispensary in West Orange, NJ. Charles and Corey talk about the importance of being a black owned dispensary, why they chose to open in West Orange, and what hurdles they have left before hopefully opening their doors in 2022. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with his homie and former colleague Diana Filo, Senior Director of Teacher & Leader Pathways at KIPP Philadelphia and all-around rockstar human being. Mal and Filo talk about her experience as a teacher and school leader, and also why teacher and leader pathways are important to the work being done in education. Filo also opens up about her mental health and the work she's done to really love herself in a meaningful way. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with his homie Mark Drumheller to talk about sports betting, the transition of sports betting into main stream life, and how to bet responsibly. Mark has been in the sports betting game for a long time and is very knowledgeable about the ins and outs, and how to approach it from a sensible manner. This episode is great for anyone that has interest in starting to bet responsibly, and anyone that is looking for more information on how to step their game up. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis has the chance to connect with Coach Leonard Weaver to talk about his career as an All- Pro NFL full back, his transition into high school coaching, and all the life lessons he's learned along the way. Coach Weaver is one of the most down to earth and real people we've had on the podcast (and hilarious too!), and his episode is one of growth, learning, and hard work. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

Welcome to Season 2 of The 3rd Lap Podcast! It's hard to believe that it's already been a year, but here we are. This week host Mal Davis has the chance to connect with Rodney Freeman Jr to talk about his life growing up in South Side Chicago, his pathway to becoming a black librarian, and his work with the Black Male Archives. Rodney shares some very insightful gems about becoming a librarian, the importance of representation, and why we must be responsible for sharing and curating our own black experience. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis gets an opportunity to connect with Scott Steward, Founder of Genius Lab, Inc. Mal and Scott connect to talk about Scott's upbringing in the South Side of Chicago, and how his parent's instilled in him the virtues and hustle that he carries with him today. Scott also talks about his business Genius Lab, Inc, what led to him founding it, and the immense impact it's having on students in the city of Chicago and nationally. Scott is a really insightful and passionate person that has a heck of a story to tell. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This episode is a special one! This week host Mal Davis connects with three of the homies to talk about creativity, and the creative process. We touch on how to build your brand, how to create merch for you and your business, and what happens when you're just not in the creative mood. Hatt, Smoove, and Teddye drop so many gems in this you better not miss it!! As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis gets an opportunity to connect with Zane Johnson, lawyer and social justice advocate. Zane talks about his journey from playing college football to attaining his Juris Doctorate at Temple University. Zane drops knowledge on what he learned along his life and professional journey, and why advocating for others and helping small businesses grow is a passion of his. He also expresses his gratitude to his parents for instilling in him the virtues that he carries today, and shows love to his wife Elizabeth for consistently encouraging him every step of the way. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis gets an opportunity to connect with his mentor and former supervisor Laura Burgos, educator and all-around amazing woman. Laura talks about her life growing up in Staten Island, her opportunity to attend college, and all of the stops along the way of her rewarding career as a leader and educator. Laura also gets to speak glowingly about her son, and the difficulty of being pregnant and giving birth in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic. Laura's story is truly inspiring and she's become a role model for so many educators, and I wouldn't be where I am in my career with out her. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week Host Mal Davis connects with Whitney Wyatt, Licensed Therapist and advocate for black women's mental health. Mal and Whitney talk about Whitney's pathway towards her current practice, past experiences that have influenced her thought process towards the treatment of black women by society, and what's next for her and her career. Whitney has a dope and very educated and enlightened perspective on how to support black women, and your mental health in general. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the homie Marcus Scurry to discuss Marcus's pathway to where he is and why turning 40 has been such an important milestone for him. Mal and Marcus talk about the importance of faith and believing in your own path, while also talking about the different places Marcus has lived and how they've had a profound impact on his journey. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with his homie Taj Dashaun, author, podcaster, and former athlete, to talk about his transition from playing football to being a career coach and how he's using his lived experience to guide others to find their purpose. Tune in to hear us laugh, talk about cooking each other in 1 on 1's (and then decide to eat BBQ instead) and to learn more about Taj's truly impressive transition from sports. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis chops it up with his father Lou Davis Jr! Lou talks about his pathway to becoming clean and sober, and the importance of sobriety for your mental health. Lou also talks about his research on gun violence in Philadelphia, and what he believes will help to decrease the violence in the city. Lou drops gems all episode long, so tune in to learn about what drives his passion, and to hear him and Mal share some laughs and reminisce. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis catches up with the homie Samuel Dolciné to talk about his pathway to becoming a real estate investor, and his podcast Black Real Estate Dialogue. Sam talks to us about his transition from Brooklyn, NY to Los Angeles, CA and how he bought his first property. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis catches up with the homie Vlad D'Argenio, former Florida State's Attorney and all around amazing person. Vlad and Mal laugh about their conflicting sports interests, and also go in-depth around some of the issues within the legal system and how it may be addressed proactively. Make sure to check out Vlad's episode to learn about his experience as a lawyer, his difficult upbringing in Staten Island (Shaolin!) and what motivates him to be the high integrity man he is. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Dijonée Talley to discuss her work as a Criminal Justice reform activist and what she's learned about the inefficiencies of the prison industrial complex. Mal and Dijonée talk about what prison reform means, and why it's important that we become advocates for those that are within our prisons. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with trainer and motivational speaker Tevin Cherry about his professional and personal journey. He talks about his childhood growing up with cerebral palsy, his approach towards exercise and working out, and the importance of the support he's received from his family and friends. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with the homie Steve Jackson to talk about his pathway to becoming the owner of his company Jackson-Cor and the lessons he learned that will help him take his company and legacy to the next level. Listen in on our conversation as Steve let's us in on the impact his father had on him growing up, and how he wants to make his parents proud with the work he's doing. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with mother, educator, and all around rockstar LaTasha Stone to talk about her work as an educator and why she continues to be such committed to her pathway. LaTasha continues to make a huge impact with her students and families, and she shares nonstop jewels in this episode. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis connects with Jasmine Omorogbe, consultant and entrepreneur, to discuss her career, her life, and what she envisions for herself next. Jasmine's story is dope and she drops gems for active job seekers so make sure you listen and connect with Jasmine. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with rapper/poet Yaw Geez to discuss his discography, his motivation for making music, and his career in Corporate America. Yaw talks about working with some of the most well known sports media companies in the business, what it was like losing battles he knew he'd won, and his newest album "Back to the Bassment". As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with his long time friend, and former college roommate Charles Penn to talk about Charles's past work and life experiences that helped to mold him into the man, husband, father, and professional he is today. We reminisce about college and our days rapping together, laugh, and bond over our shared struggled and respect for one another. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with his long time friend Mitchell Burgess to talk about Mitch's work as a consultant and all that he's learned about himself and the work that he's done. Mitch is a fascinating person with a wealth of experience and knowledge, and his episode does not disappoint. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with entrepreneur and owner of Blacts Apparel to talk about his clothing line, his work in quality assurance, and his love for his wife and daughter. Teddye walks us through his process for researching black history facts and how he weaves them into his clothing brand and life. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with his homie Jimmy Smith to talk about Jimmy's battle with cirrhosis and how it led to him becoming a growing voice in the Philadelphia Eagles blogging world. Jimmy also talks about how his father played a huge role in him becoming the man he is, and how his girlfriend and their son keep him grounded. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with Kyle "The Conductor" Morris, Edutainer, community organizer, and Founding Executive Director of The ECO Foundation, 501(c)(3). Mal and Kyle talk about his pathway as a community organizer, why he founded ECO Foundation, and his near death experience. Tune in to learn more about one of the realest people out here doing BIG work for the people. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with his wife and all around dope person Alison Davis to discuss her passion for acting and advocacy. She talks about her experience at Florida A&M and how it shaped her pathway to where she currently is, and her experience producing a play in NYC. We also discuss her current job as a Public Health Professional and the impact she sees Generation Z making on the world. Learn what motivates Alison and what her plans are for the future. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down with long time friend and multimedia journalist Daniel Grimes to talk about his career in education, and his transition from teacher, to recruiter, to journalist. Daniel's story is so intriguing, moving from a small town in Virginia to NYC to realize his aspiring dream of being an educator. Learn what then motivated him to take a dive into media, and what he's looking to achieve next. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down to talk with his brother from another mother and close friend Dennis Pooler about his new business Pooler Learning, and about his career so far in education. Dennis has undertaken an impressive journey so far in his career to get to where he is, so tune in and find out what motivates him to keep pushing onward and upward. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!! Oh yeah, and support his BLACK OWNED BUSINESS!

This week host Mal Davis sits down to talk with his former colleague and good friend Simone Muschett about her past as an educator, her current career as a social worker and the work that she's doing with her non-profit Resilient Young Minds. Simone continues to do excellent work in Brooklyn, NY and her story is truly motivational and inspiring. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!! BBBBBBROOOOOOKKKKKLLLYYYYYNNNNNN stand up!!!

This week host Mal Davis sits down to chat with the homie Marquise Richards about his podcasts, Dear RDG and Rational Anger, along with his philosophy around being a disruptor. Marquise talks about why he is going so hard advocating for change in Reading, PA, and why it's important for him to make sure that he makes a place where the voiceless feel seen and heard. As always make sure to check out the episode, share it with your network, subscribe, and SHOW LOVE!!