The Next Stop is the Best Stop

In this episode we have esteemed T&T natives, Michele McIntosh Ross & Mikalla Hodges on set to discuss everything Trinidad & Tobago. Jason and I ask the ladies about their culture growing up on the island, what they love, what they miss, and what they can live without when it comes to Trinibago. This episode blossomed out of the previous episode about black expats. Tameka made it clear that she prefers Trinidad as a place of refuge. It was prudent to have her close Trinibago friends on the podcast to give a relevant account of what it's like to live on the island. If you want to learn more about Trini history, follow Dominic Kalipersad on IG The best thing Trinidad and Tobago is known for is Carnival. Just the link out for more expansive information. Interested about Trinidad and Tobago in general, click on this link.

In this episode, we explore the expat desires from a few perspectives. We discuss the individual research we conducted, where we'd like to live as an black expat and why. Tony chimes in to share his experiences in Mauritius and Paris. The panel mentioned places like Panama, Canada, Costa Rica, Trinidad & Tobago, Ghana, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, Singapore, Mexico, and Portugal to live. Important points divulged during the discussion were language barriers and being honest about why you're moving to another country and for how long. Lastly, the panel expressed how they would like to be seen in another country. The main answer: Human Links to explore Panama https://youtu.be/2whTNvTF8KA?si=ExjEZDhm-sxKShUI Best Countries for Black Retiree Countries https://youtu.be/ac9YPdlvrh0?si=UMfBWxVUV_9f7fvz Portugal https://www.youtube.com/live/87hQwU2RaiU?si=8HoS05LqTk_xLMtb Best Places for Black Families https://youtu.be/ib8zTdU_DZE?si=oMEOKhQCY6kZ8uNP

Join us on this episode as we explore the world through the eyes of Rasheed Stevens, founder of the Youtube channel Underground Retail. Rasheed shares with us his passion for the history of fast food restaurants, vacant retail buildings, and the nostalgia of stores from the past. Jason and I revel in this conversation because it ties so nicely with urban planning woes we are both familiar with. Rasheed also shares his predictions for the future based on the trends of today. Below are a few Underground Retail to dive into this world yourself and keep up with Rasheed's next projects. Official Blog Instagram Facebook Patreon Youtube Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

In this episode, our special guest, Matilda Larson, discusses her journey as a member of a First Nations tribe, going to college, and working her way into the field of community planning. With her we dive into the plight of those who live on reservations and the external threats to their ancestral lands. We also touch on Matilda's work in rural NY State and how she works to improve the quality of life through transit options. This episode will eventually lead into another episode about Matilda and her family and their experience sourcing all of their food locally and composting---stay tuned! Name of Matilda's mom's clan: Qiwaghmii Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

Join us on this episode about the Great Migration that many African Americans took between the 1910's and the 1970's. The heart of the conversation is about how trains were heavily utilized during this time period to assist with uplifting many African Americans out of Jim Crow to a better life up North and out West. However, in today's time, though there are more opportunities there are less ways of getting to them without the use of a car. There's an extra bonus 15 minutes from an interview with Tameka's cousin Donaflyn Crawford. He gives a vivid description of his mother's travels during this time period. Here are a few helpful links for reference: Description of the Great Migration Trains and the Great Migration Maps of the Railroads During Great Migration The Train that Carried the Great Migration Central of Georgia Railway The Pullman Porters The Negro Motorist Green Book Maya Angelou, the Streetcar Conductor Nancy Hanks Train from Atlanta to Savannah Music by ⁠⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

In this episode, we catch up with fellow planner Chris Silveira who is currently a transit planner in Snohomish County for Community Transit. He is the manager of the Swift BRT program and has had a myriad of experiences implementing transit solutions. We discuss transit planning from an east vs west perspective. We also touch on issues of funding, ridership, public trust, and the need for political support. Listen in to find out what transit friendly countries we would choose to work in if we had to go back & start our careers all over again! Community Transit Chris Silveira Music by ⁠⁠Music Unlimited⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay

Gen-X series Part 2 Such a special episode speaking with my girl Ayanna Floyd. We explore her world beginning in Toledo, OH and journeying to Los Angeles, CA. We follow the ups and downs that black writers face, dating in Hollywood, and we dive into the notions of the Writers' and Actors' Strikes. There's also a bonus nugget where we discuss adoption and Ayanna's take on what prospective parents can sometime face. Ayanna's IMDb Music by ⁠Music Unlimited⁠ from ⁠Pixabay

We're back! We've started off ending our hiatus with a welcomed conversation with my good friend Dr. Monica Minton. She talks about her walk through life as a Gen-X'er on a non-traditional path. We touch on being a single mom in high school, the education she obtained while working full-time , getting her Ph.D, taking care of her parents, as well as her unconventional path to love. We plan to do more Gen X speaks conversations as we highlight a generation that's often overlooked but has a lot to say! Atlanta Matchmakers (formerly Single Atlanta) Music by Music Unlimited from Pixabay

This episode features special guest Haythem Shata, a civil engineer who has extensive expertise on the watersheds and stormwater management within Atlanta, GA. We take a deeper dive into how Atlanta developed along ridges and how the lowlands in between (and the people living there) suffered due to flooding and environmental injustices. We also touch on biosolids, water treatment centers & the high costs of infrastructure affecting transit projects. Here are a few links of interest: Why the $30 billion ‘Ike Dike' may not stop Houston from flooding | Grist High Costs Shrink Transit Plans in Austin, Philadelphia, Atlanta - Bloomberg Underground Guide to Sewers Where Rivers Are Born Intrenchment Creek South River History Biosolids

In this episode we dive into the A in STEAM with guest (and good friend) Shayla Johnson, owner of Scarlet Crane. She talks about her education and career journey at Georgia Tech and the Art Institute of Chicago. Shayla gives us insight into the world of the arts, how she's made a career of the arts, and what she would have done differently. Scarlet Crane Georgia Tech School of Industrial Design Art of Institute of Chicago Detroit Artists Market

In this episode we welcome my mentor Tony Abraham to talk about how to bridge the wealth gap in Black America. We all share our sentiments about education in the US, STEM vs STEAM, wealth gap, the black middle class, average students, trade schools, etc....We go around the world in this episode discussing how to change the lives of most Black Americans. Here are referenced links: Maria Montessori Japanese Education Bus Riders Union in Los Angeles MARTA Army STEM vs STEAM Black Wealth Gap Music courtesy of Music by Penguin Music

In this episode, we look back on all of the various topics we touched in 2022. We also give some hints about 2023's lineup. Got ideas? Hit us up at nextstopbeststop@gmail.com Music courtesy of Music by Penguin Music January Toxic Jobs….Toxic Minds February The Drama of Transit Planning March Do You Know Your Ancestors April Momma We Made It! Convo with Clarissa May Humans are Stupid June Handmaid's Tale Continues August Three Transit Geeks Walk Into a Bar… September Tell Us How You Really Feel Mom October Do You Know Where Five Points Is? November Kidney Convo w/ Dr. Sheldon Shore December 2022 Recap

In this episode, we interview my personal nephrologist, Dr. Sheldon Shore. He provides insights on chronic kidney disease (including kidney stones), treatment, & lifestyle management. Additionally, we speak about the insurance industry here in the US and how we should move forward in a manner that supports all involved parties. Here are some links related to the episode: Chronic Kidney Diseases Kidney Stones Diabetes & Kidney Function APOL 1 Insurance Company Lobby

In this episode, we crack open the history of Five Points in Atlanta. Many today know it as the nucleus of the MARTA transit system. However, in the past it's been so much more (slave auction site) than meets the eye. As developers eye Five Points and the remainder of south Downtown Atlanta for gentrification, we wanted our audience to know the perils of developing so rapidly that you don't understand/know the history of what's being changed. Centennial Yards Old picture of Five Points Pictures of Downtown Atlanta New redevelopment of Five Points Music courtesy of Music Unlimited

In these times where many are contemplating what history should be taught, I thought it was a great time to learn real history from the person I'm the closest to....my mom. In this episode, Mary gives us a glimpse into her past of growing up in the segregated South in the land of Jim Crow. She shares what it was like attending segregated schools and growing up as a sharecroppers' daughter. I want this episode to encourage you to talk to your parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other elders in your family, no matter your race, creed, religion, etc... There are historic gems that only they can share....their experience is unique to them. Connecting with loved ones is one way to understand your history. Once you understand & know your history, no one can take that away from you---it's forever etched in your brain as much as it is in your DNA. Georgia Archives Classes

This episode is all about....you guess it---TRANSIT! So what does happen when three transit geeks walk into a bar? Take a listen and find out! We welcomed guests Bakari Height, MARTA Army colonel, and Jerrel Leonard, Regional planning manager in Charlotte, two professionals who share their experience as transit gurus. MARTA Army connects: MARTA Army Twitter Instagram Jerrel's IG

In this episode we discuss the high-pitched current events about guns laws and abortion rights. We also briefly discuss the impact of less than impactful transit systems and what role it plays in the populace's reluctance to return to work. Here are links that discuss abortion and the history of the anti-abortion movement: Aid Access White Supremacy & Anti Abortion Anti Abortion Movement

In this episode, we take time to reflect on current events and the craziness of the world. We recorded before the tragedy in Texas. Here are some links you may find helpful: Elon Musk Buffalo Shooting Midterm Elections

In this week's episode (our 10th) we have my best friend Clarissa Goodlett (@clarissagood) with us to discuss our time in college and our crazy travel adventures. We also discuss our experiences attending PWI's (Predominately White Institutions) as minorities. Clarissa is currently the Communications Director at MDC in the Raleigh Durham area. She graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelors in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. Clarissa has always worked in areas of advocacy and empowerment and continues to be a voice for those who lack visibility.

In this brief episode, we discuss Tameka's passion for Genealogy. We also include a snippet from our conversation with Lyn May, former press secretary for former Mayor Maynard Jackson, PBS host, and genealogy enthusiast. Find your ancestors using the following links: https://www.ancestry.com/ https://www.familysearch.org/en/

We're back with Episode 8 where we discuss all of the intricacies that go along with planning for transportation in the US. We discuss why it's hard, takes so long, and what are the uphill battles that we have to fight as planners. We also discuss other countries and why they are so good (and fast) at developing other modes of transit. Bloomberg article "Why US Infrastructure Costs So Much " Rail in China Rail in Japan

In today's episode, we discuss the trio that often creates a domino effect in life--->Toxic job---->Poor Mental Health--->Great Resignation. We talk about the recent death of MARTA's CEO. We also talk about how our own mental health was affected while working at certain jobs and what resources could have helped. Then we end with talk of humans evolving to find other ways to be happy. Here are some links we mentioned in the podcast: Andre Leon Talley Former Mayor Keisha L. Bottoms Mtume Suicide statistics Thoughts of Suicide? Here's who can help National Institute of Mental Health: Suicide Prevention and Statistics – NIMH » Suicide (nih.gov) MARTA CEO Jeffrey Parker's Loved Ones Call to Destigmatize Suicide After His Death | Inside Edition Toxic Culture Is Driving the Great Resignation (mit.edu) How The Great Resignation Is Changing Companies' Approach To Financial Wellness (forbes.com) André Leon Talley, a ‘Force' in Fashion, Dies at 73 - The New York Times (nytimes.com) Honoring Iconic Eagle Andre' Leon Talley | North Carolina Central University (nccu.edu)

Season Greetings! We close out the year by tying all of our previous episodes together to create words of wisdom for 2022. We discuss what we would like to do differently in 2022, how we should look at the "variants" as a way to re-evaluate our purpose on this Earth, and lastly how we should ready ourselves for the inevitable changes in life our daily life (there's no turning back pre-COVID). There is also a cameo from the one and only Johan Jones

In this episode we lightly discuss the upcoming mayoral runoff in Atlanta. We also tackle our experiences with Diversity & Inclusion efforts at work that have left us frustrated and disillusioned. We offer our opinions on how the inhabitants of this country can become a little more acquainted with each other.....willingly. Here are some links to the documents/media we referenced during the discussion: An Easy Burden: The Civil Rights Movement and the Transformation of America – Andrew Young Caste: The Origins of our Discontents – Isabel Wilkerson The Warmth of Other Suns - Isabel Wilkerson Why America May Go to Hell – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr The War Over King's Legacy – Vern E. Smith and Jon Meacham Pentagon Chief's Lord Austin's Interview on 60 minutes Why are White Men so Angry? Heated Streets in Japan Heated Street in Scandinavia

This week we explore the two Infrastructure bills moving through Congress: $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill $3.5 Trillion Build Back Better Infrastructure Bill We talk about what's in each bill, the differences & what does it mean for transit. Take a look at this article to get more information. Aerial trams in Bolivia SEPTA Transit In Philadelphia Acela Amtrak train Maglev train in Shanghai Senate votes House votes @nextstopbeststop nextstopbeststop@gmail.com

Hey listeners! This episode we focus on Jason's details about his struggle with kidney stones. He gives an overview of the types of kidney stones, symptoms, and preventative measures. Our main topic revolves around our journeys to becoming urban planners. We give you tips on how to become an urban planner and things to consider during your career. Want to know more about the pre-Central Park inhabitants? Click here. Here's more info about careers in urban planning. Hit us up at @nextstopbeststop or nextstopbeststop@gmail.com

This episode is brought to you by...a dumpster fire world! With Jason resting from an ailment (we'll talk about that in a later episode), DJ and I are at the helm. We discuss all the chaos going on from Afghanistan to Haiti to Hurricanes. What's the best stop for all of these issues? Below are a few links that were promised in the recording: New IG for Next Stop Best Stop Funding for Afghanistan Funding for Haiti Mark Kelly's book IG-Haiti is not Cursed, It's Targeted Info on Sharia Law Hit us up at nextstopbeststop@gmail.com or on IG if you have any episode suggestions!

Welcome to the Next Stop is the Best Stop Inaugural Episode! Tameka, DJ, & Jason are 3 transit planners who met earlier in life. This podcast will highlight what we've learned in our careers and in our respective lives. We want to help others figure out how their next stop in life can be their best stop in life. In this episode, we discuss our careers during COVID. Whether we decided to make major life changes or got a new gig, we explore with our audience how COVID affected our livelihoods as well as our mindset. Do you have an idea for an episode? Please reach out to us at nextstopbeststop@gmail.com. Mentioned links: When DJ mentioned Iceland's 4 day work week we told listeners to check out the All Things Iceland podcast The book DJ and Tameka are reading about financial wholeness: Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista) Netflix episodes Tameka is currently watching: How to Become a Tyrant Explained The Crown