The Process Podcast

Virginia State University's 14th President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah joins us this week to share his story of growing up in Chicago, IL, his early childhood academic aspirations, why he chose to attend Howard University for undergrad and Northwestern University for his PhD. Dr. Abdullah also shares his experiences overcoming imposter syndrome, what trust the process means to him, and his transitions from student to professor/advisor and from professor/advisor to university administrator/president.

Darius Fulghum joins us to share his story of growing up in Killeen, TX, how he grew a love for boxing, and how he won the USA Olympic trails as an underdog. Darius also discusses the challenges he experienced pursing a career in boxing while also being in Nursing school, how he navigated becoming a RN, and what trust the process means to him.

Tiffany Greene joins us to share her story of growing up in Tampa, Florida, why she chose to attend Florida A&M University, and her journey from selling cars to ESPN. Tiffany also shares her experience of becoming the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on ESPN, what it means to be bold, why mentoring matters, and what trusting the process means to her.

Coach Corey Fuller joins us to share his story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL, why he chose to attend Florida State University, his transition from Florida State to the NFL, and his transition from the NFL to coaching. Coach Fuller also discusses the challenges of transitioning away from football, how he got into coaching, advice he would give his younger self, and what trust the process means to him.

Dr. Cesar Padilla joins us to share his story of growing up in the Bay Area of California in a culturally vibrant community, and having to navigate through gangs and violence. Dr. Padilla also discusses his academic journey from a 0.67 GPA to Med School, what inspired him to become a physician, why mentoring matters, and what trusting the process means to him.

Dr. Chantelle Green joins us this week to share her story of growing up in Miami, FL, her journey academically at the University of Florida, and how a high school injury led to a fulfilling career. Dr. Green also shares what she has learned through self discovery and healing, why mental health is important, what trusting the process means to her, and much more.

Originally from La Ceiba, Honduras, Yennifer Castillo shares her story of growing up in Opa Locka, FL, and why she chose to attend Spelman College. Yennifer also shares her inspiration for starting an annual college essentials basket giveaway, why she chose to transfer to FAMU and purse a career in education, what it means to trust the process, and much more.

Jajuan Harley joins us this week to share his story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL, why he choose to attend FSU, and his experiences of going from working at Wal-Mart to the NFL. Jajuan also shares what motivated him to start his business - Make. Adjustments. Delete. Excuses., what trust the process means to him, and much more!

Creator of She is Me mentoring, Tabitha D. James joins us to share her story of growing up in Lake View, SC. Tabitha also shares her story of growing u in a small town with a high school graduating class of 70 students, her experience transitioning into college at Costal Carolina, her experiences of getting into graduate school at FAU, and much more.

Author of the book, Winners Win, Taneka Rubin joins us to share her story of growing up in Sierra Vista, AZ while her father was in the military. Taneka also shares why she chose to attend Glendale Community College, what led her to FAMU, her experience playing basketball overseas, and much more.

Author of the book, A Life of Wins and Losses, Latear Eason joins us to share her story of growing up in Chicago, IL and falling in love with the game of basketball. Latear also shares why she chose to attend LSU, how she overcame multiple injuries throughout college, her experience battling Guillain-Barré syndrome, her transition into coaching, and much more.

Maurice Allen joins us to share his story of growing up in Pine Hills, FL, his experiences of being a 5 sport athlete in high school, his journey to FAMU, and how getting kicked out of Chiropractic school led to him becoming a World Long Drive competitor. Maurice also shares why he believes winning is a spiritual journey, why it's important to be yourself, what it means to trust the process, and much more.

Born in a Fire Station, placed in foster care at age 5, and adopted at age 16, Javonne Steward joins us this week to share her story of growing up in Chicago, IL. Javonne also shares the lessons she has learned from her 7 mothers, what she has learned about herself throughout different phases of her life, and how she has created the No Excuse Today mantra.

Brad Butler II is the CEO and founder of Brad Butler II & Associates, LLC. Brad is an athlete turned student success and retention specialist. A multi award winning motivational speaker, author, and educational consultant. He helps educators and coaches increase the graduation rate for students and athletes, using research-based strategies, components of SEL and life experiences. His purpose in life is to motivate, inspire, and empower people all around the world to live their dreams and put forth their best effort in everything they do. Brad, known to his friends as B-Rad, holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Kean University despite being placed in special education classes as a child for 10 years. He has spent the last 5 years traveling from school to school presenting for students, athletes, educators, and staff across the nation. Providing in person or virtual presentations, professional development workshops, and coaching mentees on public speaking. Brad's goal is to help others become the best versions of themselves and encourage everyone to take full advantage of their opportunities. living by his motto: “Make your next day your best day."

This week Coach Diamond Weaver joins us to share his story of growing up in Sacramento, California, navigating gang violence, and transitioning to Mobile, Alabama. Coach Weaver also shares his experiences playing high school football in in Mobile, Alabama, what led him to play JUCO football, how he got into coaching, and so much more!

Episode 069: Embrace Change (feat. Dee Dee Williams) by Amonté Martin and Quavon Taylor

Dr. Russell Ledet joins us this week to share his story of growing up in a single parent household in Lake Charles, LA, why he enlisted into the Navy, and what led him to attend Southern University, and NYU for his PhD. Dr. Ledet also shares his journey from security guard to med student, gaining confidence in his academic abilities, why representation matters, and much more.

Jasmine Williams joins us this week to share her story of growing up in Maryland, transitioning to North Carolina to attend High Point University, and unexpectedly losing a sibling during college.⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ Jasmine also discusses how grieving motivated her to finish school, her experience transitioning into her career post-graduation, getting laid off from that job, the process of becoming an entrepreneur, and much more.⁣⁣⁣

Nalani KelleyMarsh joins us this week to share her story of growing up in Malibu, California and Denver, Colorado, being adopted by her high school principal, and why she chose to attend FAMU. We also discuss drug addiction, homelessness, adoption, and what it means to pursue excellence and trust the process.

This week, Allanté Witmore joins us to share her story of growing up in a single parent household in Detroit, MI, her transition to college from Detroit to North Carolina A&T, and her experiences juggling being a student-athlete and engineering major. Allanté also shares how she became interested in grad school, what she learned from a traumatizing experience in grad school, how she healed from her grad school experience, her motivation for creating blk in grad school, and why she chose to pursue a PhD.

This week, Derrick Standifer joins us to share his story of growing up in a single parent household in Atlanta, Georgia, graduating as the salutatorian of his high school class, and why he chose to attend FAMU. Derrick also shares his experiences of flunking out of FAMU and having to go back home, coping with the loss of both of his parents, reenrolling into FAMU, the process of turning his pain into power, and much more.

This week, Dr. Amber Johnson joins us on the podcast to share her story of growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, her career as a college student-athlete, and her experience attending two HBCUs – LeMoyne-Owen College and Jackson State University. Dr. Johnson also discusses how she discovered she had ADHD, her transition from HBCU to PWI, her experiences while attending Purdue, what it meant to be her authentic self, the feeling of being the first black woman to earn a PhD in Computer Science from Purdue, and much more.

Salóme Syrie joins us this week to share her story of growing up in Denver, CO, and her experiences of adjusting to life and maturing while finding her true self in college in Las Vegas, NV. Salóme also discusses lessons learned through therapy, overcoming a divorce, changing career paths to become a nurse, advice she would give her younger self, and what trusting the process means to her.

This week, Anthony Denmark joins us to share his story of growing up in Nashville, TN, attending Morehouse College, and what his journey was like to and through law school. Anthony also shares what he has learned from his law school experiences, how and why he started Becoming JD, and what trusting the process means to him.

Today, Aleshia Ocasio joins use to share her story of growing up in St. Cloud, FL by way of Babylon, NY, her genesis of her softball journey, why she chose the university of Florida, her transition as a student athlete from high school to college, and what it was like playing for legendary coach – Tim Walton. Aleshia also shares what trusting the process means to her, advice she would give her younger self, and the transferability of hard work as an athlete and in life.

This week, La'Karis Salter shares her story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL and her experiences of playing high school basketball at FAMU High, where she won two state championships. La'Karis shares her experiences of playing collegiate basketball for Mississippi State, Jacksonville University, and Ole Miss. We also discuss with La'Karis, what she has learned about herself during each transition in her life, what she has learned from her coaches, and what trusting the process means to her.

This week, Royce Lovett shares his story of growing up in Tallahassee, Florida and cultivating his love for music. Royce also shares the challenges of pursuing a career in music, discovering his style of music, signing his first deal with Motown Gospel, his experience competing on NBC's The Voice, and much more.

This week, Janicka Harris joins us to share her story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL, her experience and motivation for attending the University of Central Florida for undergrad, and the University of South Florida for graduate school. Janicka also shares what she has learned through overcoming adversity, and what God's timing and trusting the process mean to her.

This week, Director of Strength and Conditioning for Football at the University of Arizona – Coach Brain Johnson joins us to share his story of growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, how and why he became interested in playing football, and why he chose to attend LSU on a football scholarship. Coach Johnson also shares what it was like to pay for legendary coach - Coach Nick Saban, the mindset he developed of a champion, his transition to the NFL, his transition into coaching once his playing career was over, and the joy that coaching brings to him.

This week, Briauna Rogers joins us to share her story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL and wanting to attend Florida A&M University. Briauna also shares her experiences attending FAMU, majoring in Theater, graduating from FAMU, and her experiences of moving to Atlanta after undergrad. We also discuss what trusting the process means to her and what she has learned from her life experiences.

This week, LaVonte David joins us to share his story of growing up in Miami, FL, growing to love the game of football, having to play JUCO football after high school, playing football for the University of Nebraska, and being drafted in the 2nd round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LaVonte also shares how he almost quit playing football, what he learned about himself from playing JUCO football, what keeps him humble, and what trust the process means to him.

This week, Dr. Tracy Thomas joins us to share her story of growing up in Capitola, FL on a 40-acre farm, why she chose to attend Florida A&M University over the University of Florida, why she switched academic majors, and why she chose to pursue a second doctoral degree. We also discuss with Dr. Thomas the joy that teaching brings to her, the promise that she kept, and what trust the process means to her.

This week, Wille Ferrell joins us this week to share his story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL, playing college football, and pursuing a career in professional boxing. Willie also shares the impact of losing his older brother Johnathan Ferrell, copping with life after the loss of his brother, and what he has learned from overcoming hurdles in his life. This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Jonathan A. Ferrell.

This week, Dr. Misha Dunbar joins us to share her story of growing up in Tallahassee, Florida, pursuing a career in Veterinarian Medicine, and her experiences of transitioning from Vet school to practicing as a Veterinarian. Dr. Dunbar also shares her advice for those interested in pursuing a career in Veterinary Medicine and what trusting the process means to her.

This week, the Head Football Coach of the Florida A&M University Rattlers - Coach Willie Simons joins us to share his story of growing up in Quincy, FL, choosing to attend Clemson University on a football scholarship, graduating from Clemson in 3 years as a student-athlete, and transitioning into coaching once his playing career was over. Coach Simmons also shares his Seven F's to success, the joy that coach brings to him, and the attributes he's learned as a student-athlete that he hopes to impart on his players.

This week Johnathan Carey joins us to share his story of growing up in Detroit, MI, growing up with parents who were separated, attending Concordia University - Ann Arbor to play football, and transferring to Central State University after his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Johnathan also shares some advice he would give to high school graduates transitioning into college, advice he would give to his younger self, and what trusting the process means to him.

Dr. Keila Foster shares her experiences of growing up in Howard County, MD, pursuing a PhD while also teaching, and attending an HBCU and PWI. Dr. Foster also shares what it was like pursing a PhD with ADHD, what trust the process means to her, and what it means to run your own race.

Host of Detroit Worldwide Podcast, Marquis Taylor shares his story of growing up in Detroit, MI, his motivation for starting his podcast, and how his educational adversities have rewarded him in his current role at the University of Minnesota. ⁣

Attorney Jasmine Johnson shares her story of growing up in Miami Gardens, FL, being the oldest of six, and being raised by her grandparents. Jasmine also shares her experiences of attending Florida State University, losing her mother during law school, identifying her authentic self in the workplace, starting an organization - Bloom, and manifesting her dreams into reality.

Marcela Tapiero joins us this week to share her story of growing up in Bergen County, New Jersey, the process of going back to college to earn a degree in business, and the process of starting a business. Marcela also discusses what it means to live a purpose driven life, how to identify your passion or your calling, and what steps you should consider, in order to take a leap of faith.

Leci Legit joins us to share her story of growing up in Atlanta, GA. She also shares her experiences of attending college at Fort Valley State University, coping with the loss of her mother, walking away from a marriage, and redefining herself and uncovering her strength through the creation of her brand - I am X the brand.

Jada Davis shares her story of growing up in Tampa, FL, attending Florida State University, becoming a teacher, and NFL cheerleader. Jada also shares her experiences of retiring as an NFL cheerleader and starting her own business.

Derrich Phillips shares his story of growing up in Gary, IN, joining the Army, and stepping out on faith to purse a career in motivational speaking, becoming an author, and starting a podcast. Derrich also shares what trusting the process means to him.

Bridget Case joins us to share her story about growing up in Orange County, CA, becoming a University of Oregon cheerleader, an NFL cheerleader, and transitioning to life after cheer.

Teddy Bridgewater joins us this week to share his story of growing up in a single-parent household in Miami, FL with his four siblings. On this episode, Teddy shares what it was like witnessing his mother overcome breast cancer, playing football for the University of Louisville, and finally achieving childhood dream of playing in the NFL.

Attorney Joseph Gallardo shares what it was like growing up in San Antonio, TX and being a high school dropout. Attorney Gallardo also shares what it was like matriculating through college, struggling with imposter syndrome, overcoming the stigma of not being "good enough, and his experiences attending and graduating from Harvard law.

Kieth Richburg shares his experiences of growing up in Miami, FL, going off to college to play football for Miles College, and transitioning away from football upon graduation. Keith also shares how he came up with his brand - Money Conscious, and what it means to him to be a father, husband, and mentor.

Dr. Eve Hudson shares her story of growing in in Charlotte, NC in a single-parent home. Dr. Hudson also shares her experiences of being a first generation college student, obtaining her PhD, working in her felid - Higher Education upon graduation, and her experience of stepping out on faith to become an entrepreneur.

John Allen shares his experiences of becoming an enlisted member of the U.S. NAVY, why he chose to become a NAVY SEAL, what the process was like to become a Navy SEAL, and what it was like being deployed for the first time. John also talks about having a near death experience on the battlefield and feeling as if he died, and how that gave his life a sense of urgency.

Dan Mulroy shares his experiences of joining the Navy to become a SEAL, going through BUDs, becoming a SEAL, and transitioning out of the military after 14 years of service.

Senator Powell shares his story of growing up in Riviera Beach, FL. Senator Powell also shares his experiences of attending FAMU and walking-on the track team, his evolution as a legislator, and his keys to success.