The Riley Rant

On May 22, 2020, Joe Biden set social media ablaze when he informed Charlamagne tha God, "Well I tell you what, if you have a problem figuring out whether you're for me or Trump, then you ain't black." On the heels of Biden's comments and as we prepare for the upcoming 2020 Election, I provide my take on the backdrop leading up to the interview, how to interpret the interview, and what our approach and expectations should be going forward.

Realizing that many people are planning to make BOLD moves and resolutions in 2020, I wanted to revisit the "B.O.L.D. Move Series," which focuses on individuals who have recently made BOLD moves and taken risks in their professional lives. The fifth episode within this series is a professional rant centered on Chase Coleman (Marketer Extraordinaire and Host of The Millennial Way Podcast) and his BOLD move within Corporate America. It wasn't initially easy, but he has no regrets about proactively going after his desire to diversify his marketing skillset and to set himself up for long-term career success.

With the untimely passing of Nipsey Hussle, Rant #37 focuses on his life and legacy in hopes that it will inspire all of us to rethink the way we look at our own lives and careers.

Rant #36 is an intersection between the political and personal and discusses how we all must act to create a more just society. Now, more than ever, we need people to stand up, speak out, and fight for what is right. Check out this episode to learn about John Rawls, his idea of the "Veil of Ignorance," and how we can apply these concepts and principles to our everyday lives.

On April 25, 2018, Kanye West set twitter ablaze when he professed his love for his “brother” Donald Trump and his desire for us all to have more love and empathy for MAGA — the Make America Great Again movement that catapulted Trump to the White House. In Podcast Episode 35, I share my three takeaways from these tweets and provide my perspective on the contradiction involving who is able to be a "free thinker."

With the recent and horrific acts of gun violence at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, a concert in Las Vegas, and a nightclub in Orlando, young people are demanding that more be done to ensure that this never happens again. Rant #34 provides context on the current gun reform debate so that you can determine how you will invoke the change that you want to see and be in the world. After all, our lives, literally, depend on it.

Nick Foles (back-up QB for the Philadelphia Eagles) was traded once and released twice before ultimately taking the Eagles to Super Bowl 52. His story offers a number of great learnings around how we should approach and think about our careers. Check out this podcast episode and learn about the 3 actionable takeaways from Nick Foles' story that we should all internalize and incorporate into our careers for many years to come.

Realizing that many people are planning to make BOLD moves and resolutions in 2018, the next few episodes of The Riley Rant are devoted to the "B.O.L.D. Move Series," which focuses on individuals who have recently made BOLD moves and taken risks in their professional lives. The fourth episode within this series is centered on Greg Hammons (aka Mr. Forever Phase) and his pursuit of a venture in motivational and public speaking with hopes of transforming the mindset and potential of young people. It wasn't always easy, but he made a promise to actively go after this dream of empowering youth in 2018.

Realizing that many people are planning to make BOLD moves and resolutions in 2018, the next few episodes of The Riley Rant are devoted to the "B.O.L.D. Move Series," which focuses on individuals who have recently made BOLD moves and taken risks in their professional lives. The third episode within this series is centered on Samir Goel's story of leaving his corporate job to pursue a venture in entrepreneurship with hopes of transforming society through an app focused on financial inclusion and uplift. It wasn't always easy, but he made a promise to actively go after this dream in 2018.

Realizing that many people are planning to make BOLD moves and resolutions in 2018, the next few episodes of The Riley Rant are devoted to the "B.O.L.D. Move Series," which focuses on individuals who have recently made BOLD moves and taken risks in their professional lives. The second episode within this series is centered on Hayden Humphrey's story of leaving his corporate job to pursue ventures in photography, freelancing, and life coaching. It wasn't always easy, but he made a promise to actively go after this dream in 2018.

Realizing that many people are planning to make BOLD moves and resolutions in 2018, the next few episodes of The Riley Rant are devoted to the "B.O.L.D. Move Series," which focuses on individuals who have recently made BOLD moves and taken risks in their professional lives. To kick of this series, check out Jalen Blot's story of going from Philadelphia to DC to LA to pursue a career in film, television, and media. It wasn't always easy and, at times, didn't seem likely, but he made a promise to actively go after this dream in 2018.

It's hard to believe it's already been a year since I launched my podcast ("The Riley Rant") discussing all things political, professional, and personal. Tune in to Episode 28 to learn the 5 pieces of advice that I wish I had internalized and leveraged as a new podcaster. Check out this Episode and the many other rants from 2017!

On November 16, 2017, House Republicans passed their tax reform bill. Pundits and congressional leaders anticipate that the Senate Republicans will try to pass their version of the bill on Thursday, November 30th. With these recent developments, it's time to talk about tax and how the GOP's plan will affect us all. In episode 27, we cover 1) Reaganomics (aka "Trickle Down Economics"), 2) the Republican Reversal, 3) Real-Life Implications of this bill, and 4) the Real Reason for this plan.

Before you make your next decision or move, check out this episode for tips on how you can "S.E.T." yourself up for success. Using this acronym, I share how you must: 1) Slow down, 2) Evaluate the situation, and 3) Take action. Check it out for a fresh perspective on decision-making in your personal, professional, and love life.

With so much coverage around #TakeAKnee and the NFL, I share my thoughts on the topic and how we should think about and contextualize this issue in our current political discourse.

Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Pepsi, and our government realized one, important truth: no matter how good your intentions, just as much weight must be given to perception. It makes you wonder how many relationships would have been or could be saved by people realizing that perception (often times) trumps intent.

In Episode 23, I share my thoughts on the white supremacist / white nationalist protest in Charlottesville this past weekend. Let's stop assuming that time will heal all wounds and realize that faith without works is dead.

Middle and high-school classmate, Spencer Ivey, is the creator of "Vital Newsletter," which seeks to highlight "vital" news and complex topics in a digestible, fun-to-read manner. Given that many of his topics are future-oriented and that some of my rants focus on politics, it made sense for us to discuss The Future of Technology and Politics. In other words, we're discussing "politechs." Check out this episode for insight on our current form of government, how technology has already and will continue to change the game, and why it is going to be so hard to bring about meaningful reform to our political process.

Having just transitioned into a new job, I share three nuggets of wisdom that I think will help us all manifest our career goals, ambitions, and desires.

Every July 4th, we celebrate (with cookouts and fireworks) creeds and platitudes stating that all men are created equal and that we are endowed with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Episode 20 examines the ways in which we have fallen short of these ideals and how we must work to close the racial gaps and disparities that still plague our society.

Episode 19 offers very simple advice: Shut Up! Sometimes, silence is the best policy. We have to realize that our words can confine our aspirations, adversely impact others, and, as psychological studies show, can prevent us from accomplishing our goals.

With yet another individual in Trump's orbit (son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner) reportedly having covert communications with the Russians, Episode 18 poses one, simple question: Are we Russian to conclusions?

As we celebrate Mother's Day, it's only right that I bring my mother, Sharon, onto The Riley Rant to share her story, reflect on my childhood, and get some much needed advice on how to navigate the world.

On May 4, 2017, House Republicans were able to muster up enough votes on their second attempt and The American Health Care Act (AHCA) now heads to the Senate, where it faces additional obstacles. Check out this episode to get caught up to speed and to better understand the implications, if this were to be signed into law.

Every President since FDR has been measured (whether they like it or not) on their effectiveness in their first 100 days. April 29, 2017 marked Trump's 100th day in office. In keeping with this tradition, Episode 15 is a political rant assessing Trump's actions and effectiveness within the first 100 days and discusses what we can expect in the coming months.

Though we don't talk about it enough, millions of people are grappling with feelings of loneliness to varying degrees. In this episode, I discuss loneliness, not believing everything you see on social media, and how we must work to destigmatize mental health.

The first few years after college can be extremely challenging, difficult, and confusing. Caroline Kitchener, author of "Post Grad: Five Women and Their First Year Out of College," stops by to share details on her book and what she has learned about herself and life throughout the process. Learn more about the author and buy the book: https://carolinekitchener.com/home

We're getting closer to getting rid of cloture. Check out this political rant to learn more about cloture and "the nuclear option" and how they both relate to the recent Supreme Court confirmation and our Senate's ability to function as a deliberative body going forward.

Episode 11 is centered on the professional realm. I offer practical advice on how to think about your job search, how to craft your resume, and the importance of networking your way into future opportunities.

With the upcoming House vote to repeal Obamacare, I discuss the the Affordable Care Act and the Republican's American Health Care Act.

Friend and former colleague, Alex Blanton, shares his story on how to move beyond the confines of traditional success, choose yourself, and ultimately follow your gut and inclinations to take big, life-changing risks. Tune in to learn more and see how he went about making his big life and career decision!

After 24 years of living, I share three things that help to guide and shape my thinking around life, goals, and other people.

In this episode, I provide a brief rundown of the political events of the week. Will the Democrats remain united and win future elections? Will the Republicans repeal Obamacare? #stayinformed

With this past week's trending Twitter topics (e.g., #hurtbae and #whyimsingle) and the recent celebration of Valentine's Day, Chelcie Taylor and I try looking inward, outward, and forward with respect to dating and meeting new people!

Helen Keller once noted, “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision.” Do you have a vision statement for your career and professional goals? If not, check out this episode on ways to get started!

As we settle into this new political reality, I knew I had to reconnect with Khallid Love, a college friend, to discuss politics, race, governing, resistance, and where we go from here.

With the 2016 election and Inauguration behind us, it's now time to conduct an autopsy report to understand the cause of defeat for the Democratic Party.

Thinking about your career can be a daunting and overwhelming task. Check out this episode for a unique perspective on how you should think about your job and the idea of passion.

New Year, New Podcast! Check out the first episode of the Riley Rant, a weekly podcast discussing all things political, professional, and personal. With the start of the New Year, check out this rant on an important resolution you need to add to your list for 2017 and beyond!