T.O.P. Shelf

In this week's episode, we talk about “Is It The Media or Is It Us?” As we wrap up 2022 a lot of different events took place in black media. From the unfortunate Megan The Stallion and Tory Lanez case, Antonio Brown, Kanye West, etc. Black celebrities often get cast in a negative life. And the media loves to portray, them as being erratic, chaotic, aggressive, and controversial. But the media at times refuse to highlight the positive things that black celebrities do. So it raises the question is it us or is it the media? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “The battle we fight that no one sees!” In the wake of the unfortunate passing of Twitch. We wanted to have a community conversation with our listeners regarding mental health. We all face different battles and often time no one knows or sees. Sometimes we are not even sure who we can speak to regarding the battles we face. In this conversation we want to help and provide ways to help our listeners battle mental health. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. R.I.P. Twitch and all those we lost through suicide.

In this week's episode, we talk about “Who Are You On Vacation?” We all love to go on vacation. And one of the beauties of being on vacation you get a chance to relax, escape from work, etc. Also potentially meet new people. But are you the type that wants to strictly enjoy your vacation with the group you came with or are you the type to wants to meet new people to maximize your vacation experience? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “What's The Rules To Giving Advice?” Having relationships with our partners, friends, family, etc. At one point you will receive advice or give advice to the people you interact with. In this conversation, we discuss some of the rules and what to look out for when giving or receiving advice. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “How We Stay Faithful!” In this conversation, we get into a discussion on how we stay faithful to our beautiful spouses. We know the temptation is always around, and it can be challenging even for Christian men to stay faithful. So we provide tips that we practice and utilize to stay faithful in our marriage. And then you might want to listen to this episode. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “This is what happens when we show up!” In this conversation, we talk about showing up for the people we love. Whether if it's family, friends, coworkers, or your village. Sometimes we even underestimate the importance of showing up for yourself. Let's talk about this. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “How We Spread False Information!” Most of us in this day and age, get a lot of renewals and information through social media. We're able to stay up-to-date with current events that have the luxury of our phones to look up any information by going through Google or any web search engine. The unfortunate part is that sometimes you don't that check what we post or read and may be aware that we are reading or spreading false information. This is one of those conversations that you may want to listen to. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “Heroes and Villains In Society!” We get into a conversation regarding what makes a hero and what makes a villain in today's society. Many of our heroes can be portrayed and looked at as villains in the eyes of other people who doesn't believe in their beliefs, and what they stand for. Which may portray them as a villain, in the eyes of others. So what really makes a hero, and what really makes a villain? You don't want to miss this conversation. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “What Do We Really Own?” Many of us own a home, car, or even our own business. Then we take great pride and Joy in owning these things. So there we can call our own and pass it down to our kids or the next generation. But do we own these things? Do we have the freedom to do what we want with the things that we own? This is a conversation you don't want to miss. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “Can Childhood friends hold us to the past version of ourselves?” Growth and the evolution of our journey through life is something we all can for the most part expect. But sometimes our friends can't see that and may want to hold and look at us as our old selves. Not everyone can accept seeing growth in their friends. This is a conversation you don't want to miss. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “AS we get older do our parents live their lives through us?” Parents sometimes make decisions for their kids based on the dreams and aspirations they had but were not able to fulfill themselves. Parents sometimes want their kids to pursue a career based on a career the parents never had, and wish they were able to achieve. How do you have those conversations and if you are currently a parent yourself are you doing the same thing for your kids? Let's talk about it. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “3 Things We Love About Being Married!” As three married men, we discussed married life. The joys of being married and some of the things that we have learned along the way during our married journey. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “I just think it's funny how everyone has a podcast now!” Currently, right now there are over 2.4 million podcasts available with over 66 million episodes out right now. Creating a podcast is so much easier now compared to 10 years ago and it seems more. People are joining the podcast community. Voicing their opinion and their perspective on a various of different topics. So I'm a good and some not so good lol. So it makes you wonder that it's funny how everyone has a podcast now. Let's talk about T.O.P. Shelf Village. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “Are We United As Christians or Divided?” Some pastors preach on grace, and some pastors preach on the wrath of God.  Some churches focus their message on condemning, and some churches focus their message on God's love. So we pose the question, Are we united as Christians or divided? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about “Can Christians Go to The Club and Drink?” We had fun recording this episode and debating on the topic. Can you go to the club smoking hookah and be at church the next morning listening to the word? Can I have some rum punch if I'm a believer? You don't want to miss this episode. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we talk about boundaries. We get into the conversation of “This what happens when you don't set boundaries!” Boundaries are something at one point in our lives and even for some currently, we sometimes we struggle with. Especially when it comes to family and friends. How do you set the appropriate boundaries without offending those you love? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

In this week's episode, we get into a lighter but deep conversation “Should Men Know Their Love Language?” The best selling author Gary Champman, PhD wrote the best selling book called “The 5 Love Languages” which is used worldwide from relationship coaches to churches who provide premarital counseling to future married couples. You do not want to miss this episode. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

I'm this week's episode, we get into a heated but healthy conversation “Was voting for Joe Biden a mistake?” Did we emotionally vote for President Joe Biden because we were heavily unhappy with former President Donald Trump? Has President Joe Biden and his cabinet lived up to their promise or did we make a mistake? You do not want to miss this episode. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation. 

We kick off the 2nd episode of season 4 with the million-dollar question. Are we in a recession?” Currently, right now, we as A country are experiencing inflation like we've never seen before. Gas prices have gone up, the cost of food has gone up, and the cost of living has gone up. So it begs the question are we in a recession? You do not want to miss this episode. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.     

We are back, we are back! Season 4 is officially here, and there is no better way to start season 4 with one of our favorite special guest. The lovely educator Shanique Coombs, to help us kick off the first episode of this new season. So we posed this question "You Down With Critical Race Theory?" You do not want to miss this episode. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.    

This week's episode is titled "False Prophets Part II 2” we have a special guest Pastor Patrick Keller from Winner's Church. False Prophets part 1 was such a deep and cultivating conversation. It was only right to do part 2 and have Pastor Patrick as our guest to speak on this topic from a biblical and pastoral standpoint. Pastor Patrick provided a lot of biblical wisdom & biblical context on how to identify a prophet and also false prophets in today's world. You do not want to miss this episode. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "Free My Homie!” We are joined by a special guest Anthony Anderson. We get into the conversation regarding how our environment growing up helped shape who we are today. We also get into a conversation regarding the reality of today's current drill rap music and how many rappers are portraying the street life and are now being charged with RICO charges. Kendrick Lamar drops a new album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers”. What does this album fits into days rap culture. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "False Prophets.” This is a conversation we have been waiting to have with our T.O.P. Shelf Village. Oxford Language defines a prophet as a person regarded as an inspired teacher or proclaimer of the will of God. But how do you recognize a prophet, or better yet how do you recognize a false prophet? Some people believe prophets don't exist in our modern-day but others do. We have seen an increase in prophets within the last couple of years, especially during the 2020 presidential election. Many prophets prophesies that former president Donald Trump would win the 2020 election. What do you do when The prophecy is wrong? How can you recognize what's being prophesied to you is real? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "Is religion your choice?” This is a conversation we have been waiting to have with our T.O.P. Shelf Village. Do you feel The religion you practice was your choice? Some of us grew up in a very religious household and adopted the religious belief that our parents or guardian followed. Some of us as we got older elected to follow a different religious belief. So it poses the question is religion “YOUR” choice? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "Are We Too Sensitive ?” With everything that is going on in the world regarding the mixed reaction to the death of Kevin Samuels, comedians feeling that they are under attack, or just having a different opinion can be deemed as being offensive. Which raises the question. When did we become too sensitive? Are we too sensitive in this current climate? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "What's On Your Resume?” We have an honest conversation regarding self-care and preparing ourselves for the world. How should YOU be prepared for corporate America? Is it about what's on your resume or your personality or both? How honest should you be on your resume? The importance of being prepared and ready for the job and the type of life you are signing up for. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "Does Marriage Make You Happy or Content?” Being 3 married men, in this episode, we get into an honest conversation regarding marriage. Does marriage make you happy or content? We give our honest truth, opinion, and perspective on this topic. Is marriage all it's cracked up to be? Should you depend on your partner to make you happy? What has marriage thought you about yourself? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "The Gift Within You.” We are blessed to have our talented special guest Terrence Charles. We are honored to have Terrence bless this episode with his wisdom and insight on the gift within you. We dive deep into the spiritual gifts that God gives us. And how God calls us to use it for his purpose. This is one of those episodes where you will leave feeling fulfilled with all the wisdom that Terrance provided in this conversation. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled "One thing you will never be able to prepare your kids for..“ We talk about how things as a parent and future parents struggle to prepare a child. From career choices, to who they love. Can you really prepare your child for everything? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled “Is a Prenup Fair?” We tackle the controversial topic regarding prenups? From Dr. Dre to Jeff Bezo, we see celebrities go through a difficult divorce and the financial battle that takes place. Are you still obligated to provide the same quality of life to your ex-wife or ex-husband? Is a prenup necessary and should be required in every marriage? Or do you feel prenups should have no place in any marriage? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode is titled “Bullying in Adulthood!” Oxford dictionary defines a bully - “seek to harm, intimidate, or coerce (someone perceived as vulnerable).” We get into the conversation regarding bullying can sometimes take place as adults. We sometimes think that bullying only occurs in grade school and elementary school, but we forget that adults can sometimes experience bullying in their adulthood. Whether it's through work, relationship, marriage, or even at church. How do we handle being bullied or seeing someone being bullied as an adult? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode titled “Social MEEEEE-DIA!” We get into the conversation regarding the image and persona of social media? We often go on social media apps such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, etc for clicks and likes. We sometimes post the best moments of our lives, hoping that picture or video will get a significant amount of likes and maybe go viral. Or we often follow people on social media, hoping we could live a life similar to what they portray on their social media page, but is the pictures and videos we see on social media telling the full story? Do we feel like we have to live up to a certain expectation or lifestyle for the people who follow us for social media? Or do we feel our lives are not as extravagant compared to the people we follow on social media? How does this affect our mental health in today's world? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode, titled “The Lesson in Learning to Lose!” We get into the conversation regarding how to lose? We tackle the subject when I lose, am I learning from my loss. Is there a lesson in losing? Most of us if not all of us experienced some form of loss, but the question is how do we bounce back from the loss. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode, titled “Brand New!” We get into the conversation regarding the power of brands. How we as a culture are influenced by luxury name brand clothes, and the value we put on them. Do we make the brands or do the brands make us? Why do we as a culture support certain clothing that does not support us? Should we buy expensive name brands, even when feeling like they only value our dollar? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

This week's episode, titled “Community Guidelines!” We get into the conversation regarding community within our environment. How for some of us growing up in the church reflects and having a close relationship with our church shaped our community. We also dive into the difference between church hurt & world hurt. What boundaries do we need or should place with the people in our community. in our culture as men? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's special episode, titled “For Crying Out Loud!” We get into the conversation is ok for men to cry? What do tears represent in our culture as men? Is it acceptable for men to show emotion and still maintain their masculinity as a man? What does it say biblical & cultural as men who cry? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's special episode, titled “Bullets Ain't Got No Name.” We have a special guest Chris Williams aka C. Will. Holla from the “In My Mind: Everybody Knows Chris” podcast. We are excited to have this very important conversation regarding gun violence and how it affects our community. Gun violence is up in a lot of the major cities across the country, and we wanted to have a conversation regarding how can we change the dynamics and mindset of those who are influenced by gun violence. In this conversation, we gave our truth, opinion, and perspective on ways on how we all can play a part to help decrease the violence that we see in our community. And the responsibilities of carrying a gun. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's episode, titled “I Got A lot Going On.” We discuss the meaning of “I got a lot going on” as men. What does mean to us? How should our partner or the person  you are dating interpret the meaning behind “I have a lot going on.” Should you continue to date someone who has a lot going on or should you give them space? Should you set boundaries with that person or should you just take time strictly for yourself? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

We are continuing the momentum from the first episode of Season 3. In this week's episode, titled “Is My Money Green Enough.” We dive into episode 2 and get right into the conversation regarding finances and the language of money. How does money impact us on a day to day basis, and is it really about chasing that bag or trusting in God that he will provide that bag for you? Is God calling you to “Plan, Plant, & Prepare” with your finances?  As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

We are back, Season 3 is officially here!! To top off the new year of 2022, we had to start it right with a new episode. In this week's episode, titled “Plan, Plant, Prepare”. We get right into the conversation regarding how 2021 impacted us and some of the events we experienced regarding starting The T.O.P. Shelf Podcast, juggling the pandemic, life events, preparing for what 2022 has to bring. We break down how to make 2022 your best year despite all the chaos that's going on in the world. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation!

In this Season 2 finale week episode, titled “Black Excellence”, we have our special guest Ernst Raymond aka T.O.P. Shelf Podcast's engineer. We are blessed to have an incredibly impactful conversation with him regarding black business. Ernst Raymond dives into his story of how he got started as an entrepreneur & a business owner while doing amazing missionary work back in Haiti, his native country. Ernst paints A vivid and inspirational picture of what black excellence and black business are. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this T.O.P. Shelf episode we are joined by Heydi Hurtado  Licensed Therapist LCSW-R . WE discuss the subject of Child sexual abuse, also called “child molestation”which is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. We also converse about  the sexual abuse by family members  or “incest “ as it is formally called and how it  can result in a more serious and long-term psychological trauma, especially in the case of parental incest.   This episode really gets deep into the root of this subject , our prayer is that WE as T.O.P. Shelf Podcast don't offend or trigger anyone but that we can create a safe space to have uncomfortable conversations and be a source to find healing & solutions.  

In this week's episode, titled “What would you tell your younger self”. We dive deep into the conversation if you can go back in time, what would you tell your younger self. What would you do to prepare your younger self for today's world? Is there anything you would change or do differently with your younger self or does everything happen for a reason, and what is meant to happen is supposed to happen? What do you tell your younger self T.O.P. Shelf village? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's episode, titled “No One Is Coming”. How do you navigate through life when no one is coming. Most of us at one point in our life is forced to figure it out. Figure out how to live on our own, how to establish and build credit, how to financially support ourselves, etc. But how do you deal with all of what life throws at you on your own, or are you supposed to figure it out on your own. What do you do when no one is coming? As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's episode, we discuss what does Hip-Hop means to us. Hip-Hop has been part of our culture for over 40 years and transcends it beyond any of our imagination. We get into who is our current favorite artist, what made us fall in love with Hip-Hop, and how Hip-Hop become a voice & a soundtrack for what Black America was & still experiences. Stay tuned to the end of this episode as we have a surprise freestyle from one of our cohosts. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's episode, we discuss how to leave. We often can struggle with leaving situations or relationships that are no longer servicing us. How do we leave, how do we move on into the next chapter of our lives? We break down some of the ways on how to leave a situation. Learning its times to go is not often easy but it's needed.  As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's episode, we discuss the importance of family ties and legacy. We break down if a living will and life insurance can help prepare our family with life after death. What legacy we are leaving behind regarding our last name. We tackle the uncomfortable conversations black and brown people are sometimes reluctant to have. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's episode, we discuss how to have faith over fear as Christian men. We dissect different stages of fear, how fear has become normalIze in today's society, and how faith is our greatest weapon to triumph some of the fears we face on a day-to-day basis. As always, pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

In this week's episode, we have our special guest Shanique Coombs who specializes in education. Shanique shares her story of how she got into education, some of the challenges educators faces in today's climate. Shanique talks about what keeps her motivated as an educator and some the ways we can improve the education system. As always pull up a chair, let's have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

Season 2 is finally here and what better way to kick off the first episode titled “Questions You Always Wanted To Ask Your Pastor” with our two special guests, Pastor Maurice Johnson from Winner's church & Pastor Ernst Cochy from Life's Church. We discuss everything from finances, mental health, social justice from a pastoral perspective. As always pull up a chair, have a drink, and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf conversation.

We invited our special guest GABBY Zamor (Jeff's daughter) into our conversation about education , learning and the overall experience of being  of being a kid during a pandemic. We explore and compare stories of parenting obstacles, learning dilemmas and we seek solutions that can better help the kids of tomorrow. As always Pull up a chair, have a drink and let's have some T.O.P. Shelf Conversation. And don't forget to follow us on all social media platforms and stay tuned for updates on Season 2!!!