UnderRepresented Representatives

On this episode, David & Najah learn about healing and holistic wellness, as viewed by Blyss, a herbalist and owner of Holistic Blyss. Blyss shares that our healing is our resistance, and discuses how healing is essential in communities of color, particularly Black and Brown communities, where people live in a constant state of feeling like their bodies are unsafe. Listen in to this episode and take a beat with us as we explore these topics, along with the power of breath & meditation. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In this episode, David & Najah sit down with city of Beacon Resident, John Galloway Jr, an entrepreneur, activist, and motivator. Taking a deep dive into sensitive subjects such as violence and sexual abuse, John John discusses the importance of letting things go and how learning to love, accept, and forgive yourself can be the strongest tool in your journey. In just over an hour, we explore how one moment can label you and change the outcome of your life, unless you don't allow that to happen. Tune in to learn how you, too, can “Make It Thru Today,” with the help of John's new self love and mental health awareness brand. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

Annnnd we're back! After a long pandemic hiatus, David & Najah kick off Season 3 with a very special guest: the man, the myth, the mysterious voice you've been wondering about… Conor! From the power of creating to the importance of access to music and the arts for those who can't afford instruments and other resources, Conor provides insight on what motivates him as a musician and audio engineer. David & Najah learn about the process behind Conor's new album, radio show, and how growing confidence can bring a person closer to making their dreams come true. We are reminded that sometimes you just have to get out there and “make it happen,” and that even a pandemic doesn't have to stop you from shining. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

“After all that’s said and done, there’s more said than done.” In a very reflective finale of season 2, David & Najah sit down with the patriarch of the Muhammad family as he recounts his journey from being regarded as part of the muck and mire of society to rising to becoming a gracious and peaceful leader, whose support of his community is endless. Imam Dr. Salahuddin M. Muhammad reminds us that we cannot be defined by our past mistakes and that passion, faith, and perseverance can help us to mature into who we are simply meant to be. From a challenging childhood and being wrongfully labeled as a religious extremist to receiving a doctoral degree and empowering Muslim inmates to break the vicious cycle of recidivism, Imam Dr. Muhammad, otherwise known as “The Peace Monger,” has a riveting story to tell, which you won’t want to miss! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

After a brief 2020 hiatus, David & Najah sit down with health & longevity enthusiast, athlete, and content creator Troy Blyden to speak about the value he consistently provides to the people around him. Through passionate conversation, we take a deep dive into the importance of small steps and how we can find balance in our lives to be our healthiest, most authentic selves. To Troy, “2020 has been the year of accountability,” so tune in to examine the ways in which you can hold yourself accountable, release any shame, in order to embrace your true emotions, and even participate in a virtual push-up competition. Troy is simply on a journey to gain a deep knowledge and understanding of self, and plans to continue to use this knowledge to positively affect others. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

What does it mean to have integrity when running a business? How many entrepreneurs are willing to put their customers’ needs before the dollar sign? In this episode, Najah & David sit down with Orion Brown, Founder & CEO of BlackTravelBox®, who is truly living a morals over money lifestyle. From discussing the importance of clean ingredients and travel as a form of self care, to recognizing the power, gift, and value in one’s voice, this episode is one that will speak to your soul. Tune in to learn about how Orion is consistently working to align her behavior in all facets of her life with her heart, integrity, and values, while “representing the giant that’s been silent.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

“Make the movement irresistible.” That’s exactly what needs to happen in order to keep the momentum going and truly spark change. In this episode, Najah & David kickback and chat with members of the Brooklyn based hip hop collective, Space Cade7s about the healing power of music, importance of activism, and so much more. From understanding an artist’s impact and the role musicians play during difficult times, to the importance of being an ally, this diverse band of brothers will have you feeling like you’re a part of the conversation. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

Systemic racism has recently become a global dinner time conversation, but for some, it’s been a system whose burden they’ve been bearing since before they could walk. In today’s episode, Najah & David flow through conversation with Jaren Curry about being a Black man in Corporate America. We discuss the pros and cons of working in the sports industry, never shying away from Jaren’s first hand experience with racism, bias, and how to “play the game.” From being #woke since grade school times of reciting the the Pledge of Allegiance and taking AP classes while Black, to discussing what comes first, inclusion or diversity, this episode is a conversation you’ll want to be apart of. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In a world where we continue to highlight the significance of respecting human dignity, we must also emphasize the importance that Black Lives Matter. In this episode, David and Najah hear from The Queen of LBC and retired English teacher, the maverick herself, Mrs. Fonda Kitt Muhammad. Sit back and listen attentively as Mrs. Muhammad takes us on her personal sojourn, a journey full of disregard, disrespect, and disheartenment during her first few years as an educator. Black Lives Matter, and this African American Muslim woman should not have had individuals in power try to snuff out her spirit. Let this episode ignite you into action, so that we may become hopeful that justice is served and fearful that complacency sets in and we return to business as usual. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

We’re LIVE! In this Episode, Najah & David go to Westchester Community College to chat with students about voting and civic engagement, for their first ever Live Show! They are joined by fiery guests such as Associate Director of Student Involvement, Dr. Rachele Hall, WCC’s Student Government Vice Prez, Olivia Quinones, and second time guest and public servant, Ali T. Muhammad. From chatting about whether or not our voices matter, to discussing ways to stay active during voting season, this exhilarating episode is sure to keep you hooked. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In this episode, Najah & David are joined by advocates Manuel Jourdain aka Manny, and Jeremy Garcia. Fresh off a flight from Cuba, Manny, owner of a travel company, avid skateboarder and educator, and Jeremy, aspirational turned definitive podcaster and a man of the people, take us through their life journey. From growing up in Providence and navigating the lack of diversity in private schools, to speaking on their PROUD Dominican heritage and their commitment to help the community at large, Manny and Jeremy hold nothing back and keep us guessing at every turn. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In this episode, David & Najah chat with writer and video producer, Joy Payne, about her journey to self love, being a black woman in a white corporate industry, and breaking generational curses. From saying no, to being clear about your wants and needs, the future Dr. Payne shares her most promising practices with us all. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

The Underrepped Reps are back and they are fired up and ready to go. In the premiere of Season Two, David & Najah reunite in an energy filled episode. From chatting about Neurodiversity to social media breaks, it’s like these hosts didn’t skip a beat. Oh, and Conor officially has a mic! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

As Season Two quickly approaches, check out some of the most memorable moments from Season One. From screaming ovaries to learning what it means to be intentional with our words, The Underrepped Reps had a Pilot Season for the books. Listen to this recap to prepare for what’s in store for Najah & David in Season Two. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In a thrilling Finale of Season 1, Najah and David, start off by talking to the Mayoral Candidate for the City of Newburgh, New York, Ali T. Muhammad. Ali discusses what he stands for in life, updates us on his ongoing campaign and explains how he shows up for the people. Our second guest, Joshua Galarza, Founder of YAWI (You Are Worth It) clothing brand and advocate for mental health wellness, discusses his own struggles and triumphs with mental health, his new approach to life and how we are all in this together. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

Have you ever wondered what a movie would sound like with out music? In this episode, Najah and David, sit down with Los Angeles Native, Chelsey Jade Moody, who’s goal is to make sure that you never do! From the importance of carefully curated music in film & television to ”the mutual fade-away,” “ghosting,” and colorism, this episode is sure to keep you thinking and laughing.  --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In this episode, Najah and David, chat with artist and actress, Maria del Mar Fernández "Mari". She educates us on what it means to be Spanish, Latino/Latinx and Hispanic, discusses her experience as an actress and being in America working in the arts. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In this episode, Najah and David, chat with educator, Vanessa Bianca Rivera "VBR" about diversity and inclusion in the workplace, how to effectively engage the youth in school systems, and what it means to feel like a dragonfruit. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In this episode, Najah and David, speak openly about the internet vs reality, and unpack the culture of algorithms, the constant crave for validation, careful curations on Instagram, “screen time”, and the impact we can make on the world, regardless of our social media following. Conor left them to do all of this alone. #bringbackconor --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support

In this episode, Najah and David, cover why they started this podcast and will make you laugh the whole way through. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/urr/support