Who You Are Is Okay, with Author Clayton Reid Jones (crj)

My special guest, the man who Sway Calloway of "Sway in the Morning, called a Hyena when he was featured on Bedroom bars, Mallo Obasi-Maddox, joined me for this episode as we discussed the difference between a Rapper and a Poet, the challenges he faces being a Baltimore Native trying to pursue his dreams, and the power of "The Spoken Word."

"For me to be the victim, it gave something control over me and I didn't want anyone or anything to have control. I had to find the strength and power to get out of it!"~ Vonda Colson. Transparency is a beautiful gift to give and my special guest Vonda Fields Colson gave us that gift. In this episode, she and I discussed her being sexually assaulted and how she overcomes the atrocity.  

"As a parent, you love your child more than anything, it's not your child's fault, you recognize that, but every time you look at that child it reminds you of someone you have to move forward from, so it's like it's breaking your heart at the same time. How do you do that as a human being because parents are still human beings; the idea of being a parent is selfless, but then a part of self-preserving and protecting yourself, has an element of being selfish?"~ Victoria Valentino For this episode, I sat down with the talented photographer Victoria Valentino, and the former host of the podcast, "Social Riot ", Ms. KB, for a Q&A session about my first memoir, "Who Else Could It Be But God. We engaged in the necessary conversation. 

My special guest Ryan McShane joined me for this episode to discuss the intersectionality of business and consciousness. Ryan is an HR consultant who started a consulting company called, “HR Evolution”. He shares his insight on what he believes the true role of HR and leadership should be.  

With this episode I self-reflect. I want people to trust me and let their guard down. I forget that I’ve done things in the past to encourage the lack of trust.

If the immune system responds to a vaccine the same way it responds to the germ. How can a vaccine boost a compromised immune system? Is there any link between the The Great Conjunction. The biggest Astrological event of our lifetime, and the global pandemic?    

With a 97 to 99% recovery rate from Covid-19. Should more emphasis be put on what mandates are doing to the nation's mental health? Does anyone care? 

Actor, Comedian, Producer, Ijon Stewart; (Who_is_Ijon on Instagram) Joined me for this episode. He gave insight on recognizing your gift. How he found opportunities in entertainment being a native Baltimorean. We talked about his music and his upcoming book. We also talked about the state of Black America, and the climate in this country as a whole. 

Finally, I sat down with Lawrence Jackson Jr. The Inspiredgent on Instagram. He works in Accounting and Finance for Under Armor. He’s a certified life coach, entrepreneur, mentor, and a former radio personality. He joined me to discuss, self-development. How can one change the mind? What does that look like?

Back in the Barbershop to talk a little Hip-Hop. The focus; how much we love it; the impact that it's had on society; how it's touched our lives. 

Carroll Brown joined me to talk politics, and why we should vote! He's the Co-owner at Practical 2A S.T.F.U. (East Baltimore Campus). Carroll offered great insight and much needed dialogue during this tumultuous election season!

Arthur Elliott Peace, 8th grade Science teacher, Girls Volleyball, Basketball, and Co-Ed Track & Field coach. Graduated Undergrad, Morgan St. Master of Education, Walden University. Member of Omega Psi Phi. He joined me as we discussed the state of Black America. We talked family, education, and the segregation that exist within the Black Race. We also discussed the black vote, and diversity.   

Ladies, if you really want to know what men want? Take it from a Barber. Jibri Whitaker of Jibri's place. (7307 Harford rd. Baltimore, Md. 21234). Joined me for some good ole fashion shop talk. You don't wanna miss it!  

Perception is projection. I'm not sure? With this episode I reflect on the road traveled and the conversations I've had. I engage in self-talk. The best form of therapy one can have.

Natima Nicole; she's the author of a short story memoir series. "More Than My Body" and "Playing Russian Roulette with my body". She joined me for this episode to discuss trust, honesty, and infidelity. Do you feel like you get played when you play by the rules? 

Are we so captivated by the narrative that we've lost our ability to think critical? 

How do you define a best friend? Are we asking people to live up to expectations that are unfair?   

Some equate settling for less as settling for less than what we deserve. A lot of us believe that we deserve what we want, when we want it. Is it possible to have a relationship without settling for less? 

Competitors compete! No-one else should be forced to. When we find ourselves, we won't feel the need to compete, another day in our lives.

My special guest Eric McMickens joined me for a conversation on relationships. Episode 23 highlights how the relationships in our lives are a direct reflection of the relationship we have with self. Eric opened up and shared his testimony on his time spent incarcerated. He gave weight training tips. He talked about how his marriage has worked for 28 years. The idea of snitching. Will and Jada Smith, and the friendship that him and I share. He also had a surprise for us. 

My good friend Pete Williams joined me for a conversation on enlightenment. This brother is very insightful, as well as being enlighten on the subject of the true nature of self. It's only fitting that episode 22 would find us sharing dialog designed to help us build, and also discussing the power to achieve the impossible. Pete enlightened me on the meaning of the number 22. The number 22 is a number of precision and balance. In its full capacity, this number is the master builder, which means that it provides the power to achieve almost impossible things.

Research suggest that we can change our DNA through intentional thinking. Do we believe this is true? Why do we want to change who we are? Can we undo what God has done? 

Tanja George joined me in a very rare, intimate, and revealing conversation. She shares her insight on why it's so difficult for women to come forward against their sex offenders. It was poignant, as she opened her heart and revealed her wounds. She delivered a message to men and women who are victims of sexual assault, that continue to live in silence.

African American sports media opinionists, are on a mission to discredit Kyrie Irving. They don't agree with his radical idea for change. Why are Blacks always tearing down Blacks; for the Love of the White Man's paper?

The relationship between Africans and African Americans. The belief is that Africans make harsh judgements, concerning African Americans.

This episode features Ms. Keisha Dunston. Keisha is a free spirited woman that prosperity seems to follow. Her and I share our first encounter after connecting virtually during the quarantine. We talk about the power of the mind; mind manifestations. What triggered her awareness. Her views on traditional thinking, and I confess something that I was holding close to the vest. Her optimism is infectious. There's no coincidence that she's successful in her endeavors. You guys can find her on Facebook. Keisha Dunston. If you're interested in the services that she provides. 

Breaking the addiction. Why it's important to retain as much semen as we can. 

Question: "How about something about our Kings and Queens being murdered. Civil unrest rages in Minneapolis over racially charged killing by police.

Did Michael Jordan lie when he said that he had nothing to do with Isiah Thomas not being on the "Dream Team"?

In light of Notorious B.I.G's birthday and her Brooklyn roots. Special guest Angela Swan and I, discuss Hip-Hop. She gives her Mount Rushmore of Hip-Hop. (The culture's greatest influencers') She also gives her top five, dead or alive. (Emcees)

My biggest takeaway from "The Last Dance". The 10 part docuseries on the Chicago Bulls' last championship season. Michael Jordan is empty. 

Outside of ourselves, our Mothers are the closest thing we have to God! True unconditional Love! Happy Mother's day! 

We're taught to have doubts, fears, and limitations, when actually, the mind (you) knows no bounds!

Are we doing more harm then good?  What lies inside of Social Isolation is great hope.  No fear. Don't be afraid to let go of your strongholds. 

Writing a book. Things to avoid. How to get published. All based on my experience. 

Are we creating paradigms that resist who we are? Trying to live up to the expectations of a relationship... hurts the relationship.

Who you are... is beyond even your own imagination!

What is a Soulmate? Is there someone designed for you? Does finding a Soulmate complete us? 

If you're still single after a certain age. The general consensus among men and women is that there must be something wrong with you. On the contrary, there's something right about you. You're courageous!

During these uncertain times, and with the scare of the coronavirus, we all could use some comfort. This episode, The Aquarian shift, compares life now to what life will look like during the shift. The goal is to offer hope and optimism. To shed light on the possibility that this was all meant to be, and that we will survive. 

Clayton shines light on the idea that nothing should be considered abnormal. People are made to feel like something is wrong with them if they don't conform to traditional thinking, or traditional behavior. That couldn't be further from the truth. 

Introducing myself to the listeners. Explaining my reason for wanting to do this podcast!