Dreams, Shadows, and Service: A Trailblazing Journey in Education (featuring Dr. Emma Violand Sanchez)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with Dr. Emma Violand-Sanchez, a fellow Mount Vernon High School alum, immigrant, and first-generation scholar. Her journey—from arriving in the U.S. as a teenager with limited English to becoming the first Latina to chair a Virginia school board and founding The Dream Project—is nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Violand-Sanchez’s story highlights resilience, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to immigrant and refugee communities. This conversation was so impactful that a follow-up episode may be on the horizon. Don’t miss it! Shout Outs...
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Higher Education Then and Now (featuring Dr. Nolan Cabrera)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I’m joined by Dr. Nolan Cabrera for a powerful conversation about the history of higher education and its impact on today’s academic landscape. We explore how colleges and universities were not originally built with people of color in mind, and what that means for equity, access, and hiring today. Dr. Cabrera also sheds light on the current climate of higher education, including how political policies shape diversity, inclusion, and the future of learning. This episode is a thought-provoking look at where we’ve been, where we are, and where...
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From Music to Finance: A Journey of Reinvention (featuring Dr. Linh Trinh An)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I’m joined by a fellow George Mason University alum to discuss her inspiring journey from Vietnam to the U.S., her academic path in music, and her unexpected career shift into finance. We explore themes of resilience, adaptability, and staying open to new opportunities—even when they lead in a completely different direction than planned. Shout Outs and Plugs Dr. Linh Trinh An's LinkedIn: GMU Dewberry School of Music Website: GMU Dewberry School of Music Facebook Page: GMU Dewberry School of Music Instagram: If you have a question for the podcast...
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From Vision to TEDx: A Journey of Resilience (featuring Chris Fitzpatrick)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this powerful episode of Positive Philter, I’m joined by my good friend and fellow TEDx speaker, Chris Fitzpatrick. Chris is a passionate public speaker, mentor, and proud alumnus of Montclair State. We dive deep into our paths to the TEDx stage—what inspired us, the challenges we faced, and the resilience it took to turn a long-held dream into reality. Fresh off his recent talk at TEDxMontclair, Chris shares insights into the preparation, pressure, and pride that come with achieving such a meaningful goal. If you've ever had a dream that took years to realize, this episode is for you....
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Reviving the Oldest (featuring Frank Bonner)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with my fraternity brother, Frank Bonner, for a candid discussion on the topic of reclamation within Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. We explore the reasons why some brothers struggle with sustained engagement and the barriers to bringing them back into active participation. While our conversation centers on Alpha, these issues are relevant to many service-based organizations working to re-engage and retain members. Through personal experiences and reflections, we examine how organizations can better support long-term involvement and active...
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The Ripple Effect of Kindness (featuring Randy McNeely)
Positive Philter Podcast
In a world where it's easy to feel disconnected, what if the simple act of kindness holds the key to building a more compassionate and empathetic society? In this episode, the Prince of Positivity, Philip Wilkerson, sits down with Randy McNeely, the self-proclaimed "Captain Kindman" and author of "The Kindness Givers' Formula 2.0." Join us for an uplifting conversation about the profound impact of intentional kindness. Philip and Randy explore why spreading kindness is more crucial than ever and how it can be a powerful tool to increase our ability to connect with and understand one another....
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An Academic Career with Political Science (featuring Dr. Jennifer Victor)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I’m joined by Professor Jennifer Victor from George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. We explore her path in political science and how the discipline helps foster understanding and informed dialogue. At a time when thoughtful conversations are more critical than ever, Professor Victor shares how data and research can bridge divides and support meaningful civic engagement. Shout Outs and Plugs Dr. Jennifer Victor LinkedIn: Schar School of Policy and Government Website: Schar School of Policy and Government Instagram: Schar...
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A Career in Law (featuring Ryan Norman)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this inspiring episode of Positive Philter, I’m joined by my fraternity brother, Ryan Norman, to discuss his impactful career in law and how it has shaped his leadership journey. As the President-Elect of the Federal Land Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, Ryan shares how his professional experiences have prepared him for leadership within the fraternity. We explore the powerful intersection between career and service, and how practicing servant leadership in one area of life can build the foundation for formal leadership in another. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation...
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Serving with Heart (featuring Rose Pascarell)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I’m joined by Rose Pascarell, Vice President for University Life at George Mason University. We discuss the essential role of student affairs in creating a holistic college experience, her career journey rooted in service, and the need for adaptability in the ever-changing world of higher education. A must-listen for anyone in or exploring a career in higher ed! Shout Outs and Plugs Rose's LinkedIn Profile: George Mason University Life Website: GMU University Life Instagram: If you have a question for the podcast call 571-336-6560 or leave a...
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Exploring Holistic Healing and Cultural Awareness in Healthcare (featuring Dr. Haley Parker)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, Philip reconnects with high school friend Dr. Haley Parker, the Director of Clinical Operations and Professor at Virginia University of Integrative Medicine. Haley shares her inspiring journey from studying Anthropology and Religious Studies to embracing Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture. Together, they explore the importance of a holistic approach to healing—one that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit—and how it complements Western healthcare practices. Haley also reflects on her commitment to cultural humility, discussing how her broader worldview...
info_outlineMy wife, Maggie Wilkerson, is amazing! No doubt about it! Well over the years she has taught me many lessons. This episode is dedicated to her!
- Talk things out. Silence never solves problems.
- Tip bartenders
- Hug and kiss when you leave the house and when you arrive home
- Eat more meals at the kitchen table more than not
- How to parallel park
- How to cook
- Don’t ask people how much money they make
- Don’t ask people how much things they buy cost
- Introduce/Announce yourself at the start of a phone call
- How to tell a good story. Don’t go straight to the punchline (delivery)
- Active listening. Save your follow-up questions in your head
- How to evaluate relationships and value friends who may not always be around but “are your people”
- The value of first impressions. Dress better
- That people need to earn your trust. It’s a privilege not a right
- How to plan a trip
- How to plan an event
- How to properly host friends over
- How to have fun on a budget
- Evaluate if you really need to buy someone. Eliminate impulse purchases
- The value of counseling and mental health
- Drinking water
- Recapping how your day was and sharing your highlights and lowlights
- Respect for yourself and being assertive
- How to dance to Latin music or at least fake it so you are having fun regardless
- XYZPDQ
- Always back snacks for the road
- Having a schedule doesn’t make you uptight. It makes your life easier
- Let past hurt go
- How to give positive feedback to kids
- Choose your words careful both in written and in speech
- How you buy the stuff you really need vs what you want
- How to cry in front of others
- How to be a responsible man
- How to be a good father
- How to hopefully be a good husband
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Positive Philter was selected by FeedSpot as Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts on the web.
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