Ep. 68 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 4
Release Date: 10/31/2023
Black Men Speak Podcast
Too many of us are grinding… but not building. On this Pinnacle of Color episode of Black Men Speak, we’re talking about the shift from hustle to legacy — what it really takes to move from short-term money to long-term wealth. We sit down with Joe Coleman and Vernon Garret, founders of in Richmond, Virginia — breaking down how a vision becomes a brand, and how a brand becomes something that lasts. If you’re tired of the grind and ready to build something meaningful… this episode is for you.
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In this episode of Black Men Speak, we explore the lived experiences of biracial Black men raised in environments where Black culture, community, and mentorship were limited—or completely absent. From identity confusion to delayed self-discovery, we unpack how isolation impacts confidence, masculinity, and belonging. is an Industrial-Organizational Psychologist based in West Seattle and founder of , an independent consulting practice that blends organizational development with diversity, equity, and inclusion to help organizations build more inclusive, effective, and resilient workplaces....
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In this episode, we sit down with Michael Thomas, the acclaimed novelist behind Man Gone Down and winner of the International Dublin Literary Award, to discuss his powerful memoir The Broken King. In a raw and deeply personal conversation, Thomas reflects on fatherhood without the polish often found in parenting narratives, confronting the trauma, racism, and family history that shaped his upbringing in 1970s Boston and resurfaced as he tried to become a different kind of father to his own sons. Drawing inspiration from a line in Little Gidding, The Broken King explores the lives of the men...
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With a recent tik-tok video about Black Men's appearance at a Ruth Chris Steakhouse going viral, it would be a perfect time to talk about Black Male etiquette. In a world where perception can open doors—or quietly close them—Black men often find themselves navigating an unspoken standard: be excellent, but also be exceptional. Be confident, but not intimidating. Be authentic, but not “too much.” So the question becomes: Are we required to be twice as polished just to receive half the opportunity? We will discuss this important topic with James B Wingo, author of “The Manners...
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In this episode of Black Men Speak, we sit with Ryan K Brown Jr., who confronted loss head-on—and discovered how unprepared our systems are to care for grieving families once the hospital lights dim. What began as a medical crisis exposed deeper emotional and systemic gaps, where strength was assumed, silence followed, and support was scarce. Through his grief, Ryan Brown Co-Founded , a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research, education, and compassionate support for families affected by pregnancy and infant loss. Ryan’s work is deeply shaped by personal experience. After...
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In this episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with Sylvester K. Johnson, Senior Capital Access Manager of , to unpack the real money moves Black entrepreneurs must master to build businesses that last. Sylvester brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on financial literacy — breaking down why so many entrepreneurs struggle not because they lack hustle, but because they lack financial systems, strategy, and clarity. From managing cash flow and understanding the true cost of running a business, to separating personal and business finances, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the...
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In this powerful episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with the author of Black Cherokee to unpack the rarely told story of Black and Indigenous identity in America. Through history, ancestral truth, and courageous storytelling, our guest explores what it means to exist at the intersection of Blackness and Cherokee heritage—while navigating belonging, erasure, and legacy. This conversation dives into hidden histories, the impact of enslavement within Native nations, and the emotional weight of claiming an identity that has often been questioned or denied. We also explore how generational...
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Bryce Savoy is an Oakland-born rapper, entrepreneur, and filmmaker whose work centers on authenticity, community, and resilience. As the founder of Neighborhood Diamonds, both a record label and lifestyle brand, Savoy is dedicated to discovering and elevating hidden talent—a philosophy inspired by his late father, affectionately known as Big Bryce. In a transformative ten-month period, Savoy experienced the profound loss of his father and the birth of his son, Zimri. This journey of grief and new life became the foundation for his deeply personal documentary "Big Bryce Son" and the...
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In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Arthur L. Burnett, one of America's leading urologists and author of "The Manhood Rx," pulls back the curtain on men's sexual health and reveals why erectile dysfunction is far more than an embarrassing bedroom problem—it's often the first warning sign of serious cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions. Dr. Burnett dismantles the stigma surrounding men's sexual health, explaining how lifestyle choices, psychological factors, and underlying medical issues converge to impact male sexual function. From the overreliance on...
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In April 2025, Kwame Terra became known as when he set an unofficial world record by walking 2 million steps in 30 days—averaging 66,667 steps daily, or about 35 miles per day. This challenge was designed to raise awareness about health disparities in Black communities and raise $2 million to support the development of and related programs. Founded in 2021, is a platform dedicated to promoting healthy aging among Black Americans by offering medical, lifestyle, and social solutions.
info_outlineIn this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.
Originally sent to San Quentin State Prison in 1981 for armed robbery, Jarvis was convicted of conspiracy to murder a prison guard in 1985 and sentenced to death in 1990. Because his case involved a correctional officer, he was placed in solitary confinement and endured there for twenty-one years, from 1985 to 2007. Jarvis exhausted his state appeals in 2019, and his case is currently headed to the federal courts. For more information on the growing campaign to exonerate him, go to www.freejarvis.org.