You Can Call Me Mr. 100K
Positive Philter Podcast
I celebrate reaching 100,000 downloads of my Positive Filter podcast and reflect on a near-decade journey of consistency, growth, and meaningful conversations with over 150 guests. He breaks down the milestone's statistics, shares his top episodes, and explores what it takes to sustain a podcast in an industry where most shows don't make it past twenty episodes. Along the way, he challenges listeners to think about their own goals, the stories they want to preserve, and why the process of creating matters just as much as the results. Shout Out and Plugs First Positive Philter...
info_outline
Once a Patriot, Always a Patriot: Alumni Engagement, Service, and the Power of Staying Connected (featuring Chris Preston)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with my friend and fellow Patriot, Chris Preston, a dedicated George Mason University alumnus and former president of the GMU Alumni Association. Chris is someone I look up to in the Mason alumni community, and we discuss his journey as a Patriot and how staying connected to his alma mater has continued to enrich his life. We explore the power of alumni engagement, the value of volunteerism and service, and the many ways graduates can remain involved long after they leave campus. Chris also shares advice for recent graduates looking to build...
info_outline
Leading with Well-Being: Mentorship, Mental Health, and Lifelong Learning (featuring Lewis Forrest)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with my mentor, friend, and colleague, Lewis E. Forrest II, M.Ed., Assistant Vice President for University Life at George Mason University and co-chair of Mason Chooses Kindness. We discuss his career in higher education leadership, his approach to supporting student well-being, and his journey back to the classroom to pursue a postgraduate certificate in mental health counseling. Our conversation explores the importance of lifelong learning, mentorship, and prioritizing well-being in the spaces where we live, learn, and work. Lewis shares...
info_outline
Being a Poll Officer (featuring Philip Wilkerson Jr.)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this special bonus episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with my dad, Retired Colonel Philip Wilkerson Jr., to discuss his experience serving as a poll officer in the same community where I grew up. We explore the vital role poll officers play in the election process, why local elections often directly affect our daily lives, and practical ways everyday citizens can stay informed and engaged. Our conversation goes beyond politics and focuses on civic responsibility, public service, and the importance of participating in our communities. Whether you're a first-time voter, a longtime voter,...
info_outline
Leading Beyond the Scoreboard: Education, Athletics, and Purpose (featuring Marvin Lewis)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Marvin Lewis, George Mason University's Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Marvin shares his journey growing up in the DMV, his experience as a student-athlete and basketball player at Georgia Tech, and how a career in finance ultimately led him to leadership in collegiate athletics. We discuss the importance of education for student-athletes, building strong organizational cultures, developing future leaders, and balancing competitive excellence with student success. This conversation offers valuable lessons on leadership,...
info_outline
Patterns That Define Us (featuring Dr. Stephen Edwards)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards, author of The Venus Flytrap, spiritual counselor, and coach. We discuss how childhood experiences and unconscious patterns can shape our relationships, careers, and everyday decisions. Dr. Edwards shares insights on healing from shame, breaking unhealthy cycles, and developing greater self-awareness. This conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone seeking personal growth, stronger relationships, and a deeper understanding of the stories that influence their lives. Shout Out and Plugs Complimentary access to the...
info_outline
Emotions, Leadership, and the Weight of Positionality (featuring Patrick Harris II)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Patrick Harris II, educator, author, and doctoral student. We discuss the intersection of emotions, leadership, and identity, including how race, gender, and queerness can shape perceptions of leadership. Patrick also shares insights on authenticity, human-centered leadership, and the power of storytelling. Shout Out and Plugs Patrick Harris on Instagram The First Five: A Love Letter to Teachers Book: Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received...
info_outline
Blerd Talk: Black Superheroes, Representation, and Indie Comics (featuring Jaylen Christie)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Jaylen Christie, researcher, writer, and fellow Alpha Phi Alpha brother. We discuss Black representation in comics, his research on the impact of superheroes on young readers, his experiences at San Diego Comic-Con, and his upcoming novella Thermosphere. Shout Out and Plugs Jaylen Christie Instagram: Jaylen Christie LinkedIn: Jaylen Christie's Website: Dr. Sheena Howard (Eisner Award-winning scholar): World Space Week (October 4th–10th) : Community & Support Jeff’s Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund...
info_outline
Believe Big: Leadership, Culture, and Excellence (featuring Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, Head Coach of George Mason Women's Basketball. We discuss her leadership philosophy, the culture she has built within the program, and the power behind the team's mantra, #BelieveBig. Coach Blair-Lewis shares how belief, accountability, and relationships help shape successful student-athletes on and off the court. We also explore leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build excellence before the results show up. This conversation is part of the GMU Leaders Mini-Series and is a must-listen for anyone interested...
info_outline
Embracing Uncertainty: Social Anxiety, Weak Ties, and Building Your Network (featuring Scott Stirrett)
Positive Philter Podcast
In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Scott Stirrett, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Venture for Canada. We discuss overcoming social anxiety, the power of networking and weak ties, and why embracing uncertainty can be a valuable skill for personal and professional growth. Guest Information & Recording Location Shout Out and Plugs Scott Stirrett Instagram: Scott Stirrett LinkedIn URL: "The Uncertainty Advantage" by Scott Stirrett "The Strength of Weak Ties" by Mark Granovetter Braxton Cook Recording Credits Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A...
info_outlineIn this episode of Positive Philter, I’m joined by Max Castner, President of the Podcast Club at George Mason University, for a special joint episode that will also air on "State of Podcast", the show he hosts. As a co-faculty advisor for the club, it has been exciting to help support its growth during its first year, and this conversation reflects on that journey. We discuss student leadership, our shared passion for podcasting, and what we have learned about building community through this new organization. This is a fun and thoughtful conversation about leadership, creativity, and the power of student-led initiatives.
Shout Outs and Plugs
"State of Podcast" on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AyfKDabwWMZb5qnVs5qz8?si=23143331e88c44db
"State of Podcast" Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/thestateofpodcast/?hl=en
Max Castner on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/max.castner/?hl=en
Max Castner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maxwell-castner-256075320/
Podcast Club at George Mason LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/podcastclubgmu?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=abf900c1-ad4f-41ae-8d92-e589f9707058
If you have a question for the podcast call 571-336-6560 or leave a question via this Google Form.
Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change Affiliate Code:
https://www.intelligentchange.com/?rfsn=4621464.017186
Tappy Card “Electronic Business Card” Affiliate Code:
https://tappycard.com?ref:philip-wilkerson
Please leave a rating/review of the Podcast
https://lovethepodcast.com/positivephilter
Intro music provided by DJ BIGyoks. Check out his Instagram and Soundcloud channel can be found here:
https://www.instagram.com/beats.byyoks/
https://soundcloud.com/dj-bigyoks
Outro music provided by Ryan Rosemond. Check out his Soundcloud channel here: https://soundcloud.com/brothersrosemond/albums
Purchase "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: https://a.co/d/2qYMlqu
Leave Your Feedback by filling out this audience survey:
https://forms.gle/ncoNvWxMq2A6Zw2q8
Sign up for Positive Philter Weekly Newsletter:
Please follow Positive Philter:
Positive Philter Facebook Page
If you would like to support the podcast, please consider donating to the Positive Philter Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/positivephilter
Positive Philter was selected by FeedSpot as Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts on the web.
https://blog.feedspot.com/positive_thinking_podcasts/
Jeff’s Anti-Hunger Fund
The Positive Philter Podcast is dedicated to Jeff Kirsch. A long-time supporter of the show and a major influence on this show's growth. Please support the careers of future advocates by donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy. This fund was named after Jeff Kirsch for his decades of service in fighting hunger and inequality. Link to fund: https://frac.org/kirschfund
Pats for Patriots
If you are a member of the #MasonNation, please consider sending a Pats for Patriots. Pats for Patriots are a free and easy way to thank, recognize, show appreciation for a Mason colleague or student who has taken the time to do something kind, generous or thoughtful towards others. For more information, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/HRZGvhdJEA
We have received more than 3,000 nominations from the Mason community so far. Keep those nominations coming in!