Defying the Odds: Pastor Marron Thomas' Story of Triumph
Release Date: 02/14/2024
Bobby White on Purpose, Passion & the Power of Service
The Journey Memphis
In this inspiring episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Memphis native Bobby White—a sharp-witted, service-driven leader affectionately known around the city simply as Bobby. Raised in South Memphis by two educators, Bobby shares how growing up in a house built on structure, love, and high expectations gave him the foundation to lead with heart and humility. From Central High to Morehouse, from teacher to chief of staff, his path is proof that service is more than a role—it’s a calling.
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More Than Enough: Greg Duckett on Confidence, Community & Creating Your Own Path
The Journey Memphis
In this powerful episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Greg Duckett, Memphis native, attorney, healthcare executive, and civic leader—for a conversation full of grit, grace, and Black excellence. Raised in Westwood, educated at Oberlin, and now one of the city’s most respected leaders, Duckett opens up about his early years, pivotal career moments, and the quiet strength it takes to thrive when you’re often the only Black face in the room. 💬 "Don't let someone's negative perception of you become your reality." From being told to consider trade school in college to...
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Black by Choice: Mark Yates on Identity, Integrity & the Power of Knowing Who You Are
The Journey Memphis
On this powerful episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Mark Yates—entrepreneur, executive, Howard grad, and lifelong Memphian—for a deeply personal and unapologetically Black conversation. From growing up in South Memphis and Whitehaven to navigating corporate America and attending an HBCU, Mark reflects on the moments that shaped his identity—including the moment he made a conscious decision to be Black.
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Grandon Gray on Legacy, Leadership & Seizing Every Moment
The Journey Memphis
Grandon Gray, real estate developer, visionary, and proud son of West Memphis, sits down with host Larry Robinson on The Journey to talk about making the most of every opportunity before the lights go out. From growing up in the Arkansas Delta to becoming a respected leader in public-private partnerships, Grandon shares powerful stories of faith, family, and the fight for equity. He opens up about the pivotal moment he realized he was a Black man in America, how a childhood lesson in land ownership sparked his purpose, and why “making hay while it’s day” is more than a motto—it’s a...
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From North Memphis to Leadership: The Faith-Fueled Rise of Willie F. Brooks Jr.
The Journey Memphis
In this inspiring episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Willie F. Brooks Jr., a Memphis icon whose life is a masterclass in leadership, faith, and service. From growing up in a two-bedroom house with five siblings in New Chicago to becoming Shelby County Register of Deeds, a former county commissioner, and a corporate HR leader, Willie Brooks shares how faith, community, and hard work paved the way for his extraordinary journey.
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Crack Addiction to CEO: Norman Miller’s Journey of Redemption, Faith & Purpose
The Journey Memphis
Norman Miller went from being addicted to crack cocaine in the 1980s to becoming a successful business owner, nonprofit founder, husband, and community leader. In this raw and revealing episode of The Journey with host Larry Robinson, Norman shares how hitting rock bottom almost ended his life—but ultimately became the start of a powerful purpose. “You’re so busy trying to be somebody else—who’s going to be YOU?” From contemplating suicide to hearing God's voice, from the crack era to corporate success, Norman's story is one of resilience, restoration, and realizing that every...
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The Right Path: Wiley Brown on Faith, Focus & Finding Your Lane
The Journey Memphis
From St. Louis to Whitehaven to building a thriving creative business, Wiley Brown has walked a path paved with passion, perseverance, and purpose. In this episode of The Journey with host Larry Robinson, Wiley opens up about how Memphis molded him, how his faith keeps him grounded, and how being quiet helped him see things most people miss. As a father, husband, entrepreneur, and content creator, Wiley story is a masterclass in staying true to your vision—no matter how many detours show up along the way.
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No Excuses, Just Purpose: Henry Hooper’s Journey from Dixie Homes to Secret Service
The Journey Memphis
From growing up in South Memphis to standing shoulder-to-shoulder with U.S. Presidents, Henry Hooper II has a story of unshakable faith, fearless determination, and living life without excuses. In this episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with the legendary Secret Service agent, Olympian, Marine, and proud Kappa Alpha Psi brother to explore how discipline, faith, and integrity shaped his incredible life path.
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Dr. Dwayne Benjamin on Power, Purpose & Perseverance
The Journey Memphis
What does it mean to define "success on your own terms?" Dr. Dwayne Benjamin—Marine, executive, educator, and mentor—joins The Journey with host Larry Robinson to unpack how staying focused, rooted in faith, and owning your power can unlock the life you were destined for. In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Dr. Benjamin shares his early influences from Indianapolis, pivotal life moments from fourth grade to the Marine Corps, and the mindset that turned rejection into redirection. He reminds us success should never be defined by someone else.
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Dee Brown: From Clarksdale to CEO — A Visionary’s Journey of Faith, Focus, and Fearless Moves
The Journey Memphis
On this episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Dee Brown—entrepreneur, real estate mogul, PBS talk show host, and all-around visionary. From humble beginnings in Clarksdale, Mississippi to leading multi-million dollar public-private developments, Dee Brown shares how setbacks became setups for major comebacks. Dee opens up about academic struggles, discovering his drive in high school, turning real estate into a lifelong passion, and the power of mindset, commitment, and vision. He also gets real about what it means to walk tall as a Black man in business and in life.
info_outlineIn this compelling episode of "The Journey," host Larry Robinson converses with Pastor Marron Thomas, a beacon of hope and resilience from Memphis. Raised in Westwood and a BTW High School graduate, Thomas' story is one of overcoming adversity and finding purpose amidst challenges. He shares his upbringing in a single-parent household, where his mother played both parental roles. Despite the absence of his father, Thomas found guidance and strength from influential figures like his junior high coach. His journey from a troubled youth involved in drug-related activities to a transformative encounter with faith is a testament to the power of redemption and perseverance. His experience, marked by a felony charge that almost shattered his dreams, turned into a mission to inspire and lead the youth towards a brighter path.