Black Men Speak Podcast
Black Men Speak is a podcast designed to address the concerns of Black Men and provide a forum for them to learn, feel empowered, and be the men they are called to be.
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Ep. 76 Bikes Can Save The World And Our Families
03/18/2024
Ep. 76 Bikes Can Save The World And Our Families
We catch with Eric Seals and Donnie Seals as we discuss their documentary film . It's a film that follows a father and son, 35 and 70, as they cycle from St. Louis to Chicago. Film director Eric Seals ’father almost died after three open-heart surgeries. However, he makes a miraculous health recovery after discovering his love for cycling, bringing his son Eric along with him.
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Ep. 75 When Crack Was King! Book Discussion with Donovan X. Ramsey
03/05/2024
Ep. 75 When Crack Was King! Book Discussion with Donovan X. Ramsey
Today's episode is about with author Donovan X. Ramsey. It's a book about the crack epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s. It is arguably the least examined crisis in American history and how it impacted the lives of four individuals, Elgin Swift, son of a crack-addicted father who turned their home into a “crack house”; Lennie Woodley, a former crack addict, and a sex worker; Kurt Schmoke, former mayor of Baltimore and an early advocate of decriminalization; and lastly, Shawn McCray, community activist, basketball prodigy, and a founding member of the Zoo Crew, Newark's most legendary group of drug traffickers. Donovan X. Ramsey is a journalist, author, and an indispensable voice on issues of identity, justice, and patterns of power in America. Ramsey’s writing career has been focused entirely on amplifying the remarkable unheard stories of Black America. He believes in people-first narratives that center individuals and communities—not just issues.
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Ep. 74 The Talk(Graphically Speaking) w. Darrin Bell - Part 2
02/27/2024
Ep. 74 The Talk(Graphically Speaking) w. Darrin Bell - Part 2
We discuss Darrin Bell's Graphic Novel "The Talk" which is a a conversation Black parents in the United States feel compelled to have with their children and teenagers about the dangers they face due to racism or unjust treatment from authority figures, law enforcement or other parties, and how to de-escalate them. Darrin Bell who is black and Jewish, born in Los Angeles California, is a -winning American editorial cartoonist and comic strip creator known for the syndicated comic strips and . He is a syndicated editorial cartoonist with
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Ep. 73 The Talk(Graphically Speaking) w. Darrin Bell - Part 1
02/22/2024
Ep. 73 The Talk(Graphically Speaking) w. Darrin Bell - Part 1
We discuss Darrin Bell's Graphic Novel "The Talk" which is a a conversation Black parents in the United States feel compelled to have with their children and teenagers about the dangers they face due to racism or unjust treatment from authority figures, law enforcement or other parties, and how to de-escalate them. Darrin Bell who is black and Jewish, born in Los Angeles California, is a -winning American editorial cartoonist and comic strip creator known for the syndicated comic strips and . He is a syndicated editorial cartoonist with
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Ep. 72 The State of Relationships From A Black Male Perspective
02/15/2024
Ep. 72 The State of Relationships From A Black Male Perspective
In this episode, we will delve into relationships from the Black Male perspective with Keishorne Scott and Dr. Armon Perry. is a bestselling author, international speaker, relationship & heartbreak coach, TV and Media Personality, and the founder of Your Love Experience Intl, which seeks to cultivate the power of healing, relationships, and love through creative online content, podcasts, special events, and community. is Professor and Director of the BSW Program at the University of Louisville’s Kent School of Social Work. Dr. Perry teaches Introduction to Social Work and Social Work Practice with Families. Dr. Perry’s is the author of Black Love Matters - Authentic Men's Voices on Marriages and Authentic Relationships.
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Ep. 71 Our Hip-Hop Brothas are Dying! You Could Be Next.
01/26/2024
Ep. 71 Our Hip-Hop Brothas are Dying! You Could Be Next.
We will discuss the physical and mental health of black men, racism, how it impacts our health, and what we can do about it. with Dr. Derek Griffith. Dr. Griffith is the Founder and Director of the conducts research that helps men live healthier lives. While there is growing interest in how social and cultural factors shape men’s health, few researchers have comprehensively studied these influences.
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Ep. 70 This Is The Year We Give Our Brothas Their Flowers
01/14/2024
Ep. 70 This Is The Year We Give Our Brothas Their Flowers
Robert Washington-Vaughns started the in the summer of 2021 in Columbus, Ohio when he began delivering flowers to his guy friends in and around town as a token of his gratitude and appreciation towards them. Robert conceptualized the project during his time in an outpatient mental health program in Columbus, Ohio in 2018. He was inspired by the community, art, and nature therapy practice of wabi-sabi and wanted to adapt it to something portable and impactful. John Caleb Washington is the founder of , a floral design company that exists to design high-quality floral art that evokes a social and emotional connection to Black freedom, creativity, self-care, and growth. John’s floral design work has been in Munaluchi Bridal Magazine and he was included in “125 Florists To Be Celebrated in 2022” by Florists’ Review Magazine.
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Ep. 69 Brothas We Need To Get Moving Now. Our Life Depends On it.
12/19/2023
Ep. 69 Brothas We Need To Get Moving Now. Our Life Depends On it.
As we close out 2023 on Black Men Speak, my guest Collin Mays and I discuss his journey to care for his health and some of the things Black Men need to do in 2024. Collin serves as the President and Founder of LMS Solutions, a strategic planning consulting firm that assists local governments and nonprofits. Most recently Collin served as Director of the Department of Economic Inclusion for the City of Cincinnati. He also is Co-Chair of The Soul Of Philanthropy Michigan where he led a volunteer effort of 25 people and raised more than $400,000
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Ep. 68 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 4
10/31/2023
Ep. 68 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 4
In 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 .
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Ep. 67 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 3
10/24/2023
Ep. 67 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 3
In 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 .
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Ep. 66 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 2
10/17/2023
Ep. 66 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 2
In 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.
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Ep. 65 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 1
10/10/2023
Ep. 65 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 1
In 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.
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Ep. 64 Behind Every Good Comedian is a Touring Agent.
10/06/2023
Ep. 64 Behind Every Good Comedian is a Touring Agent.
In this episode, we will speak with Isaiah Jones, a Comedy Touring and Live Events Agent at United Talent Agency in New York. Initially from Dinwiddie, VA, we will talk about his passion for music and percussion and how that led him to serve as the Brand Manager and Speaking Agent for Marcus Johnson, an esteemed international jazz pianist, producer, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. Now growing as an Agent in Comedy Touring, Isaiah represents and books various talent for live events, including stand-up comedians, digital creators, podcasters, kids' character-based live stage shows, and more.
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Ep. 63 The Father and Son Path to Financial Literacy
09/03/2023
Ep. 63 The Father and Son Path to Financial Literacy
was started by the father and son team, Kevon and Kamari Chisolm in 2018. In 2020 started a nonprofit called Junior Wallstreeters, Inc., whose motto is: Empowering Youth with Financial Wellness. We will talk about BWCS's primary goals which are to decrease the wealth gap in African - American communities. They focus on two areas: 1) helping others build wealth through investment clubs; and 2) empowering youth with financial wellness, which includes our financial literacy/investing curriculum and materials.
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Ep. 62 In the Wake of Mourning
08/13/2023
Ep. 62 In the Wake of Mourning
In 2020 Tyrese Allyene-Davis celebrated his 21st birthday alone in his NYU dorm room in the middle of a pandemic. It was a mere few days after his school’s closure, and a few weeks before the wave for racial justice would surge following the murder of George Floyd. Seven months later, still confined by a wheelchair and isolated with only his thoughts, he watches the documentary film “I Am Not Your Negro” by Raoul Peck and breaks down in verbal tears. With no one to talk to, Tyrese pours his visceral feelings into a live Facebook post with only audio, leaving his followers to reflect upon his present state of being, and the images behind those thoughts. This experimental documentary short, In the Wake of Mourning by is the visual amplification of Tyrese's words, bringing the viewer into his world, his trauma, and the awakening of a personal call to power. Tyrese can be found on these social media platforms. Instagram accounts: Main Instagram- _thethinktank Poetry, Instagram page-pennedbypablo Book review Instagram page- _therollingreader
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Ep. 61 When Life Gives You Lemons Make The Best Dirty Lemonade
07/30/2023
Ep. 61 When Life Gives You Lemons Make The Best Dirty Lemonade
Omari Anderson is the founder and CEO of The Best Dirty Lemonade, a brand born from a deeply personal mission. As the only child of a mother battling Alzheimer's, Omari channeled his tenacity and love into creating a remedy to soothe her ailments. As her condition worsened, affecting her sleep, appetite, and mood, Omari was driven to help in the best way he knew how. Despite his academic roots in law and liberal arts, as a graduate of Morehouse College and Howard University School of Law, Omari found himself tapping into the culinary memories of his childhood. Recalling the refreshing beverages his mother used to make, he painstakingly crafted his unique lemonade recipe. Omari's commitment to making a difference extends beyond his business. He is an active member of the Minority Cannabis Business Association and a proud graduate of the 2022 Black CannaBusiness Northeastern Cohort. In his journey, Omari has demonstrated that with resilience, passion, and a strong sense of purpose, transformative solutions can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances.
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Ep. 60 Toddlers Can Read w Spencer Russell and Tik Tok
06/18/2023
Ep. 60 Toddlers Can Read w Spencer Russell and Tik Tok
Spencer Russell currently boasts over 550,000 followers on TikTok, two years ago, he was just a dad going through a career change and looking to give his son a head start. Now the owner of , Spencer teaches kids as early as 18 months a simple approach to reading. Deciding to teach his son how to read at such a young age stems from his experience feeling academically inadequate to his family members and peers in his youth. Russell knew from a young age that he was different from his siblings; school and education didn’t come as easy to him. In a family where everyone excelled — the Russell family tree is decorated with advanced degrees from Brown, Cornell, Princeton, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins — he learned early on that he would have to give extra effort in areas that seemed more natural to his four older siblings
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Ep. 59 Why Athletes Have A Choice! - Part 2
06/03/2023
Ep. 59 Why Athletes Have A Choice! - Part 2
In David Steele's new book - It Was Always a Choice Picking up the baton of athlete activism, he explores the complications and risks encountered by professional athletes regarding their personal involvement on social issues. In Part 2, we discuss activism after George Floyd, and the Mount Rushmore of Athlete Activist. David Steele has been a professional sports journalist for more than 35 years. He has written for the Sporting News, AOL, the Baltimore Sun, the San Francisco Chronicle and Newsday, and has contributed to ESPN’s The Undefeated, USA Today, and the NAACP’s The Crisis magazine.
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Ep. 58 Why Athletes Have A Choice! - Part 1
05/27/2023
Ep. 58 Why Athletes Have A Choice! - Part 1
In David Steele's new book - , he explores the complications and risks encountered by professional athletes regarding their personal involvement on social issues. David Steele has been a professional sports journalist for more than 35 years. He has written for the Sporting News, AOL, the Baltimore Sun, the San Francisco Chronicle and Newsday, and has contributed to ESPN’s The Undefeated, USA Today, and the NAACP’s The Crisis magazine.
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Ep. 57 The New Sneaker FCTRY Lab by Omar Bailey!
04/08/2023
Ep. 57 The New Sneaker FCTRY Lab by Omar Bailey!
is a footwear design & creation entrepreneur who built his reputation working with stars such as Jay-Z, Karim Benzema, Terry Crews, Quest Love & Allan Houston, and top-tier brands like Adidas, Supreme, Timberland, New Balance & K-Swiss. He along with his partner Abhishek Som started a sneaker production company. Dubbed “,” the Los Angeles-based footwear prototyping lab and venture studio aims to support both emerging and established designers. From 2019-2022 Omar was Head of the Innovation Lab at Yeezy-Adidas helping bridge the gap between cutting-edge conceptual designs and physically wearable footwear as Yeezy grew to more than a billion dollars in revenues. Omar studied Industrial Design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan & graduated from the College of Design, Architecture & Art at the University of Cincinnati.
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Ep. 56 The Pressures of Being a Black Athlete at a PWI(Special Episode)
03/04/2023
Ep. 56 The Pressures of Being a Black Athlete at a PWI(Special Episode)
In this special episode of Black Men Speak, Tierra Cunningham explores the meaningful topic of relationships from the point of view of a Georgetown student. Tierra interviews Chris Pitt, a junior track and field athlete as he discusses the rigors of being a college athlete while maintaining a sense of identity at the University.
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Ep. 55 Paul C Brunson Speaks on Love and Relationships
02/12/2023
Ep. 55 Paul C Brunson Speaks on Love and Relationships
In this year's Valentine's edition we speak with . Known as the ‘love doctor’ and ‘real-life Hitch’ because of his work as a matchmaker, television host, serial entrepreneur, and author. He was proudly chosen as the World’s Most Influential Matchmaker by the Matchmaking Institute. He co-host Married at First Sight UK and Celebs Go Dating on UK’s Channel 4.
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Ep. 54 Special Episode - Black Male Friendships at a PWI (Part 1)
02/06/2023
Ep. 54 Special Episode - Black Male Friendships at a PWI (Part 1)
In this special episode of Black Men Speak, Tierra Cunningham explores the meaningful topic of relationships from the point of view of a Georgetown student. I interviewed Kenan Blakey, a Junior studying French and Korean, about his journey of making friends at Georgetown and comparing the friendships he has made here with his friends at home. As a result, our interview touched on his journey of making friends, culture, values, faith, and Covid.
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Ep. 53 Why Morehouse College Loves The Metaverse
01/22/2023
Ep. 53 Why Morehouse College Loves The Metaverse
Dr. Ovell Hamilton currently serves as an Assistant Professor of History at his alma mater, Morehouse College. Dr. Hamilton became the first instructor to teach world history on a Virtual Reality platform at Morehouse College, also this feat makes him the first professor around the world to utilize a pure Virtual Reality Classroom specified for history. He will take it up a notch as part of the Spring semester 2023, Morehouse College will launch its first Black history course in the Metaverse. History of the African Diaspora Since 1800 will be led by Professor Ovell Hamilton, and it will recreate prominent moments in Black history from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement.
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Ep. 52 Why Every Brotha Needs A Neighborhood Barber
12/23/2022
Ep. 52 Why Every Brotha Needs A Neighborhood Barber
J. Dillard, weary from being bullied in grade school due to his mother and older sister's attempts at a proper haircut, Dillard taught himself the art of barbering at a very young age. In 1999, he simultaneously became a licensed barber and opened his first barbershop while attending Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. 22 years later, he is a trailblazing master barber whose celebrity client roster includes comedy sensation Kountry Wayne and more. In 2021, Dillard turned his love of barbering into the award-winning literacy series "," which hilariously illustrates how a young Black boy's life drastically changes after discovering he has a natural talent for barbering. In addition to a positive portrayal of a young Black boy, the semi-autobiographical book series teaches children about entrepreneurship.
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Ep. 51 Follow Your Dreams, No Matter When.
10/22/2022
Ep. 51 Follow Your Dreams, No Matter When.
Roy Shuler, a gifted, talented, and charismatic communicator, long enchanted with public speaking, storytelling, and the power of words, began his acting career in 2007 at age 42 with a nondescript role in a regional commercial. While working in corporate America, his faith and determination opened the doors to additional commercials, voice-over, community theatre, TV, and print model opportunities. We will discuss hanging onto your dreams and having the courage to go after them.
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Ep. 50 Hoboken's Other Street Life
09/25/2022
Ep. 50 Hoboken's Other Street Life
The nightlife in Hoboken, NJ is movin’ and groovin’. After all, as the birthplace of American breweries, is it any surprise that Hoboken is home to some fantastic bars, taverns, and clubs? In Hoboken, most people don't see the other street life that is just as alive, but Rev. Anthony Forbes does as Shelter Manager of the Hoboken Shelter.
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Ep. 49 If You Want To See A Black Man In A Different Way, Get Him To Smile.
09/05/2022
Ep. 49 If You Want To See A Black Man In A Different Way, Get Him To Smile.
Damon Mosley is an Ohio-based writer, producer, and creator of , an online photo campaign he started post-pandemic to highlight Black men actively participating in joy.
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Ep. 48 This New Orleans Chef Serves More Than Just Gumbo
08/20/2022
Ep. 48 This New Orleans Chef Serves More Than Just Gumbo
Chef Donald J. Smith was born and raised in New Orleans, the heart and soul of Creole and Cajun culture. It was there that he learned the ins and outs of authentic Creole Cuisine at the feet of his mother and uncle. Known in culinary circles as “Chef D,” the chef specializes in Creole, Cajun, and soul food. Chef D has owned several restaurants. His portfolio boasts preparing meals for various entities, including conventions, corporations, celebs like Barry Bonds, The O’ Jays, The Clark Sisters, and Miguel, and feeding the homeless and less fortunate. The New Orleans native is a natural-born, innovative chef. Chef Donald has traveled the world and interacted with other first-rate chefs worldwide; he has had the rare opportunity to share his expertise and passion for good food with other chefs from countries like Brazil, Italy, and Spain. To enhance and broaden his knowledge and skills of Creole Cuisine and add a little professional twist to things, he attended Louisiana Vo-Tech and Delgado Community College, where he earned many Culinary Arts certificates. Through his company, Chef D Services, not only does he mix his own spices, for his spice line Yes Chef Gourmet Spices and Foods, but he has also written cookbooks, Donald Lukie Smith New Orleans Underground Chef (2020) and most recently, The Underground Chefs, for which he was the visionary author. Chef Donald now has 20-plus years of experience in culinary cuisine preparation under his belt and has received many awards, including “Gumbo” competitions, and accolades. In 2018, he was voted one of Louisiana’s best chefs, and in 2020, he received the Culinary Excellence Award from the National Black Chef Association. Last summer, Chef D was also named Culinary Ambassador for Louisiana for the National Black Chef Association.
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Ep. 47 If You Are A Black Man Over 30, It's Time To Level Up.
08/13/2022
Ep. 47 If You Are A Black Man Over 30, It's Time To Level Up.
Jermaine Hall, CEO of LEVEL MAN is a publication that originally started branched out at Medium but is now a stand-alone website for Black and Brown men. LEVEL offers the best commentary on race, identity, and culture for men of color and tips on how to live your best life. Men can visit LEVEL for advice on parenting, sex, relationships, marriage, and more. With over twenty years of experience creating award-winning, digital content at the intersection of entertainment and popular culture, Jermaine is the perfect person to discuss the trends affecting our black men.
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