Episodes
Aug. 16, 2024
Gina Bracks: Serving Those in Need One Bag at a Time
Gina Bracks is the CEO of My Brother Keepers Outreach a nonprofit that providing free food bags, toiletry items, clothes, and resources to Extended Stay Hotels for the last 3 1/2 years in Gwinnett County each month. Gina is a US Army Veteran who has been married to Charles Bracks for over 40 years. They are blessed to have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. Mrs. Bracks is currently working at a nonprofit that assists homeless Veterans with housing and employment. Gina and her family are committed t...
Aug. 13, 2024
Reinventing Yourself: A Journey from Grief to Growth with Sherrie Barnes
We sit down with Sherrie Barnes, Park Ranger, Attorney, Author, Business Owner and Tennis Coach. Sherrie tells us how she stepped out to reinvent herself and the healing that she received through gardening while grieving. Tune in for this inspiring lesson on resilience and moving beyond boundaries. You can find her book, "My Conversations with the Devil at the Crossroads" on Amazon or emailing her at sherriejbarnes@gmail.com Follow Sherrie on IG and Tiktok @@rangersherriebee
Guest: Sherrie Barnes
July 26, 2024
Navigating the Narrative: Kamala Harris in 2024
Vice President, Kamala Harris' rise as the apparent democratic presidential contender is coming at the expense of President Biden stepping down from the race. Democrats are energized about her campaign. She has already shattered campaign fundraising records by raising over 100 million dollars in twenty-fours. Join us tomorrow, LIVE with fellow podcaster, Antonio Hicks, Host of The Politics, Tech and Gaming Podcast. We're discussing the campaign and the events that transpired over the past week.
July 19, 2024
Shattering Glass Ceilings at 30,000 Feet: Wanda Joell's Legacy
Senior Master Sergeant Wanda Joell enlisted in the United States Air Force in Nov. of 1982. She made history as the first African American Woman to be selected to serve aboard Air Force One. She served a total of four Presidents; President Bush 41, President Clinton, President Bush 43, and President Obama! Also Chosen as Superintendent of First Lady Operations to manage and supervise the Presidents First Lady Flights (Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Clinton, Mrs. Obama).
July 12, 2024
Beyond Western Models: Afrocentric Psychology and Healing
In this conversation we sit down with Dr. Kevin Washington, Ph.D. (Mwata Kairi Emeka Sankara). Dr. Sankara is an Afrikan-Centered psychologist licensed in Florida and Washington, DC. He has taught/lectured at several colleges nationally and internationally. He is a past president of the Association of Black Psychologists, former head of the sociology and psychology at Grambling State University, as well as the national program director of Black Marriage Day, president of Black Mental Health Matt...
June 28, 2024
Skills for Life: Discovering Free Resources at the Local Library with Brandon King
In this episode we are joined by Brandon King. Brandon is an instructor and facilitator for programming at the Gwinnett County Public Library's Learning Labs. He has been in this position for four years, primarily leading sessions on audio/video recording, basic sewing, photography, and a variety of other topics. As a GCPL employee, he is dedicated to helping patrons discover the resources available to them for free through the Library and spark their autonomy as they are developing new skills i...
Guest: Brandon King
June 21, 2024
Creative Solutions for Positive Change: How Arts Programs Shape the Future of Youth
In this episode we sit down with David N. Mitchell, President and CEO of The Unity Production Group, LLC. and Dir. of Drama Ministry for the AME Church. Mitchell is Chicago native and a graduate of Grambling State University. He holds a B.A. in Theatre and Business and is an award winning playwright, actor and director. Mitchell combined his love for theatre and ministry to found "The Tipping Point Project in Asheville, NC to meet the needs of their youth population. The program uses theatre ...
Guest: David N. Mitchell
June 14, 2024
Breaking Stereotypes: A Woman's Rise to District Attorney with Supportive Spouse by Her Side
In this episode, we sit down with the Gwinnett District Attorney, Patsy Austin-Gatson and her husband of twenty six years, Travis Gatson. The couple talks about Travis long career in law enforcement, being one of only three black officers in Gwinnett County in 1988, how they met and manage to balance family, work and faith. Join us for an inspiring conversation with a couple that helped to change the face of law enforcement in Gwinnett County.
Guest: TRAVIS GATSON
June 7, 2024
From Activism to Action: Laura Judge's School Board Campaign
We sit down with Cobb County School Board Candidate, Laura Judge. Laura Judge is a mom, a Navy veteran, and a passionate educational justice advocate. She is also a volunteer lead with Moms Demand Action and an active PTA member. She speaks during public comment at school board meetings regularly, holds educational events for students at a county level, and shares the importance of keeping kids safe around firearms. Laura is currently the President and Chief Operations Officer of Content Mons...
Guest: Laura Judge
May 24, 2024
Feeding Hope: The Impact of Nonprofits on the Unhoused Community
Nikki Reeves and Leroy Lamar cofounded Comprehensive Community Services. Nikki serves as both the Director of Operations and volunteer coordinator. She has extensive experience working with vulnerable populations, including volunteering with anti-trafficking organizations for two years before settling in at Serenity’s Steps, the predecessor to CCS. Leroy has significant experience in service provision and relationship building, particularly within the homelessness and nonprofit sector. He ...
Guests: Nikki Reeves , Leroy Lamar
May 18, 2024
Leading by Example: The Journey of a Master Life Coach and CEO, Forrest Tuff
Karen and Cat sit down with Forrest Tuff, Author, CEO, Film Producer, Master Coach and Speaker. Forrest is the CEO and founder of One Vision Productions, a media and branding agency voted Best of Georgia. Recognized among the Top 5 CEOs to Watch in 2024 and Georgia's Most Influential Leaders, he is a Master Life Coach and keynote speaker. Tuff has produced commercials, documentaries, films, podcasts, and TV shows. He was voted the Top Filmpreneur® of the Year by the International Association of ...
Guest: Forrest Tuff
May 3, 2024
The Road to Progress: Insights from State Representative Ruwa Romman on Key Issues
Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman was born in Jordan and is the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees. Ruwa is passionate about politics, civic engagement, interfaith dialogue, and community service. As an organizer, policy analyst, and management specialist, she works to empower communities and everyday people to become more civically engaged. She now serves as the State Representative for House District 97. Rep Romman also discusses her personal relationship with the Gaza conflict. S...
Guest: Ruwa Romman
April 26, 2024
Inspiring Teen Minds: The Importance of Financial Education
In this episode we sit down with Jennifer Jean-Francois,Board Member for Project WINN, and Chief Financial Officer, aka The Budget Maven, for WINN Network. The WINN’s brand focuses on mindset development and financial competency. The group offers workshops and educational tools to prepare students for real life scenarios. Project WINN is committed to enhancing personal development education for underserved communities, addressing the critical gaps in educational opportunities with a rich array o...
Guest: Jennifer Jean-Francois
April 12, 2024
A Warrior's Journey: From Homelessness to Presidential Recognition
In this episode, we talk with Curtis Butler, III, as he shares his journey of becoming an unhoused veteran into acts of compassion and service to receiving the prestigious Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, his story is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Curtis shares his early struggles with homelessness and the challenges he faced as a veteran reintegrating into civilian life. Despite these obstacles, he embarked on a journey of resilience and determination that would eventually lead him...
Guest: Curtis Butler III
April 5, 2024
Inside the Mind: Exploring Men's Mental Health Challenges
In this episode we are joined by Gamel DeWise and Paul Posey from the Helping Hands Travels, LLC to discuss mental health challenges for men. Gamel is the CEO/Founder of The Helping Hand Travels LLC and a certified behavior modification & anger management specialist who worked in the field of Social Service and Behavioral Health for over three decades. Paul Posey is an author, Inspirational Speaker and Mental Health Coach. To contact or purchase his books, go to www.neg2posbooks.com Helpin...
Guest: Gamel DeWese
March 30, 2024
Empowering Voices: Inside the Life of Emmy-Winning Journalist Michelle Benitez
Michelle Benitez is an Emmy-Award winning journalist. She is the evening and late news anchor on Univision 34 at Atlanta, Georgia. Michelle was a panelist in the Georgia Gubernatorial Debate 2022 and interviews high ranking official from the White House and local agencies. Prior to that Michelle anchored Noticias WINK and Univision WSFL in Fort Myers, Florida for two years. She interviewed elected officials, celebrities and musicians. Covered high profile crime cases, fires, hurricane damages an...
Guest: Michelle Benitez
March 22, 2024
Trailblazing Through History: The First Black County Commissioner in Gwinnett County
Marlene Fosque became the first black county commissioner in Gwinnett County in 2018. She joins us to talk about her historic win, her imprint on the region, and bridging communities through economic development and connectivity.
Guest: Marlene Fosque
March 8, 2024
Disrupting the Status Quo: Truth Bomb Academy™ and Female Entrepreneurship
Chef Katrina is a sought-after speaker, author, and female business mentor. In 2021 she co-founded the first-ever female business education platform, Truth Bomb Academy™. Providing the back to basic female business training which completely disrupts the ‘male’ modeling of business that women have been experiencing their entire lives. Her mission is to create more female millionaires. Contact information: Email: Katrina@truthbombmarketing.com Website: https://truthbombmarketing.com Po...
Guest: Chef Katrina
March 1, 2024
From Heart to Page: The Journeys of Black Children's Book Authors
Black Children’s Book Week (2/25/24 - 3/2/24) celebrates Black children and Black-authored books for them. We sat down with four authors. Soleil Cross, known as Dr. Soleil is an eight-year-old author with a passion for STEM, and telling stories.“Pluto- Special, Just the Same Dwarf Planet” is her first book. Find it at https://www.solrizingstemadv.com/ or amazon Susan H. Hines, author of “Buckley is a Busy Boy” and “Buckley’s Family Fishing Trip”. Follow the adventures of this loveable pooc...
Feb. 24, 2024
Check-in with Georgia Legislators
We talk with Georgia State legislators, Sen Tonya Anderson (Senate District 43), Representatives Doreen Carter (House Dist 93) and Segun Adeyina ( House Dist 110) about the current legislative session.
Guests: Doreen Carter , Tonya Anderson
Feb. 16, 2024
Trailblazing Journey: The Inspiring Story of Beauty P Baldwin
Mrs. Baldwin began her career in Ellaville, Georgia, as a teacher at a segregated high school. She went on to Columbus ,Ga and taught for ten years at Hardaway High School. Baldwin then moved to Gwinnett County to teach at Central Gwinnett High School, becoming the sole black teacher, and eventually the school's principal. From there, Baldwin was recruited to Buford City Schools as a principal. After four years in Buford, the board hired her to became the school superintendent. They did not r...
Guest: Beauty P Baldwin
Feb. 9, 2024
Creating Opportunities, Empowering Entrepreneurs: A Chat with Robin Edwards
Robin Edwards is the Sr. Program Manager with the National Black MBA Association. In her role, is responsible for developing and implementing programs to help entrepreneurs elevate their businesses to the next level. She joins us to talk about the NBMBA's Collegiate Innovation Challenge. It is a 5-week virtual program for college students with entrepreneurial visions. The challenge equips students to take their plans and turn them into reality by connecting the students with innovative tools ...
Guest: Robin Edwards
Feb. 3, 2024
The State of Black Georgia
Join us for a conversation with John Moye, Urban League Senior Director for Policy, Legislative Affairs and Civic Engagement on the State of Black Georgia. We discuss the 2024 legislative priorities for the urban league and their 2022 Publication, "The State of Black Georgia", which provides policy recommendations in the critical areas of education, justice reform, civic engagement, health care and economics. A copy of the report can be found at ulgatl.org.
Guest: John Moye
Jan. 26, 2024
From Stigma to Support: Teenagers Leading the Way in Mental Health Advocacy
Ta’Lia and Tanya are the Co-presidents and founder of Mind Over Matter. Mind Over Matter was formed in February of 2023 to spread awareness of mental health among teenagers. The students discuss how they are helping to break down the stigma of mental health and the self-care practices they are sharing with their peers. If you have any young people in your life, please share this episode with them. If you would like to donate or learn more about Mind Over Matter, please follow them on IG @sghs...