Two visionaries at the intersection of cryptocurrency and Black economic empowerment deliver an electrifying conversation about how Bitcoin is creating unprecedented financial opportunities for marginalized communities. Isaiah Jackson, author of "Bitcoin in Black America," shares his journey from skeptical teacher to cryptocurrency advocate, explaining why he believes Bitcoin represents true financial liberation for Black Americans historically excluded from traditional banking systems. The disc...
Jun 23, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 14
What happens when an entrepreneur's greatest innovation isn't a product, but his approach to fatherhood? Shawn Rhoder's remarkable journey weaves through military service, fashion retail, and revolutionary barber design before arriving at his most fulfilling venture yet—being a present father. Shawn's story begins with pure hustle. After military service, driven by a passion for sneaker culture and design, he meticulously crafted a business plan for a modern men's store. During the 2008 financia...
Jun 15, 2025•17 min•Season 6Ep. 13
Herbert L. Drayton III, a distinguished veteran of both the Marine Corps and Air Force, joins us to share his remarkable journey from a paperboy to the managing director of Highmark Capital. He discusses the critical lessons learned along the way, including the pivotal decision to leave corporate life for entrepreneurship and the importance of wealth creation in business ownership. Herbert offers a candid view on why treating a business as a side hustle might be less beneficial than many think, ...
Jun 09, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 12
The American-Canadian borderlands hold a special significance in Black history that few of us fully understand. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Dan J. Broyld, author of "Borderland Blacks," we explore how Rochester, NY and St. Catharines, Ontario became pivotal centers of Black freedom, entrepreneurship, and transnational identity during the final years of slavery. Dr. Broyld offers fascinating geographic insights into why Rochester—rather than closer border cities like Buffalo—became...
May 26, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Episode Description: In this episode of Entrepreneurial Appetite, we sit down with Le'Marqunita De'Sharay Lowe, the visionary founder and CEO of LDL Magazine. Le'Marqunita's journey began in high school with the publication of her first poetry book, igniting her passion for the publishing industry. She further honed her editorial skills as a columnist for her college newspaper, BG News. With a rich background that includes roles as a learning specialist and early intervention therapist, Le'Marqu...
May 12, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 10
What does it mean to reconnect with nature when you've always been connected? Dr. Carolyn Finney, author of "Black Faces, White Spaces," joins Alex Bailey of Black Outside Inc. for a transformative conversation about reclaiming Black presence in outdoor spaces. Dr. Finney shares her powerful personal journey growing up on a 12-acre estate where her parents worked as caretakers for nearly 50 years. When a conservation easement was placed on the property with no acknowledgment of her family's deca...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 6Ep. 9
What if you wanted to transition from academia to entrepreneurship? Dr. Natalie Mitchell reveals how she navigated her journey from a career in academia to launching her venture, N’sentials, while leveraging her academic background to inform her entrepreneurial pursuits. Her path challenges conventional career trajectories, demonstrating the power of understanding consumer behavior and applying academic theories to real-world scenarios. Through her story, we gain valuable insights into the inter...
Apr 14, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 8
What if the history of Black women's fitness could be a lens through which we understand broader societal dynamics? On this special episode of the African Americans in Sport podcast, we have the privilege of hosting Dr. Ava Purkiss, associate professor of history and author of "Fit Citizens: A History of Black Women's Exercise." Dr. Purkiss shares her personal journey, driven by the early loss of her mother, which led her into researching the critical intersections of race, health, and fitness. ...
Mar 31, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Discover the powerful stories and pivotal moments in Black women's history with our distinguished guests, Dr. Daina Ramey-Berry and Dr. Kali Nicole Ross. Together, we unveil the intricate journey behind their groundbreaking book, which seeks to redefine contemporary Black women's history. From the inspiration sparked by a Rutgers workshop to the inclusion of iconic figures like Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks, we highlight how the authors have woven a tapestry of narratives that celebrate both wel...
Mar 17, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Uncover the untold legacy of Marcus Garvey with our special guest, Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the iconic leader. Dr. Garvey sheds light on his father's extraordinary journey from Jamaica to becoming a beacon of Black empowerment across the globe. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, we explore how pivotal events and figures like the Berlin Conference and Booker T. Washington shaped Marcus Garvey's vision, and how this legacy continues to inspire global Black communities today. Dr. ...
Mar 03, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 5
What if a single event could redefine a movement? Join us as we explore the transformative 1972 National Black Political Convention with insights from esteemed educator and author, Leonard N. Moore. Discover how this pivotal moment aimed to bridge the divide between integrationist and separatist factions within Black politics, transitioning from protest to political action. We unravel the complexities of unifying diverse ideologies and learn valuable lessons for contemporary political engagement...
Feb 16, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Discover the complex world of Black political behavior with Dr. Chryl Laird, an associate professor at the University of Maryland College Park, as we uncover the intricate dynamics that shape political loyalties within Black communities. Dr. Laird takes us through her compelling research, including insights from her book "Steadfast Democrats." We explore the cultural factors and social pressures that influence voting behaviors and the strategic support for the Democratic Party, even amid socioec...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 3
Have you ever wondered what it takes to transition from a successful corporate career to owning a thriving business in the signage industry? Join us in this episode as we sit down with Darren Vanderhall, a dynamic entrepreneur and proud Aggie from North Carolina A&T, whose journey from Coca-Cola and Lowe’s Home Improvement to Sinorama franchise ownership is both inspiring and instructive. Discover how a fraternity retreat sparked a transformative shift in Darren's career path, leading him to...
Jan 27, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Discover the untold stories and revolutionary ideologies of two of the most iconic figures in the civil rights movement, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., with our esteemed guest, Dr. Peniel Joseph, author of "The Sword and the Shield." Dr. Joseph dismantles the oversimplified narratives that often define these leaders, presenting them instead as complementary forces driving the same revolutionary cause. Uncover how Malcolm X's role as Black America's prosecuting attorney and Martin's radica...
Jan 20, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 1
We celebrate our top five most downloaded episodes of 2024, reflecting on the remarkable insights shared by our guests. This retrospective highlights the journeys of Black entrepreneurs, impactful discussions on reparations, and essential financial strategies. • Revisiting Kelvin Mensah and Aaron Wilson's journey from barbers to luxury travel • Spotlight on Kaliyah Martin and her transformative approach in the publishing world • Insights from scholars on reparations and the racial wealth gap • D...
Dec 30, 2024•4 min•Season 5Ep. 54
Discover the remarkable journey of basketball trailblazer Fran Harris, as she shares her inspiring story from her Dallas roots to becoming a WNBA champion. Fran opens up about her experiences at the University of Texas and with the Houston Comets during the WNBA's inaugural season. She shines a light on the transformative power of media and social platforms in elevating women's basketball and creating vibrant opportunities for the league's expansion. Join us as we learn from Fran's journey and h...
Dec 16, 2024•25 min•Season 5Ep. 53
Discover how two remarkable veterans, Iron Mike Steadman and Lamar Sales, turned their military experiences into thriving entrepreneurial ventures. From Charleston to Newark, our guests recount their transformative journeys marked by resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to their communities. Listen as we explore Lamar's transition from an Eagle Scout to a United States Army officer and Mike's founding of Ironbound Boxing. Their stories offer a testament to the powerful influence of h...
Dec 09, 2024•54 min•Season 5Ep. 52
What happens when a reality TV star turns author and entrepreneur? Find out as Mike Johnson takes us through his compelling transformation from being on The Bachelorette to launching his influential projects, including his book "Making the Love You Want" and the groundbreaking MetaMan initiative. Mike opens up about the significant personal and professional growth he experienced, shedding light on the evolution from his earlier initiative, Feeling Seen, to MetaMan's focus on reimagining masculin...
Dec 02, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 51
Dr. Cameron McCoy steps into our space with a narrative that bridges the divide between the past and present, honoring the resilience and valor of African American Marines. His book, "Contested Valor: African American Marines in the Age of Power, Protest, and Tokenism," serves as a backdrop to a profound conversation about identity, mentorship, and the transformative power of education, coinciding with Black History Month. We're not just talking about history; we're living it, as Cameron takes u...
Nov 25, 2024•57 min•Season 5Ep. 50
Bill Huff, a United States Air Force veteran turned real estate entrepreneur, joins us to share his compelling story of resilience and reinvention. From choosing the Air Force over the Marines to navigating life overseas, Bill's experiences laid a strong foundation for his ventures in real estate and authorship. His military discipline and adaptability have been pivotal in his successful transition, offering valuable insights for veterans and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. Bill's story is a testa...
Nov 18, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 49
When Anthony Cosby, the innovative mind behind STZY Sock Apparel, stepped into our studio, he brought more than just socks; he brought a story of perseverance, community, and the power of supporting black businesses. His tale starts with a simple encounter on social media and unfolds into a narrative rich with ambition and the determination to "Keep Pushing Forward." The spirit of STZY Socks is about more than just comfort and style; it's about inspiring young athletes to dream big, just as Anth...
Nov 11, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 48
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For our guest Dmitri Julius, co-founder and president of House Dreamr Streetwear , his first step was cutting lawns as a youth, and his next was serving as a Sergeant in the Marines. A tale of transformation from military life to the world of social entrepreneurship, Dmitri's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, ambition, and continuous learning. He details how his time as a youth entrepreneur, then serving in the military, a...
Nov 04, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 47
What if you could transform your side hustles into a thriving luxury travel business? Join us as we sit down with Kelvin Mensah and Aaron Wilson, the visionary co-founders of Approved Jets and Approved Experiences. From their early days hustling as barbers and sneaker flippers to leading one of the fastest-growing private jet charter companies, Kelvin and Aaron share their incredible journey. Learn how their strategic thinking and industry know-how helped them navigate the challenges posed by th...
Oct 21, 2024•50 min•Season 5Ep. 46
Ever wondered how travel can shape your understanding of identity and culture? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Leroy Adams, the visionary founder of Culture Travels, as he shares his extraordinary journey. From his early adventures in Taiwan and Ethiopia to his transformative years in China, Leroy's story is not just about exploring new places but about rediscovering and connecting with Black culture worldwide. Discover the challenges he faced during the rebranding from the Buddy P...
Oct 14, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 45
How did two extraordinary Black women, Willa Brown and Janet Harmon Bragg, break through aviation’s racial and gender barriers in the early 20th century? Discover the inspiring story behind "American Wings: Chicago's Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky," as we sit down with authors Sherri L. Smith and Elizabeth Wein, who meticulously documented their revolutionary achievements. Guided by special guest host Dr. Theodore Johnson, we explore the motivations and the meticu...
Oct 07, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 44
What if you could broaden your definition of design to encompass everyday life and systemic change? Join us in this enlightening episode where we welcome Dr. Terresa Moses, editor of the groundbreaking anthology "Blackness State of Black Design," and Shawn Rhoder, founder of Nomad Inc., as they share their unique perspectives on the intersections of Black identity and design. Dr. Moses discusses the critical catalyst behind her anthology, driven by the profound impact of George Floyd's murder, w...
Sep 30, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 43
Support the From A&T to PhD Endowed Scholarship: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/6Xj-Yg?vid=16qnlf Ready to uncover the paths of Black leadership in corporate America? This episode promises a deep dive into Dr. Chuck Wallington's transformative journeys with special guest host Jewel Love. Join our guest host, Jewel Love, as he sits down with Dr. Chuck Wallington, the author of "A Seat at the C-Suite Table: Insights from Leadership Journeys of African Americans." This compelling conversa...
Sep 23, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 42
Ever wondered how it feels to walk the hallowed halls of Harvard only to drop out and then return to walk the stage at graduation? Meet Rahsaan King – a Harvard dropout, entrepreneur, and inspirational figure whose story is anything but ordinary. Our conversation unwraps his journey from an eager high-schooler with big dreams to a struggling Harvard student grappling with mental health, imposter syndrome, and a sense of alienation. Rahsaan's resilience and strength saw him through some of the da...
Sep 16, 2024•26 min•Season 5Ep. 41
Are you ready to be inspired by the profound journey of Ron Kelley, the founder and CEO of the National Mentoring Foundation ? Join us as Ron shares his incredible story from championing hip-hop in San Antonio to becoming a beacon of black intellectualism and entrepreneurship. His deep insights about the value of education for black males and the transformative power of tenure for black men will leave you moved and motivated. Ron's passion for mentoring is palpable throughout the discussion. He ...
Sep 09, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 40
Support the From A&T to PhD Endowed Scholarship: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/6Xj-Yg?vid=16qnlf What if you could transform your life by choosing the right college? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Monique Cannon Broadnecks, founder of I Embrace Education, and Aisha Roscoe, host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday and author of "HBCU Made." We kick things off with Monique's compelling story of guiding students from San Antonio to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HB...
Sep 02, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 39
