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On this episode I sat down with Zaneta Blackmon a Food Scientist. She talks about how she got into the world of food science. We then proceeded to talk about any & everything. Hope you enjoy it!!

During this Special Holiday episode I was on New Orleans WBOK talking COVID-19, Vaccinations & being on the verge of New Orleans Renaissance as we close out 2021.   Intro/Outro Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/ Other music by provided by WBOK

On this episode I sat down with Kia Benion and we talk about holiday treats and her upcoming Warm Winter Simple Syrup (limited release) that drops Saturday November 27th    Thanksgiving episode Outline Welcome back Kia!! Who is Kia Benion? Episode 24: Helluva Pastry Engineer How was your Thanksgiving – Staying safe COVID-19 Mini-Series: Part 1 COVID-19 Mini-Series: Part 2 COVID-19 Mini-Series: Part 3 COVID-19 Mini-Series: Part 4 COVID-19 Mini-Series: Part 5 Holiday Recipe ideas (pastries & Cocktails) Thanksgiving Spice Forward Apple, cinnamon, fall fruit cobblers Warm and autumn Play into the spices Christmas Still Spice Cinnamon, cloves, mint (peppermint bark) https://www.ghirardelli.com/peppermint-bark-chocolate Southern comfort flavors Red velvet, pound cake, and southern bread pudding The Great Migration Honey Wine Red Fish Grill (get the White Chocolate Bread Pudding) Cocktail – Christmas Bourbon forward drinks Cloves all spice, star anise, red wine, nutmeg Warm tingly communal feeling Large Batch Champagne Punch Winter Sangria Eggnog New Simple Syrup – drops Saturday November 27, 2021 Warm Winter Simple Syrup (limited release) Honey, cinnamon, all spice & vanilla https://www.thepastryengineer.com/shop Shipping or local pickup (Atlanta/Chicago) Final Notes – Upcoming Activities from Kia Benion @thepastryengineer @kiabenion GT Alum Food & Beverage Feature – Coming in December Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

Pushing, Fighting & Expecting On this episode we checked back in with Tramaine Lewis of Charlee's Cure Foundation. She shares the numerous medical challenges her & Charlee have been facing since we last spoke. She also shares advise and words and encouragement for others.  Outline for this episode: Welcome Back to the podcast Tramaine!!                 Previous episodes with Tramaine: Episode 7 & 14                                 Episode 7 – Caring for the Caretaker                                 Episode 14: Check in with Charlee’s Angel Tramaine How is Charlee? What’s the latest with Tramaine? Latest on Charlee’s Cure Foundation. Outro – upcoming events that Charlee wants to plug Song referenced Surrounded - Upperroom Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charleescure/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charleescurefoundation Charlee’s Hashtag: #charleestrong   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episode I sat down with Kia Benion who uses her brand The Pastry Engineer to teach kids about STEM   Outline for Interview Intro Welcome to the podcast  Quick how we know each other – Spoiler: Kia is Ramblin’ Wreck from Georgia Tech and a hell of an Pastry Engineer Main Interview topics: How you started with the Pastry Engineer & Cocktail Engineer                 Referenced: Episode 13 – A Sweet Conversation with Kaitlin Guerin Tips for those looking to get into culinary and/or  STEM  Hygroscopic – tending to absorb moisture from the air How have you managed through out the pandemic – Personally & professionally Professionally: Pivoting to corporate team building Personally: Being realistic but still trying to maintain things that were important to Kia; staying connected to friends  Outro: www.thepastryengineer.com Follow Kia/ The Pastry Engineer on Instagram @kiabenion @thepastryengineer   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episode I sat down with my friend Reginald Darby to talk about his time on "The Hill", our days back at Howard as well as a host of other topics    Outline for interview Intro - Welcome to the podcast A little about Reggie  How we know each other   Main Interview More about Reggie's life & career - how Reggie navigated into and out of working on The Hill - tips for others who may be interested: challenges Reggie faced along the way & how he overcame them   Other topics discussed - What Reggie did during the lockdown Rosewood strategies – more info coming soon Jack’d – dating app Queer People of color   - Pride month and what it's like for him as a black gay man   Pop culture/currently in politics topics  - thoughts/ comments Britney spears conservatorship case    Outro How can people reach out & stay tuned @thereginalddarby – Instagram @PoliticoNoire - Twitter   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/ 

On this episode I sat down with Judge Shelyna Brownto talk about how she became a judge and a ton of other important topics   Outline for interview   Intro -Welcome to the podcast Intro Judge Brown - a little about yourself - how we know each other   Main interview A little about yourself  How you became a judge  Tips for others Dream bigger – listen to God’s calling for you Just because you don’t see it doesn’t mean you can’t be it – Don’t limit yourself by what is around you. Don’t be afraid to be different! Do what you have to do now so you can do what you want to do later Get ready for the things you want to do – learn what you will need   Hot topics  Thoughts on cases in recent history involving police shootings (especially of unarmed black persons)?; Does it hit a bit different being a part of the justice system and a black woman? What do you see as the role of judges and the justice system in tackling injustices like this What is role for judges to tackle unconscious bias (Shelyna's work in this area)     Other Topics Sheylna’s forthcoming book – Preside The idea of stewarding/presiding over your own life Matthew 25:14-30 (NIV Version) How people can reach you & stay tuned to keep and eye out for the book  https://www.shelynabrown.com/ Shelyna on LinkedIn

On this episode I sat down with my college friend Corey Daniels to talk how he got into the world of information security and a host of hot topics   Show notes Intro - Welcome to the Podcast How we know each other Main interview A bit about Corey’s Background how you got into information security Pathways program – interested in government Deloitte Being open What its like being and independent contractor Independent vs Government employees AITHERAS, LLC Tips for others US Small Business Administration – programs for minority owned businesses Other hot topics Quarantine chronicles how have you been managing during the pandemic The Daily Corey DC vibes: The energy changes of the various presidential administrations Bush to Biden Episode with Lee Koonce Thoughts on how Kamala is doing so far; Queen Elizabeth & The Royals - thought on the Harry Meghan interview; death of Prince Philip How privileged are you quiz Outro – Ways to follow Corey The Daily Corey - Instagram The Daily Corey - Facebook

On this episode I sat down the Rod Gilmore of ESPN. We chatted about how he got into the competitive world of sports broadcasting and how he is living his life with cancer (Multiple Myeloma). Outline of Interview: Intro – Welcome to the Podcast A brief about how we know each other Main Interview A bit about Rod’s personal & Professional Background How you got into Broadcasting The Play: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fZCCAqoSwY History of UC Berkeley & Stanford Rivalry Why Jason Witten Is Leaving the ‘Monday Night Football’ Booth and Returning to Dallas Tips for others interesting in broadcasting Embrace the Grind – know that it is not easy Look at colleges with strong journalism programs Opportunity to get that experience through school Search for internships Make yourself available when broadcasting is going on in your area Whatever the job is - do it great – people notice!! If possible get some practice and if you can get your own reel Be persistent – don’t get discouraged easily A bit about how Rod’s living with Cancer How can others help other struggling Fight Like Hell – Not Today Cancer!!! Creating a game plan to manage a tough blood cancer Immunotherapy to Treat Cancer YOUR ANNUAL PHYSICAL AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT No man's land: men, illness, and the NHS   Closing Any upcoming broadcasts/games you’ll be covering or social media folks can follow Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Rod Gilmore on Twitter

On this episode I sat down with Dr. Blair "Professor" Condoll of Dillard University & Oliver "OT" Thomas WBOK's The Good Morning Show to talk a ton of hot topics.   Intro Oliver Thomas on Facebook Blair “Professor” Condoll on LinkedIn Main interview - Hot topics Covid-19 & its vaccine; Link To COVID-19 Episodes Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4; Part 5 Trump 2nd impeachment - can the GOP do what is right for the county? Spoiler Alert - they didn’t State of Black America & especially the images of black woman leaders. Kamala Harris represents many things, especially Black Women’s work Stacey Abrams nominated for Nobel Peace Prize Roz Brewer – New CEO of Walgreens NOLA w/out traditional Mardi Gras Mardi Gras 2021 in New Orleans: Closed bars, no to-go drinks Krewe of House Floats Debunking COVID-19 Conspiracy theory Outro Oliver Thomas on Facebook Blair “Professor” Condoll on LinkedIn Tune in to WBOK 1230 Am 7am -10am CST to catch Prof & OT WBOK 1230 AM Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episode I sat down with Lee Koonce President & Artistic Director of Gateways Music Festival. We talk about his journey from permonance to art administration. We also talk about safe spaces for people of African descent in music and other places, as well as a host of other topics.     Outline for interview: Intro - Welcome to Podcast Background - How we know each other - Lee's professional background Lee's Background Main interview topics: - How you got into the world of the arts - Why not just do the performance side - Tips for others interested in this field - What is the Gateways Music Festival & why is it so important https://gatewaysmusicfestival.org/ - Other hot topics - Comments of why diversity, equity and inclusion are important in the fine arts Gateways Philosophical Statement Outro Lee to plug any upcoming events/ projects/website/social media https://gatewaysmusicfestival.org/ Donate to Gateways Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episode I sat down with Ariel Shelton Davis of the Kennedy Center. We talk about her journey from musician to art administration. We also had a open discussion of the state of diversity in mainstream orchestras today as well as some the work she and others are doing to change this landscape.   Interview Outline & Show notes    Intro - Welcome to Podcast Background  How we know each other & professional background Busboys and Poets Main Interview How Ariel got into the world of the arts cultural organizer & Social impact Washington Women in Jazz Festival National Arts Strategies Kennedy Center – Social Impact Lewis Prize for Music – 2021 awardees Tips for others interested in this field Art Administrators of Color Internship (Paid vs Unpaid) Reach out to ask for info sessions Outro Ariel to plug any upcoming events/ projects/website/social media https://www.aeryelle.com/ Ariel’s Instagram The String Queens Opening application for Lewis Prize for Music – stay tuned   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/  

On this episode I sat down with former corporate executive & my father, Troy Henry.  We talked about his ascent in "Corporate America" and ultimately becoming an entrepreneur.    Interview Outline: Intro - Welcome Mr. Troy Henry  - A little about Troy & how we know each other Main Interview Troy's educational & professional background; how did he get into corporate world How was it climbing the corporate ladder as an African American in the 80s & 90s What made Troy leave the corporate world and branch out on his own What challenges do you face as an entrepreneur/ business owner (especially as an African American) Tips for others starting out as an entrepreneur Make sure your skills are tight Have the financial backing to weather the early days of starting out (save up) You can’t microwave wine Have a plan (Business Plan) https://www.paloalto.com/business-plan-software Consider acquisition or mimic vs or start up https://dealstream.com/ Outro - any upcoming projects or things to promote for Troy http://www.henryconsulting.com/ https://wbok1230.com/   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/  

I sat down with Dr. Maurice Sholas  Maurice Sholas, MD, PhD, is a physician entrepreneur who provides care for children with physical disabilities and as an administrator uses his voice to elevate marginalized communities in healthcare. Intro – Welcome Dr Sholas Background on Dr.  Sholas How we know each other – we are just truly meeting 😊 Professional Background Main Interview Outline Overview of distrust in health care systems – where does that come from People of color & the COVID-19 & the COVID-19 Vaccine your thoughts Criticisms around the vaccine – why you decided to get it There are good reasons Black people don’t trust health institutions, but I still got the COVID-19 vaccine Other comments on COVID-19 Outro – Dr. Sholas Social Media & Upcoming articles etc. All social media platforms at @DocMoSho or at www.DocMoSho.com  

On this episode I sat down with Nicole Creppel, MS, MS4. We walked COVID-19, How vaccines work, increasing diversity in cliniscal trials, & Implicit Bias in the medical system.   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episdoe I sat down with Edward J. Trapido, ScD, FACE. Dr. Trapido is Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the Louisiana State University School of Public Health. We discussed what the research is telling us about COVID-19, thoughts on how the US & Louisiana are handling the virus & thought on the COVID-19 vaccines.     Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episode I talked with Leslie Saucier Arceneaux  Surveillance Epidemiologist for the Louisiana Department of Health. She talks a bit about her experience on the COVID-19 team.   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episode I sat down with Dr. Sabrina Bent Board-certified Anesthesiologist talking about COVID-19 & her experience in Northern New Jersey for a month in April at the beginning of the pandemic crisis   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

On this episode I sat down with friend & artist Owen H. Dunne we talked a number of topics  What is it like working in film/the arts & Tips for others; What is like  being black & queer in the black & queer communities (from his perspective) What’s the latest for Owen H. Dunne 12/5/2020 event –  Owen's instagram William Raspberry Article "Black by Definition" Song Inspiration for this episode title Inside by Tom Yanks & OHD   Music & more from Owen H. Dunne (OHD) Owen's instagram OHD on Spotify ‘ OhD on Apple Music Key & Peele sketch referenced   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com/

Special Crossover episode with Oliver OT Thomas & The Professor of New Orleans Radio station: WBOK 1230 AM. We talked this election, politics, and so much more!!!   Listen live to WBOK at https://wbok1230.com/