Rethinking College Admissions with Jennifer Ledwith

There was a moment of surprise and, yes, discomfort, when my guess Kendra attended a Black festival with her white fiancé. But why should love come with a label? My guest Kendra, an Afrocentric woman engaged to a white man, joined me, to break down the nuances and challenges of being pro-Black while in an interracial relationship. Together, we lift the veil on how love, race, and identity coexist, and how maintaining a commitment to one's racial identity isn't diminished in the face of love.

Kendra's Afrocentric journey doesn't stop with her engagement but continues to be a vital part of her identity. Her story unravels the tricky balance of advocating for blackness while loving someone outside her race. We addressed misconceptions and stereotypes around interracial dating and discussed the complexities of cultural understanding within the relationship. Especially interesting is our exploration of the unique burdens and racial experiences, especially as they relate to Black women, that often go unexpressed, or worse, misunderstood.

Experience, they say, is the best teacher. Drawing from our personal experiences, we offer an intimate view of the challenges of interracial couples, particularly those with Black children, in the backdrop of racial injustices. We questioned the too-often-made assumption of love being blind and discussed the painful reality of racial fetishization. It's a frank, candid, and necessary conversation for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of interracial relationships and the importance of supporting blackness within these contexts. What we've discovered is that love, indeed, knows no color.

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Imagine a world where all children, no matter their background, see themselves represented positively in the books they read. That's the world our guest, Dawn-Maria France , is working tirelessly to create. From the UK, Dawn-Maria uses her talent and platform to diversify the narrative of children's literature, ensuring that children from marginalized communities find their voices in the characters they encounter. She passionately shares her journey and underlines the significance of representation in shaping young minds.

Journalism, a tool that gives voice to the voiceless and holds power to account, is also a topic we delve into with Dawn-Maria. Her perspective as a Black journalist in the UK sheds light on the unique challenges and rewards that come with this noble profession. We traverse the landscape of free speech and its manifestation in social media, particularly in the wake of Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter. As we grapple with the balance between free speech and censorship, Dawn-Maria's insights lead us to understand how each of us can responsibly use these platforms to initiate positive change.

We also scrutinize the media's biased coverage of Meghan Markle and the racist backlash she faced from the public and her own family. This conversation unveils the hidden layers of racism prevalent in society and stresses the need for critical thinking in the information age. From analyzing the perception of racism in the US from an outside perspective to emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and care, my conversation with Dawn-Maria is an enlightening deep dive into poignant societal issues. 

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Have you ever wondered about the stories behind the most dedicated and resilient individuals in the medical profession? Meet Dr. Sylvia Morris, Dr. Angela Walker, and Dr. Diane Boykin, co-authors of "The Game Plan" and pioneers in their own right. Each with a unique tale of struggle, triumph, and an unwavering determination to succeed in the field of medicine, despite some of the odds stacked against them.

Witness through their eyes the challenges they faced in their journey. Not just their personal experiences, but they also shed light on their book, "The Game Plan," a roadmap to navigating medical school and beyond, with advice they wish they had when they were younger. Their stories are a testament to the power of belief, persistence, and mentorship.

Get the Book
THE GAME PLAN: A Woman’s Guide to Becoming a Doctor and Living a Life in Medicine - https://amzn.to/42Tmk2B

About Dr. Morris
Dr. Sylvia E. Morris, MD, MPH is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.  Dr. Morris’s goal is to utilize media to improve our nation’s public health by combining her training in Internal Medicine and Public Health.

Currently a Hospitalist, Dr. Morris serves on the Johns Hopkins University Berman Institute of Bioethics Advisory Board and Western Governors University College of Health Professions Nursing Advisory Council.

About Dr. Walker
Like many of my fellow Kaiser physicians, I knew I wanted to be a doctor at a very young age. I was five-years-old when I reasoned with my parents that I wanted to help people. There was no light-bulb moment, then or now, I simply love seeing people healthy, happy, and strong. As an OB/GYN, I am passionate about educating women and girls about their bodies. Also, there is nothing more joyful than helping to bring a new life into the world.

About Dr. Boykin
Dr Diane Boykin received her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College in 1990. Before going to medical school she enjoyed working at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston Massachusetts for several years in the tissue typing lab for organ transplant. In 1998, she received her medical degree from Georgetown University. Post graduate training completed in 2002 by finishing her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency from Johns Hopkins University. She currently works for Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group.

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Imagine entering a new phase of life, one marked by hormonal change, transition, and growth, yet feeling completely unprepared to navigate the journey. This was the reality for Dana Lawson, a certified health coach, who faced her menopausal transition head-on. Dana joined us to share her personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the often misunderstood subject of menopause and its effects on women's bodies, with special emphasis on women of color.

Navigating menopause need not feel like wading through a dense fog. With the right knowledge, support, and resources, it can be a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. For the men in our audience, this episode provides invaluable insights on how you can support your female family members through this significant life transition.

Diving deeper into the episode, Dana emphasizes the significance of holistic care, touching on essential aspects such as nutrition, stress management, exercise, and quality sleep. This episode is not just about managing menopause - it's about thriving through it. Listen in to access Dana's wealth of knowledge and resources, empowering yourself or the women in your life to navigate this major life stage with grace and confidence.

About Dana Lawson:
Dana Lawson is a Certified Health Coach and Menopause Expert. She spent 15 years in the health and wellness industry and understood the importance of maintaining optimal health. However, when she reached menopause at age 51, she was faced with crushing fatigue, debilitating hot flashes, lack of sleep, weight gain, and depression. She tried everything she knew and activities that had worked for her in the past. This time, however, nothing seemed to work. Dana used the feelings of confusion and frustration to inspire her to seek answers for herself. But she didn't stop there. Dana sought mentorship from a Menopause Expert and Certified Hormone Specialist in Canada. Dana's mission is to help all women especially women of color, to understand what's happening to their hormones during the menopause transition and why. She then teaches them how to get rid of symptoms and improve overall health with high-quality nutrition, prioritizing sleep, stress management, and intentional exercise. Dana also helps these women create mindset shifts in order to develop a positive relationship with their bodies so that they can confidently embrace midlife and be the happiest, healthiest version of themselves during the menopausal transition and beyond. 

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

When we sat down with Bobby Huntley, a Marine Corps veteran, author, and mentor to over 600 young boys, we were truly inspired. His Gentleman's Club program is a testament to the power of mentorship, and it's a journey he shared with us with great sincerity. We traversed his experiences in the school system, his own personal challenges, and, most importantly, the heartwarming transformations he has witnessed in the lives of young boys who needed guidance.

Tackling the elephant in the room, we laid bare the undeniable truth: our societal structure needs a major overhaul when raising children. We delved into some hard-hitting topics, such as the absence of positive male role models in many homes and the rippling effects of this absence, especially in single-parent households. Bobby's insights were eye-opening, to say the least, and truly underlined the importance of mentorship and apprenticeship in shaping boys into responsible adults.

But that's not all. We also looked critically at the school system, its impacts, and, more importantly, the solutions we need to implement. From the tone set by administrators to the relationship between teachers and students, Bobby's thoughts were enlightening. We also broached the damaging school-to-prison pipeline that has been a blight on the lives of young people of color.

About Bobby Huntley
A Veteran who served 13 1⁄2 years in the United States Marine Corps. Bobby is an Inspirational Speaker and Author of 5 books. Recently retired in October 2021 after 19 years as an Educator with the Virginia Beach City Public Schools in Virginia. Fourteen of the nineteen years, Bobby was the Director of an after-school Character Development Mentoring Program called the Gentlemen’s School for Boys. Receiving many awards and recognition; 3 times awarded Teacher Assistant of The Year, the “I Make A Difference Award” 5 times, and Commonwealth Of Virginia General Assembly House Joint Resolution No. 161. Bobby is the Pastor of Test of Faith Ministries in Virginia Beach, VA. (20 years).

You can find more about Bobby and buy his books at BRayeHuntleyEnterprises.com

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

What happens when a non-stop, hustle-filled lifestyle starts eating into your wellness, relationships, and peace of mind? Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation with our guest, Natalie Mullin, a wellness educator, and coach, who will take us through her journey of finding balance in her life, saving her marriage, and how that has inspired her to help others do the same.

We dive into the unique pressures faced by Black women and the ways societal expectations often lead to burnout and mental health struggles. Natalie emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for expression, prioritizing mental health and self-care, and having an accountability partner to ensure we don't overextend ourselves. She also sheds light on the concept of 'wellness days,' and how having them can prevent us from reaching the point of exhaustion.

We examine the role quality relationships and a supportive community play in our lives. We share insights on how to identify and let go of things or relationships that no longer serve us, and muster up the courage to prioritize our needs and desires. We delve into the concept of JASP—Joy, Alignment, Sustainability, and Purpose—a tool Natalie uses to guide her life decisions and find fulfillment. Join us for this heartfelt conversation that encourages collective well-being, open communication, and ultimately, a more balanced life.

About Natalie Mullin:
Natalie Mullin, a Certified Wellness Educator, Speaker, Facilitator, and Coach, empowers multifaceted women to transform their lives through workshops, presentations, and coaching. As the host of "From a Full Cup," a mental wellness podcast, she inspires women to dream big and take action. Drawing from her own challenges during a mental health breakdown, once she got to the other side, Natalie emerged as a thought leader in Disruptive Wellness. By prioritizing her well-being and crafting a strategic life wellness plan, she became living proof that one can align life with their values, goals, and vision. Her unique approach combining neuro-linguistic programming, holistic wellness, and life coaching empowers transformative experiences for clients. Natalie's expertise focuses on helping multifaceted women develop a new relationship with time so they can balance pursuing life goals, wearing multiple hats, and prioritizing their personal well-being by establishing a personal life wellness plan, leading to tangible results and lives of purpose and fulfillment. Natalie firmly believes that with focus, clarity, direction, accountability, and support all women can improve their wellbeing and their lives.

Where to find Natalie:
From a Full Cup Podcast: from-a-full-cup.captivate.fm
Instagram: Instagram.com/nataliemullin/
Website: Nataliemullin.com/
LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/natalie-mullin 

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

My guest, Chris Wilson, walks you down memory lane, sharing how his journey began and the transferable skills he harnessed to run a successful Pilates franchise. His story shines a light on the power of marketing, inclusivity, and creating a comfortable environment for customers. Don't miss out on an opportunity to be inspired and educated about the exciting world of franchising!

About Chris Wilson:
Chris has 20+ years of business experience in the Information Technology and Franchising industries. Chris started his franchising journey with a multi-unit franchisee of Club Pilates. Club Pilates is ranked #104 on the top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine. Chris’ studio has performed as a top ten studio in the country out of 600+ locations. Chris sold both studios in December 2021.

Chris is dedicated to giving back through community service. He is an active member of the Gamma Delta Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. When he is not helping clients, Chris is spending time with his wife, two children, and two dogs or out riding his motorcycle.

Chris' website and podcast:
LegacyFV.com | LegacyFV.com/Podcast

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Listen in as I share my personal experiences and engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad on the intricacies of Black intimacy and relationships. Together, we unravel the layers of emotional intelligence, cultural conditioning, and personal experiences that shape our interactions with our partners.

Have you ever wondered how your beliefs affect your relationships? Together with Dr. Jeannelle, we probe into the deeply ingrained teachings of Christianity within the black community and their impact on how we perceive and handle intimacy. We also delve into the historical echoes of slavery that still hinder our ability to foster healthy relationships today and explore how understanding our commitment levels can lead us to more fulfilling relationships. Finally, we dissect the pressing issue of mental health within our communities and its connection to our relationships.

About Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad:
Dr. Jeannelle Perkins-Muhammad is a Psychotherapist, Licensed Family Therapist, and SC State Supervisor with more than 20 years of experience in relationship and life coaching. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Capella University. Dr. Jeannelle is a board member of Charleston Hope; an organization that increases access to mental and behavioral health programs in Title I schools to enhance student well-being. As an adjunct professor at The Citadel in Charleston, SC, and Practicum Supervisor for Capella and Liberty Universities, she focuses on building a new generation of culturally competent clinical counselors. Dr. Jeannelle was a Foundation Fellow of Roper St. Francis Hospital. She has been an entrepreneur for the majority of her life and utilizes these skills to coach fellow entrepreneurs who aspire to develop and grow legacies.

You can find more information about her book INTO-ME-SEE  here: DrJeannelle.com/get-the-book/

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Ever been curious about the intricate relationship between perception, representation, and the Black experience? You're in for an enlightening ride with my guest Matthew Speamer, a curious mix of a stand-up comedian and dedicated teacher, who takes us through his personal journey. We delve into his evolution towards self-acceptance, and his incredible work in educating young Black and brown children. He gives us some profound insights into changing the negative perceptions associated with Black youth, emphasizing the importance of self-perception and representation.

Have you ever thought about the pervasive influence that media, particularly hip-hop and sports, has on your life? I probe deep into this complex terrain with Matthew, exploring the potential negative impacts of false narratives spread by celebrities and the power of social media in shaping our understanding of success. Reflecting on the past and present societal sensitivities and priorities, Matthew offers an engaging comparison. We also tackle some heavy issues, including generational trauma experienced by Black people, its impact on everyday life, and the powerful concept of Black joy as a form of resilience and resistance.

About Matthew Speamer:
Speamer became the CUE Community Fellow with Homewood Children’s Village in March 2022. He works with the nonprofit to provide educational services and learning support for youth and their families in Homewood. The first project he worked on was Learn and Earn, a summer youth employment initiative. Speamer coordinated with parents and organizations across Pittsburgh’s East End to ensure meaningful experiences for students. “The kids loved it, working a job and learning something they’re interested in,” Speamer said of the Learn and Earn program. “I think the parents would agree that it was a great experience.” Now he is initiating a pilot of the Village Learning Hub, which will provide an equitable support system for families who are homeschooling. Speamer says working with youth is what drives him in his work to improve urban education. “Kids have that light within them, and I think we should nurture and support that,” he says. “If we can do that the right way, generationally speaking, we can make the world a better place.” 

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Could the roadmap to your child's future career start with an enlightening summer camp or an eye-opening internship? Unravel this and more, as Jennifer Ledwith of Scholar Ready joins us to navigate the crucial terrain of preparing our young ones for a future packed with possibilities. Get on board as we chart a course through various career pathways, emphasizing the importance of planning and exploring the often underrated value of trade school and the military.

In an era where student loans can feel like an inevitable burden, we're here to tell you it doesn't have to be that way. Together with Jennifer, we tackle the thorny issue of financial planning and offering realistic strategies to prepare for the future. Be it college or the workforce, we strongly believe in having a plan. We pull back the curtains on student loan payments and underscore the importance of frank conversations about money. You'll be surprised how financial education programs and a little intentionality can set your child up for success.

And yes, we do talk about college admissions. We dissect the ingredients of a robust application and the role that HBCUs play in shaping success stories. But wait, there's more! We also dive into the power of scholarships, and mentoring and share some real-life success stories that could serve as a blueprint for your child's journey. Hop in for this ground-breaking discussion and get ready to rethink how you're preparing your child for their future.

About Jennifer Ledwith:
Scholar Ready’s Founder, Jennifer Ledwith, is a Houston native raised by a single mother with high debts and no child support. She was told several times that her mother made too much money for her to get any financial aid. Jennifer also didn't finish in the top 10% of her high school class, nor did she have the highest SAT scores out of her classmates. However, when she walked across the stage at graduation, she had received so many scholarships that the announcer was still reading them after she was done crossing the stage. Jennifer went on to graduate from college with $1,000 in student loans. (Hey...a girl needs plane tickets.) She understood from a young age that education and literacy were crucial to success. In 2004 she designed Scholar Ready to give students the help they need to succeed in school and achieve a better life.

About Scholar Ready:
https://www.youtube.com/scholaready
https://www.linkedin.com/company/scholar-ready/

For more tips, strategies, timelines, and resources for the college-bound journey, they may subscribe to the newsletter,  ScholarSpot

Here are the books that I mentioned during the podcast:

• The Black Family's Guide to College Admissions: A Conversation About Education, Parenting, and Race by Timothy L. Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown
  
  
• The Price You Pay for College: An Entirely New Road Map for the Biggest Financial Decision Your Family Will Ever Make by Ron Lieber

Show Credits:
Richard Dodds (Host/Producer): @Doddsism
Show Music: @IAmTheDjBlue
Podcast Website: StillTalkingBlack.com

Still Talking Black is a production of Crowned Culture Media LLC. All rights reserved.