What Do I Do Now?

Women's basketball has been leading sports headlines & shows across all brands ALL YEAR LONG. No doubt about it, the ladies are running things this year. We know all the names & on April 1st at 7 PM, we get the rematch that everyone has been waiting for. The #1 seed Iowa Hawkeyes meet the defending NCAA Women's Basketball Champions, LSU Tigers. Last year, after dancing AND rapping all through March Madness, then freshman Flau'Jae Johnson came by the Essence Festival & Culture press room. She killed the stage inside the Superdome & granted the media time before she continued to enjoy the festivities of being in her backyard. Thank you for granting this interview & I look forward to seeing her take the next step in both careers! She's on Instagram & most likely on an ESPN Top 10 highlight near you!

It's been a LONG time coming back to the passion project, but I made sure that I came back with a great guest. I was able to talk with actress/recording artist/host LeToya Luckett on TWO separate occasions. First, we were both in New Orleans for the 2023 Essence Music Festival & Culture, a place she calls a second home. And more recently, she was a guest of the nationally syndicated radio show, Ryan Cameron Uncensored, before she hosted this year's Urban One Honors red carpet. She's an incredible friend, an always present friend, and a really chill woman to talk with. Grateful that this episode has FINALLY come out cause it's been on ice since last year! If you want to follow LeToya, you can see her on Instagram. I can't wait to see what projects she will have coming up, including an album! I want to apologize again for the delay between episodes, but I assure you that I have some more incredible guests & some great follow up episodes to come. I'm going to finish season 3 strong and looking to build an incredible 4th season this summer!

The ability to speak with icons has been a privilege. And in this bonus episode, I had the distinct privilege to speak with civil rights icon & former Mayor of Atlanta, Ambassador Andrew Young. One area I've made intentional strides is to find an area of questioning that hasn't been asked. And I know the stories and the depictions in movies that his life has been shown all around the world. But, my question came from a place of where one building in Atlanta has both his and his brother's name. The answer he shares goes into detail of other civil rights icons who are no longer with us, but their humanity cannot be forgotten. Enjoy this bonus episode and coming up next Monday, more great dialogue with people whom you know or may not know with a story to tell. Keep listening to the What Do I Do Now? Podcast.

If you didn't hear the UNDERSTANDING episode, you won't get the full scope of what FAVOR comes from. So, I suggest you listen to last week's episode first. But, for those that have, I continue the conversation with my father that is centered around the life we have shared together. In the episode, we touch on: How his siblings shaped his parents opinions How he felt regarding early exposure to therapy for my brother & I Family love Raising your kids vs. raising your siblings Grieving the loss of parents Father/son vacation memories Blended families Bitter vs. Better To find more about my father's ministry, please check out the Facebook page here. We've got more great conversations coming up next Monday on "What Do I Do Now?"

There's been a conversation that I've personally wanted to have since last season, but time isn't always on my side. But, I have become very intentional about the guests I have on the platform as well as the topics that are discussed. In this episode, I spend the afternoon with my father, Jeffery Sirmons, in his birth home in South Georgia. And to be honest, I didn't think the episode was going to take me through so many ranges of emotions as not just an interviewer, but as a son. Family is very vital to me and my success thus far in life so being able to discuss it in very explicit detail, it added a new layer to this passion project called "What Do I Do Now?" So, to date, this will be my most personal episode yet. In detail, we discuss, in no specific order: The Stages Of Grief, Loss Of Loved Ones Family Discourse Religion Mental Health & Faith Law Enforcement Encounters Marijuana & The Church Cultures & Division Within Them What Church Looks Like In 2023 And this is only the first part of the conversation. The second half of this personal episode will be released on April 3rd, 2023.

This episode is one that was unplanned, but truthfully speaking, that's when my best episodes happen. I saw a tweet from someone incredibly dope and knew that it was an in for a conversation that needs a platform. Jordan Bundy is a black woman that cultivates from her farm in the countryside of Oklahoma. She's a maverick in this field for various reasons, but she has no problem addressing and finding solutions to making sure she isn't the only one in that space much longer. In this dialogue, we cover: Jordan's origin on a farm The health journey that led her to cannabis Understanding the stigma that comes with cannabis cultivating to change the narrative The history & relevancy of the Tulsa Race Massacre for her To follow and support Jordan on her journey, please make sure you visit Gold Linkz LLC on Instagram, her personal Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok!

In the midst of everything that is going on, you need to find something to uplift and better ourselves as people. And this podcast has been that for myself & the listening audience all over the world. And in the middle of another black life that has been lost due to racism, a mother has carried her son's legacy and memory into a foundation that will be fundraising for an incredible cause. On February 23, 2020, Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, was murdered during a racially motivated hate crime while jogging in Satilla Shores, a neighborhood near Brunswick, GA. Three men hunted him unjustly & as Arbery attempted to defend himself, Travis McMichael fatally shot him. The case would have been mishandled had the public interest not peaked and forced outside agencies to take over the case. On June 24, 2020, a grand jury indicted each of the three men on charges of malice murder, felony murder, and other crimes. On January 7, 2022, the McMichaels were sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole plus 20 years, while Bryan was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Now, after 3 years since the tragedy, his mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones is keeping Ahmaud's name alive with his the 1st Annual Run With Maud 5k Walk/Run. The Run with Maud 5K Run/Walk, an initiative to celebrate the life of Ahmaud Arbery and raise funds for the foundation established in his name, will take place on May 6 in Centennial Olympic Park. "Ahmaud ran to feel free,” said Cooper-Jones, who created the foundation. “It is the goal of the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation for all people to enjoy running for their mental and physical health. The Run with Maud 5K will raise awareness for that vision and funding to provide mental health resources for black boys."  This is the interview that is live on MajicATL.com as well as run during my show on Sunday afternoons, "Sunday Sirmons." Please visit AhmaudArberyFoundation.org to join the great cause. 

It's nearly been 2 months since the last episode, the long breaks usually come with a life change or a lack of motivation. I am very proud to say that it was not the latter. January & February were one of the most busy I've ever been professionally. Being able to speak at my alma mater was truly a pleasure, continuing to executive produce the #1 rated PM drive show, and fly my mom into the city was just the beginning of all the things I've been working towards.  On February 25th of this year, I launched my apparel line and brand "Faith & Fruit Snacks." And it's been by far been the most rewarding thing I've put nearly all of my free time into. In this episode, I cover:  Where the idea came from Issues that came along with it just being an idea Becoming an entrepreneur How I came to the launch date of Feb. 25th What's coming next within the brand including the next shirt dropping in March The brand can be found on Twitter & Instagram. To purchase product or find out more information about the brand, visit here. Stay tuned as "What Do I Do Now?" continues to turn corners in more ways than one. 

This episode is LONG overdue. The year that was 2022 was a whirlwind of events and career moments. And I know people have asked me about so many different events, I tried to put them all into one big episode to share the experiences with you. And of course, I've left room to follow up in specific detail at a later date. But this episode in particular I discuss the previous 12 months including several visits to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, visits to Indiana, & career achievements. It was incredible to look back, but we are making sure that all the momentum from that amazing year translates into a bigger 2023.

With the new year finally here, I couldn't miss the opportunity to FINALLY release this episode! I enjoyed some time off, but rest assure that 2023 is bringing BIGGER and BETTER from the "What Do I Do Now?" brand. This episode reaches into my early memories in Atlanta with one of the most dynamic black woman I have had the pleasure of working with. And for the record, this is a family conversation so we did use colorful language. And by colorful, we were cursing. We grown and pay taxes round here.  Dwanya A. Haley is an award winning/nationally recognized Chief Marketing & Communications Executive with over 20 years of experience in the field. In other words, a bosses boss. And on top of that, she's an accomplished public speaker, devoted wife, & mother to two beautiful children. In this discussion, we cover: Our origin story during the NCAA Final Four in Atlanta Managing relationships within her field Prioritizing her marriage/family life with a successful career Parenting and being a mother in the midst of a pandemic Life lessons that have come from family members Truly grateful to share the space and platform with a dynamic woman and she can be followed at @AskThePRGirl. Looking forward to another amazing conversation coming up on "What Do I Do Now?"

The podcast is growing and the interview originated from my radio background, but the conversation is more than podcast worthy. The Netflix original mini-series, "From Scratch" has already been very well received on the streaming platform, ranking in their Top 10 for weeks after it's released. And one of it's stars, Keith David, shares about why you should see the series and what love is for him personally.

For the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to have a conversation that truly will feel like a family reunion. As stated in prior episodes, I am a proud Ball State University graduate. And on the journey when I found radio, I was able to meet an incredible individual, man, & friend in "Jim Flamez" but is known professionally as Dr. Jarrod Nicholas Dortch.  Our conversation touches on so many various areas, but highlighted by: His experience at Ball State University Being a founder of the Ball State chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated His family & their importance in his own life The value of education being a black male teacher Marrying education with the arts Finding his newest venture, Solful Gardens You can support Solful Gardens here, follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. You can find Dr. Dortch on social media at @jarroddortch. Stay tuned in for another great episode of "What Do I Do Now?" coming up on Monday. 

Student loan forgiveness is a big deal to many people. But, not everyone has the same viewpoint of this program. As of Friday, November 11th, the program was halted again by a TX federal judge. There's plenty of headlines surrounding the program that was implemented by the Biden Administration. Last month, I had the chance to speak with the Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona and we spoke about the launch of the website where you can apply. Now, I have not yet held up my end of the deal at the end of the interview, but I'll be applying before the year is out. And for anyone else that is waiting to apply, don't wait too late. The program will only be available through October 2023. Keep tuning into my passion project, "What Do I Do Now?" every Monday.

She kicked off this season talking about her smash hit series, "Bel Air" that is available to stream on Peacock. Now, she's back with her music that has gotten a lot of attention. "What I Didn't Tell You" from Coco Jones is a 7 song EP that has already been atop of the Apple Music charts and buzzing on YouTube all month long. I had the honor of talking with her again the days leading up to the project being released on all platforms & got the chance to hear how the music sounded at a private listening session. She's truly a force and will definitely be recognized as a singer-actress contrary to being an actress-singer.  Keep listening to the podcast & share it with those that may not normally come across it. I'm back HEAVY on Mondays. Next week's episode is one you won't want to miss. 

When I take these long breaks between episodes, understand I'm always going to come back with something special. And I've got PLENTY of material coming the next few Mondays! So, on this Halloween, I am just getting back in Atlanta from my second trip to Indiana in two weeks. This visit was to speak at the 75th Anniversary Banquet for the Carver Community Center in Kokomo, Indiana. To have been asked to be a part of the celebration is something that I do not take lightly and I am still honored to have shared parts of my personal history with the city that I know as my hometown. This episode is centered around the speech that I was able to share as well as insights of what is to come for the rest of this year and the year to come. The giveback can't stop with me. I have to pour into the community I reside in as well as the one I am a product of. I look forward to more conversations and dialogue with Carver Center and other community leaders.

I honestly wanted to drop this yesterday, but in the beginning of the episode, you'll quick see why I had to sit and marinate on this episode in particular. The premise of mortality is something I have an interesting relationship with. And it's a topic I'm sure I will be circling back to in the near future with this podcast. The shooting and untimely death of recording artist PNB Rock is one that reminds me of so many other high profile shootings. Ones that shouldn't happen at all. But, I think that it's a conversation that one should have with themselves, whether privately in your thoughts or maybe openly like this. And I hope this one hits home. Rest in power to those we lost too soon. If you would like to continue this conversation with me, please don't hesitate to reach out via the Instagram (@wdidnpodcast) or e-mail (wididnpodcast@gmail.com).

It's the 3rd week in a row! I'm knocking out some heavy hitting interviews/conversations this season and this episode absolutely falls in line with the evolution that's occurring with the podcast. This one is centered around an actress that is truly on her way to the next level & her latest film that it's theaters right now.  There are summer films that will get your attention, then there are movies that are summer blockbusters. The latest Will Packer Productions & Universal Pictures film, “Beast” is centered on a single father bringing his two daughters to Africa to build their relationship after their mother has passed. Idris Elba is doing his best to connect with his daughters, played by Leah Jefferies and Iyana Halley, but on a tour of a restricted area encounters one of the most feared animals in the world, a lion. How far will a father go to protect the only people in the world worth dying over?  I was able to catch up with one of the stars of the film, Iyana Halley, as the movie has been out for 2 weeks & has received great reviews from audiences. And from her roles in TV and movies such as “This Is Us“, “Abbott Elementary“, & “True To The Game” just to name a few, she’s got her sights on continuing to be a force in Hollywood. In this in depth interview, we discuss: Her acting career working alongside veteran actors/actresses such as Sterling K. Brown & Vivica A. Fox Working to expand her brand outside of acting How she feels about manifesting in her own life What she brought into the role of Meredith for “Beast” & co-starring with Idris Elba Addressing the latest story about how Idris Elba’s daughter didn’t get the role she was casted for What she would tell herself now from where she is currently What project she would like to take on next You can follow her on social media: @theiyanahalley & @iyanahalley. I'll be taking Labor Day Monday off, but rest assure I'll be back the following Monday with another great episode of the WDIDN podcast. 

And, Mondays are the best days of the week again with another installment of the "What Do I Do Now?" podcast. This week's guest was through an "organic discovery" via Twitter, a phrase you'll hear in this episode. I mean, we even talked Beyonce's latest album, Renaissance. The guest I am speaking of is singer/songwriter/producer, Rob Milton. Not only has he achieved success internationally as a solo artist, but is in two groups as well. In this episode, we discuss:  Rob's start in music starting as an undergrad Writing music that ended up on TV such as Insecure Diddy's declaration that R&B is dead Career goals to accomplish What the industry allows to thrive Please make sure you follow Rob on all this social media accounts, @therobmilton, and his website. Make sure you come back next Monday for another episode of "What Do I Do Now?"

We are back for a third season. THREE?! Over 50 episodes in? I would be lying if I said I knew this was coming, but I am grateful to be laboring for another season full of amazing guests with interviews that I hope that people listen to and hear themselves in.  For this season's premiere episode, I went back to my vault to an interview I did in April 2022 with an incredible talent in singer, songwriter, & actress, Coco Jones. Newly signed to Def Jam Records, promoting her latest single, "Caliber", and Peacock's most successful original series, "Bel-Air", Jones has reminded that she's not new to this. If you want to find yourself on the platform, please reach out to me via my website or follow the podcast page on Instagram, @wdidnpodcast! I plan to release new episodes every 2 weeks, so stay tuned for the next episode coming on August 29th! 

We finally made it to the season finale of "What Do I Do Now," or did we? What has gone on? Why the slow down in production? This ain't another.....you know what, just listen and I hope to see you all later on this year. To follow the podcast, add @wdidnpodcast on Instagram & if you would like to be booked as a guest, e-mail your information to wdidnpodcast@gmail.com! I look forward to Season 3!