The Process Podcast

This week, we’re joined by Antionette Fowlkes, a Birmingham, Alabama native whose journey is all about embracing transition, trusting the process, and growing beyond your comfort zone. Antionette takes us through her path from Alabama to Alabama A&M for undergrad, then making a major leap to Iowa State for graduate school. We talk about what it really means to transition, not just to college, but across regions and cultures, and how those experiences shaped her move into the workforce after grad school. She also shares insight from her current role in the U.S. Navy Reserves, and how service, discipline, and adaptability have influenced her approach to learning, leadership, and growth. In this conversation, Antionette breaks down the power of learning by doing, why humility in the workplace is essential, and how to balance that humility with the confidence to add real value. She reflects on what it means to truly trust the process - showing up, taking risks, and pushing yourself beyond what feels comfortable.

This week, we sit down with Brittany Claybrooks—former East Orange Councilwoman, urban planner, and dedicated public service leader. With experience spanning local government, national advocacy, and political strategy, Brittany has built a career rooted in accountability, purpose, and community impact. Guided by her faith and shaped by her upbringing in Detroit, she shares how each step of her journey has taught her to trust the process and redefine what true public service looks like.

This week, Anna-Lisa Myers Riley, Esq., joins us to share her story of how growing up in Portmore, Jamaica and attending Wolmers Trust High School forged her pursuit of excellence, shaped her life goals, and framed her perceptive of strength and leadership. Anna also shares what it was like moving to the United States to attend Oklahoma City University on a track scholarship, her experiences applying to and graduating from the University of Florida College of Law, her motivation for joining the military, and much more.

Andrew Riley joins us this week on The Process Podcast to share his story of growing up in St. Andrew, Jamaica, how he was introduced to the sport of track, and why he chose to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a track scholarship. Andrew also shares his experiences moving from Jamaica to the United States, his transition to college track in the midwest, his experience being the first collegiate athlete to win national titles in both the 100m and 110mH at the same time, and what trust the process means to him.

Coach Chris Woods, the Head Track and Field Coach of Mississippi State University, joins us on this episode of The Process Podcast to share his story of growing up in Covington, Georgia, how he was introduced to the sport of track, and his experience running collegiate track for Mississippi State University. Coach Woods also shares what it was like to transition from student-athlete to coach, the advice he would give his younger self, and what trust the process means to him.

Dr. Jhaimy Fernandez joins us on this episode of The Process Podcast to share her story of growing up in East Los Angeles, California to Mexican immigrant parents. Dr. Fernandez shares her experiences of attending UCLA, how she found out she had testing anxiety and ADHD, what led her to become a physician, and her experience transitioning from southern California to Vermont for med school. Dr. Fernandez also highlights how it felt to transition from medical student to practicing physician, what advice she would give her younger self, and what trust the process means to her.

Janet Reyes joins us on this episode of The Process Podcast to share her story of growing up in Los Angeles, California, as the youngest of 9, and to Mexican immigrant parents. Janet shares her experiences growing up in a Jehovah witness household with parents who owned a restaurant, and what led her to dropout of school and run away to Mexico. Janet also shares what it was like to go back to college as a first generation student, how her son changed her life, and what advice she would give to her younger self.

Nate Evans, Jr. joins us on this episode on The Process Podcast to share his story of growing up in Pleasantville, New Jersey. Nate also shares how he became a mental health advocate, what led him to write his first book - Building Muscle, and his experiences attending five colleges and the lessons he has learned from each stop.

Stephen "Boss" Bostick joins us on this episode of The Process Podcast to share his story of growing up in Miami, Florida, his experience earning a football scholarship to attend Carson Newson University, and what led him to attend Fort Valley State University. Boss shares how at one point in his life he contemplated suicide, as a result, he found his passion and healing in bodybuilding. Boss also shares advice he would give to his younger self and what trust the process means to him.

Kendra Talley joins us on this episode of The Process Podcast to share her story of growing up in Greenville, South Carolina, her experiences attending Lander University, her transition from South Carolina to Florida to attend FAMU, and what inspired her to write a book titled You Can Do It Too. Kendra also shares what advice she would give to her younger self and what thrust the process means to her.

Virginia State University's 14th President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah joins us this week to share his story of growing up in Chicago, IL, his early childhood academic aspirations, why he chose to attend Howard University for undergrad and Northwestern University for his PhD. Dr. Abdullah also shares his experiences overcoming imposter syndrome, what trust the process means to him, and his transitions from student to professor/advisor and from professor/advisor to university administrator/president.

Darius Fulghum joins us to share his story of growing up in Killeen, TX, how he grew a love for boxing, and how he won the USA Olympic trails as an underdog. Darius also discusses the challenges he experienced pursing a career in boxing while also being in Nursing school, how he navigated becoming a RN, and what trust the process means to him.

Tiffany Greene joins us to share her story of growing up in Tampa, Florida, why she chose to attend Florida A&M University, and her journey from selling cars to ESPN. Tiffany also shares her experience of becoming the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on ESPN, what it means to be bold, why mentoring matters, and what trusting the process means to her.

Coach Corey Fuller joins us to share his story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL, why he chose to attend Florida State University, his transition from Florida State to the NFL, and his transition from the NFL to coaching. Coach Fuller also discusses the challenges of transitioning away from football, how he got into coaching, advice he would give his younger self, and what trust the process means to him.

Dr. Cesar Padilla joins us to share his story of growing up in the Bay Area of California in a culturally vibrant community, and having to navigate through gangs and violence. Dr. Padilla also discusses his academic journey from a 0.67 GPA to Med School, what inspired him to become a physician, why mentoring matters, and what trusting the process means to him.

Dr. Chantelle Green joins us this week to share her story of growing up in Miami, FL, her journey academically at the University of Florida, and how a high school injury led to a fulfilling career. Dr. Green also shares what she has learned through self discovery and healing, why mental health is important, what trusting the process means to her, and much more.

Originally from La Ceiba, Honduras, Yennifer Castillo shares her story of growing up in Opa Locka, FL, and why she chose to attend Spelman College. Yennifer also shares her inspiration for starting an annual college essentials basket giveaway, why she chose to transfer to FAMU and purse a career in education, what it means to trust the process, and much more.

Jajuan Harley joins us this week to share his story of growing up in Tallahassee, FL, why he choose to attend FSU, and his experiences of going from working at Wal-Mart to the NFL. Jajuan also shares what motivated him to start his business - Make. Adjustments. Delete. Excuses., what trust the process means to him, and much more!

Creator of She is Me mentoring, Tabitha D. James joins us to share her story of growing up in Lake View, SC. Tabitha also shares her story of growing u in a small town with a high school graduating class of 70 students, her experience transitioning into college at Costal Carolina, her experiences of getting into graduate school at FAU, and much more.

Author of the book, Winners Win, Taneka Rubin joins us to share her story of growing up in Sierra Vista, AZ while her father was in the military. Taneka also shares why she chose to attend Glendale Community College, what led her to FAMU, her experience playing basketball overseas, and much more.