Black Men Speak Podcast

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Arthur L. Burnett, one of America's leading urologists and author of "The Manhood Rx," pulls back the curtain on men's sexual health and reveals why erectile dysfunction is far more than an embarrassing bedroom problem—it's often the first warning sign of serious cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other life-threatening conditions. Dr. Burnett dismantles the stigma surrounding men's sexual health, explaining how lifestyle choices, psychological factors, and underlying medical issues converge to impact male sexual function. From the overreliance on quick-fix pills to the critical connection between heart health and sexual performance, this conversation challenges men to view their sexual health as a vital component of overall wellness. Whether you're experiencing issues now or want to protect your health for decades to come, Dr. Burnett provides the science-backed roadmap every man needs—but few are willing to talk about.

In April 2025, Kwame Terra became known as "The Big Stepper" when he set an unofficial world record by walking 2 million steps in 30 days—averaging 66,667 steps daily, or about 35 miles per day. This challenge was designed to raise awareness about health disparities in Black communities and raise $2 million to support the development of the bEHR Health app and related programs. Founded in 2021, bEHR Health Systems is a platform dedicated to promoting healthy aging among Black Americans by offering medical, lifestyle, and social solutions.

Legendary author Walter Mosley joins the podcast to discuss his latest Easy Rawlins mystery "Gray Dawn," the 17th installment in a series that has captivated readers for over three decades. We explore how Easy has evolved from post-war Los Angeles to present day, the moral complexities of his characters, and Mosley's unwavering commitment to telling stories that reflect the full humanity of Black men. From winning the National Book Award's Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters to creating unforgettable detectives who navigate unjust systems, Mosley shares insights on his craft, his legacy, and what stories still need to be told.

In the episode, we discuss Black Male Trauma and how it can be reduced holistically with my guest Ron Martin. Ron Martin is the Founder and CEO of Cope and Chill. He is an Anxiety Relief and Mind-Body Balance Coach who helps high-functioning, healing people break free from anxious overthinking and finally feel safe in their own skin. Through his Inner Calm Mastery program, he guides them to calm their nervous system and rebuild inner safety through body-first practices—so they can show up in relationships with openness, confidence, and genuine connection.

For the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we only focused on the broken levees and the broken lives as a result. What about the triumphs? In this episode, we will a new generation of dreamers, doers, and builders who refused to be defined by tragedy. Born and raised in New Orleans' Ninth Ward, Spencer Davis is a proud native New Orleanian and graduate of the University of New Orleans, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Over the past two decades, he has led large-scale federal and infrastructure programs across the U.S., managing billions in capital projects and serving as a trusted program executive for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and NASA. Today, Spencer is the Co-Founder of Bypasslines, an innovative online ordering platform helping food vendors and restaurants modernize their operations, and the CEO of Premium Asset Solutions, an AI agent builder empowering businesses to automate and scale through intelligent systems. His work bridges engineering, technology, and entrepreneurship—driven by a lifelong commitment to solving real-world problems and creating opportunities for others in his community.

Aaron Robertson who is a writer and translator from Italian. His nonfiction debut, The Black Utopians: Searching for Paradise and the Promised Land in America (FSG, 2024), was a finalist for the 2024 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for History and the 2025 Zora Award for Nonfiction. It was also named a best book of the year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The New Yorker, TIME, and elsewhere. His translation of Beyond Babylon by Igiaba Scego was shortlisted for the 2020 PEN Translation Prize and the National Translation Award. A recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, he has written for The New York Times, Foreign Policy, The Nation, and other publications.

In our first Pinnacle of Color Series, I will be speaking with Al-Shakise Anderson, CEO of BWS Massage Concierge and Financial Services Leader. Too often, the story of Black male success has been limited, overlooked, or defined by others. In this episode of Black Men Speak, we tackle what it really means to break generational barriers — and how Black men are rewriting the playbook on wealth, leadership, and legacy. In our conversation, Al and I dive into the patterns we've had to unlearn, the challenges of being "the first" or "the only," and the role entrepreneurship plays in shifting cycles from struggle to sustainability. We'll explore how harmful narratives are dismantled, and how new stories of success are built on resilience, vision, and community.  Al-Shakise Anderson is a dynamic entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and financial services professional dedicated to helping people achieve success through holistic well-being and smart financial strategies. As the CEO and founder of BWS Massage Concierge, Kise specializes in bringing mobile wellness solutions—massage, stretch therapy, and adaptive wellness—to corporations, in-home clients, and adults with disabilities across New Jersey. In addition to his wellness business, Kise is a leader in the financial services industry, mentoring agents and helping families build generational wealth through life insurance and financial literacy. His personal journey from humble beginnings to business ownership fuels his passion for leadership, community impact, and empowering others to reach their full potential. This episode is about more than business — it's about reclaiming identity, redefining what winning looks like, and ensuring the next generation starts further down the field than we did.

In this episode, we will talk with Dr. Okey Enyia, a health policy executive, government relations leader, and scholar-activist whose work sits at the intersection of public health, advocacy, and equity. He is the author of his second forthcoming book The John Henry Health Equity Playbook: A Four-Year Policy Agenda for Black Men, which lays out a bold roadmap to improve health outcomes, strengthen families, and transform systems of care.

In this episode, we speak with Kamal Ben Ali—author, legacy entrepreneur, and founder of the ASCEND movement. Kamal is the son of the founders of Ben's Chili Bowl, the legendary D.C. landmark that's nourished bodies and built community for more than six decades. After four decades of leadership in the family business, Kamal has written a transformational guide for a new kind of nourishment—ASCEND: The Black Man's Guide to Elevation, Success, and Purpose. launching July 25, 2025. This book dives deep into the challenges, breakthroughs, and mindsets that shape our journey. From overcoming generational pain to stepping into leadership and self-worth, this space is about rising above limitations and living fully in your purpose. This is more than conversation—it's elevation.

In this episode, we talk with Terrell Spurlock Sr. and Terrell Spurlock Jr. of Spurlock and Son Inc. Founded in 1998, Spurlock & Son Inc. is a leading electrical contracting firm in Chicago, IL. We will discuss the firm's commitment to service, community, and inspiring future generations.

In this episode, we will discuss the low rate of employment in Black America, especially Black Men. One of the three major labor market challenges facing this population and on using subsidized employment as a tool to address this problem. Austin Algernon has conducted research and writing on issues of race and racial inequality for over 20 years. Austin has a PhD in sociology from Northwestern University, and he taught sociology as a faculty member at Wesleyan University. He has held positions at the Economic Policy Institute, the Center for Global Policy Solutions, Dēmos, and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. He has discussed racial inequality on PBS, CNN, NPR, and other national television and radio networks.  

In this episode, we will discuss "A Peculiar Legacy" with novelist Rashid Darden. A Peculiar Legacy is part contemporary fiction and historical fiction. It's the story of a Black community in the District of Columbia called Slope that gathers in silence every Sunday, without the presence of a Pastor, in silent prayer, with occasional vocal ministry from among themselves. Rashid Darden is an award-winning, best-selling novelist of the urban LGBT experience, a seasoned leader of Black fraternal movements and nonprofit organizations, and a professional educator in alternative schools. He is local to the District of Columbia and Conway, North Carolina.

Cy Richardson, Senior Vice President for Economic Programs at the National Urban League and a member of the League's Executive Leadership Team, will discuss the gap in financial literacy among the African American community, the P-Fin index, and the eight key knowledge areas that should be understood around personal finance.

Writer, philanthropist, and producer Damon Mosley, discusses how walks around Target to help achieve a daily steps goal turned into a crusade to help children connect with the joy of reading.

Black Men Speak talks with Malcolm D. Lee is a highly accomplished director, producer, and screenwriter known for films like The Best Man series, Girls Trip, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. We discuss his creative process, career evolution, and unique perspective on filmmaking regarding Black Men.

Black Men Speak host, Keith Dent speaks with Jelani Millard, host of the podcast Pay Me in Plane Tickets, a podcast discussing all things travel with individuals who love to explore all parts of the world, experience all cultures and people and would rather be paid in plane tickets. 

We talk to Alphonse Dotson, a former NFL defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders, and owner of Dotson-Cervantes Winery. He along with his wife Martha Cervantes went from the sparkle of a dream to growing some of the most-prized grapes in Texas, and creating the most exquisite wines. We will discuss how his life experiences have taught him determination and the strength needed to accomplish his goals. From his beginnings on the football field at Yates High School in Houston, Alphonse worked hard to go on to play for the Grambling State University Tigers. After making the All-American Team in 1964, Alphonse was highly sought-after in the National Football League, signed on by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Miami Dolphins, and eventually playing for John Madden's Oakland Raiders from 1967-1970.   WARNING - THERE IS SOME EXPLICIT LANGUAGE

Eugene T. Barnes is a husband, father, stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, singer, rapper, and advocate for black family and marriage originally from Lakeland, Fl. He is a successful commercial actor appearing in commercials for top brands including Udemy and Amazon.   He is also the star of the upcoming film Office Madness set to debut in November of 2024 on Amazon Prime. "Still Love", a web series starring Eugene is currently in production and is set to debut in early 2025.   Eugene co-wrote "The Come Up", a web series inspired by the 1990 Richard Pryor classic "Stir Crazy". The script has been making noise on the festival circuit winning Best Comedy Script in major festivals including The Georgia Shorts Film Festival, The Vegas Movie Awards, and The New York International Film Awards.   Eugene and his lovely wife, singer/songwriter Bernadette Barnes own and operate "Book The Barnes", a live event production company providing party entertainment services. The services offered include live music, comedy, hosting/emcee services, and event production. Together Eugene and Bernadette make up the musical duo "The Barnes". The couple performs with their band at weddings, festivals, and clubs nationwide. The duo is currently working on original music and plans to release an EP in 2025

In this episode, we will discuss the importance of empowering black voices through media and mentoring with Kevin Benoit. Established in 2004 by founder, Kevin Benoit, Parlé Magazine began as an entertainment and lifestyle print publication, distributed in New York City. The print publication featured some of the biggest names in music, literature, and film. Kevin is interested in discussing topics such as "How to Launch an Arts Nonprofit and Get Funding in Year One" and "Empowering Black Voices: The Vital Role of Supporting Black-Owned Media Publications in 2024," offering practical insights and actionable advice to your listeners. As a first-generation Haitian American, Kevin graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and holds a Master's in Business Administration with a focus in media management. His passion for empowering the urban community led him to create Parlé Magazine in 2004, an entertainment magazine spotlighting entertainment and featuring celebrity interviews, yet also mindful to keep literacy and the written word at the forefront. The publication prioritizes BIPOC voices and stories, aiming to empower, entertain, educate, and motivate Black and Brown lives within the media industry. Kevin's extensive work at various nonprofit organizations in New York City, including Police Athletic League, Job Path, Hip-Hop 4 Life, Imani House, and SCO Family of Services, showcases his dedication to youth empowerment and community development. He founded Parlé Endeavors to continue his impactful work, providing comprehensive mentorship programs, scholarships, grants, exposure to industry leaders, and invaluable hands-on experience to youth with a passion for and interest in the fields of arts, media, journalism, and entrepreneurship. In his first year of running Parle Endeavors, Kevin was awarded the BeyGOOD Small Business grant, which he used to host Parle Endeavors' inaugural Teen Poetry Slam and provide youth comprehensive mentorship programs, scholarships, grants, exposure to industry leaders, and teen poetry writing workshops. This accomplishment further highlights his expertise and success in the entrepreneurial realm.  

Ameer Natson wears several hats. He is a chef, humanitarian, entrepreneur, faith leader and counselor. He is the founder of Become Creative Agency, a full-service creative and marketing agency that hires local talent from inner-city communities. He is also the founder of Fresh Chef Foundation, an organization that transforms lives through food. Their mission is  to combat food insecurity, empower aspiring chefs, and nourish communities. They believe everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious meals and the opportunity to pursue their culinary dreams. We sit down with him to discuss the early days of entrepreneurship owning a hot dog business into being a celebrity chef, winning a James Beard award, and ultimately giving back opening a non-profit organization.