Conversations With Chan

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James Danoff-Burg, an Entomologist, Conservation social scientist, and Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, to explore the critical intersection between human behavior and biodiversity preservation.Dr. Danoff-Burg shares powerful insights on how community-led conservation is reshaping the future of environmental sustainability. From his work with the Center for Species Survival: Behavior Change (CSS–BC) to global partnerships with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he emphasizes how social science and behavioral change are essential to protecting ecosystems worldwide.We discuss inspiring examples like the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa—an unarmed, all-female team redefining conservation through education—and The Living Desert’s initiatives in Southern California that promote sustainability and environmental awareness among youth.Join us as we dive into the power of collaboration, the role of education in conservation, and the importance of hope in protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.https://www.livingdesert.org/

In this special episode, we sit down with Taliah Givens, Senior Director of UNCF’s Student Professional Development Programs, and Jaydon Molando, a graduating senior from Morehouse College, to explore the transformative power of the 15th Annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC).The 2025 SLC will convene nearly 140 high-achieving HBCU students for an immersive, real-world career prep experience. From high-impact business simulations and mentorship “speed dating” to a student-led podcast production track, this year’s expanded curriculum is all about preparing students not just for jobs—but for purpose-driven leadership.Taliah, an engineer turned workforce strategist, shares how she has helped design and lead more than 40 internship programs serving over 1,600 students nationwide. She also speaks candidly about her journey from Paterson, NJ to the forefront of youth and career development.Jaydon reflects on how SLC opened doors that the classroom alone couldn’t—especially as a student-athlete juggling academics and sports. His internship with BD through the program has positioned him for post-grad success and personal growth.Learn more by visiting https://uncf.org/pages/uncf-spdp-student-leadership-conference-slc

In this compelling episode, I had the honor to speak with Ms. Michelle Jones Galvin, where we discussed her ancestry as a descendant of Harriet Tubman. The conversation explores how preserving African American history through institutions like the Harriet Tubman Home and National Historical Park shapes national identity and informs our understanding of American history. Topics include the importance of local government involvement in historical preservation, the intersection of race and gender in museum storytelling, and the power of Tubman's legacy. Ms. Jones Galvin also reflects on how cultural institutions can support modern-day advocacy, entrepreneurship, and education, especially for women of color.Learn more by visiting www.mosesofherpeople.com

In this episode, I speak to Thana Hickman, the visionary CEO and founder of Viola’s House, a transformative nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless teens and young mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. As we recognize Black Maternal Health Week, this conversation shines a powerful light on the urgent need to address the disparities affecting Black mothers across the nation.Thana shares how Viola’s House evolved from a teen maternity home in Dallas to a nationally recognized organization that supported over 6,500 mothers in 2024 alone—providing access to safe housing, healthcare, education, and essential resources. We also explore the themes of her compelling book, No Place to Belong, and how her work as a TEDx speaker and advocate is pushing the conversation forward around maternal health equity and social justice.This episode is a timely, heartfelt, and eye-opening dialogue about breaking cycles of hardship, building community, and fighting for a world where every mother has the support she needs to thrive.🎧 Tune in as we honor Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) with a conversation rooted in compassion, action, and purpose.#ConversationsWithChan #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ThanaHickman #ViolasHouse #NoPlaceToBelong #BlackMamasMatter #MaternalHealthEquity #TeenMomsMatter #SocialImpact #PodcastInterview #Changemaker #BlackWomenLead

Welcome to the final episode of the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II. Thank you so much for listening to this series. As this is the last episode of this series this is not the last of me sharing parts of myself I would normally not share. I I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms. Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music.

Welcome to episode 4 of the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II. The Road to Me has been filled with a myriad of broken promises to myself, heartbreak, anger sadness but all of this brought me to self-love, acceptance, and awareness of myself. At times it was scary and I was afraid of what was around the corner but in the end - I am here.  I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms. Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music.

Welcome to episode 3 of the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II. Mistakes and Lessons Learned shares my thoughts on my mistakes, missteps, and lessons learned on this journey of life.  I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms. Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music.

Welcome to episode 2 of the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II. This episode is a personal note to the person who inspired me. Words cannot express how grateful I am.  This podcast series shares my why for releasing my new book and provides insight into my poetry and mental musings contained in this body of work. I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms. Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music.

Welcome to the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II.  This podcast series shares my why for releasing my new book and provides insight into my poetry and mental musings contained in this body of work.  I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms.  Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music. 

This conversation with Comedian Dwain Watts was full of laughter and real-life conversation. Hailing from Landover, Maryland, Dwain Watts brings more than just the funny when he hits the stage, he brings a fresh look on life and how you can see the comedy in it all. In this conversation, he shares everything from how to deal with imposter syndrome to owning your power. Follow Dwain on Facebook & Instagram Also Watch Dwain Watts - Live at the DC Comedy Loft Listen to Watts So Funny (Apple) (Spotify)

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Fadia Nordtveit. She is the Founder of ⁠collaborative.ly⁠, a consulting company that provides services based on a model of DEIB that she has created after years of research and prototyping in an academic and industry setting. Fadia created the Inclusive Business Model Canvas, a tool that helps businesses and organizations build an inclusive foundational structure. Fadia is also the producer of a public-access television show called Talking Out Of Line that highlights DEIB trailblazers from diverse industries. Fadia is an Assistant Professor of Communications at Springfield College and holds a part-time Faculty, Researcher, and Consultant position at New York University. Fadia is an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) administrator. Fadia has served in numerous Environment, Sustainability & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committees in various universities and organizations. www.collaborative-ly.com Talking Out Of Line website: www.talkingoutofline.com Book Website: https://bgreenbookproject.weebly.com

Get into this conversation with this hybrid comic talent, She is perhaps most well-known as a writer and cast member where she was a recurring guest star, on Netflix's acclaimed comedy series, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE. According to creator, Justin Simien, Dahéli is "the funniest person on the planet." She has written and directed digital content for Funny or Die, VH1, and CBS, and her short films have been licensed to HBO. She can also be seen in BAD HAIR on Hulu, and GRACE & FRANKIE on Netflix, and Dahéli is a featured voice actor in STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, an animated series for Disney+. ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Tiktok⁠ | Website

Monique Obeze is a published New York/Atlanta, Ga wardrobe stylist, fashion writer, social media brand ambassador and style influencer with almost sixteen years of experience in the fashion and entertainment industry. Monique has established her place in the fashion industry not only as a stylist but also as a fashion and business mogul. Fashion-forward is her motto! To learn more about Monique’s work, visit her website at http://www.houseofstylebymonique.com

It was a pleasure speaking with Attorney Keisha R. Perry Walker. This powerhouse started The Perry Law Group in June of 2005, although hesitant to become a solo practitioner, Mrs. Perry Walker’s desire to reach the next level overcame the paralysis of her fear. Since establishing The Perry Law Group, Mrs. Perry Walker has served clients nationally and internationally in all of the Firm’s practice areas. Her past and current clients include small business owners, start-ups, independent labels, artists, producers, songwriters, managers, real estate investors, and influencers. Mrs. Perry Walker has assisted businesses and individuals resolve their legal issues and helped her clients avoid costly litigation. She aims to serve as a source of knowledge to equip her clients to become leaders in their respective industries. Mrs. Perry Walker is ecstatic about the opportunity she has been able to provide to high school, college, and law students through The Perry Law Group’s internship and mentoring program. Learn more about Attorney Keisha R. Perry Walker by following her on Instagram. 

Kevin Quattlebaum is an emerging author of urban novels, in which he captures the gritty, fast-paced, intriguing world of the precarious conditions that often characterize our inner cities. Kevin’s works vividly depict the temptations that come with living the ”street life”, whose allure of money and power masks the tragic consequences that can, and do, follow one’s ill-considered actions. A lifelong native of Washington, DC, Kevin eschewed the guidance of mentors and father figures who tried to guide him to greatness, falling prey at an early age, to the siren song of being “in the game”, with its easy luxuries and tantalizing perquisites.Yet, harsh reality soon overtook Kevin, as he made disastrously wrong turns, and found himself doing a long, hard decade of prison time. While serving his sentence, Kevin realized he had a flair and passion for writing. Out of his experiences behind bars and hustling in the drug trade, Kevin penned his popular first volume, DC Streets, a warning to today’s young people, born out of Kevin’s own turbulent odyssey through the underworld and the justice system. Following the positive impact of his debut novel, Kevin brought forth its sequel, DC Streets 2: The Next Generation, another unflinching, cautionary tale meant to encourage his readers to pursue their educations and develop their careers. Kevin’s creative vision is to steer our youth away from the path he chose, and reach a brighter, more superlative future for themselves. Follow Kevin Quattlebaum on IG: Instagram @kevin_quattlebaum Link to the free kindle version of the books: DC Streets & DC Streets 2: The Next Generation

Chereda Miller is the owner of Miller Realty, located in the heart of Atlanta. Her interest in real estate was sparked in college, and she used her career as a flight attendant to fund her real estate career. With a degree in Business Administration and Finance, she established an understanding of the analysis of numbers, which has proved to be very beneficial to her real estate career.  With her work ethic, business savvy, and attention to detail, she not only operates Miller Realty but also currently works on joint ventures with T. Dallas Smith & Company.  Other career accolades include real estate features in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Newspaper and HGTV's House Hunters. She was also voted best broker by the Empire Board of Realists.   Her hobbies and passion are in fitness and health, where she has instructed boot camps and fitness challenges and thrives on sharing innovative ways to eat healthy on the go. She also enjoys spending her time volunteering with various community organizations, including Buckhead children's ministry with toddlers. Learn more about Chereda by visiting her website | LinkedIn | Instagram 

This conversation with Dr. Shemena Johnson a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist was simply amazing! She provides therapy to individuals and couples in the Mid-City area of Los Angeles. Her areas of specialty include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, trauma, and life transitions.  Her early experiences have come to inform her therapeutic work. She has worked with a broad spectrum of individuals and couples from many different cultures, lifestyles, and socio-economic backgrounds and has learned that pain does not discriminate. Many of us at some point have experienced conflict, doubt, uncertainty, loss, and sadness that come with life’s struggles. She finds joy in helping individuals bring a sense of awareness and consciousness to their lives. Being in therapy is an endeavor that can be both challenging and rewarding. Even years into this profession, She continues to study, daily, the psychodynamics of the human condition through depth psychology. www.facebook.com/drshemenajohnson  https://twitter.com/ShemenaJohnson  https://instagram.com/drshemenajohnson  https://open.spotify.com/show/3IYPsSO1PIjKXzeuXpgseu  www.linkedin.com/company/shemena-johnson

Check out my conversation with the founder of Black Creators Connect an engaging and business-focused thought-provoking group on Facebook.  He has used his lessons learned to specialize in lead generation and marketing and is helping businesses generate leads and make more sales. He recently started a Facebook group called Black Creators Connect. The goal of that group is to support other entrepreneurs and provide a space to connect and gain the knowledge and skills for a better life and a better business. www.linkedin.com/in/vladimiradonis www.facebook.com/groups/blackcreatorsconnect  www.instagram.com/vladimiradonis3

I had the amazing opportunity to chat with Quadesha Halevi, Founder of Naked Body & Skin Care. This brand is the premier destination for natural feminine health and skincare products. Naked Body & Skin Care products are formulated with natural ingredients without any harsh chemicals. Founded by a former OB/GYN medical assistant, Q, Naked Body & Skin Care takes a natural approach to address skin and body concerns. Q was inspired to create effective, natural products that would work without toxic chemicals due to her personal skin problems. https://www.instagram.com/nakedbodyandskincare https://m.facebook.com/nakedbodyandskincare https://nakedbodyandskincare.com

Meet Maxim Azarov of Novkid  In 2017 Maxim founded the online school Novakid together with his son’s English teacher Amy (Gawron) Krolevetska and his former colleague Dmitri Malin. Novakid is a Series A startup ($6.5M raise) registered in the US, providing personalized English learning for children ages 4-12 around the world through AI- and VR-based digital platform. Novakid is implementing personalized approach and top IT technologies to create a unique learning format that combines a highly-interactive digital curriculum with individual live tutor sessions where students & tutor only speak English for a 100% language immersion. Its learning platform has digital-only curriculum, virtual 360 degrees tours, in-lesson games, creative homework tasks and other features driving young student engagement. Novakid achievements: Over 280,000 students from 42 countries served in 4 years, current number of active students is 52,000 which makes Novakid Europe’s number 1 ESL platform for kids. More than 1,500 native speaker teachers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, as well as from other countries where English is used as the official language. Revenue in 2020 – $8 million. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mazarov https://www.facebook.com/vwpanther https://www.instagram.com/novakid_global