Quanda is a contributing writer to California Crusader Newspaper articles and Until's Book of the Week. She writes, designs, paints, draws and is an author. Meet Quanda R Graves and hear about her journey to becoming an author, her new book and how she finds her motivation and creativity for all of her projects. Listen to her entrepreneurial journey and become enlightened with her knowledge of creating multiple streams of income. "To never let go of your dreams, pursue and accomplish no matter the circumstance. Everywhere. Life is poetry and poetry is life. Living life is an inspiration, " Quanda says! Hear how Quanda's CONTENT IS QUEEN with Sand & Shores. You can follow her on IG @qssimpletreasures & @untilnomore or TWITTER @QgravesUntil
A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder reveal so much about the life of a child growing up in Northern California, surviving gun violence, sexual assault, and homelessness. This episode, Tonya, the author, talks legacy and leadership with the revelation of why some people never rise to the occasion and take the lead when they have inherited a position that would infer leadership. The truth is, not everybody is able or equipped to lead. Follow on Instagram for the IGTV version.
Ms. L.J. JACKSON talks about life-changing moments in her book and how she came to pen these nuggets of knowledge. The passage that she reads and that moment that she thought she was about to breath her last breath are so powerful. “Get up, the house is on fire!” my mom yelled. What? How could I have not smelled the smoke…
Get to know Ingrid M. Ellis and her jaw-dropping story. The author of The Life After the Down Low takes you for a ride that you believe will end happily ever after but takes a turn to the worst place possible. The passage that she reads in the episode, about the moments walking down the aisle and the tears that he shed, later acknowledging that those tears were his farewell to the secret life of pedophilia and desire to be with men instead of this one woman came to life. I would love your comments after this episode. Ingrid is truly a woman of resilience.
It was mind-blowing to speak with and get to know this author, Mr. Leonard Clifton. His passion for the arts is beyond words. “I wanted the reality on top of the fantasy,” Leonard speaks on his real-life adventures in African and other travels that he blends well with the story that he has captured in his book.
Author Raykel Tolson and I discuss why people who love God, believe in the Bible, and attend church regularly are poor. Why are non-believers prospering using Biblical principles? We delve into this subject, how it has effected her church life, her personal life and financial decisions.
Everybody wants the spotlight, but few can handle the work that comes with it. Syracuse linebacker Trey Dudley sits down with me to talk about what it really takes to earn that D1 jersey, the early mornings, the missed moments, the family that keeps him grounded, and the faith that keeps him going.We talk about sacrifice, pressure, and the price of chasing greatness when the cameras aren’t rolling. This one’s for every parent, coach, and athlete trying to make sense of the grind.Tune in and CTRL the narrative on what it really means to “make it.”🎧 Listen now on Leaders & Learners Podcast — link in bio and on all podcast platforms. #StudentAthleteLife #SyracuseFootball #LeadersAndLearnersPodcast #CTRLtheNarrativeSubscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/51644511...
What if exploring the world could transform who you are? In this inspiring Leaders & Learners Podcast episode, I sit down with Dr. Stacey L. Ford-Edwards, founder of Integrity Elite Travel, to explore how travel changes your life — especially for Black women in travel who are rewriting their stories through freedom, empowerment, and cultural exploration.Dr. Ford-Edwards shares how travel inspiration and travel motivation go beyond vacation photos — it’s about discovering purpose, confidence, and personal growth through travel.Join us as we talk about:💫 Empowerment through travel and new perspectives🌴 Cultural exploration and growth across the globe🧭 Building a travel mindset and freedom lifestyle💖 Real stories of transformation from Integrity Elite TravelIf you’ve ever felt that pull to see more, do more, and become more, this conversation will reignite your wanderlust and your courage.🎧 Tune in now and be inspired to stamp that passport — your next chapter starts with a single trip. ✈️#BlackWomenTravel #LeadersAndLearnersPodcast #TravelMotivation #EmpowermentThroughTravel #IntegrityEliteTravel #PersonalGrowthThroughTravel #TravelMindset #CulturalExploration
She Built the Brand Before the BuzzFrancheska “Fancy” Felder turned cultural storytelling into a powerful media platform with Swagher Magazine. From the roots of Black excellence to the mechanics of PR, journalism, and unapologetic visibility, this conversation dives into how she’s reshaping media on her terms—while keeping her community front and center.Subscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5164451187916800
Black media has always been the heartbeat of our culture, and the first target when truth gets uncomfortable. In this episode, we speak with Truth Talks, Sarah Fontenot and Demetri Wiley, unapologetic truth tellers. They join me to unpack the ongoing attack on Black media, why cultural ownership matters, and how we reclaim our narratives. This conversation is about power, protection, and the future of our stories.Subscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com
What happens when your calling collides with controversy—and the world is watching? Pastor Sam Collier knows that story all too well. From his departure from Hillsong to the collapse of Story Church, his journey has been marked by painful headlines, personal challenges, and the kind of public scrutiny most leaders never face.Now stepping into a new season as Lead Pastor of Christian Cultural Center Atlanta under the guidance of Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sam is ready to speak openly about redemption, reconciliation, and rebuilding with integrity. In this candid conversation, we dive into the lessons learned, the marriage restored, and his bold vision for a multicultural, multi-generational church that centers healing over hype.This is more than a comeback story. It’s a masterclass in faith, accountability, and what it means to lead with scars, not perfection.You can follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samcollierSubscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com
LaTisha and Marsau Scott aren’t just reality TV stars, they’re a power couple redefining what Black love, legacy, and leadership look like in real time. On this episode of Leaders & Learners, host and LA County Commissioner Tonya McKenzie sits down with the Love & Marriage: Huntsville stars to unpack life beyond the cameras. From building multi-million-dollar businesses and raising strong kids, to navigating marriage in the spotlight and holding tight to their Greek pride, this conversation is as real as it gets. The Scotts are back, and they’re holding nothing back.Check out Scholt IndustriesSubscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/51644511...
She’s not your typical politician. Councilwoman Paige Kaluderovic went from coaching AYSO and supporting new moms to leading Redondo Beach’s District 3 with bold plans for mental health response, housing, and youth civic engagement. On this episode of Leaders & Learners – South Bay Edition, we get real about what's going on in Redondo Beach, the real status of the South Bay Galleria, getting rid of the Public Safety commission, and the Redondo Beach Pier. Don’t miss this one, it’s local leadership with the heart and hustle of a SHEro.
Kevin Jordan isn’t just selling performance—he’s building a movement. As the founder of Maxxx Performance, he’s turned science-backed supplements into a trusted brand for athletes, fitness warriors, and everyday folks who want more from their health. But behind the muscle is a masterclass in branding, marketing, and storytelling.In this episode, we talk about what it takes to launch a wellness brand from the ground up, how to earn trust in a saturated market, and why Black founders in health and wellness are reshaping the industry. Whether you’re pushing weight or pushing product, this is a conversation about performance and purpose.🎧 Tap in and take notes.#CTRLtheNarrative #LeadersAndLearners #KevinJordan #MaxxxPerformance #BlackOwned #EssenceFest2025 #BrandingInMotion #HealthIsWealth #Athletes #MentalToughness #MindBodySubscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/51644511...
From concert promoter to tech entrepreneur, Allen Sanford has been at the intersection of music, innovation, and cultural impact for over two decades. Allen is the 💫 Founding Partner of BeachLife Grotto💫 Founder of California Surf Club💫 Founder of BeachLife Ranch💫 Founder of BeachLife Festival💫 Co-Founder of The Venice West💫 Investor / CoFounder of Primo Italia💫 Investor / CoFounder of The Rockefeller💫 Co-Founder of The RockefellerIn this episode of Leaders & Learners, South Bay Edition, Commissioner Tonya McKenzie, with her co-hosts Mariam Butler & Paul Moses, sit down with Allen Sanford, and he shares how he turned his passion for music into a platform for ownership and access, shaking up how people experience live events and how artists own their audience. We will get into the business of festivals, the future of ticketing, the impact of entrepreneurship in tech and entertainment, and why who controls the vibe matters just as much as the vibe itself. Join us!
The opening of Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session. Meet some of the panelists of: ~ From Pitch to Partnership~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires~ How Climate Impacts HealthMeet Renaldo DaSilvaSerial Entrepreneur, Mentor, & Executive Leader | Spearheading Growth & Equity in Tech and Education | Champion for Community EmpowermentMeet him in person at Essence Fest! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/51644511...
The opening of Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session. Meet some of the panelists of: ~ From Pitch to Partnership~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires~ How Climate Impacts Health🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5164451187916800
The opening at Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session. Meet some of the panelists of: ~ From Pitch to Partnership~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires~ How Climate Impacts Health🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5164451187916800
In this episode of Leaders & Learners, we sit down with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal—James B. Duke Distinguished Professor at Duke University, cultural critic, and host of Left of Black. From his roots in the Bronx to shaping the future of Black popular culture, Dr. Neal unpacks the intersections of hip-hop, Black masculinity, and digital media. We explore how he co-teaches the history of hip-hop with Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, his groundbreaking work on illegible Black masculinities, and why he believes in the power of storytelling to disrupt and rebuild. Whether you're a cultural scholar or a hip-hop head, this conversation is a masterclass in critical Black thought. #LeadersAndLearners #MarkAnthonyNeal #LeftOfBlack #HipHopStudies #BlackMasculinity #DigitalCulture
What really happens to a body after a drug overdose? In this gripping episode of Leaders & Learners, Commissioner Tonya McKenzie sits down with the trailblazing Coroner Naida Rutherford—nurse practitioner, changemaker, and the first African-American, first woman, and first medical professional elected to the Coroner's office in Richland County, SC. And she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, so it's a D9 function. From once being a homeless teen to now giving a voice to the voiceless, Naida pulls back the curtain on the realities of death investigation, overdose fatalities, and the importance of telling each person’s truth with compassion and justice. Discover how she's changing the narrative around death, introducing youth to STEM through her Coroner Cadet program, and tackling public health disparities head-on. This episode is a powerful blend of purpose, science, and service you won’t want to miss.This conversation will move you, educate you, and open your eyes to the realities behind overdose deaths and the power of purpose-driven leadership. Don’t keep it to yourself—share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Leaders & Learners for more powerful stories. Let’s keep the conversation going—because every voice matters, and every story deserves to be told.#LeadersAndLearners#NaidaRutherford#VoiceForTheVoiceless#WomenInLeadership#Trailblazer#Coroner#PublicHealth#STEMinspiration#BlackWomenLead