The Purpose Producer

In this episode of the Purpose Producer Podcast, host Georgia Dawkins welcomes comedian and writer Barry S. Naylor from Philadelphia. They discuss Barry's journey from Florida to Philadelphia, his experiences as a substitute teacher, and his career in comedy over the last 12 years. Barry also shares insights into his popular social media series, 'Mr. Barry feels the blues,' and his podcast, 'BS with BSN.' The conversation delves into how comedy brings joy and healing, the influence of his upbringing in the Black church, and the evolving nature of performance skills in today's digital age. 00:00 Introduction to Season Four 00:15 Meet Barry S. Naylor 00:37 Life in Philadelphia 01:23 Joy Scale and Teaching 02:48 Mr. Barry Feels the Blues 04:03 Comedy Beginnings 06:02 Finding Joy in Comedy 10:15 The Show Must Go On 12:31 Impact of the Black Church 13:50 Modern Day Kids 15:57 Follow Barry S. Naylor

In this insightful episode, host Georgia Dawkins welcomes longtime friend and spiritual wellness mentor, Jules DeJesus Fritz. Together, they dive into a deep conversation about self-worth, overcoming imposter syndrome, and embracing one's true self. Jules shares personal stories about finding her purpose, the importance of community, and how beauty therapy has unexpectedly become a healing ministry. This episode is rich with wisdom and encouragement for anyone looking to connect more deeply with their own spiritual journey and self-acceptance.

Jeff Jenkins is inspiring a new community of travelers through his new show Never Say Never on National Geographic. The award-winning travel journalist first appeared on the podcast in 2021.  Now, the former school teacher is back with his infectious energy and unshakeable faith. In this episode, he talks about increasing visibility for plus-size travelers. Plus, the safety measures that made his adventures possible. Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins premiers on National Geographic and Disney+ on July 9th.

Sampson McCormick is an award-winning comedian, writer, and producer known for sharing his unique perspectives on stages around the world. His career spans two decades but he's just getting started. In addition to standup, he's performed in nine independent films, including "B-Boy Blues," "Love the One You're With" and the Oscar-nominated short film "I Live Here," and written several more, including his filmed comedy shows. In this interview, he talks about cancel culture, being attacked on stage, and pronouns.

Ashley Harris is the host of The Queerly Blax podcast. The Queerly Blax Show aims to normalize the everyday existence of black LGBTQIA individuals through an interview style series. In this episode, we turn the tables on the beloved host and dive deeper into the power of our language. Hear how she balances queer life in corporate, being a wife, and life with a new baby.

Jastin Artis is a multifaceted artist who teaches leadership through music. As an artist and entrepreneur, he specializes in helping aspiring artists take on the industry. His app, A&R IN YOUR POCKET, is a home-based, faith-based subscription service for indie artists. In this episode, he details the life events and setbacks that led to his ultimate purpose.

2wicee is a native of Richmond, Virginia, and is an aspiring singer/songwriter. She grew up around a family of musical talent, which has motivated her to be the performer that she is today. In this interview, she highlights the struggles of being an independent artist and collaborating with R&B Legend Ne-Yo and singer Tiffany Evans.

Jaylen Christie is an award-winning writer, actor, cartoonist, motivational speaker, and public relations expert. Affectionately known as “The Superfly Nerd,” the diversity leader is celebrating his first comic book, Stink Bomb Man and The Brain Kids. It’s a humourous adventure story with lots of action for the whole family. The characters first came to life in Jaylen’s three-year-old imagination and it has been a lifelong dream for them to be shared with others. In this episode, the creator breaks down the decades-long journey to putting his pen to action. As a PR professional, Jaylen has led strategic communications planning and execution and generated media coverage for brands including Sodexo, Massey Services, RDV Sportsplex, FHSAA, Chick-Fil-A, and The Salvation Army of Orlando. Jaylen is known in Central Florida as a thought leader. He currently serves on the Public Relations Society of America’s Board of Directors, the Orange County Library System’s Friends of the Library board, and the United Negro College Fund’s Leadership Council.

Alex “Nemo” Hanse is an author, entrepreneur, and joy enthusiast. Through his lifestyle brand, Foolies, he inspires people through books, apparel, and social media. You may not know Alex personally but you have felt his spirit.   In his original song written for Viola Davis, he called her an EGOT winner 3 months before she cemented her place in history. "This makes me feel beautiful," said The Woman King star to her 10 million Instagram followers. In this interview, the multitalented designer discusses the importance of following your life's purpose. Hear what he calls the one thing you shouldn’t leave behind when you die.

Keith Terrell is the host of Young, Black, and Vegan. With more than 70,000 subscribers, Keith has been recognized as a YouTube Creator of the Rise. In this episode, the South Central native opens up about his spiritual journey through plant medicine. From Costa Rica to Peru, he talks about the power of ayahuasca and navigating political unrest during a spiritual retreat.

Black Boy Joy is fighting back tears at the sight of your mom in her wedding dress. You can tell by the way the bride holds her son's face that Sommer L. Jean and Mekhi Sheffield have a strong bond.   As seen on Good Morning America and CBS This Morning, this emotional first-look has been viewed more than 8 million times on TikTok. The newlyweds who met online sat down for an interview on The Purpose Producer Podcast just 8 days after their wedding. The heartfelt moment has inspired the "Black Boy Joy" series on The Purpose Producer. This campaign will feature interviews from Black men who are finding joy in everyday life.

After being rejected by religion, two queer Black women embark on a spiritual journey to find God within. In this episode, Purpose Expert Kalyela Josephs shows us how she’s using her experience to bring the LGBTQ+ Community closer to God. This episode is for anyone searching for identity and purpose. Find more information at: https://www.kalyelaj.com/

Travel Influencer Rachel Hill opens up about leaving corporate America to pursue her true purpose. After being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2014, Rachel set out to travel the world indefinitely. Since then, the author and keynote speaker has helped hundreds of people create and build profitable online businesses. In this episode, she shares the wake-up call that ignited her path to success and healing.

Roy Wood Jr. is a stand-up comedian, producer, and actor. He is currently a correspondent on Comedy Central's Emmy and NAACP award-winning The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. He has had three stand-up specials on Comedy Central: Father Figure in 2017, No One Loves You in 2019, and his latest, Imperfect Messenger, in 2021. In this episode, he talks about his first Black journalist conference and how he strategically supports Black female comics. Most recently Roy starred alongside Jon Hamm in the Fletch sequel 'Confess Fletch' as well as 'Better Call Saul', 'Only Murders in the Building', 'The Last O.G.' & 'Space Force' Roy is the Executive Producer of the 2022 Emmy Nominated documentary / The Neutral Ground.

Pavar Snipe is a comedian, writer, actress, and disability advocate. she is the voice of  Angela Baker on the DreamWorks animated series Dragons: The Nine Realms. Her latest venture Limitless Laughs Content Coaching helps clients create content for online, TV, film, and beyond. In this episode, she details how one episode of ABC’s Scandal changed her life.

Benjamin Carlton is an author, activist, actor, comedian, and minister of love. He is a Co-Founder of BMe Community, a social impact organization that has served over 1,000,000 families, influenced national policy, and committed more than $2,000,000 to local community leaders. His debut memoir, I’m Black, I’m a Minister, and I’m Gay, details how queer Christians can live beyond fear and condemnation. In this episode, he opens up about his experience with conversion therapy and being queer in the Black church. Read more about the movement at www.blacklovewins.com

Shayla Racquel is a master storyteller and powerful manifestor. This talented director is no stranger to overcoming odds - diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease at birth and a stroke at the mere age of 12, her battle with this illness is what brought her closer to the art of storytelling, which unlocked her love for filmmaking. Through prayer, hard work, and sticky notes, this talented director is creating her own path in Hollywood. In this episode, she opens up about her role on ABC's The Wonder Years and the legacy of the late director John Singleton. 

Sunni Speaks is a vegan chef best known as the plant-based "Trap Queen". Since launching her "Vegan Trappin" business, Chef Sunni has managed to reach thousands with her "Smackin" foods via pop-up shops, food delivery, private dinners, catering, and nationwide shipping. In this episode of The Purpose Producer Podcast, Chef Sunni opens up about the tragedy that sounded the alarm about Black Health. Plus, the steps she took to lose more than 100lbs.

Keith Terrell is a writer, producer, and director who got his start at BET after film school. In this episode, he discusses the steps he took to launch his own show, Young, Black, & Vegan. Plus, the life lessons he learned from NBA Legend John Salley and America's Mom Tabitha Brown.

Chloé Hilliard is a writer and comedian who first appeared as a semi-finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and went on to appear on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, and more. Hear the journey that led her to become a writer on HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show.