The R Stories Podcast

Richard Dauphin is a dynamic Christian hip-hop artist whose music and message reflect a deep passion for faith, purpose, and the next generation. With over 14 years of hands-on experience in youth development, Richard has become a trusted voice and leader in both educational and mentorship spaces.Currently serving as the Dean of School Culture at Rochdale Early Advantage Charter School, he prides himself as one on the front lines of youth empowerment, shaping character, promoting academic excellence, and helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence. His role as an educator is complemented by his work as a motivational speaker and minister at his local church, where he inspires audiences of all ages to rise above obstacles and live with intention.Richard is also the founder and CEO of The Vanguard Mentorship Initiative, a nonprofit organization dedicated to guiding and mentoring underserved youth through programsfocused on leadership, life skills, and spiritual growth. Through Vanguard, he equips young people to become resilient, responsible, and purpose-driven leaders in their communities.Balancing his work in schools and the community, Richard uses his platform as a Christianrapper to spread messages of hope, faith, and transformation. His music serves as both a ministry and a mission, engaging youth where they are and pointing them to a higher calling.Whether behind a mic, in a classroom, or on a stage, Richard Dauphin is committed to building a legacy of impact one life at a time.

Here's sneak peek into the most vulnerable conversation with a man we've had thus far on the topic of Grief. Be sure to tune into the full conversation on March 16th.

Craig Smith; An Educator, Entrepreneur, Dancer, Devoted Father & Husband.From the classroom to the dance floor, and from chart patterns to family moments — Craig believes life is about movement, growth, and balance.Teaching, creating, investing, and loving every beat of the journey. Craig has been shaping minds in educational spaces for over 10 years and more than 20 years passionately teaching dance. He brings rhythm, discipline, and creativity to everything he does As a dedicated stock trader and investor, Craig is also building financial freedom while cherishing familylife and inspiring the next generation.Tune into to this episode where Craig shares the trauma story that made him the resilient man he is today.

Craig is super vulnerable in this episode of R-Stories. Perfect for Valentines Day season. He shares his honest authentic experience of how he used woman to fill the void from an absent mother. His desire for a nurturing partner stunted his growth as a man. Catch the full conversation on Monday 2/16th on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Or right here on Youtube.

Dylan Dufour; Brooklyn Tech student with a 98 average and three years of experience tutoring math, science, and SHSAT( Specialized High School Aptitude Test) prep. He is especially passionate about helping Black students succeed because the data is clear; although tens of thousands take the SHSAT each year, Black students typically receive less than 4% of the offers. Dylan wants to change that. As a Black student at a specialized high school himself, Dylan knows what it takes to get in, and he uses his experience to help students build skills, confidence, and real opportunities. Dylan's goal is simple: make high-quality SHSAT prep accessible, so more Black students can earn the spots they deserve.You can connect with Dylan via instagram @dylanstutoringservices

Dylan Dufour is a gifted high school student who shares his journey navigating through school with an Autism Diagnosis. Dylan's tenacity, self-awareness and parental guidance has led him to be an inspiration for other young people while also launching his own business. Tune in to full conversation on Monday 1/19 to uncover Dylan's resilience strategies.

John Johnson is the CEO & Founder of John Johnson Speaks LLC. Over time, John has developed a deep understanding of the power of effective communication. Since speaking publicly for the first time at the age of 14 in church, John has been invited to speak at Universities, Schools, Churches, Conferences, and other Organizations around the globe. Whether the topic is activating your purpose, transitioning from high school to college, mental health among men of color, or his signature, the power of conscious communication, John’s raw and authentic message is heartfelt and awakening. Faith, dedication, and courage have allowed John to embody a purpose-driven life. Individuals and organizations look to John for his impact and ability to help strengthen their communication skills and achieve their full potential through his powerful testimony.

Next Level Motivational Speaker John Johnson join us on this episode of " The Male Perspective!" John has a vulnerable discussion on how growing up without his father's presence impacted, however, being raised by a determined Caribbean mother covered him. Be sure to connect with John & grab his new book " The 7As" on his website www.JohnJohnsonSpeaks.com.Tune in on Monday December 15th to the full conversation on Apple and Spotify podcasts. As well as Youtube @IamTheUltimateSocialWorker Channel

Episode 5 of the R- Stories left " The Ultimate Social Worker" Speechless!! Not because there was nothing to say, it was because special guest Conquest  @CONQUEST2819  so eloquently expressed the very real dynamics and barriers many men of color face and deal with when they attempt to pursue Education as a career path. Make sure you check out the full conversation already available on  @IamTheUltimateSocialWorker  The R Stories Podcast! Be sure to let us know what you think. #resilience #podcast #menempowerment #maleeducator #artseducation #nonprofit #publicschoolsystem

Episode 5 of the R- Stories left " The Ultimate Social Worker" Speechless!! Not because there was nothing to say, it was because special guest Conquest  @CONQUEST2819  so eloquently expressed the very real dynamics and barriers many men of color face and deal with when they attempt to pursue Education as a career path. Make sure you check out the full conversation already available on  @IamTheUltimateSocialWorker  The R Stories Podcast! Be sure to let us know what you think. #resilience #podcast #menempowerment #maleeducator #artseducation #nonprofit #publicschoolsystem

Antoine, a 6 year old Resilient Young Minds  @resilientyoungmindsinc7655  Member, eagerly shares his experience learning how to control is behavior while adjusting to Kindergarten. Antoine, shares his coping skills, naming highlighting his RYM Mentor as notable contribution to his behavior improvement. So much so that Antoine boldly provided a gem for Parents too!

Antoine, a 6 year old Resilient Young Minds  @resilientyoungmindsinc7655  Member, eagerly shares his experience learning how to control is behavior while adjusting to Kindergarten. Antoine, shares his coping skills, naming highlighting his RYM Mentor as notable contribution to his behavior improvement. So much so that Antoine boldly provided a gem for Parents too!

Mark Tuggle is an author, educator, filmmaker, mentor, poet and talk radio host in thevillage of Harlem. His grassroots activism, lived experience, and spiritual pathunearthed a self-published book titled, Cultural Silence and Wounded Souls: BlackMen Speak about Mental Health. This intergenerational anthology led to guestappearances with hosts on podcasts in various locations including Atlanta, Los Angeles,New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Canada, Italy, Nigeria, South Africa, and theUK.Mark expresses the most vulnerable experience any man can share about a trauma that many men lack the courage to admit.

Arron Muller, LCSW, is a visionary in the field of mental health, dedicated to transforming lives and breaking down barriers. As the CEO and Founder of Modify Wellness, Inc., a nonprofit organization in New York City, Arron provides vital mental health programming and education. His work extends into academia, where he serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Adelphi University School of Social Work.With a Master of Social Work degree from Adelphi University, Arron offers individual and couples counseling through an eclectic approach tailored to each client’s unique needs. He also conducts stress and anxiety training for nursing schools and facilitates impactful workshops at churches and colleges.Recognizing the critical absence of black males in the mental health field, Arron established a national network of 1000 Black Male Therapists. Through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, he shares essential information about mental illness and actively works to reduce stigma. His influence was recognized in 2017 when he was named one of the “15 Black Male Therapists You Should Know” by the Huffington Post and featured in Black Enterprise as one of the BE Modern Man 100 Men of Distinction.Arron’s expertise and commitment have made him a sought-after contributor to media outlets such as The Grio, Oprah Daily, News 12, Hot 97, LA Times, BuzzFeed, THE DOCTORS, ABC News, Daily Beast, Cosmopolitan, and NY1. His outstanding contributions were honored with the 2023 Joy Award by The Boris L. Henson Foundation, and he gained further recognition as the Resident Therapist on VH1’s “Black Ink Crew.”In 2021, Arron trademarked “Black Kings Need Therapy Too,” a bold initiative aimed at normalizing therapy for black men. He also plays a key role in NYC Brothers Thrive, a mental health conversation platform developed by Former First Lady Chirlane McCray. This initiative led to the creation of BreaKING The Ice-Black Men’s Mental Health conference, the first of its kind on Long Island, featuring all-black male therapists discussing black men’s mental health research and interventions. Arron co-organizes this groundbreaking conference, providing a crucial forum for dialogue and support.Every Friday, listeners can tune in to 94.7 FM The Block to hear Arron on The Mental Health Moment during Miss Jones in the Morning. Driven by his mission to change the stigma associated with mental health and therapy in the African American community, Arron continues to provide information, education, and low-cost services, making a profound impact on countless lives.

As we launch season 4 of the R- Stories Podcast, Simone is excited to lead with the theme of the season, Men Resilience Stories!As we aim to focus a season on male mental health to provide greater access to men healing stories to inspire and encourage men who are still afraid that their voice won't be heard. We kick the season off with a powerful interview with Lamonye Sanders! Lamonye is currently and EMT, single dad and motivational speaker empowering single fathers and those wounded by grief. Lamonye is funny, honest and authentic as he shares his testimony on becoming a single dad after being raised without one. Watch the full episode right here on Monday May 12th! #mentalhealthawareness #menswellness #resilience

The Ultimate Social Worker had the pleasure to sit down with " The Black Therapist" himself, Clinical Social Worker, Mr. Arron Muller!Arron provided insight on how going through school as a black man is challenging. This is especially ironic, given Arron's current pursuit of his Doctorate in Social Work. However, Arron empowers male youth specifically to advocate for what they need at school and at home. Tune in to this conversation were mental health and wellness meets, Black Excellence through Education and Leadership Development. The full episode will premiere on June 16th!

As we launch season 4 of the R- Stories Podcast, Simone is excited to lead with the theme of the season, Men Resilience Stories!As we aim to focus a season on male mental health to provide greater access to men healing stories to inspire and encourage men who are still afraid that their voice won't be heard. We kick the season off with a powerful interview with Lamonye Sanders! Lamonye is currently and EMT, single dad and motivational speaker empowering single fathers and those wounded by grief. Lamonye is funny, honest and authentic as he shares his testimony on becoming a single dad after being raised without one. Watch the full episode right here on Monday May 12th! #mentalhealthawareness #menswellness #resilience

On this episode of R-stories, we had the pleasure of talking about Professional resilience stories from a woman's perspective and women who are in the field of Civil or Public Service. This real, yet purposely intense conversation from honest every day women is going to touch on one of your heartstrings.

In honor of Women's History Month and Social Worker Appreciation Month, Simone was able to gather a couple a of phenomenal social workers and women to discuss some of the controversial topics that Simone addresses in her recently released book " The Ultimate Social Worker's Diary." Check out the full episode to hear the various perspectives of being a Women and or a Social Worker in a professional environments. Pick-up your copy on Trilogy or Amazon.

Our Guest:Beth Brown’s core mission across all of her businesses is to spread love & help others to level up their personal & professional lives. Brown is a breakthrough coach, keynote & TEDx Stamford speaker, a 3x published author & Women Empowerment Award recipient. She is the owner & CEO of Babs Photography LLC & the founder of The Black Business Connector. For 20 years Brown was an educator in high need, low income schools. Building student self-confidence was always her top priority in the classroom. As a result, teaching hurting women & men how to forgive & love themselves by transforming their mindsets so they can live free from shame, perfectionism or feeling unworthy comes naturally to Brown.As a keynote speaker Brown often shares her testimony about how she spent 3 years working on redefining & healing her identity after a physically traumatic experience & then a heartbreak. She is committed to working with others to get their emotional & spiritual breakthroughs so they can M🖤P out new life success stories, elevate their confidence & experience happier relationships. Her December 2024 TEDx Stamford talk on Uniting Curiosity With Art for Healing has inspired & been of great encouragement to 1,000’s. In April 2022, Brown published her 20 Day Forgiveness Journal; See Yourself In A New Light As You Transform Your Thoughts So You Can Release Unforgiveness & Receive Love More Completely. Through her journal she shares 20 journaling prompts so others can experience mindset transformations and live lives of freedom, peace and enjoy happier relationships. Brown’s most recent publication is titled Evict Fear: Getting To The Root Of Your Problems In 20 Days.