Impact Play with Dr. J

What happens when storytelling becomes a tool for advocacy, leadership, and real change? On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, Dr. J sits down with Lynn Tramonte, founder of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, for a powerful conversation about immigration advocacy, grassroots organizing, nonprofit leadership, and the human stories behind public policy. Lynn shares how growing up in rural Medina Coun...

What is Prince Hall Masonry—and why is it so often misunderstood? In this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J., I sit down with Hon. Maurio D. Powell, the 67th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the myths and misconceptions surrounding Prince Hall Masonry. Together, we explore the organization's rich history, its commi...

What if the most painful chapter of your life became the foundation for changing thousands of lives? In this powerful episode of Impact Play with Dr. J., Holly Jackson shares her extraordinary journey from surviving trauma to founding Walls of Love, a movement dedicated to restoring dignity, hope, and compassion to people experiencing homelessness and hardship across the country. What started with...

What does real leadership look like? In this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, Dr. J sits down with Rachel Ciomcia, Chief Program & Impact Officer, and Maya Smith, Director of Early Career Programs at the Cleveland Leadership Center to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions about leadership—that it's defined by a title. Together, they discuss how leadership is built through service, list...

Impact Play with Dr. J explores the inspiring journey of entrepreneurs Curtis Williams and Candace Maiden, founders of Squash the Beef, a Northeast Ohio vegan comfort food brand. This episode highlights their story of faith, perseverance, community impact, and innovative food solutions that resonate beyond just food — they serve healing and cultural representation. If this episode motivated you, p...

What happens when an athlete decides their greatest victory isn't on the court—but in the community? This week on Impact Play with Dr. J , we're joined by Danaea "Coach Nae" Benton —former professional basketball player, Hall of Fame athlete, entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of YES Enrichment Services , Naetivate Sportswear , and Naetivate Training . After being inducted into the Central State Un...

*A story of promise, tragedy, accountability, and the journey toward redemption.*   On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, I sit down with Ray Williams, the former Ohio Mr. Football whose life story is featured in the documentary “Mr. Football: A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph.” Ray was one of the most talented football players to come out of Northeast Ohio — a standout athlete from Benedictine H...

As co-founder of the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, Nicole Ward is leading the charge to improve heart health education, expand access to AEDs, and save lives across Ohio. On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, Nicole shares her story of purpose, advocacy, and building lasting change from personal tragedy.

Doran Grant’s story isn’t just about football — it’s about showing up with your full self, every single time. From winning a national championship at Ohio State to playing in the NFL, and now leading young men as head coach at St. Vincent–St. Mary, Doran has stayed rooted in purpose. On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, he opens up about the mindset that carried him through the highs and low...

In this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, we sit down with Mekka Don — former Ohio State football player, attorney-turned-artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist — to explore how he’s redefining success beyond the spotlight. Known for his dynamic career pivot from law to music, Mekka Don has built a brand rooted in culture, empowerment, and giving back. He shares his journey of creating opportun...

On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, we step up to the plate with Rafael Collins, Assistant Director of Community Impact and Diversity Initiatives for the Cleveland Guardians. Rafael shares how Major League Baseball’s Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program is changing lives, opening doors, and creating opportunities for young athletes in underserved communities. From developing lead...