SPARK’D | A Dreambeacon Podcast

In this conversation, Jabir McKnight interviews nationally recognized activist and author of 'The Fire Right Now,’ Ty Hobson Powell. The episode discusses Ty's early life, educational journey, and the challenges he faced as a young black male in the education system. Ty also shares insights on the importance of identity, community organizing, and the role of fatherhood in shaping his purpose and p...

In this conversation, Amanda Hunt shares her journey as an actor, writer, and filmmaker, discussing her early inspirations, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faces as a Black woman in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes the significance of representation, the need for authentic storytelling, and the importance of creating one's own work. Amanda also touches on the bal...

In this episode of SPARK*D, host Jabir McKnight engages with Alexander Hackett, City Councilman At-Large for Wilmington, Delaware. They discuss the importance of leadership in the community, particularly in engaging the younger generation in civic activities. Hackett shares his personal journey from education to public service, emphasizing the need for intergenerational connections and the impact...

In this enlightening conversation, Jabir McKnight interviews Rod Adkins, a strategy consultant and tech expert, about his journey from the Air Force to becoming an executive. They discuss the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the evolving workforce shaped by AI and automation. Rod shares insights on essential skills for the future, the role of communication in business, and the opportuniti...

In this conversation, host Jabir McKnight and Executive Director of Brailsford & Dunlavey, Dr. T.J. Logan, explore the evolving landscape of higher education, discussing the impact of the pandemic, the importance of community and shared experiences, and the need for institutions to differentiate themselves by taking audacious chances. Here, they emphasize the role of technology and partnerships in...

In this conversation, host, Jabir McKnight, and Co-Founder and CEO of Assemble, Cortney Woodruff discuss the relevance of higher education, the mission of Assemble, and the importance of bridging the gap between industry and academia. They explore the challenges faced by universities in adapting to changing workforce demands, the role of corporations in shaping educational curricula, and the impac...

In this week’s conversation, host Jabir A. McKnight delves into the current state and future of male achievement in America, particularly focusing on Black boys and men with Anthony G. Stepney and Dr. Robert J. Rodgers Jr. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in education, the importance of community and accountability through personal stories and historical context. Also discussed is th...

In this conversation, Jabir McKnight and Paula Intravaia discuss the significance of creativity and daydreaming in today's fast-paced world. Paula shares insights about her organization, Cloud Club Collective, which focuses on activating imaginations and fostering creativity through purposeful daydreaming. They explore the challenges faced in education, the role of nature in creativity, and th...

In this inspiring episode, Jabir McKnight sits down with Zakia Blain, Founder and CEO of FBF Body, to explore her powerful journey through resilience, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven community building. Zakia opens up about the personal health challenges that shaped her path, and how a simple weight loss challenge evolved into a thriving shapewear brand. Zakia speaks candidly about the import...

In this episode of SPARK*D | THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST, host Jabir A. McKnight sits down with Dante Wade and Aaron Warrick, co-founders of Reju, a mental health and wellness app. The conversation delves into their personal journeys, the inception of Reju, the importance of addressing mental health in marginalized communities, and emphasizes the need for destigmatizing mental health discussions and t...

In this episode of the Spark Podcast, host Jabir McKnight sits down with Dr. La'Tonya Rease Miles, discussing her journey as a first-generation student and the themes of resilience, mentorship, and cultural identity. In this conversation, La'Tonya Rease Miles and Jabir A. McKnight explore the significance of storytelling, challenges faced by first-gen students in navigating their education...

In this live episode from Tokyo, Japan, Jabir A. McKnight and special guest co-host Hashone Carry Jr. (@ShotbyHash) sit down with lifestyle influencer Karine Lawani (@KingKarine) , a Nigerian-Irish creator now based in London. Karine shares how her multicultural upbringing has shaped her identity, career, and content creation. She discusses balancing Irish and Nigerian traditions, navigating cultu...

In this episode of The Sparked Podcast, Jabir A. McKnight and Sharon B. Mills explore the generational divide, focusing on the unique traits and challenges faced by Generation Z. Sharon shares her background in higher education and her experiences working with students, highlighting the importance of discernment, professionalism, and communication skills. The conversation delves into the impact of...

In this engaging conversation, Tanya Spencer shares her journey from a corporate career to becoming a coach and speaker, emphasizing the importance of HBCUs in personal development. She discusses her experiences at Tuskegee University, the impact of identity on success, and the skills needed to thrive in a changing environment. Tanya also highlights the significance of community, prioritizing self...

On this episode of the SPARK*D Podcast, we sit down with Derek Lewis, author of Survive and Advance and one of Pepsi's highest-ranking Black executive. From his upbringing in Washington, DC, to transformative experiences at HBCUs, Derek shares powerful lessons on leadership, mentorship, and perseverance. Hear how his wife, mentors, and community shaped his journey, and learn what it takes to l...

In this episode, host Jabir A. McKnight sits down with Donald Ralls, the visionary behind Uncle Phills Cheesesteaks, to dive into the journey of building a thriving business rooted in passion and perseverance. Donald shares how he turned his love for authentic flavors into a community staple, the lessons learned along the way, and the hustle it takes to balance ambition with staying true to your r...

In this episode, we sit down with a couple who’ve spent 30 years building a successful life together—one a marketing executive, the other a sports executive. They share insights on balancing careers, supporting each other’s dreams, and the key ingredients to building a life together vs waiting until the “right” moment 💡

Live from LIU Brooklyn, we sit down with Quinte Scott, a 30-year-old nontraditional student at the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports & Entertainment. Quinte opens up about his decision to return to college after years in the workforce, the unique challenges of balancing life and school, and the motivations behind his pursuit of higher education. His story is a testament to resilience and rein...