The Dap and A Hug Podcast

In this special episode from Isla Esteves in Puno, Peru, The Dap and A Hug Podcast sits down with Elizabeth of GHL Hotel Lago Titicaca for a conversation overlooking the breathtaking Lake Titicaca. Elizabeth shares the history of the five-star hotel, which was designed to resemble a ship anchored on the lake, and explains how the property helps visitors connect with the culture, natural beauty, an...

For Coach Page Wofford, football is about much more than wins and championships. The Northwestern High School head football coach joins The Dap & A Hug Podcast for a conversation about leadership, accountability, mentorship, and using athletics to help develop young men for life. Coach Wofford shares his journey to Northwestern, the experiences that shaped his coaching philosophy, and what it...

Longtime football coach Jimmy “Moose” Wallace joins The Dap and A Hug Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about football, leadership, accountability, mentorship, adversity, and developing young men beyond the game. Coach Wallace spent more than two decades as Northwestern High School’s head football coach, also coached at Lewisville, York, and Rock Hill, and has been recognized through multipl...

What does honesty in music really mean? In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with DiAmond Miller to talk about songwriting, authenticity, creativity, and how real-life experiences shape the music he creates. DiAmond shares his writing process, discusses using music as both therapy and self-expression, and even performs an unreleased verse from his upcoming album, Detour , rele...

Sheena Pickett, founder of Empower Eden , joins The Dap and A Hug Podcast to discuss her mission of helping single mothers achieve independence, stability, and long-term success. Sheena opens up about becoming a young mother and navigating work, childcare, education, and housing. She explains how those experiences inspired her to help other women facing similar challenges. The conversation explore...

What does it take to overcome your past, lead with purpose, and adapt in a world that’s changing faster than ever? In this episode of The Dap & A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Carmen Johnson , Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at ORC , for a conversation that goes far beyond the boardroom. Carmen opens up about growing up with a mother battling addiction and a father who was her dea...

What begins as a conversation about one of Rock Hill's favorite restaurants evolves into a deeper discussion about entrepreneurship, community, mental health, and living authentically. In this episode of The Dap & A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Phillip and Charles from Bear Walrus to discuss the story behind Bear Walrus and Long Bottom Meats , the passion behind serving high-quality food...

The performing arts are about much more than what audiences see under the spotlight. In this episode of The Dap & A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Kaya Sullivan , a Theater Performance major at Winthrop University , to discuss the passion, discipline, and community that define life in the theater. Kaya opens up about the mentor who inspired a lifelong love for theater, how the performing arts b...

This episode marks the launch of From Roots to Branches, a new series within The Dap and A Hug Podcast focused on family legacy, leadership, purpose, and the stories that shape future generations. For Episode 1, I sit down with my cousin, Dr. Latoya Dixon. Dr. Dixon currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Administration for Fort Mill School District and brings more...

What happens when an idea stays with you for nearly three decades? In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with artist, creator, and friend Matthew Davis for a conversation that starts with comic books and creativity but quickly expands into something much deeper. Matthew shares his journey as an independent artist, the lessons he's learned from years of creating, and the rea...

What happens when modern medicine, ancestral wisdom, emotional healing, and nature all collide in one conversation? On this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , Sadarro sits down with holistic health practitioner and herbalist Allison Taylor of Allison E Holistic Health for a powerful discussion on herbal medicine, nervous system regulation, mental health, gut health, detoxification, pharmaceuti...

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , Sergeant Morgan Morris and Staff Sergeant Dewillis Lytle of the South Carolina Army National Guard continue an honest discussion about military life, mentorship, purpose, veteran mental health, and healing. This episode explores: PTSD and veteran suicide awareness Conversations surrounding ibogaine research and alternative therapies Why mentorship and...

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , we sit down with retired Sergeant First Class Jack Feemster alongside Sergeant Morgan Morris and Staff Sergeant Dewillis Lytle of the South Carolina Army National Guard for an honest conversation about military life, leadership, mental health, purpose, resilience, and the realities veterans face after service. The conversation covers: Growing up and f...

On this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with comedian and producer Christopher Corrado for a real conversation about comedy, creativity, horror films, podcasting, and life experiences. Christopher talks about his 16-year journey in stand-up comedy, learning how to handle hecklers, bombing on stage, producing shows, reading the room, and balancing confidence with humility in enter...

Before anything else— thank you to Coach Joey Dean. For the mentorship, accountability, honesty, and standards you bring to the mats and to the people around you. The impact you and Janae have made through your academy and your leadership goes far beyond jiu-jitsu. In this episode of The Tap and Hug , Coach Joey and Janae Dean sit down for one of the most layered and thought-provoking conversation...

In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Nazeer — entrepreneur, community builder, and founder behind Landon Lane Homestead & Retreat and Victory Gardens International. We talk about mental health, especially among Black youth, and the importance of having real outlets, structure, and support. From self-sustainability and growing your own food to building systems rooted in cooperation and sha...

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Xavier Bermudez — a disciplined fighter out of Modern Warrior MMA with his eyes set on the UFC. Xavier opens up about a time when he didn’t feel like he had a clear purpose — and how everything changed once he found it. That shift, that direction, that commitment… that’s what this journey is really about. We talk about his original goa...

🥋❤️💯 Special thanks to Coach Joey — for everything you do for us on and off the mats. OSS. In this episode, Victor Vazquez shares a powerful story of transformation, growth, and self-discovery. He opens with a unique perspective on jiu-jitsu — not just as something often compared to chess, but as a Rubik’s Cube , where every movement requires patience, problem-solving, and the ability to approac...

🥋❤️💯Special thanks to Coach Joey Dean — I appreciate everything you do for us, on and off the mats. OSS. In this episode of The Tap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with Ken Nodes for a conversation rooted in respect, trust, and the deeper purpose behind jiu-jitsu. We talk about a real-life moment where Ken had to step in at a high school football game and use jiu-jitsu to safely control a student...

🥋❤️💯 Special thanks to Coach Joey Dean — I appreciate everything you do for us, on and off the mats. OSS In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , I sit down with Victor Vazquez — a developmental psychologist, counselor, and a training partner of mine at Carolina Family Jiu-Jitsu, currently completing his PhD and serving as a director at two residential treatment facilities for children and...

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, I sit down with my brother Justin Ettell — Army veteran, lifelong wrestler, father, coach with First Step Nutrition, and teammate at Carolina Family Jiu-Jitsu. This conversation is about real life. Justin shares his journey through alcoholism and suicidal struggles, and what led him to check himself into rehab. We talk about what it means to rebuild, t...

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, we sit down with Joseph “Joe” Pacheco to talk about mindset, discipline, and what it really takes to grow — both on and off the mat. From cross-training and different philosophies to pushing past limitations and staying committed to the process, this conversation dives into what it means to truly evolve — mentally, physically, and emotionally. This epi...

In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , host Sadarro Chisholm sits down with Robert Pettit , owner of Absolute Construction Group LLC in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Robert shares his journey through the construction industry, the challenges of building a remodeling company, and the principles that guide his leadership and craftsmanship. Absolute Construction Group specializes in high-quality...

You are not just given leadership. You grow into it. In this episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast, we sit down with Sergeant Byrd of the Army National Guard — recently promoted to 1st Sergeant — for a real conversation about responsibility, discipline, and what changes inside you after deployment. We discuss: • Growing up in Rock Hill • When joining the military became a decision • What humbles yo...

In this special Black History Month episode of The Dap and A Hug Podcast , we sit down with Willie James “Brother Wali” Cathcart, Margaret Crawford Parson-Willins, and Christine Sparks for a powerful conversation recorded on location at Historic Brattonsville. Together, they explore: • What it means to inherit a history you did not choose • Discovering family connections through DNA • The legacy o...