Black Dad Unfiltered

🔥 What’s holding you back from real growth? In this episode of Black Dad Unfiltered , we sit down with Carlos V Spencer — a voice who cuts through the noise with hard-earned wisdom, straight talk, and no fluff. This isn’t about theory; it’s about experience, lessons repeated until mastered, and the mindset it takes to rise above the distractions. Carlos breaks down why repetition is the secret to...

What does it take to reimagine the arts as a tool for empowerment and equity? In this episode of The Playbook , we sit down with Kettia Ming, Executive Director of Black Theatre United, to unpack her inspiring journey from immigrant beginnings to leading one of the most impactful arts organizations in the country. Raised in a Haitian Seventh-day Adventist household, Ketia shares how she overcame c...

What does it really cost to chase your dreams? In this episode of Black Dad Unfiltered , host Coach Rod sits down with Loycent Gordon , owner of the historic Neir’s Tavern — one of the oldest taverns in New York City — to explore the hidden cost of entrepreneurship, the sacrifices of fatherhood, and the resilience it takes to build a legacy. Gordon shares his remarkable journey from humble immigra...

Accountability without care is just criticism. Responsibility without ownership is just avoidance. In this powerful episode of Carlos V. Spencer Speaks , Carlos dives deep into the life-changing difference between accountability and responsibility—and why you need both to step into true leadership. Carlos challenges you to think beyond holding others accountable and instead embrace the uncomfortab...

🔥 Fatherhood ain’t easy. Building a business ain’t easy. But trying to do BOTH as a Black man in America? That’s a whole different grind. This episode of the black dad unfiltered podcast is raw, streetwise, and packed with truth bombs for every brother trying to balance fatherhood and leadership with the hustle of building legacy. Hosted by Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod , the black dad podcast...

💥 Corporate America doesn’t care about you being “nice.” It cares about your value. So how do you stop being replaceable and start negotiating like a boss? That’s exactly what this Black Dad Unfiltered 🎙️ episode is about. Host Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod bring the heat with an unfiltered panel featuring Dr. Ellen Grant , Dr. Melodie Baker , and James Reddick —a powerhouse lineup keeping it r...

🔥 Workplace politics isn’t just a buzzword—it’s survival. Too often, Black professionals find themselves navigating a system stacked with unspoken rules, silent power plays, and cultural expectations that can make or break careers. But here’s the truth: once you understand the game, you can thrive in it. In this Black Dad Unfiltered episode of the Black Dad Podcast , hosts Carlos V. Spencer and C...

What if one misunderstood law could threaten your rights—citizen or not? In this eye-opening episode of The Playbook with Coach Rod , immigration attorney and founder of Khalique Law , Sumaiya Khalique, Esq. , dives into the heart of U.S. immigration law, from birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment to legal myths and real-world injustices. Hear how her immigrant story fuels her fight for ju...

What if your greatest desire wasn’t just personal—it was placed there by God? In this powerful episode of The Playbook with Coach Rod , guest Carlos V Spencer reveals how your most authentic dreams are divine signals of your purpose. From breaking down the meaning of “God gives you the desires of your heart” to identifying rhythmic signs that you're on the right path, Carlos delivers spiritual...

In this debut episode of The Playbook with Coach Rod , we sit down with Rycklon Stephens , better known as Ezekiel Jackson , the final ECW Champion and former WWE Intercontinental Champion . But behind the titles is a powerful human story about faith, identity, sacrifice, and success. Born in Guyana and raised without basic amenities like television, Rycklon’s first glimpse of professional wrestli...

In this transparent and powerful episode, Carlos V. Spencer reminds us that not all pain requires immediate answers. Sometimes, sitting with emotional struggles—like sadness, fear, or uncertainty—is the most courageous thing we can do. Through personal reflections and practical wisdom, Carlos unpacks how emotional healing begins when we stop running from discomfort and start listening to what our...

What does a successful marriage and relationship actually look like—especially when shaped by faith, emotional maturity, and unspoken expectations? In this bold and deeply vulnerable episode of Black Dad Unfiltered , real couples get real about navigating self-awareness in marriage, redefining roles, and expressing love without losing identity. This is not just another relationship chat. It’s a ma...

“If being professional means erasing my Blackness — is that really professionalism?” Welcome to Black Dad Unfiltered , the bold, truth-telling Black Dad Podcast that’s shifting narratives and shaking tables. In this episode, we go deep into the lived reality of Black professionals in corporate America — where identity, race, and workplace culture collide. From black identity at work to the silent...

What happens when fathers finally sit down, drop the armor, and just talk? 🖤🎙️ In this cross cultural conversation between The Dad Bod Podcast and Black Dad Unfiltered, Coach Rod opens up about discipline, emotional healing, and the evolving legacy of Fatherhood. From tough love to soft language, from survival to showing up—this episode is a deep dive into the growing pains of becoming a better d...

How does age reshape a father’s love and leadership? In this episode of Black Dad Unfiltered, Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod explore how fatherhood evolves over time—from strict rules to soft wisdom, from survival mode to intentional legacy. This raw conversation dives into structure, discipline, emotional growth, and the values we pass on as we grow older. If you're learning to lead with lov...

What does it really take to protect your rights as a father? 💼 Join Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod in this eye-opening episode of Black Dad Unfiltered as they sit down with veteran family law attorney Randy Karmel to unpack the truths every father needs to know before stepping into family court. Too many men walk in unprepared—misunderstood, misrepresented, and missing key information that could...

What does it mean to be a man in today’s world? 💭 Join Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod as they sit down with a powerful panel of men to unpack what manhood really looks like in the 21st century—beyond the outdated roles, beyond the pressure to “man up.” This honest conversation dives into how men are navigating identity, emotional growth, purpose, and pain in a world that’s constantly shifting. F...

What does it feel like to be a Black man in America today? 🖤 Join Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod as they sit down with Black men from different walks of life to explore the real, unfiltered truth—beyond stereotypes, beyond the headlines. This powerful episode dives deep into identity, community, vulnerability, and survival. From emotional strength to racial profiling, from redefining fatherhood...

Who Comes First: Wife or Kids? 🤔 This debate has divided opinions for years. Should a husband prioritize his wife to build a strong marriage, or should children come first because they depend on their parents emotionally and physically? In this episode, our hosts Carlos V Spencer and Coach Rod explore relationship dynamics, parenting challenges, and lessons real-life experiences. We discuss the i...

 Join Coach Rod and Carlos V. Spencer as they sit down with attorney Sabine Franco to clear up the biggest misconceptions about prenuptial agreements! 💍💰 This episode dives into what a prenup really is, whether couples should consider one, and how it impacts relationships and financial security. 🤔❤️ Sabine breaks down the myths surrounding prenups, explains their legal purpose, and discusses wh...

Are You Choosing the Right Partner? Marriage Advice You Need! Is your approach to marriage all wrong? In this episode of Black Dad Unfiltered, Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod explore emotional maturity, self-awareness, and the real reasons we choose our partners. They break down how emotional wounds shape attraction, why true love is about giving—not just receiving—and the key questions to ask bef...

Join us for an insightful discussion on the Media Influence on Kids: Black Father's Perspective. This episode explores how media shapes societal views on fatherhood, the importance of authentic representation, and the impact of storytelling in shifting narratives. Our guests share personal experiences on breaking stereotypes, navigating fatherhood in the digital age, and the role media plays i...

Join Dawn Petgrave, Coach Rod, and Carlos V. Spencer in a deep dive into relationships, emotional vulnerability, and personal growth. This episode explores the balance between independence and femininity, how women’s empowerment supports men in expressing emotions, and the importance of creating safe spaces for deeper connections. Dawn shares her experiences as a wife and mother, highlighting how...

In this bonus episode, Coach Rod and Carlos V. Spencer discuss how marriage can unlock hidden potential, promote personal growth, and bring divine favor. They talk about how important a supportive partner is to success and how spiritually connected partnerships establish the groundwork for long-term fulfillment. This episode offers valuable insights on building strong, spiritually balanced marriag...

Why do men cheat when leaving is an option? This question stirs emotions and sparks heated debates, but today, we’re diving deep to uncover the truth. In this thought-provoking episode of Black Dad Unfiltered , hosts Carlos V. Spencer and Coach Rod tackle one of the most controversial relationship topics. Exploring the dynamics of emotional and physical cheating, they break down the "greedy vs...