Greg DeShields Podcast

In this episode of Something to Say, host Greg DeShields welcomes Tasha L. Jones, CEO and Founder of LV Jones Consulting, for an engaging conversation on leadership, organizational alignment, workplace culture, and the future of work. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in marketing, leadership development, and public-private partnerships, Tasha shares her journey of discovering purpose...

James Beard Award-winning chef, Iron Chef, author, and restaurateur Jose Garces joins host Greg DeShields on Something to Say for an inspiring conversation about leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and the evolving hospitality industry. As Chief Culinary Officer of Condor Valley Corporation, Chef Garces reflects on the childhood experiences that sparked his passion for food, the lessons lear...

Award-winning creative leader and brand strategist joins host for an inspiring conversation about creativity, branding, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and the evolving role of AI in marketing. With more than 25 years of experience across advertising, gaming, hospitality, and nonprofit innovation, Dave shares the story behind founding Hero Network and Wish Upon a Hero - one of the first social hel...

In this episode of Something to Say , I sit down with the incredible LaWana Boone , a global travel professional, cultural humility consultant, and international flight attendant with over 30 years of experience exploring the world. LaWana shares her powerful journey through aviation, storytelling, and education - revealing how travel can transform perspectives, deepen cultural understanding, and...

This episode: Finding Home & Purpose: Real Estate, Resilience & Life Lessons. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Naomi J. Kurzyna of Compass , one of Philadelphia’s most trusted real estate professionals, to explore the profound connection between finding your home and discovering your purpose. Naomi shares her remarkable journey, shaped by global experiences living across the...

In this episode of Something to Say , host Greg DeShields sits down with branding expert, creative director, and 3x agency founder Paul Blakely to explore a powerful international collaboration between Ireland and Philadelphia’s craft brewing communities. With over 20 years of experience across Europe and the United States, Paul shares insights on brand strategy, entrepreneurship, and the evolving...

Join me on Something to Say as I welcome back Victor Simmons, "new" author of " The Presence-Driven Leader ". Victor shares his journey from his family’s Alabama roots to leading on the global stage of hospitality, showing how authentic leadership comes from presence, not position. We explore his three-pillar leadership framework: coaching , influence , and conviction , plus insights on motivating...

Is travel ever truly neutral? In this powerful episode of Hidden 250, host Karin Aaron sits down with Shaun Lain, historian, orator, and President of College Campus Tours, to explore how place-based travel shapes what we remember, what we believe, and whose stories get told in America. As the nation approaches the America 250 commemoration, this conversation challenges traditional narratives by as...

Join us as we interview the owner of Honkytonk Wine Library in Devon, England. Fitz is an entrepreneur, mentor, and business leader with over two decades of experience in hospitality and entrepreneurship. From his beginnings as a chef across the UK and Europe to building community-focused bars and leading ethical income ventures with Zinzino, Fitz shares his journey of resilience, faith, and purpo...

Amplifying Voices That Matter: Greg DeShields on DEI Strategy, Inclusive Leadership & Building Impact Through Podcasting Greg shares his journey into launching the podcast “Something to Say,” a platform dedicated to elevating stories and perspectives that often remain underrepresented in mainstream media. He explains what inspired him to create a space for meaningful dialogue and what guiding...

Greg DeShields announces the official launch of the new America's 250 Plus (A250 Plus) spin-off podcast! In this special episode, we welcome back Karin Aaron of the Green Book Institute to discuss major milestones, including achieving official 501(c)(3) status and their impactful work in cultural tourism and authentic travel experiences. The biggest reveal is the vision for the A250 Plus series: a...

In this episode of Something to Say , we sit down with Ary Aranguiz , founder of Future-Ready AI Group , to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work, learn, and build businesses. With over 25 years in education, learning, and development - including roles at Google Fiber, Morgan Stanley, and NYU - Ary brings a wealth of experience in making AI practical, accessible, and hum...

In this episode of Something To Say , I sit down with Becky Large , founder and executive director of Champion Autism Network and Autism Travel Club - organizations that have transformed Surfside Beach, South Carolina , into the world’s first autism-friendly travel destination. Becky shares her inspiring journey as an advocate, social entrepreneur, and autism mom whose work has trained thousands,...

In this episode of Something to Say Podcast, I sit down with Anne Turpin, Clinical Assistant Professor of Hospitality at The Ohio State University, who brings nearly two decades of experience from Marriott and Starwood into the classroom. Anne shares her journey from leading hotel operations to shaping the next generation of hospitality leaders through teaching, global programs, and her forthcomin...

Welcome to Something to Say Podcast, Season Two ! Host Greg DeShields sits down with Davonne Reaves , Founder of The Vonne Group and Chief Hospitality Strategist. Davonne is a renowned travel trailblazer, award-winning consultant, and asset manager who previously managed $1 billion in hotel assets. Davonne is leading a powerful movement to increase diversity in the lodging industry. She uses her s...

Welcome to Season 2 of Something to Say Podcast! I’m your host, Greg DeShields, and in this episode I’m joined by the incredible Denella Ri'chard — Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning show Traveling with Denella Ri'chard. Denella is more than a travel expert; she’s a world traveler, TV personality, lifestyle influencer, and one of the 100 Most Influential People in the U.S. Hospitalit...

In this inspiring episode of Something to Say, I sit down with Jason Dunn , CEO of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals (NCBMP). We explore how NCBMP is shaping the future of the meetings and events industry through leadership development, mentorship, and initiatives like the George T. Turner Scholarship Program and the new Bridging Academia and Industry curriculum . Jason also op...

Featuring Eboni Stiff, producer of Speak Now Never Hold Your Peace Podcast, and Greg DeShields, producer of Something to Say Podcast with Greg DeShields ALIVE Prompt Session Greg DeShields and Eboni Stiff "What keeps you going when things are falling apart?"

In this episode of Something to Say , I sit down with Monica Ohlinger , President of Ohlinger Studio and Enlight Media , to explore her powerful journey from the publishing world to becoming a visionary media entrepreneur. Monica shares how early setbacks helped her discover her passion, how personal loss inspired her life's work, and why video, AI, and historical context are reshaping conversatio...

In this compelling episode of Something to Say, we sit down with Kristin Mayo, the founder and executive director of Community Nexus, a dynamic leader bridging community development, education, and technology. We dive deep into her personal journey, the roots of her passion for inclusive workforce solutions, and her bold leadership approach. Kristin shares how her childhood, family influences, and...

In this episode of Something to Say, I’m thrilled to sit down with the dynamic Edina Brown — a powerhouse communicator, facilitator, and community leader. As Vice President of Philanthropic and Community Engagement for the National Association of African Americans in Human Resources (NAAAHR) New Jersey Chapter, Edina brings a wealth of experience in public office, corporate training, and nonprofit...

PODCAST SWAP!! In this inspiring episode of the Obehi Podcast, we sit down with Gregory L. DeShields, CHE, CDE Shields, a visionary nonprofit leader, equity strategist, and inclusive growth advocate, to explore the hospitality industry's transformative potential and why now is the time for more people, especially within the African diaspora, to engage and lead in this space. See the full podcast i...

Welcome to Season Two of the Something to Say Podcast ! I'm your host, Greg DeShields, and today, I’m thrilled to welcome Pamela A. McAfee — CEO and co-founder of Stellaverse Consulting LLC. Pamela shares her inspiring journey as a healthcare leader, business consultant, and advocate for organizational success. We dive into her early memories, her greatest life lessons, and the power of following...

In this episode of Something to Say , we sit down with Matthew Shapiro — President of Campus Copy Center and managing member of RCMS Properties — to explore the unique intersections of business, purpose, and personal growth. A graduate of UPenn and Yale Law, Matt shares his incredible journey from working at his family business as a child to managing affordable housing for over 100 individuals. We...

WELCOME TO SEASON 2 In this episode of Something to Say, we sit down with Jonathan Hunter, a true powerhouse in Philadelphia’s nightlife and business scene. With over 30 years of experience, Jonathan successfully balanced community engagement, hospitality, and entrepreneurship. As the founder of The Raven Lounge, he shares how he turned a small bar into a thriving entertainment hub and how he fost...