Grown and Greek Podcast

In this episode, DJ Chocolate sits down with Mitchelle Jones to discuss the intersection of professional success and Greek-letter leadership. Mitchelle shares her personal "origin story," reflecting on how her HBCU roots and her journey into the Divine Nine shaped her perspective on collective responsibility and social impact.

In this episode of the Grown and Greek Podcast, we sit down with George Brooks as he shares his powerful journey from growing up in Baltimore to becoming a driving force at the Walt Disney Company. A proud HBCU graduate and military veteran, George reflects on how humility, discipline, and service shaped his path and continue to guide his leadership today. George gives us an inside look at how dat...

In this powerful episode of the Grown and Greek podcast, host DJ Chocolate sits down with Tinesha Ross, Senior Manager of Engineering Operations at United Launch Alliance. From a childhood shaped by tragedy in Alabama to launching rockets into space, Tinesha shares how mentorship, her HBCU experience, and her sorority support system helped her rise. She opens up about community engagement, breakin...

In this episode of the #GrownAndGreek podcast, host #DJChocolate (@djchocolatedotcom) sits down with #PatrickPacker, President and CEO of #DatusHenryIndustries—the only African-American owned, vertically integrated CBD company in Alabama and a proud member of #AlphaPhiAlpha Fraternity, Inc.

In this episode of the Grown and Greek podcast, host DJ Chocolate welcomes comedian Christopher Columbus, who shares his journey from DJing to stand-up comedy. He discusses the challenges and nuances of performing in the Atlanta comedy scene, the importance of storytelling in comedy, and the art of timing and transitioning during performances. Columbus reflects on his early experiences in comedy,...

In this episode of the Grown and Greek podcast, host Phaith Frazier Podcast talks with fellow Greek from the Divine 9 Sterling Hinton, also known as DJ Sterl the Pearl. They discuss Sterl's journey from being a quarterback at the University of Tennessee to becoming a successful DJ and entertainer. Sterl shares insights on the evolution of football, the challenges he faced in the SEC, and offers ad...

In this episode of the Grown And Greek Podcast, host and guest Devon Frazier discuss the critical importance of literacy in education and its correlation with the prison system. Devon shares her personal journey in founding I See Me, Inc., an organization dedicated to improving literacy among children. The conversation highlights the need for community action, the impact of educational policies, a...

In this engaging conversation, Meredith Lilly shares her journey as a prominent political figure and advisor, emphasizing the importance of faith, community, and mentorship. She reflects on her daily routine, the challenges of being a first in leadership roles, and the significance of her HBCU experience. Throughout the discussion, Lilly highlights the need for empowerment and support among women...

In this episode of *Grown & Greek*, Choc sits down with celebrity stylist, designer, and author Perry Varner for a powerful conversation on fashion, purpose, and personal evolution. With over 27 years in the industry, Perry breaks down the difference between style and fashion, and why true impact comes from authenticity, collaboration, and mentorship. Perry shares the story behind his journey—from...

In this insightful episode of the Grown and Greek Podcast, host DJ Chocolate sits down with Kevin L. Nichols—a social engineer, dedicated community builder, and fierce advocate for diversity in tech. Kevin shares his expertise on how to empower communities, build sustainable professional networks, and navigate the rapidly shifting future of work in the face of technological change. The conversatio...

In this inspiring episode of Grown & Greek, host DJ Chocolate sits down with media trailblazer Cortney Hicks for a powerful conversation on resilience, leadership, and legacy in the entertainment industry. As a pioneering Black woman in radio and television, Cortney shares her journey of breaking barriers, staying authentic in competitive spaces, and building a career rooted in purpose. She reflec...

In this inspiring episode of *Grown & Greek*, host DJ Chocolate sits down with media trailblazer **Cortney Hicks** for a powerful conversation on resilience, leadership, and legacy in the entertainment industry. As a pioneering Black woman in radio and television, Cortney shares her journey of breaking barriers, staying authentic in competitive spaces, and building a career rooted in purpose. She...

In this episode of *Grown & Greek*, host **DJ Chocolate** sits down with global HR leader **Moni Saygbay-Hallie** for an inspiring conversation about leadership, identity, and the power of community. Moni shares her remarkable journey from Liberia to becoming an international leader in human resources, reflecting on how cultural values, resilience, and strong community ties shaped her path. The di...

In this powerful episode of **Grown & Greek**, Shannon Young opens up about answering the call on her life — and the obedience it required. As a broker, professor, author, and ministry leader, Shannon shares how faith, mental health, and purpose intersect in real life — not just in theory. She speaks candidly about surrendering to God’s will, navigating fear, and trusting the process even when the...

On this impactful episode of Grown And Greek, host DJ Chocolate sits down with entrepreneur Eric Lusain to unpack his journey from corporate America into ownership in the funeral industry and the launch of his vintage-style collegiate apparel brand. Eric opens up about the importance of dignity in funeral services, how COVID-19 reshaped his business and leadership approach, and the lessons grief a...

On this powerful episode of the #GrownAndGreekPodcast, host #DJChocolate sits down with #JamesHarris, a proud member of #OmegaPsiPhiFraternity, Army veteran, licensed mental health professional, author, and founder of the global #MenToHeal movement. James shares his journey from military service with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan to becoming a leader in community-based mental health, private...

In this episode of the **Grown in Greek Podcast**, Tara Jones takes listeners on a powerful journey through her career in media education, spanning radio, teaching, and deep community engagement. She reflects on what it means to prepare the next generation of storytellers in an era shaped by rapid technological change, artificial intelligence, and evolving media platforms. Tara shares candid insig...

In this episode of Grown & Greek, the conversation centers on service, sustainability, and the power of community as Dr. Tihara Sommers joins the show to share insights from her extensive career in public service. Dr. Sommers discusses her work around community resilience, disaster preparedness, and the often-overlooked needs of the aging population. She emphasizes the critical role education play...

In this soulful episode of Grown and Greek, the conversation flows with celebrated contemporary jazz artist Kim Scott as she reflects on her musical journey and the purpose that fuels her artistry. From her early beginnings as a young flutist to becoming a chart-topping force in contemporary jazz, Kim shares how passion, discipline, and faith in her gift shaped her path. Kim speaks candidly about...

In this episode of **#GrownAndGreek**, host **#DJChocolate** sits down with visionary community builder and tech leader **#DaryleWhyte** for an insightful conversation on purpose-driven networking and collective progress.

In this episode of **Grown and Greek**, DJ Chocolate sits down with **Kimberly Phillips**, an integrative financial wellness coach, for a powerful conversation about money, mindset, and healing. Kimberly breaks down the emotional and psychological relationships we form with money and how generational wealth trauma can quietly shape our financial decisions. The discussion explores how parenting inf...

Attorney and environmental advocate **Joi Travis** joins DJ Chocolate to share her powerful journey from law school to becoming a champion for community, justice, and the planet. Joi reflects on her deep roots at **Alabama State University**, the strength of alumni connections, and how her commitment to service guides her work in probate and family law. She also opens up about her advocacy with th...

Host DJ Chocolate (@djchocolatedotcom) sits down with Rick Jackson, Chief Communications Officer at Talladega College, for a dynamic conversation about media, leadership, and the power of HBCU storytelling. Rick walks us through his journey from journalism to communications, breaking down why credible sources matter now more than ever in the digital age. He also shares why HBCUs remain vital, how...

In this episode of the Grown and Greek Podcast, host DJ Chocolate sits down with Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, a national leader in environmental justice and community empowerment. Dr. Ali dives into the deep connections between environmental health, social equity, and civic engagement—revealing how air pollution and climate challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities. He also explor...

In this inspiring episode of Grown and Greek, host DJ Chocolate (@djchocolatedotcom) sits down with Dr. Morkeith Phillips, Director of the Honoré Center for Undergraduate Male Achievement at Southern University at New Orleans. Dr. Phillips shares how the center empowers young Black men through education, mentorship, and community engagement—helping them rise above barriers and redefine their futur...