HBCU4U Podcast

Every great movement starts with someone who decides to begin. 🎙️ In Episode 16 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sat down with Terrence G. Caldwell—engineer, executive, entrepreneur, author, and founder of HBCU Alum—to discuss building one of the nation's leading HBCU media platforms from the ground up. We talked about: 🎓 Growing up in an HBCU town ⚡ His journey from engineering to executive leadership...

Success doesn't always begin with a perfect plan. Sometimes it begins by almost flunking out of college... changing majors... changing careers... getting injured... starting over... and refusing to stop learning. In Episode 15 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with Kristin Smith-Clinton , Vice President & Group Strategy Director at UWG, one of the country's leading multicultural ad...

In Episode 14, host Galen Turner sits down with fellow Jackson State University alumna Tyronica Carter —former educator, four-time published author, business coach, professional event host, and seven-figure entrepreneur. After spending 15 years in education, Tyronica made the leap into entrepreneurship, transforming a side hustle into a thriving business while leading a network of more than 156,00...

What happens when a student with a 1.6 GPA refuses to become a "what if" story? In Episode 13 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Galen Turner sits down with Jackson State University alumnus Jason K. Ingram, a 7-time Emmy Award-winning producer whose work has helped shape some of the biggest moments in sports television. From working NBA All-Star Games, March Madness, NBA TV, TNT Sports, and HBCU GO, to mentor...

In Episode 12 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with family friend and fellow Jackson State graduate, Rev. Dr. Michael V. Johnson — a man whose story proves that every setback can become a setup for something greater. 🙏🏾🔥 Coming out of Holly Springs, Mississippi as a standout quarterback, Michael arrived at Jackson State ready to play — only to be sidelined his first year as a Prop 48. That pau...

What happens when an HBCU graduate combines faith, business strategy, and a mission to help others win? In Episode 11 of the HBCU4U Podcast , Galen Turner sits down with his lifelong friend @cfocoachmac —a proud Prairie View A&M University graduate, entrepreneur, accountant, author, and creator of the Built to Pay You™ Wealth Triangle Framework . Mac shares his journey from Cleveland, Mississi...

What happens when a passionate educator refuses to give up on her students? In Episode 10 of the HBCU4U Podcast, Huston-Tillotson University graduate Charitta Bryant shares her incredible journey from HBCU student to transformational educator, mentor, instructional leader, and advocate for young people. Over the past 20+ years, Charitta has impacted countless students through her work as an Englis...

What if I told you someone went from a 1.0 GPA in high school to graduating college with a 4.0? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Deesa, whose journey is a powerful example of how opportunity, mentorship, and determination can completely change the direction of your life. Deesa shares how a chance encounter led him from vocational school to Southern University, where he discovere...

In this powerful episode 8, host Galen Turner sits down with his brother and close friend of nearly 30 years, Micah O. Briggs Sr. Micah is a proud Jackson State University alumnus, poet, author, educator, and the founder of Mind Over Barriers, LLC. Growing up in Omaha, Nebraska, Micah faced severe trauma, abuse, and violence—experiences that could have easily broken him. Instead, he transformed hi...

In this powerful Mother’s Day episode of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with my Great Aunt, Deloris Jones-Johnson, whose life story is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in Mississippi during segregation, she overcame adversity to graduate magna cum laude from Alcorn State, earn multiple master’s degrees, and become a trailblazer in education and counseling. She was one of the first natio...

In Episode 6 of the HBCU4U Podcast, join us for an inspiring conversation with Kyris Brown, a master tailor, entrepreneur, and mentor. Kyris shares his journey from Cleveland, Mississippi, to becoming a nationally respected figure in the world of fashion, dressing high-profile clients and making a significant impact in his community. Dive into discussions about education, professionalism, and the...

Episode 5 of the HBCU4U Podcast features Natasha Belt and her powerful journey from Chicago’s Altgeld Gardens to Jackson State University. We talk about how JSU, the Sonic Boom of the South, family support, discipline, and purpose all helped shape her path in education, leadership, and service. Natasha also shares how personal loss became the fuel behind ARCH and why HBCUs still create life-changi...

In Episode 4 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with Dana Bowie-Earles to talk about her journey from Milwaukee to Howard University, and how her HBCU experience helped shape her confidence, identity, leadership style, and career path in finance and operations. Dana currently serves as Vice President of Finance and Operations at the Financial Health Network and brings more than 20 years of experien...

In Episode 3, I introduce my cousin Michael Bass: project manager, cybersecurity leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Intergenerational Computer Education. His mission is powerful — helping teens, seniors, and career seekers build digital confidence, stay safe online, and create real pathways through tech. This is what impact looks like when skill meets service. Learn more or get involved with Int...

In Episode 2 of the HBCU4U Podcast, I sit down with Will C. Pugh, Jr.—proud Jackson State University alum, CPA, and President of Mentoring Brother 2 Brother (MB2B)—for a real conversation about HBCUs, confidence, and community impact. Will breaks down one of the biggest myths out there: that an HBCU degree can’t compete. He shares how JSU prepared him to land internships and opportunities alongsid...

Episode 1 is LIVE 🎙️🔥 In this first HBCU4U Podcast episode, I’m sharing the vision—why this platform exists, who we’re interviewing (HBCU alums, contributors, faculty/staff), and how my journey from Chicago → Carbondale → Cleveland, MS led me to Jackson State University… and eventually Dallas, where HBCU4U was born. If you’re a student, parent, or just love HBCUs—this one’s for you. Tap in and sh...