Leaders and Learners, a Sand and Shores Production

From concert promoter to tech entrepreneur, Allen Sanford has been at the intersection of music, innovation, and cultural impact for over two decades. Allen is the 💫 Founding Partner of BeachLife Grotto💫 Founder of California Surf Club💫 Founder of BeachLife Ranch💫 Founder of BeachLife Festival💫 Co-Founder of The Venice West💫 Investor / CoFounder of Primo Italia💫 Investor / CoFounder of The...

The opening of Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session. Meet some of the panelists of: ~ From Pitch to Partnership~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires~ How Climate Impacts HealthMeet Renaldo DaSilvaSerial Entrepreneur, Mentor, &amp...

The opening of Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session. Meet some of the panelists of: ~ From Pitch to Partnership ~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires ~ How Climate Impacts Health 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check...

The opening at Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session. Meet some of the panelists of: ~ From Pitch to Partnership ~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires ~ How Climate Impacts Health 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check...

In this episode of Leaders & Learners, we sit down with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal —James B. Duke Distinguished Professor at Duke University, cultural critic, and host of Left of Black. From his roots in the Bronx to shaping the future of Black popular culture, Dr. Neal unpacks the intersections of hip-hop, Black masculinity, and digital media. We explore how he co-teaches the history of hip-hop wi...

What really happens to a body after a drug overdose? In this gripping episode of Leaders & Learners, Commissioner Tonya McKenzie sits down with the trailblazing Coroner Naida Rutherford—nurse practitioner, changemaker, and the first African-American, first woman, and first medical professional elected to the Coroner's office in Richland County, SC. And she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha,...

In his first book, Don’t Ask Me Sh%! About Marriage , Chris shares the impacts divorce and remarriage have had on his life and faith. While he doesn’t consider himself a relationship expert, he jokingly says, “Based on my relationship track record, some may say that I’m an expert at getting them [relationships] wrong.”Despite his failures in marriage, Chris believes in the foundational principles...

In this episode of Leaders & Learners, we sit down with Jara Montez , a tech education strategist and program manager whose work at companies like Webflow, Coursera, and Salesforce is shaping the future of learning. Jara shares how she designs digital learning experiences that not only educate but open doors to economic mobility. From curriculum design to community-driven growth, she’s on a mi...

🎙️ From the Stage to the Page: Alretha Thomas on Purpose, Passion & PerseveranceJoin us on this inspiring episode of Leaders & Learners as we sit down with award-winning author, playwright, and producer Alretha Thomas. She shares her journey from the classroom to the world of entertainment, the power of storytelling, and how faith and resilience shaped her remarkable career. Whether you&#3...

This is the conversation that we need for the changes that we are going through. Dr. Peter Rios is a bilingual speaker, consultant, and leadership coach with over 20 years of experience. He has worked with institutions like Harvard University, the Lilly Endowment, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. He has also taught at Penn State, Colorado State, and the Pacific School of Religion. Peter&#39...

At Cal State University Northridge, Dr. James Henry, a proud Alpha Phi Alpha man, has dedicated decades to inspiring young minds. Starting his journey in tackle football at just ten years old, he learned invaluable lessons that shaped his character and kept him on a positive path. His experiences as an athlete not only provided him with a strong foundation but also helped him forge lasting friends...

How does childhood differ now than back in the 70s? There are some extreme differences and similarities that most of us can relate to. Family and friends joined Jackie Balestra to discuss her new book, T he Rockaway Chronicles . Jackie's memoir reflects on her New York upbringing and the quality family time she experienced at Rockaway Beach. Jackie will have guests on this episode as we take viewe...

Jim Light was appointed by the Redondo Beach City Council on February 20th, 2024 to serve the remainder of Bill Brand's term after he died from Cancer. Now, he is asking for the community's vote so that he can continue as the Mayor for the next four years. Join us as we chat with Jim about his experiences in Redondo Beach and his vision for the future.

🔥 Powerful Panel Alert! 🔥 Join me and three incredible PR and marketing experts, Daniel Smith , Tiff Knightsen , and Chandra Gore , as we take a deep dive into the impact of this new administration, the dismantling of DEI, and what it all means for The Culture and our allies. 💡 From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, we’re breaking it all down with real talk, expert insights, and a...

Black Baseball Media is putting on The San Diego Baseball Classic, an event that brings the community together in a unique fashion that empowers all stakeholders. The San Diego Baseball Classic will serve as a fundraiser for underserved programs. These programs receive 50% of ticket sales. Join us as we chat with the founder of Black Media and Chicago White Sox Youth Development Instructor, Earnes...

Would you vote for Darin King? Seeking the City Council seat for District 1 in Redondo Beach, CA, Darin King will chat with the panel about his experience and his vision for the city that he calls home. From student government in public schools to an insatiable desire to never stop learning about the world, to being a small business owner, to working as a high school football official, to voluntee...

What do you know about Brad Waller, the man who is running to represent the District 1 in Redondo Beach? Brad has been fighting for our kids for the last nineteen years, not just in Redondo Beach but also in Sacramento and Washington DC. Now he wants to keep fighting for the the quality of life for all Redondo Beach residents. Find out more at elect.bradwaller.com Check out our chat with him. Woul...

What makes Joan Irvine a great choice for Mayor of Redondo Beach, CA? While some have mocked her age and her views, many people appreciate her independent thinking and her impressive work in protecting young people online. She’s also played a key role in the Keep the Esplanade Beautiful initiative, all driven by her deep love for the City of Redondo Beach, CA . We invite you to tune in, join the c...

Born in Chicago and moved to the East Coast by her father who was a Navy aviation machinist, Dominique Madison studied film in New York and Atlanta while working as a flight attendant. In 2018 she played the role of Rochelle in Superfly. She has been on the rise since then receiving several Emmy nominations in 2020. Join us as we chat with the star of MARRIED TO A BALLA and Los Angeles resident, a...

Let's have an open-hearted conversation about life that encourages and heals women who may be challenged to know their worth, feel their time has passed, and find genuine JOY. Join us as we chat with Cheri Maree, international artist and author. Nothing is off-limits. We will get into -New Music -Bring an author -Love Is Rising Tour and Retreat in Cancun, Mexico, Nov. 14-18, 2024 -The Art of Begin...

It's all about Ebony Vegan ! Join us and meet Angelina Torres, a vegan and plant-based private chef in Los Angeles. Born and raised in New York, she discovered her love for cooking as a little girl—a passion that eventually led her to pursue formal training at the New York Restaurant School. With a strong foundation in French culinary techniques, Angelina honed her skills in some of New York’s top...

Hear our panel of incredibly insightful PR and media pros for a deep dive into some of the hottest topics in the headlines right now. Tiffany Knighten, Amore Philip, Tonya McKenzie, and Brandi Sims, MBA, will weigh in with their PR perspective to break down what has been done right and missteps taken that could elevate or tarnish their brand. Some of the topics included are: 🎙️ The Victory Secret...

The panel of Leaders & Learners South Bay will examine and explain Measure RB. It's on your ballot and will have a cost. The question is, do you want to pay that high price? Who is behind this measure and why? Join us as we talk about all of it. Send your questions in early and hear them answered live: info@sandandshores.com Instagram Handles for the Hosts: Tonya McKenzie @TonyaMcKenziePR Paul...

How does a heartbroken ER doctor heal and truly help others? She writes letters to patients, caretakers, and other physicians as a true health justice advocate. Hear about the book, the work, and how Dr. Long is helping to restore trust while navigating the U.S. healthcare system. The book is out now: Love Letters to Patients Find out more: https://www.casualtyconsultant.org/ About Leaders & L...

What does justice without a political agenda look like? Steve Napolitano has been an attorney for more than 20 years. He is a state-appointed attorney representing inmates before the Board of Parole Hearings. He knows what makes people turn to crime and how to turn them around. Steve has been in public service for more than 30 years, serving as the youngest elected and now longest serving Mayor an...