Positive Philter Podcast

Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill joins Positive Philter to discuss his career journey from aerospace engineering to leading one of the largest counties in Virginia. We explore how he approaches local government like a business, manages a $10 billion budget, maintains a AAA bond rating, and oversees approximately 16,000 employees. Bryan shares insights on the One Fairfax initiative, building rel...

 I celebrate reaching 100,000 downloads of my Positive Filter podcast and reflect on a near-decade journey of consistency, growth, and meaningful conversations with over 150 guests. He breaks down the milestone's statistics, shares his top episodes, and explores what it takes to sustain a podcast in an industry where most shows don't make it past twenty episodes. Along the way, he challenges liste...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with my friend and fellow Patriot, Chris Preston, a dedicated George Mason University alumnus and former president of the GMU Alumni Association. Chris is someone I look up to in the Mason alumni community, and we discuss his journey as a Patriot and how staying connected to his alma mater has continued to enrich his life. We explore the power of alu...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with my mentor, friend, and colleague, Lewis E. Forrest II, M.Ed., Assistant Vice President for University Life at George Mason University and co-chair of Mason Chooses Kindness. We discuss his career in higher education leadership, his approach to supporting student well-being, and his journey back to the classroom to pursue a postgraduate certifica...

In this special bonus episode of Positive Philter, I sit down with my dad, Retired Colonel Philip Wilkerson Jr., to discuss his experience serving as a poll officer in the same community where I grew up. We explore the vital role poll officers play in the election process, why local elections often directly affect our daily lives, and practical ways everyday citizens can stay informed and engaged....

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Marvin Lewis, George Mason University's Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics. Marvin shares his journey growing up in the DMV, his experience as a student-athlete and basketball player at Georgia Tech, and how a career in finance ultimately led him to leadership in collegiate athletics. We discuss the importance of education for stu...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Dr. Stephen Paul Edwards, author of The Venus Flytrap, spiritual counselor, and coach. We discuss how childhood experiences and unconscious patterns can shape our relationships, careers, and everyday decisions. Dr. Edwards shares insights on healing from shame, breaking unhealthy cycles, and developing greater self-awareness. This conversation of...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Patrick Harris II, educator, author, and doctoral student. We discuss the intersection of emotions, leadership, and identity, including how race, gender, and queerness can shape perceptions of leadership. Patrick also shares insights on authenticity, human-centered leadership, and the power of storytelling. Shout Out and Plugs Patrick Harris on I...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Jaylen Christie, researcher, writer, and fellow Alpha Phi Alpha brother. We discuss Black representation in comics, his research on the impact of superheroes on young readers, his experiences at San Diego Comic-Con, and his upcoming novella Thermosphere. Shout Out and Plugs Jaylen Christie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesuperflynerd/ Jay...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, Head Coach of George Mason Women's Basketball. We discuss her leadership philosophy, the culture she has built within the program, and the power behind the team's mantra, #BelieveBig. Coach Blair-Lewis shares how belief, accountability, and relationships help shape successful student-athletes on and off the court. We al...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Scott Stirrett, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Venture for Canada. We discuss overcoming social anxiety, the power of networking and weak ties, and why embracing uncertainty can be a valuable skill for personal and professional growth. Guest Information & Recording Location Shout Out and Plugs   Scott Stirrett Instagram: https://www.instagr...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Junaid Ahmed, entrepreneur and podcasting expert. We discuss his journey as a creator, how he helps others launch and grow podcasts, the importance of quality home studio setups, and practical advice for aspiring podcasters. Shout Out and Plugs Junaid's Website:  https://homestudiomastery.com Junaid's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superjun...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by fellow George Mason alumni Tia and Luke Pierce. They are educators, members of the Divine Nine, and all-around amazing people. We discuss our shared GMU experience, their journey together from high school sweethearts to young professionals starting their careers in education, and lessons on marriage, identity, family, and community. Guest Informa...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by James Kellock, entrepreneur, kindness advocate, and founder of RippleCore. We discuss how kindness can become a measurable, intentional practice; the difference between being nice and being kind; and how mentorship and everyday actions can create powerful ripple effects in schools, workplaces, and communities. Shout Out and Plugs RippleCore Websi...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Dr. Keith Renshaw, Professor of Psychology and Senior Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education at George Mason University. We discuss his educational journey, his passion for student success, and why research and academic rigor are valuable for all students, not just those pursuing graduate degrees. Dr. Renshaw shares how undergraduate resear...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Fran Harper, host of the podcast " What I Wish I Knew at 30" and an Identity Architect dedicated to helping people align their goals with their purpose. We discuss her journey through the food industry, her transition into coaching and personal development, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Fran shares insights on navigating career pivo...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by entrepreneur, author, and Nolodex co-founder Joe Mindak. Joe shares his journey from working in a family printing business to building a platform that helps professionals monetize their networks. We discuss the concept behind his book, Connectors Get Paid, and why relationship-building, referrals, and social capital are often undervalued assets. J...

In this episode of Positive Philter, Bennett and I return for Part 2 of our leadership conversation series. After the positive response to our first episode, we decided to continue exploring leadership through a cross-generational lens. While my dad, Retired Colonel Philip L. Wilkerson Jr., wasn't able to join us for this conversation, Bennett and I discuss leadership lessons, personal growth, and...

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Fred Bemak and Dr. Rita Chung, two professors who had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. As architects of George Mason University's innovative counseling program, they helped create a learning environment grounded in multiculturalism, social justice, and advocacy. We discuss what brought them to George Mason, the vision behind the prog...

In this episode, I'm joined by my dad, Retired Colonel Philip L. Wilkerson Jr., and my 11-year-old son, Bennett Wilkerson, for an impromptu conversation about leadership. Together, we share perspectives across three generations and discuss the values, experiences, and lessons that have shaped how we lead and serve others. This unique conversation among a grandfather, father, and son may become a r...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Dean Joshua Park, Dean of Mason Korea, for another installment of my Dean Series. We discuss his educational and professional journey, what led him to a career in higher education, and his vision for Mason Korea's role within the George Mason University community. Dean Park shares why Mason Korea is more than a satellite campus and how it is an in...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by George Mason alum, Schar School Alumnus of the Year, and Virginia State Senator Saddam Salim. In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, we discuss his journey as a first-generation college student, what brought him to George Mason, and how he found his path in public service. Senator Salim also shares insights on state government and practical ways...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by fellow George Mason alum and Fairfax City Council member Anthony Amos. We discuss his journey from growing up in a military family to pursuing his master's degree at Mason and eventually serving in public office. Anthony shares lessons he has learned through public service and how students and young professionals can apply what they learn in the c...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Dr. Kevin Reese to discuss his journey through higher education and the impact attending a Historically Black College and University had on his life. We talk about what motivated him to pursue his doctorate, the importance of community and support, and advice for others considering advanced degrees. This is an inspiring conversation about resilien...

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Kevin Smith, leader of Kindness Week Worldwide. We discuss how kindness can go beyond a single day and become a year-round mindset that impacts schools, government, civic engagement, and communities around the world. Kevin shares what inspired him to lead this movement and why intentional acts of kindness can create meaningful change. This is a po...