RAW SUCCESS

Mark Daniel is the owner of Markdaniel Barbershop which operates two locations in Downtown Jersey City and Hoboken, two of the most affluent areas in New Jersey. His success didn't come easy, he had challenges along the way and a substance abuse issue that almost ruined his life. This is how he overcame those challenges and achieved success. Get True Khepra's Book:The Power Of Choice: You...

In this episode of the Raw Success Podcast, we speak with Dr. Akil Kokayi Khalfani about success, community, history, and mindset. Dr. Khalfani is the Director of the Africana Institute and Associate Professor of Sociology at Essex County College. He is also the President and Founder of ATIRA Corp, a think tank focused on developing solutions for issues facing people of African descent around the...

In this impactful episode of the Raw Success Podcast , we’re joined by Afiya Mbilishaka, psychology expert and founder of PsychoHairapy, for a deep conversation on mental health, culture, and identity. Afiya shares powerful insights on how traditional psychology models were never designed to fully address the needs of the Black community—and the real consequences of that disconnect. We explore how...

Jabir Brinkley is an advocate for at risk youth. He went on a journey to become a mentor for the future generations when he saw kids that from his neighborhood who he babysat locked up at the same jail he worked at. Now his mission is to guide as many youths as possible in the right path, with an emphasis on helping them get to college.

In this episode, we sit down with Jerra Sanks, who turned discipline into real results by buying her first property at just 27 years old. Jerra made a decision to lock in — cutting out unnecessary spending, sacrificing short-term wants, and staying focused on her long-term vision. While many people were enjoying their 20s, she was working three jobs , attending college, and making difficult sacrif...

In this powerful episode of Raw Success, we sit down with Sarah Awad who is an advocate for women. After a traumatic experience at the hospital during her first birth, she decided to do a free birth at home with the help of her husband. Sarah is a courageous woman who seeks to help other women accomplish their goals when it comes to childbirth and even in life in general through her woman's gr...

In this powerful episode of Raw Success , we sit down with serial entrepreneur and investor Raven Alvarez, a firm believer that buying businesses is better than starting from scratch . If you’re interested in business acquisition, entrepreneurship, investing, wealth building, and financial freedom , this conversation will challenge everything you think you know about success. Raven’s story is noth...

Host True Khepra sits down with Nitt Da Gritt , owner of RGF Productions and the powerhouse behind the explosive rise of Fetty Wap and the global smash “Trap Queen.” From behind the scenes of the music industry to the lessons forged through hardship, Nitt shares a raw and unfiltered look at his journey. Growing up without much, Nitt Da Gritt explains how adversity shaped his discipline, work ethic...

In this episode of the Raw Success Podcast , host True Khepra sits down with Agyeman “AJ” Senkyire , founder of Adinkra Republic —a luxury sock brand built to bring awareness to powerful Adinkra symbols and the cultural meaning behind them. AJ is also a high-level corporate executive , and in this conversation he shares how adopting a growth mindset has been the foundation of his success across bo...

In this episode of the Raw Success Podcast , I sit down with Justin Kiliszek — one of New Jersey’s top real estate experts and a self-made investor who grew up far from wealth. Raised in Queens, NY, in a family of lifelong renters, Justin simply wanted a better life. Today, he owns dozens of investment properties , has closed over $1 billion in sales , and ranks in the top 1% of Realtors worldwide...

In this episode of the Raw Success Podcast , I sit down with Pastor Jason Jennings , better known as Pastor J — an entrepreneur, real estate investor, and pastor who turned his life around after walking away from the streets. Though raised in a good home with a religious father, Pastor J became a drug dealer in his early 20s. But after hitting rock bottom, he chose to rewrite his story. Over the p...

In this emotional and inspiring episode of the Raw Success Podcast , I sit down with Papi Storz — a New Jersey hip-hop legend who’s worked with greats like Pete Rock , Benny The Butcher , and DJ Lazy K . Papi Storz opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his two siblings to drug overdoses, and how that pain fueled his mission to inspire change through music, film, and community work. From droppin...

In this episode of the Raw Success Podcast , I sit down with Ted Santos —author, advisor, and coach to CEOs—who helps leaders and organizations create breakthrough success. We dive deep into how anyone can achieve success , why the victim mentality blocks growth , and the surprising truth about how creating problems often leads to breakthroughs . Ted also shares his unique perspective on leadershi...

In this inspiring episode of the Raw Success Podcast , host True Khepra sits down with Tiffany Perez — a trailblazing tattoo artist, entrepreneur, and creative visionary from Paterson, New Jersey. From an early age, Tiffany was immersed in art, guided by her father, a graffiti artist, who ignited her passion for drawing. What began as sketching and painting eventually grew into a diverse artistic...

In this powerful episode of the Raw Success Podcast , host True Khepra sits down with Tory Kei , better known as Hip Hop’s Personal Trainer . Tory’s journey is one of overcoming adversity, transforming pain into purpose, and building a movement that blends health and culture. Growing up in a hardworking household that faced health and financial struggles, Tory experienced challenges that could hav...

In this special episode of the Raw Success Podcast , host True Khepra flips the script and turns the mic toward his own children. He asks them a powerful question: “What’s the most important lesson I’ve taught you as your father?” The answers are inspiring — touching on themes of resilience , self-discipline , love , and personal growth . This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the values that s...

What if your credit score could determine more than just your ability to buy a car or get a loan? In this episode, True Khepra sits down with Dwayne Reid , founder of Reid Financial Solutions and a man who has made it his life’s mission to help people transform their financial reality through the power of good credit. Dwayne shares how a single moment—helping a young man drive off in his first car...

In this powerful episode, True Khepra sits down with Therman Bellinger , better known as P.A.P.E.S — a real estate investor, mentor, and entrepreneur whose life story is nothing short of inspiring. Growing up in Paterson, New Jersey during the turbulent 80s, Therman witnessed firsthand the effects of the crack and AIDS epidemics. From a childhood spent observing life’s harsh realities to raising a...

In this powerful episode of Raw Success Podcast, we sit down with Johnny Guerrero, a 5th-degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt under Rigan Machado and the inspiring owner of No Limit Martial Arts Academy in West Orange, New Jersey. Johnny opens up about: ✅ How visualization—taught by his first martial arts instructor—shaped his unbreakable discipline✅ The philosophy he applies to raise strong, s...

In this powerful episode of the Raw Success Podcast , we sit down with Eric , a recovering drug addict who has been sober for 9 years . Eric shares his heartbreaking yet inspiring journey—detailing the childhood trauma that led him to addiction, the rock-bottom moment that changed everything, and the role Narcotics Anonymous played in his recovery. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ How childhood sex...

In this powerful episode of Raw Success, we sit down with Dr. Emmanuel "Tank" Cherilien, an education specialist, international speaker, and the founder of TANK EdUcates LLC. Dr. Tank opens up about his remarkable journey from adversity to academic excellence, sharing how losing his father at 16 nearly derailed his future—but ultimately became the fuel that propelled him forward. Once told he wasn...

In this episode of Raw Success , we sit down with Samuel Arce , a Marine veteran, father of five, and the entrepreneur behind ShieldEX Animal and Pest Control . Samuel shares his unexpected journey into business ownership , how a personal setback became his greatest opportunity, and the hard truths about keeping a business alive for over a decade. 🔹 How a DUI changed his career path forever 🔹 Th...

Autism is often misunderstood—but today’s guest is here to set the record straight. Lamont Gates has dedicated his career to working with children on the autism spectrum, using applied behavior analysis (ABA) to help families navigate the challenges and breakthroughs of autism. With a background in psychology and years of hands-on experience in special education, he brings a wealth of knowledge to...

At 17, he was alone—his family gone, his father in jail, and a deportation order threatening his future. With just $250 in his pocket, he worked grueling 50-60 hour weeks in a scrap metal yard, saving every dollar to fight for his legal status. After a long battle, he won his case but faced another setback—getting kicked out of engineering school. Instead of giving up, he pivoted to business schoo...

In this inspiring episode of the Raw Success Podcast , we sit down with Alexander Vivanco —an author, motivational speaker, and personal development coach with a remarkable story of resilience and self-discovery. Born with a chest abnormality that caused his chest to cave in known as pectus excavatum, Alexander spent much of his life hiding his body and struggling with the fear of being judged. Ev...