The Collective Talk Podcast

In this episode of The Collective Talk Podcast, Ken sits down with Pastor Carlton Barnes for a real and honest conversation about what it means to walk in faith, even when it hurts . Pastor Barnes shares parts of his own journey through loss, disappointment, and unanswered questions, and how he has learned to keep trusting God in the middle of grief and pain. Together they talk about: Following Go...

In this Part 2 conversation on The Collective Talk Podcast, Pastor McKinley Cummins joins us to dig deeper into what it really means to live out servant leadership in real life. We talk about leading with humility, serving when it’s uncomfortable, handling pressure and criticism, and staying grounded in faith while you guide others. Whether you’re a pastor, community leader, business owner, or sim...

In this powerful solo episode of The Collective Talk Podcast , Ken Benson takes the mic to reflect on how cycles of hate have shaped our communities, our families, and our future. From deeply personal roots to broader social realities, this conversation explores resilience, truth, and the urgent need for change. Every story shared is rooted in authenticity and built to inspire action. This is more...

In this episode of The Collective Talk Podcast , Pastor McKinley Cummins shares what it truly means to be a servant leader. From walking in faith to leading with humility, he explores the importance of prioritizing others and how servant leadership can positively impact communities. 🎙️ Tune in for wisdom, inspiration, and practical guidance that will encourage you to lead with purpose. 👉 Don’t fo...

Join us on The Collective Talk Podcast as we sit down with Lina Shepard, founder of Dream Romantic Vacations . Lina shares her passion for helping people create unforgettable travel experiences, from luxury beach getaways to cruises and romantic escapes. Discover how she turns dream vacations into reality and why travel is truly your passport to paradise.

Join us for Part 2 of this Collective Talk Podcast, Pastor Barnes and host Ken Benson explore how to live your faith boldly, overcome challenges, and inspire others through service, leadership, and authenticity.💬 In this episode, you’ll discover:How to stay grounded in faith during life’s toughest trialsThe importance of serving your community with purposePractical ways to live out your calling e...

"Join us as Roc Vega takes us into the world of toy collecting, from nostalgia-filled memories to the thrill of finding rare treasures. We talk toys, culture, and the stories behind the collectibles that bring joy to every generation."

In this inspiring episode of The Collective Talk , Pastor Carlton Barnes shares powerful insights on living out the Apostle Paul’s charge to “become all things to all people.” We delve into what it means to meet people where they are spiritually, emotionally, and in their everyday lives, while leading with compassion, authenticity, and faith. Whether you’re a believer seeking encouragement or some...

Threads of Justice: The Art and Activism of Dorothy Burge In this powerful episode of The Collective Talk , we sit down with Professor Dorothy Burge , a renowned activist, educator, and champion of Restorative Justice, whose quilted art tells stories that demand attention, justice, and healing. Professor Burge shares her journey as an artist-activist working to amplify the voices of the wrongly co...

Step into the chair with Rod Hicks, entrepreneur, community leader, and owner of All-Stars Barber & Beauty Lounge in Gary, Indiana. In this episode of The Collective Talk , Rod shares his powerful journey of building a successful barbershop from the ground up and turning it into atrusted space for mentorship, connection, and growth. From the clippers to the community, Rod opens up about: This...

From Doubt to Dessert Queen: Angela’s Sweet Rise 🍰✨ In this inspiring episode of The Collective Talk , we sit down with Angela Benson, a wife, mother, and now a celebrated custom cake decorator. From moments of uncertainty to becoming the “Dessert Queen” of her community, Angela shares her journey of faith, resilience, and sweet success. Tune in to hear how she turned criticism into confidence,...

In this gripping episode of The Collective Talk , hosts Ken Benson and Lamont Watts dive deep into the complex intersection of race, justice, and family. From the headlines surrounding high-profile trials to the cultural narratives shaping young minds, we ask: Is there an ongoing attack on the Black male image? We discuss the justice system, the role of media, fatherhood, and how access to technol...