The Journey to Freedom Podcast

Send us Fan Mail How do you transform a life filled with obstacles into one of purpose and impact? Join us as James Epps, a dynamic public speaker known as JE Motivation and Master Gunnery Sergeant, shares his heartfelt journey from overcoming childhood trauma and low self-esteem to breaking barriers in the Marine Corps. Learn how James' path to self-discovery and resilience has shaped his mi...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the secrets to resilience and success from Julian Gueringer, a dynamic professional speaker and entrepreneur hailing from Michigan. Julian takes us on a captivating journey through his diverse life experiences—from growing up in Detroit and Pontiac, navigating the 2008 market crash in Houston, to making strides in the music industry alongside major artists. Learn from his...

Send us Fan Mail What does it take to build trust and succeed in today's world? Join us as we uncover the secrets through the personal journey of Julian Hayward, a former student-athlete turned executive and entrepreneur. Julian shares raw and insightful stories about his college challenges, particularly the lack of advocates and how these hurdles informed his entrepreneurial pursuits. We&apo...

Send us Fan Mail Jeff Campbell, the creative director of Emancipation Theater Company, joins us for an enlightening discussion inspired by Marcus Garvey’s timeless wisdom on mental freedom. Jeff shares his transformative vision for redefining success, moving beyond personal gain to focus on the impact and service we provide to our communities. Through heartfelt narratives about dedicated fathers a...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how vulnerability and authenticity can shape a successful career? Meet my son, Staphon, whose inspiring journey at Pixar offers profound insights on trust, health, finance, faith, and identity. Listen as we unfold Staphon's path from a high school student with indecision to a thriving professional at Pixar, where his role in the Blacklight group has fostered an...

Send us Fan Mail Can success be measured beyond wealth and fame? Join us as we uncover the profound impacts of trust and service in personal and professional life, featuring an inspiring conversation with Mr. Rene, our special guest who has dedicated his life to Black Student Services since 1985. Discover how trust must be earned, especially with skeptical youth, and how true success is defined by...

Send us Fan Mail How do the names we carry encapsulate the legacies we leave behind? Join us on a profound journey through the significance of legacy, community, and mentorship in the Black community, featuring the invaluable insights of our special guest, Chris Brewer. We unravel the deep stories that our names hold and discuss our plans for an empowering civil rights tour in Alabama. Chris share...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to truly understand the Black male experience in America? Join us on this profound Journey to Freedom as we welcome Barclay Jones, a dedicated community leader from Denver, Colorado, who reveals his personal story and the critical role of community-based organizations in shaping identities and fostering growth. This episode promises to deliver rich discussions on...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to truly achieve personal freedom? On this episode of Journey to Freedom, we sit down with AJ Smith, an inspiring youth mentor, who shares his compelling story from growing up in Denver and Washington DC to becoming a beacon of hope for young people today. AJ opens up about the powerful impact his family had on his formative years, and how the pillars of health,...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how you could buy a home for just $1,000? Join us as we welcome Cleveland King, the visionary behind the Legacy Homebuyer Program, who is revolutionizing the way people achieve homeownership. Cleveland shares his profound mission to make owning a home accessible to everyone, emphasizing the privilege and responsibility of building on the progress made by those before...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how someone can juggle multiple careers while maintaining authenticity and integrity? Today, I sit down with my son, Devin Arnold, who opens up about his multifaceted journey as a hip-hop recording artist, show curator, music industry advocate, and mortgage loan officer. We explore the trials and triumphs he's faced in both his personal and professional...

Send us Fan Mail Can resilience, family dedication, and the pursuit of personal growth truly shape the course of one's life? Join us for an inspiring episode of Journey to Freedom as we sit down with David, an influential figure in my family's life, to explore his remarkable journey. From his humble beginnings in Southern California to earning a high jumping scholarship at the University...

Send us Fan Mail What if your environment could shape your destiny? Dr. Reggie Wright joins us to share his incredible journey from the streets of Trenton, New Jersey, during the height of the crack epidemic, to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment. Raised by his resilient grandmother, a dedicated school teacher, Dr. Wright's story is one of resilience, service, and the transformative po...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a runaway slave's legacy can inspire modern community leadership? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of Dr. Thomas Mays, pastor at the Living Water Christian Center Church in Denver, who shares his lifelong dedication to tackling homelessness, crime, and poverty along the Colfax corridor. From his diverse educational background and Vietnam War mili...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a journey of self-discovery and community upliftment with the wisdom of Emmanuel White, cousin to the legendary Deontay Wilder. This episode unravels the threads of imagination and initiative that weave together a purposeful existence. As we converse with Emmanuel, you'll uncover the profound impact of strong associations and learn how to redefine success on your ow...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how the threads of early childhood experiences weave through the fabric of a man's life, shaping his destiny? Today's guest, Dwayne Meeks, takes us on a remarkable journey from the streets of 1960s Brooklyn to his pivotal role in the Colorado Fatherhood Initiative. Dwayne's story is one of metamorphosis, from the hardships of a single-parent u...

Send us Fan Mail Rekindling connections from our high school track days, I recently sat down with Wayne, an exemplary figure in both the legal realm and on the track, who continues to leave his mark through coaching and community service. Our shared love for the sport opened the door to an enlightening discussion about the influence of family, the essence of identity, and the intertwining of faith...

Send us Fan Mail When adversity strikes, it's the strength of community and self-belief that can lift us from the depths of despair. I was reminded of this enduring truth while sitting down with Kareem, a Philadelphia native who transformed familial trauma into a testament of triumph. This episode is a journey through the harsh realities that many black men face, yet it's also a celebrat...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how your upbringing influences your path to leadership? Leadership coach Dominic George joins us from Oakland, California, to share how a strong, community-centered foundation has been the bedrock of his success and personal development. Our conversation traverses the landscapes of Dominic's life, from his cross-country shift from the West to the East C...

Send us Fan Mail As we peel back the layers of James Hutchins Jr.'s life, it's like unearthing a hidden gem in the world of education. His rise from the raw streets of Ontario, California, to the esteemed corridors of academia is not just a story of personal triumph; it's a beacon for the kind of leadership that ignites change in the lives of young Black men. This episode doesn&apos...

Send us Fan Mail When Greg Brown from CHAFA graced us with his presence on Journey to Freedom, it wasn't just a conversation—it was an exploration into the heart of what it means to build a legacy within the black community. His compelling stories of resilience and the undeniable power of homeownership as a cornerstone for generational wealth had us all reconsidering the foundations upon whic...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on a profound exploration as  Dr. Mordecai Brownlee , president of the Community College of Aurora, joins me to discuss the journey of Black men toward freedom and empowerment. We delve into the essential building blocks of trust, financial literacy, health, and identity, and how these elements come together to shape a path of progress.  Dr. Mordecai Brownlee  own narrative...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an empowering odyssey with us and Zo Azubuike, a mortgage mogul with a story that weaves through the bustling streets of Tulsa with roots grounded in Nigerian soil. Our latest episode examines the intricate tapestry of trust, cultural identity, and the tenacity to thrive amidst systemic adversities. Azubuike's experiences illuminate the significance of heritage and...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how the echoes of your past can shape your future success? Join us as we sit down with Chip McAllister, whose journey from the challenging streets of South Central Los Angeles to the winner's podium of "The Amazing Race" truly encapsulates the American dream. In this heartfelt episode, we uncover the pivotal moments that can steer a life towar...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an enlightening podcast episode featuring Johnell Moody as he delves into the crucial topic of emotional intelligence (EQ). In this insightful discussion, Johnel explores why emotional intelligence is a vital aspect of our lives.    Discover the power of understanding and managing emotions, not only in personal relationships but also in your professional and everyday i...