WayMaker Fireside Chat

In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode, Shawntae Harris—or “Da Brat”— and her wife, Judy Depart, share what it means to put family first while leading in two of the most competitive industries: entertainment and beauty. They open up about growing up on the West Side of Chicago and in New Orleans, the influence of strong family figures, and how faith and resilience shaped their paths. From naviga...

In this powerful episode, Tara DeVeaux, CEO of Burrell Communications, unpacks what it means to lead one of the most influential multicultural advertising agencies in America. She reflects on the legacy of founder Tom Burrell, the meaning of "culture" in today’s fragmented media landscape, and why transformation—especially in leadership—requires patience, purpose, and community. Tara also shares c...

In this episode of the WayMaker Fireside Chat, we welcome Elizabeth Booker Houston—a powerhouse blend of professor, public health lawyer, social scientist, and stand-up comedian. Elizabeth unpacks her personal journey from growing up with chronic illness and poverty to becoming a voice of justice in both political spheres and comedy clubs. She shares her insight on administrative law, DEI backlash...

In this episode of the WayMaker Fireside Chat, Dr. Latanya McDade—Superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools—joins us for a heartfelt conversation on leadership, equity, and the future of education. Dr. McDade unpacks how her personal story as a first-generation American shaped her passion for serving students, and why investing in public education is a collective responsibility. She o...

In this episode of the WayMaker Fireside Chat, we welcome Tyronne Stoudemire, Senior VP of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hyatt Corporation. Tyronne unpacks the evolution of DEI in corporate America, highlighting where progress has stalled and where opportunities remain. He shares powerful insights from his book Diversity Done Right, emphasizing the importance of shifting from performa...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sydney Sykes, partner at Lightspeed Ventures and co-founder of BLCK VC. Sydney shares her journey into the venture capital world, breaking barriers as a Black woman in a historically exclusive industry. She discusses the importance of representation in investing, the impact of funding Black entrepreneurs, and the role of community in shaping the future of venture c...

In this episode, we’re joined by Rodney Herenton, CEO of Channing Capital Management. Rodney shares his incredible journey from working in his grandfather’s grocery store as a child to managing billions in assets today. We’ll explore the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the importance of ownership in wealth-building, and his advice for aspiring investors. Rodney also opens up about the chal...

In this episode of the Waymaker Fireside Chat Podcast, we’re joined by Justin Bayless, Founder of Journey Venture Studios and Bayless Integrative Health. A Morehouse graduate and business leader, Justin shares his insights on the power of giving back, the importance of supporting HBCUs, and his mission to eliminate barriers for minority entrepreneurs in venture capital. We’ll discuss his groundbre...

In this episode of the WayMaker Fireside Chat, we sit down with Ashton Keys, CEO and Founder of Athlytic, and Brandon Grier, VP of Equity Sports, to break down the impact of NIL (name, image, and likeness) in college sports. From the NCAA’s role in shaping NIL policies to the realities of athlete compensation and the challenges of navigating these new opportunities, Ashton and Brandon provide expe...

In this episode, we’re joined by Ian Brock, co-founder of Dream Hustle Code and author of New Nerd Money. Ian shares his journey of discovering financial literacy at a young age and how it inspired him to write a book designed to help his generation build wealth. We’ll discuss the power of delayed gratification, breaking the cycle of financial misinformation, and the importance of mindset in achie...

In this episode of the WayMaker Fireside Chat, Roland Martin shares his journey to becoming a leader in journalism and his ongoing mission to empower the Black community. He discusses the critical importance of political engagement, insights into the factors shaping our nation today, and the role of income disparities in societal challenges. Roland also offers practical advice on stepping into opp...

In this episode, we’re joined by Tiff Massey, a boundary-pushing interdisciplinary artist. Starting her career with her first love—metal—Tiff continues to cultivate that relationship while expanding her artistic repertoire. Drawing her inspiration from Black culture, Tiff strives to create pieces that tell stories, ignite conversations, and connect people from all walks of life. She shares her jou...

In this episode, we're joined by Lynae Vanee. Lynae (@lynaevanee ) is a social media influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers across social media. She is a creator, aims to educate and empower through her platform and is a 3x NAACP Image Award Nominee. Today, we'll discuss her role and responsibility and an influencer, discuss how she hopes to impact culture and encourage change, and tal...

In this episode, we're joined by Maya-Camille Broussard. Maya-Camille is an American chef, author, restaurant owner, and pastry chef on the Netflix series Bake Squad. Together, we'll discuss how she first got interested in the culinary arts, her career journey, and the individuals who have been waymakers to her along the way.

In this episode of the WayMaker Fireside Chat Podcast we sit down with Nick Cannon! Nick widely-recognized American TV personality, comedian, rapper and actor with an accomplished career in the entertainment industry. Today, we'll discuss his journey on transitioning from an entertainer to an entrepreneur, what he hopes to accomplish moving forward, and the waymakers that helped him get to where h...

In this episode, we're joined by Kamie Crawford! Kamie Crawford is currently the host of Catfish: The TV Show, Are You the One?, and Ex on the Beach, hosts her own on-demand podcast host, and is a former model. Together, we'll discuss relationship wisdom, the ups and downs that naturally come within relationships, and equip WayMaker listeners with practical relationship advice.

In this episode, Dr. Michael C. Grayson, Founder and CEO of the Credit and Debit Management Institute and author of How to Stop Making Payments joins us to discuss the evolution of credit in America. Dr. Grayson breaks down the key components everyone should know, from understanding credit scores to outsmarting the system, and shares insights on leveraging today’s broken credit system to your adva...

In this episode, we sit down with Joseph Hines. Joseph Hines is a style expert and the owner of his company, Affluent. Together, we'll discuss Joseph's career, his company, Affluent, his style and fashion advice for WayMaker listeners, and touch on the importance of investing in your unique image.

In this episode, we sit down with J. Byron Brazier. J. Byron Brazier is the son of co-developer and Apostolic Church of God pastor Reverend Byron T. Brazier, and grandson of the church's founder, Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. J. Byron is the Lead Developer of The Woodlawn Central Master Plan – an effort to revitalize the historic South Side district. Today, we'll talk about Woodlawn, the development o...

In this episode, we sit down with American Poet J. Ivy. J. Ivy is an award-winning poet, recording artist, songwriter, author, and actor with a passion for sharing inspiration and healing through his writing. Together, we'll discuss J. Ivy's decorated career, his vision for the future, his advice to young listeners, and so much more.

In honor of prostate cancer awareness month, we sit down today with Dr. Courtney Hollowell, chairman of urology at John Stroger Hospital in Chicago. In this episode, Dr. Hollowell sheds light on the critical issue of prostate cancer, focusing on its disproportionate impact on African American men. Dr. Hollowell shares why prostate cancer rates are higher in this community and the essential steps t...

Modern entertainment is a powerful conversation starter about important cultural issues, and there’s no better trailblazer than today’s guest Matthew A. Cherry. Matthew A. Cherry is an Academy Award winner, former NFL player, New York Times bestseller, and now successful filmmaker, writer, and movie director. Today, we’ll talk about Matthew’s newest animated short film and children’s book, Hair Lo...

In this episode, we're joined by Dream Hampton. Dream Hampton is a filmmaker behind series such as Surviving R. Kelly and Netflix's Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop, and was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people of 2019 by Time Magazine. Together, we'll discuss her filmmaking passion, her effort to shine a light on injustices, her career advice to WayMaker listeners, and so...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Marcus Collins. Dr. Collins is an author, award-winning marketing expert, and sought-after cultural translator who has worked with a variety of massive clients, from Beyoncé to Budweiser. He is a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, and the Former Head of Strategy for Wieden+Kennedy, New York. Today, he'll help viewers un...

In this episode, we're joined by Dawn Porter! Dawn Porter is an decorated documentarian behind some award-winning documentaries like: J_ohn Lewis: Good Trouble_, The Way I See It, and The Lady Bird Diaries. Together, we will discuss some of her career work, her upcoming project about R&B great Luther Vandross and so much more.