LET US BECOME SHARPER/TNS PODCAST

What happens when “doing better” gets mistaken for being soft? We open with a reset: standards high, excuses low, and a return to the original mix that made us hungry, focused, and hard to shake. From there, we shift into the heart of the service game and share why the barbershop is more than a chair and a mirror—it’s therapy, a social club, and a sanctuary that runs on hospitality as much as skill.

We break down CJ’s Hosp...

What if the line between being “taken” and choosing to go isn’t as clean as we like to think? We open the floor to a charged, honest debate about love, loyalty, temptation, and the quiet influence of our everyday inputs—from social feeds to status, from timing to unsaid needs. We start with a simple pledge—victors, not victims—and then pull apart the stories we tell when relationships shift: was it a crack in the foundation, a forc...

What happens when fathers create spaces to be vulnerable, accountable, and authentic with each other? In this special Monday edition of Let Us Become Sharper/TNS Podcast, Dr. Corey Holmes joins us to discuss his book "Golf, Cigars, and Scotch: Balancing Fatherhood, Friendship, and Fine Living," offering profound insights into modern fatherhood and male community-building.

The conversation begins with a touching m...

Ever noticed how strangers seem more generous with compliments than the people who see you every day? This strange paradox forms the heart of our latest thought-provoking conversation.

When one host received an elaborate edible arrangement for Father's Day, it sparked a deeper reflection about recognition and appreciation. Why do others around him seem "dry" in comparison? This observation led to the introdu...

What happens when traditional gender roles shift? In this candid exploration of "feminine masculinity," our panel dives deep into why many modern women display what some perceive as masculine energy. The conversation quickly ignites as our female panelists challenge the premise, arguing that what's often labeled as "masculine" is simply strength, leadership, and independence—qualities they had to develop ou...

Joy, power, and the intricate dance between masculine and feminine energy take center stage in this thought-provoking discussion. We explore one of the most fascinating yet challenging aspects of modern relationships: why some women display masculine energy, and how this affects their interactions with men who've worked hard to establish their own masculine identity.

Our conversation begins with a powerful reminder ab...

Have you ever wondered if men and women can truly be "just friends"? This question sparked an explosive conversation among our diverse panel as we dove deep into the murky waters of platonic friendships.

The gender divide became immediately apparent as our female panelists confidently asserted that cross-gender friendships without romantic undertones are not only possible but valuable in their lives. One panelist...

Have you ever felt suffocated by someone who just couldn't give you enough space? Or maybe you've been the person constantly checking in, wondering why your partner seems distant when you're just showing how much you care? This raw, unfiltered conversation tackles the delicate balance between loving attention and unhealthy attachment.

Fresh off their Hawaiian vacation, Nina and Shay join us with renewed pers...

Have you ever struggled with telling someone how much they really mean to you? In this thought-provoking episode, we wade into the emotional waters of vulnerability and self-protection when dealing with our most treasured relationships.

The conversation begins with a powerful distinction between what our host calls "players" versus "squares" in life – not in the conventional sense, but redefined as thos...

Remember when romance meant carefully crafted love letters, mixtapes filled with heartfelt ballads, and moments of genuine vulnerability? Our latest conversation tackles the puzzling disappearance of these romantic traditions from modern culture, examining how we've collectively shifted from Jodeci's desert serenades to a world where showing affection gets you labeled as "simping."

The panel explores ho...

Where have all the love songs gone? Remember when R&B artists would bare their souls in the desert, leather-clad and unafraid to show vulnerability? When albums came with champagne flutes and romance wasn't dismissed as "simping"?

On this captivating episode of Let Us Become Sharper, CJ and guests Nina, Delaina, Israel, and Shay dive deep into romance's disappearance from modern culture. With champa...

Have you ever wondered how much chaos you should allow in your life while striving for peace? In this engaging episode, we dive deep into the complexities of peace versus chaos, inviting a star-studded panel to share their unique takes on this age-old question. As we explore the inherent tension between the two, we unpack what it means to truly respect ourselves and others, particularly in a world where chaos often seems unavoidabl...

What if the secret to a fulfilling life lies in the balance between essential needs and personal desires? Join us as we unravel the 80-20 rule, a fascinating concept that helps navigate life's essentials while indulging in its pleasures. This episode is a perfect blend of invigorating discussions about the importance of giving your best and the value of genuine effort. We take pride in our achievements and are thrilled to anno...

Who truly holds the key to reaching our goals—the driver with relentless drive or the navigator with a clear path in mind?" This isn't just a question; it's a focal point of our latest episode, where Delana and I embark on a profound quest for understanding respect, inspired by none other than Aretha Franklin's empowering anthem. We weave a heartfelt tribute to the late Brother Larry Dickens II throughout our co...

What if respect could outweigh love in the grand equation of life? In our special Birthday Edition, we honor the inspiring Delaina, whose journey has been a beacon of empowerment for everyone around her. We explore the notion of "becoming sharper," drawing parallels between the meticulous maintenance of barbering tools and personal growth. Meet the Thursday Night Society, where community and connection replace the fleetin...

Master barber Troy King joins us once more, bringing his passion for service and community to the forefront. Discover how Troy's third annual toy drive is shaping up to make a difference for less fortunate families during the holiday season with the help of local entertainers, politicians, and dedicated community members. And we're not stopping there; meet Delaina, whose vibrant energy adds a new layer to our conversation...

Remember the days when high school friendships seemed unbreakable? Join us as we reconnect with the captivating Delaina and CJ, fellow Highland Park High School graduates from the class of '98. Together, we reflect on the paths we've traveled, leading to the creation of CJ Clippers LLC and this podcast. It’s a journey underscored by our mantra, “The sharper the blade, the better the pay,” which resonates beyond the barber...

What if nurturing the perfect balance between business success and personal happiness was the ultimate key to prosperity? On this episode of the Let Us Become Sharper podcast, we explore the powerful intersection of business and personal relationships, inspired by the legacy of CJ Clippers LLC, a cornerstone in the barber industry. We discuss the transformative journey from the legendary Goodfellas Barbershop in Detroit to the crea...