My Home is Special

In this episode, I talk with Gordon Chambers about his home in Song & Melody. Even though we had just met, I quickly realized he'd written and helped create some of my favorite songs, making this conversation even more special. Gordon shares why songs and melodies are such powerful forms of expression and how he helps artists find their voice and tell their stories through music. It was a fun conversation that gave me an even d...

Shane Campbell-Staton is a Princeton professor whose work dives into some of the biggest questions about life on Earth—by studying everything from wolves and elephants to lizards (and even superheroes). As a trailblazer in his field and the first person like him in his department to earn tenure, he’s not just advancing science—he’s reshaping who gets to lead it. Our conversation explores how his research unc...

For the final stop in our three-part journey, we leave the ocean depths and the open sky behind and head all the way into space with astronaut Bobby Satcher. Bobby shares the incredible path that led him to become an astronaut and what it was really like to leave Earth behind and experience space as his workplace—and, in many ways, his home. From big dreams to extraordinary achievements, this conversation offers a fascinating...

What really happens behind the scenes when your flight is delayed or your bag goes missing? In this story, a firsthand look inside one of the nation’s busiest airports reveals the kind of chaos that might make you rethink ever checking luggage again. Recorded at Grown Folks Stories and inspired by the world curated by August guest Eric Williams, this episode pulls back the curtain just enough to keep you hooked. If you’...

Skydiving might sound like the ultimate adrenaline rush—but for Isa Watson, it’s something entirely different.

Reconnecting after more than a decade, I learned Isa is not only an author and founder with an impressive list of accolades, but also someone who finds a deep sense of peace in freefall. Hearing her describe the sky as a kind of home completely shifts what you think this experience is all about. Before you rule...

Ever planned a “perfect” trip only to realize you flipped the whole vibe on its head? In this Story Time, a seasoned traveler shares how a dream South Asia itinerary went from calm and easy to unexpectedly chaotic—proving experience doesn’t always equal perfect planning. Recorded live at Grown Folks Stories, the beloved Chicago storytelling event founded by August guest Eric Williams, this one is relatable, ...

I’m kicking off a really fun 3-part series with my longtime friend Craig M. Robinson—someone I’ve known for over 30 years—who brings a whole new meaning to going deep. With 500+ dives under his belt, Craig shares how the mindset he’s built underwater shapes the way he lives above it, and it’s seriously inspiring. He’s also just released a bestselling book on Amazon, so there’s a lot t...

This Story Time episode is a heartfelt reflection on Mic One, a Chicago rapper whose quiet generosity left a lasting mark on my life. Though we only crossed paths a few times while I was photographing concerts in the 20-teens, his kindness opened doors I never could’ve imagined—including moments on stage and backstage with hip-hop legends. 

Recorded live at Grown Folks Stories, the monthly open mic hosted by August...

I really enjoyed sitting down with my friend Bridgette, who somehow managed to earn both a PhD and an MD after basically crushing every STEM class she ever took. She now helps patients improve their neuromuscular health, but what really makes her special is how deeply she listens. Bridget treats every patient like they truly matter, creating space for them to open up about what they’re feeling — sometimes uncovering iss...

Back in 2014, an “incident” in our dorm turned into a story that still cracks me up—featuring an overzealous delivery driver, a Chicago brother, and a lesson learned the hard way. This short story was recorded live at Grown Folks Stories in Chicago back in 2014.. There’s justice, laughter, and some well-earned wings, but I’ll let you hear how it all went down. Tap in, enjoy, and if it makes you laugh t...

Andre’s journey from corporate life to founder of Black Ancestries is as inspiring as it is powerful. In this episode, we dive into how his love for genealogical research turned into a mission: helping Black people trace their lineage, connect with their roots, and uncover hidden stories across generations. Just in time for Black History Month, this convo hits deep—because what’s more historical than discovering y...

Hard to believe it's been a year since this episode came out right before BHM 2025.  My intro commentary turns out to be as relevant as ever, as does this episode.  If you haven't heard it, take a listen.  If you have, I hope you enjoy it a 2nd time!.

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In this episode, I chat with my friend and pastor, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, about his unique sense of "home" within the Black church tradition. While I thoug...

Yolita Ray has spent decades shaping little minds in the pre-primary classroom at the Ancona School in Chicago. With warmth, patience, and deep purpose, she helps children build the emotional, social and academic foundations that will carry them through life. Her love for early childhood education shines as she shares what makes this age so magical—and why she wouldn’t want to teach any other group. If you've ever wonde...

In this Story Time episode, Keith shares how his passion for hip-hop and graffiti has taken him far off the tourist path—from São Paulo to Johannesburg to Cape Town. While chasing street art in places most visitors avoid, he’s found not only incredible murals but also made connections with the people he’s met while exploring. It’s a story about curiosity, culture, and the beauty that lives beyond the guidebo...

In this episode, I catch up with Rico, aka BBoy Reksick, who I’ve known from the scene for many years.  He’s the owner of Calaveras Barber Shop and SMP in Chicago. After a random airport run-in recently, we sat down for a powerful conversation about how barbering is more than a craft for him—it's a calling. Rico talks about being a source of confidence and community for his clients, using his shop as a space ...

In this Story Time episode, Keith recalls a spontaneous weekend trip from Texas to Mexico City for some solo photography—and how ignoring his wife’s advice to “be careful” caught up with him almost immediately. What started as a carefree adventure quickly turned into a lesson on staying alert and street-smart while traveling. A little mischief, a lot of reflection, and one unforgettable experience.

Recorded ...

Mayor Phil Jones returned to his hometown of Newport News as the city’s youngest mayor—and just days into the role, he faced a heartbreaking tragedy that drew national attention. Thrust into the spotlight, he relied on his values, humility, and lived experience to guide his leadership. In this episode, we talk about his path to becoming Mayor and how it’s going so far.  We explore what shaped his approach to ...

In this Story Time episode, Keith shares about his first trip to Africa—a family adventure meant to experience life beyond the U.S. While visiting a lion park and getting ready to pet baby lions, things took an unexpected turn that showed just how different the world can be once you step outside your comfort zone. It’s a story that’s funny, eye-opening, and unforgettable.

Recorded live at Grown Folks Stories, a mo...

Greg Anderson went from studying architecture in college to becoming a powerhouse in the world of visual effects—and it’s been so fun to watch that evolution. In this episode, we dive into how he blends creativity and technical precision on an industrywide scale, and what keeps him inspired in such a demanding, ever-changing field. We also nerd out a bit when I learn he worked on one of my favorite movies!

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