THE FUNTIMES EXCHANGE

THE FUNTIMES EXCHANGE

FunTimes Magazine presents a podcast dedicated to exploring the diverse and vibrant experiences of Africans, Afro-Caribbeans, and Black communities around the world. This series dives into meaningful conversations about culture, history, identity, and the pressing issues shaping the diaspora today. Through thoughtful discussions, we celebrate our shared heritage while amplifying voices and stories that inspire and inform. Whether it’s exploring traditions, navigating challenges, or highlighting achievements, this podcast is your space for connecting with the global Black community.

Episodes

July 24, 2025 13 mins

Welcome back to the FunTimes Exchange. Today, we're jumping into a truly compelling story about rebuilding a nation after war and how one man's principled leadership transformed an entire institution against impossible odds.

We're looking at Liberia, specifically the remarkable transformation of the Liberian National Police. We're drawing from an incredible source about Joseph C. Kekula, the "architect of Liberia's modern police"  ...

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Welcome back to the FunTimes Exchange. Today, we're unpacking a truly fascinating vision for national transformation that could reshape not just Nigeria, but serve as a blueprint for nations across the developing world. We're exploring H.E. Peter Obi's candid conversation about what he believes Nigeria desperately needs: fundamental systemic reform, robust diaspora inclusion, and a healthy dose of economic realism.

In this episode,...

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Thanks for joining us again at the FunTimes Exchange. Today we share the incredible story of a public servant who is changing the very meaning of making change from the bottom up.  We are going to take a closer look at the work and perspective of State Representative Darisha K Parker. She's doing something different in politics, and we think you'll find her story pretty compelling.

Parker has this way of taking the stuff that actua...

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Welcome to Funtimes Exchange, where we take you beyond the surface to uncover the resources and opportunities that can transform your business journey. We're diving deep into Philadelphia's hidden treasure trove of business support programs that most entrepreneurs don't even know exist.

If you're a small business owner in Philly, or thinking about starting one, this episode could be a game-changer. We're unpacking Dr. Eric's eye-o...

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Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, where we tackle one of the most pressing but often overlooked health crises facing Philadelphia's Black communities, diabetes. 

Today, we're joined by Dominique Gwaltney, MBA, Development Manager with the American Diabetes Association's Greater Philadelphia chapter. She's not just an administrator, she's a community advocate, storyteller, and often the first lifeline for families seeking help or lookin...

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Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters. We explore the topics that shape our world, exchanging ideas and challenging perspectives.

From war-torn Liberia to Saudi Arabian universities, and now to a masjid on Grays Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia, our guest embodies leadership through service and principle. Imam Jomandy didn't seek leadership, it found him when his community needed a voice. As leader of ...

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Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters! Today we're exploring how one woman's unexpected journey into public service is transforming an entire county. "If you'd asked me 10 years ago if I'd be in politics, I would've said 'No.' My goal was to be a dean by 40." Those are the words of Dr. Monica Taylor, the first African American Chair of Delaware County Council in Pennsylvania.

From professional basketb...

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Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters. Today,  we're exploring the remarkable of Renee Sterling, a powerful figure in global finance who currently serves as the Executive Director and EMEA Regulatory Controller and International Data Controller at Wells Fargo in London. With Jamaican heritage and Miami roots, Renee has navigated nearly two decades in London's banking world, beginning with a yearlong Ci...

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Welcome to Funtimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters.Today, we're tackling a crucial topic for entrepreneurs everywhere: what truly holds small businesses back from growth? Drawing from exclusive interviews conducted by Tiffany Spraggins-Payne with business owners seeking support, we've identified three critical roadblocks that appear time and again in the entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're currently running a b...

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April 24, 2025 11 mins

Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters. Today we will explore the amazing journey of Malik Majeed, CEO and General Counsel of PRWT Services, one of the largest minority-owned firms in Philadelphia. Malik's journey from a night shift security officer, while in college, to leading a company with contracts with the Supreme Court and the Army Corps of Engineers is a masterclass in tenacity, planning and pur...

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Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice counts.  

In today we’ll take a deep dive into the conversation Dr. Pamela Kennebrew, and her very interesting journey from wanting to be a physician, to a human services administrator.  We will have a number of fascinating reflections on issues of economic inequality, concerning adult learning, and the lens of Black communities when discussing the subject of menopause.  

...

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The FunTimes Exchange podcast is pleased to feature an enlightening discussion with the Honorable Oliver St. Clair Franklin, CBE, who served for 28 years as Honorary British Consul in Philadelphia and had a truly remarkable career engaging in diplomacy, business, cultural advocacy, and engagement worldwide. In the episode, we discuss Franklin's multi-dimensional role in international relations, and his unique take on how African di...

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Rev. Carolyn Cavaness is making history as the first female pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church, but her mission goes far beyond the title. In this podcast, we explore her remarkable journey, from her deep roots in ministry to her vision for faith-driven community action. Through storytelling and insightful discussion, we unpack how she is bridging history and progress, fostering social change, and redefining leadership in one of Ph...

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March 31, 2025 23 mins

Jos Duncan-Asé believes in the power of storytelling, not just to inform, but to heal, empower, and create change. As the founder and CEO of Love Now Media, she is reshaping the media landscape by centering love, resilience, and justice in journalism.

From her roots in oral storytelling to leading an organization that challenges harmful narratives, Jos’s work focuses on amplifying voices that are often overlooked. She advocates for...

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March 26, 2025 20 mins

In a media landscape often shaped by powerful conglomerates, independent Black journalism stands as a crucial force for truth and representation. This episode explores the remarkable career of Irv Randolph, Managing Editor of The Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest continuously published Black newspaper in the U.S.

With over 30 years of experience, Randolph has dedicated his life to amplifying Black voices, holding power to account, a...

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March 20, 2025 22 mins

In this episode, we honor the incredible path of David W. Brown. An educator, advocate, and leader whose life has been dedicated to truth, justice, and service. From shaping future communicators at Temple University to fighting misinformation, leading gun violence prevention efforts, and championing diversity, Brown’s impact is undeniable.

Through faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others, he reminds us th...

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The 191st Legislative District is facing critical challenges, food insecurity, rising housing struggles, and a surge in EBT fraud leaving families without essential benefits. In this episode, we highlight the work of Valerie Smallwood, a longtime public servant dedicated to fighting for residents in need.

From tackling skimming scams that wipe out food stamp benefits overnight to ensuring families can keep their lights on, Smallwoo...

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Harold T. Epps has spent decades driving economic growth, breaking systemic barriers, and advocating for inclusive prosperity. As Philadelphia’s former Director of Commerce and a leader in corporate America, he knows firsthand that hope is not a strategy, action is.

In this episode, Epps challenges us to rethink economic equity, from securing capital for Black-owned businesses to the power of community investment. With major events...

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In 2024, Edward Brown made history as Upper Darby’s first Black mayor. But for him, leadership is about action. In this episode, we dive deep into his journey, from a school volunteer to leading Pennsylvania’s sixth-largest municipality.

Brown shares his vision for economic growth, community empowerment, and breaking barriers in local politics. How does he balance a demanding career in cybersecurity with public service? What drives...

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February 13, 2025 15 mins

Get ready to hear the story of Ade Lawal, an entrepreneur who came to the U.S. with nothing but big dreams. From his early days working at Chick-fil-A to owning a successful staffing firm, Ade’s story is all about overcoming challenges, staying adaptable, and creating opportunities. In this episode, he shares the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up, the tough lessons learned along the way, and how he’s using hi...

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