Mark Hood (@Markjphood) Dreaming Bigger Than the Facts

In this energizing episode of The Check-In, host NeAndre Broussard—founder and CEO of Black Menswear—sits down with multi-hyphenate Mark Hood (actor, director, vocalist, entertainer) for a candid conversation on faith, grit, and choosing purpose over hype. From the AIM Conference days to Hollywood press runs, NeAndre and Mark trace a two-decade arc of friendship and growth—what it takes to keep believing when the path isn’t straight. Mark unpacks the mantra that guides him—“If the dream is big enough, the facts don’t count”—and why learning to live moment-to-moment (not just day-to-day) keeps him grounded. He talks moving to LA, building real community (shoutout Churchy on BET+,) and the discipline behind making the most of a breakthrough without losing yourself. Mark shares insights on: ✨ Owning the moment—“don’t miss the feather falling from the sky” ✨ Nine years in LA: proximity, access, and finding true like-minded community ✨ Faith as fuel—learning God for yourself when the grind gets real ✨ Boxes & narratives: singer, actor, PK—why you must control your story ✨ From extra to lead: four auditions for Rodney and why the role felt lived ✨ Fitness after the pandemic: building strength while healing your relationship with food ✨ Chicago roots → Hollywood readiness: theatre reps, TV reps, church choir reps ✨ Friendship, humility, and measuring success as progress, not trophies ✨ A word to the culture: “Dear Black Man… keep holding on. We’re going to be alright.” If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or anyone navigating reinvention, this episode is a roadmap for persevering with joy—staying grateful, staying prepared, and staying you. 📌 Don’t miss it—this one will have you checking your habits, widening your vision, and doubling down on the work. 👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more culture-driven conversations. 🔗 Follow @BlackMensWear for future episodes and behind-the-scenes content. Follow Mark Hood: Instagram: instagram.com/MarkJHood X / Twitter: x.com/MarkJHood Facebook: facebook.com/MarkJHood Follow Black Menswear: Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswear X / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswear Facebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswear Website: blackmenswear.com #MarkHood #TheCheckInPodcast #BlackMensWear #DreamBigger #IfTheDreamIsBigEnough #ChurchySeries #KevOnStage #ChicagoToLA #FaithAndFocus #CommunityOverClout #ActorJourney #EntertainmentIndustry #ConsistencyWins #DearBlackMan #Inspirational2025 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices