Grab Your Y

At Chapel Hill, our paths converged—two Black men forging our way through academia and bias, and emerging as scientists with a story to tell. I sit down with my brother, Dr. Patrick McCarter, to reflect on the good times competing on the court, and to explore how the grind of the lab and confronting bias led us to therapy and the healing that comes with it. In this intimate conversation, we reclaim our narrative, celebrate resilien...

Season 2 of the Grab Your Y podcast opens with a tribute to my grandfather, Papa—a man who lived an uncomplicated yet extraordinary life. Born in 1931 in rural eastern North Carolina, he overcame countless challenges to become the first in his family to graduate from college in 1954. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my mom and aunts to reflect on his journey as a Black man navigating a changing world, his quiet resilience...

Join us for the Season 1 finale of the Grab Your Y podcast with De'Andre Cherry, a Physicist and Nanoengineer from the Bay Area. From our days at Morehouse College, to navigating the game of life, Cherry shares his unique perspective on being a Black man, pursuing the highest form of himself, and the profound influence of his hometown, Oakland. This is one of the coldest episodes, filled with endless gems and wisdom. So tune in an...

Step into the world of Dr. Michael Johnson, a mentor, Associate Professor and Dean with a unique story. From his musical roots and leadership as head drum major at Duke to his unexpected transition into science, Michael's journey is a fascinating blend of art and academia. In this episode, we traverse Michael's diverse path, exploring the defining moment that steered him toward a scientific career. Join us as we explore Michael’s ...

North Carolina natives? Check. Tar Heels? Check. In this episode, we explore Cedric Brown's journey to authenticity, with insights into his experiences as a Black queer man. Rooted in both the divine and his personal determination, he sheds light on the importance of granting oneself the freedom to be true. Our conversation delves into the dynamics of relationships between gay Black men and their straight counterparts and the sign...

In this episode of Grab Your Y, I chop it up with Jockquin Jones. Our friendship started in 2009 through a research internship at Howard University. As we delve into Jock's distinctive path to academic and career success, we explore the crucial role of Black men uplifting each other. We cover survivor’s guilt, maintaining friendship over the years and the power of faith and manifestation of dreams. Throughout, we highlight the pro...

Join me in an engaging and reflective conversation with one of my closest friends, Dominic Jones. From our freshman days at Morehouse College, we explore the paths that brought us to our beloved alma mater. Dominic shares insightful views on masculinity and manhood, and we delve into the significance of Morehouse in shaping our experiences as Black men. With stories from our college years, we navigate the complexities of masculini...

In this episode, I invite you to meet my mentor and friend, Kornelius Bankston, a fellow chemistry alumnus from Morehouse College. We explore the genesis of our unique bond, marked by the many intersections in our educational and career journeys. From rejections that turned into blessings to the trials and tribulations of pursuing PhDs, we take a walk down memory lanes, illuminating the remarkable similarities in our stories. Join...

In this episode, we explore my dad's approach to fatherhood and the transformative moments that cultivated my critical thinking and confidence. We discuss a pivotal childhood conversation, defining inner peace and confidence as true cool, and how the fusion of art and science shaped both our paths. This episode sets the stage for the mission and hope of Grab Your Y, aiming to redefine and expand the boundaries of being a Black man...

In our inaugural episode, we delve into some of the foundational moments that shaped my dad's journey from black boyhood to becoming the man he is today. Join us as we transport back to a small town in Eastern North Carolina, where his experiences as a black boy in the segregated South provide insights into family, community, and the significance of affirming black boys. Recorded over a year ago, this episode sets the stage for Gra...