The Elijah Winfrey Show

Elijah gets you caught up on his past & current week, while also answering your email questions.

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:02):
You're listening to The Elijah Winfrey Show, a space for inspiration, impact,
and community connection. Each week, Elijah shares the latest on
his work in the community, answers listener questions, and reflects
on the week that was, from acts of kindness to
real conversations that matter. This is where purpose meets positivity.

(00:23):
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Here's your host,
Elijah Winfrey.

Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello, folks, and welcome back to The Elijah Winfrey Show.
I am indeed your host, Elijah Winfrey. I hope that
your morning has gotten off to a good start. Mine
certainly has. Outside of lack of sleep, I'm feeling pretty
good this morning. We have a great show lined up
for you today, folks. As always, I really appreciate your

(00:55):
love and your support, and to everyone who's downloaded the
show as a late the new listeners, thank you so
much for taking time out of your day to listen
to me talk about things that are important to me.
You know my community work, and you know what others
are doing in the community that inspires me. You know,

(01:20):
it's we all do this together, So I really appreciate
you supporting the work that I do. We have some
great questions for you today, folks. I can't wait to
get into these questions. Before I do, I am going
to get you caught up a little bit on you know,
this week, in my past week, my past week, it

(01:43):
was it was really good. Again. There's been a lot
of downtime this summer, and you know, this past week
was no different. I did do some writing, did some meditating.
Family is doing good. You know, My my workout routines

(02:06):
are really really what's the word I want to use, Greg,
I'm really starting to feel and see the results.

Speaker 1 (02:18):
Now.

Speaker 2 (02:18):
I'm not trying to sculp my body into like some
some model or whatever, or getting ready for a bodybuilding competition.
That's not why I work out. It's to containue to
maintain my health and fitness and to do the things
that I want to do in the community and with
my family and friends. So those workouts have gone really,

(02:39):
really well. I've been able to set up a routine
and program that works best for me, and I'm reaping
the reward. So I did a little bit of that
this past week, and I'm i built last week to
lead into this week as I get ready. You know,

(02:59):
my first day in the office was yesterday, so I'm
getting ready to transition back into a lot of work.
You know, I have been able to pace myself as far,
and you know, I'm hoping that continues to bleed into

(03:20):
my return as a prayer professional and getting back into
my nonprofit duties as an owner and president. And we
have some exciting things pertaining to Team Winfree as we
as we wind down the year that I look forward
to sharing with you as they get closer and closer.

(03:42):
I am excited about my return as a prayer professional
to my local elementary school. Shout out Sunset Elementary. You know,
I'm excited to see, you know, what adventures are going
to take place this upcoming school year. There's new leadership

(04:03):
in the building, so we'll we'll see what direction, uh,
you know, things go. I am excited to see my
teammates again and kind of catch up a little bit.
And you know that all starts tomorrow. So that's it
for my my past week and in my current week.
You know, the last few days, I've just been building

(04:25):
toward getting back to business. You know, I had some
meetings yesterday that went really well. It felt good to
connect with folks in the community and kind of get
a pulse on what direction we need to go as
a nonprofit moving forward. So I hope all of you,

(04:45):
as I said earlier, gotten off to a good start
and things are progressing for you, whether it be past
weekend or or this week. I am rooting for you
as I always do. We're gonna jump into some of
these incredible questions. First, I want to, as always, shout
out my incredible producer, Greg Nice, who puts the show

(05:06):
in positions to succeed on other streaming platforms or podcasting
platforms Our Heart, Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon. I'm truly thankful
for the work that he does of getting the show
out there, and shout out to all of you who
are live right now today. Each week I tell you

(05:27):
to send questions into me at Elijah dot Winfrey at
gmail dot com, or if you follow me on social
media you can kind of you can DM me and
we can get your questions on and get them answered.
These questions this week, as they always do, they never disappoint.
They do allow me to think and really open up about,

(05:48):
you know, my process, my journey, and to offer my
personal opinion on things. So without further ado, let's get
into the first question. It's from Maria in Atlanta, Georgia.
Maria Rights Elijah. What are some of your biggest challenges.
What are some of the biggest challenges low income families
in our community face right now? And how is teaming

(06:12):
be stepping into help I, Maria, I think it's it's
it's it's pretty it's pretty basic, you know, as far
as challenges go, I think the cost of living is
continuing to rise here in Washington State, and I'm sure
where you are as well. Keeping food on the table,

(06:34):
transportation is a big thing, you know. I keep my
ear on the pulse regarding politics and what's going on
in the world right I think you have to. You
owe it to yourself right to do that, to make
sure you know what's going on and to not really
be caught off guard as much as you can. And
so I try to do that and blend it into

(06:57):
the work that I do because a lot of these
families are really going through it right now. So I
think it's a nonprofit what I've I've tried to do.
What we've tried to do is make sure that we're
doing the basic things uh necessary to make sure that
they're they're they're gonna be okay. You know, whether that
be providing grocery gift cards, helping with a with a

(07:21):
bill or two, mentoring if I can do that. We
are trying to make sure that we're putting them in
positions to succeed. And if we don't have the answers
and we can't help, we try to guide them in
a direction of organizations that can. Right, We're a small
organization and we do the very best that we can

(07:44):
with the families that we work with. But if we
don't have the answers, we definitely, I feel, do a
good job of directing them to other services that will
help them prosper and grow. So, uh, you know, those
are a few of the things that we do as
a nonprofit. You know, we see the world as it

(08:04):
continues to you know, evolve. But I think the cost
of living is a big one, and you know, I'm
hoping that at some point we get a handle on it. Right,
I do feel like we have to really do a
better job of addressing it and call it for what

(08:25):
it is. You know, a lot of these families are
really struggling, really really struggling. Next question is from James
in Seattle, James Wright. Right, Elijah, can you share a
story of a family that Team Winfrey has supported this
year that really sticks with you? Actually, I can now
for privacy purposes, I can't release the names of any

(08:48):
of the families that we work with without their consent,
so I won't do that. But what I will tell
you is there is a family that we've been working
with primarily this year. They're really going through a really
hard time, I mean a really hard time, and you know,
I've met with the family, Me and the mom. We've

(09:11):
had some pretty deep conversations on the direction of her
kids and where she sees that, the needs of the family,
which is very important, all of it's important. This family

(09:33):
has really grown on me. And that's not to take
anything away from any of the families that we support,
because they're all there special, you know, they all have needs,
and we all you know, do the best that we
can with this family. Because I interact with the mom
quite a bit, I've really I've really been able to

(09:55):
listen to her story in depth, you know, as she
really struggles with illness, other family members who are not
doing really well physically and mentally. You know, I think
this will ultimately help us as a nonprofit. But it

(10:21):
sticks with us because I think back to my childhood
and you know, the struggles that I've had. So when
I hear the stories, you know, while they hurt, I
really feel it because I've been there. I do know
what it's like to not have much of anything, you know,

(10:42):
and to reach out for help, and sometimes it's there.
Sometimes it takes a while to get the help. But
this family, with the help of of Gerald Donalds and
mister d you know, I think we're gonna make sure

(11:03):
that they're they're taken care of and they have the
essential needs that they need. So that's that's the that's
a that's a family that that sticks with me. James
and I am going to check in on them later
this week to make sure that everything's okay and and
they're not in need of of of anything at the moment,

(11:26):
So stay tuned on that. That's a really good question.
Next question is from Aisha and Tacoma, Washington. Aisha Wrights,
with the remainder of the year ahead, what is Team
win Free's vision. I saw your post yesterday and I
loved it. Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives we

(11:47):
should know about not yet, I I am. I try
to hold things like that close to the vest until
we we we have finalized something that we would like
to share with the public to have them support us.
So I would say we have projects in the works,

(12:10):
but we try to refrain from really talking about them
until you know, it's close to that time when we
were able to make an official announcement and then kind
of get the ball rolling in that sense. So we're
always working in the lab. I'm always throwing things against
the wall, and you know, my team, as always, they've

(12:33):
always done a good job of telling me what sticks
and what doesn't stick. So stay tuned on that and
I'll definitely let you know and keep you posting. Next
question is from Roberto in Portland, Oregon. Roberto rights Elijah.
For those of us who want to contribute but may
not have money to give, what are some practical ways

(12:55):
we can support Team wins mission. Great question. You can
share the work that we do. We encourage you to
do that. Maybe you know you can start, you can
host the drive and just mentioned, hey, you know, I
got the motivation from Team Winfree. I think that helps
us as a nonprofit. You can collaborate with us on

(13:19):
on an idea that you may have that could better
our community. We're always open to that. You know, there
are multitude of ways, you know, share the work on
social media, you know, talk about us in a positive light,
you know, about the things that we're doing and the

(13:40):
things that we're accomplishing, and in the hopes that inspire
others around the country and around the world to get
started on their own thing, or their own nonprofit or
their own mission. So those are a few practical ways
that you can get involved, and we would greatly appreciate it,
you know, I'm I'm always grateful for the collaborations, the

(14:03):
positive vibes that I get when I'm out in the
community meeting people or in the grocery store and somebody
recognizes me and talks about the work that we do.
I'm always moved by that. So that's a great question.
Great question. Next question is from Denise and Augusta, Georgia.

(14:26):
Denise writes, Elijah, from your perspective, why does it feel
like the world, and especially our country is still so
deeply divided along racial lines? This is a deep question,
you know, Denise, I think about this all the time

(14:49):
right as a as a black Man and seeing the
world through my lens, not anybody else's through my lens,
and offering my opinion an ass. I think we've come
a long way regarding technology and money and and and

(15:11):
you know, building things, infrastructure and all that stuff. Yes,
we've evolved and come a long way as a people,
we have not. I just I just haven't seen it.
And there will be those that will tell me and
have told me we have come a long way as
a people. Look at what we are, we're able to do,

(15:33):
and look at all the good people in the world.
And I respect everybody's opinion first and foremost. And you
know you're not wrong when you tell me that. But
there's always been good people in the world. That's not
That's never been the issue. There's there's always been good people.

(15:54):
The issue has been the many have always outweighed the few,
and a lot of us sit on the sidelines, and
we have a lot to say, but we don't say it,
which hurts at the most opportune times to really have

(16:17):
your voice is heard. Now, I don't do any I
don't do any talking on my social media post about politics, religion.
I'd rather talk to you in person because I like
to feel that emotion coming back. I like to look
at you when i'm talking. It's easy to get on

(16:37):
the computer and and and and and talk about these things,
but I can't really see, you know, from an emotional standpoint,
standpoint where you're coming from. So it's it's hard for
me to judge, you know, those writings. You know, because
because talking about race, it's a polarizing thing. It's an

(16:58):
emotional thing. A lot of people who claim to want
to sit in it won't sit in it long enough
without giving a heated response when you give your perspective
on what you see. But I think we haven't evolved
as a people. You know, there's always gonna be good
people in the world. I think you still see where

(17:23):
negativity leads most things. When you turn a TV on
the local news. What what are they normally lead with negativity? Right? Something? Negative? Uh?
And it's their prerogative to do that. But you know,
there are a lot of people doing good things, and
we have to find a way to turn that tide

(17:43):
and lead with those things. I think that's how you
heal and everybody who's doing good things, we have to
link arms with other folks who are doing good things
and to push forward when it gets really really hard,
because it's going to get really really hard. Do I

(18:03):
think that we'll see a world where we're all together? Sure,
you know, I honestly don't think I'll be around to
see that because you have to tear everything down. You
got to rebuild the foundation of the country. And if
you're not willing to address the foundation of the country
for what it really is, then you know things never change.

(18:27):
If you never changes, you keep putting layers on top
of a shaky foundation, Eventually it breaks. So why not
just tear the foundation down and build it back up.
We can do hard things if we really apply ourselves.

(18:48):
So I think I've always been an optimist, so I've
always believed in my heart that we'll get there. But
it's going to take a lot of work and a
lot of risks. You have to ask yourself, what are
you willing to sacrifice? Right those quote unquote friendships that

(19:12):
you think of friendships when someone disagrees with how you
see things racially, like, are you willing to move past
that relationship? Your status in the community or or at
your workplace? Are you willing to stand on business you

(19:40):
just see in every election. Just look at how it
works red state, blue state. Like it's we're people, We're
human beings. So Denise, I I I know things will

(20:08):
get better, but we all have to take the risk.
Myself included, myself included. Great question. Next question is from
Malik and Los Angeles. Malik rights Elijah. What gives you
hope that these divides along racial lines can eventually be healed?

(20:33):
And what role do you think everyday people can play
in that. I don't listen. I just said I I'm
an optimist. I always believe we can be better. We
have enough good people. Malik, what tends to happen. What

(20:57):
happens is we link on in the beginning right, and
as soon as we fracture, we all disengage and we
go our separate ways. Or we criticize somebody's words in
the movement because they don't jive with our words. So

(21:17):
we got to get better at not being as sensitive
about our ideas. I have a lot of ideas about
you know, changing the world. But here's the thing. If
my idea isn't the idea, I can't then be selfish
and say because you didn't take my idea, I'm just
gonna fracture the group and then remove myself. I'm gonna

(21:39):
tear it all down like that's that's normally what happens,
in my opinion, And then we can't grow and prosper
because of that, because now everybody's pointing the finger and
everybody's second guessing things, and and now people are kind
of worried. So I think we have to do a

(22:01):
better job of linking and standing in it. Get in
the mud and stand for what's right. You know, I
studied doctor King when I was a kid, and I
still read things and watch videos of him now. James
Baldwin is another one, Tony Morrison, and you know, you

(22:23):
really listen to their trials and tribulations when they were
growing up, and you know, I think it motivates me
to not not so much use their words, but to
build off of what they're what they've done. Right. I

(22:48):
have to be able to critically think about how I
can change the world for the better, no matter how
big or how small my role is in that. I
got to try to do that, and I feel like
my community work right now is a big reason why
I do those things right. I do think that has
an impact on healing things and bringing us together. So

(23:10):
I think if we can stay together and when we
share our ideas, not be so sensitive to feedback if
it's if it's not the idea, then I do think
that's that's a that's a that's a big start in
the right direction of healing, because because I do know
there's somebody out there that will spark someone's brain and

(23:36):
we will start moving forward. And use your voice. You
don't have to scream it. Sometimes it's in your work.
Sometimes it's a civil, casual conversation that moves people. But

(23:58):
stay connected. Don't do it and fall back. Stay connected,
and no matter what your role is, accept it if
you know it's for the greater good of bringing people
together and creating the change we want to see. These

(24:20):
last two questions, folks, these are really deep questions. I
can go on and on about, you know, my opinion
on the world and race, and maybe we'll do that
at another show, on another show, but it's this is

(24:42):
very important to me. It always has been, and there
will be a day for sure where we see it
that I can guarantee you, all right. Next question is
from Carla in New York. Carla writes, if you had

(25:05):
to pick one theme song to play every time you
walked into a room. What would it be? I said
this last week, I feel like this is last week. Okay,
it would be I Still have a Soul by Epic Score.
I'm a big fan of their instrumental pieces. I like

(25:29):
listening to instrumental music when I'm walking or when I'm
doing things around the house. It's motivating, kind of gets
the juices flooring if you if you will, so I
would say that song I Still Have a Soul. Next
up is Tony in Chicago. Tony writes, Elijah, you're a golfer,

(25:51):
So tell us who's your dream force theme on a
golf course? Dead or alive? Uh? My dream forsome dead
or alive?

Speaker 1 (26:07):
Be me.

Speaker 2 (26:10):
James Baldwin, Doctor King, and Tony Morrison. And it wouldn't
be so much of us playing golf. We'd just be
talking about the world like that. I'd be so intrigued
because I'd have so many questions. So we'd play, but

(26:32):
we'd be the group that be holding everybody else up.
So we'd have to go like go off like late
in the day when nobody's out there. But that's my force.
Next question is from Brianna in Dallas. Brianna writes, Elijah,
when you're not working in the community or coaching golf

(26:55):
or writing, what's your favorite way to kick back and relax.
So one of the ways I like to kick back
and relax and do nothing is I love watching episodes
of The Andy Griffith Show. And I know some of
you will chuckle when I say that, but my mom
loved that show growing up. She got me into that show,

(27:15):
and Andy Griffith is like my bonus dad. You know, I
know the show. You know, it was a show. But
I loved the communication between Andy and Opie and dealing
with situations and crisis. And I love their laves. You know,

(27:37):
there are a lot of lessons in that show that
I really really love. So I would say I do that.
You know, I love to watch those old episodes. I
like watching So that's not the only way for the
only thing I do. I like watching Twilight Zone, Perry Mason,

(28:00):
like crime mystery shows. I like that. I like meditating.
I like going on walks. It helps me find my piece.
So those are a few things like I just or
just do absolutely nothing, you know nothing. All right, let's

(28:25):
get into some of these bonus questions that you send
in those are always fun to answer. This question is
from Samuel in Denver, Colorado, and he writes, what was
the very first thought that ran through your head when
you return? When as you return to work as a
parent professional, The very first thought that ran it ran

(28:50):
into my head? Optimism? You know that's running through my
head right now, right I'm optimistic about the year in
a positive way. I think it's going to be a really,

(29:18):
really good year, so I'm excited to return. Next question
is from Jasmine in Atlanta. How do the students inspire
you on a daily basis? That's a good question. I
think with their work ethic, their ability to be quick

(29:46):
witted in some areas, some of the kindness that they
display without being prompted, it's big. It inspires me right
because you want to see that from the youth, you know,

(30:06):
you don't want to see them being forced to be
kind like as you teach them about kindness, you hope
that it triggers them to then act and it. Some
are quick. It takes a while for others, but they
eventually get there and I like to see that. Let's
take a couple more questions before we close the show.

(30:27):
This next question is from Devon in Oakland, California. He writes, Elijah,
if your student, if your students could describe you in
one word, what do you think it would be? Funny? Kind?

(30:53):
I think mainly funny, though I think some of them
think I'm kind of funny. You know. I try my
best to relate to and I think at times they
kind of look at me like, you're this tall dude
trying to be this small dude. It ain't working. It's
funny to see to see you skipping or dancing or
trying to do something fun and funny in class, you know.

(31:15):
So I think funny would be the world. Last question
is from Kayla in Seattle. Kayla writes, Elijah, have a
fun question for you. Which superhero do you think would
make the best para professional? And why? Gosh? That depends.

(31:40):
Superman would be great because he you he could kind
of at recess, kind of fly around, you know, Batman
because he's so smart. It'd be kind of cool watching
him in the class room. Wonder Woman would be good,

(32:07):
Captain Marvel would be good. Wolverine would be good to see.
So it it's a few that I would love to
see now. I think in a lot of aspects it
would scare some of the kids that they came in there,

(32:27):
you know, their outfits. You know, some would like it,
some would be kind of nervous, But those are a
few that I think would be cool. I do. All right,
that's it for questions. I want to thank you all
for sitting in. You know, these amazing questions. They really

(32:49):
make me think on the fly. You know, I love
hearing from all of you, and I hope that the
answers that I gave you today, you know, gave you.
I hope it gives you. It gives you a deeper
look into me as a person and how I see things,

(33:10):
and a deeper look at my nonprofit team, Winfree's mission.
You know, we're all about bettering the community. That's what
it's it's always been about for me in my life,
and I really enjoy the work that I do, so

(33:30):
I really appreciate the love that that that you have
when you see these questions in and with that we
have come to the end of the show. As always,
I want to thank you all for tuning in each
and every week to the live listeners. Thank you so much.
For your your support and supporting the show each week.

(33:55):
I come on, we're gonna move the show back to
Sundays because I, as I maneuver this schedule just a
little bit, I'm going to move the show to Sunday.
It gives me, you know, that day it's always been
pretty open because I really try to take Sunday as
a self care day, and you know this show is
part of that. So we're going to be moving back

(34:16):
to Sunday starting in a couple of days. I'm excited
about that, so it will be a quick turnaround. Do
me a favor. As you processed this week and you
set your goals and and you're working on obtaining the goals,
get out in your communities, and also check in on
your family and friends. All right, do that for me.

(34:41):
Put a smile on someone's face. Doesn't take a lot
of energy to do that at all. And remember the mirror.
It doesn't just reflect you right when you look at it.

(35:01):
It also reflects who you're becoming. Remember that, take care
of yourselves and I will see you Sunday. Thank you
for listening to The Elijah Winfrey Show. Please be sure
to download this show wherever you download your favorite podcast
till Sunday, Take care, God, bless about