Bridge To U:

Bridge To U:

Bridge to U focuses on diversity, inclusion and understanding for black cultures. It is a place where Monique Russell hosts transformative discussions focused on enhancing communication skills, nurturing emotional intelligence, and navigating the intricate tapestry of intercultural dynamics and diversity within Black cultures. The vastness of the African diaspora requires us all to do our own D&I work. This work is necessary in order to build up unity through conversations and insights required for an awakened and aligned way of living as Black people. Monique Russell serves as your guide through a world where communication is an art. Through insightful conversations and engaging storytelling, listeners explore the nuances of effective communication. From speech to body language, Monique equips her audience with tools to foster understanding and empathy. At the heart of "Bridge to U" lies emotional intelligence – a vital skill in today's interconnected world. By interviewing thought leaders and individuals with compelling stories, Monique delves into the intricacies of emotional intelligence. Listeners uncover layers of self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal finesse, pivotal in forging authentic connections. It doesn't stop there. She delves into the vibrant landscape of intercultural communication. Monique's podcast sheds light on diverse viewpoints and offers actionable insights to navigate communication barriers. Diversity and inclusion take center stage as Monique Russell amplifies voices within Black cultures. The podcast becomes a safe haven for thought-provoking conversations about identity, representation, and the urgent need to highlight positive Black perspectives. "Bridge to U" is a catalyst for personal transformation and societal change. Each episode is an opportunity to bridge gaps, forge connections, and cultivate appreciation for the fusion of communication skills, emotional intelligence, and intercultural dynamics within Black cultures. Subscribe now to unlock insights that reshape your approach to communication, elevate emotional intelligence, and deepen understanding of the cultural mosaic around us.

Episodes

September 2, 2026 24 mins
HBCUs are producing extraordinary talent. Companies still need to broaden where and how they recruit. But after interviewing HBCU leaders, graduates, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals, I kept coming back to one question: What happens after the door opens? The Proof of Promise study found that 46% of recent HBCU alumni wished they had received more training in networking, 35% in public speaking, and 34% in generative AI. ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
I sat down with technology leader, consultant, entrepreneur, and North Carolina A&T graduate Keith L. Scott to explore what happens when HBCU talent moves from technical preparation into leadership, ownership, and systems-level impact. Keith is the Founder and CEO of K.L. Scott & Associates, where his work focuses on strategy, technology modernization, AI, operational improvement, government transformation, and citizen exp...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
I sat down with higher education leader, strategist, and innovation builder Dr. Tiffany Bussey to unpack what it truly takes to prepare HBCU students not just to access opportunity, but to thrive once they arrive. Dr. Bussey serves as Executive Director of the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and has spent more than two decades advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business development as pathways for e...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Audrey Awasom, affectionately known as Audrey Awesome, is a program leader, social entrepreneur, founder, and advocate for women, students, and next-generation talent. I first connected with Audrey through her work as Senior Manager of Programs at WBENC, where she supports programming that helps women-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders access opportunity, build visibility, and grow. But as I prepared for this c...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
I sat down with industry leader, connector, and former RIMS president, Robert Cartwright Jr., to unpack what it truly takes to move from potential to preparedness, especially for students and professionals entering spaces they were never exposed to. Robert brings over 30 years of experience in the risk and insurance industry and is now focused on building pipelines through HBCUs—creating access to careers many don’t ev...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode of The Bridge to U Podcast, I sit down with the amazing Kiara “Kiki” Walker — a powerhouse producer, storyteller, and podcast host. Kiara is the co-host of the wildly popular CockTales: Dirty Discussions, a sex-positive comedy show turned national tour, and the host and producer of XO Man, a groundbreaking podcast exploring Black masculinity through the voices of celebrity Black men. We talk about...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
What would happen if you stopped building teams and started building connections? In this powerful episode, Nikki Pounds, speaker, Goldman Sachs alum, founder of HR Unequivocally, and author of The Leader Who Cares teaches us that teams that are connected have more fun. And fun is the fruit of trust. When Nikki Pounds told me about her siblings, I was instantly inspired. Six siblings. 60+ years of unity. Never once estranged. Not ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this powerful episode, I interview archival consultant and memory worker Dominique Luster to explore the sacred responsibility of preserving Black stories. From the emotional complexity of storytelling to the importance of naming our grandmothers, this conversation dives into legacy, lineage, and the radical act of remembrance. You’ll walk away with deep insight into how personal history shapes identity—and how to be...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, we're joined by Karimah Cornelius-Stith, Certified Sex Therapist, Anger Management Specialist, and CEO of New Reflections Therapeutic Services. Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Karimah brings deep cultural insight, spiritual grounding, and clinical expertise to a topic that’s often misunderstood: anger. We explore the emotional, spiritual, and physical costs of unprocessed anger&m...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
If you’ve ever wondered what coaching with me is actually like, this episode is for you. I break down my process, my frameworks, and why the transformations my clients experience aren’t surface-level hype, but deep, embodied shifts. From emotional intelligence to cultural healing, from executive presence to releasing shame, you’ll hear how we do the real work, and why it lasts. Whether you're a high-achievin...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
I sat down with powerhouse strategist, scholar-practitioner, and cultural architect Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown to explore what it truly takes to lead with equity, dismantle harmful leadership models, and redefine what’s possible for Black women at work and in life. Dr. Kerry pulls back the curtain on the quiet (and not-so-quiet) systems that block progress—and how Black executive women can lead, not just by climbing the ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Knowing your values is the key to building trust, creating meaningful connections, and maintaining integrity in everything you do. In this episode, I explore: How to identify your core values using simple reflection questions. Why living in alignment with your values builds confidence and peace of mind. How values strengthen trust and collaboration in teams, families, and communities. Practical strategies to help your team, or...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Welcome to the first episode of Bridge to U in 2025!  In this episode, I explore: Why Consistency Matters The Role of Habits Systems That Reinforce Habits The Power of Community Key Takeaways: “The connections you have are part of the solution.” Showing up for others creates a ripple effect of trust, healing, and progress. Habits are quiet yet powerful, compounding over time into extraordinary outcomes. ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
What does “home” truly mean when you've lived across cultures and continents, never quite fitting in? DEI and Emotional Intelligence expert Sunnee Samuel explores this question with Monique Russell, sharing her journey of discovering identity and belonging while growing up between Nigeria, India, and beyond. Sunnee reveals how reconciling her inner “home” taught her that true belonging starts within—by...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Jeanne Aguet, the founder, and owner of Loving Is Key, is a remarkable individual hailing from the beautiful country of Belize in Central America. Born with a passion for spreading love and making a positive impact, Jeanne's journey has been shaped by her deep-rooted belief in the power of love to change lives.   Growing up in Belize, Jeanne was exposed to the diverse cultures and vibrant communities that make the country so u...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
October 2, 2024 28 mins
Trust, Cultural Diversity, Market differences, logistics and infrastructure are just a few challenges anyone will face when doing business across the continent of Africa. The complexity and diversity of the continent requires those seeking success to have a strong vision, and resilient foundation.  This is where Abiola Laseinde, CEO of Edniesal Consulting, the CIO Club and the CIO awards comes in. In this episode, we discuss:...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Change, change, change! So many of us don’t like it, resist it, or are afraid of it. You could be: Starting a new job Starting or ending a relationship Moving to a new location Adopting new technology Getting older Becoming an empty nester Starting a new habit It’s all change, and it’s the one thing that is constant in all of our lives. Whether you're facing a personal crossroads or seeking to build ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Many people wonder how to successfully blend corporate life and entrepreneurship, often believing they must choose one or the other to make a significant impact. What if there was a way to be impactful and successful regardless of your professional status or location? What if there was a way to navigate systemic barriers and still achieve success? In this episode, Paul shares essential transferable skills such as research, negotiat...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
In this episode, I discuss: The importance of self-advocacy and awareness in business collaboration How entrepreneurship supports belonging and inclusion at work How to use AI and Emotional Intelligence to increase your leadership and efficiency How to leverage professional development to avoid self-sabotage Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Emotional Intelligence for the Practical Leader Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon H...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Maurice Philogene is a man who looks at the rules differently. He understands systems and structures in order to navigate them effectively and ethically in his pursuit of freedom. Whether it's travel hacking, working 3 jobs simultaneously, or becoming location independent, Maurice is a man who embraces the patience, consistency and discipline required to follow a vision, step outside the status quo and invest in what truly matters....
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    Love Trapped

    Former Bachelor Clayton Echard’s casual one-night fling turned into a paternity nightmare. When the news broke about the scandal, no one believed Clayton at first. He was a reality TV star, and an unpopular one at that. Clayton found himself trying to prove the truth, while trapped in a web of lies, manipulation, and threats. He would soon discover he was not the only one. At its core, this is a story about who you believe and why. It’s an epic battle that would take a group of strangers, citizen sleuths from across the world, to crack the case and finally hold someone accountable. New episodes of Love Trapped are released every Thursday, starting February 26th, 2026. If you would like to reach out to the Love Trapped team, email us at lovetrappedpod@gmail.com and follow along on Instagram @glasspodcasts.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices