~ About This Life ~

I Climbed a Mountain to Beat Cancer with Tiffany Jones

Join us for an inspiring episode as we delve into the remarkable journey of Tiffany Jones, a beacon of hope and resilience. Tiffany, the spirited founder of Patchworks Inc, shares her powerful story of overcoming adversity after losing both parents to cancer.
In this episode, Tiffany recounts her incredible ascent of Kilimanjaro, a symbolic act of defiance against the disease that has impacted her life so profoundly. Now a breast cancer thriver, she passionately advocates for taking action and confronting life’s challenges head-on.
As a high school teacher, adventurer, and dedicated mother, Tiffany embodies the belief that we all have mountains to climb—both literal and metaphorical. Discover how her nonprofit organization supports communities in Tanzania and empowers others to make a difference.
Tune in for an uplifting conversation that will inspire you to embrace your own journey and take that next step, because as Tiffany reminds us, "someday" can't be delayed forever.

The Mecca - Howard University in pictures with Scott Thomas

Join us for an insightful episode as we explore the rich legacy of Howard University, a true beacon of hope and empowerment within the African-American diaspora. In this captivating conversation with Scott Thomas, we delve into how Howard University not only embodies the history and resilience of people of color across the globe but also serves as a cornerstone for wealth-building and cultural contributions that are unmatched among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Scott, a passionate curator, shares his extensive knowledge of Howard's remarkable catalog of historical artifacts—treasures that could easily fill multiple museums. Discover the stories behind these items and how they reflect the academic, social, and cultural impact of Howard University throughout its storied history.
Tune in to celebrate the legacy of Howard University and gain a deeper understanding of its role in shaping the narrative of education and empowerment for generations to come. Don’t miss this visual journey through history, culture, and community!

S4 Ep 44 ”Courageous Conversations - Reframing Rejection and Shaking Off Shyness”

The sting of rejection, whether from a relationship, family member or job, hurts. But we need not stay stuck.
My guest and I swap stories about being shy and what it means to be rejected. It was an impromptu LIVE event in our online community. Here is our conversation in raw form. ~
#rejection
#shyness
#introvert

S4 Ep 43 ”Figure Out the Game and You Will Figure Out Life” with Kevin McLemore

"I saw the football field for the first time and spotted Coach Russo, the only familiar face. I jumped out of the car while it was still running and confessed to Coach Russo that my dad could NOT find out the lie I told about playing football. 
Today's guest, Kevin McLemore, President of RMK Productions and Network, author, speaker, and podcaster, has a storied history of surviving his teenage years with mentors and role models to guide him. It is this experience and more that helps us navigate the challenges to survive, especially when face with a system that is against you, particularly if you are black or brown. 
What are the challenges? McLemore has an answer about how to weather the storm and persevere. Listen - it can change your life.
#football
#FridayNightLights
#KevinMcLemore
#SundayMotivation
#TalkingwithWitKevinandSon
#juvenile
#education

S4 Ep 42 ”Transforming Education: Inspiring Change in Educational Leadership” with Ivory Pearl Brown

Education and its leadership require a fundamental shift. This need for change is increasingly evident because it can be a challenging environment for educators. They often feel the weight of societal issues such as homelessness, child abuse, food and housing insecurity. Sometimes the village that is needed to help children is not present for the adults. 
What type of educational leader yields positive outcomes? Minister, author of "Prayers from the Principal's Office" and founder of Transformation Arise | Strategic Leadership and Solutions, Ivory Brown delves into the necessity to elevate the well-being of staff members and show empathy towards their personal challenges. Her alignment of innate talents and leadership style aligned with core values presents a holistic view of coaching teams and instructional design. This shift replaces enforcing compliance and maintaining control to an environment of trust and inspiration within teams. 
Aligned with her new book, a devotional for educators, listen to Ivory's special prayer for educators beginning a new school year. ~ 
#educationalleadership
#school
#instructionaldesign
#students
#ministerandeducation
#paradigmshifts
#mindsetchanges
#devotional
#journal
#teachers
#principals

S4 Ep 41 Navigating Biases in Education with Boldness and Resilience: An Immigrant Perspective

Emmanuel reflects on the sacrifices and courage of parents who immigrate to a new country for the betterment of their children, leaving behind their own families and sacrificing the ability to be present for their loved ones in times of need. Through emotional experiences of his years growing up in a new country, Emmanuel learns the importance of family, sacrifice and recognizes the strength and resilience of ancestors that reflect their triumph. 
To what end is this sacrifice? Educators across the country teach in a system where education is not easily accessible for all. The weight of sacrifice results in a loss of ancestral connections leading to a different kind of struggle within schools. Our conversation about education leads us to an urgency to empower all learners and how breaking barriers is an act of social justice. ~
He acknowledges the legacy of boldness and risk-taking that has been passed down from one generation to the next. 
#immigrants
#education
#socialjustice
#sacrifice
#resilience
#multi-lingual learners
#teachers
#advocates
#learning
#schools

Ep 40 ”Mas and Music: Inside New York’s Biggest Caribbean Celebration” with Andrew Maloney, Esq.

The rhythm and colors are on display during New York City's West Indian Day Parade on Eastern Parkway. The beat of steel drums, colorful dancers and revelers line throughout the streets of New York draws a crowd of over 4 million annually. The Caribbean culture in America is alive and well. Andrew Maloney, Esq., Chairman of the Board of The West Indian American Carnival Day Association. Why does this annual celebration attract visitors from around the world? Maloney delves into the history and contribution of people of Caribben heritage and why it's so important to celebrate culture. ~
#West Indian
#Caribbean
#Eastern Parkway 
#Labor Day Parade
#NYC
#Andrew Maloney
#steel pan music
#Caribbean Mas

S3 Ep 39 A Diamond in the Rough

What if you defeat the odds of survival and succeed? Lean in to this conversation about a woman forged out of fire who shows that it is possible to live with joy. Jacqui's story is one of courage and determination as she gets to choose abundant life instead of despair. LISTEN. ~