PODCAST · education
Black Men Speak Podcast
by Keith Dent
It's a podcast that highlights ordinary Black Men doing extraordinary things.
Episodes
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Ep. 115 Drawing His Own Path: Akeem S. Roberts on Art, Identity & Imagination
What happens when a passion for drawing becomes a career—and then evolves into creating stories that inspire the next generation? Join Keith Dent for a special LIVE conversation with Akeem S. Roberts, an award-winning illustrator, cartoonist, author, and creative force whose work has appeared in...
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Ep. 114 Creating Kings, Not Statistics: A Conversation with Lewis Spears
What does it take to change the trajectory of a young man's life? In this powerful episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with Lewis Spears, founder and executive director of Kismet of Kings, to discuss his remarkable journey from the Booker T. Washington Housing Projects in Jersey City to…
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ep. 113 From Isolation to Impact: How Jeff Lindor Is Redefining Success for Men of Color
What does it take to build more than a business—to build a movement? In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Lindor, founder and CEO of The Gentlemen's Factory, to discuss his mission of creating spaces where Black and Brown men can thrive personally, professionally, and economically. Jeff shares...
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Ep. 111 Creating More Magic: How Jae Henderson Builds Businesses and Community, One Connection at a Time.
Over the past 15+ years, Jae Henderson has built products alongside food chemists, cowboys, software developers, designers, and politicians — a career path that's taken him from Capitol Hill to Sweden to a Nevada distillery. He calls it magic: people of different expertise and different starting...
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Ep. 110 Beyond Survival: Walter Pryor's Story of Resilience
What began as a collection of handwritten letters from his beloved grandmother became an extraordinary journey through family history, race, resilience, and the enduring power of love across generations. Walter shares how his grandmother's unwavering faith, quiet strength, and simple words of...
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Ep. 109 The Power of the Citizen: Leading Change from the Ground Up
In this podcast episode, Rashawn Davis, Executive Director of The Citizen Service, shares how everyday people can become catalysts for change and why civic engagement is more important than ever. Rashawn Davis is a nonprofit leader, writer, and public speaker focused on strengthening democracy,...
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Ep. 108 Brotherhood, War and Liberation! A conversations with Steven A. Holmes
What does courage look like when the world refuses to see your humanity? In this powerful episode, Steven A. Holmes discusses Black masculinity, family, race, love, and liberation through the lens of World War II and his gripping novel Black Messiahs
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Ep. 107 Black Men Are Missing This 15 Minutes—And It's Costing Us
In this powerful episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with Aaron Johnson, founder of The Chronically Undertouched Project, to unpack a silent crisis affecting Black men—the lack of safe, intentional human touch. Drawing from his viral TED Talk and documentary Dark and Tender, Aaron shares how...
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Ep. 106 From Hustle to Legacy: Shifting from Short-Term Grind to Long-Term Wealth
Too many of us are grinding… but not building. On this Pinnacle of Color episode of Black Men Speak, we're talking about the shift from hustle to legacy — what it really takes to move from short-term money to long-term wealth. We sit down with Joe Coleman and Vernon Garret, founders of C&G Luxury...
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Ep. 105 Raised Without a Village: Biracial Black Men, Identity and Isolation in the Pacific Northwest
In this episode of Black Men Speak, we explore the lived experiences of biracial Black men raised in environments where Black culture, community, and mentorship were limited—or completely absent. From identity confusion to delayed self-discovery, we unpack how isolation impacts confidence,...
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Ep. 104 The Broken King - When Power Meets Pain
In this episode, we sit down with Michael Thomas, the acclaimed novelist behind Man Gone Down and winner of the International Dublin Literary Award, to discuss his powerful memoir The Broken King. In a raw and deeply personal conversation, Thomas reflects on fatherhood without the polish often...
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Ep. 103 Do Black Men Have To Be Twice As Polished? - The Unspoken Rules of Power and Presentation
With a recent tik-tok video about Black Men's appearance at a Ruth Chris Steakhouse going viral, it would be a perfect time to talk about Black Male etiquette. In a world where perception can open doors—or quietly close them—Black men often find themselves navigating an unspoken standard: be...
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Ep. 102 Grief Without A Roadmap_ When Strength is Expected But Support is Absent
In this episode of Black Men Speak, we sit with Ryan K Brown Jr., who confronted loss head-on—and discovered how unprepared our systems are to care for grieving families once the hospital lights dim. What began as a medical crisis exposed deeper emotional and systemic gaps, where strength was...
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Ep. 101 Pinnacle of Color Series - Money Moves - Building Financial Literacy for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
In this episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with Sylvester K. Johnson, Senior Capital Access Manager of Propeller, to unpack the real money moves Black entrepreneurs must master to build businesses that last. Sylvester brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on financial literacy —…
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Ep. 100 Black Cherokee - The Untold Story of Black and Native Identity
In this powerful episode of Black Men Speak, we sit down with the author of Black Cherokee to unpack the rarely told story of Black and Indigenous identity in America. Through history, ancestral truth, and courageous storytelling, our guest explores what it means to exist at the intersection of...
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Ep. 99 Just Keep Shining: Bryce Savoy's Story of Music, Family, and Resilience
Bryce Savoy is an Oakland-born rapper, entrepreneur, and filmmaker whose work centers on authenticity, community, and resilience. As the founder of Neighborhood Diamonds, both a record label and lifestyle brand, Savoy is dedicated to discovering and elevating hidden talent—a philosophy inspired…
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Ep. 98 Beyond the Little Blue Pill: What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About ED
In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Arthur L. Burnett, one of America's leading urologists and author of "The Manhood Rx," pulls back the curtain on men's sexual health and reveals why erectile dysfunction is far more than an embarrassing bedroom problem—it's often the first warning sign of...
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Ep. 97 The Big Stepper: How Kwame Terra Walked 2 Million Steps to Revolutionize Black Health
In April 2025, Kwame Terra became known as "The Big Stepper" when he set an unofficial world record by walking 2 million steps in 30 days—averaging 66,667 steps daily, or about 35 miles per day. This challenge was designed to raise awareness about health disparities in Black communities and raise...
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Ep. 96 Walter Mosley: National Book Award Winner on His Latest Mystery and Lifetime of Telling Our Stories
Legendary author Walter Mosley joins the podcast to discuss his latest Easy Rawlins mystery "Gray Dawn," the 17th installment in a series that has captivated readers for over three decades. We explore how Easy has evolved from post-war Los Angeles to present day, the moral complexities of his...
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Ep. 95 Beyond Survival: Trauma, and Healing The Cope and Chill Way.
In the episode, we discuss Black Male Trauma and how it can be reduced holistically with my guest Ron Martin. Ron Martin is the Founder and CEO of Cope and Chill. He is an Anxiety Relief and Mind-Body Balance Coach who helps high-functioning, healing people break free from anxious overthinking…
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Ep. 94. The Rebuilders - How Katrina forged a New Generation of Entrepreneurs (Pinnacle of Color Series)
For the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, we only focused on the broken levees and the broken lives as a result. What about the triumphs? In this episode, we will a new generation of dreamers, doers, and builders who refused to be defined by tragedy. Born and raised in New Orleans' Ninth...
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Ep. 93 Building What Didn't Exist: The Legacy of Black Utopian Communities
Aaron Robertson who is a writer and translator from Italian. His nonfiction debut, The Black Utopians: Searching for Paradise and the Promised Land in America (FSG, 2024), was a finalist for the 2024 Los Angeles Times Book Prize for History and the 2025 Zora Award for Nonfiction. It was also…
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Ep. 92 Breaking Generational Barriers: Rewriting the Narrative of Black Male Success
In our first Pinnacle of Color Series, I will be speaking with Al-Shakise Anderson, CEO of BWS Massage Concierge and Financial Services Leader. Too often, the story of Black male success has been limited, overlooked, or defined by others. In this episode of Black Men Speak, we tackle what it…
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Ep. 91 From Resilience to Reform - Advancing Health Equity for Black Men
In this episode, we will talk with Dr. Okey Enyia, a health policy executive, government relations leader, and scholar-activist whose work sits at the intersection of public health, advocacy, and equity. He is the author of his second forthcoming book The John Henry Health Equity Playbook: A...
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Ep. 90 - ASCEND: "Truth. Transformation. The journey to your higher self."
In this episode, we speak with Kamal Ben Ali—author, legacy entrepreneur, and founder of the ASCEND movement. Kamal is the son of the founders of Ben's Chili Bowl, the legendary D.C. landmark that's nourished bodies and built community for more than six decades. After four decades of leadership…
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Ep. 89 Legacy in Every Wire - The Impact of Spurlock and Son
In this episode, we talk with Terrell Spurlock Sr. and Terrell Spurlock Jr. of Spurlock and Son Inc. Founded in 1998, Spurlock & Son Inc. is a leading electrical contracting firm in Chicago, IL. We will discuss the firm's commitment to service, community, and inspiring future generations.
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Ep. 88 How Do We Fix The Job Crisis For Black Men? It's Much Worse Than We Realize.?
In this episode, we will discuss the low rate of employment in Black America, especially Black Men. One of the three major labor market challenges facing this population and on using subsidized employment as a tool to address this problem. Austin Algernon has conducted research and writing on...
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Ep. 87 A Peculiar Legacy - Book Discussion with author Rashid Darden
In this episode, we will discuss "A Peculiar Legacy" with novelist Rashid Darden. A Peculiar Legacy is part contemporary fiction and historical fiction. It's the story of a Black community in the District of Columbia called Slope that gathers in silence every Sunday, without the presence of a...
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Ep. 86 "The Money Code: Decoded" Cracking the financial literacy gap in Black America.
Cy Richardson, Senior Vice President for Economic Programs at the National Urban League and a member of the League's Executive Leadership Team, will discuss the gap in financial literacy among the African American community, the P-Fin index, and the eight key knowledge areas that should be...
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Ep. 85 What Does A Pair of Sneakers Have To Do with Literacy?
Writer, philanthropist, and producer Damon Mosley, discusses how walks around Target to help achieve a daily steps goal turned into a crusade to help children connect with the joy of reading.
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Ep. 84 Crafting Stories That Resonate with Black Men - Malcolm D. Lee
Black Men Speak talks with Malcolm D. Lee is a highly accomplished director, producer, and screenwriter known for films like The Best Man series, Girls Trip, and Space Jam: A New Legacy. We discuss his creative process, career evolution, and unique perspective on filmmaking regarding Black Men.
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Ep. 83 Black Men Love Plane Tickets
Black Men Speak host, Keith Dent speaks with Jelani Millard, host of the podcast Pay Me in Plane Tickets, a podcast discussing all things travel with individuals who love to explore all parts of the world, experience all cultures and people and would rather be paid in plane tickets.
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Ep. 82. From NFL D-Line to a Creator of Fine Wine
We talk to Alphonse Dotson, a former NFL defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders, and owner of Dotson-Cervantes Winery. He along with his wife Martha Cervantes went from the sparkle of a dream to growing some of the most-prized grapes in Texas, and creating the most exquisite wines. We will...
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Ep. 81 Planning For The Come Up
Eugene T. Barnes is a husband, father, stand-up comedian, actor, writer, producer, singer, rapper, and advocate for black family and marriage originally from Lakeland, Fl. He is a successful commercial actor appearing in commercials for top brands including Udemy and Amazon. He is also the star…
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Ep. 80 How to Empower Our Black Voices
In this episode, we will discuss the importance of empowering black voices through media and mentoring with Kevin Benoit. Established in 2004 by founder, Kevin Benoit, Parlé Magazine began as an entertainment and lifestyle print publication, distributed in New York City. The print publication...
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Ep. 79 - How A Hot Dog Business Led to A James Beard Award
Ameer Natson wears several hats. He is a chef, humanitarian, entrepreneur, faith leader and counselor. He is the founder of Become Creative Agency, a full-service creative and marketing agency that hires local talent from inner-city communities. He is also the founder of Fresh Chef Foundation, an...
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Ep. 78 Change Your Diet, Change Your Life w. Gregory Lafortune, MS, RDN, LD
In this episode we tackle the issue of nutrition and the importance of speaking to a nutritionist with licensed dietitian Gregory Lafortune. At the age of 11, he was told that he had Type 1 Diabetes. He truly hated this reality and battled it daily. He had two options to choose from: 1) Make...
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Ep. 77 Learn How To Date While You Wait with Thomas C. Knox
Thomas C Knox, a Master Connection Curator, Social Entrepreneur, and Thought Leader from Brooklyn, New York, is committed to curating impactful educational and community experiences through The Connection Collective. At the forefront of innovation, his company endeavors to challenge and empower...
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Ep. 76 Bikes Can Save The World And Our Families
We catch with Eric Seals and Donnie Seals as we discuss their documentary film Bike Vessel. It's a film that follows a father and son, 35 and 70, as they cycle from St. Louis to Chicago. Film director Eric Seals 'father almost died after three open-heart surgeries. However, he makes a miraculous...
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Ep. 75 When Crack Was King! Book Discussion with Donovan X. Ramsey
Today's episode is about When Crack Was King with author Donovan X. Ramsey. It's a book about the crack epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s. It is arguably the least examined crisis in American history and how it impacted the lives of four individuals, Elgin Swift, son of a crack-addicted father who...
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Ep. 74 The Talk(Graphically Speaking) w. Darrin Bell - Part 2
We discuss Darrin Bell's Graphic Novel "The Talk" which is a a conversation Black parents in the United States feel compelled to have with their children and teenagers about the dangers they face due to racism or unjust treatment from authority figures, law enforcement or other parties, and how…
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Ep. 73 The Talk(Graphically Speaking) w. Darrin Bell - Part 1
We discuss Darrin Bell's Graphic Novel "The Talk" which is a a conversation Black parents in the United States feel compelled to have with their children and teenagers about the dangers they face due to racism or unjust treatment from authority figures, law enforcement or other parties, and how…
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Ep. 72 The State of Relationships From A Black Male Perspective
In this episode, we will delve into relationships from the Black Male perspective with Keishorne Scott and Dr. Armon Perry. Mr. Scott is a bestselling author, international speaker, relationship & heartbreak coach, TV and Media Personality, and the founder of Your Love Experience Intl, which…
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Ep. 71 Our Hip-Hop Brothas are Dying! You Could Be Next.
We will discuss the physical and mental health of black men, racism, how it impacts our health, and what we can do about it. with Dr. Derek Griffith. Dr. Griffith is the Founder and Director of the Center for Men's Health EquityThe Center for Men's Health Equity conducts research that helps men...
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Ep. 70 This Is The Year We Give Our Brothas Their Flowers
Robert Washington-Vaughns started the Black Men Flower Project in the summer of 2021 in Columbus, Ohio when he began delivering flowers to his guy friends in and around town as a token of his gratitude and appreciation towards them. Robert conceptualized the project during his time in an…
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Ep. 69 Brothas We Need To Get Moving Now. Our Life Depends On it.
As we close out 2023 on Black Men Speak, my guest Collin Mays and I discuss his journey to care for his health and some of the things Black Men need to do in 2024. Collin serves as the President and Founder of LMS Solutions, a strategic planning consulting firm that assists local governments and...
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Ep. 68 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 4
In this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.…
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Ep. 67 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 3
In this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.…
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Ep. 66 Finding True Freedom in San Quentin State Prison - Part 2
In this special 4-part series, we'll examine the life of Jarvis Jay Masters born in Long Beach, California, in 1962. He is a widely published African-American Buddhist writer and the author of That Bird Has My Wings: The Autobiography of an Innocent Man on Death Row and Finding Freedom.…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
It's a podcast that highlights ordinary Black Men doing extraordinary things.
HOSTED BY
Keith Dent
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Black Men Speak Podcast have?
Black Men Speak Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Black Men Speak Podcast about?
It's a podcast that highlights ordinary Black Men doing extraordinary things.
How often does Black Men Speak Podcast release new episodes?
Black Men Speak Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Black Men Speak Podcast?
You can listen to Black Men Speak Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Black Men Speak Podcast?
Black Men Speak Podcast is created and hosted by Keith Dent.
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