Conversations In Focus with Bryan Hudson

In this episode of Conversations in Focus, Pastor Bryan Hudson speaks with Rev. Zach Matchett about ministry, authentic relationships, and the Indiana Wesleyan University Bridge Initiative. Rev. Matchett shares his call to ministry, his commitment to building genuine partnerships across racial and community lines, and the importance of churches supporting people in their educational journey. The IWU Bridge Initiative helps churches and nonprofits connect adult learners and young people with affordable, flexible online degree programs. The conversation emphasizes that education is not only about earning a degree, but also about developing discipline, purpose, leadership, and lifelong growth. Rev. Matchett encourages listeners to take the next step, whether beginning college, returning to finish a degree, or helping someone else move forward.

Bryan Hudson hosted Kareem Hines on Conversations in Focus to discuss Hines’ work as founder, president, and mentor of New Breed of Youth, also known as New B.O.Y. Hines explained that the program was inspired by his own childhood experience in the New Breed of Youth Martial Arts Program at the Harlem YMCA, where mentors helped shape his life and eventually led him to Indianapolis. A major theme of the conversation was the power of transformational relationships. Hines emphasized that pain and trauma “travel,” meaning young people in Harlem, Indianapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, and other cities may face similar struggles, even if their accents or regions differ. He said youth need more than labels, statistics, and assumptions—they need adults who will build real relationships, listen, guide, motivate, educate, and respond to trauma. The conversation also addressed misconceptions about young Black and brown men. Hines challenged stereotypes that they lack respect, do not care about education, are prone to violence, or only aspire to sports and entertainment. Instead, he described them as creative, intelligent, resilient, and in need of exposure, structure, consistency, accountability, and vision. Hines shared how his financial career at Charles Schwab led him to create a financial literacy program for teenage boys. He combined lessons on saving, investing, credit, stocks, and ownership with boxing and martial arts to capture students’ attention and teach life skills. New B.O.Y. programs include mentoring, sports, boxing, martial arts, tutoring, school-based mentoring, a recording studio, youth podcasting, entrepreneurship, college tours, field trips, family engagement, and community events. Hines emphasized that the program is not only for system-involved youth but for any young person ages 6 to 18 who wants guidance, support, and a positive environment. The discussion also highlighted the work of Hines’ wife, Chrystal Hines, who leads the Inner Beauty Mentoring Program for girls. Hines stressed that girls and young women also need attention, resources, and support, and that their challenges are often overlooked. Toward the end, Hines made a personal statement about his commitment to Indianapolis. Though he was born and raised in New York, he said Indianapolis made him a man, and he challenged local leaders and residents to “step your game up” in serving the city’s youth. Bryan closed by encouraging viewers and listeners to support Kareem and Crystal Hines’ work, recognizing their long-term commitment to youth, families, and community transformation.

What if manhood isn’t something you master – but something you grow into? In a culture that praises independence and performance, many men are silently struggling, unsure of their place, unclear about their purpose, and exhausted from trying to figure it out alone. "Skills of an Unskilled Laborer" is an honest, biblical roadmap through the four essential stages of Christian manhood: Dependent, Independent, Dependable and Loving. Link to purchase the book at Pastor Robb's website: https://www.thehopeofgloryindy.org Published by Forerunners Publishing

TOPIC: Re-entry, Housing, and Rebuilding Lives After Incarceration Bryan Hudson, DMin, interviewed Dr. Michelle Daniel Jones, a returning citizen, scholar, and Executive Director of Constructing Our Future, a reentry and housing program for formerly incarcerated women in Indiana. Dr. Jones shares how Constructing Our Future was created by incarcerated women to provide safe, stable housing, personalized support, and pathways to education, employment, and family reunification. She explains the systemic barriers women face after incarceration—especially housing insecurity—and why person-first language like “returning citizen” is essential to restoring dignity. The episode also features her town hall presentation, “Housing: A Place to Begin Again,” and includes a call for churches, individuals, and community partners to support this work through advocacy, collaboration, and helping develop the Newton House, a larger permanent residence for women reentering society. Summary of Podcast Episode | Conversations In Focus https://0554ca18-1367-4da4-bc98-15ec46a2abb7.usrfiles.com/ugd/0554ca_526e53ef37ae4eae840c21e22a104db9.pdf Visit Dr. Jones' website: www.constructingourfuture.org Produced by Vision Communications Media LLC www.visionmediaexperts.com

Conversations In Focus with Pastor Denell Howard of Evolve International Bryan Hudson, DMin. hosts an insightful conversation with Denell Howard on serving young Black men and developing leaders. YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/live/I-T1eHpcjb0?si=ylJpFmOeYBsRYobG Pastor Howard is the founder and director of Evolve International, Inc. The letters E.V.O.L.V.E stands for "Educating for Victory Offering Leadership Vision & Empowerment." Evolve International Inc. is an organization developed solely to grow and develop leaders. Our goal is to inspire African American males to intentionally lead in areas of education, entrepreneurship, civics, and mentoring. The challenges within the Black community are vast and multifaceted, yet we believe we can articulate the solution in one word: leadership. Their work of Evolve International is to engage in the development of the next generation and to empower leaders to evolve by creating supportive environments through the five "C's" of Coaches, Conferences, Clubs, Camps, and The Evolve Education Center. Denell Howard is also Pastor of the Hovey Street church of Christ in Indianapolis, Indiana. He and his wife, Keisha, have three children and reside in Indianapolis. Learn more about Evolve at www.evolveleaders.org

Bryan Hudson has an informative and enlightening conversation with Judith Warren, author of the new book, "More Than a Conqueror: My Journey Through Breast Cancer." A cancer survivor and public health professional.

The host of Conversations in Focus is Bryan Hudson Ophelia Wellington is the founding director of Freetown Village, Inc., a living history museum based in Indianapolis, Indiana. www.Freetown.org

An important conversation for our times with Comishe Nunley, LMHC CTS. "Maintaining Good Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pademic."

Black History Youth and Family Wellness Festival. Hosted at Martin University. Sponsored by the R.O.S.S. Movement, Inc. Saturday, February 23, 2019 (www.facebook.com/ROSSMovement)

Three members of the New Covenant Church Praise Team, Shawn Carter, Jordan Jackson, & Nichole Kelley. Talk about the power and priorities of worship and their experience attending the EvolveU Worship conference in Nashvile Tennessee. The other NCC praise teams members are Jackie Wilson and Selena Boyle. Watch here on the New Covenant Church Facebook Page on on Vision Stream Network.

Pastor of Deer Creek Community Church in Noblesville, Indiana. Discussion about reaching diverse populations, intergenerational collaboration, dealing with pain in life, and mental health.