Grab Your Y

Dr. Jarvis Sulcer’s journey is not just about earning a PhD. It is about belief. In this episode, I sit down with Jarvis to explore the deeper architecture behind his life: growing up in Louisiana, cutting out STEM role models from Ebony and Jet and putting them on his wall as proof that something bigger was possible, navigating elite academic spaces as a Black man, and ultimately choosing to move from STEM into nonprofit education to expand impact. Jarvis shares the reality of going from a 1.8 GPA to earning a PhD, the village that carried him, and the internal shifts that changed his motivation from chasing success to pursuing purpose. We talk about what it means to be the only and how faith has anchored his journey.

What happens when your hairline calls it quits before you do? In this episode, I peel back the layers, literally and figuratively, on Black men’s relationship with our hair, identity, and confidence. I started losing my hair at 20 years old while I was at Morehouse, back when there was a strict no-hats policy. No cover-ups, no excuses. Just me, my scalp, and a new reality I wasn’t ready for. I talk about what it’s like to go bald early, how it shapes your confidence, and why I think every Black man needs to have this conversation. Expect honesty, a little humor and a few bald head truths along the way. This one’s for every brother learning to let go and laugh while doing it.

It has been ten years since I defended my PhD, and this episode is my reflection on what that decade has meant. The story reaches far beyond the lab. It is about family who believed in me, mentors who sharpened me, and a country in turmoil that demanded my attention even as I pursued science. Morehouse gave me confidence, Chapel Hill tested my resolve, and the rise of Black Lives Matter reshaped my sense of purpose. The PhD gave me rigor and permanence, but it also became a foundation for impact. Now I look ahead to the next decade determined to embrace every part of myself—scientist, podcaster, creative, entrepreneur, and educator—and to live more boldly, more loudly, and more unapologetically than ever before.

I didn’t plan to witness a murder. I didn’t plan to feel it settle in my body or to clean up blood and brain matter from the street outside my home. But I did. And this episode isn’t a comeback story or a tidy reflection. It’s me, a Black man, months later, still figuring out what it means to carry something I never asked for. I talk about what happened, the early days that followed, and the moment I found myself calming down an angry father at the scene of a car accident just blocks away. I couldn’t take any more violence. I see now how I jumped into action for others, how I knew what was needed in the moment, and how that led to a question from my therapist that still echoes: “How can you show up for yourself the way you show up for everyone else?” This episode is about that question and the long, messy road of healing. About what violence leaves behind, even when the world moves on. Let’s talk about it.

In this episode, I chop it up with my brother Dr. Logan Northcutt, fellow Morehouse man, chemist, and proud North Carolinian. From a high school call that sparked our connection to navigating canceled programs and career uncertainty, we trace Logan’s path from small-town roots to carving out space in science and beyond. We talk about what Morehouse gave us, how success and identity can pull in different directions, and what it means to push through when the path gets unclear. This one is about brilliance, Black identity, and showing up even when the ground shifts. You’ll feel this.

At Chapel Hill, our paths converged—two Black men forging our way through academia and bias, and emerging as scientists with a story to tell. I sit down with my brother, Dr. Patrick McCarter, to reflect on the good times competing on the court, and to explore how the grind of the lab and confronting bias led us to therapy and the healing that comes with it. In this intimate conversation, we reclaim our narrative, celebrate resilience, and uncover the strength in owning our journey.

Season 2 of the Grab Your Y podcast opens with a tribute to my grandfather, Papa—a man who lived an uncomplicated yet extraordinary life. Born in 1931 in rural eastern North Carolina, he overcame countless challenges to become the first in his family to graduate from college in 1954. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my mom and aunts to reflect on his journey as a Black man navigating a changing world, his quiet resilience, and the profound impact of a life lived with purpose, integrity, and unwavering commitment to family.

Join us for the Season 1 finale of the Grab Your Y podcast with De'Andre Cherry, a Physicist and Nanoengineer from the Bay Area. From our days at Morehouse College, to navigating the game of life, Cherry shares his unique perspective on being a Black man, pursuing the highest form of himself, and the profound influence of his hometown, Oakland. This is one of the coldest episodes, filled with endless gems and wisdom. So tune in and get some game from Oakland’s finest. Ism!

Step into the world of Dr. Michael Johnson, a mentor, Associate Professor and Dean with a unique story. From his musical roots and leadership as head drum major at Duke to his unexpected transition into science, Michael's journey is a fascinating blend of art and academia. In this episode, we traverse Michael's diverse path, exploring the defining moment that steered him toward a scientific career. Join us as we explore Michael’s upbringing on the south side of Chicago, the world of STEM, the power of mentorship, and the unique experiences and advantages of being a Black man in biomedical research.

North Carolina natives? Check. Tar Heels? Check. In this episode, we explore Cedric Brown's journey to authenticity, with insights into his experiences as a Black queer man. Rooted in both the divine and his personal determination, he sheds light on the importance of granting oneself the freedom to be true. Our conversation delves into the dynamics of relationships between gay Black men and their straight counterparts and the significance of balancing masculine and feminine energies. Join us as we navigate identity, masculinity, and the power of being true to oneself with everybody's favorite uncle, Cedric Brown. 

Join me and Quintin Boykins, my partner in crime since middle school, as we dive into the undervalued curiosity of Black children, the importance of context in understanding our worth, the unique experiences of attending an HBCU (shout-out to NC A&T State University) and therapy. This episode is a blend of laughter, reflection, and the enduring bond of old friends.

In this episode of Grab Your Y, I chop it up with Jockquin Jones. Our friendship started in 2009 through a research internship at Howard University. As we delve into Jock's distinctive path to academic and career success, we explore the crucial role of Black men uplifting each other. We cover survivor’s guilt, maintaining friendship over the years and the power of faith and manifestation of dreams. Throughout, we highlight the profound significance of our HBCU experiences. This one's a must-listen.

Join me in an engaging and reflective conversation with one of my closest friends, Dominic Jones. From our freshman days at Morehouse College, we explore the paths that brought us to our beloved alma mater. Dominic shares insightful views on masculinity and manhood, and we delve into the significance of Morehouse in shaping our experiences as Black men. With stories from our college years, we navigate the complexities of masculinity and celebrate the enduring bonds of brotherhood. Additionally, having recently stood by his side as his best man in his wedding, we share candid and laughter-filled moments, providing a unique perspective on friendship and self-discovery.

Join us for Part 2 of my conversation with Kornelius Bankston, as we talk salary, the struggles of striving for success, and the incredible journey from an unexpected offer to Georgia Tech's MBA program during a lunch break to driving for Instacart to manifesting TECHPLUG. This one's for dreamers, hustlers, those who need hope, and anyone who loves a come-up story. We’re closing out part 2 scrong!

In this episode, I invite you to meet my mentor and friend, Kornelius Bankston, a fellow chemistry alumnus from Morehouse College. We explore the genesis of our unique bond, marked by the many intersections in our educational and career journeys. From rejections that turned into blessings to the trials and tribulations of pursuing PhDs, we take a walk down memory lanes, illuminating the remarkable similarities in our stories. Join me for an engaging conversation that reflects on our shared journey in the world of science and tech and discover Kornelius's mission as the owner of TECHPLUG, where he addresses health disparities and tech accessibility for vulnerable populations. Child, let's get into it!

In this episode, we explore my dad's approach to fatherhood and the transformative moments that cultivated my critical thinking and confidence. We discuss a pivotal childhood conversation, defining inner peace and confidence as true cool, and how the fusion of art and science shaped both our paths. This episode sets the stage for the mission and hope of Grab Your Y, aiming to redefine and expand the boundaries of being a Black man.

In our inaugural episode, we delve into some of the foundational moments that shaped my dad's journey from black boyhood to becoming the man he is today. Join us as we transport back to a small town in Eastern North Carolina, where his experiences as a black boy in the segregated South provide insights into family, community, and the significance of affirming black boys. Recorded over a year ago, this episode sets the stage for Grab Your Y's exploration of the diverse stories and identities of Black men.