In The Know with Tony Reeves

Sometimes the job you’re in isn’t where you’re ultimately supposed to stay. Sometimes its real value is what it makes possible next. In this episode, I share how my first job with the State of Florida became the vehicle that helped me earn my Master of Public Health while taking on very little additional student debt. At the time, I wasn’t making much money. The job wasn’t necessarily where I wanted to remain long term. But once I discovered the educational benefits available to me, I realized something important: leaving immediately might actually cost me more than staying. So I made a trade-off. I endured some short-term financial discomfort, took advantage of the educational payment and leave programs available to me, and focused on walking away with something that could create greater opportunities later. This episode is about more than graduate school. It’s about recognizing the hidden value in where you are right now. Sometimes the question isn’t simply: “Should I leave?” Sometimes the better question is: “What can I extract from this opportunity before I move on?” Because the thing you’re ready to leave behind may actually be helping finance, prepare, or position you for what comes next. Call to Action:If this episode connects with where you are right now, share it with someone who’s trying to decide whether it’s time to move on—or whether there’s still something valuable to gain from where they are. And follow IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves on Spreaker so you don’t miss the next conversation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What happens when you finally reach the career you worked so hard for—and realize you still have to figure out who you are? In this episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, I reflect on entering the legal profession in my early 30s after already having careers in state government and the military. I had the degree. I passed the bar. I had the title. But I was still trying to understand what it actually meant to be a professional—and whether I needed to change myself to fit the image of what I thought an attorney was supposed to be.Eventually, I learned something that changed the way I viewed my career: being an attorney was what I did, but it did not define who I was. Your 20s often give you the experiences that teach you who you are not. Your 30s can become the point where you begin intentionally deciding who you want to become.This episode is about career identity, authenticity, professional growth, and learning how to move into a new chapter without losing yourself along the way.If you’ve ever reached a point in your career where you had to ask, “Who am I beyond my job title?”, I’d love to hear your story. Share this episode with someone navigating a new professional chapter, and follow IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves for more conversations about career, growth, life transitions, and the lessons we pick up along the way.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

There are moments in life that don’t seem particularly significant when they’re happening. Then you look back 10, 20, or 30 years later and realize:That conversation changed everything. During my junior year of college, I was struggling with some of my science courses and seriously considering leaving my biology major. I wasn’t failing to understand the material. I was struggling to produce the grades I expected from myself—and I started interpreting that struggle as evidence that maybe I didn’t belong. Then I had a conversation with my advisor, Dr. Fred Punzo. He didn’t promise me that staying in biology would make me a doctor. He didn’t tell me exactly what career I would have. Instead, he helped me look at my situation from 30,000 feet. He recognized that there weren’t many Black and Latino students completing STEM degrees and believed that staying the course could create opportunities for me that I couldn’t see yet.Decades later, I can trace pieces of my journey—from government work and graduate school to the military, law school, private practice, entrepreneurship, and becoming a judge—back to completing that biology degree. And when I graduated, of the Black men who had started in that STEM environment with me, I was the only one who finished as a STEM major. This episode isn’t simply about staying in a difficult major. It’s about understanding the importance of having people in your life who can see possibilities that you can’t see yet.Sometimes you don’t need someone to give you a roadmap. You need someone with enough experience to show you that the road you’re standing on goes farther than you think.CALL TO ACTION Think about the people who gave you advice that changed the trajectory of your life. Did you recognize its importance immediately—or did it take years before you understood what they were trying to tell you? Share this episode with someone who’s questioning their abilities or wondering whether their current struggle means they’re on the wrong path. And remember: struggling with something doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t belong there. Sometimes you just haven’t reached the part of the journey where you understand why staying mattered.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In the fall of 1987, just days into my freshman year at the University of Tampa, I was invited to my first real off-campus college party on Davis Island. I had an idea of what a college party was supposed to look like. Music. Food. Dancing. People having a good time. What I found was a beach, a couple of kegs, no food, no music, and an environment where I was one of only a few Black students — and I didn’t drink. At the time, I could have easily dismissed the entire experience as a bad party.Looking back nearly 40 years later, however, I realize that night taught me something much more important: how to maneuver in spaces that weren’t necessarily designed with me in mind. I didn’t have to drink. I didn’t have to pretend the party was my kind of party. And I didn’t have to change who I was. I simply had to recognize the opportunity that came from being there. That lesson followed me from college into the military, the workplace, the legal profession, and countless professional and social environments throughout my life. Sometimes the room isn’t designed for you. That doesn’t mean there isn’t something for you in the room.Have you ever walked into a room and immediately realized, “This space wasn’t designed with me in mind”? What did you do? Did you leave? Did you try to fit in? Or did you figure out how to be yourself while still taking advantage of the opportunity?I’d love to hear your story.🎧 Listen to the full episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, and then share your experience with me.Sometimes you don’t have to fit the room. You just have to learn how to move through it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

For many members of Generation X, success did not come with a roadmap. We entered colleges, professions, leadership positions, and social spaces that were unfamiliar to our families. We learned through experience, experimentation, mistakes, and persistence. Along the way, we became the attorneys, doctors, judges, executives, educators, entrepreneurs, and mentors we may not have personally known when we were younger. That matters because the generations coming behind us are no longer starting where we started. They have access to us. In this companion podcast,I reflect on the responsibility Gen X has to make our experiences, relationships, and knowledge available to younger generations. I also discuss why young people should be encouraged to study abroad, explore beyond their immediate surroundings, build relationships, and use each opportunity as a gateway to the next one. We are not telling them to repeat our journey. We are helping them understand that the doors we struggled to open are now part of their normal reality—and they have a responsibility to walk through them and keep moving forward.Call to Action:After listening, identify one young person who could benefit from your experience, guidance, or network. Reach out, make an introduction, share what you know, or help them see an opportunity they may not yet recognize. Our progress becomes permanent when the next generation knows how to use it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

A few weeks into my freshman year, I was pulled out of class and told that I owed the university $900. It was 1987.My student loan had not been processed, my mother could not pay the bill without jeopardizing her own ability to survive, and I was warned that I could be removed from school. I was only 18 years old. In this episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, I reflect on the emotional weight of that conversation, the painful reality many students face when financial aid falls short, and the moment I realized that I would have to take responsibility for finding a way to finance my own education.Although the situation eventually worked out, that experience changed me. It pushed me into survival mode, shaped the way I approached college, and influenced how I continue to think about financial security today.Sometimes one conversation does more than interrupt your plans. It changes how you prepare for the rest of your life.Listen to the full episode and share it with a student, parent, educator, or family who may be struggling with the financial realities of college. Then ask yourself: What conversation forced you to grow up faster than you expected?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this companion podcast to my YouTube video, “The Fall of 1988: When I Had to Rebuild My Life Without My Friends,” I reflect on one of the biggest lessons I learned from returning to college after nearly everyone in my support system had disappeared. When I came back to the University of Tampa as a Resident Assistant, I expected to continue building on the friendships I’d made during my freshman year. Instead, I found myself almost completely alone. My closest friends had transferred or chosen not to return, leaving me to rebuild my life from the ground up. In this episode, I go beyond the story and explore what that season taught me:Why we sometimes build our identity around the people closest to us.How losing your support system can force you to discover who you really are.Why starting over is often more frightening than it is dangerous.How unexpected relationships can expand your world in ways you never imagined.Why the greatest periods of personal growth often begin with uncertainty rather than confidence.Looking back, I realize that what felt like one of the loneliest moments of my young adulthood became one of the most transformative. Sometimes the relationships we lose make room for the relationships—and the person—we were always meant to become.🎥 Watch the original YouTube video:The Fall of 1988: When I Had to Rebuild My Life Without My Friendshttps://youtu.be/cd2lFns1usQCall to ActionHave you ever had to rebuild your life after losing the people or circumstances you depended on? I’d love to hear your story. Leave a comment on the YouTube video or connect with me on social media and share what your “starting over” season taught you. If you enjoy these reflections on resilience, personal growth, and the lessons life teaches us, please subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who’s facing a new beginning. Every new chapter carries possibilities we often can’t see until we’re living them.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Returning to the University of Tampa for my sophomore year should have felt familiar—but almost everyone I had depended on was gone.My best friend and roommate did not return. Other friendships I had begun building disappeared as well. I arrived back on campus after a 24-hour Greyhound bus ride, carrying a military duffel bag on my back and a footlocker on my head, knowing that I would have to figure out this new chapter largely on my own. At the same time, I was stepping into new responsibilities as a resident assistant, continuing ROTC, beginning more challenging science courses, and working through college work-study. Beneath all of that was a deeper fear: I was a poor Black student from Arkansas surrounded by people I believed came from very different backgrounds, and I questioned whether I had anything valuable to offer them. In this episode, I reflect on what it felt like to return to college terrified, uncertain, and alone—and how that frightening reset became one of the most important adult-shaping experiences of my life. Sometimes starting over is not proof that everything has fallen apart. Sometimes it is the beginning of discovering who you are capable of becoming. Call to Action Have you ever returned to a familiar place only to discover that everything had changed? Share your own experience with starting over, and follow the podcast for more stories about growth, resilience, college life, and the experiences that shaped the person I became.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

We often assume we’re alone when life changes.That’s exactly how I felt when I returned to college in the fall of 1988.My closest friends were gone, and I believed I was beginning the year without a support system. What I didn’t know was that others had already stepped into that role.In this episode, I share how my best friend’s family continued to watch over me, how an unexpected friendship introduced me to an entirely different culture, and why one conversation changed the way I think about being approachable.This episode is about the quiet ways people invest in us before we even realize they care. Sometimes grace arrives long before we recognize it.Call to Action:If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need the reminder that they aren’t as alone as they think they are. To explore more stories, books, podcasts, and resources, visit AnthonyReeves.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

There comes a point in almost everyone’s life when the original plan no longer works. In this episode, I reflect on one of the first major personal resets I experienced during the summer of 1988. What began as a simple return home after my freshman year of college quickly turned into a season of unexpected change. My support system disappeared, my transportation plans fell apart, and I had to decide whether I still believed in the future I had chosen.More importantly, I explore what that experience taught me about resilience, independence, and making better decisions when life gives you better information.If you’re navigating a career transition, recovering from a setback, or simply trying to figure out your next move, this conversation is a reminder that a reset isn’t always the end of the story. Sometimes it’s the beginning of a better one. If this episode encouraged you, please consider following the podcast and sharing it with someone who may be going through a season of change. Your support helps these conversations reach people who need them most. I’d also love to hear from you. What has been the biggest personal or professional reset of your life, and what did it teach you?Leave a comment, send me a message, or join the conversation through AnthonyReeves.com. Until next time, remember: sometimes the best version of your future begins the moment your original plans fall apart.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What was it really like to become one of the few Black Resident Assistants at a predominantly white university in the late 1980s?In this episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, I share the story behind my unexpected journey from a freshman who never believed he would be hired to becoming a Resident Assistant—and eventually training future RAs on diversity, culture, and leadership.This isn’t just a story about college housing. It’s about learning to navigate unfamiliar spaces, leading with authenticity, confronting racial realities with honesty, and discovering that your greatest challenges often become your greatest qualifications to lead.For members of Black Generation X, these weren’t theoretical conversations—they were lived experiences that shaped how we learned to succeed in integrated America.If you’ve ever questioned whether you belonged, this conversation is for you.If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who has ever wondered what it meant to navigate college, leadership, and race during the 1980s. And if you enjoy these stories about Black Generation X, be sure to explore the rest of The Anthony Reeves Experience, where history, life lessons, and personal experiences come together to help us better understand where we’ve been—and where we’re going.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Sometimes the smallest experiences become the biggest teachers. As a freshman at the University of Tampa in 1987, all I wanted was a haircut before ROTC. Instead, I encountered racial assumptions, unexpected kindness, and a lesson about perception versus reality that has stayed with me for decades. In this companion episode, I reflect on how one ordinary afternoon helped shape my understanding of race, community, and judging people based on firsthand experience instead of fear or stereotypes.This is another chapter in my ongoing Black Generation X journey. Call to Action If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who appreciates honest conversations about history, race, and personal growth.I’d also love to hear about a time when your own experience challenged what you had always been told. #BlackGenerationX #Storytelling #PersonalGrowth #GenerationX #PodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

As a freshman at the University of Tampa, I experienced something that would repeat itself every single year: university police stopping me while I walked across campus at night to ask for my student ID. Were they simply doing their jobs? Or was I being singled out because I was one of the few Black students on campus? The truth is, I still don’t know. In this episode, I explore one of the defining experiences of Black Generation X—living in a world where discrimination wasn’t always obvious, but where many of us constantly questioned whether race played a role in how we were treated. Sometimes the hardest part wasn’t proving discrimination.It was never knowing for sure. If you’re part of Generation X—or if you’ve ever questioned whether an experience was about who you were rather than what you did—this conversation may resonate with you. Have you ever experienced a situation where you couldn’t tell whether you were being treated differently—or whether there was another explanation? Share your story in the comments. I’d love to hear your perspective, especially from fellow Generation X listeners. For more conversations about Black Generation X, professional life, and the experiences that shaped us, visit The Anthony Reeves Experience and subscribe so you never miss a new episode.  #BlackGenerationX#GenerationX#CollegeLife#RacialProfiling#TheAnthonyReevesExperienceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What happens when you enter a space knowing that you earned the opportunity—but still feel that you must prove you deserve it?In this companion episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, I share the personal story behind my micro-book, I Deserve to Be There.I grew up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, surrounded by Black educators, professionals, church members and family friends who were committed to nurturing my success. Then I entered the University of Tampa, an overwhelmingly white institution where I suddenly found myself searching for people who understood my experience. My college journey included isolation, financial hardship, conflict with roommates, cultural misunderstandings and moments when I seriously questioned whether I belonged. It also included mentorship, Black student community, ROTC, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, leadership opportunities and recognition that showed me how deeply I had become part of the university community.This episode explores the pressure many Black Gen X students carried into newly accessible spaces: the belief that we had to work harder, perform better and continually demonstrate that we deserved opportunities we had already earned. Ultimately, I discovered that belonging was not something another person could grant me. I deserved to be there from the moment I arrived.Listen, reflect and share this episode with someone who has ever been the first, the only or one of very few in a professional, educational or social space. Visit anthonyreeves.com to explore more content from The Anthony Reeves Experience and learn more about the Black Generation X Starter Kit.Podcast Call to Action After listening, share this episode with someone who may be questioning whether they belong in the room. Then visit anthonyreeves.com to explore I Deserve to Be There and the other stories in the Black Generation X Starter Kit.Podcast Hashtags #INTheKnowWithTonyReeves #IDeserveToBeThere #BlackGenX #BlackGenerationX #Belonging #ImposterSyndrome #BlackStories #CollegeExperienceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

During my first semester at the University of Tampa, I was 18 years old, 900 miles away from home, and struggling financially.There were times when I simply did not have enough money to wash my clothes. Instead of asking why, my roommates decided to remove my laundry, strip my bed, and scatter everything throughout the dormitory hallway.What followed was not simply a disagreement about dirty clothes.It was a moment of humiliation, anger, isolation, and decision.  I had to determine whether I would respond violently, report what happened, leave school, or find another way to protect my dignity and my future.In this episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, I reflect on the experience, the friendship that helped me survive it, and the lessons I learned about navigating spaces where you may belong—but still may not feel protected.This story also connects with my micro-book, I Deserved to Be There, from the Black Generation X Starter Kit.Call to ActionListen to the complete episode and reflect on this question:Have you ever experienced a moment when someone made you feel as though you did not belong—and how did you respond?Visit anthonyreeves.com for more stories, podcasts, books, and reflections from the Black Generation X experience.Hashtags#IDeservedToBeThere#BlackGenX#CollegeStories#ProtectYourDignity#FirstGenerationCollegeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this companion podcast episode, Tony Reeves reflects on the complicated bridge between HBCU dreams and PWI reality. Drawing from his Black Gen X college experience, he discusses representation, cultural isolation, the importance of Black-centered spaces, and the leadership lessons that came from learning how to survive and thrive in a place that was not built around him.This episode explores what it means to belong, adapt, build community, and create the college experience you need when the institution does not automatically provide it.Call to Action If this story connects with your own college experience, share it with someone who attended an HBCU, a PWI, or who is trying to figure out where they truly belong. And if you want to explore more of the Black Gen X Starter Kit series, visit anthonyreeves.com or check out The Anthony Reeves Experience on Fourthwall. Hashtags #BlackGenX#HBCUExperience#PWIReality#BlackCollegeExperience#AnthonyReevesExperienceBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Before GPS, Cash App, cell phones, and streaming music, taking a long road trip required planning, memory, discipline, and a little bit of nerve. In this episode, Tony Reeves reflects on what it meant to drive from Tampa to Pine Bluff in the early 1990s, when every gas stop, radio dead zone, highway turn, and dollar had to be accounted for.This is not just a story about travel. It is a reminder of how Black Gen X learned resilience, independence, and problem-solving in real time—long before technology made the road feel safer and easier. From $0.99 gas to sunflower seeds, Cherry Coke, back roads, and calling home before you left, this episode captures a generation that had to figure it out while moving forward.  Call to ActionTake a listen, and think back to your own first long road trip. What did you have to plan for before GPS, smartphones, and digital money made everything easier? Share this episode with someone who remembers what it meant to really “know the route.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this companion podcast episode, I reflect on the meaning behind my e-book “Gen X in the Middle: How Black Gen X Bridged Two Worlds” and why Black Generation X deserves to be understood as more than a forgotten or overlooked generation.Using the end of MTV’s 24-hour music broadcasting stations as a cultural marker, I discuss how Gen X lived through a unique transition point in American history. Black Gen X grew up after major civil rights victories, but we still had to figure out what those victories meant in real life. We were raised by parents who experienced restriction, segregation, and overt racism, while we entered schools, workplaces, and cultural spaces that were supposedly more open but still complicated.This episode explores three major takeaways from the book: First, Black Gen X moved without a blueprint. Second, representation shaped how we saw ourselves. Third, we had to learn how to navigate a softer, more subtle version of racism.This episode also serves as an introduction to my Black Generation Starter Kit, a collection created to help preserve, explain, and share the Black Gen X experience. \To go deeper into this conversation, check out the companion long video on YouTube and explore my e-book “Gen X in the Middle: How Black Gen X Bridged Two Worlds.” You can also find the full Black Generation Starter Kit at anthonyreeves.com or through the links connected to this episode.Black Gen X has a story worth telling, and this is one entry point into that story.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode of The Anthony Reeves Experience, Tony Reeves reflects on what nightlife and social connection looked like for Black Gen X professionals as they moved beyond the club scene and into more intentional spaces.From house gatherings among young officers, to cigar bars and jazz lounges, to professional socials in Tampa’s Ybor City, Tony explores how Black professionals created their own spaces for connection before social media, apps, and digital networking became the norm.This conversation highlights the importance of safe spaces, professional community, cultural identity, and the quiet innovation of a generation that had to build its own rooms when no one showed them how.Think back to the spaces that helped shape you. Was it a house party, a lounge, a church event, a Greek gathering, a professional mixer, or somebody’s living room? Drop a comment and share where your generation found community.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this companion podcast to the main video, Tony Reeves reflects on how Black Generation X learned to navigate college, career, and predominantly white spaces without always having mentors or guides in place.The episode explores performance, self-sufficiency, safe spaces, organic support, racial identity, and the “show and prove” mindset that shaped many Black Gen X professionals. After listening, go watch the full video for the deeper breakdown. Then leave a comment and share your own experience: Who helped guide you when no formal roadmap existed — and what did you have to learn on your own?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, Tony reflects on the danger of romanticizing survival, especially from the perspective of Black Gen X.Many of us grew up having to figure things out with limited support, limited resources, and few backup plans. We learned how to survive because we had no other choice. But survival should not be confused with something glamorous. Through personal stories about college, financial pressure, unreliable cars, family support, and generational differences,Tony breaks down why resilience matters — but why struggle should not be celebrated as if it was ideal.This conversation is not about calling younger generations soft. It is about understanding that the goal was never for them to suffer the way we did. The goal was to create better options. Survival may have shaped us. But there was nothing romantic about it.Call to Action What is something you survived that people now try to make sound “normal” or “character-building”? Drop your thoughts in the comments — because some of these stories need to be understood, not romanticized.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, Tony Reeves reflects on one of the most emotionally powerful moments of his young adult life: the day after college graduation.Graduation itself was a celebration—family, achievement, recognition, commissioning, and the completion of a long journey. But the next day brought something different: silence. As the campus emptied, students checked out, and the familiar rhythm of college life disappeared, Tony found himself confronting the reality of transition. The question was no longer whether he would graduate. He had done that.The question became: What now?This episode explores the emotional complexity of achievement, the uncertainty that follows major milestones, and why the quiet moments after success often reveal more than the celebration itself. Call to Action Think about a time when you reached a goal but still felt uncertain afterward. Share this episode with someone who is entering a new chapter, and follow the podcast for more reflective conversations about growth, identity, and life transitions.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, Tony reflects on what it truly means to be “the first” — not as a slogan, but as a lived experience.When Tony left Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to attend the University of Tampa, he entered a world no one in his immediate circle had experienced. There was no social media, no campus visit, no one close by who could explain the culture, the distance, or the emotional weight of being 900 miles from home at a predominantly white private institution.This conversation explores the difference between going somewhere new and going somewhere new without a roadmap. Tony breaks down the uncertainty, isolation, adjustment, and growth that come with being the first person in your circle to step into unfamiliar territory — and why every success and mistake feels different when you are learning in real time.This is a reflection for anyone who has ever had to figure it out alone, build their own reference points, and survive spaces they were never fully prepared to enter.  Have you ever been the first in your family, your circle, or your community to step into a space nobody could prepare you for? Share your story in the comments. Your experience may be the roadmap someone else needs.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode of In the Know with Tony Reeves, Tony reflects on a season when he felt professionally stuck after completing graduate school.On paper, he had done everything right: earned the degree, kept working full-time, and positioned himself for growth. But once graduation passed, nothing changed — because he had not created a plan for what came next. Through this personal story, Tony breaks down a hard but necessary lesson: sometimes we are waiting for doors to open when we have not even started looking for them. He shares how he moved from frustration and stagnation to clarity by asking himself three simple but powerful questions: What do I want? What do I want to do? What do I want next?This episode is for anyone who feels stuck in their career, unsure about their next move, or frustrated because their hard work has not automatically turned into opportunity.If you’re feeling stuck professionally, take a moment today and ask yourself: What do I want next — and what am I doing to move toward it? Then share this episode with someone who may need that same reminder.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, Tony Reeves reflects on a defining high school experience with his biology teacher, Miss Jewel Watley, at Pine Bluff High School. What began as intimidation — being placed in the school’s first AP Biology class alongside some of the top students in his class — later became one of the most important turning points in his educational and professional journey.This episode explores the role of Black educators, the “it takes a village” philosophy, and the responsibility older generations often felt to identify, challenge, and cultivate young Black talent. Tony connects that classroom experience to his later path through biology, public health, occupational safety, law school, and Social Security Disability practice.This is a reflection on mentorship, community responsibility, and the quiet ways someone else’s belief can redirect an entire life.After listening, think about the person who pushed you before you understood why. Send this episode to them if they are still here — or share their name, their lesson, or their impact with someone else. And subscribe to The Anthony Reeves Experience for more grounded reflections on life, identity, career, history, and the systems that shaped us.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, Tony Reeves reflects on the major professional pivot points that shaped his career — from state employment to military service, law school, private practice, entrepreneurship, and the judiciary.This conversation is not about chasing titles or making reckless moves. It is about understanding that every career decision happens inside a specific season of life. The facts, pressures, risks, and opportunities change as you evolve. Tony breaks down why career crossroads are rarely simple, why money and status are only part of the equation, and why learning to trust your analysis is essential when the outcome is uncertain. Subscribe for more reflective conversations on career, identity, systems, and lived experience — and share this episode with someone facing a professional decision.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, Tony Reeves answers a question he has been asked many times:Why did you go to law school?The answer is not as polished or predictable as some might expect. Tony reflects on growing up as part of Generation X, watching his mother’s educational journey, and being shaped by the belief that education was the gateway to security, survival, and opportunity. He shares how law school became both a personal milestone and a professional contingency plan—even though he had no clear idea where the degree would take him.Along the way, he opens up about imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and what it felt like to move through law school without fully believing he belonged there.This episode is a candid reflection on education, ambition, generational conditioning, professional identity, and how sometimes the decisions we make out of uncertainty still become the foundation for everything that comes next.Call to ActionBefore you commit to the next degree, certification, job move, or major life decision, ask yourself one question: Am I doing this because it gives me real leverage for the future—or because I’m chasing security without a plan?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode of The Anthony Reeves Experience, Tony Reeves reflects on what it means to be part of Black Generation X — a generation raised by parents, grandparents, and elders who lived through Jim Crow, segregation, discrimination, and daily racial hostility.Many of those elders did not share the full weight of what they experienced. They protected their children from the burden of the trauma, while still passing down the lessons they learned from surviving it.Tony discusses family history, his grandfather’s military service, his mother’s experiences, the silence surrounding racial trauma, and why understanding the past is not the same as “dwelling” on it.This episode is a reflection on memory, survival, generational silence, and the wisdom Black Gen X inherited without always knowing the full story behind it.Call to Action After you listen, think about the elders in your own life. What did they teach you that may have come from something they survived but never fully explained? Share this episode with someone who understands that kind of generational silence.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this deeply personal reflection, Tony Reeves shares the emotional experience of selling his mother’s house after her passing.For decades, that house was more than property—it was an anchor, a family gathering place, and a physical reminder of his mother’s presence. But as Tony walks through the process of clearing out the home, signing the paperwork, and saying goodbye to one of the last tangible connections to his mother, he reflects on a truth many people eventually face: letting go of a thing is not the same as letting go of the person.This episode is about grief, legacy, family anchors, and learning that the people we love remain with us long after the physical reminders are gone.CTAHave you ever had to let go of something that reminded you of someone you loved? Share your story in the comments, and follow In the Know with Tony Reeves for more real conversations about life, loss, legacy, and moving forward.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

During his time as a young Black naval officer at Camp Lejeune, Tony Reeves discovered the profound importance of safe spaces and informal support networks.What began as casual social gatherings hosted by a fellow officer turned out to be something much deeper: a deliberate effort to build a community where young Black professionals could connect, support one another, and stay aware of unseen risks. In this episode, Tony reflects on how those relationships became an invisible infrastructure of protection and guidance — and why having people who watch your back can make all the difference.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

After my mother passed away in 2025, I found myself facing one of the hardest decisions an only child can make: selling the house that had become the center of her life and the anchor point for mine.Although I didn’t grow up in this house, it became the place I always returned to. It was where family gathered, where friends stayed, and where my mother built the life she had worked so hard to create.When the time came to clean it out and sell it, I realized I wasn’t just dealing with real estate. I was confronting the loss of the last major physical connection to the person who had been my foundation for nearly six decades.In this episode, I reflect on grief, legacy, and the difficult truth that letting go of an object does not mean letting go of the person. Sometimes the most important lesson is understanding that the memories, impact, and love remain long after the physical anchor is gone.If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to a parent, a home, or something that symbolized a significant relationship, this conversation is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What does it really mean to be Black Generation X? We are the generation that came after the Civil Rights Movement…Raised to believe progress had already happened…But lived through experiences that told us something very different. In this video, I break down:The reality of growing up as part of the transitional generationThe difference between progress and the illusion of progressHow history, culture, and lived experience shaped our perspectiveAnd most importantly… what Black Gen X must do moving forwardThis isn’t just about the past.This is about our responsibility right now. If you’ve ever felt like you were caught between what you were told and what you experienced…this conversation is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What does progress really look like—and who gets to define it?In this episode of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves, Tony takes a deeply personal and thought-provoking look at what it means to be part of Black Generation X—the generation caught between the overt racism of the past and the subtle, coded language of the present.From phrases like “I don’t see color” to accusations of “playing the race card,” Tony breaks down how seemingly harmless language can carry deeper meaning—and why it often leaves Black Gen X navigating a complicated reality: acknowledging progress while still pushing for more. This episode isn’t about headlines—it’s about lived experience. It’s about understanding how language has evolved, how intent doesn’t always match impact, and why “progress” should never be used as an excuse to stop moving forward. If you’ve ever questioned whether progress is being used as a destination instead of a journey, this conversation is for you. 📢 Call to Action (CTA)If this episode made you think:🎧 Subscribe to IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves so you never miss a conversation that challenges perspective💬 Share this episode with someone who believes “we’ve already done enough”🛍️ Explore more content and eBooks through The Anthony Reeves Experience on Fourthwall🗣️ Join the conversation:👉 What phrases have you heard that sound positive—but feel off?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

This isn’t just a story about where we sat. It’s a story about why we had to sit there—and what we built because of it. Growing up as part of Black Generation X, we entered spaces that were technically “integrated”…but not always inclusive.From:✔️ Boot camp✔️ College campuses✔️ Law school✔️ Early professional environments We found ourselves in rooms where we were often the only ones.So what did we do? We found each other. Not to isolate.Not to exclude. But to survive, understand, and move strategically. What looked like a simple cafeteria table… Was actually:👉 A knowledge exchange👉 A warning system👉 A professional network👉 A foundation for long-term success And that same instinct—that same infrastructure—followed us into the corporate boardroom.This podcast breaks down:🔹 Why Black Gen X gathered the way we did🔹 The difference between segregation and assembly🔹 How shared experience became professional strategy🔹 Why these informal networks became critical to advancement🔹 What people still misunderstand about those spaces today If you’ve ever:✔️ Felt like the only one in the room✔️ Looked for someone who understood your experience✔️ Built relationships that helped you navigate difficult environments This conversation is for you.📣 CALL TO ACTION (STRATEGIC)👉 Primary CTA:“Have you ever had to find your ‘table’ in a space where you didn’t feel seen? Share your experience in the comments.”Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

At some point in your career, you’ll face a decision that forces you to choose between what you know and what you don’t. In this episode of In The Know with Tony Reeves, I break down one of the biggest obstacles professionals face at career crossroads: the psychological weight of the unknown. Drawing from my own journey—from running my law firm to becoming a judge—I share how fear, comfort, and bias toward the “known” almost kept me from preparing for a life-changing opportunity.   You’ll learn:Why we naturally favor the “known” (even when it limits us)How failing to prepare for opportunity creates unnecessary stressThe real way to evaluate career decisions (it’s not what you think)Why every decision is the “right” decision—if you own itHow to turn both success and mistakes into career leverageIf you’re facing a career pivot, considering a new opportunity, or stuck between comfort and growth—this episode is for you.🎯 Call to Action:Explore my Career Crossroads Collection and other resources at my Fourthwall store to help guide your next move.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

We’ve all heard it: “Live your best life.” But what does that actually mean across generations? This episode explores:The structured path of older generationsThe urgency of younger generationsAnd the Gen X mindset that blends bothIf you’re building something—or rebuilding—this conversation mattersBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What happens when everything you’ve relied on… suddenly changes? In this episode of In the Know with Tony Reeves, I take you back to a pivotal moment in my life—leaving a steady paycheck to start my own law practice. What seemed like a bold and exciting move quickly became something much deeper: a confrontation with uncertainty, fear, and responsibility. From losing the predictability of a direct deposit…To realizing no one else was responsible for generating income…To the moment it truly hit: “When am I getting paid again?” This episode isn’t just about entrepreneurship—it’s about identity, conditioning, and what it really means to adjust when your “normal” disappears. If you’ve ever:Left a stable jobFaced a financial or personal transitionOr found yourself in unfamiliar territoryThis conversation will resonate. Because the truth is…Your new normal isn’t something you find—it’s something you build. 📣 Call to Action If this episode speaks to you, share it with someone navigating their own transition—and don’t forget to follow In the Know with Tony Reeves for more real conversations about growth, mindset, and navigating life’s turning points.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

There comes a point in life where you have to make a decision most people aren’t prepared for… Do you hold on to the comfort you worked so hard to achieve—or do you take a risk on yourself? In this episode, I walk through one of the most defining moments of my life. After years of struggling just to survive—stretching groceries, living paycheck to paycheck, and dealing with instability—I finally reached a level of comfort through my military career. Stable income. Housing covered. Food covered. A lifestyle I never imagined. And then I had to decide whether to walk away from all of it. This isn’t just a story about career decisions. It’s about fear, control, and what it really means to bet on yourself when you finally have something to lose. If you’ve ever felt stuck between staying safe and stepping into something greater, this episode is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What really drives you?In this episode, Tony Reeves breaks down a powerful truth most people overlook—motivation isn’t a straight line. It shifts, evolves, and sometimes starts from places we don’t fully understand. Drawing from his own journey—from leaving Pine Bluff to attending the University of Tampa—Tony shares how his initial motivation wasn’t about purpose or planning… it was about proving someone wrong. But once he got there, a deeper question emerged: “Now what?” What follows is a raw and honest reflection on: How motivation can be both positive and negativeWhy chasing validation can blind you to better opportunitiesThe difference between getting somewhere and building something thereHow life’s unexpected opportunities can reshape your purposeWhy your motivation must evolve if you want to growThis episode is a reminder that the journey doesn’t end when you arrive—it changes. If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your direction, your purpose, or your next move… this conversation is for you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Even after decades of achievement, imposter syndrome can still show up.In this episode, I reflect on a reunion with law school classmates that forced me to confront how I see myself versus how others see me—and why that gap matters.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

This episode is personal. I take you back to a defining moment in my career—when I thought I was on track to become a partner after years of dedication… only to be told it wasn’t enough. What followed were two conversations that changed everything: One that helped me understand the value of my timeAnd another that forced me to make a decisionA close friend told me something I’ll never forget: If we’re still having this conversation months from now… it’s a hobby. And my wife gave me the clarity I didn’t know I needed: Pick a lane. This episode is about: Knowing when you’re wasting time vs. building toward something realThe difference between support and motivationWhy unclear expectations can cost you yearsAnd how the right voices in your life can push you to actIf you’re at a crossroads—career, business, or life—this one is for you. 🎯 Key takeaway: You can get money back. You can get opportunities again. You cannot get your time back.This episode is personal. I take you back to a defining moment in my career—when I thought I was on track to become a partner after years of dedication… only to be told it wasn’t enough. What followed were two conversations that changed everything: One that helped me understand the value of my timeAnd another that forced me to make a decisionA close friend told me something I’ll never forget: If we’re still having this conversation months from now… it’s a hobby. And my wife gave me the clarity I didn’t know I needed: Pick a lane. This episode is about: Knowing when you’re wasting time vs. building toward something realThe difference between support and motivationWhy unclear expectations can cost you yearsAnd how the right voices in your life can push you to actIf you’re at a crossroads—career, business, or life—this one is for you. 🎯 Key takeaway: You can get money back. You can get opportunities again. You cannot get your time back.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Most people remember A Different World as a celebration of HBCU life.But for Black Gen X students attending predominantly white institutions… it meant something very different. In this episode, I reflect on my experience entering college in the late ’80s—at a time when being a minority on campus wasn’t just about numbers, it was about navigating an environment that wasn’t built with you in mind. We didn’t just go to class. We built community. We created culture. We found ways to belong. And along the way, shows like A Different World became more than entertainment—they became a reflection of pieces of our reality. This is a perspective you don’t hear often… but one that shaped an entire generation. 👉 If this resonates with you, follow the podcast for more real-world insights and lived experiences. 👉 For deeper perspectives on navigating systems and adapting to environments, check out my digital guides—link in the description.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

What happens when you finally reach the goal you’ve been chasing?We’re taught to shoot for the moon—to set big goals, work hard, and push forward no matter what. But no one really talks about what happens when you actually get there. In this episode of In The Know with Tony Reeves, I share a personal reflection on my journey to becoming a judge—and the unexpected reality that came with it. Because the truth is, even when you’re doing everything right… there can still be a part of you that never fully believed you’d make it. And when you do? That’s when the real work begins. We’re talking about: Why success can feel surreal—even when you’ve earned itThe hidden danger of not preparing for after the goalHow imposter syndrome shows up when you least expect itWhy you must mentally make space for your own successHow to embrace your new reality without losing who you areIf you’ve ever chased something big—or you’re in the process of getting there—this episode will challenge how you think about success, identity, and what comes next. Because sometimes… the hardest part isn’t getting there. It’s believing you deserve to stay.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Many professionals say the same phrase when they feel disrespected at work: “I know my worth.” But in professional environments, that statement rarely creates leverage. In this episode, I reflect on a resignation letter I wrote nearly 20 years ago and the lesson I didn’t fully understand at the time. There is a critical difference between worth and value. Worth is personal. Value is measurable. Organizations make decisions based on cost-benefit analysis, not emotional statements about personal worth. In this conversation, I discuss: • Why employers respond to value instead of worth • How professionals weaken their negotiating position without realizing it • The power of quantifying what you bring to the table • Why understanding your value gives you real career leverage If you want more control over your career direction, negotiations, and professional positioning, understanding this distinction is essential. Optional Podcast CTA (End of Description) If you enjoy this episode, be sure to: • Follow the podcast for more career insights and professional reflections • Share this episode with someone navigating a difficult workplace situation • Watch the full video version on my YouTube channelBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

There’s a difference between working hard… and hiding in your work. In this episode of In The Know with Tony Reeves, I share a deeply personal story from my first job—how I immersed myself in work as a way to cope with a toxic relationship, isolation, and unresolved emotional pain. On the surface, it looked like ambition. I was producing. I was being recognized. I was excelling. But underneath it all, I was avoiding something I didn’t know how to face. In this episode, I break down: Why high performers often use work as a coping mechanismHow productivity can mask unresolved traumaThe difference between healthy focus and emotional avoidanceWhat happens when success hides the real problemIf you’ve ever poured yourself into your work during a difficult time… this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself: Am I building something… or am I hiding in it?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

People often ask me why I joined the military. The truth is the answer changed over time. At first it was about leadership and structure. Later it was about security and opportunity. But looking back today, I realized something deeper influenced my decision — the examples set by the people I looked up to. In this episode I reflect on my military journey and what truly shaped that decision.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

In this episode, I reflect on a lesson many of us learn the hard way: growth rarely happens the way we expect. Early in my career, I found myself frustrated when a professional opportunity didn’t unfold the way I wanted. I thought I had lost something important. But over time, I realized that the change actually positioned me to develop new skills and gain experiences that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. Sometimes we spend so much time protecting a good situation that we resist the very opportunities that can help us grow.This episode explores the mindset shift required when life presents opportunities that don’t align with our plans — and how those moments can ultimately shape our future in powerful ways.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Sometimes the biggest opportunities in life arrive in ways we didn’t expect — and often in ways we didn’t want. In this episode, I reflect on a moment early in my career when I believed I had the perfect situation. I had a good job, a supportive environment, and a path that felt comfortable. But then circumstances changed in a way that forced me to reconsider everything.At the time, I was frustrated because I wanted growth on my terms. What I eventually realized, however, was that the opportunity that disrupted my plans was actually preparing me for something greater. The skills I developed during that unexpected transition ended up benefiting my career in ways I never anticipated. In this conversation, I share a simple but powerful insight: Sometimes the opportunity that makes you uncomfortable is the one that helps you grow the most. If you’ve ever struggled with change, career transitions, or unexpected shifts in life, this episode may help you look at those moments from a different perspective. If you enjoy reflections like this, explore more insights, books, and resources from The Anthony Reeves Experience. Visit: https://mynameisreeves-shop.fourthwall.com You can also find more episodes of IN THE KNOW with Tony Reeves wherever you listen to podcasts.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

At some point in your career, you will face what I call a professional point of no return. Not a promotion. Not a raise. Not a routine job change. A decision that fundamentally changes your trajectory. In this episode, I share the story of when I had to decide whether to stay at a firm I loved… or walk away and build my own practice from scratch. We discuss: • Shifting expectations and unclear promotion paths • The emotional weight of professional loyalty • Security vs. uncertainty • The power of going “all in” • Why execution is harder than the decision If you’re standing at a career crossroads — or quietly questioning your professional future — this conversation is for you. Sometimes growth requires stepping into the unknown. And sometimes, once you decide, there is no turning back.If this reflection resonates, follow the show and share it with someone navigating a career transition. For deeper reflections and resources, visit anthonyreeves.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.

Sometimes the opportunities that shape your life don’t arrive wrapped in comfort — they come through confusion, misinformation, or unexpected change. In this episode, I share a pivotal early-career experience from 1992 when a misunderstanding about an educational leave program forced me to leave a job I loved and relocate for graduate school. At the time, it felt frustrating and unfair. But with perspective, I now see how that detour gave me hands-on experience, professional maturity, and skills that later shaped my military career and long-term professional trajectory. This conversation explores: Why your job should never become your identityHow imperfect systems can still produce opportunityThe danger of staying emotionally stuck in career setbacksHow real-world experience often teaches what policy environments can’tWhy growth sometimes requires leaving comfort behindIf you’ve ever felt sidelined, misled, or forced into a career pivot — this episode is for you. Because sometimes the move you resist becomes the move that For deeper reflections, books, and resources: Visit anthonyreeves.com or explore my digital content ecosystem through my Fourthwall store, YouTube channel, and podcast platforms.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/in-the-know-with-tony-reeves--5596987/support.