On The Mic with Sam Sylk

Sam Sylk sits down with Dr. R.A. Vernon of The Word Church to talk about his journey from Cleveland’s projects to pastoring thousands. Vernon shares his first sermon, the heartbreak of being locked out of his first church, and how that setback led to launching The Word Church in 2000 with almost nothing. He explains what purpose looks like, challenges misconceptions about pastors and money, and describes the emotional weight pastors carry. Tune in for the rest and as always, Like, Subscribe and Share!00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro00:45 Young Grandparents Talk01:53 Projects to Purpose04:38 Called to Preach Early06:34 First Sermon Memories08:23 First Pastorate Joy11:07 Finding Your Purpose12:57 Pastor Pay Misconceptions15:15 Locked Out and New Church19:33 Giving Back and Transparency24:16 Handling People’s Burdens24:49 Vacation Like a Boss26:02 Outreach and Justice28:07 Prophetic Preaching Balance30:54 Mixed Congregation Real Talk31:33 Hardest Pastor Decisions35:11 Legacy and Kids36:25 Church and Mental Health38:13 Fathers and Sons Healing42:27 Breaking Family Patterns43:58 Generational Wealth Blueprint47:08 Final Thanks and Wrap

Sam Sylk kicks off On The Mic with comedian and entrepreneur Kelly Kellz, who talks about touring with a stronger team, turning followers into ticket sales, and staying ready for bigger opportunities. They also get into today’s sensitivity around comedy, what’s off limits, and why she stands on being her full self. Kelly shares what’s behind her “I’m Really Her” movement, her lipstick brand, and how faith and gratitude keep her grounded as she levels up.00:00 Cold Open Banter00:48 First Guest Energy01:10 Tour Feels Different03:46 Followers to Tickets04:24 Family and Going Live05:33 Cancel Culture Jokes07:48 Off Limits Topics08:55 50 Cent and T.I. Drama11:50 Working With Tip13:55 Apartments 2 Surprise15:14 Stay Ready Mindset17:37 Gratitude and Rest19:15 Money Facades Explained20:55 Entrepreneur Brand Talk21:50 Red Lip Confidence22:20 Know Who You Are22:57 Stop Carrying Others24:52 No Shrinking Yourself27:14 Find Your People27:34 Nothing Forced29:13 God Is Shifting Me30:57 Talking To God Real34:02 Tour Dates And Milestones36:05 Called Beyond Titles36:43 Casino Testimony42:18 Final Shoutouts And Links

Sam Sylk sits down with LaToya Logan, CEO of Project LIFT, to celebrate 10 years of serving Cleveland through leadership, outreach, therapy, mentorship, and restorative justice for Black men and young men. They talk about what inspired Project LIFT, why fatherhood support and healing matter, and the power of choosing progress over “being right.” LaToya shares key moments from her personal journey, how the organization grew through persistence and community trust, and what it really means to lead through service. 00:00 Meet LaToya Logan01:49 Celebrating 10 Years03:00 Why Project LIFT Began04:42 Programs and Services05:19 Helping Fathers Heal07:14 Do You Wanna Be Right09:14 Foster Care to Adoption11:25 Detroit Hardships and Service14:46 Finding Biological Family21:13 Meeting Her Father23:58 Education and Real Experience25:30 Starting Project LIFT From Scratch28:53 The Book That Clarified It30:58 Client Story and System Failures34:41 Breakthrough Grant Moment35:18 Grant Sealed and Tears35:37 Training Gang Leaders36:44 COVID Hits Hard38:21 Reimbursable Grant Reality39:43 Family Team and Growth41:18 Word of Mouth Wins42:37 Rooftop Gala Details46:18 Why Fundraising Matters48:40 Fatherhood and Values53:22 Servant Leadership Vision55:39 Therapy as Prevention01:00:15 Walk In Community Care01:02:15 New Name New Mission01:04:09 Closing Thanks and Links

This episode features American comedy talent Damon Williams—an experienced stand-up comic who has built his name on real work, real stages, and real respect across the industry.From the legendary days of the Tom Joyner Morning Show and Doug Banks, to working alongside comedy greats like Bernie Mac, Damon has been connected to some of the most influential voices and platforms in the culture. He’s shared stages, built relationships, and earned his place among some of the biggest names in comedy.A Chicago native with a national footprint, Damon has performed at Martha’s Vineyard showcases, toured the country, and built authentic connections with comedians and entertainers across the world.He’s not just known in one lane—he’s respected across the culture.Now he sits down with Sam Sylk for a real conversation about the grind, the journey, the stories behind the scenes, and what it really takes to stay relevant in the game.Tap in for a real conversation with a real one.#SamSylkShow

Sam Sylk kicks off On The Mic with comedian and entrepreneur Kelly Kellz, who talks about touring with a stronger team, turning followers into ticket sales, and staying ready for bigger opportunities. They also get into today’s sensitivity around comedy, what’s off limits, and why she stands on being her full self. Kelly shares what’s behind her “I’m Really Her” movement, her lipstick brand, and how faith and gratitude keep her grounded as she levels up.00:00 Cold Open Banter00:48 First Guest Energy01:10 Tour Feels Different03:46 Followers to Tickets04:24 Family and Going Live05:33 Cancel Culture Jokes07:48 Off Limits Topics08:55 50 Cent and T.I. Drama11:50 Working With Tip13:55 Apartments 2 Surprise15:14 Stay Ready Mindset17:37 Gratitude and Rest19:15 Money Facades Explained20:55 Entrepreneur Brand Talk21:50 Red Lip Confidence22:20 Know Who You Are22:57 Stop Carrying Others24:52 No Shrinking Yourself27:14 Find Your People27:34 Nothing Forced29:13 God Is Shifting Me30:57 Talking To God Real34:02 Tour Dates And Milestones36:05 Called Beyond Titles36:43 Casino Testimony42:18 Final Shoutouts And Links

Sam Sylk welcomes financial expert and community leader Larese Purnell of CLE Consulting Company and Real Black Friday to talk about his journey from working at 12 and initially pursuing pharmacy to falling in love with business, accounting, and finance. Larese shares how CLE Consulting has grown over a decade, employing nearly 20 people, and why partnership, industry involvement, and strong foundations matter for business survival. He breaks down common mistakes entrepreneurs make—moving too fast, lacking structure, not knowing numbers, and trying to wear every “hat”—and offers guidance on becoming bank/grant ready through credit, cash reserves, planning, and hiring experts. He reflects on lessons from COVID-related setbacks, the mission behind Real Black Friday, the importance of supporting Black businesses with grace, and the pride he finds in family, legacy, and service.00:00 Mic Check and Setup01:07 Podcast Intro and Guest Hype02:25 Brotherhood and Discernment03:21 Community Work and Giving Back04:13 Who Is Maurice Parnell04:55 Early Hustle and Values06:44 From Pharmacy to Finance08:11 A Decade of CLE Consulting09:12 Keys to Business Longevity11:16 Finding the Right Partner14:38 Preparation Over Hype16:31 Know Your Numbers and Build a Team21:44 Lessons From COVID and Contingency Plans24:06 Plan for Curveballs24:31 Real Black Friday Origins26:03 Childhood Businesses Saved Me27:38 Why We Doubt Black Business29:40 Give Feedback Not Dragging31:30 Bank and Grant Ready Steps33:48 Proudest Moments Family First38:44 Losing My Mother Lessons42:01 The Hidden Cost of Service44:37 Support the Leaders Too46:58 How to Follow and Wrap Up