Pull Up A Chair with Leo Cummings III

What happens when three girl dads pull up a chair together? Honest conversation. In this episode of Pull Up a Chair with Leo Cummings III, three girl dads sit down for an honest conversation about fatherhood, raising daughters, and the moments that shape us as dads. Whether you're a girl dad, a parent, an expecting father , or someone who enjoys authentic conversation about family and life, this episode will encourage you, challenge you, and probably make you laugh along the way. Pull up a chair and join.

In this episode, Zach Carter, breaks down concepts we all need reminders of: why empathy matters, how to find common ground, and why it's time to escape the echo chamber. It's a conversation for people who value dialogue over division.

In the latest Pull Up a Chair episode, I switch roles and become the guest! Check out my conversation with Quinn Beachem about why I believe I'm the person for the job in the upcoming Conway Public School Board Election.  

Pull up a chair and listen to my conversation with Go Rogue founder and CEO, Bryan Fittin.  Bryan shares his insights on putting your best foot forward without worrying about who's bigger or better. You'll be inspired by his ambition and passion, as well as his take on the grilled cheese and taco fight. ;) Check it out!

In this episode, we're sitting down with Joshua E. Garland, chef, owner, and CEO of Best Cafe & Bar and Don's Southern Social. Joshua's passion for cooking started at a young age. He followed his heart to culinary school and has now built a notable name for himself in the culinary world. Join us as we dive into his journey, his love for cuisine, and the lessons he's learned along the way. You MUST listen to the end to hear his response to the taco and grill cheese question. It is compelling!     

In episode 28, we pull up a chair with Selena Ulasewich, a leadership and executive coach and CEO of Impact Life Coaching . Originally from Florida and a proud fan of the Florida Gators, Selena's journey has taken her from the excitement of performing in the national championship as part of the Gators' marching band to finding her home in Conway, Arkansas. She's passionate about helping people discover their core values and live intentionally through her signature workshop, Design Your Life. Tune in to hear Selena's story, her pet peeve, and her take on empowering others to become the best version of themselves.   

Tune in to my chat with Adena White, founder of Blackbelt Media. In Episode 27, Adena's passion for community and connection is clear as she shares her journey and her vision of fostering a stronger and more united community through authenticity, belonging and connection. Don't miss this fun and inspirational conversation!

On Episode 26, I sat down with Branson Van Landingham, a successful entrepreneur, visionary, and community builder. As the CEO and co-founder of Natty State Sports, a cutting-edge digital media platform, Branson is reshaping the landscape of sports media and digital media in general.  Branson's mantra, "We lived it," speaks volumes about his dedication and passion. Tune in to hear his insights on building a thriving community and his vision for the future of digital media.  

 Don't miss Episode 25 featuring the incredible Aaron Davis—a keynote speaker, author, cancer survivor, and former national champion football player! We dive deep into the power of motivation, maintaining a positive attitude, consistency, and overcoming obstacles. Tune into this one for his invaluable insights and inspiring journey! 

It's hard not to be motivated by Rebecca @ladyanglerlentz's incredible journey. As an army veteran, two-time cancer survivor, and relentless go-getter, she shares invaluable wisdom on overcoming trauma, fueling personal growth, and not being afraid to try new things. Check out episode 24 today!

Pull Up a Chair with Conway Fitness Kickboxing Jake Denton. In this episode, we got into his fighting career, his love for training others, and how his habits of practicing gratitude shape all of those things. 

Kuma Roberts, Executive Coach, and Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce President pulls up a chair in this episode. The Tulsa native talks about growing up in Tulsa, the world of DEI, and the idea that a lot more connects us than separates us. Kuma was a joy to talk to and I think you'll enjoy our conversation. Check it out!

Todd Cate, co-creator and co-host of the now-retired Black Dude White Dude, a long-time friend and weight-loss expert pulls a chair, and just like that, the band was together again. Todd and I recounted the good ole days of BDWD and quickly launched into a variety of topics. The old-school BDWD banter was in full effect as we talked about the benefits of Dry January, painful small talk, depression, the powerhouse couple that is Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, and much more.

Mural artist Jessica Jones pulls up a chair for the first episode of 2024. We dive into the journey that led her to Conway, the logistics of painting a 30-foot mural, and the devastating, life-changing event that pushed her to be a full-time artist. Her story of creativity and perseverance is one you don't want to miss!  

Jake Briley, Army veteran and airport director, pulls up a chair for the last episode of the year! From growing up in a military family to being appointed director of the Conway Municipal Airport, Jake offers a unique perspective on life after military service and the importance of aviation to community building.

Clint Schaff, a seasoned marketing executive, educator, and accomplished entrepreneur pulls up a chair. In this episode, Clint reflects on the path that has shaped his journey, offering a glimpse into the serendipitous moments that have contributed to his success.   Since beginning his career in education, Clint has marketed international brands including Call of Duty, Dole, Nintendo, Toyota, Wonderful Pistachios, FIJI Water, POM Wonderful, Microsoft, Ford, Dr Pepper, SEIU, The White House, David Bowie and the New York Yankees.

In this episode, speaker and social entrepreneur Lorenzo Lewis pulls up a chair and shares his inspiring journey of transforming pain into purpose. After literally being born in prison, Lorenzo overcame major obstacles and emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Lorenzo founded The Confess Project, empowering barbers to become mental health advocates for men of color, sparking vital conversations in communities nationwide. His work has been featured in Oprah Magazine, the Today Show, and NPR's Weekend Edition, to name a few.

Jamie Ward pulls up a chair and shares her inspiring journey of resilience, grief, and triumph. Through suffering personal tragedy, starting her own company, and completing the 29029 Everesting Challenge, Jamie shares her unique perspective on how to make big changes to your own life and the world around you.

Introducing a new segment of Pull up a Chair - Bourbon Brainstorming! Zach Carter and Corey Parks, two of my very best friends, pull up a chair as we talk through the black experience from our three perspectives. 

Ray Walker, CEO and Artistic Director of Saint Cloud Bourbon, pulls up a chair and tells his story of leaving corporate America behind to pursue his passion for wine. He then went on to use that same passion to create Saint Cloud Bourbon, where he combines his love of art with an interest in creating great bourbon.

In this episode, Justin Patton pulls up a chair and shares his journey of pushing through personal tragedy and how he has used his own experience to help and encourage others to lead lives of purpose and authenticity.  Justin is an executive coach, leadership presence expert, and award-winning author.

Part 2 of Marybeth Hill's inspirational story of recovery. From using and selling drugs to surviving domestic violence, she recounts her life story and how she has used that experience to help and impact others that are suffering from addiction. 

Marybeth Hill pulls up a chair and tells her inspirational story of recovery. From using and selling drugs to surviving domestic violence, she recounts her life story and how she has used that experience to help and impact others that are suffering from addiction. This episode is one you won't want to miss!


Chuck Reece, editor of Salvation South, pulled up a "virtual" chair and talked with me about the magazine, why he left the Bitter Southerner, and why he's hopeful for the future of the South.   Salvation South is an online magazine inspired by hope, healing and — most importantly — the desire to create a place on the web and a community of people where civil conversation can happen.     

The extremely talented @rahoward pulls up a chair. Howard and I conversed about his filmmaking, his old hip hop career and he shares why he's a Griot (and shares his definition of the word). R.A. shares about his book, Beautiful People, and the inspiration behind it. Lastly the pair traversed into why community work and leaving a legacy can hit harder for black men.  Give it a listen!

If you ever wondered if you could be a professional hula hooper, your wondering can now cease. Professional hula hoop performer and artist, Katie Wilson aka Katie Sunshine, pulls up a chair for some conversation with Leo. The two chat about how she was introduced to hooping, how she stepped up her hula hoop game, and the moment when her skills gained her notoriety. Katie also dives into art and the real world impact it can have. As every guest does, she takes her turn with the hot seat questions.   You don't want to miss this fun episode! Katie's Website: katieswilson.wixsite.com/artist   Affiliate Links: https://www.dadgang.co/discount/LEO42269  http://www.rockcityoutfitters.com/LEOCUMMINGS

Artist (and Composer) Faye Hedera pulls up a chair and talks about the inspiration and desire to do the 100 Faces of Conway Project. Faye and Leo get into why she got into art in the first place, how a life changing event impacted her story, and what else is on the horizon for her career. Per usual, every conversation ends with the hot seat questions. Give it a listen!   See Faye's work here: https://www.youtube.com/@fayehedera6486 https://www.fayehedera.com/ Affiliate Links: https://www.dadgang.co/discount/LEO42269 http://www.rockcityoutfitters.com/LEOCUMMINGS

Whispering Willow Farm CEO, owner and garden grower Jill Ragan pulls up a chair with Leo. They get into how she got her start in growing, and more importantly why it's so important to her. She dives into the inspiration for her book "Tiny But Mighty Farm", and explains how what she is doing is far more than teaching others to grow. Jill is such a positive force that you can't help but feel motivated and energized after conversation with here. Check it out!

Nationally known and respected, Police Officer Tommy Norman, pulls up a chair in this episode and it made for a great convo. The always humble Norman gets into what first led him to the police force and why his method of community policing is so effective and why it's led to him being on national television several times. Leo and Officer Norman also dove into a very candid conversation about the tragedy that struck when he lost his daughter Alyssa. Officer Norman is the picture of motivation and positivity, you won't want to miss this episode.

Best-selling author, Tedx Speaker, and content creator Jessica Zimmerman pulls up a chair. She gets into her new series: Uncovering Divine Femininity. That led to conversations about taking control of your life, expectations thrust upon you, and relationships, including a transparent conversation about some of her own relationships. You'll want to pull up a chair and dig into this lengthy episode AND check out the series yourself at Jessicazimmerman.com      

In this episode Hilary Downey pulls up a chair to discuss her journey of health, confidence, and consistency. Her story is not only one of motivation but also success. Give it a listen and you'll soon see why she's now coaching others across the world and why her story has been told on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, The Today Show, The Drs on CBS, and in People Magazine.

Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell pulls up a chair. Her and Leo talked about how she got into pageants, Miss America preparation, a day in the life of a Queen, and her upbringing in polarizing Harrison, Arkansas. 

The first guest episode is a big one! Dr. Chris Jones, the Democratic gubernatorial candiate for the state of Arkansas pulls up a chair. Leo inquires about his background, education, and the decision to run for Governor of the great state of Arkansas. You'll definitely want to hear what he has to say.

Leo lays out the who, what, when, where, and why of the podcast, including the hot seat questions and pull up a little chair.

Get ready to pull up a chair

Episode 100 is up and it's a very special one. In this episode, we recap all the fun we've had making this podcast over the last six years. Listen in as the dudes talk through the history of the pod, fun episodes, the never before talked about dark episodes, and other things that spun off from the podcast. We also talk about how the 100th episode is also the LAST episode of Black Dude White Dude.

Black Dude is joined by Doc (Tony) Manning again and the pair got into Ketanji Brown Jackson, the CROWN Act, and Lia Thomas. The back half of the show they got into a serious March Madness Bracket with cereal. Check it out!

Black Dude is joined by fellow black dude, podcast alumnus (Episode 33) and Razorback, Lerinezo Robinson. The duo get into Juwan Howard, Brian Flores, and of course, Lerinezo's show, Keep It Real. The last half they get into a serious debate about their favorite superhero and what super powers they'd want to have! Check it out!

Black Dude was joined by Dr. Tony Manning once again. They dove into the Winter Olympics, more Joe Rogan, cancel culture, Peloton, and the death of Amir Locke. Lots of good convo, you'll want to give it a listen.

Black Dude was joined by Adena White of Blackbelt Voices (episode 75) officially making this episode Black Dude Black Chick 😂. The pair got into Joe Rogan, journaling, code switching, misinformation, and history of Blackbelt Media.

Black Dude got back in the studio and was joined again by, former guest, Dr. Tony Manning (Episode 52). They talked New Years Resolutions, Winter Olympics, which event they would compete in, diplomatic boycotts, and shared a few stories that'll bring a smile to your face. Check it out!

Black Dude got back in the studio and was joined by a black dude, and former guest, Jimmy Warren (Episode 25) as White Dude is out fighting crime. They talked about the Rittenhouse verdict, dad life, that sneaker-head life, and Thanksgiving food for black folks. Check it out!

Black Dude got back in the studio and was joined by another white dude, former guest, Dr. Tony Manning (Episode 52) as THE White Dude is out fighting crime. Their discussion ran the gambit on topics. They talked about Leo's Palm Springs trip, traveling with kids, how being a parent is hard work, Covid, the racket that is Christmas lighting companies and more. Check it out!

The dudes were joined by AY Media Group President/Publisher, Heather Baker. We got into her background, how she came to the El President, her love for cars and more.

Hit that line, hit that line, it's pod time! The boys chopped it up over Hogs football, Halloween flicks, and Leo's adventure into deep bourbon country. There's also a little parenting bit in there. All in all, great success. Ready, GO!

BDWD is joined by UCA Head Football Coach Nathan Brown! We talk through his career as a player at UCA, NIL deals, Conwegans rooting for the Hogs, and more. Give it a listen!

The dudes are back and they get into why to not enter into hard conversations with errbody, their own relationship and where it's at, Todd's first Nashville experience and what the immediate future of the podcast might look like.

The guys are back in the studio and they are they are fired up! The dudes bump heads on Covid, vaccinations, the Olympics, Sha'Carri Richardson, Gwen Berry, Laurel Hubbard and more. You don't want to miss this entertaining episode!

We welcome our friends from the Conversations, Cocktails, and Connections podcast. Amy Hester and Emily Reeves host this cool podcast all about.... well... the name says it all. We talk their origin story, favorite cocktails, dive into the Friends reunion, and sip some Absinthe.

We go DEEP on this one..... Like 50 ft deep with GT at Titan Ranch, the nicest missile complex in Arkansas. Titan Ranch was a fully functioning nuclear missile silo from the 60's to the 80's. We dig into the details on how GT unearthed this awesome relic and turned it into a state of the art Airbnb and event venue. Give it a listen.