The TOMMIE! Talk Show

This episode's purpose is to celebrate women's contribution, presence, and power everywhere.  We've named this episode, "She’s D.O.P.E”.  "Dope" is slang for awesome, great, amazing, or phenomenal.  “D.O.P.E.” in this context serves as an acronym for Determined (possessing a steadfast resolve despite any obstacle), Ownership (owns their power and taking up space), Pioneering (trailblazing), and Embracing (supporting and uplifting their community).  In this episode, we will explore what catalyzes and diminishes the awesomeness of women as well as the internal and external barriers many women experience that prevent them from owning the space and showing up in their fullness. T.W. Suggs (host) is joined by guest cohost Ayana Blount (aka the Passion Strategist) and special guests Dr. Doreen Loury (Founder and Executive Director of the Black Male Development Symposium) and Tezarah Wilkins (Founder and CEO of Tezarah Wilkins Photography).  

The TOMMIE! Talk Show has reached its first anniversary! This episode features robust conversations with guest cohost, Bashir Hogue (multi-award-winning international singer and host of The Culture Talk Show, Inc.) around our favorite episodes. It also includes a top-give countdown of the shows our community of supporters viewed, liked, and commented on the most. You can find out more about The TOMMIE! Talk Show by visiting www.twsuggs.com.  

 It’s important for us to remain at the heart of God.  Unfortunately, life, circumstances, work, family, our schedules, and distractions can sometimes distance us from God and move us further away from His heart.  This episode, "Getting Back to the Heart of God Through Worship", focuses on how we can maintain our closeness with God even when life becomes unbearable.  It also features conversations on the impact of social media on worship experiences, vulnerability, and how toxic views of masculinity hinder men from worshiping.  The host of the TOMMIE! Talk Show, TW Suggs, is joined by special guests Bashir Hogue (Multi-award winning international artist) and Prof. Scot Stevens (Educator, musician, and artist).    For more information on The TOMMIE! Talk Show, please visit our website at www.tsuggs.com or send us an email at [email protected].  

The month of February, also known as Black History Month, is set aside to pay homage and respect to the rich history and contributions made by black women and men.  In episode 18 of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, TW Suggs and his guests Nikki Powerhouse (Author, storyteller, and Trauma Informed Teaching Artist) and Jack Drummond (Violinist, mentor, and community leader) discuss and celebrate the legacy and artistic contributions made by black artists.   This episode features rich conversation and live performances.   The TOMMIE! Talk Show is a part of P3 Christian Radio and is affiliated with The Culture Talk Show.   For more information on The TOMMIE! Talk Show, please visit www.twsuggs.com.  

Starting a new year can come with many mixed feelings.  In 2023 we experienced hardships, victories, losses, triumphs, pains, growth, and lessons.  As we embark on 2024, we are met with excitement for fresh possibilities and opportunities to get right what we didn't quite master the previous year.   The purpose of this episode is to help provide The TOMMIE! Talk Show community of listeners and supporters with the mental, emotional, and spiritual advice and guidance they need to live their year to the fullest.   Join host, TW Suggs, and his guests Dr. George James (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, CEO/Founder of George Talks, and executive coach) and Dr. Veidre Jackson (CEO/Founder of Living Strong Consulting, LLC, and an award-winning author, educator, and entrepreneur) as they explore how self-care, soul-care, and the power of words can help us live authentically, prosperously, and fully in the new year.   Special Acknowledgements:  The TOMMIE! Talk Show is a part of P3 Christian Radio (www.p3ChristianRadio.com) and is affiliated with The Culture Talk Show, Inc.  We also want to acknowledge La Leis Flowers (www.laleisflowers.com) and Obey God apparel (www.obey-god.com). 

For many of us the term, "Returning Citizen" is unfamiliar.  A Returning Citizen refers to someone who was previously incarcerated and is now returning to society.  This is a vulnerable population that experiences many unique challenges.   In this episode of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, T.W. Suggs and his guests Dr. Craig Smith (CEO and Founder of Fostering Success: Boys to Men) and Dr. Renaya Furtick-Wheelan (Executive Director and Cofounder of I'm F.R.E.E.) explore the barriers returning citizens encounter and share how the community can support them.   For more information on The TOMMIE! Talk Show, please visit www.twsuggs.com.  

In this episode of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, T.W. Suggs and his guests, Carston Warner (veteran and author of "A Travel Through Time") and Tom Wagner (veteran and coauthor of the Veteran's Male Trauma Recovery and Empowerment Model Treatment Manual), explore the issues many veterans face, but seldom express. This conversation features discussions around PTSD, warning signs that a veteran may need support, the role that toxic masculinity plays in the healing process, and available resources.

In Episode 14 of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, host T.W. Suggs and his guests Jesse Winter (CEO & Founder of Duo Storytelling) and Ricardo Richard (Director, writer, and author of "Trauma: Healed People, Heal People") explore the challenges many first-time authors usually face when writing their first book.  Many first-time authors experience writer's block, discouragement, and not fully understanding the editing process.  Join T.W. Suggs and his guests as they discuss tips, strategies, and resources on how to navigate these challenges. If you are working on a book (whether you are a first-time author or an experienced writer) visit Duo Storytelling's website for resources and support www.duostorytelling.com.   Purchase Ricardo Richard's new book, "Trauma: Healed People, Heal People" on Amazon using this link: https://www.amazon.com/Trauma-Healed-People-Heal/dp/B0CK3MXPYK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TLY2F31UARDC&keywords=healed+people+heal+people&qid=1698430060&sprefix=healed+peole%2Caps%2C108&sr=8-1

This episode of The TOMMIE! Talk Show focuses on breast cancer awareness and features conversations with guest cohost Lynne Alston (Author of "A Hug Saved My Life" and CEO & Founder of HUGS Around America), special guests Kayla Shuler (CEO & Founder of Kreative Legends Youth Performing Arts Studio), and Marquita Robinson-Garcia (CEO & Founder of DVINITI Skin Care).  This conversation features advice for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and the people who support them and the environmental factors that could potentially cause cancer.  

In this episode of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, TW Suggs and his guests Thomas Butler (CEO and Founder of Philadelphia College Prep Roundtable) and Dr. Sonia Lewis (The Student Loan Doctor) discuss the challenges many parents and students face with navigating and financing college.  This is particularly true for first-generation college students.   Join TW Suggs and his guests as they explore available resources, tips and advice, and much more! College is an expensive investment that isn't for everyone, but if you're thinking about going to college or have a student who will be attending college, this episode is for you.  

The financial, mental, and emotional health of communities of color is usually severely impacted due to inequality and systemic racism. Unfortunately, pervasive knowledge gaps also exist that prevent individual and collective healing and wholeness. In Episode 11 of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, host T.W. Suggs and his guests explore financial health, concepts of beauty, and the psychological undertones associated with each. Special guests include Ryan Killebrew (CEO and Founder of Killebrew Consulting, LLC), Rhiasheem and Sarah Singleton (CEOs and Founders of The Singleton Team), and Marquita Robinson-Garcia (CEO and Founder of DVINITI Skin Care). Killebrew Consulting, LLC www.killebrewconsulting.com Instagram: killebrewconsulting The Singleton Team Contact them directly at 610.405.4955 Instagram: sheenphilly22 DVINITI Skin Care www.dviniti.com 215.849.5229 Instagram: dvinitiskincare

Due to popular demand and the growing need for intelligent conversations around the unique needs and challenges most creatives face, we decided to do part 2 of "Aliens Living Among Us: A Conversation with Brilliant Creatives".   In this episode, T.W. Suggs interviews Tezarah Wilkins (director, producer, CEO and founder of Wilkins Photographer) and Steven Taylor (photographer, CEO and founder of Ubuntu Fine Art Gallery) to explore some of the issues many creatives struggle with navigating.  This includes remaining true to one's craft (and self) while also having competing priorities, balancing between being a creative and an entrepreneur, feeling overwhelmed because of too many creative projects, and charging what you're worth.  

The mental (and emotional) well-being of men is being talked about more as many men struggle quietly with mental and emotional health issues that usually go unaddressed.  This episode of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, which is titled, "Beneath His Armor: A Conversation With Men About Men", explores the challenges many men face in silence because of toxic societal standards, cultural norms, and family dynamics.  This episode features guest cohost Derrick Killebrew Jr. and a conversation with Dr. George James who is a licensed marriage and family therapist who has made appearances on many platforms such as The Today Show, NBC, CNBC, Good Day LA, and Good Day Philadelphia.  We end the show with a group discussion with special guests Daniel Trawick, and Dr. James Mable Jr. who share their own challenges as well as possible solutions. 

In this episode of The TOMMIE! Talk Show, TW Suggs centers the conversation around the well-being of young black men.  Young black men in America experience unique challenges and need the support of their communities to help navigate them.  One of the biggest challenges they face is safety.  To help explore these issues and learn more about ways schools and communities can support TW speaks with Jonah, Mujahid, and Noah, three young, black men between the ages of 15 and 18 from Philadelphia, PA.  The conversation also includes a discussion with black men who are mentors for young, black men in the community: Ronny Sizer (Career and Technical Education Teacher for Benjamin Franklin High School and the Community College of Philadelphia), Leroy Miles (Running Leader for Black Men Run and mentor at Students Run Philly Style), and Vernon Ray (Founder of Creative Minds Production and Shoot Cameras Not Guns).   The discussion culminates with the young men and mentors working together as architects for a solution.  

For the entire month of May, The TOMMIE! Talk Show is celebrating women.  In Episode 6, we celebrated "Phenomenal Women" and their contributions to society, business, and life.  This episode continues the celebration but focuses on celebrating and encouraging women in leadership.  TW is joined by his guest cohost, Stacy DiStefano who is the founder and CEO of Consulting for Human Services and special guest, Kalilah Wright who is the founder and CEO of Mess in a Bottle.  Together they explore the barriers and challenges women in leadership (and aspiring women leaders) still encounter and also surface stories, ideas, and inspiration to help women navigate these challenges. 

Episode 6 of The TOMMIE! Talk Show celebrates and highlights the contributions phenomenal women are making in their communities, families, networks, and places of business.  This episode features interviews with Lisa Little (entrepreneur, cowgirl, and photographer), Dr. Chelsey Green aka The Green Violinist (international recording artist, musician, and professor), and a group discussion with Tina Pelzer (CEO and founder of FAVOR, mentor, and entrepreneur), Dr. Veirdre Jackson (CEO and founder of Live Strong Consulting, author, and talk show host), and Robin Shine-Maddox (CEO and founder of Celebrating Sisterhood and community connector).   Join TW and his guests as they explore the cost of being phenomenal, the phenomenal women who inspire them, and what they all decided to put into the "Phenomenal Woman's Toolbox".  

Worship artists are gifted individuals who create captivating music and sounds that resonate with worshippers and help facilitate worship experiences.  Usually, we don't have an opportunity to speak with these artists to learn more about the story behind some of their music and lyrics.  Join TW Suggs as he interviews multi-award-winning international worship artist, actress, and talk show host Tamika Patton and multi-award-winning international worship artist, minister, and lyricist Joe Mettle.  During the conversation, they talk about life, their art, and the story behind their music.     

This episode of the TOMMIE! Talk Show features a conversation with Teresa Duncan (Executive Director of the Center for Leadership, Development, and Advocacy) and Aisha Winfield (Executive Director of the Blues Babe Foundation and Camp Jill Scott).  Join TW Suggs (the host) and his guests for a rich and transparent discussion on the challenges many youth face in today's society, the difficulties of running a nonprofit, and what we ALL can do to better support the youth in our communities.  We also discussed disabilities and how to continue to move forward with realizing our aspirations despite challenges and difficulties.   

This episode features engaging conversations about being a creative in today's world.  In many instances, there are more outlets and communities for creative people to engage and get inspired.  Though these communities and outlets exist, it's still easy for a creative to feel like they are outsiders or like they don't belong...ALIENS.  DonChristian Jones, a rap artist, painter, musician, trailblazer, and co-founder of the nonprofit Public Assistants, and Will Toms, a creative, mentor, thought leader, author of "Uncommon Sense: Your Strategy Guide to Creative Freedom", and co-founder of Rec Philly walk us through their journey of being an alien and finding strength and identity.  They also share some very helpful tips for people who are parenting aliens.  

What is an "appetite"?  An appetite can be described as a craving or strong desire for something.  As human beings, we all have them.  Appetites are more than just a craving for food like a Five Guys burger at 11:00pm.  We can have an appetite for anything like power, attention, or sex to name a few.  Usually, whatever we have a strong desire or craving for is what we'll gravitate towards.  We can have appetites for many things, but do we still have an appetite for God?  Join T.W. Suggs and his guests as they explore how culture can influence our hunger for God, the impact social media and technology have on worship, and how to maintain our hunger for God in today's world.   Guests include: Worship artist and renowned singer Tiff Joy, recording artist and Sunday's Best winner Joshua Rogers, 2x Image Award Winner and singer Bashir Hogue, gospel music veteran, singer, and writer Kayla Johnson, and renowned musician Scot Stevens.  

Men and women of color who are in the entertainment industry face unique challenges whether they are on stage performing or behind the scenes working as producers.  We usually hear about the unique challenges artists encounter, but we seldom explore the challenges producers face.     Join T.W. Suggs as he dives into the experiences, hardships, and victories of black producers.   Guests include: Ta'Rhonda Jones: Ta'Rhonda is an actress, rapper, director, producer, and best known for her recurring role as Porsha Taylor on the FOX television series Empire.   Ira Warren: Ira is an author, actress, singer, and producer who released a children's book with her husband called, "Bodyguards" and recently started a nonprofit called DivineMindz215.  Kyle Godwin: Kyle is an Emmy, Peabody, WEBBY, and People's Voice Award winner who is also a creative and producer.