The Urban Rez

This week on Urban Rez, Marcus sits down with Jonathan Ullman, President & CEO of The Mob Museum, for a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy, and the hidden systems that shape influence.From the evolution of one of Las Vegas’s most iconic institutions to lessons in strategy, culture, and reinvention, this episode goes far beyond history.

Chef Georges Demanget from La Cantina in Orange, France, discusses his unique restaurant located beneath a 2,000-year-old Roman theater. The restaurant, built by his father, is nestled in a natural cave with a constant 21°C temperature. Chef Georges serves traditional upscale cuisine, including smoked salmon and rotisserie meats. The restaurant has hosted notable artists like Will Smith and Tim and Dave from Yes. Chef Georges emphasizes the restaurant's role in preserving Orange's history and its reputation as a special dining experience. Future plans include hosting more opera events and maintaining the restaurant's high standards.

On this episode, we sit down with Patrick Lindsey, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, for an inside look at one of Southern Nevada’s most iconic venues. Patrick shares his vision for LVMS as a year-round community and economic driver, how the speedway balances global motorsports with local impact, and what fans can expect heading into the March NASCAR 400 weekend. He also discusses leadership under pressure, the business behind large-scale events, and where Las Vegas Motor Speedway is headed next. This conversation goes beyond the race to explore strategy, community, and the future of live sports entertainment in Las Vegas.

Dr. B hosts a discussion with Adrian Nabors and Derrick Stevens, both community leaders with impressive backgrounds in basketball. Adrian, a Navajo from the Navajo Nation, founded Global Elite and Rez Ball Affiliate, a Native American sport fashion apparel line. Derrick, a former professional basketball player and coach, collaborates with Adrian on various projects, including the Native Top 50 camp, which identifies and supports the top 50 Native American basketball players. They emphasize the importance of off-court development, such as mental health seminars, and stress the need for parents to allow their children to experience failure as a learning opportunity. The conversation highlights the growing visibility and success of Native American athletes in sports.

Marcus White and Dr. B welcome listeners to "The Urban Rez.". They discuss the fast-moving month of September and introduce guest Derek Hinkey, a seventh-generation Paiute Shoshone descendant and actor. Derek shares his journey from the Fort McDermott reservation to becoming an Olympic boxer and actor, emphasizing the importance of representing his heritage authentically. He discusses his role in "American Primitive Evil" and the significance of his ancestral power. Derek also talks about his commitment to community service and the importance of self-defense and situational awareness, particularly in addressing the issue of missing and murdered indigenous relatives.

Dr. B hosts Lycia Ortega, a Quechan Indian tribe member and communication specialist, on the Urban Rez radio show. Lycia discusses her extensive experience in amplifying the voices of historically underserved communities and her work on significant campaigns like changing the Washington football team's name and supporting Deb Haaland's appointment. They delve into the challenges faced by Native Americans, including the impact of historical policies like the Indian Removal Act, the lack of basic amenities on reservations, and the importance of sovereignty and cultural values. They emphasize the need for unity, community, and systemic opportunities to address these issues.

Teej Mercer, founder of Move In Day Mafia, discusses her nonprofit's mission to support foster youth and under-resourced HBCU students with fully furnished dorm rooms and year-long support. Since 2022, they have assisted 84 students at 21 HBCUs, including 23 scholars at 13 HBCUs this year. Each student costs $5,000 annually, and the organization provides monthly care packages. Mercer emphasizes the importance of choice and personalization for students, sharing stories of resilience and success. She credits her Hollywood experience and storytelling skills in driving her mission. Mercer aims to expand to every HBCU by 2027, with a $10 million budget to support all students.

The Urban Rez show discussed the recent achievements of Dr. B's mother, Christina, who was elected to a Navajo Nation tribal position, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and water access. The hosts recapped their trip to Marbella, Spain, where they met celebrities like Eva Longoria and former NBA players. They introduced guest Roddell Denetso, a Navajo African American entrepreneur who founded Black Street Apparel. Roddell shared his journey, including designing uniforms for the Netflix film "Rez Ball," produced by LeBron James. He emphasized the importance of visibility and entrepreneurship within Native American communities, highlighting the need for more businesses on reservations to improve accessibility.

Jenna DiPaolo, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Ocean Conservancy, discussed the "Protect Where We Play" initiative, which unites the sports and entertainment industry to promote ocean conservation. DiPaolo highlighted partnerships with athletes like Calvin Beecham and Nafisa Collier, and initiatives like the WNBA's switch to reusable plastics. She emphasized the importance of trust in athletes and entertainers to drive environmental action. Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, discussed efforts to support small businesses and sports innovation, including a new small business grant program and the development of an innovation district around UNLV.

The Urban Rez program featured Christine Madella, co-owner of Storyville Road, discussing the power of storytelling in sports, particularly in creating fan engagement and team unity. Madella highlighted her company's work with the Raiders, Aces, and the NFL, emphasizing the importance of authentic human experiences over AI-generated content. Dr. Timmie Foster, a mental health advocate, shared his work on social emotional learning through sports, focusing on wellness, mental health, and community engagement. He highlighted the impact of his series on professional athletes and the importance of family support in mental health. Both emphasized the need for practical skills and diverse representation in their respective industries.

When the final whistle blows and the crowd goes silent, what’s left? For too many athletes, it's anxiety, identity loss, and a mental health crisis no one prepared them for. In this powerful episode of The Urban Rez, we sit down with Bianca McCall, a former pro basketball player turned mental health trailblazer. With over 25 years in behavioral health and a seat at the table with the NFL, Givenchy, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bianca exposes the hidden cost of performance culture and the emotional toll of being an elite athlete.

Nevada ranks second in the nation for human trafficking incidents per capita — and Las Vegas sits at the heart of that crisis. In this powerful episode, Dr. Christina Vela, CEO of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, joins us to talk candidly about what’s happening to vulnerable youth in Clark County and what’s being done about it. She shares how St. Jude’s groundbreaking new Healing Center is offering safety and recovery for child survivors and how the Las Vegas community, from government leaders to the Clark County School District, is stepping up in real, meaningful ways.This conversation is not just about the problem; it’s about action, compassion, and how collective effort is creating a path forward.

Sam McCracken, General Manager of Nike's N7 program, discussed his journey from a forklift driver to leading initiatives for Native American health and wellness through sports. He highlighted the N7 program's impact, including the Nike Air Native N7 shoe, which incentivizes health improvements. McCracken shared memorable moments, like being featured on Saturday Night Live and collaborating with Jordan Brand. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and the N7 fund, which has distributed $12.5 million to 300 communities. McCracken announced his retirement, expressing confidence in the next generation of leaders to continue the program's mission.

This episode of The Urban Rez features Jay Vickers, COO of UNLV's Sports Innovation Institute, as he shares how the institute connects sports, education, and economic development to drive innovation. We also sit down with Cuban world-renowned anthropologist Dr. Aida Esther Bueno-Sarduy in Barcelona, to explore her work on Barrack Feminism and the role of art in reclaiming historical narratives.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we spotlight extraordinary women who are transforming the sports industry in impactful ways. Hear from Dr. B, the first Native American owner of a professional sports team, Rebecca Otto, founder and CEO of the RKO Group, Shayna Powless, professional cyclist and coach, Elicia Broussard Sheridan, VP of Community Relations for the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans, and Bianca McCall, NFL Mental Health Advisor, TEDx Speaker, and retired professional basketball player. These trailblazers share their inspiring journeys, breaking barriers and reshaping the game on and off the field.

In this thought-provoking episode, our guests open up about the intimate experiences that have shaped their beliefs, providing profound insights into their unique spiritual journeys. Joining the conversation are the "Williams Brothers"—Pastor Ron Williams Jr. and Traditional Practitioner Calvert Williams from the Navajo Nation—who bring diverse perspectives to this rich and meaningful dialogue.

Meet your hosts and dive into the heart of The Urban Rez Radio Show & Podcast! In the first episode, learn about the voices behind the mic, their backgrounds, and what drives their passion for this season's journey. Join us as we set the tone for an exciting season ahead!