The GR8TNESS Router

In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, host Zena C. sits down with Dr. Erica N. Hilton, a Strategic Communications + Media Scholar and Assistant Professor of Strategic Communications at Hampton University, for a conversation that bridges scholarship, strategy, and soul.With a career spanning higher education, national nonprofits, and digital activism, Dr. Hilton shares how her journey from aspiring publicist to award-winning educator revealed a deeper calling: to teach, to advocate, and to communicate for good.Together, they explore what it means to take the pause in a world that demands instant responses, the lessons learned from moments of redirection, and how passion can guide us toward a purpose-filled life.This episode is about resilience, discernment, and the power of aligning personal truth with professional calling.– – –Connect with Dr. Erica Hilton on LinkedIn or Instagram

What does it mean to keep creating when everything around you feels like it’s collapsing?In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, host Zena C. is joined by Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins, Equity, Liberation + Authenticity Scholar and Founder of Ashley Gaddy Enterprises, for a candid conversation on resilience, authenticity, and the storms that shape us.From her early lessons in social justice to navigating systems not designed with her in mind, Dr. Gaddy Robbins reflects on what it takes to stand firm, speak truth, and center humanity even in the most turbulent seasons.This is not just a conversation about leadership. It’s about finding joy, protection, and power when the storm refuses to let up.– – –Connect with Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins on LinkedIn, Instagram or by visiting her at ashleygaddyenterprises.com

In this illuminating chapter of The GR8TNESS Router, host Zena C. sits down with scholar, author, and trailblazing university president Dr. Brian L. Johnson. From his roots in Durham, North Carolina, to becoming the first minority president in Warner Pacific University’s history, Dr. Johnson shares the lessons, pivots, and defining moments that shaped his purpose-driven path.With honesty and depth, he opens up about: The faith and encounters that clarified his calling The pivotal rejection that redirected him from law school to academia The resilience built by remembering where he came from How mentorship, integrity, and preparation remain cornerstones of leadershipDr. Johnson reminds us that purpose isn’t static — it evolves, it pivots, and it proves itself through resilience. This is a conversation for anyone navigating their own calling and searching for the courage to keep pressing forward.Because the greatest story you’ll ever live is the one where you remember the good, so it can prepare you for the greater.– – –Connect with Dr. Brian Johnson on LinkedIn, Twitter or visit intersectionoffaithandlearning.com

In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, host Zena C. reconnects with her graduate school roommate turned powerhouse scholar, entrepreneur, and global speaker — Dr. Cierra M. Robinson.A proud St. Louis native and three-time HBCU alumna, Dr. Robinson shares her journey from winning fifth-grade oratorical contests to shaping the future of higher education and entrepreneurship. With honesty and humor, she opens up about faith as foundation, family as fuel, and resilience as a non-negotiable.Together, Zena and Dr. Robinson explore the role of authenticity in leadership, the hustle born from legacy, and the calling to lift as we climb. This is more than a conversation — it’s a masterclass in purpose, perseverance, and planting seeds for generational impact.💫 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, student, or leader-in-the-making, this episode will remind you that knowing who you are and whose you are is the true blueprint for success.– – –Connect with Dr. Cierra Robinson on LinkedInVisit LaidOffLemonade.com to learn more about Zena C's book

In this soul-nourishing chapter of The GR8TNESS Router, host Zena C. welcomes her cousin and guiding light, Dr. Deborah Threadgill Egerton, for a rich conversation on what it means to become.From the sacred stillness of a back porch prayer to building a global brand rooted in healing, Dr. E unpacks the real work behind purpose: trusting the call before the path is clear. Together, they explore the intersections of divine timing, identity, obedience, and the quiet power of being well-loved.Whether you’re navigating a pivot or waiting on a promise, this episode will remind you that transformation isn’t a destination—it’s an unfolding.💫 Listen closely. The business of becoming is already in motion.– – –Connect with Dr. Deborah Egerton on LinkedIn, Instagram, or learn more about her work at DeborahEgerton.com

What happens when you finally stop shrinking and start speaking?In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, Dr. Davia Crutchfield joins us for a deeply honest, spiritually grounded conversation on clarity, calling, and becoming. She opens up about how language, identity, and obedience intersect—and why your voice might be the very thing God is waiting on.📖 From the power of journaling to the pain of playing small, Dr. Davia shares what it means to honor your truth—and how faith, fear, and frameworks are all part of the journey.🎧 Tap in and step forward—your next chapter may be waiting on your “yes.” 🔍 Search “The GR8TNESS Router” wherever you get your podcasts.– – –Connect with Dr. Davia J. Crutchfield on LinkedIn, Instagram or learn more about BL&CK at visitandblack.comScandinavia House | A Celebration of Doug CrutchfieldNational Nordic Museum | A Celebration of Dancer Doug Crutchfield

There’s a particular kind of grief that comes from being left behind not because you did something wrong—but because you were finally being real.In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, Zena C. holds space for the quiet ache of being cut off, edited out, or misunderstood for choosing authenticity. Anchored by Langston Hughes’ iconic poem Mother to Son, this reflection invites listeners to consider what it costs to shrink, and what it could mean to stop.From middle school memories to grown-folks clarity, this episode is a reminder that not all disconnection is loss—and that sometimes, the most radical thing you can do is let people go… and stay true to yourself anyway.If you’ve ever traded a piece of yourself to belong—or felt discarded for simply being—this one is for you.

What happens when the systems you’re trained to trust… start to show their cracks?In this episode, Zena C. is joined by Civil Rights Attorney and Community Advocacy Educator Jonathan Barry-Blocker, JD, for a powerful conversation on identity, justice, and protecting your peace while doing the work.From courtroom realities to community wisdom, Jonathan breaks down what it means to advocate with integrity—and still be whole. He shares how growing up in a deeply rooted Black family, navigating predominantly white institutions, and surviving the mental toll of overperformance shaped his perspective on boundaries, law, and liberation.This episode is for anyone carrying the weight of excellence, service, or expectation… and learning how to set it down without letting go of who they are.🎧 Stream Episode 0012 on all major platformsRelease Date: 5/22/25Connect with Attorney Jonathan Barry-Blocker on LinkedIn

🗓️ Released on the 5-year remembrance of Zena’s father’s passing— — —What if the truth you’ve been waiting for… asks for something in return?What if clarity doesn’t just set you free—but sets you apart?In this episode, Zena C. reflects on the hard-earned wisdom passed down by her father, through one of his favorite poems and the life he lived with deep conviction.This is more than a message—it’s a memorial.A tribute to legacy. A meditation on loyalty.And a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful shift begins not with a plan… but with a whisper.💜 Released in honor of Dr. Thomas E. H. Conway, Jr (1949–2020) 🍋 Laid Off Lemonade available at LaidOffLemonade.com

What does it really take to build a life of impact?In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, Dr. Peter Eley shares his powerful journey—from a small town in North Carolina to the leadership ranks of higher education. Through resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to access, Dr. Eley shows how legacy isn't about titles—it's about lifting others along the way.From math to mentorship, from family sacrifices to global opportunities, Dr. Eley’s story reminds us: Why ownership and responsibility go hand in hand How access and exposure can change the course of a life Why living out loud is the truest form of leadership🎧 Tune in now and be inspired to walk in your purpose, unapologetically.Connect with Dr. Eley on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or via his website drpetereley.com

You ever hear a phrase so many times it loses meaning?Then one day… it hits different?In this episode, we’re unpacking the deceptively simple wisdom of “make good choices” — a phrase I used to shrug off, but now hold close when life gets foggy, fearful, or full of friction.Inspired by the poem Invictus and grounded in the real, raw truth of personal pivots, this episode is a reflection on agency, quiet decisions, and the power of choosing yourself — even when the world doesn’t clap for it.This isn’t advice. This isn’t instruction.This is perspective — for the moments when it’s time to bet on you.🎧 Press play if you’ve been stalling on a shift, sitting in silence, or standing at the edge of something new.

What do sneakers, literature, and legacy have in common?In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, Dr. Jemayne Lavar King shares how a lifelong love of sneakers and storytelling evolved into a groundbreaking academic lane, a thriving cultural brand, and a mission to redefine what’s worthy of study.From chasing his dream pair of Ewings to teaching college courses on sneaker culture, Dr. King invites us into his world—a world where hip-hop, literature, and authenticity collide.This episode is for the visionaries, the culture-builders, and the ones writing their own story—one step at a time.Tune in now!To learn more about Dr. King’s work at the intersection of culture, literature, and identity, explore his innovative coursework and scholarship through Virginia State University’s “Sneaker Stories” archive.You can also connect with him directly on LinkedIn and experience the cultural depth of his brand by visiting solefoodbrand.com.

Two roads diverged… and twenty years later, we’re checking in on the one we chose. In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, host Zena C. revisits Robert Frost’s classic poem with fresh eyes—and lived wisdom. What does it really mean to take the road less traveled? What if the path isn’t the point at all? Through personal stories, poetic reflection, and powerful questions, this episode explores the importance of who you ride with, how you check in with yourself, and why the ride—not the road—is what shapes you.Whether you’re a self-navigator, a silent passenger, or an intentional co-rider, this one’s for you.Tap in. Let’s ride.

What happens when the plan you had for your life no longer fits?In this episode of The Greatness Router, I sit down with Dr. Joseph N. Cooper, a leading scholar in sport leadership, education, race, and culture. We talk about pivoting with purpose, embracing identity shifts, and why challenges aren’t always obstacles—they’re sometimes invitations.From post-athletic career identity crisis to becoming a powerhouse in academia, Dr. Cooper shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. We unpack:🔹 The unexpected push that forced him into his true calling🔹 Why “Not Every Challenge is a Setback—Some Are Transformational”🔹 The power of learning yourself and why self-acceptance is the ultimate game-changer🔹 How faith, obedience, and discomfort often lead to the biggest breakthroughsThis episode will challenge you to rethink how you handle setbacks, embrace growth, and walk boldly in your purpose.🎧 Tune in now! #TheGreatnessRouter #KnowYourself #PivotWithPurposeEmail: [email protected]: Joseph Cooper

What if what you know—what you’ve experienced—is only part of the story?In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, we’re challenging the way we see the world, the way we listen, and even the way we judge ourselves. Using a timeless story as our guide, we’ll unpack what happens when certainty clouds understanding—and why perspective isn’t about being right, but about being open.Get ready to question what you think you know. Because once you do? The whole picture starts to change.Plus, if you’re navigating a transition—career shifts, unexpected pivots, or just figuring out what’s next—stick around for a plug on Laid Off Lemonade, a book designed to help you turn setbacks into opportunities.Let’s get into it.

What if losing your voice meant losing your connection to the world? In this episode of The Greatness Router, Dr. Kelli Uitenham, CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist and founder of Brain Talk Foundation, shares how speech therapy is about more than words—it’s about restoring identity, independence, and connection.We dive into the silent epidemic of brain injuries, how they impact everything from daily life to the TBI-to-prison pipeline, and what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.Follow Dr. Kelli: @drkelly.medicalslp on Instagram, TikTok, & LinkedIn🎧 Listen now!

We spend so much time trying to be whole—unshaken, unblemished, unbreakable. But what if the very thing you see as a flaw is actually what makes you valuable?In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, Zena C. shares the story of The Flawed Vessel—a powerful reminder that purpose can be disguised as imperfection.💡 Ever felt like you’re losing more than you’re gaining? Like no matter how much you try to hold it together, something keeps slipping through the cracks? Maybe the real question isn’t about what you’ve lost—but about what you’ve been watering all along.Press play, reflect, and let’s get into it.🎤 Listen now & reclaim your impact.

What does it truly mean to MOVE? In action? In resistance? In rhythm?In this episode of The GR8TNESS Router, I sit down with Dr. Frederick Engram Jr., critical race scholar and author of Black Liberation Through Action and Resistance: Move, to explore the power of movement—as liberation, as transformation, and as a cultural force.💡 We dive into:✔️ The moment Dr. Engram pivoted from law to academia✔️ How oppression persists when we refuse to move✔️ The intersection of race, activism, and education✔️ Why embracing discomfort fuels real change✔️ The role of music & culture in shaping movements 🎶🎧 Press play and join the conversation. It’s time to stop waiting—and start moving.🔗 Connect with Dr. Engram: IG/Threads @dr.engram19 LinkedIn: Frederick Engram, Jr., Ed.D.

Every morning, the lion wakes up. Every morning, the gazelle wakes up. Both are running—but for different reasons. The real question is… what’s making YOU run? Survival? Growth? Fear? Purpose? Let’s talk about it.Release Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025-- -- --Visit LaidOffLemonade.com by 12/28 to secure your signed copy of my book.

Greatness isn’t just about the title—it’s about the journey.In Season 1 of The Gr8tness Router, we’re diving into The Doctor’s Journey, exploring the real stories behind Black doctors—PhDs, MDs, Ed.Ds, JDs, and more. But this isn’t just about degrees—it’s about purpose, process, and perseverance.💡 What does it really take to earn those letters?💡 What moments almost made them quit?💡 And what can you learn from their journey—no matter your path?Each week, host Zena C. sits down with high-level thinkers, educators, and changemakers to unpack the mindset, decisions, and resilience behind their success. Plus, in solo episodes, she breaks down key takeaways that you can apply in your own journey.If you’re ready to go beyond inspiration and tap into the process of greatness, subscribe now—Season 1 starts 2/13/25. 🎤✨

🎙️ Greatness isn’t random—it’s built.Welcome to The Gr8tness Router, where purpose meets process, one conversation at a time.We’re not here for surface-level success stories. We’re here to break down the mindset, the pivots, and the real work behind greatness. Through thought-provoking interviews and deep solo episodes, host Zena C. explores the why behind success—not just what people do, but how they navigate the journey.Expect:✅ Raw, engaging conversations with high-level thinkers and changemakers.✅ Unfiltered lessons on purpose, resilience, and strategy.✅ Solo deep dives that turn inspiration into action.Whether you’re building something, pivoting, or just hungry for deeper conversations, The Gr8tness Router is here to connect you to the wisdom and process behind success.🔗 Start here. Subscribe now. Let’s get to work. 🎤✨