Superhero Confidence

Minola Clark Manson is a cisgender African American woman whose pronouns are she, her, and hers. She currently serves as a Lemon Grove Commissioner, President of Lemon Grove Soroptimist, Co-Chair and Treasurer of Revitalize Broadway Lemon Grove, and Lead of the Lemon Grove Community Service Organizations group. With over 30 years of experience working in or with San Diego County’s Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), her last sixteen years have been primarily focused on Behavioral Health, with additional experience in the justice system. A strategic thinker, Minola excels at identifying and strengthening connections among diverse individuals, cultures, and organizations. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and brings a wealth of experience in training, executive management, and adult learning.Outside of her professional work, Minola is an avid reader and listener, particularly of high-quality science fiction written by Black women, though she appreciates any well-crafted book. Her creative interests include knitting, crocheting, painting, writing poetry, watching movies, and indulging in the occasional junk TV.Email:  [email protected] Media. Linkedin:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/minola-clark-manson-365499a/ Instagram: @minolaclarkmanson

In this powerful episode, listeners are introduced to Blake Early—a lifelong storyteller whose journey from truck driver to celebrated author is rooted in a deep commitment to representation and imagination. As a child, Blake noticed the absence of characters who looked like him in the books and media he loved. Years later, as a father, he watched his own son face the same lack of relatable stories in school, especially during the isolation of the pandemic. That moment sparked a mission that would change everything.While hauling freight for doctors, SpaceX, and the U.S. Military, Blake spent countless hours on the road dreaming up stories that could fill the void he had long recognized. He turned those ideas into action, publishing over a dozen books that not only entertain and educate but also reflect the diverse world he believes every child deserves to see.One of his most impactful projects, The Waste Rangers, has been adopted into libraries and school curriculums across the City of Chula Vista, with more counties and agencies soon to follow. Now, Blake is expanding his creative reach with STEM Tales, a series designed to make science and technology exciting for young readers, and Spectral Studies, an anime-inspired reimagining of global mythologies, launching first with Norse legends and expanding into Egyptian, Celtic, and beyond. Blake Early is just one of many creators working to reshape the narrative landscape. In this episode, he shares how his personal journey fuels a broader movement to build the stories today’s youth need—and deserve—to see themselves in.

Lizz Russell is a celebrity fashion and couture designer based in Southern California, originally from sunny San Diego. She discovered her passion for fashion early, learning to sew at age 12 and later studying Fashion Design at Mesa College.She began her career designing evening wear and soon gained the attention of celebrities across the U.S. Her growing Lizz Russell Collection now includes custom Rose Handbags, Royal Tees, and Jewelry—each piece crafted with detail, vibrant colors, and signature flair. Her handbags, named after desserts like "Strawberry Shortcake," are handmade with silk flowers and elegant finishes.Lizz’s journey took a dramatic turn when she was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Bell’s Palsy. Despite the health challenges, she overcame them with resilience and now advocates for GBS awareness through speaking engagements. She’s received numerous honors, including the Civic Leadership Award.In addition to designing, Lizz is also an author. Her book, Smiling On The Inside, shares her powerful story of surviving GBS and inspires readers facing their own challenges. Today, she continues to travel, design, and motivate others through her story of strength and perseverance.                                                                       ANDAdrianne Lawson-Pope is a God-fearing beauty industry veteran with over 44 years of experience. She is the owner of Indulge Studio, where she serves a loyal clientele and also works as a wardrobe stylist, helping clients transform their personal style.A 1982 graduate of Flavio’s Beauty Institute, Adrianne has been an educational consultant for Avalon Hair Care, president of the Like Minds Hairstyle Team, and a stylist for the Lizz Russell Collection. She co-wrote and co-designed The Misconception of Hair for the stage play Hair-itage and led the Reflections of You workshop for teen girls.A wife, mother of two daughters, and proud grandmother of four, she finds joy in mentoring youth, listening to jazz, entertaining friends, and wearing stylish heels.Her motto: Live to live. Live to give. Live to love. Blessed days ahead.SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram  https://www.threads.net/@lizz_russell_?xmt=AQGz4_5CPvjYK6pduNZk16fCUQt4NCQDozc9cHi_J8foaZgThe Lizz Russell Collectionhttps://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fevents.ticketkloud.com%2Fe%2Flizzrussellscocktails-couture%3Ffbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaeTS74GWt4lEiFRidf09gFT4qNW3KJ2Ftpt3BiQekrPoPqN7LnVMTAHbf5-yw_aem_ZMoR77w-5w4cNBvHgmPoXA&e=AT2cy0Zg1LDMqUM8bhIMpCVF0D-U_iccVsGwNcmoNcTt2sAdTrGlGoliGxXPT9Ks2xIdVPNGoosM56DcloYAtKqihnG4RxVKMo6sar4xMRPszO8obB9fFgFacebookLizz Russell Facebook PageWebsite www.survivorlicious.org  

Every fifth Sunday at my church, our minister gives us the opportunity to use our creativity to praise God. For this special occasion, I created a presentation celebrating Jesus as the ultimate superhero.In this episode, you'll hear the live audio from that presentation. As someone who’s always loved comics—the epic battles, the incredible heroes, and the powerful stories—I’ve been inspired by characters like Superman, Black Panther, Storm and Wonder Woman. But as much as I admire them, there’s one hero who stands above them all: Jesus Christ. He didn’t just save the day—He defeated sin, conquered Satan, and overcame death itself. He is the source of true hope and eternal salvation. Tune in as I share how Jesus perfectly embodies every trait of a true SUPERHERO.I hope it inspires you the way it inspired me.Reach out to us at [email protected] Credit:   Guy Marhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U57sRGhJ7Cc&list=OLAK5uy_l-06Bta0ZdK_2qZaH5pfsdIlu6IavH6LQ

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. LaWana Richmond to explore Afrofuturism as more than just a cultural movement—it’s a powerful framework for reimagining the future. Dr. LaWana shares how blending history, present realities, and elements of science fiction and Black culture can help us chart pathways toward the futures we truly desire.Through art, literature, music, and visionary thinking, she explains how Afrofuturism encourages us to reverse-engineer our way to progress. Together, we discuss how adversity can spark innovation, and how creative and critical thinkers can build new worlds by blending imagination with intention.This episode takes you on a journey through the multiverse of creativity, culture, and bold imagination—where visionary ideas meet empowerment and the limitless possibilities of what's to come.  ABOUT:   Dr. LaWana Richmond, is Board  President for Alliance San Diego.  EV Program Manager, UC San Diego, CEO Firyali, Inc and Executive Director/Founder of Grioneers, Inc. She earned a Bachelors in Business Administration from SDSU, a Masters in Information Systems from National University, and a Doctorate in Education Leadership from UC San Diego/CSU San Marcos. She is dedicated to ensuring our young people have every opportunity for equitable learning, opportunity to learn of our communal past and opportunity to embrace who they are as individuals. Her passion for futurism, in general and Afrofuturism in particular, is driven by the times we live in; Times when the adversity and the opportunities it presents beckon us to rise above ourselves.LinkedIn https://LinkedIn.com/in/DrLaWanahttps://www.drlawana.com/https://www.afrofuturismlounge.com/Reach out to us at [email protected] Credit:   Guy Marhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U57sRGhJ7Cc&list=OLAK5uy_l-06Bta0ZdK_2qZaH5pfsdIlu6IavH6LQ

This podcast, created by Dr. Monica Hinton of Exceptionally U Academy, explores the rich history of a few Black/African American superheroes in comic books, tracing their evolution from early representations to modern portrayals. We will examine how these characters have challenged stereotypes, provided representation, and inspired cultural shifts. Through an analysis of iconic figures like Black Panther, Storm, Cyborg and more recent heroes, we will learn how comics serve as a powerful medium for addressing social issues and reducing stigma.The podcast also focuses on the psychological impact of superhero narratives, exploring how they can foster self-confidence, resilience, and a sense of identity. We will engage in creative activities, such as designing our own superheroes, to apply these principles personally and understand the role of storytelling in self-empowerment. By the end of the podcast, we will have a deeper appreciation of how comics can be tools for social change and personal growth.Reach out to us at [email protected] Credit:   Guy Marhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U57sRGhJ7Cc&list=OLAK5uy_l-06Bta0ZdK_2qZaH5pfsdIlu6IavH6LQ