In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, Head Coach of George Mason Women's Basketball. We discuss her leadership philosophy, the culture she has built within the program, and the power behind the team's mantra, #BelieveBig. Coach Blair-Lewis shares how belief, accountability, and relationships help shape successful student-athletes on and off the court. We also explore leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build excellence before the results show up. This conversation is part of the GMU Leaders Mini-Series and is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, teamwork, and creating a culture of success. Guest Information & Recording Location Shout Out and Plugs GMU Women's Basketball Website: https://gomason.com/sports/womens-basketball GMU Women's Basketball Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masonwbb/ Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis's LinkedIn URL:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-blair-lewis-571312232/ Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachvbl/ "Big" by Pastor Mike Jr. https://open.spotify.com/track/7iI6ZQ20by9MtBOSu9DQy8?autoplay_ok=1 Recording Credits Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX. Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Scott Stirrett, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Venture for Canada. We discuss overcoming social anxiety, the power of networking and weak ties, and why embracing uncertainty can be a valuable skill for personal and professional growth. Guest Information & Recording Location Shout Out and Plugs   Scott Stirrett Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottstirrett/ Scott Stirrett LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstirrett/ "The Uncertainty Advantage" by Scott Stirrett https://www.scottstirrett.com/the-uncertainty-advantage "The Strength of Weak Ties" by Mark Granovetter  https://www.jstor.org/stable/2776392 Braxton Cook https://www.braxtoncook.com/music-1 Recording Credits Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX. Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Junaid Ahmed, entrepreneur and podcasting expert. We discuss his journey as a creator, how he helps others launch and grow podcasts, the importance of quality home studio setups, and practical advice for aspiring podcasters. Shout Out and Plugs Junaid's Website: https://homestudiomastery.com Junaid's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superjunaid/ Junaid's Threads: https://www.threads.com/@superjunaid Juniad's Twitter/X: https://x.com/superjunaid Recording Credits Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX. Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Alpha Phi Alpha - Theta Rho Lambda Learn more about the Theta Rho Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha: Visit Website Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by fellow George Mason alumni Tia and Luke Pierce. They are educators, members of the Divine Nine, and all-around amazing people. We discuss our shared GMU experience, their journey together from high school sweethearts to young professionals starting their careers in education, and lessons on marriage, identity, family, and community. Guest Information & Recording Location Shout Out and Plugs Tia Pierce LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tppierce/  GMU Teacher Appreciation Day Panel and Networking Event Article: https://cehd.gmu.edu/news/stories/cehd-alumni-and-partners-celebrate-educators-at-teacher-appreciation-day-panel-and-networking-event Lualex's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/lualex FiveTwoFive LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/officialfivetwofive Recording Credits Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX. Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by James Kellock, entrepreneur, kindness advocate, and founder of RippleCore. We discuss how kindness can become a measurable, intentional practice; the difference between being nice and being kind; and how mentorship and everyday actions can create powerful ripple effects in schools, workplaces, and communities. Shout Out and Plugs RippleCore Website: https://www.ripplecore.co/coming-soon James Kellock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kellock/ Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Dr. Keith Renshaw, Professor of Psychology and Senior Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education at George Mason University. We discuss his educational journey, his passion for student success, and why research and academic rigor are valuable for all students, not just those pursuing graduate degrees. Dr. Renshaw shares how undergraduate research experiences help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that translate across industries and careers. This is a great conversation for students, educators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of higher education. Shout Out and Plugs Dr. Renshaw's GMU Profile: https://provost.gmu.edu/profiles/krenshaw     Dr. Renshaw's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-renshaw-311170103/ Recording Credits Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX. Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Steam Pilots Program Steam Pilots, Inc. (501(c)(3)) improves STEAM education through pro bono programs. They are currently raising funds for kits and equipment. Support the GoFundMe Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Fran Harper, host of the podcast "What I Wish I Knew at 30" and an Identity Architect dedicated to helping people align their goals with their purpose. We discuss her journey through the food industry, her transition into coaching and personal development, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Fran shares insights on navigating career pivots, embracing growth, and making intentional decisions in life and work. Whether you're approaching your 30s, well beyond them, or simply reflecting on your next chapter, this conversation offers valuable wisdom for personal and professional growth. Shout Out and Plugs Fran Harper LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franharper/ Fran Harper's Website: https://www.franharpercoaching.com/ My guest appearance on her podcast: https://youtu.be/oUKmNtx0snQ?si=DFSa5L3BonWxP-Ud Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by entrepreneur, author, and Nolodex co-founder Joe Mindak. Joe shares his journey from working in a family printing business to building a platform that helps professionals monetize their networks. We discuss the concept behind his book, Connectors Get Paid, and why relationship-building, referrals, and social capital are often undervalued assets. Joe explains how intentional networking can create opportunities for individuals and organizations alike, and why the people who make meaningful connections deserve recognition and compensation. This is a great conversation for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone looking to maximize the value of their relationships. Shout Out and Plugs Joe Mindak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemindak/ Connectors Get Paid Audiobook: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IxNLq05Z3aCxs8GFlUcSy?si=5e5f6a712076408c Nolodex Website: https://www.nolodex.com/ Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, Bennett and I return for Part 2 of our leadership conversation series. After the positive response to our first episode, we decided to continue exploring leadership through a cross-generational lens. While my dad, Retired Colonel Philip L. Wilkerson Jr., wasn't able to join us for this conversation, Bennett and I discuss leadership lessons, personal growth, and what we're learning from one another along the way. If you've enjoyed this series so far, stay tuned for future episodes featuring all three generations. Shout Out and Plugs If you like this episode, please consider leaving questions for The Wilkerson men via the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfD2ZZGBl00L7HNCLkBgpchraHVfi6htotM_c_D0h2lMCkeEA/viewform?usp=header My Dad doesn't use social media, but you can email him at [email protected] to let him know what you think.  Past Episode about his experience at VMI:  https://positivephilter.libsyn.com/making-black-history-at-vmi-featuring-philip-wilkerson-jr My thoughts on leadership over the past year: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/103L8sdNAgFRkbmCsU3LbYfleX6LD6tG87LIynT2q8i8/edit?usp=sharing Recording Credits Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX. Community & Support Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here Pats for Patriots Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here Podcast Resources Connect & Follow Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly Patreon: Support the Podcast Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Featured Products & Music Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud) Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud) Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Fred Bemak and Dr. Rita Chung, two professors who had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. As architects of George Mason University's innovative counseling program, they helped create a learning environment grounded in multiculturalism, social justice, and advocacy. We discuss what brought them to George Mason, the vision behind the program, and why preparing counselors to work across cultures remains as important as ever. This is a special conversation about education, mentorship, and the lasting impact of a program that changed countless lives, including my own. Shout Outs and Plugs GMU Counseling Program: https://cehd.gmu.edu/counseling/ Rita Chung: https://cehd.gmu.edu/people/faculty/rchung/ Fred Bemak: https://cehd.gmu.edu/people/faculty/fbemak/ Social Justice Multicultural Psychology and Counseling (2nd Edition): https://global.oup.com/academic/product/social-justice-multicultural-psychology-and-counseling-9780197518267?cc=us&lang=en& If you have a question for the podcast, call 571-336-6560 or leave a question via this Google Form. Five Minute Journal by Intelligent Change Affiliate Code: https://www.intelligentchange.com/?rfsn=4621464.017186 Tappy Card "Electronic Business Card" Affiliate Code:  https://tappycard.com?ref:philip-wilkerson Please leave a rating/review of the Podcast https://lovethepodcast.com/positivephilter Intro music provided by DJ BIGyoks. Check out his Instagram and Soundcloud channel can be found here:  https://www.instagram.com/beats.byyoks/ https://soundcloud.com/dj-bigyoks Outro music provided by Ryan Rosemond. Check out his Soundcloud channel here: https://soundcloud.com/brothersrosemond/albums  Purchase "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: https://a.co/d/2qYMlqu Leave Your Feedback by filling out this audience survey: https://forms.gle/ncoNvWxMq2A6Zw2q8 Sign up for Positive Philter Weekly Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g-LOqL Please follow Positive Philter: Positive Philter Facebook Page Positive Philter Twitter Positive Philter Instagram  If you would like to support the podcast, please consider donating to the Positive Philter Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/positivephilter Positive Philter was selected by FeedSpot as Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts on the web. https://blog.feedspot.com/positive_thinking_podcasts/ Jeff's Anti-Hunger Fund The Positive Philter Podcast is dedicated to Jeff Kirsch. A long-time supporter of the show and a major influence on this show's growth. Please support the careers of future advocates by donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy. This fund was named after Jeff Kirsch for his decades of service in fighting hunger and inequality. Link to fund: https://frac.org/kirschfund Pats for Patriots  If you are a member of the #MasonNation, please consider sending a Pats for Patriots. Pats for Patriots are a free and easy way to thank, recognize, and show appreciation for a Mason colleague or student who has taken the time to do something kind, generous, or thoughtful towards others. For more information, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/HRZGvhdJEA We have received more than 3,000 nominations from the Mason community so far. Keep those nominations coming in!