105: Year in Review - Our Favorite Episodes and What We Learned

In this episode, the guys chat with Dr. Cornel West's Vice Presidential nominee Dr. Melina Abdullah. Dr. Abdullah breaks down her run for vice president as an independent and the challenges of gaining access to the ballot. Later they discuss reparations and chances of it becoming a reality. Tune in! About our guest: Dr. Melina Abdullah is Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA’s College of Ethnic Studies, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter - Los Ángeles and Black Lives Matter Grassroots, where she is also Director. She is a leader in the California Faculty Association (the faculty union), both locally and statewide, and mama of three. She is the first Muslim to run for the vice-presidency. Dr. Abdullah earned her Ph.D. from University of Southern California in Political Science and her B.A. from Howard University in African American Studies. Abdullah has authored numerous articles and book chapters. Known by the moniker, Doc Melly Mel, she is creator, host, and producer of the radio programs Move the Crowd on KPFK 90.7 FM and This Is Not a Drill! on KBLA Talk 1580, and is a recognized expert on race, gender, class, and social movements.

30 to Life is back for season 5. In this episode, Muki and Brown discuss all things politics and the history of the black vote with John Wood Jr. Tune in!More about our guest: John Wood Jr. is a writer, podcaster and noted public speaker nationally recognized as a leading voice on issues of political and racial reconciliation. He is national ambassador for Braver Angels, America’s largest grassroots, bipartisan organization dedicated to political depolarization.He has been a contributing writer for media outlets including USA Today, The Washington Examiner, The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo News, and more. He believes in bridging the gap between progressive and conservative Americans through thoughtful dialogue and compassionate understanding rooted in our shared value for American Democracy. In 2021, he began hosting his own podcast, The John Wood Jr. Show, where he features conversations on restoring civic discourse with other political commentators and thought leaders.

In this episode, the guys quickly chat about what they been up to lately. Later they discuss lessons that fathers should teach daughters about dating.

In this episode the guys chat with Nebraska-born NFL professional, Brandin Bryant, to discuss the adversity he had to overcome and his journey into the NFL. later we discuss his new children’s book and what inspired to write it. Tune in! Purchase So, You want to be an Athlete? Here: https://linktr.ee/brandinsbooks More about Brandin: He is a Nebraska-born NFL professional and mental performance enthusiast, shares his wisdom and experience in his debut book. With an 8-year career in professional football and a belief in the power of a growth mindset, Brandin champions the integral role of education in an athlete's journey. He frequently addresses university audiences across the nation, inspiring the next generation of athletes. Connect with him at https://brandinsbooks.wordpress.com/

In this episode the guys chat with actress Aba Arthur, who plays Abena, in the upcoming release of The Color Purple in theaters nationwide December 25th. In this episode, Aba talks about her career journey as an actor, the power of believing in yourself, honoring her ancestors, and her recent experience working with Oprah Winfrey. Tune in! More about our Aba: Aba can also tease her upcoming project Apple TV’s “Bad Monkey” where she stars opposite Vince Vaugh, in the long awaited comedy. The series is finally set to drop this Spring! Aba grew up in Washington D.C. alongside her sister and best friend Bozoma St. John (Netflix CMO turned Author). She then earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Performing Arts, as well as Political Science, from the University of Colorado-Boulder, where she now sits on the Dean’s Advisory Board. She later moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career scoring roles on TV shows including: Netflix shows Cobra Kai and Legacies, NBC’s Southland, WB’s 'Boomerang, and ABC’s Queens. She also played Miss Gold in the feature film Respect, a biopic of Aretha Franklin, starring Jennifer Hudson. She is currently based in Atlanta, splitting her time between both cities for projects. In addition to her work on screen, Aba has performed in several stage plays and is also an avid writer of screenplays. She also produced/directed her first filmThe Womb in 2018 and has her own production company The Ohemaa Project.

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve deep into the core values that hold the key to advancing Black families for the next century. Join us as we explore the rich tapestry of heritage, resilience, and unity that has shaped our past and will steer our future. Together, we'll uncover the timeless principles and wisdom that empower us to thrive, overcome challenges, and build a brighter tomorrow. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that celebrates the strength and potential of Black families. Listen now and be part of the dialogue!

30 to Life is back! After a long hiatus, Muki and Brown return to discuss what they been up to and difficulties of balancing it all. Later in the episode they discuss building the right habits for their kids and leading by example. Tune in! New episodes the first of every month.

In the this episode, the guys chat with Cherie of the Little CPA. She answers all of the frequently asked questions about taxes and how the tax code works. Tune in. More about our guest: Chérie is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 10 years of Public Accounting Experience. She was recently named one of the AICPA’s 40 Under 40 Black CPAs, and she is 1 of 29 young CPAs accepted into the AICPA’s 2020 Leadership Academy. Outside of work, she serves on the Board of Directors for a local performing arts nonprofit and an economic development nonprofit . She is the founder of The Little CPA, an educational platform that helps thriving professionals make wise financial decisions. Learn more at www.thelittecpa.com

In this episode, Muki & Brown reflect on the wisdom and lessons taught to them by their dads and how it has impacted them. Tune in!

In this episode, the guys discuss their favorite moments/episodes of the podcast in 2022 and the lessons they learned. Later they discuss how they will redefine their black experience in 2023. Tune in!