Best Soapbox Influence Podcasts (2025)

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Ricky Day with actor/producer Jonathan Burke on reprising his role of Eric in the upcoming season 3 of "Harlem,", growing up in Baltimore and the importance of family and the influence of Black women in ... 1:10:14

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1y ago1:10:14

1:10:14

My guest on the podcast this week is actor Jonathan Burke. He can be seen on Seasons 1, 2, and the upcoming Season 3 of Prime Video’s hit comedy series, “Harlem,” in the recurring role of ‘Eric. Jonathan and I chat about his childhood and start in acting in Baltimore, the arc of his career to date and the blessing of having loving family, strong/wi…

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Ricky Day with Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey on his book Kamala, The Motherland and Me, growing up in Oakland, and the importance of identity 1:09:40

1y ago1:09:40

1:09:40

My guest on the season 5 premiere of the podcast is Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey. Dr. Nii is a political journalist, Pepperdine University professor and prominent convener in the fields of dialogue and social change. He is the author of Kamala, The Motherland and Me, his story of the Vice-President's trip to Africa and his experience of both the conti…

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Ricky Day with Darnell L. Moore on the power of LOVE to transform our lives and social movements, his move to Los Angeles and the continuing impact of his book “No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black ... 1:10:13

2y ago1:10:13

1:10:13

My guest on the podcast this week is Darnell L. Moore. Darnell is a media maker, educator, writer and thought leader and the author of the 2019 Lambda Literary Award winning memoir, No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black & Free in America, which was listed among the New York Times 100 Notable Books and was a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Wri…

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Ricky Day with Marija Abney on founding The Soapbox Presents, hosting the wildly successful "Stoop concerts" in Harlem, being a Dora Miljae in Black Panther and working with Chadwick Boseman 1:05:30

2y ago1:05:30

1:05:30

My guest on the podcast this week is Marija Abney. Marija is a South Carolina native who moved to NY to pursue an arts education at The AIley School at Fordham University and went on to earn her MA in performance studies from NYU. Marija is an actress and dancer who has appeared as a Dora Milaje in "Black Panther" and "Wakanda Forever" as well as "…

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Ricky Day with Gordon Chambers on building a successful music career, the role of love in his creativity and growing up with an expectation of excellence. 1:30:01

2+ y ago1:30:01

1:30:01

My guest on the podcast today is singer-songwriter-producer and recording artist Gordon Chambers. Gordon is a success story in the music industry. His solo albums have been nominated for Independent Soul Album of the Year by Soultracks.com. His #1 hits as a lyricist include: Anita Baker’s Grammy- winning hit “I Apologize”, Brownstone’s Grammy-nomin…

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Ricky Day with O.N.E. the Duo on being the first Black Mother/Daughter duo in country music, RZA as a Dad and co-parent, and modern parenting 1:18:18

2+ y ago1:18:18

1:18:18

My guests on the podcast this week are the historic and dynamic country music group O.N.E. the Duo. These talented ladies are the first Black mother/daughter duo in country music history and they drop their debut album this summer. In our wide ranging and insightful conversation, I speak to the ladies about the pros and cons of working together, th…

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Ricky Day with Dr. Michael A. Lindsey on the mental health crisis in Black young people and the hope present in the midst of the crisis 1:29:24

2+ y ago1:29:24

1:29:24

My guest on the podcast this week is Dr. Michael A. Lindsey. Dr. Lindsey is a noted scholar in the fields of child and adolescent mental health, as well as a leader in the search for knowledge and solutions to generational poverty and inequality. He is the Dean and Paulette Goddard Professor of Social Work at NYU Silver School of Social Work, and a…

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Ricky Day with Producer/Director Naimah Jabali-Nash (The 1619 Project) on the power of storytelling to inform and transform the world 1:01:28

2+ y ago1:01:28

1:01:28

My guest on the podcast this week is the dynamic, engaging, and successful journalist and storyteller Naimah Jabali-Nash. Naimah collaborated with acclaimed director, Stanley Nelson,as a producer on Netflix’s Crack: Cocaine, Corruption, Conspiracy, and her work on the sports journalism series, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel earned her five Emmy Awa…

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Ricky Day with Rahiem Johnson on founding a Black owned travel business and the divine power of world travel to inspire us all to find and love ourselves 1:08:26

2+ y ago1:08:26

1:08:26

My guest on the podcast this week is Raheim Johnson. Raheim is a native of Philadelphia, PA and a son to a single mother of four who at an early age developed a strong desire to travel and see the world. He took his first international trip in the summer 2013 to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and from there it was history. Fast forward 6 years lat…

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Ricky Day with NaTasha Yvette Williams on her 2023 Tony Award nomination, the role of faith and love in her journey, and the evolution of Broadway 1:14:47

2+ y ago1:14:47

1:14:47

My guest on the podcast today is NaTasha Yvette Williams. Natasha is one of the few African American women to consistently star in major roles on Broadway such: Mama Morton in the critically acclaimed Broadway hit Chicago with Brandy, Ms Sophia in The Color Purple with Fantasia, A Night with Janis Joplin as Aretha Franklin, and currently as Sweet S…

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Ricky Day with Eboni K. Williams on her new book Bet on Black, the infamous "bus driver" comment, and perceived divide between Black women and Black men 53:21

2+ y ago53:21

53:21

My guest this week is author, attorney, media personality, and journalist Eboni K. Williams. Eboni is the host and executive producer of Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams in addition to hosting The Grio with Eboni K. Williams, which airs on The Grio cable television network owned by Mr. Byron Allen. In our wide ranging conversation, Eboni and I …

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Ricky Day with Eboni K. Williams on her new book Bet on Black, the infamous "bus driver" comment, and the role of LOVE in her life and career 56:26

2+ y ago56:26

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My guest this week is author, attorney, media personality, and journalist Eboni K. Williams. Eboni is the host and executive producer of Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams in addition to hosting The Grio with Eboni K. Williams, which airs on The Grio cable television network owned by Mr. Byron Allen. In our wide ranging conversation, Eboni and I …

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Ricky Day with astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson on his new book, anti-intellectualism, gender and identity and more! 1:14:27

2+ y ago1:14:27

1:14:27

My guest on the podcast this week has been called the most famous astrophysicist of our time. Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist and the author of the #1 bestselling Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, among other books. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, where he has served since 1996. He …

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Ricky Day with Sanya Richards-Ross on her Olympic Gold Medals, joining the cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta, and the toughest decision of her life 56:26

2+ y ago56:26

56:26

My guest on this 4th Season Premiere episode of the podcast is Sanya Richards-Ross. Sanya is long-ranked the world’s best 400m runner, a 4-time Olympic Gold medal winner, a two time IAAF Athlete of the Year, and Track & Field News’ Athlete of the Decade. This talented black woman is also a NBC Track and Field commentator, the founder of Mommi Natio…

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Transforming Inner Critics into Inner Coaches Using Comedy with Katie Goodman 37:31

3y ago37:31

37:31

Show Notes: (0:50) Introduction to Katie (3:46) Working with the Unexpected (12:41) A Day in the Life (14:59) Vulnerability in the Workplace (17:18) Standards for Wielding Influence (23:46) Navigating Social Media (27:19) What Katie’s Currently Consuming (34:50) What’s Next for Katie Links: Beth Stephens Katie Goodman Katiegoodman.com Quotes: “The …

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Showing Up As Your Truest Self with Personal Stylist Sydney Bass 46:53

3y ago46:53

46:53

Show Notes: (0:49) Introduction to Sydney (1:06) About Sydney (5:03) Sharing Realness on Social Media (7:35) Setting Internet Boundaries (12:03) Blending Modalities (17:32) Conscious Language Choice (21:22) Discouraging Negative Conversations (24:39) Managing the Day by Day (28:11) Marketing Yourself (31:10) Awareness of Online Appearance (38:16) P…

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Hope, Health & Channeling Your Inner Weirdo with Fitness Entrepreneur Brooke Robinson 48:36

3y ago48:36

48:36

Show Notes: (0:49) Introduction to Brooke (3:15) BTRIBALFIT’s Backstory (8:28) Activating Influence (12:48) The Introspect That Comes with Age (18:21) Repetition Yields Results (19:30) Rewiring Beauty Standards (25:24) Embracing Your Personality (29:53) An Ideal Day (34:00) About the BTRIBALFIT Community (37:47) What Brooke is Currently Consuming (…

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Ricky Day with indie recording artist Eric Roberson on his new album, navigating the music industry, the divine power of choice, and what fuels his indie spirit. 1:12:11

3y ago1:12:11

1:12:11

My guest on the podcast this week is a recording artist who has spent the last 21 years making amazing music and making his way in the music industry, Eric Roberson. Eric has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business, been nominated for two Grammy Awards and a BET Award, taught at the Berkley School of music, performed at the Kenn…

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Ricky Day with Alisha L. Gordon on founding The Current Project, why helping single Moms helps build healthy communities, faith, family and more! 1:13:18

3y ago1:13:18

1:13:18

My guest on the podcast is Alisha L. Gordon. Alisha is an awarded teacher, faith leader, and social strategist whose work intersects social advocacy and culture. She is the founder and Executive Director of The Current Project, a nonprofit organization, committed to closing the social and economic gaps for Black single mothers, utilizing the inters…

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Transformative Team Building & Connection with Change Agent Tamiko Olabintan 39:40

3y ago39:40

39:40

Show Notes: (1:03) Introduction to Tamiko (3:52) About NextUp (5:59) The Evolution of NextUp (9:12) The Importance of Paying It Forward (14:31) Tamiko’s View on Influence (19:19) Being Self-Aware (26:05) How Tamiko Wields Her Influence (32:17) Influence in Leadership (35:20) The Intricacies of Delivering Influence (37:57) Closing Questions Links: B…

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Ricky Day with photographer Cheriss May on the power of images, being a female photo-journalist, and what it takes to build a successful career in photography and a joyful life 1:19:51

3y ago1:19:51

1:19:51

My guest on the podcast this week is a dynamic storyteller and beautiful soul, lauded portrait and editorial photographer Cheriss May. In our wide-ranging conversation, Cheriss and I speak about her transition from graphic design to photography as a profession, the role of her midwestern upbringing to her ethos as an artist, her experiences as a bl…

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Influence in the Wild: Hot Takes on Influencer Marketing from the Soapbox Squad 51:43

3y ago51:43

51:43

Show Notes: (1:06) Introduction to Natalia (1:31) What Inspired Natalia to Work at Soapbox (2:01) Being an Influencer (4:37) How Being an Influencer Influences Natalia’s Job (5:18) Hot Tips for Getting Hired as an Influencer (6:18) Introduction to Jillian (8:05) How Jillian’s Previous Work Transferred to Soapbox (9:10) The Intricacies of Being a So…

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Ricky Day with Keith Boykin on his new book "Quitting", the Great Resignation, the power of personal freedom and carving your own destiny 52:08

3y ago52:08

52:08

My guest on the podcast this week is Keith Boykin. Keith and I chat about his new book "Quitting." In our conversation Keith and I discuss how a desire for freedom and the space to live and enjoy life has lead him and so many of us to "quit" the traditional model of working and to find the courage to chart our own unique path through life. We talk …

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Marketing Maven Kim Feil on Risk, Reward & Relentless Passion 40:17

3y ago40:17

40:17

Show Notes: (1:12) Introduction to Kim (2:00) A Typical Day in the Life (3:48) What Makes Aspire Unique (6:51) Maintaining a Personal Brand (11:08) Kim’s Non-negotiables (16:29) Prioritizing What Makes You Busy (21:03) Advice to Influencers (28:23) Kim’s Background That Led Her to Marketing (31:14) Advice to Aspiring Marketers (34:45) What Kim Is i…

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How Your Upbringing Develops Your Influence with Black Paper Party 54:07

3y ago54:07

54:07

Show Notes: (1:56) Introduction to Jasmine (2:49) Introduction to J’Aaron (4:20) Introduction to Black Paper Party (9:07) Black Paper Party Funding (12:51) What Motivates Jasmine and J’Aaron (17:02) How Jasmine and J’Aaron Wield their Influence (21:13) Specifying Authenticity (22:11) Growing Up vs. Where They Are Today (29:01) Favorite Quotes (33:1…

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Wielding Influence 20:58

3y ago20:58

20:58

Summary: On this episode of Social Proof, hosts Beth Stephens, Charlotte Banister, and Nate Patterson sat down to catch up on everything they learned in the inaugural season of Social Proof. The trio discusses wielding influence, the responsibility that comes with it, and what they have learned from previous guests. Thanks for tuning in! Shownotes:…

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Forging Your Own Career Path with Christina Royster 47:03

3+ y ago47:03

47:03

Show Notes: (0:53) Introduction to Christina (4:00) Christina’s Experience as a Brand Ambassador (6:48) Christina’s Transition to Podcasting (11:26) Unpacking the Great Resignation (15:15) Communicating Your Vision (18:03) A Day in the Life (22:58) Utilizing Twitter (36:01) Future of the Influencing Industry (45:03) How Influence Is Wielded Links: …

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Ricky Day with Kurt Williamson and Warren Oliver of HollandWest Productions about the power of partnerships, paying dues, and believing in self and their work producing the reboot of Yo! MTV Raps 1:11:22

3+ y ago1:11:22

1:11:22

My guests on the podcast this week are Kurt Williamson and Warren Oliver, the creative entrepreneurs behind the reboot of Yo! MTV Raps for Viacom. In our conversation we chat about their journey to entrepreneurship, the power of positive partnerships in life and in business, paying dues in Hollywood and so much more. They also offer tips for new cr…

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Ricky Day with Ja'nell Ajani and Jamel Shabazz on the exhibit Peace to the Queen,the importance of documenting history, and unlocking the power of art to heal. 1:28:56

3+ y ago1:28:56

1:28:56

My guests on the podcast this week are cultural producer, curator and current Ph.D Candidate at the University of Texas at Austin Ja’nell Ajani and legendary documentary, fashion, and street photographer Jamel Shabazz. In our wide ranging conversation we chat about 'Peace to the Queen,' the four-decades career retrospective of Mr. Shabazz' work at …

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Ricky Day with Ty Hunter on styling Beyonce and Destiny's Child, writing his first book, being a caregiver, and living his truth 1:11:25

3+ y ago1:11:25

1:11:25

My guest on the podcast this week is Ty Hunter. Ty is a designer, fashion stylist, and first time author of the new book "Makeover From Within." Ty rose to fashion icon status as the stylist for Destiny’s Child and then for the legendary Beyoncé and has also styled Solange, Kelly Rowland, and Billy Porter to name a few. Ty has also dedicated himsel…

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Ricky Day with Shawn A. Ginwright PhD on his book The Four Pivots, Reimagining Justice, and Reimagining Ourselves 1:11:08

3+ y ago1:11:08

1:11:08

My guest this week is Shawn A. Ginwright PhD. Dr Ginwright is a leading innovator, provocateur and thought leader on African American youth, youth activism and youth development. He is the founder and chief executive officer of Flourish Agenda, Inc., a research lab and consulting firm whose mission is to design strategies that unlock the power of h…

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Ricky Day with Deborah Roberts on challenging notions of ideal beauty, repurposing dehumanizing tropes into power symbols, and growing up in East Austin, Texas 56:40

3+ y ago56:40

56:40

My guest on the podcast this week is mixed media artist Deborah Roberts. In our wide-ranging conversation Deborah and I talk about her amazing work which challenges the notion of ideal beauty and humanizes black children, her own childhood in East Austin, Texas, and how she takes dehumanizing tropes and images of black people and repurposing them a…

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Ricky Day with Michael R Jackson on writing his Tony nominated musical A Strange Loop, winning the Pulitzer, and living authentically 1:11:19

3+ y ago1:11:19

1:11:19

My guest today is playwright, composer, lyricist of the 11 time Tony nominated musical A Strange Loop, Michael R. Jackson. In our conversation, Michael and I chat about his upbringing in a religious family in Detroit, Michigan, his move to New York to pursue his dreams of becoming a writer for soap operas and the journey to finding himself via many…

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Ricky Day with Olly Sholotan on playing Carlton Banks on "Bel-Air", living his dreams, and using his art to make a difference 1:20:03

3+ y ago1:20:03

1:20:03

My guest today is Nigerian-American actor, musician, and producer Olly Sholotan. Olly currently stars as ‘Carlton Banks’ in Peacock and Westbrook’s Bel-Air, the reboot of the classic hit series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In our conversation, Olly and I chat about living his childhood in Nigeria and Houston, Texas, his role as Carlton Banks on Bel…

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Ricky Day with Dr. Lena Green on the power of therapy, being proactive about one's mental health, and removing stigma about therapy and mental health in communities of color and beyond 1:39:34

3+ y ago1:39:34

1:39:34

My guest on the podcast today is Dr. Lena Green a clinical social worker, psychologist, adjunct professor and the Executive Director of HOPE Center Harlem, a groundbreaking free mental health facility created by Rev. Michael A. Walrond Jr. of FCBCNYC. In our wide ranging conversation Dr. Green and I talk about her life and career, breakdown the myt…

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Ricky Day with Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta on his path to politics, saving our Democracy, and living with integrity 35:22

3+ y ago35:22

35:22

My guest on this episode of the podcast is Representative Malcolm Kenyatta. Rep. Kenyatta is the first openly LGBTQ person of color and one of the youngest members elected to the PA General Assembly. In our wide ranging conversation we talk his childhood in Philadelphia, his relationship with his late Mother, the issues close to his heart including…

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Ricky Day with Rasheed Newson on co-showrunning the hit TV series Bel-Air, growing up in Indiana, living life authentically and his new book My Government Means to Kill Me 1:04:34

3+ y ago1:04:34

1:04:34

My guest on the podcast this week is screenwriter, author, and showrunner Rasheed Newson. Rasheed and his writing and producing partner T. J. Brady have worked on The Chi and Narcos among other drama series, and currently serve as the showrunners for the hit series Bel-Air on Peacock which reimagines the classic sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air a…

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Ricky Day with Dawnn Lewis on her storied career, giving back to community, and using her gifts to serve others 1:29:14

4y ago1:29:14

1:29:14

My guest in this season two finale is multitalented and multifaceted artist and performer, Dawnn Lewis. Dawnn is a recipient of the Trumpet Award, a Grammy Award, multiple NAACP Image awards, BMI and ASCAP songwriting awards, and an inductee into the Women Songwriters Hall of Fame. She is of course a talented and beloved actress and director as wel…

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Ricky Day with actor Amir Arison on his role as Aram on The Blacklist on NBC, the values instilled in him by his parents, and the power of love to transform the world 1:22:09

4y ago1:22:09

1:22:09

My guest on the podcast this week is actor and director Amir Arison. Amir and I chat about his role as Aram on The Blacklist, his love of improv and comedy, the values instilled in him by his parents, and the power of love and the responsibility that comes with having a platform from which he can serve other and make the world a better place to liv…

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Ricky Day with Anthony Hamilton on his new album, surviving Covid-19, his life and career, and the power of love 1:02:17

4y ago1:02:17

1:02:17

My guest this week is the Grammy Award winning singer-songwriter-and producer Anthony Hamilton. In our engaging and thought-provoking conversation, we chat about his life and career and his experiences during our on-going global pandemic, including taking care of his three sons and surviving his own Covid-19 battle. We also talk his relationship wi…

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Ricky Day with Johnny Wright on growing up in Chicago, being an entrepreneur, working with Michelle Obama, and making his Hollywood dreams come true. 1:00:02

4y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

My guest on this week's episode is celebrity hairstylist, Johnny Wright . With over 20 years of experience, Johnny Wright is no stranger to success. He spent 8 years as Michelle Obama’s personal hairstylist during the Obama Administration, co-starred in To Catch a Beautician with Tamar Braxton on Vh1, and currently serves as Tamron Hall’s stylist o…

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Ricky Day with Yvonne McNair on producing major events, working with Prince, the importance of education, and entrepreneurship as a black woman 1:01:40

4y ago1:01:40

1:01:40

My guest today is Emmy Nominated Event Producer and certified Entertainment Marketing ProfessionalYvonne McNair. Yvonne and I chat about her childhood shuttling between Naperville, Illinois and New Orleans, Louisiana, working with Prince and her innovative marketing campaigns and event management for major clients including; The Sundance Film Festi…

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Ricky Day with Darryl Stephens on fatherhood, his acting career, the legacy of Noah's Arc, LGBTQ rights and ending toxic masculinity. 1:20:46

4y ago1:20:46

1:20:46

My guest this week is actor and producer, Darryl Stephens. In our wide ranging conversation Darryl an I chat about his acting career, the importance of Noah's Arc, ending toxic masculinity, and his new role in life as a father. Support the show Please make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow the podcast on Instagram.…

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Ricky Day with Donna Hylton on her journey through the criminal justice system, accountability, and the power of redemption 1:12:32

4y ago1:12:32

1:12:32

My guest this week is author and criminal justice activist Donna Hylton. Hers is a story of responsibility, resilience, and redemption. Donna and I chat about her childhood in Jamaica and in New York City, her experiences with sexual assault as a child, her interaction with the criminal justice system, and her new life advocating for criminal justi…

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Ricky Day with Cody Renard Richard on the return of Broadway, his life from ranch life and rodeos to stage production and producing Broadway plays 53:58

4y ago53:58

53:58

My guest on the podcast this week is Cody Renard Richard. Cody is an advocate, educator, producer, and professional Stage Manager with a career that spans many genres including Broadway, Television, Cirque Du Soleil and Opera. He holds a BFA in Stage Management from Webster Conservatory and he has worked as a Stage Manager on Broadway for 14 produc…

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Ricky Day with Precious Lee on breaking barriers in the fashion world, the power of images, and standing up for what she believes in 1:04:06

4y ago1:04:06

1:04:06

In this week's episode I chat with model and actress Precious Lee. In our conversation, Precious and I chat about her journey into her trailblazing career in fashion and she reflects on her upbringing in Atlanta, the power of images, and her desire to create a where more people can experience the joy of simply being human and loving the skin we're …

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Ricky Day with Rev. Lakeesha Walrond, PhD on navigating the identity crisis facing humanity, the importance of education, and the power of partnership in life and love 1:17:24

4y ago1:17:24

1:17:24

My guest today on the podcast today is consummate change agent, visionary leader, sought after speaker, and President of New York Theological Seminary, the Reverend Lakeesha Walrond, PhD. In our wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation Dr. Walrond and I chat about the importance of education in creating a successful life and career, her hist…

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Ricky Day with Rahsaan Patterson on his career in entertainment, the power of forgiveness, and the freedom of loving the skin you're in. 48:59

4y ago48:59

48:59

My guest today on the podcast is recording artist, songwriter, and producer Rahsaan Patterson. In our wide-ranging conversation Rahsaan and I chat about growing up Pentecostal, the power of forgiveness to help him heal from trauma and assault, and his career as a beloved recording artist, dynamic performer, and writer of hit songs for other artists…

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Ricky Day with Yvonne Victor on her new book, the impact of life coaching, and the power of choice 1:24:08

4+ y ago1:24:08

1:24:08

My guest this week is Yvonne Victor. Yvonne leaned into her authentic self and turned her commitment to helping others champion their lives into a career as a certified Life and Business coach. Yvonne is passionate about helping people and in our conversation we chat about her new book, the benefits of life coaching, and the power of personal choic…

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Ricky Day with Keith Boykin on his new book, the politics of a changing America, and living his life out loud. 1:20:31

4+ y ago1:20:31

1:20:31

This week’s guest on the season premiere of the podcast is author, activist and CNN commentator Keith Boykin. In our wide-ranging conversation, Keith and I chat about his childhood in St. Louis, Missouri, working in the Clinton White House, living his life out loud as a black gay man, and his new book "Race Against Time: The Politics of a Changing …