Black Moves First

In this episode of the Black Moves First podcast, host Alton Jamieson speaks with Grandmaster Maurice Ashley about his journey in the world of chess, the importance of passion and dedication, and the invaluable life lessons learned from the game. Maurice shares personal stories from his early days playing chess in Brooklyn, his path to becoming a grandmaster, and his unique approach to teaching and commentating the game.

In this episode of the Black Moves First podcast, Alton interviews Derrick Boles, an athlete turned motivational speaker. Derrick shares his journey from playing basketball at Idaho State University and overseas, to facing life-changing health challenges. Derrick opens up about his strokes, heart surgery, and how he overcame these adversities with mental toughness and courage. The episode is packed with insights on leadership, personal growth, and the impact of social media on today's youth

In this episode of the Black Moves First podcast, host Alton Jamieson interviews Ticha Penicheiro, a retired professional basketball player from Portugal. Ticha shares her journey from playing basketball in Portugal to becoming a star player in the WNBA. She talks about her struggles, triumphs, and the lessons she learned on and off the court. Ticha also discusses her transition to becoming a sports agent and shares valuable advice for young athletes.

In this episode of the Black Moves First Alton Jamieson hosts Wynter Patterson, a self-love and abundance advocate, entrepreneur, and author known from Ready to Love Season 3. They discuss the importance of self-love, building wealth, overcoming adversity, and the cultural mindset around finance within the church and the Black community. Wynter also shares her journey, insights on affirmations and goal setting, and her vision for the future.

In this episode of Black Moves First, host Alton Jamieson interviews Jevon Wooden, an Army veteran, mindset coach, and founder of 'Live Not Loathe.' They discuss the importance of helping one another in the Black community, overcoming adversity, and the significance of mental health. Jevon shares his personal journey through PTSD and depression, the power of vulnerability, and his commitment to uplifting and empowering others. The episode emphasizes changing mindsets, supporting one another, and the need for ongoing personal development.

In this episode, Olympic legend Dominique Dawes shares her journey of overcoming barriers in gymnastics, from facing criticism about her body type and identity to being celebrated by fans for her performances. She reflects on the sport's evolution, highlighting how athletes like Simone Biles are breaking boundaries, and discusses the culture shift she’s championing through the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy. Focused on holistic development, the academy emphasizes mental, emotional, and physical well-being, creating a space where young athletes thrive with confidence and joy. Dominique’s story is a testament to resilience and her mission to redefine gymnastics culture for future generations.

If you loved this episode, subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories from trailblazers like Dominique Dawes. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a friend who needs a boost of inspiration!

In this inspiring episode, Danielle takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, beginning with her early days in Richmond, Virginia, and her rise to fame as a member of the acclaimed Christian music group Out of Eden. She shares her experiences of the pressures of the industry, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the valuable life lessons she’s learned along the way. Danielle opens up about her transition from music to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business after retiring from music. Tune in for insights on staying positive, planning for the future, and finding your true purpose in both your career and life.

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Lawrence Shakir, a man whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, family, and the unexpected ways God calls us to our purpose. Pastor Shakir, a former youth and children's pastor, shares a deeply personal account of his journey from rebellion to redemption, illustrating how his life was radically changed after a life-threatening experience led him to rediscover his relationship with God. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might be inspired by his story.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Fredenburg to discuss his inspiring journey from a high school athlete to a sought-after speaker and mentor. Dr. Fredenburg opens up about how his father’s unwavering support shaped him during his formative years and instilled a drive to excel. In high school, he found both lifelong friends and a deep passion for basketball, with dreams to continue his athletic career at Long Beach State University. But when he narrowly missed making the team, his life took an unexpected turn.

Through what seemed like a setback, Dr. Fredenburg discovered a new gift in a college communications class. Tasked with a presentation, he felt an immediate spark and realized he had a powerful ability to connect and communicate. Embracing this talent, he began to nurture his passion for public speaking, and an emotional presentation at a campus-based ministry confirmed his calling to make a difference through his words.

Join us as Dr. Fredenburg shares how he transformed his life’s trajectory, moving from sports aspirations to inspiring countless others through storytelling, compassion, and purpose. This episode is for anyone seeking encouragement to pursue their passions, even when the path is unclear.

In this episode, Orrin shares a journey dedicated to service, beginning in the Air Force and continuing as a state trooper, all driven by a commitment to "serving and protecting." Now, this mission has evolved into teaching young people, particularly Black youth, vital skills for navigating law enforcement interactions and life’s challenges. Through lessons on pausing, thinking critically, and carefully choosing actions, Orrin emphasizes the importance of restraint, reminding that one impulsive move can have lasting consequences. With a deep commitment to uplifting Black children, Orrin seeks to guide them toward resilience and smart decision-making.