Corey 's Corner

Send us Fan Mail

What does it truly take to dismantle structural racism and redefine economic justice in America?

On this episode of Corey’s Corner, retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues sits down with Jennifer Jones Austin CEO of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, faith leader, attorney, and one of the most influential voices in racial and economic equity today.

Jennifer shares her journey from her early years shaped by faith and legacy, to leading groundbreaking reforms like New York City’s Racial Justice Commission and advancing conversations around reparations, economic security, and criminal justice reform.

We discuss:

•The intersection of race, poverty, and public policy

•What “True Cost of Living” really means

•Faith as a force for justice, not comfort

•Ending solitary confinement and reforming broken systems

•The personal resilience behind her book Consider It Pure Joy

This is a powerful conversation about leadership, accountability, faith, and what it means to turn values into action.

🎙️ Subscribe, like, and share Corey’s Corner for more conversations that challenge systems and inspire change.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

From a small town in Mississippi to national television, Tara Wallace has lived much of her journey in the public eye. But beyond the headlines and reality TV moments lies a powerful story of healing, self-discovery, and growth.

In this candid and inspiring conversation, Tara sits with retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues where she opens up about navigating heartbreak under public scrutiny, reclaiming her narrative, and doing the inner work required to move from survival to self-love. She shares insights from her books The Goddess Potential and I Love Me More, discusses the importance of boundaries, forgiveness, and holistic wellness, and reflects on how motherhood fuels her strength and creativity.

This episode is about more than fame it’s about resilience, emotional maturity, and choosing yourself unapologetically. If you’ve ever had to rebuild, redefine, or rediscover who you are, this conversation will speak directly to you.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode of Corey’s Corner, retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues sit down with George Patterson, a visionary leader shaping the future of education and opportunity across New York City. As Senior Executive Director of Community Schools, My Brother’s Keeper, and My Sister’s Keeper, George leads citywide strategies that align academic success with integrated student supports, family engagement, and community partnerships.

We explore how Community Schools address real-world barriers to learning, how MBK and MSK are creating pathways for leadership and college- and career-readiness for boys, girls, and young people of color, and why culturally responsive education matters now more than ever. George also shares the story behind co-founding Black Ed-Fluencers United and helping secure a historic $27 million investment to launch the Black Studies curriculum in NYC public schools.

This conversation is about leadership, equity, policy, and what it truly takes to build systems that work for our communities.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Corey’s Corner, retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues sits down with Robert E. Cornegy Jr., founder and principal of 610 Collective and former two-term New York City Council Member, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, equity, and navigating government successfully.

Robert shares insights from his time chairing key City Council committees on Housing, Small Business, and MWBEs, serving on the Budget Negotiating Team, and building bipartisan solutions as a self-described “common-sense Democrat.” He also discusses his transition from public office to the private sector, where his firm advises clients on social equity cannabis, affordable housing, healthcare equity, real estate development, and MWBE capacity building.

The conversation also explores lessons from his decade as a professional athlete abroad, the importance of relationships in public policy, and how leaders can move beyond buzzwords to deliver measurable equity outcomes. This episode offers a masterclass in strategy, service, and impact for anyone interested in government, business, or community leadership.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of Corey’s Corner, retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues sit down with Khari Edwards, a C-suite executive, lifelong public servant, and community advocate whose work has shaped healthcare, social justice, and public leadership across Brooklyn and beyond.

Khari’s journey is deeply personal. A proud son of immigrants and a devoted father, he brings lived experience to every role he’s held from expanding healthcare access at Brookdale Hospital and leading crisis response during COVID, to growing Make-A-Wish volunteer engagement in Brooklyn and driving equity initiatives in the cannabis industry as Head of Corporate and Social Responsibility at Ayr Wellness.

It includes discussions on leadership under pressure, building systems that truly serve communities, and what it means to keep showing up after personal loss. Khari also reflects on running twice for Brooklyn Borough President what sparked those campaigns, what he learned along the way, and how he continues to think about service, accountability, and Brooklyn’s future.

This is a powerful conversation about resilience, responsibility, and the kind of leadership our communities need right now.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

On this episode of Corey’s Corner, retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues sits down with Nikki Merkerson, Community Development and Housing Specialist, real estate investor, and developer, to explore new pathways to homeownership and wealth-building.

With 23 years in financial services, including her role as a Community Reinvestment Officer at JP Morgan Chase, Nikki shares insight on breaking down barriers to ownership, debunking common real estate myths, and leveraging innovative models like co-living and co-ownership through Urban Leisure and Pairgap.

This conversation challenges traditional ideas about housing and offers practical guidance for anyone looking to build stability, community, and generational wealth.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Corey’s Corner, the conversation goes beyond headlines and into the heart of policing, law, and accountability. Retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues sits down with civil rights attorney and former NYPD officer Eric Sanders to unpack some of the most pressing issues shaping public safety today.

Together, they examine qualified immunity, the structure and culture of police departments, the psychological testing of NYPD officers, and the role DEI plays in the country . The discussion also traces the legal roots of modern civil rights debates, including the lasting impact of the Dred Scott decision and how historical law continues to influence present-day justice.

Adding a personal layer to the dialogue, host and guest reflect on their shared high school background showing how two people from the same hallways took different paths that ultimately converged around truth, service, and accountability.

This episode is a candid, thought-provoking conversation about power, policy, psychology, and what it truly means to protect and serve in a changing world.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Corey’s Corner, retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues sits down with Clyde Vanel, a Queens native whose work lives at the intersection of policy, technology, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment.

As Chair of the Assembly Banks Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on Internet and New Technology, Assemblyman Vanel has sponsored landmark legislation on artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, and cryptocurrency while pushing to close the digital divide in marginalized communities. Beyond Albany, he’s an attorney, entrepreneur, licensed pilot, and founder of the New York Metro chapter of the Black Pilots of America, building real pipelines into STEM and aviation for the next generation.

We talk leadership, innovation, risk, mentorship, and what it means to prepare communities for the future without leaving anyone behind.

Tune in for a powerful conversation on technology, equity, and legacy.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful and personal episode, the conversation is rooted in friendship, purpose, and a lifelong commitment to education.

Retired NYPD executive  Corey Pegues sits down with his longtime friend and high school classmate Dr. Crystal Bonds, who retired after a distinguished career as a New York City Public School Principal and Superintendent. Long before leadership titles and public service careers, their journey began as students walking the halls of Andrew Jackson High School.

Dr. Bonds reflects on her decades of service in public education, sharing insights on student advocacy, educational equity, leadership in complex systems, and the responsibility educators carry in shaping future generations. Together, they discuss how their shared roots influenced their values, the importance of community schools, and why education remains one of the most powerful tools for social change.

This episode is a thoughtful, inspiring look at legacy, leadership, and the lifelong impact of educators who show up every day for children and communities.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this powerful episode of Corey’s Corner, retired NYPD executive Corey Pegues  sits down with Chris Alexander, Executive Director of the New York State Conference of the NAACP, to discuss the evolving fight for civil rights in New York. Chris shares his journey from policy architect to statewide civil rights leader, his role in launching New York’s cannabis market, and why equity must remain at the center of reform. From criminal justice transformation to community empowerment, this conversation dives deep into what leadership looks like in this moment—and what the future demands.

Support the show