Join Dre and Smiley as they sit down with Ulric, Executive Director of Surge Chicago, whose inspiring journey stretches from the classroom as a Chicago Public School teacher to leading transformative change in education across the city. With over 15 years of experience, Ulric shares his story of dismantling systemic barriers, building strategic partnerships, and using mission-driven leadership to expand opportunities for K-12 students. Recognized as one of Chicago’s top young professionals, Ulric brings a unique blend of expertise—holding master’s degrees in political science, education, and business administration—and a deep love for Chicago’s culture, food, and local arts scene. Tune in for a conversation full of actionable insights, powerful stories, and a celebration of education’s impact on communities!

This week, Dre and Smiley sit down with Ryan MacDonald—a 20-year Air Force veteran turned Principal Incident Responder and Cybersecurity Lead for a global manufacturing giant. Ryan shares insights on transitioning from military to corporate cyber defense, the unique challenges of protecting manufacturing infrastructure, and breaking down the latest cyber threats like AI-driven malware, supply chain attacks, and deepfake social engineering. As a live TikTok host (@cyber_warrior76), Ryan opens up about mentoring future IT pros and growing cybersecurity awareness in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Tune in for high-impact lessons, actionable advice, and real stories from the frontlines of cyber resilience.

In this electrifying episode of "Dre & Smiley," we sit down with Michael Dardant—New Orleans' own magical maestro—fresh off making history on “Penn & Teller: Fool Us.” Broadcast nationwide on The CW Network on March 21st, 2025, Dardant’s mind-bending illusion stumped the legendary duo, earning him the coveted “FU Trophy” and a dream spot as the opening act for Penn & Teller’s world-renowned Las Vegas show. We dive deep into Michael’s creative magic process, his love for New Orleans, and what it felt like to pull off the “impossible” on national TV. Tune in for inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and a few magical surprises!

Step into an inspiring episode of the Dre and Smiley Podcast as we sit down with the remarkable Mya Garvin, an independent author from Philadelphia whose love of storytelling blossomed from childhood scribbles to publishing nine books before turning 23. Mya opens up about her journey—how she gave her dream a real shot during her freshman year of college, boldly releasing her debut Secure: The Company You Keep. We dive deep into her mission to explore themes of love, vulnerability, and connection through romance, and how honing her purpose made her stories shine.

But the passion doesn’t stop at the page. Discover how Mya and her creative partner (and spouse) have expanded their artistic world, turning the lens on new avenues in photography, videography, and their joint podcast Soulfull Discussions. Mya shares how staying true to her faith guides every project and how walking in alignment fuels her ever-evolving artistry. Whether you're a writer, a dreamer, or seeking soulful inspiration—this conversation is for you.

IG: @shereadmymind TT: @myatheeauthor YT: Soulfull Discussions

Join Dre and Smiley for a powerful episode featuring Julio, CEO of bioaccess®—the leading contract research organization driving Medtech clinical research in Latin America. Julio unpacks why LATAM is becoming the next global hotspot for medtech innovation, how his career—from engineering to global leadership—shapes his unique vision, and what Medtech companies need to know to break into this fast-growing region.

Discover inspiring stories, market insights, and actionable strategies for anyone invested in the future of health technology, clinical trials, and innovation.

In this episode of Dre & Smiley – The Inner Circle, we sit down with Arizona-based powerhouse entrepreneur Jimmy Rios, the man behind multiple ventures including Rios Business Advisors, Rios Business Funding LLC, Rios Financial Group, and Next Level Credit. Jimmy shares how he went from humble beginnings to creating an empire rooted in credit empowerment, business funding, and real estate strategy.

We dive into how Jimmy helps clients build business credit after bankruptcy, secure non-recourse funding, and expand into international markets like Mexico and Colombia. He also shares his vision for generational wealth and the mindset it takes to go from “Eye Level to High Level.”

Whether you're rebuilding credit, launching a business, or leveling up your legacy, Jimmy delivers practical gems and motivational fuel to help you scale with purpose.

🧠 Topics Covered:

• From broken credit to business owner
• The power of non-recourse funding
• Legacy-building through RiosCard.com
• Real estate opportunities beyond borders
• Personal branding and financial freedom

🎧 Don’t miss this one—press play and level up!

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Jacey and Matt, the authors of "My Darlin' John," to delve into the uncomfortable truths of losing a loved one to mental health struggles and the profound aftermath left behind. Matt’s deeply personal narrative offers an unflinching look at grief, the shifting dynamics within families, and the heavy stigma that often surrounds mental health and tragic loss. Together, we explore the raw, unspoken suffering that can lead to such heartbreaking outcomes and discuss why fostering open, honest dialogue is essential for healing and understanding. Join us for a conversation that’s as necessary as it is difficult—one that aims to break the silence and bring hope to those who need it most.

What if your toddler could grasp the value of money before they even enter kindergarten? In this episode, we sit down with Kelly Lee, author and illustrator of the Little Economists series—a set of children's books designed to teach financial literacy in a fun, engaging way.

Kelly shares her journey from Ivy League computer science major to quantitative trader to children's book creator, and why she believes financial education should start the moment a child sees you swipe your card at the store. We talk about how to make complex concepts like saving, spending, and investing relatable to kids, and how parents and caregivers can start meaningful money conversations early.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just passionate about financial education, this conversation will change the way you think about kids and money.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dominique Luster — storyteller, archivist, and founder of The Luster Company — whose life’s work is centered on preserving and elevating the voices of the Black diaspora. From her tenure as the Teenie Harris Archivist at the Carnegie Museum of Art to consulting with The King Center and the Getty Foundation, Dominique has become a torchbearer for Black-centered narratives.

We explore her unique journey from museum halls to TED stages, her philosophy on memory as a form of resistance, and why archival work is not just about the past, but shaping our collective future. If you've ever wondered how stories survive — and who gets to tell them — this conversation will stay with you.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• Why storytelling is a radical act of preservation
• The behind-the-scenes of building The Luster Company
• How institutions can better honor marginalized histories
• The emotional weight of Black archival work
• What Dominique believes the future of history looks like

🔗 Tap in. This one’s more than a conversation — it’s a calling.

Get ready to travel smarter! In this episode, Julia Menez shares her journey from actuary to top-tier points strategist and explains how Geobreeze Travel flips the script on traditional travel hacking.

Listen in as she covers:

• Her pivot during the pandemic and building a brand rooted in collaboration geobreezetravel.com+11wiredforyouth.com+11investormama.com+11geobreezetravel.commedia.loyaltystatus.com+2geobreezetravel.com+2hurdygurdytravel.com+2hurdygurdytravel.com+1media.loyaltystatus.com+1chrishutchins.comgeobreezetravel.com
• Why financial stability must come before chasing points media.loyaltystatus.com
• Techniques like stacking, buyers clubs, and hotel VIP upgrades chrishutchins.com+1geobreezetravel.com+1
• Stories of students saving tens of thousands using her methods 
• The hidden perks you get beyond free flights

This is the ultimate guide for anyone who wants to go from beginner to savvy points traveler—without falling into risky credit card patterns. Tune in and start planning your next big trip…on a small budget 🎉