What happens when your hairline calls it quits before you do? In this episode, I peel back the layers, literally and figuratively, on Black men’s relationship with our hair, identity, and confidence. I started losing my hair at 20 years old while I was at Morehouse, back when there was a strict no-hats policy. No cover-ups, no excuses. Just me, my scalp, and a new reality I wasn’t ready for. I talk about what it’s like to go bald early, how it shapes your confidence, and why I think every Black man needs to have this conversation. Expect honesty, a little humor and a few bald head truths along the way. This one’s for every brother learning to let go and laugh while doing it.

I didn’t plan to witness a murder. I didn’t plan to feel it settle in my body or to clean up blood and brain matter from the street outside my home. But I did. And this episode isn’t a comeback story or a tidy reflection. It’s me, a Black man, months later, still figuring out what it means to carry something I never asked for. I talk about what happened, the early days that followed, and the moment I found myself calming down an angry father at the scene of a car accident just blocks away. I couldn’t take any more violence. I see now how I jumped into action for others, how I knew what was needed in the moment, and how that led to a question from my therapist that still echoes: “How can you show up for yourself the way you show up for everyone else?” This episode is about that question and the long, messy road of healing. About what violence leaves behind, even when the world moves on. Let’s talk about it.

In this episode, I chop it up with my brother Dr. Logan Northcutt, fellow Morehouse man, chemist, and proud North Carolinian. From a high school call that sparked our connection to navigating canceled programs and career uncertainty, we trace Logan’s path from small-town roots to carving out space in science and beyond. We talk about what Morehouse gave us, how success and identity can pull in different directions, and what it means to push through when the path gets unclear. This one is about brilliance, Black identity, and showing up even when the ground shifts. You’ll feel this.

At Chapel Hill, our paths converged—two Black men forging our way through academia and bias, and emerging as scientists with a story to tell. I sit down with my brother, Dr. Patrick McCarter, to reflect on the good times competing on the court, and to explore how the grind of the lab and confronting bias led us to therapy and the healing that comes with it. In this intimate conversation, we reclaim our narrative, celebrate resilience, and uncover the strength in owning our journey.

Season 2 of the Grab Your Y podcast opens with a tribute to my grandfather, Papa—a man who lived an uncomplicated yet extraordinary life. Born in 1931 in rural eastern North Carolina, he overcame countless challenges to become the first in his family to graduate from college in 1954. In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with my mom and aunts to reflect on his journey as a Black man navigating a changing world, his quiet resilience, and the profound impact of a life lived with purpose, integrity, and unwavering commitment to family.

Join us for the Season 1 finale of the Grab Your Y podcast with De'Andre Cherry, a Physicist and Nanoengineer from the Bay Area. From our days at Morehouse College, to navigating the game of life, Cherry shares his unique perspective on being a Black man, pursuing the highest form of himself, and the profound influence of his hometown, Oakland. This is one of the coldest episodes, filled with endless gems and wisdom. So tune in and get some game from Oakland’s finest. Ism!

Step into the world of Dr. Michael Johnson, a mentor, Associate Professor and Dean with a unique story. From his musical roots and leadership as head drum major at Duke to his unexpected transition into science, Michael's journey is a fascinating blend of art and academia. In this episode, we traverse Michael's diverse path, exploring the defining moment that steered him toward a scientific career. Join us as we explore Michael’s upbringing on the south side of Chicago, the world of STEM, the power of mentorship, and the unique experiences and advantages of being a Black man in biomedical research.

North Carolina natives? Check. Tar Heels? Check. In this episode, we explore Cedric Brown's journey to authenticity, with insights into his experiences as a Black queer man. Rooted in both the divine and his personal determination, he sheds light on the importance of granting oneself the freedom to be true. Our conversation delves into the dynamics of relationships between gay Black men and their straight counterparts and the significance of balancing masculine and feminine energies. Join us as we navigate identity, masculinity, and the power of being true to oneself with everybody's favorite uncle, Cedric Brown. 

Join me and Quintin Boykins, my partner in crime since middle school, as we dive into the undervalued curiosity of Black children, the importance of context in understanding our worth, the unique experiences of attending an HBCU (shout-out to NC A&T State University) and therapy. This episode is a blend of laughter, reflection, and the enduring bond of old friends.