Impact Play with Dr. J

What happens when storytelling becomes a tool for advocacy, leadership, and real change? On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, Dr. J sits down with Lynn Tramonte, founder of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, for a powerful conversation about immigration advocacy, grassroots organizing, nonprofit leadership, and the human stories behind public policy.

Lynn shares how growing up in rural Medina County shaped her understanding of racism and systemic injustice, how her work in Washington, D.C. led her into nonprofit advocacy, and how one case involving a nursing mother detained by ICE ultimately helped spark the Ohio Immigrant Alliance. The conversation explores why lived experience matters, why personal stories can move people in ways policy language often cannot, and how grassroots organizations can create meaningful change—even without massive budgets.

Dr. J and Lynn also discuss nonprofit funding and mission creep, individual giving versus foundation support, immigration courts and asylum, media representation, burnout, therapy, joy, and why the people who have experienced the immigration system firsthand must be recognized as experts.

LINKS & CONTACT INFORMATION
Ohio Immigrant Alliance
https://ohioimmigrant.org
Learn more about the organization, get involved, or make a donation. 

Ohio Is My Second Country Coloring Book
https://ohioimmigrant.org/second-country
Available for individual and bulk orders. Educators and librarians can also access discounted copies and free coloring pages.

Bulk Coloring Book Orders
[email protected] 

Ohio Is Home Resource Hub
Visit the Ohio Immigrant Alliance website for resources on immigrant rights, protester and observer rights, and guidance for schools, businesses, service providers, and community members.

Ohio Immigrant Hotline Visit https://ohioimmigrant.org for current hotline phone and email information, immigration questions, referrals, speakers, and legal-resource guidance.

IMPACT PLAY WITH DR. J
Real Stories. Real People. Real Impact.
Follow Impact Play with Dr. J on Instagram: @impactplaydrj
Connect with Dr. J: Find Dr. Franceska Jones on Instagram.

Subscribe to Impact Play for conversations at the intersection of leadership, philanthropy, nonprofit impact, community, faith, sports, business, and social change.

What is Prince Hall Masonry—and why is it so often misunderstood? In this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J., I sit down with Hon. Maurio D. Powell, the 67th Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the myths and misconceptions surrounding Prince Hall Masonry.

Together, we explore the organization's rich history, its commitment to leadership, mentorship, community service, and the timeless values that have shaped generations of men dedicated to making a difference.

Whether you're curious about Prince Hall Masonry, passionate about leadership, or interested in building a lasting legacy, this conversation offers valuable lessons on service, authenticity, and community impact.

What if the most painful chapter of your life became the foundation for changing thousands of lives? In this powerful episode of Impact Play with Dr. J., Holly Jackson shares her extraordinary journey from surviving trauma to founding Walls of Love, a movement dedicated to restoring dignity, hope, and compassion to people experiencing homelessness and hardship across the country. What started with one simple act of kindness has grown into a movement serving communities in 36 states, providing coats, socks, hygiene products, winter gear, and hope to those who need it most.

Holly opens up about resilience, forgiveness, mental health, leadership, and the power of choosing purpose over pain. She also shares the incredible story behind earning a Guinness World Record for the largest sock collection in support of those experiencing homelessness. This conversation is a reminder that one person truly can make a difference.

Connect with Holly Jackson & Walls of Love

Walls of Love
Facebook: Walls of Love
Instagram: @walls_of_love
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Impact Play with Dr. J. 🎙

Subscribe for inspiring conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, changemakers, athletes, and community builders making an impact.
📧 [email protected]
📱 Follow: @ImpactPlayDrJ

What does real leadership look like? In this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, Dr. J sits down with Rachel Ciomcia, Chief Program & Impact Officer, and Maya Smith, Director of Early Career Programs at the Cleveland Leadership Center to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions about leadership—that it's defined by a title. Together, they discuss how leadership is built through service, listening, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to making your community better.

From developing future civic leaders to creating opportunities for professionals at every stage of their careers, Rachel and Maya share practical insights on how anyone can lead with purpose and make a lasting impact. Whether you're an entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, student, or professional looking to grow your influence, this conversation will encourage you to take the next step in your leadership journey. 

Learn More 🌐 Cleveland Leadership Center: https://www.cleveleads.org

Explore leadership opportunities, including:
OnBoard Cleveland 
Spark Leadership Conference
Civic Pitch
Lunch Break Series

Connect with Our Guests:
Rachel Ciomcia
Chief Program & Impact Officer
Cleveland Leadership Center 

Maya Smith
Director of Early Career Programs
Cleveland Leadership Center

Impact Play with Dr. J explores the inspiring journey of entrepreneurs Curtis Williams and Candace Maiden, founders of Squash the Beef, a Northeast Ohio vegan comfort food brand. This episode highlights their story of faith, perseverance, community impact, and innovative food solutions that resonate beyond just food — they serve healing and cultural representation.

If this episode motivated you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone passionate about community impact through entrepreneurship. Join us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite platform. Follow Impact Play with Dr. J to stay inspired and informed on purpose-driven leadership and community transformation. Remember, impact starts with a single idea, meal, or act of service — and the real legacy is in how we serve and uplift our communities. Curtis and Candace exemplify that by transforming food and faith into powerful tools for healing, representation, and sustainable growth.  https://youtu.be/a3UrpCFdZoA

What happens when an athlete decides their greatest victory isn't on the court—but in the community? This week on Impact Play with Dr. J, we're joined by Danaea "Coach Nae" Benton—former professional basketball player, Hall of Fame athlete, entrepreneur, mentor, and founder of YES Enrichment Services, Naetivate Sportswear, and Naetivate Training. After being inducted into the Central State University Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Danaea discovered a renewed purpose: investing in the next generation. Today, she uses basketball as a platform to develop confidence, leadership, discipline, and life skills in young people.

In this episode we discuss:
● Turning athletic success into lasting community impact 
● Why mentorship matters just as much as skill development
● Building a purpose-driven business from the ground up 
● Entrepreneurship in youth sports
● Empowering young girls through Naetivate Sportswear 
● The importance of representation, leadership, and giving back
● How free camps, reading initiatives, and shoe drives are changing lives

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, coach, parent, educator, or community leader, this conversation is packed with inspiration and practical leadership lessons. Leadership. Legacy. Community. That's what Impact Play is all about.

Connect with Danaea "Coach Nae"
🌐 www.Naetivate.com
Instagram: @naetivate_
Founder of:
 • YES Enrichment Services
 • Naetivate Sportswear
 • Naetivate Training

About Impact Play with Dr. J Impact Play with Dr. J is a multimedia platform amplifying voices that create meaningful impact across sports, leadership, business, education, faith, culture, and community. Every conversation is designed to move beyond accomplishments and uncover the stories that inspire change. Watch. Listen. Connect.  

Danaea Benton
Coach Nae
Naetivate
Naetivate Training
Naetivate Sportswear
Women's Basketball
Youth Basketball
Basketball Training
Sports Leadership
Female Entrepreneur
Women in Sports
Community Leadership
Mentorship
Leadership Podcast
Youth Development
Athlete Success
Entrepreneur Podcast
Impact Play
Impact Play with Dr J
Sports Podcast
Ohio Podcast
Community Impact
Women Business Owners

*A story of promise, tragedy, accountability, and the journey toward redemption.*  

On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, I sit down with Ray Williams, the former Ohio Mr. Football whose life story is featured in the documentary “Mr. Football: A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph.”

Ray was one of the most talented football players to come out of Northeast Ohio — a standout athlete from Benedictine High School with a future full of possibilities. But in 2004, a tragic incident involving Ray and several teammates resulted in the death of their teammate, forever changing the lives of everyone involved.   Years later, the documentary *Mr. Football* creates space for Ray and those closest to the story to reflect on what happened, the lives impacted, the lessons learned, and the journey forward.  

In this conversation, Ray opens up about:

• The pressure and expectations of being “Mr. Football” Brotherhood and relationships built through the game
• The night that changed everything
• Facing consequences and personal growth
• Healing, forgiveness, and accountability
• Rebuilding life beyond mistakes
• Turning pain into purpose

This episode is a reminder that every person has a story beyond their biggest success — and beyond their hardest moment.   Legacy is not only about where you start. It is also about who you choose to become.   Welcome to *Impact Play.* 

Learn more about: *Mr. Football: A Tale of Tragedy and Triumph* https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/mr-foot...

All major Platforms 

Connect + Watch More Impact Play  
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/53v2PDh...  
YouTube: @ImpactPlayDrJ  

Follow Impact Play with Dr. J
Instagram: @impactplaydrj  
Connect with Dr. Franceska Jones  
Instagram: @franceskajones   All Links: https://linktr.ee/DrJImpact

Subscribe for conversations highlighting real stories, real people, and real impact.

#ImpactPlay #RayWilliams #MrFootball #Redemption #OhioFootball

As co-founder of the Make Them Know Your Name Foundation, Nicole Ward is leading the charge to improve heart health education, expand access to AEDs, and save lives across Ohio. On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, Nicole shares her story of purpose, advocacy, and building lasting change from personal tragedy.

Doran Grant’s story isn’t just about football — it’s about showing up with your full self, every single time. From winning a national championship at Ohio State to playing in the NFL, and now leading young men as head coach at St. Vincent–St. Mary, Doran has stayed rooted in purpose. On this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, he opens up about the mindset that carried him through the highs and lows of pro sports, why he came back to Akron, and how he’s using his platform to build more than just athletes. This one’s about legacy, leadership, and living with intention.

In this episode of Impact Play with Dr. J, we sit down with Mekka Don — former Ohio State football player, attorney-turned-artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist — to explore how he’s redefining success beyond the spotlight. Known for his dynamic career pivot from law to music, Mekka Don has built a brand rooted in culture, empowerment, and giving back. He shares his journey of creating opportunities for others, using music as a platform for change, and why community impact will always be part of his game plan.