Black media has always been the heartbeat of our culture, and the first target when truth gets uncomfortable. In this episode, we speak with Truth Talks, Sarah Fontenot and Demetri Wiley, unapologetic truth tellers. They join me to unpack the ongoing attack on Black media, why cultural ownership matters, and how we reclaim our narratives. This conversation is about power, protection, and the future of our stories.Subscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com

What happens when your calling collides with controversy—and the world is watching? Pastor Sam Collier knows that story all too well. From his departure from Hillsong to the collapse of Story Church, his journey has been marked by painful headlines, personal challenges, and the kind of public scrutiny most leaders never face.Now stepping into a new season as Lead Pastor of Christian Cultural Center Atlanta under the guidance of Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sam is ready to speak openly about redemption, reconciliation, and rebuilding with integrity. In this candid conversation, we dive into the lessons learned, the marriage restored, and his bold vision for a multicultural, multi-generational church that centers healing over hype.This is more than a comeback story. It’s a masterclass in faith, accountability, and what it means to lead with scars, not perfection.

You can follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samcollierSubscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com

LaTisha and Marsau Scott aren’t just reality TV stars, they’re a power couple redefining what Black love, legacy, and leadership look like in real time. On this episode of Leaders & Learners, host and LA County Commissioner Tonya McKenzie sits down with the Love & Marriage: Huntsville stars to unpack life beyond the cameras. From building multi-million-dollar businesses and raising strong kids, to navigating marriage in the spotlight and holding tight to their Greek pride, this conversation is as real as it gets. The Scotts are back, and they’re holding nothing back.

Check out Scholt Industries

Subscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/51644511...

She’s not your typical politician. Councilwoman Paige Kaluderovic went from coaching AYSO and supporting new moms to leading Redondo Beach’s District 3 with bold plans for mental health response, housing, and youth civic engagement. On this episode of Leaders & Learners – South Bay Edition, we get real about what's going on in Redondo Beach, the real status of the South Bay Galleria, getting rid of the Public Safety commission, and the Redondo Beach Pier. Don’t miss this one, it’s local leadership with the heart and hustle of a SHEro.

Kevin Jordan isn’t just selling performance—he’s building a movement. As the founder of Maxxx Performance, he’s turned science-backed supplements into a trusted brand for athletes, fitness warriors, and everyday folks who want more from their health. But behind the muscle is a masterclass in branding, marketing, and storytelling.In this episode, we talk about what it takes to launch a wellness brand from the ground up, how to earn trust in a saturated market, and why Black founders in health and wellness are reshaping the industry. Whether you’re pushing weight or pushing product, this is a conversation about performance and purpose.🎧 Tap in and take notes.#CTRLtheNarrative #LeadersAndLearners #KevinJordan #MaxxxPerformance #BlackOwned #EssenceFest2025 #BrandingInMotion #HealthIsWealth #Athletes #MentalToughness #MindBodySubscribe to the CTRL the Narrative Newsletter: https://tonyamckenziepr.substack.com🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/51644511...

From concert promoter to tech entrepreneur, Allen Sanford has been at the intersection of music, innovation, and cultural impact for over two decades. Allen is the 💫 Founding Partner of BeachLife Grotto💫 Founder of California Surf Club💫 Founder of BeachLife Ranch💫 Founder of BeachLife Festival💫 Co-Founder of The Venice West💫 Investor / CoFounder of Primo Italia💫 Investor / CoFounder of The Rockefeller💫 Co-Founder of The RockefellerIn this episode of Leaders & Learners, South Bay Edition, Commissioner Tonya McKenzie, with her co-hosts Mariam Butler & Paul Moses, sit down with Allen Sanford, and he shares how he turned his passion for music into a platform for ownership and access, shaking up how people experience live events and how artists own their audience. We will get into the business of festivals, the future of ticketing, the impact of entrepreneurship in tech and entertainment, and why who controls the vibe matters just as much as the vibe itself. Join us!

The opening of Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session. Meet some of the panelists of: ~ From Pitch to Partnership~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires~ How Climate Impacts HealthMeet Renaldo DaSilvaSerial Entrepreneur, Mentor, & Executive Leader | Spearheading Growth & Equity in Tech and Education | Champion for Community EmpowermentMeet him in person at Essence Fest! 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/51644511...

The opening of Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session.

Meet some of the panelists of:

~ From Pitch to Partnership

~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires

~ How Climate Impacts Health

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5164451187916800

The opening at Essence Festival 2025 will be dynamic and impactful for entrepreneurs, founders, and funders. Join us as we introduce you to some of the panelists to get you ready for an incredible session.

Meet some of the panelists of:

~ From Pitch to Partnership

~ Creating and Celebrating Next Generation Millionaires

~ How Climate Impacts Health

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5164451187916800

In this episode of Leaders & Learners, we sit down with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal—James B. Duke Distinguished Professor at Duke University, cultural critic, and host of Left of Black. From his roots in the Bronx to shaping the future of Black popular culture, Dr. Neal unpacks the intersections of hip-hop, Black masculinity, and digital media. We explore how he co-teaches the history of hip-hop with Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, his groundbreaking work on illegible Black masculinities, and why he believes in the power of storytelling to disrupt and rebuild. Whether you're a cultural scholar or a hip-hop head, this conversation is a masterclass in critical Black thought. #LeadersAndLearners #MarkAnthonyNeal #LeftOfBlack #HipHopStudies #BlackMasculinity #DigitalCulture