Ms. Wanda's Full Circle Radio

For the final episode of the 2026 Full Circle Men on the Move series, Ms. Wanda sits down with Hakeem Croom — certified life and leadership coach, speaker, educator, entrepreneur, transformational storyteller, author and founder and CEO of Defying All Odds.

Born and raised in Harlem, Hakeem’s life story is one of resilience, determination, faith and purpose. His journey is captured in the documentary Bigger Than Me: The Hakeem Jubal Croom Story, which takes viewers inside the experiences that helped shape the man he is today.

In this deeply personal conversation, Hakeem shares what it was like growing up in Harlem during the 1980s and 1990s, experiencing foster care as a young child, and developing an early sense that there had to be something more for his life.

He talks about the opportunity that changed the trajectory of his life — leaving Harlem at 16 to attend Fishburne Military School in Virginia. There, he discovered that the leadership qualities he had developed growing up could reach far beyond the environment he knew.

Hakeem also opens up about one of the most painful chapters of his story: losing his mother on his first day of college. He shares what gave him the strength to return to school after burying his mother, including the promise he had made to her and the support he received from his teammates and coaches, who were waiting for him when he arrived back at school at 4 a.m.

We also talk about family, fatherhood, vulnerability, faith, Hakeem’s move from Virginia to California, and the calling he feels to use his story to help others see what is possible beyond their circumstances.

And, of course, we talk about Bigger Than Me and why Hakeem felt compelled to turn his life story into a documentary.

Hakeem’s next chapter is his upcoming book, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot: How to Win This Game Called Life and Flourish. Using the childhood game as a metaphor, he explores the “hands” life deals us — and how we can use our experiences, choices and determination to overcome limiting beliefs, pursue our dreams and flourish.

The book is scheduled for release October 14 and is currently available for pre-order.

WATCH + SUPPORT HAKEEM

If this conversation moves you, don’t stop with the podcast.

Watch Bigger Than Me and experience Hakeem’s story for yourself. Then support his next chapter by pre-ordering Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot: How to Win This Game Called Life and Flourish.

Visit hakeemcroom.com to watch the documentary and pre-order the book. Hakeem shared that both are available through his website. This is more than supporting a filmmaker and author. It’s supporting a story of perseverance, purpose and possibility — and helping a story that can inspire someone else reach them.

And that brings us to the close of the 2026 Full Circle Men on the Move series.

If you missed any of the conversations with this year’s Men on the Move, catch them all now and listen to the stories of men who are using their experiences, talents, voices and influence to make an impact.

We’re kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with our friend Reverend Tammie Denyse, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Carrie's Touch, as they celebrate an incredible 20 years of serving Black women and families impacted by breast cancer.

Rev. Tammie shares the personal journey that inspired Carrie's Touch, the importance of making sure Black women are seen and supported throughout their breast cancer journey, and how the organization continues to provide education, advocacy, research and critical resources—including its Rapid Response Program.

We also talk about the next chapter for Carrie's Touch and a very special way to celebrate this milestone:

Dinner with the Youngers
October 23–25 | Celebration Arts, Sacramento

Inspired by A Raisin in the Sun, this powerful production explores family, chronic illness, grief, communication, healing and the importance of having difficult conversations together. It’s also a 20th anniversary celebration and fundraiser supporting the continued work of Carrie's Touch.

Get your tickets and support Carrie's Touch at carriestouch.org.

Twenty years is a remarkable milestone—but the mission continues. As Carrie's Touch says, the journey is “From Dream to Legacy.”

What does it really mean to create a safe community?

This week on Full Circle Men on the Move, Ms. Wanda sits down with Khaalid Muttaqi — Chief Operating Officer of Advance Peace, community safety advocate, and the writer, director and producer of the powerful documentary The Paradox of Safety.

Khaalid shares the personal journey that shaped his life's work, from growing up in a strong Black community in Seaside, California, to dropping out of high school, finding his way back through community college and eventually graduating from UC Berkeley. He talks candidly about the mentors, coaches, teachers and community members who helped keep him grounded — and why he believes today's young people need that same kind of support.

The conversation takes a deeper look at youth violence, childhood trauma, the importance of building relationships with young people, and why Khaalid believes "the relationship is the intervention."

We also talk about his journey into violence prevention in Sacramento, his work with Advance Peace, and what he learned from efforts to address youth gun violence.

Then we get into The Paradox of Safety.

Set in Sacramento, the documentary examines the complicated layers behind community safety, including youth violence, trauma, education, redlining, prevention and the systems that shape our communities. Khaalid explains why he felt it was important to tell this story and why he believes we have to create space to reimagine what safety can look like.

It's a powerful conversation about young people, community, accountability, healing and hope — and a reminder that solutions require relationships, resources, honest conversations and community involvement.

SEE THE FILM

The Paradox of Safety has been selected for the 5th Annual Oak Park Black Film Festival on October 6.

Ms. Wanda has seen the film — and calls it powerful and eye-opening.

If this conversation moves you, don't stop with the podcast. Get your tickets and support the film. Support Khaalid and the local filmmakers who helped bring this Sacramento story to the screen. And stay for the conversation that follows the screening.

Because some stories aren't meant to simply be watched. They're meant to start a conversation.

What happens when life takes you through grief, responsibility, sacrifice and seasons you never expected — and then asks you to figure out who you are on the other side?

In this Men on the Move conversation, Ms. Wanda sits down with Craig C. Carlisle, a father of five, writer, music producer, engineer, podcaster and man of faith.

Nearly 14 years after losing his wife to cancer, Craig opens up about the reality of raising five sons while navigating his own grief. He shares the emotional toll of shutting down, the anger that followed his loss, and the difficult lessons he learned about putting his family first while also losing touch with parts of himself.

The conversation explores grief, healing, faith, fatherhood, purpose and legacy. Craig also reflects on his journey as a father and the importance of preparing the next generation while allowing children to experience life and become who they are meant to be.

Now, with his sons grown and his youngest recently graduating from high school, Craig is entering a new season as an empty nester. He talks about rediscovering himself, reconnecting with his creative gifts and embracing what God has next.

We also highlight music from Craig’s upcoming EP, Lost and Found, a deeply personal record that reflects his journey and the experiences that have shaped him.

From fatherhood and faith to music, healing and finding himself again, Craig’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes a new chapter begins when we least expect it.

*Music from Craig’s upcoming EP, "Lost and Found", is used with permission on this podcast.

In the second installment of the Full Circle Men on theMove series, Ms. Wanda sits down with Sacramento native Attorney George H. Jones, Esquire for a candid conversation about justice, business, legacy, family and service.

George is a criminal defense and civil rights attorney withmore than 40 years of experience in the legal profession. He is also chairman of the board of the California Black Chamber of Commerce and its foundation, where his work includes supporting Black-owned businesses and helping entrepreneurs understand the resources and opportunities available to them.

Topics Discussed: 

     * Law Office of George H. Jones: From Del Paso Heights to the courtroom

       * CA Black Chamber of Commerce: Why Black businesses need to get in the room

        * Estate Planning: Protecting what you've worked to build

   * Lessons on legacy

      * Advice for the next generation

Connect with Attorney George H. Jones

Phone: 888-675-2456
Email: [email protected]
Office: 816 8th Street, Sacramento, CA

Note: The estate-planning discussion is for generalinformational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized legal advice.

The Men on the Move series is back on Full Circle!

Throughout September, each Saturday we'll introduce you to men who are making an impact in their communities—not only through their professional accomplishments, but through their leadership, experiences, values and commitment to making a difference.

We kick off the series with Jay King—President of the California Black Chamber of Commerce, songwriter, entertainer, entrepreneur, radio host and founder of the legendary singing group Club Nouveau. Jay King has made his mark in both the music industry and the business community. He made history on the Billboard Black Music Charts using independent distribution. His career has continued to evolve across music, media, entrepreneurship and community leadership.

In this conversation, Ms. Wanda goes beyond the impressive résumé to get to know the man behind the movement. Jay shares insights about his journey, the people and experiences that shaped him, the importance of independence and ownership, and why understanding Black history matters when we're talking about the future of the Black community.

But this episode isn't all business.

Ms. Wanda gets personal, exploring Jay's values, lessonslearned, sources of joy and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

In This Episode

* Jay's journey from music and entertainment and entrepreneurship and community leadership.

* Founding Club Nouveau and his evolution in the music industry

* The importance of independent artists and independent ownership

* Why Black history is essential to understanding our future

* The importance of Black-owned businesses and economic empowerment

* Jay's thoughts on legacy and what he hopes to leave behind.

If this conversation inspires you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Full Circle — Empowerment Through Conversation.

#FullCircle #MenOnTheMove #JayKing #MsWandasFullCircleRadio#ClubNouveau #BlackBusiness #BlackEntrepreneurship #IndependentArtists#BlackHistory #EconomicEmpowerment #Sacramento

On this episode of Full Circle, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with our longtime partners at Sierra Donor Services (SDS).

Ms. Wanda sits down with Cristian Morales, Senior External Affairs Coordinator, to talk about the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, his personal connection to organ donation, and why increasing awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation is especially important in Latino communities.

We also welcome Torreyana “Torrey” Tripette, the new External Affairs Director for Sierra Donor Services, as she shares her background, her passion for community engagement and her vision for her new role. Torrey brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, healthcare outreach, community relations and nonprofit engagement to her work advancing the life-saving mission of donation.

The conversation addresses some of the barriers that can affect donor registration, the importance of family conversations, and how one donor can make a tremendous difference—saving up to eight lives through organ donation and improving up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

As Full Circle continues its long-standing partnership with Sierra Donor Services, this episode is a reminder that community, culture, generosity and education can help save lives.

Learn more and register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor:
Sierra Donor Services: https://sierradonor.org
Donate Life: https://registerme.org

Listen, share and join the conversation.

What happens when food, culture, community, and entrepreneurship come together? There’s a seat at the table for everyone.

On this episode of Ms. Wanda’s Full Circle Radio, I’m joined by Melissa Muganzo, Founder of Mindy’s Kitchen, Ling Luc, Chief Marketing Officer for Mindy's Kitchen and Sydni R. Bell, founder of Naturals Night Out, to talk about the 2nd Annual Salad and Sip Soirée—a unique collaboration celebrating food, connection, culture, and Black women entrepreneurship.

We talk about the journeys behind their businesses, the importance of creating intentional spaces for women, the power of collaboration over competition, and what it means for Black women entrepreneurs to build businesses while creating community.

The Salad and Sip Soirée is presented by Mindy’s Kitchen in partnership with Naturals Night Out and hosted at Ever After Wine in Elk Grove.

About the businesses:

Mindy’s Kitchen is a Black woman-founded, Sacramento-based food business offering fresh, plant-based, dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free meals designed with the woman on the go in mind.
Visit: Mindy’s Kitchen

Naturals Night Out, founded by Sydni R. Bell, creates intentional experiences celebrating women through natural hair, beauty, culture, and shared experiences. Their gatherings are designed to help women feel seen, affirmed, connected, and empowered.
Visit: Naturals Night Out

Ever After Wine, founded by Nadia Mincey and Kelly Rhodes, is a story-inspired wine bar and shop in Elk Grove focused on natural and low-intervention wines, shared plates, and community-centered experiences. Although Nadia was unable to join us for the interview, we’re excited to highlight the beautiful space she and Kelly have created and the role Ever After Wine plays in this collaboration.
Visit: Ever After Wine

Want to attend the 2nd Annual Salad Soirée?

Sunday, September 6, 2026
12:00–6:00 PM
Ever After Wine | Elk Grove, CA

There are two attendance windows: 12:00–3:00 PM or 3:00–6:00 PM.

Get your tickets/reserve your spot:
https://www.mindyskitchen.com/

Listen, enjoy, and then share this episode with someone who believes in the power of Black women, collaboration, and community.

Full Circle — Empowerment Through Conversation.

This week on Full Circle, Ms. Wanda welcomes back playwright, director, actor and educator Anthony D’Juan for a conversation about his creative journey and his new play, Us & The Rest of ’Em, making its world premiere at Celebration Arts September 11–27.

Written in 2021, the play explores the everyday lives of a Black Sacramento family—love, conflict, generational dynamics and the challenges of growing up—without centering the story on racism or tragedy.

Anthony talks about:

• His journey as a playwright, director, actor and educator

• The inspiration behind Us & The Rest of ’Em

• His philosophy of directing and creating authentic characters

• The importance of trust, collaboration and integrity in theater

• What audiences don't see behind the scenes

• The realities of live theater when things don't go according to plan

• His growing interest in musical theater and film

• Why he believes theater is work, art and local culture

Plus, Anthony takes on Ms. Wanda's Rapid Fire questions, revealing his favorite role, favorite playwright and his one-word description of Sacramento's theater scene.

Listen now to the full conversation —and then support Sacramento theater by getting your tickets to Us & The Rest of ’Em, September 11–27 at Celebration Arts.

THE INTERNET DOESN’T REWARD HIDDEN EXPERTISE.

And if you listened to Saturday's Full Circle, you know exactly what Jessica Walker meant.

What a conversation!!!

For TWO HOURS, Jessica Walker aka @jawspeaksdigital took us inside the world of digital strategy, content creation, visibility, AI, storytelling, personal branding, monetization and the business of being seen.

And this wasn't “just post more” advice.

Jessica is an award-winning digital media strategist, entrepreneur, speaker and founder of Jawspeaksdigital who has worked with organizations and brands to grow their digital footprint.

Her own content has generated millions of views.

She has posted 3,000+ videos online.

And she understands something every entrepreneur, expert and creator needs to understand:

Your expertise has value—but people have to know it exists.

We talked about what to do when you're stuck.

What to do when you're procrastinating.

How to figure out what to create.

How to capture attention.

How to use AI without losing your authenticity.

How to build visibility.

How to turn expertise into influence.

And ultimately…

How to turn visibility into opportunity and revenue.

If you missed this conversation, don't worry.

It's HERE!!!

Because this was more than a conversation about social media.

It was a conversation about the future of work, business, influence and economic opportunity.

And Jessica gave us plenty to think about.

Stop hiding your expertise.

The world needs what you know.

#FullCircle #JessicaWalker #JawspeaksDigital #DigitalStrategy #ContentCreation #PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #DigitalMedia