In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with television writer and producer Cooper James. Cooper has written for many well-known shows like Hangin' with Mr.Cooper and The Jamie Foxx Show as well as other shows on major television networks. As an African American male who has successfully established himself in the television and film industry, Cooper is able to offer listeners unique insights into his journey through this industry. From the onset, James traces the beginning of his career trajectory back to a high school English class which he desperately tried to escape. But it was in that class that James found confidence in his writing ability and better learned the importance of doing hard things in order to succeed in life. 

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with revolutionary multi-GRAMMY award winner Kirk Franklin who is one of the most widely recognized and awarded gospel artists, music creators and entrepreneurs of our time. However, both Ted and Kirk’s musical careers take a backseat for most of this engaging conversation. Rather, the two discuss many important social issues including the editing of Kirk’s speech at the Dove GMA awards where he addressed the need for the church community to stand up and be a Christ-like voice in the midst of racial, social and gender inequality in America. 

Kirk also takes the time to share his heart about racism in Christianity and the need for civil discourse between black and white Evangelicals as well as what it means to be a source of support and positive engagement for women speaking out against acts of sexual abuse through the #MeToo movement. The two also cover other varied topics like what it takes to create music that transcends genres and working with “secular” artists like Chance the Rapper. 

Follow Kirk on Twitter & Instagram @kirkfranklin

Find out more about Kirk Franklin & his music: 

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with actor, producer and activist Jesse Lipscombe to discuss several important topics, including racial tensions, the use of racial slurs and other topics in our culture related to racial/gender equality. During their conversation Jesse shares some of the personal challenges he has faced and how he is using his influence to bring much-needed attention to these areas in our culture.

While recognizing that healthy conversations about these topics can be challenging, they discuss the need for making these types of conversations available for everyone in order to educate people on the harm of hatred and bigotry. Jesse also gives the listeners an inside view into the #MakeItAwkward campaign which was designed to combat racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred of all kinds.

Follow Jesse on Twitter & Instagram @thelipscombe

Find out more about Jesse:

http://miasummit.com/team/jesse/

Learn more about the "Make It Awkward Summit":

http://miasummit.com/

In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with political commentator, author, lawyer, educator, activist and tv personality Keith Boykin to hear Keith’s perspective on a number of timely discussion points. During this honest conversation Ted and Keith share in-depth dialogue on many topics, including the current state of our country, racial resentment, the mistreatment of women and minorities, institutional biases and how the country is adapting to the 24-hour news/media cycle as the main source for news and current events.

During the discussion Keith also draws on his personal experiences and diverse career paths to offer his insight into these topics and discuss what he sees as the key ways that we as a country can embrace our values in order to really see the change we desire and become who we really are. Additionally Keith offers helpful insights into the political spectrum from his own experience with and knowledge of political campaigns.

Ted and Keith’s conversation will force you to consider the current state of our country and institutions with the hope that we will all be able to learn from each other’s perspectives to become a better community and people.

Keith is on Twitter at @keithboykin

Keith Boykin’s Website:

https://keithboykin.com/

Keith’s Referenced Books:

https://keithboykin.com/books

In this episode, Ted talks with Cheryl Fortune—talented singer/songwriter, mother and Houston native.The two discuss issues close to her heart, but also relevant to listeners. From discrimination she faces as a black woman in the music industry to being a survivor of domestic violence, Cheryl kindly bears her heart to Ted and listeners. The two share experiences and offer hopeful insight to listeners. With the rise of the MeToo movement and others like it, Ted & Cheryl’s conversation is surely an important one.

Cheryl Fortune’s Website:

In this first episode, Ted speaks with educator Michael Bonner about some ideas that the country and our communities can use to improve our current education system. Many believe our country is dealing with a crisis amid epidemics with school violence, discrimination and ineffective educational philosophies. Michael and Ted discuss these issues and others to review varying methodologies that may help to create a better edcational system for America's children in hopes that a new perspective will bring the much needed answers so many are looking for.

Michael is on twitter and instagram at @michaelbonner_ 

Michael Bonner on Ellen:                                                                                                                                                                                          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN6gKAfEwZ8

Find "Get Up or Give Up" by Michael Bonner:  https://www.amazon.com/Get-Up-Give-Almost-Teaching/dp/1682615871/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522866009&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=get+up+or+get+out+michael+bonner