RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

By Taryell SimmonsSociety & Culture Documentary Business Entrepreneurship Marketing

RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide episodes

June 04 Purpose Over Profit: Mo Cisse on Building a Sustainable Fashion Legacy
Mo Cisse, founder and CEO of Meraki Allure, joins RISE Urban Nation to share his journey of building a sustainable luxury fashion brand that prioritizes quality, purpose, and environmental responsibility. In an industry driven by fast fashion, Mo chose a different path—focusing on made-to-order clothing, ethical manufacturing, and environmental impact. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and how to build a brand that reflects your values while creating lasting change.

Resources & Mentions
🌐 Website: https://www.MerakiAllure.com
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakiallure/
🌱 Environmental Partner: https://www.edenproject.com/mission

Episode Contributors
Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Mo Cisse
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
1 hr 3 min
June 01 Built for Women on the Go: How Melody Shari Turned Passion into a Multi-Million-Dollar Beauty Brand
What happens when efficiency meets effectiveness? Melody Shari built Seventh Avenue Beauty for women on the go—creating skincare and beauty products that deliver results with minimal time. In this episode, learn how Melody leveraged authentic marketing, community connection, and product clarity to expand across skincare, body, haircare, kids, cosmetics, and apparel—without losing balance or purpose.
MELODY SHARI RODGERS

Dr. Melody Shari Rodgers is a multi-millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist who has continued to establish a large national fan base in the millions due to her style, resilience, vibrant personality, and her prowess in business, fashion, beauty and real estate. As a star on the popular show Love & Marriage: Huntsville, the mother of four has taken people through her journey and challenges, showing how she has overcome life's obstacles to emerge bigger and better. A woman who is always inspired to action, Melody is currently teaching master classes in real estate and business, making her mark in fashion through her electric women's collection with celebrity stylist J. Bolin, trending in the beauty industry with her skin care line Seventh Avenue Beauty. In March, Melody was honored at the inaugural Goli Gala hosted by Goli Nutrition and TikTok for "Best Celebrity Shoppable Live." Additionally, she recently became the first Reality TV star to have ownership in a Network, with the launch of Nubian TV, and she won the Silver Award for Best Reality Series at the 46th Annual Telly Awards for the show Charnita's World.

Melody prides herself on effectively leveraging the power of relationships, and coupling that with her fierce drive, work ethic, and desire to make an impact in the lives of others. She serves as the chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce in her hometown, and is an advisor to the College of Business and Public Affairs at her alma mater, Alabama A&M University. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Melody fully embraces the call to excellence, and exemplifies what it means to truly be a servant leader.

Website: https://seventhavenuebeauty.net/
Instagram:https://seventhavenuebeauty.net/
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@melodyshari11
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@seventhavenuebeauty
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
38 min
May 19 Relentless Excellence: Phillip Hogan on Marketing, Mastery & Building a Legacy That Lasts
Phillip Hogan, CEO of Signing Services of America and author of Relentless Excellence, returns to RISE Urban Nation to share powerful insights on building a marketing strategy that drives real connection and results. This episode explores entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, and how to turn life’s toughest challenges into a foundation for lasting success.

Resources & Mentions
🌐 Website: https://www.philliphogan.com
📘 Book: Relentless Excellence
🎙️ Podcast: Closing Market Weekly

Episode Contributors
Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Phillip Hogan
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
1 hr 23 min
May 05Raising Our Kings: How Anya Owensbrown Turned Fear Into a Movement
OUR KINGS was born from grief, fear, and love — and grew into a movement. In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, Anya Owensbrown shares the powerful story behind OUR KINGS, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the brilliance of Black boys and supporting the families raising them. From Mommy & King to Kings to Kings, this conversation explores community, belonging, identity, and what it truly means to raise Kings in today’s world.
Anya bio:
I’m Anya Owensbrown — an early childhood educator, a mom of five, and the founder of OUR KINGS. This work started from something real: looking at my own sons and realizing the world didn’t always see them the way I do. I noticed there was a gap — no one was pouring into our boys early, during those critical years from birth to 13.

So I created OUR KINGS.

We celebrate, support, and uplift Black boys from the beginning. We build a village around them — one that shows them they’re worthy of joy, protection, and a strong foundation. We do this by partnering with schools and community organizations, running in-school programs, and offering yearly membership options that keep our boys connected, engaged, and growing, building a strong brotherhood and an united village.

And when we say KINGS, we mean it: Kind, Intelligent, Noble, Gifted Sons of Queens and Kings. THAT’S WHO THEY ARE— and that’s how we treat them.

Because I’m a mother, I understand how important it is to have a village, so we have created a just that by supporting families by giving them the tools and knowledge to advocate for their sons — especially when navigating health care, the education system, or the justice system. Because strong boys need strong support, and no parent should have to figure it out alone.

This isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a movement grounded in love and built for real impact. We start young, stay consistent, and never let them forget how powerful they are. That Black boy joy is real and they deserve every bit of it
Media:
Website: Ourkings.org

Instagram: ourkingsanonprofit

TikTok: ourkingsanonprofit

Facebook: OUR KINGS

email: [email protected] (inquiries sponsorships )

[email protected] ( volunteer, collaborations, partnership opportunities)

BBJOY to 53555 to donate

Resources & Links:
🌐 Website: https://ourkings.org
📧 Contact: [email protected]
Credits:
Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Anya Owensbrown
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
52 min
April 21 Black Bliss & Building Beyond the Classroom: R. Preston Clark on Storytelling, Mentorship & Narrative Power
How do you create a career in education beyond institutional walls? R. Preston Clark joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss his book Black Bliss Volume 1, the emotional complexity of Black male storytelling, and how creators can use social media and podcasting to control their narrative. This conversation explores mentorship, literature, identity, and building platforms that shape culture.
Resources & Mentions:
📘 Get the book:
Black Bliss Volume 1
👉 rprestonclark.com
📚 Club FBS — Book Club & Mentorship for Black Males
Episode Contributors:
Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: R. Preston Clark
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
1 hr 6 min
April 13 Beyond Survival Mode: Leading with Care Through Job Loss, Uncertainty & Change
About Jessica:
Jessica Smith is a distinguished human resources leader with over 13 years of experience, as an expert voice for your upcoming stories on the current job market.
Jessica's extensive background in HR innovation, particularly in the tech industry with companies like Amazon, AWS, and Meta, positions her uniquely to discuss the intersection of stress, job uncertainty, and the evolving workplace. Her role as the Director of Global Diversity and People Experiences at Meta has equipped her with the insights needed to navigate and address stress-related challenges in diverse work environments.
With a bilingual International MBA from IESE Business School and a BS in finance from Hampton University, Jessica offers a global perspective on how organizations can implement strategies to mitigate stress and foster resilience among employees. Her experience across major U.S. and European cities further enriches her understanding of diverse workplace cultures and stress management practices.
Resources & Mentions:
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmithm
Credits:
Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Jessica Smith
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
45 min
March 31 From Athlete to Author: How Angela Lewis Uses Sports, Storytelling & Leadership to Transform Lives
In this inspiring episode of RISE Urban Nation, former professional athlete, author, and global youth coach Angela Lewis shares how sports became a powerful vehicle for healing, leadership, and personal growth. Angela breaks down her impactful V6 framework, the importance of representation in children’s books, and why using your voice is essential to creating change.
Angela also shares exciting news about her latest children’s book, A Ball and A Chance — a story inspired by her journey through basketball and travel, written to empower young readers who may feel different and remind them that confidence and courage can open doors.
Listeners can grab a copy here:
👉 https://angelarlewis.com/store/pre-order-a-ball-and-a-chance
Signed copies are also available upon request. In addition, 10% of proceeds support a nonprofit each month, making every purchase part of a larger impact.
This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, coaches, parents, and young leaders looking to build confidence, purpose, and lasting change.

Credits:
Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Angela Lewis
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation Media
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
34 min
March 10 Trapped in Their Script: Agatha Peters on Healing, Growth, and Rewriting Your Story
BIO:
A Nigerian-American psychotherapist, Agatha Peters is the founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy and the author of Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents & Cultural Expectations. She is dedicated to helping adult children of narcissistic parents, especially those from collectivist cultures, where family loyalty often overshadows individual well-being. Having experienced the healing power of therapy herself, she is passionate about helping others discover the same transformation and offers guidance on embracing one’s identity while respecting cultural ties.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Website: https://beautifulsunshinetherapy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agatha-peters-6209659a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19AW9BHBNM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulsunshinetherapy?igsh=amR0dGhkbXVtbWQ1&utm_source=qr

Credits:
Host: Taryell Simmons
Guest: Agatha Peters
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
54 min
February 17Our Stories Over hiStories: Alabama, Ancestral Alignment & The Fire Horse Pivot
Alabama Changed Something.
In this solo reflection, Taryell shares how visiting Alabama — walking through civil rights landmarks and standing in ancestral spaces — clarified the next chapter of RISE Urban Nation.

This episode explores:
Why storytelling is not entertainment — it’s resistance
How systems change when communities reclaim narrative power
The cultural significance of aligning with the Lunar New Year
The transition from the Year of the Snake (shedding) to the Year of the Fire Horse (bold forward movement)
Why Season Five intentionally ended at the New Year
The five-year anniversary evolution of RISE Urban Nation
The launch of a new message for 2026: Our Stories Over hiStories

In a time when Black voices are being stripped from textbooks, monuments, and mainstream media, this episode reaffirms podcasting as modern-day griot work — oral tradition at scale.

🔥 What’s Coming in 2026
RISE Urban Nation will expand beyond interviews to help entrepreneurs and leaders:
Get featured on aligned podcasts that amplify their mission
Launch their own podcasts and control their narrative
Use media and storytelling to 10X brand visibility and impact
Learn from guest hosts and media experts who have scaled through podcasting

This isn’t just a podcast anymore.

It’s narrative infrastructure.

👕 Coming Soon
New 2026 apparel drop:
Our Stories Over hiStories

Because history is often told by those who won and far too often leaves out the real boots-on-the-ground stories.

We’re reclaiming the narrative.

🌅 Reflection Questions
What story of yours needs to be told before someone tells it for you?
What are you shedding as we close the Year of the Snake?
What bold movement are you stepping into during the Year of the Fire Horse?

🎙️ EPISODE CONTRIBUTORS
Host: Taryell Simmons
Podcast: RISE Urban Nation
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation Media
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
10 min
February 17(Bonus Episode) Live from Encanto: Shawn McClondon on Equity, Sister Cities & Building Sustainable Community Power
About This Episode
Recorded live at the Encanto Experience, this bonus episode captures a powerful conversation on equity, economic empowerment, and community-driven transformation. Host Taryell Simmons and co-host Zeke Corley of Same Business Different Day Podcast sit down with Shawn McClondon, founder of the Sister Cities Project, the nonprofit organization supporting the Encanto Experience.
Shawn shares how he pioneered formal partnerships between affluent and underserved communities, fostering cultural understanding and sustainable economic development. Through the Sister Cities Project ecosystem, he harmonizes workforce development, community connection, and business growth initiatives designed to uplift underserved communities of color.
He also discusses:
The strategic vision behind (Eco)Hub, (Eco)Exchange, and (Eco)Agency
Leading over 40 social justice, DEI, and racial equity discussions
Building cross-sector partnerships throughout San Diego County and nationally
Why equity must move from dialogue to structural transformation
This episode also celebrates the Encanto Experience as a culturally rooted professional development space where community, creativity, and commerce intersect.
Special thanks to Brooke Collins, the powerhouse organizer behind the Encanto Experience, and to Marathon Barbershop on Imperial Avenue for hosting this live recording in a space filled with art, culture, and legacy.
If you’re watching this episode on YouTube, take a moment to appreciate the artwork behind us. If you’re listening, we’ve included links below so you can experience Encanto next year.

Learn More
Sister Cities Project: HERE
Encanto Experience: HERE
Marathon Barbershop – Imperial Avenue

Episode Contributors
Host: Taryell Simmons
Co-Host: Zeke Corley (Same Business Different Day Podcast)
Guest: Shawn McClondon
Music: Will Maker
Production: RISE Urban Nation Media

Special Acknowledgment:
Brooke Collins – Encanto Experience Organizer
Marathon Barbershop – Venue Host
🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.
If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Stay Connected:
🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com
📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation
🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation
🔗 Linktree: All Links

Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
16 min

About RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

From the publisher's feed

RISE Urban Nation is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural media platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Pan-African voices across the diaspora. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, the show brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success in real time.

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RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide episodes

About RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide