"wretched james baldwin quote in music video"

"...same hue as you"

"Your worse moment doesn't define you"

"Nobody wins when the family feuds"

Recorded on 2/20/2021 

This is dedicated to whom it may concern.

Season two of Sensational Radio is among us!

 Khalil Walker, a student-athlete of color attending a PWI, comes by the studio to remind us all that there's a million boys and girls who are young, gifted and black. From addressing the division between minority student-athletes and minority students to sharing solutions on how to create a sense of belonging in "white spaces", Khalil and I tackle it all. If you don't listen to this episode at all, we won't mind. Just know that safety is the bare minimum. We as the minority long to be genuinely wanted. Wanted for our true selves. Wanted for the right reasons. Why? Because we are where it's at. 

Welcome back to Sensational Radio.

"The joy of the day is that one day, we will all be proud to say that we were young, gifted and black. And it's sho' 'nuff where it's at!"

-Donny Hathaway (To Be Young, Gifted and Black 1980) 

I, Thomas Benton, have a confession. I've tried my entire life to be perfect. For 22 years, my pride has ruled me.  I've been putting on a persona that seems to be full of energy and have been pushing myself to check every box, fit into any crowd, and be nothing less than perfect. This stems from insecurity. I'm fed up and tired. I can't put on this act anymore.  Luckily, as I tear down old beliefs about myself and find my true colors, God has provided me with an amazing support system that continues to pick me up when I fall. In the process of eliminating my pride and chasing after God like never before, I've been blessed to meet Michael Johnson, an avid follower of Jesus Christ and great friend of mine. Here is a conversation between two young believers who are just starting to figure it out. We are learning how to love and accept the imperfections of others and ourselves. We are starting to accept love even though we think we aren't worthy. Our perception of perfection is changing.  

"The greatest thing you"ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return."

- Nat King Cole (Nature Boy, 1961) 

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and  he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the  temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able  to endure it.

With anti-smoking and drinking commercials playing every 15 minutes, its easy to only see smoking, drinking, and the use of drugs as causes of addiction. This is wrong. Boldly, Nathan Sims, my brother in Christ, calls into Sensational Radio to open up about his addictions and explains how society has painted the wrong picture for so many young men. We cover lesser mentioned addictions such as porn and the craving for control while also uncovering the truth behind where it all started. Whatever it is, flee from your idolatry and do all to the glory of God. This is Sensational Radio. 

Since the beginning of time, women have been mistreated and neglected, especially the black woman. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. 

As a society, we have put a massive amount of pressure on women to meet an unrealistic image of beauty. Sadly, that image rarely promotes black skin or culture as beautiful. Often left out, the representation of black beauty is vital for young black girls to believe that they too are beautiful and worthy of love. Alex Bolling, a senior sports administration major and business family studies double minor, has risen to occasion to share her experience about being a black woman in America. While cracking a few jokes on each other, we talk about everything from loving yourself to biases that both black men and women have on each other. Here’s proof that no matter how hard you tread, the black woman will always rise.  

You may write me down in history

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

 The crucible, a situation of severe trial leading to the creation of something new, will test your faith like no other. Naturally, each person must go through this. Losing his mother at the age of seven, Chris Arnold, a first generation college graduate, beloved zumba instructor, and aspiring cardio thoracic surgeon, began his journey through his crucible extremely early. For the first time ever, Chris lays out his story from beginning to end and enlightens us on how losing a loved one, or many, isn't the end. 

Keep the faith, trust the Lord, and stay positive. This is Sensational Radio. 

To be a beacon means to be a fire or light set up in a high or prominent position as a warning, signal, or celebration. 

My brother in Christ, ultimate Taylor Swift fan, and future Broadway star Kenny Morgan blesses Sensational Radio with his experience about being gay in the church. Well informed and long winded, Kenny has sparked necessary conversations that have helped transform and grow everyone around him, including me. For the next hour, this beacon of celebration shines bright on Sensational Radio. Please enjoy meeting my friend Kenny Morgan!

This episode of Sensational Radio is personal. Growing up with a speech impediment is hard. Anxiety during popcorn reading, sleepless nights before presentations, and even struggling to say my own name has made life pretty tough. But I wasn’t alone. Ironically, fellow stutterer Benjamin L. Walker joins Sensational Radio to share how one our greatest insecurities is actually one our greatest blessings. Here is "The Kings’ Speeches".

Mckenzie Smith blesses Sensational Radio with her wisdom about self love and her personal experiences dealing with colorism. While it isn't perfect and we have a long way to go, Boo was a SENSATIONAL first guest on the show and we had a blast. 

Since we are a makeshift radio show, each guest will help curate a playlist that shows their true, unapologetic self. Search Sensational Radio on Apple Music to listen.