Stay Up

Jay sits down with his long-time friend to discuss Black/Minority professionals in the world of STEM (Science , Technology, Engineering, and Math). Eisha S. Clyde, MS is a scientist at Asklepios Biopharmaceutical, Inc. Her research revolves around T cell & B cell responses to Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) vector. Eisha is a proud HBCU graduate of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2015. Her passion for science and interest in scientific research led to her graduate school career -- she attended Towson University. 

Eisha is the proud Founder and Executive Director of The HBCU STEMuLUS. This nonprofit org is committed to the students of HBCUs (Historically Black College and University). The mission is to ensure that these students are educated, trained, and developed members of the STEM community. 

Get your pen, paper and search engine ready -- you're about to learn some mind-blowing things!

Instagram : Eisha.Clyde / TheHBCUSTEMuLUS
Facebook : The HBCU STEMuLUS
Website : https://thehbcustemulus.org/staging/1282/

Our host, Jay Watkins, has an early morning conversation with longtime friend, Brother , and mentor, Theo Chunn. The pair discuss getting grounded, setting your intention, pinpointing purpose, and how to break through to the next level in life ! Chunn is a motivational speaker, nonprofit CEO (TCJ Motivations) , and a  Director at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) -- he is also a husband and father of 3! Theo embraces excellence in all that he does and speaks life over you as you listen to this episode. Get your pen and pad ready or pull up your notes app ; you'll need it !

IG: TEECHUNN

WELCOME BACK STAY UP!!!!!

Rev. Anthony Ray Smith is the lead pastor of Mission House, an urban community-based church in Salisbury, North Carolina He is involved with several community development projects and social justice initiatives locally, nationally and internationally that impact different communities in tons of ways. He speaks at churches, diverse communities, conferences and institutions of higher learning around the country. The published author sits down with our host, Jay Watkins, to discuss his agnostic upbringing , views on our current status as a people & how YOU fit in today's world. This discussion shows a new side of our host and will UNDOUBTEDLY give the listener a new way of looking at life and how to approach living. 

Shawn Simmons is the Assistant Director for the Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). Simmons, a Charlotte native and alum of both Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) & UNCC,  is over 3 major programs at the university:

1. IGNITE - Inspiring Greatness, Nobility, and Integrity through Empowerment 
2. B3 - Building Better Brothers
3. UTOP - University Transition Opportunity Program 

Due to the impacts of COVID-19 , UTOP has had a shift its ordinary programming schedule for the summer; changes in life call for changes in operations. In this episode Simmons sits down with our host, Jay Watkins, and discusses the amazing opportunity UTOP offers to upgrade a life. The pair chop it up on the topic of what to expect from the program, the family feel, and what myths surround this life-changing opportunity and its leader. 

S/O the 2020 Class of UTOP ; CONGRATS & GO NINERS!!

WE MADE IT TO ONE YEAR!!!!! Stay Up creator, Jay Watkins, utilizes this special moment and decides to explore a Q&A session with podcast listeners . Getting back to his "solo discussion roots", Jay responds to questions provided to him through social media in this 1-on-1 discussion with you. Questions cover family values, Stay Up memories, finance, social media and a true dive into the mental space. 

Kari Johnson, CEO/Owner of K's Kicks, sits down with Jay Watkins for a quick chat. K's Kicks is a business specializing in shoe cleaning, repair, restoration & customization. Kari was the first ever winner of the Rowan-Salisbury Black Business Pitch Contest; an achievement  hat awarded her a slot on the Stay Up podcast.(in which she shined)  Our host, Jay Watkins, reveals himself to be somewhat of a sneaker connoisseur through enjoyable story-telling. Take-in the discussion as the 2 Salisbury, NC natives chat about turning your passion into a paycheck, self-starting, and the importance of family businesses.  

In this episode of the StayUp podcast. Our host, Jay Watkins, interviews long time friend and fellow content creator Alex Wurst; affectionately known as Ayeeedubb. The pair discuss the world of entertainment and media, women in media, "what it takes", and being a "self-starter". ALL ARTISTS NEED TO LISTEN TO THIS! Be prepared for something great!

StayUp Host, Jay Watkins, interviews long-time friend & disabled opportunity advocate Tevin Price on the topic "Life & Disabilities". Tevin was born with microphthalmia coloboma, a rare eye disease that involves various eye structures such as the iris (colored part of the eye), retina, and optic nerve and can cause blindness. The pair discuss the world of the disabled ; resources , the "day to day", the importance of loved ones, and the dire need to be a visionary... even without eyesight. 

Jay Watkins converses with his former educator, and current mentor, Sakinah Shakoor-Riley on the topic of "Education and the African American (AA) Community" .  Sakinah is an English educator with Rowan-Salisbury Schools in Salisbury , NC. She is also an innovator, leader, creator, and problem-solver. Her passion for education runs deep and her love for the youth runs even deeper. The pair discuss cultural awareness, socio-economic influence, environmental roles in the AA Community, and SO MUCH MORE! Make sure you have access to some form of note taking  ; you'll need it!

This episode consists of an open discussion/ Q&A on "goal-setting & intentionality" with Alexus Widemon; a student, writer, poet, and youth advocate. This 36-minute dialogue will give listeners new ways of looking at how they set goals and also how to maneuver through obstacles while planning with intent. How do we set goals? Is there ONE way to do this? Who do my decisions impact? What if I fail? Listen, laugh, take notes, repeat.....