Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

"Your Story, Your Voice" Jessica Moore - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

🎙️ Episode 3 – Why Partnering With Colin Garrett & The 11/11 Veterans Project Made Sense

Guest: Basi Affia | Host: Shawn A. Barksdale

In this powerful episode of Ten Minutes of Truth, Shawn A. Barksdale welcomes back author, soldier, and visionary Basi Affia for an inspiring conversation about purpose, passion, and partnership.

Basi shares why teaming up with NASCAR driver Colin Garrett and supporting the 11/11 Veterans Project was more than just a creative collaboration—it was a calling. From his own experience as a Religious Affairs Specialist in the Army National Guard to his work as a graphic novelist addressing real-life issues through fantasy and sci-fi, Basi explains how the values of service, storytelling, and standing up for others all align with the mission of 11/11.

This episode dives deep into the meaning of community, the power of representation, and how veterans, artists, and athletes can unite to bring healing and hope to those who need it most.

💬 “It just made sense. The mission was aligned with everything I stand for.” — Basi Affia

🎧 This episode—and all episodes—are available on all major podcast platforms.

🔗 Subscribe and listen now at podcasts.tenminutesoftruth.com

#RecoveryIsPossible #VeteransSupport #GraphicNovel #ColinGarrett #1111Project #TenMinutesOfTruth #BasiAffia #CommunityHealing #ServiceAndStory #WeDoRecover #SoberNotSilent #IndieComics #Afrofuturism #PartnershipsThatMatter

"Your Story, Your Voice" Daniel Srebro - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series For more information go to region-five.org

Basi Affia Episode 2 When Passion and Desire to Be Great Collide

🎙️ Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

Episode Title: Basi Affia: The Power of Storytelling, Service, and Brotherhood

In this compelling episode, Shawn A. Barksdale sits down with Basi Affia—author, soldier, husband, father, and the visionary behind a new wave of graphic storytelling. Known by birth as Aniekanabasi White, Basi has spent his life intertwining purpose with creativity. From writing as early as first grade to serving in the Army National Guard as a Religious Affairs Specialist, Basi has always sought to heal, inspire, and uplift through both word and action.

Shawn and Basi discuss his deeply rooted passion for science fiction and fantasy, and how he uses graphic novels as a powerful tool to address real-world struggles. The episode also explores Basi’s personal journey—marrying young, becoming a father to Azriel and Eliyahu, and how he embraced his full Ibibio name, meaning “There’s nothing greater than the power of God.”

But this conversation goes deeper. Basi opens up about his creative collaboration with NASCAR driver Colin Garrettand their shared commitment to The 11/11 Veterans Project—a movement that bridges art, racing, and veteran advocacy to create real impact for those who served.

🔊 This episode—and all episodes of Ten Minutes of Truth—are available on all major podcast platforms.

👉 You can also visit podcasts.tenminutesoftruth.com to subscribe and explore our full episode library.

"Your Story, Your Voice" Crystal Thompson - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series - For more information go to region-five.org

"Your Story, Your Voice" Brandon Moore - Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series. For more information go to region-five.org

🎤 NEW EPISODE DROP

🗣️ “Your Story, Your Voice” Sherri Wiggins

Region Five Recovery Advisory Council Series

We had the absolute honor of sitting down with the incredible Sherri Wiggins at the Assembly Co-working Space in Norfolk, VA—and what she shared was nothing short of extraordinary.-

A Registered Certified Peer Recovery Specialist with Hampton-Newport News CSB and a Forensic Peer Specialist with Life Journey, Sherri didn’t hold back. She told her truth. 💯 From trauma to triumph, her story is one of resilience, redemption, and real recovery. Sherri opened up about her darkest moments—and how she now walks beside others as a light in their healing journey.

🎧 This episode is for anyone who’s ever struggled, ever doubted, or ever needed hope.

She’s living proof that your past does not define your future.

🔥 Listen now—available right here on the Ten Minutes of Truth Facebook page and on most major podcast platforms.

📍Filmed at the stunning Assembly Co-working space in the heart of Norfolk.

#YourStoryYourVoice #TenMinutesOfTruth #RecoveryIsPossible #SherriWiggins #PeerRecovery #Region5Recovery #RealStoriesRealPeople #TidewaterStrong #MentalHealthMatters #NorfolkVA #AssemblyNorfolk

Our last episode, titled “Fight for Your Children,” had a tremendous impact on our communities. It sparked a flood of questions, making it clear that the conversation had to continue. That brings us to this powerful new follow-up episode, titled “Save Our Children.”

We sat down with Mrs. Roxanne Richardson, B.A., M.S. Ed., J.D.—a former licensed attorney and seasoned educator who has taught in both New York and Virginia. Her legal work included serving with Legal Aid and the United States Coast Guard.

This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at our school systems and the stigmas that continue to plague them. We delve into the core problems—and explore some of the real solutions. Thank you Roxanne for lending your voice to this important topic.

Buckle up, and welcome to the truth.