Former Division I and professional basketball standout Leslie Johnson joins Terrell Talks to share her powerful journey from being the #1 ranked center in the country to leading Purdue University to its first-ever Big Ten Championship, Final Four appearance (the first appearance for any women’s basketball team in Indiana history). After competing professionally overseas and with the Washington Mystics, Leslie quietly battled depression and stepped away from the game. 

Today, as founder of Hushed No More Presents, she’s turning pain into purpose—supporting mental health, healing, and reentry nationwide. We sit down with Leslie on the eve of her launching the Rebound to Reentry Initiative next during NBA All-Start weekend in Los Angeles. Join us for a conversation about identity, resilience, and life beyond the spotlight. 

Time to tap in Talkers!! 

Learn more about Leslie and her mental health advocacy at https://hushednomorepresents.org

Want to be a guest?  https://blackdreamcompany.com/contact

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Thanks for listening to today's episode. Before you go, be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

In the wake of the announcement that Martin University—Indianapolis’s only predominantly Black institution of higher education—is pausing operations, I sat down with Wildstyle Paschall for a necessary and timely conversation about the history of Black Indianapolis and how it continues to shape the city we live in today.

Wildstyle is a local activist, community organizer, musician, and historian whose deep knowledge of Black history, culture, and resistance offers critical context for understanding the present moment. Together, we explore the legacy of Black institutions, the ongoing struggle for Black equity, and what the loss—or pause—of spaces like Martin University means for Black communities in Indianapolis and beyond.

Our conversation also weaves through music, art, culture, and storytelling, unpacking how creative expression has always been a tool for survival, resistance, and connection within Black communities. This episode is packed with history, insight, and perspective you won’t want to miss.

Wildstyle is also the co-host of The Black Briefing Podcast alongside Samantha Douglass.

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Thanks for listening to today's episode. Before you go, be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

On this episode of Terrell Talks, I’m joined by the brilliant Nicole Kearney for a powerful conversation on business, belief, and strategic growth. Nicole’s journey is a masterclass in trusting your voice and honoring your vision—from her roots as a writer, to launching Sip & Share Wines, and ultimately opening Sip Easy Indy, one of Indianapolis’ newest and most dynamic gathering spaces.

Nicole is one of only two Black-owned wine companies in the state of Indiana and one of the most successful Black women wine creators in the country. But her story goes far beyond the bottle. We talk about what it takes to bet on yourself, build with intention, and grow a brand that reflects who you truly are.

This conversation is honest, inspiring, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating entrepreneurship, creativity, or the courage it takes to believe in yourself when the path isn’t clear.

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Thanks for listening to today's episode. Before you go, be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

On this episode of Terrell Talks, I’m joined by the brilliant Nicole Kearney for a powerful conversation on business, belief, and strategic growth. Nicole’s journey is a masterclass in trusting your voice and honoring your vision—from her roots as a writer, to launching Sip & Share Wines, and ultimately opening Sip Easy Indy, one of Indianapolis’ newest and most dynamic gathering spaces.

Nicole is one of only two Black-owned wine companies in the state of Indiana and one of the most successful Black women wine creators in the country. But her story goes far beyond the bottle. We talk about what it takes to bet on yourself, build with intention, and grow a brand that reflects who you truly are.

This conversation is honest, inspiring, and deeply affirming for anyone navigating entrepreneurship, creativity, or the courage it takes to believe in yourself when the path isn’t clear.

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Thanks for listening to today's episode. Before you go, be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

What does it mean to grieve out loud? To take the unimaginable pain of losing someone you love—and transform it into a mission for healing, community, and purpose?

In this powerful episode of Terrell Talks, I sit down with Aarin and Naima, the sister and mother of Anthony Brown—a vibrant young soul whose life was taken far too soon. Together, they share how their personal loss gave rise to Self-Love Sanctuary, a movement driven by healing, community building, and unapologetic self-love.

We talk about the emotional layers of grief, the challenges of mourning openly, and the power of choosing purpose in the aftermath of pain. This episode is a tribute to Anthony’s legacy—and a testament to the resilience of those who carry his light forward.

📌 Whether you're navigating your own grief or supporting someone through theirs, this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible—and love transcends death. 

To learn more about Self-Love Sanctuary and support their organization, visit the Self-Love Sanctuary Website. https://selflovesanctuary.us/

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Thanks for listening to today's episode. Before you go, be sure to like, share, and subscribe!

Hey Talkers - Today I welcome Brandon Randall to the Terrell Talks Podcast. Last year, a record number of young people died due to gun violence in the of Indianapolis. This tragedy struck my own family as I lost a distant cousin (14) to gun violence. If you follow me on social media, you may also know my own nephew was shot this summer, however, he fortunately survived. I have known too many parents who have buried their children to gun violence in the last two years. While this issue is rising in Indianapolis, it is not unique to my community. This issue has been impacting families across the United States. It's time to talk about solutions. 

One of my good friends- Brand Randall, an expert in youth development and empowerment sits down to discuss the root causes of gun violence and what we can do as a community to respond. This year, we're going deeper to use our platform to create real change. #TapIn #TerrellTalks #GunViolence #YouthHomicidePrevention 

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Hey Talkers -- Welcome back to another episode of your favorite podcast. I decided to end 2023 with a bit of inspiration. Perhaps you've heard of Chef Oya - a local legend and nationally culinary star. Chef Oya is the founder and Owner of the Trap- one of the best seafood boil style restaurants you will ever taste (if I do say so myself). Chef Oya gained nationally recognition shortly after opening the Trap in 2014. People have traveled from across the state and around the country to get a taste of Chef Oya's famous seafood. She has been featured in every local publication you can think of as well as several national platforms as well. From Good Morning America, to being featured in Forbes magazine, Chef Oya is truly a culinary star. Known around the country for her famous Trap Buttahs, Chef Oya sits down for a person conversation to share some lessons she's learned along the way and advice for starting your own food business. 

Not only is Chef Oya talented, but she is also a true inspiration. She has endured one of the most devastating losses just weeks before opening The Trap. Despite personal tragedy, and a lack of capitol, her faith and belief in herself propelled her forward. If you're look for some inspiration to keep pursuing that dream, Chef Oya provides that and more. #TapIn #TerrellTalks #Talkers 

 

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Welcome to this special flashback episode! Join us as we revisit an insightful conversation with Sha'ron Mason, a licensed marriage and family counselor, accomplished entrepreneur, and published author of books like "Marriage Ain't for Punks" and "Even Boss Ladies Need a Break." In this episode, Sha'ron imparts invaluable tips on maintaining positive mental health, focusing particularly on the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Tune in for timeless advice that transcends the entrepreneurial journey and resonates with anyone seeking balance and well-being in their lives.

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

Welcome back to Terrell Talks! In this episode, we're joined by the brilliant Dr. Jay Watts, a trailblazing researcher in sexual health and the founder of the Center for Empowered Sexual Wellness. Fresh off completing her PhD in sex studies, Dr. Jay delves into her next chapter and sheds light on the challenges she faced as a Black woman seeking access to PrEP, the HIV prevention medication. Despite being a key demographic for new HIV cases among women, Dr. Jay explores why Black women are disproportionately underserved in accessing this vital form of protection. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on sexual health, education, pleasure, and equity with this revolutionary thinker.

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation. 

You may have first heard Ms. E Klass on the radio on Hot 96.3 in Indianapolis. Since then, Erika or EKlass has gone on to become a nationally syndicated radio host broadcasted all around the United States. From motherhood to entrepreneurship, Erika does is all. She is a radio personality, event host, graphic designer, business owner, actress, and writer. She is also a proud mom. She joins Terrell Talks to share some important lessons learned along her radio journey. She has chatted with some of the biggest names in the game from Alicia Keys to John Legend to Brandy. Tap in to learn more about her story and gain some an inside perspective on radio, media, and business!

https://www.aklassylife.com/

At Terrell Talks .. We have a moto.. everyone has a platform, its all about how you us it. 

 I want to use this platform to connect people with new ideas. To expand the way we think. To allow us to slow down and listen to a new perspective. To provide hope. Encouragement, and motivation.