On this episode of The AR Bernard Show, we are thrilled to welcome Cheryl McKissack Daniel, a distinguished CEO, entrepreneur, and author. As President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack—the nation’s oldest minority- and women-owned design and construction firm—Cheryl carries forward a remarkable legacy that began in 1905 with her ancestors. Under her visionary leadership, the company has become a driving force behind iconic projects like Penn Station and JFK Airport, leaving an indelible mark on New York City’s skyline.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Cheryl is a passionate advocate for female entrepreneurs and a champion of diversity in the workplace. Her journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of legacy. In this episode, AR Bernard and Cheryl delve into the realities of business ownership, tackling challenges like paying off debt, making tough decisions, and staying true to a long-term vision.

You can find her on social media:

Instagram: @cheryl.mckissack

Angela Yee joins AR Bernard for an engaging conversation about her remarkable career journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. From her pivotal role as co-host on The Breakfast Club, where she became a beloved voice in radio, to her decision to branch out and host her own show, Angela shares her experiences navigating the challenges and opportunities of a 20-year career in media. Together, they dive into the art of building strong relationships, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her ventures beyond broadcasting—including the impressive story of flipping a house she purchased for just $1,000. This episode offers inspiration, insights, and a closer look at the woman behind the mic.

About Angela Yee

Angela Yee is a renowned media personality, entrepreneur, and advocate for empowerment. Best known for her role as co-host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Breakfast Club, Angela has earned widespread recognition for her thoughtful interviews and ability to connect with diverse audiences. She made headlines by launching her own talk show, Way Up with Angela Yee. further cementing her status as a trailblazer in the media industry. Beyond radio, Angela is a savvy entrepreneur, investing in real estate, launching lifestyle ventures, and championing financial literacy. Her accolades include numerous awards and being an inspiration to aspiring broadcasters and entrepreneurs.

Listeners can connect with "Way Up with Angela Yee" on social media:

Listeners can connect with Angela Yee on social media:

This week on The AR Bernard Show, AR Bernard is joined by Lisa Fields, a trailblazer in Christian apologetics and education. As the founder of the Jude 3 Project, Lisa is committed to equipping Black Christians with resources to address faith-related challenges and defend their beliefs in a culturally relevant context. With a deep understanding of theology and a passion for engaging younger generations, Lisa’s work brings clarity and compassion to spiritual conversations.

AR Bernard and Lisa Fields dive into her latest book, When Faith Disappoints, which explores how to reconcile doubt and disappointment with one’s spiritual beliefs. The discussion also touches on the challenges of engaging younger audiences, the supernatural elements of Christianity, and the historical struggles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in reconciling theological concepts like the resurrection.

About Lisa Fields

Lisa Fields is a renowned Christian apologist, educator, and speaker dedicated to making theological concepts accessible and culturally relevant. She is the founder and president of the Jude 3 Project, an organization focused on equipping Black Christians with resources to explore and defend their faith. Lisa is a graduate of the University of North Florida and Liberty University, where she earned her Master of Divinity with a focus on Theology. Her work bridges the gap between faith and culture, addressing complex issues with clarity and empathy. Lisa is also the author of When Faith Disappoints, a guide for navigating doubt and spiritual challenges, and she regularly speaks at conferences, churches, and universities across the country.

Welcome to a special episode of The AR Bernard Show, showcasing some of this year’s most memorable moments.

As the year draws to a close, AR Bernard reflects with a heart full of gratitude. He feels deeply blessed—not only for his loved ones and confidantes but also for the loyal audience who has accompanied him on this journey.

This episode revisits some of the most impactful conversations, focusing on the theme of interpersonal relationships. From mentorship to romance, and the bonds between parents and children, the show explores how meaningful connections shape lives and inspire growth.

Throughout the year, The AR Bernard Show has welcomed thought leaders and luminaries from a variety of fields. Hollywood icons like Latanya Richardson Jackson, Courtney B. Vance, and Yvette Nicole Brown shared their unique insights, while newsmakers such as Stephen A. Smith offered bold perspectives. Personal and inspiring stories were also shared by Israel and Adrienne Houghton, Jamie Hector, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Rickey Smiley, and Bebe Winans.

Each guest brought wisdom, openness, and vulnerability, inspiring and educating audiences along the way. AR Bernard hopes their stories continue to uplift and resonate with listeners.

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode of The AR Bernard Show, celebrating the remarkable voices and moments that defined the year.

Connect with Our Guests on Social Media:

Yvette Nicole Brown

Instagram: @yvettenicolebrown

Twitter (X): @YNB

Stephen A. Smith

Instagram: @stephenasmith

Twitter (X): @stephenasmith

Israel Houghton

Instagram: @israelhoughton

Twitter (X): @israelhoughton

Adrienne Bailon Houghton

Instagram: @adriennebailon

Twitter (X): @AdrienneBailon

Jamie Hector

Instagram: @jamiehector

Twitter: @JamieHector

Facebook: Official Jamie Hector

Rickey Smiley

Instagram: @rickeysmileyofficial

Twitter (X): @RickeySmiley

Bebe Winans

Instagram: @bebe_winans

Twitter (X): @bebewinans

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode celebrating the remarkable voices and moments that defined the year. Stay inspired!

Imagine discovering that you really don’t know who you are, so you begin your search for your true identity, embarking on an eye-opening and complicated journey. In this episode of The AR Bernard Show, correspondent and author Michelle Miller joins Pastor Bernard to discuss her book, Belonging, which explores themes of identity, family, and reconnection. Michelle opens up about her personal journey of reconnecting with her estranged mother and the emotional complexity of their relationship. She also shares her philosophy on journalism, emphasizing the importance of remaining unbiased while reporting. Together, Miller and Pastor Bernard dive deep into the power of forgiveness, examining how it plays a crucial role in both her personal life and her work as a journalist.

BIO

Michelle Miller is an award-winning correspondent for CBS News and co-host of CBS Saturday Morning. Over her distinguished career, she has covered major news stories, from Hurricane Katrina to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering thoughtful and insightful reporting. A graduate of Howard University and the University of New Orleans, she has been a leading voice in journalism for over two decades. With her book Belonging, Michelle takes readers on a personal journey, sharing her experiences of finding her roots and rediscovering family. Her work reflects her dedication to telling untold stories with compassion and clarity.

Follow Michelle Miller on social: 

Twitter: @MichelleMiller29

Instagram: @michellemiller29

In this insightful episode of The AR Bernard Show, A.R. Bernard sits down with two influential thought leaders to discuss the current landscape of American politics. Denise Hamilton, a DEI expert and author, shares her perspective on the state of inclusivity, the role of unconscious biases, and offers candid views on Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Joe Battaglia, a seasoned author, host, and the executive producer of the country’s top faith-based music radio show, provides his take on how the media is shaping the presidential election narrative, examines VP Harris’s engagement with the press, and reflects on Trump’s ongoing influence in politics. Tune in for a compelling conversation that tackles the intersection of politics, media, and diversity.

Denise Hamilton Bio:

Denise Hamilton is a leading expert on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and a passionate advocate for creating more inclusive spaces in corporate America and beyond. As the author of Do Something: The DEI Workbook, Denise encourages individuals to challenge their unconscious biases and work toward greater awareness and empathy. She frequently appears on platforms to discuss social justice, leadership, and DEI best practices.

Connect with Denise Hamilton on social media:

Joe Battaglia Bio:

Joe Battaglia is a renowned author, host, and media producer with decades of experience at the intersection of faith and media. He’s the executive producer of the country’s top faith-based music radio show, “Keep the Faith.” He is also the author of Make America Good Again: 12.5 Biblical Principles to Unite Our Nation, Restore True Greatness, and Bring Healing to Our Land and The Politically Incorrect Jesus: Living Boldly in a Culture of Unbelief. Joe is known for his sharp insights on how the media shapes public perception, particularly during pivotal moments like presidential elections.

Connect with Joe Battaglia on social media:

Is there a place for comedy in journalism? In this engaging episode of The AR Bernard Show, AR Bernard is joined by stand-up comedian, actor, and Emmy-nominated writer and producer, Roy Wood Jr. The two dive into Roy’s exciting new CNN show, Have I Got News For You, where comedy and journalism collide. Together, they explore the power of humor in addressing serious political issues, the role of comedy in shaping public opinion, and how entertainment can provide fresh perspectives on today’s news. They also tackle the upcoming presidential election, offering a candid and insightful discussion about the political landscape in America.

BIO: A former correspondent on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Roy has built a reputation for blending humor with thought-provoking political and cultural analysis. His comedic style challenges societal norms, often shining a light on difficult topics like race, politics, and current events. In addition to his work on The Daily Show, Roy has been featured in multiple stand-up specials, television shows, and films, solidifying his place as one of today’s most influential voices in comedy.

Roy Wood Jr. Social Media Handles:

With the presidential election less than two months away, we welcome the esteemed Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to The A.R. Bernard Show for a profound discussion on the intersection of race, religion, and politics in America. In this timely episode, the conversation delves into how evangelicalism shapes political discourse and the crucial role racial identity plays in determining electoral outcomes.

Dr. Dyson and A.R. Bernard also explore the challenges Vice President Kamala Harris faces in garnering support from Black male voters and examine the broader shifts within the Republican Party. Dr. Dyson provocatively describes the party’s evolution as a shift from “the Party of Lincoln to the party of Teslas.” He also shares insights from his upcoming book, The Unfinished Fight for the Vote, co-authored with Marc Favreau, which highlights the ongoing struggle to uphold the democratic promises outlined in the Constitution.

BIO: Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is a prominent academic, author, and cultural critic with expertise in race, religion, and politics. He currently serves as a professor at Vanderbilt University and is the author of numerous bestsellers, including Tears We Cannot Stop and Jay-Z: Made in America. A regular media commentator, Dyson is a leading voice on issues of social justice and civil rights, offering sharp and accessible analyses that bridge scholarly work and public discourse.

Here’s where you can find Dr. Dyson:

Twitter (X): @MichaelEDyson

Instagram: @michaelericdyson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDrDyson/

In this episode of The A.R. Bernard Show, comedian, actor, and radio host Rickey Smiley joins Pastor Bernard in an open and honest discussion about the difficult journey of moving through grief, and the healing power of humor. Smiley reflects on the personal losses that have shaped his life, including the heartbreaking death of his son, and how his experiences are, unfortunately, relatable to many. He and A.R. Bernard explore how they’ve both experienced grief while finding resilience and healing through their faith. Smiley also shares insights from his latest book, Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith, offering a candid look at how laughter and faith have helped him move forward despite the challenges. He also touches on his recent conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Rickey Smiley rose to fame with his hilarious prank calls and stand-up comedy, using his talent to blend humor with everyday experiences. Smiley is the host of the nationally syndicated Rickey Smiley Morning Show, where he delivers a mix of entertainment, humor, and social commentary. Beyond his entertainment career, Smiley is a passionate advocate for social causes, especially those that support youth and education. He is also an accomplished author and philanthropist, deeply committed to helping others through his work on and off the air.

Connect with Rickey Smiley on social media:

As the presidential election season intensifies, familiar voices are stepping up to share their views, and today’s guest, Emmy-nominated actress Yvette Nicole Brown, is no exception. Yvette is a long-time advocate for voter education, union rights, and caregivers. In this episode, she opens up about how her faith shapes her political views, her career, and everything else in her life. She also shares in great detail her personal journey as a caregiver for her father.

Best known for her role as Shirley Bennett on NBC's Community, Brown has also appeared in Act Your Age, Inside Out 2, and Always a Bridesmaid (which she also wrote). In addition, she is the host of Squeezed, a podcast focused on caregiving. Tune in for an engaging discussion on faith, politics, and the importance of speaking up.

You can find her podcast and socials below:

Instagram: @yvettenicolebrown

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yvettenicolebrown/

X (Tiwtter): @YNB

Podcast, Squeezed: https://lemonada.lnk.to/Squeezed