In this episode of the Black Lotus Podcast, we give you guys a throwback episode featuring Zachery Deering-Haddix, who is now the founder of E’Salvio Ventures, a Private Equity Firm that invests in real-estate and service-based businesses. The last hour of this podcast was recorded off of Instagram Live, but previously the file had been corrupted, but we found a way to restore it. This game has been waiting for two years to be released and all of the knowledge is still applicable today. The conversation we had was as motivational as it gets, and this episode was a foundational conversation for the podcast. This conversation was recorded on March 20th, 2021. Thank you to everyone who has supported us since that date, and for those who continue to support us. As long as you guys show love, we'll stay consistent.

00:00 intro 

04:17 How did you begin your journey in financial literacy 

05:05 Rich dad Poor dad analysis 

08:37 Lets Run Numbers 

10:00 Spending your money on the wrong things 

12:00 Best asset to buy first starting out 

13:15 Knowledge on stocks 

14:45 Don't trust everything you see on social media 

18:00 Take action after reading 

20:00 Networking and building success 

21:30 What makes a good businessman

22:30 What can someone do on a daily basis to get in a business mindset 

24:45 The 10 percent rule 

26:45 Where did you learn about financial literacy 

28:10 The business that could've been 

30:10 Pltr explained 

32:30 What is your career goal 

33:45 Trying to avoid the 9-5 in the future 

35:40 What do you do with your money

37:05 - Having a lot of women is not a representation of your masculinity

43:00 - Positive Attributes of the Pandemic

50:13 - Own your Accomplishments 

1:00:05 - Keys and Tips for Networking

1:06:35 - Being Around the Right People and Having the Right Friends

1:22:05 - Social Media and its Negative Influence on the Mind

1:31:00 - Where to invest in real estate?

1:35:20 - Resources for trying to increase your Financial Literacy and Real-Estate Knowledge

1:41:35 - Closing Remarks

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah brings on Michai Williamson, an International Business Major with a concentration in Entrepreneurship at Howard University. This episode was one of the most motivational The Black Lotus has had in a long time. The conversation kicked off with why Michai lives the way he does and the habits that allow him to thrive in the world. We then transitioned into how Howard changed our lives and completely altered our perceptions of Black people. The discussion also delved into the topic of motivation and the potential for the Black community to undergo transformation through collaborative efforts and unwavering support for one another.

To finish off the conversation we discussed Michai’s clothing brand, Varsity Team. Varsity Team is a Luxury Streetwear clothing brand, focused on providing quality garments that empower the wearer to be their most confident and successful self. Michai is an individual who tries to motivate as much as he can in this world, and his brand along with this episode puts that on full display. This could be a life-changing conversation for those who listen, and if you’re looking for some extra motivation in your life, this is the one for you. Enjoy. And as we always say, as long as y’all show love, we’ll stay consistent!

Intro - 0:00

Michai’s Why - 1:35

Why Josiah stresses reading so often - 5:35

“How you do anything is how you do everything.” - 8:25

Get your day started with something difficult - 13:00

The High of Going to the Gym - 17:30

How Successful People Think - 21:50

Be Intentional with your Actions - 25:27

Revelations about the Black Community and Ourselves after attending Howard - 28:50

“Emotions are Great Servants but Horrible Masters” - 41:25

The Difficulty of Being Late and Starting Your Day on Time - 47:15

Ja Morant and the mentality of “Don’t Try Me” - 59:45

“What Luck it is for Rulers That Men Do Not Think” (You won’t believe who said this quote!) - 1:01:50

The Harmful Effect of Media on the Black Community - 1:03:30

Rap and the Black Community - 1:14:45

Black People need to see that there are other ways to make it out - 1:22:00

“What do you think of Long-Term Living in America?” - 1:27:50

The Importance of Ownership and the Fall of the Black World Magazines - 1:34:08

Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill - 1:43:15

Black People, Christianity, and World Religions - 1:47:30

Michai’s Clothing Brand - 2:00:50

In this captivating episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah engages in an illuminating conversation with Rick Martin, a proud Southside Chicagoan and the ambitious Co-founder of Brokenmp3s – a vibrant music/art collective and record label. The mission of Brokenmp3s is to redefine how we think about and listen to music.

To begin the episode we discussed Reverend Thomas Martin, the legendary Chicago Pastor, and Rick's grandfather. Reverend Martin was one of the first black people to live in the Greshamn neighborhood in Chicago, and this bold attitude towards change was passed down through generations. As we moved on, we discussed the Harlem Renaissance and how the 2020s will be looked at as a Renaissance for the community as a whole. We then talked about the impact of Kevin Samuels on the Black Community and what his message inspired within Black dating conversations.

Continuing the conversation, we talked about the lack of Black male teachers within K-12 education and how this adds to the absence of role models that has hurt black men for decades. As we closed the conversation we discussed Brokenmp3s and the vision Rick has for Making The Black Community Great Again through the lens of music and art. This episode was as real as it gets from The Black Lotus Podcast, you guys are in for a banger. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent!

Intro - 0:00

When did you start getting into music? - 2:49

Chicago getting a bad rap - 4:40

Reverend Thomas Martin, Rick’s Grandfather  - 7:15

The 2020s will be looked at as the second Renaissance in Black America - 14:15

The Impact of Covid on our Lives - 22:40

Learning through Youtube - 28:50

Kevin Samuels and his Influence on The Black Community - 32:30

Lack of Role Models in Black America - 45:32

The Importance of Black Male Teachers - 50:00

The Perceived Inferiority of Black Education - 58:12

Racism is perpetuated by the white people in the suit and ties, not just the hillbillies - 1:04:30

Rick’s Favorite Books - 1:06:40

“Black people owned 10 times more businesses during Jim Crow than today” - 1:15:17

What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean if you can’t be yourself? - 1:29:10

How HBCUs create community amongst Black people - 1:32:50

Ancient Egypt - 1:35:40

The Philosophy of Brokenmp3s - 1:42:19

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Mike and Josiah discuss the viral showdown that happened in Montgomery this past week. Along with discussing the events in Montgomery, we went into tangents about other important topics within the Black Community. You guys are in for a treat with this one. We give much thanks to you guys for all your continued support, it is valued highly. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent!

Intro - 0:00

The Montgomery Brawl - 2:25

Black People and Micro-aggressions - 7:05

Questioning the Philosophy of “Don’t Touch My Hair.” - 12:10

Hip-Hop was destroyed when Nate Dogg said, “Smoke weed every day” - 27:55

Black People and Standardized Tests - 34:15

Issues with Black Lives Matter - 50:34

The best way to prove that you are an American… - 54:35

The Crack Era - 57:05

Major Cliffhanger… - 1:00:50

In this thought-provoking episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah sat down with Deanrea Sykes Jr, a recent Howard University alumnus who studied Philosophy and African American Studies. As an aspiring academic, Deanrea's research centers around Africana Philosophy and Afro-pessimism, delving into the intersection of race, social/political philosophy, and the lived experiences of the Black community. In the fall, Deanrae will be attending Emory University to obtain his Doctorate in the discipline of Philosophy. 

Throughout our conversation, we explored a wide range of captivating topics, from continental philosophy and the dehumanization of the Black race to the impact of social media on how Black death is perceived along with how integration affected the Black Community as a whole. We also delved into the complex dynamics between HBCUs and PWIs, discussing the contrasting approaches to navigating White society and the unique strengths each educational environment offers.

Deanrea shared profound insights on Black male mass incarceration, reproductive rights, and the significance of understanding Afro-Pessimism in our society. We touched on the enduring consequences of historical acts like the 1956 Highway Commission Act and the repercussions faced by Black teachers after the Brown v. Board decision in 1954. The conversation didn't shy away from addressing pressing contemporary issues, such as Kamala Harris becoming Vice-President and its impact on the Black community. This was a fun, wide-ranging, and informative episode and you guys are in for a treat with this one. All the continued support is much appreciated. And as we always say, as long as y’all show love, we’ll stay consistent!

Intro - 0:00

What’s Deanrae been reading lately? - 3:06

What is Continental Philosophy? - 5:15

Josiah’s Next Steps/HBCU vs PWI Black Student Experience - 8:20

“HBCUs teach you how to dominate White Society, PWIs teach you how to navigate it beautifully” - 16:10

Is Black Male Mass Incarceration a Reproductive Rights issue? - 25:50

Black Immigrants and Black Americans/What inspires Deanrae to study Afro-Pessimism - 27:10

The Dehumanization of the Black Race - 31:28

What got Deanrae into Philosophy/Afro-Pessimism - 38:35

Being Pessimistic versus Realistic - 44:00

How does Social Media affect how Black Death is viewed? - 48:15

Did Kamala Harris becoming Vice-President Hurt Black People? - 54:20

Blaxploitation and Black Radicals - 1:00:09

Are other races more prideful and unified? - 1:05:35 

Building Ourselves Up - 1:10:00

Effects of the 1956 Highway Commission Act/Urban Renewal - 1:26:00

Integration and Afro-Pessimism - 1:38:40

Black People and Feminism - 1:46:08

Do you know how many Black Teachers eventually lost their jobs after the Brown v. Board decision of 1954?  - 1:50:30

Are Black people afraid of being Segregationists? - 1:54:40

“America is a Watered-Down Version of Black Culture” - 1:58:00 

Doctorate program at Emory University - 2:00:45

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah brings on Rashan Schoffner, a leader, influencer, and style connoisseur who humbly served as the 46th Mr. Howard. Rashan, a recent graduate of Howard University, majored in Media, Journalism, and Film, with a concentration in TV & Film. We began our conversation by delving into what it means to be a Howard graduate and how Rashan's upbringing in Atlanta shaped his college experience. We then explored the profound impact of HBCU culture on Rashan's creativity and discussed the future of Black television, examining its trajectory and where it is headed.

Our discussion also delved into the trials and challenges Rashan faced to become Mr. Howard, emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone. We further explored what being Mr. Howard taught Rashan about the Howard Community as a whole, along with his most significant takeaways from serving on the Royal Court for the past year. This episode is a captivating and informative conversation that delves into the realms of Black culture, Howard University, and college experiences. If you enjoy engaging discussions on these topics, this episode is a must-listen. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent!

Intro - 0:00

What does it feel like to be a Howard University Alum - 2:30

From Atlanta to Howard - 7:20

How HBCU impacted Rashan’s creativity - 11:20

Can we return to the 80s and 90s era of Black Television? - 16:00

Does the 21st Century have a culture? - 18:00

Kids and Social Media - 22:15

How will Artificial Intelligence affect humanity? - 27:15 

Mr. Howard Origin Story - 34:03

Moving out of the Comfort Zone - 47:00

What has being Mr. Howard taught you about the University? - 1:00:15

What inspires your creativity? - 1:12:55

Biggest Memories being Mr. Howard - 1:25:55 

Closing Remarks - 1:32:00

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, The Black Lotus had the pleasure of bringing on Solomon Burns, a rising real-estate agent from the Bay Area representing Sterling Homes. We delved into crucial topics that shed light on the experiences of the black community and explored the intersection of real estate and social issues. To start our conversation, we took a deep dive into the far-reaching impact of the market crash of 2008 and its disproportionate effect on black individuals and families. Through our thought-provoking analysis, we unraveled the systemic factors that contributed to this disparity or assets lost, challenging conventional narratives and uncovering essential insights.

Continuing our discourse, we explored the perception of blackness beyond harmful stereotypes. It was essential for us to break free from these narrow confines and cultivate a more comprehensive understanding of black identity, embracing the diversity and richness that exists within our community. Moreover, we strongly advocated for active engagement within the black community, emphasizing the importance of each individual being connected to a cause that uplifts and empowers.  Finally, we concluded the episode with a focus on financial tips and advice, offering practical insights to help our listeners navigate the realm of real estate and make informed decisions for their financial well-being. Solomon Burns shared his expertise and provided valuable guidance to empower our listeners on their journey toward economic stability and prosperity. This was a fun and informative episode, you guys are in for a great one! And as we always say, as long as you guys show love, we’ll stay consistent!

The Market is going to Crash Out and Burn - 4:40

Debt isn’t bad if you know how to use it/ Effects of 2008 - 11:30

Look at the World, it reflects all Economic Markets - 16:03

I Am Not Holier Than Thou - 20:31 

The Divine Masculine, Jesus - 26:55 

Slave Discourse, Black Southern Self-Evolution, and How the Ramifications Are Today - 32:43

Are The Leaders Holier Than Thou? - 40:36

Illogical Bliss and Blaming - 47:01

Black Identity Resonation - 52:03

Radiating Blackness - 1:01:22

We are Seen as Black First - 1:10:57

Salut, Let’s Get It Started - 1:24:17

Experience is Everything - 1:33:14

Time for an Exit - 1:36:21

In this captivating episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah brings on Ahmad Williams, the visionary founder and chairman of Deviuri. The conversation kicked off with Ahmad reflecting on his upbringing in Fontana and how it ignited his passion for fashion. We then transitioned into an exploration of Ahmad's transformative experience at Howard University and how its school of business played a pivotal role in shaping his creativity and expanding his knowledge as he embarked on creating his own brand.

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, hosts Mike and Josiah are joined by Rich Anthony from Oakland, California. We began by exploring the profound influences of mothers and spirituality in shaping their lives. The discussion then shifts to the pervasive issue of cancel culture and society's tendency to prioritize external matters over self-reflection. We then delved into the significance of reading and highlighted the hidden secrets harbored within books, which often go unnoticed. We then shifted gears and discussed the state of the dating scene within the Black community and pondered its future direction. Throughout the episode, we engaged in insightful discourse about society's trajectory and its own perspectives on its course. This was a fun episode and you all are in for a treat. As always, as long as you guys show love, we’ll stay consistent! Also, make sure you check out Rich's clothing line Immix Studio for drops to come in the near future.

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah welcomed back good friend of the podcast, Chandler Row. We discussed the privilege of meeting Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the great Marcus Garvey, and the motivation and wisdom he shared with us. We also discussed the importance of getting out of one's comfort zone and Chandler's summer experience with the Marines. We then turned our attention to understanding the black struggle and Chandler's upbringing in the Church. Lastly, we discussed the United States government and the acts of hypocrisy it has employed throughout its existence. This was an informative episode that will provide valuable insight and understanding into what this society is truly about. We appreciate all your continued support and as long as you guys show love, we'll stay consistent!

Intro - 0:00

Meeting the Original Black Panthers and the son of Marcus Garvey - 02:00

Lesson from Dr. Garvey - 00:04:30

The importance of getting out of your comfort zone - 00:06:30

Why the Marines? - 00:14:30

A Summer with the Marine Corp - 00:16:35

Differences between the East Coast vs. the South - 00:27:50

Chandler’s Intellectual Journey - 00:35:00

Understanding the History of the Black Struggle - 00:46:30

Chandler’s Upbringing in the Church - 01:04:50

Why are people moving away from the Church? - 01:11:00

When and why did Europeans begin to discredit African Civilization? - 01:23:00

Will Black people need guns? - 01:32:10

Meeting Erika Huggins, a member of the Original Black Panther Party - 01:38:10

The Atrocities of United States Government - 01:40:30

“Defund the Police” - 01:50:35

The Covid Vaccine and Natural Immunity - 01:59:50

Closing Remarks - 02:06:00