The Check-In with Black Menswear

By REVOLTSociety & Culture

The Check-In with Black Menswear episodes

October 21S7 Ep4: Omar Bolden on Life After the NFL, Holistic Wellness, Finding Peace and Building a Legacy
What happens when the career that defined you comes to an end? And how do you learn to slow down when you've spent years being conditioned to move fast, compete, and stay aggressive?

In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Omar Bolden for a candid conversation about navigating life after football, prioritizing physical and mental wellbeing, embracing holistic wellness, and redefining what it means to live a successful and fulfilling life.

Omar shares why transitioning out of the NFL required more than finding a new career. It meant learning how to respond instead of react, becoming more intentional as a husband and father, and discovering the value of peace, curiosity, and personal growth. He also offers his perspective on NIL opportunities for college athletes, financial responsibility, and the importance of building character through adversity.

Together they dive into:
Why Omar struggled to find his identity and direction after retiring from the NFL

How his wife's reminder that things in motion stay in motion helped him navigate uncertainty

The impact of football injuries and personal loss on his approach to health and wellness

Why he believes Black men must prioritize their physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing

How studying traditional Chinese medicine has challenged and expanded his perspective on health

His thoughts on NIL deals, financial literacy, and the importance of competition among college athletes

What he had to unlearn after years of playing an aggressive, physical sport

How marriage and fatherhood taught him to become less reactive and more intentional

Why slowing down, embracing stillness, and creating daily rituals have become important to him

The meaning behind investing in loss and learning to let go of unnecessary things

How curiosity and applying knowledge can create meaningful personal transformation

The inspiration behind The Culture's Herb and his commitment to educating his community

Why building a legacy means leaving future generations better than you found them

From the football field to family life, entrepreneurship, and wellness, this conversation challenges the idea that success is always about doing more. Sometimes growth requires slowing down, letting go, and becoming more intentional about who you're becoming.

📌 Share this episode with someone navigating a new chapter or looking for inspiration to prioritize their health and purpose.
👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Stay Connected with Omar Bolden:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omar.bolden

Stay Connected with Black Menswear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: https://blackmenswear.com

#OmarBolden #BlackMenswear #DenverBroncos #NFL #LifeAfterFootball #HolisticHealth #MensWellness #BlackMenHealth #Legacy

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1 hr
October 07 S7 Ep3: Luke Lawal on HBCU Buzz, Black Excellence and Building a Legacy That Lasts
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with HBCU Buzz founder, entrepreneur, author, and community builder Luke Lawal for an honest conversation about HBCU culture, Black excellence, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and building a legacy that reaches beyond yourself.

Growing up in Prince George’s County with parents who attended HBCUs, Luke was surrounded by examples of Black excellence long before he fully understood how unique that experience was. After attending Bowie State University and seeing the excellence happening across HBCU campuses nationwide, he recognized a gap in how those institutions were represented and created HBCU Buzz to help change the narrative.

Together they dive into:
• How growing up in Prince George’s County shaped Luke’s understanding of Black excellence
• Why his experience at Bowie State University changed the trajectory of his life
• The inspiration behind creating HBCU Buzz and changing the narrative around HBCUs
• Why representation and seeing people who look like you succeed matters
• How HBCU Buzz grew from campus coverage into a national platform and community
• Why Luke believes HBCUs remain essential to Black culture, leadership, and legacy
• Balancing profitability with serving and pouring back into your community
• The financial lessons behind his book Rich Black, Poor Black
• Why discipline is the foundation of financial literacy and wealth building
• His vision for HBCU House and creating spaces for connection, collaboration, and opportunity
• Why entrepreneurs need hunger, discernment, and the willingness to fight for what they’re building
• How faith continues to guide Luke’s purpose, business decisions, and definition of legacy

If you’ve ever wondered how one idea can grow into something that impacts an entire community, Luke’s story is a reminder that legacy is bigger than recognition. It’s about creating opportunities, opening doors, and building something that continues inspiring people long after you’re gone.

📌 Share this episode with an HBCU student, graduate, entrepreneur, or community builder who believes in creating something bigger than themselves.

👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Stay Connected with Luke Lawal:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luke.lawal

Stay Connected with Black Menswear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: https://blackmenswear.com

#LukeLawal #HBCUBuzz #BlackMenswear #HBCU #BlackExcellence #Entrepreneurship #BlackEntrepreneurs #Legacy #BowieState

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38 min
September 23S7 Ep2: Kenyon Dixon on Preserving R&B, Honoring the Greats and Creating His Own Legacy
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with five-time Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kenyon Dixon for a conversation about preserving the soul of R&B while creating music that can move the genre forward.

As a self-described student of the R&B game, Kenyon shares why progress doesn’t require abandoning the foundation. From Anita Baker and Marvin Gaye to D’Angelo, Tyrese, and the artists who shaped his sound, he reflects on the importance of knowing the history behind the music and making sure the names and contributions of previous generations aren’t lost as R&B continues to evolve.

Together they dive into:
Why preserving the foundation of R&B matters as the genre evolves

The influence of Anita Baker, Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo, Tyrese, and other R&B greats

How the Black church shaped Kenyon’s vocals and ability to connect with an audience

Why being different eventually became one of his greatest strengths as a vocalist

How his new album Ego Rules Everything was built around a specific feeling and story

Why knowing music history matters in an era filled with remakes and samples

How years as a background singer, dancer, and songwriter prepared him for his own career

What Kenyon hopes listeners will feel when discovering his catalog decades from now

Why legacy is the impression your life and actions leave behind

If you love R&B and care about where the genre has been just as much as where it’s going, this conversation is a reminder that honoring the foundation and pushing the art forward can exist at the same time.

📌 Share this with an R&B lover who believes the history of the genre deserves to be remembered.

👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Stay Connected with Kenyon Dixon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennygotsoul

Stay Connected with Black Menswear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: https://blackmenswear.com

#KenyonDixon #BlackMenswear #RnB #RnBMusic #BlackMusic #MusicLegacy #IndependentArtist #SoulMusic #EgoRulesEverything

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52 min
September 09S7 Ep1: Neil Brown Jr. on SEAL Team, Fatherhood, Grief & Building a Lasting Legacy
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with actor Neil Brown Jr. for an honest conversation about fatherhood, grief, Hollywood, financial wisdom, and what it truly means to build a legacy.

Known for his roles in SEAL Team, Insecure, and Straight Outta Compton, Neil opens up about the experiences behind the characters audiences have come to know. He reflects on the recent loss of his father—his hero and a major influence on his work—and the unexpected responsibility of becoming the patriarch of his family.

Together they dive into:
How Neil Brown Jr. turned martial arts into an acting career

The influence his father had on his life and some of his most memorable roles

Navigating grief while allowing his sons to see vulnerability and emotion

How becoming a father at 17 shaped the man he became

His experiences on SEAL Team, Insecure, and Straight Outta Compton

Why actors need to prepare financially for Hollywood’s inevitable peaks and valleys

The importance of therapy, faith, community, and mental health

Setting personal boundaries when choosing roles in Hollywood

Building wealth, wisdom, and a legacy for future generations

Why finding and holding onto your joy is worth the effort

Neil’s story is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t only about what you accomplish—it’s about what you teach, who you become, and what you leave behind for the generations coming after you.

Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement to keep building through life’s peaks and valleys.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Stay Connected with Neil Brown Jr.:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neilbrownjr

Stay Connected with Black Menswear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: https://blackmenswear.com

#NeilBrownJr #SEALTeam #BlackMenswear #Fatherhood #BlackMen #Legacy #MentalHealth #Hollywood #BlackActors

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46 min
April 01S6 Ep12: Marcel Spears On 8 Seasons Of The Neighborhood, Fatherhood, and Life After Sitcom Success
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with actor Marcel Spears for a thoughtful conversation about longevity, growth, and what comes next after eight successful seasons on The Neighborhood.

Marcel reflects on the journey from his early days in New Orleans to becoming a series regular on one of television’s most consistent sitcoms. He opens up about the lessons he’s learned over nearly a decade on the show, the mentors who helped guide him, and how fatherhood has shifted his perspective on life and success.
Together they dive into:
What it’s really like to work on a hit sitcom for eight seasons

How Marcel grew as an actor and person during the show

The impact of mentorship from Cedric the Entertainer

Why strong Black family representation on TV matters

How becoming a father reshaped his priorities

Navigating Hollywood when the next opportunity isn’t guaranteed

Learning to trust God and the process during career transitions

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after success in Hollywood, Marcel’s story shows how growth, humility, and faith can guide the next chapter.
📌 Share this with someone chasing their dreams in entertainment or beyond.
👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Follow Marcel Spears:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmarcelspears

Follow Black Menswear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: https://facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: https://blackmenswear.com

#MarcelSpears #TheNeighborhood #BlackMenswear #SitcomActors #Hollywood #BlackStories #Fatherhood #BuiltDifferent

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50 min
March 25S6 Ep11: Mike Merrill On Acting, Vulnerability, Love, and Not Giving Up
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with actor, entertainer, and Detroit native Mike Merrill for a deeply honest conversation about perseverance, vulnerability, purpose, and what it really means to keep going when life gets heavy.

Mike opens up about the quote that guides him now — “lead with love and dim your light for no one” — and shares how years of trying to be accepted taught him the cost of shrinking himself. From navigating Hollywood, learning to embrace his range as an actor, and processing painful roles, to speaking candidly about recent personal struggles, Mike offers a raw and powerful reminder that strength is not the absence of emotion.

Together they dive into:
Why Mike stopped dimming his light just to make other people comfortable

How growing up shaped the way he learned to move through the world

The truth about acting, discipline, and building a character from real life

What certain roles unlocked for him emotionally

Why “what’s for me won’t pass me” keeps him grounded through rejection

The mental and spiritual weight of pursuing a dream in Hollywood

What love, support, and brotherhood mean to him as a Black man

Why vulnerability is necessary, not weakness

How finding your tribe can keep you going when life gets hard
If you’ve been feeling discouraged, questioning your path, or trying to hold it all together in silence, this episode is a reminder that you are still worthy — even in the middle of the struggle.

📌 Share this with someone who needs the reminder to keep going and not dim their light.👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Follow Mike Merrill:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mikemerrill_
Follow Black Menswear:
Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: blackmenswear.com

#MikeMerrill #BlackMenswear #Vulnerability #BlackMen #ActingJourney #Brotherhood #Love #Purpose #BuiltDifferent #Hollywood

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54 min
March 11S6 Ep10: Sir John On Beyoncé, Fashion, Beauty, and Finding the Courage to Bet on Yourself
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with creative visionary, global beauty leader, and industry trailblazer Sir John for an honest conversation about courage, reinvention, identity, and what it really takes to build a legacy in spaces that were never designed for you.
Sir John reflects on the quote that grounds him — “A lull will teach you how to win if you’re humble enough to learn from it” — and shares how setbacks, uncertainty, and starting over became part of the foundation for the life he built. From getting fired at MAC to doing makeup in a strip club in Queens, from being sent to Milan with money raised by the women around him to building career-defining relationships with icons like Naomi Campbell and Beyoncé, this conversation is a masterclass in trusting your instincts and refusing to shrink.
Together they dive into:
How Sir John’s journey from Buffalo to Harlem shaped his vision and voice

Why learning from the “lulls” matters just as much as celebrating the wins

The story behind how women at the strip club helped fund his trip to Milan

What it felt like to work with Naomi Campbell and later Beyoncé

Why knowing your value changes how you negotiate, lead, and create

The difference between translating and assimilating in professional spaces

How Black creatives can advocate for themselves without shrinking

Why community, courage, and clarity are essential for longevity

What Sir John is building now beyond makeup and beauty trends
If you’ve ever felt called to something bigger, questioned your path, or needed a reminder that your story doesn’t have to look traditional to be powerful, this episode is proof that alignment, resilience, and self-belief can take you further than approval ever will.

📌 Share this with someone who needs the reminder to trust their instincts and keep going.

👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.

Follow Sir John:
Instagram: instagram.com/sirjohn
Follow Black Menswear:
Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: blackmenswear.com

#SirJohn #BlackMenswear #Beyonce #BeautyIndustry #CreativeLeadership #Authenticity #BuiltDifferent #BlackCreatives #KnowYourWorth #Community

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46 min
March 04 S6 Ep 9: Nina Parker On Rejection Being God’s Protection and Building Success Without Losing Yourself
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with Emmy-nominated host, fashion entrepreneur, and cultural voice Nina Parker for an honest conversation about authenticity, resilience, and building a career that lasts—on your terms.
Nina reflects on the quote she returns to again and again—“rejection is God’s way of protection”—and shares how it’s helped her navigate the yeses and nos of LA, the entertainment industry, and entrepreneurship. From taking the leap to move to Los Angeles with no job, to finding her lane in TV, to launching a fashion brand rooted in representation, Nina breaks down what it really means to bet on yourself and stay grounded through the highs and lows.
Together they dive into:
Why “rejection is God’s protection” still guides her in career, relationships, and purpose
What it took to leave comfort behind and move to LA with only a plan and a prayer
How being authentic used to be “frowned upon” and what’s changed in today’s media landscape
The difference between being yourself and learning how to “translate” without shrinking
How getting fired and contracts ending became redirection, not defeat
Why she created Nina Parker Collection and the gap it was built to solve
Defining success as peace—and protecting your joy while you build
If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged by rejection, or unsure whether your path is still valid because it doesn’t look linear, this episode is your reminder that doors closing can be divine protection—and your next chapter may be bigger than what you planned.
📌 Share this with someone who needs the reminder that purpose can grow out of disappointment.
👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.
Follow Nina Parker:
Instagram: instagram.com/theninaparker
Follow Black Menswear:
Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: blackmenswear.com
#NinaParker #BlackMenswear #TheCheckIn #Authenticity #Faith #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #CareerJourney #BuiltDifferent

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52 min
February 25S6 Ep8: Karl Kani on Building a Fashion Legacy That Changed Hip Hop Style Forever
What does it take to build a brand that lasts for decades? Fashion icon Karl Kani shares the real story behind becoming known as the Godfather of Streetwear and how authenticity, culture, and consistency built a global movement.
In conversation with host NeAndre Broussard, founder and CEO of Black Menswear, Karl reflects on defining moments that shaped his career — from early hustle in Brooklyn to seeing his designs worn by some of hip-hop’s biggest legends.
Highlights from the episode include:
The moment Karl realized fashion could change his life

Creating opportunity when none existed for Black designers

Hip-hop marketing before social media

The importance of relationships in fashion and business

Lessons learned from decades in the industry

Advice for the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs

This episode is a blueprint for creatives looking to turn vision into legacy.
👍🏾 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that inspire growth and community.

Stay connected with Karl Kani:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlkani

Follow Black Menswear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: https://blackmenswear.com
#KarlKani #BlackMenswear #StreetwearLegend #FashionEntrepreneur #HipHopFashion #LegacyBuilding

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43 min
February 18S6 Ep7: Joseph Solomon on Healing Through Music, Fatherhood, Faith Shifts & Finding Joy Again
In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with singer, songwriter, and storyteller Joseph Solomon for a deeply honest conversation about creativity, identity, and what it means to rebuild your life in real time.
Known for his soulful acoustic sound and vulnerable storytelling, Joseph opens up about the personal philosophy that shaped his artistry: a song wasn’t finished unless it moved him to tears. From viral pandemic-era covers to crafting deeply personal original music, he shares how pain, growth, and self-reflection became the foundation of his creative process.
Together, they unpack:
“Pain is inevitable, misery is optional” — the mindset that reshaped his outlook on life

Navigating faith reconstruction and redefining identity in public

Why vulnerability built his audience — and the boundaries he’s learned to keep

The pandemic pivot that transformed his music career overnight

Writing songs that heal both the artist and the listener

Battling depression, rediscovering joy, and building sustainable emotional rhythms

Fatherhood, fear, and how becoming a dad changed his empathy and purpose

The difference between happiness and joy — and how daily rituals restore both

Creating music as a net positive for the world, even in difficult seasons

Why R&B never lost its soul — it simply evolved
Joseph also shares insight into his upcoming project Terracotta, recorded with live musicians and analog warmth to capture the humanity often missing in modern music production.
If you’ve ever wrestled with purpose, creativity, faith, or personal transformation, this conversation is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen all at once — it happens through honest moments and small daily choices.
📌 Share this with someone navigating change, healing, or rediscovering who they are becoming.
👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.
Stay connected with Joseph Solomon:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatisjoedoing
Follow Black Menswear:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear
X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswear
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMenswear
Website: https://blackmenswear.com

#JosephSolomon #BlackMenswear #MusicAndHealing #FatherhoodJourney #MentalHealthConversations #RnBSoul #CreativeProcess #BlackMenHealing

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53 min

About The Check-In with Black Menswear

From the publisher's feed

On The Check-In we provide proof against negative stereotypes by discussing engaging topics that uplift our community through interviews of inspiring individuals with stories of rags to riches, defeat…