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The Final Episode: Legacy, Leadership, & Lessons from MVP
After two years of unforgettable conversations, career-changing insights, and deeply personal stories, Momentum Now reaches its final chapter. But this isn’t just an ending — it’s a celebration of impact, legacy, and the community we’ve built together.
In this powerful and emotional finale, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane are joined by three foundational voices behind MVP (Momentum & Value for People of Color):
💼 Christine Sakdalan, Co-founder & CEO
🔥 Miguel Valentin, Executive Director
🎛️ Shawn Dahlhaus, Podcast Producer & Editor
Together, they reflect on:
The origin story of MVP: how a personal trauma sparked a movement
What it meant to mentor, coach, and support 145+ young professionals of color
Favorite guests and lessons that still resonate today — from career pivots and conflict management to radical optimism and leadership rooted in character
Why this podcast will live on, even as the organization closes its doors
And the most important takeaway: the momentum doesn't stop here
You’ll hear behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt thank-yous, and real talk about starting something from scratch, making an impact, and figuring it out as you go.
If you’ve ever been unsure about your path, felt the pressure to succeed, or needed to hear someone say “your journey doesn’t have to be a straight line” — this episode is for you.
🎧 Featured Reflections From Past Guests:
🛠️ Mike Metcalf (NASCAR) – on building diverse teams and thinking in seasons
🍎 Maya Feller – on reclaiming the narrative around cultural foods and health
🧠 Craig DeLarge – on self-awareness, blind spots, and leadership
🎤 Javier Farfán – on showing up authentically in music, marketing, and education
⚖️ Brittany Hale – on being conflict curious and leading with integrity
👩🏽💼 Wema Hoover – on mentorship as a duty, and careers as skylines, not ladders
📈 Charlotte Castillo – on radical optimism and her mantra: "I'll figure it out"
🧠 Dr. Juan Rios – on mental health and navigating challenges as professionals of color
💡 And many more...
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & welcome
00:37 – Meet the final guests: Miguel, Christine & Shawn
01:48 – How MVP started: turning pain into purpose
04:01 – Miguel on leading MVP & mentoring 145 students
05:35 – Christine on MVP’s digital legacy & impact beyond numbers
07:37 – Karen on how the work transformed her life
09:19 – Favorite episodes and guests that left a lasting mark
11:06 – Shawn on being behind the scenes for every moment
13:05 – Christine on why Episode 1 (Mike Metcalf) still hits
17:21 – Karen on food, culture & self-love with Maya Feller
20:36 – Miguel on career rivers, not ladders
24:24 – Craig DeLarge and the power of self-awareness
27:08 – Brittany Hale’s “conflict curious” framework
28:22 – Britney Jackson Mosley as the ultimate multi-hyphenate
29:25 – Wema Hoover on character and responsibility
32:20 – Charlotte Castillo on saying yes & figuring it out
33:32 – Christine on Matt Sakdalan and entrepreneurial energy
36:13 – Final reflections & emotional thank-yous
39:43 – Why the work will never truly end
40:06 – That’s a wrap 🎬
💬 A Note from the MVP Team:
This podcast was never just about interviews — it was about access, inspiration, and building a platform where professionals of color could speak freely, teach boldly, and lead authentically.
🫶🏾 To our guests, mentors, volunteers, and most of all — our listeners:
Thank you.
You are the reason we kept showing up. Your stories, your growth, and your trust made this space something special.
While MVP may be closing its doors, the Momentum Now podcast will continue to live on for future listeners, learners, and leaders.
🎧 Listen anytime:
Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/5qy1R6AnexTiZRyDWFlbCv
Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momentum-now/id1749694194
Podbean – momentumnow.podbean.com
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:
youtube.com/@mvpoc9565
View all episodes
By Momentum & Value for People of ColorAfter two years of unforgettable conversations, career-changing insights, and deeply personal stories, Momentum Now reaches its final chapter. But this isn’t just an ending — it’s a celebration of impact, legacy, and the community we’ve built together.
In this powerful and emotional finale, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane are joined by three foundational voices behind MVP (Momentum & Value for People of Color):
💼 Christine Sakdalan, Co-founder & CEO
🔥 Miguel Valentin, Executive Director
🎛️ Shawn Dahlhaus, Podcast Producer & Editor
Together, they reflect on:
The origin story of MVP: how a personal trauma sparked a movement
What it meant to mentor, coach, and support 145+ young professionals of color
Favorite guests and lessons that still resonate today — from career pivots and conflict management to radical optimism and leadership rooted in character
Why this podcast will live on, even as the organization closes its doors
And the most important takeaway: the momentum doesn't stop here
You’ll hear behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt thank-yous, and real talk about starting something from scratch, making an impact, and figuring it out as you go.
If you’ve ever been unsure about your path, felt the pressure to succeed, or needed to hear someone say “your journey doesn’t have to be a straight line” — this episode is for you.
🎧 Featured Reflections From Past Guests:
🛠️ Mike Metcalf (NASCAR) – on building diverse teams and thinking in seasons
🍎 Maya Feller – on reclaiming the narrative around cultural foods and health
🧠 Craig DeLarge – on self-awareness, blind spots, and leadership
🎤 Javier Farfán – on showing up authentically in music, marketing, and education
⚖️ Brittany Hale – on being conflict curious and leading with integrity
👩🏽💼 Wema Hoover – on mentorship as a duty, and careers as skylines, not ladders
📈 Charlotte Castillo – on radical optimism and her mantra: "I'll figure it out"
🧠 Dr. Juan Rios – on mental health and navigating challenges as professionals of color
💡 And many more...
⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & welcome
00:37 – Meet the final guests: Miguel, Christine & Shawn
01:48 – How MVP started: turning pain into purpose
04:01 – Miguel on leading MVP & mentoring 145 students
05:35 – Christine on MVP’s digital legacy & impact beyond numbers
07:37 – Karen on how the work transformed her life
09:19 – Favorite episodes and guests that left a lasting mark
11:06 – Shawn on being behind the scenes for every moment
13:05 – Christine on why Episode 1 (Mike Metcalf) still hits
17:21 – Karen on food, culture & self-love with Maya Feller
20:36 – Miguel on career rivers, not ladders
24:24 – Craig DeLarge and the power of self-awareness
27:08 – Brittany Hale’s “conflict curious” framework
28:22 – Britney Jackson Mosley as the ultimate multi-hyphenate
29:25 – Wema Hoover on character and responsibility
32:20 – Charlotte Castillo on saying yes & figuring it out
33:32 – Christine on Matt Sakdalan and entrepreneurial energy
36:13 – Final reflections & emotional thank-yous
39:43 – Why the work will never truly end
40:06 – That’s a wrap 🎬
💬 A Note from the MVP Team:
This podcast was never just about interviews — it was about access, inspiration, and building a platform where professionals of color could speak freely, teach boldly, and lead authentically.
🫶🏾 To our guests, mentors, volunteers, and most of all — our listeners:
Thank you.
You are the reason we kept showing up. Your stories, your growth, and your trust made this space something special.
While MVP may be closing its doors, the Momentum Now podcast will continue to live on for future listeners, learners, and leaders.
🎧 Listen anytime:
Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/5qy1R6AnexTiZRyDWFlbCv
Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momentum-now/id1749694194
Podbean – momentumnow.podbean.com
📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube:
youtube.com/@mvpoc9565