The REAL Room with Lacretia Mitchell

In this powerful episode of The Real Room, host LaCretia Mitchell sits down with an inspiring panel of leaders to unpack the true power of mentorship — not just in the Black community, but across every generation and culture.Featuring Dr. Danielle Cole, Shayah McCombian, Courtney Mack Woods McClain, and Ibrahim “Jalo” Shabazz, this deep and emotional conversation explores how mentorship shapes identity, restores families, strengthens communities, and redefines leadership.From overcoming trauma and building emotional intelligence to embracing vulnerability, accountability, and legacy — this episode challenges us all to reach back, lift up, and pour into the next generation.✨ Topics Covered:The difference between mentorship and adviceHealing generational wounds through guidance and exampleThe importance of representation and positive male role modelsThe spiritual and emotional roots of mentorshipBalancing masculine and feminine energy in leadershipHow to mentor while still being mentoredBuilding community through brotherhood, sisterhood, and love🎙️ Whether you’re a parent, teacher, leader, or community builder — this episode will inspire you to take action and be the mentor you once needed.📺 Watch full episodes of The Real Room Podcast for more real, raw, and redemptive conversations about culture, community, faith, and transformation.#TheRealRoomPodcast #MentorshipMatters #BlackExcellence #CommunityLeadership #FaithAndHealing #LaCretiaMitchell #BlackCulture #EmotionalHealth #LegacyBuilding #LeadershipDevelopment

In this episode of The Real Room Podcast, we sit down with Oklahoma radio legend Terry Monday, a man whose voice has shaped the airwaves and inspired lives for over 36 years. From his humble beginnings in Northeast Oklahoma City to becoming Vice President of Radio Programming at Perry Publishing & Broadcasting, Terry’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and grace.He opens up about growing up with a strong single mother, healing from his relationship with his father, and building a marriage and family grounded in loyalty, forgiveness, and faith. Through wisdom earned on and off the mic, Terry shares lessons on leadership, legacy, and staying authentic in an ever-changing industry.We dive into:How rejection and faith shaped his characterThe difference between being a DJ and an announcerLessons from 32 years at one companyThe importance of forgiveness, relationships, and humilityNavigating change, technology, and integrity in today’s media worldTerry reminds us that true success isn’t about fame or titles—it’s about character, consistency, and leaving people better than you found them.🎧 Tune in to The Real Room Podcast Episode 35 for a powerful conversation about resilience, family, faith, and the heart behind the voice that has inspired generations.

In this episode of The Real Room Podcast, we sit down with Oklahoma radio legend Terry Monday, a man whose voice has shaped the airwaves and inspired lives for over 36 years. From his humble beginnings in Northeast Oklahoma City to becoming Vice President of Radio Programming at Perry Publishing & Broadcasting, Terry’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and grace.He opens up about growing up with a strong single mother, healing from his relationship with his father, and building a marriage and family grounded in loyalty, forgiveness, and faith. Through wisdom earned on and off the mic, Terry shares lessons on leadership, legacy, and staying authentic in an ever-changing industry.We dive into:How rejection and faith shaped his characterThe difference between being a DJ and an announcerLessons from 32 years at one companyThe importance of forgiveness, relationships, and humilityNavigating change, technology, and integrity in today’s media worldTerry reminds us that true success isn’t about fame or titles—it’s about character, consistency, and leaving people better than you found them.🎧 Tune in to The Real Room Podcast Episode 35 for a powerful conversation about resilience, family, faith, and the heart behind the voice that has inspired generations.

In this episode of The Real Room Podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur, mindset coach, and podcaster Melvin Johnson—a man whose journey from struggle to success is a masterclass in faith, focus, and transformation.Melvin shares how hitting rock bottom led to his breakthrough moment, the mindset shift that changed everything, and the lessons learned through building a business, a marriage, and a legacy rooted in purpose. From dropping out of high school to becoming a thriving business owner and motivator, his story is proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your life.We dive deep into:Overcoming fear, failure, and the opinions of othersBuilding unshakable faith and disciplineLeading with integrity and investing in your teamBalancing entrepreneurship, family, and purposeThe power of surrounding yourself with the right peopleThis episode is raw, real, and packed with wisdom for anyone chasing growth, faith, and freedom.🎧 Tune in and be inspired to believe bigger, do better, and remember—you were built for more.

LaCretia Mitchell sits down with Sean Love—former Oklahoma State wide receiver, creator of The Rock Podcast, and co-founder of Super 16 All-Star, the only Oklahoma middle-school all-star showcase. Sean shares his journey from Guthrie to OSU (his class beat OU 3 out of 4 years), the heart behind building platforms for young athletes, and how faith, family, and character guide his work. A conversation about legacy, leadership, and lifting the next generation of Oklahoma talent.

In this episode of The Real Room, we sit down with Corey “Scissorhands” Sutter—a barber, businessman, veteran, and mentor whose story runs deeper than the fades he’s known for.Corey opens up about his journey from growing up in Atoka, Oklahoma, to serving in the military, to becoming the heart behind Faintin’ Up, a barbershop that’s become a cultural staple and home for the University of Oklahoma football family. Beyond the clippers, Corey is a connector, community leader, and man of faith who has built a legacy through service, mentorship, and resilience.We dive into:His roots in Atoka and the lessons of growing up with little but finding joy.Life in the military and how it shaped his discipline and perspective.Building Faintin’ Up into more than a shop—a cultural hub.The role of the barbershop as a heartbeat of community and connection.Family, faith, and the legacy he’s determined to leave for the next generation.This episode is about more than cutting hair—it’s about cutting through the noise to live with purpose, resilience, and joy.

In this episode of The Real Room, LaCretia Mitchell sits down with Oklahoma legend Derek “Nitro” Booker — rapper, impresario, and cultural architect — to unpack a life built on creativity, faith, and business savvy. From the rise of the Nitro era and the Hip Hop Watch moment, to producing for major names and building infrastructure so local talent can win, Nitro tells stories only a lifetime in the trenches can produce.Listen as Nitro talks about:Turning artistic energy into organized enterprises — from record runs to TV, film and real estate.The lessons of mentorship, why learning the business matters, and how to “go crazy and prove it.”Staying rooted in Oklahoma while working with Snoop, Akon, DMX and industry giants.The power of faith, discipline, and showing up for the next generation of creators.Practical advice for creators: systems, grind, and how to get on autopilot without losing control.This episode is for creators, culture-builders, and anyone who wants to learn how to transform talent into legacy — and keep your arches up while doing it.

In this inspiring episode of The Real Room, host LaCretia Mitchell sits down with Oklahoma content creator Trey Smith—better known as BigTray TV—to explore the journey from capturing family moments to producing content that connects communities and builds legacy.What began with Trey’s mom recording every family event and his daughter’s dream of starting a YouTube channel has grown into a platform that highlights culture, history, and positivity across Oklahoma and beyond. From rodeos and trail rides to travel vlogs and brand collaborations, Trey has found his voice and his purpose through the lens of a camera.In this episode, Trey shares:Why he chose positivity over viral negativity.How discipline, faith, and fatherhood fuel his creativity.The behind-the-scenes grind and sacrifices of content creation.His vision for putting Oklahoma on the map and building BigTray TV into something bigger.This conversation is about more than content—it’s about purpose, representation, and the power of creating not just for likes, but for legacy.

In this powerful episode of The Real Room, host LaCretia Mitchell sits down with educator, poet, and community builder Anthony Crawford to unpack a story rooted in resilience, faith, and truth-telling.Born in Los Angeles and shaped by the realities of South Central, Anthony’s journey led him to Oklahoma and a life dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and creating safe spaces for young people. But behind the classroom and the poetry, Anthony has faced deep personal loss, depression, and the weight of being a Black man navigating grief in silence.In this conversation, Anthony opens up about:Growing up in LA and the programs that kept him from the streets.His path to education and becoming a counselor and mentor.The importance of safe spaces for Black men to speak their truth.His beliefs about Black identity, history, and the power of reclaiming our true origins.How loss, faith, and art continue to shape his purpose.This episode isn’t just about poetry or teaching—it’s about restoration, identity, and the courage to keep speaking even when the weight feels unbearable.

In this special episode of The Real Room, we take you inside the 4th Annual River Bowl Classic—an Oklahoma City tradition where history, sport, and community collide. Founded by Shanté Alexander and hosted by the Oklahoma City Black Alumni Coalition in partnership with Riversport OKC, this event has become a cultural landmark, uniting schools, neighborhoods, and generations through the power of rowing.From U.S. Olympians Patricia Spratlen-Eaton and Akil Abdullah to the cast of A Most Beautiful Thing led by Arshay Cooper, we hear powerful stories of discipline, resilience, and representation. Mayor David Holt even declared August 2nd as River Bowl Classic Day, cementing its impact in OKC history.But this is about more than rowing. It’s about reclaiming identity, honoring legacy, and creating spaces where Black voices, families, and young people can see themselves reflected in places once denied to them. From descendants of Walnut Grove—land once stripped through urban renewal—to first-time rowers discovering the power of teamwork, this episode captures the joy, healing, and unity born when people pull together.Tune in for inspiring conversations, community pride, and a reminder that when we row as one, we move faster, further, and stronger—together.