Teej Mercer, founder of Move In Day Mafia, discusses her nonprofit's mission to support foster youth and under-resourced HBCU students with fully furnished dorm rooms and year-long support. Since 2022, they have assisted 84 students at 21 HBCUs, including 23 scholars at 13 HBCUs this year. Each student costs $5,000 annually, and the organization provides monthly care packages. Mercer emphasizes the importance of choice and personalization for students, sharing stories of resilience and success. She credits her Hollywood experience and storytelling skills in driving her mission. Mercer aims to expand to every HBCU by 2027, with a $10 million budget to support all students.

The Urban Rez show discussed the recent achievements of Dr. B's mother, Christina, who was elected to a Navajo Nation tribal position, focusing on housing, infrastructure, and water access. The hosts recapped their trip to Marbella, Spain, where they met celebrities like Eva Longoria and former NBA players. They introduced guest Roddell Denetso, a Navajo African American entrepreneur who founded Black Street Apparel. Roddell shared his journey, including designing uniforms for the Netflix film "Rez Ball," produced by LeBron James. He emphasized the importance of visibility and entrepreneurship within Native American communities, highlighting the need for more businesses on reservations to improve accessibility.

Jenna DiPaolo, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of Ocean Conservancy, discussed the "Protect Where We Play" initiative, which unites the sports and entertainment industry to promote ocean conservation. DiPaolo highlighted partnerships with athletes like Calvin Beecham and Nafisa Collier, and initiatives like the WNBA's switch to reusable plastics. She emphasized the importance of trust in athletes and entertainers to drive environmental action. Shani Coleman, Director of Community and Economic Development for Clark County, Nevada, discussed efforts to support small businesses and sports innovation, including a new small business grant program and the development of an innovation district around UNLV.

The Urban Rez program featured Christine Madella, co-owner of Storyville Road, discussing the power of storytelling in sports, particularly in creating fan engagement and team unity. Madella highlighted her company's work with the Raiders, Aces, and the NFL, emphasizing the importance of authentic human experiences over AI-generated content. Dr. Timmie Foster, a mental health advocate, shared his work on social emotional learning through sports, focusing on wellness, mental health, and community engagement. He highlighted the impact of his series on professional athletes and the importance of family support in mental health. Both emphasized the need for practical skills and diverse representation in their respective industries.

When the final whistle blows and the crowd goes silent, what’s left? For too many athletes, it's anxiety, identity loss, and a mental health crisis no one prepared them for. In this powerful episode of The Urban Rez, we sit down with Bianca McCall, a former pro basketball player turned mental health trailblazer. With over 25 years in behavioral health and a seat at the table with the NFL, Givenchy, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bianca exposes the hidden cost of performance culture and the emotional toll of being an elite athlete.

Nevada ranks second in the nation for human trafficking incidents per capita — and Las Vegas sits at the heart of that crisis. In this powerful episode, Dr. Christina Vela, CEO of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, joins us to talk candidly about what’s happening to vulnerable youth in Clark County and what’s being done about it. 

She shares how St. Jude’s groundbreaking new Healing Center is offering safety and recovery for child survivors and how the Las Vegas community, from government leaders to the Clark County School District, is stepping up in real, meaningful ways.

This conversation is not just about the problem; it’s about action, compassion, and how collective effort is creating a path forward.

Sam McCracken, General Manager of Nike's N7 program, discussed his journey from a forklift driver to leading initiatives for Native American health and wellness through sports. He highlighted the N7 program's impact, including the Nike Air Native N7 shoe, which incentivizes health improvements. McCracken shared memorable moments, like being featured on Saturday Night Live and collaborating with Jordan Brand. He emphasized the importance of community engagement and the N7 fund, which has distributed $12.5 million to 300 communities. McCracken announced his retirement, expressing confidence in the next generation of leaders to continue the program's mission.

This episode of The Urban Rez features Jay Vickers, COO of UNLV's Sports Innovation Institute, as he shares how the institute connects sports, education, and economic development to drive innovation. 

We also sit down with Cuban world-renowned anthropologist Dr. Aida Esther Bueno-Sarduy in Barcelona, to explore her work on Barrack Feminism and the role of art in reclaiming historical narratives.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, we spotlight extraordinary women who are transforming the sports industry in impactful ways. Hear from Dr. B, the first Native American owner of a professional sports team, Rebecca Otto, founder and CEO of the RKO Group, Shayna Powless, professional cyclist and coach, Elicia Broussard Sheridan, VP of Community Relations for the New Orleans Saints & Pelicans, and Bianca McCall, NFL Mental Health Advisor, TEDx Speaker, and retired professional basketball player. These trailblazers share their inspiring journeys, breaking barriers and reshaping the game on and off the field.

In this thought-provoking episode, our guests open up about the intimate experiences that have shaped their beliefs, providing profound insights into their unique spiritual journeys. Joining the conversation are the "Williams Brothers"—Pastor Ron Williams Jr. and Traditional Practitioner Calvert Williams from the Navajo Nation—who bring diverse perspectives to this rich and meaningful dialogue.