Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/shutdowns-showdowns-and-snipers-america-at-the-breaking-point

Episode Video Link:

In this provocative episode of A Black Executive Perspective Podcast, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed dive into various pressing issues affecting America today. They address how race and culture impact unspoken topics, investigate the looming government shutdown, and unpack Trump's divisive political actions. The discussion encompasses the causes and consequences of declining consumer confidence, employment challenges, and the radical actions taken to undermine democratic norms. The podcast urges listeners to stay informed, empathize, share, and actively work to stop discrimination, highlighting the importance of unity

00:00: Introduction to A Black Executive Perspective

00:48: Current Political Climate and Government Shutdown

02:39: Impact of Government Shutdown on Federal Workers

13:07: Economic Consequences and Job Market Challenges

23:10: Political Retaliation and Abuse of Power

30:40: Political Manipulation and Legal Loopholes

31:49: Unqualified Appointments and Their Consequences

34:25: Controversial Reappointments and Public Reactions

35:37: Rising Tensions and Public Outrage

44:53: Violence and Political Rhetoric

55:04: Call to Action and Final Thoughts

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/school-prayer-vs-school-safety-what-politicians-wont-address

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of Need to Know, Dr. Nsenga Burton unpacks the growing debate surrounding mandated Christian prayer in public schools, which has been pushed by a Texas lawmaker. She highlights the hypocrisy of prioritizing prayer while ignoring urgent issues like gun violence, overcrowded classrooms, and underfunded schools. Dr. Burton emphasizes the need for genuine solutions—such as parental engagement, equitable funding, and support for teachers—that truly protect and empower students, rather than using faith as a political distraction.

00:00: Introduction and Welcome

00:21: The Push for Prayer in Schools

01:07: Gun Violence and School Safety

02:30: Critique of Education Policies

04:25: The Hypocrisy of Indoctrination Claims

07:59: Call to Action for Parents

08:41: Conclusion and Podcast Promotion

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/from-bias-and-burnout-to-Hollywood-on-your-own-terms

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of A Black Executive Perspective Podcast, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed sit down with Sharif Bennett, tech executive, comedian, and co-founder of CineBlock, an equity crowdfunding platform for filmmakers. Sharif shares his journey from navigating racial bias and burnout in corporate America to building a business that challenges Hollywood’s gatekeepers. He reflects on his diverse upbringing, studying abroad in Egypt, and how improv and comedy sharpened his leadership skills.

This is a conversation about breaking barriers, redefining success, and creating equitable opportunities in the tech and film industries.

00:00: Introduction to Race Relations and Personal Experiences

00:58: Welcome to A Black Executive Perspective Podcast

01:39: Guest Introduction: Sharif Bennett

03:45: Sharif's Background and Upbringing

04:37: The Importance of Conversations on Race

07:07: Sharif's High School Experience in a Diverse Environment

10:16: Study Abroad in Egypt: Eye-Opening Experiences

18:54: Transition to Comedy and Improv

26:16: Lessons from Improv and Transition to Business School

29:22: Experiences at Darden School of Business

37:27: Facing DEI Challenges in the Workplace

38:48: Navigating Corporate America as a Person of Color

39:58: Overcoming Workplace Bias and Setting Goals

41:46: Building Confidence and Recognizing Self-Worth

46:46: Creating a Framework for Career Success

49:50: Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

52:05: Introducing CineBlock: Revolutionizing Film Investment

56:15: The Future of CineBlock and Final Thoughts

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/suicide-prevention-month-what-you-need-to-know-right-now

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of Need To Know, award-winning journalist and cultural critic Dr. Nsenga Burton shines a light on Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Dr. Burton unpacks the urgency of addressing mental health challenges head-on, offering practical tools and resources that can save lives. From recognizing warning signs to using the 988-crisis hotline, she explains how small but intentional actions can make a powerful difference.

 Dr. Burton also stresses the importance of staying connected, checking in on loved ones, and breaking the silence around suicide. This episode is both a call to awareness and a reminder: by sharing information and showing up for others, we all have the power to prevent tragedy.

00:00: Introduction and Welcome

00:19: Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

00:43: Resources for Crisis Help

01:49: Recognizing the Signs

02:42: Supporting Those in Crisis

03:31: Asking the Right Questions

04:25: Personal Stories and Final Thoughts

07:25 Conclusion and Call to Action

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/biracial-black-and-breaking-the-mental-toll-of-living-between-worlds

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of A Black Executive Perspective Podcast, host Tony Tidbit dives into a raw and revealing conversation with Grace Fooden, a seasoned executive in the fashion and beauty industry. Growing up with a white Jewish father and a Black mother, Grace learned early how to navigate — and at times pass within — white culture. That ability helped her rise in corporate America, but it came with a heavy price.

Grace shares the mental toll of living between worlds: the privilege of being “white enough” in certain spaces, the discomfort of not fully belonging in Black culture, and the emotional cost of constantly shifting identities to fit in. She reflects on how mentorship shaped her path toward authentic leadership, and why embracing her Blackness was essential to reclaiming purpose and wholeness.

This isn’t just one executive’s story — it’s an unflinching look at what it means to lead, succeed, and survive while living with triple consciousness.

00:00 Navigating Identity in a Divided World

00:58 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:39 Grace Fooden's Background and Family

06:12 Challenges of Growing Up Biracial

24:28 Corporate Journey and Cultural Bias

27:52 Therapy and Self-Realization

33:05 Uncovering Childhood Trauma

35:07 Challenges in Corporate America

36:05 Strategic Identity Management

44:05 Mentorship and Personal Growth

45:58 Connecting with the Black Community

49:16 Advice for Companies and Individuals

58:31 Final Reflections and Call to Action

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/white-enough-black-enoughthe-double-burden-of-interracial-marriage-

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of Pull Up, Speak Up from A Black Executive Perspective Podcast, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed tackle the raw realities of interracial marriage in America—58 years after the landmark Loving decision. Guests Gayle McMillan, Tiffany Morrison, and Cynthia Allison Hall share deeply personal stories about love, identity, and resilience while navigating cultural clashes and societal expectations. Together, they explore the unspoken burdens interracial couples still carry—the pressure to conform, the scrutiny of raising biracial children, and the constant negotiation of belonging. More than a conversation on marriage, this episode shines a light on empathy, understanding, and the unfinished work of building an inclusive society.

00:35: Introduction to Pull Up, Speak Up

01:08: Legacy of Interracial Marriage

01:42: Personal Stories of Interracial Couples

02:45: Statistics and Social Acceptance

04:12: Challenges and Cultural Dynamics

08:45: Navigating Interracial Relationships

11:45: Historical Context and Personal Experiences

22:48: The Issue of Limited Interaction

23:45: Workplace Recognition and Perception

26:05: Understanding and Addressing Microaggressions

30:23: Navigating Biracial Identity

36:02: Final Thoughts and Reflections

38:17 Tony's Tidbit and Call to Action

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/beyond-marches-how-everyday-choices-drive-real-social-justice

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of Need to Know, award-winning journalist and cultural critic Dr. Nsenga Burton explores what it really takes to create meaningful change in today’s turbulent social and political climate. She addresses the rising sense of frustration and hopelessness—especially among Black communities navigating professional and social barriers—and reminds us that while progress may be slow, it is always possible.

Dr. Burton shares practical ways to fuel change beyond traditional protests, including boycotting corporations that fail communities, investing in progressive causes, and strengthening local initiatives. She also emphasizes the importance of joy and self-care as acts of resistance, highlighting the role of art and cultures, such as celebrating Black Theater Day, in sustaining the movement.

This episode is both a call to action and a message of hope, urging listeners to stay engaged, stay informed, and stay resilient in the ongoing pursuit of justice.

00:00: Introduction and Welcome

00:19: Current Climate and Encouragement

01:05: Examples of Resistance and Change

01:48: Creative Ways to Support Change

02:32: Boycotts and Personal Actions

04:16: Supporting Progressive Causes

05:26: Organizing and Local Actions

07:18: Finding Joy and Resilience

08:15: Concluding Thoughts and Call to Action

12:50 Final Remarks and Black Theater: Day

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/ai-liberation-or-oppression-the-urgent-choice-for-communities-of-color

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of A Black Executive Perspective, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed sit down with Meme Styles — founder of Measure and a Just Tech Fellow — for a groundbreaking conversation at the intersection of race, technology, and justice.

Meme unpacks the double-edged power of artificial intelligence: how it can perpetuate algorithmic bias and systemic oppression yet also be harnessed to liberate and empower communities of color. She shares her visionary framework of “quantum faith” — where spirituality meets strategy — and highlights the brilliance of HBCUs, the need for AI accountability, and the role of data as a weapon for justice.

The discussion also explores the deeper truths of collective action, restorative narratives, and the necessity of empathy and rest in leadership. Together, they ask: Will AI become a tool of harm, or a pathway to healing and equity?

00:00: Introduction to AI and Oppression

01:08: Podcast Introduction and Hosts

01:48: Introducing Meme Styles

03:54: Meme's Background and Personal Story

04:42: Founding Measure and Its Mission

07:54: Early Activism and Family Influence

17:33: Technology and Data Activism

27:31: AI and Future Challenges

34:55: Introducing the Theory of Interrogative Reasoning

35:33: Discussing Erin Reddick and Black ChatGPT

36:44: Challenges and Opportunities for People of Color in AI

38:46: The Importance of AI Literacy and Community

40:29: Personal Motivations and Technological Injustice

47:29: Quantum Faith and Spirituality

51:47: Balancing Science and Faith

55:30: Leadership Advice for People of Color

59:10: Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/thoughts-prayers-wont-save-children-only-gun-reform-will-

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of Need to Know, Dr. Nsenga Burton takes on one of America’s most urgent crises: gun violence against children. From tragic church shootings to everyday community tragedies, kids are paying the price while lawmakers hide behind “thoughts and prayers.”

Dr. Burton exposes the gun lobby’s outsized influence, the hypocrisy of politicians who refuse to act, and the deadly consequences of weak legislation. She calls for immediate reform—highlighting proven policies from other cities that work—and urges viewers to demand action by writing to Congress. This isn’t just politics. It’s about saving lives and securing our children’s future.

00:00: Introduction and Welcome

00:23: Addressing Gun Violence in America

02:37: The Hypocrisy of 'Children are Sacred'

05:09: Call to Action: Policy Change and Mental Health

07:33: Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .

Episode Title:

Episode Audio Link: https://podcast.ablackexec.com/episode/why-traditional-venture-capital-is-failing-black-founders

Episode Video Link:

In this episode of A Black Executive Perspective, hosts Tony Tidbit and Chris P. Reed sit down with Himalaya Rao-Potlapally — Managing Director of the BFM Fund and Co-Executive Director of Venture Partners Fund — to unpack how venture capital must evolve to truly serve Black entrepreneurs.

Himalaya shares her journey into finance and explains why traditional VC models often overlook or underserve Black founders. She introduces BFM Fund’s integrated capital approach — blending grants, revenue-based financing, and equity —designed to provide holistic support for scalable Black-owned businesses.

The conversation explores the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship, the Shark Tank effect, and common misconceptions about startup success, and the critical role of community-centered ventures in building lasting generational wealth. From the “village cobbler” analogy to examples of impactful investments, this episode highlights how localized entrepreneurship and strategic financial planning can reshape economic outcomes for Black communities.

00:00: Introduction and Hosts

00:56: Welcome to A Black Executive Perspective

01:51: Introducing Himalaya and Her Work

04:12: Himalaya's Personal Background and Interests

06:18: Diving into the BFM Fund

11:16: Challenges and Realities of Black Entrepreneurship

19:21: The Shark Tank Effect and Misconceptions

29:46: Innovative Approaches in Venture Capital

38:43: The Village Cobbler Analogy

39:40: Existential Crisis in Venture Capital

40:14: Supporting Black Businesses Holistically

41:42: Examples of Impactful Investments

43:35: Challenges and Solutions for Seasonal Businesses

54:07: Revenue-Based Financing Explained

55:56: Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Self-Reliance

01:10:07: Building Generational Wealth

01:19:00:Final Thoughts and Call to Action

01:22:46: Closing Remarks

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This episode was produced by TonyTidbit ™ . Copyright © 2024 A BLACK EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE LLC. All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced without prior written permission. For permissions, email [email protected] .