In this episode of Empire Talks Back, host Wallace Allen is joined by Mac Romeo—a comedian, activist, and military veteran—and Myshjua Allen Murray, Founder of One Life Live Lit and writer of Mysellations, for a wide-ranging discussion on Venezuela, U.S. foreign policy, and political accountability.

The conversation examines whether efforts to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro during the Trump era align with an “America First” agenda—or reveal deeper questions about power, strategy, and political self-preservation.Moving beyond geopolitics, the discussion turns toward civic awareness and personal responsibility, exploring how Americans can remain informed, hopeful, and empowered amid global instability, media saturation, and political polarization.

This episode of Empire Talks Back invites listeners to think critically about international narratives while staying grounded in perspective, agency, and community accountability.

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About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

In this episode of Empire Talks Back, originally aired on August 10, 2025, host Wallace Allen offers his perspective on a controversial political decision involving the Trump administration—specifically a deal that resulted in a minimum-security facility replacing a maximum-security prison as housing for a convicted child sex abuser. Wallace examines what this decision signals about power, privilege, and accountability within the criminal justice system.

The discussion expands with guest James Every, who brings historical and legal context to the conversation through an examination of the 13th Amendment, its language, and its continued implications for incarceration, punishment, and systemic inequity in the United States. 

Also contributing to the dialogue is James Hatton of The James Cane Experience, adding further perspective on media, justice, and public accountability.

This episode of Empire Talks Back challenges listeners to think critically about how laws, policies, and political influence intersect—and who ultimately benefits from those intersections.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

In this episode of Empire Talks Back, host Wallace Allen challenges listeners with a pointed observation: the opposite of being woke is being asleep.

From that premise, the conversation turns toward lived experience, service, and continued responsibility.

Wallace is joined by Vietnam-era combat veterans who speak candidly about their military service and their ongoing involvement with Veterans Affairs and veteran-focused community work. Among the guests is Feron Dozier, a radio talk show host retired after 24 years of service, who shares perspective shaped by both military duty and public communication. Also joining the discussion are Jimmy Green and Martin Daily, co-chairs of the Fontana Veterans Group, who discuss veteran advocacy, community support, and local organizing.

The episode also features Glenn Towery, founder of the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel, who addresses mental health, awareness, and the urgent need for continued engagement and prevention efforts.

This episode of Empire Talks Back centers veteran voices, lived history, and the importance of staying informed, aware, and involved—long after service ends.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

In this episode of Empire Talks Back, host Wallace Allen speaks with Joe Paulino, Chief of Police for the San Bernardino City Unified School District. Chief Paulino discusses the responsibility of selecting the right people for law enforcement roles within school environments and the importance of proper training rooted in education, service, and accountability. The conversation focuses on how school-based policing differs from traditional law enforcement and why trust, preparation, and community awareness are essential when serving students, families, and educators. The episode is supported by weekly background musical selections from Anthony Garcia, providing the program’s signature atmosphere and rhythm. This discussion offers insight into leadership, training, and the role of policing within public education—grounded in the realities facing school communities today.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

In this episode of Empire Talks Back, host Wallace Allen explores the idea that “your backyard bucket farm is a vegetable nursery”—a practical and timely response to rising food costs and growing food insecurity. Wallace is joined by Anthony Vasquez, a certified farmer and patent holder of a specialized fertilizer designed to support small-scale, at-home food production. Anthony explains how bucket farming can help individuals and families grow fresh vegetables efficiently, even with limited space and resources. The conversation is joined by Michael Grissom, who adds critical insight into the growing challenge of food affordability. He discusses efforts to distribute low-cost food to families and individuals who cannot—or soon may not be able to—afford the increasing price of store-bought healthy food. This episode of Empire Talks Back focuses on food access, sustainability, and community-based solutions—highlighting how local action and practical knowledge can help communities prepare for changing economic realities.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

Guest: Terrence Stone, Founder & CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy

In this motivating episode of Empire Talks Back, host Wallace Allen sits down with Terrence Stone, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy. Stone shares his powerful personal journey from the streets to leadership — and how he’s turned his experiences into a mission to uplift and empower youth across the Inland Empire.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

Guest: Terry Boykins, Executive Director of Project Fighting Chance

In this empowering episode of Empire Talks Back, host Wallace Allen welcomes Terry Boykins, Executive Director of Project Fighting Chance — a transformative youth empowerment organization based in San Bernardino. Boykins shares how the program uses boxing, mentorship, and community engagement to teach discipline, build confidence, and provide real opportunities for at-risk youth.
From the boxing ring to life lessons, Boykins discusses the power of resilience, responsibility, and redemption, offering insights on how Project Fighting Chance continues to make a lasting impact across the Inland Empire.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

Sep 17, 2025

Empire Talks Back: Victor Essiet (The Mandators) & Russell Gerlach

In this episode of Empire Talks Back, host Wallace Allen welcomes Nigerian reggae artist Victor Essiet, leader of The Mandators, along with community advocate Russell Gerlach. Together, they discuss music as a force for unity and change, the role of culture in shaping identity, and the importance of grassroots efforts in strengthening communities. From global stages to local neighborhoods, this conversation connects rhythm, resilience, and responsibility.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

Empire Talks Back: Ryan Berryman – San Bernardino Fatherhood
In this episode of Empire Talks Back, we sit down with Ryan Berryman to explore the importance of fatherhood in the San Bernardino community. Ryan shares his journey, the challenges fathers face, and the impact of strong male role models in building healthier families and neighborhoods. From personal stories to community initiatives, this conversation highlights how fatherhood shapes not only individual households but also the future of our city.

Watch on YouTube at Empire Talks Back

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes

Wallace Allen interviews Dr. Christopher Otiko, founder of ViaDerma Inc., the company that has received a patent for a revolutionary product that increases the efficiency of anti inflammation medicines by allowing them to be absorbed through our skin! His Vitastem solution is designed to cure burns, cuts, and bruises in a quicker, more efficient manner. 
Dr Otiko, a Nigerian immigrant, demonstrates the contribution that is available via our immigrant population.



Empire Talks Back is hosted and produced by Wallace Allen, publisher and editor-in-chief of community newspaper, Westside Story News aka "the Soul of the Empire".

For more visit www.wssnews.com

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/wallace-allen-s-empire-talks-back--6478734/support.

About the Show
Empire Talks Back is hosted by veteran broadcaster Wallace Allen and explores Black culture, history, media, and community leadership through long-form conversation.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: Empire Talks Back
📰 Publisher: Westside Story Newspaper
🔔 Follow and subscribe for new episodes