What's Up Cuz

Celebrating Black History

Welcome to another episode of What’s Up Cuz podcast where we delve into the complexities of life, relationships, community, and family dynamics.

Join our What’s Up Cuz podcast hosts Dr. Sharon McDaniel and Dr. David Brock for a thought-provoking discussion with special guest Dr. Yven Destin as they dive into the significance of Black history in the church, non-profit, and educational communities. In this enlightening episode, these esteemed experts explore the profound impact of honoring and understanding Black history on shaping inclusive and empowered spaces. From unpacking historical narratives to discussing the role of education in promoting racial justice, this dynamic conversation delves into why acknowledging Black history is not only essential but transformative for fostering unity, equity, and authentic representation in our shared spaces. Tune in to gain valuable insights and perspectives on the importance of embracing Black history in shaping a more just and inclusive society.

For more information on DEI efforts, dive into the Deloitte 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Transparency Report. In this update, they share the latest in their journey to increase workforce diversity, promote inclusion and belonging, and advance equitable access to resources and opportunities in our communities and society. Click the link to review DEI Report

The What’s Up Cuz podcast is released bi-monthly and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you!

Subscribe and listen on your favorite platforms

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

The Adventures of Sable Brown

Welcome to the What’s Up Cuz podcast co-hosted by Dr. Sharon McDaniel and Dr. David Alan Brock. Today, we embark on magical journeys through the pages of children's books! Through the creative imagination of Shalise Gardner, a Pittsburgh, PA native, she takes us on various adventures through the eyes of Sable Brown and her family. Join us as we explore whimsical worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and discover the power of imagination. Whether you're a young reader or a kid-at-heart, get ready to dive into enchanting tales that will spark your creativity and leave you spellbound. So grab your favorite blanket, snuggle up, and let's begin our adventure into the wonderful world of children's literature! 

To purchase a copy of the adventures of Sable Brown simply click the link Sable Brown 

The What’s Up Cuz podcast is released bi-monthly and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you! 

Subscribe and listen on your favorite platforms

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

The Year In Review

Friday, January 19, 2024

Welcome to the What's Up Cuz podcast hosted by Dr. Sharon McDaniel and Dr. David Brock. Join us as we look at the year 2023 in review, reflecting on the various topics, community ups and downs, and the triumphs and challenges of the past year.

In our podcast, we strive to bring you uplifting topics and transparent moments that will inspire and empower you. We believe in the power of storytelling. Through engaging conversations with special guests, we aim to shed light on the experiences and perspectives that shape our community.

In our first year we enjoyed discussing topics such as personal growth, self-improvement, exploring cultural milestones and societal issues. We covered a wide range of subjects that are relevant and enriching for our community. Our guests, who come from diverse backgrounds and fields, brought unique insights and expertise to the table, making each episode a thought-provoking and enlightening experience.

As we look forward to 2024, we are excited to continue our journey of exploration and discovery. We will delve into even more captivating topics, inviting influential voices and experts to share their wisdom and knowledge. Our goal is to foster a sense of unity, empowerment, and progress within our community, and we can't wait to embark on this journey with you.

Tune in to the What's Up Cuz Podcast and join us as we navigate the complexities of life, celebrate achievements, and work towards a brighter future together. Let's uplift and enrich our community, one conversation at a time.

The What’s Up Cuz Podcast is released and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you!

Subscribe and listen on your favorite platforms

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

Celebrating Kinship Care MonthSeptember 30, 2023Welcome to a special episode of What's Up Cuz, podcast. Today, we look deep into the Biden-Harris administration's groundbreaking actions to support children and families in foster care, as announced on September 27, 2023. Joining us are three incredible individuals who bring a wealth of knowledge and unique perspectives to the table. We are thrilled to have Dr. Sherri Simon-Horton, Assistant Professor from the University of New Hampshire, whose research focuses on foster care and kinship care dynamics. Dr. James Freeman, a distinguished expert from Johnson C Smith University, who also works specializing in kinship care in child welfare. And last but certainly not least, we have Talisa Morton, a kinship caregiver with lived experience, who will share her personal journey and insights. Together, we'll explore the proposed changes put forth by the Biden-Harris administration and their potential impact on kinship care in America. In honor of Kinship Care Month, we want to honor the thousands of kinship caregivers who support their families each and every day. We also give honor and recognition to a powerful voice for change in the person of Aysha E. Schomburg, J.D., who is the associate commissioner in the Children’s Bureau in the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, located within the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Aysha Schomburg joined the Biden Administration in March 2021 after serving as the senior administrator for program oversight for New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services. Additionally, we want to recognize Mr. Sixto Cancel for his remarkable work on behalf of children in care. His amazing work seeks to give voice to the thousands of youth who would otherwise not be heard. Mr. Cancel is a nationally recognized leader driving systems change in child welfare, working across tech, service delivery, research and data, and state and federal policy to improve outcomes for youth and families. We invite to watch this Ted Talk to learn more about Mr. Cancel and his journey through the system. So, whether you're a foster care advocate, a kinship caregiver, or simply interested in the future of child welfare, make sure to tune in to this special episode of What's Up Cuz. Get ready to gain valuable insights and join the conversation around the Biden-Harris White House's proposed changes in kinship care America. Don't miss out! Subscribe and listen on your favorite platformsApple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

By now hopefully you are keenly aware, the few safety nets in American life that have made it possible for Blacks in America to imagine the American dream, while yet not fully experiencing it, have been further eroded by the recent supermajority US Supreme Court decision regarding Affirmative Action. We are thrilled to invite you to join us for an engaging and thought-provoking episode of the What's Up Cuz podcast, hosted by Dr. Sharon McDaniel and Dr. David Brock.In part two of this discussion, we dive deeper into the topic of "The Blacksliding Not Backsliding of America’s Infrastructure in the Context of "The Blacksliding Not Backsliding of America’s Infrastructure in the Context of Justice Ketangi Brown Jackson’s Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Dissenting Opinion on Affirmative Action." (You can read Justice Jackson’s dissent https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000189-07c1-d330-a3bf-f7d73fd00000).We continue this conversation with our special guests university professors Dr. Sherri Simmons-Horton, Dr. Ervin Dyer, and the incredible educator Dr. Yven Destin! Together, we resume exploration of the intricate layers of this critical issue, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our nation's infrastructure, while examining Justice Ketangi Jackson's powerful dissent on affirmative action. It's a conversation you won't want to miss, as we dissect the complexities and seek a greater understanding of the path forward towards a more inclusive and equitable society.Grab your headphones, open your minds, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together. Feel free to spread the word and invite your friends to join this enriching discussion. What’s Up Cuz? seeks to educate its listeners in non-traditional ways with the hope of being impactful for sustainable change. Regardless of your situation, leaning into today’s podcast will not only make you better, but will also help you to become the best version of yourself along the way. So come on, listen in, and let’s learn together during this episode of What’s Up Cuz? What’s Up Cuz is released and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you! Subscribe and listen on your favorite platformsApple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

The Blacksliding Not Backsliding of America’s Infrastructure

Monday, July 17, 2023.

By now hopefully you are keenly aware, the few safety nets in American life that have made it possible for Blacks in America to imagine the American dream, while yet not fully experiencing it, have been further eroded by the recent supermajority US Supreme Court decision regarding Affirmative Action.

We are thrilled to invite you to join us for an engaging and thought-provoking episode of the What's Up Cuz podcast, hosted by Dr. Sharon McDaniel and Dr. David Brock.

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of "The Blacksliding Not Backsliding of America’s Infrastructure in the Context of "The Blacksliding Not Backsliding of America’s Infrastructure in the Context of Justice Ketangi Brown Jackson Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Dissenting Opinion on Affirmative Action." (You may read Justice Ketangi Brown Jackson’s dissent here: https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000189-07c1-d330-a3bf-f7d73fd00000).

Joining us as our special guests are esteemed university professors Dr. Sherri Simmons-Horton, Dr. Ervin Dyer, and the incredible educator Dr. Yven Destin! Together, we'll explore the intricate layers of this critical issue, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our nation's infrastructure, while examining Justice Ketangi Brown Jackson's powerful dissent on affirmative action.

It's a conversation you won't want to miss, as we dissect the complexities and seek a greater understanding of the path forward towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Grab your headphones, open your minds, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together. Feel free to spread the word and invite your friends to join this enriching discussion.

What’s Up Cuz? seeks to educate its listeners in non-traditional ways with the hope of being impactful for sustainable change. Regardless of your situation, leaning into today’s podcast will not only make you better, but will also help you to become the best version of yourself along the way. So come on, listen in, and let’s learn together during this episode of What’s Up Cuz?

What’s Up Cuz is released and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you!

Subscribe and listen on your favorite platforms

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

A Look At Fatherhood Friday, June 16, 2023

Welcome to a special Father’s Day episode of the What’s Up Cuz? podcast. Your hosts, Dr. David Brock and Dr. Sharon McDaniel seek to explore important and complex topics related to family, community, and personal growth.

Today, in honor of Father’s Day we’re diving deep into a subject that’s close to our hearts: the role and value of fathers. We’ve invited three special guests to join us for this discussion: Derrick Turner, Brace Lowe, Sr., and George Fleming. As fathers, each of these men has a unique perspective on what it meant to grow up with a father, and what it meant to grow up without one. Through their transparency, personal stories, and insights, we hope to shed light on the importance of fathers in children’s lives, and the impact that they can have on their emotional, mental, and social development. So, sit back, relax, and get ready for a thought-provoking and insightful conversation on the What’s Up Cuz? podcast.

What’s Up Cuz? seeks to educate its listeners in non-traditional ways with the hope of being impactful for sustainable change. Regardless of your situation, leaning into today’s podcast will not only make you better, but will also help you to become the best version of yourself along the way. So come on, listen in, and let’s learn together during this episode of What’s Up Cuz?What’s Up Cuz is released and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you!

Subscribe and listen on your favorite platformsApple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

Boundaries Wednesday, June 14, 2023 Welcome to another episode of What’s Up Cuz? where we delve into the complexities of life, relationships, community and family dynamics. Today your host, Dr. Sharon McDaniel, and co-host, Dr. David Brock, will explore the topic of boundaries and how they affect our relationships with our loved ones, friends, and colleagues. The doctors will help the listeners understand the importance of healthy boundaries in maintaining healthy relationships. However, setting and enforcing boundaries can be challenging, especially when it comes to family members. Listen as the doctors share their expertise and personal experiences on navigating boundaries within families. Let’s dive in!

What’s Up Cuz? educates its listeners in non-traditional ways with the hope of being impactful for sustainable change. Regardless of your situation, leaning into today’s podcast will not only make you better, but will also help you to become the best version of yourself along the way. So come on, listen in, and let’s learn together during this episode of What’s Up Cuz?What’s Up Cuz is released bi-Wednesdays and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you!

Subscribe and listen on your favorite platformsApple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout

What’s Up Cuz is hosted by Dr. Sharon L. McDaniel and co-founder, Dr. David Alan Brock.Hello and welcome to our special Mother's Day episode! Today, we are celebrating the incredible women who have made a tremendous impact on our lives - our mothers. From the moment we are born, our mothers are there to care for us, love us, and guide us through life's ups and downs. They are our first teachers, friends, and biggest supporters. On this special day, we take time to honor all the amazing mothers out there, and express our gratitude for everything they have done for us. Today’s episode will center on the voices of three remarkable women who share the love of family through their role as a mother, grandmother, and bonus mother.1) Mother: Jackie is a working mom of four children, ages 13, 6-year-old twins, and 2. She is married and loves spending time with her family. Jackie will be sharing the joys of motherhood, business, and her personal life experiences as she continues to strike a balance for her overall well-being as a woman. She says being a mother is the most fulfilling job she has ever had, and she has learned to approach her journey through grace. She will also speak about strong support systems and staying true to who she is and the woman she wants to be while still being a great mom. 2) Grandmother: June is retired from the human service sector and is a mother of 9 children, a grandmother of 23 grandchildren, and a great-grandmother of 15. She is married to a wonderful husband and is passionate about being a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and working in the children’s ministry at her church. June will share her experience about her special bond with her grandchildren and how she manages to connect with each of them personally given how times have changed from when she was younger. She will also speak about the benefits of being a grandparent and how it's different from being a parent.3) Bonus Mom: Melissa is a career-oriented woman who recently married her husband, who has adult children from a previous marriage, as well as grandchildren. Melissa will discuss her experiences as a bonus mom, how she went from single to big beautiful family that blessed her with “children and grandchildren in love.” She offers what the transition was like, how much she loves to spoil her grandchildren. Melissa will share how she was reared by her mother and grandmother for “such a time as this” in her life.Please join Dr. Sharon McDaniel with comments from Dr. David Brock as they lift the voices of these three incredible women as What’s Up Cuz celebrates Mother’s Day. Jackie, June and Melissa will provide unique perspectives on being a mother, grandmother, and bonus mom. What's Up Cuz listeners can expect to gain valuable insight into motherhood variations of the God-given responsibility. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we celebrate the wonderful women who have shaped us into the people we are today. Happy Mother's Day!Regardless of your situation, what we teach will not only make you better, but will also help you to become the best version of yourself. Listen in and let’s learn together during this episode of What’s Up Cuz?What’s Up Cuz is released bi-Wednesdays and available on your favorite podcast listening platform.Subscribe and listen on your favorite platforms Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout | Listen Notes | Samsung Podcast | Podcast Index | iHeartRadio

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Associate Commissioner, Aysha Schomburg, of the U.S. Children’s Bureau has embarked upon a national campaign that encourages those in child welfare sector to dare to do things differently and move from “challenge to change.” She adds, “It is critical to partner with families and others with lived experience to understand how existing policies and practices may be creating harm rather than strengthening families. Parents and caregivers are experts on their family’s strengths. Lasting change will only be possible when they are not just at the table, but actively involved and leading each decision to ensure effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of services and resources. This means exploring strategies together that support instead of surveil families experiencing poverty. This also means hiring and supporting a diverse and representative workforce that understands the needs of the communities being served.” https://www.childwelfare.gov/pubPDFs/guide_2023.pdf Dr. Sharon McDaniel and Dr. David Alan Brock join Associate Commissioner Schomburg in her effort to create substitutive and beneficial change in the arena of child welfare by discussing, with two thought leaders, Lisa Chambers and Brace Lowe, what Child Abuse Prevention Month means to them as professionals working in the sector for decades. Listen to their upstream approaches and critical opportunities they share with our communities. Dare to become involved and explore more information about child abuse by visiting child welfare.gov and caseyfamilyprograms.orgLeaning into today’s podcast will not only make you better, but will also equip you to become the best version of yourself along the way. You never know who you can help with the knowledge you gain. Tune in to listen and learn during this episode of What’s Up Cuz?What’s Up Cuz? is released bi-Wednesdays and available on your favorite podcast listening platform. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a review. We love hearing from you!Subscribe and listen on your favorite platforms Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcast | Amazon Music | Buzzsprout | Listen Notes | Samsung Podcast | Podcast Index | iHeartRadio