Advertise on podcast: Conversations With Chan

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Cachét Rayford, Contemporary Christian artist, Arkansas educator, worship leader, and Stellar Awards ballot nominee, for an honest conversation about faith, resilience, and healing after heartbreak. Cachét opens up about the inspiration for her new EP, “Because I Love You,” which was written during a season marked by divorce, the loss of her father, and ministry heartbreak. We discuss how these experiences almost silenced her voice, yet instead, became her breakthrough—igniting a music ministry dedicated to helping women heal, rebuild, and rediscover faith after life’s storms. Learn more about Cachét Rayford by visiting www.iamthecachet.com #Faith #Healing #ChristianMusic #MentalHealth #Purpose #WomenEmpowerment #ConversationsWithChan

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James Danoff-Burg, an Entomologist, Conservation social scientist, and Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, to explore the critical intersection between human behavior and biodiversity preservation. Dr. Danoff-Burg shares powerful insights on how community-led conservation is reshaping the future of environmental sustainability. From his work with the Center for Species Survival: Behavior Change (CSS–BC) to global partnerships with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he emphasizes how social science and behavioral change are essential to protecting ecosystems worldwide. We discuss inspiring examples like the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa—an unarmed, all-female team redefining conservation through education—and The Living Desert’s initiatives in Southern California that promote sustainability and environmental awareness among youth. Join us as we dive into the power of collaboration, the role of education in conservation, and the importance of hope in protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species. https://www.livingdesert.org/

In this special episode, we sit down with Taliah Givens, Senior Director of UNCF’s Student Professional Development Programs, and Jaydon Molando, a graduating senior from Morehouse College, to explore the transformative power of the 15th Annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC). The 2025 SLC will convene nearly 140 high-achieving HBCU students for an immersive, real-world career prep experience. From high-impact business simulations and mentorship “speed dating” to a student-led podcast production track, this year’s expanded curriculum is all about preparing students not just for jobs—but for purpose-driven leadership. Taliah, an engineer turned workforce strategist, shares how she has helped design and lead more than 40 internship programs serving over 1,600 students nationwide. She also speaks candidly about her journey from Paterson, NJ to the forefront of youth and career development. Jaydon reflects on how SLC opened doors that the classroom alone couldn’t—especially as a student-athlete juggling academics and sports. His internship with BD through the program has positioned him for post-grad success and personal growth. Learn more by visiting https://uncf.org/pages/uncf-spdp-student-leadership-conference-slc

In this compelling episode, I had the honor to speak with Ms. Michelle Jones Galvin, where we discussed her ancestry as a descendant of Harriet Tubman. The conversation explores how preserving African American history through institutions like the Harriet Tubman Home and National Historical Park shapes national identity and informs our understanding of American history. Topics include the importance of local government involvement in historical preservation, the intersection of race and gender in museum storytelling, and the power of Tubman's legacy. Ms. Jones Galvin also reflects on how cultural institutions can support modern-day advocacy, entrepreneurship, and education, especially for women of color. Learn more by visiting www.mosesofherpeople.com

In this episode, I speak to Thana Hickman, the visionary CEO and founder of Viola’s House, a transformative nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless teens and young mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. As we recognize Black Maternal Health Week, this conversation shines a powerful light on the urgent need to address the disparities affecting Black mothers across the nation. Thana shares how Viola’s House evolved from a teen maternity home in Dallas to a nationally recognized organization that supported over 6,500 mothers in 2024 alone—providing access to safe housing, healthcare, education, and essential resources. We also explore the themes of her compelling book, No Place to Belong, and how her work as a TEDx speaker and advocate is pushing the conversation forward around maternal health equity and social justice. This episode is a timely, heartfelt, and eye-opening dialogue about breaking cycles of hardship, building community, and fighting for a world where every mother has the support she needs to thrive. 🎧 Tune in as we honor Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) with a conversation rooted in compassion, action, and purpose. #ConversationsWithChan #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ThanaHickman #ViolasHouse #NoPlaceToBelong #BlackMamasMatter #MaternalHealthEquity #TeenMomsMatter #SocialImpact #PodcastInterview #Changemaker #BlackWomenLead

This conversation with Comedian Dwain Watts was full of laughter and real-life conversation. Hailing from Landover, Maryland, Dwain Watts brings more than just the funny when he hits the stage, he brings a fresh look on life and how you can see the comedy in it all. In this conversation, he shares everything from how to deal with imposter syndrome to owning your power. Follow Dwain on Facebook & Instagram Also Watch Dwain Watts - Live at the DC Comedy Loft Listen to Watts So Funny (Apple) (Spotify)

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Fadia Nordtveit. She is the Founder of ⁠collaborative.ly⁠, a consulting company that provides services based on a model of DEIB that she has created after years of research and prototyping in an academic and industry setting. Fadia created the Inclusive Business Model Canvas, a tool that helps businesses and organizations build an inclusive foundational structure. Fadia is also the producer of a public-access television show called Talking Out Of Line that highlights DEIB trailblazers from diverse industries. Fadia is an Assistant Professor of Communications at Springfield College and holds a part-time Faculty, Researcher, and Consultant position at New York University. Fadia is an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) administrator. Fadia has served in numerous Environment, Sustainability & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committees in various universities and organizations. www.collaborative-ly.com Talking Out Of Line website: www.talkingoutofline.com Book Website: https://bgreenbookproject.weebly.com

Get into this conversation with this hybrid comic talent, She is perhaps most well-known as a writer and cast member where she was a recurring guest star, on Netflix's acclaimed comedy series, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE. According to creator, Justin Simien, Dahéli is "the funniest person on the planet." She has written and directed digital content for Funny or Die, VH1, and CBS, and her short films have been licensed to HBO. She can also be seen in BAD HAIR on Hulu, and GRACE & FRANKIE on Netflix, and Dahéli is a featured voice actor in STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, an animated series for Disney+. ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Tiktok⁠ | Website

Monique Obeze is a published New York/Atlanta, Ga wardrobe stylist, fashion writer, social media brand ambassador and style influencer with almost sixteen years of experience in the fashion and entertainment industry. Monique has established her place in the fashion industry not only as a stylist but also as a fashion and business mogul. Fashion-forward is her motto! To learn more about Monique’s work, visit her website at http://www.houseofstylebymonique.com

It was a pleasure speaking with Attorney Keisha R. Perry Walker. This powerhouse started The Perry Law Group in June of 2005, although hesitant to become a solo practitioner, Mrs. Perry Walker’s desire to reach the next level overcame the paralysis of her fear. Since establishing The Perry Law Group, Mrs. Perry Walker has served clients nationally and internationally in all of the Firm’s practice areas. Her past and current clients include small business owners, start-ups, independent labels, artists, producers, songwriters, managers, real estate investors, and influencers. Mrs. Perry Walker has assisted businesses and individuals resolve their legal issues and helped her clients avoid costly litigation. She aims to serve as a source of knowledge to equip her clients to become leaders in their respective industries. Mrs. Perry Walker is ecstatic about the opportunity she has been able to provide to high school, college, and law students through The Perry Law Group’s internship and mentoring program. Learn more about Attorney Keisha R. Perry Walker by following her on Instagram.

Kevin Quattlebaum is an emerging author of urban novels, in which he captures the gritty, fast-paced, intriguing world of the precarious conditions that often characterize our inner cities. Kevin’s works vividly depict the temptations that come with living the ”street life”, whose allure of money and power masks the tragic consequences that can, and do, follow one’s ill-considered actions. A lifelong native of Washington, DC, Kevin eschewed the guidance of mentors and father figures who tried to guide him to greatness, falling prey at an early age, to the siren song of being “in the game”, with its easy luxuries and tantalizing perquisites.Yet, harsh reality soon overtook Kevin, as he made disastrously wrong turns, and found himself doing a long, hard decade of prison time. While serving his sentence, Kevin realized he had a flair and passion for writing. Out of his experiences behind bars and hustling in the drug trade, Kevin penned his popular first volume, DC Streets, a warning to today’s young people, born out of Kevin’s own turbulent odyssey through the underworld and the justice system. Following the positive impact of his debut novel, Kevin brought forth its sequel, DC Streets 2: The Next Generation, another unflinching, cautionary tale meant to encourage his readers to pursue their educations and develop their careers. Kevin’s creative vision is to steer our youth away from the path he chose, and reach a brighter, more superlative future for themselves. Follow Kevin Quattlebaum on IG: Instagram @kevin_quattlebaum Link to the free kindle version of the books: DC Streets & DC Streets 2: The Next Generation

Chereda Miller is the owner of Miller Realty, located in the heart of Atlanta. Her interest in real estate was sparked in college, and she used her career as a flight attendant to fund her real estate career. With a degree in Business Administration and Finance, she established an understanding of the analysis of numbers, which has proved to be very beneficial to her real estate career.  With her work ethic, business savvy, and attention to detail, she not only operates Miller Realty but also currently works on joint ventures with T. Dallas Smith & Company.  Other career accolades include real estate features in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Newspaper and HGTV's House Hunters. She was also voted best broker by the Empire Board of Realists.   Her hobbies and passion are in fitness and health, where she has instructed boot camps and fitness challenges and thrives on sharing innovative ways to eat healthy on the go. She also enjoys spending her time volunteering with various community organizations, including Buckhead children's ministry with toddlers. Learn more about Chereda by visiting her website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Welcome to the final episode of the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II. Thank you so much for listening to this series. As this is the last episode of this series this is not the last of me sharing parts of myself I would normally not share. I I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms. Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music.

Welcome to episode 4 of the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II. The Road to Me has been filled with a myriad of broken promises to myself, heartbreak, anger sadness but all of this brought me to self-love, acceptance, and awareness of myself. At times it was scary and I was afraid of what was around the corner but in the end - I am here.  I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms. Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music.

Welcome to episode 3 of the 5-Part Special Series for Words with Chan - Friendship, Healing, and Love Volume II. Mistakes and Lessons Learned shares my thoughts on my mistakes, missteps, and lessons learned on this journey of life.  I hope that my transparency inspires and prompts thought into the dynamics of your friendships, how you view love, and most importantly how healing comes in different forms. Special Thank you to Damiko Starr for allowing the use of Stress Reliever - Stream the full song and more on Spotify and Apple Music.