055 | Direct Your Life

Three words define Mykel Shannon Jenkins' career as an actor, director, and producer--passion, purpose, and persistence. I've seen these three qualities come out of Mykel's pores since I saw him on Bonnabel High School's speech and debate team. In this conversation, we go into a deep dive about where he saw his career going and some of the hard decisions that go into life as an actor. Mykel also talks about a day in the life of a working actor and what it means to direct your life.
About Mykel Shannon Jenkins
IMDB Profile:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420926/?ref_=ra_sb_ln
Mykel, born in Biloxi, Mississippi to an officer in the U.S. Air Force, called many states home. With his parents and two siblings, the family finally settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Mykel graduated from Bonnabel High School. After that, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans. While in high school, Mykel was a national competitor in drama as well as speech and debate. That is where his fire for the dramatic was ignited.
During college, while holding down a part-time job as a waiter, Mykel became a household name as the host of New Orleans’ WB38 Kids’ Club, where he served as an on-air personality for more than four years introducing kids and parents to a world of knowledge. After college while still in New Orleans, Mykel began his acting career, landing minor roles in a few movies. During this time, Mykel’s knack for writing reared its creative head as he penned his first screenplay about childhood friends who pull off the greatest art heist. Although this one did not make it to film (yet), Mykel has written, directed, and produced over six screenplays since that first one.
In 2003, empowered by his family and armored with a dream and staunch determination, Mykel made his big move to Hollywood. Mykel has studied under some of the most renowned teachers in the industry, such as the Beverly Hills Playhouse, Gary Imhoff, Lesly Kahn, and he continues to be mentored by acting coach Eric Stuart. Over the years, Mykel’s hard work paid off. His TV credits include The CW’s "Containment," "Steppin’ Back to Love," "A Royal Christmas Ball," "Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland," and "The Bold and the Beautiful," among many others. Mykel’s film credits include The Last Heist, Beyond the Trek, The Masked Saint, Same Kind of Different as Me, and Undisputed 3: Redemption where he brought to life the charismatic and unforgettable American fighter, Turbo.
Mykel also starred in the critically acclaimed WellGo USA Ent (THEATRICAL)/Netflix’s The Paper Tigers, a film about three now middle-aged Kung Fu prodigies who reunited to avenge the death of their master teacher. Most recently, Mykel played Dobbs Ryker opposite Morgan Freeman (gang kingpin Kendric Ryker) and Luke Hemsworth (Lee Gunner) in the action-thriller motion picture Gunner (2024).
Expanding his opportunities, Mykel delved into creative writing and directing, which was provoked by his own words, “Why wait for an opportunity? I will create my own.” He has written, directed, produced, and starred in over six features, including The Gods, The Gods 2: The Dark Side, Two Wolves, and Octopus Pot. Mykel is currently writing The Gods 3, and a series entitled Summer 17. In 2024, Mykel released Youn’G (which he again wrote, produced, directed, and co-starred), spotlighting his son, Bryce Clyde Jenkins, in a coming-of-age dramedy about a teenage boy who, with the help of his close friends, fights for his true love while at the same time discovering his cool neighborhood mentor is his father.
Although Mykel is quite busy writing, directing, and acting, he still finds time to train physically as well as spiritually. As a personal trainer, Mykel knows what it takes to maintain a healthy body and mind: hard work and dedication. Mykel applies these disciplines to all that he does.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

054 | Throwback: A Burning Desire

This throwback episode features a conversation with playwright and author Harold Ellis Clark Jr. While he is known for his great radio broadcasting, public relations and communications work, Harold has made a mark as an award-winning playwright and author. In this interview from the old "Eddie Francis Podcast Show," Harold talked about his burning desire to write, how it felt to see that dream come true, the struggle in maintaining the dream, and how he stays motivated.
About Harold Ellis Clark Jr.
Profile:  https://www.stage32.com/profile/788995/about
Harold is a proud native of the Westbank of the Greater New Orleans area. He has won awards from Playhouse on the Square (Memphis, TN) for "We Live Here" (2013) and UpStage Theatre (Baton Rouge, LA) for "Fishers of Men" (2013).
He has been named one of two finalists for the Stanley Drama Award an unprecedented three times for "Tour Detour" (2013), "Uncle Bobby ’63" (2015), and "Madame Thames’ Spirit Bar" (2016). Harold was also named a semifinalist for the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference in 2013 ("Tour Detour"), 2014 ("We Live Here"), and 2015 ("Uncle Bobby ’63"); and he traveled to Durban, South Africa for the South African premiere of "We Live Here" (2017). American Blues Theater (Chicago, IL) named Harold a featured finalist for the 2018 Blue Ink Playwriting Award for his play, "Run No More," and produced a staged reading of the drama. Additionally, the North Carolina Black Repertory Company (Winston Salem, NC) produced a staged reading of "Run No More" in 2019. As a 2018-2019 member of Southern Rep Theatre's 4D New Play Development Program in New Orleans, Harold penned "Indoctrination," for which he was named one of ten finalists for the 2019 Todd McNerney Playwriting Award. A staged reading of "Run No More," previously scheduled for April 17, 2020 at IATI Theater (New York, NY) as part of Cimientos 2020, occurred June 14, 2020 virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Harold is known among Greater New Orleans radio listeners for having taken over the weekly talk show "Sunday Journal" for which he won multiple awards from the Press Club of New Orleans. He also authored the novel, Chummy's Spirit.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

051 | The Journey to Self-Validation

Priscilla María Gutiérrez's story is a true mental health journey. Having lived through trauma, she set to understand what it means to truly trust herself. Priscilla joined "For Our Edification" to tell her story of personal leadership so that others can understand what it means to reach a point of self-validation. In this episode, we learn, most importantly, what a healthy support system looks like and what keeps Priscilla going as a life coach.
About Priscilla María Gutiérrez
Website:  https://www.priscillamaria.com/
Priscilla María Gutiérrez is a keynote speaker, Certified Trauma-Informed Life Coach and trauma survivor who empowers others to become cycle breakers. She also a certified speaker for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) who holds a J.D. from the University of California Irvine School of Law. She also graduated cum laude from Johns Hopkins University.
Also a speaker for Greek University, she sees her life's purpose as helping others heal from trauma, overcoming limiting beliefs, and creating their ideal lives. As a sober, bisexual Latina woman with diagnosed mental illness, she makes it a point to show up authentically to exemplify that recovery and healing are very possible.
Priscilla is most active as a mental health advocate. She has served as a thrive coach for the Reframe App, supporting people reducing or quitting drinking. She coaches students in the DC Futures Program, a scholarship program offered through the Washington, DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education. Priscilla also hosts a monthly support group for LGBTQ+ Latinx people for OutCare Health, and she co-hosts Tuesday meetings for the Sober Black Girls Club that serve queer BIPOC femmes in recovery. She has helped facilitate a domestic violence support group as a trained advocate at the Women's Huron Valley Correctional Facility, and Priscilla has supported trauma survivors as a law student through the Veterans and Domestic Violence Clinics.
Additionally, she has written op-eds and essays for popular online platforms, such as Yahoo!, Blavity, and Nalgona Positivity Pride about mental health and the effects of trauma. Priscilla has also provided leadership and secured almost $400,000 in funds for a national mental health organization that serves Black communities.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

050 | Another Way to Win

On episode 19 of "For Our Edification," David Grubb spoke passionately about athletes and their mental health. Trevon Bryant lived it. As a running back at the University of New Hampshire, he saw his future as a professional football player ahead of him. One day, it slowed down drastically because of a severe knee injury. Trey eventually fell into what he calls a "dark hole," not only because he felt his dream slipping away, but also because he was missing a critical figure in his life--his father.
On this episode, Trey talks about how he climbed out of that dark hole to find other ways to experience that winning feeling. He talks about how he uses his story to inspire others through his talks as well as his mindset coaching.
About Trevon Bryant
Social Media: LinkedIn and @talkingwithtrey on Instagram and TikTok
Trey was a college football player with dreams of playing in the NFL when he suffered a traumatic knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL, both medial and lateral meniscus and patellar tendon all in one snap. His life changed in an instance. He had to figure out a way to reinvent himself. Trey’s educational, professional and athletic leadership experiences have allowed him to develop different concepts and perspectives on how to effectively lead through adversity and opposition.
Trevon uses his Division-1 football experience to motivate and challenge those who have faced any level of difficulty or challenge through their position of leadership. As a residential hall director at the University of New Hampshire, Trevon worked with students closely through their personal and professional development. He continues to connect with students as a speaker with Greek University.Trey is sharing his message through “Talking with Trey” and is uplifting people all over the world.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.
 

047 | Define Your Story

Dr. Sheena Howard has succeeded because of a simple mantra:  "This is not the end of my story." She joined "For Our Edification" to talk about the importance of her work as a creator who centers her work on representation. Having survived domestic abuse at one point of her life, Sheena's  journey is a call to action for anyone who's ever felt lost or unseen. She shares the power of self-belief and becoming the hero of your own narrative. Discover how Sheena's personal leadership can help you to tap into your inner strength and find the will to march toward your full potential. 
About Dr. Sheena Howard
Website:  https://sheenachoward.com 
Sheena C. Howard, is an award-winning author, filmmaker, and scholar. In 2014 Sheena became the first Black woman to win an Eisner Award (considered the ‘Oscars of Comics’) for her first book, Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation (2013). She is also the author of several critically acclaimed books and comics books. In 2017, Sheena published the Encyclopedia of Black Comics, which is the first book of its kind, profiling over 100 Black people in the comics industry. The Encyclopedia of Black Comics was named the 2018 American Library Associations’ Outstanding Reference Source. 
In 2014, Sheena published Black Queer Identity Matrix and Critical Articulations of Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation. Sheena is the co-writer of the comic book, Superb about a teenage superhero with Down Syndrome. 
Sheena has appeared on NPR, ABC, BBC, PBS as well as other networks and documentaries as an expert on popular culture, politics and social justice. Sheena is the subject of a 2018 Emmy-nominated episode of State of the Arts, which airs on NJTV and WHYY.
In 2016, Sheena directed, produced and wrote the documentary Remixing Colorblind, which explores the ways the educational system shapes our perception of race. Parts of the documentary were filmed at West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, Lehigh University and Drexel University. The film premiered at The Ritz Landmark theatre in Philadelphia. Sheena organized and hosted a talk about race and education at the Philadelphia Main Library in 2017 as a part of her documentary tour in which proceeds from the event went to local non-profit organizations.
Born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Sheena has twice received a Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia for her literary work, social justice and creative projects.
A dedicated mother, she is a professor at Rider University in the Department of Communication and Journalism. Outside of her full-time job, Sheena spends time writing and speaking to organizations and educational institutions on a variety of topics including social justice, diversity, and representation.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

046 | I Have ADHD

At the age of 53, I found out that I have ADHD. Here's how it feels and this is how I'm handling it.

045 | The Commencement Address That No One Asked For

No one asked for this commencement address, but they got it.

044 | Keep Pushing

Business is Liz Springer's business. For her, however, business growth is heavily connected to personal growth. Having endured significant challenges in the business world, as a woman, Liz is dedicated to working with small business owners to overcome their challenges to grow their businesses. It all comes with a big message--keep pushing. Liz visited "For Our Edification" with an inspiring message about standing up, investing the necessary time for professional and personal growth, and resilience. 
For Our Edification is brought to you by Edify Ventures, LLC--Brand strategy for your people and you. Learn more at edifyventuresnola.com. 
About Liz J. Springer
Website:  lizjspringer.com or mystrategiesforgrowth.com
Liz J. Springer is a London-based international consultant who specializes in business strategy and video marketing techniques. With over 16 years of industry experience, she is a growth coach, an accomplished author of three books, and a national and international speaker.
Liz's work has been dedicated to helping and training small business enterprises in growth marketing strategies, management, and leadership skills. She has been working successfully with a number of businesses to achieve their goals, using an innovative approach to strategies and techniques to bring about change for the better in a way that would "bring out the right performance in people." She also specializes in custom video and video coaching as well as marketing techniques.
Besides delivering innovative training workshops in strategic leadership, idea generation and consulting, Liz has spoken at national, international conferences and seminars on personal and business development. She has regularly contributed to television programs, appearing on national lunchtime news, BBC international radio, and she has run her own show. Liz is also passionate about health and even wrote her own book on health.
Liz has worked as an independent management consultant amongst the top five consulting firms. She has worked with British Airways, Transport For London, Cazenove, Central Bank of Nigeria, Prevista, London universities, Equazen, and Rethink.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

040 | What God Does Through You

"It's not about you. It's about what God does through you." Those are the words of Dr. Ansel Augustine, international speaker, author, and educator. Ministry is Ansel's life, and he joined "For Our Edification" to talk about how his dedication to faith has been an important part of his personal leadership.
While he well-known around his home city of New Orleans for his giving, Ansel also works to balance it all out with self-care. "Preach" candidly discusses how he views himself, how New Orleans is a part of him, and how DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) has become part of his work.
About Ansel Augustine
Website:  holyhotboy.info
Dedicated to justice and faith, Ansel is an Emmy-nominated producer, award-winning author, speaker, and educator. Among Ansel’s works are the award winning book, Leveling the Praying Field: Can the Church we Love, Love us Back? and The African American Catholic Youth Bible. Known for his youth ministry, Ansel also authored Sunday Prayer for Teens. His documentary “Black Faith Matters” boldly and thoughtfully addressed “one story” of the Black Catholic experience, earning an Emmy nomination. Ansel is also on the faculty of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana, Graduate Theological Foundation, and Loyola University New Orleans’ Institute for Ministry. 
Ansel’s career goes back over two decades. He began as the Youth Minister at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in the famed Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans. Since then, he has led in roles as the New Orleans Area Director for Vagabond Missions, Executive Director of Cultural Diversity and Outreach for the Archdiocese of Washington, and Associate Director/Coordinator of Black Youth & Young Adult Ministry for the CYO Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office. Ansel also served as Campus Minister at Xavier, Loyola, and St. John’s University in Queens, New York.
When Ansel is not fulfilling his duties or writing, he can be found generously volunteering his time and resources. He serves on the Board of Trustees of St. Michael's College (Burlington, Vermont) as well as on the Board of Directors for the Congo Square Preservation Society. Ansel has worked in prison ministry for over 25 years in various capacities, and he has also served on the board of directors for the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association (NCYAMA) and the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). 
True to his roots, Ansel gleefully sports the moniker “Holy Hot Boy,” paying homage to the soulful, vibrant cultural legacy of his home city, New Orleans. So dedicated is Ansel to the cultural preservation of one of the world’s most beloved cities, that he volunteers with the Mardi Gras Indian Council and Backstreet Cultural Museum. In the aftermath of destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina and a significant loss of city services on the heels of Hurricane Ida, Ansel was one of the boots-on-the-ground volunteers who participated fully in his community’s recovery.
Among Ansel’s long list of honors are:  The President’s Volunteer Service Award (LIFETIME), Gambit 40 Under 40, City of New Orleans Millennial Award, Loyola University Black Student Union Outstanding Community Service by an Alumnus Award, Knights of Peter Claver Chicago Archbishop James P. Lyke Image Award, Archdiocese of New Orleans Blessed Frasatti Young Adult Ministry Award, St. John’s University Latin American Student Association Administrator of the Year, St. John’s University Black Student Union Administrator of the Year, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. New Orleans Alumnae Chapter Artie Award. Ansel was also inducted into the Mardi Gras Indian Hall of Fame.
Ansel earned his Bachelor of Arts in sociology and his Master of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans. He earned his Doctor of Ministry from Graduate Theological Foundation and his Certificate in Youth Ministry from Xavier University of Louisiana's Institute for Black Catholic Studies.
Ansel is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Knights of Columbus, the Knights of Peter Claver, and the Wild Tchoupitoulas (Black Masking) Mardi Gras Indians. He is also an Associate Member of the Sisters of the Holy Family in New Orleans.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.
 

039 | Bravo! Fitness!

Personal trainer Micah "Bravo" Matthews trains more than the body. He goes out of his way to train the mind and the spirit. Set to enjoy a lucrative engineering career, Bravo decided that he wanted more out of life than he felt a lot of his colleagues were getting. That's when he decided to invest in a healthy lifestyle.
In an interview that originally ran in 2018 on the old "Eddie Francis Podcast Show," Bravo talked about his passion for fitness and effects of the physical fitness journey on mental and spiritual fitness. 
About Micah "Bravo" Matthews:
Website:  www.bravo.fit
Instagram:  @_bravo.fit_
TikTok:  bravo.fit
YouTube:  BravoFit
Facebook:  _bravo.fit_
Bravo is a personal fitness trainer and life coach whose practice is based on the principles of "Action, Belief, Consistency, and Discipline." He earned his bachelor's degree in engineering from Louisiana Tech University and began his career in Texas. Not satisfied with his professional direction, Bravo made the leap to begin a new career in an area that brought him the most joy. The New Orleans native continues to work with clients to help them live the best quality of life that they can.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

038 | Your Wellbeing Is Your Voice

At one point, Kimberly O'Neil was concerned that she would lose her voice, both figuratively and literally. Heavily committed to community work and education, Kim dedicates her life to empowering people to lift their voices to fortify the causes they care about. When her wellbeing was threatened by COVID-19 and workplace bullying, she realized that she had to take care of herself, too. Kim shares personal leadership stories and thoughts to encourage each of us to take care of ourselves so that we can do what we do best.
Eddie also shares candid thoughts about the impact of Antoinette "Bonnie" Candia-Bailey, a university vice president who died by suicide in January of 2024 on the heels of workplace bullying allegations.
Warning: This episode includes comments about self-harm. If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the 988 Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
 
About this episode's guest, Kimberly O'Neil
Website: justkimonline.com
TED Talk, Your Voice Is Your Currency: https://youtu.be/no_QblQ27h4
A native of Queens, New York, Kim is the CEO and founder of Giving Blueprint and the creator of Cause Studio, a collaborative nonprofit initiative, to provide cost-friendly training and resources that aid the social sector in reducing the number of failing startup nonprofit organizations.
Having grown up with community work, Kim understands that a community’s voice is its currency and must be used in order to affect real change. As an authority in the nonprofit space, she frequently speaks publicly, teaching organizations how to cultivate long-standing relationships and partnerships to support communities.
She is an award-winning professor, executive leader, and social good expert with an impressive list of accomplishments.
She served as the youngest African-American woman city manager in the United States.
Kim is a former veteran senior government and nonprofit executive who has led activities that have generated more than $20 million for community initiatives. She has also mentored organizations to collective revenue-generating activities in excess of $1 million annually since 2015.
She is experienced in negotiating major urban economic development projects and has impacted public policy decisions while lobbying in New York City and on Capitol Hill.
Kim's awards and honors include:  the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas award for Social Innovation, a Business Journal Minority Business Leader, the Association of Women Business Owners-DFW Chapter Entrepreneurial Spirit Mentor, Outstanding Associate Faculty of the Year for Collin College, one of Frisco Style Magazine's Faces of Higher Education, and she was featured in Plano Magazine's 2018 Girl Boss issue.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.
Thoughts? Jump into the conversation!

037 | Relationship Goals...For Real

Let's call this a get-to-know-you episode. It was such a pleasure to have Dr. Froswa' Booker-Drew on to talk about her work and what she values most--relationships. A "network weaver," as she calls herself, Froswa' talks about her expertise in social capital, why she's concerned about the lack of connection among generations, how leadership is thwarted by impostor syndrome, and what she has learned about herself through it all. For Froswa', social capital is key to personal, professional and organizational growth. Talk about relationship goals...for real.
Froswa’ runs Soulstice Consultancy, and she’s the co-founder of HERitage Giving Circle (along with Akilah Wallace, who appeared on episode 35, and Halima). Froswa' is also the co-founder of Power in Action-Dallas. She has done a TED Talk and has been quoted/featured in Forbes, Modern Luxury, The Huffington Post, and other media outlets. Froswa' was featured in the documentary “Friendly Captivity” which followed seven women from Dallas to India.
Froswa's website:  https://www.drfroswabooker.com/
"Proximity+Presence: Social Capital and Polarization":  https://www.ted.com/talks/froswa_booker_drew_proximity_presence_social_capital_and_polarization 
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

032 | Overcoming Obstacles

If anybody knows anything about overcoming obstacles, P.J. Dixon does. Here's someone who has lived a chunk of his life in a wheelchair, yet that hasn't stopped him from living life to the fullest as a wheelchair athlete, international traveler, 10th degree black belt, and a martial arts and women’s self-defense instructor. So, how has P.J. done it???
In this energized interview, we go in about overcoming obstacles to strengthen personal leadership. From the power of awareness to dealing with baggage to choosing who we are in the moment to putting accountability in perspective, P.J. covers a lot of emotional ground.
Learn more about P.J. and connect with him at https://www.pjswisdom.com.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

028 | No Shame in the Struggle, Part 2

Halima and I continue our conversation about how people struggle with shame. This part of the conversation goes deeply into leadership. We tackle how chaos aggravates one's feeling of shame while hiding others' feelings of shame. We also go into how organizational culture plays into individuals' feelings of shame and also how accountability can be weaponized.
So, how do we deal with feeling shame in the struggle? Halima believes that tapping into our creativity could be a great answer.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

027 | No Shame in the Struggle, Part 1

It's so refreshing to have Halima back on the mic with me! She had something serious on her heart and wanted to share it with the "For Our Edification" audience. Halima wants you to know that there's no shame in the struggle. 
She has ever so wise words about the importance of showing up when you're in the middle of the struggle and how she works through moments of struggle, even in her job as an educator. Finally, find out why Halima says it all comes down to your "why." This is part one of pure inspiration.
By the way, part of the inspiration for this episode is our good friend and mental health professional Leslie Brown who appeared on episode 4 to talk about the mental health benefits of giving and episode 12 to give her thoughts (along with Dr. Von Eaglin) about the psychology of fraternity and sorority hazing.
The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.