MEN THRIVE with Jeff Johnson
MEN THRIVE with Jeff Johnson
Men Thrive
Welcome to Men Thrive. Let me ask you this. What do you think a podcast that focuses on conversations with men would sound like? Well, I promise you this ain't that. Men Thrive is not your typical “men’s” focused podcast. It’s an experience dedicated to elevating the complexity of black men. Jeff Johnson is less host and more co-conspirator in an exploration of the transparent reflections of some amazing men. A few brothers you know, while others you should know. But all of them are open to giving you a blueprint to thrive instead of one that personifies the antiquated notion of grinding to survive. This is a podcast committed to reflect and encourage men to show up whole, operate with joy, and live with power.
Episode 17 | "I Choose Life Over Death" with Leon Ford
In today’s episode of Men Thrive, Jeff Johnson is joined community activist, motivational speaker, mentor, advocate Leon Ford. Leon is a living embodiment of courage, using his story as a catalyst for a change. One day he was a teenager with his whole life ahead of him, and in one instant, his life changed forever. Leon not only shares with us the story of his encounter with law enforcement that led to him being shot five times at point-blank range, resulting in paralysis. He also gives us the blueprint of how he chose life and joy instead of death and anger. In his resilience, Leon Ford has turned a tragic story into a testimony of love, compassion, and understanding. Tune in to hear how to Leon gives us the tools on how to live a thriving life.
Aug 17, 2020
1 hr 6 min
Episode 16 | “Man Child Mastery” with Skyler Grey
In today’s very special episode of Men Thrive, Jeff Johnson is joined twenty-year-old contemporary art anomaly, often referred to as “The Fresh Prince of Street Art” Skyler Grey. Grey’s works have been exhibited at art fairs and venues in London, Vancouver, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and Dubai. In 2017, Grey was featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30, Art and Style Edition.” In this very candid conversation, Skyler shares the blueprint of his evolution as an artist and dives into his groundbreaking collaboration with Lamborghini as the first artist to ever officially collaborate with the Italian automotive brand.. He discusses the trials and tribulations he faced losing his mother at young age and how his father, Holman Arthurs has taught, lead, and guided him every step of the way. Tune in to hear how to Skyler gives us the tools on how to live a thriving life.
Aug 11, 2020
1 hr 22 min
Episode 15 | “We Aint Playing No Games” with Tunde Balogun
In Today’s episode of Men Thrive, Jeff Johnson is joined by Co-Founder + President of LVRN Records Tunde Balogun. Tunde gives us the blueprint on how he evolved from an Atlanta party promoter to Top Industry Exec. He dives into difficulties of being a first-generation Nigerian American while pursuing a non-traditional career. Lastly, he reveals how in 2019 he created a Mental Health initiative inside of his label in order to promote wellness for his artists, and at the top of the year. Tune in to hear how to Tunde gives us the tools on how to live a thrive life.
Aug 3, 2020
1 hr 15 min
Episode 14 | "Public Failures, Private Growth" with Jamal H. Bryant
In today’s episode of Men Thrive, Jeff Johnson is joined by author, activist, and senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Jamal Bryant. They discuss how churches have been disrupted by COVID-19. They also discuss the Black Lives Matter movement, our young leaders and the state of their mental health in this season. Lastly, Jamal shares with us a few trials and tribulations he’s faced in order to get to a place of wholeness as a man, leader, and father.
Jul 27, 2020
1 hr 2 min
Episode 13 | “One Foot In Front Of The Other” with Kenny Burns
In today’s episode, Jeff Johnson is joined by Cultural Curator and Lifestyle Specialist, the legendary Kenny Burns. In a very candid conversation, Kenny and Jeff both reflect on the immense impact that the late Andre Harrell had on their lives. Kenny looks back on his evolution as a man, from his early years in the streets to the devoted father and media maven he is today. He also dives into his 20 marriage where it all started and how they’ve maintained a healthy relationship for all these years. Tune in as Kenny gives us the blueprint on what it really means to Thrive.
Jul 20, 2020
1 hr 5 min
"Accountability is Revolutionary"  with Joel L Daniels
On today’s episode of Men Thrive, Jeff Johnson is joined by Writer, and Story-teller, and Spoken Word Artist, Joel L Daniels. In a very honest and transparent conversation, Joel gives a look into his journey of self-mastery and how he chose to say “YES” to the call on his life, in order to walk into his purpose. He also shares what healing as a black man and as an entire nation looks like to him. Lastly, Joel dives into the highs, lows, and growing pains that came with learning how to co-parent. Listen in, as Jeff and Joel have a candid conversation exploring the complexities of black men
Jul 13, 2020
1 hr 30 min
"I Choose Love Over Fear" with The Legendary Black Ice
The opposite of LOVE is not HATE, it’s fear. The theme for today’s episode is choosing love over fear. Jeff Johnson is joined by World Renowned Poet, Spoken Word Artist, and Def Poetry Jam’s very own The Legendary Black Ice. In a very candid conversation, Black Ice reveals his evolution as a creative, his early years with Def Poetry Jam, and how his passion has turned to way for him to teach and inspire the youth. He also dives into his noteworthy move to Amsterdam and how it has changed his worldview entirely. Listen in as Black Ice takes us through his journey of self-mastery.
Jul 6, 2020
1 hr 17 min
“No Soundbytes, Just Fresh” with Rich Fresh
In Today’s Episode of Men Thrive, Jeff Johnson, is joined by Bespoke Tailor to the Stars and Fashion Entrepreneur Rich Fresh. As Ceo and Founder of RichFresh the brand, and Henry Masks, Rich’s love for fashion and design began when he discovered a sewing kit in his family home in Little Rock, TN. Throughout the episode, you'll hear Rich talk about his evolution from the moment he found that very sewing kit to his first celebrity client. He dives into the steps it took to become the person he always wanted to be and how his spirituality has guided him through his entire career. Lastly, he gives us a look at how he turned the Rich Fresh brand around to make a difference in the community during COVID-19. Find out what’s next for Rich Fresh and how he’s continuing to thrive instead of grinding to survive.
Jun 29, 2020
1 hr 14 min
"Finally Free " with Mack Wilds
In today’s episode, we are joined by actor and recording artist Mack Wilds. Widely known for his roles in 90210 and The Wire, we talked about the struggles and pressures of landing his first big TV gig and how 90210 changed his life. We also discussed how in a world where his script was normally written for him, he took the pen into his own hands and started writing music. Mack describes to us the freedom that comes with being a musician and how he balances music and acting. Lastly, he gives us a look into his life as a new father and how having a solid friendship as a foundation with his partner helped them build an even more solid relationship. Find out what’s next for Mack Wilds and what he sees as the next evolution of himself.
Jun 22, 2020
1 hr 26 min
“The Journacy” with Jeff Johnson
Here at Men Thrive, we make it our mission to honor and celebrate fathers throughout the year. In today’s episode, we’ve compiled some pretty special fatherhood moments from all of our episodes to bring you Men Thrive| Father’s Day Edition. We are celebrating the journacy of fatherhood, which is the unique journey of men as they create the legacy for their children. You’ll hear from the voices of Shaka Senghor, The Legendary Black Ice, Mack Wilds, Shaun Tucker, Bakari Sellers, and Beleaf Mel who are all in the many different spaces of fatherhood. We’re excited for you all to hear their stories and lastly, to every dad that is showing up in their fatherhood journacy we salute you!
Jun 18, 2020
50 min
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