In this episode, Mike Blue interviews young boxer, James, and discusses various topics related to boxing, discipline, personal progression, and issues facing black and brown people across the globe. James shares how he got into boxing and the challenges he faced in balancing work, boxing, and family. We also discuss the importance of discipline and how boxing can help individuals deal with their emotions and pressures. The conversation delves into the concept of time and how people often waste it on unfulfilling activities. They also touch on the potential dangers of AI and the need for individuals to take control of their own lives and knowledge. The conversation concludes with a discussion of James' ambitions and the importance of showing love and support to others in the community. Balancing Work, Boxing, and Family - 00:00 The Responsibility of Young Men - 03:07 The Desire to Quit and the Drive to Succeed - 07:20 The Excitement of Boxing - 08:10 Balancing Work & Personal Time and Building a Personal Brand - 17:55 The Power of Genuine Love, Unity and Collaboration in the Community - 22:20 The Need for Human Guidance in AI - 28:57 Conclusion: Black Lotus Mission - 32:55

On this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, it's very fitting for the finale of this season to feature an essential sage, Myles Savage, and a new sage, Chandler Mullins. The discussion you will witness is one of existential contemplation, with the hope that it leads you to consider what is necessary for your success. We delve into the differences in black culture at PWIs and HBCUs, the sad truth about the current state of affairs for Black people as a society, diverse perspectives on viewing the world, and many more gems. Thank you so much for supporting us throughout season one; it's been a long time coming. We'll see you guys for season two, THE GENESIS. As long as you show love, we’ll stay consistent! WARNING: *During the recording process, the episode's audio quality was corrupted. We apologize for this inconvenience, but we assure you this episode is one you don't want to miss!* Welcome Back - 0:00:00 Temple University, the blackest PWI? - 0:08:45 Contemplating Diverse Blackness in Education and Intellectualism - 0:22:41 Are Black People Going Extinct?! Why?? - 0:40:08 The Integrated Experience, Urban Renewal… post-Jim Crow  - 0:57:52 Anecdotal History of Black Men on the Ports - 01:15:34 Myles Savages asks, “Are you a Capitalist?” - 01:25:47 Chandler Mullins Finally Joins, A Festering Society of Competition - 01:39:37 We know way too much, to our detriment - 01:59:58 Closing Remarks, Prospectives on Self-Sufficiency - 02:13:09 Conclusion - 02:22:42

In this episode of the Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah interviews James Waller, an entrepreneur with the intention of impacting black youth in a positive way. James Waller's organization, Men Up Next, is a youth empowerment movement that leverages sports, academia, and faith to inspire positive change. As a man of virtue and discipline, James talks about his personal journey, motivations, and leaps of faith in finding his purpose. Thank you guys for listening and showing your support. As long as you show love, we'll stay consistent. MuchPeace and OneLove. 00:36 - Introduction 02:03 - (Wo)Men Up Next, The Youth Need Positive Influence 09:40 - How to Change Your Life After Your Calling 16:23 - Thinking for Yourself is the Revolution 25:11 - Optimism for the Youth, Save the Children! 37:24 - The World is not Safe, Respect Life 46:43 - Church & the Future 54:54 - Find your Purpose and Humanity Through Ecclesiastes 1:03:34 - Reflection and Motivation of “Men Up Next” 1:18:16 - The Leap of Faith and Shaping of Your Environment 1:26:28 - Adjust to the Focus and Try to be Optimistic 1:33:45 - James Waller’s Discipleship 1:45:55 - Is Judgement a bad thing? {First Impressions} 1:56:03 - Self Respect is Respecting The Most High 2:08:33 - What Makes You Different 2:22:41 - This Episode is ForeShadowing for the GENESIS, Thank you for Listening

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah sits down with Davonte Douglas, a Howard University graduate who majored in Environmental Science with a minor in Political Science from Preston, Maryland. During the first hour of the podcast, they discuss Davonte’s upbringing in the Eastern Shore of Maryland the deep history of racism that surrounded him growing up, and the lessons this taught him about America. In the second half of the podcast, they talked about the impact of Howard on Davonte’s life, as well as who has shaped Davonte into the person that he is today. This episode was full of gems about Black history and what it is like being a Black man in America, and you will leave this episode smarter than you were before you tuned in. Enjoy. And as we always say, as long as y’all show love, we’ll stay consistent! Intro/Eastern Shore Roots - 0:00  Davonte tells the Hidden Racist History of Eastern Shore Maryland - 2:30 Davonte explains how his friendships changed after the George Floyd murder - 8:00 The relationship between the descendants of slave owners and former slaves - 19:10 How wealthy white people tricked poor white people - 27:20 How do politicians go down the path of corruption? - 37:20 The Destruction of the Black Community - 43:15 Slavery was only seven generations ago - 53:00 Affirmative Action benefits white women the most - 1:06:26 How Howard University shaped Davonte’s conscious thinking - 1:17:15 The HBCU gives you confidence - 1:34:00 How did Covid affect Davonte? - 1:43:05 What’s something about Davonte that people don’t know? - 2:01:00 Davonte’s experience with The Underground Railroad - 2:07:55 Favorite Star Wars movie - 2:11:25 Closing - 2:22:55

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah sits down with Jason Thomas, a Howard University Alum who majored in Legal Communications with a minor in Political Science from Los Angeles, California. Throughout the episode, Jason shared his college experiences, the empowering world of fitness, and his summer law program. He opens up about the influence of his father and the importance of the Black vote. Finally, we discussed the complexities of being Black men in America. Tune in for powerful perspectives and insights on the Black experience! And as always say, as long as y’all show love, we’ll stay consistent! 0:00 - Intro/Transitioning out of College 4:00 - Freshman Year of College/Drew Hall 15:00 - Why does Jason go to the gym so much? 21:20 - How working out transforms your confidence 30:00 - The Importance of Respect 32:00 - NYU Law Program/Growing Up in Compton 41:00 - Black Boys vs. White Boys 45:05 - The Role of Jason’s Father in his Life 49:30 - Black People always voting Democrat 1:05:00 - The Importance of Going to School with Black People 1:12:00 - How do we see ourselves helping the Black Community  1:26:45 - Growing up in Los Angeles 1:36:00 - Most Appealing Aspect of Becoming a Lawyer 1:52:17 - What does being a Black Man in America mean to you?

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah welcomes Alafia Bailey, a senior Africana Studies major, African minor at Howard University from Houston, Texas. To start off, we delved into Alafia's journey to Africana studies and how he discovered his passion for the discipline. We also explored the concept of Black liberation, delving into its nuances and implications. Throughout our discussion, we emphasize the significance of Black spaces and the need for Black individuals to create these spaces to embrace their Blackness through our uncertain future in this country. Our listeners know how much we advocate for HBCUs here on The Black Lotus Podcast, and this episode is a full indicator of that. This discussion needs to be heard by many, and our sages are in for a treat with this one. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent! Intro/When did Alafia start playing the drums? - 00:40 Why did Alafia start playing his drums on the yard? - 6:50 The Importance of Black Spaces -  9:00 Alafia’s Journey to Africana Studies - 15:10 Alafia’s first experience with Dr. Gregory Carr and the Importance of Black Spaces - 20:50 What does Black Liberation mean to Alafia? - 27:30 Classism within the Black Community -   31:15 Washington D.C. was built with African Knowledge - 40:50 What does Healing yourself look like as a Black person? - 47:00 How did Alafia’s upbringing in Texas affect his worldview? - 51:50   How did Black Education change after the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling of 1954? - 59:50 Closing - 1:10:20

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Mike and Josiah get together and continue the iconic "Growth Mindset" series, as we chronicle our continued growth through life. Throughout this podcast, we emphasize the respective changes in our lives in the past year. For Mike, he has assumed the alter ego BlueMagic in his valiant quest to change the landscape of producing game for the better while bringing Hip-Hop back to it's Black roots. As for Josiah, he is now a recent graduate of the Illustrious Howard University, having graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of this year. Along with this, Josiah discusses his next steps and where he is off to next. We haven’t let y'all know what’s going on with us in a while, sorry for the wait! Thank you to the sages who has continually supported us throughout the years, the support that you continue to give us keeps us going and inspires us to continue speaking the truth. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent! Introduction- 00:52 The Growth Mindset 3- Coming Out of the Black Hole - 04:17 Do Black People (ADOS) deserve their reparations? Why? - 10:11 Where the Black and White Wealth Gap comes from - 20:00 Black People paved the way for all discriminatory legislation/ Cattle Slavery vs War Prisoners  - 25:46 Why aren’t there anymore Black School? Why were they important? - 36:27 The Books that Shift Ideologies - 42:25  Mike and Josiah on the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho - 53:28 BlueMagic’s Birth - 1:09:50 Consistency is a Necessity of Greatness - 1:19:46 What it takes to be Magma Cum Laude - 1:29:30 Black problems are Economic, not legal nor American Political - 1:40:17 We love the Support, Thank you Sages! Outro - 1:52:50

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah welcomes Dr. Richard Wright, his former Advanced Public Speaking professor, for an enlightening conversation. Dr. Wright shares insights on his lifelong passion for teaching, the power of language, and the continued oppression of various groups throughout history. He also discusses his upbringing in Northeast Washington D.C., the Black community's pre-Civil Rights Movement unity, and the international vision of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which he believes led to their demise. Dr. Wright also recounts his meeting with Malcolm X in the fall of 1961 and the profound impact it had on him. Finally, he discusses the evolution of his teaching career and his new book, "My Life in Segregation." Fellow sages, as you just read, you're in for a treat. And as we always say, as long as you guys show love, we'll stay consistent. Dr. Wright is a proud undergraduate alumnus of Howard University from 1960-64. He had the privilege of meeting and listening to Malcolm X in 1961, when he graced the campus as a participant in a debate in Cramton Auditorium. Dr. Wright returned to Howard as a professor/lecturer from 1967-1970 in the College of Liberal Arts (now Arts & Sciences), and subsequently as a full-time professor in the School of Communications from 1975-2023. He retired or rather transitioned from Howard in May 2023, after 50 years of devoted service as a professor at his beloved institution. Dr. Wright is currently working on a book project, an autoethnography, which narrates, analyzes, and recasts his life in segregation and beyond. Introduction to Dr. Richard Wright, finishing 50 years at Howard - 1:00 What made your lesson plan so unique? - 6:50 What does it mean to be Human? - 11:00 How the Renaissance reshaped the thinking of individuals - 15:50 “When you’re told better you don’t do better” - 22:00 “Nobody can insult you without your consent” - 29:20 Why Dr. Wright elected not to go into the Administration - 39:40 Dr. Wright on how the Black Community was more unified before the Civil Rights Movement - 44:15 “You knew that the world would challenge you, but your responsibility was to get ready” Dr. Wright on the collective mentality of the Black Community during segregation -53:00 The Concept of Freedom is a Double-Edged Sword - 56:30 The Power of Internationalizing the Black Struggle and American Hypocrisy, as shown by Malcolm and Martin - 1:08:55  Dr. Wright’s experience watching Malcolm X speak in the Fall of 1961 and the power of his presence - 1:23:00 How has your teaching style evolved from 1975 up to your retirement in 2023 - 1:38:00 Closing/What’s next for Dr. Wright? - 1:43:00

In this latest episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah hosts Captain Lemuel, who is the representative of the Dallas Chapter of the Israel United in Christ Church (IUIC). IUIC identifies itself as a faith-based organization dedicated to imparting the message of repentance from sin according to biblical teachings to our worldwide community, which has been dispersed due to their disobedience to God's commandments. This conversation delved deeply into the challenges confronting Black society and the issues plaguing our community. The episode commenced by exploring the IUIC's mission and its commendable community-focused endeavors. As we progressed through the discussion, we touched upon the hurdles faced by the organization in disseminating its message and delved into the struggles Black individuals encounter when encountering faiths different from their own. Furthermore, we examined the Church's involvement in social justice initiatives, notably one that strives to combat youth crime within the Black community. Ultimately, our conversation revolved around a forward-looking vision for the Black Community, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration to collectively address the issues we face. This was a great and informative conversation, and you are guaranteed to learn something new from it. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent. Intro - 00:49  What is the mission of Israel United in Christ and how are they serving the Black Community? - 2:10  Loss of Identity within The Black Community - 11:53 Why is The Black Community so divided? - 16:00 How has Israel United in Christ changed the lives of its members? - 40:25 What resistance did you face from loved ones when joining Israel United in Christ - 49:00 What is Israel United in Christ doing to serve the Dallas area and push social justice initiatives? - 1:02:15 “You cannot free yourself from oppression if you do not know you are oppressed” - 1:24:15 Closing/Where do you see Israel United in Christ going within the next 5-10 years? - 1:32:30

In this episode of The Black Lotus Podcast, Josiah welcomed Howard graduates Raymond Murray, who majored in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Hesperia, California, and Keishun Martin, who majored in Economics with a minor in Sociology from Houston, Texas. This insightful conversation touched upon a multitude of engaging topics. From the unique experiences of being Black men in America to the encompassing journey through Howard University, we traversed a rich landscape. Our exploration spanned the depths of Black history, delved into the profound influence of Rap culture, and so much more. This exchange wasn't just enlightening; it was profoundly motivational and an absolute pleasure to record. You're in for a delightful and enriching experience with this episode. And as we always say, as long as y'all show love, we'll stay consistent. What has life been like Post-Howard - 1:00 “Being at Howard forces you to think” - 4:00  Being Black Men on the Job Market - 5:30 Raymond’s experience as a Howard Student in the Medical Field - 7:50 Keishun’s teaching experience in Milwaukee - 14:00 “If we wanna see change we gotta start with the Children - “21:30” Growing up in Greenwood, Mississippi/The Failure of the Public Education System in the South - “ 23:00 Keishun’s Connection to Emmitt Till - 25:30 Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. and Their Message of Economic Reform - 31:00 Joe Biden’s connection to one of the most racist politicians of the 20th Century - 39:21 The Drew Hall Penitentiary and Freshman year of College - 49:40 How Raymond transformed his life through his mindset - 1:08:12 “Ambition is a Beautiful Thing, but Achieved Ambition is the Greatest Thing” - 1:22:20 Howard’s Impact on our Lives - 1:25:30 Everybody has a story to tell/Keishun’s life-changing encounter with a Homeless Man - 1:41:00 Rethinking our Perspective of the Young Thug and Gunna Situation - 1:53:30 “Girls is Running Rap Right Now” - 2:03:38 Upcoming Larry June & Cardo Tape/Impact of Larry June - 2:07:35 Closing - 2:18:49