Podcast
RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide
Hosted by Taryell Simmons · EN
RISE Urban Nation is more than a podcast—it’s a cultural media platform dedicated to amplifying Black and Pan-African voices across the diaspora. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, the show brings together entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success in real time.
At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories, uplift voices that have too often been overlooked or erased, and ignite ideas and communities into action. Through powerful storytelling and real conversations, we are not just sharing stories—we are reclaiming narrative power and preserving Black history as it’s being made.
Born from a mission to close the visibility gap in mainstream media, this platform creates space for those building, leading, and creating impact—often without the recognition they deserve. Each episode offers both inspiration and insight, blending lived experience with practical strategies to help listeners amplify their voice, grow their influence, and turn their story into opportunity.
From San Diego to cities across the globe, RISE Urban Nation connects the diaspora through stories that remind us: representation is not just about being seen—it’s about being valued, respected, and heard.
If you’re ready to turn your voice into impact, your story into visibility, and your purpose into action—this is your platform.
Unite. Uplift. Ignite.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Relentless Excellence: Phillip Hogan on Marketing, Mastery & Building a Legacy That Lasts
1w ago01:22:51Tap to summarizePhillip Hogan, CEO of Signing Services of America and author of Relentless Excellence, returns to RISE Urban Nation to share powerful insights on building a marketing strategy that drives real connection and results. This episode explores entrepreneurship, resilience, leadership, and how to turn life’s toughest challenges into a foundation for lasting success. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://www.philliphogan.com 📘 Book: Relentless Excellence 🎙️ Podcast: Closing Market Weekly Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Phillip Hogan Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
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Raising Our Kings: How Anya Owensbrown Turned Fear Into a Movement
3w ago00:51:03Tap to summarizeOUR KINGS was born from grief, fear, and love — and grew into a movement. In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, Anya Owensbrown shares the powerful story behind OUR KINGS, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing the brilliance of Black boys and supporting the families raising them. From Mommy & King to Kings to Kings, this conversation explores community, belonging, identity, and what it truly means to raise Kings in today’s world. Anya bio: I’m Anya Owensbrown — an early childhood educator, a mom of five, and the founder of OUR KINGS. This work started from something real: looking at my own sons and realizing the world didn’t always see them the way I do. I noticed there was a gap — no one was pouring into our boys early, during those critical years from birth to 13. So I created OUR KINGS. We celebrate, support, and uplift Black boys from the beginning. We build a village around them — one that shows them they’re worthy of joy, protection, and a strong foundation. We do this by partnering with schools and community organizations, running in-school programs, and offering yearly membership options that keep our boys connected, engaged, and growing, building a strong brotherhood and an united village. And when we say KINGS, we mean it: Kind, Intelligent, Noble, Gifted Sons of Queens and Kings. THAT’S WHO THEY ARE— and that’s how we treat them. Because I’m a mother, I understand how important it is to have a village, so we have created a just that by supporting families by giving them the tools and knowledge to advocate for their sons — especially when navigating health care, the education system, or the justice system. Because strong boys need strong support, and no parent should have to figure it out alone. This isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a movement grounded in love and built for real impact. We start young, stay consistent, and never let them forget how powerful they are. That Black boy joy is real and they deserve every bit of it Media: Website: Ourkings.org Instagram: ourkingsanonprofit TikTok: ourkingsanonprofit Facebook: OUR KINGS email: anya@ourkings.org (inquiries sponsorships ) Info@ourkings.org ( volunteer, collaborations, partnership opportunities) BBJOY to 53555 to donate Resources & Links: 🌐 Website: https://ourkings.org 📧 Contact: anya@ourkings.org Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Anya Owensbrown Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
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Black Bliss & Building Beyond the Classroom: R. Preston Clark on Storytelling, Mentorship & Narrative Power
Apr 2101:05:39Tap to summarizeHow do you create a career in education beyond institutional walls? R. Preston Clark joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss his book Black Bliss Volume 1, the emotional complexity of Black male storytelling, and how creators can use social media and podcasting to control their narrative. This conversation explores mentorship, literature, identity, and building platforms that shape culture. Resources & Mentions: 📘 Get the book:Black Bliss Volume 1 👉 rprestonclark.com 📚 Club FBS — Book Club & Mentorship for Black Males Episode Contributors: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: R. Preston Clark Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
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Beyond Survival Mode: Leading with Care Through Job Loss, Uncertainty & Change
Apr 1300:44:51Tap to summarizeAbout Jessica: Jessica Smith is a distinguished human resources leader with over 13 years of experience, as an expert voice for your upcoming stories on the current job market. Jessica's extensive background in HR innovation, particularly in the tech industry with companies like Amazon, AWS, and Meta, positions her uniquely to discuss the intersection of stress, job uncertainty, and the evolving workplace. Her role as the Director of Global Diversity and People Experiences at Meta has equipped her with the insights needed to navigate and address stress-related challenges in diverse work environments. With a bilingual International MBA from IESE Business School and a BS in finance from Hampton University, Jessica offers a global perspective on how organizations can implement strategies to mitigate stress and foster resilience among employees. Her experience across major U.S. and European cities further enriches her understanding of diverse workplace cultures and stress management practices. Resources & Mentions: 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesssmithm Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Jessica Smith Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
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From Athlete to Author: How Angela Lewis Uses Sports, Storytelling & Leadership to Transform Lives
Mar 3100:33:14Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of RISE Urban Nation, former professional athlete, author, and global youth coach Angela Lewis shares how sports became a powerful vehicle for healing, leadership, and personal growth. Angela breaks down her impactful V6 framework, the importance of representation in children’s books, and why using your voice is essential to creating change. Angela also shares exciting news about her latest children’s book, A Ball and A Chance — a story inspired by her journey through basketball and travel, written to empower young readers who may feel different and remind them that confidence and courage can open doors. Listeners can grab a copy here: 👉 https://angelarlewis.com/store/pre-order-a-ball-and-a-chance Signed copies are also available upon request. In addition, 10% of proceeds support a nonprofit each month, making every purchase part of a larger impact. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, coaches, parents, and young leaders looking to build confidence, purpose, and lasting change. Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Angela Lewis Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation Media 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
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Trapped in Their Script: Agatha Peters on Healing, Growth, and Rewriting Your Story
Mar 1000:53:48Tap to summarizeBIO: A Nigerian-American psychotherapist, Agatha Peters is the founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy and the author of Trapped in Their Script: Reclaim Your Life from Narcissistic Parents & Cultural Expectations. She is dedicated to helping adult children of narcissistic parents, especially those from collectivist cultures, where family loyalty often overshadows individual well-being. Having experienced the healing power of therapy herself, she is passionate about helping others discover the same transformation and offers guidance on embracing one’s identity while respecting cultural ties. SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Website: https://beautifulsunshinetherapy.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agatha-peters-6209659a Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19AW9BHBNM/?mibextid=wwXIfr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifulsunshinetherapy?igsh=amR0dGhkbXVtbWQ1&utm_source=qr Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Agatha Peters Music: Will Maker Production: RISE Urban Nation 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
Transcribe →Our Stories Over hiStories: Alabama, Ancestral Alignment & The Fire Horse Pivot
Feb 1700:09:37Tap to summarizeAlabama Changed Something.In this solo reflection, Taryell shares how visiting Alabama — walking through civil rights landmarks and standing in ancestral spaces — clarified the next chapter of RISE Urban Nation. This episode explores:Why storytelling is not entertainment — it’s resistanceHow systems change when communities reclaim narrative powerThe cultural significance of aligning with the Lunar New YearThe transition from the Year of the Snake (shedding) to the Year of the Fire Horse (bold forward movement)Why Season Five intentionally ended at the New YearThe five-year anniversary evolution of RISE Urban NationThe launch of a new message for 2026: Our Stories Over hiStories In a time when Black voices are being stripped from textbooks, monuments, and mainstream media, this episode reaffirms podcasting as modern-day griot work — oral tradition at scale. 🔥 What’s Coming in 2026RISE Urban Nation will expand beyond interviews to help entrepreneurs and leaders:Get featured on aligned podcasts that amplify their missionLaunch their own podcasts and control their narrativeUse media and storytelling to 10X brand visibility and impactLearn from guest hosts and media experts who have scaled through podcasting This isn’t just a podcast anymore. It’s narrative infrastructure. 👕 Coming SoonNew 2026 apparel drop:Our Stories Over hiStories Because history is often told by those who won and far too often leaves out the real boots-on-the-ground stories. We’re reclaiming the narrative. 🌅 Reflection QuestionsWhat story of yours needs to be told before someone tells it for you?What are you shedding as we close the Year of the Snake?What bold movement are you stepping into during the Year of the Fire Horse? 🎙️ EPISODE CONTRIBUTORSHost: Taryell SimmonsPodcast: RISE Urban NationMusic: Will MakerProduction: RISE Urban Nation Media 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
Transcribe →(Bonus Episode) Live from Encanto: Shawn McClondon on Equity, Sister Cities & Building Sustainable Community Power
Feb 1700:15:55Tap to summarizeAbout This EpisodeRecorded live at the Encanto Experience, this bonus episode captures a powerful conversation on equity, economic empowerment, and community-driven transformation. Host Taryell Simmons and co-host Zeke Corley of Same Business Different Day Podcast sit down with Shawn McClondon, founder of the Sister Cities Project, the nonprofit organization supporting the Encanto Experience.Shawn shares how he pioneered formal partnerships between affluent and underserved communities, fostering cultural understanding and sustainable economic development. Through the Sister Cities Project ecosystem, he harmonizes workforce development, community connection, and business growth initiatives designed to uplift underserved communities of color.He also discusses:The strategic vision behind (Eco)Hub, (Eco)Exchange, and (Eco)AgencyLeading over 40 social justice, DEI, and racial equity discussionsBuilding cross-sector partnerships throughout San Diego County and nationallyWhy equity must move from dialogue to structural transformationThis episode also celebrates the Encanto Experience as a culturally rooted professional development space where community, creativity, and commerce intersect.Special thanks to Brooke Collins, the powerhouse organizer behind the Encanto Experience, and to Marathon Barbershop on Imperial Avenue for hosting this live recording in a space filled with art, culture, and legacy.If you’re watching this episode on YouTube, take a moment to appreciate the artwork behind us. If you’re listening, we’ve included links below so you can experience Encanto next year. Learn MoreSister Cities Project: HEREEncanto Experience: HEREMarathon Barbershop – Imperial Avenue Episode ContributorsHost: Taryell SimmonsCo-Host: Zeke Corley (Same Business Different Day Podcast)Guest: Shawn McClondonMusic: Will MakerProduction: RISE Urban Nation Media Special Acknowledgment:Brooke Collins – Encanto Experience OrganizerMarathon Barbershop – Venue Host 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
Transcribe →(Bonus Episode) Live from Encanto: Rebuilding Workplace Confidence with Idara Ogunsaju
Feb 1700:10:08Tap to summarizeRecorded live at the Encanto Experience inside Marathon Barbershop on Imperial Avenue, this bonus episode brings together culture, community, and corporate transformation. Taryell Simmons and Zeke Corley host a powerful conversation with Idara Ogunsaju about rebuilding confidence in women within enterprise systems and shifting organizational structures that silently erode leadership potential. Idara, founder of The Antorge Group, explains how her Confidence Ecosystem Framework™ examines how structure, culture, and growth systems either sustain or diminish confidence over time. Through system-level transformation and change management expertise, her firm partners with enterprise leaders to eliminate systemic barriers, fuel sustainable advancement, and strengthen leadership pipelines. This episode also explores the significance of the Encanto Experience as a culturally rooted professional development space that centers creators, community leaders, and changemakers. Special thanks to Brooke Collins for organizing Encanto and to Marathon Barbershop for hosting this live recording in a space rich with culture and art. If you’re watching on YouTube, take a moment to notice the artwork behind us. If you’re listening, links to Encanto and The Antorge Group are included below so you can experience the movement next year. Learn MoreThe Antorge Group: https://theantorgegroup.comInstagram: @anthorgegroupEncanto Experience: https://www.kpbs.org/events/2025/10/17/experience-encanto-two-day-art-stroll-and-artisan-marketMarathon Barbershop – Imperial Avenue Listen to Idara’s previous feature on RISE Urban Nation to hear more of her personal leadership journey. Episode ContributorsHost: Taryell SimmonsCo-Host: Zeke Corley (Same Business Different Day Podcast)Guest: Idara OgunsajuMusic: Will MakerProduction: RISE Urban Nation Media Special Acknowledgment: Brooke Collins (Encanto Experience Organizer)Venue Host: Marathon Barbershop, Imperial Avenue 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
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From Foster Care Trauma to National Reform: The Power of Sibling Bonds with Serenity Sage
Feb 200:50:15Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of RISE Urban Nation Podcast, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Constance “Serenity Sage” English, founder of the UnYes Movement and Siblings United Visitations, to explore how she transformed foster care trauma into a faith-rooted national reform movement. Serenity shares her journey from being silenced and separated from siblings to becoming a bold advocate for family preservation, sibling restoration, and healing-centered systems change. Drawing on her lived experience, spiritual grounding, and visionary leadership, she introduces the UnYes Movement as a reversal of every harmful label placed on foster youth—a resounding YES to identity, belonging, faith, and justice. This conversation is a call to action for leaders, advocates, and changemakers to move beyond awareness into restoration, and to help build communities where children are seen, heard, and never alone again. Links & Resources:🌐 Website: https://unyes.org/https://suvisitations.org/📱 Follow: @SerenitySage | @UnYesMovement🎙️ Host: Taryell Simmons – RISE Urban Nation Credits:Host: Taryell SimmonsGuest: Constance “Serenity Sage” EnglishMusic: Will MakerProduction: RISE Urban Nation Media 🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to the RISE Urban Nation Podcast—where we amplify Black and Pan-African voices, stories, and strategies shaping the future of business and culture.If this episode inspired you, make sure to follow, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.Stay Connected:🌐 RISEUrbanNation.com📲 Instagram: @RiseUrbanNation🎥 YouTube: Subscribe to RISE Urban Nation🔗 Linktree: All Links Unite. Uplift. Ignite. 🔥
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