Older Shows 2008

Older Shows 2009

Older Shows 2010

If you are intersted in hearing older shows please email me for details..

Lynching is very much a part of our history. Fritz Brundage, a professor at UNC Chapel Hill, published a book with much needed historical context for this painful past. There is evidence of over 4,500 black men who were lynched between 1860 to 1930. On this show we talk about this sad and shameful history and why such violent acts occurred. We then reflect on how this past has shaped our world today. Growing up white and a native of Virginia, Fritz was unaware of such acts. My own formative years were also in the south but I knew there were unspoken rules that should not be crossed. Join this show as we talk about how lynching is still a part of our society on this Richard Brown Show.

Richard Brown TV Show – Mixing and remixing the elements of visual art

My guest, Antoine Reid is a visual artist on the rise. His work is exceptional and creative. He shares with us his love of the visual medium and how he developed it over time. We discuss his process to creating art and when he knows it is a finished piece of art. Of particular interest is how he overcomes with his inner critic. My hope is this show can be a guide to you via Antoine creativity and process. Helping you move toward your dreams on this Richard Brown Show.

Richard Brown TV Show – Our path to wealth and assets

Now may seem an odd time to talk about asset building but I would submit that it is the perfect time to research, set goals, and plan. Lenwood Long, president of The Minority Support Center, joins me in the studio as we discuss how African Americans can position ourselves to start small businesses, and repair credit. The Minority Support Center is at state wide non profit that provides technical assistance to minority credit unions. The Minority Support Center works closely with Generations Credit Union, (a minority owned credit union with branches in several communities across the state) to lend to minority communities. Mr. Long and I discuss a report that shows a nation wide trend of disinvestment in high minority areas. We then discuss what the Minority Support Center and Generations Credit Union are doing to meet these needs. We draw a link between the capital constraints of credit unions and the wealth stripping predatory lenders as obstacles between credit unions like Generations and the community. Join me on this Richard Brown Show as Lenwood Long gives us the steps to building wealth for the African American community.

Richard Brown TV Show – A different look at politics

November is coming and this year it means mid term elections. David Swerlick and I take a look at what this may mean for us in the near future. National politics has been focused on trips to Spain, the trillion dollar debt, a new health care law, and of course jobs (or the lack there of). David and I share our thoughts about these issues, how the media has handled them and on what we think the public have taken away from the conversation about politics, people, and policies. I believe this conversation can be a guide to you. Join this Richard Brown show for a different analysis on politics.

A spirit house for the people

Spirit house has been finding ways to create space for community to discuss and discover solutions for over 10 years. Using various mediums of art Spirit house, in collaboration with the community, has found ways to create works of art that establish a higher sense of self worth. The process and the works of art often give the community a voice, one that is usually not heard by the powers that be. Spirit house has their own video and radio creation arms. They also build relationships with other non profit organizations for example, Cares in Durham. Through this bridge building, they plan to work with the constituent of Cares to produce other works of art. Join this Richard Brown show as my guests from Spirit house explain how they turn consumers into producers of great works of art.

When we finish writing

In 2005, a friend of my guest Johnathan Brunson asked him a simple question. “Why don't you take your essays and turn them into a book?” The idea to turn his essays into a book had crossed Johnathan's mind but with a push from his friend he decided he had to make it happen. Now, Johnathan is driven to help others and in his book “Mirroring Society” he talks about his reflections on gender, race, spiritually, and culture as a black man in America. He has gotten so much positive feedback from young people in particular, Johnathan is looking expand the influence of his book outside of North Carolina. Join this Richard Brown show to find out how Johnathan is making his book touch young people.

How the format leans itself to certain messages

Talking to Monica after the show, I realized that there are a handful of shows that give an hour to one topic. I commented “many shows don't think people will tune in for the whole hour if there is only one topic.” I understand from a business and entertainment sense why this is the case but I also know it takes time to develop an idea and just how difficult it is to do any analysis of the issues in a shorter time frame. The conversation sparked an idea about other forms of media and how they lend themselves to conveying information, feelings, and emotions. On this show, I develop these ideas and what it may mean to use a particular format. I talk about this idea within the context of the Wake County School board fight and where concerned parents can look for ideas and take action for themselves. Join this Richard Brown show and thanks for your support.

Going Green

With Green labels being slapped on everything from bleach to cereal it is a safe bet that everything claiming green isn't. My guest, Monica Be has done her own research and found a process to give her a better sense about which products meet a greener standard. Monica is a LEED Accredited Professional in Innovation in Design Construction and she helps individuals, schools, and companies cut through the product marketing and help them decide which products are greener. This process can be healthier, can lower expenses, and it can reduce her clients carbon footprint. She gives us some beauty products that African American women should look for. Join this Richard Brown Show and go green.

July 12 – An Academic voice that speaks to our power, context and hope

Over the past four years of doing the show, I have had over 200 guests, We have covered so many topics and I feel I have gotten a good feel for what each guest has offered. Dr. Jackson, the Director of the Institute of African American research in Chapel Hill, has blown me away. I am deeply honored that she took the time to share her knowledge. It will without a doubt enrich my life and I am sure yours. She gives us a detailed look at her research into cultural, DNA, geography of America and how they have fused together. She also talks about an upcoming conference on Aug 6-7 about what Christianity and Islam have to say about Black American group suffering? These threads within Dr. Jackson's hand are woven into an intellectual tapestry that will strengthen and heal you. I beset you to join this show. It is an awesome gift.

July 5 – Finding your academic voice

My guests join me to discuss their search for their academic voice. Students from Yale and Cornell, Tia Hicks and Kayla Vinson discuss the research that they are conducting this summer. Many people struggle with graduate level academic writing and frankly give up. But there are some that continue to fight and come through with a powerful and authentic voice. Tia's research looks at the black women within the Black panther party and their relationship with feminism. Kayla's research examines why young black boys struggle within the school setting. Join me on this Richard Brown show see how these sisters are progressing. Thank you for your support and please share your experience with me in finding your academic voice.

June 28, 2010 – You and I still have to get it done

There are times as a black person in America the odds look and feel - long. We have dreams, we have hopes but the lack of money, time, and support just to name three can be a huge barrier. I first talk about the show and how I am growing it to connect dreams to reality then Curtis Gatewood joins me and we discuss some of the barriers we face. It wouldn't be a RB show if we didn't cover steps to overcome these barriers. I hope this message in a bottle reaches you and propels you forward in your life quest. Thanks for your support.

June 21, 2010 – Cooking fresh and healthy

I am going to ask you do to something next time you are in the kitchen. Look at the ingredient list of your breakfast cereal. How many words can you pronounce? What about the last time you ate at a fast food restaurant? Pull up the ingredient list off the web. Can you spell it? What is all that? In a word it is how our food is prepared/processed by large corporations. Chef Tim Cozart and I talk about how he prepares food. He is the executive chef of Earth Sage & Fire based in Durham, NC and has a passion for sharing healthy food with people. When he cooks he uses local and fresh produce whenever possible. By doing this, he gives the food the opportunity to speak. He also doesn't over cook his food. He gives tips to make veggies and meat retain flavor and change your mind about what food really tastes like. The goal is to have eating become an experience again not just a quick refill of carbs, proteins, and fats. Join this Richard Brown show to have a virtual feast.

June 7, 2010 –Building your small business for success
Katie Gailes joins me in the studio to talk business. She helps small businesses with their vision and marketing plans. She has done her time in corporate america and then she heard this calling and started helping small businesses create and execute a business plan. Her experience and technical know-how can help your business increase cash flow and acquire new customers. She gives us guidance on when we should bring in expert help and when is the right time to get the skill(s) yourself. We have a lively conversation that I know you will enjoy. Please join me for this Richard Brown show. And thanks for your support.

June 7, 2010 – You tell me is this funny

How many times have you told a funny joke and no one laughed? Corey Manning is a professional joke teller and every now and then this happens to him as well. He joins me in the studio and tells how he got in the business. Growing up in Durham within the shadow of Duke University, he didn't know he was poor until middle school kids started picking on him. In high school, he wanted to have fun and cut class; He ended up in the Principle's office on multiple occasions. Now he touring the country telling jokes about how he got in and out of trouble. Join this Richard Brown show and have a good laugh.

May 31, 2010 – Raleigh Area Development Authority

Over five years ago the southern part of Raleigh voiced a need for more financial education and assistance. The Raleigh Area Development Authority (RADA) was created. The non-profit serves the community with home ownership classes, credit repair, foreclosure assistance, and individual development accounts. The RADA has filled a very important function. They are now expanding their footprint and reaching people in other parts of wake county. Many have been hit hard by the economic changes over the last three years and the tools RADA provides gives us the breathing room to get on a solid financial path. Please join this conversation, we talk people, homes, and finance on this Richard Brown show.

May 24, 2010 – Black male identity 101
Growing up how often did someone make comments about your gender and race? More importantly, how did you take the comments? Did you become self conscience and do your best to avoid or did you go in another direction? I want to continue a conversation I started a few months about black male identity. How we create and grow it. When I talk to people, we talk about the funny things that happened to us during college and every once in a while we get serious and talk about those situations that wounded us. It is very interesting to talk to people and see how much of their identity is shaped by events that happen to them verses events we make happen. As I continue to develop the show, it is so important to know where you come from, where you are, and where you want to be. This conversation is front in center all three questions. Join me as we get knee deep in a special conversation on this Richard Brown show.

May 17, 2010 – Snarks is gaming to win
The owners of Snarks, a gaming arcade established this year, are first and foremost teachers. The husband and wife team have taught at-risk and elite children in public schools systems in North Carolina and California. Their love of honest conversation with young people still burns bright, just the venue has changed. They wanted to find another way to engage young people thus Snarks was born. When young people come to play games, they are always greeted and given an orientation on how to engage in respectable fun. Trash talking is encouraged but there is a line that shouldn't be crossed. Parents can come with their children of all ages and find a guidance not found at other game locations. Douglass Coleman tells us how the company got started and how they are playing an active role in the community. Join this Richard Brown show to get your game on, there are plenty of Wii, PlayStation, and Xbox 360 controllers to go around.

May 10, 2010 – The Fifth Born II a book with a message of hope
Being authentic is how this author carries herself.  Zelda Lockhart shares how she as a writer, mother, friend, and spiritual being is living her life striving for truth.  In June, she will release her newest novel The Fifth Born II: The Hundredth Turtle.  This new tale follows two people from her first book as they search how to create new family bonds.  Zelda tells us about the book and her love of being a writer.  Her reading of the book is excellent.  Don’t miss this Richard Brown show, it will give you sustenance.

March 28, 2010  - Changing college student’s financial outlook
La-tasha Best-Gaddy, Director of Financial Education & Training for the North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (NCIMED), joins me and talks about her signature program - college student financial education.  La-tasha has presented across North Carolina and has a wealth of experience sharing financial education.  She shares her knowledge during our conversation. She explains that many African American students have obtained an almost crushing amount of debt to obtain a college degree. She tells us how to avoid the situation.  We also touch on other NCIMED programs - home ownership training, executive education and a prostate screening initiative.  I invite you to listen to this informative Richard Brown show today.

March 22, 2010  - A discussion about our black male identity
On this show, I develop my thoughts about black male identity (BMI).  In particular, I look at our development in early and high school years.  I highlight some of the negative factors that play a part in the development of BMI; not enough positive elder black male relationships, and the hyper aggression seen in music, TV, and movies by stereotypes of black males to name two.  There are of course many black men that don’t allow negative messages to define them.  Instead this group of black men focus on the positive influences that they do get and gravitate toward them.  I discuss how these positive men are not talked about enough in order to strengthen the perceptions of black men in general.  Join this Richard Brown show and share your thoughts about all the influences that create black male identity

March 22, 2010 - A discussion about our black male identity
On this show, I develop my thoughts about black male identity (BMI). In particular, I look at our development in early and high school years. I highlight some of the negative factors that play a part in the development of BMI; not enough positive elder black male relationships, and the hyper aggression seen in music, TV, and movies by stereotypes of black males to name two. There are of course many black men that don’t allow negative messages to define them. Instead this group of black men focus on the positive influences that they do get and gravitate toward them. I discuss how these positive men are not talked about enough in order to strengthen the perceptions of black men in general. Join this Richard Brown show and share your thoughts about all the influences that create black male identity

March 15, 2010 - Etiquette and you
Sharon Hill is a speaker and author of four books. Sharon is a national consultant to universities and businesses about etiquette and corporate cultural. On this show, she tells us how to “politely” stand out from the crowd. Whether you are networking to build relationships or job hunting, her tips can give you an edge. We also talk about knowing what your core values are so that as you engage corporate American you can avoid the “greed is good” mentality. Join this Richard Brown show and explore great tips to gain access to the business world.

March 8, 2010 –I do more than find people a home
Fear rears its head in many aspects of our life and this holds true for purchasing a home. Tonya Mizelle and Melvin Watson, two Realtors from Success Realty, join me to talk about how they deal with fear and guide people through the home buying process. Outside of fear, there is also misinformation that makes the process of buying a home harder but my guests share their knowledge to help all of us find out what is working in this real estate market. Join this Richard Brown show and learn how you can get past fear and buy a home.

March 1, 2010 – Dancing with LD Burris
LD has been dancing his whole life. His passion and ability to connect with people of all ages is a unique talent. On this show, he talks about his growth as a dancer and how he wants to engage the community via the art of dance. “You have to move” he says. During this hour, LD provides a historical context out of which modern dance has grown. He also shares his experiences taking non dancers and music to create a public work of art. Learn about the energy and purpose in the movement. Please join this Richard Brown show to experience it all.

Feb 22, 2010 – The slum houses that race built
Beryl Satter, author of Family Properties joins me to talk about her book. Set over a three decade span, it tells about how her left leaning father, a lawyer in segregated Chicago, fought again slum lords, the city, and bankers to try and save black families from losing their over priced homes. Her father due to stress and a weak heart dies and leave her family with little financial support. The story then follows a group of black homeowners as they take this fight first to the doorstep of the slum lords, then to the justice system. Their story is one of bravery in the face of very long odds. Beryl connects these historical events to some of the practices we find in our financial and cultural systems today. Don’t miss this Richard Brown show.

Feb 15, 2010 – NCCU’s women’s center provides important perspective for the campus
The NCCU Women’s Center promotes the academic, personal, and professional development of women. Chimi Boyd-Keyes, the Director of the women’s center, discusses her passion. Going to the people, not waiting for them to come to her, Chimi has fostered a deep relationship with students, the university and the community. These conversations sometimes uncover a painful past, and thankfully Chimi guides those individuals to the correct resources so that the individual can get help, heal, and overcome. The women’s center is working on several projects, for example, one involves bringing middle school girls to campus and exposing them to science careers. There are also upcoming events the center is hosting that give us new tools to discuss gender roles. Join me as we engage this neglected topic on this Richard Brown show.

Feb 8, 2010 – Risking it all
What is risky? Trying (and perhaps failing) or not trying at all? I submit the idea that trying to reach your dreams is critical to life. On this show, I talk about having flexibility in your dreams and how you can work to achieve them. Far too many of us get one no and allow our dreams to die. We then turn angry and bitter with ourselves, others, and the world. I have a belief that we can all develop a process that leads us step by step to turning our dreams into reality. Developing your process and taking this path is what I believe the essence of happiness. This and much more are my topic on this Richard Brown show. Share your dreams with me and how you are turning them into reality.

Jan 25, 2010 – Earned Income Tax Credit and You
My guests, Lucy Gorham and Tiki Windley work to build assets in the community. From MDC, they share their expertise in several areas but especially taxes. As Tiki put it “just because God will bless you for tithing doesn’t mean the IRS will.” Learn what companies to be aware of during this tax season. We also look at products that are not structured with your best financial interest at heart. Get a better sense of resources to aid you this tax season on this Richard Brown show.

Jan 18, 2010 – Dr. Kings teaches us how to dream
Listening to Dr. King’s speech has reminded me that dreams are so very important. There are times when we don’t cultivate them and then we wonder why we feel lost and without purpose. On this show, I talk about using Dr. King as a model for developing your life dreams. Join me as we create a process to turn your dreams into reality on this Richard Brown show.

Jan 11, 2010 – Where has all the interpersonal racial conflict gone
We have come to a curious time when we talk about race but not really talk about it. From calling people names to racial profiling, our world is full of interpersonal racial conflict yet it doesn’t reach a national awareness much less consensus on how to solve the problems we face. Walter Davis, Executive Director of National Organizing Alliance has years of experience working on social justice issues and dealing with interpersonal racial conflict. He shares his thoughts on the current position of interpersonal racial conflict and what we can do to be about the business of creating a more just society. Join this Richard Brown show.

Jan 4, 2010 – Dropping emotional baggage at the door
On this show, I discuss my understanding of what emotional baggage is. As people start their new year’s goals, it is important to see if emotional baggage has been a reason past goals haven’t become an integral part of our life. Even more importantly, I think there are some dreams we don’t even reach for because emotional baggage weighs us down till we don’t even try. Join me as I lay out a different take on how you can overcome emotional baggage and claim your goals on this Richard Brown show.