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RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

RISE Urban Nation: Amplifying Black & Pan-African Voices Worldwide

Hosted by Taryell Simmons

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Episodes

254

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
June 10, 20261 hr 6 min

Who Deserves a Second Chance? Keith Wattley on Justice, Healing & Defending the People Society Gives Up On

Keith Wattley, attorney, Obama Foundation Fellow, and Founder & Executive Director of UnCommon Law, joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss criminal justice reform, second chances, and the humanity of incarcerated people serving life sentences. With more than 25 years of experience advocating for people in prison and on parole, Keith shares how healing-centered and trauma-informed legal advocacy can create pathways for accountability, transformation, and safe reentry into society. This powerful conversation explores redemption, storytelling, parole reform, and why some of the people society finds hardest to defend are often those most in need of hope and healing. About Keith Wattley Keith Wattley is the Founder and Executive Director of UnCommon Law. He has spent more than two decades advocating for the rights of incarcerated people and those on parole. His work focuses on helping individuals demonstrate personal transformation and successfully navigate California’s parole process. In addition to individual advocacy, Keith has trained hundreds of attorneys and law students and has led efforts to improve prison and parole conditions through impact litigation. Keith was selected as an inaugural Obama Foundation Fellow in 2018 and received the James Irvine Foundation Leadership Award in 2020. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Websitehttps://www.uncommonlaw.org/ 👤 Keith Wattleyhttps://www.uncommonlaw.org/keith-wattley 📱 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/uncommonlawyer/ 📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/UnCommonLaw/ 💼 LinkedIn (Organization)https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncommon-law/ 💼 LinkedIn (Keith Wattley)https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-wattley-44050034/ 📺 YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8K93TWilSZeD8QYVp20Kiw 📧 Email:info@uncommonlaw.org   Celebrating 20 Years of UnCommon Law Learn more about UnCommon Law’s 20th Anniversary storytelling and event series, including: Film screenings Educational webinars Community conversations Annual conference 🔗 20th Anniversary Page https://www.uncommonlaw.org/20th-anniversary Call for Speakers UnCommon Law is currently accepting proposals from mission-driven leaders and organizations interested in presenting at the 20th Anniversary Conference. Proposal Deadline: June 15 🔗 Submit a Proposal https://www.uncommonlaw.org/20th-conference Episode Contributors Host: Taryell SimmonsGuest: Keith WattleyMusic: 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. 🔥

June 4, 20261 hr 2 min

Purpose Over Profit: Mo Cisse on Building a Sustainable Fashion Legacy

Mo Cisse, founder and CEO of Meraki Allure, joins RISE Urban Nation to share his journey of building a sustainable luxury fashion brand that prioritizes quality, purpose, and environmental responsibility. In an industry driven by fast fashion, Mo chose a different path—focusing on made-to-order clothing, ethical manufacturing, and environmental impact. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, sustainability, and how to build a brand that reflects your values while creating lasting change.   Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://www.MerakiAllure.com 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/merakiallure/ 🌱 Environmental Partner: https://www.edenproject.com/mission   Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Mo Cisse 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. 🔥

June 1, 202637 min

Built for Women on the Go: How Melody Shari Turned Passion into a Multi-Million-Dollar Beauty Brand

What happens when efficiency meets effectiveness? Melody Shari built Seventh Avenue Beauty for women on the go—creating skincare and beauty products that deliver results with minimal time. In this episode, learn how Melody leveraged authentic marketing, community connection, and product clarity to expand across skincare, body, haircare, kids, cosmetics, and apparel—without losing balance or purpose. MELODY SHARI RODGERS   Dr. Melody Shari Rodgers is a multi-millionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist who has continued to establish a large national fan base in the millions due to her style, resilience, vibrant personality, and her prowess in business, fashion, beauty and real estate. As a star on the popular show Love & Marriage: Huntsville, the mother of four has taken people through her journey and challenges, showing how she has overcome life's obstacles to emerge bigger and better. A woman who is always inspired to action, Melody is currently teaching master classes in real estate and business, making her mark in fashion through her electric women's collection with celebrity stylist J. Bolin, trending in the beauty industry with her skin care line Seventh Avenue Beauty. In March, Melody was honored at the inaugural Goli Gala hosted by Goli Nutrition and TikTok for "Best Celebrity Shoppable Live." Additionally, she recently became the first Reality TV star to have ownership in a Network, with the launch of Nubian TV, and she won the Silver Award for Best Reality Series at the 46th Annual Telly Awards for the show Charnita's World.  Melody prides herself on effectively leveraging the power of relationships, and coupling that with her fierce drive, work ethic, and desire to make an impact in the lives of others. She serves as the chair of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce in her hometown, and is an advisor to the College of Business and Public Affairs at her alma mater, Alabama A&M University. As a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Melody fully embraces the call to excellence, and exemplifies what it means to truly be a servant leader.   Website: https://seventhavenuebeauty.net/ Instagram:https://seventhavenuebeauty.net/ TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@melodyshari11 TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@seventhavenuebeauty 🎙️ 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. 🔥

May 19, 20261 hr 22 min

Relentless Excellence: Phillip Hogan on Marketing, Mastery & Building a Legacy That Lasts

Phillip 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. 🔥

May 5, 202651 min

Raising Our Kings: How Anya Owensbrown Turned Fear Into a Movement

OUR 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. 🔥

April 21, 20261 hr 5 min

Black Bliss & Building Beyond the Classroom: R. Preston Clark on Storytelling, Mentorship & Narrative Power

How 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. 🔥

April 13, 202644 min

Beyond Survival Mode: Leading with Care Through Job Loss, Uncertainty & Change

About 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. 🔥

March 31, 202633 min

From Athlete to Author: How Angela Lewis Uses Sports, Storytelling & Leadership to Transform Lives

In 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. 🔥

March 10, 202653 min

Trapped in Their Script: Agatha Peters on Healing, Growth, and Rewriting Your Story

BIO: 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. 🔥

February 17, 20269 min

Our Stories Over hiStories: Alabama, Ancestral Alignment & The Fire Horse Pivot

Alabama 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. 🔥

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