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.
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October 19, 20261 hr 4 min
Changing the Narrative: Fatherhood, Literacy & Black Empowerment
Dr. Khalid White, founder of BLKMPWR, joins RISE Urban Nation to discuss fatherhood support, early literacy, Black education, and building a mission-driven business rooted in empowerment. From Morehouse to Harvard to entrepreneurship, this conversation explores how storytelling, books, media, and culture can transform communities and create lasting impact. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://www.blkmpwr.com Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Dr. Khalid White 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. 🔥
October 1, 202653 min
Aerospace AI: Building the Future of Flight With Human + Machine
What happens when a former NASA engineer decides to stop working within the system and start building the future of it? In this episode of RISE Urban Nation , Taryell Simmons sits down with De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin , former NASA Flight Research Engineer and Co-Founder and CEO of Osoosi , to explore his journey from aerospace engineer to technology entrepreneur. DJ shares what it takes to build an aerospace AI startup in an industry where safety, trust, precision, and innovation matter. The conversation explores Osoosi's work around real-time cockpit intelligence, Artificial Pilot Awareness, the Halo AI Copilot, and a future where artificial intelligence enhances human decision-making rather than simply replacing it. DJ also opens up about making the mindset shift from engineer to CEO , navigating entrepreneurship as a Black founder in aerospace and AI, and why greater representation matters in the industries shaping our future. This conversation is for entrepreneurs, engineers, innovators, and anyone who has ever looked at an industry and wondered, “Is there a place for someone like me?” The bigger message: You don't have to wait for permission to enter the future. You can help build it. What You'll Learn How DJ's aerospace journey led him to NASA and eventually entrepreneurship What it takes to transition from engineer to startup founder and CEO The challenges of developing AI technology for a high-stakes industry like aviation How Osoosi approaches Artificial Pilot Awareness The vision behind the Halo AI Copilot Why human-machine collaboration matters in the future of aviation How entrepreneurs build trust and credibility in complex industries Lessons from building an aerospace technology startup DJ's experience navigating aerospace and AI as a Black founder Why representation matters in emerging technology industries Advice for young Black engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs entering spaces where they may not see themselves represented Key Takeaway The future doesn't have to be human versus machine . It can be human with machine . And as artificial intelligence transforms industries like aviation, Black entrepreneurs and innovators have an opportunity not only to participate in that future—but to help build it . Resources & Mentions Osoosi: Osoosi.com Topics discussed: Aerospace AI, aviation technology, NASA, Artificial Pilot Awareness, Halo AI Copilot, human-machine teaming, artificial intelligence, aerospace entrepreneurship, Black tech founders, engineering, startup leadership, and innovation. Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin Featured Company: Osoosi 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. 🔥
September 23, 20261 hr 2 min
From Pain to Performance: Turning Creativity into Healing and Purpose
Danela Butler, actress and poet, joins RISE Urban Nation to share her journey of turning pain into purpose through creativity. This episode explores acting, poetry, resilience, and how Black creatives can use storytelling to heal, inspire, and transform communities. Resources & Mentions 📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danela_butlerofficial/ 🎭 Acting Portfolio: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/danelabutler 🌐 Website: DanelaButler.com 📧 Email: theartistdanelabutler77@gmail.com 📘 Facebook: Danela Butler 📱 Threads: @Danela_Butlerofficial 📱 TikTok: @DanelaButler1 Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Danela Butler 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. 🔥
September 8, 20261 hr 3 min
Debt-Free Degrees: How to Pay for College Without Breaking the Bank
LaTonja Muhammad, founder of College Cost Cutter, shares how families can navigate the complex college financial aid system and significantly reduce the cost of higher education. From common mistakes to proven strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for parents, students, and entrepreneurs looking to build generational wealth without student loan debt. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://CollegeCostCutter.com 📘 Book: The College Funding Playbook Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: LaTonja Muhammad 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. 🔥
August 18, 20261 hr 41 min
Turning Rejection Into Revenue: Building Opportunity From Barriers
Setche Kwamu-Nana, inclusion strategist and founder of Bridges to Belonging, shares her powerful journey from facing 163 job rejections to building a consulting business that helps organizations identify overlooked talent and dismantle systemic barriers. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, identity, and how Black and African entrepreneurs can turn lived experiences into strategic power. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://www.setche.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/setche-kwamu-nana/ Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Setche Kwamu-Nana 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. 🔥
August 4, 20261 hr 2 min
Veteran Leadership in Business: How Flavor Hills Built a Standout Brand
How do you turn military leadership into a powerful business advantage? Eric L. Johnson II of Flavor Hills breaks down how discipline, brand strategy, leadership, and community engagement have helped grow a standout Black-owned hospitality brand. From shaping the customer experience to expanding into new markets, Eric shares lessons on building a brand people remember and a company culture people want to be part of. For entrepreneurs, veterans, and business leaders looking to scale with intention, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, marketing, and sustainable growth. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Flavor Hills: https://theflavorhills.com Flavor Hills Leadership: Eric L. Johnson II, Andre Truss, Tellers Pollard III, and Culinary Director Chef Morgan Teianne Topics Discussed: Veteran entrepreneurship, hospitality leadership, restaurant branding, community engagement, business expansion, team culture, customer experience, and Black business growth. Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Eric L. Johnson II 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. 🔥
July 13, 202652 min
Faith, Film & Responsibility: Dontavious Shuler on Storytelling That Heals
Dontavious Shuler is an Emmy-winning Director of Photography known for his exceptional work in TV. Dontavious Shuler’s journey into filmmaking began during a deeply challenging period marked by personal loss, isolation, and financial struggle. Through faith, journaling, and community support, he transformed those experiences into his film Echoes , which explores the impact of unresolved trauma. In this episode, Dontavious shares how he built his production company from the ground up, the importance of social responsibility in film, and how creators can turn their life experiences into meaningful content. Resources & Mentions 🌐 Website: https://dontaviousshulerstudios.com 📱 Instagram: @dontaviousshuler 📘 Film: Echoes Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Dontavious Shuler 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. 🔥
July 8, 20261 hr 6 min
Radical Self Love: Empowering Black Youth for Success with Teri Thompson
Bio: With a legal career spanning three decades, Teri Lee Thompson has carved a distinguished career as a federal criminal defense attorney in high-stakes capital cases, adjunct professor, and associate magistrate court judge. But Teri’s impact stretches far beyond her courtroom. She is an author and the owner of ZELLA PUBLISHING, an independent producer of books, audiobooks, and digital content. As a writer, Teri produces powerful collections that address culture and diversity. She is the creative force behind the children’s book series, the Adventures of Kai, that ocuses on self-esteem in Black children. She is the author of Kinky, Curly, Mine, Sun-Kissed, and Princess Locs. Her nonprofit, JUSTICE REDEFINED, furthers her mission to inspire girls and teens to overcome challenges and achieve all that they can. Her program, IMAGINE ME, serves girls between ages six and nine, and focuses on reading and technology. Her program, G.L.O., which stands for Grow, Lead, Overcome, is designed for preteen and teen girls, and empowers them to realize their full potential by enhancing their reading, technology, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills to lay the groundwork for future success. Each facet of JUSTICE REDEFINED provides comprehensive mental health resources. Resources & Mentions: Website: https://www.girlswhorise.com Zella Publishing Justice Redefined Programs The Adventures of Kai Book Series Credits: Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Teri Thompson Production: RISE Urban Nation Music: Will Maker 🎙️ 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 24, 202652 min
Your Experience Pays: Stevii Mills on Turning Knowledge Into Income
Description Many Black and African entrepreneurs possess powerful knowledge and lived experience but have been taught to only use those gifts within traditional jobs or business structures. In this conversation, Stevii Mills explains how entrepreneurs can package their expertise into coaching programs, digital products, workshops, and other income-generating opportunities. This episode explores visibility, ownership, storytelling, and the power of turning what you already know into a scalable business. Bio Dr. Stevii Aisha Mills is a Visibility Coach and Strategist with over 30 years of experience in marketing and public relations and 16 years as an entrepreneur. She helps high achieving professionals turn their knowledge and expertise into income generating opportunities so they can increase their impact and live the life they love. A two time six figure business owner, author, and podcast host, Dr. Stevii has been featured on major platforms including BET, CBS, FOX, and ABC. Through her work and community, The Permission Slip Club, she empowers others to confidently step into visibility, monetize their experience, and get paid for what they already know. Resources & Mentions Connect with Stevii Mills Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevii.mills Website: www.stevii.com Episode Contributors Host: Taryell Simmons Guest: Stevii Mills 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 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 🌐 Website https://www.uncommonlaw.org/ 👤 Keith Wattley https://www.uncommonlaw.org/keith-wattley 📱 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/uncommonlawyer/ 📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/UnCommonLaw/ 💼 LinkedIn (Organization) https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncommon-law/ 💼 LinkedIn (Keith Wattley) https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-wattley-44050034/ 📺 YouTube https://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 Simmons Guest: Keith Wattley 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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