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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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. 🔥
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. 🔥
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