Phillip J. Wallace joins Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on politics, power, and purpose. As a government affairs leader and founder of MVP Strategies, Phillip breaks down what lobbying actually looks like, how corporations navigate Washington, D.C., and the role policy plays in shaping everyday life.

The conversation also explores Phillip’s journey from Louisiana to the national stage, his experience working with major companies like Walmart, and his transition into entrepreneurship. Beyond politics and business, the episode opens up into a candid discussion on identity, dating, divorce, and what it means to build a meaningful life and legacy.

Plus, in this episode’s Culture Catch Up, Greg and Elliott highlight Anthony Mackie’s investment in New Orleans East and the importance of reinvesting in community.

A smart, honest, and wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of politics, business, and personal growth.

In this episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with actor Philemon Chambers for an honest and inspiring conversation about his journey into Hollywood, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the importance of staying grounded while pursuing creative dreams.

Philemon reflects on how his passion for acting began as a child after seeing The Lion King at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, a moment that sparked a lifelong love for storytelling and performance. From performing in church and community theatre to building a professional acting career, he shares the perseverance required to navigate the entertainment industry.

The conversation explores his breakout role in the Netflix holiday romantic comedy Single All the Way, working alongside Jennifer Coolidge, and what it meant to be part of one of the first mainstream holiday rom-coms centered on queer love. Philemon also discusses his work on Tyler Perry’s Netflix drama Beauty in Black, offering insight into Tyler Perry’s fast-paced production style and the realities of working on major television projects.

Greg, Elliott, and Philemon also talk about faith, identity, and the pressure of finding purpose in an industry that can often feel unpredictable. As a preacher’s kid who grew up with strong spiritual foundations, Philemon shares how faith and perspective help him stay balanced while navigating fame, opportunity, and personal growth.

It’s a thoughtful conversation about perseverance, authenticity, and the long road to building a meaningful career in film and television.

In this episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with Nicholas Wiggins, founder and principal of NIW Design and Managing Director at Values Partnerships, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, strategy, and the importance of building spaces where culture and advocacy intersect.

Nicholas shares insights from his years working with the NAACP, including helping shape experiences around the NAACP Image Awards, conventions, and leadership gatherings that bring together activists, creatives, and decision-makers. He reflects on the challenge of keeping legacy organizations relevant for younger generations, the importance of combating misinformation, and how coalition-building across communities remains critical in today’s social and political climate.

The conversation also explores Nicholas’s work in narrative strategy and cultural storytelling through Values Partnerships, including projects like the PBS documentary Black and Jewish, which highlights the shared history and partnership between Black and Jewish communities in the fight for civil rights.

Greg, Elliott, and Nicholas also reflect on the legacy of leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Reverend Jesse Jackson, the importance of mentorship, and the often unseen work of people who build the rooms where important conversations and decisions happen.

This episode is a compelling discussion about leadership behind the scenes, the evolution of advocacy, and why thoughtful strategy, collaboration, and community remain essential for lasting change.