In this episode, I sit down with Dr. James Danoff-Burg, an Entomologist, Conservation social scientist, and Vice President of Conservation at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, to explore the critical intersection between human behavior and biodiversity preservation.

Dr. Danoff-Burg shares powerful insights on how community-led conservation is reshaping the future of environmental sustainability. From his work with the Center for Species Survival: Behavior Change (CSS–BC) to global partnerships with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he emphasizes how social science and behavioral change are essential to protecting ecosystems worldwide.

We discuss inspiring examples like the Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa—an unarmed, all-female team redefining conservation through education—and The Living Desert’s initiatives in Southern California that promote sustainability and environmental awareness among youth.

Join us as we dive into the power of collaboration, the role of education in conservation, and the importance of hope in protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.

https://www.livingdesert.org/

In this special episode, we sit down with Taliah Givens, Senior Director of UNCF’s Student Professional Development Programs, and Jaydon Molando, a graduating senior from Morehouse College, to explore the transformative power of the 15th Annual UNCF Student Leadership Conference (SLC).

The 2025 SLC will convene nearly 140 high-achieving HBCU students for an immersive, real-world career prep experience. From high-impact business simulations and mentorship “speed dating” to a student-led podcast production track, this year’s expanded curriculum is all about preparing students not just for jobs—but for purpose-driven leadership.

Taliah, an engineer turned workforce strategist, shares how she has helped design and lead more than 40 internship programs serving over 1,600 students nationwide. She also speaks candidly about her journey from Paterson, NJ to the forefront of youth and career development.

Jaydon reflects on how SLC opened doors that the classroom alone couldn’t—especially as a student-athlete juggling academics and sports. His internship with BD through the program has positioned him for post-grad success and personal growth.

Learn more by visiting https://uncf.org/pages/uncf-spdp-student-leadership-conference-slc

In this compelling episode, I had the honor to speak with Ms. Michelle Jones Galvin, where we discussed her ancestry as a descendant of Harriet Tubman. The conversation explores how preserving African American history through institutions like the Harriet Tubman Home and National Historical Park shapes national identity and informs our understanding of American history. Topics include the importance of local government involvement in historical preservation, the intersection of race and gender in museum storytelling, and the power of Tubman's legacy. Ms. Jones Galvin also reflects on how cultural institutions can support modern-day advocacy, entrepreneurship, and education, especially for women of color.

Learn more by visiting www.mosesofherpeople.com

In this episode, I speak to Thana Hickman, the visionary CEO and founder of Viola’s House, a transformative nonprofit dedicated to supporting homeless teens and young mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. As we recognize Black Maternal Health Week, this conversation shines a powerful light on the urgent need to address the disparities affecting Black mothers across the nation.

Thana shares how Viola’s House evolved from a teen maternity home in Dallas to a nationally recognized organization that supported over 6,500 mothers in 2024 alone—providing access to safe housing, healthcare, education, and essential resources. We also explore the themes of her compelling book, No Place to Belong, and how her work as a TEDx speaker and advocate is pushing the conversation forward around maternal health equity and social justice.

This episode is a timely, heartfelt, and eye-opening dialogue about breaking cycles of hardship, building community, and fighting for a world where every mother has the support she needs to thrive.

🎧 Tune in as we honor Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17) with a conversation rooted in compassion, action, and purpose.

#ConversationsWithChan #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ThanaHickman #ViolasHouse #NoPlaceToBelong #BlackMamasMatter #MaternalHealthEquity #TeenMomsMatter #SocialImpact #PodcastInterview #Changemaker #BlackWomenLead

This conversation with Comedian Dwain Watts was full of laughter and real-life conversation. Hailing from Landover, Maryland, Dwain Watts brings more than just the funny when he hits the stage, he brings a fresh look on life and how you can see the comedy in it all. In this conversation, he shares everything from how to deal with imposter syndrome to owning your power.

Follow Dwain on Facebook & Instagram

Also Watch Dwain Watts - Live at the DC Comedy Loft

Listen to Watts So Funny (Apple) (Spotify)

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Fadia Nordtveit. She is the Founder of ⁠collaborative.ly⁠, a consulting company that provides services based on a model of DEIB that she has created after years of research and prototyping in an academic and industry setting. Fadia created the Inclusive Business Model Canvas, a tool that helps businesses and organizations build an inclusive foundational structure. Fadia is also the producer of a public-access television show called Talking Out Of Line that highlights DEIB trailblazers from diverse industries. Fadia is an Assistant Professor of Communications at Springfield College and holds a part-time Faculty, Researcher, and Consultant position at New York University. Fadia is an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) administrator. Fadia has served in numerous Environment, Sustainability & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committees in various universities and organizations. www.collaborative-ly.com Talking Out Of Line website: www.talkingoutofline.com Book Website: https://bgreenbookproject.weebly.com

Get into this conversation with this hybrid comic talent, She is perhaps most well-known as a writer and cast member where she was a recurring guest star, on Netflix's acclaimed comedy series, DEAR WHITE PEOPLE. According to creator, Justin Simien, Dahéli is "the funniest person on the planet." She has written and directed digital content for Funny or Die, VH1, and CBS, and her short films have been licensed to HBO. She can also be seen in BAD HAIR on Hulu, and GRACE & FRANKIE on Netflix, and Dahéli is a featured voice actor in STAR WARS: THE BAD BATCH, an animated series for Disney+.

⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Twitter⁠ | ⁠Tiktok⁠ | Website

Monique Obeze is a published New York/Atlanta, Ga wardrobe stylist, fashion writer, social media brand ambassador and style influencer with almost sixteen years of experience in the fashion and entertainment industry. Monique has established her place in the fashion industry not only as a stylist but also as a fashion and business mogul. Fashion-forward is her motto! To learn more about Monique’s work, visit her website at http://www.houseofstylebymonique.com