In this episode of Leaders & Learners, we sit down with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal—James B. Duke Distinguished Professor at Duke University, cultural critic, and host of Left of Black. From his roots in the Bronx to shaping the future of Black popular culture, Dr. Neal unpacks the intersections of hip-hop, Black masculinity, and digital media. We explore how he co-teaches the history of hip-hop with Grammy-winning producer 9th Wonder, his groundbreaking work on illegible Black masculinities, and why he believes in the power of storytelling to disrupt and rebuild. Whether you're a cultural scholar or a hip-hop head, this conversation is a masterclass in critical Black thought. #LeadersAndLearners #MarkAnthonyNeal #LeftOfBlack #HipHopStudies #BlackMasculinity #DigitalCulture

What really happens to a body after a drug overdose? In this gripping episode of Leaders & Learners, Commissioner Tonya McKenzie sits down with the trailblazing Coroner Naida Rutherford—nurse practitioner, changemaker, and the first African-American, first woman, and first medical professional elected to the Coroner's office in Richland County, SC. And she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, so it's a D9 function. From once being a homeless teen to now giving a voice to the voiceless, Naida pulls back the curtain on the realities of death investigation, overdose fatalities, and the importance of telling each person’s truth with compassion and justice. Discover how she's changing the narrative around death, introducing youth to STEM through her Coroner Cadet program, and tackling public health disparities head-on. This episode is a powerful blend of purpose, science, and service you won’t want to miss.This conversation will move you, educate you, and open your eyes to the realities behind overdose deaths and the power of purpose-driven leadership. Don’t keep it to yourself—share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Subscribe to Leaders & Learners for more powerful stories. Let’s keep the conversation going—because every voice matters, and every story deserves to be told.

#LeadersAndLearners#NaidaRutherford#VoiceForTheVoiceless#WomenInLeadership#Trailblazer#Coroner#PublicHealth#STEMinspiration#BlackWomenLead

In his first book, Don’t Ask Me Sh%! About Marriage, Chris shares the impacts divorce and remarriage have had on his life and faith. While he doesn’t consider himself a relationship expert, he jokingly says, “Based on my relationship track record, some may say that I’m an expert at getting them [relationships] wrong.”Despite his failures in marriage, Chris believes in the foundational principles of marriage and the value and stability it has in our societal structure.Join us as we chat with Chris Lyles on this episode of Leaders & Learners Podcast

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