In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Patrick Harris II, educator, author, and doctoral student. We discuss the intersection of emotions, leadership, and identity, including how race, gender, and queerness can shape perceptions of leadership. Patrick also shares insights on authenticity, human-centered leadership, and the power of storytelling.

The First Five: A Love Letter to Teachers Book: https://a.co/d/03KyquoG

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Jaylen Christie, researcher, writer, and fellow Alpha Phi Alpha brother. We discuss Black representation in comics, his research on the impact of superheroes on young readers, his experiences at San Diego Comic-Con, and his upcoming novella Thermosphere.

Jaylen Christie Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thesuperflynerd/

Jaylen Christie LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaylenchristie1/

Jaylen Christie's Website:

jalenchristy.com

Dr. Sheena Howard (Eisner Award-winning scholar):

sheenahoward.com

World Space Week (October 4th–10th) :

worldspaceweek.org

Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis, Head Coach of George Mason Women's Basketball. We discuss her leadership philosophy, the culture she has built within the program, and the power behind the team's mantra, #BelieveBig. Coach Blair-Lewis shares how belief, accountability, and relationships help shape successful student-athletes on and off the court. We also explore leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build excellence before the results show up. This conversation is part of the GMU Leaders Mini-Series and is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership, teamwork, and creating a culture of success.

GMU Women's Basketball Website:

https://gomason.com/sports/womens-basketball

GMU Women's Basketball Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/masonwbb/

Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis's LinkedIn URL:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-blair-lewis-571312232/

Coach Vanessa Blair-Lewis's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/coachvbl/

"Big" by Pastor Mike Jr.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7iI6ZQ20by9MtBOSu9DQy8?autoplay_ok=1

• Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX.

Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Scott Stirrett, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Venture for Canada. We discuss overcoming social anxiety, the power of networking and weak ties, and why embracing uncertainty can be a valuable skill for personal and professional growth.

Scott Stirrett Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/scottstirrett/

Scott Stirrett LinkedIn URL:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottstirrett/

"The Uncertainty Advantage" by Scott Stirrett

https://www.scottstirrett.com/the-uncertainty-advantage

"The Strength of Weak Ties" by Mark Granovetter

https://www.jstor.org/stable/2776392

Braxton Cook

https://www.braxtoncook.com/music-1

• Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX.

Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by Junaid Ahmed, entrepreneur and podcasting expert. We discuss his journey as a creator, how he helps others launch and grow podcasts, the importance of quality home studio setups, and practical advice for aspiring podcasters.

Junaid's Website: https://homestudiomastery.com

Junaid's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superjunaid/

Junaid's Threads: https://www.threads.com/@superjunaid

Juniad's Twitter/X: https://x.com/superjunaid

• Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX.

Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

Learn more about the Theta Rho Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha: Visit Website

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by fellow George Mason alumni Tia and Luke Pierce. They are educators, members of the Divine Nine, and all-around amazing people. We discuss our shared GMU experience, their journey together from high school sweethearts to young professionals starting their careers in education, and lessons on marriage, identity, family, and community.

Tia Pierce LinkedIn URL:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tppierce/

GMU Teacher Appreciation Day Panel and Networking Event Article:

https://cehd.gmu.edu/news/stories/cehd-alumni-and-partners-celebrate-educators-at-teacher-appreciation-day-panel-and-networking-event

Lualex's LinkTree:

https://linktr.ee/lualex

FiveTwoFive LinkTree:

https://linktr.ee/officialfivetwofive

• Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX.

Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I am joined by James Kellock, entrepreneur, kindness advocate, and founder of RippleCore. We discuss how kindness can become a measurable, intentional practice; the difference between being nice and being kind; and how mentorship and everyday actions can create powerful ripple effects in schools, workplaces, and communities.

RippleCore Website: https://www.ripplecore.co/coming-soon

James Kellock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-kellock/

Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List

In this episode of Positive Philter, I'm joined by Dr. Keith Renshaw, Professor of Psychology and Senior Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education at George Mason University. We discuss his educational journey, his passion for student success, and why research and academic rigor are valuable for all students, not just those pursuing graduate degrees. Dr. Renshaw shares how undergraduate research experiences help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills that translate across industries and careers. This is a great conversation for students, educators, and anyone interested in the transformative power of higher education.

Dr. Renshaw's GMU Profile: https://provost.gmu.edu/profiles/krenshaw

Dr. Renshaw's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-renshaw-311170103/

• Mason Innovation Exchange (The MIX): A collaborative space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Visit The MIX.

Dedicated to Jeff Kirsch, this fund supports the careers of future anti-hunger advocates. Please consider donating to the Jeff Kirsch Fund for Anti-Hunger Advocacy: Donate Here

Members of the #MasonNation can recognize colleagues or students for their kindness via Pats for Patriots. We have received over 3,000 nominations—keep them coming! Nominate Someone Here

Steam Pilots, Inc. (501(c)(3)) improves STEAM education through pro bono programs. They are currently raising funds for kits and equipment. Support the GoFundMe

• Newsletter: Sign up for the Positive Philter Weekly

• Patreon: Support the Podcast

• Feedback: Complete our Audience Survey

• Questions: Call 571-336-6560 or use this Google Form

• Reviews: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts

• Social Media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

• Book: "Forty Years of Advice" by Philip Wilkerson: Purchase on Amazon

• The Five Minute Journal: Shop Intelligent Change

• Tappy Card: Get Your Electronic Business Card

• Intro Music: DJ BIGyoks (Instagram | Soundcloud)

• Outro Music: Ryan Rosemond (Soundcloud)

Positive Philter is honored to be among the Top 20 Positive Thinking Podcasts by FeedSpot: View the List