Dr. Arelia Johnson is a nationally recognized sociologist, strategist, speaker, consultant, and writer with nearly 20 years of experience advancing equity, justice, and inclusion. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology and Criminology from Howard University in Washington, D.C. and currently serves as the first Chief Officer of Human and Civil Rights in Harris County, Houston, Texas. Her innumerable contributions include co-founding Beyond the B.A.R. Consulting & Strategy and creating the R.E.D.I. Lexicon and Language Matters. Arelia calls Houston, Texas home.

Wayne Basist is a Certified Health & Life Coach and a Positive Intelligence-Trained Mental Fitness Coach who founded ESQ Mental Fitness in 2024. Born and raised in New York City, he played basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles before earning his law degree at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, California. While working successfully as an attorney, he was in a car accident that changed his life. Ever since, his mission has been to help others heal physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Wayne and his wife have two adult sons and call Lake Conroe, Texas home.

Woody Witt is an active performer, composer, and educator based in Houston, Texas. He has played saxophone with some of the most well known jazz musicians of our time and has 13 CDs to his credit as a leader or co-leader. Thomas Helton, also based in Houston, Texas, is a bassist and composer who is adept at playing jazz, classical, experimental, and avant-garde music. A recipient of numerous awards and accolades as well as the founder or co-founder of multiple bands, he has released three CDs of original compositions and improvisations. Listen to our conversation with the duo!