Makin' A Difference: Recent Episodes
Makin' A Difference
Host Ken Makin speaks with Lee Hawkins, the author of "I Am Nobody's Slave," a devastating memoir about Black parenthood and survival.
Our host discusses the election and the state of the Democratic party in South Carolina.
Ken responds to the rhetoric surrounding Barack Obama's talk with Black men in Pittsburgh and Kamala's last-minute plan for brothas.
Ken speaks with District 5 Commissioner Bobby Williams in the aftermath of a crazy day in Augusta (Ga.) politics.
Ken reviews the first season of X-Men 97 and predicts what will happen in the season finale! Plus Kendrick vs. Drake!
Nice change of pace pod featuring one of Ken's favorite shows and guilty pleasures, Raising Kanan.
In remembering the late Joe Madison, also known as "The Black Eagle," Ken finds inspiration in an African symbol of the past to come up with political and social solutions in the present. Not bird-brained at all.
We're starting off 2024 the right way! Katt Williams teaches us about the power of narratives and Ken talks about the importance of manifestation.
A review/preview of the the 2023 Legislative Workshop for the media. Ken fills in with some of the discussions that weren't had around the proverbial roundtable.
Ken talks about the controversies surrounding Kanye and Kyrie, then laments the death of beloved Migos member Takeoff.
Ken Makin speaks with Lynn Gladney, a candidate for Georgia House District 130, ahead of the November 8 election.
Former Auburn football coach Tommy Tuberville recently made racist comments about Black people and the need for reparations. Now, one of his former players boldly responds with a personal, political and powerful narrative. Meet Troy Reddick.
On this episode, Ken talks about the fallout from SCOTUS' decision to strike down Roe v. Wade and what it means for Black folks.
Host Ken Makin speaks with Gregg "Marcel" Dixon, a candidate for the Sixth Congressional District seat in South Carolina. Dixon speaks boldly about his campaign, with a centerpiece of Black reparations and points of reference about gun rights and immigration.
Tamara Johnson-Shealey, a candidate for Georgia Senate, is running on a reparations agenda and explains it boldly with host Ken Makin.
Ken Makin revisits the Black National Political Convention of 1972 and speaks about the urgent need for a Black Agenda in 2022.
On this episode, Ken responds to the saturated media response regarding Ukraine and Russia, and notes America's shameful practices both at home and abroad. Also, yes, that is a picture of yellow cake. Don't drop that s---.
Dr. Sandy Darity and A. Kirsten Mullen graciously made a second appearance on our podcast. Originally recorded in July 2021, this conversation could have easily been recorded yesterday in light of the continuing need for reparations for Black people.
On this episode, Ken speaks with Silver Bluff (S.C.) High School coach De'Angelo Bryant ahead of the team's Lower State Championship matchup with rival Barnwell High School. Bryant, an alum of Wake Forest University and Silver Bluff, talks about what it takes to build a winning program.
On this episode, Ken answers questions on a new segment: Request Line! This episode's questions are relating to HBCU sports, as well as the relationship between Black men and Black women.
Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Jc54RvDUZU
On this episode, Ken Makin speaks with Trina Mackie, an at-large candidate for City Council in North Augusta (S.C.) ahead of a local election on Tuesday, April 27, 2021.
On this episode, Ken speaks with Ceretta Smith, a veteran and a candidate for an at-large seat on the city council in Grovetown, Ga.
Ken gives his review of "Judas And The Black Messiah" -- and reviews Black movies in general. Put it this way -- a lot is said in 45 minutes.
On this episode, Ken talks about Ice Cube's decision to advise the Trump administration on its "Platinum Plan." From there, Ken provides a layered discussion on the "bad faith" that goes into political engagement with African-Americans.
As a part of our election coverage, Ken speaks with Lia Abney, a candidate for the District 4 School Board seat in Augusta-Richmond County (Ga.)
On this episode, Ken laments the grand jury decision in the Breonna Taylor case — and everything surrounding it.
On this episode, Ken Makin speaks with Dr. Patricia Hanks, a candidate for the District 4 School Board seat in Aiken County. Dr. Hanks speaks eloquently about uplifting teachers and students in the midst of COVID-19.
On this episode, Ken speaks with Augusta-Richmond County District 1 Commissioner candidate Jordan Johnson ahead of the Tuesday, August 11 runoff. Johnson has been endorsed by Democratic luminary Stacey Abrams.
On this episode, Ken speaks with a trio of educators, including Chanda Jefferson, the South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Other educators include Israel Butler, a former administrative assistant whose career path led him to the classroom, and Earl Grey Summers, a second-generation educator who has pinpointed the challenges in education in an almost clairvoyant fashion.
In this episode, Ken talks about the dangers of allowing celebrity culture to dictate moral code and social policy. This past week was crazy! Ken talks about all of it, to include Jada and Will, Nick Cannon, and GOP governors.
On this episode, Ken dissects and rebukes the notion of "Black on Black crime," while challenging Black elected officials who wage war on their Black constituencies. This episode also highlights the importance of Black labor in American history and in the midst of this pandemic.
On this episode, Ken speaks with James "Major" Woodall, the president of the Georgia NAACP. Ken and James talk about the Ahmaud Arbery case, the rebuke of Joe Biden's claim that the NAACP endorses him, as well as the relevance of the NAACP in the current age.
On this episode, Ken speaks with Maine Bradley, the host of More Than The Masters podcast. What results is a straightforward conversation that advances beyond the traditional response to tragedies and atrocities against Black people.
On this episode, Ken Makin and special guest co-host Jerome Ferguson talk with Dr. William "Sandy" Darity and A. Kirsten Mullen, the authors of "From Here To Equality: Reparations For Black Americans In The Twenty-First Century". The dialogue features the couple's book, their reparations program, along with a sociological and historical view of the urgent need for Black reparations.
On this episode, Ken Makin talks with Mark Bowen, the Coroner of Augusta-Richmond County (Ga.) Bowen talks about some of the initiatives of his office ahead of his re-election bid on June 9, 2020.
On this episode, Ken Makin speaks with Ramone Lamkin, the Marshal of Augusta-Richmond County, ahead of his re-election bid.
On this episode, Ken Makin talks about the local, state and national fallout surrounding COVID-19.
On this episode, Ken Makin speaks with Cory Carlyle, who's running for Coroner in Augusta-Richmond County (Ga.) Carlyle, who has more than 20 years of experience in law enforcement, talks about bringing life to an office that most people associate with death.
On this episode, Ken talks with Dr. Oliver Page from the City of Augusta (Ga.) and consultant Glenn Coyne about the Augusta Regional Transportation Study, or ARTS. The study relies on public input to provide perspective about how Richmond County (Ga.) and surrounding counties should approach transportation in the near and distant future.
When Stacey Abrams and Fair Fight came to Augusta, Ga., in support of a local candidate's political campaign, it showed the power of local politics. That candidate, Jordan Johnson, is running for the District 1 Commission seat in Augusta-Richmond County. Ken Makin hosts a powerful dialogue with both Abrams and Johnson that shows how we should view and build our politics.
Host Ken Makin addresses the collective incivility of our society, from the origins of the Civil War, to exchanges between entertainment personalities. This podcast is political and personal.
On this episode of Makin' A Difference, Ken Makin talks with Janice Allen Jackson, a consultant with decades of experience in administration and politics. Jackson talks about civic health, political responsibility and her personal life, to include her upbringing and being a mom on the go.
Host Ken Makin takes the brawl between Kansas State and Kansas' men's basketball teams and notes the risk of rushing to judgment.
Host Ken Makin takes a moment to reflect on the late Kobe Bryant's greatness in the hours after his shocking death in a helicopter crash.
On this episode, Ken Makin talks about the vision and legacy of Tom Joyner. Also:
• Madea Gets Into Politics • Got Dem Decision • What Does Impeachment Mean For You?
A Sisterhood Of Leadership (feat. Ga. State Rep. Gloria Frazier) by Makin' A Difference
MAD host Ken Makin interviews Attorney Francys Johnson, a candidate for the 12th Congressional District of Georgia.
Host Ken Makin talks with former Duke point guard and Augusta basketball legend Will Avery about transitioning from a player to a coach, and now, from a coach to an executive.
Makin' A Difference host Ken Makin speaks with Aiken County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford about the socioeconomic and education decisions surrounding a pending rezoning effort.
Double-consciousness. Police brutality. "Black on Black crime" – is it a myth or does it have merit? Ken Makin dares to have the conversation with the first Black sheriff of Augusta-Richmond County (Ga.), Richard Roundtree.
In this discussion, Ken Makin addresses the (No) Opportunity School District proposal in Georgia and speaks with Richmond County (Ga.) Board of Education trustee Venus Cain about the controversial amendment.
In this episode, host Ken Makin addresses Colin Kaepernick's stand, as well as the importance of researching and understanding history.
Host Ken Makin shares interviews with candidates vying for the Augusta Commission seats in May 2016 elections.
Community Conversations with Dr. Samuel Sullivan of Paine College by Makin' A Difference
During this episode of "Makin' A Difference," host Ken Makin addresses the controversial incident at Spring Valley High School where a resource officer commits an act of police brutality against a defiant student.
During this episode of "Makin' A Difference," host Ken Makin speaks with new Aiken County (S.C.) Schools Superintendent Dr. Sean Alford.
Host Ken J. Makin gives his views on the Season 2 Premiere of "Empire," and gives some tips on how to build your financial empire.