A Frank Conversation Podcast: Recent Episodes
WEWS News 5 Cleveland
He's a husband, a dad, a truth-seeker. Join News 5 Cleveland anchor Frank Wiley for extended conversations that explore the depth and breadth of our societal concerns.
In his final Frank Conversation for News 5, Frank Wiley talks to Shanina Knighton, a clinical nurse scientist, as they discuss the struggles brought on by COVID-19 and the impact it’s having on Black communities. Knighton also talks about the steps she took to work in the medical field and her desire to see more Black women work in medicine.
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Some parents and teachers say the impact of the pandemic has shown itself in many unexpected ways. Virtual learning has presented challenges that are still being negotiated by parents, teachers and students. Parents said additional time spent, via virtual learning has also unveiled strengths in their children. Teachers also mentioned their own struggles, personally and professionally.
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Many people reserve holidays for family, but 2020 has forced us to approach everything differently. Even so, memories of previous gatherings aren’t all pleasant for everyone. We had A Frank Conversation about how to enjoy time with family, even if some members are disrespectful. Dr. Patrick Runnels, program director of public and community psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center helps us tackle this issue, along with Shannon McGill, a mom of two and a writing tutor, and Darnesha Sellers, who talks about her own struggles with family and is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
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Fresh off a controversial election season, intense conversations still linger about the confluence of religion and politics. News 5 had A Frank Conversation with Dr. Deepak Sarma, professor of Indian religions and philosophy at Case Western Reserve University. Olivet Institutional Baptist Church pastor Dr. Jawanza Colvin also participated in the conversation.
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COVID-19 has altered our way of living. The impact is also felt in experiences that give us an escape. Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, are celebrated for rich history and opportunities for African Americans to unapologetically celebrate heritage. Homecoming festivities have been canceled. Cyber gatherings have replaced long-celebrated rituals. We had A Frank Conversation about what has been lost, and what it means to supporters of HBCUs.
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Black voters have been the focal point of many politicians as more people prepare to cast a ballot. The presidential election is just days away, and many Americans knew months in advance who would receive their vote. A growing pandemic that has killed more than 200,000 Americans, while disproportionately impacting Black Americans, is another reason for voter enthusiasm. For A Frank Conversation, we spoke with Cleveland NAACP President Danielle Sydnor, and Dr. Ronnie Dunn, who specializes in Urban Studies at Cleveland State University. We also spoke with the Director of Minority Engagement for the Republican Party of Cuyahoga County, Colin Jackson.
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Across social media, many Black women are sharing a similar message: Protect Black women. The plea follows Breonna Taylor's case, a shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion, and a fatal shooting involving Shalaymiah Moore. A panel of activists in Northeast Ohio explains what must happen to find change.
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How do you define allyship? ChiChi Nkemere and Bethany Studenic run Enlightened Solutions, an organization that creates, implements and publishes solutions that center on the lived experiences of diverse people. Tait Manning, a high school senior, also joined the conversation.
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There has been plenty of change in the world, but many people argue that not enough good change has happened when it comes to race and racism. We had A Frank Conversation with people in interracial marriages about how the topic of race enters their conversations.
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As Election Day inches closer, some voters' political views couldn’t be farther apart. The same is true with some of America’s youngest voters. We had A Frank Conversation with college students about what they’ve learned since leaving home and what has remained the same. They also told us what must happen for America to become what it ought to be.
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Human touch is an important part of communication, but social distancing guidelines have left many of us starved for touch. Touch is also connected with trust and a stronger immune system. We had A Frank Conversation about safe ways to connect. We also talked about the impact that isolation is having on people who thought they were primed for social distancing -- introverts.
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The coronavirus continues to alter the way we live, and for the littlest among us, it has changed how they learn. Preschool teachers are adding social distancing and more hand sanitizer to the curriculum. Also, many parents are repurposing their dining room tables into full-time learning centers. We had A Frank Conversation about what it takes to lead a classroom of small children and not lose ourselves in the process.
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Navigating toxic relationships can be difficult, especially if it involves family. This week on A Frank Conversation, we’re defining healthy relationships, and we’re identifying toxic behavior. Erica Durant Beavers explains the dynamics of her relationship with a close family member and Dr. Patrick Runnels, program director of public and community psychiatry at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center helps us understand how we can protect our own well-being.
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Diversity, equity and inclusion are words that continue to seep into today’s conversations. Even so, Black women are still struggling to receive fair financial compensation from employers. Black Women Equal Pay Day highlights this chronic problem. Entrepreneur Christin Farmer-Kane, and Sharona Hoffman, a professor of law and bioethics at Case Western Reserve University, spoke with me about the issues on A Frank Conversation.
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Frank speaks with Ebony Spano, a mom of two boys, one of them autistic. She is an ambassador for the organization Autism Speaks. Ebony is facing a host of new challenges as the pandemic upends the carefully planned schedule she'd set in place for her 4-year-old son Michael. She's understandably nervous about how he will take to remote learning this fall.
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Brittany Webb is a math teacher in Shaker Heights. She’s also the mom of three boys. In this Frank Conversation, she discusses her concerns about virtual learning as a teacher and parent.
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The Presidents’ Council, a network that pushes Black growth, is looking out for students who are displaced due to the coronavirus. Joining Frank to talk about learning outside the classroom are the executive director of the Presidents’ Council, Erica C. Penick, Howard University student Kieori Gethers and accountant Robbie Terry-Washington.
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Police patrol the streets daily. Some see and feel some of the same emotions as the communities they serve. Sgt. Charmin Leon speaks with Frank on behalf of the Black Shield Police Association, an organization that provides support for officers in the Greater Cleveland area, focusing on the issues that Black and minority officers face as they work to enhance the quality of public safety in the city.
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America’s tough times are also a struggle for multiracial families. Many parents have trouble navigating discussions with their kids about delicate topics like race and racism. In a Frank Conversation with Stacia Walters, a mother of three, and News 5 anchor Mike Brookbank, a father of two, we explore their success and sadness.
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For years, we have seen depictions of Black servitude in Aunt Jemima, Uncle Ben, and Rastus the Cream of Wheat man. Recent protests have pushed businesses to retire racist images. Dontaye Carter runs Carter Media Group, an Atlanta-based public relations firm. Carter discusses the talks that take place when corporations realize they have a race problem.
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Civil Rights attorney Christopher McNeal takes us inside the courtroom, and inside the struggle of being an African-American man in those worlds. McNeal also discusses steps for individuals to navigate the legal system.
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In a conversation with News 5 anchor Frank Wiley, Dr. Tyffani Dent, a licensed psychologist, addresses mental health from the African-American vantage point. Dr. Dent focuses on African-Americans' struggle to coexist in a world that hurls chronic challenges that are exacerbated by one’s skin tone. Dr. Dent says she’s unapologetically a therapist for the culture.
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