Substance Over Surface: Recent Episodes
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We hope in sharing our perspectives and experiences that we can replace arguments with meaningful & solution-based dialogue amongst the community. We'll interview people from all walks of life who are actively making the world better.
Join Larry Rencher and Shawn Davis for an in-depth discussion with the President and CEO of Operation Hope and former Jacksonville City Councilman Reggie Fullwood. They will discuss the topic of recidivism and the impact of Fullwood's organization, Operation Hope, on the community. Get an inside look at the work Fullwood and his team is doing to help break the cycle of incarceration and provide resources to those in need.
Meet Terri Staten, the president of Soyini Circles, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young girls through STEM activities. Terri is passionate about building self-esteem in youth girls and works diligently to create programs that help them reach their full potential. Follow along as we explore the fantastic work Terri and Soyini Circles are doing to help young girls gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Subscribe and like our YouTube channel.
Fatherhood consultant Devin Coleman and LMHC Reylius join us on the Substance Over Surface podcast to discuss mental health and their Man Cave Therapy group. Please tune in to hear how these two are helping men create a safe space to talk about their feelings and how their work impacts the lives of those who attend. Subscribe and like our YouTube channel to stay up to date on all of our latest episodes!
Ronald Tracy Robison, a Jacksonville-based activist, and libertarian, joins Surface Over Surface to discuss his views on local politics and community awareness. Ronald advocates for individual liberty and freedom and believes that the power of the people can be used to create positive change in the city. He talks about the importance of involvement in local politics and how to make a difference in the community. He also shares his experiences working with local organizations and how they have helped him to spread his message. Tune in to hear Ronald's inspiring story and thoughts on making Jacksonville a better place to live.
The Honorable Warren Jones continues his conversation with Larry Rencher and Shawn Davis, discussing his role as a Board Member in the Duval County education system. Mr. Jones shares his views on the state of the education system and how he is working to ensure that all students receive the quality education they deserve. Hear his thoughts on the challenges of the education system and how he is striving to make a difference.
Warren Jones is a former city councilman from Jacksonville, Florida. He served on the council from 1995 to 2003 and was known for his focus on fiscal responsibility and the need for smart growth in the city. He also worked to create policies to promote economic and business development. Before holding public office, Jones ran an insurance agency. He has also been involved with various non-profit organizations, including the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Northeast Florida. Jones is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in economics.
Larry & Shawn discuss their perspectives as men/fathers about how Black history should be studied as American history. The fabric of the country was built off the back of our ancestors, so their contributions should not go unnoticed. The Abolitionist movement should get more attention than it does as it was a time in history where we see true social advocacy despite the pushback.
Episode 13 is all about the importance of gun safety and training. Larry explains why gun owners should properly train with guns to ensure their safety and the safety of others when handling firearms. Proper training with guns helps gun owners learn how to properly handle, store, and shoot their guns in a safe manner. It is also important for gun owners to practice their safety and marksmanship skills to become familiar with the laws and regulations that govern the use of firearms. Also, in the episode there is a process for former felons to follow if they want to attempt to have their gun rights restored.
In 2023, Larry & Shawn visit the studio for the first time. In this episode, Larry shares his concerns as a father who worries that legislation will continue to downplay the role that African Americans played in our nation's founding. The African American community must actively participate in local politics by attending town hall meetings, learning about councilmen's responsibilities, and finding ways to advocate for the neighborhood's interests, as stated by Shawn.
The SOS crew extended a part 2 episode with a couple of new guests from 50fifty comix. Lynnesha speaks on the challenges of trying to be a creator while managing the day-to-day business affairs of the company. Lynnesha is also a writer for the Natura series. Brandon is a talented actor, writer, and creator of the Lykos the metal wolf series. Brandon has a very passionate and profound speech about the importance of supporting creators & artists in our community.
The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a group of dedicated professionals to ensure the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions and developments of energy policies, regulations, and environmental issues. Mr. Lewis details the importance of getting our children involved in STEM-related activities. STEM is not a trend but a future wave when discussing the job market. During the discussion, Mr. Lewis details how to obtain high-paying careers in the energy sector without a college degree. The AABE is a nationwide organization that also provides scholarship opportunities and youth programs designed around STEM to encourage interest in the energy field.
The SOS crew welcomes Co-owners Lee Johnson/ Senior Illustrator & Leonce Hall/Senior writer & editor of 50Fifty Comix, to the show. Both guests speak on their journeys as creators and the path they took towards building an independent comic book company. Lee details what it is like working with a diverse staff spread out around the country. 50fifty comix have talented artist and writers who are planting seeds of inspiration for future creators.
World traveler, tour guide, historian, genealogist, and independent hip-hop artist Taye Uhuru joins the SOS crew to discuss various topics relating to his career. Currently residing in Senegal, Taye details his experiences of living abroad in various African countries. Taye also expresses his thoughts about what it was like to track down his family lineage to the plantation they were from. During a thoughtful discussion, Taye details his reasoning behind legally changing his name and the process it took to get it done. Taye is author of The Afro Set, Black Nationlist for Self-Defense, from which he shares a personal conncection. visit www.Tayeuhuru.com to learn more and how to sign up for educational tours to Ghana, Egypt and various countries around the world.
Shawn and Larry reflect upon entering fatherhood unprepared and the difficulties faced while doing so. Larry speaks on how difficult co-parenting can be on the child and personal stories from his experiences. The SOS crew encourages all fathers to show vulnerability during conversations with their children. As we have grown into more emotionally intelligent men we engage in these conversations so that our children don't repeat the same mistakes we have.
The SOS crew speaks on the negative effect that grind culture has on society. Patrice goes into detail about her motivation behind starting a wellness studio and the need for men to engage in more self-care-related activities. The SOS express their experience at the studio created by Patrice that encourages men to speak freely and not feel ashamed of their vulnerability.
SOS crew members Larry & Broadway Louie briefly speak on their experience serving in the Navy USS Doyle (FFG-39) together while battling through internal struggles as young men trying to figure life out. Broadway Louie details an insightful view into his healing as a man and the difficulties along the way. Believing in himself and encountering people who see his potential has shaped him into the man he is today. Broadway has been able to turn that pain & struggle into music and an Acting career.
The SOS crew speaks on the dangers women face in our society and the importance of constantly observing their surroundings and learning self-defense training. Human trafficking and unprovoked attacks are threats women face in our current climate. Erica goes into great detail about her journey in learning Krav Maga and the rewarding experience of learning self-defense.
Featured in Episode 3 is Erica Wortherly LCSW, author & entrepreneur. The SOS crew discusses the importance of instilling emotional intelligence within our children so that they know how to effectively communicate their emotions with their parents. Larry points out the need for men to develop healthy coping skills at a young age instead of using sex, drugs, and alcohol as their primary outlet. Erica speaks on her experience in the class and the motivation behind writing the books featured in the episode.
This episode features Byron Robinson president of the grassroots organization Better Dads Society. Mr. Robinson speaks on the challenges and rewards of directing a non-profit community group. He also expresses concern about the lack of a male presence in the community and his observations from visiting elementary schools in the Jacksonville area. The SOS challenges men from communities all around to support local mentoring groups in their area.
Larry and Shawn give praise to social workers who work hard in the community to find resources in the community for those who need them. Social workers are the glue that binds the community together and they become the voice for the voiceless. Social workers are often overworked and underpaid but they continue to put in the work that others will not do on a daily basis. Being a black male social worker in a female-dominated field encompasses a set of challenges that aren't often talked about. Join Larry and Shawn as they speak about their experiences in the field of social work.