The Ukuvusa Podcast with Dr. Z 🎙: Recent Episodes
Zithobile Nxumalo, Ph.D. (Dr. Z)
Born in Swaziland and raised in North Carolina, Dr. Zithobile Nxumalo (Dr. Z) has always been fascinated with transformation, human behavior and awakening. The word "ukuvusa" means "to awaken" in the southern African language, Xhosa. Each episode features powerful conversations with experts and guests whose stories shed light on the many aspects of our humanity. New episodes air LIVE on Tuesdays at 7pmEST - www.onyxurbanradio.net. Archived episodes are found here. To contact Dr. Z, visit https://www.deftable.com/contact or email her at zitty@deftable.com.
July 2022 (Los Angeles, CA) -- Meet Quentin Fears, Los Angeles-based celebrity 😎 and personal stylist. TV shows, magazine covers, video shoots… he’s rubbing elbows with celebs on a regular basis and offers tips for navigating the space with professionalism and kindness. ❤️
We went to Aycock Middle School together (now Swann) so it’s been dope to see his creativity and ambition carry him all the way from Greensboro to NYC and now LA. 🏝 Awakenings come in many forms… and sometimes with couture footwear and exclusive labels!! 🤩
Quentin worked his magic and put together my look for a fancy gala!! If you need a personal stylist, check him out at www.quentinfears.com
mrqfears #personalstylist #fashionstylist #lastylist #ukuvusa #awakening #growth #progress #inspiration #couturefashion #dapper
GUEST:
Quentin Fears - IG: mrqfears
June 2022 (Greensboro, NC) -- Kelly McKinnon had been happily married to her husband of nearly 19 years when, earlier this year, he shared some news that literally took her breath away. What do you do when the partner you thought you knew tells you something that will change both of your lives forever?
In this episode, Kelly opens up about her journey of involuntary awakening over the past several months, and her quest to create a new reality for herself.
GUEST:
Kelly McKinnon -- IG: @vkmckinnon
June 2022 (Greensboro, NC) -- The last time Ray McKinnon was a guest on Ukuvusa in October 2020, he was joined by his wife, Kelly, for the episode called "Awakening to Our Emotions." Earlier this year, after nearly 19 years of marriage and raising 4 children together, Ray shared some news with Kelly that would forever change the nature and course of their relationship.
Navigating sexuality in 2022 is some kind of different. In this episode, Ray bears it all. Listen, question, and learn as he shares the newest chapter of his story... awakening to his sexuality.
GUEST:
Ray Shawn McKinnon -- IG: @raysmckinnon
May 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- One thing the year is teaching me is the importance of truly and deeply hearing people out, asking questions, and appreciating those who aren’t afraid to share their truths. Curt Meinhold of @fluxcreativestudio began as an associate, evolved into a part of my podcast process as the sound engineer, and is now a friend. WOW 🤯 his story is wild.
www.onyxurbanradio.net
If we can’t share our stories, be curious about our differences, and learn from the experiences of others then what else makes us human? TUNE IN 🎙 to the Ukuvusa podcast to eavesdrop on this conversation between unlikely buddies. Curt, I appreciate you!!
March 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- We hear about toxic masculinity all the time... BUT what do toxic feminine traits look like? 👀 In this episode of Ukuvusa, 3 lovely ladies joined me for an honest discussion about what it means to take the journey of healing as a Black woman in the 21st century.
I’m joined by my high school classmate and fellow @onyxurbanradio podcaster @thedopehearted, my 21-year-old niece @ayaosei, and our Ukuvusa therapist Dr. Niah White (@fiercely_free) of @spirit_counseling.
This conversation challenged us, and we hope it will challenge and encourage you, too!! 2020 taught us so much, including the importance of welcoming the joy that is our birthright and the importance of taking full responsibility for our role in the state of our lives. Issa process!!!
🧘🏾🕯🌱✨🌺
healing #health #transparency #prayer #meditation #selflove #selfcare #therapy #counseling #healthyfemininity #journey #joy #awakening #ukuvusa
April 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- This episode of Ukuvusa 🎙features business owner Camilia Majette of @nailahs_shea!! Natural soaps, delicious 🌺 smelling shea butters... Camilia’s brand is a reflection of her story. Beauty is natural. 💛
Listeners tuned in to @onyxurbanradio at 7pmEST on April 6 to hear more about Camilia’s incredible journey of faith and entrepreneurship!!
www.onyxurbanradio.net
Oh! We also entered names into a raffle 🎟 to win a self care basket that included some @nailahs_shea yumminess and other phenomenal products from women-owned businesses.
womensupportingwomen #herstory #leadership #entrepreneurship #faith #works #persistence #resilience #strength #power #balance #progress #ukuvusa
February 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- Many of the women I know are both entrepreneurial 💥 and humanitarian. 🥰 How can we do it in an imbalanced world while maintaining integrity throughout?
Episode #21 of Ukuvusa 👁 features Kathryn Hubert (@kehubert) of downtown Greensboro's Chez Genèse (@chezgenese) who shares invaluable lessons about how to be an ethical and authentic millennial entrepreneur. 🌱
In this episode, Kathryn describes her unique business model 💡and offers advice about how to proceed despite the naysayers. 🚀 WHEW!!
Kathryn's French-inspired restaurant hires adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities. Unlike many of Greensboro’s small businesses, Chez Genèse has managed to pivot successfully during the pandemic.
On top of being an innovative business leader, Kathryn has one of the sweetest spirits I've ever come across. Tune into @onyxurbanradio this Tuesday 2/23 @ 7pm!! 🎙 The future is empathetic and entrepreneurial. 🌺
📸: Deztinee Allen (@goddez00)
sogso #entrepreneurship #womeninleadership #millennials #communication #buildingbridges #ukuvusa
August 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- #Ukuvusa is back after a summer hiatus!! Our next guest, @itskimberlyrenee of @might.be.vegan, brought the freedom 🦅 and the flavor 🌶!!
She is an entrepreneur and a food and social justice advocate. Her awakening 👁 has included realizations about the lifestyle and work style that best suit her unique tastes. 😏
Our conversation covered food 😋, divinity ✨, and solving modern 🌍 problems. She’s also keeping her foot🦶🏾on the necks of brands that aim to take advantage in the worst ways!!
This episode aired on @onyxurbanradio (www.onyxurbanradio.net) on Tuesday 8/24 @ 7pm.
ukuvusa #mightbevegan #food #freedom #problemsolving #deftable #foodlove #vegan #advocacy #socialjustice
April 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- We brought some single Black men into the Ukuvusa conversation🎙to shed some light 💡 on what dating is like from their point of view. Between Derrick Jaxn, Kevin Samuels and Umar Johnson, are ALL the messages janky?! 🥴
The rules have CHANGED, folx... we need to recalibrate!! 😅 Tune in for an honest and hilarious convo with my high school classmates — and regular inmates of Facebook jail (due to their, uh, candor. 😬 lol) @management336 and @aj_whitsett!!
@onyxurbanradio
www.onyxurbanradio.net
September 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- It’s taken me a long time to figure out that my rhythm and capacity are just… different. 🥴 That’s why I was so eager to invite my next guests to Episode #31 of #ukuvusa — @likesha_morgan_tillman of @alwaysalady.me and @mrsstephaniedrakecarlisle of @officialconquerqueen!!!
These women have been such inspirations to me over the last few years as I’ve been making new admissions (to myself) and awakening to parts of myself that I thought were long gone… or never existed. 👁
Our conversations always bring me back to what matters. We invite you to listen in on this ✨special✨ conversation that I’m sure will give you something valuable 💎 for your own journey.
Aired on September 14 @ 7pm on @onyxurbanradio — www.onyxurbanradio.net
awakening #growth #friendship #sisterhood #healing #truth #evolution #listening #selfcare #progress #womensupportingwomen
March 2021 (Greensboro) -- Episode #22 aired on Tuesday 3/2 at 7pmEST!! 🎙
Have you been feeling the need to awaken to new ways of being? Are you truly at peace? 💫 Do you regularly experience joy? 🤗
This episode features our resident therapist Dr. Niah White (@fiercely_free of @spirit_counseling), UNCG history doctoral student Felton Foushee (@fousheecreative), and @elonuniversity student and @deftable intern Deztinee Allen (@goddez00).
We discuss the nuances of Black trauma, breaking codependency, pure love and so much more!! Come gather tools for the next season of life. Time to wake up!! 🔥 @onyxurbanradio
P.S. — It’s ok if you don’t want things to “go back to normal” if “normal” was unhealthy. 😞 There is another way, but it will probably require some deep truth and sacrifice. You ready? 🤨
awakening #truth #therapy #mentalhealth #selflove #power #strength #balance #peace #hope #breakthrough #alignment #freedom
March 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- What if your awakening 👁 is intended to take you all over the world? 🌍
It was International Women’s Day 🌺, and Ukuvusa was pleased to welcome one of Greensboro’s favorite international leaders, @francajlove of Jalloh’s Upright Services!!
Franca’s journey is amazing, and the work that she has done for the immigrant and refugee population is undeniable. In this episode, Franca talks about her upbringing in Sierra Leone and Brunei, her decision to come to America, and the inspiration behind her International Taste of the World Gala!! 📸💃🏽
Aired on @onyxurbanradio on 3/9 @ 7pmEST!!!
www.onyxurbanradio.net
sogso #globalwomen #womeninleadership #womenshealth #diversity #equity #inclusion #mamaafrica #evolution #blackwomen #blackdancers #entrepreneurship #creativity #supportblackartists #leadership #internationalwomen #womenshistorymonth
zodwaglobal #zodwa #herstory #internationalwomensday
September 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- This is easily one of my favorite Ukuvusa conversations to date!! @freedopemajor joined for the 2nd time and @ainsworth_chuck brought a powerful new perspective to the topic of awakening. 👁
This one is about leadership. What is the pilgrimage of a leader? How do we know what risks are worth taking? How do we connect with people who are different from ourselves?
Chuck and AJ’s stories are full of lessons about how to create your own path and turn the deepest pain into something extraordinary. 🔥 Listeners caught it on Tuesday 9/7 @ 7pm on @onyxurbanradio!!
www.onyxurbanradio.net
awakening #leadership #pilgrimage #stories #conversation #connection #community #ukuvusa #peace #evolution #growth 🌱
April 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- Our Ukuvusa intern, Deztinee Allen, took the interviewer seat this time and asked Dr. Z some questions about her own awakening. The journey continues...
January 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- Mental health is becoming the new buzzword, and for good reason! On this episode of Ukuvusa, I spoke with our resident Mental Health Expert, Dr. Niah White who is a licensed clinical social worker who has her own practice called Spirit Counseling and Consulting PLLC. In this episode, we focus on the topic of healing. Dr. White explains the importance of mental health and how to know if your mental health is struggling. To learn more, tune in to learn how to awaken to your own healing process!
GUEST:
Dr. Niah White -- IG: @spirit_counseling
December 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- What does it mean to be confident? What propels you to believe in yourself and take that next step? According to leadership coach, Dr. Ayeesha Hankins, confidence, motivation, and goal achievement are all related to your identity. In this episode we learn exactly how our identity and experiences shape whether we doubt ourselves or believe in ourselves. Tune in to learn more about the power of rewriting your story and awakening your inner confidence.
GUEST:
Dr. Ayeesha Hankins -- IG: @ayeesha.hankins
February 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- “I wanted to figure out how to go from catering to the elite to being catered to.” On this episode of Ukuvusa we sat down with Latasha McCorkle, aka Fantastic Tasha, to discuss her life, her current activism work in and around Greensboro, and her future aspirations as a politician and cultural consultant. Fantastic Tasha, is also the host of the Bridging the Gap podcast, whose timely focus is “bridging the gap between politics and rap.” Through her work Tasha has been a sort of “translator” for the Greensboro community by articulating the concerns of everyday people in rooms where the influential make decisions.
GUEST:
Latasha McCorkle -- IG: @fantastic_tasha
February 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- I used to prefer nice people to honest ones. Now I know better. Gabe @neeriemer and I met under unusual circumstances and have had an unusually honest friendship ever since. We don’t always agree, but we never lose genuine curiosity about what life is like for both of us. Naturally, we had to have a post-insurrection catch up. 😬 This one covers a lot of ground — Identity, humble beginnings, Gabe’s background in biodiesel, DJing, and wealth management.
BONUS 🔌: Before we started rolling, he blessed me with intel about his recent foray into treating erectile dysfunction with sound waves!! 👀💫🤓
GUEST:
Gabe Neeriemer -- IG: @neeriemer
December 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- Religion acts as many people’s guiding force in life and the same is true for our guests! Today we had Bridget Hall who is working towards becoming a minister for the United Methodist Church, Dr. Dana Lyles who is the Director for Multiethnic Ministries, and Ladale Benson who is an ordained minister at the United Church of Christ who focuses on liberation ideology. Throughout this episode, we discover what it means to follow the path of divination and follow God’s calling for you. Tune in to learn more about how these guests are awakening to reimagining ministry for the Black community.
GUESTS:
Bridget Hall -- IG: @ohsobridget
Dr. Dana Lyles -- IG: @drdanathecoach
Ladale Benson -- IG: @dalesahmonbenson
January 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- Grief and death are subjects that make many people uncomfortable. Alisha Wielfaert and I have taken our conversations doubly deep from the beginning, and our coaching work continues to call us into the emotional depths of the human experience. Alisha experienced a lot of loss in 2019 that led her to using yoga as a way to reconnect to her body, a concept that’s important for grieving. Curt Meinhold also chimes in on this conversation about the corporatization of grief and death. Listen in on the conversation as we learn how to awaken to our own grief and learn how to move through it.
GUESTS:
Alisha Wielfaert -- IG: @yokeandabundance
Curt Meinhold -- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtmeinhold/
February 2021 (Greensboro, NC) -- As we all know, we’re currently in the middle of a pandemic which has led to the creation of a vaccine for COVID-19. Everyone has their own views about vaccines so today we’re going to awaken to the truth about vaccines. Our first guest, Dr. Carol Moye, has a background in educational leadership and pharmaceuticals. Michelle Burke, our second guest, has spent over 25 years working in healthcare leadership and research. Throughout this episode we touch on the history of mistrust between the healthcare world and the black community - Henrietta Lacks, the Tuskegee Experiment, and global examples of strategic deception by the hands/mouths of doctors. Our guests dive into the history of COVID and the process that has led to the current vaccine. Tune in to learn more!!
GUEST:
Dr. Carol Moye -- IG: @camoye@1908
Michaelle Burke -- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelle-burke-8b956213/
On Episode 13 of Ukuvusa, I had the pleasure of speaking with my former classmates, Dr. Brent Lewis, Dr. Ayisha Jefferson-Evans, Dr. Andre Richardson, and Dr. Gisele Abron. We all earned our Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. AGGIE PRIDE!!! We discuss what led us on our journey to pursuing our doctorate, and share experiences from our program. Listen in as we discuss our future hopes for the field of higher education and its importance!
GUESTS:
Dr. Brent Lewis -- IG: @dr.bee_lewis
Dr. Ayisha Jefferson-Evans -- IG: @ayishazakiabeautifullyf
Dr. Gisele Abron -- IG: @dr.giseleabron
Dr. Andre Richardson
Love is in the air with this guest in the room! In this podcast, I interviewed Chauncey Morris, Jr. who is a relationship builder and writer. Chauncey has had many relationships that have shaped his view on love, but the most successful would be the one he shares with his wife of 27 years. He discusses his journey of learning his love languages as well as hers, and how they have maneuvered life together. Vulnerability, truth, intimacy… this one has it all!
Chauncey Morris, Jr. -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chauncey.morris.963
November 2020 (Greensboro, NC/Atlanta, GA) -- November is National Children’s Grief Awareness Month. On this episode of Ukuvusa, I had the privilege of speaking with an old friend from college, Danielle Edwards, who is now a clinical social worker that has a passion for grief and domestic violence work. She’s a wife, mother, and one of the strongest, funniest, wisest women I know. Her passion is fueled by the fact that she tragically lost her mother due to domestic violence. By sharing her story, Danielle explains how children process violent events and environments by giving examples from her own life. Tune in to learn more about her story of childhood trauma, her extraordinary journey of healing her inner child, and how her experience has impacted her relationship with her own children. If you’ve ever BEEN a child, LOVED a child, or RAISED a child... this informative episode is for you!!
GUESTS:
Danielle Edwards -- IG: @neworleansjazzgirl
October 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- Whether single or married, emotions impact all aspects of our relationships with ourselves and with others. Joining us on this episode are Kelly and Ray McKinnon, who have been married for 16 years, and Mike Goodwin, a North Carolina-based artist and self-professed emotionally intelligent Black man! How do we deal with our emotions in a healthy way when our culture teaches both men and women to only explore and express certain aspects? By discussing their life experiences, our guests touch on the importance of listening to our emotions and how to be in control of them. Tune in to learn more about how to awaken!
GUESTS:
Kelly McKinnon -- IG: @vkmckinnon
Ray Shawn McKinnon -- IG: @raymckinnonclt
Mike Goodwin -- IG: mike_n.o.t.e.s
October 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- On this episode of Ukuvusa, I had the pleasure of speaking with Zantwan Worthy, a Greensboro leader who served 13 years in prison and has already been making positive waves in the community since being released in 2020. In this episode, Zantwan shares his experiences navigating the legal system, and his entrepreneurial and community aspirations. Listen in as we talk about Zantwan’s story of transformation!
GUEST:
Zantwan Worthy -- IG: @zantwan77
November 2020 (Greensboro, NC/Atlanta, GA) -- November is National Adoption Month. This week features Mila Konomos (The Empress Han), a South Korean adoptee and artist who was/is one of the realest women I’ve ever known. Mila is a transracial, transnational Korean adoptee who struggled to understand her origin story. We were roommates in Atlanta in our 20s and I’ve seen her struggle with feeling like a foreigner in a distant land... much like myself. Mila eventually found her birth family after 7 years of searching, but she learned so much more after reconnecting with them. Mila discusses colonization and erasure, being raised by a military family, and discovering her true identity.
GUEST:
Mila Konomos -- IG: @the_empress_han
September 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- Ukuvusa welcomes some of the most lovely, most kind, and most magical Black women I’ve ever met. Gwon’head follow these Queens. 👑
Opening track 🎙 : Face to Face (Brandon D ft. ILLPO)
Closing track 🎵 : Won't Let it Stop Me (Vanessa Ferguson)
GUESTS:
Dr. Ayisha Jefferson-Evans -- IG: @ayishazakiabeautifullyf, @beautifauxlocs1, @ourbeautymattersnow
Kasey Hayes -- IG: @the_real_kase, @kase_the_braider
Lisa Eady -- IG: @livingpurposefully2018
August 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- In 2018, Deftable hosted a Storytime 🎤 & Wine 🍷 event and the topic was healthy masculinity. This episode's guests include Terence Muhammad (activist + community leader), C. Ricardo Briggs (musician + entrepreneur), and Brandon D (co-founder of We the People International + songwriter). These men took the topic to another level as they shared stories of their own awakenings. Suuuuch a powerful conversation!! 🔥 😫
GUESTS:
Terence Muhammad (TC) -- IG: @hiphoptc
Brandon D -- IG: @brandondllc
C. Ricardo Briggs -- IG: @brewsab
September 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- White Jesus, Manifest Destiny, the Thanksgiving lie, the global economic impact of colonization. 👁 This conversation got really deep really quickly. 🤯 I love my podcast guests! Being honest in front of an audience of strangers is not easy for many of us. Much appreciation for your openness + willingness!!
GUESTS:
Reynolds Chapman -- IG: @reynoldschapman
Katelyn Chapman -- IG: @katelynopchapman
Jennifer Hensel -- IG: @jennhippiemama
Matt Stratton -- Website: Raymond James
September 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- We recorded this episode over Labor Day weekend and decided to approach the conversation as a roadmap for awakening 👁 + laboring 👶🏽 to give birth to our healthiest selves!! These women dropped GEMS 💎 and shared some of the most incredible stories of crisis + miraculous recovery. If your health has been on your heart... this is the show for you. 🥗 🍎 🧅 💦
GUESTS:
Stephany McMillan (Rise & Flow) -- IG: @furmamasteph, @@riseandflow_gso
Jamilla Pinder -- IG: @j.d.pinder
Jasmine Beard (AJOY Consulting) -- IG: @joysunshine85
July 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- My mother's name is Meliwe Caga Nxumalo and she was born in Mxhelo, Alice, an area located in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. In this episode, I learned parts of her story that I'd never heard before. I've her awaken numerous times over the course of my life and have been inspired by her ability to keep moving forward despite what have seemed like relentless odds. I hope you enjoy my Mommy as much as I do!!
Mommy's IG: @gogomeliwe
August 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- In this episode, Dr. Z is joined by Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughan, District 1 Councilwoman, Sharon Hightower, and artist/activist, FreeDopeMajor. We discuss the massive global awakening that has been sparked by George Floyd's murder on May 25, 2020, and the impact that COVID and other factors have had on the Greensboro community.
To watch this full episode on Youtube, click here.
GUESTS:
Mayor Nancy Vaughan -- IG: @mayor.nancy.vaughan
Councilwoman Sharon Hightower -- Facebook: Sharon Melvin Hightower
FreeDopeMajor -- IG: @freedopemajor
August 2020 (Greensboro, NC) -- Motherhood, WAP 🤭, and the future of the Black woman. 🔥 This week’s #UkuvusaRadioPodcast is eye opening! My guests, Adrienne Spinner (IG: @mrsspinn), Nikki Davis (IG: @yagirlnikki), and Sharrie McCain (@comedienne_lady_shamar) are all Black wives, mothers, and entrepreneurs trying to navigate the many responsibilities that come with those important roles. Listen in!