Corner Table Talk: Recent Episodes
Corner Table Media
CORNER TABLE TALK
[FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE]
Pull up a chair to Corner Table Talk with career restaurateur Brad Johnson for thoughtful, intimate conversation across Food + Drink + Culture.
From the perspective of a person of color, Brad delves into entertaining and informative discussions with guests sharing insights, personal stories, and experiences in careers that run the gamut including restaurants, bars, clubs, fashion, finance, publishing, journalism, activism, sports, and entertainment, highlighting their passion for business, social and cultural commentary.
[WELLNESS + TRAVEL]
Following the conversation with our guest, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention.
"We wanted to explore the ways that food can be a muse.” Jamila Robinson
Looking through the pages of Bon Appétit’s inaugural Art & Design issue (May 2025), I realized that I wasn’t just reading. Each spread and story resonated with me, reminding me why the hospitality industry initially appealed to me. Yes, great food is essential, but equally important is the way a place makes people feel: the atmosphere, the intention, and the story that lives in the walls and on the plate when it all comes together.
With every place I've been involved with, as the final touches and tastings were prepared for friends and family before the first day of serving the public, I would sit in nearly every seat just to feel and observe the room from each vantage point. That same care and design philosophy was baked into every inch of this issue. Whether it was a story about Marcus Samuelsson’s return to Ethiopia, with his restaurant atop the tallest building in East Africa—or the role of color psychology—I felt a visceral connection.
Exploring the intersection of food, design, and cultural storytelling with Jamila Robinson, Editor-in-Chief of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, offers a masterclass on how food media can be both visually stunning and meaningful. She and her team made print feel luxurious again, bringing culture closer and reminding us that food isn't just sustenance, it's connection, it’s memory, it's music, it's art.
This special issue is a collector's item.
HOW WE MOVE
Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and highlights some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention.
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"You can't take a photo of hospitality." Chip Wade
When my long-time friend, Eric Williams of Stone Williams Group, offered to connect me with Chip Wade, I immediately said yes. I was curious to learn more about the CEO of legendary New York City restaurateur Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) whose reputation for operating a portfolio of high-level restaurants is tops in the industry. Their slate of restaurants include: Grammercy Tavern, The View, Ci Siamo, Daily Provisions, The Modern, and Union Square Café, to name a few.
Chip is a 30-year veteran of hospitality. From his beginnings at TGI Fridays to his leadership roles at Darden Restaurants and Legal Sea Foods, culminating in his current role at USHG, Chip shares insights on leadership qualities he admires including the importance of empathy and feedback. Our conversation also explores the industry's appeal to young Black professionals, and USHG's commitment to diversity and inclusion despite recent political pushbacks. Chip talks about the importance of maintaining high standards and culture within the organization including passionately advocating for understanding and celebrating diverse histories. By doing so, Chip believes we build a more empathetic society.
Finally, we learned the term “antiquarian” as we dove into Chip’s passion for Black American history through his rare book collection. Fueled by curiosity, Chip aims to unearth stories celebrating prominent Black figures and share these narratives with broader audiences, honoring those whose shoulders we stand upon.
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey with Chip Wade. We hope his story inspires you as much as it did us. For more discussions like these, stay tuned to Corner Table Talk.
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Editing: Journey Media LLC
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Brad Johnson Ventures LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"When I got burglarized, it really didn't faze me... I went back to that day as a teenager, looking at my father's face, seeing the determination as he swept up that glass." Greg Dulan
I met Greg Dulan almost 40 years ago while he and his father, renowned restaurateur Adolf Dulan, were visiting black-owned restaurants in New York City. When I moved to Los Angeles a few years later, Adolf’s beloved Southern-style restaurant, Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch in Marina Del Rey, with its home-cooked soul food and warm, welcoming atmosphere, was my home away from home. I've enjoyed a close bond with both Adolf and Greg over the years and attended the memorial service for Adolf when he passed away in 2017. Given the Dulan legacy and my long relationship with both father and son, I am especially honored to have my friend and colleague Greg on this episode of Corner Table Talk.
Greg, a second-generation restaurateur, shares heartfelt stories of working alongside his late father, a pioneer in Los Angeles’ soul food scene. From the early days of Aunt Kizzy’s Back Porch to the evolution of Dulan’s on Crenshaw, Greg reflects on his lessons, including his father’s philosophy of giving back—whether through ample portions or community support.
The conversation also explores Greg’s recent restaurant renovation, his experience as a James Beard Award finalist, and the challenges of maintaining a thriving business amid rising costs and gentrification. Through it all, Greg remains an optimist, fueled by the love of his community and the enduring spirit of his father.
Listen now for an inspiring story of resilience, family, and the power of soul food.
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Editing: Glenn Cooper
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"The future in this country is one where the folks setting the pace will be more diverse than ever. That’s baked in, and while there’s backlash, the numbers will ultimately tell the tale." Clarence Otis
Clarence Otis Jr., former Chairman and CEO of Darden Restaurants Inc., is busy these days serving on the Boards of Verizon as Lead Director, of Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group, and as chairman of Jazz at Lincoln Center, among others. During his 10 years of leadership at Darden which ended in 2014, whose brands include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Seasons 52, Yard House, and Capital Grille, the company achieved remarkable sales growth.
Otis reflects on his time at Darden and provides insights into the sale of Red Lobster during his tenure, and how public policies often inadvertently favor larger companies, making it difficult for smaller, independent businesses to thrive. Otis reveals his views on immigration’s role in hospitality and discusses AI's potential to automate certain restaurant functions, particularly in back-office tasks.
Growing up in Watts shaped Clarence's perspective on fairness and opportunity. He learned from his father that positive family influence and a strong work ethic are crucial to success. Sharing our mutual love of jazz, we discussed the genre's state and its struggle to attract younger audiences in the US.
Our discussion concludes with Otis’s optimism about America's diverse future and his belief in resilience amid changing demographics. His journey showcases how leaders can rise to significant roles while staying true to their values, as a model of how strategic vision and a commitment to equity can lead to impactful, lasting success.
Thank you my longtime friend Eric Williams for connecting me with Clarence.
CHAPTERS
- [00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Overview
- [00:02:19] Challenges in the Restaurant Industry
- [00:07:10] California as a Business Environment
- [00:12:55] Impact of AI and Technology on Hospitality
- [00:16:03] Consumer Behavior and Economic Trends
- [00:17:42] Clarence’s Childhood in South Los Angeles
- [00:22:34] Navigating Gang Culture and Community Dynamics
- [00:26:20] Father’s Work Ethic and Life Lessons
- [00:31:52] Parenting Philosophy
- [00:33:06] Diversity in Corporate Leadership
- [00:38:27] The Sale of Red Lobster
- [00:43:20] Cultural Reflections on Entertainment and Branding
- [00:50:15] Jazz and the Arts
- [00:52:36] Effective Communication and Leadership
- [00:53:39] Optimism About the Future
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Watch the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube and please subscribe to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community.
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.comFor more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"I'm an activist with an artistic mask on." Jeff Friday
The 28th Annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) takes place in Miami, June 12-16, 2024. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a stellar lineup of films, panel discussions, parties, workshops, and masterclasses. Notable attendees include Denzel Washington, Kerry Washington, and Issa Rae.
I sat down with my long-time friend, Jeff Friday, a trailblazer in the world of black cinema and the mastermind behind ABFF to share the festival’s evolution from Acapulco to Miami, his passion for black culture, and his desire to advance opportunities for black filmmakers.
Our discussion includes Jeff’s perspective on the current state of black cinema. He expressed concern about the challenges facing black filmmakers today, particularly the shift away from diversity in Hollywood and the impact of streaming services on the theatrical business. Despite these challenges, Jeff remains optimistic and committed to supporting black filmmakers and promoting their work.
Jeff's company, formerly ABFF Ventures and now Nice Crowd, specializes in developing and marketing festivals and live experiences highlighting BIPOC culture and achievements. Jeff's vision for Nice Crowd includes creating events that promote black culture and community in various settings, from film festivals to wellness retreats.
A graduate of Howard University with an MBA from NYU's prestigious School of Business, Jeff’s numerous accolades include NYU’s Global Trailblazer Award for Entrepreneurial Innovation, and being named one of Hollywood's Top 50 Power Brokers by Black Enterprise. He has received keys to Miami, Miami Beach, and Newark, which also proclaimed his birthday “Jeff Friday Day.”
Jeff Friday's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and the impact that one person with keen instincts can have on an entire industry.
HOW WE MOVE
Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion, and highlighting some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Watch the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube and please subscribe to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community.
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Don't worry so much, stay positive, move forward, enjoy life. It's a gift, an astonishing, beautiful, absurd gift. Be kind and be curious. Chandelier, Baby!" Billy Dee Williams
These words, spoken by screen legend and multi-talented Billy Dee Williams, offer a simple yet profound mantra for navigating the complexities of daily life embracing the sparkle and light of life.
In his recently released memoir and New York Times bestseller, What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life, Billy Dee offers insights into a life well-lived where life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful. Kindness and curiosity are his cornerstones and viewed not just as moral obligations, but as tools for personal growth and happiness. They are the lenses through which we can view the world in all its splendor, and absurdity, and find joy in the most unexpected places. I had the pleasure of taking the journey with Billy Dee as I listened to his reading of the audio version of the book.
Growing up in Harlem in a tight-knit family, directly across from Central Park, his home life was full of cherished memories. On-screen, Billy Dee epitomizes effortless cool. So much so that if you were ever dressed a certain way and thought you were looking good, your friends might say “Oh, you're Billy Dee now.” He makes the ladies swoon and finds the humor in his charm, never taking himself too seriously.
With eight decades of performing on stage and screen, strikingly handsome and debonair, Billy Dee has played iconic roles such as Louis McKay in Lady Sings the Blues, opposite Diana Ross, and Gayle Sayers in Brian's Song earning him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Single Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role – 1972. He broadened his international fanbase appearing as Lando Calrissian in the Star Wars franchise. Billy Dee started acting on Broadway at the age of seven and is recognized for his outstanding performances in Fences and as Martin Luther King in I Have a Dream. As an accomplished painter, his paintings are included in the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Gallery, Washington DC, the Schomburg Center for Research and Black Culture, New York, the African American Museum, New Orleans, and the Museum of Jazz, Kansas City.
Join us as we discuss his memoir as well as various topics related to Billy Dee’s life and career including , the importance of family, the challenges of being a black leading man in the entertainment industry during his rise, the impact of his father's hard work, and character, his passion for painting and the importance of individualism. He shares stories of his friendship with James Baldwin and his perspective on aging, the value of staying positive, and the joy of sharing one's passion with the world. It was an honor to spend some time with this youthfully exuberant legend whose walking cane demonstrates his robust, never-ending quest for exploration.
Chandelier Baby!
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Produced by: Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"As people of color, we’ve always dealt with crisis but what has never stopped is our capability to invent. We created some of the best dishes during the roughest times. We created some of the best art. Art, where does hip hop come from? It comes from struggle. We created some of the best music during these times. So, I think if you want to create a business, you cannot do it without walking through the struggle.” Marcus Samuelsson
When you think of the culinary world, few names resonate with the dynamism that Marcus Samuelsson brings to the table, curating and cooking his way through the complexities of identity, heritage, music and art, and community, to create an unforgettable dining experience.
Busy as ever, Marcus opened two restaurants recently in New York City, Metropolis within the Perelman Performing Arts Center on the site of the World Trade Center, and Hav & Mar in Chelsea where the New York Times journalist, Pete Wells, review noted the diversity of staff and clientele he found to be a rarity. In the cultural hub of Atlanta, Marcus Bar and Grille made its debut, and expanding to his first restaurant in Africa, located on the top floor of East Africa’s tallest building, experience Marcus Addis, he and wife, Maya’s, homecoming restaurant located in vibrant Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
As one of his driving passions. Marcus delves into the essence of philanthropy, emphasizing that it's not always about writing checks. It's about being present, sharing knowledge, and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. His approach is a lesson in how we can all contribute to the world in meaningful ways. Hear how Marcus uses his platform to uplift communities, champion women of color in the industry, and inspire the next generation of chefs.
As I spoke with Marcus, it became clear that this is a dialogue about life, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. It's about the courage to dream, the resilience to overcome, and the joy of sharing one's passion with the world, a testament to how culinary arts can be a powerful tool for change.
HOW WE MOVE
Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and highlights some of the interesting people, places and things that have her attention.
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Produced by Corner Table Media, a division of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Overtown EatUp! is first and foremost a love letter to the “Harlem of the South ''and its profoundly important role in shaping the Miami of today.
Food is more than just sustenance; it's a story, a community, and a way to bring people together. In this episode, we take you to the heart of Overtown, Miami, where the annual Overtown EatUp! was in full swing, across the street from Red Rooster Overtown, as part of the South Beach Food and Wine Festival. Created, curated, and hosted by award-winning chef, TV personality, and cookbook author, Marcus Samuelsson, this walk-around tasting spotlights the local cuisine and culture that remain at the heart of the city’s Black history.
Samuelson's philosophy is simple: "Let's become good. Let's be part of the neighborhood. Let's employ people. Let's figure it out, and let's work." This episode explores how his dedication is not just about bringing a new restaurant to an area but about inspiring the next generation and making a tangible difference in people's lives. Marcus’ insights into gentrifying neighborhoods, the importance of being part of the community, and the impact of food on society are a central theme of this episode.
Attending the festival, we meet various chefs and entrepreneurs who are making waves in the culinary scene. From the creators of Jamaican tacos and oxtail burritos to a chef who pivoted during the pandemic to feed over 100,000 children and family members in the Bronx, these stories are not just about food—they are about resilience, community, and passion.
Walking around we couldn’t help but notice the young people wearing white chef coats working as members of Careers through Culinary Arts Program (CCAP), which teaches life skills through the kitchen to inner-city high school students. This initiative is proof that the culinary world is not just about cooking—it's about creating opportunities and fostering growth.
See the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube to experience the celebration of food, culture, and community. It's a testament to how culinary arts can be a powerful tool for change.
Thank you to Marcus Samuelsson for inviting us and the team at Red Rooster Overtown for their hospitality!!
Instagram: Corner Table Talk and Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Inner Urban Zone by Alex Make Music
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The mission of the James Beard Awards is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.
Each year some of the brightest stars in the culinary world and food media are recognized at the annual James Beard Awards. In hospitality, it doesn't get any bigger!
We were honored to host Corner Table Talk LIVE at the 2023 James Beard Awards in Chicago where we pull back the curtain to reveal the passion and drive of eight of the industry's finest. We hear firsthand what the night meant to them and add some super cool restaurants to check out if your travels take you to any one of these cities.
Chicago is a great host city. Our most memorable meal was at chef Erick Williams' outstanding Virtue Restaurant and Bar, also home of Damarr Brown, Best Emerging Chef whose soulful cuisine including Shrimp and Grits had us convinced it gave LA-based Post & Beam's version a run for its money, Just sayin’.
Our guests include Gregory Gourdet's whose Haitian-inspired Kann won Best New Restaurant, a beacon of cultural enlightenment, Chef JP Best Chef NY State from Atomix, whose journey from Korea to New York's culinary zenith is a tale of tenacity and talent, pastry artisan, and Margarita Manzke Outstanding Pastry Chef from LA-based Republique who was unable to attend the Awards but longtime staffer Kaley Shannon filled in and did a terrific job!
We also spoke with the inspiring Olivia Watkins and Karen Washington Humanitarian of the Year of New York City-based Black Farmer Fund, whose commitment to land stewardship and social equity is reshaping the agricultural narrative, the incomparable Ellen Yin Outstanding Restaurateur of High Street Hospitality Group whose achievement is a testament to innovative spirit and community-building prowess, and the effervescent Chef Andrew Black Best Chef Southwest, whose culinary ingenuity at Grey Sweater in Oklahoma City is matched only by his dedication to community upliftment. We topped off the evening with Rob Rubba of Oyster Oyster in Washington D.C, whose sustainable approach and heartfelt leadership won him the title of Outstanding Chef, proving that the path to culinary greatness is paved with purpose and integrity.
A huge thank you to Valerie Wilson and Mary Wagstaff of MMGY Wagstaff for helping us navigate access to this prestigious event. We have been fortunate to have an association with Wagstaff almost since its inception close to 25 years ago. They are committed professionals elevating the hospitality industry while building the careers of and garnering attention for chefs and restaurateurs. Finally, thank you to the James Beard Foundation and Choose Chicago for their support and assistance. We are very grateful!
Feast on the full VIDEO episode on the Corner Table Talk channel on YouTube for an immersive experience into the heart of culinary excellence, where ambition meets artistry, and every dish tells a story.
Instagram: Corner Table Talk and Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"A friend of mine once told me, he said, 'you don't build houses, you direct' because building a home is the same way that I direct. I don't know which comes first, if anything, I try to curate whatever it is I'm doing to create a transportive moment, or moments, multiple moments that take you someplace, and that's what sticks. That's what resonates. That's a goal, but that's intentional." Eriq La Salle
Many of you will recognize my guest and friend, Eriq La Salle, from his long career in film and television. Reflecting on his journey from childhood dreams in Hartford to breakout Hollywood success, Eric shares behind-the-scenes stories from his iconic roles, including landing the role of the main antagonist, Darryl Jenks, heir to the Soul Glow hair product dynasty, in Eddie Murphy's Coming to America after a single audition, as well as advocating for better Black representation during his groundbreaking portrayal of Dr. Peter Benton for eight seasons on the award-winning medical drama ER.
Alongside his acting career, Eriq is an accomplished author, having published novels and novellas in his Martyr Maker thriller series. His just released novel, Laws of Annihilation, is the 3rd installment in the series and "a brilliant and bloody cop thriller," says Adrian McKinty, a New York Times best-selling author of The Chain.
We learn about Eriq's creative process writing complex novels that interweave social commentary with page-turning mystery. His reflections on spirituality and friendship reveal him as a deep thinker who brings heart to all his artistic pursuits. He also happens to be one of the coolest and most down-to-earth brothers I know.
Instagram: Corner Table Talk and Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson Hospitality
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"My father said that when you look at the cultural traditions of people, the European cultural tradition is a generation makes a mask. They put it up on the wall, put a glass box around it, and they point to it and say that's the greatest mask that's ever been made. The African tradition is every generation makes their own mask. So what we see with this constant creativity, this constant improvisation is a very human, African, homo sapiens tradition of not taking something and classicizing it to the point that nothing can be created beyond it and the generations after just have to kneel. It's about moving the culture forward." Raoul Roach**
My guest is Raoul Roach, the son of the iconic and internationally revered jazz musician, Max Roach. Born in 1924, Max was firmly entrenched in activism, civil rights, and the social justice movement of the sixties and seventies. As a result, growing up, Raoul had a strong interest in social activism, being exposed to and mentored by some of the most pivotal black figures of that period, including Maya Angelou, Sonia Sanchez, Amiri Baraka, and Alvin Ailey.
Born and raised in New York City by age fifteen, Raoul was cutting his teeth working for his legendary dad, first as an office assistant, a roadie, and eventually Max's road manager, before ultimately producing several of his concerts.
As a 40-year upper echelon executive of the music industry, Raoul has worked with the biggest names in entertainment from Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Anita Baker. Raoul helmed the successful turnaround of Jones's Qwest Records as the organization's co-executive director.
Raoul also co-founded and pioneered Harry Belafonte's social justice entertainment enterprise, Sankofa.org, as the organization's co-executive director along with Gina Belafonte. Raoul executed the recruitment of artists and celebrities such as; Usher, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Jesse Williams, John Legend, Common, Dave Matthews, Carlos Santana, Michael B Jordan, T.I., and many more in coordination with grassroots organizations and activists to produce, films, music videos, social media campaigns, PSA’s, concerts and major festivals. These initiatives raised resources for non-profit organizations as well as awareness to impact social movement and social justice.
Currently, Raoul is coordinating along with his siblings Max Roach 100, an 18-month international centennial celebration of his father's music and life that includes film, documentaries, social media, concerts, exhibitions, new and previously unreleased recordings. Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach, whose far-reaching ambitions were inspired and challenged by the inequities of the society around him. "American Masters – Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes" premieres Friday, October 6 at 9/8c on PBS.
HOW WE MOVE
Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and highlights some of the interesting people, places and things that have her attention.
Instagram: @Corner Table Talk and @Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"It's hard to hire female chefs. It's hard to hire African American chefs because there's just not as many people interested in it, which I'm like, yeah, and that's why we need to promote it, and that's why we need to give them opportunities far beyond what might seem reasonable because we want them to be the heroes so everyone else can look up to them. Then we can actually bring real diversity into our kitchens." Curtis Stone
Curtis Stone is one of the busiest chefs in the country between running his restaurants, appearing in countless television shows like Top Chef Masters (host), Netflix's Iron Chef, and Fox's Crime Scene Kitchen (judge), being a New York Times best-selling author of six cookbooks, and growing Kitchen Solutions, a collection of top-selling and best-reviewed cookware on HSN.
Obsessed with food from a young age, Curtis credits his mom and grandmother as his cooking and baking mentors. Following his passion, he began his culinary career as an apprentice at the Savoy Hotels five-star restaurant in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. Three years later at the age of 21, he moved to Europe and sought out Britain's most celebrated chef (often referred to as the first celebrity chef), Marco Pierre White, to further his education and classical training for eight years. During that time, he was approached to co-host a television show, Surfing the Menu, traveling around Australia visiting food producers and cooking their produce. The show caught the eye of US producers that led to another television gig, Take Home Chef, and a subsequent move to the US settling in Los Angeles.
Today, Los Angeles-based Curtis' Michelin-starred restaurants include Maude in Beverly Hills named for his paternal grandmother serving refined, seasonally-focused Southern Californian cuisine, and Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant in Hollywood named for his maternal grandmother where he partnered with his brother, Luke Stone, to create an old-world, European-style butcher shop and an elegant restaurant using fire-based cooking techniques.
Please join me, your host, Brad Johnson, and Curtis on Corner Table Talk as we learn more about what motivates him beyond creating beautiful and delicious food, sharing his philosophy and knowledge, and how he directs his actions to bring joy and create a positive community around him.
HOW WE MOVE
Stay tuned to the end of the guest interview when international speaker, writer and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz) spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and highlights some of the interesting people, places and things that have her attention.
Instagram: Corner Table Talk and Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"My journey has really been following the path throughout the African diaspora, on five continents, chasing the knowledge of essentially how through slavery, Africa changed the global culinary conversation." Alexander Smalls
Alexander Smalls began his illustrious career as a restaurateur in the nineties and furthered my appreciation for low-country cuisine when he opened Café Beulah, his first restaurant with its butter-toned walls displaying framed sepia-toned family photos. That's how I remember that room, it was elegant and it was beautiful. Alexander, of course, was an immaculate host.
Prior to his restaurant career, after starring in Porgy and Bess performing at the Houston Grand Opera, where the production and Mr. Smalls won a Tony and a Grammy, he reluctantly left that stage telling the New York Times in 2020, "an operatic career was my dream, but I was not able to break that glass ceiling as an African American male."
Alexander reinvented himself as a chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author, winning a James Beard Award for Between Harlem and Heaven. Several restaurants followed, including Minton's and The Cecil in Harlem, created with the rising culinary talent JJ Johnson. Using African inspiration to create a global table, the restaurant was crowned Esquire Magazine's "Best New Restaurant of the Year" in 2014.
Inspired by his world travels tracing the African diaspora's cooking techniques and culinary foodways, Alexander's newest venture is Alkebulan, the first dining hall in the world showcasing and celebrating African food. With locations in Dubai and London, he plans to bring the concept to multiple cities.
Please join me, your host, Brad Johnson, in welcoming Alexander, who has emerged as one of the most important voices in the African-American culinary journey, to Corner Table Talk.
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"What we saw right away, and I would say that to anybody who engages in the fantasy of going into the restaurant business, in the end, it is not about the concept, it's about the people that work with you, work for you. Because if we didn't understand it was about the people, we would have died with one restaurant. I don't care how good your concept is." Rick Rosenfield
Who doesn't like pizza? Whether a folded, oily, gooey slice consumed while standing at almost any pizza shop in New York City or at Mozza in LA where Nancy Silverton found a way to make pizza new again, this staple of the American diet is not showing any sign of slowing. My guest, Rick Rosenfield, certainly knows his way around a conversation about pizza.
In 1985, this southside Chicago native and former federal prosecutor and defense attorney, teamed up with friend, Larry Flax, left their law practice in Los Angeles, and launched California Pizza Kitchen as an affordable, upscale pizza concept. Their first location on Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills, put the West Coast in the national pizza conversation and through their own ROCK hospitality culture - respect, opportunity, communication, kindness - they quickly grew to 250 locations in the US and abroad.
Stepping down in 2011 from leadership at CPK when it was acquired by a private-equity firm, Rick recently announced plans to return to the restaurant world with the introduction of ROCA, a specialty, Roman-style, street food pizza take-out and delivery concept, now open in Pacific Palisades and soon to open in Marina del Rey, on the west side of Los Angeles. Using premium toppings and a three-day cold fermented dough allows for the dough to appear thick like focaccia but light and airy on the inside. When reheated, it's crisp but still light and airy.
Please join me, your host, Brad Johnson, in welcoming and learning more about Rick, a true legend in the restaurant industry, to Corner Table Talk.
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
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"Everything is in a cycle, and the cycle is dictated by the audience's needs and wants, the studio's needs and wants in terms of the financial bottom line, right? Those two very evolving organisms are always trying to sync into the right gear. So, I don't worry anymore because it always comes back around. You're in this long enough, you just go, all right, this is a cycle, it'll come back around." Stephanie Allain
Stephanie Allain of Homegrown Pictures, is a prolific film and television producer dedicated to creating content by and about women and people of color with authentic stories, depictions, and representation. She began her career in the mid-80s as a reader at the elite talent agency, CAA, a job that required reading scripts and books submitted to the agency and providing coverage of the material, often the first barrier for further consideration and development.
In her next position at Columbia Pictures, as one of only two African-American readers, a young USC student found his way to her under the guise of interest in a job. Instead that student, John Singleton, pitched her Boyz in the Hood and the rest, as they say, is history. Stephanie worked with John Singleton on five movies: Boyz N the Hood (1991), Poetic Justice (1993), Higher Learning(1995), Hustle & Flow (2005) and Black Snake Moan (2006). She also producedSomething New, Peeples, Beyond The Lights, Dear White People, French Dirty, Burning Sands, Juanita and Really Love. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards with wins from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Film Independent Spirit Awards, NAACP and others. A few of her projects currently in production include her first documentary Untitled Billy Preston, and a limited series for HBO, Sula by Toni Morrison.
Amid a brilliant career, Stephanie became the first black woman to co-produce the Academy Awards (2020) and made history again by becoming the first woman of color to be named as President of the Producer's Guild of America (2022). Please join me, your host, Brad Johnson, on Corner Table Talk with this inspiring woman and Hollywood powerhouse.
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
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"I have to say at some point I did have to see that resume. There was a point where if you were a newcomer, I had too much to do. I had people come in my office. When I got on a little further into the business. Rodney King came to my office because he wanted me to do a project with him. Sweetest, kindest, nicest man you ever wanna meet. Those kind of adventures, have filled my life. But Brad, you do know me also, that if nobody's there, I will talk to a chain link fence." Dolores Robinson
Dolores Robinson may not be a household name, but I can assure you she is Hollywood royalty. A youthful 86 years of age, Dolores has been defying the odds her whole life. Finding herself single in 1974, she packed up her two kids into a green Volvo station wagon and headed west from Philadelphia to California to start a new life.
College-educated, she accepted a job as a receptionist in a talent agency, quickly working her way up to a full-fledged agent. Just two years later, she founded her own management company, Dolores Robinson Entertainment, and became a trailblazing talent manager and power player who made her name when there were few women, much less women of color, with any influence on the business side of showbiz. She helped launch the careers of Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tea Leoni, Emilio Estevez, Mariska Hargitay and, of course, her own daughter, Holly Robinson Peete. The Personal Managers Hall of Fame inducted Dolores in 2017 acknowledging her as the first black female manager in film and television.
Dolores may be recognizable to some after appearing on Hallmark Channel's Meet the Peetes, a reality show with her family, Holly Robinson Peete, husband Rodney Peete, and one of my all-time favorite people on the planet, son Matt Robinson, along with her grandchildren.
I asked Dolores to join me, your host, Brad Johnson, on Corner Table Talk to talk about her life, career, and share some of her wisdom from 40-plus years spent in the City of Angels.
Photo Credit: Hallmark Channel
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
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"Miami has always been a unique place, right? In comparison to the rest of the states. I feel like I'm in a different country and it's just so Caribbean, it's so island. So the city is special in that way. Today there's this boom and the energy has shifted toward culture. And when I say culture, a cultural perspective of Miami being showcased as much as Latin culture is known here in the city. So that's been very exciting to see from a food and beverage, perspective." Jamila Ross
While we have had a fair number of well-known guests on our program, part of our mission is to also talk to people you may not know yet, but we think you will soon.
In fairness, the dynamic duo on the show today, Jamila Ross and Akino West, are not total strangers to media coverage. Their wedding in 2021 during the height of the pandemic was covered in the New York Times Style section. Attention as a budding hospitality power couple began buzzing in 2018 where they purchased a building in Miami's historic Overtown to open their first venture, the cool, chic, 22-room bed and breakfast, The Copper Door that captured the attention of Vogue.
Akino and Jamila West met as culinary students at Johnson and Wales in North Miami, and both possess impressive culinary pedigrees. Jamila worked in management as part of the LA-based hospitality group, SBE, and Akino as a chef in esteemed kitchens such as the local Miami institution, Michael's Genuine, and as an intern at the three-Michelin-star restaurant, Noma, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Noma has been ranked as the number one restaurant in the world for multiple years.
In 2021, the couple opened Rosie's, a brunch focused pop-up restaurant, serving a feel-good, soul food brunch with subtle Italian nuances and classic techniques. It became a huge hit. Recently, Rosie's found a permanent home in the hip-insider Miami neighborhood, Little River. I can tell you from having experienced Akino's food and Jamila's skilled and detail-focused hospitality, these are two people to watch.
Join me, your host, Brad Johnson, along with these two talented entrepreneurs making a name for themselves and illuminating the way forward for the next generation, on Corner Table Talk.
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"When I do anything, I like to break all the bricks. What was here before Lincoln Center was old San Juan Hill, a very affluent or a very popular Afro-Caribbean, Afro Latino area. It just spoke to me. It was like, I'm supposed to be here. I'm supposed to revive the stories of the people and give a voice to the inaudible and that's what the restaurant does. It tells a story of New York, but not the New York that I guess the affluent think of. For me, it's the story of immigrants, it's Puerto Rican it's Dominican, it's Jamaican, it's Nigerian, Senegalese, like all these things for me made New York special." Kwame Onwuachi
As a 40-year veteran of the restaurant industry, it gives me so much pleasure to see the mainstream recognition and opportunities for success afforded to the talented generation of people of color pursuing careers in hospitality. This group of entrepreneurs and chefs is making a name for themselves illuminating the way forward for the next generation.
My guest, Kwame Onwuachi, has racked up a pretty impressive list of accolades including one of Food and Wine's Best New Chefs, Esquire Magazine’s 2019 Chef of the Year, and The San Francisco Chronicle said that Kwame was the most important chef in America. That's a big title and quite an accolade. He is also the creator of the Family Reunion, an annual multi-day event that takes place in Middleburg, Virginia and celebrates diversity in the hospitality community.
In September, 2021, Kwame hosted the esteemed James Beard Awards having previously won the Rising Star Chef of the Year award in 2019. He is also the author of a memoir, Notes from a Young Black Chef, that is being adapted into a feature film. Raised in New York City, Nigeria, and Louisiana, Kwame most recently opened Tatiana restaurant at Lincoln Center in New York City.
Join me, your host, Brad Johnson, and Kwame as we learn more about this young talent on Corner Table Talk.
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
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"Remember, 1992 was the year that Naughty by Nature had a huge song called O.P.P. It was a megahit. Jonathan [Editor-in-Chief] asked me if I wanted to write an article about Treach from Naughty by Nature. I was like, heck yeah. He didn't tell me that Albert Watson was shooting the cover, the famous photographer Albert Watson, and he didn't tell me that my story was gonna be the very first cover story for Vibe Magazine." Kevin Powell
Finger on the pulse is often used to describe someone who has the ability to read the ongoings of culture, synthesize the information, and in the case of my guest Kevin Powell, write, speak, produce, and publish work that chronicles our collective experience.
Many people remember him from the early nineties in the MTV series, The Real World, where he was an original cast member. I became aware of Kevin when he joined Quincy Jones as a senior writer and part of the editorial team at the startup and groundbreaking Vibe Magazine. Since then, Kevin is the author of fifteen books including his new collection of poetry, Grocery Shopping with My Mother. In the works is a biography of Tupac Shakur, utilizing Kevin's treasure trove of interviews and conversations, several gathered while a senior writer at Vibe, and his first documentary film, titled "When We Free The World," about healthy manhood vs. toxic manhood, about fathers and sons.
Following in the footsteps of Toni Morrison and Nikki Giovanni, Kevin is a writer in residence at Prairie View A&M University in Texas for the 2022 - 2023 school year. As a highly involved human and civil rights activist, he is a leader in the movement to redefine manhood away from sexism and violence; has a deep responsibility to mentorship and development of people of every age as agents of change; and is committed to voter education and empowerment.
Kevin is a longtime proud resident of Brooklyn, New York and it was great catching up with him. Join me, your host, Brad Johnson, and Kevin as we honor one of the most celebrated political, cultural, literary, and hip-hop voices in America on Corner Table Talk.
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I been honest
I've had my heart broken like promise
I been decolonizing my closet
I been intentional with my dollars
I been
I been learning boundaries
I been done with jobs payin hourly
I been thinking a lot more while I'm showering
I been putting my 10,000 hours in
I been thinking bout ownership
I been thinking bout how nah I don't really think I want the sht*
I been thinking bout meaning
I been thinking bout us
I been thinking bout freedom
I been thinking bout loyalty
I been loving more openly
I been collecting more royalties
I been flourishing whether or not you notice me
Excerpt from I Been by Def Sound Watch video
Anybody who has lived in Los Angeles, loves music and quality programming, is aware of KCRW, the listener supported NPR station that streams worldwide. They play an eclectic mix of music that often can't be heard anywhere else. As a fan of the station, I love what they do. I've discovered so many artists and new music there. One day, I heard a track by my guest. I was really taken by the flow and the lyrics of what I was hearing. The track titled I Been is by Def Sound, hip-hop artist, published poet, and designer with his own line of clothing.
Born and based in South Central Los Angeles, Def describes the music as a synthesis of hip-hop and his Afro-Latino roots using music and poetry as a healing mechanism while weaving together a tapestry of triumph, levity, ancestry and power.
As an extra special treat, my son, multi-platinum recording artist and songwriter, Bryce Ross Johnson aka Bryce Vine, agreed to join me on the podcast as co-host in between tour dates. Together we spoke with Def about being a young artist, Los Angeles, life, and art.
Join me, Brad Johnson, for this inspirational conversation exploring the story and rise of Def Sound as he pursues his dreams.
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
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"If you go back 500 years, West Africans knew hibiscus to be a powerful medicinal plant, full of antimicrobials, full of antioxidants, natural source of vitamin C. It's a natural aphrodisiac. They would make a tea from this flower, and this was part of their ceremony and their traditions. Then around 500 years ago, the transatlantic slave trade starts, and bodies and spices are stolen from the continent of Africa. This flower, the hibiscus flower, takes physical roots in the Caribbean islands, but the people who knew what to do with it were transported along with it in the bottom of ships." Jackie Summers
A couple of years ago, I read an article about Jackie Summers being the first African American in the United States be granted a license in 2011 to make liquor, post-prohibition. Prohibition ended in 1933, almost 80 years ago. That is a story in and of itself, possibly for another day. After a cancer scare that turned out to be a benign tumor in his spine, Brooklyn-based Jackie quit his job as an advertising executive and with no formal training or background in the beverage industry, began to make Sorel Liqueur.
Jackie's story is inspirational, full of stops and starts, including 623 attempts to fine tune the recipe, a period of homelessness, a hurricane that destroyed his first distillery, reneged deals from investors that led to a several year shutdown for Sorel, getting knocked down and having the determination to get back up, guided by the spirit of his ancestors, and a strong desire to bring Sorel, a widely known but never before, distilled and distributed beverage with its roots in Africa to people all over the world.
In 2021, Jackie took a major step towards realizing that goal when he teamed up with powerhouse Fawn Weaver, owner of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and the Tennessee-based Nearest Green Distillery.
In less than a year back on the market, Sorel Liqueur is receiving glowing accolades and major beverage industry awards. Jackie himself was named among "Drink Innovators of the Year" (Food & Wine Magazine), several times "100 Most Influential Bar Industry Figures" (Drinks International Magazine), and included on the Imbibe 75 list. His writing has been published in various outlets, James Beard-nominated and winner of "Best Food Essay" (Association of Food Journalists).
Join me, your host, Brad Johnson, and Jackie for this inspirational conversation. on Corner Table Talk.
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
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"Unapologetic in her due process, not waiting, not stopping, not pausing. If we don't do that, it won't get told. It won't get bought. We all know that we've submitted our various original pieces over the decades, mind you. Just sit down and do it ourselves, tell our stories and presume, not governed by the dollar but by the authenticity of the narrative, that there is an audience waiting." Ambassador Shabazz
Coming of age born smack in the middle of the baby boomer generation means growing up in America during and following the Civil Rights movement. The children of that time lived through a country in turmoil. Aside from the battle against the disenfranchisement of African Americans, war and assassinations wreaked havoc on the collective social consciousness while culture evolved as culture does, despite the growing pains along the way.
My guest, Toni Ann Johnson, is a baby boomer and award-winning author. Her latest work titled Light Skin Gone to Waste was awarded the 2021 Flannery O'Connor Award and features stories that “delve into how racist ideas burrow into black and white families and infect them for generations. This linked collection is inspired by Johnson's experience growing up in a middle-class black family, living in a white working-class town in mid-century upstate New York.”
The stories begin in 1962 amid the tumult of desegregation, while detailing the divide between class, race, gender, and how they affect this family. I related to this excellent book on multiple levels. Toni Ann's meticulous development of these characters and her recall of cultural touchstones are rich and spot on.
Previous works include the novel Remedy for Broken Angel, nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, and Homegoing that won Accents Publishing’s inaugural novella contest. As a screenwriter, she is a two-time winner of the prestigious Humanitas Prize for her screenplays. Ruby Bridges and Crown Heights.
I have admired Toni Ann's work for some time. It gives me, your host Brad Johnson, great pleasure to welcome her to Corner Table Talk.
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LinkedIn: Brad Johnson
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"Unapologetic in her due process, not waiting, not stopping, not pausing. If we don't do that, it won't get told. It won't get bought. We all know that we've submitted our various original pieces over the decades, mind you. Just sit down and do it ourselves, tell our stories and presume, not governed by the dollar but by the authenticity of the narrative, that there is an audience waiting." Ambassador Shabazz
Coming of age born smack in the middle of the baby boomer generation means growing up in America during and following the Civil Rights movement. The children of that time lived through a country in turmoil. Aside from the battle against the disenfranchisement of African Americans, war and assassinations wreaked havoc on the collective social consciousness while culture evolved as culture does, despite the growing pains along the way.
My guest, Toni Ann Johnson, is a baby boomer and award-winning author. Her latest work titled Light Skin Gone to Waste was awarded the 2021 Flannery O'Connor Award and features stories that “delve into how racist ideas burrow into black and white families and infect them for generations. This linked collection is inspired by Johnson's experience growing up in a middle-class black family, living in a white working-class town in mid-century upstate New York.”
The stories begin in 1962 amid the tumult of desegregation, while detailing the divide between class, race, gender, and how they affect this family. I related to this excellent book on multiple levels. Toni Ann's meticulous development of these characters and her recall of cultural touchstones are rich and spot on.
Previous works include the novel Remedy for Broken Angel, nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work, and Homegoing that won Accents Publishing’s inaugural novella contest. As a screenwriter, she is a two-time winner of the prestigious Humanitas Prize for her screenplays. Ruby Bridges and Crown Heights.
I have admired Toni Ann's work for some time. It gives me, your host Brad Johnson, great pleasure to welcome her to Corner Table Talk.
Instagram: Corner Table Talk and Post and Beam Hospitality
LinkedIn: Brad Johnson
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.com
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
"My only competition was myself. And I just kept saying, You just need one spot. You just need one scholarship. So, when it was my turn, I danced for Jesus, honey. I danced like I had never danced before." Vanessa Bell Calloway
Leaving her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and following her dream, Vanessa Bell Calloway arrived in New York City in the late 70s with grit and determination to pursue a career in the arts. With $50 to her name, Vanessa spent a day of zigzagging the streets by foot starting at Times Square 42rd Street all the way to 95th Street, applying for jobs to support herself. Late that night, she landed her first job at The Cellar, my father's popular Upper West Side restaurant. The connections she made there opened opportunities that helped launch Vanessa's career.
Fast forward more than a few decades and Vanessa Bell Calloway, as she is known since marrying prominent anesthesiologist Anthony Calloway 34 years ago, has enjoyed a career that spans the stage, both big and small.
She has earned eight NAACP Image award nominations and won the NAACP Theater Award for Best Actress for her critically-acclaimed role as Zora Neale Hurston in Letters from Zora. She was an original cast member in the Broadway hit, Dream Girls and her resume encompasses a screen career that begins with the daytime soap opera, All My Children, to roles in Coming to America, What's Love Got To Do With It, and Crimson Tide. along with several TV credits. Most recently, Vanessa stars in the BET mini-series, The Black Hamptons, as the shrewd matriarch, Carolyn Britton. Trust me, you do not want to mess with Vanessa's character!
As busy as Vanessa is with work, she and her husband, Tony, find time to travel and recently spent time yachting in Italy at the invitation of Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his gracious wife, Cookie. We hear about that inspirational experience as will as their trip to Martha's Vineyard last summer and their strong team approach to marriage. As South LA residents and long-time commercial property owners in Leimert Park, Vanessa discusses the changes in the neighborhood over the past several years.
Join me, your host Brad Johnson, at the corner table for a glimpse into the world of my lovely, long-time friend and her journey!
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LinkedIn: Brad Johnson
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.comFor more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
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"My only competition was myself. And I just kept saying, You just need one spot. You just need one scholarship. So, when it was my turn, I danced for Jesus, honey. I danced like I had never danced before." Vanessa Bell Calloway
Leaving her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio and following her dream, Vanessa Bell Calloway arrived in New York City in the late 70s with grit and determination to pursue a career in the arts. With $50 to her name, Vanessa spent a day of zigzagging the streets by foot starting at Times Square 42rd Street all the way to 95th Street, applying for jobs to support herself. Late that night, she landed her first job at The Cellar, my father's popular Upper West Side restaurant. The connections she made there opened opportunities that helped launch Vanessa's career.
Fast forward more than a few decades and Vanessa Bell Calloway, as she is known since marrying prominent anesthesiologist Anthony Calloway 34 years ago, has enjoyed a career that spans the stage, both big and small.
She has earned eight NAACP Image award nominations and won the NAACP Theater Award for Best Actress for her critically-acclaimed role as Zora Neale Hurston in Letters from Zora. She was an original cast member in the Broadway hit, Dream Girls and her resume encompasses a screen career that begins with the daytime soap opera, All My Children, to roles in Coming to America, What's Love Got To Do With It, and Crimson Tide. along with several TV credits. Most recently, Vanessa stars in the BET mini-series, The Black Hamptons, as the shrewd matriarch, Carolyn Britton. Trust me, you do not want to mess with Vanessa's character!
As busy as Vanessa is with work, she and her husband, Tony, find time to travel and recently spent time yachting in Italy at the invitation of Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his gracious wife, Cookie. We hear about that inspirational experience as will as their trip to Martha's Vineyard last summer and their strong team approach to marriage. As South LA residents and long-time commercial property owners in Leimert Park, Vanessa discusses the changes in the neighborhood over the past several years.
Join me, your host Brad Johnson, at the corner table for a glimpse into the world of my lovely, long-time friend and her journey!
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LinkedIn: Brad Johnson
E.Mail: brad@postandbeamhospitality.comFor more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
Theme Music: Bryce Vine
Corner Table™ is a trademark of Post & Beam Hospitality LLC
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An 'icon' is much more known than a celebrity. They are someone who leaves a mark on history. They have a strong depth of significance. They are a person who is well known, and who people look up to.
Jayne Kennedy Overton embodies that description breaking barriers when she became the first woman of color in the late 70s to host THE NFL on CBS, a national sports show, on what Bob Costas credited as being "the template for modern studio shows."
The ease of her manner as an interviewer, whether talking to a young Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Joe Namath, or Muhammad Ali, along with a sincere intimacy in her tone, body language, and steady eye contact, was completely disarming. Managing to demonstrate both knowledge of subject while projecting the ability to not take herself too seriously, this Ohio-raised former beauty queen is undeniably charismatic.
Recently, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC inducted Jayne into the annuls of media pioneers, honoring her alongside luminaries, Diahann Carroll, Nat King Cole, Nichelle Nichols, The Supremes, and Don Cornelius. Next to the wall with the honorees is a quote from Oprah Winfrey “we used to gather around the tv and jump up and down, ‘colored people on tv, colored people on tv.'”
Raising her daughters, Jayne has been quiet for awhile but as she begins "Jayne 2.0", we sat down to reflect on Jayne's roots and journey as a trailblazer, her convictions, milestones, motherhood, as well as what's ahead. Join me, your host Brad Johnson, at the corner table!
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
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***What is a monument but a standing memory? An artifact to make tangible the truth of the past. My body and blood are a tangible truth of the South and its past. The black people I come from were owned by the white people I come from. The white people I come from fought and died for their Lost Cause. And I ask you now, who dares to tell me to celebrate them? Who dares to ask me to accept their mounted pedestals?
You cannot dismiss me as someone who doesn’t understand. You cannot say it wasn’t my family members who fought and died. My blackness does not put me on the other side of anything. It puts me squarely at the heart of the debate. I don’t just come from the South. I come from Confederates. I’ve got rebel-gray blue blood coursing my veins. My great-grandfather Will was raised with the knowledge that Edmund Pettus was his father. Pettus, the storied Confederate general, the grand dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, the man for whom Selma’s Bloody Sunday Bridge is named. So I am not an outsider who makes these demands. I am a great-great-granddaughter.***
Caroline Randall Williams "You Want a Confederate Monument? My Body Is a Confederate Monument" NY Times Op-Ed (2020)
Such is the powerful, articulate, unabashed voice of guest, Caroline Randall Williams, whose family roots display an impressive cultural richness. She is the daughter of best-selling author Alice Randall, with whom she co-wrote the award-winning Soul Food Love cookbook and Avon WilliamsIII, a well-known former diplomat who served as acting Principal Deputy Counsel of the Department of the Army, and first cousin to former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Caroline's grandfather was a prominent civil rights lawyer and former Tennessee state senator, Avon N. WIlliams Jr.. She is also the great-granddaughter of scholar Arna W. Bontemps, the African-American poet, novelist and noted member of the Harlem Renaissance. Yet this cultural royalty is juxtaposed against her DNA verified results. She is the great-great granddaughter of Edmund Pettus, US senator of Alabama, senior officer of the Confederate States Army and grand dragon of the Klu Klux Klan.
A gifted writer, Caroline is able to bridge history with current conditions, articulating it in a way that causes you to sit there shaking your head and say, those are the right words. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Caroline is a multi-genre writer, educator, performance artist, and Writer-in-Residence at Vanderbilt University. As the host of the new Discovery+ show Hungry For Answers (produced by Viola Davis), Caroline travels the United States uncovering the fascinating, essential and often untold Black stories behind American food.
Join me, your host Brad Johnson, at the corner table for an explorative conversation with Caroline discussing her heritage, accomplishments and pursuits, along with acknowledgement of privilege, self-expectation and thoughts on contemporary issues, connecting the past with the present.
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Theme Music: Bryce Vine
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"The massive challenges that Tommy has faced in life have been no match for his soaring talent and indomitable spirit. If he had lady parts, my search would be over." Jim Carrey, comedian and actor
In preparing for this episode with Tommy Davidson, I read Tommy's memoir, Living in Color: What's Funny About Me, which recounts his personal triumphs having been abandoned as an infant, adopted and raised by a Caucasian family in Washington D.C. during the Civil Rights Movement, his sustainability in Hollywood and his experience with race in this country.
I met Tommy some thirty years ago in NYC and in the years since, I'd run into Tommy here and there in Los Angeles. He was always warm and made me feel like he and I had a special bond. I think aside from his incredible ability to make people laugh, being kind is just a natural for him. What I didn't know was Tommy's life story and all I can say is you can't read his book and not come away with a profound appreciation for the gift that Tommy is to all of us.
A true showman from a young age, Tommy Davidson’s exceptional range – from stand-up comedy and acting to versatile music accomplishments – have earned him a reputation as an extraordinary performer. Best known as one of the stars of the hit television show In Living Color, his visibility allowed him to become a household name known for his innovative talent.
Join me, your host Brad Johnson, at the corner table for an intimate conversation with Tommy Davidson that reveals the human dimensions of the man behind the name.
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"In Miami, all roads lead to Craig." Virgil Abloh, fashion designer, artistic director of Louis Vuitton's menswear
No one of our generation has played a more influential role in defining, redefining and shaping the culture in Miami than Craig Robins. Craig is a visionary in the truest sense of the word, nothing short of brilliant. However, it was his unpretentious personal warmth and willingness to engage with this unknown restaurateur in the 80s that established our connection, one that has endured through his astronomical rise over the past four decades.
As the CEO and President of Dacra, the real estate development company he founded in 1987, Robins focuses on developing creative communities that integrate art, design and architecture to accelerate asset value creation and enrich urban life. Dacra has spearheaded some of the most successful and transformative commercial, residential and mixed-use projects in Miami’s history, including South Beach, the Lincoln Road area, Allison Island and the Miami Design District, an 18-square block neighborhood dedicated to fashion, design and art that incorporates the work of emerging and established architects, public art, Michelin restaurants and stores by the world’s most significant luxury brands.
In 2005, the neighborhood’s rapid renewal inspired the creation of Design Miami/ (Jun) in Basel, Switzerland and subsequently Design Miami/ Basel (Dec) in Miami, design fairs that have evolved into the world’s premier global forum for collectible design. Robins is the Chairman of the show, which he owns in partnership with MCH Swiss Exhibition, the producers of Art Basel.
Join me, your host Brad Johnson, and Craig as we discuss his family life growing up, how a year studying abroad in Spain broadened Craig's view of urban design and inspired his citizen-of-the-world perspective. We learn about the three mentors in his career, the importance of historical buildings in preserving and reflecting culture, and how Craig's love of art, design, architecture and sense of community melded into his business philosophy and storied journey.
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So why does what we eat matter? A growing body of science in the field of cognitive nutrition shows that the “food-brain connection is actually one of the most powerful drivers of our overall well-being. What we eat matters not only for our physical health but for our cognitive and mental health, affecting our risk of anxiety and depression. The science is clear: we can eat our way to better brain health,” says Arianna Huffington, Founder of the The Huffington Post and CEO of Thrive Global.
Our guest, Tracye McQuirter, is a transformative leader in the field of plant-based nutrition and black women’s health, and has been helping people go vegan for more than 30 years. She is the founder and CEO of 10 Million Black Vegan Women, a public health intervention to help one million black women go vegan each year for the next ten years.
Based in Washington, DC, McQuirter is the author of Ageless Vegan and By Any Greens Necessary, the first vegan diet book for black women, as well as the creator of the first free African American Vegan Starter Guide. The New York Times cited her work as a key factor driving the rise in veganism among African Americans, who are the fastest growing vegan demographic. Tracye has a Master’s degree in Public Health Nutrition from New York University.
In this episode, host Brad Johnsonexplores with Tracye some fundamental questions about veganism such as the difference between vegan and plant-based, the benefits of veganism not just for self but for the planet, and the events that sparked her path to veganism. Tracye elaborates on the grace and compassion necessary to give yourself in the process of eating more vegan understanding that it's not a sprint, it's your personal journey, but that every vegan meal counts. We also learn about the program Tracye founded to support black women who want to learn more about veganism and move in that direction. Join us at the corner table!
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"With the recent stress of the environment and the virus, there's a great deal of hopelessness and a sense of a lot of insecurity around the future," says Sally Greig, our guest this week. Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. It is a part of physical well-being.
Sally is a psychotherapist and clinical social worker providing psychotherapy for adults and children. Her primary focus and specialty is treating and diagnosing symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and PTSD. Her clientele is diverse, multicultural and from various ethnic communities.
Born in Georgia, Sally moved to Los Angeles as a teenager. She received her Bachelor's degree from California State University and graduate degree from USC with clinical training and internships at USC and UCLA. Sally and her husband, Dr. Lloyd Greig, are avid art collectors and their philanthropic endeavors and willingness to devote their time to issues affecting the community are well known.
Join host, Brad Johnsonand Sally as they discuss mental health and its importance at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. With the alarming rise in child suicide rates, Sally explains the contributing factors, the trauma children experience, as well as how to watch for warning signs, and the importance of extra-curricular activities that give children a sense of joy. Sally also discusses why men can be reluctant to therapy and how practicing mindfulness, staying present and not futurizing negative outcomes help alleviate stress. Learn about one of Sally's other talents, her background vocals, specifically "gibberish vocals', on Lionel Richie's good time anthem,All Night Long (All Night). Join us at the corner table!
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In honor of Black Music Appreciation Month and singer, songwriter Phyllis Hyman, our guest is Glenda Gracia, the executrix for The Estate of Phyllis Hyman and the former founding Executive Director of the Black Music Association responsible, along with other music execs, for lobbying then President Jimmy Carter to launch the perennial celebration of Black Music Month and host an inaugural celebration on the White House lawn in June, 1979.
As one of the people who knew her best, Glenda managed the uber-talented singer with the impeccable and distinguishable voice, Phyllis Hyman from 1985 until her untimely passing in June, 1995. Glenda had a unique relationship with Phyllis who felt like she was always struggling to have her voice heard. "Phyllis was one of the most extraordinarily bright people that I know. I'm gonna say she was genius. She had very significant ideas about the way she wanted to do things and who she wanted to be." says Glenda "I wanted to always honor that."
Today, Glenda continues to uplift Phyllis' legacy. In 2021, a little over four decades from the launch of Phyllis Hyman, the Old Friend: The Deluxe Collection 1976 - 1998, a nine-disc box set that rounds up all of Hyman’s studio albums cut across the Buddah, Arista and PIR labels, was released.
Join host, Brad Johnson and Glenda as they reminisce about their personal experiences with Phyllis (including track interludes) who was a frequent visitor to Brad's late father, Howard's NYC's Upper West Side restaurant, The Cellar. Glenda, an accomplished business woman, describes how she became Phyllis' manager and her shared experiences with the complex and troubled artist. We also hear about Glenda's deep dedication to personal transformation through the study of mysticism and sacred teachings on her way to a certification as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, learning that while paths are many – truth is one. Join us at the corner table!
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One Mother’s Day, Yvonne Durant's life took an interesting turn while dining with her twin sister, Yvette, at the popular restaurant, The Cellar, on NYC's Upper West Side. "My eyes started to wander across the room to the front of the entrance. When a flash of orange [jumpsuit] caught my eye. I remember thinking Harry Krishna and going back to my salad. I think Yvette whispered 'Miles Davis just came in.'" recalls Yvonne. What ensued was romantic, frantic, and unforgettable.
In her audio memoir,Quite the Contrary, On Life, Work, and Loving Miles Davis, Yvonne vividly portrays a unique coming-of-age story as a trail-blazing career woman who was determined to design her course and succeed on her terms while maintaining her sanity in life, work, and love including an intimate account of her love affair with jazz legend, Miles Davis. It’s a rare glimpse into the life of That Girl or Mary Tyler Moore from an African-American perspective.
Yvonne was one of the few Black women writing ads for major brands in the ‘70s and ‘80s, beginning her career in New York City. Ultimately, she won a position at a global ad agency in Milan, Italy. While her career was exciting, it was a challenge to be self-defining in a Mad Men world that had little experience with or respect for Black experience.
Join host, Brad Johnson and long-time friend, Yvonne, as they recall the shared experience of NYC's Upper West Side in the 80's, Yvonne's interest and expertise in etiquette, her pioneering career journey as a copywriter and Audible editor including her experience in Milan, Italy. Yvonne provides an insightful look into her relationship with Miles that provides a peek into what it's like dating someone so creatively gifted and a celebrity as well as the moments that made it so special. Join us at the corner table!
Play Audio Book Trailer Photo Credit: Audible Originals, LLC
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Making plant-based dishes fun and indulgent while honoring Southern foodways through the lens of her beloved Virginia childhood memories, Chef Shenarri Freeman, aka “Shenarri Greens,” is Executive Chef of Cadence, a plant-based restaurant with Southern soul in New York’s East Village. Chef Shenarri, a 2022 James Beard Award nominee - Emerging Chef, fully embraced veganism in 2017 as a means of putting her health first and taking control of her well-being. The result was a dramatic physical and mental transformation.
At Cadence, her Southern Fried Lasagna salutes the fact that this Italian dish is a staple in many Black households, including her family’s while growing up, as it is a shortcut to cooking during long work weeks. Chef Shenarri’s Palm Cakes are a love letter to the salmon cakes her mother served for breakfast, and her Smoked Grits are an affectionate nod to her grandmother, nicknamed the “Queen of Grits.” In fact, Chef Shenarri’s earliest memories are of sitting in her grandma’s lap and snapping pea pods while her grandma did her hair.
Cadence is part of Overthrow Hospitality, a mission-driven, plant-based restaurant and bar group founded by Ravi DeRossi, who is also Co-Founder of Death & Company, and a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Restaurateur. With its motto “Eat. Drink. Start a Revolution.,” it is reimagining drinking and dining in New York through inclusivity, sustainability and compassion.
Join host, Brad Johnson and Chef Shenarri as they discuss why this rising star adopted veganism and the health benefits. her views on plant-based meat substitutes like Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger, her determination when faced with new challenges, and Shenarri's career journey balancing her ethos with the compromises needed to helm a successful restaurant.
Photo Credit: Sen Floyd Productions
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In this episode, Brad Johnson turns over his hosting duties to guest host, James Beard nominated reporter for Eater Los Angeles, Mona Holmes, who turns the proverbial table on Brad Johnson to find out more about this career restaurateur and entrepreneur, along with his recent endeavor as podcast host of Corner Table Talk.
His career started in the mid-seventies at his father, Howard's legendary NYC Upper West Side restaurant called The Cellar and spots like the Twenty Twenty restaurant and cabaret, where he partnered with superstar songwriter, producers, Valerie Simpson, and the late Nick Ashford. Johnson also opened the New Orleans style hotspot Memphis in New York, before moving to Los Angeles in the late eighties.
Johnson made his Los Angeles debut opening the famed Roxbury in 1989 that had such an impact on club and nightlife culture, and was immortalized in the 1998 cult classic film starring Will Ferrell, A Night at the Roxbury. Following Roxbury, Brad opened Georgia in 1993 with a diverse group of partners including former Laker, Norm Nixon, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Lou Adler, Connie Stevens and model turned restaurateur, Alvin Clayton. In 2012, Brad opened Post & Beam in a historic black neighborhood in South LA that has evolved into a LA Times Gold Award-winning (2020), James Beard-nominated national finalist for Restaurant of the Year (2022).
During the pandemic, Brad launched a podcast after feeling the need to record diverse voices and their stories in an authentic way. The podcast, Corner Table Talk, is focused on Food + Drink + Culture and has featured an amazing range of guests including Ta-Nehisi Coates, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, Fab Five Freddy, and Regina King.
Johnson’s writing has been published in various publications including Oxford American (Spring Food Issue 2021: Peasant Food), James Beard Foundation, and Eater LA.
Having bussed tables, pulled out chairs for countless guests over the years, shaken many hands, struggled through slow nights, and co-hosted Oscar parties, learn about Brad and his journey into the restaurant business following in his father's footsteps, opening his first restaurant borrowing "street money" and his experience creating culturally significant and diverse restaurants.
Photo Credit: Frank Louis Photography for Ambassador Digital Magazine
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The actor, Clifton Powell has appeared in over 100 feature films and television shows with some of his most memorable roles being in major movies such as Clifton's role as Ray Charles' longtime band manager and friend, Jeff Brown, in Ray (for which he received an NAACP Image Award nomination), or as Cutty, with his cold whispering taunting of Lorenz Tate in the cult classic, Dead Presidents, or Selma, and Clifton's portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King. Once you watch Clifton Powell on the screen, you do not forget him.
Sharing the same hometown as Marvin Gaye, host Brad Johnson has known this Mayfair Northeast, Washington, DC native since the late eighties, when they crossed paths in Los Angeles at the start of Clifton's career. Over the years, in his interactions with Clifton, he's the same humble, cool, warm and engaging person he was then. That's not to say he hasn't grown with Hollywood, fatherhood, marriage, age, and life experience, we're all constantly evolving, aren't we?
Brad has been looking forward to sitting down and reconnecting with his friend, Clifton Powell. In this episode, they discuss how Clifton's career has taken him places he never would have imagined despite not having a plan, his journey into an acting career, his experience hitting rock bottom 8 years ago and how it was the best thing that happened to him. Clifton connects Dr. Martin Luther King's The Drum Major Instinct speech to life in Hollywood and the danger of fame while also sharing some thoughts about "The Slap" and his son, Clifton Powell Jr. dating Sasha Obama. Join us at Corner Table Talk!
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On the way to Cleveland, Ohio to continue earning his chemistry and physics degree after his university in Senegal shut down due to student strikes, a young Pierre Thiam was waylaid in New York City having been robbed of his father's savings within one week of arriving. His introduction into New York City's restaurant world, borne out of necessity for survival and to avoid sharing the unfortunate news with his father, was where he found his calling.
Today, Chef Pierre Thiam is a celebrated chef, restaurateur, award-winning cookbook author, lecturer, and entrepreneur. Born and raised in Senegal, he is known for his innovative cooking style, modern and eclectic, yet rooted in the rich culinary traditions of West Africa. He is the chef and owner of critically acclaimed Harlem restaurant, Teranga, which serves fast-casual West African fare directly sourced from farmers in the region. Recently, he moved to the Bay Area to raise his family.
Pierre is the author of three cookbooks including, The Fonio Cookbook, released in October 2019. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his cooking and advocacy.
His company Yolélé advocates for smallholder farmers in the Sahel by opening new markets for crops grown in Africa. The company’s signature product, Yolélé Fonio, a resilient, restorative and nutritious ancient grain, is found in Whole Foods, Target, Amazon, and other retailers across America.
Chef Pierre and host Brad Johnson explore a variety of subjects including his journey through the restaurant ranks, the rise in popularity of West African food, his mission to bring the ancient miracle grain, fonio, to America and beyond, and how soul food reminded him of home with its rich flavors, an example of how the culture and food of Africa migrated to the Caribbean and America hundreds of years ago and survives today. We learn why Senegalese President Léopold Sédar Senghor was a hero for Pierre and his belief in "new humanism", which guided his actions when the pandemic struck. Join us at Corner Table Talk!
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Adam Platt, one of America's most beloved food critics, has been the chief food critic for New York Magazine since 2000. The son of a career US diplomat posted to Taiwan, Hong Kong and elsewhere, Adam and his hungry brothers (including actor Oliver Platt) grew up devouring dim sum in Hong Kong, giant platters of Peking duck in Beijing, fresh-baked croissants in Paris and pierogi on the snowy streets of Moscow. Mr. Platt is a graduate of the American School in Japan, Columbia University School of Journalism, and Georgetown School of Foreign Service.
During the course of his career in the magazine business, Mr. Platt has contributed to many publications including Esquire, Condé Nast Traveler and The New Yorker. His writing has been nominated for various awards and he was the recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award for his restaurant reviews in 2009.
Published in 2019, Mr. Platt's memoir, The Book of Eating, Adventures in Professional Gluttony, is a self-deprecating, wildly hilarious and irreverent memoir of a globe-trotting life lived meal-to-meal. Highly recommended!
Join Adam and host, Brad Johnson, for an entertaining conversation around Adam's unusual upbringing traveling and living internationally, his family's embrace of restaurants as a window into culture, and where the term "scowling boiling owl" originated. Sharing his journalistic style and role of the food critic today in a digital world, Mr. Platt provides insights into his profession and the state of the restaurant industry. Join us at the corner table for a fun account of a life well traveled, well fed, and well lived. Photo credit: Deborah Feingold
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Hailing from a family of restaurateurs, Cyrus Batchan recently opened Camphor, a French-Indian inspired neighborhood restaurant in the downtown LA Arts District. As the founder of No.8 Hospitality, Cyrus has conceived and operated several nightlife concepts and restaurants including: Lock & Key and Nightshade in Los Angeles; Larrea in Las Vegas; and Skylight Nha Trang and East West Brewing Company in Vietnam.
Nightshade, now replaced by Camphor in the same location, collected impressive accolades such as ‘Best New Restaurant’, ‘World’s Best Restaurants” and ‘Best Bites/Dishes’ from Robb Report, Eater, Food & Wine, and GQ, among others.
In November, 2021, an LA Weekly article reported that “In the last 18 months, Koreatown Lock & Key bar owner Cyrus Batchan has endured mandatory closures and re-openings, multiple fires and robberies. He’s come face to face with endless insurance company battles as well as the vandals that ransacked and stole everything out of his beloved neighborhood bar including the light fixtures. Still, he says 'the universe is on his side'."
Intrigued by his optimism, international footprint and resilience, host Brad Johnson sits down with Cyrus to learn more about his background, inspiration and experience as a restaurateur. Sharing the same occupational DNA, Cyrus and Brad expand upon the unique yet necessary traits of a successful restaurateur and the meaning of hospitality. Join us at the corner table for a journey into the mind of a restaurateur!
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Franklin Sirmans, the Director of the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) advocates that art can significantly contribute to personal and societal wellness. Located on Miami's beautiful Biscayne Bay, PAMM's mission is to promote artistic expression and the exchange of ideas advancing public knowledge and appreciation of art, architecture, design, reflecting the diverse community of its pivotal geographic location at the crossroads of the Americas. Through a Miami lens, the museum aspires to be the very best at presenting art from Latin America and the Caribbean, modern and contemporary, inclusive of the African diaspora.
Franklin started his career writing for hip-hop oriented magazines before his early life experiences led him to the art world as a career. Since joining PAMM in 2015, Franklin has overseen the acquisition of more than a thousand works of art and pursued his vision of PAMM as “the people’s museum.” Prior to his appointment, he was the department head and curator of contemporary art at Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) from 2010 until 2015.
Join Franklin and host, Brad Johnson, for an intriguing and expansive conversation around the curation, ambassadorial and fundraising role of a museum director as well as the uniqueness created by PAMM's location in Miami. Hear Franklin's view of Jean-Michel Basquiat's works posthumous rise in popularity and value as well as other exhibits that broaden our views and experiences. Throughout the conversation, he articulates how art plays a wellness role in our lives including personal development, community building and inclusion in a global conversation. Join us at the corner table for a fascinating journey into the art world!
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Adam Platt, one of America's most beloved food critics, has been the chief food critic for New York magazine since 2000. The son of a career US diplomat posted to Taiwan, Hong Kong and elsewhere, Adam and his hungry brothers (including actor Oliver Platt) grew up devouring dim sum in Hong Kong, giant platters of Peking duck in Beijing, fresh-baked croissants in Paris and pierogi on the snowy streets of Moscow. Mr. Platt is a graduate of the American School in Japan, Columbia University’s School of Journalism, and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service.
During the course of his career in the magazine business, Mr. Platt has contributed to many publications including Esquire, Conde Nast Traveler and The New Yorker. His writing has been nominated for various awards and he was the recipient of the James Beard Award for his restaurant reviews in 2009.
Published in 2019, Mr. Platt's memoir, The Book of Eating, Adventures in Professional Gluttony, is a self-deprecating, wildly hilarious and irreverent memoir of a globe-trotting life lived meal-to-meal. Highly recommended!
Join Adam and host, Brad Johnson, for an entertaining conversation around Adam's unusual upbringing traveling and living internationally, his family's embrace of restaurants as a window into culture, and where the term "scowling boiling owl" originated. Sharing his journalistic style and role of the food critic today in a digital world, Mr. Platt provides insights into his profession and the state of the restaurant industry. Join us at the corner table for a fun account of a life well traveled, well fed, and well lived.
Photo credit: Deborah Feingold
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Bryant Terry is a James Beard Award-winning food activist, chef, educator and the author renowned for his efforts to create a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food system. "A large part of my mission...is to move Afro-diasporic food focus from the margins closer to the center of our collective culinary consciousness and to put its ingredients, cooking techniques, and flavor profiles into wider circulation," says Bryant.
Bryant is currently the chef-in-residence at the Museum of the African Diaspora in San Francisco, where he creates programming that celebrates the intersection of food, farming, health, activism, art, culture, and the African Diaspora. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Washington Post and on CBS This Morning and on NPR's All Things Considered. San Francisco Magazine included Bryant among the 11 Smartest People in the Bay Area Food Scene and Fast Company named him one of 9 People Who Are Changing the Future of Food.
Join Bryant and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss his grandparents' agrarian roots and pride in their cultural food, as well as where he first learned about veganism and food activism. Learn the significance of the Sankofa bird and Bryant's quest to explore Black foodways around the world through divergent voices in Bryant's book, Black Food. We also hear his views on food justice and empowering people in the community to be a part of the solution as well as the importance of intergenerational communication passing on best practices. Join us at the corner table!
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Earning the trust and respect of NBA greats such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant to create award-winning iconic photos is only part of what Andrew Bernstein does. As the longest tenured NBA League photographer, he has covered 40 NBA Finals and 38 All-Star Games as the senior NBA photographer and is currently the official photographer for the LA Lakers, LA Clippers, LA Kings and LA Sparks.
In 2018, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Curt Gowdy Award recipient collaborated with five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant on the worldwide bestselling book “The Mamba Mentality: How I Play,” a unique look at Bryant’s 20-year career through Andy’s lens. Previous books include “NBA Hoop Shots: Classic Moments From a Super Era” published in 1996 and “Journey To The Ring” co-authored with Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson in 2010.
In addition to his photography, the warm and affable Andy hosts a weekly podcast, "Legends of Sports", discussing life behind the scenes with some of the biggest names in the world of sports. Join Andy and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss how he developed as a photographer dedicated to honing his craft, his notable career and how he married two passions to capture iconic moments in time. Andy shares stories with some of the greats and the mutual respect built over a decades long career including his special relationship with LA Laker Kobe Bryant collaborating on his best-selling book.
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This episode originally aired on January 20, 2022, a few days before the tragic death of Regina’s son, Ian Alexander, Jr. Out of respect for Regina, Ian Sr. and their family, we stopped featuring and unpublished the episode upon learning the news. This is the re-release of the episode.
With a desire to create art and be involved with stories that speak to her, the talented Regina King has a career spanning decades, both in front of and, more recently, behind the camera. Having earned 109 nominations, 59 wins and counting, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe and 4 Emmy Awards, Regina is in demand and making history. In 2019, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Regina has had many memorable feature film roles such as Cuba Gooding Jr.’s wife ‘Marci’ in the blockbuster film Jerry Maguire, as well as How Stella Got Her Groove Back with Angela Bassett, the hit action thriller Enemy of the State opposite Will Smith, and Boyz N the Hood written and directed by the late John Singleton. For Regina's performance in Barry Jenkins' screenplay adaptation of James Baldwin's If Beale Street Could Talk, she won an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. She also had an Emmy Award-winning role in the HBO series, Watchmen. Regina's current project is portraying Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to Congress (1968) in the feature Shirley.
Over the past few years, Regina has stepped behind the camera directing episodes of critically acclaimed television series such as NBC’s award-winning THIS IS US, ABC’s Scandal, and HBO's Insecure among others. With her directorial feature film debut, One Night in Miami, based on the screenplay from Kemp Powers, Regina made history being the first black female director to debut a film at the 77th Annual Venice International Film Festival. Join Regina and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss her approach to work and the connection the audience feels with the realness she brings to her characters, the recent transition to directing, and her new role as Shirley Chisholm. Regina walks us through her experience directing One Night in Miami from first reading the script to connecting with the families of the four icons in the film. With less than 40 hours to prepare, we learn the story behind her giving the opening monologue for the 2021 Academy Awards show against the backdrop of the previous year. Join us!
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The beachfront resort, Bruce’s Beach, run for and by Black residents of the community, located in Manhattan Beach, was one of the first enclaves of Black leisure in the Los Angeles area during the Jim Crow era. Willa and Charles Bruce bought the land in 1912 and despite harassment and violence from white neighbors, it thrived until the 1920s when the city council used eminent domain to seize the property for use as a park. The land sat unused for years until it was transferred to the state in 1948, then the county, and along the way turned into a park. Roughly a hundred years later in 2021, and worth an estimated $75 million, the descendants of the Bruces were awarded their land back through state legislation unanimously approved, a milestone in the fight for reparations and the return of land stolen from people of color.
Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson, an independent historian, heritage conservationist, third generation Californian, and a 2021–22 Getty Conservation Institute Scholar in Residence based in Los Angeles, shares some of her research on Bruce’s Beach included in her most recent book, Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era (University of Nebraska Press). The book was awarded the 2020 Miriam Matthews Ethnic History Award by the Los Angeles City Historical Society for its exceptional contributions to the greater understanding and awareness of regional history. Her work on Bruce’s Beach, has been foundational to a current public policy initiative to rectify 1920s racist actions which chased Black people out of the area. Living the California Dream…has been optioned by actors Brad Pitt and Viola Davis’ production companies in a joint venture with Amazon to produce a scripted TV series.
Join Dr. Jefferson and host Brad Johnson as they discuss how African Americans pioneered the nation’s “frontier of leisure” in Southern California in conjunction with their growing population in the region during the nation’s Jim Crow era (1900s to 1960s); the significance of leisure in pursuing the full range of human experience, fulfillment and dignity; and the meaning of spatial justice. We also hear from Dr. Jefferson about some of her other projects including Santa Monica’s Belmar History + Art and the Angels Walk LA Central Avenue heritage trail which both reconstruct and reinsert the historical African American experience in the regional landscape and American identity; upcoming exhibits; and on-going field trip programming for underserved youth. Join us at the corner table!
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After 27 years as the chief editor of Essence magazine and the visionary credited with building the brand, Susan Taylor left publishing to devote her life to building an organization that is devoted to breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty among African Americans. A community-mobilization movement, National CARES Mentoring Movement is the only organization dedicated to providing mentoring, healing and wellness services on a national scale for Black children. Susan is the best-selling author of four books, and editor of eight others, a fourth-generation entrepreneur, who grew up in Harlem working in her father’s clothing store. At 24, she founded her own cosmetics company, which led to the beauty editor’s position at Essence, the publication she would go on to shape as chief editor into a world-renown brand with more than 8 million readers. Ms. Taylor authored the magazine's most popular column, In the Spirit—the first in a mainstream U.S. magazine to champion spiritual growth as a pathway to total well-being and a meaningful life. Ms. Taylor is a recipient of more than a dozen honorary doctorates and hundreds of awards, including presidential citations, Image Awards and the NAACP President's Award for Visionary Leadership. She is the only African American woman to be recognized by the Magazine Publishers of America’s Henry Johnson Fisher Award—the industry's highest honor—and the first to be inducted into the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame. In this episode, Susan and host, Brad Johnson, having known each other since Brad was 15 years old, share an intimate conversation about life philosophy, the benefits of self-care and taking time to be still, the confluence of experiences and self-confidence that led to becoming Editor-In- Chief of Essence, the importance of unity and community organization, the value of elder’s wisdom, the unprecedented rise in black child suicide, and her highest calling to provide wellness, mentoring and opportunity to today’s vulnerable youth through her organization.
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A long-time friend of Ambassador Shabazz (eldest daughter of Malcolm X), Dr. Julius Garvey is the only surviving son of the founder of the United Negro Improvement Association, the Honorable Marcus Garvey, and activist and journalist, Amy Jacques Garvey. In this episode, he shares insights with host, Brad Johnson and the Ambassador on topics including his view on the current world order being out of balance, spirituality being replaced by scientific materialism, the Euro-centric distortion of history, African civilization being the starting point of all civilizations, and the concept of a return to social entrepreneurship as part of an African mindset.
Born in Jamaica in 1933, Dr. Garvey attended school in Jamaica before attending McGill University earning his undergraduate and medical degrees. As a highly accomplished surgeon and medical professor, Dr. Garvey has held a number of positions in his career including teaching at Columbia University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, as well as holding several leadership positions including Chief of Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at Queens Hospital Center and Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. Dr. Garvey has lectured in Agroecology in South Africa, Ghana, Namibia, Jamaica and Trinidad, while also lecturing annually at the Global Health Catalyst Summit since 2016.
Continuing to honor his father's legacy, Dr. Garvey lectures on his legendary father's life and teachings known as Garveyism. Marcus Garvey was a human and civil rights hero deported to Jamaica having been falsely charged and convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud when his civil rights activities in the United States caught the attention of FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover. Known as the "Father of Black Nationalism", he was heavily involved in promoting the Universal Negro Improvement Association formed in 1914 that stressed pride among people of African descent across the globe, excellence of character, and racial unity among African-Americans.
Currently, there is a petition drive to exonerate The Honorable Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Sr. posthumously. One hundred thousand signatures (100,000) are required during the month of February 2022 to obligate President Biden to address the request. For more information, visit JusticeforGarvey.org
Join us at the corner table for a fascinating conversation!
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In this episode, the highly accomplished Paula Williams Madison, converses with host, Brad Johnson, on topics including the evolution of fake news from the perspective of an award-winning journalist and media executive, her position on "Defund the Police" having formerly served as VP of the Los Angeles Police Commission, and tracing her ancestral roots documented in both a book and documentary film.
As an African-American with Jamaican and Asian ancestry, Paula grew up in Harlem, attended Vassar, became a powerhouse media executive who spent 22 years at NBC Universal (NBCU), and is on the Board of her family's investment company that is the majority shareholder in The Africa Channel, a cable and streaming channel focusing on the lands, people, culture, and history of Africa, seen in the USA, Caribbean, Canada and South America. Paula currently serves as Chairman and CEO of Madison Media Management LLC and 88 Madison Media Works Inc.
Named one of the "75 Most Powerful African Americans in Corporate America" by Black Enterprise Magazine and included in the Hollywood Reporter's "Power 100", Paula has also been recognized as one of the "Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business" and awarded the Historymaker Award by the Chinese American Museum in Los Angeles.
As author and executive producer, respectively, of the book and documentary Finding Samuel Lowe, Paula tells the story of her journey to connect with her Chinese grandfather's descendants in China. Additionally, she serves on several boards including the Black Filmmaker Foundation, the Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles, The Advisory Board of Advanced Journalism Studies - Morgan State, and The Advisory Board of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, the creator of the annual Golden Globe Awards and donates millions to over 70 entertainment-related charities, as well as funding scholarships and other programs for future film and television professionals.
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With her smooth, velvety voice, the R&B/Soul singer Meli'sa Morgan is known for her string of urban contemporary hits starting in the mid–1980s through the mid–1990s. Meli'sa began her singing career at nine years old as a member of the Starlets of Corona gospel choir. She went on to study music and theatre at The Juilliard School Performing Arts Conservatory in New York. Meli'sa built a career including collaborations with other performers such as Najee, Kashif, Freddie Jackson, Valerie Simpson, and Mary J. Blige as well as launching a solo career.
Meli'sa gained experience as a backup singer with Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, and Melba Moore before releasing her solo debut album Do Me Baby (1985) on Capitol Records. The title track, her cover of the Prince original, topped R&B charts for three weeks. Meli'sa's most notable songs include "Do You Still Love Me" (1986), "Fool's Paradise" (1986) and "Still in Love With You" (1992). To date, she has two Top 20 Albums and four Top 5 hits.
Still performing, songwriting and acting, Meli'sa's current work includes her role as Nana in the movie, Footprints of an Angel, as well as releasing the accompanying title track. Meli'sa's next live performance is Valentine's Day at the Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club with saxophonist, Marion Meadows.
Tune in to hear Meli'sa and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss the building blocks of Meli'sa's career, the experience she gained performing at The Cellar in the early days, Brad's father's popular live venue on NYC's Upper West Side, including the lessons learned and why Brad temporarily fired her. We learn about her experience with the music industry's less than transparent accounting and her advice. On a personal note, hear Meli'sa's life philosophy, how she enjoys spending time between her homes in Queens, NY, South Carolina, and Aruba, and her engagement to the man who won her heart. Join us!
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Inspired by his mother's missionary travels and a college professor's dare, Nathan Fluellen set out to travel the world in 2004 and thus far, has visited 60 countries and six continents. In his latest series with the Africa Channel, Escape With Nate: In Search of Black Utopia, Nate sits down with today’s top Black travel influencers and celebrities and explores how travel opens the doors for people of color.
Fearless and with a big appetite for adventure and the exploration of other cultures, Nate started out filming his adventure travel to share in his video blog and his audience blossomed. Evangelizing the enormous economic, social and cultural benefits of travel, Nate landed as creator, executive producer and host of the Telly Award winning series, Africa Channel's World Wide Nate, focusing on adventure, food, and culture. Running with the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, swimming with jellyfish in Palau, defying gravity while descending Conveyor Quay Tower in Montreal, Canada, and hanging out with Koala bears in South Australia, Nate inspires and educates others with a desire to experience the world.
As a fitness enthusiast, Nate does boxing training, yoga, surfing and rock climbing and includes eating a balanced meal as a core principle of fitness. His clean diet includes foods high in protein and low in carbs. He’s incorporated this lifestyle into his travels, sharing his Train Hard Thursday workouts and cheat day meals on Fried Chicken Friday with his social media followers.
Listen in as Nate and host, Brad Johnson, discuss Nate's philosophy as a citizen of the world, a few of his most unique experiences around the world including participating in the Masai Olympics, his inspiration to travel the world with his Mom and encouraging others to do the same with their parents. Bringing travel adventures to his friends and community, we hear about the search for a black utopia and what that means to different people, how African Americans are viewed by other black people around the world, the hospitality extended and desire to be in their presence.
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Street-art and hip-hop pioneer, Fred Brathwaite, aka Fab 5 Freddy, is a cultural influencer whose career encompasses graffiti artist, rapper, an internationally exhibited painter, video and TV-commercial director, screenwriter, film scorer, actor, lecturer, television personality, and creative director of museum exhibits.
Along with friends and contemporaries, Futura 2000, Keith Haring, Lee Quinones and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Fab was a key player in New York’s 1980’s downtown cultural scene instrumental in elevating graffiti into a disruptive movement that would eventually give birth to street art. In addition to his visual art, Fab directed numerous hip-hop music videos and he was the original host of YO! MTV Raps, the groundbreaking TV show that accelerated hip-hop culture globally.
In 2019, a feature length documentary Fab produced and directed for Netflix titled, “Grass is Greener” was released examining the history of cannabis, music and criminal justice in America. Inspired by the documentary, he launched a social equity cannabis brand in 2021 called, B Noble, named for Bernard Noble, who was arrested in Louisiana and sentenced to 13 years of hard labor for possessing the equivalent of two joints.
In this episode, Fab and host, Brad Johnson, discuss his childhood memories and the influence of his father and bebop jazz musician friends’ civil rights conversations, his exposure to fine art, and his quest to find a way for his ideas in the music and art worlds. Discussing more recent activity, we learn about Fab’s cannabis brand, B Noble as well as his role as Creative Director of Contact High: A Visual History of Hip-Hop at Museum of Pop Culture (MoPop).
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With affordable housing reaching crisis levels, Ken Lombard, having led numerous successful real estate investments and business ventures that fostered economic improvement and urban renewal in underserved minority communities throughout the United States, is on a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative solutions that start with quality affordable housing.
In November, 2021, Ken joined Bridge Housing as CEO. Bridge is a leading nonprofit developer, owner and manager of affordable housing in California, Oregon and Washington. With his previous C-suite positions in organizations including Seritage Growth Properties (NYSE: SRG), MacFarlane Partners, Capri Capital Partners and Capri Urban Fund, Starbucks, and Johnson Development Corporation with partner Earvin "Magic" Johnson that brought entertainment complexes, coffee houses, restaurants, and retail centers to minority communities in more than 65 cities and 17 states, Ken is a well-respected businessman and visionary who believes passionately in inclusion and providing opportunity to others.
Listen in as Ken and host, Brad Johnson, discuss Ken's mantra of not accepting the status quo and contemplating the possibilities, speaking up when you see inequities or lack of representation, being a good listener absorbing information, and using finesse once you're invited into circles of influence and capital. Throughout his career, he is often the only African American in the room and we learn where his self-confidence, family history of uplifting others and civil rights activism played into his career as well as where his interest in real estate began. From a broader perspective, Ken is an advocate of African American entrepreneurship and ownership, offering his vision of his responsibility and others who have achieved success to reach back and provide opportunities to entrepreneurs and businesses in the African American community while, in return, requiring their commitment to hard work and integrity.
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Philly-raised and Harlem-based, Earl Monroe is a Hall of Fame basketball player voted one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history along with being 1968 Rookie of the Year, a four-time NBA All-Star and a member of the 1973 New York Knickerbocker Championship team. After a successful career in basketball, Earl spent more than 30 years in the entertainment business, producing off-Broadway musicals and running his own record and publishing company. He won the coveted Peabody Award for producing the critically acclaimed documentary "Black Magic", which helped launch the ESPN series, “30 for 30,” and the ESPN 10-part series, “Basketball, A Love Story”. As a restaurateur, Earl was involved with two restaurants, The Commissary and The Earl Monroe Restaurant/River Room. With two honorary Doctorates, Earl is a frequent motivational guest lecturer, and authored two books, his autobiography, “Earl The Pearl, His Story,” and a self-help book, "Getting Back In The Game." He now runs Reverse Spin Entertainment Group, a entertainment, sports and consulting firm. His most recent venture is the opening of the Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball Charter School, in the Bronx, NY. In addition to the basic high school curriculum, the school is focused on the supporting roles around basketball such as operations, facilities management, broadcasting, journalism, and digital media. Join Earl and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss Earl's tremendous basketball career including his time at Winston-Salem State College, the impact of Coach Clarence 'Bighouse' Gaines, adapting to a new role when joining the NY Knicks, and the relationship he has with his teammates to this day. We learn about Earl growing up in Philly where his grandmother ran a speakeasy next door to his house, and the violent incident he witnessed that caused him to shun violence his whole life. With giving back as one of his guiding lights, Earl discusses his namesake basketball school including the opportunities, support and people involved that are making a difference.
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Chef Joe Randall, a national treasure and master craftsman with over 55 years of experience, is referred to as the "Dean of Southern Cooking". He and his close friends and colleagues, Edna Lewis, Leah Chase, Patrick Clark, along with the late Hercules, George Washington's enslaved cook, were honored at the Smithsonian Institute of National Museum of African American History and Culture, where his cookbook "A Taste of Heritage: the New African American Cuisine" and his 40-year-old colander are on permanent display.
In the late 90s, he adopted his signature uniform trimmed with handwoven Kente cloth from Ghana, as a show of pride in his rich heritage. Chef Joe has been a faculty member of four universities sharing his talent, experience and enthusiasm teaching students the craft and systems of restaurant excellence. Eventually, he created the "Chef Joe Randall Cooking School" where he preached the gospel of authentic southern cuisine to two generations during its 16-year tenure. He has multiple honors, founded the Edna Lewis Foundation to commemorate her contributions, and was a founding board member of Southern Food Alliance.
As a student and teacher of hospitality all his life, Chef Joe, and host, Brad Johnson, walk through some of the unique history and Chef's attempts to elevate the visibility of African Americans in the culinary industry. We hear first-hand knowledge of cooking with the legendary Edna Lewis, Leah Chase and Patrick Clark, all trailblazers in the culinary world. Chef Joe also explains the complicated relationship that African Americans have with the hospitality industry, being pigeonholed into cooking "Soul Food", and the impact of not being recognized as contributors to American cuisine over the years. He implores young people seeking a culinary career to go the extra mile in order to know your craft and rise in the industry. Recognizing that opportunities are opening up, we applaud this trailblazing, warm, kind spirit so generous with his wisdom and guidance, fighting for his community and highlighting other's success over a lifetime.
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The esteemed James Beard Foundation (JBF) navigated shifting tides over the past few years as restaurant culture, including toxic work environments and reprehensible behavior, came into sharper focus. To their credit, ongoing calls for diversity and inclusion led to the cancellation of the annual James Beard Awards in 2020 and 2021 to allow for a period of self-examination, an internal audit, and changes to the policies and procedures of the Awards, the equivalent of the Oscars in the culinary world.
With a passion for cultural inclusiveness, Liberian-born and New York-based Dawn Padmore joined JBF as Vice President of Awards in 2021, having had extensive experience in culinary events and a decades-long history of working with the James Beard Awards. In her role, Dawn works with the volunteer committees, JBF staff, and trustees to shape the future of the Awards, including the 2022 Awards to be held in June 2022.
Prior to joining JBF, Dawn gained extensive experience as part of teams conceptualizing and producing culinary events and festivals such as the New York City Wine and Food Festival and Harlem EatUp!, an annual festival of food and culture that showcases the talents of Harlem-based and nationally acclaimed chefs and personalities. During COVID, with the festival canceled, Dawn served as producer on a one-hour televised Harlem EatUp! fundraising special on ABC7 New York.
Listen as Dawn and host, Brad Johnson, discuss the revitalized and more equitable James Beard Awards' focus, policies, categories and application process (Open Call deadline is 11/30/21). Dawn's enthusiasm is encouraging and reflects a commitment to accessibility. We also learn a bit more about this upbeat and affable woman who immigrated from Liberia during a coup d'état, the draw to New York City, her career path leading to her position with JBF, and her other talent as an accomplished, classically trained soprano who was invited to sing at the inauguration of the Republic of Liberia’s President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female African president, and performed for Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Bishop Desmond Tutu.
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Ambassador Nicole Avant, the high-level political powerhouse, former ambassador to the Bahamas, philanthropist and wife of Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, began her career in the music industry before getting involved in politics supporting the campaigns of candidates like Harold Ford, Jr. and President Barack Obama, in his run for the Senate and presidency .
Nicole grew up in Beverly Hills, the daughter of Clarence Avant, the former chairman of Motown Records and entertainment industry mogul known as "The Black Godfather", and Jacqueline Avant, former Ebony Fashion Fair model and philanthropist. With social and business skills learned from her parents, a degree in Communications, and her savvy instincts, she became the co-chair for the Obama presidential campaign in Southern California raising millions from entertainment, business and philanthropic circles.
Nicole produced the critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary, “The Black Godfather” for Netflix, directed by Reginald Hudlin, charting the exceptional and unlikely rise of her father, a rainmaker in music, film, TV, and politics. Appearances in the documentary include Bill Withers, Quincy Jones, Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, and Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, to name a few. The film was nominated for several prestigious awards including being named one of the Top 5 Documentaries of 2019 by the National Board of Review.
Most recently, Nicole joined George Clooney and a host of Hollywood A-listers to partner with the Los Angeles Unified School District to found The Roybal School of Film and Television, part of an effort to drive transformational change and access to jobs across the entertainment industry for students from underserved communities.
Listen as Nicole and host, Brad Johnson, discuss her upbringing in Beverly Hills, her mom's emphasis on education, art and history including celebrating the heroes and victories in black culture. Nicole shares the incident of adversity when she was very young that became the initial inspiration behind making "The Black Godfather." She describes her thoughts meeting the Obamas and we learn about her daily practice of positive mindfulness and paying it forward through service to others including some of her philanthropic efforts to give access to underserved youth.
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In 2015, having experienced the lack of food media coverage of South Los Angeles' emerging food scene, host Brad Johnson, the restaurateur behind Post & Beam in South LA, took a chance at getting a response and contacted Sam Sifton at the New York Times to somewhat playfully bring attention to the situation. Sam took the message to heart resulting in the article, "A Belle Epoque for African American Cooking" by Jeff Gordinier, which stated "a new generation of black chefs and cookbook authors has been reinventing, reinterpreting and reinvigorating what’s thought of as African-American food."
A child of Brooklyn and a graduate of Harvard University, Sam started his career as a freelance reporter while working as a public-school teacher in New York. Eventually he landed at the New York Times and has served in a number of leadership positions including food editor, national news editor and culture editor, and was for a number of years the newspaper's restaurant critic. He is the author of three cookbooks: "Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well"; "See You on Sunday: A Cookbook for Family and Friends"; and "The New York Times No-Recipe Recipes Cookbook." Today, Sam is an assistant managing editor at The New York Times, responsible for the coverage of culture and lifestyle, and the founding editor of New York Times Cooking.
Join us to hear how Sam and Brad, as well as their fathers, could have crossed paths many times in their lives having shared similar experiences, despite being from different backgrounds. Sam discloses where his education began for culturally diverse food, people and the ritual of gathering to share meals. We learn about the role of inclusion, truth and storytelling as he describes his thoughts on the power of the New York Times to make us better. A truth-seeker and bridge-maker, Sam's desire to welcome diversity shines through.
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In October, David Chang the ever-evolving icon-chef, media creator, and founder of Momofuku returned to the screen in the Hulu documentary series “The Next Thing You Eat,” to speak with scientists, foodies, and chefs about how the food industry is innovating to address issues of climate change, health, food scarcity, and more. He also released his second cookbook, Cooking at Home: Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying About Recipes (And Love My Microwave) written with Priya Krishna, a food reporter for The New York Times and contributor to Bon Appetit and The New Yorker among others, and the author of the best-selling cookbook, Indian-ish.
Since opening Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City in 2004, David has been honored with six James Beard Awards, including Outstanding Chef, a GQ Man of the Year Award and was included on the Time 100 list of influential people. His cookbook, Momofuku, and his memoir, Eat a Peach, are New York Times bestsellers. In 2018, David founded Majordomo Media and launched The Dave Chang Show podcast. He is also the host of two Netflix original documentary series, "Ugly Delicious", and "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner".
Join the thought-provoking conversation between David and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss David's recent move from New York to Los Angeles accompanied by a change in diet, the future of food and the independent restaurant, rethinking cultural stereotypes, and how David changed course on a failing noodle bar that propelled him to success. David and Brad go deep on cultural differences, letting your work speak for itself, the food issues we face in the world and what we should be doing to address them along with David's most recently published no-recipe cookbook and Hulu series focused on the future of food and the impact of the choices we make.
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As the World Series is upon us, Adam Katz, one of the top-tier Major League Baseball (MLB) agents, and host, Brad Johnson, sit down to talk baseball. Adam rose to prominence as an agent in the 80's and 90's representing four of the league's MVP award winners: Sammy Sosa (1998), Ken Caminiti (1996), Mo Vaughn (1995) and Willie McGee (1985). Adam joined Wasserman’s Team Sports group in 2006 and currently serves as Executive Vice President and Co-Managing Executive of Baseball.
In his almost 40 years representing over 200 players, he has finalized roughly 600 major league contracts, many of them market-setting, for players from over 15 countries. His experience across different markets is unmatched in the industry. Adam's clientele is a diverse roster of over 40 Major and Minor League baseball players, including Hanley Ramirez, Jeff Samardzija, Kenley Jansen, Kenta Maeda, Yulieski Gurriel, Billy Hamilton, Bartolo Colon, Jose Quintana, Yasmani Grandal, and Lourdes Gurriel, as well as representing Aaron Boone throughout his career as player, broadcaster, and manager of the New York Yankees. Adam is included in Forbes Sports Agents 2020 list with over $640 million in contracts and is consistently ranked as one of the top baseball agents.
Join Adam and Brad, long-time friends, as they discuss the business of being a sports agent in baseball, what it entails, the skill set that has worked for Adam, the value of mentorship in his career, and what it was like testifying to Congress about performance-enhancing drugs sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with Sammy Sosa. On a more personal note, we learn about Adam's background, values instilled in him, how he found his way into the industry, his connection to Bill Withers, and how LL Cool J allegedly once stole his date.
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JJ Johnson is a James Beard Award-winning chef, TV personality and author best known for his barrier-breaking cuisine informed by the Caribbean flavors of his upbringing. Chef JJ’s signature cooking style combines culturally relevant ingredients and classical technique with a global point of view.
At FIELDTRIP, his made-to-order rice bowl shop that debuted in 2019, Chef JJ highlights rice as a hero ingredient and showcases it in recipes sourced from around the world. FIELDTRIP’s first outpost opened in Harlem and has since grown to two additional locations including Rockefeller Center and Long Island City. As one of the only fast casual restaurants on Esquire’s “America’s Best New Restaurants” list in 2020, FIELDTRIP utilizes sustainable ingredients and ethically sourced vegetables and proteins, creating an accessible, flavorful, and diverse dining experience. The brand’s motto, "Rice is Culture,” was born out of Chef JJ’s belief that rice is the universal ingredient that connects us all and can be found at the center of the table in almost every community.
Chef JJ is a Mastercard Ambassador and a television host on Just Eats with Chef JJ available on most cable networks.
Join Chef JJ and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss the inspiration behind Fieldtrip and its menu, the process in choosing a first location in Harlem, and the blending of cultural flavors in composed bowls and its beverage program, his views on expansion plans, choosing locations and concerns as New York City fights to bring the economy back. As a voice for change, Chef, a talented writer, shares his thoughts on the article he wrote for Esquire magazine, "If You're Saying Black Lives Matter, Then Spend Your Money at Black Businesses" including how to better support the efforts of minority entrepreneurs and businesses to uplift them to expand opportunities for his generation and the next.
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Keith L. Black M.D., named one of the “21 Most Important People of the 21st Century” by Esquire Magazine, is among an elite group of neurosurgeons in the world who have performed more than 8,000 brain tumor operations. The precision of his surgical skill enables him to remove tumors that often have been considered inoperable.
Not satisfied to merely remove difficult brain tumors, Dr. Black’s greater goal is to obliterate brain cancers and find cures for debilitating neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Since founding the Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute and the Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai, Dr. Black has had many significant scientific and clinical achievements, gracing the covers of Time ("Heroes of Medicine") and Newsweek magazines in honor of his and the team's accomplishments. He has written hundreds of research articles, presented his findings at over 500 national and international meetings including invited talks at TEDMED and Google’s “Solve for X” lecture series, and received multiple patents for his novel scientific innovations.
Join the down-to-earth, humble and incredibly informative Dr. Black and host, Brad Johnson, as they dive into wide-ranging topics including advances in the fight against cancer, Alzheimer’s and dementia, living with viruses, and the use of scorpion venom in brain surgery. Hear how Dr. Black approaches medical research, what makes a “great” vs. “okay” scientist, the mystery of the brain, applying his passion and the rewards of his calling, the relationship between science and spirituality, and finding balance in his life.
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A man of many pursuits, Walt "Clyde" Frazier, the legendary NBA Hall of Famer with the distinction of being one of The Top 50 NBA Players, led the NY Knicks franchise to its only two championships (1970 and 1973). Today, as the color commentator for the Knicks on the MSG Network, he delivers solid sports analysis and well-seasoned talking points courtside while being a fan favorite for his rhyming rhetoric and trademark bold, retro fashion style.
The eldest of nine children, raised in the racially segregated Atlanta of the 1950s, Mr. Frazier learned leadership early on between helping to care for his siblings, quarterbacking his high school football team, and strong family values instilled in him. He pursued basketball after realizing there were no professional black quarterbacks. As co-captain of the Southern Illinois University basketball team, Walt led the team to victory in the 1967 NIT Championship.
Drafted 5th overall by the NY Knicks, Walt was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team during the 1967-68 season. He went on to become a 7-time NBA All-Star and posted one of the greatest performances in NBA playoff history during Game 7 of the 1970 NBA championship series, beating the LA Lakers. The game is recognized by many as the greatest game seven ever played.
Aside from sports broadcasting, Walt splits his time between NYC and St. Croix where he runs a gentleman's farm and manages several rental properties he owns. For nine years, he was a partner with Ark Restaurants in Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine restaurant . Unfortunately, the restaurant recently closed permanently due to COVID. Mr. Frazier has written eight books, with the latest focused on health and fitness, eating healthy, exercising regularly and practicing yoga. Early in his career, he formed The Walt Frazier Foundation, and has generously supported youth mentoring and education for 50 years.
Host Brad Johnson, as a native New Yorker, was a teenager and idolized Walt when he played for the Knicks. Listen as Walt and Brad discuss Walt's upbringing and early motivation to succeed, what advice his Knicks teammates shared with him as a rookie, his love of the Caribbean and a description of a typical day as a gentleman farmer. Hear how he earned the nickname "Clyde", the beginning of his love for fashion, as well as his transition from arguably being the best player in the Knicks franchise history to his life after basketball, and how he manages his life post-career.
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Ramon Hervey II, a model of resiliency and entrepreneurship, spent the last four decades journeying through multiple facets of the entertainment industry providing services in public relations, executive producing, artist management, live event production and brand consulting.
Ramon began his career in public relations gaining valuable experience working as an executive at Rogers & Cowan, one of the entertainment industry’s oldest and most prestigious public relations companies, and Motown Records, before starting his own firm, Hervey & Company. The list of those he's worked with reads like the "Who's Who" of entertainment including Bette Midler, Richard Pryor, Natalie Cole, George Benson and Herb Alpert. Hervey eventually expanded into artist management with rock n' roll icon Little Richard as his first client in the mid-80s, followed by recording star/actress (and future wife) Vanessa Williams, and multiple Grammy Award-winning songwriter/ producer and recording artist, Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, along with a host of other award-nominated and award-winning actors, musical acts, comedians, as well as world class athletes, Muhammad Ali and Bruce Jenner (aka Caitlyn Jenner).
Ever the entrepreneur, Hervey produced multiple live music events and helmed the Los Angeles-based music production/club entity, R & B LIVE productions, which he created in 1991 with partner, Bill Hammond. During the four-year span of the live club venture, Hervey produced over 160 shows featuring the industry’s most celebrated R&B, contemporary jazz, gospel and rap/hip hop artists and musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Chaka Khan, The O’Jays, The Ohio Players, and Al Jarreau.
Join Ramon and host Brad Johnson, as Ramon offers sage advice to the younger generation, gives credit to some of the ground-breaking individuals who advanced black culture to a mainstream audience, and discusses how he adapted his business plan to the changing needs of an industry. He tells the story of how he met his ex-wife, Vanessa Williams, during a turbulent time in her blossoming career. Finally, as someone who spent their entire adult life around fame, Ramon discloses his upcoming book project, titled "The Fame Game," where he uses case studies to position fame as a reward and tool, rather than the destination.
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The legendary Suzanne de Passe, Co-chair of de Passe Jones Entertainment with her business partner, Madison Jones, is an entertainment business executive and award-winning producer and writer. Raised in Harlem, the daughter of Jamaican parents, Suzanne’s upbringing was filled with strong family values and an eclectic range of experiences from private school to international travel and exposure to the arts. Her belief in herself blossomed and through a chance encounter with the iconic Berry Gordy, Suzanne began her career at Motown Records as Creative Assistant where she became instrumental in signing and developing a number of artists including: The Jackson Five, the Commodores, Teena Marie, Thelma Houston, Stephanie Mills, Rick James, and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Subsequently, Mr. Gordy promoted Suzanne to President of Motown Productions, the television and film arm of the company, where she executive produced and wrote, among others: MOTOWN 25: YESTERDAY, TODAY FOREVER followed by MOTOWN RETURNS TO THE APOLLO, both winning Primetime Emmys for Best Variety Show. Suzanne has served as Executive Producer of a number of highly acclaimed mini- series and television shows including LONESOME DOVE, THE JACKSONS: AN AMERICAN DREAM, THE TEMPTATIONS, SISTER SISTER, SMART GUY, ZENON: GIRL OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY and it’s two sequels, along with SHOWTIME AT THE APOLLO for five seasons. She was nominated for an Oscar for co-writing the screen play, LADY SINGS THE BLUES and, in addition to her two Emmy Awards, she is the recipient of a Golden Globe, 5 NAACP Image Awards, 3 Peabody Awards and a number of other awards and honors. Join Suzanne and host, Brad Johnson, as they discuss her journey from Harlem to Hitsville to Hollywood; the reverence she has for Berry Gordy and Ruth Bowen, both mentors in her career; the limo ride that changed her life; what traits she feels contributed to her success; the need to celebrate all parts of black culture on screen, the lack of diversity in institutional Hollywood, particularly the authority to greenlight; and how people are becoming their own networks for entertainment content. Join us!
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In 2020, Dawn Davis, took the reins as editor-in-chief of Bon Appétit along with Condé Nast's other food brands including Epicurious, Healthyish, and Basically, across digital, video, OTT, social and print platforms. In doing so, she made history as the first woman of color to hold this position. Acknowledged as "a book world star" by the New York Times in their coverage of the appointment, Dawn's editorial vision is directing a new chapter at the 65-year-old publication.
Each year in October, Bon Appétit celebrates the "Hot Ten", a list of America's Best New Restaurants in its Restaurant Issue. This year, under Dawn's guidance, the Restaurant Issue was redefined and is reflective of the times. The issue honors "the restaurants, people and organizations that gave us hope with a brand-new awards list, Heads of the Table." The issue celebrates the resilience, variety of food, and the people who make them run, the ones that sprang up or pivoted during the pandemic to help their communities and others in the industry who needed it most, from giving opportunities to the formerly incarcerated to feeding neighbors.
Dawn spent decades as an accomplished publisher and author, with a passion for food and culture. Her prolific publishing career at 37 Ink, a Simon & Schuster imprint, included bestselling and award-winning titles: Heads of the Colored People by Nafissa Thomas-Spires, winner of the 2019 Whiting Award; the National Book Award finalist, Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave; Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar; and several New York Times bestsellers , including Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For by Susan Rice; The Butler: A Witness to History by Wil Haygood, later becoming a major motion picture directed by Lee Daniels; The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae that helped pave the way for her tv show, Insecure; and I Can't Make This Up by Kevin Hart. Her time at HarperCollins, overseeing the Amistad imprint, resulted in publishing numerous well-known, highly acclaimed authors, including Edward P. Jones, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Known World; Attica Locke, author of Black Water Rising; and Chris Gardner, author of The Pursuit of Happyness, that also became a major motion picture starring Will Smith.
Her passion for food culture is exhibited in the first cookbook she acquired, Recipe of Memory: Five Generations of Mexican Cuisine by Mary Lau Valle and Victor M. Valle, and was nominated for two Julia Child Cookbook Awards and a James Beard Award. As an author, Dawn wrote If You Can Stand the Heat: Tales from Chefs and Restaurateurs profiling some of the most dynamic chefs of the times including Edna Lewis, Bobby Flay, Anthony Bourdain, Michael McCarthy, Patricia Williams and Linda Rodriguez.
Listen in as Dawn and host, Brad Johnson, discuss some of the featured people, stories and recipes in the October issue of Bon Appétit: The Restaurant Issue, along with a variety of other topics including: Dawn's journey that led to publishing, some of her favorite Martha's Vineyard places to visit; reflections from time spent in Nigeria; the significance of a high-profile restaurant going meatless; expanding the dialogue around African American cuisine's contribution to American cuisine; her cookbook collection; and stories about the interesting chefs she included in the book she authored. Join us!
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Preston Clark, the son of the James Beard award-winning and one of the most influential and renowned African America chefs in the culinary arts, the late Patrick Clark, is an accomplished chef and rising star in his own right. His father was the opening chef of Keith McNally's Odeon Restaurant, and later helmed McNally's Café Luxembourg and Tavern on the Green. So it did not come as any surprise that Preston would follow in his footsteps.
Brooklyn-born and the eldest of five children, Preston's upbringing was very food-centric. His parents met in culinary school and his mom, Lynette, involved the children preparing the weeknight family dinners while his dad was working in the restaurant. Sundays were special family affairs with church followed by Sunday dinners where everyone was involved in the cooking. Around the age of 10, Preston began accompanying his father to work. Through his father, who learned from his father who was a chef before him, cooking with passion and work ethic was a way of life. Sadly, when Preston was 16 years old, his father passed away.
Not to be derailed from his culinary journey, Preston graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in 2002 before working for some of the top chefs in the country including Jean Georges Vongerichten, Charlie Trotter, Marcus Samuelsson, and Michael Lomonaco. In 2011, he opened El Paseo with Sammy Hagar and Tyler Florence, that landed on the San Francisco Chronicle's "Top Ten New Restaurants 2011", "Top 100" in San Francisco lists and Preston being honored as a "Rising Star Chef", along with being a semifinalist for the James Beard Rising Star Award.
A few years after returning to New York City, with accomplishments earned, Preston landed the Executive Chef position with Mercer Street Hospitality's Lure Fishbar, a neighborhood institution in the heart of Soho, where he continues to hone his craft today as well as being responsible for the other two locations in Miami, and the recently opened Chicago location. He is known for his emphasis on bold flavors, beautiful presentation and fresh ingredients.
In this episode, Preston and host Brad Johnson discuss his parent's influence and particularly his father's culinary influence, family values and life growing up, his passion for making and sharing delicious food with people, his love of music, and thoughts about keys to success. His pedigreed culinary background opened the door to opportunity, but his ability to persevere, be disciplined, and accomplish are evident in his journey where performance is judged on a daily basis. Join us!
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This week's guest is the amazing, down-to-earth Holly Robinson Peete who you might recognize from her acting roles but has evolved through her personal experience into being a voice for her father, her son, and her community to become one of the most trusted advocates for consistent and reliable education, outreach and support for both Parkinson's and autism.
Through Holly's father, Matthew Robinson, who served as producer and portrayed the original beloved character of 'Gordon' on the iconic children's program, "Sesame Street", Holly was exposed to the entertainment industry first-hand when as a four year-old, she appeared on television opposite her father. She knew at a young age that entertainment was her calling.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles from the age of 10, Holly completed her undergraduate studies at the prestigious Sarah Lawrence College where she majored in Psychology and French. She spent her junior year studying abroad at Sorbonne University in France and became fluent in the language. Soon thereafter, with an introduction from her mother, powerhouse talent agent Delores Robinson, she landed a part opposite the newcomer Johnny Depp on the hit series, "21 Jump Street" and then went on to star in many other successful tv series including "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" and "For Your Love". Holly has also been in thirteen Hallmark movies and, in early 2021, starred in the mystery mini-series, "Morning Show Mysteries" on Hallmark's Movies and Mysteries channel.
In 1997, Holly and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, formed the HollyRod Foundation, inspired by her father's courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, with the mission to help improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson's. HollyRod's mission expanded to provide support and resources to those affected by autism after her eldest son was diagnosed. Most recently, the Foundation opened RJ's Place Vocational and Family Support Services Center in Los Angeles to provide training and job opportunities for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as support services to their families free-of-charge.
In this episode, Holly and long-time family friend, host Brad Johnson share memories of Holly's journey, her upbringing and arrival in LA as a child, meeting her handsome star quarterback husband and how 21 Jump Street launched her acting career. She also discusses forming of the Hollyrod Foundation including the good work it's doing and it's well-known annual fundraising event, travel abroad with Magic Johnson, LL Cool J and Samuel Jackson families this summer and, finally, how she balances her busy life!
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Often people remark how they would love to open a restaurant and from the outside looking in, there is an understandable appeal. After all, having a home court to greet old friends, meet new ones, celebrate special occasions, and moving around the room in charge, can look glamorous at times. But behind-the-scenes, what does it take to be a restaurateur operating at a higher level? This week's guests, Michael Vann and Alvin Clayton , both restaurateurs, self-made, and with careers in the fashion industry, provide a glimpse into the world of hospitality from a restaurateur's point of view.
After working as an executive with Lord & Taylor in New York City, Chicago native Michael Vann pivoted to the hospitality industry starting as general manager at B. Smith's restaurant, working with the legendary B. Smith in the late 80s. From there, his entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to develop, own and operate several restaurants in New York City including the renowned Shark Bar, serving upscale soul food in the 1990's. Michael is currently in the process of establishing new locations for his most recent concept, Smitty & Mo's, a very popular fast casual restaurant.
Alvin Clayton is a Trinidad-born restaurateur, artist, and model. He and his wife, Gwen, are the owners and operators of the award-winning Southern and Caribbean restaurant, Alvin and Friends, located in New Rochelle, New York. Alvin's restaurant career started in the famed and ground-breaking Los Angeles restaurant, Georgia, helmed by Brad Johnson which had several celebrity investors including Denzel Washington, Norm Nixon, Debbie Allen, and Lou Adler. Alvin is also a self-taught artist whose work exudes bright, bold colors of life in the African experience. His work has been featured in the Smithsonian Institute of African-American Art, several films, and most recently, a virtual political show, Unapologetically Me. Among his art patrons are Ken and Kathy Chenault, New York University, Denzel Washington, Blair Underwood, Hill Harper, CCH Pounder and Lorraine Toussaint, to name a few. Alvin has also had an illustrious modeling career and recently signed with the world-renowned IMG Models.
In this episode, with decades of experience in the same industry, host Brad Johnson sits down with Michael and Alvin to discuss their journeys, how they started in the hospitality industry, what made being a restaurateur the right fit for them, how they find the strength to carry on during trying times, what direction they are taking going forward and the future of the industry. Join us!
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Summertime nostalgia for most people includes ice cream and so it is only fitting that this week's guest is Lokelani Alabanza, a pastry chef by training, and the founder of Saturated Ice Cream, her own brand of plant-based, hemp-derived CBD ice cream made in Nashville, Tennessee. She creates beautiful flavors like Sweet Potato Gingersnap, Juneteenth, and Sunflower Butter Stacciatella, that spur the imagination while educating consumers about African American culinary history.
Lokelani’s professional journey started at the New England Culinary Institute. From there, her love of food took her around the world. Starting in Denmark for her first kitchen job to her time working as a private chef in Japan, her travels expanded her palate and refined her ability to create incredible food.
It was in Los Angeles, under the tutelage of renowned pastry chef Elizabeth Belkind, that Loke’s passion for pastry cooking was ignited. There, she worked with Dahlia Narvaez and Nancy Silverton at the James Beard award-winning restaurant Campanile, before landing in Nashville, as Culinary Director for Hattie Jane’s Creamery. Lokelani’s time there grew her passion for ice cream, expanded her experience (while at Hattie Jane’s, she created over 300 flavors), and her love of integrating nostalgia into her cooking.
In this episode, Lokelani and host Brad Johnson discuss her exposure to world travel, her rise in the restaurant industry to become a pastry chef with mentorship from renowned pastry chefs, and how she learned to perfect her ice cream making skills. After being laid off during COVID, Lokelani explains the decision to start her own business and why she decided to make plant-based, CBD ice cream as well as create unique, monumental flavors honoring African American heritage as she wrote about in an article titled A Monumental Flavor for the Oxford American Food Issue - Spring 2021.
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For there to be a well-balanced society, how important is access to affordable, nutritious, and convenient food? This week's guests, Sam Polk, Founder & CEO, and Chef Bryce Fluellen, Executive Director, Social Equity Franchise Program, of the ground-breaking company, Everytable, say it's a human right and they're on a mission to help transform the food system. Founded in 2016, Everytable is a multi-channel, fresh-prepared food business blending grab-and-go storefronts, a subscription delivery service, SmartFridges, and institutional food service, all supplied by a central kitchen with meals priced according to neighborhood income.
A former hedge fund trader, Sam left a successful career on Wall Street to follow his heart to fight food injustice and inequality in America. He wrote a book titled For the Love of Money described as "part coming-of-age, part recovery memoir, and part expose of a rotten, money drenched Wall Street culture" (Salon). In 2013, he founded a non-profit called FEAST (formerly Groceryships) to address food-related problems in South LA by helping family food providers make choices through nutrition education, cooking classes, free produce, and support groups. A few years later, Sam founded Everytable, a social enterprise, with the help and the backing of food-forward investors like Kimbal Musk, Maria Shriver, Gwyneth Paltrow, TOMS Social Enterprise Fund, W.K Kellogg Foundation, Annenberg Foundation and The California Wellness Foundation.
Chef Bryce has fought for food justice and social equity for more than 20 years developing and implementing strategic programs at Starbucks, Magic Johnson Enterprises, and the American Heart Association to drive systemic change to benefit underserved populations and communities. In his current role with Everytable, he is responsible for a franchise model that invests directly into marginalized entrepreneurs of color by providing the opportunity to open Everytable stores with zero upfront capital or net worth.
In this episode, host Brad Johnson and the Everytable execs discuss their personal journey and passion for helping other people, the designation "food desert" and its impact on communities, and the origins of the current food system in the U.S. including its debilitating health consequences. Working towards solutions, Sam and Chef Bryce explain the opportunities they have created for people in the community to achieve the American Dream with Everytable's Social Equity Franchise Program, and the hope behind Everytable's mission for everyone, everywhere to have access to nutritious, fresh food at affordable prices.
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Behind the mega-talent and incredible career, Debbie Allen is a multi-layered dynamo of wisdom, guidance, discipline and generous spirit. She has spent a career creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and helping others find their purpose and passion, a North Star. In the words of Shonda Rhimes, "She put people of color on television and displayed them in ways that they hadn't been seen before. She told stories that hadn't been told before. She gave people opportunities who hadn't been given opportunities before."
Debbie's hard-work, determination, talent and versatility is evident in the three Emmys, a Golden Globe, five NAACP Image Awards, the Olivier Award, the 10 Academy Awards ceremonies she has choreographed, a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as being a 2020 Kennedy Center Honoree, the nation's Highest Artistic Award.
In 2001, she and husband, ex-NBA All-Star Norm Nixon, opened the Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) and eventually moved it to South LA. Its principles are based on the belief that arts education defines discipline, creativity, and self-confidence, empowering young women and men, whether they pursue a professional performing arts career or not. Soon DADA will be housed in the new and spacious Rhimes Performing Arts Center, helmed by Debbie, with state-of-the-art studios and robust programming including dance, acting, music, writing, cirque technique, hair, makeup, and lighting design. It will also house The Debbie Allen Middle School for the Arts.
In this episode, host Brad Johnson and Debbie discuss her accomplished parents' influence; strong family relationships; when she first knew she wanted to be a dancer; the generational influence of the tv-series, Fame; the fulfillment of creating DADA and its new home; and the importance of teaching the arts and its impact on young people, among other topics. Photo Credit: Emily Schur
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Hospitality projects have to hit the right notes, engaging all the senses, to resonate. Over several decades, pioneering restaurateur David Rabin has morphed his talents into becoming an architect of the hospitality experience. His reputation and involvement in some of the most popular and memorable restaurants, clubs, and bars in New York City along with his broad network and uncanny ability to remember faces, names and details uniquely equip him to create elevated places with the right mix of talent, aesthetic, great food and drink, and diverse clientele.
David's current roster of projects include the recently-opened Sona, with partner Maneesh Goyal and creative collaborator Priyanka Chopra Jonas (wife of Nick Jonas), embodying the flavors and glamour of India; Skylark, a Midtown Manhattan rooftop bar and event space with amazing views including the Empire State Building; Jimmy, the rooftop bar with panoramic city views, and Veranda, helmed by Michelin Chef George Mendes, both located in Modernhaus SOHO; American Bar, serving Continental classics in Greenwich Village; The Lambs Club, with its powerhouse clientele and renowned Chef Geoffrey Zakarian; and The Dorsey in the Venetian Hotel, voted Best Bar in Las Vegas by Conde Nast Traveler; with several other projects in the works.
He is currently on the Executive Board of the Times Square Alliance and the Board of Directors of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, of which he was formerly the president. He also served on the Executive Board of NY Cares for 20 years.
In this episode, long-time friends and former business partners, David and host Brad Johnson converse about how NYC life has changed during COVID, the reemergence and energy of New Yorkers in restaurants and bars, lack of hospitality workers and recruiting bonuses, restaurateur insights into the alchemy of hospitality spaces and teams, how diversity comes naturally to him, and learning to trust your instincts.
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John Bryant, the energetic, supremely self-assured, and prominent thought leader on financial inclusion, economic empowerment and financial dignity, is an entrepreneur and philanthropist who has built more than 40 organizations, entities and companies including Operation HOPE, the largest non-profit financial literacy and economic empowerment services organization in the country with 1,200 offices, and the Promise Homes Company, the largest for-profit, institutional quality, minority-controlled owner of single family rental real estate in the country. You might recognize him as a frequent contributor on CNBC Squawk Box.
Five former U.S. presidents have recognized John's work, and he has served as an advisor to three U.S. presidents from both political parties. He has received hundreds of awards and citations for his work including Oprah Winfrey's Use Your Life Award, and the John Sherman Award for Excellence in Financial Education from the U.S. Treasury. Additionally, Operation HOPE and Bryant are a permanent part of the Smithsonian AFRICAN-American Museum in Washington, DC. John is also the author of the best-selling books Up from Nothing, The Memo, How the Poor Can Save Capitalism, and Love Leadership.
In this episode, John and host, Brad Johnson, discuss John's humble beginnings and how his positive, astute game plan began his journey to building wealth; the guiding principles to wealth creation including financial literacy, family structure and resiliency, choosing your environment, understanding the difference and value of self-esteem vs. confidence, the importance of role models, and the relentless pursuit and discipline required to gain financial freedom; his mentors along the way; and his mission to help those in underserved communities to recognize and channel their untapped GDP, entrepreneurial brilliance and latent prosperity into realizing the American Dream.
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Born, raised and living in Harlem, Musa Jackson, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Ambassador Digital Magazine, is also known as "The Harlem Ambassador", a title bestowed in a feature piece in NYC's Uptown Magazine (2015). A man of many talents, Musa has spent decades representing his beloved community. Musa can be seen in the new award-winning, documentary directed by Questlove chronicling the untold story of the Harlem Cultural Festival in the summer of 1969, Summer of Love (available on Hulu).
Musa began his career as a pioneering Black male model, discovered by the beauty editor of GQ magazine in 1983, which led to world travel and a host of valuable connections. He modeled for GQ, Vogue, New York Fashion of the Times magazines and walked the runways in Paris and Milan for Jean Paul Gaultier. Musa was the first Black male model to appear in a national mainstream campaign, for The Gap.
Musa has written an award-winning screenplay, co-produced fashion shows for Diane Von Furstenberg, Carolina Herrera and Betsy Johnson, special events such as Nona Hendryx's 1st visual media art show, Lena Horne's 100 Birthday Tribute and the classic film, Claudine 45th Anniversary Tribute and wrote a social column "My Uptown World" for Uptown Magazine. Currently, he is the CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Ambassador Digital Magazine, featuring some of the most diverse, influential individuals in the culture.
In this episode, Musa and host Brad Johnson, a long-time friend, discuss Musa's career trajectory and some of the defining moments, his humble beginnings and dedication to the community he grew up in, how his eye for fashion and style were honed, the motivation behind starting his own magazine to celebrate diverse people of his generation, and the story of how Musa became involved in Questlove's Summer of Soul.
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In 2012, restaurateur Brad Johnson and Executive Chef Govind Armstrong opened a neighborhood restaurant, Post & Beam, in South LA. Formerly a Golden Bird Fried Chicken location, the building was taken down to the studs and rebuilt as a handsome free-standing building with mid-century modern inspired design, serving California soul food. It quickly gained notoriety locally and nationally for bringing quality food and ambiance, Chef Govind's sophisticated but approachable cuisine, and Brad's brand of hospitality to a neighborhood that, at the time, was often referred to as a food desert.
In 2020, Post & Beam was awarded the prestigious LA Times Gold Award, honoring "culinary excellence and expanding the notion of what Southern California cooking might be. The award celebrates intelligence and innovation, brilliance and sensitivity to aesthetics, culture and the environment."
Chef Govind is a fixture in the LA dining scene. At 13 years-old, he began as an apprentice at the original Wolfgang Puck's Spago in West Hollywood. His training was furthered at the three-star Michelin restaurant, Arzak, in San Sebastian, Spain, before returning to Los Angeles to specialize in California cuisine at many notable restaurants including City Restaurant, Postrio, Campanille, and Pinot Hollywood, before starting his own chain, 8oz. Burger, and partnering with Brad on Post & Beam and Willie Jane restaurants. He is currently Executive Chef and Director of Operations at The Lobster, one of the highest-grossing restaurants in LA, located at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier.
Born in Oakland, raised on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Chef John Cleveland knew good food prepared with care and quality. In 2017, he joined the Post & Beam team to further his culinary career, after falling in love with the restaurant on date nights with his wife, Roni Cleveland, a native of South LA. As a math and actuarial sciences major in college, along with his previous entrepreneurial ventures, passion and talent as a chef, John was a quick student. In 2019, Chef John and Roni, ambitious and capable, took over the restaurant to carry on the legacy of Post & Beam, battling and thriving through the pandemic and all.
In this episode, this band of brothers discuss the meaning of their collaborative experience at Post & Beam, their motivations for wanting to work with each other, personal stories of taking risks to further careers, the experience of operating a restaurant through the pandemic, the challenges of re-opening, the energy and attitudes of the customers now dining out, and the LA food scene.
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Currently filming and starring opposite Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible 7 (2022) and Mission Impossible 8 (2023), Esai Morales’ robust acting career, starting in the early 80s, includes performing in more than sixty tv shows and sixty movies.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, he heard his mother's conversations as a union activist, involved with the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union, from an early age. Over the years, Esai has advocated for countless charities and causes including literacy, environment, health, immigration, arts funding, and social justice causes. He currently serves on the Board of Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and was recently a candidate for president of SAG.
Esai, a self-proclaimed foodie, believes that food is critical to health which provided interesting conversation and common ground to be uncovered in this episode with host Brad Johnson. Topics of conversation included spending time in Puerto Rico enjoying his cultural roots, how to talk yourself down from the feeling of envy in the world of glamour and fame aka Hollywood, philosophy about life and the meaning of success, appreciation for failures, his process for evaluating what food to eat and the value of detoxing, and the message of Fast Food Nation.
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Winner of the 2018 James Beard Award "Best Chef: South" and one of Food and Wine magazine's Best New Chefs 2017, Chef Nina Compton is the chef/owner of award-winning Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro in New Orleans where she creates robust dishes that meld the flavors of her Caribbean upbringing and love for French and Italian cuisine, while highlighting the Gulf and Louisiana's beautiful indigenous ingredients.
Nina, daughter of Sir John George Melvin Compton, the first prime minister of St. Lucia, grew up surrounded by the ocean, flavors and beauty of the Caribbean. She was inspired to cook and share meals at family gatherings that lead to her dream of becoming a chef. Nina worked her way up in kitchens in St. Lucia and Jamaica before deciding to attend The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
Upon graduation, Nina began her professional journey at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Daniel in NYC, working and continuing her culinary education alongside world-renowned chef/ restaurateur Daniel Boulud and his team. In the years that followed, Nina furthered her career in Miami eventually becoming Chef de Cuisine at Scarpetta restaurant located in the Fontainebleau.
After competing on BRAVO's acclaimed cooking competition show, Top Chef where she was a finalist and voted fan favorite, an opportunity lured her to New Orleans allowing her to open her own and critically-acclaimed restaurant, Compère Lapin, with husband/restaurateur Larry Miller.
In this episode, Nina and host Brad Johnson discuss her culinary influences and journey, growing up in St. Lucia as the Prime Minister's daughter, her family's activism for education, how she maneuvered through the uncertainty of the pandemic, her core philosophy of leading by example with humility and executing at a high level, and the mission bequeathed to her by Leah Chase, the Queen of Creole Cooking.
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Legendary actor, Danny Glover, has built a reputation for powerful onscreen performances such as in The Color Purple and Lethal Weapon series. He has been nominated multiple times for Best Picture, personal Emmys, won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor in a film, To Sleep with Anger, honored with the NAACP President's Award, multiple Image Awards and Ace Award for his work in the HBO movie, Mandela.
In addition to his acting career, Mr. Glover has been a tireless warrior fighting for social and economic justice. For his advocacy related to access to health care and education programs in the USA and Africa, he has received multiple honors including a DGA Honor, and a Doctorate of Humane Letters for his humanitarian efforts with organizations such as the United Farm Workers, UNITE HERE, The Algebra Project, and Black AIDS Institute.
Earlier this year, Mr. Glover traveled to Birmingham, Alabama to help mobilize support for Amazon warehouse's 5,800 predominately Black workers in their efforts to form a union. In June, 2019, Mr. Glover testified before a subcommittee of the House Judiciary at the Capitol in Washington, along with Ta-Nehisi Coates and Sen. Cory Booker on the HR 40 bill (read transcript here), which ultimately passed, to form a commission to study the effects of slavery and search for possible avenues for reparations.
In this episode, Mr. Glover and host Brad Johnson discuss the roots of his activism, his parents' journey from the Deep South to San Francisco during the Great Migration, words of wisdom he shares with students including the parallels today with the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, and his views on gentrification, reparations, finding justice and impassioning the next generation to recognize their role in creating history.
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Melba Wilson, "born, bred and buttered in Harlem", proudly represents her NYC neighborhood as a successful African-American woman in the restaurant and catering business. She is the owner of one of the most influential soul food restaurants in the city, aptly named Melba's, along with Melba's Catering and Melba's Mussels. As an author, Melba wrote Melba's American Comfort: 100 Recipes from My Heart to Your Kitchen. She is the first woman and person of color to hold the position of President of the Board of the New York Hospitality Alliance and as such, is deeply involved in advocating for a fair and equitable regulatory environment that removes barriers to entrepreneurship and job creation in the hospitality industry.
Melba is well recognized for her achievements receiving numerous awards for entrepreneurship, family recipes and her own recipes. She won an episode of Food Network's Throwdown with Bobby Flay featuring her 96-year-old grandmother's recipe for Fried Chicken and Biscuits. Melba is actively involved in giving time, being active on boards, supporting the community and various charitable causes along with a variety of tv appearances. During the pandemic, Melba was featured on a CBS 60 Minutes episode that created a pool of funds allowing Melba to give back to support staff and the community in various ways.
In this episode, Melba and host Brad Johnson cover a range of subjects including her strong family connection and pride in her heritage, the role of food in creating an environment of love and story-telling, hospitality as being in the business of making others happy through food, the opportunities to serve throughout the pandemic, her philosophy of faith plus deeds and perseverance equals results, the value of the roller coaster journey through life and her love of Harlem.
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Tracee Ellis Ross, longtime friend of host Brad Johnson, sits down for a multi-faceted conversation about perseverance through uncertainty in the entertainment industry, systemic issues, creating space and opportunities for others, the experience of hosting the Democratic National Convention, the necessity to show up civically, her belief in naming and claiming frames for context, the importance of bringing wholeness to a character, her superpower in moving feelings, and the importance of laughter.
Ross is a multi-award winning actress, singer, television host, producer, director and entrepreneur. She is best known for her lead roles in the television series Girlfriends (2000-2008) and Black-ish (2014-present). In her role as Rainbow Johnson on Black-ish she earned six NAACP Image Awards and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy. In 2019, the series Mixed-ish premiered, a prequel spin-off of Black-ish co created by Ross.
Under her production company, Joy Mill Entertainment, Ross recently signed a multi-year deal with ABC Signature to produce content across all platforms. Joy Mill Entertainment, housed at the Disney Television Studios, is committed to amplifying multi-layered stories that reframe assumptions about how people see themselves and each other.
Ross also serves as the CEO and Founder of PATTERN, an award-winning haircare brand she created for the curly, coily and tight-textured masses, has taken the industry by storm since its launch in 2019.
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Ta-Nehisi Coates, with his skillful writing and thoughtful analysis, has emerged as one of the most important voices of our times. In this episode, Ta-Nehisi and host Brad Johnson discuss his upbringing, the deep reverence he holds for black institutions, the strong desire for sense of place and home, his sense of freedom in myth writing, the professional distance needed to write about certain people, allowing a book to be written on its own terms, his love of the djembe drum, and thoughts on economic inequality.
Ta-Nehisi is an award-winning author and journalist. He is the author of the bestselling books, The Beautiful Struggle, We Were Eight Years in Power, The Water Dancer, and Between the World and Me, which won the National Book Award in 2015.
As a journalist with a career spanning over two decades, he's written for numerous publications including The Washington City Paper, The Village Voice, The New Yorker and The New York Times. As a National Correspondent for The Atlantic, he penned numerous articles and essays, including the National Magazine Award-winning 2012 essay Fear of a Black President and the influential June 2014 essay The Case for Reparations.
Ta-Nehisi will soon add screenwriter to his list of credentials. He is currently writing the screenplays for the upcoming films Wrong Answer, Superman and the film adaptation of his first fiction novel, The Water Dancer.
While his successful run writing Marvel's Black Panther ended in April 2021, he continues to write Marvel's Captain America.
He is currently in his fourth year as a distinguished writer in residence at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.
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Mary Wagstaff and Valerie Wilson, each owners of their own firms, are two powerhouses in the world of hospitality marketing. With decades of experience between them, host Brad Johnson dives into the reasons behind their passion for food and hospitality, how this niche of the marketing industry has changed over the last couple of decades, the meaning and fresh respect for the importance of independent restaurants and their workers, what’s necessary for the industry to grow, the need to attract talent and diversity to the hospitality industry, and what the future looks like for the industry.
Mary Wagstaff is a pioneer in the world of hospitality public relations and marketing. Early in her career, Mary created a niche for herself by focusing on clients in the hospitality industry; chefs, wineries, restaurants, travel destinations, even specialty foods companies. In 1999 she opened the doors of Wagstaff Worldwide Public Relations in Los Angeles, now known as Wagstaff Marketing, an integrated public relations and marketing agency devoted to the travel and hospitality industries. Her company has grown to an enterprise with over 100 employees with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, and Vancouver, and boasts a robust roster of well-known clients and brands.
Valerie Wilson, owner of Val Inc., is a Public Relations and Brand Strategy veteran with vast experience in the food, wine, hospitality and lifestyle industries. She has served clients, from LeapFrog Enterprises and Playboy, to Wines from Spain, Gallo, Robert Mondavi, and the Miss America organization. Her hospitality experience includes running the media relations for such iconic culinary marketing platforms as NYC Restaurant Week and Restaurant Day as well as the James Beard Foundation Awards. Valerie has played an instrumental role in building Harlem’s hospitality and culinary scene, raising its visibility through strategic media and branding execution. Her work has attracted top brands and personalities to her client roster like Uber and Uber Eats, Shea Moisture, The James Beard Foundation, Shake Shack, LeRone Wilson, and celebrity chef JJ Johnson.
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In this episode, host Brad Johnson and Isiah Thomas discuss the aired reconciliation between Magic Johnson and Isiah, the training and nutrition of athletes today vs. the 80s, whether NCAA players should be paid, the declassification of the human race and the need for a honest race conversation, the exportation of Black culture globally and hip-hop's influence, Black intellectualism and the value of inclusion in early age educational curriculum, and the power of kindness and giving.
Thomas, a 12-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Famer, is well-known for his contributions in the world of basketball. As a player, he was a tireless worker and formidable competitor combining intelligence, court savvy and physical gifts to attain NBA superstardom.
Thomas' post- NBA days are filled with continued involvement in basketball, multiple business pursuits as well as a philanthropic commitment including the founding of the Mary's Court Foundation in honor of his mom and to support educational, safety, academic and personal achievement youth programs in urban communities.
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Marie Dutton Brown has been described by Black Enterprise magazine as one of "the major African-American players" in the publishing industry and international literary community. As one of a small group of black literary agents and a 54-year veteran of the publishing industry, Marie was the 1st Inductee into the Publishing Hall of Fame in 2018 honoring her for her significant body of work.
"Beginning her career at Doubleday, Marie Dutton Brown dealt with persistent racism directed at both her and her work, but she persevered in championing African-American literature and identity," said Bradley Murdock, CEO of Score Publishing. "In a new era defined by increased social awareness of marginalized voices and perspectives, Brown stands tall as a trailblazer, helping move the entire industry in a more progressive and accepting direction."
Host Brad Johnson and Marie discuss her experiences as she ascended the publishing industry and her style of activism, the requirements and skills to succeed in her career, the collaboration process with writers, what factors publishers weigh when acquiring a literary project, the pain and acceptance of disappointment, the cycle of interest in black culture and what inspires her to continue her work.
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Marcus Samuelsson is a European-trained, world-renowned chef who made Harlem his home since the mid-90s. He is the recipient of numerous James Beard Foundation awards for his work as a chef and as a host for No Passport Required, his public television series. A crowned champion of Top Chef Masters and Chopped All-Stars, he served as the guest chef for President Obama's first state dinner. As a committed philanthropist, Marcus is the co-chair of Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), which focuses on underserved youth. Author of several cookbooks, in addition to the New York Times bestselling memoir, Yes, Chef, Marcus also co-produces the annual Harlem EatUp! festival, which celebrates the food, art, and culture of Harlem. Converting his restaurants Red Rooster Harlem, Marcus B&P in Newark, and Red Rooster Overtown in Miami into community kitchens during the COVID-19 pandemic, in partnership with World Central Kitchen, over 250,000 meals were served to those in need. His podcast titled This Moment with Swedish rapper Timbuktu is available on ACAST. His newest cookbook, The Rise: Cooks and the Soul of American Food, is out now.
Join host Brad Johnson as he and Marcus discuss a variety of topics including: the difference between fashion and style, his observations during COVID-19 and outlook for recovery, his family history and journey to America, his process to understand American culture and create Red Rooster in Harlem as a love letter to those who came before, the importance of mentorship, gaining experience, and his hopes for his son's future.
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As one of a handful of African American food journalists in the country, Mona Holmes is a pioneer in the world of food journalism working as a reporter for Eater LA, a digital publication of food news and dining guides for Los Angeles, and a contributor to LA-based KCRW, a National Public Radio member station that creates and curates music discovery, NPR news, cultural exploration and informed public affairs.
Join Brad and Mona as they discuss a variety of topics including: her days as a Princess in the Rose Parade Court; the founding of Shejay, an online network and agency for female DJ’s; where she honed her writing skills; how she transitioned into food and community journalism; topics she is passionate about; and a new LA-based pop-up concept called Bridgetown.
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Host Brad Johnson catches up with long-time friend and business associate, Michael Weinstein, Chairman and CEO of publicly-traded Ark Restaurants [NASDAQ]. Michael, now 77 years-old, is a distinguished trailblazer in the hospitality industry. Ark operates 22 full- service restaurants plus various food-court and catering operations, in New York City, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., Atlantic City, Alabama, and Florida.
Brad's relationship with Michael dates back to New York City in the 1970's where they met under unusual circumstances. Beginning in early 2000 and continuing for a 15-year run, Michael and Brad along with partners Will Regan and David Rabin, owned and operated VBar in the Venetian Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas.
Hear fond memories and the story of how Michael launched Barbara Smith's restaurant career that paved the way for her to become the much loved "B. Smith". Michael also discusses how he got into the hospitality industry, secrets to success in the restaurant business, the unexpected spontaneous moments when you own a restaurant, how his restaurant group is dealing with COVID, and more.
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Nelson George, author, filmmaker, television producer, and critic with a long career analyzing and presenting the diverse elements of African-American culture, shares his thoughts and reminisces with Corner Table Talk host Brad Johnson about life in NYC and LA from a cultural perspective. From being one of Spike Lee's investors in the film that launched his career "She's Gotta Have It", remembrances of music legend Andre Harrell on producing "Strictly Business" and what inspired the Halle Berry character, capitalism and the homelessness problem, the "Nelson Dish", the sustainability of the moment, where the center of African-American culture seems headed and much more.
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Jackie Jackson, singer, songwriter and a founding member of The Jackson 5 sits down with Corner Table Talk host Brad Johnson for an intimate talk about the early days in Gary, IN, memories of his Mom when she realized he and his brothers could sing, the talent shows that led to being discovered, impressions of his first visit to LA and decorating Diana Ross' living room walls. Brad and Jackie discuss the impact of the Jackson 5 on Black culture around the globe and Jackie reveals his sweet tooth!
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Alice Randall is a New York Times best-selling and award-winning food writer, foodways educator (Vanderbilt University), food activist, and entrepreneur. Her published books include Soul Food Love, the NAACP Image Award winning cookbook co-authored with her daughter Caroline Randall Williams, Ada's Rules for which she received a personal fan letter on White House stationary from First Lady Michelle Obama, and Black Bottom Saints nominated for a 2021 NAACP Image Award.
Eliza Borné served as editor-in-chief of the literary magazine, Oxford American, for the past six years and has edited essays and stories that have been honored by the Best American Series, The Pushcart Prize anthology and elsewhere. In 2016, she accepted the OA's National Magazine Award for General Excellence. Under her leadership, Alice Randall was selected as Guest Editor of the Oxford American Food Issue, Spring 2021.
In this episode of Corner Table Talk, host Brad Johnson converses with Alice and Eliza, two brilliant women, on wide ranging subjects centered around the current special Oxford American Food Issue published every five years sponsored by the Julia Child Foundation. Join us!
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Chef Nyesha Arrington is a California native born into a multi-cultural family, best known for her accomplishments as a chef, restaurateur, entrepreneur and tv personality having appeared in numerous shows such as Top Chef, Tournament of Champions, Oprah's OWN Food Fantasies and many others. In this episode of Corner Table Talk, host Brad Johnson and Nyesha discuss their shared love of the LA restaurant scene, cultural mash-ups, her Dad's influence and discovery that he played bass with the Brothers Johnson.
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Aside from being iconic musical talents, what do Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Teddy Pendergrass, Smokey Robinson, and Whitney Houston have in common? They have all worked with and/or performed songs penned by Valerie Simpson and Nick Ashford. In this episode of Corner Table Talk, Brad visits with longtime friend, songwriter, Hall of Fame inductee, and owner of New York City's swinging spot Sugar Bar, Valerie Simpson.
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Brad welcomes Chef Mashama Bailey and Johno Morisano, owners of the critically-acclaimed restaurant, The Grey, and The Grey Market in Savannah, Georgia. Mashama and Johno co-authored a culinary memoir, "Black, White and The Grey; The Story of An Unexpected Friendship and a Landmark Restaurant”. Housed in a formerly segregated Greyhound bus terminal constructed in 1938, this restored architectural art deco gem has become one of the most talked about dining establishments in the country. Listen to the unique story of their partnership and journey, a study in race relations and partnership building.
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For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
E.mail: info@postandbeamhospitality.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With a long history between them, Brad sits down with Norm Nixon, NBA color analyst, NBA 2x champion and 2x All-Star, and businessman for a conversation covering topics ranging from Norm's upbringing in Macon Georgia, love of his mother's biscuits, the glamour of starring on the Showtime Lakers, to the story of his involvement in two hospitality ventures, helping Brad create Roxbury and Georgia.
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Please follow @CornerTableTalk on Instagram and Facebook
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
E.mail: info@postandbeamhospitality.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
[FOOD + DRINK + CULTURE]
Pull up a chair to Corner Table Talk with career restaurateur Brad Johnson for thoughtful, intimate conversation across Food + Drink + Culture.
From the perspective of a person of color, Brad delves into entertaining and informative discussions with guests sharing insights, personal stories, and experiences in careers that run the gamut including restaurants, bars, clubs, fashion, finance, publishing, journalism, activism, sports, and entertainment, highlighting their passion for business, social and cultural commentary.
[WELLNESS + TRAVEL]
Following the conversation with our guest, international speaker, writer, and diplomat Ambassador Shabazz spends a few moments unpacking the discussion and lets us in on some of the interesting people, places, and things that have her attention.
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Please follow @CornerTableTalk on Instagram and Facebook
For more information on host Brad Johnson or to join our mailing list, please visit: https://postandbeamhospitality.com/
E.mail: info@postandbeamhospitality.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.