Shows
Behind The StoryInside the FBI: Undercover Work, Investigations, Politics, and the Human Side of the BadgeWhat does FBI work actually look like beyond the movies and headlines?In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with former FBI agent, SWAT operator, tactical instructor, and investigator Eric Robinson for a candid conversation about what really happens behind federal investigations.Eric breaks down how undercover work actually functions, how people end up on the FBI’s radar, why public understanding of investigations is often incomplete, and what separates protected speech from conduct that raises real concern. He also shares insight into the pr...
2026-03-1050 minBehind The StoryFormer DEA Agent Reveals the Truth About the Fentanyl Crisis (Only 2mg Can Kill)What does the fentanyl crisis actually look like from inside law enforcement?In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Brian Townsend, a retired supervisory special agent who spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement, including 23 years with the Drug Enforcement Administration.Brian explains why illicit fentanyl has become the most dangerous drug law enforcement has ever encountered—and why just two milligrams can be deadly.The conversation explores the reality behind drug trafficking, the limits of the war on drugs, and why prevention, awareness, an...
2026-03-0848 minBehind The StoryConnection Builds Trust: Angel Tucker on DISC, Leadership, and the GLOW ConnectionWhat if the real problem isn’t “bad communication”… but a missing connection? In this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Angel Tucker—personality strategist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker—to break down the DISC personality model and her proprietary GLOW Connection method for building trust faster.You’ll learn how to spot personality styles in real time (even over the phone), why teams get stuck in friction, and how leaders can flex their style without feeling fake—so the message you intend is the message peop...
2026-03-0735 minBehind The StoryAntoine Free: Becoming the Martian Man and the Mind Behind the PersonaIn this episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Antoine “Martian Man” Free — a creator whose presence is impossible to ignore. Known for his unique persona, sharp mindset, and magnetic energy, Antoine has built a brand that challenges the norms of identity, confidence, and creative expression.But behind the Martian persona is a deeper story.Antoine opens up about the experiences that shaped him, the struggles he kept private, and the personal evolution that led him to embrace being “different” as his superpower. He breaks down his creative process, the philosophy behind the Martian id...
2026-03-0451 minBehind The StoryValue Whispering: How to Be Seen Without Being LoudWhat if you don’t need to be the loudest in the room to be the most respected?In this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Melitta Campbell—TEDx speaker, award-winning business coach, and host of The Art of Value Whispering—to break down how high performers (especially introverts and women leaders) can communicate their value with clarity and confidence without sounding braggy, pushy, or “salesy.”Melitta shares the moment that reshaped her career: realizing that great work doesn’t automatically get recognized if people can’t...
2026-03-0347 minBehind The StoryTim Ward: Building Sustainable Health Through Balance, Discipline, and the Fitness QuadrantIn this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani Gonzalez sits down with Tim Ward, a fitness coach, author, and founder of the Fitness Quadrant, a unique framework that helps people build sustainable health habits. Tim shares his journey from a childhood marked by physical abuse to becoming a sought-after expert in fitness, nutritional sciences, and longevity. His approach goes beyond traditional fitness goals to focus on long-term health, muscle mass, heart strength, and metabolic strength—key components for aging well.Tim dives into the importance of building muscle as we age, maintaining cardiovascular health, and un...
2026-03-0155 minBehind The StoryDating in the Age of Extremes: Dr. Michele Henry on Clarity, Connection, and Modern LoveIn this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Dr. Michele Henry, a dating and relationship coach with a PhD in counseling psychology. Dr. Henry shares her journey from working as a practicing psychologist to becoming a certified life and health coach, specializing in dating and relationships. She helps individuals navigate the complexities of modern relationships, shift their mindset, and ultimately find the love and connection they desire.Dr. Henry discusses the lessons she learned the hard way during her own dating experiences and how they shaped her approach to coaching. She emphasizes...
2026-03-0135 minBehind The StoryHeather Zimmerman: The Inner Work of LeadershipIn this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Heather Zimmerman, an energy healer, empowerment coach, and the founding partner at Connect the Dots Coaching and Consulting. Heather is known for blending spiritual practices with psychology to help individuals transform from the inside out. She guides people in unlocking their potential, cultivating self-awareness, and rebuilding trust, whether it's in personal relationships, teams, or themselves.Heather’s journey is deeply personal. After overcoming trauma and emotional blockages in her own life, she found a path to healing that connected her psychology background with spiritual pr...
2026-03-0147 minBehind The StoryUnderstanding Today’s Real Estate Market with Alex LaChanceIn this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Alex LaChance, a top realtor and mortgage expert based in New England. Alex has built a reputation not just for closing deals but for educating buyers, investors, and families on how to navigate today’s ever-changing real estate market. With soaring interest rates and high housing prices, Alex offers insights on what it takes to thrive in today’s real estate world.Alex’s journey into real estate wasn’t a typical one. After experiencing a breakdown in his previous job, he pivoted to real estate on the a...
2026-03-011h 02Behind The StoryIleana D. Vasquez: The Art, Vision, and Fight Behind LolitaMoon FilmsIn this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Ileana, the powerhouse behind Lolita Moon Productions, to discuss her remarkable journey in the film industry. Ileana's story is one of resilience, creativity, and breaking through the barriers that women filmmakers often face. From her early days in the Dominican Republic to her shift into filmmaking in Seattle, she’s navigated challenges and defied expectations to create stories that give voice to women and underrepresented groups.Ileana’s passion for storytelling started long before she picked up a camera. With a love for nature, art, and...
2026-03-0148 minBehind The StoryThe Conversation Nat Bug Has Never Had on CameraIn this episode of Behind the Story, we sit down with Nat Bug, an artist who's overcome immense personal struggle to connect deeply with his audience. From his humble beginnings in New York to surviving a near-death car accident, Nat shares the raw, unfiltered journey that led him to find his true voice. Born and raised in the concrete jungle, Nat’s sound has evolved through his experiences in New England and now the wild, open desert of Arizona, shaping the music he shares today.But Nat’s story isn't just about the music—it’s about re...
2026-03-0146 minBehind The StoryBuilding Discipline, Transforming Lives — The Next World Fitness Story with TreaThis podcast features an insightful conversation with Trea Da Fit Artist, an online fitness coach and trainer specializing in helping artists and entertainers sculpt their physiques while navigating their hectic schedules. Trea shares his journey from his humble beginnings in Mississippi to becoming a fitness expert, offering customized fitness guidance to celebrities and creatives. He also discusses his podcast Sculpt and Create, which dives deep into the intersection of fitness, creativity, and personal growth.Trea highlights the unique challenges that come with training entertainers, from the unpredictable nature of their careers to the mental blocks that...
2026-03-011h 09Behind The StoryBehind The Story: Mr. T - Navigating Global Agendas and the Future of TravelIn this thought-provoking episode of Behind The Story, Jelani sits down with Mr. T, the fearless voice behind The Educated Traveler. He opens up about his journey from living in New Zealand and Europe to settling in the Dominican Republic and building a thriving platform to help people explore the world with purpose.The conversation takes a deep dive into the challenges facing the Dominican Republic, the impact of gentrification, and how global agendas are influencing the future of tourism and personal freedoms. Mr. T shares his passionate stance on how the "smart cities" agenda is designed...
2026-03-011h 44Behind The StoryBehind The Story: RajNationIn this electrifying episode of Behind the Story, Jelani interviews Raj, known as the "Startup Hype Man," who has turned his passion for storytelling into a thriving business helping entrepreneurs pitch their ideas with clarity, confidence, and creativity. Raj shares how he blends his background as an MMA ring announcer, hip hop artist, yoga instructor, and startup guru to create unforgettable stories for founders and their brands.We dive deep into the art of storytelling, how Raj uses his unique background to help businesses connect with their audiences, and the powerful framework behind his pitch formula – K-PASA. Ra...
2026-03-0155 minBehind The StoryBehind The Story: Lynne LambertIn this episode of Behind the Story, Jelani sits down with Lynne Lambert, the visionary founder behind NYC Subway Line, a unique apparel brand inspired by New York City's iconic subway system. From her beginnings as an actress to launching a brand that captures the essence of the city, Lynne shares her journey of resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurship.We dive into the origins of the brand, how Lynne fought to secure licensing with the MTA, and how her vision for New York’s subway system translated into wearable art. Along the way, she offers insights on overcoming ob...
2026-02-2845 minBehind The StoryHow Ceri Jones Tretter Turned Pain into Purpose Through The CollaboratoryIn this episode of Behind the Story, I sit down with Ceri Jones-Tretter, a visionary artist, spiritual seeker, and founder of The Collaboratory, a creative school that fosters artistic expression and healing. From her transition from a high-powered executive to a creative entrepreneur, Ceri shares her journey of reinvention, faith, and overcoming trauma. We dive deep into her spiritual awakening, how she transformed her life and her art, and the intersection of creativity and healing. Ceri also discusses the power of working art, the importance of understanding one’s identity, and her passion for empowering others to reconnect with th...
2026-02-2852 minBehind The StoryFrom Detroit to Wild ’N Out: The Spanky Hayes StoryIn this episode of Behind the Story, comedian Spanky Hayes opens up about his journey from Detroit to Hollywood, navigating his career through comedy, Wild N’ Out, and the ups and downs of fame. From his early days as a class clown to becoming a household name, Spanky shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including the inspiration behind his bold comedy and the real stories of Hollywood's hidden challenges. Spanky gets candid about the importance of being authentic, how he handled the pressure of fame, and how he stays true to himself in a world that often re...
2026-02-281h 10Behind The StoryThe Evolution of a Performer: David Nicoll IVIn this episode of Behind the Story, we dive into the incredible career of David Nicoll IV, an artist, choreographer, and songwriter who has worked with iconic names like NSYNC, Britney Spears, and the Backstreet Boys. From his early days as a breakdancer to his time performing with Chippendales, David has navigated the entertainment industry with grit, creativity, and passion. He shares personal stories from his journey, including how his love for music started, his career breakthroughs, and the challenges and triumphs of working in the boy band era. David also discusses his new project, a boy band remix...
2026-02-281h 02Behind The StoryAI Is Rewriting Marketing: Joe Peña Explains How to Stay AheadIn this episode of Behind the Story, Joe Peña shares his remarkable journey from being an international hairdresser and on-screen personality to building Concepts Digital Marketing, a company that helps brands leverage social media, AI, and digital marketing to thrive. He discusses how his love for performance and storytelling led him to the world of digital marketing, the challenges of building a successful business, and the lessons learned from his global experiences. Joe also opens up about the role AI plays in scaling businesses and how he’s using innovative tools to create impactful marketing campaigns for clients. Fro...
2026-02-2850 minBehind The StoryCustom Music, Powered by AI: Gerard’s Game-Changing Idea (Part 2)In this episode of Behind the Story, Gerard Barnes shares his journey from launching his brand “I Am Motherless” to navigating the highs and lows of marketing, including his viral success and eventual ban on TikTok. Gerard discusses the challenges of managing a solo business, his perspective on customer engagement, and the lessons learned from leveraging TikTok to grow his customer base. He dives into the evolution of his business, the integration of AI technology in marketing, and how it connects back to his passion for authenticity. With a new venture in sound technology for customer engagement, Gerard opens up a...
2026-02-2758 minBehind The StoryCustom Music, Powered by AI: Gerard’s Game-Changing IdeaIn this episode of Behind the Story, Gerard Barnes takes us through the journey of his brand's evolution, starting from humble beginnings in his garage with candles to a transformative rebranding of his product line to "I Am Motherless." The idea was born out of a deep personal experience with grief, which sparked clarity and a realization about his identity. Gerard shares his entrepreneurial struggles, his moment of clarity that led to sobriety, and the challenges of building a brand while battling personal demons. From making noise on TikTok to dealing with setbacks, Gerard’s story highlights the importance of...
2026-02-2754 min
Business Insider: Round Table PodcastHemp Explained: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why It Matters | Craig ZaffeIn this episode of Business Insider, host Jelani Gonzalez sits down with Craig Zaffe, founder of Hemp for Life Wellness, for a ground-level conversation designed for beginners.Craig breaks down:What hemp actually is—and how it’s different from marijuanaCommon myths and misinformation around hemp and CBDHow hemp is used in wellness and who it may (and may not) be forWhat to look for in a trustworthy hemp productThe challenges of building an ethical hemp business in a crowded, confusing marketTh...
2026-01-0844 min
Democracy Now!Democracy Now! Monday, November 10, 2025Headlines for November 10, 2025; U.N. Climate Summit Opens in Brazil as the Phillippines is Hit by Back-to-Back to Deadly Typhoons; Exposed: 5,000+ Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Got Access to U.N. Climate Talks & Helped Block Climate Action; How We Got Here: Jelani Cobb on Rise of Trump & White Nationalism After Push for Racial Justice
Democracy Now! is a daily independent news hour hosted by award-winning journalists Amy Goodman and Juan González. Visit democracynow.org to watch and listen to the latest interviews, read through show transcripts, search the vast news archive or to make a donation to support our n...
2025-11-1059 min
Not In My House (A Basketball Podcast)Tremaine Fowlkes: Crenshaw Legend, NBA Champion & AuthorSend us a textWe have been waiting for this one for a long time. Tremaine Fowlkes is in the house! The Crenshaw High School legend, Pac-10 Freshman of the Year and NBA Champ shares his hoops story from start to finish in an episode that did NOT disappoint. This one may have been a long time in the making but it was very much well worth the wait!Tremaine Fowlkes played in an incredible era for high school basketball. He starred in an era that featured a handful of some of our favorite...
2023-07-281h 15
The KPBS Summer Music SeriesThe FeelsJelani Aryeh’s songs have a rich sonic palette and sound other-worldly. His lyrics explore the complexity of our times, but his music somehow always lets the sunshine in. Plus, Jesus Gonzalez’s music draws inspiration from nature, and so much more.
Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Jade Hindmon, and Alison St John. Megan Burke is senior producer.
2022-09-0331 min
VelshiBlock the VoteAli Velshi is joined by Texas State Rep. Jessica Gonzalez, Roland Martin, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Retired Lt. Gen. Russel Honore, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, former Congresswoman Jane Harman, former Congressman Joe Walsh, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, New Yorker staff writer Jelani Cobb, The 19th Editor-at-Large Errin Haines, and MSNBC Daily’s Hayes Brown.
To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data fo...
2021-05-301h 33
bwaySHO: The PodcastMandy GonzalezThis week's guest is Mandy Gonzalez.Mandy is best known for originating the role of Nina Rosario in Lin-Manuel Miranda's Tony Award-winning musical In the Heights. She then went on to star as Angelica Schuyler in the smash hit Hamilton. You can listen to Mandy's album: Fearless, and pre-order her book "Fearless." Join the #FearlessSquad! We speak about Mandy's Origin Story, Broadway experiences, surviving cancer, Fearless Squad and so much more. Please note: we discuss gun violence in the last part of the conversation. Enjoy our conversation from May 14th recorded for my live Yo...
2020-09-2334 min
A People's TheologyKaren Gonzalez: Immigration and the Bible
Karen Gonzalez is here to talk about her newest book, The God Who Sees: Immigrants, the Bible, and the Journey to Belong. She talks about her story as an immigrant and the stories of immigration in the Bible.
Guest Bio/Info:
Karen González is a speaker, writer, and immigrant advocate who works as director of human resources for World Relief. An immigrant from Guatemala, González studied at Fuller Theological Seminary. She has worked in the nonprofit world for more than ten years and is a former public school teacher. González, who lives in...
2019-06-2653 min