December 26er Podcast

In this episode, Delisha reflects on some of the most valuable lessons she’s carrying into her 40s.

Writer, Director, Filmmaker, Producer and Editor, Abdul Malik Abbott discusses obtaining his bachelor’s degree in film from New York’s School of Visual Arts, despite an initial rejection from the program, working on two Spike Lee Joints early in his career, directing music videos for the likes of Abbey Lincoln and Jay-Z, and leveraging all of his talents to maintain a longstanding career in the entertainment industry.

In Part 2 of this interview, Senior Director of Clinical Operations and Doctor of Public Health candidate, Keith Barnett discusses taking the next step in his academic journey, navigating unique challenges as a Black man in Corporate America, and demystifying common myths regarding COVID and the available vaccines.

In Part 1 of this interview, Senior Director of Clinical Operations and Doctor of Public Health candidate, Keith Barnett discusses becoming race and class conscious as a young athlete, working in such fields as education and consulting before discovering clinical trial management, and making the decision to pursue a doctorate after missing out on a lucrative career opportunity.

Host Delisha and Producer Damarcus discuss closing out an eventful 2021, building momentum on individual goals, and maintaining boundaries in the new year.

Essence and USA Today bestselling author, Tracy Brown discusses growing up on Staten Island's North Shore, graduating high school on time despite becoming a teenage mother, getting multiple offers on her first book without an agent, and having her latest release selected as a Target Diverse Book Club Pick.

Entertainment attorney, Bejidé Davis discusses declining a full-time job offer to go straight to law school, starting her legal career in corporate finance despite having an early interest in entertainment law, making the switch to a boutique law firm, and helping students soar higher in their quest for excellence through her nonprofit work.

Senior digital producer and culture writer, Christina Santi discusses living with extended family while her mother attended college, finding safe space in the works of Black authors as a middle school student, choosing journalism over medicine, and advocating for equality and equity for Black people through her work.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Executive, Aisha Thomas-Petit discusses spending her childhood on both coasts, making the pivot to Human Resources early in her career, setting boundaries while climbing the corporate ladder, and taking her seat at the table as a people strategist.

Host Delisha and Producer Damarcus discuss the highs and lows of consistently podcasting for 200 episodes, new and upcoming December 26er content, and dream guests they'd like to land in the next year.

Entrepreneur, author and marketing manager, Linda Aybar discusses tracing her family roots back multiple generations, taking an early interest in the entertainment industry, and using her diverse talents to thrive as a business owner.

Singer, songwriter and producer, Adrian Daniel discusses taking a serious interest in dance before shifting his focus to music, leaving college to pursue music full-time, and finding success as an independent artist.

Director of the Educational Opportunity Program at SUNY Old Westbury, Dr. Jerrell Robinson discusses losing both his mother and stepfather at age 12, finding his career path late in his college tenure, and providing access to higher education to the next generation of students who show promise to succeed, but may not have otherwise been offered admission.

Founding Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Bradford Edwards & Varlack LLP, Camille Joseph Varlack discusses being raised in a Trinidadian household in Rochester, NY, discovering her passion for civil service early in her legal career, developing a penchant for crisis and risk management, and launching a law firm in the middle of the pandemic.

Brand Marketing Consultant and Cultural Connector, Dela Yador discusses landing on academic probation while grieving loss during his freshman year of college, finding his rhythm and becoming a party promoter both on and off campus, honing his skills in the media and liquor industries, and leveraging profitable partnerships to build brand awareness.

Manager of Partnerships at Twitter and co-host of the Someone Will Be Offended and Marketing Misfits Podcasts, Stewart Cornelius discusses moving from Brooklyn to Maryland after the passing of his mother when he was just twelve years old, building a formidable network while attending Morehouse College, and understanding very early on how big streaming and new media would be.

Author, Speaker and Founder of That Suits You, PK Kersey discusses turning his desire to help job applicants prepare for interviews into a nonprofit organization that has served over 9500 men, collaborating with others to author multiple books, and finding new financial opportunities during the pandemic.

Owner and Creative Director of Elevated Lux, Alexandra Nazaire discusses honoring her own humanity following a personal loss, finding value in having a full-time job while also building a business, and leveraging her brand to elevate other Black women.

In Part 2 of this interview, Lifestyle, Experiential and Brand Marketing Director, Genisa Babb discusses moving in with her parents for nearly a year after being laid off, relocating to the West Coast for a new career opportunity, and embarking on her therapy journey to process unresolved trauma.

Lifestyle, Experiential and Brand Marketing Director, Genisa Babb discusses emigrating from Trinidad to the United States as a young child, pursuing her interest in the arts despite financial limitations, leveraging her on-campus involvement to land her first job out of college, and experiencing work trauma at multiple points in her career.