At the Table with Greg and Elliott

Phillip J. Wallace on DC Politics, Corporate Strategy & Influence

Phillip J. Wallace joins Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on politics, power, and purpose. As a government affairs leader and founder of MVP Strategies, Phillip breaks down what lobbying actually looks like, how corporations navigate Washington, D.C., and the role policy plays in shaping everyday life. The conversation also explores Phillip’s journey from Louisiana to the national stage, his experience working with major companies like Walmart, and his transition into entrepreneurship. Beyond politics and business, the episode opens up into a candid discussion on identity, dating, divorce, and what it means to build a meaningful life and legacy. Plus, in this episode’s Culture Catch Up, Greg and Elliott highlight Anthony Mackie’s investment in New Orleans East and the importance of reinvesting in community. A smart, honest, and wide-ranging conversation at the intersection of politics, business, and personal growth.

Philemon Chambers: Beauty in Black, Netflix & His Acting Journey

In this episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with actor Philemon Chambers for an honest and inspiring conversation about his journey into Hollywood, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the importance of staying grounded while pursuing creative dreams. Philemon reflects on how his passion for acting began as a child after seeing The Lion King at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, a moment that sparked a lifelong love for storytelling and performance. From performing in church and community theatre to building a professional acting career, he shares the perseverance required to navigate the entertainment industry. The conversation explores his breakout role in the Netflix holiday romantic comedy Single All the Way, working alongside Jennifer Coolidge, and what it meant to be part of one of the first mainstream holiday rom-coms centered on queer love. Philemon also discusses his work on Tyler Perry’s Netflix drama Beauty in Black, offering insight into Tyler Perry’s fast-paced production style and the realities of working on major television projects. Greg, Elliott, and Philemon also talk about faith, identity, and the pressure of finding purpose in an industry that can often feel unpredictable. As a preacher’s kid who grew up with strong spiritual foundations, Philemon shares how faith and perspective help him stay balanced while navigating fame, opportunity, and personal growth. It’s a thoughtful conversation about perseverance, authenticity, and the long road to building a meaningful career in film and television.

Building Rooms That Matter with Nicholas Wiggins

In this episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with Nicholas Wiggins, founder and principal of NIW Design and Managing Director at Values Partnerships, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, strategy, and the importance of building spaces where culture and advocacy intersect. Nicholas shares insights from his years working with the NAACP, including helping shape experiences around the NAACP Image Awards, conventions, and leadership gatherings that bring together activists, creatives, and decision-makers. He reflects on the challenge of keeping legacy organizations relevant for younger generations, the importance of combating misinformation, and how coalition-building across communities remains critical in today’s social and political climate. The conversation also explores Nicholas’s work in narrative strategy and cultural storytelling through Values Partnerships, including projects like the PBS documentary Black and Jewish, which highlights the shared history and partnership between Black and Jewish communities in the fight for civil rights. Greg, Elliott, and Nicholas also reflect on the legacy of leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Reverend Jesse Jackson, the importance of mentorship, and the often unseen work of people who build the rooms where important conversations and decisions happen. This episode is a compelling discussion about leadership behind the scenes, the evolution of advocacy, and why thoughtful strategy, collaboration, and community remain essential for lasting change.

Living with Lupus: Wendy Rodgers on Survival, Advocacy & Healthcare Bias

In this deeply moving episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with Wendy Rodgers, M.Ed, MPH, Director of Care and Support Services at the Lupus Foundation of America, for a powerful conversation about survival, advocacy, and purpose. Wendy shares her journey living with lupus — a disease that began showing signs in her teens but went undiagnosed for years. After being dismissed by doctors and navigating medical bias, her lupus progressed to kidney failure at just 27 years old, ultimately leading to dialysis and a life-saving kidney transplant. She speaks candidly about the physical toll of autoimmune disease, the emotional weight of not being believed, and the financial devastation that chronic illness can bring. The conversation expands beyond medicine into healthcare disparities affecting Black women, the importance of self-advocacy, and why participation in clinical research is critical for equitable treatment outcomes. Wendy also discusses faith, boundaries, mental health, and how learning to say “no” became part of her healing process. With honesty and wisdom, Wendy reminds us that while lupus is unpredictable and often invisible, strength, community, and education can change outcomes. Her story is not just about illness — it’s about resilience, purpose, and fighting to live fully. For lupus resources and support, visit lupus.org.

Trell Thomas | The Blueprint of Belonging: Culture, Joy & Faith

Welcome to At The Table! Join hosts Elliott and Greg for an inspiring conversation with Trell Thomas, founder of the Black Excellence Brunch movement. From small-town South Carolina to the White House, Trell shares his journey of building community, stepping out on faith, and creating a global celebration of Black achievement. In this episode: ✨ How Sunday dinners became a cultural movement ✨ From Obama campaign organizer to LA entrepreneur ✨ Creating the first Black Excellence Brunch at the White House ✨ The power of authentic storytelling and intentional design ✨ Never telling yourself "no" and making room for bigger dreams Featured moments: 1. Alice Smith concert with Miles Canton & Stevie Wonder 2. Meeting President Obama and entering politics 3. Building community through brunch culture 4. Fashion inspiration from Marvin Gaye to Pharrell 5. Self-care rituals and the art of the bath Hosted on Captivate - The podcast hosting platform built for serious podcasters who want growth, analytics, and monetization tools. 🎙️ Subscribe for more inspiring conversations at the table!