Kendell Dempster talks Gatekeeping and The Power of Paying It Forward

Samantha Figgins talks Hearing Loss Journey

A journey through Hearing Loss. Host Chris Richardson sits down with Samantha Figgins, a renowned dancer from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, for a conversation to discover Samantha's journey with hearing loss, her experiences in the dance world, and her advocacy for the deaf and disabled community. Learn about her choreographic debut, her work with Beyoncé, and her insights on embracing differences. This episode is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community. Samantha Figgins [https://pressroom.alvinailey.org/alvin-ailey-american-dance-theater/dancers/samantha-figgins] began dancing at Duke Ellington School of the Arts under the tutelage of Charles Auggins and Sandra Fortune-Greene and attended summer intensives at Dance Theatre of Harlem under the direction of Arthur Mitchell. She continued her education at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance. There, she performed works by George Balanchine, Bill T. Jones, Paul Taylor, and Twyla Tharp. Upon graduating cum laude, Figgins became a member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, performing works by Dwight Rhoden, Jae Man Joo, and Camille A. Brown. She also performed at the 2014 DanceOpen Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. Figgins was featured both on the cover of Dance Spirit magazine and in Pointe magazine’s “10 Careers to Watch” in 2013. She has worked with Beyoncé and can be seen in the film Enemy Within alongside Tiler Peck and Matthew Rushing. In 2025 she made her choreographic debut on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with the creation of The Holy Blues, in collaboration with Jawole Willa Jo Zollar and Chalvar Monteiro. In 2026, Figgins joined the advisory board for The HuffPost ‘Voices of Disabled People’ where she continues to advocate for the Deaf and Disabled Community. Figgins joined the company in 2014.  Listen wherever you get your podcasts & follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333] https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast] https://agreetounderstandwithchrisrichardson.riverside.com/ [https://agreetounderstandwithchrisrichardson.riverside.com/] #journey #alvinailey #agreetounderstand

Brian Adrian talks Taking A Leap of Faith

Host Chris Richardson sits down with Brian Adrian, a renowned stylist known for his unique blend of analytical precision and artistic storytelling, for a conversation about taking a Leap of Faith. Exploring Brian's journey from graduating college to pursuing his passion for fashion in New York City. Brian shares insights on overcoming fear, embracing discomfort as a sign of growth, and the importance of following one's passion despite societal expectations. The discussion also touches on the role of support systems and the empowering yet terrifying nature of taking risks. https://www.instagram.com/brianadrian_/ [https://www.instagram.com/brianadrian_/] Brian Adrian is the kind of presence you feel before you fully see. Calm, smooth, and unmistakably magnetic, he moves through rooms the way silk moves through air - intentional, controlled, and impossible to ignore. But beneath that effortless confidence lives an analytical mind: a stylist who studies silhouettes like blueprints, color stories like symphonies, and vintage garments like sacred artifacts with histories worth preserving. A proud HBCU graduate and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Brian’s foundation is built on legacy, excellence, and brotherhood. Achievement isn’t just something he celebrates -it’s something he embodies. From styling a client for the Grammys to stepping into the spotlight as a fashion host on "The Wendy Williams Show" he has proven that his eye doesn’t just see fashion - it translates culture. His love for vintage pieces isn’t about nostalgia; it’s about resurrection. He finds stories in stitching, power in tailoring, and drama in costume design. To him, fashion is theater- and everyone deserves a starring role. Long before the Grammys and television appearances, Brian’s first styling client was much closer to home. Armed with his mother’s wardrobe and a fearless imagination, he dressed his youngest sister, stood her on top of a table, and directed her rap performances like a seasoned creative director. That living room was his first runway. She was his first muse. The table was his first stage. Off the runway and away from fittings, Brian finds balance outdoors - drawn to movement, fresh air, and open skies. And when the pressure rises? You’ll probably hear the pop of gum before you see him recalibrating. It’s his signature rhythm - a small, sharp reminder that even in intensity, he stays composed. Magnetic. Intentional. Timeless. Brian Adrian doesn’t just style fashion. He styles moments. Listen wherever you get your podcasts & follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333] https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast] https://agreetounderstandwithchrisrichardson.riverside.com/ [https://agreetounderstandwithchrisrichardson.riverside.com/] #faith #newpodcast #agreetounderstand

Saniya Pearson talks Worth and Recognizing Your Achievements

Host Chris Richardson sits down with Saniya Pearson, author of "I Am Not Your Literature" and Youth Poet Laureate, for a conversation about understanding our true worth beyond money, titles, or achievements and why your real value is rooted in your authentic self. To learn more about her journey, please visit her website and Instagram: https://www.saniyapearson.com/ [https://www.saniyapearson.com/] https://www.instagram.com/poetrysap/ [https://www.instagram.com/poetrysap/] Saniya Pearson (Poetry SAP) is an International Baccalaureate graduate of Central High School in Capitol Heights, MD. She earned the title of 2024 Youth Poet Laureate of PG County, sharing her poetry across various platforms. In 2024, she was honored at the General Maryland Assembly, receiving a Senate Resolution commemorating her term as Youth Poet Laureate of the county. Prince George’s County Board of Education also has presented her with the Unsung Hero Award, and she was awarded the Achievement Award from the Prince George’s County English Department. Notable performances include performing for Marvin Gaye’s 50th What’s Going On Album Anniversary during "What's Going On Now: The Next Generation Speaks" at the Kennedy Center, the ribbon cutting of Bowie State University's Martin Luther King Jr. Center, and Prince George’s County Public School's Inaugural Legislative Day. She also performed for two consecutive years for the National Center for Children and Families’ fundraising gala, contributing to the community support of various families. Later she had the distinct pleasure of performing alongside the infamous grandfathers of Hip-Hop, the Last Poets for the 100th Anniversary of Malcolm X. Throughout the years, she has traveled to San Francisco, Wisconsin, and D.C. to compete with the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) Slam Team in the Brave New Voices Competition. Saniya is looking forward to continuing her passion in performing socially conscious and uplifting pieces as well as becoming a civil rights attorney. She recently published her first book, “I Am Not Your Literature,” a collection of poetry that empowers, connects, and invokes a call to action. Listen wherever you get your podcasts & follow on Social Media: https://agreetounderstandwithchrisrichardson.riverside.com/ [https://agreetounderstandwithchrisrichardson.riverside.com/] https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333] https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast] #podcast #worth #agreetounderstand

Kendell Dempster talks Gatekeeping and The Power of Paying It Forward

Host Chris Richardson sits down with Kendell Dempster, a celebrity and theatrical makeup artist responsible for some of your favorite looks from the stage, TV and magazine , in this engaging interview, as he shares his insights on gatekeeping, representation, and the importance of helping others succeed in the industry. Discover how gatekeeping impacts growth and how paying it forward can create more opportunities for everyone. Kendell Dempster is a published celebrity makeup artist who has been featured on Page Six, BravoTV and published in InStyle magazine. Kendell's clients include The Real Housewives of Potomac, and Married to Medicine on BravoTV as well as various celebrities like Mya, SWV, Judge Faith Jenkins, Tammy Franklin and Sherry Shepard to name a few. He is also an assistant hair and Make Up Artist for Disney's The Lion King National Tour. He also runs his own make up service company, face by K Dempster. Follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333] https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast] https://www.instagram.com/k.dempster/ [https://www.instagram.com/k.dempster/] https://www.bykdempster.com/ [https://www.bykdempster.com/] #podcast #interview #agreetounderstand

Cindy Fee talks That One Thing You're Known For

Host Chris Richardson sits down with Cindy Fee, the legendary voice behind the iconic Golden Girls theme song, "Thank You for Being a Friend", to learn about her career beyond the theme song and how she navigates the world of instant recognition. Explore how her voice became a symbol of joy, connection, and resilience. In this exclusive interview, Cindy shares her experiences from performing with music legends like Whitney Houston and Garth Brooks to her unexpected fame. Cindy Fee is best known for performing “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the iconic theme song to The Golden Girls, which is near and dear to all of our hearts and continues to grow in popularity year after year! In addition to releasing her own albums, she recorded duets and provided background vocals for major artists including Kenny Rogers, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie and Whitney Houston. Cindy is also a prolific commercial jingle singer, lending her voice to numerous major brands and earning Clio Awards for her work. Follow on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/agreetounderstandpodcast/] https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585348642333] https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@agreetounderstandpodcast] #goldengirls #thankyouforbeingafriend #agreetounderstand