SPARK’D | A Dreambeacon Podcast

Episode 18 | The Fire Right Now with Ty Hobson Powell | SPARK*D THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST

In this conversation, Jabir McKnight interviews nationally recognized activist and author of 'The Fire Right Now,’ Ty Hobson Powell. The episode discusses Ty's early life, educational journey, and the challenges he faced as a young black male in the education system. Ty also shares insights on the importance of identity, community organizing, and the role of fatherhood in shaping his purpose and political views.  The discussion also critiques the current cultural landscape — highlighting the need for responsible consumption of media and the impact it has on societal values — stressing the importance of personal accountability within the community, urging individuals to recognize their choices and the power they hold to effect change. Stay connected with SPARK*D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com Follow Ty Hobson Powell on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tyhobsonpowelldc/ Purchase The Fire Right Now on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Right-Now-Ty-Hobson-Powell/dp/B0F8P8XSDQ [https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Right-Now-Ty-Hobson-Powell/dp/B0F8P8XSDQ] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Ty Hopson-Powell 01:06 Early Life and Education Journey 05:46 Navigating School and Identity 09:57 Experiences of Early Adulthood 15:07 The Fire Right Now: Book Insights 19:56 Wisdom and Adaptation in a Changing World 25:00 Fatherhood and Its Impact on Purpose 25:50 The Influence of Fatherhood 31:55 Cultural Consumption and Its Impact 39:08 Choices and Accountability in the Community 45:50 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Action

Episode 17 | Creating in Color: Art, Identity & Impact with Amanda Hunt | SPARK*D THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST

In this conversation, Amanda Hunt shares her journey as an actor, writer, and filmmaker, discussing her early inspirations, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges she faces as a Black woman in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes the significance of representation, the need for authentic storytelling, and the importance of creating one's own work. Amanda also touches on the balance between creativity and business, the necessity of protecting one's peace, and the personal connections she makes with her roles — highlighting the gaps in mainstream narratives, particularly regarding Jamaican culture and identity.  The conversation also explores the cultural similarities between Southern and Caribbean communities and its shared values and traditions. Host, Jabir A. McKnight and Amanda also discuss the importance of ancestry and the creative process, highlighting personal rituals that inspire their work. Stay connected with Amanda Morris: Website: https://www.amandamhunt.com/about Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nalasoul/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/@AmandaMHunt Stay connected with SPARK*D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Amanda Hunt 01:07 The Journey into Entertainment 04:12 Mentorship and Advocacy 07:29 Identity and Representation in Storytelling 11:03 Challenges in the Industry 13:39 The Importance of Creating Your Own Work 17:19 Balancing Creativity and Business 19:04 Protecting Your Peace 21:35 Personal Connections to Roles 23:30 Missing Narratives in Mainstream Media 26:24 Cultural Connections: Southern and Caribbean Similarities 28:36 Exploring Ancestry: The Ties Between Cultures 30:02 Creative Process: Rituals and Inspirations 36:02 Film Inspirations: Analyzing Recent Works 44:50 Legacy and Impact: Inspiring Future Generations

Episode 16 | Bridging Politics, People, and Progress with Alexander Hackett | SPARK*D THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST

In this episode of SPARK*D, host Jabir McKnight engages with Alexander Hackett, City Councilman At-Large for Wilmington, Delaware. They discuss the importance of leadership in the community, particularly in engaging the younger generation in civic activities. Hackett shares his personal journey from education to public service, emphasizing the need for intergenerational connections and the impact of mentorship and reflects on his experiences in the corporate world and on Capitol Hill. The conversation underlines the vital role of community engagement in shaping future leaders by empowering them through career opportunities and engaging them in the political process. Hackett also addresses the challenges small businesses face in politics and the necessity of proactive involvement in community issues. He shares his vision for innovative governance that balances tradition with change, encouraging future leaders to take action and invest in their communities. Stay connected with Alexander Hackett at www.alexanderhackett.com/ or on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexanderhackett_ [https://www.instagram.com/alexanderhackett_] | https://www.instagram.com/councilmanhackett [https://www.instagram.com/councilmanhackett] Twitter: https://x.com/hackett4wilm [https://x.com/hackett4wilm]  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alexhackett2020 [https://www.facebook.com/Alexhackett2020]  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexander-hackett-070b21109 [http://linkedin.com/in/alexander-hackett-070b21109]  Stay connected with SPARK*D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com [http://www.mydreambeacon.com] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Community Engagement 03:01 Personal Journey and Community Impact 06:07 Defining Leadership Through Experience 09:08 Navigating the Corporate World as a First-Gen Student 12:07 Lessons from Capitol Hill 14:56 Building Coalitions for Community Success 17:56 Innovative Campaign Strategies for Youth Engagement 23:47 Engaging the Community: A New Approach to Campaigning 28:09 Empowering the Youth: Career Opportunities and Community Engagement 32:46 Bridging the Gap: Engaging Small Businesses in Politics 39:44 Innovating Governance: Balancing Tradition and Change 41:54 Inspiring Future Leaders: The Call to Action

Episode 15 | Shaping Tomorrow’s Talent with Rod Adkins | SPARK*D THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST

In this enlightening conversation, Jabir McKnight interviews Rod Adkins, a strategy consultant and tech expert, about his journey from the Air Force to becoming an executive. They discuss the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the evolving workforce shaped by AI and automation. Rod shares insights on essential skills for the future, the role of communication in business, and the opportunities within the aerospace industry — emphasizing the significance of creativity and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape. Stay connected with SPARK*D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Journey 02:52 Early Influences and Resilience 05:48 Mentorship and Leadership Style 09:00 Adapting to Change in Consulting 12:10 Essential Skills for the Future Workforce 15:02 Opportunities for Human Innovation 17:52 The Role of Communication in Business 21:09 Exploring the Aerospace Industry 23:48 Crowdsourced Innovation and Future Work 26:56 Advice for Gen Z 30:11 The Truth About Innovation 32:59 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Episode 14 | Rewriting Student Life with Dr. T.J. Logan | SPARK*D THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST

In this conversation, host Jabir McKnight and Executive Director of Brailsford & Dunlavey, Dr. T.J. Logan, explore the evolving landscape of higher education, discussing the impact of the pandemic, the importance of community and shared experiences, and the need for institutions to differentiate themselves by taking audacious chances. Here, they emphasize the role of technology and partnerships in driving innovation, while also highlighting the significance of humility and expertise in professional growth. Visit Brailsford & Dunlavey at https://www.bdconnect.com Connect with Dr. T.J. Logan at https://www.linkedin.com/in/t-j-logan Stay connected with SPARK*D Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcast Check out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Higher Education Landscape 03:06 The Journey into Higher Education 05:55 Mentorship and Professional Growth 08:49 Balancing Expertise and Storytelling 12:01 The Changing Value of Higher Education 15:01 Post-Pandemic Challenges in Higher Education 17:58 Navigating the Job Market and Student Support 21:02 Systemic Changes Needed in Higher Education 23:51 Talent and Professionalization in Higher Education 27:09 Technology Implementation in Education 29:57 Public-Private Partnerships in Higher Education 32:23 Navigating the Higher Education Landscape 36:15 The Importance of Humility and Authenticity 41:40 The Role of Resources in Innovation 43:21 Embracing AI and Technology in Education 51:30 Defining the Value Proposition of Higher Education 58:57 Evolving Perspectives in Higher Education