Ep. 210 - Mound Bayou Museum Curator Reveals the Town’s Remarkable Legacy

Ep. 210 - Mound Bayou Museum Curator Reveals the Town’s Remarkable Legacy

In Episode 210 of The Ryles Report, Richard speaks with Hermon Johnson Jr., curator of the Mound Bayou Museum, about the extraordinary history of Mound Bayou, Mississippi—an independent Black community founded by formerly enslaved people. Johnson explains how Benjamin Montgomery and his son, Isaiah T. Montgomery, helped lay the foundation for a thriving center of Black business, education, agriculture and self-determination. The conversation explores Mound Bayou’s world-renowned cotton industry, its pioneering healthcare system and the unity that allowed its residents to build, protect and sustain their community. The episode also examines Mound Bayou’s vital role in the Civil Rights Movement. Johnson discusses the influence of Dr. T.R.M. Howard, the development of Medgar Evers as a civil rights leader, the town’s connection to Fannie Lou Hamer and its role as a sanctuary for Mamie Till and members of the Black press during the Emmett Till trial. He also explains why preserving Mound Bayou’s history can inspire a new generation to embrace entrepreneurship, collective action and the power to create institutions of their own. Share your thoughts about this powerful conversation on social media using the hashtag #RylesReport.

Ep. 209 Dr. Ricky Jones on the State of Black America

Dr. Ricky Jones us for a very passionate conversation on the state of Black America.

208 - Diante Pryer Shares the Vision Behind a Growing Movement for Black Men

In this episode of The Ryles Report, Richard sits down with Diante Pryer, co-founder of the Boss Link Conference, for a powerful conversation about brotherhood, mentorship, wealth-building, and the importance of creating intentional spaces for Black men to connect, grow, and be seen. What begins as a discussion about the origins of Boss Link expands into deeper reflections on mental health, grief, imposter syndrome, code-switching, race, sports, politics, and the future of Black leadership. Diante shares his vision for turning connection into collective action, while Richard brings historical insight and personal experience to a conversation that challenges, informs, and inspires.

Ep. 207 - Grading Judge Poland & Wasserman Schultz, 2 Chainz's New Book, and Jackson Dart's NFL Controversy

Welcome back to The Ryles Report! In Episode 207, Richard delivers a hard-hitting breakdown across our signature trio of segments: the book report, the political report card, and the latest headlines making waves in the news. First, we dive into a powerful new book by 2 Chainz that serves as an essential guide for recent graduates learning to navigate life's critical crossroads. Next, we hand out final grades to Florida political figure Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Judge Reed Poland, examining how their recent actions measure up against integrity, ethics, and community impact. Finally, we tackle a major controversy brewing in the NFL locker room after a New York Giants quarterback's public endorsement sparks internal friction and raises questions about teamwork and career-ending moves. Tune in for a candid conversation on courage, conviction, and accountability, and don’t forget to share your own thoughts on these stories using the hashtag #TheRylesReport!

Ep. 206 - Political Report Cards + & Trump’s $2 Billion Settlement

In this episode of The Ryles Report, host Richard Ryles breaks down the week's biggest headlines across three distinct lenses: a political report card, a book report, and a news report. First, we debut our political grading rubric, putting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Tennessee State Senator John Stevens to the test on everything from equity to ethics. Then, we dive into a brief review of Dr. Arlene Geronimus’s groundbreaking book, Weathering, exploring the physiological toll of systemic racism. Finally, Richard unpacks Donald Trump’s historic $2 billion IRS settlement and explains why it presents a unique opportunity for Black Americans to demand accountability. What are your grades for these politicians? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media using #TheRylesReport!