The NxtUp Ballers (Building A Life Long Legacy) Podcast

“Behind the Brand: The Reality of Building While Becoming ”

What’s up, Ballers! Welcome back to The NxtUp Ballers Podcast — where we spotlight the people building something bigger than themselves. And today’s conversation is for every person who’s ever tried to build something while still figuring themselves out. Because building a brand sounds exciting… until you realize you’re also building yourself at the same time. Ashely Franklin is a Marketing Strategist, Creative Lead, and the founder of Remarkable Marketing & Ad Solutions — a boutique marketing firm helping businesses grow through storytelling, strategy, and experiences that actually connect with people. But behind the strategy and the branding is a story of perseverance, reinvention, motherhood, self-doubt, and continuing to show up anyway.

“Strategy & Service: Designing Impact That Lasts” with Rachel Crowder

Today’s guest sits at the intersection of strategy and service. Rachel Crowder is the CEO of Raette Consulting, where she leads strategic initiatives that help organizations grow stronger, move smarter, and create sustainable impact. Rae is also the Founder of Black Health Lit — a platform dedicated to empowering communities with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate and advocate within the healthcare system. So whether she’s working in boardrooms or in communities, Rachel is focused on one thing — making systems clearer, stronger, and more accessible for the people they’re meant to serve. When you are finished listening, do not forget to share this episode. You can also watch all of our episodes on YouTube!

“More Than a Workout: Training for Life & Legacy” with Austin Parker (Coach AP)

What’s up, Ballers! Welcome back to The NxtUp Ballers Podcast — where we highlight individuals who are building something bigger than themselves. Today’s guest is someone who’s using fitness as a vehicle — not just for physical transformation, but for discipline, mindset, and purpose Austin Parker, or Coach AP, is a Corporate Wellness Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and CEO of APFit — where he’s spent over a decade helping individuals strengthen not just their bodies, but their confidence and mental resilience. Today, we’re talking about what it really means to go beyond the workout — and start training for life and legacy.

Today’s episode is titled ‘Dream. Design. Deliver: The H.E.A.R.T. of Leadership.

Our guest is Dr. Diandra Renée Gordon — a 2x TEDx Speaker, licensed attorney, nonprofit founder, interim superintendent, and the creator of the H.E.A.R.T. Framework — a leadership model that centers empathy, excellence, and sustainable change. With over 15 years in nonprofit leadership, a PhD in Human Development and Family Science, a JD from Capital University Law School, and a career dedicated to transforming education and equity — Dr. Gordon doesn’t just lead systems… she redesigns them. This conversation is about intentional leadership. Cultural equity. And what it looks like to build something that touches both policy and people.

Dr. Nathan Harris - Engineering a Legacy with Dr. Nathan Harris, CEO/Founder See Your Brilliance

What's Up Ballers! Welcome back to another episode of The NxtUp Ballers Podcast. Today’s guest is someone who is literally engineering impact. Dr. Nathan Lee Roy Harris is an educator, visionary, and the President of See Brilliance — an organization rooted in helping Black and Latinx youth discover their innate genius. A graduate of Morehouse College and the youngest Black man to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from The Ohio State University — and part of a four-generation Buckeye legacy — Dr. Harris isn’t just talking about brilliance… he’s building systems to cultivate it.