E001 - From Combat Boots to Brand Strategy - Lechon Kirb’s Entrepreneurial Journey

E015 - From the Projects to City Council - Damian Gordon on Community & Brotherhood

Tha Motiv8tors Table Host Dr. J.R. McIntyre (Tha Hood Motivator) Summary Dr. J.R. McIntyre sits down with Damian Gordon, a Long Beach native, husband, father, volunteer girls basketball coach, HOA president, and candidate for Long Beach City Council. Damian traces his path from growing up in the Carmelitos housing projects on the North Side, through the culture shock of being bussed to Nukem Academy and later Cabrillo High School, to finding brotherhood in Phi Beta Sigma later in life. He speaks candidly about the systemic barriers tied to growing up without an active father, the daily work he does as a social worker housing the homeless, and a moment of real accountability when he made amends with someone from his past at a community event. The conversation closes with a call for civic engagement ahead of the June 2nd election. Main Topics • Growing up in the Carmelitos projects on Long Beach's North Side and being bussed to Nukem Academy • Culture shock and the racial divide navigated at Cabrillo High School • Crossing into Phi Beta Sigma fraternity later in life and the value of brotherhood and network • Daily work as a social worker housing homeless singles and families, plus twice-weekly food distribution • Coaching girls basketball and raising his own children after growing up without an active father • Running for Long Beach City Council - candidate packets due March 6, election day June 2nd • Making amends with someone from his past at the Marathon Burger grand opening • The importance of voting and registering, especially for young people who've been told their vote doesn't count Intriguing Quotes • “You should be ashamed to die until you've won some victory for humanity.” • “Put others before self.” • “I'm not a politician. I'm just looking to be an extension of my community, our community, our city.” • “Look at the message. Don't look at the messenger.” • “The rose that grew from the concrete. That's all of us.” Key Moments • 0:01 - Opening thanks to Los Angeles Tribune, Riverside, and sponsors before bringing Damian Gordon to the stage • 2:14 - Damian introduces himself - husband, father, coach, HOA president, and Long Beach City Council candidate • 4:53 - His mother bussing him to Nukem Academy after he sabotaged his way out of the gate program • 12:08 - The cowboy hat lesson - a crash course in west side politics on his first week at Cabrillo High • 13:20 - Crossing into Phi Beta Sigma later in life after being mentored by Brother Ali Braswell • 26:10 - A look at his Monday through Friday work housing the homeless and coaching girls basketball • 30:21 - Making amends with someone from his past at the Marathon Burger grand opening • 43:00 - Closing words on the importance of voting and registering ahead of the June 2nd election Notable Guests/Resources • Damian Gordon - social worker, volunteer girls basketball coach, HOA president, and candidate for Long Beach City Council. Connect with him on Instagram: Damian_Gordon Sr. • Sponsors mentioned: Los Angeles Tribune, Riverside platform Special Announcements: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.thahoodmotiv8tor.com/ 🎧 Watch & Listen on All Platforms 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gmg75s... 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@THAHOODMOTIV8TOR 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha_motiv8tor_table_podcast/   From the Block to the Board — Every Story Has Power. MOTIV8TORS MOUNT UP. IT'S TIME TO SHAKE THA ROOM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E014 - Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Secrets - Stephen Graham - Leadership & Operations

Podcast Title: Tha Motiv8tors Table Podcast Host: Dr. JayR McIntyre (Tha Hood Motiv8tor) Summary: Stephen Graham sits down with Dr. JayR McIntyre to share a story that moves from foster care in South Carolina to logistics leadership in the United States Navy, and into a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt career consulting across healthcare, education, the Department of the Navy, and the private sector. Stephen pulls no punches when he walks through the early years, the bullying, the malnutrition, sharing a bed with two other kids, and the moment a teenage cousin told him football would turn his anger into something positive. The conversation deepens when Stephen talks about the choice that changed everything. Working multiple jobs while at Campbell University, club bouncing at strip clubs to pay tuition, watching friends get killed, and one of his own professors quietly tell him he’d be paying student loans until he died, that combination pushed Stephen to walk into a recruiter’s office. The Navy took him, sent him to Norfolk, then to Japan on the flagship USS Blue Ridge, and gave him the stable ground to rebuild himself. From there, Stephen built a portfolio: life insurance, real estate in Jacksonville, construction with CBRE, teaching Six Sigma at Villanova, and now a Master Black Belt consulting practice that has supported over 100 organisations. He’s been appointed procurement lead for the PMI Washington DC chapter and helps create the global guidelines for Lean Six Sigma certification. He also speaks honestly about losing six friends in four months last year, two to suicide, and why he’s pulling closer to God, gratitude, and family in 2026. JayR closes with a direct affirmation to Stephen, that the version of him as a foster kid who almost gave up is the same one who built the life he has now, and that loving on yourself first is what makes it possible to love everyone else. Main Topics: • Growing up in foster care, malnutrition, and the loss of both parents • The grandparents’ home in Lake City, South Carolina and the football turnaround • Working club security and strip clubs through Campbell University • The professor moment that pushed Stephen toward the Navy recruiter • Navy career progression from deck seaman to flagship USS Blue Ridge in Japan • Pivoting into life insurance, real estate, and construction post-active duty • Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt work and the PMI Washington DC procurement lead role • Faith, gratitude, and the importance of therapy for Black men Intriguing Quotes: “I had to share a bed with two other kids.” “I’m over 100K in debt from all these degrees. I drive a 1999 Toyota Camry... I’m going to be paying these student debts till I die.” “No matter what stages we are in life, we just got to appreciate, man.” “Be yourself, accept your flaws... my life may not be where I want to be, but I’m at where I need to be.” “Do not be the gatekeeper. If there is valuable information that could help share with somebody personally, professionally, whatever the case may be, try to help those people.” Key Moments: [00:01:33] - Stephen introduces himself and walks through his current Lean Six Sigma and PMI work [00:03:25] - Growing up as a foster kid in South Carolina after both parents passed [00:09:05] - Moving in with grandparents in Lake City and finding stability through school [00:13:55] - Working through Campbell University as a club bouncer at strip clubs [00:17:55] - The professor moment that pushed Stephen toward the Navy recruiter [00:28:30] - Japan, the flagship USS Blue Ridge, and learning real professionalism [00:40:30] - Pulling closer to God, gratitude, and the six friends lost in four months [00:47:00] - Stephen’s closing message on therapy, self-love, and not being a gatekeeper Notable Guests/Resources: Stephen Graham, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Stephen is an accomplished healthcare administrator, logistics professional, and leadership strategist with extensive experience in operations management, personnel development, and organizational process improvement. Over the course of his career, Stephen has managed and developed more than 90 personnel over a five-year period, leading teams across operational and administrative environments. His leadership experience includes serving as a Leading Petty Officer (LPO) at Naval Medical Center Balboa in San Diego, California, where he oversaw warehouse operations, logistics coordination, and workforce development while training and mentoring personnel to enhance professional growth and operational efficiency. Stephen is also a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, where he has assisted over 100 organizations in optimizing processes, improving operational efficiency, and reducing waste. His consulting and operational impact spans multiple sectors, including Bisk Education, the Department of the Navy, insurance firms, and other private-sector organizations. In addition to his military and operational leadership experience, Stephen has also worked in the real estate industry, earning his real estate license in Jacksonville, Florida, where he began his career with Watson Realty Corp before transitioning to RE/MAX Associates. Stephen’s professional background reflects a strong commitment to leadership development, strategic operations, and continuous improvement, and he has also applied for a security clearance as part of his ongoing professional advancement. Find Stephen on LinkedIn (Stephen Graham, HCA, MBB, CPC) and Instagram (@SCGraham00410). Sponsors mentioned: Los Angeles Tribune, Riverside, 7 Eagle Academy. Special Announcements: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.thahoodmotiv8tor.com/ 🎧 Watch & Listen on All Platforms 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gmg75s... 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@THAHOODMOTIV8TOR 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha_motiv8tor_table_podcast/   From the Block to the Board — Every Story Has Power. MOTIV8TORS MOUNT UP. IT'S TIME TO SHAKE THA ROOM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E013 - From Hustle to Financial Freedom - Erica C. Rivera on Building Wealth & Ownership

Podcast Title: Tha Motiv8tors Table Podcast Host: Dr. JayR McIntyre (Tha Hood Motiv8tor) Episode Title: E013 - From Hustle to Financial Freedom - Erica C. Rivera on Building Wealth & Ownership Summary: The conversation covers Erica’s journey in entrepreneurship, her alignment with faith, and her commitment to mentorship. It delves into her background, childhood, and personal growth, highlighting her early ventures and the evolution of her entrepreneurial pursuits. The discussion also explores the intersection of faith and finance, as well as her ministry and mentorship goals for the future. The conversation delves into the themes of faith, authenticity, struggle, overcoming adversity, leading with love, listening, the power of timing, sharing stories, impacting others, recognizing God-ordained connections, authenticity, self-identity, challenges, triumphs, mentorship, and the concept of delayed obedience. The speakers share personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the importance of embracing trials and tribulations as part of the journey and the need for obedience to God’s calling. Main Topics: • Alignment • Entrepreneurship and Faith Delayed obedience is still disobedience • Trials and tribulations are part of the process, not the end • Embracing the valleys is as important as reaching the mountain tops Intriguing Quotes: “Delayed obedience is still disobedience.” “Victim is an event, right? It’s not a life sentence.” “Don’t try to be perfect. God wants you to be Erica.” “It’s the year of the harvest. It’s the year of alignment.” “If God is not a part of your business plan, don’t do it.” Key Moments: [00:00:40] - JayR welcomes Erica C. Rivera to Tha Motiv8tors Table Season 5 [00:01:24] - Alignment named as the word of the year [00:03:33] - Erica reflects on her inner child, sports background and tough love from her father [00:11:14] - First entrepreneurial stint - Shambala jewellery sets during Orlando Allstar Weekend [00:14:52] - Launching The Mama Code lifestyle brand and shifting from hustle to scalable systems [00:19:18] - Publishing the P31 Handbook and the Women in Wealth Workbook to teach faith-led wealth building [00:30:30] - Erica unpacks delayed obedience as still being disobedience [00:39:35] - Pastor Tabitha’s message - victim is an event not a life sentence Notable Guests/Resources: Erica C. Rivera, Wealth Coach and Financial Services Professional based in Tampa, Florida, originally from New York via eighteen years in Orlando. Author of The P31 Handbook - Faithful and Fulfilled and the Women in Wealth Workbook & Financial Planner, both available on Amazon. Teaches women how to build wealth God’s way through kingdom mindset principles, faith and finance, and practical planning. Speaker, mentor, and founder of a faith-led women’s mentorship program. Socials: @ericacrivera. Sponsors mentioned: Los Angeles Tribune, Riverside, Seven Eagle Academy. Special Announcements: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.thahoodmotiv8tor.com/ 🎧 Watch & Listen on All Platforms 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gmg75s... 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@THAHOODMOTIV8TOR 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha_motiv8tor_table_podcast/   From the Block to the Board — Every Story Has Power. MOTIV8TORS MOUNT UP. IT'S TIME TO SHAKE THA ROOM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E012 - From Volunteer Firefighter to USAF Firefighter & Motivational Speaker - The Chris Beddoes Story

Podcast Title: Tha Motiv8tors Table Podcast Host: Dr. JayR McIntyre (Tha Hood Motiv8tor) Episode Title: E012 - From Volunteer Firefighter to USAF Firefighter & Motivational Speaker - The Chris Beddoes Story Summary: In this powerful episode of Tha Motiv8tor’s Table, Dr. JayR McIntyre sits down with Chris Beddoes — a man whose life has been defined by service. Chris began answering the call at a young age, volunteering as a firefighter as a kid and throughout high school. That early commitment to serving others laid the foundation for his next chapter — becoming a firefighter in the United States Air Force. From running toward danger in his community to protecting lives in the military, Chris built his life around courage, discipline, and responsibility. Now, he has transitioned into motivational speaking and business, using his story of service and resilience to inspire others to live with purpose. This episode is about more than firefighting — it’s about answering the call in every season of life. From volunteer firefighter… To Air Force firefighter… To motivational speaker and entrepreneur… Chris proves that your calling evolves — but your commitment to service never changes. If you’re navigating transition, leadership, or purpose, this conversation will challenge you to rise higher. Main Topics: • The power of early leadership and responsibility • How service shapes character • Military discipline as a foundation for entrepreneurship • Turning experience into influence • Using your story to impact others Intriguing Quotes: “Motivation without application is frustration.” “I got to be the best part of somebody’s worst day.” “Your calling evolves — but your commitment to service never changes.” “Each of us need to be consistent in what you do. Making improvement on your income, making improvement in your life. You just got to be consistent.” “Healthy, happy, and terrific every morning. Those affirmations make a difference.” Key Moments: [00:02:30] - Growing up in Columbus, Ohio and finding service through Boy Scouts [00:07:30] - Discovering firefighting through the Explorer Scout program [00:11:43] - Surviving a fire hose injury and rebuilding from amnesia [00:12:35] - Unloading the moving truck as Hurricane Katrina rolled into Florida [00:17:20] - The Paradise Fire and the moment Chris’s cup ran dry [00:24:40] - Praying for purpose and partnering with Legal Shield [00:27:42] - Building Walls for Warriors to give back to fallen heroes [00:39:50] - Motivation without application is frustration Notable Guests/Resources: Chris Beddoes — retired Air Force firefighter, former Red Cross disaster services manager, motivational speaker, and Legal Shield representative based in Columbus, Ohio. Connect via phone 614-580-6600, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram (all Chris Beddoes). Walls for Warriors / Homes for Heroes — Chris’s working vision to remodel an old hotel in his hometown into supportive apartments for veterans needing housing, mental health, medical, and spiritual support. Legal Shield — legal services and identity theft protection company Chris partners with to build the income behind his veteran-housing mission. Sponsors mentioned: Los Angeles Tribune, Riverside, Seven Eagle Academy. Special Announcements: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.thahoodmotiv8tor.com/ 🎧 Watch & Listen on All Platforms 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gmg75s... 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@THAHOODMOTIV8TOR 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha_motiv8tor_table_podcast/   From the Block to the Board — Every Story Has Power. MOTIV8TORS MOUNT UP. IT'S TIME TO SHAKE THA ROOM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

E011 - LIVE IN LONDON - Homeless to CEO - How Adesuwa Built Addybeaut from £100 a Week to a Thriving Empire

Podcast Title: Tha Motiv8tors Table Podcast Host: Dr. JayR McIntyre (Tha Hood Motiv8tor) Episode Title: E011 - LIVE IN LONDON - Homeless to CEO - How Adesuwa Built Addybeaut from £100 a Week to a Thriving Empire Summary: Recorded LIVE in London, this powerful international episode of Tha Motiv8tor’s Table sees Dr. JayR McIntyre sit down with Adesuwa, the founder of Addybeaut, an inspiring entrepreneur whose journey from hardship to ownership proves that faith and resilience can build empires. When Adesuwa arrived in London, she had nothing but determination. She began working in a Hackney salon earning just £100 per week — navigating uncertainty, struggle, and even homelessness. But she refused to let her circumstances dictate her future. Sixteen years later, she is the founder of Addybeaut, a thriving one-stop beauty destination offering hair styling, nails, barbering, her own clothing line, and custom wig collections. This isn’t just a beauty story. It’s a resilience story. It’s a faith story. It’s a global entrepreneur story. From Hackney to ownership. From £100 a week to business leadership. Main Topics: • Surviving homelessness while holding onto vision • The power of stepping out on faith • Building a brand from nothing • Transitioning from employee to entrepreneur • Scaling a beauty business into a full-service empire • Why belief must be stronger than fear Intriguing Quotes: “Your beginning does not define your ending.” “What can you do with £100 a week in this country? But I took it anyway.” “If you do not step out on faith, God is not going to bless you what you need to bless.” “From Hackney to ownership. From £100 a week to business leadership.” “We are LIVE. We are global. We are building legacy.” Key Moments: [00:00:00] - JayR opens with Adesuwa recalling her arrival in London with nowhere to stay and no family to take her in [00:00:14] - Walking into an Acme salon in Hackney asking for stylist work with her bag in hand [00:00:22] - The salon owner offers her the job at £100 a week, £400 a month [00:00:55] - JayR reflects on how that £400 a month grew into Adesuwa’s own shop 16 years later [00:01:36] - Adesuwa points out her handmade clothing line, shoes, bags and custom wigs made from scratch [00:02:13] - Addybeaut described as the biggest one-stop beauty shop in East London [00:03:09] - JayR’s step-out-on-faith message - belief must be stronger than fear [00:03:37] - Adesuwa shares the Addybeaut Instagram and addybeaut.co.uk website Notable Guests/Resources: Adesuwa, founder of Addybeaut. Sixteen years from a Hackney salon stylist earning £100 a week to running her own one-stop beauty destination in East London. Services include hair styling, nails, barbering, custom handmade wigs, and her own clothing line covering handmade shoes, bags, and accessories. Addybeaut, described in the episode as the biggest one-stop beauty shop in East London. Website: addybeaut.co.uk. Instagram handle: @addybeaut (as shared in-episode). Special Announcements: 🌐 Official Website: https://www.thahoodmotiv8tor.com/ 🎧 Watch & Listen on All Platforms 🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6gmg75s... 🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@THAHOODMOTIV8TOR 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha_motiv8tor_table_podcast/   From the Block to the Board — Every Story Has Power. MOTIV8TORS MOUNT UP. IT'S TIME TO SHAKE THA ROOM. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.