The Check-In with Black Menswear

REVOLT
  • 5.0 (17)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

On The Check-In we provide proof against negative stereotypes by discussing engaging topics that uplift our community through interviews of inspiring individuals with stories of rags to riches, defeat to victory and just down-right interesting stuff you’ll want to hear!

  1. 5D AGO

    S6 Ep6: Q Parker on 30 Years of R&B, 112’s Legacy, Timeless Hits & The Evolution of Romance

    In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with Grammy-winning vocalist and R&B icon Q Parker for a wide-ranging conversation on longevity, artistry, fatherhood, and keeping romance alive in modern music.From early rehearsals in Atlanta to global tours with 112, Q reflects on what it really took to survive the competitive ’90s R&B era, how hits like “Cupid,” “Peaches & Cream,” and “Only You” were born from real life, and why authenticity is the secret behind music that lasts decades.Throughout the episode, Q opens up about: The two quotes that guide his health, mindset, and career Day-one grind, rehearsals, and preparing for opportunity First concerts, backstage nerves, and trusting the reps His role inside 112 and shaping their signature sound Why authenticity makes songs timeless Working with legendary producers while staying self-contained Blending hip-hop energy with church-rooted R&B His new project Evolution of Romance and restoring love songs to radio Becoming a father and proud grandfather focused on legacy Touring overseas and learning music’s global power Atlanta’s impact on shaping generations of artists His advice to young musicians chasing longevity If you love classic R&B, artist journeys, and conversations about purpose, discipline, and staying true to your lane, this episode is required listening.📌 Share this with someone who grew up on ’90s R&B — and anyone chasing a career built to last.👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    47 min

  2. FEB 4

    S6 Ep5: Super Bowl Champion TJ Ward on NFL Mindset, Retirement, Fatherhood & Being Built Different

    In this episode of The Check-In with Black Menswear, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with Super Bowl champion and former NFL star TJ Ward for a powerful conversation about confidence, leadership, life after football, and the realities players face behind the scenes.TJ reflects on his first NFL game, adjusting to the speed of the league, and the mental toughness required to survive at the highest level. He walks through what it felt like watching confetti fall after winning the Super Bowl, celebrating with family, and carrying the responsibility of being part of one of the most dominant defenses in league history.In this episode, they discuss:• The quote that shaped his work ethic • Entering the NFL and making an impact immediately • Playing with confidence at the highest level • What Super Bowl night really feels like • Life inside locker rooms and elite defenses • The emotional toll of losing seasons • Retirement and the identity shift athletes face • Fatherhood and raising the next generation • Building community with former teammates • Transitioning into sports media and podcasting • His “Dear Black Man” message to viewersThis episode is a must-watch for athletes, parents, and anyone navigating big life transitions while staying disciplined, grounded, and purpose-driven.👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations from Black Menswear highlighting Black excellence, leadership, and resilience.Stay connected with TJ Ward: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossward43Stay connected with Black Menswear: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: https://blackmenswear.com#TJWard #BlackMenswear #SuperBowlChampion #NFLPodcast #FootballLife #RetirementAfterSports #Fatherhood #BuiltDifferent #AthleteMindset #BlackMen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  3. JAN 28

    S6 Ep 4: D Smoke on Wake Up Supa, Death Row Records, Rhythm + Flow & Being Built Different

    In this episode of The Check-In with Black Menswear, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with Grammy-nominated artist, educator, actor, and cultural thinker D Smoke for an unforgettable conversation about purpose, artistry, discipline, and staying grounded while navigating fame.From growing up in Inglewood with a family of musicians to teaching in classrooms while building a rap career, D Smoke reflects on how his upbringing shaped his sound, his worldview, and his commitment to making music that inspires while still pushing technical boundaries. He opens up about challenging himself creatively, building with his brothers, and how friendly competition helped sharpen his craft.Throughout the episode, D Smoke dives into: The quote that guides his life and teaching philosophy Growing up in a musically rich household and learning harmony early How his brothers and creative community sharpened his artistry The evolution from Black Habits to Wake Up Super Living through struggle before fame and what success really means now Creating music that blends live instrumentation with bold production Performing around the world — from Amsterdam to LA to New York What it’s like carrying responsibility at Death Row Records under Snoop Dogg Acting on Mayor of Kingstown and bringing authenticity to his roles The powerful “Dear Black Man” message he leaves for the community If you’ve ever wrestled with staying rooted while leveling up, balancing creativity with responsibility, or carving your own lane in culture — this episode is a reminder that real longevity comes from discipline, vision, and believing in what you were built to do.📌 Share this with someone chasing purpose and trying to stay grounded while they rise.👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations from Black Menswear that spotlight Black excellence around the world.Stay connected with D Smoke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsmoke7Stay connected with Black Menswear: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: https://blackmenswear.com#DSmoke #BlackMenswear #WakeUpSuper #DeathRowRecords #RhythmAndFlow #Inglewood #HipHopCulture #BlackExcellence #MensStyle #PurposeDriven Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 3m

  4. JAN 21

    S6 EP3: Lawrence Robinson on Trusting God, Betting on Himself & Being “Built Different”

    In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard—founder and CEO of Black Menswear—sits down with actor Lawrence Robinson for an honest conversation about faith, discipline, and the long road from Philly to New York to LA. From his early days as a baggage handler (and a real-life run-in with Clifton Powell that changed his trajectory) to landing lead roles and leveling up in rooms he once only dreamed about, Lawrence breaks down what it really means to keep going when it’s scary—and keep believing when it’s quiet. Together, they unpack:  The simple but steady quote that anchors him: “Trust God”  Discovering acting by accident—and realizing “this is it”  Fatherhood, sacrifice, and the fear that comes with chasing a dream  The advice Clifton Powell gave him (and how he followed it step-by-step)  Why his BET Tales lead role became a breakthrough moment—and how momentum followed  Being typecast, being misunderstood, and still staying true to who he is  Why training matters (class, craft, and confidence) and how “book the room” really works Fashion as expression: Paris Fashion Week, layers, and building a vision bigger than the moment  The mindset battle: fear of “missing my mark” and keeping your vibrations high  The message he’d tell his younger self—and the one he leaves with Black men today: “You are enough.” If you’ve been wrestling with timing, purpose, or pressure—this one is a reminder to keep showing up, keep doing the work, and keep trusting God with the outcome. 📌 Share this with someone who needs a push to keep going—and a reminder that they’re already enough.  👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Follow Lawrence Robinson: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrencehrobinson/X / Twitter: https://x.com/LawrenceHRobins Follow Black Menswear: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswear/X / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: https://blackmenswear.com/ #LawrenceRobinson #BlackMenswear #Faith #TrustGod #ActorsJourney #Fatherhood #MensStyle #ParisFashionWeek #Purpose #YouAreEnough Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  5. JAN 14

    S6 EP2: Olly Sholotan on Brotherhood, Identity, and What Bel-Air Changed in Him

    In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with Olly Sholotan for a conversation that’s equal parts reflective and forward-looking—about identity, brotherhood, artistic growth, and the kind of life lessons you don’t fully understand until you’re looking back. Olly shares how the experience of being on a groundbreaking show shaped him beyond the camera: becoming a better friend, son, and creative. He talks about the moments that made the journey feel surreal, the scenes that hit hardest emotionally, and the mindset shift that helped him stop living only for outcomes and start valuing the process.Together they explore: Life “understood backwards” and why the present moment matters more than we think The emotional truth behind the final season: improvised moments that were barely acting The reality of cultural isolation—and how it informed Olly’s portrayal and perspective Why joy and grief can exist together in the same scene, the same day, the same season How brotherhood shows up onscreen when it’s real offscreen Navigating an industry that still requires Black artists to be “twice as good” to be considered Why Olly’s current goal is simple: show up every day and sharpen the craft If you’ve ever felt like time moved too fast, or you’ve watched a chapter close and wondered what’s next, this is your reminder: you don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to keep showing up.📌 Share this with someone who needs encouragement to keep going, keep growing, and keep showing up.👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.Follow Olly Sholotan:Instagram: instagram.com/ollysholotanFollow Black Menswear:Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: blackmenswear.com#OllySholotan #BelAir #BlackMenswear #Brotherhood #Identity #BlackActors #CreativeJourney #ShowUpEveryDay #WeGonBeAlright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min

  6. JAN 7

    S6 EP1: Scott Evans on Fear, Faith, and Becoming the Person You’re Called to Be

    In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with Emmy-nominated host, storyteller, and cultural connector Scott Evans for an honest conversation about fear, faith, authenticity, and trusting the path you’re on—even when it doesn’t look linear.Scott reflects on the phrase that’s guided him since his teens—“go without fear”—and unpacks why courage isn’t about eliminating fear, but learning how to move forward alongside it. From early spiritual grounding to navigating visibility, rejection, and success, Scott shares how protecting your voice and staying rooted in who you are creates longevity.Together they dive into: Why “go without fear” means moving with fear—not waiting for it to disappear How scripture, spirituality, and inner dialogue shape confidence and clarity The difference between imitation and authenticity in creative careers Protecting your voice in rooms that demand performance over presence Why consistent self-talk becomes lived reality Staying grounded while expanding your platform and influence Learning to trust timing instead of forcing outcomes If you’ve been questioning your direction, wrestling with fear, or wondering whether you’re really built for what you feel called to pursue, this episode is a reminder that courage starts with alignment—not approval. 📌 Share this with someone who needs permission to move forward—even with fear in the room. 👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Follow Scott Evans: Instagram: instagram.com/iamscottevans Follow Black Menswear: Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswear X / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswear Facebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswear Website: blackmenswear.com#ScottEvans #BlackMenswear #Purpose #FaithAndFear #Authenticity #CreativeCareers #Confidence #BuiltDifferent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

  7. 12/10/2025

    Jimmy Akingbola on Bel-Air, Foster Care & Becoming Geoffrey

    In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard—founder and CEO of Black Menswear—sits down with actor Jimmy Akingbola to peel back the layers on his real-life foster care story, his journey from East London stages to Hollywood screens, and what it means to dare to dream when the odds are stacked against you. From earning £400 a week doing plays to becoming part of the Bel-Air legacy, Jimmy shares how faith, resilience, and craft shaped the man behind one of TV’s coldest “fixers.” In this conversation, they unpack: Growing up in UK foster care and why he wouldn’t change his story The full-circle connection between Bel-Air and the biggest “care story” in TV history Redefining Geoffrey: not “black help,” but brotherhood, family, and quiet power Vulnerability as a superpower—why Black men need to see each other cry and heal The difference between UK and US acting scenes (stage roots vs screen fame) Rejection, resilience, and why getting to “the last two” is a sign you’re close Craft over clout: doing the work, knowing your writers, and treating acting like a real job Why suits over streetwear still wins—and how style became part of Geoffrey's storytelling  If you’ve ever questioned your path, battled “no” after “no,” or wondered if your story is too messy to be used for something great, this episode is a reminder: you are enough, you are loved, and your dream is still valid. 📌 Share this with a Black man who needs encouragement to keep going—especially the one who’s ready to give up on his dream.  👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Follow Jimmy Akingbola: Instagram: instagram.com/jimmyakingbolaFollow Black Menswear: Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: blackmenswear.com #JimmyAkingbola #BelAir #Jeffrey #BlackMenswear #DareToDream #FosterCare #BlackMenHealing #ActingJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min

  8. 12/03/2025

    Trell Thomas on Purpose, Black Excellence Brunch and Walking in Your Calling!

    In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with storyteller, producer, and founder of Black Excellence Brunch, Trell Thomas, to unpack purpose, preparation, and creating spaces where Black people are celebrated just for being who they are. From Sunday dinner at his mom’s house to curating all-white rooms at Essence Fest, Art Basel, and even The White House, Trell shares how a simple gathering in his apartment became a global cultural moment. Together they dive into: 1. Why Romans 8:28 and “all things work together” still anchors Trell’s journey 2. How Black Excellence Brunch was born from corporate burnout, healing, and a need for safe, affirming spaces 3. Why everyone wears white—and how it centers Black skin, Black joy, and brand consistency 4. The power of relationships: your network as your net worth (beyond transactional connections) 5. “Prepare for what you pray for” and making space for what you’re asking God for 6. Being a vessel: letting your overflow pour into others and building a legacy of service 7. Showing up authentically in a world that constantly asks you to shrink If you’ve been wrestling with purpose, dreaming about your own movement, or trying to figure out how to turn vision into rooms that actually exist, this episode is your reminder: what you see in your spirit, you can stand in with your feet. 📌 Share this with someone who needs a reminder to prepare for what they pray for—and to stop shrinking in rooms they were designed to fill. 👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Follow Trell Thomas: Instagram: instagram.com/trellworld Follow Black Excellence Brunch: Instagram: instagram.com/blackexcellencebrunch Follow Black Menswear: Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswear X / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswear Facebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswear Website: blackmenswear.com #TrellThomas #BlackExcellenceBrunch #BlackMenswear #BlackJoy #Purpose #Networking #PrepareForWhatYouPrayFor #BlackEntrepreneurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    27 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

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On The Check-In we provide proof against negative stereotypes by discussing engaging topics that uplift our community through interviews of inspiring individuals with stories of rags to riches, defeat to victory and just down-right interesting stuff you’ll want to hear!

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