Urban Family Focus Podcast

Jerrold Smith

The Urban Family Focus Podcast explores the issues shaping Black families and urban communities. Hosted by Rev. Jerrold Smith, each episode features faith-based insight, expert guests, and real conversations on health, wealth, justice, and more. Empowering talk that uplifts, informs, and inspires. 

  1. DEC 22

    Navigating Holiday Dreams & Drama with Dr. Loren M. Hill

    The holiday season can be filled with love, laughter — and a fair share of stress. On this episode of Urban Family Focus, we welcome back our beloved resident psychologist, Dr. Loren M. Hill, for a timely and empowering conversation titled “Navigating Holiday Dreams & Drama.” Dr. Hill brings her signature blend of clinical expertise, cultural awareness, and leadership insight to help listeners navigate the emotional highs and lows that often surface during the holidays. From managing family dynamics and unmet expectations to balancing leadership responsibilities, work demands, and personal well-being, this episode offers practical tools you can actually use. With grounded guidance and real talk, Dr. Hill addresses how to protect your mental health, set healthy boundaries, and move through the season with intention, grace, and emotional balance — especially for those who are often carrying the weight for others. If you’re seeking clarity, encouragement, and strategies to stay emotionally well during the holidays, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. 🎙️ Real talk. Mental wellness. Holiday balance. To learn more about Dr. Loren, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    45 min
  2. DEC 15

    Cultivating Positive Emotions with Dr. Gloria Morrow

    In this powerful and enlightening episode of Urban Family Focus, we sit down with one of the nation’s leading clinical psychologists, Dr. Gloria Morrow, to explore what it truly means to cultivate positive emotions in challenging times. Dr. Gloria breaks down the science and the spirit behind emotional wellness. From managing depression, anxiety, stress, and trauma to understanding the deep connection between spirituality and recovery, she offers practical tools that help individuals and families strengthen their emotional foundation. With decades of clinical work, a celebrated career as a professor, author, keynote speaker, and faith-based healing expert, Dr. Gloria brings wisdom that is both relatable and transformative. Whether she’s discussing suicide prevention, resilience, grief, leadership, or the importance of maintaining joy, her insights empower listeners to heal, grow, and walk in purpose. To learn more about Dr. Gloria, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    45 min
  3. DEC 8

    Strengthening Your Business Through Advocacy with Alysia Rivers

    In this powerful episode of Urban Family Focus, we sit down with Alysia Rivers—speaker, strategist, author, and creator of BizFed’s Advocacy Academy—to explore how advocacy can transform your business from the inside out. Known as “Aly the Advocate, the Activist, the Ally,” Alysia breaks down the real connection between policy, profit, and community power, making systems easier to understand and access. Drawing from her work at BizFed, her experience launching the Advocacy Academy, and her commitment to equity and economic growth, she shares practical insights for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and emerging leaders. We dive into: How advocacy strengthens your business and expands your reach Why access and understanding policy is essential for growth Tools business owners can use to influence change and secure opportunity The role of integrity, influence, and transformation in leadership Her journey as a community advocate and candidate for Compton City Council Whether you’re building a business, shaping your leadership voice, or seeking to better navigate systems that affect your community, this conversation delivers clarity, empowerment, and next steps. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your impact. To learn more about Alysia, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    45 min
  4. DEC 1

    Your Care, Their Care with Sharon R. Melancon, Jeanie Harris & Dr. Emnet Z. Gammada

    In this powerful episode of Urban Family Focus, we explore the emotional, physical, and spiritual realities of caregiving in “Your Care, Their Care.” Our guests bring deep experience, compassion, and truth to the conversation: • Sharon R. Melancon & Jeanie Harris — Founders of Actively Caring Through Sharing (ACTS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers with education, resources, and a safe space to share their journey. • Dr. Emnet Z. Gammada — Clinical Gero-Neuropsychology Fellow at UCLA, whose work focuses on Alzheimer’s, dementia, and healing-centered approaches to closing health disparity gaps. Together, we talk about the challenges caregivers face, the importance of community support, and the healing power of being seen, heard, and understood. If you are caring for a loved one or simply want to better understand the caregiver experience, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and tools to help you navigate the journey with strength and grace. To learn more about Sharon, click here ===> CLICK HERE To learn more about Jeanie, click here ===> CLICK HERE To learn more about Emnet, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    46 min
  5. NOV 24

    Take A Breath for Lung Cancer with Tony Wafford, Dr. Amy Cummings & Rev. Oliver Buie

    In this deeply informative and heartfelt episode, we bring together three powerful voices in the fight against lung cancer: Tony Wafford, President & CEO of the I Choose Life Foundation; Dr. Amy Cummings, leading medical expert in pulmonary care; and Rev. Oliver Buie, advocate, minister, and survivor voice in the health equity space. Together, they break down the realities of lung cancer in our community — from prevention and early detection to disparities in care and the emotional weight carried by families. This conversation shines a light on the importance of awareness, screenings, and advocacy, especially in Black and Brown communities where diagnosis rates are rising and treatment gaps persist. This episode is both educational and empowering, reminding us that taking a breath is not something we can take for granted — and that knowledge is one of our strongest tools for saving lives. To learn more about Tony Wafford, click here ===> CLICK HERE To learn more about Dr. Amy Cummings, click here ===> CLICK HERE To learn more about Rev. Oliver Buie, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    46 min
  6. NOV 17

    Living with Love, Joy and Authenticity with Dr. Norma Hollis

    In this inspiring episode, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with Dr. Norma Hollis — entrepreneur, author, speaker, and creator of the Authenticity Movement. With over 25 years of experience helping leaders and organizations embrace authenticity, Dr. Hollis shares powerful insights on how living with love, joy, and truth can transform every area of your life. From navigating challenges to leading with integrity, this conversation will encourage you to drop the mask, embrace your true self, and live from the inside out. To learn more about Dr. Hollis, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    46 min
  7. NOV 10

    Alzheimer's Awareness with Tia Delaney-Stewart

    In this inspiring episode of Urban Family Focus, host Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with Tia Delaney-Stewart, MSN, RN, PHN, CCM, Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the Alzheimer’s Association, for an eye-opening discussion on Alzheimer’s Awareness. With more than 30 years of nursing and leadership experience, Tia sheds light on the early signs of Alzheimer’s, the impact of social and systemic barriers in healthcare, and the importance of advocacy within diverse communities. Her compassion and commitment to equity shine through as she offers valuable insights and resources for families, caregivers, and community leaders alike. To learn more about Tia, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    46 min
  8. NOV 3

    Equity Options for Seniors with Walter D. Richards, SRES

    Are you a senior homeowner looking to unlock the value in your home, protect your income, and preserve your legacy? In this episode, Walter D. Richards, Broker and Managing Partner at My Reverse Options, Inc., shares insights on equity options for seniors, including reverse mortgages, retirement income strategies, Medicare plans, and estate planning. Walter breaks down complex financial concepts in a clear and practical way, empowering seniors and their families to make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you’re exploring reverse mortgages or planning for long-term financial security, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you safeguard your home, health, and legacy. To learn more about Walter, click here ===> CLICK HERE Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters. Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time. Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time. 🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com 🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/ 🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus 🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

    44 min

About

The Urban Family Focus Podcast explores the issues shaping Black families and urban communities. Hosted by Rev. Jerrold Smith, each episode features faith-based insight, expert guests, and real conversations on health, wealth, justice, and more. Empowering talk that uplifts, informs, and inspires.