Dr. G: Engaging Minds POLITICAL DETOX

Dr. Howard Gluss, Dr. Howard Gluss

Dr. G brings a fresh perspective by deconstructing our current social and political climate, and offering ways to navigate our anxiety amidst the chaos.

  1. 06/13/2025

    Dr. G: Engaging Minds POLITICAL DETOX - Hakim Bellamy

    Hakim Bellamy served as the Inaugural Poet Laureate for the City of Albuquerque (2012-2014) and recently completed a four year Mayoral appointment as the Deputy Director for the Department of Arts & Culture at the City of Albuquerque. Bellamy is a W. K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellow, a Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Fellow, an Academy for the Love of Learning Fellow, Western States Arts Alliance Launchpad Fellow, Santa Fe Arts Institute Food Justice Fellow, New Mexico Strategic Leadership Institute alum and Citizen University Civic Seminary Fellow. In 2012 he published his first collection of poetry, SWEAR (West End Press/University of New Mexico Press), and it landed him the Working Class Studies Tillie Olsen Award for Literature in 2012. In 2019 his book We Are Neighbors (co-created with photographer and book designer Justin Thor Simenson) was shortlisted for the New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards. His latest title Commissions y Corridos (UNM Press) published in 2022 is his seventh book. With an M.A. in Communications from the University of New Mexico (UNM), Bellamy holds a juris doctor from the University of New Mexico School of Law and has held adjunct faculty positions at UNM and the Institute of American Indian Arts. A National Poetry Slam Champion, Bellamy has performed his work in at least seven countries and continues to leverage his art to transform his communities. Learn more about Hakim at www.hakimbellamy.com.

    33 min
  2. 05/21/2025

    Dr. G: Engaging Minds POLITICAL DETOX - Rick Najera

    Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Chad talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain sobriety amidst uncertainty. Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Tonya talk about the administration's attempt to rewrite American history by erasing culture. Rick Najera is a creative force whose pen has carved bold, brown lines across Broadway stages, Hollywood screens, and the national conversation on Latino identity. A true original, Rick’s storytelling blends sharp wit, deep heart, and fearless cultural commentary. From the bright lights of Latinologues on Broadway—his groundbreaking work that gave voice to untold Latino stories—to the writer’s room of In Living Color and Mad TV (where he worked with Key and Peel and Jamie Fox and Jenifer Lopez), Rick has always led with authenticity. His Showtime comedy specials, Diary of a Dad Man and Legally Brown, showcase his rare ability to make you laugh while cracking open truths about family, faith, and identity. A writer, actor, producer, and cultural visionary, Rick’s credits span television, film, and theater—including work with Fox, Hulu, Warner Bros., and major studios—while never losing sight of his mission: to elevate the Latino narrative. As the creator and host of Latino Thought Makers, Rick has become a leading voice in the dialogue around Latino excellence and empowerment, speaking across the nation to inspire the next generation, interviewing Dr. Cornel West and Dolores Huerta and Danny Trejo and many more. Whether it’s behind the scenes or center stage, Rick Najera doesn’t just tell stories—he builds bridges, breaks barriers, and makes sure we all laugh along the way. Latin History for Morons marks the second time he has worked with Leguizamo. He wrote the holiday classic Nothing Like the Holidays starring John Leguizamo. Most recently, he wrote and directed Sweet 15, his interactive Quinceanera that played to audiences in Miami and Chicago. With two Writers Guild nominations for his work in comedy, he is a rare writer that finds brave stories that make you laugh. His new historical novel Love Truth and Loyalty will be published in the fall. Learn more about Rick at www.ricknajera.com.

    33 min
  3. 05/06/2025

    Dr. G: Engaging Minds POLITICAL DETOX - Tonya McKenzie

    Political Detox explores the state of our society, the anxiety we are feeling, and ways we can navigate the chaos. Dr. G and Chad talk about current challenges we all face, and offer coping strategies to maintain sobriety amidst uncertainty. Tonya McKenzie is the founder of Sand & Shores, a Communications, Marketing, and Sports Media firm. She is an international speaker and the Chair of the Los Angeles County Commission on Alcohol and Other Drugs. Tonya is a public relations expert specializing in storytelling, building community, and increasing brand awareness.  Tonya consults organizational leaders, sports professionals, and brands, helping them to increase their leads, profits, and exposure. Commissioner McKenzie is also the host of the Leaders & Learners Podcast, speaking to leaders, experts, authors, and personalities connected to the Golden State of California. Tonya was the first African American woman elected to the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was named the Redondo Beach Woman of the Year. She is the Vice President of the Black Public Relations Society – Los Angeles and serves in various other leadership positions. Tonya McKenzie can be found highlighted in the pages of Amazing Moms: Parents of the 21st Century. As a young gun violence survivor, she has become a dedicated youth advocate. Tonya McKenzie has authored several books, including a memoir titled A Child's Memories of Cartoons and Murder, addressing non-combat PTSD, predatory behavior, generational trauma, and domestic violence. Tonya has been married for over 23 years and has four kids, including a set of twins. Learn more about Tonya at www.tonyamckenzie.com.

    36 min

About

Dr. G brings a fresh perspective by deconstructing our current social and political climate, and offering ways to navigate our anxiety amidst the chaos.