Black Bridge Mindset

Mike Lovett, Chris Johnson, Ken Peak
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship

Welcome to The Black Bridge Mindset podcast, where culture entrepreneurship and business intersect to fuel inspiration. This podcast celebrates the power of diverse voices shaping the future of business.  From the small business dreamers to the big business disruptors, we’re here to uncover the untold stories, bold strategies, and cultural legacies driving the entrepreneurial spirit forward.  Each episode we’ll delve deep into the challenges, triumphs, and transformative ideas that redefine success. Because when culture and ambition come together, the results are game-changing.  So, whether you’re building a business, breaking barriers, or just looking for some serious inspiration, you’re in the right place.  The Black Bridge Mindset: Where culture and entrepreneurship collide! 

  1. 4h ago

    Psychology & Charcuterie: A Journey with Maria Houston

    Send us Fan Mail Creativity, Grief, and Purpose: Dr. Maria Houston Beck on Mental Health, Mentorship, and Beck Boards On the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ welcome Columbus-based licensed clinical psychologist and entrepreneur Dr. Maria Houston Beck, founder of Houston Wellness Solutions and Beck Boards. Beck shares how a high school psychology class and learning about mental illness and suicide in her family inspired her to pursue clinical psychology, with a career spanning trauma, mood disorders, grief, and work with incarcerated youth, including at Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. She explains training paths (PsyD vs PhD), building a private practice brick by brick, and early business lessons like pricing, policies, and payment procedures. Beck also расскаunts how personal grief and hosting family holidays led her to create Beck Boards, offering charcuterie boards, grazing tables, a mobile cart, and workshops that blend food styling with therapeutic topics. She previews her participation in Columbus’ Color of Summer event and shares where to find and book her services. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:35 Weekend Catch Up 02:35 Summer Plans and Festivals 03:39 Soccer Tangent 05:16 Meet Maria Houston Beck 08:20 Why She Chose Psychology 13:07 Clinical Focus and Juvenile Work 17:31 Mentors and Giving Back 20:24 Breaking Mental Health Stigma 23:52 Becoming a Psychologist 27:39 Starting Private Practice 29:03 Starting Private Practice 30:26 Brick by Brick Systems 31:39 Learning as You Go 32:52 Pricing and Policies Mistakes 35:55 Grief Sparks Creativity 40:15 Therapy Through Charcuterie 44:44 Events and Color of Summer 49:13 Where to Find and Book 52:39 Sacrifice and Self Care 55:29 Wakanda Peace Paws Finale   Instagram: @beckboards Facebook: @BeckBoardsLLC Morning Star Counseling https://www.instagram.com/houstonwellness_solutionsllc/  Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    58 min

  2. Jun 17

    Chef J.C. Pinckney on Building The Bougie Palate: Scaling a Luxury Catering Business

    Send us Fan Mail On the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ welcome Chef J.C. Pinckney, CEO of The Bougie Palate, a Tampa-based luxury catering and private chef brand inspired by her Barbados roots and love of Louisiana Creole cuisine. J.C. shares how she started cooking for friends during COVID, formalized the business in 2022, and learned entrepreneurship through free one-on-one support from the SBDC, including financial literacy, pricing strategy, and post-event “autopsies.” She explains why she avoids opening a brick-and-mortar restaurant, how she prices luxury catering (including retainers and paid tastings), and what customers often misunderstand about catering costs. J.C. discusses staffing, project management systems, marketing through social media and word of mouth, catering events up to 700+ people, and her goals to open a commissary/ghost kitchen, expand revenue streams, and create a cookbook and cooking classes. Website: https://thebougiepalate.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebougiepalate Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    1h 6m

  3. Jun 10

    Building Morningstar Counseling: Erica Hughes on Mental Health, Entrepreneurship, and Breaking the Stigma

    Send us Fan Mail On this episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts introduce Erica Hughes, founder of Morningstar Counseling Services in Louisville, Kentucky, a practice supporting teens and adults through depression, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions with a gentle, empowering approach.  Erica shares her path from sociology and criminology studies to Child Protective Services, then earning a master’s in mental health counseling and opening her private practice in 2018 without a formal business plan. She discusses learning business essentials like finding mentors, hiring support, getting an accountant, managing taxes, insurance, networking, and social media, and balancing therapy work with leadership, motherhood, and boundaries.  The conversation covers increased openness to therapy post-COVID, especially among Black clients and men, how to suggest therapy sensitively, and ways to reduce stigma. Erica also highlights her children’s book, “The Courage Within,” and her goals to expand into hospitals and corporate mental health education. Instagram: @mstar_counseling Website: Morning Star Counseling  00:00 Podcast Cold Open 00:27 Madrid Jet Lag Banter 01:40 Meet Erica Hughes 03:17 Louisville vs Chicago Check In 04:19 Morningstar Services Team 05:23 From CPS to Counseling 09:01 Launching the Practice 11:19 Moving Through Fear 14:15 Therapy in Black Communities 18:00 Entrepreneur Lessons Learned 21:10 Creating a Safe Space 22:24 Therapist Self Care Boundaries 23:28 Minority Hurdles Ahead 23:54 Breaking Into Louisville 25:06 Building Without A Plan 27:08 Mentors And Mistakes 28:17 Boundaries And Self Care 30:39 Friends As Employees 32:37 Finding The Right Therapist 35:02 Proud Of Morningstar 36:18 Bigger Vision Ahead 37:38 Talking About Therapy 39:33 Dispelling Black Stigma 42:22 Children's Book Journey 44:16 Where To Find Erica 45:22 Culture And Closing Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    48 min

  4. Jun 3

    HR In Your Business with DeShawn Barrett

    Send us Fan Mail This week on the Blackbridge Mindset Podcast, the hosts discuss Midwest weather and long TSA lines at Atlanta’s airport before welcoming Chicago-based people and talent leader Deshawn Barrett, Director of Talent Development at SpotHero, with 15+ years in HR and talent roles at ADP, PowerReviews, Victoria’s Secret/PINK, and more. Deshawn explains HR as a broad system beyond hiring and firing, covering benefits, fair pay, growth and development, compliance (including I-9s), policies, and balancing business needs with employee support. He shares guidance for entrepreneurs on when to use fractional HR or hybrid office manager roles, what to look for in a first HR hire, how culture is built through behaviors and feedback (not perks), and how leaders set the tone. He also advises addressing toxic high performers quickly, and emphasizes knowing your business and desired culture before hiring. 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:27 Spring Weather Banter 01:41 ATL Airport TSA Chaos 04:01 Meet Deshawn Barrett 06:24 Deshawn Origin Story 10:18 What HR Really Does 15:06 When to Hire HR 15:51 Quick Like and Follow 16:27 Fractional HR Options 19:47 Hiring Your First HR 33:01 Culture vs Perks 35:27 Feedback Without Negativity 36:48 Accountability and Listening 38:54 Culture of Fear Warning 40:07 Lead by Example 41:12 Recognition and Rewards 43:17 Preparing to Hire HR 45:49 Templates and Shortcuts 47:21 Like and Follow Break 47:57 Retaining Your HR Leader 53:08 Toxic High Performers 57:17 Advice Before First Hire 01:00:05 Contact and Closing Ritual Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    1h 8m

  5. May 27

    Kevin Tyler - Bay & Bicknell

    Send us Fan Mail Kevin Tyler on Building Bay & BNE, Fractional Marketing, and Storytelling That Moves People The Blackbridge Mindset Podcast hosts catch up and introduce guest Kevin Tyler, a marketing strategist and founder of Bay & BNE, a Santa Monica boutique consultancy named after Bay and Bicknell streets and the nearby historic “Inkwell” beach space. Kevin explains how the company’s name reflects lineage, identity, and the importance of storytelling in modern branding, emphasizing that businesses should practice the same storytelling they sell. He shares his path from varied agency and higher-ed roles to entrepreneurship after leaving a toxic DC agency on December 18, 2024, using 2025 to validate his concept before forming an LLC and scaling with freelancers. Kevin defines fractional marketing, discusses pricing evolution, vetting and rejecting misaligned clients, and advises entrepreneurs to invest in clear messaging and strategy to reach audiences where they already are. 00:00 Welcome to Blackbridge 00:27 Catching Up and Travel Plans 01:40 Airport Chaos Talk 02:37 Meet Kevin Tyler 04:15 Bay and BNE Origin Story 06:11 Storytelling as Strategy 07:18 Why He Went Solo 10:34 Launching the Consultancy 13:03 Cutting the Golden Handcuffs 15:39 What Fractional Marketing Means 17:42 Favorite Brand Projects 22:14 Marketing That Moves People 24:41 Pricing and Value 27:06 DIY Branding on a Budget 29:38 Marketing Yourself Through Community 31:46 Client Fit and Red Flags 34:05 1000 Dollars Marketing Plan 35:24 Marketing Truths and Shortcuts 36:52 Creativity as Fuel 38:18 Where to Find Kevin 38:48 Podcast and Book Shoutouts 40:34 Food Favorites and Travel 41:41 Referrals and Closing Ritual Insta: @bayandbicknell Website: www.bayandbicknell.com Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    46 min

  6. May 20

    Season 2 Premiere: Spencer on Twisted Twigs, Storytelling Wreaths & Starting a Handcrafted Business

    Send us Fan Mail Season two of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast kicks off with hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ welcoming Spencer, founder of Twisted Twigs by Spencer, a handcrafted wreath and garland business built around unique designs and the stories behind them. Spencer shares how a long-time hobby and encouragement from friends and family led him to launch, how each piece begins with a short story and theme, and why customer service and communication are central to his brand. He discusses costs, vendor research, budgeting, timelines, turnaround expectations, customization workflow, and using website analytics and social media to guide marketing. Spencer describes early validation through pop-ups and neighbor sales, upcoming seasonal collections, and goals like farmers markets and pride events, and he leaves a question for the next guest about defining moments in business. Web: https://www.twistedtwigsbyspencer.com Facebook Twisted Twigs By Spencer  Insta @twistedtwigsbyspencer Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    46 min

  7. 07/03/2025

    Mandy Ralston: Innovating Autism Care with Tech and Big Data | Black Bridge Mindset Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail Mandy Ralston: Innovating Autism Care with Tech and Big Data | Black Bridge Mindset Podcast  Welcome to another engaging episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, where we explore the powerful intersection of culture, entrepreneurship, and business. In this episode, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ are joined by an extraordinary guest, Mandy Ralston. Mandy is a queer neurodivergent serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in behavior analysis. As a certified behavior analyst, Mandy has founded and scaled multiple clinics focused on applied behavior analysis (ABA) for autism and other developmental disabilities. Dive deep into Mandy's journey of entrepreneurship, her cutting-edge tech startup Non-Binary Solutions, and the role of big data and AI in transforming autism care. Learn about the importance of diverse perspectives, personalized medicine, and get valuable insights into how to start and scale a business in the healthcare field. If you're looking for serious inspiration and actionable advice, this episode is a must-watch!   00:00 Welcome to the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast 00:38 Saturday Morning Catch-Up 03:33 Introducing Our Special Guest: Amanda Mandy Ralston 06:41 Mandy's Journey into Behavior Analysis 11:46 Building and Scaling Clinics 15:54 Starting Non-Binary Solutions 20:09 Navigating the Startup World 30:38 The Importance of Social Media and Networking 31:47 Why a Tech Company? 33:03 The Surge in Autism Providers 33:59 The Role of Technology in Autism Diagnosis 35:17 Big Data and Personalized Medicine 36:04 Understanding Autism Spectrum 37:44 Intensity of Applied Behavior Analysis 40:30 Managing Bias in Professional Settings 45:19 Entrepreneurial Influences and Journey 49:55 Introducing Noetic AI 52:56 Advice for Parents and Clinicians 55:32 Lightning Round and Closing Remarks Guest’s Socials: Website: Nonbinary Solutions , Amanda Ralston Facebook: Nonbinary Solutions Instagram: nonbinary_solutions Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    1h 3m

  8. 06/18/2025

    Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey of Attorney Keith Lamar Jr. | Black Bridge Mindset Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast, hosts Mike, Ken, and CJ sit down with Keith Lamar Jr., founder and managing attorney of the Law Offices of Keith Lamar Jr. Keith shares his journey from a DA to owning his successful law firm, offering insights on entrepreneurship, community engagement, and the importance of having a strong mindset. From tackling his LSAT fears to landing an unexpected sponsorship with the Money Team, Keith’s story is filled with inspiration and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and attorneys alike. Tune in to hear about his game-changing approach to personal injury law and how he stands out in a saturated market. Don’t miss his tips on team management, marketing yourself, and maintaining a strong community presence.   00:00 Welcome to the Black Bridge Mindset Podcast 03:03 Weekend Adventures and Rising Costs 05:11 Introducing Our Esteemed Guest: Keith Lamar, Jr. 08:05 Keith Lamar's Journey to Becoming an Attorney 11:46 Building and Expanding a Successful Law Firm 15:16 The Importance of Mentorship and Team Building 30:26 Advice for Aspiring Attorneys and Entrepreneurs 32:13 Building Momentum: Early Wins and Challenges 32:33 Taking the Leap: Starting from Scratch 32:58 Hustling for Clients: Creative Strategies 34:27 Pandemic Impact: Adapting to New Realities 34:52 Faith and Endurance: Staying Motivated 39:05 Marketing and Community Involvement 43:54 The Realities of Being a Lawyer 51:24 Speed Round and Final Thoughts Guest's Socials: WEBSITE: HTTPS://WWW.LAMARLAWOFFICES.COM/ Facebook: @lawofficeofkeithlamarjr Instagram @simplykeith Thank you for listening!  Follow our socials!  FacebookInstagramYouTube TikTok Contact us:  Email: blackbridgemindset@gmail.com  Hosts: Mike CJKen

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Black Bridge Mindset podcast, where culture entrepreneurship and business intersect to fuel inspiration. This podcast celebrates the power of diverse voices shaping the future of business.  From the small business dreamers to the big business disruptors, we’re here to uncover the untold stories, bold strategies, and cultural legacies driving the entrepreneurial spirit forward.  Each episode we’ll delve deep into the challenges, triumphs, and transformative ideas that redefine success. Because when culture and ambition come together, the results are game-changing.  So, whether you’re building a business, breaking barriers, or just looking for some serious inspiration, you’re in the right place.  The Black Bridge Mindset: Where culture and entrepreneurship collide! 

Information

  • Creator
    Mike Lovett, Chris Johnson, Ken Peak
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Black Bridge Mindset
  • Show Website
    Black Bridge Mindset