Prison To Millions Andre Norman

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd—baseball isn't just a game; it's a thread in the fabric of American history. Reggie Jackson's legendary performance is more than a fond family memory for me—it's a gateway to a feisty debate about baseball championships with my co-host, Al of “Crimefaces.” We take a swing at the weighty issues surrounding titles won before the integration of minority players, questioning if these accolades deserve the same place on the mantle of sports legacy as those earned post-integration.
Life throws curveballs, and it's not always on the mound—just ask the guy from Flatbush who went from hauling trash to sitting in the executive suite. We share an inspiring tale of transformation that's anything but garbage, as we're reminded that ambition, a supportive partner, and seizing the opportunities—even during a pandemic—can rewrite the playbook of one's destiny. It's a story that resonates beyond the streets of Brooklyn, challenging us all to consider how we're crafting our own legacies and shaking up the traditional job market for the next generation.
Closing out, I'm passing you the literary equivalent of a secret playbook, "Who Not How" by Ben Hardy and Dan Sullivan. This book isn't just a read; it's a catalyst for change that's had a profound impact on my own journey from the booth to the boardroom. So, to all our listeners from Staten Island to New Jersey, including those of you in the shadow of the mighty Campbell Soup in Camden, here's to finding your "who" and reshaping your "how." And with that, Al drops his signature send-off, capping another episode that's as rich in diversity as it is in dialogue.

Unlock the transformative power of dance with Ciji Carr, a New Jersey dance studio owner, and myself, Andre Norman, as we reveal the magic of movement in uniting communities and empowering individuals. From my early days as one of Boston's original breakdancers to the current scene where Ciji's studio doubles as a social hub, we share the rhythms that bring people together. Whether it's the diversity of class demographics or the potential for romance on the dance floor, we weave a tapestry of stories that illustrate dance's potent role in society.
Feel the beat of innovation as we groove into the concept of a fitness nightclub, a place where the energy of a dance party fuels your workout. The pulse of live music, the allure of a water bar, and the strategy behind attracting a male audience to the dance floor – we touch on it all, including the pivot from a self-focused venture to a thriving community space. We also underscore the value of documenting the entrepreneurial odyssey, chronicling the steps from a business dream to a brick-and-mortar reality.
Our episode wouldn't be complete without a spotlight on the personal journeys that shape us. Join us as we share the significance of annual self-reflective videos and the impact of life events like divorce on professional paths. We delve into strategies for maintaining brand integrity during expansion and the art of aligning staff incentives with business success. As we step through the intricate dance of personal promises and business progress, join us for an episode that intertwines the art of dance with the science of success.

Reflecting on my own brush with adversity, I couldn't help but be moved by SneakerBox Chock's transformation from serving a 20-year prison term to spearheading an inspiring nonprofit, New Soles. His remarkable journey, fraught with the challenges of reintegration after nearly a decade behind bars, reaffirms the indomitable human spirit. Today's conversation brings to light Chock's story, starting with a pair of sought-after Jordans that lured him onto a precarious path in Camden, New Jersey. We dissect the daunting process of parole hearings, the profound lessons learned both within and beyond correctional programs, and the sobering reality of facing a life sentence at such a young age.
As our discussion unfolds, we recognize the vital role of a strong support system in navigating life's tumultuous seas after long-term incarceration. Chock pays homage to key figures - his then-wife, mother, and brother - whose steadfast support was instrumental in his successful reentry into society after a 22-year absence. Their encouragement and his relentless resolve shine through as we explore his entrepreneurial venture with New Soles, a beacon of hope born out of a childhood yearning and a testament to his mother's unwavering faith in his potential.
Rounding out our time together, we explore the pivotal moment that propelled Chock towards the establishment of his nonprofit. A simple gesture of giving shoes to a young man at a homeless shelter became a stepping stone towards a greater mission. Chock challenges the glamorized media narratives around prison life by sharing the raw, emotional struggles of reentry. The conversation culminates with a powerful message: believe in your inherent ability to effect change and embrace the accolades that come your way. It's a reflection of the impact one can wield by harnessing the power of self-belief, and an affirmation for others to follow suit, particularly in guiding the youth toward a brighter future.

Fashion icon and former basketball star Charles Jay unveils his extraordinary life story, revealing how he conquered childhood cancer and rose to prominence through sheer determination and a passion for style. Join us in an intimate conversation that takes us from the basketball courts of Rutgers Camden to the vibrant pulse of the fashion industry, where Charles's brand Urbane stands as a beacon of resilience and creativity. His remarkable journey is not just an account of personal triumph but a roadmap for anyone daring to dream amid adversity.
Our dialogue takes an unexpected detour into the lessons learned from personal loss and the transient nature of material success. Recounting the day I returned to a shattered car window and a significant theft in downtown LA, we confront the stark reality that possessions are fleeting and that true wealth lies in our mindset and awareness. This candid discussion sets the stage for a deep dive into the seismic shifts of the digital era and the fashion industry, where the metaverse is reimagining how brands connect with their audience, and quality is reclaiming its throne over fast fashion.
We wrap up this inspiring episode by dissecting the intricacies of building a brand with a purpose, underscoring the significance of fostering strong customer relationships, and the power of education and outreach. From the intricacies of fashion design to the impact of a well-crafted customer service experience, we share invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Moreover, Charles's commitment to mentorship and empowering the next generation underscores the belief that our greatest legacy is the knowledge and inspiration we pass on. Tune in for an episode that's as much a masterclass in creating a meaningful brand as it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.

When my brother B. McFly sat across from me, his eyes told a story deeper than words could capture—a tale of pain, perseverance, and ultimately, triumph over addiction. His voice, steady and sincere, carried the weight of a journey through the darkness of substance abuse, one that began in the shadow of our parents' struggles and threaded into his own life, challenging his every step even after earning his college degree. This heart-to-heart is a raw account of the realities that many face, but few have the courage to speak so openly about.
B. McFly's transformation from a life gripped by narcotics to one where he stands as a top motivator and a beacon of sobriety is nothing short of inspirational. He speaks with a candidness that resonates, addressing the childhood abuse that often lurks behind the veil of addiction, and the power of mentors like Erica Ford and her Life Camp initiative. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the profound impact that mentorship and self-care can have on not just surviving, but thriving in the face of life's most daunting challenges. Join us for a conversation that's not just about overcoming, but about the journey of embracing one's past to illuminate the future.

Radiate with the transformative Angel Energy of Philadelphia's own Asia Sparks, as she takes the mic to share her spiritual awakening and the impact of faith on her life and music. Baptism, beats, and a bold future in acting and reality TV, Asia's narrative weaves through the power of conscious choices, drawing us in with her impromptu performance that pulses with the heart of her experiences. Her lyrical storytelling is a testament to struggle, ambition, unwavering dedication to mentorship and uplifting the next wave of talent.
Venture into the trenches of hip-hop marketing and the networking nuances necessary for independent artists to flourish. We dissect the lineage from Run DMC's trailblazing to cutting-edge platforms like U42 and Moku, where creators can directly profit from their artistry. Listen closely as we unpack the stories behind "The Yellows" and how artists like Shyne have navigated the path from incarceration to inspirational comeback, leaving behind a blueprint for writing, planning, and thriving amidst the music industry's challenges.
The episode crescendos with an exploration of personal growth, the hustle of breaking into acting, and the vital lessons of industry investments. Asia shares her acting escapades, from "Double Cross" to "Creed," emphasizing the art of consistent branding and the intelligence of the heart. Wrapping it up, she recounts the leaps taken outside her comfort zone, from the streets of South Philly to the vibrant energy of LA, highlighting the transformative power of embracing new opportunities and the strategic advantage of networking in entertainment hubs. Join us for an episode that's not just a conversation, but a masterclass in navigating the creative journey with grit and grace.