Service Titans

Anton Taylor
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"Service Titans" is a celebration of the spirit of service. AmeriCorps, a national service organization, has been a stepping stone for countless individuals to channel their passion for service and make a lasting impact on their communities. Our podcast zooms in on the Black Men who have walked this path, delving into their backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations, all grounded in the unwavering commitment to creating positive change. Each episode of "Service Titans" unravels an extraordinary narrative, showcasing the remarkable diversity and resilience of our featured guests.

  1. 6h ago

    The Power of One Mentor: Deontre Clayton on Relational Leadership and Education Equity

    A guidance counselor saw something in me that I didn't see in myself." That single moment transformed Deontre L. Clayton from a high school student on the verge of failing into an honors graduate from North Carolina A&T and a national education leader. In this episode of Service Titans, Tre shares his journey from rural Roxboro, NC, to directing AmeriCorps early literacy and numeracy initiatives. Host Anton Taylor dives deep with Tre into relational leadership, overcoming systemic bias, and the life-changing power of mentorship. Key Highlights The Graduation Saver: How high school counselor Helen Johnson stepped in to rewrite Tre's future when he was on the brink of dropping out. The A&T Turnaround: Bouncing back from academic probation to graduate with honors in just three years. The Law School Pivot: Discovering his true calling through an AmeriCorps tutoring role and Teach For America in Opa-locka, Miami. Relational Leadership: Navigating the realities of national service pay, representation challenges, and leading with authenticity. Honoring Titans: A moving tribute to Bertrand Poole, founder of Men of Distinction. Connect & Resource Links Guest: Deontre L. Clayton (LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook) Host: Anton Taylor (LinkedIn) Episode Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Origins 02:08 – High School Struggles & The Counselor Who Saved Graduation 04:47 – NC A&T Fresh Start: From Probation to Honors 06:49 – The Spark: AmeriCorps Tutoring & Rethinking Law School 09:07 – Teach For America Miami (Opa-locka) 10:20 – Full-Circle Leadership as Program Director 12:33 – Relational Leadership & Authentic Growth 15:14 – Advice for Black Men in Service 17:37 – Navigating Representation and Bias 21:00 – Legacy & Impact Stories 24:58 – Honoring Service Titan Bertrand Poole 28:10 – Closing & Where to Connect #ServiceTitans #AmeriCorps #BlackMenInEducation #MentorshipMatters #EducationEquity #RelationalLeadership

    The Power of One Mentor: Deontre Clayton on Relational Leadership and Education Equity

  2. Jul 24

    Choosing Purpose Over A Paycheck with Joshua Moore

    Two educators as parents. A shift from math to ethnic studies. And a Black man choosing service despite the pressure to chase a paycheck. Joshua Moore—raised on Detroit's east side by two first-generation college graduates—learned early that community and education are inseparable. He shares how mentors Alan Washington and Anna Brown authentically believed in him, shaping his bold pivot from a math degree to a purpose-driven life. Joshua opens up about discovering City Year/AmeriCorps, serving despite low pay and family pushback, and why representation matters when Black corps members navigate classroom trauma with restorative approaches. He delivers a direct message to young people—especially Black men—to protect their dreams and pursue what fits their soul, not just their wallet. Joshua also introduces NRDM Organization ("In Our DM"), a tribute to his grandmothers funding scholarships through tutoring and community engagement, and speaks candidly about living with bipolar disorder while pausing public work for his job search. Highlights:🏠 Detroit Roots & Educator Parents: How two first-gen college grads instilled values of community, education, and service.🎓 The Math-to-Ethnic Studies Pivot: Choosing purpose over a paycheck, despite family concerns about income.🤝 Mentors Who Believed First: Alan Washington and Anna Brown’s authentic investment in his leadership.✊ Finding City Year: From school assemblies and career fairs to choosing service over stability.💰 Family Pushback & Low Pay: Why he served anyway, and the reality of the stipend conversation.🧠 Representation & Classroom Trauma: How school-based trauma shows up for Black corps members and the power of a restorative approach.💬 Advice for Black Men: Seize every opportunity, protect your dreams, and pursue what truly fits you.🏆 Service Titans Shoutout: Honoring the people who shaped his journey.🌱 In Our DM Project: Building a tutoring and community engagement legacy, inspired by his grandmothers, to fund scholarships.🧘 Living with Bipolar Disorder: Pausing public work with transparency during a job search. "Joshua’s story reminds us that the most radical act of service is often choosing the path that was designed for your soul, not your pockets." Contact/Follow:Guest: Joshua Moorehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamoore12/ Host: Anton Taylorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/antontaylor Chapters:00:00 – Meet Joshua01:37 – Detroit Roots03:16 – Mentors And Leadership05:54 – Choosing Service Over Math11:12 – Finding City Year13:23 – Family Pushback16:47 – Representation And Trauma21:00 – Advice For Black Men25:12 – Service Titans Shoutout32:46 – In Our DM Project38:35 – Closing Thanks Hashtags:#AmeriCorps #CityYear #NationalService #Detroit #BlackMenLead #RestorativePractices #EducationEquity #ServiceTitans #InOurDM #MentalHealth #BipolarDisorderAwareness #BlackLeadersInService

    Choosing Purpose Over A Paycheck with Joshua Moore

  3. May 29

    From Homeless to Hip Hop Leadership with Paul Willis

    Entering City Year homeless. A manager who left at the worst moment. A young Black man stepping up when no one else would. -Paul Willis 🧢 Paul Willis is a hip-hop educator, artist, and 6-year AmeriCorps veteran. He joined City Year without knowing where he'd sleep that night. Raised by his grandmother amid his mother's addiction, Paul chose to pay it forward. 🎧 In this episode, Paul gets real about: 🔁 Why he joined City Year homeless 🧠 The trauma-informed training that changed him 🎤 Finding his voice when leadership collapsed 🖤 Being a rare Black man in service leadership 🤝 Why collective responsibility > ego 🎶 How hip-hop became his tool for healing, leadership & learning ✨ Highlights: 🔹 Paying It Forward – Teachers, advisors, and Grandma's love🔹 Homeless & Hungry – Structure over the streets🔹 Returning to His School – Healing where he once struggled🔹 Finding His Voice – Stepping up when chaos hit🔹 Health & Safety Fair – One idea. Whole school movement.🔹 Representation Matters – Leading while Black🔹 Teamwork Over Ego – Trusting a tired, diverse team🔹 Charlie Rose – The mentor who saw what he couldn't🔹 Hip Hop Leadership – Album. Book. Curriculum. Beats & bars for healing.🔹 California Book Tour – Catch Paul live 🎤 💡 "Leadership doesn't require a full résumé — it requires showing up with integrity when everything is unstable." 📲 Connect: 🎤 Guest: Paul Willis🔗 www.hiphopleadership.com🔗 www.paulwillishiphop.com📱 https://www.instagram.com/paulwillisishiphop/ 🎙️ Host: Anton Taylor🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/antontaylor 📖 Chapters: 00:00 – Welcome00:10 – Paul Willis Intro01:05 – Why AmeriCorps Matters01:29 – Paying It Forward Origins03:46 – First Year Reality Check05:55 – Returning to His School07:30 – Trauma Healing & Growth13:06 – Finding His Voice13:51 – Stepping Into Leadership21:02 – Representation & Responsibility25:31 – Teamwork Over Ego29:05 – Service Titan Spotlight30:00 – Charlie Rose Mentorship33:48 – Hip Hop Leadership Project36:11 – Closing & Farewell Hashtags #AmeriCorps #NationalService #CityYear #HipHopEducation #ServantLeadership #CommunityHealing #BlackMenInService #ServiceTitans #HipHopLeadership #Podcast

    From Homeless to Hip Hop Leadership with Paul Willis

  4. Apr 24

    Accountability That Builds Leaders with Jason Holton

    Jason Holton—youngest of five boys, raised on the move went from a telecom layoff to nearly two decades in national service. He shares how a high school trip to the Dominican Republic taught him empathy through language barriers, how a chance meeting with Public Allies' changed his path, and how his supervisor responded to a major mistake with radical grace shaping Jason's entire leadership philosophy. After a risky leap to Boston for City Year, Jason opens up about staying grounded in mission, imposter syndrome as a Black leader, alumni accountability, and why legacy isn't a title—it's the relationships you carry forward. Highlights: 🏠 Growing Up on the Move: Youngest of five boys, a teacher mom, and Jesuit "men for others" values.🌍 Dominican Republic Lesson: Grace and compassion learned through language barriers.🤝 From Layoff to Public Allies: A telecom layoff + a chance meeting with Kenisha Terrell = a new path.💔 Grace: A major mistake met with kindness, not termination and how it changed everything.🚀 The City Year Leap: Leaving stability for Boston, nearly 15 years of service, and staying mission-connected.🎭 Imposter Syndrome as a Black Leader: Naming it, finding support, and showing up anyway.🔁 Alumni Accountability: Why those who served must hold institutions responsible.👑 Legacy Through Relationships: Leadership defined by the people you lift, not the titles you hold. Service Titans Shoutout: Honoring his aunt and mom, and Sonali's AmeriCorps fellowship."Jason's story proves that grace isn't soft—it's strategic. And the best leaders never forget what it felt like to be seen after a mistake." --------------------------------------- Contact/Follow: 🎙️Guest: Jason Holton https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-m-holton-7456176 🎙️Host: Anton Taylorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/antontaylor ------------------------------------------------------- Hashtags:#AmeriCorps #NationalService #CityYear #PublicAllies #Leadership #Grace #ImposterSyndrome #ServiceTitans #AlumniAccountability #BlackLeadersInService #Podcast

    Accountability That Builds Leaders with Jason Holton

  5. Feb 27

    The Hardest Job You’ll Love: Anthony Shaw on Service and Sacrifice

    From the streets of North Philly to the digital neighborhoods where young people live today, Tony joins us to talk about service, visibility, and why we need to meet youth where they actually are. This week, we sit down with Tony, a proud North Philadelphia native and first-generation college graduate whose journey from a blue-collar, community-centered upbringing led him to the frontlines of service with AmeriCorps and Teach For America. Tony reflects on teaching in Paterson, NJ—the hardest yet most meaningful job he’s ever had—and why service remains critical in 2026, despite the financial barriers that can make it inaccessible. We dive into his research on trauma, gun violence intervention, and the concept of "digital neighborhoods," exploring how social media can be a tool for connection and prevention. Tony also shares his mission to make Black boys and men "visible" by documenting their lived experiences, inspired by Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man. Highlights: North Philly Roots: How a tight-knit, blue-collar community and the value of education as the “silver bullet” shaped Tony’s path.The Hardest Job: Teaching in Paterson Public Schools (the "Lean On Me" district) and learning that everyone has assets they can leverage to help others.AmeriCorps in 2026: The ongoing need for service vs. the reality of low compensation acting as a barrier for those without financial privilege.Digital Neighborhoods: Why half of U.S. kids are online constantly, and how service organizations must adapt outreach to social media.Making Black Boys Visible: Tony’s legacy goal to use research and storytelling to ensure Black men and boys are seen, heard, and understood.Service Titans: Shoutouts to Estelle Richmond, Dr. Howard Stevenson, and Dr. Desmond Patton for their action-oriented work in communities. Tony’s work reminds us that visibility is the first step toward equity. Whether it’s on the streets of Philadelphia or in the algorithms of social media, we have a responsibility to see each other—and to serve. Thanks for listening. Guest: Anthony Shaw https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-s-626883b/ Host: Anton Taylor https://www.linkedin.com/in/antontaylor?trk=people-guest_people_search-card Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction: From North Philly to Now 02:51 - The “Silver Bullet”: Education and Community Values 05:58 - Answering the Call: Joining AmeriCorps via Teach For America 09:35 - Classroom Wars: Teaching in Paterson (The "Lean On Me" School) 12:48 - The State of Service: Why AmeriCorps Needs to Pay Better in 2026 17:41 - Digital Neighborhoods: Reaching Youth Where They Live (Online) 22:20 - Legacy and Visibility: Research on Black Boys, Trauma, and Coping 26:45 - Service Titans: Honoring the Ground Game 32:48 - Connect with Tony 34:17 - Final Thoughts and Signoff Hashtags: #AmeriCorps #NationalService #TeachForAmerica #NorthPhilly #EducationEquity #DigitalNeighborhoods #SocialMediaForGood #BlackBoysMatter #GunViolencePrevention #ServiceTitans #CommunityImpact #FirstGenGrad #InvisibleMan #RalphEllison #Podcast #ServiceStories

    The Hardest Job You’ll Love: Anthony Shaw on Service and Sacrifice

  6. Jan 26

    How Do you MOVE People FORWARD with Tray Deadwyler

    What does it mean to lead with unwavering congruence, courage, and presence in the face of systemic challenges? This week, we’re honored to welcome Tray Deadwyler, a servant leader whose journey from the streets of Atlanta to the helm of Think For Good and Service Nerd is a masterclass in authentic leadership. Raised by a retired police officer mother and firefighter father, Tray’s path was illuminated by a powerful truth: service isn’t just a job—it’s a way of being. Tray opens up about the challenges of navigating service spaces as a Black man, the mentors who became his north stars, and the courageous decision to build his own ventures rooted in personal values. This conversation is a deep dive into the heart of what makes a leader: the willingness to show up fully, the courage to act on conviction, and the quiet power of simply being present. Highlights 💡 🔥 The Blueprint of Service – How growing up in a family of first responders created an unshakable foundation for a life dedicated to others. 🌀 Finding the Call in the Chaos – Tray’s transformative AmeriCorps journey and the pivotal moment Hurricane Katrina cemented his path. 🧭 The Compass of Congruence – Why aligning your actions with your core values is the first rule of authentic leadership. ✊🏾 Navigating Identity with Integrity – Candid reflections on representation, belonging, and leading while Black in nonprofit spaces. 🧘 The Leadership of Presence – How mindfulness and being fully in the moment unlock deeper connection and impact. 😂 Stories from the Field – Hilarious and humbling anecdotes from the front lines of service that taught lasting lessons. 🙏 Honoring the Guides – A heartfelt tribute to the mentors who saw his potential and helped shape his journey. 📖 Building a Legacy of Good – Inside Tray’s current projects, including his book The Contemplative Morning and his mission to cultivate mindful leaders. 🗨️ We would love to hear your thoughts on this powerful conversation. 🤔 Who in your life has modeled the kind of authentic, present leadership Tray describes? ➡️ Share your "service mentors" with us on social media by tagging [@ServiceTitans] and using the hashtag #ServiceAndLeadership. 📧 Inspired by Tray's journey? We're always looking to amplify stories of impactful leadership. Reach out if you have a story to share. 🎙️ Guest: Tray DeweyWebsite: https://thinkforgood.org/about-us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traydeadwyler Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Contemplative-Morning-Days-Reflection-Resilience/dp/B0CWPWCWPX 🎙️ Host: Anton TaylorLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/antontaylor Free Leadership Reflection GuideA short, contemplative exercise designed to help you identify your core values and assess your leadership congruence. 👉🏾Free Guide Link -https://tinyurl.com/4pw8ksms------------------------------------------------------------ Chapters00:00 Introduction and Early Life02:52 First Steps into Service and Leadership03:59 College Years and Early Career04:56 Founding Men of Distinction05:44 Red Cross and Youth Development08:54 AmeriCorps Experience10:29 Hurricane Katrina and Red Cross Leadership12:37 Transition to Think For Good and Service Nerd17:12 Reflections on Youth Development17:47 Navigating Identity and Representation18:30 Leadership and Authenticity21:27 Encouraging Courage and Overcoming Fear22:58 The Importance of Presence25:34 Personal Journeys and Self-Discovery27:14 Funny Stories from the Field28:57 Honoring Mentors and Influences32:49 Final Thoughts and Projects ------------------------------------------ Hashtags#ServiceAndLeadership #ServantLeadership #MindfulLeadership #AmeriCorps #Nonprofit #ThinkForGood #YouthDevelopment #Mentorship #AuthenticLeadership #BlackLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast

    How Do you MOVE People FORWARD with Tray Deadwyler

  7. 12/19/2025

    What Service Leadership Actually Demands with Michael Smith

    How does a life dedicated to service grow from a small-town upbringing to leading a national movement? What does it look like to lead with joy, proximity, and unshakable responsibility at the highest levels of nonprofit and government service? For the Season Finale of Service Titans, former CEO of AmeriCorps and current leader at Eckerd Connects, Michael Smith, joins us. He shares the profound journey from being raised by teen parents in a nurturing community to a career defined by servant leadership. Michael offers a masterclass in what true service requires—from bringing your whole self to work and staying close to the communities you serve, to hiring smartly and maintaining a relentless focus on outcomes. He reflects on the mentors who shaped him and shares powerful stories of the individuals and teams turning compassion into tangible change. Highlights 💡 🏠 The Foundation of a Servant's Heart – How a childhood surrounded by community support shaped a lifelong commitment to giving back. 🛤️ The Path to Purpose – Michael’s journey of discovering that true leadership means serving first. 🧠 Defining Service with Depth – Moving beyond the buzzword to the core principles of responsibility, joy, and proximate leadership. ⚙️ Leading a National Legacy at AmeriCorps – Insights from steering one of the country's largest forces for good. The Whole Self at Work – Why authentic, personal identity is non-negotiable for effective, human-centered leadership. 📈 Principles Over Platitudes – Actionable practices for hiring, team-building, and maintaining an outcomes-focused mindset. 🔋 Energizing a New Chapter at Eckerd Connects – The excitement and impact of driving change for youth and families. 🌟 Mentors Who Make Titans – Paying tribute to the guides who illuminated the path. 🚀 A Charge to the Next Generation – Why “staying ready” is the most powerful advice for emerging leaders. 🗨️ We would love to hear your thoughts on this powerful season finale. 🤔 Who modeled "servant leadership" for you? Who in your life leads with joy, responsibility, and a focus on lifting others? ➡️ Share your "Service Titans" with us on social media by tagging @ServiceTitan and using the hashtag #ServiceTitansPodcast. 📧 Are you building a career in service? We want to hear your story. Reach out—let's highlight more leaders like Michael. 🎙️ Guest: Michael Smith Website: https://eckerd.org/trailblazing-social-impact-leader-michael-d-smith-named-president-and-ceo-of-eckerd-connects/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldsmithii 🎙️ Host: Anton Taylor Website: www.antonrtaylor.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/antonrtaylor Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction01:23 Early Life and Influences04:48 Defining Service and Its Importance07:14 Leadership at AmeriCorps10:27 Personal Identity and Leadership13:17 Leadership Principles and Practices16:44 Excitement at Eckerd Connects21:12 Advice for Young Leaders24:33 Service Titans and Final Thoughts Hashtags#ServiceTitans #SeasonFinale #ServantLeadership #AmeriCorps #NonprofitLeadership #EckerdConnects #CommunityImpact #Mentorship #OutcomesFocus #ProximateLeadership #YouthDevelopment #SocialChange #PodcastFinale #MichaelSmith Free Leadership & Growth Assessment A short assessment designed to highlight areas of alignment, challenge, and development. Results may inform future support options through Tumani Consulting LLC.👉🏾[Free Growth Assessment]

    What Service Leadership Actually Demands with Michael Smith

  8. 11/28/2025

    Legacy Service and Open Opportunities with Phil Robinson

    How does a life of service evolve from grassroots action to shaping state-level policy? What does it take to lead with equity at the intersection of non-profit work and government? CEO and Ohio State Rep Phil joins Service Titans to share how his family's values and his AmeriCorps roots fueled a career dedicated to youth investment. He reflects on the need for equitable systems and honors the mentors—like his parents and Randy Shepherd—who made him the leader he is today. Highlights 💡 🏡 A Foundation of Service – How Phil’s family and their Great Migration story instilled core values of community and family. 🔄 The AmeriCorps Catalyst – The life-changing discovery of AmeriCorps that set his professional path in motion. 🚀 From Direct Service to Leadership – The transition from grassroots roles to executive leadership at City Year Cleveland. ⚖️ Championing Systemic Change – Why creating equitable opportunities for youth requires changing the systems, not just the people. 👔 Representation in Nonprofit Leadership – The challenges and necessities of diverse leadership in the social sector. 🌱 The Responsibility of Leadership – A leader's duty to create inclusive spaces and sponsor the next generation. 🙏 Honoring Service Titans – Paying tribute to the mentors and family members who paved the way. 🔭 Vision for the Future – Phil's current work and vision for the future of youth investment and policy. 🗨️ We would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. 🤔 Who are the "service titans" in your life? Who modeled the values of community and leadership for you? ➡️ Share your stories with us on social media by tagging @ServiceTitan and using the hashtag #ServiceTitansPodcast. 📧 And if you're working to create change in your community, we want to hear from you! Reach out—we’re always looking to highlight more heroes like Phil. 🎙️ Guest: Phil Robinsonhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-m-robinson-jr-698b274 🎙️ Host: Anton Taylorhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/antontaylorhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/service-titans-podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Service Titans Podcast01:35 Guest Introduction: Phil, CEO and Ohio State Representative01:45 Phil's Upbringing and Early Influences04:09 Discovering AmeriCorps: A Life-Changing Journey09:21 Impact of AmeriCorps and Youth Service14:40 Challenges and Representation in Nonprofit Leadership16:53 Honoring Service Titans: Personal Inspirations20:02 Final Thoughts and Current Projects Hashtags#ServiceTitan #ServiceTitanPodcast #AmeriCorps #PolicyChange #YouthInvestment #NonprofitLeadership #Equity #SystemicChange #Mentorship #CommunityService #BlackLeadership #CityYear Free Leadership & Growth Assessment A short assessment designed to highlight areas of alignment, challenge, and development. Results may inform future support options through Tumani Consulting LLC.👉🏾[⁠Free Growth Assessment⁠]

    Legacy Service and Open Opportunities with Phil Robinson
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About

"Service Titans" is a celebration of the spirit of service. AmeriCorps, a national service organization, has been a stepping stone for countless individuals to channel their passion for service and make a lasting impact on their communities. Our podcast zooms in on the Black Men who have walked this path, delving into their backgrounds, experiences, and aspirations, all grounded in the unwavering commitment to creating positive change. Each episode of "Service Titans" unravels an extraordinary narrative, showcasing the remarkable diversity and resilience of our featured guests.

Information

  • Creator
    Anton Taylor
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Anton Taylor
  • Show Website
    Service Titans