Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, One Remarkable Life Dr. Cynthia A. Bond Hopson

Dr. Cynthia Bond Hopson’s former student, Dr. Marcus L. Matthews is now a celebrated educator himself. In today’s episode, he shares with her some of the defining moments of his life and how he has converted his experiences into resilience and understanding as an educator. Today, Dr. Matthews leads and inspires teachers and other educators to develop trauma-informed classrooms that help students succeed, no matter their circumstances. Be inspired by his story and learn more about his work, books, and words of wisdom in this episode of Three Stores, Two Cotton Gins, One Remarkable Life: The Journey from There to Here.

"Reverend and Representative" Johnny Shaw, growing up in Laconia, TN, as the youngest of 11, was the golden voice of the church choir. He has become the voice urging citizens to vote for change by representing District 80 of Tennessee since January 2001. From being rejected for having a "Black Voice" to spreading Black Gospel Music globally through his Shaw’s Broadcasting, his story is inspiring. In this candid conversation, he expresses his views on politics, the need to serve, the challenges of having two Black-owned radio stations, 94.7 WOJG FM and WBOL 1560 AM, and staying true to his identity. WOJG currently spreads "Word and Music" all day, every day. The station serves 14 counties in West Tennessee and North Mississippi and can be accessed globally through the website wojg.com. Learn more about Johnny Shaw in this 32nd episode of 3 Stores, 2 Cotton Gins, and 1 Remarkable Life: The Journey from There to Here!

The ability to just show up and do what others have not tried will give you the confidence to break new ground. Civil Miller-Watkins is the Vice-Chair of the Fayette County School board, a mother, grandmother and politician. Over the years, she has contested for a couple of offices that many black women do not even think about running for. Although she did not win some of the elections, she came out with life lessons that can help empower other people, and black women especially, to shoot for the stars. Civil is a leader’s leader, a phenomenal exceptional woman who was able to balance family life, work and politics. The gems she has to share will shape your life and help you live a better and more productive one. Listen to this podcast and become empowered to be all that you were created by God to be

Managing people is one of the hardest things that you do as a leader. Every day leaders complain about their teams and try to create new ones as though that would solve the problem. In this episode, Justin L. Harris, a certified Human Resources Professional and Practitioner with over 20 years of experience, shows us that there is a better way to manage people and lead them towards productivity. Throughout the podcast, he echoes the importance of knowing your craft, and because he has achieved mastery in his career, he can share insights gathered over the years. As you listen to this podcast, you’ll hear solutions to people management problems, and discover ways to manage and lead teams from a pro who’s done it consistently and is now training others.  

All the way from Downtown ‘no place’ in Tennessee to becoming Professor of Christian Education, Spiritual Formation, and Youth Ministry at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS), Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield has traveled a long way on the winding course of life. His journey from being an accountant to becoming pastor, church administrator, fraternity president, professor, author, and mentor will inspire you to embrace the changes that life brings. In this episode, he talks about how his family shaped his life, the choices he made, how he dealt with the loss of a loved one, his brotherhood in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., his status as newlywed, and above all, his unwavering faith in God’s Grace.

Pamela Marshall is an extraordinary woman, who at 19 started anchoring the news on WBBJ Channel 7 in Jackson Tennessee. She went on to excel in many top positions and today she shares her life experiences and shows us how believing in your God-given gift, mixed with forgiveness and empathy can help you become the best version of yourself. One of the things we struggle with the most is forgiveness. Many times, we find it difficult to let go of the pain and hurt that others inflicted on us. We hold onto them tightly and we stew in the pain. In this podcast, Pamela shows us that holding onto pain and hurt will only end up destroying us. She talks about the benefits of letting go and how to forgive. Pamela has a new book coming in September titled The Art of Forgiveness. Tune in and hear all about it and how you can get a copy and begin the healing process. Her website is: