RISE Urban Nation is a culture and business podcast amplifying the voices of Black and Pan-African entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, each episode blends storytelling, strategy, and social impact to help purpose-driven leaders grow their brands, visibility, and confidence through the power of authentic storytelling.
This show was born from Taryell’s mission to close the visibility gap for Black and Pan-African creators who often feel unseen in mainstream media. Many of our listeners are solo entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders juggling multiple roles—trying to grow online, attract clients, and build community while fighting overwhelm and imposter syndrome. They don’t just want to be heard—they want to be understood and celebrated.
At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories across the Black diaspora, to uplift and amplify our voices that have too often been silenced, distorted, or erased by mainstream media, and to ignite new ideas and communities into action. Through our collective storytelling, we reclaim narrative power—transforming history, heritage, and hustle into hope and healing for generations to come.
Each week, we feature innovators, visionaries, and community builders—from San Diego to cities across the globe—who remind us that representation isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being valued, respected, and heard. Every episode offers practical takeaways and inspiration for entrepreneurs ready to transform their story into a platform for visibility, impact, and legacy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your voice into a vehicle for purpose and profit, this is your blueprint. Tune in and discover what it means to Unite. Uplift. Ignite.
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RISE Urban Nation is a culture and business podcast amplifying the voices of Black and Pan-African entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, each episode blends storytelling, strategy, and social impact to help purpose-driven leaders grow their brands, visibility, and confidence through the power of authentic storytelling.
This show was born from Taryell’s mission to close the visibility gap for Black and Pan-African creators who often feel unseen in mainstream media. Many of our listeners are solo entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders juggling multiple roles—trying to grow online, attract clients, and build community while fighting overwhelm and imposter syndrome. They don’t just want to be heard—they want to be understood and celebrated.
At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories across the Black diaspora, to uplift and amplify our voices that have too often been silenced, distorted, or erased by mainstream media, and to ignite new ideas and communities into action. Through our collective storytelling, we reclaim narrative power—transforming history, heritage, and hustle into hope and healing for generations to come.
Each week, we feature innovators, visionaries, and community builders—from San Diego to cities across the globe—who remind us that representation isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being valued, respected, and heard. Every episode offers practical takeaways and inspiration for entrepreneurs ready to transform their story into a platform for visibility, impact, and legacy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your voice into a vehicle for purpose and profit, this is your blueprint. Tune in and discover what it means to Unite. Uplift. Ignite.
In this inspiring episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Sharon D. Brown, LCSW — wellness educator, self-carepreneur, and founder of Self-Care U Academy. Sharon shares her journey from burnout to breakthrough and how she turned her pain into purpose by teaching others “the power of pause.” Learn practical strategies to transform stress into success, integrate self-care into your daily grind, and build wealthy habits that honor your health and hustle.
In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Malcolm “Mr. Purchase Order” Ali — GovCon expert, entrepreneur, and #1 bestselling author of Big BIDness and TrapGPT. Discover how he’s helping Black and Brown entrepreneurs transform side hustles into six-figure government contracts using AI, systems, and strategy. Learn the secrets to becoming “contract ready,” overcoming barriers in procurement, and building legacy through government contracting.
In this episode, we sit down with Coach Anthony Cudjo—founder of Human Optimization 3.0 and host of the FitnessRx Show—to unpack the power of transforming your beliefs, optimizing your body and mind, and unlocking your divine intelligence. Tune in to hear how trauma became the foundation of his power and how you can reclaim yours.
What does it take to bring a product from concept to QVC? In this episode of the RISE Urban Nation Podcast, we sit down with Lisa Ascolese, The Inventress — a trailblazing product developer, author, and founder of Inventing A to Z. With over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs launch products seen on QVC, HSN, and in major retailers, Lisa shares her journey, the challenges of scaling invention into business, and practical advice for turning ideas into income. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or curious thinker — this episode will leave you inspired and ready to build.
In this powerful episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons speaks with Dr. Sherece Y. West-Scantlebury—philanthropic visionary and retiring President & CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. They explore her 33-year journey in public policy, community development, and values-aligned investing. Discover the untold stories behind statewide initiatives like ALICE in AR, Excel by 8, and the Arkansas Enterprise Capital Grant Fund. Learn how Dr. West-Scantlebury leveraged equity and lived experience to reshape systems for generations to come.
In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Renee Hastings, Founder of Executive Help Now, to explore how effective delegation can unlock sustainable growth for Black entrepreneurs. From her early roots in Madison to building a thriving global virtual assistant agency, Renee shares strategies for streamlining operations, trusting the process, and leading with intention. Perfect for solopreneurs, small business owners, and anyone ready to grow smarter—not harder.
What does it truly take to scale a brand rooted in purpose? 🌟 In this empowering episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Jamarquan Houston—multidimensional educator, author, and founder of Upper Class Agency—to explore the power of personal storytelling and authenticity in entrepreneurship. From navigating burnout to building a thriving brand, Jamarquan shares how he helps Black and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs align their story, strategy, and spirit to grow businesses that not only profit but also make an impact. Through his work with The LWV Network and Upper Class Agency, he bridges communication, accessibility, and leadership to help others turn lived experiences into legacies. This episode dives into mindset shifts, brand-building strategies, and transformational lessons that lead to purpose-driven success—showing you how to start with self and scale with story.
What if success began in your subconscious? 🌍 In this transformative episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Ryan Koriya — Zimbabwean-born singer-songwriter, film composer, and holistic life coach known as The Soul Mechanic — to explore how healing the mind fuels purpose and success. Through his platforms The Attraxion Playhouse, Dojo • XO •, and Runway Vertical, Ryan blends music, mindfulness, and neuroscience to help creatives and entrepreneurs overcome generational trauma, build emotional intelligence, and align their voice, visuals, and values for authentic, purpose-driven living. 🎧 Tune in to learn how rewiring your subconscious can transform your hustle — and your life
What does it mean to lead with truth in a world that often rewards silence? In this transformative episode, host Taryell Simmons sits down with bestselling author and Afro-Latina executive Amervis Lopez Cobb to unpack the power of psychological safety in leadership. From surviving corporate trauma to creating healing spaces for teams, Amervis shares her personal journey and game-changing frameworks to help you lead with purpose, resilience, and peace.
Are you walking in your God-given purpose? In this inspiring episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Charmaine Casimir — Christian speaker, encourager, and author of “Not You! Why Not You?” and other empowering books of faith and purpose.
Charmaine opens up about her personal journey of transformation — from pain to purpose — and how her faith became the foundation for helping others discover their true worth. Through her ministries, Empowerment Journey and POWERful Petals, Charmaine has touched countless lives by reminding people that they are powerful, valuable, and enough.
If you’re seeking encouragement, spiritual alignment, or motivation to pursue your calling, this episode is your invitation to rediscover the strength within you.
✨ Tune in to learn:
• How to turn personal trials into purpose
• The power of faith in building self-worth
• Steps to embrace your divine identity
• How to empower others through your own story
🎧 Listen now and be reminded that you were created with purpose, power, and divine potential.
In this empowering episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons interviews Alex Dumas—keynote speaker, international best-selling author, and confidence coach. Alex shares his inspiring journey from self-doubt to global impact and unveils his W.I.N. framework for building unshakable confidence. Learn how to own your story, lead with purpose, and create a Bigger Bubble for your influence. A must-listen for leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs ready to level up.
What if fear wasn’t something to fight—but something to understand? In this empowering episode, Taryell Simmons sits down with Nicholas Dillon, award-winning speaker, executive coach, and founder of Believe Wellness Center, to explore the “sexy side of fear.” Discover how to transform fear into fuel, the mindset shifts that lead to lasting success, and the tools Nicholas uses to help leaders and entrepreneurs thrive emotionally and professionally. Tune in for wisdom, strategies, and the reminder that fear is just the beginning of your breakthrough.
In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Dasean, a commercial real estate developer, and Collins, community strategist and co-creator of Experience Encanto—a two-day art stroll and artisan market that’s rewriting the narrative in Southeast San Diego. Brooke shares the origin story of the event, the challenges she overcame, and the wins that reminded her why this work matters. Learn how this grassroots movement is empowering Black and Brown creatives, healing through culture, and planting economic seeds in historically underinvested neighborhoods.
Tune in and get inspired to launch your own story-driven movement.
In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons interviews Hope Wiseman, the youngest Black woman to own a cannabis dispensary in the U.S. Hope shares her groundbreaking journey of launching Mary & Main, navigating the challenges of regulated industries, and empowering Black and brown founders through her platform, Legal and Licensed. With insights on mindset, resilience, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring and emerging leaders who want to build with intention and leave a legacy.
In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, we welcome keynote speaker, travel creator, and startup growth strategist Patrika Alis Cheston. From microaggressions in tech to building a brand that empowers others, Patrika shares how she took ownership of her career journey. Tune in for powerful insights on personal growth, brand building, resilience, and thriving as a Black woman in tech and entrepreneurship.
What does it take to transform pain into purpose—and purpose into a movement?
In this soul-stirring episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons welcomes Garnett Rogers Sr., acclaimed spoken word poet, author of The Transition, and founder of Hussle Hard Publishing. Born in Sacramento and raised with grit, Garnett shares how he overcame life’s trials and evolved into a modern-day John the Baptist—delivering poetic sermons of hope, healing, and divine purpose.
Tune in to hear how Garnett’s faith, storytelling, and raw vulnerability created a platform that now influences the masses. Whether you’re navigating grief, building your creative empire, or seeking spiritual direction, Garnett’s journey offers a powerful blueprint for turning adversity into art—and art into action.
🔥 Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about resilience, publishing, spiritual growth, and Black entrepreneurship in the creative space.
What’s the biggest mistake Black entrepreneurs make when launching their brand? In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Taalib Saber, a leading attorney, FIFA sports agent, and community advocate, to unpack the legal foundations every business owner needs. From business formation and contract tips to the power of Pan-African advocacy and creative storytelling—Taalib shares how to build, protect, and empower your legacy.
In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with the multihyphenate mogul Thomas Howard, aka DJ Doc. From military service to music and podcasting, Doc shares his incredible journey of resilience, reinvention, and rising through service. Discover how podcasting became his secret weapon for scaling businesses and why helping others has always been his north star. You’ll also hear about his companies Yemayá Organic, Deep Soul Sound Productions, and R.O.C. Media. If you're looking for a dose of strategy, soul, and sound business insight—this one’s for you.
From epic gaming playthroughs to building a loyal online community, Tylan Witherspoon shares his journey of becoming a paid content creator. In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, Taryell Simmons chats with Tylan about the real-life challenges of growing a brand on YouTube, building community, navigating algorithms, and staying authentic in a competitive digital space. Learn how Tylan stayed resilient, the tools that helped him succeed, and his advice for aspiring Black content creators looking to make their mark.
In this episode of RISE Urban Nation, host Taryell Simmons sits down with Kelli Lester, Co-founder of Onyx Rising, to discuss the power of inclusive leadership. From navigating workplace shifts to fostering environments that empower employees, Kelli shares insights on creating lasting organizational impact. Learn seven traits of inclusive leaders, strategies for managing change, and how intentional inclusion fuels innovation.
RISE Urban Nation is a culture and business podcast amplifying the voices of Black and Pan-African entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers who are rewriting the narrative of success. Hosted by Taryell Simmons, each episode blends storytelling, strategy, and social impact to help purpose-driven leaders grow their brands, visibility, and confidence through the power of authentic storytelling.
This show was born from Taryell’s mission to close the visibility gap for Black and Pan-African creators who often feel unseen in mainstream media. Many of our listeners are solo entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders juggling multiple roles—trying to grow online, attract clients, and build community while fighting overwhelm and imposter syndrome. They don’t just want to be heard—they want to be understood and celebrated.
At its core, RISE Urban Nation exists to unite our untold stories across the Black diaspora, to uplift and amplify our voices that have too often been silenced, distorted, or erased by mainstream media, and to ignite new ideas and communities into action. Through our collective storytelling, we reclaim narrative power—transforming history, heritage, and hustle into hope and healing for generations to come.
Each week, we feature innovators, visionaries, and community builders—from San Diego to cities across the globe—who remind us that representation isn’t just about being seen; it’s about being valued, respected, and heard. Every episode offers practical takeaways and inspiration for entrepreneurs ready to transform their story into a platform for visibility, impact, and legacy.
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your voice into a vehicle for purpose and profit, this is your blueprint. Tune in and discover what it means to Unite. Uplift. Ignite.
