THE FUNTIMES EXCHANGE

Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters. We explore the topics that shape our world, exchanging ideas and challenging perspectives.

From war-torn Liberia to Saudi Arabian universities, and now to a masjid on Grays Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia, our guest embodies leadership through service and principle. Imam Jomandy didn't seek leadership, it found him when his community needed a voice. As leader of ...

Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters! Today we're exploring how one woman's unexpected journey into public service is transforming an entire county. "If you'd asked me 10 years ago if I'd be in politics, I would've said 'No.' My goal was to be a dean by 40." Those are the words of Dr. Monica Taylor, the first African American Chair of Delaware County Council in Pennsylvania.

From professional basketb...

Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters. Today,  we're exploring the remarkable of Renee Sterling, a powerful figure in global finance who currently serves as the Executive Director and EMEA Regulatory Controller and International Data Controller at Wells Fargo in London. With Jamaican heritage and Miami roots, Renee has navigated nearly two decades in London's banking world, beginning with a yearlong Ci...

Welcome to Funtimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters.Today, we're tackling a crucial topic for entrepreneurs everywhere: what truly holds small businesses back from growth? Drawing from exclusive interviews conducted by Tiffany Spraggins-Payne with business owners seeking support, we've identified three critical roadblocks that appear time and again in the entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you're currently running a b...

Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice matters. Today we will explore the amazing journey of Malik Majeed, CEO and General Counsel of PRWT Services, one of the largest minority-owned firms in Philadelphia. Malik's journey from a night shift security officer, while in college, to leading a company with contracts with the Supreme Court and the Army Corps of Engineers is a masterclass in tenacity, planning and pur...

Welcome to FunTimes Exchange, the podcast where every voice counts.  

In today we’ll take a deep dive into the conversation Dr. Pamela Kennebrew, and her very interesting journey from wanting to be a physician, to a human services administrator.  We will have a number of fascinating reflections on issues of economic inequality, concerning adult learning, and the lens of Black communities when discussing the subject of menopause.  

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The FunTimes Exchange podcast is pleased to feature an enlightening discussion with the Honorable Oliver St. Clair Franklin, CBE, who served for 28 years as Honorary British Consul in Philadelphia and had a truly remarkable career engaging in diplomacy, business, cultural advocacy, and engagement worldwide. In the episode, we discuss Franklin's multi-dimensional role in international relations, and his unique take on how African di...

Rev. Carolyn Cavaness is making history as the first female pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church, but her mission goes far beyond the title. In this podcast, we explore her remarkable journey, from her deep roots in ministry to her vision for faith-driven community action. Through storytelling and insightful discussion, we unpack how she is bridging history and progress, fostering social change, and redefining leadership in one of Ph...

Jos Duncan-Asé believes in the power of storytelling, not just to inform, but to heal, empower, and create change. As the founder and CEO of Love Now Media, she is reshaping the media landscape by centering love, resilience, and justice in journalism.

From her roots in oral storytelling to leading an organization that challenges harmful narratives, Jos’s work focuses on amplifying voices that are often overlooked. She advocates for...

In a media landscape often shaped by powerful conglomerates, independent Black journalism stands as a crucial force for truth and representation. This episode explores the remarkable career of Irv Randolph, Managing Editor of The Philadelphia Tribune, the oldest continuously published Black newspaper in the U.S.

With over 30 years of experience, Randolph has dedicated his life to amplifying Black voices, holding power to account, a...

In this episode, we honor the incredible path of David W. Brown. An educator, advocate, and leader whose life has been dedicated to truth, justice, and service. From shaping future communicators at Temple University to fighting misinformation, leading gun violence prevention efforts, and championing diversity, Brown’s impact is undeniable.

Through faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others, he reminds us th...

The 191st Legislative District is facing critical challenges, food insecurity, rising housing struggles, and a surge in EBT fraud leaving families without essential benefits. In this episode, we highlight the work of Valerie Smallwood, a longtime public servant dedicated to fighting for residents in need.

From tackling skimming scams that wipe out food stamp benefits overnight to ensuring families can keep their lights on, Smallwoo...

Harold T. Epps has spent decades driving economic growth, breaking systemic barriers, and advocating for inclusive prosperity. As Philadelphia’s former Director of Commerce and a leader in corporate America, he knows firsthand that hope is not a strategy, action is.

In this episode, Epps challenges us to rethink economic equity, from securing capital for Black-owned businesses to the power of community investment. With major events...

In 2024, Edward Brown made history as Upper Darby’s first Black mayor. But for him, leadership is about action. In this episode, we dive deep into his journey, from a school volunteer to leading Pennsylvania’s sixth-largest municipality.

Brown shares his vision for economic growth, community empowerment, and breaking barriers in local politics. How does he balance a demanding career in cybersecurity with public service? What drives...

Get ready to hear the story of Ade Lawal, an entrepreneur who came to the U.S. with nothing but big dreams. From his early days working at Chick-fil-A to owning a successful staffing firm, Ade’s story is all about overcoming challenges, staying adaptable, and creating opportunities. In this episode, he shares the highs and lows of building a business from the ground up, the tough lessons learned along the way, and how he’s using hi...

At 17, Jonathan Suarez made history by becoming a licensed pilot, proving that age is no limit to chasing your dreams. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about how his childhood fascination with airplanes led him to take risks, defy expectations, and earn his wings while still in high school. He talks about the challenges of balancing school, flight training, and family responsibilities, and shares how his determination and faith s...

Sarah Scandone, the visionary behind Nourish, is not just running a restaurant, she is leading a movement. With four restaurants under her belt, she is changing the way Philadelphia experiences plant-based cuisine, blending Caribbean flavors with holistic wellness. In this episode, Sarah shares her journey, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and how she is using food as a tool for healing, education, and empowerment. Tune in to ...

Aminata Sy’s rise is one of defying the odds. From dropping out of high school in Senegal to becoming a U.S. diplomat, her path is marked by resilience, grit, and an unshakable belief in education. In this episode, we uncover how she navigated language barriers, cultural shifts, and financial struggles to earn a degree from an Ivy League university. We also explore her mission to uplift African students and why she believes that no...

This episode highlights the incredible experiences of Dr. James Smith Jr., the “Presentation Skills Doctor,” as he reflects on his path from West Philadelphia to influencing lives in over 30 countries. Dr. Smith shares his bold transition from corporate America to entrepreneurship, the hurdles he overcame, and how he turned challenges into opportunities.

Gain practical advice on finding your “why,” embracing authenticity, and tak...