Talking with Tyler

This week, Demaria and I embark on a conversation over a topic that is seemingly contradictory in the minds of most, Black Patriotism. We discuss what it looks like to acknowledge history, while still showing a sense of pride in the country one lives in. We talk about personal experiences and offer alternative ways to change the narrative.

Now that graduation and prom seasons have passed, DeMaria and I decided to respond to much of the antics seen on social media. We discuss families wasting money to appear to have a lavish lifestyle and graduation ceremonies gone wrong. Our views differ on the matter and how one should conduct themselves in a celebratory manner within their means.

Brad Hines coaches defensive line at Benedictine College, a small private college in Kansas. In this episode, he talks about recruitment dos and don'ts, and how to make yourself stand out and increase your chances of playing sports at the next level.

This week my biweekly conversation partners, John Harris, and I discuss a series of current events beginning with offering our thoughts on the support for Ohio man, Rodney Hinton Jr., who senselessly murdered a random deputy. This spurred a discussion on the myths of police brutality and lethal use of force on blacks, while encouraging the public to turn their attention to what we deem as real issues in the black community.

DeMaria spent 5 years teaching in the largest school district in OKC. His experience provides insight into the troubling obstacles present in everyday life inside the public school system. We discuss the problems that lead to students not being able to perform, parent involvement, and possible solutions. Join us for a relevant conversation.

Chief Mike Wilson has served as the longest serving police chief in the state of Kansas. Today, he loves his job as much as he did on day one. This week we discuss the Chief's journey and how he and other officers have adapted to a changing world . He reacts to the state of policing and provides his own best practices.

Matt Gilme is a servant leader who does everything in his power to be there for the most vulnerable. Through an almost 10-year friendship, Matt and I have grown close over the years, spending hours debating the problems of our society. While both have similar goals for our fellow citizens, we envision different means to get there. Join two friends as we discuss the problems of our day and how to solve them.

This week John and I push back against the new fads of the popularization of mental health and therapy language. We differentiate between those who have clinically diagnosed mental health conditions versus those of us struggling with the everyday trials of life, and how focusing on fortitude and mental toughness is often the answer.

On this episode, DeMaria and Tyler address the tragic events of a Texas track meet that led to the death of a high school student, along with recent articles on the decline of male college goers. We examine causes and push back against the mainstream rationale often used to explain problems in Black America.

Larry Wilcox is more than just a football coach; he’s been a lifeline for so many young men from various backgrounds for over four decades. Join us for an inside look at the life of a leader of men and how he perceives the impact he’s had.

On this episode, John and I discuss the role of faith in our own lives over the years and how our upbringing shapes this viewpoint. We delve into what it means to truly follow the teachings of Christ, instead of abiding by what we see fit to follow. We also offer critique on the role of church leaders in the era of mega-churches.

Najee Clarkson is a father, Firefighter/EMT, and business owner in Kansas City, MO. In this episode we learn about Najee’s experience growing up in KC in a tight knit family and how he has overcome adversity. Join us for a discussion on integrity, discipline, adding value, and culture.

Who are my people?

Join John Harris Jr., my biweekly conversation partner, and I as we discuss our allegiances. We delve into the backlash some rap artists received from performing at Trump's inaugural events, our moral responsibilities, and the success sequence.

So why start a podcast? This short introduction video explains the purpose of creating Talking With Tyler and what we aim to accomplish by fostering conversation that develops a sense of agency.