Going Against the Grain

On the show last week, we chatted with a variety of successful, vibrant artists, commentators, comedians and actors with one common theme: they all go against the grain. This, however, hasn’t hasn’t stopped these leaders from achieving their life goals.

Captivating actress, comedian and writer, Anjelah Johnson Reyes shares her thoughts on always connecting with humor, a lifetime of family bonds and how rejection and tenacity have shaped her story of success.

In an engaging interview, model, actress and entrepreneur Kelly Hu talks openly about her humble beginnings in Hawaii to success in Hollywood on the big and little screens, as well as finding her true, joyous self in her early 50’s.

For 40 years, Queen Afua has been on a journey of self-awareness and empowerment. This NYT best-selling author, holistic healer, wellness coach and pioneer in the green foods movement sits down with Carlos for a fascinating talk on her groundbreaking odyssey and embracing challenges in her life through what she calls “impeccable listening”.

Isaac Hayes III is an unorthodox entrepreneur as the founder and CEO of FanBase, an innovative social media platform that allows anyone to make money off their content via virtual currency. Isaac chats candidly about being the son of the late, great singing and soul voice legend, Isaac Hayes. He touches on creating his own path to becoming a successful artist, musician and producer in his own right, as well as an active proponent of Atlanta as the future of African-American prosperity and the “new black renaissance.” — all the while being cognisant of failure and the life lessons that his legendary father taught him.

This week, it’s back to the studio with another round of forward-thinking pioneers in their respective fields who all share the view that life is what you make of it. We can’t wait for you to hear their empowering stories…

The ironic rapper

Entrepreneur, prolific rapper and ingenious executive of the record label, the Maybach Music Group, Rick Ross has a gritty success story that will resonate with viewers.

The trailblazing hip hopper

Grammy Award winning rapper and founder of the pioneering, social justice hip hop group, Arrested Development, Speech (born Todd Thomas) continues to fight against social injustice and has been on the forefront of the hip hop scene for over three decades.

The rebel biologist

Biologist, conservationist, wildlife filmmaker and popular British TV presenter, Patrick Aryee is a self-confessed thrill seeker who began his career studying cancer biology. However, a love of animals led him to wildlife filmmaking. Known for his deep, rich voice, Aryee has established himself as a respected documentary filmmaker and passionate environmentalist.

Stay tuned next week as we continue to highlight some of the best and brightest forward thinkers of today as well as up and coming shining stars in politics, entertainment, environmentalism, business, entrepreneurship and more.