Anthony Veneziano discusses his experience with cardiac rehab and the positive impact it has had on his physical and mental well-being. He highlights the progress he has made in terms of strength and feeling more secure after his heart attack. Anthony also emphasizes the social element of being in a group setting with others who have experienced si…

This conversation discusses Marquis Parson's experience with a heart attack at the age of 36. We discuss his family history of heart disease and his journey to find purpose through his organization, The Beat it Foundation. Marquis speaks about the loss of his brother, who died from heart disease at age 37. He also shares his fears and anxieties rel…

Jay Bailey, president and CEO of the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, joins me in this informative episode of the Build Your Fort Podcast. Bailey delves deeply into his passion and drive to support black business owners, both of which are fueled by his own entrepreneurial background and Herman J. Russell's legacy. He speaks passionately…

I'm on the phone with Jameka early Sunday morning, preparing her for our upcoming interview. I smile as I hear her children's joyful laughter in the background. This sets the tone for our relaxed conversation. We talk about sex and sexuality as a disabled person, as well as some awkward moments she’s encountered when a non-disabled person expresses…

Changing lives is what Karen Hatcher and her team at Sovereign Realty & Management are all about. Karen founded her real estate agency on the premise of helping others grow wealth through real estate. Karen is the 97th President of the Atlanta REALTORS Association, a 112 year old institution and the largest local real estate board in the State. She…

Can you imagine starting a company with your significant other? And not just any company, but one that sells tea from all over the world. Brooklyn Tea may have started out small, but the company has grown rapidly since its inception. Founded by husband and wife team Jamila Wright and official Tea Sommelier Alfonso Wright, Brooklyn Tea was a passion…

Shayna Marshall has many titles that all translate to her self-described title of Serial Entrepreneur. She operates two insurance agencies, a gym and multiple co-working spaces. Shayna admits that her success has been sustained by doing work she enjoys, work that empowers others and work that generates recurring revenues. Listen in as we discuss he…

Susan Pryor has been investing in Real Estate for 30 years and after a career in the software industry, she now runs the Georgia branch of Benchmark Mortgage. Her company has a heart for veterans and they go out of there way to make sure their veteran clients realize their dream of home ownership. Listen in has Susan shares her mortgage lending exp…

Olivia Westbrooks is a mother, wife, and owner of her own design firm. When her first attempt at entrepreneurship didn't work out the way she planned, she took a step back into corporate America for an opportunity to come back stronger and better. Now, as the leading force behind Oliva Westbrooks Interiors and a sought-after consultant, she leads f…

Vocalist Shameia Crawford grew up in the church as was born to sing. Both her father and grandfather were pastors so Shameia felt limited in her ability to step outside of the church and sing for the world. As chance would have it, Shameia had the opportunity to sing internationally and with the blessing of her father, she broke free from the stigm…

Author and speaker Chris Lee is a motivator and survivor who is pursuing his passions. An accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury in 2007 turned Chris's life upside down. Addiction, depression and poor physical health complicated things even further. Learning about holistic health, the law of attraction and energy healing helped Chris to…

Growth requires you to take an honest look at where you are today, make necessary adjustments and prepare for the next level regardless of what others may think. I am grateful, humbled and honored to have had the opportunity to spend precious time with some amazing guest during Season 1 of Build Your Fort Podcast. I also want to say thank you to al…

Imagine finding out, as an adult, that you have siblings that grew up just a couple blocks away and you never knew they existed! That’s what happened to me a few short years ago when Loreal Banks and Christina Chaney were introduced to me as my sisters. I have the pleasure of having Loreal, the youngest of my sisters, on this weeks episode of Build…

Lifestyle personality and content creator, Rosalynn Daniels, is a wife and mom of three who is following her dreams. Acknowledging the absence of digital creators who looked like her, Rosalynn founded her company, Brown Hands Media, as a means to take control of her brand and make a difference. Her hard work and constancy has paid off in a big way …

Kelli Kelley is a multi-talented entrepreneur, wife and mother of two. She started her career in the fashion and beauty industry and eventually found her niche in digital marketing at the helm of her own Digital Marketing Agency. Join us for a real and open discussion about business, life lessons, the importance of therapy and overcoming imposter s…

Melissa and her Annette Roche grew up helping their mother do hair – initially at home and then in her African braid shop. Their entrepreneurial drive came from those formative years that has now blossomed into a million dollar brand that the two co-founded more that 10 years ago. Listening as Melissa and I talk about their path to success and lega…

In this episode on Build Your Fort Podcast, I wrap up 2021 with a lively conversation between myself and Michael Crawford, host of the Mad Lucrative Podcast. Mike, also know as Magnedo or Nedo in the music industry, is a Grammy award winning music producer, husband and proud father of two little girls. Mike knows the up and downs of the music indus…

As with many musicians, Victor Jackson pores his entire soul into his music. After loosing his brother, enduring a bad breakup, and the pandemic, Victor is living authentically in life and through the songs on his current EP, MAN.MUSE.MAGIC. Join us for conversation about family, God's love and being all that we are meant to be. mrglamrocksoul.com…

After working full-time as a therapist and actress, Ivory Shields dedicated herself to her own personal healing and in the process found her purpose in helping others heal from their traumas. Ivory assists with breaking through the boundaries that are limiting people and get them ready to leave their impact on the world. Soulaudacity.com…

Ariane Turner is a skincare expert, educator and self proclaimed wellness junkie with more than 20 years in the beauty industry. She spent much of that time on set as a makeup artist for major productions and tended to the skin issues of her clients. When all studio productions were shut down this gave Ariane to focus of her health and follow her p…

Lauren Williams is a multi-faceted mom, influencer, eCommerce business owner and talent manager who has transformed her career from assistant to executive. Growing up as the granddaughter of civil rights legend Hosea Williams, Lauren has stood in the room and sat at the table with many of the greats of our time. Since her beginnings as an assistant…

Jen Price is the founder and owner of The Atlanta Beer Boutique and Crafted For Action, the first hybrid craft beer conference focused on women and people of color. As Jen prepared for the opening of her first brick and mortar retail space, the nation went on lock-down. She was forced to pivot, rethink her business and terminate her lease. Jen has …

Starting over is never easy but Nick Nelson, founder of The Brandprenuer Agency, made it look as if it was. Nick ended one career and started another helping remarkable people of color stand out and realize their personal brand in a way they have never before. He's dang good at it too! Listen in, be inspired and entertained as you find out why this…

As founder of Earth Angel PR and Branding Agency, Shehawnee Prescod has become an expert in the corporate marketing, branding and publicity space. With multiple high level projects under her belt, Shehawnee has not only seen a gradual shift in the marketplace but has also felt an internal shift in how she operates personally and how she services he…

Mike D is more than a photographer. In addition to being an expert behind the lens, Mike has a knack for marketing and branding and a passion for people. The connection he has with his clients is evident in his work and keeps him in high demand. Mike had little experience as a photographer when he started. He keep at it, got good at it and made it …

Personal finance coach, Lana William, walked away from corporate life in exchange for work life balance and to do the work she truly loves on her own terms. With 30 years of financial expertise and successful money management solutions, Lana shares her history growing up in a fiscally disciplined family and explains her method of Financial Coaching…

David McCullar knew at a very young age that he didn’t want to work for anyone. He didn't quite know the literal term for it as a kid, but his father explained that what he wished for was to be an entrepreneur. Life happened and David experienced panic attacks. He was then on a quest to find a remedy to help himself and help others. David is now th…

Cher’Don Reynolds is a mother, wife, SheEO of her destiny and founder of She Prints It. Cher'Don shares her story of realizing her calling to support women and how she is creating a legacy for her children. A winner of multiple grant/pitch competitions, Cher'Don has created a grant program to help women entrepreneurs succeed. Learn more about this …

Award winning interior designer, Kenzie Perry, has built a career transforming residential, hospitality and commercial spaces. He took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship during the national lock-down and hasn't looked back. Overcoming fear of the unknown, Kenzie bet on his talent which lead to an organic transition of success and happiness with …

Today's special guest is Ashley Cockrell. She is a full-time Nurse Practitioner and lifestyle blogger of MyLivingSpree.com. Ashley shares her story of surviving a dark time in her life, how she has healed and why she continues her mission to help other women live their best life.By Ashley Cockrell

Independent Artist, Singer, Musician, Producer and most importantly father; Jason "Jahah' Berry joins Build Your Fort Podcast today. He speaks on living out his dreams as an artist, his love for R&B and holding down a 9-5 while raising two young boys and being a good husband.By Jason "Jahah" Berry

Welcome to Build Your Fort With Lentheus Chaney. Listen in as Lentheus talks about how he found success in happiness, what promoted him to create this platform and the extraordinary people who are finding their way to success in a world that doesn't define worth just by a paycheck.By Lentheus Chaney