"Calculations are the actions or behaviors one must make (in some cases in milliseconds) to survive or succeed a given set of circumstances."
It has been widely reported that among Black men in America, there is a reluctance to support Kamala Harris’ bid to become the 47th President of the United States. Some reports claim that the enthusiasm and energy level of Black men is lukewarm at best. The mainstream media, the 44th President and others have bemoaned Black men’s reluctance to support Kamala Harris. With only a few days remain before the historic 2024 election The Thought Brothers podcast in partnership with the website Black Men In America.com hosted a virtual discussion panel about the impact of Black Men on this election.
Incidents of domestic violence are increasing. I wanted to put a spotlight on this topic with a specific focus on "victim blaming." Who better to call to be a guest on my show than Mildred Muhammad, the award-winning global speaker who talks about her life of terror, abuse, and heartache as the ex-wife of the DC Sniper. Mildred "pulled no punches" and gave it to us "straight with no chaser." If you need help, or someone comes to you for help, this show, and the resources at the end of the show may be lifesaving.
If you have not heard of Darnel Alexander you are in for a treat. Darnel is a versatile singer, and although he's gone viral doing covers of Luther Vandross, Teddy Pendergrass, Donny Hathaway, Jeffrey Osborne (LTD), Alexander O'Neal and others, he DOES have original material and can flat out SING. Watch our interview with Darnel and The Thought Brothers and decide for yourself if he is the "real deal."
Legendary entertainer Melba Moore chats with Calculations Talk Show Podcast host Gary Johnson about her one woman show "From Broadway with Love," on October 17-18 at "54 Below" in New York City. Melba Moore is a Tony Award® winner and 3x Grammy nominee. This show chronicles her remarkable career in music and entertainment. Accompanied by a trio and a visual presentation of selected photographs and images, Ms. Moore will perform a variety of songs, including selected classics from Broadway greats such as Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Diahann Carroll, and more; taking the audience on a magical musical tour of what makes Broadway great and inspirational. Gary surprised Melba when he introduced her to R&B singer Darnel Alexander at the 7:58 minute mark. Watch as Melba lovingly drops a "teachable moment" on Gary and Darnel. You won't want to miss it.
Kool & the Gang is a 2024 inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction will be on Saturday, October 19th at the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland, Ohio. Kool & the Gang has been around for 60 years. Robert “Kool” Bell and his brother Ronald Bell got their start in clubs, mastering a repertoire of jazz standards and Motown covers. In 1969, they signed to newly formed De-Lite Records and released the up-tempo instrumental “Kool & the Gang.” Their big break came in 1973 with the album “Wild and Peaceful,” which gave us the infectious singles “Funky Stuff,” “Jungle Boogie,” and “Hollywood Swinging” – three instant classics. To watch all of Gary's interviews with Robert "Kool" Bell visit www.blackmeninamerica.com.
Republican Strategist Raynard Jackson joined Gary Johnson and the hosts of The Thought Brothers podcast for a special show to discuss Project 2025. Guest Co-Host Professor Benjamin Davis joined Gary and Thought Brothers Bill, Carlos, C.J. and Kesia for a wide-ranging conversation of Project 2025. Professor Davis is Chairman of the Department of Multimedia Journalism at Morgan State University. He is a board member emeritus for the Princeton Prize in Race Relations at Princeton University. Ben served on the launch team for MSNBC.com as an Interactive Producer/editor. He was the Washington Editor for NPR and an Executive Producer for NPR’s Special Projects department. He also served on the Assignment Desk for ABC News in New York. He was a CBS reporter at WBTV News in Charlotte, N.C. Ben has won numerous awards for journalism, including two Alfred I. DuPont awards for broadcast – one for reporting and the other as Executive Producer. He taught journalism for 10-years at Rutgers University, three-years at Florida A&M University and seven-years at California State University Northridge.
Jackie Jones, Dean of the School of Global Journalism & Communication at Morgan State University and a veteran newswoman, joined the Thought Brothers Podcast to discuss and exchange views with veteran Republican strategist Raynard Jackson. Jackson is President and CEO of Raynard Jackson &Associates, LLC--a government/public relations and political consulting firm in Washington, D.C.
Topics on the table for discussion included Donald Trump's visit to the the National Association of Black Journalist (NABJ), the state of the presidential race, the effectiveness of the Congressional Black Caucus, Donald Trump's accomplishments and more.
Calculations Talk Show Host & Producer Gary Johnson, invited "The Thought Brothers," to the show to interview entrepreneur Bruce George. George is the Co-Founder of the award winning “Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam.” He’s also a writer, poet and activist. Bruce is the Founder of the “Genius Is Common” movement. Most of us have heard the old saying, “Common sense is not that common.” Well, in the mind of Bruce George, “Genius Is Common.” Let that sink in for a moment. By the time you finish watching this exclusive interview with Bruce George, you will have a better sense of your genius.
JESSICA TILLES is an award-winning, best-selling author and has written over fifty books as a ghostwriter under www.LiteraryGhostwriter.com. In 2006, Jessica opened her publishing company, Xpress Yourself Publishing, to talented authors, growing her roster to over eighty authors. In 2008, she received the prestigious title of Independent Publisher of the Year awarded by the African American Literary Awards Show. Listen carefully as Jessica shares her story of perseverance, as she overcame personal challenges with a "never quit" attitude.
Hailing from Rockford, Illinois (outside of Chicago), the music duo JOANZ & B3E (pronounced “bee”) present their new single, “Well Known.” A unique blend of R&B, pop and hip-hop which the twosome call “Alternative Soul,” Joanz & B3E’s “Well Known” is receiving airplay on radio outlets in New York City, Philadelphia and Chicago as well as online music platforms. The duo consists of rapper/vocalist Kenzell Jones (JOANZ) and singer Evan Bendel (B3E). With Joanz providing the lyrics and instrumentation (he’s proficient on guitar, bass, drums and saxophone) and B3E bringing his soulful voice in the mix, the two have already recorded several tunes, with “Well Known” being the leading single.
Angelo Ellerbee is an institution! Check out my exclusive conversation with the "Sultan of SWAG." The public relations maverick has worked with and guided the careers of icons and ingenues, legends and leading actors and he has built a legacy that continues to flourish decades after he began. The Newark, NJ native, who began his stellar career working in the fashion industry--designing, styling and hosting shows as fundraisers to combat the global issue of HIV/AIDS--soon found himself in the world of publicity and artist relations, working with the late, great James Mtume, super producer and jazz impresario. Ellerbee oversaw the stable of artists on the music great's entertainment company roster and soon became the talk of the industry because of his meticulous sense of style and pristine attention to detail. For more information visit his website at www.dxxnyc.com.
Dr. Carlotta A. Berry is a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. She is the 2021-2024 Lawrence J. Giacoletto Endowed Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering for 2021-2024 and the 2024 Visiting Scientist at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Dr. Berry is the author of the textbook, "Mobile Robotics for Multidisciplinary Study" and editor of "Mitigating Bias in Machine Learning." Due to her work in engineering education, diversity and robotics, she was named one of "30 Women in Robotics You Need to Know About," awarded the TechPoint Foundation for Youth Bridge Builder Award, FIRST Indiana Gamechanger, and named an American Society of Engineering Education Fellow. If that's not enough, Dr. Berry is also romance novelist, writing under the pen name Carlotta Ardell. Ardell" writes youth-friendly romance novels featuring Black protagonists who work in STEM fields. On this evening, The Thought Brothers had a GREAT conversation with Dr. Berry who talked about how she got started on this journey and why she wants to make STEM a little easier and a little steamier.
Marcus Devine has served as Music Director, Producer, Support Vocalist, and Songwriter for a variety of music artists such as Ashanti, Ginuwine, BETH, Aaliyah, Charlie Wilson, Silk, Destiny’s Child, 112, Dave Hollister, Deitrick Haddon, Xscape, Teddy Pendergrass, Latocha Scott, Mario, Monica, Kelly Price, Shirley Murdock, Day 26, Brownstone, and Men of Standard to name a few. Currently Marcus is busy making music with the release of his new single, “Greatest Show,” and promoting his designer sunglasses line “Marcus Devine Signature Shades.”
“Black Tech” is a part of a series of non-fiction children’s books designed to showcase the contributions that African Americans have made and are still making in the development of the United States and the world. Our children engage with technology daily and this book will highlight a few African American contributors in the technology space. It is written for 6- to 8-year-olds or 1st to 3rd graders. Some of the people featured in “Black Tech” are Gladys West–GPS, Jesse Russell –Cell phone,
Alexander Miles – Automatic Elevator Door Opener,
Marie Van Brittan-Brown – Security Surveillance System,
Garrett Morgan–Traffic Light, Frederick Jones–Truck Refrigeration, Shirley Jackson–Touch Tone Telephone, Fax Machine, Caller ID, Fiber Optic Cable.
Media Veteran Dyana Williams was a guest on Gary Johnson's "Calculations Talk Show," to discuss her role in the upcoming street renaming for music icon Frankie Beverly. The event will take place on Saturday, May 18th, at 12 noon, in the East Germantown area of Philadelphia on North Norwood Street, between Church Lane and West Godfrey – the neighborhood where Frankie Beverly was raised. Frankie Beverly will retire later this year after more than 50 years of creating and performing his classic hits.
Singer BETH has toured nationally and internationally with R&B greats Anita Baker, The O’Jays, KEM and Najee. BETH also was the body double for R&B legend Whitney Houston in the film "Sparkle." On NBC’s The Voice, BETH was a finalist during Season 16 with Kelly Clarkson and John Legend as her coaches and was also a featured vocalist on ABC’s Dancing with The Stars (Season 22). She has appeared in four feature films, numerous stage plays, and commercials for both TV and radio. Click Here To Read More
March 14, 2024, marked one year since Bobby Caldwell died losing his battle against the severe side effects of the medicine fluoroquinolone, which ultimately contributed to his heart disease and passing at age 71. His widow, Mary Caldwell, has since been vocal about the dangers of this medication, aiming to raise awareness and prevent similar suffering among others. Bobby Caldwell was a multi-talented singer/songwriter whose signature song was "What You Won't Do For Love." Click Here To Read More
Dave Wooley is a Director, Producer, Author and Entrepreneur based in Wilmington, Delaware. His most notable accomplishments include long-standing work with Dionne Warwick. The NAACP Image Awards announced on January 25, 2024 that Wooley is nominated in the category for Outstanding Directing in a documentary television or film, for his documentary, Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over. Dave and Gary Johnson, Host of "Calculations Talk Show," had a great conversation. Hope you enjoy it.
This is a pictorial slideshow of the Gary Johnson Media highlights featuring interviews from the Calculations Talk Show and The Thought Brothers podcasts with segments from the Justice For Black Farmers group. For more information visit www.garyjohnsonmedia.com. Please SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more great interviews. #interview, #podcast
Pat Hartley is an African American actress of Black and Hungarian descent, who starred in several Andy Warhol films when she wasn't modeling, and a photographer born in the high energy of NYC. Her husband, Dick Fontaine, was a British documentarian and filmmaker. The highly acclaimed film is "I Heard It Through the Grapevine."
Calculations Talk Show Host/Executive Producer Gary Johnson joined forces with hosts of The Thought Brothers for a year end podcast highlighting the "hot topics" from 2023. Hosts Bill Spivey, Carlos Prillman and Christopher "C.J" Johnson welcomed special guest Attorney Joseph Wright, former NFL Player Keith Gary, Janice Wilson and Kim Prillman.
Hot topics discussed included: Crime involving youth including carjacking, shoplifting and assault. The NFL, College Football including Coach Prime, and The NBA. The show closed with positive affirmations from each guest. You can learn more about The Thought Brothers at the website located at www.thoughtbrothers.com. You can watch one-on-one interviews with some of the country's most interesting people like Dr. Cornel West, Robert "Kool" Bell, singer Maysa, entertainer Melba Moore, Olympic Gold Medal Winner Dr. Pel Pender and more. Please SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to stay up to date with the latest shows.
Check out my exclusive interviewed Bob Sumner, creator of "Def Comedy Jam." Bob shared stories about his formula for finding unknown talent who later became comedy stars such as Bill Bellamy, Wanda Sykes, Bernie Mac, Martin Lawrence and more. https://youtu.be/VSSE-i9w_r8
Eugenia Foxworth and Susan Greenfield are two very powerful women who continue to make a difference in the real estate market domestically and internationally. Eugenia Foxworth, the recent Past President (2021-2022) of the International Real Estate Federation for the United States, known as FIABCI -USA. Eugenia's life journey also includes scholar, fashionista, owner of a fine art gallery, flight attendant/courier, scholarship committee executive and podcast host with her show The Foxworth Theory. Susan Greenfield ranks among the top 1% of brokers in Manhattan, NY. In 2021, she closed over $60 million’s worth of sales. Ms. Greefield has been in the real estate business for over 40 years and is a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker at Brown Harris Stevens. Eugenia and Susan spoke with Gary Johnson to talk about their careers and a very important event coming up next week. You can read the entire print feature on the Black Men In America.com website at www.blackmeninamerica.com.
Being a professional athlete can be extremely rewarding and lucrative. However, a stark 78% of them will go broke after just 3 years of retirement. Pro athletes who get into financial trouble have a few things in common when it comes to how they lost their fortunes--a lack of financial knowledge, a short time to earn the money and overspending. Hear firsthand from former NFL Pittsburgh Steeler Keith Gary and his experience transitioning from a college dorm room with little or no money to a life with money seemingly overnight.
Episode 1: Dr. Fredrick Douglass Clark is a graduate of Howard University Dental School, one of the best in the country. He has been a dentist for years and has been through several post graduate courses in different fields of dentistry since receiving his DDS degree. His emphasis on patient comfort as well as keeping up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry enable him to provide his patients with the best quality of care in the field. Dr. Clark has a wide range of experience in different areas of dentistry, from cosmetic and restorative dentistry to surgical treatments and root canal treatments. This is a continuing educational series. Please SUBSCRIBE to our channel to stay up-to-date with our Health and Wellness discussions and interviews.
In her very first interview, Dana Rone, CEO and Owner of The Flower Garden Dispensary took the time to chat with me, and my "Wing Man," Christopher "C.J." Johnson about the growing Cannabis industry.
Rone, a life-long civil servant and advocate in Newark and the County of Essex, worked closely with NJ legislators to ensure the NJ Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act was drafted and passed with Social Equity measures for Black and minority participants.
One year after his passing in January 2022, noted Grammy winner James Mtume (known for hits such as “Juicy Fruit” and producing for Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, Stephanie Mills) will be honored in his hometown of Philadelphia, PA with a street bearing his name. The event will take place on Friday, May 12th, 2023, from 11 am to 2 pm ET on the 1500 block of Wharton Street in Philadelphia. Philadelphia’s Second District, where the street naming for the late James Mtume will take place, is represented by Councilperson Kenyatta Johnson. He’s been serving that area of the city since 2012. Faulu Mtume, the son of the music legend, humbly accepts this honor on behalf of his father’s estate. “It’s beyond words just how great this is, the City of Brotherly Love showing a mighty love for my father, a Philly native,” says Faulu Mtume. “Wharton Street is where his journey into music, social activism and politics had begun. The roots for all three are there.”
The musical BORN TO SWING tells the story of the 85-year career of a renowned concert pianist, composer/arranger, entertainer, and philanthropist Lillette Harris (later known as Lillette Jenkins). It also tells how she and her husband, Actor & Comedian Bud Harris, 1945 were the first Blacks to own Lillette’s Rhythm Club, a Nightclub, Casino, and Hotel in Sparks-Reno Nevada during the racially charged Jim Crow era. While performing concerts around the world she also entertained the troops for four years in the USO during World War II. She later recorded five separate jazz and gospel albums that are still selling. Films, TV, Broadway, and Off-Broadway shows as Musical Director are also part of her legendary career. The musical has an all-female production team featuring Musical Director Jeanine McAdams, Stage Director Mary Seymour and Writer/Executive Producer Adrienne Lillette Harris.
Angelo Ellerbee, the visionary CEO of Double XXposure Public Relations has mentored, developed and guided the careers of Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Dionne Warwick, Roberta Flack, Ginuwine, Mary J. Blige, Melba Moore, Robert "Kool" Bell, Alicia Keyes, Antonio Fargas, Laura Branigan, Ronald Isley and more.
Melba Moore is an iconic 5 Octave singer and award-winning actress who has starred on Broadway, in major motion pictures and television. She can sing Contemporary Soul/R&B, Pop, Rock, Jazz, Gospel and Classical and has a number of hit albums. Melba Moore was gracious with her time to be interviewed by Gary Johnson.
Robert “Kool” Bell, is the co-founder of the iconic band Kool & the Gang. The band, formed in 1969 has earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, nine Top Ten Pop hits and 31 gold and platinum albums. The group is the second most sampled band in Hip-Hop and R&B music, second only to James Brown. The group has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has toured with Kid Rock, Dave Matthews Band, Elton John, The Roots and Van Halen. Robert took time to be interviewed by Calculations Talk Show host Gary Johnson. To learn more about Robert "Kool" Bell and his business ventures with World Series Manager Dusty Baker and his new champagne. Click on Robert's picture to watch Gary Johnson's interview with Robert "Kool" Bell. Here's the link to the full print feature: https://blackmeninamerica.com/robert-kool-bell/
Check out this exclusive 4-part interview with Mildred Muhammad. As the ex-wife of the DC Sniper, Mildred travels and speaks on a global platform to discuss her life of terror, abuse, and heartache, all while promoting Domestic Abuse/Violence Awareness and Prevention. To watch our other exclusive interviews visit www.blackmeninamerica.com/mildred-muhammad
Maysa makes music for your soul. She just released a new double album, "Music For Your Soul!" If you are not familiar with Maysa, she is a GRAMMY nominated, and Soul Train Award winning recording artist from Baltimore, MD. She's been in the music business for 32 years starting as a vocalist for the Acid Jazz band Incognito, to a solo artist (including collaborations with Stevie Wonder, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, Jonathan Butler, Phil Perry to name a few. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON MAYSA.
Part 3 of Mildred and Gary's exclusive interview focuses on life in a shelter, forgiveness, the worst day for an abuser and how you can support a victim.
Part 2 of 4 features highlights of Mildred's keynote presentation in Utah and what you should STOP, START and CONTINUE doing to support victims of domestic violence.
Part 1 of Gary's exclusive conversation with Mildred Muhammad reflects how you can unwittingly take the side of an abuser without knowing it.
Gary Johnson conducted an exclusive interview the Divas of Jazz. Meet Jeanine, Kisha, Alex and JoJo as they answer questions from Gary Johnson and an "invitation only" audience. Listen to the sacrifices and the "calculations" these ladies have to make as first rate musicians.
To see more exclusive interviews visit www.calculationstalkshow.com. To learn and watch more interesting interviews and videos, SUBSCRIBE to our channel.
Scott has had input or creative genius on thousands of recordings in almost every genre featuring Barbra Streisand, John Legend, Whitney Houston, The Temptations, Sergio Mendes, Kool Moe Dee, Earth, Wind & Fire, Yo Yo Ma, Mervyn Warren (Take 6), Joe Brooks, Billy Joseph, Savannah Burrows, Chaka Khan, JP Saxe, The Manhattan Transfer, Christopher Cross, Vi Jordan, Smokey Robinson, and more.
Few stars, however, have been both celebrated and vilified by Black America to the extent of polarizing pop culture icon, Kanye West. He is the subject of a captivating new biography by author, professor, and Hip-Hop culture analyst Dr. Joshua Wright. Scheduled for release on February 1st, it is entitled, “Wake Up Mr. West: Kanye West and the Double Consciousness of the Black Celebrity.”
NOMAD is not only a career musician, he is “THE” Career Musician! He is a veteran in the entertainment business. He's worked and played with many of the most respected celebrity artists in music. He remains committed to pushing the envelope and has broadened his career by seeking and securing opportunities in other facets of the industry.
Ivana Céspedes Jordan, professionally known as Vi Jordan, is a Cuban-Mexican studio vocalist with expertise performing as a soloist and group singer in Latin, Jazz, R&B, Classical and Gospel genres. She is also an accomplished classical pianist, teacher and accompanist. Watch as she tells the story of how she got members of Earth, Wind & Fire to play on her first video and single.
This is an exclusive interview with Olympic Gold Medalist and decorated American war hero Dr. Mel Pender. This interview was conducted by "Calculations Talk Show" host Gary A. Johnson on October 28, 2021. In this interview Mel talks about his life growing up in segregation, his parents, grandparents, what he learned while serving in the military, his work ethic and his devotion to his wife and God.
This is an interview with Dr. Shakiera Marilyn Hockaday-Bey is the CEO for S.H. Infusion known as Herbal Infusion, a Holistic Health and Spa store. She has served the community for over 25 years. In this interview, Shakiera talks about how women can empower themselves by learning more about their bodies. For more information visit www.herbalinfusion.net.
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