Exclusive Interviews

Exclusive Interview with Ms. Monét

Join Gary Johnson on this episode of the Calculations Talk Show for an intimate sit-down with the incomparable Ms. Monét — a powerhouse vocalist whose soulful sound and magnetic stage presence have earned her a place among today’s most captivating artists. In this candid conversation, Ms. Monét shares the personal stories behind her passion for music, the lessons she’s learned navigating the industry, and how she stays grounded and inspired. From her early influences to career-defining moments, you’ll get an inside look at the heart and hustle that fuel her artistry.

Exclusive Interview with Melba Moore

In this unforgettable interview, Grammy-nominated and Tony Award-winning legend Melba Moore took the time to share her exciting new chapter in music and entertainment. She discusses her latest single “No Filter,” and gives us an inside look at her new show “From Broadway With Love,” a powerful celebration of her roots in musical theater and soulful storytelling. Melba reflects on her iconic collaborations with music greats like the late Van McCoy, and introduces us to her new songwriting team who are helping her shape her sound for a new generation. She also speaks candidly about the impact of social media on today’s music industry, and the unshakable faith that continues to guide her both personally and professionally.

Exclusive Interview with Dionne Warwick

I had the honor of sitting down with the incomparable Dionne Warwick—Grammy-winning icon, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and one of the most influential voices in music history. Our conversation centered on her upcoming one-woman show, “Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over, One Night Only,” taking place on Friday, June 27 at 8 PM ET at the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York City. While video issues prevented her from appearing on screen, Ms. Warwick's unmistakable voice and timeless wisdom shine through in this audio-only interview segment—and it's not to be missed.

Thought Brothers Exclusive Interview: Tolivia – The Voice, The Storyteller, The Vibe

Tolivia is a gifted vocalist, composer, and performer whose music lives at the intersection of Contemporary R&B and Neo-soul. Tolivia's journey is steeped in discipline, artistry, and soul. Drawing inspiration from legends like Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, Ella Fitzgerald, D’Angelo, and Jhene Aiko, Tolivia infuses every note with authenticity. Her signature style—a fusion of experimental jazz, emotive R&B, and deeply personal storytelling—shines through standout tracks like “Say It” and “Travel.” In this free flowing conversation, Tolivia opens up about the role of storytelling in her songwriting, comparisons, and her creative process. Whether you’re a music lover, an aspiring artist, or simply in search of inspiration, this episode is a must-watch.

Interview with Will Gorham - Founder of FILMTEENTH National Juneteenth Film Festival

In this special episode of The Thought Brothers, we sit down with Will Gorham, founder of the groundbreaking FILMTEENTH National Juneteenth Film Festival — a celebration of Black excellence in cinema and storytelling. Will shares the vision behind the festival, its powerful mission to amplify diverse voices, and how FILMTEENTH is creating a global platform to honor the legacy of Juneteenth through film with a focus on uplifting stories that reflect the beauty, struggle, and triumph of the Black experience worldwide. Whether you're a filmmaker, movie lover, or advocate for cultural equity, this conversation will inspire and inform.

Who Makes You Laugh?

If you had told me BEFORE this podcast that I’d change my #1 comedian, I would’ve told you to "GTFOH." There was NO WAY I was moving Richard Pryor off the top spot. But guess what? That’s exactly what happened. Comedians Nicky Sunshine and Sherwin XL stepped in and dropped comedic and historical knowledge bombs that had us rethinking everything. If you choose to watch the podcast, I strongly suggest that you make YOUR list BEFORE you watch the show. Trust me—you’re gonna want it in hand.

Exclusive Interview with Singer Maysa Leak

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.

Exclusive Interviews

Author Jessica Tilles Shares Success Tips with The Thought Brothers

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.

Exclusive Interview with Veteran Media Leader Angelo Ellerbee

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.

She's A "STEMINIST" - An Interview with Dr. Carlotta Berry, Ph.D

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.

Author Theresa Merritt-Watson Talks About Her New Book "Black Tech"

“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.

Singer BETH Visits The Thought Brothers Podcast

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

Exclusive: Mary Caldwell Talks About Life With and Without Her Husband Singer Bobby Caldwell

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 - Producer/Director

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.

2023 The Year End Review

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

Our Latest Interviews

Interview with Pat Hartley (Producer - James Baldwin Film)

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."

Click Here To Learn More

Carjackings, Teen Crime, Athletes Gone Broke, the NFL and More

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.

Click Here To Learn More

Exclusive Interview with Bob Sumner Creator of "Def Comedy Jam"

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

Click Here To Learn More

Powerful Women In Real Estate

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.

Click Here To Read The Entire Print Feature

Athletes Gone Broke: A Conversation with Former NFL Player Keith Gary

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.

Click Here To Read About More Athletes Who Lost Their Money

Health and Wellness Interview and Discussion Series with Dr. Fredrick Douglass Clark, DDS

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.

Click Here To Read More About Dr. Clark

The Legacy of Musician James Mtume As Told By His Son

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.”

New Musical "Born To Swing"

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.

Exclusive Interview with Robert "Kool" Bell

Co-Founder Kool & the Gang

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/

Domestic Violence Prevention Interview with Mildred Muhammad

Part 3 of 4

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

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 4

Part 1 of Gary's exclusive conversation with Mildred Muhammad reflects how you can unwittingly take the side of an abuser without knowing it.

More Exclusive Interviews

Scott Frankfurt - Award Winning Sound Engineer and Record Producer

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.

Learn more

Educator & Hip Hop Analyst Dr. Joshua Wright on Kanye West and Black Celebrity Consciousness

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.”

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Interview with NOMAD The Career Musician

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.

Learn more

Singer Vi Jordan Is The Next "Big Thing"

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.

Learn more

Exclusive Videos

Mel Pender: An American Hero Living The American Dream

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.

Sacred Space Of A Female

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.

Calculations: The Talk Showwith Gary Johnson

What calculations did you make today?

How have your "calculations" impacted your life?

Exclusive Interviews

Exclusive Interview with Ms. Monét

Exclusive Interview with Melba Moore

Exclusive Interview with Dionne Warwick

Thought Brothers Exclusive Interview: Tolivia – The Voice, The Storyteller, The Vibe

Interview with Will Gorham - Founder of FILMTEENTH National Juneteenth Film Festival

Who Makes You Laugh?

Exclusive Interview with Singer Maysa Leak

Exclusive Interviews

Author Jessica Tilles Shares Success Tips with The Thought Brothers

Exclusive Interview with Veteran Media Leader Angelo Ellerbee

She's A "STEMINIST" - An Interview with Dr. Carlotta Berry, Ph.D

Author Theresa Merritt-Watson Talks About Her New Book "Black Tech"

Singer BETH Visits The Thought Brothers Podcast

Exclusive: Mary Caldwell Talks About Life With and Without Her Husband Singer Bobby Caldwell

Dave Wooley - Producer/Director

2023 The Year End Review

Our Latest Interviews

Interview with Pat Hartley (Producer - James Baldwin Film)

Carjackings, Teen Crime, Athletes Gone Broke, the NFL and More

Exclusive Interview with Bob Sumner Creator of "Def Comedy Jam"

Powerful Women In Real Estate

Athletes Gone Broke: A Conversation with Former NFL Player Keith Gary

Health and Wellness Interview and Discussion Series with Dr. Fredrick Douglass Clark, DDS

The Legacy of Musician James Mtume As Told By His Son

New Musical "Born To Swing"

Exclusive MasterClass Interview

Angelo Ellerbee -- The King of PR

Exclusive Interview with Singer/Actor Melba Moore

Exclusive Interview with Robert "Kool" Bell

Co-Founder Kool & the Gang

The Mildred Muhammad Interview

Popular/Top Rated

Commentary

Four Part Series on Domestic Violence Prevention

Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty in America

Hunger, Homelessness and Poverty in America

Domestic Violence Prevention Interview with Mildred Muhammad

Part 3 of 4

Part 2 of 4

Part 1 of 4

An Exclusive Interview with The Divas of Jazz

More Exclusive Interviews

Scott Frankfurt - Award Winning Sound Engineer and Record Producer

Educator & Hip Hop Analyst Dr. Joshua Wright on Kanye West and Black Celebrity Consciousness

Interview with NOMAD The Career Musician

Singer Vi Jordan Is The Next "Big Thing"

Exclusive Videos

Mel Pender: An American Hero Living The American Dream

Sacred Space Of A Female

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Calculations: The Talk Show
with Gary Johnson