"Never run back to what broke you." — Frank Ocean

In this powerful episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Bartholomew Jones, a Memphis visionary, hip-hop artist, educator, and founder of Cxffeeblack — a cultural movement that's reimagining coffee, community, and Black excellence.

Born Maurice Henderson II, Bartholomew's transformation is rooted in faith, creativity, and purpose. From early years in Louisville and Whitehaven to building one of the most recognized Black-owned coffee brands in America, his story is an anthem for curiosity, culture, and courage.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How a kid inspired by faith turned passion into purpose

• The meaning behind the name Bartholomew Jones and the legacy it carries

• How hip-hop and coffee became tools for empowerment

• The birth of Cxffeeblack and the vision to reclaim coffee's African roots

• Why he believes "God don't make no junk and coffee don't need no cream"

• What it means to run towards what builds you, not back to what broke you

Whether you're a dreamer, creator, or entrepreneur, this conversation will fill your cup, reminding you that your story, your culture, and your faith are your greatest strengths.

"Don't be topic or event-driven — be thought and idea-driven." — Elliott Sayles

In this inspiring episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Elliott Sayles, the visionary behind the Mane T-Shirt, a Memphis-born cultural brand celebrating identity, creativity, and local pride.

From East Cleveland to California to Memphis, Elliott's story is a powerful reminder that creativity, faith, and authenticity can turn a single idea into a movement. A designer, thinker, and spiritual entrepreneur, Elliott shares how he transformed a simple Memphis slang word into a meaningful symbol of community and belonging.

In this episode, Elliott opens up about:

• How he discovered his gift as a creator and idea generator

• The journey from Cleveland to Memphis, and how the city "crashed" his world in the best way

• The prayer and inspiration behind Mane and how it became a brand

• What intellectual property means and why ownership matters

• His advice for dreamers: face what scares you and pursue your ideas fearlessly

• How being a "girl dad" changed his perspective on life and leadership

Elliott Sayles reminds us that success begins with identity and intention. When you create from who you are, not what's trending.

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success." — Albert Schweitzer

In this episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Austin Baker, Memphis-born entrepreneur, connector, and president of HRO Partners. From launching his first business while still at the University of Memphis to leading one of the region's top HR firms, Austin's story is one of faith, mentorship, and doing well by doing good.

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Austin shares:

• How growing up on a Cordova farm taught him the value of hard work and humility

• Why mentorship became his life's purpose and how the MILE Program is shaping future leaders

• His 20-year practice of writing letters to his future self is "the best form of time travel"

• What it means to "farm for talent" and build people, not just businesses

• His philosophy on using AI and innovation to multiply, not replace, human potential

• Why his mantra "Do well by doing good" drives every decision he makes

Austin's story reminds us that true leadership isn't about titles or awards, it's about impact. His wisdom challenges us all to pause, reflect, and write the next version of ourselves into existence.