Frankly Speaking with Tyra G

Are you a Star Trek fan? Do you watch The Equalizer?

You will love this week’s Frankly Speaking conversation if you answer yes to either of these questions! Once, Christopher Derrick’s father told him, “If you see someone doing something you want to do, you can do it.” And so he did. However, for Christopher, it was a process, not an event, a journey, not a destination. Christopher shares his journey from his graduation in finance at the University of Michigan to his present position as Executive Story Editor on the television show The Equalizer.

Ch...

Human trafficking strips away a person’s freedom, forcing them into labor or commercial sex against their will. When a child is exploited for commercial sex, it is always human trafficking, no matter the circumstances. The wounds left behind—both seen and unseen—can haunt survivors for a lifetime, stealing their innocence, their dreams, and their basic human rights.

This week we visit the land of Generation Z also known as iGen, also known as Centennials, also known as Nexters featuring Aiden Hayes, Paige Jackson, and Michelle Jackson.

This conversation expands our appreciation of who young people are becoming as a result of the stories they have been told and the ones they are telling themselves. We listen to how stories impact their behavior, their thoughts, and their dreams,

DJ KHALED, music industry megaproducer and recording artist reminds Gen Z as well as all of us in his book The Keys, and I quote:<...

  This week, we introduce our guest with a quote from Karmic astrologer Dora Jones: “Each of us comes into life with a promise, a gift, a passion, and a deep, heartfelt desire.” The promise is your soul’s mission, the lesson you are here to master. It is a vow to yourself to overcome, resolve, or heal a part of your inner world. Your gift is the unique offering you bring to the world. It forms the foundation of your self-determination and the journey to becoming your truest self. Passion is the spark that drives you to chase what brings pure jo...

Frankly Speaking with Tyra G was born from a vision to unite voices across generations and cultures. By weaving in thoughtful themes, we keep our stories vibrant and meaningful. Tonight, we open the pages of our HUMAN LIBRARY with the theme: Voices From the Future. Listening to the hopes, dreams, and concerns of the next generation is a joy and a mirror, reflecting how well we are shaping the world for them.

What happens when you have to be light in the darkness?

“At night, the ocean can be a huge dark place. When riding the seas, you can never know for sure if the water will be calm or turbulent. You never know if you will drift off course or run aground. That is why there are lighthouses. When ships lose their way, they are guided by the lighthouse. When there is trouble or danger at sea, you can seek refuge by the lighthouse. During a storm, the lighthouse will always guide the ships safely to shore. Best of...

In the words of life coach and award-winning author Iyanla Vanzant in her book Until Today, written in 2000.

“Society, with its structures, expectations, and divisions, has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous.  We won’t bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or cannot handle money. The point is that...

Ray Bradbury, in Fahrenheit 451, says,

“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child, a book, a painting, a house, a wall built, or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way, so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you’re there.

Dara Horn says.
“Every person has a legacy. You may not know your impact, and it may not be something you can write on your t...

I agree with the saying, “A house is not a home”. Home is more than bricks and mortar. Home is a feeling, a place we make with friends and family. A home provides refuge, joy, peace, and safety. A home knows when it’s you turning the key. Someone said it, “Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, and laughter never ends.”

So, how do you discover that special place where, as your head sinks into the pillow, your soul finally feels at peace?

I am glad you asked.

Meet Suzann...

From an outsider’s perspective, it looked like “Santiago” was simply a rebellious kid. At Second Story for Teens in Crisis, however, counselors worked on getting to know him and learning why he was acting out. He opened up and the counselors were there for him, helping him rewrite the narrative for his future.

When Timothy began attending Second Story’s Safe Youth Project he was struggling in school. The program coordinator worked to tutor him in the subjects he found especially challenging, and at the end of the school year he won an award for his hard wor...

This month, Frankly Speaking shines its spotlight once more on phenomenal women, exploring how we navigate our shared journeys, weathering both rainbows and storms with unwavering courage and resolve.

We are a journey unfolding, a process ever in motion. Even in stillness, we move—loving, serving, nurturing, encouraging, empowering. We are love in action. Yet sometimes, we find ourselves caught between the comfort of what was and the promise of what could be, and we wonder: “Am I enough?”

By the way, the right answer is a resounding YES!

For a woman to truly...

So, this week, we begin with a twist to create our common thought space for today. In the words of Isabel Wilkerson in her interview with Krista Tippet on NPR entitled The Heart is the Last Frontier. And I Quote, "With all due respect, I can't want to!" For some, this is the best of times. For others, it feels like the worst of times. For the wise, it is seen as one season in history. For others, it feels like an impending eternity of uncertainty. Words like 'us' and 'them' no longer define diversity but decree exclusion. Anger has...

We continue discussing with Michelle Petties., her book, and the mentoring program about Leaving Large. "Life will work for me when I accept … The labels placed on me don’t always fit. With its structures, expectations, and divisions, society has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous. Do not forget that a bossy woman is domineering, making her the B wo...

I quote “Life will work for me when I accept … The labels placed on me don’t always fit. Society, with all its rules and boundaries, has shaped some less-than-flattering beliefs about women. There are those who say strong women lack femininity or that assertive women cannot be trusted. My personal favorite misconception is that a woman who knows herself and her desires is somehow dangerous. And of course, the old trope that a bossy woman is domineering, earning her that infamous B word. We could go on about the tired myths that women are less intelligent or less capable with m...

“FIRST, DON’T CALL THEM MILLENNIALS Wait, what? Let me explain. A study from Pew Research found that only 40 percent of millennials even identify with the word “millennial,” compared to nearly 80 percent of those aged 51 to 69 who consider themselves part of the Baby Boomer generation. I was actually surprised that almost half of millennials claimed to be comfortable with their generational moniker since I find that most of the young people, I meet prefer that their generation not have a title at all. I also find this generation to be more focused on describing themselves as individuals (hence the rise in “person...

This month, we dive into the theme of “Stories We Grew Up with” and explore how the tales we heard and the ones we whispered to ourselves have shaped who we are. These stories have colored our actions, our hopes, and the way we see the world. In the end, I believe each of us is not just a storyteller, but a living story. Author  David Denborough, Ph.D. writes, “Who we are and what we do are influenced by the stories that we tell ourselves…There are many events in our lives, but only some become part of the storyline...

Time and again, I have seen that the most precious gifts we can offer children are the sturdy roots of responsibility and the soaring wings of independence. They truly are remarkable! No matter if I wore the hat of educator, author, speaker, talk show host, business owner, or survivor, one question has always echoed in my heart: What about the children? Today, we will explore the challenges we face together, focusing on Generation Z. With Gen Z representing nearly a fifth of the US population, their voices and struggles cannot be overlooked. Alarming statistics reveal that more than half of...

"Jimmy, Ana's boyfriend, says, "You're not fat. You're beautiful." She is both. "Real Women Have Curves" doesn't argue that Ana is beautiful on the "inside," like the Gwyneth Paltrow character in "Shallow Hal," but that she is beautiful inside and out--love handles, big boobs, round cheeks, and all. "Turn the lights on," she shyly tells Jimmy. "I want you to see me. See, this is what I look like." Ana has learned to accept herself. It is more than her mother can do. There have been several movies recently about the second generation of children of immigrants--Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Korean...

"An entrepreneur herself and leading expert on people 50 years and older, Kerry Hannon draws powerful lessons from the mid-life entrepreneurs she profiles. Her enthusiasm about the opportunities is inspiring, her cautions are practical and refreshing, and her insights into later life entrepreneurship ars spot-on. I love this book." -Chris Farrell, author of Purpose and Paycheck. Beyond being a nationally recognized expert and strategist on career transitions, personal finance, and retirement, I enjoyed learning about Kerry's family and life experiences that helped to inform the WHO and WHY she is today. Horses play an exciting role. Listen, get more innovative, and...

When you come across the words “climate change,” what stirs inside you? Does curiosity spark? Do you picture your own life, or your children’s future? Maybe you feel uneasy, or perhaps you wonder why it matters at all. Or do you find yourself questioning if climate change is even real? The facts ahead are not here to frighten, but to open our eyes to the state of our planet. This is why they are part of a series called Courageous Conversation. Take a moment to reflect on this: The changes in climate to date have little parallel in human histor...

Sometimes, survival calls us to become our own greatest cheerleaders. We are not simply heading toward a destination; we are the journey itself, unfolding with every step. Even when we pause, we set things in motion by loving, serving, nurturing, and uplifting those around us. We are living proof that love is not passive; it moves, it acts, it transforms. At times, we stand at the crossroads between the comfort of old habits and the thrilling unknown of our potential. In those moments of doubt, when you wonder, “Am I enough?” remember this: you absolutely are. Each of us not only...

"It’s true that, depending upon which community to ultimately decide to call a second home, you might just be the only medical professional available to meet the needs of multitudes.  The more remote the community in a developing country, the less likely it is to have a Western-trained medical professional.  You are likely to be very welcomed in your new community, but you should also expect to be viewed as an outsider and treated as such until you’ve established yourself and proven your abilities.  You’ll need to work with the community’s healers and find common ground in the provi...

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion."– Camus…documenting my liberation. "Adrienne Maree Brown grows healing ideas in public through her multi-genre writing, her music, and her podcasts. Informed by 25 years of movement facilitation, somatics, Octavia E Butler scholarship, and her work as a doula, Adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination, and Transformative Justice as ideas and practices for transformation. She is the author/editor of seven published texts and the founder of the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute, where she is n...

Are you prepared to push beyond your limits? Do you challenge yourself to rise above expectations and reach for the extraordinary? These questions reveal not just how you engage with the world, but how you honor your own potential. Are you willing to go the extra mile for yourself, or do you accept the bare minimum, convincing yourself it will suffice?   Some people resign themselves to struggle and sacrifice, convincing themselves it is all they deserve, even as dissatisfaction lingers. Others give endlessly, draining their energy until it hurts. Yet they have not unlocked the true magic of going the e...

March arrives with a flourish, ushering in National Women’s History Month—a lively tribute that shines a spotlight on the remarkable and lasting impact women have stitched into the story of our nation. Frankly Speaking with Tyra G is celebrating this month with a new perspective. We dive into the journeys of phenomenal women, exploring how we weather both storms and sunshine, and the unwavering courage that propels us onward. We are journeys in motion, stories unfolding with every step. Even in our stillness, we love, serve, nurture, encourage, and empower—living proof that love is a verb. Yet at tim...

Take a moment to let this settle in your heart. Some women reach great heights yet quietly wonder, "Is this all there is?" Others dwell in the shadows of shame, unable to untangle their worth from their wounds, not realizing that shame steals joy. There are also women who pour themselves into endless responsibilities, forgetting to show themselves the kindness they offer others. Their voices whisper, "I'm tired," and sometimes cry out, "I'm tired of being tired!" The Frankly Speaking table becomes a sanctuary, a place where women leap bravely into vulnerability and discover restoration, renewal, resilience, and joy waiting...

Women's History Month is celebrating veterans and active-duty military who keep us and have kept us out of constant harm’s way, often at great costs. Women’s History Month is a powerful opportunity to honor the remarkable contributions of both veterans and active-duty military personnel. These courageous individuals have dedicated their lives to safeguarding our freedoms, often at great personal sacrifice. As we reflect on this, we also recognize that this year marks the 102nd anniversary of the end of World War I, a poignant reminder that war has shaped our collective history in profound ways. My mission is to s...

Before you take your next sip of water, pause and wonder: How sure are you that what fills your glass is truly safe? “844 million people around the world don’t have access to clean water: that’s more than 1 of every 10 people around the world.” Clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene education are the foundation of a thriving community. With these essentials, waterborne illnesses fade, children flourish in school, and mothers reclaim precious hours to nurture their families. Join an inspiring conversation as Rotarian Bob Jansen reveals the latest progress from the Rotary District 7610 Zambia Strategic Water Alliance. Rotary partners closely...

We find ourselves in a season of uncertainty, with unrest stirring beneath the surface. Each of us has felt the delicate threads of our lives and communities pulled taut. These are days that test us. Yet, these are also days to embrace boundless empathy, to recognize that you are stronger than you realize, and to lift up voices that carry hope. Now is the moment to rethink what truly matters, to remember that the One who began the story is still writing miracles, and to let encouragement and service guide our steps. Yet sometimes, to keep going and to serve...

Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake. What are you doing to revive and reinvigorate your dreams, your soul, your mind? What script are you creating? Does it contain thoughts like “I am not enough!” or “I am more than enough!”? Are you stuck between your no longer and you not yet? Or are you willing to take new risks and experience the vulnerability that comes with it? Do you understand that hope...

Chocolate captures the essence of life: vibrant, energizing, and a delight for the senses. Yet, it also mirrors our struggles, from tangled emotions to the endless craving for more. Midnight marks the magical threshold between days. Tonight, Frankly Speaking with Tyra G welcomes you to savor Chocolate after Midnight. Whenever we gather for Chocolate after Midnight, we leave judgment behind and step into acceptance. Fear fades, and 'impossible' becomes just a measure of challenge. In this space, dreams are familiar friends, not distant strangers. Perfection is not required, but presence is. Here, we open ourselves to wonder, ready to be...

What’s so special about celebrating the New Year? Step into proof that dreams are within reach. Join our worldwide circle of extraordinary women and their champions—yes, you! Bold, generous, humble, and honest, all seeking new horizons and deeper meaning. Each week, we gather at this table for an hour of shared discovery, encouragement, and empowerment. We will dust off long-hidden stories and celebrate those sparks of insight together. No matter where you begin, your voice matters here—every story brings light, and every seat is significant. Every month, a new theme—sparked by your stories—guides our journey. Each week...

Step into proof that dreams are within reach. Join our worldwide circle of extraordinary women and their champions—yes, you! Bold, generous, humble, and honest, all seeking new horizons and deeper meaning. Each week, we gather at this table for an hour of shared discovery, encouragement, and empowerment. We will dust off long-hidden stories and celebrate those sparks of insight together. No matter where you begin, your voice matters here—every story brings light, and every seat is significant. Every month, a new theme—sparked by your stories—guides our journey. Each week, we explore it from fresh perspectives: social, cultural...

Author and coach Iyanla Vanzant, in her 2000 book, Until Today, suggests, "If you are waiting for something to happen that will make you happy, you are killing off your joy. Joy comes through you. Happiness comes to you. If you seek your joy within, you will be happy, no matter what happens. It is easy to believe in more than what you can see when you know you will be protected, guided, and blessed. If you only believe what you can see around you, you may miss the blessings right under your nose. If you have and hold love in...

A 2018 blog written by musicians who declare they believe in music says, “Music is simply a very special language that everyone understands. There is no feeling that cannot be described and transported through music. It preserves memories for eternity and turns dreams into reality. It caresses the soul or screams unmistakably. Music conquers fear, dries tears, and gives courage and strength. It is the safe and expressive home of our emotions – with all facets between joy and pain, irrepressible lust for life, and thoughtfulness. Music can turn enemies into friends and cross borders. It can ensure that the injustices of this...

We are celebrating the seventh year of proof that dreams can come true. We have been telling stories to touch the mind, the heart, and the spirit. They have been multicultural, intergenerational, educational, and inspirational, and you have told them! This week, we are opening a new chapter from our Frankly Speaking Human Library Catalogue: This is Us Next Chapter. These stories shine a light on the courage, dedication, and imagination of people who lift others, guiding them from what was to what could be. This week, we will meet Dana Saif, the visionary founder and director of the International...

Legacy is about life and living. It's about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future. A legacy can take countless shapes: children, grandchildren, a thriving business, a spark of an idea, a cherished book, a vibrant community, a welcoming home, or simply a fragment of our spirit. We are naturally drawn to the question of how the world will remember us. Will our legacy surprise us? Are we living in a way that truly honors what we hold closest to our hearts? Are we choosing integrity and courage each day? The desire to leave...

In 1977, the Muhammad Ali film introduced the world to “The Greatest Love of All,” a soulful anthem written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed and performed by George Benson. Its opening lines set a heartfelt stage for this week’s Frankly Speaking radio show: Were it not for Those Who Care. “I believe that children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way Show them all the beauty they possess inside Please give them a sense of pride to make it easier Let the children’s laughter remind us of how we used to be.” This vision is th...

The recent challenging cultural and societal circumstances have forced my heart to turn to our future and ask the question, “What About the Children…and those who love them”. The children are both our future and our now. What they see us do, what they hear us say, shapes who they become. To give the question a platform, Frankly Speaking, has been highlighting stories where young people speak for themselves through their testimonies, their gifts, conversations with peers, siblings, and parents. The outcome has created a dramatic landscape that is entertaining, creative, courageous, and inspiring.  I title these stories "Voices from th...

Meet Patrick. "Patrick has autism and an intellectual disability. Until 2008, Patrick lived with his biological mother in Texas. She worked hard to ensure that Patrick had every opportunity to achieve his fullest potential. She socialized Patrick, taught him manners, and gave him basic skills. Sadly, after so many years of her life dedicated to the care and growth of her son, Patrick's mother was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Patrick's grandparents brought him to West Virginia following their daughter's untimely death. While they were in good health, they were elderly and began looking for housing and care options that...