Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr.

What does it look like when an ordinary kid from a small town refuses to live an ordinary life?

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Jack Parker—a man whose story is rooted in the quiet streets of Norwalk, Ohio, but echoes far beyond them. From building homemade race karts and living out “Little Rascals”-style adventures as a kid, Jack’s journey began with imagination, grit, and a fearless spirit.

But life doesn’t stay simple for long.

As Jack grew older, he found himself caught between two worlds—the...

Sometimes life hands you a path… and sometimes, you blaze your own trail—with a little fire in your soul and a whole lot of purpose. In this powerful and unforgettable episode of Tell Me Your Story, Chris Baker Jr. sits down with a man who didn’t just ride life’s ups and downs—he mastered them.

Born in 1966 in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Killik is the definition of resilience, reinvention, and relentless passion. From his early days as a 6th-grade science teacher—sparking curiosity in young minds—to serving in the military, where discipline and grit became second nature...

Sometimes life hands you a microphone before you even know what to say—and in this unforgettable episode, we meet a man who didn’t just find his voice… he mastered it.

Before the bright lights, before the roar of packed arenas, and before becoming a recognizable voice across major networks like ESPN, Prime-TV, Fox Sports, and KCBS-TV—Larry Burnett was simply a young man with a dream and the courage to chase it. What followed wasn’t luck. It was grit. It was discipline. It was showing up when nobody was watching and believing when nobody was clapping.<...

What if one decision—made in a single moment—could change the entire trajectory of your life?

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. introduces a man whose journey is a living testament to courage, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of purpose—Todd Alles Sr.

From a defining choice in his senior year of high school to enlist in the United States Navy, Todd stepped into a life that would test him, shape him, and ultimately position him to impact countless others. What began as a leap of fai...

What if the words spoken over your life weren’t your destiny… but your starting point?

In this powerful and deeply inspiring episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we introduce a man who refused to let limitation have the final say — Michael G. Williams.

Told early on by a guidance counselor that he wouldn’t amount to much beyond the projects, Michael faced a defining moment that could have shaped his future forever. But instead of accepting that narrative, he made a decision — a bold, unshakable choice to rise above it.

This...

Every once in a while, a story comes along that reminds us what life is really about—not just the home runs, but the strikeouts… and the courage to step back up to the plate anyway.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story, Chris Baker Jr. sits down with Trey Keegan, a Sandusky, Ohio native whose journey is rooted in resilience, grit, and purpose. Born in Toledo to college-aged parents, Trey’s life began with humble beginnings—but what followed is a story that proves greatness isn’t given… it’s built.

Growing up in the 90s, Tr...

Get ready for an unforgettable episode that will move your heart, challenge your perspective, and remind you just how powerful the human spirit truly is.

Today, Chris Baker Jr. welcomes the extraordinary Tia Ivy—a true warrior whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Tia has faced the daily realities of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), a painful and often misunderstood skin disease, yet she refuses to let it define her. Instead, she rises above it with courage, resilience, and a determination that speaks to anyone who has ever faced a battle of their own.

In this powerful co...

What does it look like when one person refuses to accept the world as it is… and instead fights to change it?

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Nathaniel Evans—a true champion of social justice whose life has been defined by purpose, compassion, and relentless dedication to others.

Raised in Brooklyn, New York, Nathaniel’s journey began in a community where adversity was real and challenges were constant. But instead of being shaped by those obstacles, he chose to rise above them—d...

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. welcomes a remarkable guest whose life redefines resilience, courage, and the strength of the human spirit.

Traveling all the way from the heart of South Africa, Tshimangadzo Murovhi shares a story that will stop you in your tracks—and then push you forward with purpose.

At just fifteen years old, Tshimangadzo faced the devastating loss of her mother. Only three years later, she lost her father. For many, those chapters would feel like the end of the story. But for Ts...

Life doesn’t move in straight lines—and neither does purpose.

In this powerful and inspiring episode of Tell Me Your Story, Chris Baker Jr. sits down with Duane Wilson, a true creative force whose journey proves that success isn’t about staying in one lane—it’s about building your own highway.

Born and raised on St. Clair in Cleveland during the rise of hip-hop culture, Duane’s story is rooted in rhythm, resilience, and raw creativity. While the world around him echoed with the sounds of Run-D.M.C. and the pulse of the early 80s, D...

Some stories inspire you…
Some stories challenge you…
And then there are stories like this one—
the kind that hits your spirit and makes you realize… you were never meant to play small.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with the unstoppable Kellee C. Williams—a woman whose life proves that one moment… one decision… one whisper from God can change EVERYTHING.

Before the purpose.
Before the platform.
Before the Kingdom-driven lifestyle…

There was a moment.

A moment where des...

Some guests walk into a conversation… and some guests walk in and immediately raise the intellectual property value of the entire room.

Today’s guest? She’s the second type.

In this episode of Tell Me Your Story, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with DM Cummings—author, publisher, coach, interviewer, entrepreneur, and the kind of person who makes you rethink what you’ve been doing with your life for the last ten years… all while making you laugh about it.

Now let me tell you something about DM.

If you look at...

Sometimes you meet someone whose story doesn’t just inspire you — it wakes something up inside of you. The kind of story that makes you sit up a little straighter and think, “Wait… maybe I can do more too.”

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we dive into the remarkable life of Dr. Hillary Goldthwait-Fowles — a Doctor of Education, curriculum innovator, special education advocate, assistive technology expert, and adjunct professor who has dedicated her life to unlocking the potential inside others.

Dr. Hillary isn’t just teaching lessons from a textbook. Sh...

What happens when life knocks you down… and you refuse to stay there?

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story, I sit down with Louis Ortiz, a man whose life proves that resilience isn’t just a word — it’s a way of living.

Louis’s journey isn’t polished, perfect, or predictable. It’s real. It’s raw. And it’s the kind of story that reminds you just how strong the human spirit can be.

Life has thrown punches his way — the kind that make most people step back, quit, or lose hope. But Lo...

Some people sell products.
Some people sell services.

But every once in a while… you meet someone who changes the way people think about problems altogether.

In this episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., I sit down with Denny Wareh — a man who has spent nearly a decade in the world of sales, but not the way most people imagine it.

Denny doesn’t just move products.
He moves people forward.

While many salespeople are busy chasing quotas and closing deals, Denny has built his reputation on som...

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story, we shine the spotlight on Andratesha Fitzgerald — a woman whose journey proves that greatness doesn’t come from perfect beginnings… it comes from relentless belief.

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Andratesha’s life started with challenges many would have used as excuses. But guided by the wisdom of a grandmother who believed in her before the world did, she turned adversity into fuel.

Today, Andratesha stands as a powerful voice for education, leadership, diversity, and inclusion — transforming classrooms, empowering educators, and inspiring communities to break barriers and aim higher.

Some stories don’t just deserve to be told — they deserve to be remembered.

On this episode of Tell Me Your Story, I honor the life of Larry Thompson, a man whose journey started in Norwalk, Ohio and was defined by grit, humor, and an unbreakable will to keep moving forward.

Larry was the kind of person who didn’t wait around for life to hand him opportunities. At just 15 years old, he made the decision to stand on his own feet and carve out his own path. No safety nets. No shortcuts. Just hard work, determ...

On this episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. sits down with a man whose life proves that where you start does not determine where you finish.

Growing up in South Akron, Ohio, Kenny “Jo-Jo” Smith learned early that the court was more than a place to play basketball — it was a classroom for life. Surrounded by the rhythm of bouncing balls, squeaking sneakers, and a neighborhood built on mentorship and community, Kenny watched his father lead by example — not just as a player, but as a man who poured back into the people around him.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. sits down with a man whose life proves what happens when grit meets grace.

From the battlefields of Iraq as a United States Marine, to continuing his service in the U.S. Army, Deonte Carter answered the call to serve in places most of us will never see. Two branches of the military. Two honorable discharges. One relentless commitment to showing up when it matters most.

But the uniform wasn’t the end of his mission.

After military service, Deonte stepped in...

In the music industry, dreams are built on two things: talent and relentless belief. Most people have the talent. Very few have the belief strong enough to survive the grind.

This is the story of T. Vickz and Mrs. Dean.

Before the spotlight…
Before the album “Zamunda” shook the industry…
Before the headlines calling them a power couple rewriting the rules…

There were just two people chasing something bigger than themselves.

Two dreamers.
Two fighters.
Two voices that refused to be silenced.

They weren’t handed opportunitie...

Some people chase success.

Some people talk about greatness.

But every once in a while, you meet someone who wakes up every morning with one mission:

Go get it.

On this electrifying episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Jamar Blackmon — speaker, author, entrepreneur, mentor, and the man behind JAMAR BLACKMON INSPIRES LLC.

But before the stage lights…

Before the books…

Before the brand…

There was simply a man who refused to accept an ordinary life.

Kno...

Some stories inspire you.
Some stories challenge you.

And then there are the stories that completely change the way you see people.

On this episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Bert Griggs — a man whose journey proves that a single conversation can alter the direction of an entire life.

Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Bert was the quiet kid — the one who could easily blend into the background. But life has a way of placing the right people in front of you at the exact mome...

Some people talk about making a difference. Others actually step into the arena and become the difference.

On this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Albert Jerome Moss — a man whose life is built on grit, purpose, and lifting others higher.

Albert isn’t just one thing. He’s a mentor, youth advocate, certified life coach, entrepreneur, trainer, and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to helping people unlock the greatness already inside them.

But his journey didn’t start with privilege or shortcuts.

Some people talk about leadership.
Some people post about connection.

Kemp Boyd lives it.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we dive into the incredible journey of a man whose life was shaped by constant change. Growing up between Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio, Kemp learned early how to walk into unfamiliar rooms and turn strangers into friends.

But what started as a childhood necessity became a lifelong superpower.

Today, Kemp Boyd is known across Akron, Ohio as a connector, a community builder, and a...

On this powerful episode of “Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr.”, we sit down with Dom Wright, Vice President and Community Manager at J.P. Morgan Chase, to uncover the journey behind the title.

But this isn’t just a story about banking or business.

This is a story about vision, mentorship, resilience, and refusing to let where you start determine where you finish.

Growing up in the Cleveland suburbs, Dom Wright had a dream bigger than the limits around him. Along the way, mentors recognized something special — a spark of determination that cou...

What does it take to change lives inside a classroom?

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with educator Roger Knight, a man whose life has been shaped by perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in the life-changing power of education.

Roger’s journey isn’t just about teaching lessons from a textbook — it’s about shaping minds, inspiring students, and proving that one dedicated teacher can leave a legacy that echoes far beyond the classroom walls.

From the challenges he faced along the way to the i...

What happens when determination, faith, and love collide with opportunity?

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. sits down with James Knight, a man whose journey from the vibrant streets of Chicago to the basketball courts of Oberlin College turned into a life devoted to leadership, faith, and transforming lives.

James didn’t just chase a dream — he discovered a calling.

What began as a pursuit of basketball became something far bigger: a life of purpose, love, and service. Along the way, he found not only success in educ...

Some stories inspire you.
Some stories challenge you.
And then… there are stories that change the way you see your own life.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with the incredible Tesha Miller—a woman whose life journey is a living testament to resilience, courage, and the unstoppable strength of the human spirit.

Tesha’s story is not just about overcoming obstacles. It’s about rising when life tries to keep you down. It’s about finding purpose in the middle of struggle and turning pa...

Some dreams are easy.
Others are forged through pain, sacrifice, and relentless determination.

This is the story of Tony DeLo.

Born in Elyria, Ohio, Tony’s life changed forever when he moved to Sandusky in the seventh grade and discovered something that would ignite his soul — skateboarding. What started as a passion quickly became a dream: becoming a professional skateboarder.

But dreams don’t come without battles.

After multiple devastating ankle injuries, the very foundation of Tony’s dream was shaken. For many people, that would have been the end of the stor...

Every once in a while, a story comes along that reminds us just how powerful determination can be. This is one of those stories.

On this powerful episode of “Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr.”, we sit down with Shantaris Brown, a rising leader whose journey began in Sandusky, Ohio, and is quickly becoming a blueprint for perseverance, ambition, and breaking generational barriers.

Shantaris is on the verge of becoming the first person in her family to earn a college degree — a moment that represents far more than a diploma. It represents sacrifice, resilience, and a...

Some stories inspire you… and some stories ignite something inside you. This is one of those stories.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with El Da'Sheon Nix, a man whose life proves that adversity doesn’t define you — your response to it does.

Growing up on the streets of Hancock and Reese in Sandusky, Ohio, El Da'Sheon found his passion through football and basketball. What started on neighborhood courts quickly turned into a journey fueled by determination, discipline, and an unshakable belief in something bigger.

H...

Some stories inspire you.
Some stories challenge you.
And then there are stories like Naomi Twine’s — the kind that grab you by the heart and refuse to let go.

Raised in a house full of four brothers, Naomi learned early how to stand strong, speak boldly, and fight for her place in the world. What could have been chaos became the training ground that shaped her resilience, determination, and unstoppable spirit.

From those humble beginnings to becoming an inspiring voice in Sandusky, Ohio, Naomi’s journey proves something powerful: your circumstances don’t define y...

What happens when a man grows up without the love of a mother… without the guidance of a father… and still chooses to rise instead of fall?

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Rodney Harris, a man whose life proves that your past does not get the final say over your future.

Rodney’s journey begins in hardship — navigating a childhood that could have easily pushed him toward bitterness, despair, and defeat. Instead, he found something stronger inside himself: resilience, determination, and faith in a better f...

Some stories entertain you.
Some stories inspire you.
But every once in a while… a story hits your soul.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we dive into the incredible life of Jeremy Broach — a man whose journey proves that resilience isn’t just a word… it’s a way of living.

From the innocence of early life to the storms that test a person’s strength, Jeremy’s story is one of grit, perseverance, and the unbreakable human spirit. This isn’t a polished highlight reel. This is the real...

On this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with the incredible Sierra Arreguin, whose life journey is a breathtaking testimony of resilience, courage, and the unstoppable power of the human spirit.

From the earliest chapters of her life, Sierra faced battles that would have broken most people. Yet through every storm, every setback, and every moment that tried to define her limits, she refused to quit. Instead, she rose — stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever.

Her story reminds us of something we often forget: your beginning does no...

On this inspiring episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with visionary thinker and activist David Frank of South Bend, Indiana, a man driven by a powerful belief that every voice in America deserves to be heard.

Coming from a family rooted in the legal profession, David chose a different path—one that led him into the food industry and ultimately toward a larger calling: helping reshape how communities participate in democracy. Much like the underdog stories portrayed in classic films like Field of Dreams and Rudy, David’s journey proves that big...

Life doesn’t always start easy, and for Allen Pollack, the road was filled with challenges from the very beginning. But sometimes the toughest beginnings create the strongest people. In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., Allen shares a journey shaped by adversity, resilience, and the determination to become something greater than his circumstances.

Allen’s story is one of perseverance — a reminder that life’s hardships don’t have to define us. Instead, they can forge us into stronger, wiser people who discover purpose in the struggle. Through personal trials, moments of reflect...

Every life has a story, but some stories carry a message powerful enough to inspire generations. In this episode of “Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr.”, we sit down with Dave and Donna Brown, a couple whose lives have been guided by faith, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to sharing the message of the Gospel.

Their journey is one marked by divine timing and a calling greater than themselves. Through seasons of challenge, growth, and spiritual discovery, Dave and Donna have dedicated their lives to spreading hope, encouragement, and the life-changing truth of God’s word.
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Some stories inspire us. Others change the way we see the world.

In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. sits down with Virginia Arku, a woman whose life journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, determination, and the unstoppable power of the human spirit.

Born into humble beginnings and facing adversity from the very start, Virginia refused to allow circumstances to define her future. Through perseverance, faith, and an unbreakable belief in her dreams, she transformed obstacles into stepping stones and challenges into opportunities for growth.

Virginia’s st...

On this inspiring episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Nadira Hussain, a woman whose life journey is a powerful testimony of resilience, sacrifice, and determination.

Arriving in America as a single mother with nothing but hope and an unwavering commitment to her daughter’s future, Nadira dedicated more than 20 years working as a nanny, caring for other families while tirelessly building a better life for her own.

Through hardship, long hours, and countless sacrifices, Nadira never lost sight of her purpose. Her story reminds us that strength isn’t fo...