Conversations Magazine's Anniversary Issue 2024

Conversations Magazine's Anniversary Issue 2024

Friday, November 29, 2024

[To You, From Me] Celebrating 18 Years of Conversations

Thank you.

It seems appropriate as I am celebrating the 18th anniversary of this magazine that began in my parents' living room back in 2006 that I give the credit to where it belongs: with God and then you, our readers. 

Conversations Magazine and I have grown a lot together over the years. Both of us had humble beginnings, yet through hard work, dedication, persistence and faith we have reached places that have truly seemed impossible through human eyes. 

This magazine that you're reading began as a blog on Blogger---a place you can still read it for free---and then went to print, with my small budget allowing me to get copies done at my local Office Depot before now having the largest online retailer Amazon distribute it to the world. For me it has always been a passion project, all because I was ASKED in the beginning for it. I didn't know how it would grow or how long it would last, yet here we are.

In this issue I have included what is in many ways a time capsule from the past 5 years. Many of the interviews appear as when they were first conducted, with the years included for context for you. During the pandemic the Conversations brand grew and allowed me to interview individuals who had been too busy or unreachable before for the interviews. You'll read conversations with individuals like Columbus Short, Luenell, Michael Jai White, Preston James Hillier, Laila Ali, Stedman Graham and others who have impacted the world through their gifts. 

You will also be reintroduced to individuals like Dr. Velma Bagby, Tina Siemens, Iris Bolling, Dr. Teresa A. Smith and Chris and Kate Thurman who I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. 

Finally, there are brand new interviews with Stacey Thomas, Chris Collier and William McCreary. I'm excited about your getting to know them.

Enjoy this issue and the history it represents. It would not exist without you. 

Happy reading! 





Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief,
Conversations Magazine/ MS Success Magazine

[AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT] Earl Hall's MIND YOUR BUSINESS


Having an idea for a business is great. Starting a business is commendable. Running a business---especially one that is going to last---is a process. That is why it is important to take steps that ensure you are set up for the long haul. Enter the resource that is MIND YOUR BUSINESS by Earl Hall. 

I've known Earl for over a decade, and it's been great seeing him navigate the world of business and share the process. That is continued in MIND YOUR BUSINESS where he not just shares "10 Simple Insights to Business Success" but the challenges you have to watch out for and overcome to get there. 

Everything from finding your space to run your business and setting the boundaries to do so as well as realizing what tools you need to utilize to make what you want to do work---these and more are explored in the book. It stresses the importance of being audience and customer focused while not leaving yourself behind, something that is not always easy. 

For those looking for the tools and push to not give up on what you are building, MIND YOUR BUSINESS by Earl Hall delivers just that. 

Get your copy on Amazon

Stacey Thomas: Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk Towards Her Purpose (2024)

 

by Cyrus Webb

Sometimes we meet someone who doesn't fully see how great they are. Stacey Thomas has been one of those people in my world. I've been on this road in media for 21 years, so I know it's a marathon and not a sprint. It can be frustrating, however, when things don't happen as quickly as we would like. Stacey knows this all too well. What matters, though, is what we decide to do in those situations. 

In this honest conversation Stacey talks about what helps her to keep walking the walk and talking the talk when it comes to her purpose and using her platform for good. 


Stacey, you and I first connected because of your work as an author. What has it been like to share with the world your other gifts?

It's been a surprising journey as an author. Writing my first book stemmed from a dare by friends—they encouraged me to stop sharing stories just among them and to share them with a wider audience. To my surprise, I discovered that others, not just my friends, enjoyed reading my stories. Every time someone tells me they’ve read my book and shares their thoughts about my writing, it brings me so much happiness.  Being an author has also connected me with people I would never have met otherwise. It's incredible how writing creates connections that enrich my life in ways I never imagined.

What has given you the courage to pursue your passions, even when it’s not easy?

When it's not easy and I try to let go of pursuing my passions, God shows up with something or someone that reminds me not to give up. I have learned that nothing worth having is easily obtained. I gain motivation by learning from others and hearing their stories. I have a Publicist, Cyrus Webb, that believes in me enough to share his platform to show me that I can do more. He teaches and accepts no excuses.   Above all, I remind myself that God will do His part, and I have to do mine. Fear blocks blessings, but faith brings blessings

Thank you for the compliment. A lot of people are getting to know you from our show The Stacey Thomas show. How did it start?

Once I stopped worrying about how I looked on camera or how I should speak, I started doing Facebook Lives. As my audience grew, I decided I wanted to have conversations with others about what they were doing—not just to promote them, but also to motivate, inspire, and entertain both my audience and myself.  I reached out to people—honestly, they were individuals with larger platforms who had nothing in common with me as an author—but they said YES. I wasn’t focused on their follower count; I genuinely wanted to hear their stories.  Those "yes" made me realize I could host a talk show. Not one like the news, where you just get a summary. A platform where I could truly bring the story.

You talk a lot about your mom and ALS. Why is advocating so important for you?

When my African American mother was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects the muscles and takes away the ability to walk, talk and eventually breathe; neither our family nor our friends had ever heard of the disease. After researching, asking questions, and navigating different agencies, I quickly realized that even the people at these agencies often don’t know the correct answers. This taught me how crucial it is to advocate for ourselves. When you don’t know about something, it’s hard to know where to turn for help, get answers to your questions, or learn how to properly care for a loved one. My goal is to ensure that others get the correct information they need—whether it’s from me directly or someone I can refer them to. The media has done little to educate African Americans and other minority groups about ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

You seem to love creating in lots of areas. What inspires you?

My creativity is inspired by true life events, relationships, and the dreams that run through my mind before I fall asleep at night, as well as moments of peace while sitting or driving.  The messages on my inspirational shirts and mugs, I believe, are things God shares with me—not just for myself, but to share with others as well.


Social media is something we all use to share the work we do. How has social media helped you in reaching your audience?

Social media has allowed me to reach people I never could have connected with otherwise. When others I’ve connected with share what I’m doing, it helps me grow my brand and expand my reach.  Going live on social platforms gives me the opportunity to showcase my passion for what I’m doing and what I’m advocating for. It has also become a space where I can learn from those I follow and build positive connections with others.

Has it become easier for you to say you are proud of yourself?

Yes, it has become easier to be proud of myself. I’ve realized that everything I have done, am doing, and will do are accomplishments—because I didn’t let fear or my own doubts sabotage my ability to use my gifts to bless not only myself but others as well.  Fifteen years ago, I would never have imagined I’d become an author, advocate, talk show host, and independent film producer—or that I’d know how to do these things,  connect with people who could teach me along the way and have a PR!  I can’t help but smile when I say my name and think about everything I’ve accomplished.

What has the reflection over the past year been like for you?

Reflecting on the past year, all I can say is, WOW!  Hiring Cyrus Webb as my PR has led to some amazing things. Looking back at how I was promoting and connecting with people, I’ve learned to do both much better.  My audience has grown, and I’ve had incredible guests that I never would have had the opportunity to connect with if I hadn’t hired a PR professional. My confidence has soared, and as I reflect, I feel even more determined to continue growing both as a person and as a brand.


Thank you again for the kind words. It's great to be on the journey with you, Stacey. What are you looking forward to going into the new year?

I am excited to see what God has in store for me now that I’ve decided there is no longer space in my life for fear, doubt, or procrastination. I’m thrilled about growing into being my own boss and doing what I love. I’m also looking forward to speaking at live events and sharing both my mom’s story and mine.

Thanks for all you do, Stacey. How can our audience stay connected with you?

Thank you, Cyrus Webb, for this interview.  I can be reached by email at iamstaceythomas@gmail.com, on Instagram @iamstaceythomas, Facebook: IamStacey Thomas, YouTube: Stacey Thomas Talk Show, and through my website at www.iamstaceythomas.com.


William D. McCreary: Building a Legacy One Day at a Time (2024)

 by Cyrus Webb

I was introduced to William D. McCreary through a mutual Facebook friend, and I was instantly impressed with his passion for the work he was doing as well as his desire to build something for his family. 

As an entrepreneur, author and father, he is reminding us all of what is possible. 

William, first of all let me say I'm glad to be working with you in sharing your gifts with the world. What has it been like for you to reflect on this year? 

Thank you for this opportunity. 2024 has been amazing. Never would I in a million years I think I'd be where I am. I am also glad to be a part of the Conversations (Media Group) family. 

When did you know that you wanted to start a business and work for yourself? 

I wanted to start a business after serving in the Army. I also wanted to start a magazine back in 2005, but it never took off. I then used the name V.A.P (Very Awesome People) and created something for myself. 

In our interviews together you have talked about being a father. How has being a father motivated you when it comes to pursuing your goals and dreams? 

My son has become the motivation for me when it comes to creating this brand. I am doing this for him. He is definitely the reason for my drive for the dream that is the new brand V.A.P.!


Tell our readers about your books and what inspired you to write them. 

My books: "A Little Boy and a Dragon" & "My Dad is a Big Truck Driver" are something I wanted my kids to enjoy and think of after my time here is done. I wanted to share stories that could entertain but also share great lessons. 

A lot of people allow fear to stop them from pursuing their goals and dreams. What has helped you to keep going in your life in spite of the fear? 

I think about the story of "David and Goliath". I wondered how he felt going up against this giant. I then apply it to my life. If he gained the courage to slay this monster then I could gain the courage to chase my dream.

Looking forward to 2025 what are you excited about? 

Looking into the near future of 2025 I'm excited to see what it may bring when it comes to my books and my merchandise reaching a new audience. I am also looking forward to speaking engagements and doing things to motivate the youth. 

What advice do you have for others when it comes to pursuing their own goals? 

The advice I have for others is it's never too late to try. Take one step at a time. You never fail if you try.

Congratulations again, William. How can our readers stay connected with you and what's happening with your business? 

They can reach me on all platforms: Facebook, Instagram and TicTok. Also they can find out more about me and my merchandise on my website tdd-dropshop.com/vap


Take Ten with Media Personality/Coach Chris Collier (2024)


by Cyrus Webb

I have known Chris Collier for years, but we just met in person this year during his BRANDING BILLIONS conference in Atlanta, GA. It's been great watching his journey unfold, going after his own goals and dreams while being a resource for others. 

In this conversation we discuss the year, the journey and what's to come. 

Chris, great to have you share a bit of your story and your year with us. It was great meeting you in Atlanta earlier this year at your conference. What has it been like to look at 2024 and all you’ve been able to do?

Well it’s been a whirlwind of a year---you and Conversations being a big part of it---but we are just beginning. There are more people who want and deserve success in the online space. We have had 2 conferences, a bunch of interviews, did quite a bit of training, and many podcasts. It was and continues to be our focus to serve others.

Have you always known that you were meant to be an entrepreneur?

Not always, but close to it. At 9 yrs old I began to be a paperboy serving people by delivering their newspapers to them, collecting their payments. It wasn’t a job. It was a experience, teaching me the importance of freedom, leadership, and the spirit of free enterprise 

Marketing can be a challenge in the world we live in. What has helped you to find your niche and your audience?

Focusing and niching further down. I went from being a general digital marketer to focusing on YouTube and gaining traction through the narrowing of my view. We want to help as many as we can, but to do that we need to focus on a very limited space and expand that over time so that we do not face overwhelm or many other obstacles to our goals. 

Social media has kept us connected, even though we have only met once. What do you normally say to entrepreneurs about the importance of a social media strategy?

Be uniquely you, have fun, try meeting and making new friends. All the strategies in the world don’t help if you are not someone they like, know and trust. If you don’t reach your goals, start over and try again until you reach them, or until you find a path that leads you and others to success!

You recently did a training on YouTube. I found it to be helpful and informative myself. How important has YouTube been to your building your business?

For social media and digital marketing purposes I have chosen it to be my cornerstone of my “internet business”. I love it, because it is the closest thing we have to being in the room with someone. When you watch someone, you start to feel like you know them and unlike TV shows or movies, the person most YouTubers play is themselves not someone else!

Challenges come to all of us. What has helped you to navigate the tough times and keep going?

I have found perspective matters most! Even though there were some great highs this year, there were also a few lows and if I were to focus on them I would be overtaken by them! I choose to focus on the great things, on the good things that give me joy, and peace in achieving them. Even if all that was taken away, I still have my family and what God has allowed me to become! I choose to be grateful and joyful!


Your show Conquer with Chris is now accepting new guests. Tell us about the premise and what it’s been like to share the stories of others.

The premise is “success leaves clues,” and that by listening to how others have conquered and overcame, that you, too, can overcome! We want to help as many people to succeed as possible, but they have to be willing to search to find it! Our current mission is to help reach 12.5k subscribers on YouTube, helping them to hear and become successful in their own right!

What are you looking forward to as we look ahead to 2025?

I have so much to look forward to in the new year. We are experiencing growth now, we will continue to grow throughout 2025 and beyond! I am planning to help thousands of people in the new year, have more guests on Conquer With Chris, help others reach their audience and their goals! As far as the coaching/course side of things, we are preparing to help more make 2025 both impactful and profitable.

What advice do you have for others when it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams? 

Be decisive in making decisions but slow to change them. If something is not working the way you want it to, don’t quit. Pivot! You can and will be successful if you are ready to serve, and then keep serving! Don’t keep score. Instead keep helping others. It will come back to you!

Thanks again for the time, Chris. Continued success to you. Let our readers know how they can stay connected with you.

On Youtube.com/@ConquerWithChris 

Facebook: fb://profile/1084911368

Instagram: @ConquerWithChris 



Thursday, November 28, 2024

LaWanna Bradford: Building A Business and Brand One Day at a Time (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

I've known LaWanna Bradford now for over a decade, and it's been great to see not just the ways she has grown her business but also empowered others along the way. As the founder of The Bradford Group and through her work  with the Celebrate You community, she displays through example what happens when you work hard, push forward and inspire along the way. 

In this conversation we discuss her work up to this point and what she hopes others realize about what they can achieve. 

(Note: LaWanna and I FINALLY had a chance to meet in person in 2024 in Atlanta after years of trying to make it happen!) 

LaWanna, it’s great to catch up with you again. You have been able to find your own path when it comes to entrepreneurship and success. Why has it been so important for you to help others, in particularly women to do the same?  
I have always enjoyed helping others, particularly women who are navigating their careers and developing their businesses. I understand the struggles of both the professional and entrepreneur, and have personally navigated many turbulent waters in both of these areas. As such, I believe that I have acquired a wealth of experience that can serve to guide and support women so that they are positioned to avoid the mistakes that I made and achieve their respective goals with minimal pain.

My mindset is rooted in the following advice from my mother, which is to “learn from the mistakes of others because you cannot live long enough to make them all yourself.” I hope that at the end of the day women are able to learn and grow from my experiences and my challenges

Have you always known that you were meant to be a leader? When did it become the clearest to you?
I believe that everyone is a leader in some context of their life. Some have a higher call that has them at the forefront addressing issues and leading causes.  Leadership as you know, extends far beyond the official title or position that one may hold. When I look back on my life, I have always been one to influence, inspire, and be a voice to those who feel they do not have a voice. In recent years I think things started to become clearer and my leadership path more defined as I began to revel in my authenticity and my truth.

Today in my leadership roles as a chapter leader of a national women’s organization and founder of the Celebrate You Women Embracing Wellness & Life movement, I pray that my leadership character is demonstrative in my service, humility, self-control, humor, and positive attitude toward life and others.

Who are some of the leaders you have been inspired by? 
There are several from whom I received inspiration. The ones that immediately come to mind are Shirley Chisholm, Nelson Mandela, Gloria Steinem, and Oprah.  What these four all have in common is their global fight for women’s rights and for those who are disenfranchised.  One of the quotes that I love from Nelson Mandela is, “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.”

In 2019 you definitely brought women together to inspire, motivate and empower them. What has it been like to have these offline events? 
It has been quite exciting to have people who are willing to come offline and engage in a face-to-face platform.  I have found that through this type of interaction, women are allowing themselves to be more vulnerable and more authentic than on a social platform. These groups take the spotlight off of them, if you will, and creates a level of intimacy that allows transparency and trust to blossom.

Through our Celebrate You offline events, I have found that the notion of “sisterhood” is one that is not only expressed, but felt and experienced by those who participate.


We have talked about fear before on the radio show. It’s one of those things that stop so many from pursuing their own goals and dreams. Tell our readers what has helped you to not given in to it?

Many of us have heard the saying that fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. We tend to fear that which has not yet happened. We have placed ourselves in the seat of anticipation that doom and gloom is around the next corner. In reference to goals and dreams, it is an interesting paradox that individuals often find themselves in a dichotomy whereby they fear failure as equally as they fear success.

Most would nod and say that they understand the fear of failing because we are often concerned about how we are being perceived and what other’s think about us. Often we use the opinion of others as a barometer to evaluate our self-worth and value. This, unfortunately, should never be the case, but we have all been there at one point in our lives wondering what people are thinking. This brings me to a truism that I heard a couple of years ago that made me smile. When we are in our 20s and 30s, we worry about what other people think. In our 40s and 50s, you stop worrying about what other people think. Finally in your 60s and 70s, you realize that they were never thinking about you in the first place.

Now today, when I look back over my life, the things that I “feared” were the unknown: the unknown outcome, the unknown players, the unknown reactions or expectations. However, I learned to quickly trust myself and realize that the opposite of fear is FAITH: For All Things I Trust Him. Therefore, if I truly trust GOD, then I have to lean on Him and trust that where my step is ordered, there will be guidance, wisdom, support and encouragement along the way. When I rest in that knowledge, I rest in a state of peace where fear cannot reside.

Love that. LaWanna, you and I connected online. In fact at the time of this discussion we haven’t met in person, but I know it’s coming. How has social media helped you to rally the troops as it were and bring like-minded individuals together? 
Yes, our face-to-face is coming soon! Social media has helped me to establish a presence and a reach in an exponential manner that would have taken much longer to achieve using traditional methods of face-to-face networking or warm/cold calls. Through the channels that I most often use at this time, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, I have been able to tailor messages that cross the globe. I have been able to have meaningful engagement in an open format where I allow the audience or my tribe, if you will, to see my humanity, which at times includes my frailties. Basically it is a platform that allows me to create improved reality.

Thanks so much for this time, LaWanna. Continued success to you. How can our readers stay connected with you? 
My website is www.bradfordgroupmtg.com. My email is lawanna@bradfordgroupmtg.com. i can also be reached by phone at 404-618-2824. Thank you so very much, Cyrus. I enjoyed the interview, and I wish you nothing but life’s best.


Dr. Teresa A. Smith: Bouncing Back Through Her Own Transformation, Helping Others to do the Same (2023)

by Cyrus Webb

"Change is challenging."

That is something Dr. Teresa A. Smith aka Dr. TAS knows all too well. She addresses that topic in her book TRANSFORMATION, however, it is an ongoing lesson. As she continues to come out of the other side she is helping others learn from her own lessons, too. 

So much of your platform has been about helping others. What has it been like for you to remember the importance of taking care of yourself? 

It’s true that much of my platform has been centered around helping others, but I've also realized the vital importance of taking care of myself. Overcoming my own trauma has been a transformative journey, and realizing that I haven't cared for myself properly was tough. If not for my belief in resilience, I might have found myself curled up in a corner, overcome with shame and self-pity. However, I firmly believe in the power of forgiveness, both from a higher power and from oneself.

 Sometimes, we become our own worst enemies, piling unnecessary stress upon ourselves. Perhaps, we do it out of the belief that it's easier than negotiating with others. I have learned that there's a limit to how many hits we can endure before we find ourselves down for the count. So, I must take the first step if change is to occur.

So many people, especially women, feel they have to put others first. We both know that’s not the proper order. Has that been difficult for you, putting yourself first? 

Every day, I face the ongoing struggle of putting myself first. In the past, I prioritized taking care of others before even considering my own needs. I vividly recall a recent experience with a faculty member I was working with who was trapped in a perpetual cycle of stress and overwhelm. I observed her closely during a Zoom meeting and noticed the range of emotions flickering across her face, including frustration. It became clear that she was teetering on the edge, struggling to balance multiple deadlines. 

During a conversation about her work performance, we delved deeper into her inability to prioritize herself. It was a breakthrough moment when she cried, releasing the weight of unrealistic expectations and beginning her journey toward a Bounce Back. This story serves as a reminder that society often socializes women to endure, take hits, and be unbreakable superwomen. But it's time to transform this mindset because we are not superheroes, and our well-being matters, too.


Social media is a big deal for us both. How have you used it in your work? Social media plays a significant role in my work, providing a platform for me to share my message and amplify the voices of other like-minded creatives. It's an ever-evolving space, and I'm continuously adapting and finding new ways to connect and inspire through various social media channels.

Being an influencer or person in the public is not easy. It comes with a lot of responsibility. Has that been something easy for you to embrace? 

Becoming an influencer or being in the public eye is far from easy—it carries immense responsibility. Although I didn't set out to become an influencer, my primary focus has always been helping others overcome trauma and offering hope through practical strategies. Embracing the role of an influencer has made me aware of the responsibility that comes with it. I strive for transparency, letting my audience know I have both good and challenging days, just like everyone else. It's how I choose to face and handle those challenges that can make a real difference in my life and the lives of those around me. My goal is always to show up authentically.

You and I talk a lot about the importance of being kind to yourself. How has that helped you when it comes to the expectations you place on yourself and what you’re able to do? 

Our discussions on the importance of self-kindness have been truly transformative. Being kind to myself takes on various forms, and it has been eye-opening to explore this concept. Practicing self-kindness has profoundly influenced my expectations of myself and what I can achieve. Admittedly, it requires considerable effort, which can be disheartening at times. Yet, I've learned not to second-guess the importance of being kind to myself. 

I ask myself, "Are you truly being authentic when you are kind to others but neglecting your needs?" The answer is a resounding "no." To prevent myself from constantly feeling overwhelmed, I've prioritized taking care of myself and ensuring that I am in a good place before extending care to others.


Sharing one’s story is not easy. What advice would you give to others about the importance of using their story to help others? 

Sharing one's story is undoubtedly challenging, but it carries immense importance. My advice to others considering sharing their stories is this: Never be ashamed of your life or your story. Each of us plays a crucial role in this complex journey called life. Your story might be precisely what someone else has been waiting for, allowing them to experience a complete transformation. Remember, both you and your story are necessary; never diminish your worth or the power of your narrative.

Thank you for your time, TAS. How can our readers stay connected to you? 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and work with your audience. To stay connected with me, readers can visit www.Linktr.ee/DRTAS, where they can access all my social media platforms, YouTube channel, information about the Transform With TAS Show, my website, and purchase my books.