[To You, From Me] Let Your Actions Speak Louder Than Words

As Conversations Magazine is celebrating 20 years in 2026, I have been thinking a lot about how we got here. Yes it began with an idea, but the idea is NOTHING if we don't execute. That is the same for yourself. 

When I think about this issue and those we have the privilege of featuring, they all have one thing in common: they let their ACTIONS speak louder than WORDS. 

So many times we get caught up in just thinking about what we want to do while others are busy actually doing it. Our cover stars Irene Vaksberg, Taylor Farrar and Harold "Noonie G" Ward are all individuals I have seen DO THE WORK. That is why they are able to not just make a mark in their respective industries. They set the standard for all of us as to what it takes to make it today. 

The same is true for our 25 People You Should Know and our profiles of Cooo ArTY, Sharon Matthews Fortune, Carlos Walker and Suga Ray. Each individual is able to look at where they are today and realize that it was their hard work, determination and drive that got them there. 

What about you? As you look at where you are today, ask yourself if your actions match what you say you want. Are you committed to achieving the goal or are you still just talking about it? 

As you think about how you want to close out the year commit to giving the time you have all that you have. There's still time, but it all begins with the decision to act. 

Until next time, happy reading! 

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief*

Conversations Magazine

*     Cyrus Webb seen here with Entrepreneur Irene Vaksberg

TO YOU, FROM ME: The Power of Letting Go

We've all been there: holding on to something that is either weighing us down or keeping us stagnant. It's not easy to pull yourself away from individuals or circumstances that have become comfortable for us, especially if feelings have gotten involved.

What I have learned, however, is that we do everyone involved a disservice by staying in a place where no good is being served. In my own life I have had to sever ties with individuals and things that I realized were keeping me from the place I was supposed to be.

Here is the truth: Each one of us have to be willing to do what is best for US. It might sound selfish, but how can we be any good to anyone if we are not able to perform at our best? It could be a job that no longer satisfies us, a relationship that has us feeling empty or a geographic location where we feel as though things have gone as far as it can go. Is it scary to move forward, leaving the comfortable behind? Yes! Is it necessary to do so? Absolutely!

How do you know if a change is needed? Be honest with yourself. Make a mental checklist or even write down where you are, where you want to be and what you can do to get from one place to another. Is it about your attitude, and something you have to mentally let go of? Is it actually someone or something around you? If you can ask the questions that will lead you in the direction you need to go.

No matter what that thing is for you that might be keeping you stuck the important thing to remember is that you have the power. You can make the change. You can make things better. You can set yourself free if you are willing to unload that thing that is holding you back.


Until next time,




Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine

[To You, From Me] Discovering Your WHY In Life

"Why?"

It's a question as a child I found myself asking or thinking quite a bit when I would be told something or see something going on around me. Maybe you were the same way or still find yourself asking that simple yet profound question today.

When I was reflecting on the year that has been 2015 for my brand and me I couldn't help but smile at what we have been able to do and think about the work that still lies ahead. Every day I can honestly say I get up excited about what Conversations and I are accomplishing: the people I connect, the interviews I am able to host and the events that bring me together with like-minded individuals. For me, the reason I have been able to experience a measure of success and growth is because I have been singular in my vision of creating great content that brings people enjoyment and inspiration. When people ask me how I am able to do what I do to the extent that I do it, I share the above with them. THAT is my WHY.

What about you? As you look at where you are and what you want, do you find yourself asking why you do what you do or why isn't it happening for you the way you think it should? The answer to that question is pivotal, and in the conversation I had with fitness trainer and model Branden Nicholson we discussed how identifying your why will help you stay focused on what you want and help guide you in getting there.

As you go throughout this issue and read the conversations featured or see those that are being spotlighted remember that each of them, just like you, had a goal or vision. They have been able to get to where they are simply because their actions have answered their why. Going into a new year that is what I want you to reflect upon: Is your Why clear? Do you know what your endgame is and how you are going to get there? This might mean a change in direction, but even that is good if it will bring you one step closer to your goals and dreams.

Here's wishing you a purposeful 2016, and may all that you desire and work towards find success.




Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine

(To You, From Me) Why 'Acting on Faith' Is the Only Way to Success

So much has happened since my last Letter From the Editor for Conversations Magazine.

First, I released my first book, WORDS I CHOOSE TO LIVE BY (published by Bonita & Hodge Publishing) to an enthusiastic response. It's designed to give you daily affirmations to focus on as you are going throughout your life. In just a couple of months it has gotten praise from literally around the globe including from celebrities like media personality/author Leeza Gibbons and living legend Dionne Warwick.

My reach on the airwaves has also grown. We are on the across the world online and on select radio stations across the country, including weeknights in my home state of Mississippi on WYAD 94.1 FM in Yazoo City, Mississippi.

All of these blessings are humbling for me as I try to walk daily in my purpose, but I want you to know that they only happened because I had the faith to believe I could do it.

So many times we talk ourselves out of the blessings that are meant for us, and this keeps us looking backwards instead of ahead. I'm here to remind you that looking back is not the answer. In fact, the only way you are sure to not achieve your personal greatness is by telling yourself that you can't.

In this issue of Conversations Magazine you will meet individuals that are truly acting on faith in their lives and reaping the rewards. You will enjoy profiles with actors and recording artists that could have chosen to be defined by their past or what people told them. Instead, they believed they could do more in their lives and took the steps needed to do just that.

I hope they will inspire you to do the same in your life, and I would like for you to share with me how you are doing the work to see your dreams come true.

Until next time,





Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine

[To You, From Me] Becoming New From the Inside Out

I tell everyone that I am a work in progress.

When I see the way my life has evolved over the past decade I have many reasons to be thankful and to feel blessed, but that doesn't mean the work is over.

I, like many of you, began 2014 with a list of goals that I wanted to be able to achieve. Have i accomplished them all? No, but I choose to focus on the strides that I have made, the people I have inspired and the impact that I am able to make in my corner of the world. The same should be true for you. If you haven't achieved what you have wanted to up to this point, don't let that get you down. If you are reading this that means that you have been given another day to make some amazing strides. The choice is totally up to you.

In this issue of Conversations Magazine we hope to inspire you to become new from the inside out. What does that mean? Well, I believe the articles will get you to thinking not just about the individuals profiled but about yourself and what you are able to do beginning right now. It all begins with the decision.

For those who read scripture Roman 12: 2 says in part: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." That shows us that anything that we want to manifest on the outside must begin within. The three individuals on the cover of this issue (Michael Cory Davis, Glenda L. Hunter and Branden Nicholson) have all realized that. No matter what their professions they have been able to 'renew their minds', activating their gifts and seeing how they are being used in the world.

That is my challenge for you. No matter what you want to do (pursue a career, perfect a craft or improve things on the homefront), you can do it, but you have to approach it with the right attitude. As I mentioned I haven't been able to do everything I started out to this year---but that doesn't mean I am going to stop trying. Neither should you.

What is it that you are striving to do? What steps are you taking right now to do it? I want to know! Drop me a line at cawebb4@juno.com. Would love to be able to encourage you along the way to not just think about it but start doing it!

Until next time, happy reading!





Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine

How To Go From Broken To Your Breakthrough

To say that this year has been the most bittersweet of my life would in no way be an understatement.

As this magazine was originally going to press in the middle of May I was dealing with the declining health of my grandmother (affectionately called by most of her grandchildren as Aunt Quattie) while preparing for what was already a whirlwind of milestones for the Conversations brand. Like many of the people I have interviewed over the years I was juggling a mixed bag of emotions: celebrating my successes while aware that my grandmother's situation was not good.

How many of you know that feeling of being on a high and then having the wind sucked out of the room, leaving you feeling lost and unsure what to do next. In many ways that was where I found myself, and I can say it was one of the scariest experiences I have had.

Since nothing happens by accident, I think it is appropriate that the issue of the magazine that was next to be published by Conversations was our SURVIVAL issue. I had intended for this to be about individuals who had experienced a variety of challenges, setbacks and loss and still found ways to thrive. Little did I know at the time that I would be one of those who would be joining the group of survivors at that particular time.

On May 22, 2014 my grandmother passed away quite peacefully at home at the age of 90. Though her physical absence is profound I am surrounded by reminders of the life she lived and the lessons she taught myself and so many others. I hope that this issue of Conversations will show you that regardless of what challenge you face there is the opportunity for you to push forward and be the person you want to be.

What has happened to you doesn't have to keep you bound. You can break through your obstacle and come out better on the other side.Those who you will read about in this issue have done it, and you have the same opportunity.

What has been the key to your breakthrough? How did you emerge from your brokenness and begin to heal? Share your stories with me by email at cawebb4@juno.com or by posting at www.conversationsmag.com.

Until next time, happy reading!





Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine

Are You Dancing to the Beat of Your Own Drum?

I love music.

It's something about how you can always find a song that fits your attitude or what you are going through---and sometimes even something that can pick you up.  That's the power that music and recording artists have, and it is something that I respect a great deal.

My family and friends will tell you that though I love all types of music, singing and dancing are not gifts that have been given to me---but that doesn't mean I won't do both. Why? Because though I don't have the best voice or moves there is something about being able to try that makes me feel good.

That is what I wanted to share in this issue of Conversations Magazine. We won't all be able to do everything the best, but that should never stop us from giving it our best shot. I have always felt as though we do permanent damage to ourselves when we don't allow ourselves to forge ahead in life. We only have one shot to do something great, so even though others might not see the point or what could be the outcome, that doesn't mean you should just give up or not even try.

In this issue I want to introduce you to people who are not afraid to dance to the beat of their own drum. Regardless of the profession they are able to put their best foot forward, and that is what I hope you are encouraged to do as well. What, if anything, is stopping you today? Are you feeling "out of step" with where you want to be? Then start right now to fix it.

Want to share your thoughts with me about how you are paving your own way and becoming a new creature? Drop me a line at cawebb4@juno.com. I would love to hear from you.

Until next time, happy reading!



Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine
www.conversationsmag.com 

[To You, From Me] Recognizing Your Season

It was about 10 years ago that I embarked on what would be a life-changing event in my life: the hosting of a radio show.

Before that I was known in Mississippi and in other parts of the South for my art work, poetry and speaking engagements. Coming to radio in July 2003 I didn't know what I was going to do or what impact it would have or what would come of it, but I knew I wanted to bring my best to it.

Ten years later that step has led me to not just hosting a radio show with literally millions of listeners around the world but led to the creation of this magazine as well as a global co-ed book club. Again, I didn't know all of this would happen, and if you had told me, I probably wouldn't have believed you. What I did know, however, is something that I had been taught early in life: hard work pays off.

This anniversary issue of Conversations Magazine is not just a reflection of the past decade. For me it is a reminder of what I attempt to represent as well as the importance of sharing something that will inspire others along their journey.

It's not easy to blaze a trail of your own. Being a follower is definitely less of a test of your dedication, perseverance and commitment to a task, but it leads to your fulfilling someone else's dream. Your time on this earth is precious, and it should be spent bringing to fruition your own dreams and passion. Is it scary? Without a doubt. Will there be naysayers? I can answer yes! But the question that you have to ask yourself each and every day is this: Is the fear of failure worth the cost of giving up on yourself? If you can say that fear will not stop you, then I can guarantee that in time success will be yours.

My mother and step-father love the outdoors. I didn't inherit that from them, but I have marveled at how their persistence when it comes to gardening and planting has yielded amazing results. They labor, they nurture and then enjoy the increase that comes in. I call it their season.

Are your ready to do the same? As I continue each and every day to nurture this brand, I knew that great things are going to come my way. I want that for you as well. Discover your passion. Feed it. Work at it diligently, and then watch the increase.

Thank you for being a part of our season. We look forward to many more years of feeding your love of life.

Happy Reading!




Cyrus A. Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine
www.conversationsmag.com

TO YOU, FROM ME: Learning From Visionaries

I am someone who has always been inspired by the creative process. When I look at the road map that others have taken, how they have dealt with disappointments and the challenges they faced, it has always helped me to remember that success may not come easy but hard work and dedication does pay off.

In this issue of Conversations Magazine we are able to showcase two individuals that are not just inspiring the world but helping others to change the way they see themselves: Oprah Winfrey and Devon Franklin.

For me, Oprah has been an example for some time of what is possible for each of us, regardless of where we are from. When she began her network, one of the shows that really spoke to me was called Visionaries. Through it we are given a rare glimpse into the brilliance behind some of the most creative individuals around. Included among those profiled have been four influential men: Tyler Perry, Tom Ford, James Cameron and Will.i.am. Each of them seem at the top of their game, but the journey that got them to that point wasn't always an easy one.

I think by taking a look at the road they have traveled it will give us some insight into what we can do in our own lives:

IDENTIFYING THE DREAM: This is one of the most important steps for a visionary because it's the point where you actually articulate what you want. Each of those profiled on the series had to figure out what they wanted before they could actually start the process of achieving it. This doesn't mean that it won't change or even expand, but it has to begin somewhere.

KEEP IT YOU: This was something that really stood out to me. In order to make sure you don't tire of your dream and abandon it, you want to keep it true to who you are and what you can best represent. Nobody likes a phony, and if it appears you are just doing something to please others or what you believe others will want then it will be difficult to be authentic while doing it.

NURTURE THE BRAND: You can't just sit idly by once you have gotten a taste of success. It is a continual process that will require some long nights, difficult decisions and the drive to push yourself again and again. None of those in the series has been content with just one triumph. I believe it is because they realize that they are only as good as their last great idea.

As you consider the three points above ask yourself this: Have I started doing the work to bring my own vision to life? That is the only thing that separates us from those who are seeing the fruit of their labor. They were willing to do the work. May we find the courage to do the same, and inspire the next generation of visionaries along the way.




Cyrus A. Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine www.conversationsmag.com 
cawebb4@juno.com      601.896.5616

To You, From Me: Examples of Fatherhood

I, like many young people around the world, grew up not knowing my father. He was killed when I was quite young, and though the man who is now my step-father came into my life not long after ,there are always the questions as to who I could have been if my father had been around.

I know I'm not alone.

We hear all the time about fatherless households. Sometimes it is because of death that the man is out of the picture. Unfortunately we also know there are situations where some men have made a conscious choice not to be in their child's life. This can leave the child feeling abandoned, unwanted and even unloved. Though these are the situations that get the most attention, thankfully there are men stepping up and standing in the gap to be there for the younger generation. They are true examples of fatherhood.

I dedicate this issue of Conversations Magazine to these unsung heroes. They are the cousins, uncles, family friends and even strangers that don't want to see the youth become another statistic. It has been great for me to see posts on social media of men of all ages and walks of life spending time with their kids, taking advantage of the little things that can mean so much.

This is also a challenge for all of us to rise up and do our part. As someone who doesn't have children I still see it as a priority to reach out to those around me, letting them know they are not forgotten and that they matter. The examples in this issue show what can happen when men and women appreciate their own value and worth and do their best to share that with the world. 

Maya Angelou, who we are profiling during this issue, is quoted as saying this: "Sometimes the people whom we've known for only a short amount of time have a bigger impact on us than those we've known forever." Let that be true of us.

Do you know an example of someone who is an example of fatherhood? Email me at cawebb4@juno.com or share your story on our website with this article. Let us join you in celebrating them.

Until next time, happy reading!

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief 

Conversations Magazine

To You, From Me: Enjoying TODAY

There are so many things in life that we could spend time stressing over: making ends meet, family, our jobs and even just the cares of the day. No matter who we are or where we might live there are so many things that are vying for our time. We can be so concerned with tomorrow that the time we have right now goes by without much consideration.

I'm here to tell you that if that is your life right now it doesn't have to be that way. 

The great thing about the way we were created is that we have the gift of free will. This means we can decide where we want to spend our time and energy. Though you might seem to have the world crumbling around you, I want to challenge you to take out time right now to enjoy the day.

It can be a little thing like going outside, closing your eyes and inhaling. For others it might be just stealing away a moment or two for yourself in a quiet place, thinking about the many things you have to be thankful for. 

The truth is that no matter how bad things might seem we have so many blessings that are bestowed on us each and every day. Our challenge is to not allow the cares of the world to distract us from that which we have right now. 

In this issue of Conversations Magazine we spotlight those taking full advantage of NOW. It's a new year, and a new opportunity to do something amazing. You can change the course of your life just by changing what you choose to think about. That is my challenge to you.

I want to hear what you are doing to enjoy the moment. Email me at cawebb4@juno.com or call me at 601.896.5616 to share your thoughts. They might end up in a future issue or on our sister site www.feedingyourloveoflife.com. 

Until next time happy reading!

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Conversations Magazine

TO YOU FROM ME: The Power of One

Well, we made it!

Another year has come and almost gone, and with it have come its share of highs and lows for us all.

For us here at Conversations Media Group it has been a year like no other. There has been so much that has happened since the last issue of Conversations Magazine was released, and all I can do is thank each and every one of you for the support as we continue to feed your love of life and give you something to inspire you as you go throughout your day.

If we are friends on Facebook you already know that our sister publication Conversations with Music has been nominated for Publication of the Year for the 2013 Rhythm of Gospel Awards. What an honor, seeing that it has not even been on the market a full year! There is also the milestone of 1 million listeners on Conversations LIVE radio show this year. Another feat that is humbling and pushes me to make sure I am giving you the best possible interviews on the air each week.

That leads me to this issue's overall message: The Power of One.

We might not realize it, but each of us are able to evoke major change in the world by just taking a stand. Each of the profiles in this issue have done amazing things in their lives, and they have been able to do it while remaining true to themselves.

What I hope for you is the same. Find out what you are really meant to do and stick with it. Your life is too valuable and your time too precious to waste even one day not realizing your importance. As you read the conversations inside this issue I want you to take their advice to heart and start working today to make yourself better, stronger and more powerful than you were yesterday.

Have a story of how you or someone you know has embraced their inner power? I want to share it! Email me at cawebb4@juno.com or call me at 601.896.5616.

Happy Reading!



Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine/Conversations with Music Magazine/Conversations Model Citizens Magazine

TO YOU, FROM ME: Embrace Your Inner Greatness

Today is your day.

No matter how you might have felt about yourself yesterday or the day before that, I am convinced that you can become the person you want to be beginning right now.

Why am I so confident? Because you were born with that ability inside of yourself! Each of us, no matter where we are from or what we have gone through, have the opportunity to rise up and move forward in our lives and create a real transformation that will affect not just our lives but those around us as well.

I have been looking forward to sharing this issue of Conversations Magazine with you for weeks now, because I believe the profiles it contains are going to help you look at yourself differently and realize just how special you are.

Around the world people are looking forward to the 2012 Olympic Games, and I am honored to bring you two amazing stories of individuals who know what it's like to be on the world stage and what it took to get that. Tony Volpentest and Angelo Taylor will definitely give you some motivation as you read their stories, and I hope you will join me in rooting for Angelo this year as he competes once again.

You will also meet Vikki Hankins, a woman that could have allowed her past to stop her in her tracks. She chose, however, to use her life and personal triumphs as the basis for a business and a mission of helping others benefit from the power of a second chance.

Want to make changes in your life or look into a new direction but never seem to have the time? There's a great article called CREATING TIME that I think you will benefit from.

In the end when you finish this issue I hope you will realize that none of the individuals profiled here are any different than yourself. The only thing that is stopping you from doing more and achieving the impossible is YOU. When you get out of your own way and accept the responsibility that comes with greatness, then you will be able to really see a change in yourself and what comes your way.

Want to share your own story of embracing your inner greatness? I would love to hear it. If you're reading us online feel free to leave your comments below this post. Those reading the print publication can email me at cawebb4@juno.com with "Embracing Your Inner Greatness" in the subject line. Together we can move forward and show others how they can be the change they say they want in the world.

Happy reading!

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Conversations Magazine

THANK YOU: To You, From Me For 2011

By far 2011 was the most exciting and productive year I 've had since I began Shadow Play Entertainment and the Conversations brand. Thanks to your support we were able to not only introduce remarkable individuals but bring you quality discussions each and every month.

The radio show, Conversations LIVE, interviewed 632 guests in 2011: three times more than it did in its first four years combined! (see www.conversationsliveradio.com)

Conversations Book Club hosted 9 authors in events in 2011, bringing its total to over 100 since it began in November 2006. (www.thebestbookclub.info)

And you already know how Conversations Magazine has expanded. Since returning to print in November 2010 we have over 2k subscribers in 6 countries! (www.conversationsmag.com)

Our success has really been because of you. you have opened up your heart and mind to us, allowing us to share a part of our mission and our purpose with you over the airwaves, online and in print. Thanks to you we are able to share our message with the world.

What we hope to do in 2012 is expand on the foundation we have already laid and it begins with this issue of the magazine. I wanted to introduce you to individuals who know what it's like to be broken down and rebuilt wiser, stronger and with a desire to put their best self forward.

We are also paying homage to celebrated fashion designer Patrick Kelly. His contribution to the world is immeasurable, and I believe that his passion for his craft and for life are something we can all benefit from.

Here's wishing you continued success and happiness. Thanks for allowing us to join you on the journey.



Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine