[TO YOU, FROM ME] How to Walk the Talk in 2026

 

'Don't talk about it. Be about it.'

We have all heard that saying or something like it. One of the most popular reminders is "actions speak louder than words." This tells us that it's not what we say or even what we intend to do that matters. It's our actions that count. 

That is what is guiding me this year and with every issue of Conversations Magazine that is coming your way in 2026. The time is out for just talking. In order to make a difference and to evoke real change, we have to roll up our sleeves and get to work. 

It is with that in mind that I present our first MEN ON A MISSION issue of Conversations. This idea came to me as I was beginning the new year. These men that we are profiling have been able to find success in their areas, and they are leading by example. 

Whether we're talking about notables like William Sanderson, Sean Ringgold or Cayman Kelly---or inspiring figures like Cousin Colby, Coach Alphonso Short and Suga Ray. All of these men have been able to deal with their personal challenges and empower others to do the same. 

This issue is also the kick-off for my new Amazon partnership called SOMETHING FOR GUYS. I have the privilege of working with over 200 brands, and we'll be using our magazine to showcase them for our readers or even for those looking for affordable gift ideas.

For us all the challenge is clear: will we continue just talking about what we're going to do or will we get to doing it? I hope these profiles inspire you to get off the sideline and get in the game. We need you. We're rooting for you. The time is now. 

Happy reading! 

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Conversations Magazine

[To You, From Me] Minding Your Business Into 2025

 What a year this has been! 

As I reflect on 2024, I am humbled and excited about all that Conversations Media Group and I have been able to accomplish. 

I was able to travel across the country, interviewing amazing individuals who are living their dreams daily. I was recognized on a few occasions for the work I do in media and the literary worlds, including receiving the Trailblazer Award by RRAW and the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Awards from Chosen Pen Publishing. 

Though I am happy about where we are, I know that 2025 will require even more of me as well as you, the reader. WE can't rely on what we have done to sustain us in the new year. We have to roll up our sleeves and get to work with the goal of 2025 being the best year yet. 

This issue of Conversations Magazine shares highlights of our year as well as conversations that have made 2024 a year to remember. It is my hope that you will also take time to reflect on the year that was, and start making plans for the year ahead. 

Here's to a year of new beginnings, new milestones and a new mindset as we face whatever comes our way. It all begins right now. It all begins with YOU.

Happy Reading! 

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Conversations Magazine/ Mississippi Success Magazine 

[To You, From Me] Doing It Afraid

Change can be scary. Starting something new can be a challenge. I know this all too well. When I started hosting Conversations LIVE radio show in July 2003 I had no idea where it would go or quite honestly if it would last. Up until that point I had started making a name for myself as a poet, artist and speaker, but would my relative success follow me to the airwaves? I really didn't know. The only thing I could say for sure is that I knew it was something I had to try. If I didn't then I would always have the regret.

Now at the time of my writing this letter to you I have interviewed over 8,820 guests on the radio show, hundreds for my web-series (and now TV show) Cyrus Webb Presents and featured hundreds in the pages of Conversations Magazine since 2006. All because I took a risk and was willing to do it even though I was afraid and unsure of the outcome.

I get it. You might think it's easy for me to tell you to go for that dream, tackle that obstacle and keep going even though you get knocked down. The truth of the matter is that I CAN tell you to, because I have done it. I have experienced the highs, the lows but never EVER did I think about quitting. I knew I had been given something that was supposed to be shared, and I was and still remain committed to it.

This issue of Conversations Magazine not just profiles some of the biggest interviews of my 16 years hosting Conversations LIVE and the 13 years publishing Conversations Magazine. It represents you, the individuals who have been with me along the way and seen how year by year we have grown, evolved and stayed committed to bringing you the very best.

Enjoy this issue. Take to heart the encouragement. And no matter what comes your way stay committed to your own goals and dreams, even if at times they are scary. 

Happy reading!

Cyrus Webb

FROM ME TO YOU: To Thine Own Self Be True

I have learned the hard way the dangers that come from not being real with yourself and others--and it's not a pretty picture. The ironic thing is that we live in a world where what is imitation seems to be more relevant and accepted as the truth that we grew up hearing about.

Entertainment and sometimes those around us will try and sell us a different version of who we are and what we want than we might have even thought about for ourselves. There is also the pressure of trying to fit into a certain mold or idea, something else that leads to not just disappointment but a disillusionment of our very purpose.

What I have now come to realize and what I hope you will as well is that the best thing you can do is to resolve to be true to yourself and your own vision. It might be pleasing to others for you to put their own interests ahead of your own, however, there is no way you will not lose yourself by following that path. We've all heard the saying "To thine own self be true." Sounds easy, but it is one of those things that require work and patience.

In this issue of Conversations Magazine I wanted to capture the essence of individuals who were walking in their truth in ways many only think about. Musicians like Nick Camillo, Marla Mase and Nile Rodgers are enjoying immense happiness and personal success because they have identified the road that works for them and haven't deviated from it. Authors Alex Bledsoe and Darlene Collier are living examples of what happens when you are guided by purpose and not the ideas of others. Then there are stellar examples like Sonia Fuentes and Daved Beck that allow you not to just settle in life but go for each day with passion and gusto.

For you we all offer this encouragement: recognize that you are the person you were intended to be. Any changes that you seek should be to enhance who you are, not change it. Make sure that you are happy with the person you were created to be and that which is manufactured or conforms to the opinion of others.

If you can do this, there is no way you will be able to live any other way than inspired. Take up the challenge today!

Remember I want to hear from you. If you read something that moves you, let me know by writing me at cawebb4@juno.com or by calling 601.896.5616. Make sure to also bookmark www.conversationsmag.com and keep up with the comments on each story you see here. Together we can create the world we all want to live in, beginning with ourselves.

Until next time, happy reading!




Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief
Conversations Magazine

(Webb is seen here above with Chitoka Webb, author of SOMETHING INSIDE OF ME during a booksigning at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS.)