[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

Cousin Colby: Showcasing the HIDDEN SUPERPOWER that Can Set Us Free

by Cyrus Webb

It is so easy for us to accept all that we see as wrong. It takes real courage and reflection to see the journey we have been on and what we have done along the way. 

For Cousin Colby that road has been chronicled in the book HIDDEN SUPERPOWER---but it's not just about him. It's about us all. Through his platform Cousin Colby allows us to appreciate who we were created to be and give ourselves grace on the path of becoming. 

Cousin Colby, first of all congratulations on the success of your book Hidden Superpower. What has it been like for you to see how your transparency has impacted the lives of others?

It’s been humbling in the truest sense. When I wrote this book, I wasn’t trying to inspire. I was trying to survive, heal, and make sense of my own life. Seeing people tell me, “I felt seen,” or “I thought I was the only one,” reminds me that transparency isn’t weakness, it’s a bridge. The impact has shown me that when one person is brave enough to tell the truth, it gives others permission to do the same.

The book is quite personal, even though I know many people—including myself—can relate to so much of what you have written. Were you surprised at how much you ended up sharing on the page?

Honestly, yes. There were moments while writing where I paused and thought, “Is this too much?” But I realized healing doesn’t happen in fragments, it happens in fullness. I didn’t want to write a polished story; I wanted to write a real one. What surprised me most wasn’t how much I shared, but how necessary it was to share it in order for the message to be honest.

A lot of Hidden Superpower deals with the power of overcoming: overcoming grief, overcoming loss, and overcoming your own personal insecurities. Have you been able to give yourself credit for all that you have overcome in your life and celebrate where you are now?

That’s still a journey. For a long time, I was so focused on surviving the next moment that I never stopped to acknowledge how far I’d already come. Writing this book forced me to look back and say, “You’re still here, and that matters.” I’m learning to celebrate progress, not perfection, and to honor the strength it took to become who I am today.

 Forgiveness is a big part of the book as well. Talk with us about the role it has played in your healing and growth.

Forgiveness changed everything for me, not because it excused what happened, but because it released me from carrying it. I realized that unforgiveness was quietly costing me peace, clarity, and joy. Forgiveness became less about others and more about reclaiming myself. It didn’t erase the pain, but it stopped the pain from defining me.

With a new year comes new perspectives on us and the world. How do you hope Hidden Superpower helps the reader to realize what is possible for them?

I hope readers walk away understanding that their pain is not proof of failure, it’s proof of survival. I want them to see that what they’ve been through doesn’t disqualify them; it equips them. My hope is that the book helps people recognize that their story, even the broken parts, holds power, and that healing, growth, and purpose are still available to them.

 You also are using social media to share your message. What has it been like to see the way people around the world are responding?

It’s been surreal. Social media can feel noisy, but when people stop scrolling to say, “This helped me today,” it reminds me why I show up. I’ve connected with people from all walks of life who share the same core emotions, grief, hope, fear, resilience. It’s proof that healing is universal and that real stories still matter.

Thanks again for your time, Cousin Colby. How can our readers stay connected with you?

The best way to stay connected is through social media, @CousinColby across all platforms, or by visiting my website. I’m always sharing reflections, resources, and conversations centered on healing, growth, and purpose. This work isn’t just a book for me, it’s a community, and everyone is welcome.

MAN ON A MISSION: Ezzy, DJ/Media Host/Entrepreneur

 

by Cyrus Webb

Some people just have IT. Ezzy is one of those people. 

As an acclaimed DJ, media personality and entrepreneur, he has carved out his own lane and showed by example what you can achieve with hard work and dedication. 

It's been great over the years to watch him rise and shine---and create opportunities for others along the way. 

Ezzy, you have made a name for yourself in your community through the arts and entertainment. What has it been like to reflect on the impact you’ve been able to make?

Cyrus, it has been 25 years in the entertainment industry and approximately 15 years in the media space. It certainly feels great to be able to make people happy through music and shine the light on our small and local heroes in our communities, while helping others turn their dreams into a reality in media. 

Have you always known that entertaining was something you wanted to do or was meant to do?

I did not see any of this happening. I’ve always had a very strong passion for music, but I didn’t think about anything except the love of music.  I thought that I’d be a meteorologist because I love geography. If I wasn't doing this maybe I’d be telling you about the weather on TV or something. 

Your talents have taken you literally around the world. Tell us about one of the wow moments you have had so far. 

That would have to be the opportunity to DJ in front of over 50,000 people. I saw the crowd, but I did not know the estimated number until after the event. 

Outside of entertaining, you have created a platform to showcase the talents and skills of others as well as causes that are important. What sparked what is now Ezzy Spotlight?

Well, I was given the opportunity to become a DJ and radio personality by two people. Being on many different stages and on air in the studio has opened my eyes to the many other talents that are out there, but they may never get those opportunities. Hence the creation of Ezzy Spotlight. Let’s showcase these hidden gems. Also, being raised in a third world country was not easy. But, when a disaster strikes, I use my voice and my platform to help where possible.

We have both benefited from social media. How has it helped you to reach new audiences and amplify your work?

Yes, we have. Social media has given me the ability to show the receipts of my work, the type of events I do and quality of my presentation. As a result, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many different cultures and celebrities, consistently. Some of the celebrities include Brian McKnight, Robin Thicke, Blanco Brown, KC and the Sunshine Band, Leann Rimes, just to name a few.   

We are living in interesting times. What keeps you grounded and focused, even when challenges come your way?

Understanding the industry, being dependent on myself only, and sacrificing short-term pleasure for long-term growth were all very helpful. But my resilience to overcome the challenges was a major factor in being humbled and focused. Some people were broken down in the process. I’ve learned to pick myself up each time with a smile.  

What is something you’re looking forward to this year we should be on the lookout for? 

I’m looking forward to connecting with some gems who continue to positively contribute to the world as often as time allows.  I also hope to be on a stage somewhere with 100,000+ people. I’m ready for it. 

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

Be consistent, patient, professional, humble and pray every day. Avoid negative situations and distractions. 

Thanks for all you do, man. It’s been great watching you rise. How can our audience stay connected with you? 

Follow me and subscribe @EzzySpollight or visit EzzySpotlight.com. 

Christopher Thurman: Quietly Making his Mark, One Day at a Time

 by Cyrus Webb

Christopher Thurman is proof that you don't have to be the loudest in order to make a difference. 

As one-half of the podcast GRACEFUL GATHERINGS WITH THE THURMANS with his wife Kate and co-founder of the non-profit Angelically Blessed, he is showing that you can do great things no matter where you are, one day at a time. 

Though his wife has been out front and center with the brand in the past, in 2026 Christopher is stepping out on his own, releasing his own book and sharing his message of inspiration and hope with others. 

 

Chris, we are glad to be featuring you as one of our MEN ON A MISSION. What has it been like knowing your work is making a difference?

It’s humbling. Knowing God can use my life and experiences to help someone else reminds me that my purpose is bigger than me and that the work truly matters.

 
When did you realize serving others was your calling?

That's a good question. I believed I realized it when I saw that serving others brought more fulfillment than anything I did for myself. It felt natural, and I knew it was part of my calling and what I was meant to do.

 
Things can get hectic at times. Who inspired you along the way?

Family, mentors, and faith-filled leaders, but above all, Jesus Christ has been my greatest example of servant leadership.

 
One of the things you have been able to do is showcase how we as men can make a difference. How does it feel to be an example to other young men?

It’s an honor and a responsibility. If my life shows that growth and purpose are possible, then it’s worth it.

 What has helped you not let fear stop you?

My faith. Knowing fear doesn’t come from God helps me move forward even when things feel uncertain.

 What are you looking forward to achieving in 2026?

I am looking forward to continued growth spiritually and personally while expanding my impact and walking boldly in what God has called me to do. I am also looking forward to releasing my first book. 

 What advice do you have for other men?

The advice I would give is this: Start where you are and stay consistent. You don’t need a title to make a difference  just a willing heart. Don't think you have to do everything all at one. Be consistent, doing a little each day, and you'll see the hard work pay off. 

 

How can readers stay connected with you?

You can connect with me on social media and through email:

• LinkedIn: Christopher Thurman

• Facebook: Christopher Thurman

• Instagram: @thechristhurman

• YouTube: Meet the Thurman

• Email: angelicallyblessed0811@gmail.com

• Phone: +1 (770) 810-5823

Coach Alphonso Short: Creating a Safe Space for Men to be Seen and Heard

 

by Cyrus Webb

There are so many misconceptions when it comes to men and communication. It's easy for us to say that men don't like to talk or express themselves, but the truth is that if the right atmosphere is provided, we will open up and say what's on our minds. 

That's why the work that Coach Alphonso Short is doing matters. Through his podcast MANXCHANGE and the work he is doing, he is allowing individuals to tell their stories, share their journey and offer insights into the world we live in. With an anthology on the way and other projects in the works, Alphonso is establishing himself as the architect of a safe space where men can feel seen and heard. 

Alphonso, we are glad to feature you as one of our Men on a Mission. What has it been like for you to know that the work you are doing in life is making a difference in the lives of others?

I’m really glad that my personal time, energy, and efforts have been a positive influence/impact in the lives of youth, young adults, adults, and families during a time period of approximately three decades. 

When did you realize that serving others was something you were meant to do?

Around the ages of 10-12 years old, I realized that I enjoyed and was gifted to help others whether it was my peers in sports or academic studies, encouraging positive habits and thinking as well as having a deep concern, passion, and understanding of the importance of assisting my own family, senior citizens in my community.  Most importantly, always being kind, courteous, and respectful towards everyone.

Who were some of the individuals you looked up to that showed you what was possible?

My biological family members (mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins) along with a few school teachers, athletic coaches, spiritual leaders and friends. 

 How does it feel to be an example to other young men as to what is possible in life? 

I feel it a privilege and pleasure to share my life experiences, relationships, challenges, and accomplishments as well as encourage others in their personal goals, dreams and aspirations.

Fear is one of the things that keep so many people stuck where they are. What has helped you to not allow fear to stop you?

My perspective about fear/failure is that it’s all temporary and the sooner you face “it” head on the sooner “it” is gone. My philosophy is “No Effort, No Results”. 

With the new year here, many people are looking to commit to being a better version of themselves. What are you looking forward to achieving in 2026?

My goal in this new year is to make a committed effort to invest in as many people as possible in my life circle (both longtime and new acquaintances) to encourage and support them as they are striving in becoming a better version of themselves.

What advice do you have for other men when it comes to stepping up and making a difference in their community? 

My advice to men in becoming active, supportive, and making a difference in their communities is to become informed of the challenges and needs in their own community (neighborhood watch groups, church groups, youth volunteer programs, mentoring opportunities, etc.

Most of all be consistent and accountable in whatever you plan to give your time of participation.

Stay connected with Coach Short on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alphonso.short.7

Gil Birmingham: Walking in Purpose, Acting on Faith

by Cyrus Webb

The career of Gil Birmingham is one that is to be marveled.

Depending on what chapter of his journey you came in on, you were surely taken in by the way he embodies characters from project to project. For me, I got to really pay attention to him with the Twilight franchise. Most recently, audiences around the world have been captivated by him on Yellowstone.

As the show was coming to an end, I had the pleasure to spend some time with Gil talking about his career and success.

 Gil, it is a true honor to speak with you. I really appreciate the time.

Oh, it's my pleasure. Thank you for having me.

 It is my pleasure. Gil, you've been doing a lot of these interviews. I was watching your interview with Entertainment Tonight recently, and I love what you said there when you talked about where you are now, especially when it comes to this series (Yellowstone). You said it's the beginning of a new journey. What has it been like for you to reflect on this journey of your career and all the great roles you've been able to bring to life?

Well, you know, you can only really embrace each project as it comes, and you never really know the level of success or the viewership span that it might touch. We're just very grateful and I think our last season here was somewhat nostalgic and reminiscent of knowing such a great run of practically seven years of our lives together was going to come to an end. I’m very curious as to what the future journey might be. It’s been nothing but spectacular and awesome, and the fans have really made it such.

 That's right. Especially on social media. Gil, I felt the same thing with you and your career when it came to the Twilight Saga. That was something that really just kind of swept in and really took over so many different generations and interests. When you started with Yellowstone bringing the character Thomas Rainwater to life, did it feel like something special from the very beginning?

Well, I had done two other projects with the writer Taylor Sheridan, so I already had a sense of the great talents that he possessed. He actually mentioned Yellowstone to me during the filming of Hell or High Water. With the talent and exceptional writing, I just felt very thankful to be part of anything that he writes.

 Your career has been so remarkable in that you've been able to bring so many different types of characters to life along the way. Has that been part of the fun for you personally that you have been able to experience these different characters that are in different places and that have their own audiences?

It’s pretty special to enter into a created world that people are either in fantasy as Twilight was or real life drama as Yellowstone is. It’s just amazing. I don't know what the other word would be, but it's really an exceptional kind of experience to be able to be invited into… And for it to touch the public in such a massive way.

Gil, your appreciation is something that definitely comes through. You are also a person that really lets the work speak for itself. Is that something you've always known you wanted to do in your career?

That is really a great question. I think once you have a seriousness about the craft, you realize it's really the work that makes the difference. Then as an artist you don’t get distracted by the outside perspective or judgment. I think it permits me to really engage in the character as much as I can. When I do that hopefully it comes out the other end pretty good.

 

Fonz Brown: Staying Consistent with his Eyes on the Prize

by Cyrus Webb

Fonz, it's been great watching you build your brand and making a difference in your community the way you have. You've been succeeding, both personally and professionally. What has it been like for you to look back on all you have been able to achieve as we're going into a new year?

First off, man, thanks for the opportunity to be interviewed on your platform. Looking back on all I've been able to do, I think I've been blessed to have great people around me and great people to work with. I love networking and trying to find the common denominator between whoever I'm working with to be able to accomplish the goal.  It's been a heck of a ride. Coming from where I come from and doing what I used to do to being able to do what I'm doing now, it's really a blessing.

Fonz, I first got a chance to interview you in 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky during my visit there. One of the things you care about a lot is empowering the youth? Why is that so important to you?

I feel like you have to be able to reach these youngins' and be able to show them something different than what they see daily. At the end of the day, we have a lot of kids that are getting killed or trapped into the prison system due to bad decisions or just lack of good guidance or bad decisions. You know, something that took five minutes to do is costing them 15, 20 years of their life.

Being able to empower them and show them something that they could do, that they are good at is a blessing. Everybody's good at something. So it's just about taking the time to figure out what interests them and try to point them in the right direction whenever you get the opportunity. Empowering these kids is gonna be the way we change a lot of the stuff that is going on. 

You have a lot of them that are just following and mimicking what they see. They may have parents behind them and good people giving them good advice, but they're just choosing to make the wrong decisions to follow the in-crowd. But you also have those kids who are actually living and taking care of themselves and taking care of their siblings. So they have to do whatever it is they have to do out here in the streets, which is usually adapt to whatever's going on. So the people who are actually showing them and teaching them survival in the streets, is not giving the guidance that's truly needed to elevate them to any type of next level. That's where we have to come in. We have to empower them with whatever gifts they have, leading them in the right direction. 

I totally agree, Fonz. That's why what you do is so appreciated. Outside of your work in the community, though, you also are a person that believes in style and loves fashion. Where did that passion come from?

As far as the fashion, I've been doing this for a while now, but there was a time growing up where I didn't have all the things that was needed to actually look fashionable, you know? So as I got older, I started paying attention to more of the fashion and being able to put pieces together. That was just something that kind of came to me, but it really took a turn to a whole other level when I actually met my wife and she was so much into fashion that it made me pay that much more attention. 

We started watching a lot of fashion shows together. I actually was in the midst of putting together a fashion show when I met her, and we just talked about fashion and all types of different stuff. Then I actually got to see her closet, which was amazing. The way she actually put together different outfits was really something. We then started to coordinate and style with each other, that took it to new heights. 

As for my own personal style, I just try to make sure I stay clean, stay fresh and make sure I'm ready. If you stay ready, you don't gotta get ready, so just being able to make sure that I look the part of what is going on is important to me. 

That goes into my next question for you, Fonz. One of the things I respect about you a lot is that you are not afraid to blaze your own trail. What helped you to have the confidence and belief in yourself to do that?

There were a lot of people who didn't believe in me. I had a lot of opportunities to get with people, sit with people, talk with people, show people my vision and try to explain things that I was trying to put together. I was getting a lot of doors closed on me, but it just only fed my fire even more for me to just keep going and keep doing what I do. A no doesn't stop me. It only ignites me even more. It makes me figure out a way to actually do what I'm trying to do. 

You have to be able to take rejection, you know what I'm saying? Rejection builds your confidence as well. It's either you gonna take the rejection and tuck your tail and run home because you got rejected, or you're going to actually man up even more, stick your chest back out there and try to make it happen. You just can't be afraid of rejection. I've never been one to be afraid to get a no. I've been consistent and persistent, and I've seen how that works when you are not just trying once or twice but you are really adamant about making sure that whatever it is you're trying to do gets accomplished. 

Supporting the community and giving back is also something I've seen you do. What has it been like to hear from others how much they appreciate your efforts to make a difference in the lives of others?

As far as hearing from others I've helped in the community, one of the things that I always let them know is that it's not just me. I accept a thank you, but I tell them it takes a team to do the things that I do. Whatever project that I'm focusing on and putting my mind to do, I sit down and I find the people who have the same vision as me. People who don't mind really getting their hands dirty and putting boots on the ground and doing whatever's necessary for us to actually pull off whatever we need to do. Finding those individuals is really the key to the success, so I really can't take all of the credit.

That leads to talking about networking. Networking is also something you're big on. How has it helped you to not only connect with like-minded individuals while also being the bridge for others to connect with them, too?

Networking is something that I feel like more people need to take advantage of. I come from backgrounds where we had to do things on the street and network in one way, but when you can actually transform and start getting around people who can actually help your cause and you all can help each other some way, shape or form---that's also a great form of growth. 

Being able to take the time to find the people who understand my vision and I understand theirs, and we find a common ground to get something done, man, that's always a beautiful thing. And you just never know where you may or who you may come across when you're actually putting yourself in the positions and in the locations to be able to network. Just being in the room is the biggest thing, making sure that you are sometimes just a fly on the wall and sometimes you gotta know when to speak up and say, 'Hey, I'm such and such. How are you doing? I do this...' That's what it's all about: networking and connecting the dots with people who wanna see you succeed just as much as you wanna see them succeed. 

What is one of the things you are the most proud of, Fonz, when you look at your achievements so far?

When I look back on my achievements, one of the things I'm most proud of is knowing that I have had a hand in helping people in a major way in our community from clothes to shoes, to pillows, to food and even monetarily. I'm proud that I have been a part of it and the face of it, the idea of it...and to know that people actually believe in me and the things that I do, 

I also had the privilege to get the key to the city. I'm proud of that as well. To be recognized by my city means a lot. Like I said, I'm super humbled to have the type of people around me that believe in what I'm doing and wanna be a part of whatever I got going on. We achieve these things together. 

Any advice you want to share with our audience about the importance of not giving up on their goals and dreams?

Yeah, man. Nothing's gonna happen overnight. That's the first thing that they have to understand. You have to be able to follow your own vision, not be a copy of what someone else is already trying to do.

I also want to say there is no need to try to reinvent the wheel. Keep your blinders on. You also have to recognize your atmosphere. The people you are around:  are they helping you or are they hurting you? Are they holding you back? Make sure that everybody is on the same page. That's gonna be key. Never give up on whatever it is you're trying to do and make sure you stay consistent.

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

Anyone that wants to chop it up with me can reach me on Facebook under Fonz Brown as well as on Instagram. Cyrus, I appreciate the opportunity to speak with you and your audience. Looking forward to doing it again.