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Perspective is a podcast that will have honest conversations with art creators, politicians, social justice activists, domestic abuse survivors, religious figures and a host of other interesting people. These dialogues will reflect journeys through the minds of some of the most prolific people of our time. We’ll discover what they think and believe and why they think and believe it. This podcast will unlock the power of perspective.
Episodes

Tuesday May 08, 2018
Cooper James
Tuesday May 08, 2018
Tuesday May 08, 2018
In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with television writer and producer Cooper James. Cooper has written for many well-known shows like Hangin' with Mr.Cooper and The Jamie Foxx Show as well as other shows on major television networks. As an African American male who has successfully established himself in the television and film industry, Cooper is able to offer listeners unique insights into his journey through this industry. From the onset, James traces the beginning of his career trajectory back to a high school English class which he desperately tried to escape. But it was in that class that James found confidence in his writing ability and better learned the importance of doing hard things in order to succeed in life.
Likewise Ted and Cooper take the opportunity to remind young listeners that seeing and learning about different career paths can be life-changing as James offers his behind-the-scene insights into some of what it takes like to be a TV writer. James also talks about how he has felt the need to be mindful of creating more opportunities both for himself and other African Americans in the industry as he continues to move up in his career—an approach he calls “lifting as we climb”. The dialogue the two share goes far beyond the extensive list of James’ peronal achievements and is relevant to any social justice-minded listener with the hope that a new perspective on these important issues can be given.
Follow James Cooper on social media @ShrinkWrapMedia

Tuesday May 01, 2018
Kirk Franklin
Tuesday May 01, 2018
Tuesday May 01, 2018
In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with revolutionary multi-GRAMMY award winner Kirk Franklin who is one of the most widely recognized and awarded gospel artists, music creators and entrepreneurs of our time. However, both Ted and Kirk’s musical careers take a backseat for most of this engaging conversation. Rather, the two discuss many important social issues including the editing of Kirk’s speech at the Dove GMA awards where he addressed the need for the church community to stand up and be a Christ-like voice in the midst of racial, social and gender inequality in America.
Kirk also takes the time to share his heart about racism in Christianity and the need for civil discourse between black and white Evangelicals as well as what it means to be a source of support and positive engagement for women speaking out against acts of sexual abuse through the #MeToo movement. The two also cover other varied topics like what it takes to create music that transcends genres and working with “secular” artists like Chance the Rapper.
Follow Kirk on Twitter & Instagram @kirkfranklin
Find out more about Kirk Franklin & his music:
http://www.kirkfranklin.com/bio/

Wednesday Apr 25, 2018
Jesse Lipscombe
Wednesday Apr 25, 2018
Wednesday Apr 25, 2018
In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with actor, producer and activist Jesse Lipscombe to discuss several important topics, including racial tensions, the use of racial slurs and other topics in our culture related to racial/gender equality. During their conversation Jesse shares some of the personal challenges he has faced and how he is using his influence to bring much-needed attention to these areas in our culture.
While recognizing that healthy conversations about these topics can be challenging, they discuss the need for making these types of conversations available for everyone in order to educate people on the harm of hatred and bigotry. Jesse also gives the listeners an inside view into the #MakeItAwkward campaign which was designed to combat racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred of all kinds.
Follow Jesse on Twitter & Instagram @thelipscombe
Find out more about Jesse:
http://miasummit.com/team/jesse/
Learn more about the "Make It Awkward Summit":
http://miasummit.com/

Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Keith Boykin
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
Tuesday Apr 17, 2018
In this episode of Perspective, Ted sits down with political commentator, author, lawyer, educator, activist and tv personality Keith Boykin to hear Keith’s perspective on a number of timely discussion points. During this honest conversation Ted and Keith share in-depth dialogue on many topics, including the current state of our country, racial resentment, the mistreatment of women and minorities, institutional biases and how the country is adapting to the 24-hour news/media cycle as the main source for news and current events.
During the discussion Keith also draws on his personal experiences and diverse career paths to offer his insight into these topics and discuss what he sees as the key ways that we as a country can embrace our values in order to really see the change we desire and become who we really are. Additionally Keith offers helpful insights into the political spectrum from his own experience with and knowledge of political campaigns.
Ted and Keith’s conversation will force you to consider the current state of our country and institutions with the hope that we will all be able to learn from each other’s perspectives to become a better community and people.
Keith is on Twitter at @keithboykin
Keith Boykin’s Website:
Keith’s Referenced Books:

Tuesday Apr 10, 2018
Cheryl Fortune
Tuesday Apr 10, 2018
Tuesday Apr 10, 2018
In this episode, Ted talks with Cheryl Fortune—talented singer/songwriter, mother and Houston native.The two discuss issues close to her heart, but also relevant to listeners. From discrimination she faces as a black woman in the music industry to being a survivor of domestic violence, Cheryl kindly bears her heart to Ted and listeners. The two share experiences and offer hopeful insight to listeners. With the rise of the MeToo movement and others like it, Ted & Cheryl’s conversation is surely an important one.
Cheryl Fortune’s Website:
http://iamsimplycheryl.com

Tuesday Apr 03, 2018
Michael Bonner
Tuesday Apr 03, 2018
Tuesday Apr 03, 2018
In this first episode, Ted speaks with educator Michael Bonner about some ideas that the country and our communities can use to improve our current education system. Many believe our country is dealing with a crisis amid epidemics with school violence, discrimination and ineffective educational philosophies. Michael and Ted discuss these issues and others to review varying methodologies that may help to create a better edcational system for America's children in hopes that a new perspective will bring the much needed answers so many are looking for.
Michael is on twitter and instagram at @michaelbonner_
Michael Bonner on Ellen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN6gKAfEwZ8
Find "Get Up or Give Up" by Michael Bonner: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Up-Give-Almost-Teaching/dp/1682615871/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1522866009&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=get+up+or+get+out+michael+bonner