- 19
- Episodes
- 8
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Black Scholars Speak
Welcome to Black Scholars Speak, where we connect research, culture, and community to amplify Black voices and foster a stronger community together. Hosted by Janelle Gore—a Clinical Psychology PhD student—this podcast invites listeners of all ages & stages into insightful and real conversations with Black researchers & health experts. Topics range from navigating academia, sleep, maternal health, mental health, caregiving, community building, and so much more! Each episode is packed with tools to uplift and inspire. New episodes drop every two weeks on Tuesdays!
- Publisher
- Janelle Gore
- Category
- science
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 22 May 2025
- Latest episode
- 9 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
19 episodes in the feed.
9 Oct 2026
The Hidden Power of Space: How Belonging Shapes our Experiences
In a world where belonging often feels elusive, Dr. Martha Kakooza unveils the profound impact of physical spaces on identity and community dynamics. Dr. Kakooza, a Ugandan-born researcher dives deep into her research on Black African immigrant students, utilizing narrative inquiry and innovative frameworks like Ubuntu-informed ways of knowing. We tackle the critical question: What does it truly mean to belong in an institutional setting? You'll discover how institutional cultures and spatial relationships play a pivotal role in shaping student experiences and identities. In this episode, they break down: The concept of belonging from a spatial perspective and why it matters. Dr. Kakooza's unique approach to narrative inquiry and educational journey mapping. Powerful insights into how students navigate spaces that support or undermine their identities. The significance of community recognition and institutional cultures in enhancing student belonging. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone involved in education or community-building. Ignoring them risks perpetuating feelings of alienation among students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. This episode not only sheds light on the challenges faced by African American and Black African immigrant students but also opens the door to transformative practices that can enhance inclusivity in educational settings. If you're an educator, CEO, manager, or anyone passionate about creating inclusive spaces, this is for you! Contact Martha: Email: makak1@morgan.edu (makak1@morgan.edu) Instagram: @thereading_woman (https://www.instagram.com/thereading_woman/?hl=en) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-kakooza-ph-d-707183129/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martha-kakooza-ph-d-707183129/) Website: Stay Tuned!
5 Sept 2026
Turning Pain Into Purpose
What happens when personal loss gets turned into public purpose? We sit down with Veronica Boutte, a computer science and visual arts student at Dillard University, and founder of the Purple Pearl Project, to talk about how she turned her grandfather's and aunt's experiences with dementia into a movement built on tech, design, and community. They get into Veronica's path back to school after dropping out and serving in the military, what it means to lead as a non-traditional student, and why she builds awareness through experiences that feel fun and social first, a Fear Factor-style activation, line dancing, a cause carnival, instead of lectures. We also unpack the future of Purple Pearl, including plans to turn it into a game or learning tool that teaches empathy and health awareness the way young people actually engage. If you care about student leadership, HBCU culture, public health, or building something meaningful with limited resources, this one is for you. Contact Veronica: Instagram: @thepurplepearl25 (https://www.instagram.com/thepurplepearl25/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vboutte/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vboutte/) Email: boutte.veronica@aol.com (boutte.veronica@aol.com)
8 Aug 2026
Representation Matters: Creating Space for Future Black Physical Therapists
Black physical therapists make up less than 5% (approximately 3.7%) of all physical therapists in the United States. Increasing this representation is vital to improving patient trust, reducing healthcare biases, and creating equitable pathways in sports medicine, clinical practice, and rehabilitation sciences. In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Dr. Tiana Humphrey, Doctor of Physical Therapy and founder of Function to the T, shares her journey from student-athlete to board-certified orthopedic physical therapist. We talk about her transition from Owasso, Oklahoma to the culture shift of Texas Southern University, discovering physical therapy through a high school shadowing experience, and learning to build a college path around her actual goals instead of an unnecessarily hard one. Tiana opens up about what it means to be one of the only Black physical therapists in her clinic, why representation in healthcare changes how patients show up for care, and how she's now training for HYROX while running a business built on making movement education accessible to everyone. This one is for the student-athletes thinking about life after sports, and anyone who's ever had to build the version of a career they didn't see modeled for them. Connect with Dr. Humphrey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-h (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-h) Instagram: @functionwith_t https://www.instagram.com/functionwith_t/ (https://www.instagram.com/functionwith_t/) Website: https://www.functiontothet.com/ (https://www.functiontothet.com/) Phone: 918-809-9323 Email: thefunction.pt@gmail.com (mailto:info@mysite.com)
15 Jun 2026
"I Was Literally Crawling to Survive" Data science, health equity, and Resilience
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore sits down with Dr. Jaysón Davidson, Clinical Informaticist.Dr. Davidson takes us behind the scenes of computational research, breaking down how electronic health records are reshaping the way we understand treatment access and health disparities. But this conversation goes far beyond the lab. Jaysón opens up about the very human side of the PhD journey — the late nights, the self-doubt, the moments of "I was literally crawling to survive" — and how therapy, movement, and the right mentors helped him come out the other side stronger and sharper than ever.From unpacking the social determinants driving health inequities to making the case for a business mindset in healthcare spaces, Dr. Davidson brings both the data and the heart. He also gets real about navigating the post-PhD job market, why relationships are everything ("It's really about who you know"), and what keeps him motivated to create pathways for the scholars coming up behind him.If you're in a PhD program, dreaming of one, or just passionate about health equity and what it actually takes to translate research into policy change — this episode is for you.In this episode:* How chemistry became a launchpad for computational health research* Why EHRs are one of the most powerful tools in the fight for health equity* The realities of the academic job market no one talks about enough* What resilience actually looks like when the PhD gets hard* The reminder that behind every data set, there's a human storyConnect with Dr. Davidson:Website: https://www.jaysondavidson.com/about (https://www.jaysondavidson.com/about)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysón-davidson-ph-d-931522121/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysón-davidson-ph-d-931522121/)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jayson.m.davidson/ (https://www.instagram.com/dr.jayson.m.davidson/)
21 Feb 2026
"Giving up Isn't an Option": Remaining Authentic While Navigating Identity Erasure
Audio Note: You may notice some brief sound dipping when Janelle is speaking in parts of the episode. We sincerely apologize for the audio inconsistency and appreciate your grace as we continue improving the production quality of the show. In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Shani Strader, a second-year PhD student at the UAB School of Nursing, unpacks what it truly means to pursue a PhD as a Black queer woman in today’s academic climate. Through her journey of becoming a nurse-scientist, Shani shares the heart behind her decision to pursue a PhD and the notion that "giving up isn't an option" when the light at the end of the tunnel seems non-existent. We explore the realities of applying to graduate school, choosing the right program, securing research funding, and navigating predominantly white academic spaces. We explore the emotional labor of existing at the intersection of race, gender, and sexuality especially in a political climate where identity erasure and attacks on diversity, equity, and LGBTQ+ communities are increasingly visible. Shani speaks candidly about what it feels like to have parts of your identity questioned, minimized, or “watered down” in academic and research spaces and how she protects her authenticity despite those pressures. They also discuss the importance of self-advocacy, mentorship, and community support, as well as recognizing when professional mental health support is not just helpful, but necessary. This episode is a powerful reminder that earning a PhD is more than intellectual work; it’s emotional, political, and deeply personal.
4 Feb 2026
“Caring with these small hands” Creating Change Through Film
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we sit down with Omarion Calloway who is a senior at NYU majoring in film and is a former young caregiver, for a powerful conversation about his experience being a young Black scholar while also helping provide care for his family members. Omarion shares what it meant to balance caregiving at an young age with school, navigating bullying and racism in educational spaces, and carrying emotional weight most adults are never prepared for. He speaks vulnerably about how caregiving has shaped him into the person he is today and how storytelling through film became his path toward healing and advocacy. We also discuss how he used his experiences to write and be awarded over $1.3 million in scholarship funds! We also discuss his upcoming thesis film, Hands Too Small, which centers on the untold stories of young caregivers and calls for greater systemic support (I CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS COME OUT!) Connect with Omarion: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarion-calloway-363514348/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/omarion-calloway-363514348/) Website: https://www.morethansurvivalguide.com/ (https://www.morethansurvivalguide.com/) Instagram: @omarion.n
17 Jan 2026
The Importance of Good Mentorship and Centering Black Women’s Sexual Health
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Dr. Amber Sophus takes us on a bold, affirming journey through academic mentorship and the realities of Black women’s sexual health. She breaks down why mentorship isn’t optional in academia—it’s a survival tool—and shares how building a “mentorship team” can provide the layered support needed to thrive in research, leadership, and advocacy spaces. Together, we explore how lived experience strengthens the way we study and serve communities, why Black women’s voices must be centered in HIV/STI prevention, and how stigma and misinformation continue to shape sexual health outcomes. We also get into the conversations too many people avoid: sexual confidence, boundaries, communication, and the role of self-pleasure in understanding your body and protecting your health. Dr. Sophus reminds us that pleasure and prevention are not opposites—they work together, and honest dialogue can be life-changing. To close, she shares details about her upcoming Pleasure Class workshop on Wednesday, January 28th 12-1:30pm EST, designed to help women increase sexual pleasure while strengthening skills around safety, turn-ons, boundaries, and empowered communication. REGISTER TODAY! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pleasure-class-tickets-1975007321063 (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pleasure-class-tickets-1975007321063) Contact Dr. Amber Sophus Instagram: @dr.ambersophus LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-sophus-2751ab72/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-sophus-2751ab72/) Email: sophus@uthscsa.edu (sophus@uthscsa.edu)
7 Jan 2026
"Don't Panic Pivot": Exploring the Power of the Pivot.
As we enter into the first week of 2026, this episode couldn’t be more timely. If you’ve ever felt that nudge telling you it was time for a change, or that you needed to get a game plan together in moments of uncertainty, like when the Trump administration cut millions in academic funding—this episode is for you. In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we speak with Erica Shoemate for a powerful conversation centered on The Power of the Pivot. Erica reflects on her journey from academia to public service, Big Tech, and entrepreneurship, unpacking the lessons learned from navigating complex systems while staying rooted in purpose. Together, they explore resilience, trusting your instincts, leveraging transferable skills across sectors, and the role community plays in sustaining growth. The conversation also dives deeply into how personal experiences like motherhood can spark profound professional pivots and ignite meaningful advocacy. Pivots aren’t failures or detours; they’re strategic, deeply personal shifts that can lead to alignment, impact, and renewed clarity. Contact Erica Shoemate: Instagram: @thepolicygoddess LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericals/ Website: leadwithinstrategy.ai. Website: www.ericalshoemate.com (www.ericalshoemate.com)
12 Dec 2025
Preparing for End-of Life, It's a Community-Affair
This episode hit close to home. As someone who has recently lost both my mother and my grandmother in the same year and my family and I were over here depending on dreams to guide us in what my mom would want because we were not fully prepared for the realities of end-of-life care. Life does not stop "lifeing" while navigating a PhD program, this conversation with Dr. Karen Moss felt both grounding and necessary. Dr. Moss shares how her own grandmother inspired her path into nursing and dementia research, and why culturally responsive, community-centered support is essential for Black families facing caregiving and end-of-life decisions. We talk about her peer support program, Pair 2 Care, the power of learning from former caregivers, and why these conversations need to happen before crisis moments. This episode is especially dedicated to my mom, Marta Washington Gore & Grammy, Phyllis Washington. Love you both always <3
22 Nov 2025
Reimagining Aging: Purpose, Partnership & Impact
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson joins us for a rich and heartfelt conversation about purpose, community, and the power of showing up. Drawing from her upbringing and over 40 years in nursing, Dr. McQueen-Gibson shares how her commitment to serving older adults shaped her career from clinical practice to academia—while continuing to keep one foot in the community she loves. We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, taking risks, and betting on yourself even when the path feels intimidating. Dr. McQueen-Gibson breaks down why community engagement is essential for meaningful research, how strategic alliances can transform health outcomes, and why empowering communities through education creates lasting change. She also highlights the role of mentorship, authenticity, and professional networks in building the next generation of leaders. This episode is a masterclass in leading with purpose, serving with heart, and doing research that truly matters. Connect! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ethlyn-mcqueen-gibson-dnp-msn-rn-bc-24640132/ Email: e1gibson@odu.edu
11 Nov 2025
The Power of HBCUs and the Future of Aging Research
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, we sit down with a trailblazing researcher, Dr. Tamara Baker, whose work bridges science, equity, and legacy. From her academic beginnings at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to her rise as the 2026 President-Elect of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), she shares her powerful journey into aging research and the study of chronic pain among older Black adults. We explore how medical discrimination shapes pain experiences in Black communities, why culturally grounded interventions matter, and how to navigate the current political climate while doing health equity research. As the incoming president of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA; https://www.geron.org (https://www.geron.org)), co-founder of the HBCU Collaborative Interest Group, and leader in establishing the HBCU Aging Conference heald at GSA, Dr. Baker also discusses the vital role of HBCUs in building the next generation of Black aging scholars, breaking stereotypes about research credibility, and ensuring that representation and inclusion remain at the forefront of gerontology. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the intersection of culture, care, and commitment to advancing health equity through research and mentorship. Want to connect? Email: tamara_baker@med.unc.edu Instagram: @HBCUaging
25 Oct 2025
Navigating Life After Sports: Insights for Student Athletes
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore shares her personal journey as a student athlete transitioning into academia. She discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by student athletes, the importance of mental health, and the process of applying to graduate programs. Janelle emphasizes the skills gained from sports that are transferable to academic success and encourages listeners to embrace their unique stories and experiences as they navigate their educational paths. Takeaways The transition from being a student athlete to academia can be daunting. It's important to reflect on your identity beyond sports. Skills learned in sports, like resilience and adaptability, are valuable in academia. Networking and building relationships are crucial for success in graduate school. Mental health should be prioritized during the transition to graduate studies. Finding the right fit in a graduate program is essential for success. Student athletes have unique experiences that can enhance their academic applications. Taking a gap year can provide valuable time for personal and academic growth. Community support is vital for navigating academic challenges. Your story and experiences matter in shaping your academic journey. Continue the conversation on Instagram (@BlackScholarSpeak) or in the comments!
17 Oct 2025
The Breakdown with Dr. Feylen Lewis: Empowering & Supporting Youth Caregivers
Join Dr. Feylyn Lewis for The Breakdown, as she takes over the podcast to host and share her personal journey and professional insights into the world of youth caregiving. Discover the challenges and triumphs faced by young caregivers, and learn how we can support them through recognition, financial aid, and emotional guidance. Dr. Lewis highlights the importance of community involvement, leveraging the strengths of Black faith communities, and the resources available to uplift these young heroes. Understand the profound impact of caregiving on youth and how we can all play a part in their journey. Introduction to Youth Caregiving Dr. Feylyn Lewis shares her personal story of becoming a youth caregiver at age 11. Key Needs of Youth Caregivers Recognition, financial support, and emotional guidance are highlighted as essential needs. Mental Health Challenges Discussion on the mental health impacts faced by young caregivers, including depression and anxiety. Resources and Support Organizations Overview of organizations like the American Association of Caregiving Youth and KESEM. Role of Faith Communities How faith communities can support youth caregivers through recognition and support groups. Call to Action Encouragement to recognize and support youth caregivers in various community settings. Conclusion Emphasizing the beauty of caregiving and the need for appropriate support to mitigate negative outcomes. Contact Dr. Lewis: Email: feylyn.m.lewis@vanderbilt.edu Website: https://www.drfeylynlewis.com (https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.drfeylynlewis.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjgore1%40crimson.ua.edu%7C6bdea3858284468ccd9f08de08e40916%7C2a00728ef0d040b4a4e8ce433f3fbca7%7C0%7C0%7C638957972847524086%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RLrkPmIZzysM8eB%2FuqIAgiqbjCKaVjQByTAAHaOr3Ek%3D&reserved=0) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feylynlewis/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feylynlewis/)
13 Oct 2025
The Hidden Lives of Youth Caregivers: We've Got Work to Do!
In this episode of Black Scholars Speak, host Janelle Gore interviews Dr. Feylyn Lewis, a leading expert on youth caregiving. Dr. Lewis shares her personal journey as a youth caregiver, the challenges faced by young caregivers, and the importance of research and advocacy in this field. The conversation explores the mental health impacts of caregiving, the cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence caregiving roles, and the gaps in policy recognition for youth caregivers. Dr. Lewis emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding from mental health professionals and advocates for greater awareness and support for youth caregivers. Episode Takeaways: Dr. Feylyn Lewis shares her journey as a youth caregiver. Youth caregiving can lead to feelings of isolation and fear. Research on youth caregiving is limited in the US compared to other countries. Youth caregivers often do not identify with the term due to societal perceptions. Cultural expectations influence caregiving roles in Black and Brown communities. Youth caregivers face unique challenges in navigating the healthcare system. There is a lack of policy recognition for youth caregivers in the US. Empathy and understanding are crucial for supporting youth caregivers. Mental health professionals should connect youth caregivers with resources. Advocacy is essential for raising awareness about youth caregiving. Contact Dr. Lewis: Email: feylyn.m.lewis@vanderbilt.edu (feylyn.m.lewis@vanderbilt.edu) Website: https://www.drfeylynlewis.com (https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.drfeylynlewis.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjgore1%40crimson.ua.edu%7C6bdea3858284468ccd9f08de08e40916%7C2a00728ef0d040b4a4e8ce433f3fbca7%7C0%7C0%7C638957972847524086%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RLrkPmIZzysM8eB%2FuqIAgiqbjCKaVjQByTAAHaOr3Ek%3D&reserved=0) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feylynlewis/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/feylynlewis/)
26 Jun 2025
Birthing While Black: The Fight for Maternal Health Equity
Dr. Roseline Jean Louis discusses the alarming disparities in maternal health for Black women due to racism and bias, advocating for research, representation, and empathy in healthcare in this interview.
10 Jun 2025
"It's All Good, We're Learning": Navigating Your Academic Journey W/ Dr. Fayron Epps
Dr. Fayron Epps shares her academic journey, discussing challenges and offering inspiration for students to persevere through difficulties in this interview.
10 Jun 2025
The Breakdown: Dementia & Caregiving Resources for the Black Community
Dr. Fayron Epp discusses the Alter Dementia program and the Caregiving While Black study, which support Black faith communities and caregivers in navigating dementia care and the healthcare system, aiming to reduce the projected rise in dementia diagnoses within the Black community; this is an interview episode.
27 May 2025
"Knowledge is Power BUT Applied Knowledge is Powerful"
Host Janelle Gore introduces Black Scholars Speak, sharing her personal journey from Texas Southern University to a PhD in clinical psychology, highlighting the podcast's mission to connect research, culture, and community.
22 May 2025
Introduction
This episode introduces the Black Scholars Speak podcast, offering a glimpse into upcoming discussions.
Who has been a guest on Black Scholars Speak
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
- Dr Roseline Jean Louis
- Dr Fayron Epps
- Dr Fayron Epp
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
- Apple Podcasts (US)
- 5.0 / 5
- 4 ratings
- Spotify
- 5.0 / 5
- 4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
- Quality
- 40
- Social presence
- 0
- YouTube
- 0
- Engagement
- 32
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