In this powerful episode of The HOPE Mindset, we sit down with entrepreneur and community leader Steven King, founder of The Reign Shop—a brand built to uplift and celebrate Black excellence among entrepreneurs in the Cincinnati area. 💼✨  We dive deep into the importance of Black men’s mental health, the story behind the impactful "Hug Your Homies" t-shirt initiative, and how Steven is creating space for healing, pride, and purpose through fashion and conversation.  From entrepreneurship to emotional wellness, this episode is a raw, honest look at what it means to reign with purpose.  Keep up with The Reign Shop: 📱 @TheReignShop on all platforms Learn more and grab some merch: thereignshop.com

Why hugging your homies is good for your mental health with The Reign Shop

Don McLeese – a former University of Iowa professor - opened up about his struggles with alcoholism in his latest book, Slippery Steps: Rolling & Tumbling Toward Sobriety (Ice Cube Press, 2022). His honest approach will resonate with our listeners. Sometimes, sobriety and talks about it in the media can feel very out of reach. 

Before Don entered the classroom, he worked as a professional journalist and popular music critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, Austin American-Statesman, and was a columnist and critic for Rolling Stone. He’s interviewed artists from Bob Dylan to Celine Dion.

A native Chicagoan who lives in West Des Moines, Iowa, he continues to follow the Chicago Cubs more avidly than anyone who isn’t paid to do so.

Get ready for a candid conversation about the realities of life after getting sober — and what advice Don has for someone who’s questioning their relationship with alcohol.

"If I can get sober, anyone can" | Don McLeese 

Unpacking stories of struggles turned to strength to inspire hope and help others. Life is tough. But you don't have to do it alone. 

Join host and How About H.O.P.E. founder Mikhayla Hughes-Shaw as she highlights people with empowering stories about mental health and perseverance. 