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  • Kevin Powell on 90s Hip Hop, Meeting Tupac & Preserving Black History

    Oct 28, 2026

    What does it take to rise from poverty in Jersey City to documenting the most defining era in music history? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Ski sits down with Grammy-nominated poet, legendary Vibe journalist, author, and activist Kevin Powell. Kevin opens up about his journey from humble beginnings to MTV’s The Real World, covering the golden age of hip-hop, his close brotherhood with Tupac Shakur, and why Black storytellers must preserve their own history against erasure. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:50 Jersey City Roots & Writing Beginnings 05:43 Street Life, Education & Activism 08:21 The Real World & Meeting Tupac 10:41 Writing the Tupac Biography 15:45 Hip-Hop’s 50-Year Cultural Legacy 21:47 Love, Poetry & Black Manhood 26:23 Preserving History & Black Longevity Connect with Kevin Powell: Instagram: www.instagram.com/poetkevinpowell Facebook: www.facebook.com/poetkevinpowell TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@poetkevinpowell X (Twitter): www.x.com/poetkevinpowell Threads: www.threads.net/@poetkevinpowell YouTube: www.youtube.com/@poetkevinpowell LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/poetkevinpowell Website: www.kevinpowell.net — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: What stood out most to you from Kevin Powell’s reflections on Tupac, hip-hop’s cultural staying power, and the responsibility of documenting our own stories? Share your perspective in the comments below! 👍 LIKE this video if you value the writers and historians preserving our culture. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for unfiltered conversations with cultural icons, political leaders, and visionaries. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #KevinPowell #TupacShakur #HipHopHistory #BlackCulture

  • Kevin Powell on Tupac, Hip-Hop History & the Stories That Need to Be Told

    Oct 27, 2026

    Award-winning journalist, author, and poet Kevin Powell joins longtime friend Frank Ski for a powerful conversation about hip-hop history, personal growth, and the responsibility of preserving the stories that shaped a generation. Kevin reflects on growing up in Jersey City, being raised by a single mother, and the unexpected path that took him from humble beginnings to MTV’s The Real World and the pages of Vibe magazine. He shares how his career brought him into the lives of some of hip-hop’s biggest names, including Tupac Shakur, and opens up about their friendship, the impact of Tupac’s death, and why it has taken him decades to tell his story through a biography. Frank and Kevin also explore hip-hop’s lasting cultural influence, the importance of documenting Black history, and the experiences that shaped Kevin’s perspective on life, relationships, and community. The conversation takes a personal turn as Kevin discusses his poetry collection, A Poem for Evangeline, And Other Songs, inspired by love, marriage, and the music he grew up listening to. From honoring the past to embracing the present, Kevin shares what it means to keep evolving while staying connected to where you came from. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: www.instagram.com/frankski TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com Connect with Kevin Powell: Instagram: www.instagram.com/poetkevinpowell Facebook: www.facebook.com/poetkevinpowell TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@poetkevinpowell X (Twitter): www.x.com/poetkevinpowell Threads: www.threads.net/@poetkevinpowell YouTube: www.youtube.com/@poetkevinpowell LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/poetkevinpowell Website: www.kevinpowell.net

  • DJ Grandmaster Flash Reveals What It Takes to Invent Hip-Hop Culture

    Oct 21, 2026

    What if true innovation means turning a childhood obsession with electronics into a brand-new global art form? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Ski sits down with hip-hop founding father DJ Grandmaster Flash for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on what it truly took to invent the turntable techniques that birthed modern hip-hop culture. From unscrewing household electronics with a butter knife in the Bronx to inventing the Quick Mix Theory using felt, wax paper, and vinyl, Flash opens up about his journey from a curious kid to a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. They discuss his early struggles with skeptical park crowds, nearly missing out on recording the first-ever rap record, being name-checked by Blondie, overcoming addiction, and why staying humble remains his highest priority. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 04:01 Creating New DJ Techniques 07:04 The Birth of Hip Hop Records 11:54 Innovations in Record Manipulation 22:08 The Story Behind the Name Grandmaster Flash 27:01 Challenges and Opportunities in Music Industry 33:12 Making the First Hip Hop Record 37:00 Legacy, Blessings, and Future Vision Connect with Grandmaster Flash: Instagram: www.instagram.com/djflash4eva Facebook: www.facebook.com/grandmasterflashofficial TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@djflash4eva X (Twitter): www.x.com/DJFlash4eva YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/djgrandmasterflash Website: www.grandmasterflash.com — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: What was your biggest takeaway from Grandmaster Flash’s message on curiosity, perseverance, and staying grounded through success? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! 👍 LIKE this video if you respect the legends who paved the way. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for unfiltered conversations with cultural icons, political leaders, and visionaries. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #GrandmasterFlash #HipHopHistory #QuickMixTheory

  • Grandmaster Flash: The Untold Stories Behind the Birth of Hip-Hop

    Oct 20, 2026

    Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash joins Frank Ski for a conversation about the curiosity, creativity, and groundbreaking techniques that helped shape an entire culture. From taking apart electronics as a child to experimenting with turntables in the Bronx, Grandmaster Flash shares how his fascination with sound led him to develop techniques that would forever change DJing. He takes Frank behind the scenes of hip-hop's early days, recalling the first crowds who didn't quite understand what he was doing, the origins of his legendary name, and the opportunities that helped bring hip-hop from neighborhood parties to the world stage. The two also revisit unforgettable moments involving Blondie, the early days of hip-hop recordings, and the making of The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel. But beyond the music, Grandmaster Flash opens up about faith, personal struggles, humility, and what he hopes to leave behind for future generations. It's a rare look at the man behind the turntables and the innovation that helped change music forever. Connect with Grandmaster Flash: Instagram: www.instagram.com/djflash4eva Facebook: www.facebook.com/grandmasterflashofficial TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@djflash4eva X (Twitter): www.x.com/DJFlash4eva YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/djgrandmasterflash Website: www.grandmasterflash.com Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: www.instagram.com/frankski TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com

  • Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens Reveals What It Takes to Lead

    Oct 16, 2026

    What if true leadership means staying rooted in your community, honoring your mother's discipline, and building the future of a world-class city with both heart and purpose? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Ski sits down with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on what it truly takes to lead one of the most influential cities in the world. Mayor Dickens opens up about his journey from a working-class Southwest Atlanta neighborhood to the mayor's office, sharing how his early childhood dream at age 16 and pivotal lessons at Georgia Tech prepared him to shape Atlanta's future. They discuss managing the world's busiest airport, preparing for major global events like the World Cup, the power of community traditions like the annual Senior Ball, and how balancing a sharp business mindset with genuine empathy drives real results for the city. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 09:20 First Books And Early Curiosity 19:47 College Experience At Georgia Tech And Overcoming Intimidation 25:15 Transition From Engineering To Community Leadership 29:26 Lessons From Sports And Overcoming Setbacks 33:07 Being A Girl Dad And Family Values 39:22 The Complexity And Significance Of Atlanta’s Leadership 42:24 Future Aspirations And Leadership Legacy 44:47 The Evolving Leadership Landscape In Atlanta Connect with Mayor Andre Dickens: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreforatlanta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreforatlanta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreforatlanta/ X: https://x.com/andreforatlanta Website: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/meet-the-mayor — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: What was your biggest takeaway from Mayor Andre Dickens’ message on discipline, mentorship, and serving your community? Drop a comment below; I’m reading them. 👍 LIKE this episode if you believe leaders should stay grounded, lead with integrity, and deliver real results for their cities. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for powerful conversations, life-changing wisdom, and real stories from leaders across culture, politics, and wellness. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #MayorAndreDickens #Atlanta #PublicService #Leadership

  • Beyond City Hall: Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens on Leadership, Community & the Future of Atlanta

    Oct 13, 2026

    Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joins Frank Ski for a conversation about leadership, public service, and the city they both call home. A lifelong Atlantan, Mayor Dickens has built his career around serving the community where he grew up. From his years on Atlanta City Council to leading the city as its 61st mayor, his work has centered on public safety, housing, economic opportunity, and the challenges that come with leading a growing city. The conversation offers an opportunity to look beyond the title of mayor and explore the experiences, responsibilities, and vision shaping his leadership as Atlanta enters its next chapter. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: www.instagram.com/frankski TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com Connect with Mayor Andre Dickens: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreforatlanta Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andreforatlanta LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreforatlanta/ X: https://x.com/andreforatlanta Website: https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/mayor-s-office/meet-the-mayor

  • Senator Jon Ossoff On Abuse Of Power, Civil Rights & The 2026 Midterm Election

    Oct 1, 2026

    What if true public service means standing up against the abuse of power, staying grounded in family, and delivering results for every single citizen regardless of politics? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Ski sits down with U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the real-life demands of balancing family with public service, his roots under the mentorship of Civil Rights icon John Lewis, and his relentless fight against official corruption and corporate abuse. Senator Ossoff opens up about his journey from investigative journalism to the U.S. Senate floor, exposing systemic corruption in foster care, healthcare, and prisons. They discuss the urgency of the upcoming 2026 midterm elections, why despair is a luxury citizens cannot afford, and how delivering resources: from expanding dialysis clinics to securing funding for Georgia's HBCUs: remains his highest priority. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 04:10 Who is Jon Ossoff? 07:07 Early Life and Civil Rights Inspiration 08:00 The Power of Youth and Civic Engagement 11:16 Fighting for Healthcare and Human Rights 14:45 Community Support and Red Areas of Georgia 16:45 Achievements and Investments in Georgia 18:06 The 2028 Presidential Question and Future Goals 20:05 The Urgency of Voting and Protecting Democracy Connect with Senator Jon Ossoff: Instagram: @jonossoff Facebook: @SenOssoff X: @SenOssoff YouTube: @senossoff Website: ossoff.senate.gov — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: What was your biggest takeaway from Senator Jon Ossoff’s message on public accountability, mentorship, and standing up for your community? Drop a comment below; I’m reading them. 👍 LIKE this episode if you believe leaders should focus on accountability, integrity, and delivering results for the people. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for powerful conversations, life-changing wisdom, and real stories from leaders across culture, politics, and wellness. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #JonOssoff #Georgia #PublicService #CivilRights

  • Beyond Washington: Senator Jon Ossoff on Family, Service & Fighting for Georgia

    Sep 30, 2026

    U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff joins Frank Ski for a wide-ranging conversation about the experiences that shaped him, the responsibility of public service, and the issues he is focused on as he seeks reelection in Georgia. Away from Washington, Ossoff is a husband and father of two young daughters who still calls Atlanta home. He opens up about the challenge of balancing public service with family life, the influence of growing up in Georgia, and the profound impact Congressman John Lewis had on his understanding of leadership and service. Frank and Senator Ossoff also discuss his background in investigative journalism, his work investigating abuses of power, healthcare, protecting children, Georgia communities that have historically lacked resources, and his approach to representing people across the state regardless of their politics. The conversation turns to the 2026 election, the political climate in Washington, and the stakes Ossoff sees in the upcoming midterms. Frank also asks the question Ossoff continues to hear about his future: Would he ever run for president? It’s a conversation that goes beyond the headlines and into the person, experiences, and priorities behind one of Georgia’s U.S. senators. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: www.instagram.com/frankski TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com Connect with Senator Jon Ossoff: Instagram: @jonossoff Facebook: @SenOssoff X: @SenOssoff YouTube: @senossoff Website: ossoff.senate.gov

  • Comedy, Loss, & Choosing Your Own Path: How Bill Bellamy Built a Legacy Beyond Corporate Limits

    Sep 23, 2026

    What if rejecting corporate security and betting on your true calling is the ultimate path to personal fulfillment? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, iconic comedian, actor, and former MTV VJ Bill Bellamy sits down with long-time friend Frank Ski for an unfiltered conversation on career shifts, personal loss, and resilience. Bill reveals why he walked away from a corporate management track to pursue stand-up comedy, how he navigated rapid fame during the 90s, and the profound wisdom he learned while coping with grief, fatherhood, and 25 years of marriage. They also dive into the importance of emotional healing and mental health for Black men. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:08 Growing Up in Newark and Family Dynamics 04:06 College Years and Discovering Comedy 09:13 Betting on Himself and Leaving the Corporate World 15:07 Faith, Timing, and God's Plan 18:05 Personal Loss, Resilience, and Emotional Growth 20:54 Meeting His Wife and Building a Family 26:59 Lessons on Authenticity and Staying Humble 30:04 Reflections on Success and Legacy Connect with Bill Bellamy: Instagram: www.instagram.com/billbellamy Facebook: www.facebook.com/billbellamyvip — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: What was your biggest takeaway from Bill Bellamy’s journey from Newark to corporate crossroad choices, comedy stardom, and deep family life? Drop a comment below; I’m reading them. 👍 LIKE this episode if you believe authentic storytelling, emotional resilience, and staying grounded in family are essential for life’s journey. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for powerful conversations, life-changing wisdom, and real stories from leaders across culture, entertainment, and wellness. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #BillBellamy #StandUpComedy #MTV #BlackExcellence #PublicService

  • Betting on Yourself: Bill Bellamy on Success, Family & the Road That Made Him

    Sep 22, 2026

    Bill Bellamy has spent decades making people laugh, but there’s a lot more behind the comedian, actor, host, and cultural icon people have come to know. Bill sits down with longtime friend Frank Ski for a conversation that goes all the way back to growing up in Newark, becoming the first in his family to attend college, and reaching a crossroads between the security of a corporate career and taking a chance on comedy. He shares why he ultimately decided to bet on himself and how that decision opened the door to a career that would take him from stand-up to MTV, movies, and unforgettable moments with some of the biggest names in entertainment. The two revisit stories from their early careers, Bill’s experiences with Michael Jackson and Tupac, and the moments when being in the right place at the right time changed everything. But the conversation goes well beyond career success. Bill opens up about marriage, fatherhood, therapy, losing people he loves, and learning that strength doesn’t mean ignoring pain. Through plenty of laughs and some unexpectedly emotional moments, Frank and Bill reflect on what it means to still be here after decades in the industry, why success means more when you have people to share it with, and the importance of appreciating the life you’ve built while you’re still living it. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: www.instagram.com/frankski TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com Connect with Bill Bellamy: Instagram: www.instagram.com/billbellamy Facebook: www.facebook.com/billbellamyvip

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms on Father’s Legacy, Adoption & Her Plan for Georgia

    Sep 16, 2026

    What if stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing family, faith, and public service is the ultimate path to community transformation? Keisha Lance Bottoms spent years serving as Mayor of Atlanta and advising at the highest levels of national leadership in the White House. Now stepping into the Georgia gubernatorial race, she sits down with Frank Ski on Frankly Speaking for a deeply personal, unfiltered conversation about the defining experiences that shaped her life. From navigating her father Major Lance's incarceration as a child to building a family of six through adoption, Keisha opens up about personal tragedy, faith, and public service. Learn her vision for Georgia's future, including actionable strategies to fully fund universal pre-K, protect single-family homeownership from corporate buyers, expand Medicaid, and scale technical education statewide. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:09 Growing Up in Atlanta & Lessons from Soul Legend Major Lance 10:13 Lessons at FAMU & Choosing Law Over Journalism 18:42 The Journey to Adopting Four Children & Family Life 24:06 Stepping Out of Her Comfort Zone to Run for Georgia Governor 28:20 Action Plan: Universal Pre-K, Literacy & Education Reform 30:20 Protecting Homeownership & Cracking Down on Corporate Landlords 32:35 Fixing Healthcare: Expanding Medicaid & Reopening Rural Hospitals 38:36 Workforce Innovation: Free Technical College & Skilled Trades 46:39 Lightning Round: Favorite Foods, Travel & Personal Life Connect with Keisha Lance Bottoms: Instagram: www.instagram.com/keishabottoms Facebook: www.facebook.com/keisha.bottoms X: www.x.com/KeishaBottoms — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: What was your biggest takeaway from Keisha Lance Bottoms’s journey from Atlanta’s West End to executive leadership and public service? Drop a comment below; I’m reading them. 👍 LIKE this episode if you believe accessible healthcare, universal pre-K, and strong community leadership are essential for Georgia’s future. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for powerful conversations, life-changing wisdom, and real stories from leaders across culture, entertainment, and wellness. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #KeishaLanceBottoms #GeorgiaPolitics #Atlanta #PublicService

  • Beyond City Hall: Keisha Lance Bottoms on Family, Leadership & What Comes Next

    Sep 15, 2026

    Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms sits down with longtime friend Frank Ski for a conversation that goes beyond politics and the public figure most people know. Keisha opens up about growing up in Atlanta, the experiences that shaped her from an early age, her time at Florida A&M University, her path to law school, meeting her husband, and the journey that led them to adopt their four children. She and Frank also reflect on family, ambition, public service, and the importance of knowing who you are outside of the titles you hold. The conversation then turns to Keisha’s decision to step back into the political arena and her vision for Georgia, including education, homeownership, healthcare, workforce development, and the issues she believes families across the state are facing. It’s a personal look at the woman behind the public career, what continues to drive her, and why she believes this is the moment to get back in the fight. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: www.instagram.com/frankski TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com Connect with Keisha Lance Bottoms: Instagram: www.instagram.com/keishabottoms Facebook: www.facebook.com/keisha.bottoms X: www.x.com/KeishaBottoms

  • Mental Health & Grief: Why Shanti Das Left a Multi-Million Dollar Career

    Sep 9, 2026

    What if breaking the silence around mental health and grief is the ultimate key to personal freedom? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Ski sits down with music industry icon, author, and founder of Silence the Shame, Shanti Das. After shaping the careers of legends like Outkast, Usher, and TLC, Shanti walked away from executive leadership at the height of her career to prioritize her mental health and heal from personal tragedy. Shanti opens up about losing her father to suicide, managing physical health tolls caused by corporate stress, and navigating profound personal loss. Learn actionable strategies to manage grief, set boundaries, and support loved ones struggling with mental health challenges. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 02:08 Growing Up in Atlanta & Music Career 12:38 Leaving a Multi-Million Dollar Career 14:27 Dealing with Chronic Stress & Grief 16:52 Founding Silence the Shame 17:21 Overcoming Tragedy & Suicide Loss 22:24 30 Practical Tips for Healing 25:12 Finding Signs & Spiritual Healing 28:53 Free Mental Health & Grief Resources Connect with Shanti Das: Instagram: www.instagram.com/shantidas404 — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: What was your biggest takeaway from Shanti Das’s journey through grief and advocacy? Drop a comment below; I’m reading them. 👍 LIKE this episode if you believe mental health awareness, boundary-setting, and open conversations are essential for healing. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for powerful conversations, life-changing wisdom, and real stories from leaders across culture, entertainment, and wellness. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #ShantiDas #SilenceTheShame #MentalHealthAwareness #GriefHealing

  • Silencing the Shame: Shanti Das on Mental Health, Grief & Healing

    Sep 8, 2026

    Mental health advocate, author, and entertainment industry veteran Shanti Das joins Frank Ski for a deeply personal conversation about grief, loss, mental health, and finding a way forward. Shanti opens up about the experiences that changed the course of her life, including walking away from a successful career in the music industry and eventually turning her own struggles into a mission to help others. She and Frank share some of their most personal experiences with grief and talk about what it really looks like to keep living when the people you love are no longer here. They also discuss the work behind Silence the Shame, giving yourself permission to grieve in your own way, and why healing doesn’t mean forgetting or “getting over” a loss. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: www.instagram.com/frankski TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com Connect with Shanti Das: Instagram: www.instagram.com/shantidas404

  • Financial Literacy Secrets: How John Hope Bryant Deployed $5B+ From Compton

    Sep 4, 2026

    What if financial literacy is the ultimate civil rights issue of our era? In this episode of Frankly Speaking, host Frank Ski sits down with financial literacy pioneer, entrepreneur, and founder of Operation HOPE, John Hope Bryant. Moving past the public persona, John reveals his raw, inspiring trajectory: from growing up in South Central Compton to closing multi-million-dollar deals and building both for-profit and non-profit empires. Discover how an early encounter in Malibu changed his perspective on wealth, the critical difference between "picking a pocket" and "picking a brain," and why true freedom comes from ownership. John breaks down the exact strategies that helped him deploy over $5 billion in capital, the power of relationship capital over networking, and why "capitalism for all" is the key to closing the economic divide and building generational wealth. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 05:47 The Malibu Lesson: Wait on the Check Writer 15:50 The $121M Wire & Unstoppable Hustle 24:51 Relationship Capital vs Broke Networking 37:03 Capitalism for All: Unrigging the System 55:50 3 Steps to Build Generational Wealth Today 01:03:18 AI, Ownership & Future-Proofing Your Money Connect with John Hope Bryant: Instagram: www.instagram.com/johnhopebryant — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: I want to hear from you. What was your biggest takeaway from John Hope Bryant’s journey? Drop a comment below; I’m reading them. 👍 LIKE this episode if you believe financial literacy, ownership, and resilience are the real keys to building generational wealth. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for powerful conversations, life-changing wisdom, and real stories from leaders across business, entertainment, and culture. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. — 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #JohnHopeBryant #FinancialLiteracy #CapitalismForAll

  • Walking Away From a Law Firm Job to Go All-In on Radio

    Sep 1, 2026

    What if your biggest setback is actually the setup for your greatest success? In this debut episode of Frankly Speaking, broadcast icon Frank Ski reveals the untold story of his rise to success. Moving beyond the public persona, he details his journey from growing up in Harlem and South Florida to facing near-homelessness on the streets of Washington, D.C. Discover how an unexpected accident, navigating college without a guide, and meeting a transformative mentor altered his trajectory forever. Frank breaks down the exact moment he chose between a stable career in law and a risky leap into radio - and shares the timeless principles of resilience, grit, and vision that allowed him to turn early struggle into a thriving legacy. In this episode: 00:00 Intro 01:31 The "Marathon Man" Secret 02:50 Overcoming Homelessness in D.C. 04:52 Landing a D.C. Law Firm Job 05:15 Lessons From Mentor Mike Lubin 06:42 Law vs. Radio: The Choice 09:08 What’s Next for Frank Ski — Enjoyed this perspective? Let’s take the conversation further: 💬 FRANKLY SPEAKING: I want to hear from you. Did I go too far, or not far enough? Drop a comment below—I’m reading them. 👍 LIKE this episode if you believe that overcoming life’s hurdles, taking big risks, and trusting the right mentors are the true keys to success. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE to join the Frank Ski family for powerful conversations, life-changing wisdom, and real stories from leaders across business, entertainment, and culture. — 🔥 Special Launch Offer: Join our Patreon today for just $4.99/month! Do not just sign up for yourself, think about sharing or gifting a subscription to your mom, dad, a college student, or a friend who needs a positive uplift every morning. 👉 Join Our Patreon Now: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm 📱 FOLLOW FOR THE RAW CUTS: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankski/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@frankski Website: www.frankski.com #FranklySpeaking #FrankSki #Mentorship #SuccessStory #RadioLegend

  • Ownership, Wealth & Capitalism for All with John Hope Bryant

    Sep 1, 2026

    John Hope Bryant joins Frank Ski for a wide-ranging conversation about money, ownership, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to build lasting wealth. From growing up without financial capital to creating businesses, building relationship capital, and eventually closing deals worth millions, John shares the mindset and lessons that shaped his path. He talks about why ownership matters, why financial literacy is one of the most important issues of our time, and why simply earning money is not the same as building wealth. Frank and John also get into mentorship, publishing rights, entrepreneurship, the difference between networking and genuine relationships, and why so many people are participating in industries without owning a piece of them. John breaks down the thinking behind his book Capitalism for All and explains why he believes more people need to understand how money, markets, credit, real estate, business, and opportunity actually work. It’s a candid conversation about hustle, discipline, relationships, financial independence, and learning how to stop thinking only like a consumer and start thinking like an owner. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. — 🔥 Get Your Daily Inspirational Vitamin! For over 25 years, you’ve listened to the Inspirational Vitamin on the radio—now you can get it delivered straight to you every single day! Join our Patreon community for just $4.99/month to receive daily encouragement, uplifting audio messages, and practical wisdom in your inbox or app every morning at 6:00 AM before your day starts. Subscribe today, or gift an Inspirational Vitamin membership to a family member, college student, or friend who needs a positive uplift each morning! 👉 Subscribe to the Inspirational Vitamin on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4wBF4lm Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin™ is a trademark of Frank Ski. All rights reserved. Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/frankski⁠ TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@franksk Website: ⁠www.frankski.com⁠ Connect with John Hope Bryant: Instagram: www.instagram.com/johnhopebryant

  • The Road That Made Frank Ski

    Sep 1, 2026

    There’s a lot people know about Frank Ski. They know the voice, the radio career, the interviews, and the personality. But the road that made him who he is today started long before he ever stepped behind a microphone. Frank takes it back to his early years in Harlem and South Florida, the unexpected move to Washington, D.C., and a period of his life when he was trying to figure out what came next. He opens up about nearly becoming homeless, his early ambitions in the legal world, the mentor who changed the way he thought about his future, and the decision that ultimately put him on the path to radio and entertainment. It’s a side of Frank Ski you may not have heard before, along with a look at what’s ahead as he brings his perspective, curiosity, and decades of experience to Frankly Speaking. Join the Frank Ski Family Follow Frankly Speaking for more unfiltered conversations, cultural commentary, and the truth without the sugarcoating. Get Your Daily Inspiration Start your morning with Frank Ski’s Inspirational Vitamin, delivered directly to your inbox every day. Join Frank’s Patreon to receive your daily Inspirational Vitamin: ⁠www.patreon.com/FrankSki⁠ Connect with Frank Ski: Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/frankski⁠ TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@frankski⁠ Website: ⁠www.frankski.com⁠

  • Official Trailer: Frankly Speaking Podcast with Frank Ski

    Aug 25, 2026

    Radio legend and Hall of Famer Frank Ski is officially stepping behind the podcast mic for Frankly Speaking. You’ve asked when it was coming, and the answer is right now. Frank is sitting down with the most compelling figures across entertainment, business, philanthropy, and social media to draw out the stories nobody else can get them to tell. Subscribe today, join the Frank Ski Family, and get ready for top-tier content. Tell a friend—Frank is Frankly Speaking. • Get Your Daily Inspiration: Start your morning right! Join Frank's Patreon to get his Inspirational Vitamin delivered directly to your inbox every single day: patreon.com/FrankSki • Official Website: frankski.com • YouTube: Subscribe at youtube.com/@frankskiv103 • Instagram: instagram.com/frankski • TikTok: tiktok.com/@frankski