The Check-In with Black Menswear

In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with actor Marcel Spears for a thoughtful conversation about longevity, growth, and what comes next after eight successful seasons on The Neighborhood.Marcel reflects on the journey from his early days in New Orleans to becoming a series regular on one of television’s most consistent sitcoms. He opens up about the lessons he’s learned over nearly a decade on the show, the mentors who helped guide him, and how fatherhood has shifted his perspective on life and success. Together they dive into: What it’s really like to work on a hit sitcom for eight seasons How Marcel grew as an actor and person during the show The impact of mentorship from Cedric the Entertainer Why strong Black family representation on TV matters How becoming a father reshaped his priorities Navigating Hollywood when the next opportunity isn’t guaranteed Learning to trust God and the process during career transitions If you’ve ever wondered what happens after success in Hollywood, Marcel’s story shows how growth, humility, and faith can guide the next chapter.📌 Share this with someone chasing their dreams in entertainment or beyond.👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people.Follow Marcel Spears:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrmarcelspearsFollow Black Menswear:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: https://facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: https://blackmenswear.com#MarcelSpears #TheNeighborhood #BlackMenswear #SitcomActors #Hollywood #BlackStories #Fatherhood #BuiltDifferent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with actor, entertainer, and Detroit native Mike Merrill for a deeply honest conversation about perseverance, vulnerability, purpose, and what it really means to keep going when life gets heavy. Mike opens up about the quote that guides him now — “lead with love and dim your light for no one” — and shares how years of trying to be accepted taught him the cost of shrinking himself. From navigating Hollywood, learning to embrace his range as an actor, and processing painful roles, to speaking candidly about recent personal struggles, Mike offers a raw and powerful reminder that strength is not the absence of emotion. Together they dive into: Why Mike stopped dimming his light just to make other people comfortable How growing up shaped the way he learned to move through the world The truth about acting, discipline, and building a character from real life What certain roles unlocked for him emotionally Why “what’s for me won’t pass me” keeps him grounded through rejection The mental and spiritual weight of pursuing a dream in Hollywood What love, support, and brotherhood mean to him as a Black man Why vulnerability is necessary, not weakness How finding your tribe can keep you going when life gets hard If you’ve been feeling discouraged, questioning your path, or trying to hold it all together in silence, this episode is a reminder that you are still worthy — even in the middle of the struggle. 📌 Share this with someone who needs the reminder to keep going and not dim their light.👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Follow Mike Merrill: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mikemerrill_ Follow Black Menswear: Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: blackmenswear.com #MikeMerrill #BlackMenswear #Vulnerability #BlackMen #ActingJourney #Brotherhood #Love #Purpose #BuiltDifferent #Hollywood Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with creative visionary, global beauty leader, and industry trailblazer Sir John for an honest conversation about courage, reinvention, identity, and what it really takes to build a legacy in spaces that were never designed for you.Sir John reflects on the quote that grounds him — “A lull will teach you how to win if you’re humble enough to learn from it” — and shares how setbacks, uncertainty, and starting over became part of the foundation for the life he built. From getting fired at MAC to doing makeup in a strip club in Queens, from being sent to Milan with money raised by the women around him to building career-defining relationships with icons like Naomi Campbell and Beyoncé, this conversation is a masterclass in trusting your instincts and refusing to shrink.Together they dive into: How Sir John’s journey from Buffalo to Harlem shaped his vision and voice Why learning from the “lulls” matters just as much as celebrating the wins The story behind how women at the strip club helped fund his trip to Milan What it felt like to work with Naomi Campbell and later Beyoncé Why knowing your value changes how you negotiate, lead, and create The difference between translating and assimilating in professional spaces How Black creatives can advocate for themselves without shrinking Why community, courage, and clarity are essential for longevity What Sir John is building now beyond makeup and beauty trends If you’ve ever felt called to something bigger, questioned your path, or needed a reminder that your story doesn’t have to look traditional to be powerful, this episode is proof that alignment, resilience, and self-belief can take you further than approval ever will. 📌 Share this with someone who needs the reminder to trust their instincts and keep going. 👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Follow Sir John:Instagram: instagram.com/sirjohnFollow Black Menswear:Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: blackmenswear.com #SirJohn #BlackMenswear #Beyonce #BeautyIndustry #CreativeLeadership #Authenticity #BuiltDifferent #BlackCreatives #KnowYourWorth #Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host NeAndre Broussard sits down with Emmy-nominated host, fashion entrepreneur, and cultural voice Nina Parker for an honest conversation about authenticity, resilience, and building a career that lasts—on your terms. Nina reflects on the quote she returns to again and again—“rejection is God’s way of protection”—and shares how it’s helped her navigate the yeses and nos of LA, the entertainment industry, and entrepreneurship. From taking the leap to move to Los Angeles with no job, to finding her lane in TV, to launching a fashion brand rooted in representation, Nina breaks down what it really means to bet on yourself and stay grounded through the highs and lows. Together they dive into: Why “rejection is God’s protection” still guides her in career, relationships, and purpose What it took to leave comfort behind and move to LA with only a plan and a prayer How being authentic used to be “frowned upon” and what’s changed in today’s media landscape The difference between being yourself and learning how to “translate” without shrinking How getting fired and contracts ending became redirection, not defeat Why she created Nina Parker Collection and the gap it was built to solve Defining success as peace—and protecting your joy while you build If you’ve been feeling stuck, discouraged by rejection, or unsure whether your path is still valid because it doesn’t look linear, this episode is your reminder that doors closing can be divine protection—and your next chapter may be bigger than what you planned. 📌 Share this with someone who needs the reminder that purpose can grow out of disappointment. 👍🏾 Like, ✍🏾 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more conversations that pour back into our people. Follow Nina Parker: Instagram: instagram.com/theninaparker Follow Black Menswear: Instagram: instagram.com/blackmenswear X / Twitter: x.com/blackmenswear Facebook: facebook.com/BlackMenswear Website: blackmenswear.com #NinaParker #BlackMenswear #TheCheckIn #Authenticity #Faith #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #CareerJourney #BuiltDifferent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to build a brand that lasts for decades? Fashion icon Karl Kani shares the real story behind becoming known as the Godfather of Streetwear and how authenticity, culture, and consistency built a global movement.In conversation with host NeAndre Broussard, founder and CEO of Black Menswear, Karl reflects on defining moments that shaped his career — from early hustle in Brooklyn to seeing his designs worn by some of hip-hop’s biggest legends.Highlights from the episode include: The moment Karl realized fashion could change his life Creating opportunity when none existed for Black designers Hip-hop marketing before social media The importance of relationships in fashion and business Lessons learned from decades in the industry Advice for the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs This episode is a blueprint for creatives looking to turn vision into legacy.👍🏾 Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that inspire growth and community.Stay connected with Karl Kani:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlkaniFollow Black Menswear:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenswearX / Twitter: https://x.com/blackmenswearFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackMenswearWebsite: https://blackmenswear.com#KarlKani #BlackMenswear #StreetwearLegend #FashionEntrepreneur #HipHopFashion #LegacyBuilding Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices