Explore every episode of the podcast Black Land Podcast

Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with world-renowned cardiologist Professor Dr. Ernst von Schwarz  about extending human life expectancy through science and technology, and the social implications of longevity.

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This episode focuses on the aftermath of gun violence and how it impacts Black communities. It features Dr. Vanessa Tyler's conversation with Wesley Hamilton, a gunshot survivor who became paralyzed from the waist down. Despite his injuries, Wesley was able to turn his life around and start an organization called " Disabled But Not Really " to help others with disabilities. The episode shines a light on the ripple effects of gun violence in Black communities and the resilience of survivors like Wesley.

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Host Vanessa Tyler takes a look at violence against Black women and the recent rise in missing Black women cases. Vanessa speaks with Natalie Wilson - Co-founder and COO of the Black And Missing Foundation Inc (BAMFI) about how they are helping to rectify the racial disparities in media coverage when it comes to missing Black people in America.

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Today's episode focuses on the booming interest in true crime, especially cases involving missing or murdered African Americans. It covers the annual CrimeCon convention and highlights efforts by the Black and Missing Foundation to bring more attention to missing blacks. 

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Host Vanessa Tyler discusses the impact and the evolution of A.I. on the Black Community.  

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with Lionel Ray Williams and filmmaker Letitia McIntosh about the circumstances surrounding Lionel's conviction for the murder of actor Sal Mineo in 1979. Letitia has produced a documentary, "Unseen Innocence", exploring reports of false accusations and misconduct during the investigation in the hopes of erasing the stigma surrounding Lionel's name and reputation.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler speaks with survivor Lakeisha Walker about her harrowing experience as a victim of human sex trafficking. Lakeisha shares her story in vivid detail, reliving the nightmare that started when she was just 18 years old. Today, Lakeisha is founder and CEO of Honorable Women Inc., an organization that fights for the rights of human sex trafficking victims. She is also an author and motivational speaker.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler revisits the death of Emmett Till on what would have been his 84th birthday. Emmett Till was a 14 year old boy visiting Mississippi from Chicago in 1955 when he was abducted and brutally murdered by a gang of white men because he whistled at a white lady. Museums in Mississippi commemorate this pivotal point in American history and the Civil Rights Movement with a new display of the gun that killed young Emmett.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler discusses the growing trend of Black Americans emigrating to Africa. She speaks with people who have moved to Ghana and are helping to build infrastructure and support outreach to Black Americans here at home. They discuss Ghana's Cultural Oneness Festival, an annual festival that helps to promote cultural awareness and unity through traditions, art and music.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with Iva Wilson, founder of Ginger Noir: The Black Redhead Project. Iva says some of the project goals include educating people about the science behind Black people with red hair, increase awareness and community of Black people with red hair and to provide a platform for people to share stories and celebrate this unique trait.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler examines the details surrounding the police shooting of 18-year old college student Jabari Peoples in Alabama. Despite the opinion of police officials, family and attorney Ben Crump claims that "this is not an open and shut case". This episode reviews the discrepancies with body cam footage and witness testimonies.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with Jilea Hemmings, co-owner and creator of Nourish + Bloom Markets. Using the latest A.I.  technology and community investment strategies, Jiliea and her husband Jamie are opening innovative grocery markets across the country. Jilea talks about their experience on the reality show Shark Tank, and their journey to success.  

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler takes us inside the case of William McNeil Jr., the 22-year old HBCU student who was pulled from his car and beaten by Florida police officers. Hear accounts from William himself, and the attorneys who represent him, as they detail the events that unfolded during the routine traffic stop that escalated into violence.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler takes us inside the tragedy of the Sapelo Island Gangway accident.  Hear firsthand accounts from survivors of the collapsed gangway at the Marsh Landing Dock on Sapelo Island. It was supposed to be a day of celebration, commemorating Sapelo Island's Gullah-Geechee community made up of descendants of Black slaves. Instead, it was a day of disaster and survival.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler travels to Tybee Island near Savannah Georgia to soak up the sun and knowledge surrounding this historical island haven. Led by historian and tour guide Dr. Amir Jamal Toure, Dr. Tyler gets a crash course in the history, mythology and culture of the island. 

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks to producer and tech founder Isaac Hayes III about Fanbase, the first Black-owned social media platform.  Fanbase positions itself as an alternative to traditional social media platforms as it focuses on diversity, social engagement and content monetization for Black creators.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has an in-depth conversation with one of Smokey Robinson's best friends, legendary actor and producer Leon Isaac Kennedy.  They discuss the recent allegations of assault, rape and abuse brought against the iconic singer and his wife. Leon is quick to defend his friend and offers his unique insight into the case.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler chats with legendary entertainer Dionne Warwick about her career and her legacy.  Dionne is appearing at The Apollo Theater in Harlem on June 27, 2025 for a one night only event that features storytelling, anecdotes, and a live performance. Titled "Dionne Warwick: Don't Make Me Over", this will be her first time at the Apollo in 60 years.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler delves into the tragic story of Qaadir and Naazir Lewis, twin teenagers whose deaths were ruled as a murder-suicide. Friends, family and Georgia community leaders see major flaws in the case and are calling for an independent investigation. In this episode of Black Land, hear the suspicious details surrounding the death of these 19 year old twins and hear from family members who are still fighting for justice.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has an exclusive interview with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Dwight Eubanks regarding his recent prostate cancer diagnosis. Dwight takes us through his discovery process and why he has chosen to become a vocal advocate for cancer screening and testing, especially for those in the African American community.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with entrepreneur and advocate Faith Oluwadare who shares her experiences as a Black business woman in America. Her portfolio includes Owner of an upscale restuarant in New Jersey (House 157), and founder of A Mother's Road To Zion - a non-profit organization for women with a difficult past, working towards a better future.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler recounts the horrific case of Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz, a West Virginia couple sentenced to prison for child abuse, trafficking and forced labor of their adopted Black children. 

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a one-on-one with Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey about the state of our democracy.  They have an honest conversation about the good and the bad regarding the Democratic party, his record-breaking 25-hour speech on the senate floor, and how a resistance to the Trump administration is fueling the future of the party and the country.

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During a tour stop in Newark, NJ, Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with participants of The State of the People POWER Tour- a movement that unites community leaders, activists, influencers and the public to help strengthen Black communities nationwide. The Tour is traveling to Black communities throughout the country spotlighting local leadership, and helping to shape a national Black agenda, leading up to Juneteenth 2025. 

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler accepts and invitation to Wall Street.  Dr. Lisa Wicker, founder and CEO of Career Mastered Women's Network, organized an exclusive group of professional women to visit the New Your Stock Exchange. Here they discuss the importance of networking, empowerment, diversity and the history of women on Wall St.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler speaks with Wanda Bertram, Communications Strategist for the Prison Policy Initiative, an independent research and advocacy organization that studies criminal justice reform and mass incarceration. Wanda shares data and insights that her organization offers to other advocacy groups and elected officials who are on the front lines fighting over-criminalization and gerrymandering.

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As part of the Black Information Network's 'Black Maternal Health' awareness campaign, Dr. Vanessa Tyler shares the story of Jose Perez & Christine Fields. In 2023, Jose's fiancée Christine died while giving birth to their son, Anuel, during emergency C-section surgery. Jose talks about the difficulties he experienced and witnessed while trying to advocate for Christine's care, including racism and alleged negligence. These are just some of the disparities that pregnant Black women routinely face, leading to a maternal mortality rate 9 times greater than other women.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with Joshua Fekete who lives with his family in a foreign country.  Joshua shares his remarkable and terrifying story about surviving a heart attack, a deadly earthquake and financial hardship while living in Thailand. Joshua details his ordeal of having to pay unexpected medical bills while in a foreign country, with no help from his American insurance provider or the U.S. Embassy. The family had to resort to a GoFundMe campaign to help cover their medical costs and to be able to return home to Georgia.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with Robin Proudie, Founder and Executive Director of the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE). Through the discovery of tireless research and documentation, the DSLUE seeks to enlighten people about Saint Louis University and the Jesuits' ties to the institution of slavery in the 1800's.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with restaurateur partners  Nigel Douglas and Shauna Neely of Douglas Neely Hospitality Group (DNHG). Together they are owners of the first and only Black-owned caviar brand in the Tri-State area. They also manage several restaurants including Caviar in Edgewater, NJ. They discuss how caviar is one of the biggest trends happening in the culinary scene currently, and how DNHG are bringing caviar to the culture by creating a unique and elevated dining experience.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler has an enlightening conversation with James Howard, inventor and executive director of the Black Inventors Hall Of Fame Museum and STEAM Center. The project will be a 110,000 sq ft. facility in New Jersey that includes tuition-free STEM classrooms, a theater and a hall dedicated to top Black inventors of the Golden Era. James discuss the importance of representation and the value of preserving untold stories of inventors of color, especially in underserved communities. 

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks to author and educator Kimberly Jones about her book, 'Wealthy Blacks Before the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863'. The book helps dispel the myth that Black wealth did not exist in the days of slavery. Kimberly Jones shares information on wealthy business people of color in the 1800's and how they struggled and thrived during that period. The book also examines why many of these stories are relatively unknown and how it relates to the supression of Black History.

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During this Women's History Month, Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with entrepreneur, TV personality, chef and author Gocha Hawkins. Gocha opens up about overcoming her challenging past and what motivated her to create her own businesses. Through her Gocha Restarant Group she owns breakfast and brunch eateries focused on health concious dining, and a line of food merchandise.  She also has a cookbook, called 'Cooking With Gocha' that features creative breakfast and brunch recipes.

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Host Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with investigative reporter Marjaan Sirdar about his examination into Target's DEI rollback. Marjaan uncovered an even deeper plol that involves Target and it's unfortunate connection to Minneapolis law enforcement. Part 2 of 2

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Host Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with investigative reporter Marjaan Sirdar about his examination into Target's DEI rollback. Marjaan uncovered an even deeper plol that involves Target and it's unfortunate connection to Minneapolis law enforcement.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler continues her conversation with the president of the ACLU and Associate Dean at New York Universtiy School of Law Deborah Archer. Deborah provides insight into how the ACLU and others are fighting against the apparent destruction of our democracy and the dismantling of our civil liberties and equality infrastructure. She discusses past successes through litigation and how they continue to use the law to combat executive orders and mandates that threaten our community. Deborah has also written a book titled "Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality" that details the role race has played in the U.S. transportation infrastructure over the years. Through city planning, highway building and property evaluations, city officials have used these tools to suppress Black communities and restrict economic growth.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with the president of the ACLU and associate dean at New York Universtiy School of Law Deborah Archer. Deborah has written a book titled "Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality" that details the role race has played in the U.S. transportation infrastructure over the years. After the success of the Civil Rights movement, officials turned to less obvious means to keep Americans divided. Through city planning, highway building and property evaluations, city officials used these tools to suppress Black communities and restrict economic growth.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with Karen Taylor, founder and Executive Director of 'While We Are Still Here', an organization dedicated to preserving the history of Harlem, NY. The group has an initiative called the 'Signs Of The Times: Harlem Markers Project' where they are installing historic markers around the city to honor events, people and organizations vital to the city of Harlem. Future plans include developing a tourist app, where people can walk the city and the app will show the historical significance of each marker.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks with 'The Principal Farmer' Patrick Muhammad, owner of Your Faith Farms in Georgia. Patrick is an advocate of Black land ownership and farm life, having run his 31 - acre farm since 2014. He is also the principal of Chattahoochee Hills Charter School where its mission is 'to inspire children to the highest levels of academic achievement through a curriculum that integrates the wonders of the natural world'. Patrick Muhammad advocates for "the re-generation of farming" - where older and younger generations connect through agriculture.

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Dr. Tyler speaks to entrepreneurs Krystle Allen and Naquela Wright-Prevo, who are both blind, and Lisa Durden who is producing a documentary feature about these two amazing women. Krystle and Naquela share their stories about how medical malpractice led to their unique blindness issues, and how both have thrived in their family lives and careers. Lisa Durden tells us how her fascination with these two women led to a documentary called 'Blind Divas', currently in production.

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Dr. Tyler speaks to entrepreneurs Krystle Allen and Naquela Wright-Prevo, who are both blind, and Lisa Durden who is producing a documentary feature about these two amazing women. Krystle and Naquela share their stories about how medical malpractice led to their unique blindness issues, and how both have thrived in their family lives and careers. Lisa Durden tells us how her fascination with these two women led to a documentary called 'Blind Divas', currently in production.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks to victims of the recent Eaton Canyon wildfires in Altadena, California - one of a series of massive wildfires that struck Southern Califonia in January 2025. Recalling the loss of loved ones, homes and livelihood - hear firsthand accounts of stories of survival and grief as they re-live this horrific event. Part 2 of 2

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler talks to victims of the recent Eaton Canyon wildfires in Altadena, California - one of a series of massive wildfires that struck Southern Califonia in January 2025. Recalling the loss of loved ones, homes and livelihood - hear firsthand accounts of stories of survival and grief as they re-live this horrific event.  Part 1 of 2

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler interviews Davis Moturi, a Minnesota man allegedly shot by his neighbor over a tree in the yard. Davis tells us about how his neighbor terrorized his commnunity for months prior to the shooting, and how local police refused to get involved. After the shooting incident, it took 5 days for the police to finally arrest the alleged shooter, after repeatedly refusing to investigate the incident.

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler discusses the affordable living crisis in America and how some people have opted to live in extended stay hotels to help mitigate their circumstances. Ramel Lee, founder and managing partner of RD Lee Capital Partners LLC has found a way for investors big and small to fund these hotels using a Black-owned crowdfunding platform, while making sure there are extended stay properties that remain affordable during America's housing crisis.

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Empowering Kelaia: A Path To Healing (gofundme)

Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with Ty Turner, mother of 14 year old Kelaia Turner. When Kelaia was 12 years old she was a victim of verbal and physical bullying by her South Carolina classmates for over a year. Eventually, Kelaia attempted suicide by hanging herself in 2023. Kelaia now suffers from permanent brain damage and requires round-the-clock care. Ty Turner tells us about her fight to provide care and justice for her daughter and she shares insight into Kelaia's spirit. 

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Empowering Kelaia: A Path To Healing (gofundme)

Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with Ty Turner, mother of 14 year old Kelaia Turner. When Kelaia was 12 years old she was a victim of verbal and physical bullying by her South Carolina classmates for over a year. Eventually, Kelaia attempted suicide by hanging herself in 2023. Kelaia now suffers from permanent brain damage and requires round-the-clock care. Ty Turner tells us about her fight to provide care and justice for her daughter and she shares insight into Kelaia's spirit. 

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Empowering Kelaia: A Path To Healing (gofundme)

Dr. Vanessa Tyler has a conversation with Ty Turner, mother of 14 year old Kelaia Turner. When Kelaia was 12 years old she was a victim of verbal and physical bullying by her South Carolina classmates for over a year. Eventually, Kelaia attempted suicide by hanging herself in 2023. Kelaia now suffers from permanent brain damage and requires round-the-clock care. Ty Turner tells us about her fight to provide care and justice for her daughter and she shares insight into Kelaia's spirit. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Vanessa Tyler speaks with Alena Analeigh McQuarter, who, at age 13 became the youngest Black person to be accepted into medical school in the U.S. Now at age 15, she is pursuing her PhD in Integrated Biological Sciences at Loma Linda University Medical School in California. She is also the creator of "The Brown STEM Girl" foundation to engage girls of color in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

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Dr. Vanessa Tyler speaks with Alena Analeigh McQuarter, who, at age 13 became the youngest Black person to be accepted into medical school in the U.S. Now at age 15, she is pursuing her PhD in Integrated Biological Sciences at Loma Linda University Medical School in California. She is also the creator of "The Brown STEM Girl" foundation to engage girls of color in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.