Explore every episode of the podcast Bonnerfide Conversations with Gerard Bonner

n this year-end reflection episode, I close out 2025 with a hard truth most leaders never say out loud: waiting on permission quietly delays your future. This conversation is about what shifts when you stop looking for cosigners, approvals, and validation—and start moving based on conviction, clarity, and earned confidence.

I unpack why flexibility, freedom, and favor defined my year, how pain can’t be minimized just because you survived it, and why many people underestimate their own credibility simply because they haven’t paused long enough to take inventory. This episode is for founders, creatives, and leaders who are done asking to be chosen and ready to pursue what’s next without explanation.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why “waiting your turn” is often self-imposed

• The real cost of needing permission to move

• How to recognize your own credibility and capacity

• Why pursuit—not patience—is the assignment for 2026

If you’re stepping into the next season with intention, this episode will help you close the year with clarity and move forward without hesitation.

What if the hardest part of your journey isn’t surviving bad—but believing good can last?

In this vulnerable episode, Gerard Bonner addresses an issue many people are never taught how to handle: receiving good after years of disappointment. From recurring dreams of failure to fear around success, Gerard unpacks how past pain can quietly sabotage present blessings.

Drawing from personal stories, scripture, and lived experience, this conversation confronts the internal voices that whisper, “It won’t last,” even when things are finally working out. It’s an invitation to identify the lie, uproot it, and make peace with progress.

If you’ve ever felt nervous when things were finally going right, this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

Most people shout “no new friends” like it’s wisdom. It’s not. It’s a trauma response that’s keeping you stuck, small, and surrounded by the same cycles you’re praying to escape.

In this episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, Gerard breaks down why your next season requires new voices, new community, and new alignment—and why holding onto outdated relationships might be the very thing blocking your blessing.

He also dives into navigating holiday grief, creating new traditions, reflecting on your year with honesty, and silencing the voices from old seasons that no longer have the right to speak into your future.

If you’ve felt the shift… if you know you’re already in a new season… this episode will meet you exactly where you are.

What happens when the “Voice of Christian Hip Hop” says what everyone else is afraid to say?

In this explosive episode, DJ Mykael V sits down with Gerard Bonner to pull the curtain back on the real tensions inside Christian Hip Hop. From gospel gatekeepers ignoring CHH, to the Dove Awards controversy, to Forrest Frank’s viral decision to skip award shows — nothing is off-limits.

Mykael V speaks candidly about:

• Why the gospel community still struggles to embrace CHH

• The industry politics behind who gets invited, awarded, or platformed

• How CHH built its own table after being shut out

• Whether Christian artists should attend award shows

• What really happened behind the scenes with Sway in the Morning and the first-ever Christian Hip Hop cypher

• The pressure to stay silent on social and political issues

• Why authenticity still costs you opportunities in Christian spaces

Gerard and Mykael V take you into the heart of the culture — its fractures, its breakthroughs, and its fight to be taken seriously.

If you care about the future of Christian Hip Hop, this is the conversation you can’t afford to skip.+

Episode 18 — The Rhythm of Faith:DJ Mykael V on Passion, Purpose & the Power of Community

In this episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, Gerard sits down with chart-topping DJ, creative powerhouse, and Indie Tribe member DJ Mykael V — one of the most influential voices shaping Christian hip hop today.

From DJing high school parties to spinning in packed arenas with Dude Perfect, Mike shares the real story behind his journey: the calling that pulled him into faith-driven spaces, the challenges of DJing under heavy church restrictions, and how he built a career entirely through word of mouth and consistency.

He opens up about:

• The difference between DJing Christian vs. mainstream events

• Vision, calling, and the moments God confirmed his path

• Breaking into major youth conferences across the country

• Life on tour with Dude Perfect

• The brotherhood and origin story of Indie Tribe

• Why pushing the culture forward matters more than being remembered

This is the first of a two-part conversation, and it’s packed with insight, humor, and heart from one of Christian music’s most unique voices.

Guest: DJ Mykael V Follow: @djmykaelv Latest Project: Don’t Sleep Too Long (with Gavin the Hot Rod)

Hosted by: Gerard “Bonnerfide” Bonner Follow on socials: @bonnerfide

In this episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, media personality and creative visionary Gerard Bonner explores what it really means to honor relationships, celebrate people while they’re alive, and release expectations that keep us stuck.

Drawing from personal experiences, Bonner reflects on how gratitude, celebration, and emotional honesty help us build stronger connections. He challenges listeners to identify who truly shows up when the applause stops and to cultivate environments that encourage growth, joy, and authenticity.

Through stories about his own journey, the legacy of Michael Jackson, and the late Kevin Lemons, Bonner delivers a timely reminder: don’t wait until people are gone to value their presence. From navigating friendship shifts to assessing the energy in your circle, this episode helps you redefine what it means to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

If you’ve ever struggled with burnout, toxic relationships, or the weight of unspoken expectations, this conversation will inspire you to pause, reflect, and reconnect to what truly matters.

• How to honor and celebrate people while they’re still here

• The power of vulnerability and gratitude

• Letting go of unhealthy expectations in relationships

• Why environment shapes your emotional and spiritual growth

• Lessons from Michael Jackson’s $3.5B posthumous legacy

• The importance of expressing love and appreciation now

Subscribe, rate, and share your favorite episode using #BonnerfideConversations.

Are you chasing validation instead of transformation? In this powerful episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, host Gerard Bonner opens up about faith, failure, and the hidden cost of chasing approval. From losing six consecutive Stellar Award nominations to rediscovering purpose through Bonnerfide Radio, Gerard shares how he learned that systems rarely celebrate what threatens them.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or undervalued, this conversation will help you stop measuring your worth by the wrong metrics and embrace your cocoon season—the space where God transforms caterpillars into butterflies.

🎙 Topics include:

• Why external validation kills creativity

• The danger of performance-based self-worth

• Faith, purpose, and redefining success in business & music

• How to pivot when your calling evolves

Somewhere between LinkedIn updates and Sunday morning affirmations, many of us forgot that character still counts. In this episode, Gerard Bonner gets real about the difference between performance and purpose — and how gratitude, integrity, and vulnerability still shape the kind of success money can’t buy.

From reflections on D’Angelo’s legacy to lessons learned from personal conversations that flipped his perspective, Gerard breaks down why leading with who you are will always outlast what you’ve done. It’s a soulful, grown-folks conversation for anyone trying to balance ambition with authenticity — and faith with real-world grind.

🎧 Listen to “Beyond the Résumé — Gerard Bonner on Character, Gratitude, and the Faith to Stay Real” Because your calling deserves more than just credentials.

The world honors mediocrity but hides its gifted ones — until they stop hiding themselves. It’s time to come out of hiding.

Most people aren’t failing — they’re hiding. Hiding their brilliance behind fear. Hiding their gifts behind the need for validation. Hiding their purpose because the world told them to stay small.

In this powerful episode of Bonafide Conversations, Gerard Bonner tears the mask off fear and identity. He shares the real stories behind why so many gifted people dim their light — and what happens the moment you decide to stop waiting for permission to shine.

This isn’t just another motivational talk — it’s a wake-up call. If you’ve ever felt unseen or under-celebrated, this episode will remind you: your name doesn’t have to be on the marquee for your purpose to matter.

In “Breaking the Lie: Gerard Bonner on Fear, Identity, and Why You’ve Been Hiding Your True Self,” host Gerard Bonner dives deep into the themes of fear, identity, and authenticity. Discover how to:

• Overcome fear and imposter syndrome

• Embrace your true identity and hidden gifts

• Stop seeking validation and start walking in purpose

• Build confidence through authenticity and faith

Tune in to Bonafide Conversations Season 2, where Gerard Bonner explores the truth about personal growth, creative purpose, and the courage to be seen.

Season 2 begins with a breakthrough.

What if the biggest lie you’ve ever believed… was that you weren’t enough?

In this powerful season opener, Gerard Bonner returns with honesty, heart, and a message we all need to hear: it’s time to stop shrinking. He unpacks the hidden stories that kept him small — from false humility to self-doubt — and reveals what happens when you finally embrace your voice, your worth, and your light.

If you’ve ever downplayed your gifts or questioned your place, this episode is your reminder: you are enough, right now.

Welcome to Season 2 of Bonnerfide Conversations. It’s time to break the lie.

Anita Wilson Defies Gospel Norms: Love, Labels & the Fight for Human Rights | Ep. 012

What happens when a gospel artist chooses love over silence—and the church isn't ready for it?

In this powerful follow-up episode, three-time Grammy nominee Anita Wilson returns to Bonnerfide Conversations to talk about the viral Pride post that exposed hypocrisy in gospel culture, shook the faith community, and sparked a conversation the church has avoided for too long.

Host Gerard Bonner dives deep with Anita on:

• The backlash from her bold stand for LGBTQ+ love and inclusion

• Why many Christian artists stay silent on social justice and human rights

• How she's navigating a new chapter beyond genre limits—with freedom, purpose, and soul

This episode is more than an interview—it’s a masterclass in courage, faith, and choosing authenticity when the cost is high.

🎧 Whether you're a fan of gospel music, a believer questioning tradition, or someone walking their own truth—you don’t want to miss this.

A Member for the Bonnerfide Podcast Network - bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com 

In this powerful episode, three-time Grammy nominee Anita Wilson joins Gerard Bonner for an unfiltered, soul-stirring conversation about what it truly means to stand up, show up, and speak up—even when the church stays silent. From creating timeless music to making bold social statements, Anita shares the tension between humility and self-worth, tradition and truth, faith and freedom.

You’ll learn:

• Why the church’s version of humility may be holding artists back

• How Anita navigated digital music shifts while staying true to her sound

• The real story behind her viral post supporting the LGBTQ+ community

• What it takes to create worship that is both vintage and visionary

• How her husband Rick Robinson became her creative soulmate

• Why gospel artists must stop apologizing for their authenticity

• What "More Than Anything" teaches us about impact and legacy

• How to love people boldly—even when others won’t

A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network — bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com

What if the very thing that made you different was the key to your breakthrough?

In this episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, three-time Grammy nominee Anita Wilson opens up about her incredible journey from background singer to bold solo artist. She shares how embracing her authentic voice, protecting her peace, and pushing past industry expectations helped her build a legacy in gospel music on her own terms.

You’ll learn:

• How to own your tone and confidently stand out in the gospel music industry

• Why it's crucial to plan your exit strategy before the door closes behind you

• What it takes to create your own lane when the world pressures you to conform

• How to balance faith, music, and mental wellness in a fast-paced creative space

• Why staying true to your sound can unlock long-term impact and legacy

Whether you’re a creative, a dreamer, or a believer in reinvention—this is the episode that reminds you to show up for yourself.

A Member of The Bonnerfide Podcast Network. bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com

009: Fired, Broken, and Called — Courtney Beard’s Radical Comeback Story "How does a man who builds others survive when no one shows up to build him?" — Courtney Beard

In one of the most raw and revealing conversations yet, Gerard Bonner reunites with Courtney Beard to unpack the downfall no one saw coming—and the comeback no one expected.

Courtney opens up about:

• Getting fired at the peak of his ministry career

• Driving Uber the next day just to survive

• The strength it took to face public shame in silence

• How The Collective was born from his lowest moment

• Being the fixer… while needing to be fixed himself

• Watching others steal his ideas—and how he made peace with it

This isn’t just a story about failure. It’s a blueprint for what to do when your gift gets you fired, your purpose gets hijacked, and you have to build again with nothing but faith.

Tap in. This one hits different.

🔊 A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com 

"Church got too polished. Too professional. So professional that we stopped making room for people to grow." — Courtney Beard

In this no-holds-barred conversation, Gerard Bonner sits down with Courtney Beard — a true multi-hyphenate who went from Broadway stages and Gap Band tours to call centers, pulpits, and purpose.

Courtney opens up about:

• Singing with legends like Jennifer Holliday and the Gap Band

• How fame nearly wrecked his marriage and his faith

• The moment Shirley Murdock laid hands on him and everything changed

• Why modern church culture may be killing creativity

• How God literally “fired” him to save his soul

• And the painful road back to ministry, manhood, and meaning

This isn’t just an episode — it’s a masterclass on redemption, resilience, and finding your voice when you’ve almost lost it all.

Tap in. You won’t forget this one.

🔊 A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network

"What do you do when the person you love most collapses before your eyes—and the doctors say there’s nothing they can do?"

In this Part Three of our powerful conversation, Dr. Khaalida Forbes gets deeply personal about faith, adversity, and the unexpected challenges that tested her resilience. She opens up about a life-altering medical emergency—her husband Chris Forbes’ sudden stroke—and the miraculous journey of recovery that followed. From the shocking moment it happened to the divine intervention that defied medical expectations, Dr. Forbes shares exclusive details on how faith, prayer, and unwavering love carried them through.

We also explore the evolving conversation around mental health in the Black community, the role of therapy post-pandemic, and the challenges of virtual counseling in today’s world. Plus, Dr. Forbes discusses her legacy project, Healthy Haven, and why leadership, healing, and community are at the heart of her mission.

This is an episode you can’t afford to miss—raw, real, and packed with inspiration. Hit play and be part of this unforgettable conversation.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and join the discussion using #BonnerfideConversations. A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network - bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com

Can You Be Anti-Jesus While Trying to Be Like Him? Dr. Khaalida Forbes Unpacks the Truth

What happens when faith, therapy, and emotional trauma collide? In this raw and unfiltered episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, Dr. Khaalida Forbes sits down with Gerard Bonner to unpack the complicated relationship between mental health, deliverance, and the church.

💡 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why emotional trauma is keeping believers spiritually stuck ✔️ How faith-based therapy breaks generational cycles of pain ✔️ The hard truth about religious guilt & mental health ✔️ "Crying is deliverance"—why your soul NEEDS to release pain ✔️ Why the church has failed in addressing real mental health struggles

🚨 "You run me away from the God I need while I’m trying to figure out His ways." – Dr. Khaalida Forbes

💡 This episode is for anyone who has ever felt torn between faith and mental health.

💬 Join the conversation: Use #BonnerfideConversations and tag us @bonnerfide and @drkhaalidaforbes on social media!

📌 A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network 🌍 Visit: bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com

"Can a Black woman with a PhD be both feared and misunderstood? Dr. Khaalida Forbes opens up about the dangers of being ‘dangerously effective.’"

In this thought-provoking episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, host Gerard Bonner sits down with Dr. Khaalida Forbes, a transformative leader who blends academic excellence, grit, and grace in ways that challenge the status quo. As a Black woman with a PhD, Dr. Forbes is both feared and misunderstood by many—and in this episode, she opens up about what it’s like to be “dangerously effective.” From her New York roots to navigating male-dominated spaces, Dr. Forbes shares how she’s learned to wield her power, her language, and her silence with precision.

If you're a leader, entrepreneur, or creative looking to redefine what it means to be both strong and authentic, this episode will leave you inspired, challenged, and ready to take action.

Show Notes:

• Grit and Grace: Dr. Khaalida Forbes dives into her personal philosophy on mastering both grit and grace. She shares how her upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, shaped her unshakable resilience and how she learned to navigate life with balance and strength.

• The Power of Language: Discover why Dr. Forbes believes that silence can be more powerful than words and how she carefully chooses when to speak. Her wisdom in balancing communication and silence is one of the key takeaways from this conversation.

• Breaking Barriers: As a Black woman with a PhD, Dr. Forbes discusses the challenges she’s faced in male-dominated spaces and how being “dangerously effective” often leads to being misunderstood. She shares valuable insights on how to maintain integrity and be unapologetically powerful in any environment.

• Wisdom Over Words: Dr. Forbes explains how wisdom has played a crucial role in her success. It’s not just about having the right words but knowing how to apply them. Listen as she reflects on the lessons she’s learned about being assertive and strategic in her leadership.

• Sexism and Race: One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Dr. Forbes' candid reflection on the intersection of sexism and race. She discusses her experiences with both, shedding light on how these dynamics affect her career and leadership style.

Chapters:

1. [00:00] - Introduction: Host Gerard Bonner introduces Dr. Khaalida Forbes and sets the stage for a conversation about strength, resilience, and authenticity.

2. [03:20] - The Grit and Grace of Dr. Khaalida Forbes: Dr. Forbes discusses how her upbringing in Brooklyn influenced her grit and approach to overcoming obstacles.

3. [08:45] - The Power of Silence: Dr. Forbes explains why sometimes saying nothing is more impactful than speaking, and how she uses this strategy in her leadership style.

4. [14:30] - Breaking Through Barriers: Dr. Forbes opens up about navigating male-dominated spaces and why being both feared and misunderstood comes with the territory.

5. [20:15] - Wisdom and Leadership: The conversation shifts to the importance of wisdom in leadership. Dr. Forbes shares how wisdom helps her apply knowledge and make effective decisions.

6. [25:40] - Navigating Sexism and Race: A candid discussion about the challenges Dr. Forbes has faced as a Black woman with a PhD in a world that often doesn’t know how to handle her power.

7. [30:00] - Final Thoughts and Takeaways: Dr. Forbes shares final reflections on how to embrace your power, stay true to your authenticity, and lead with purpose and integrity.

Dr. Khaalida Forbes' journey is a testament to the power of grit, grace, and wisdom in overcoming life's challenges. As a Black woman with a PhD, she has shattered barriers and navigated difficult spaces, becoming a "dangerously effective" leader in the process. In this conversation, she has given us a masterclass in being unapologetically powerful, wise, and authentic.

For entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders, this episode offers valuable insights into how to navigate a world that often doesn't know how to handle your strength. Dr. Forbes' words will leave you motivated to stand in your power, speak when necessary, and strategically choose when to remain silent.

Join the conversation: Use #BonnerfideConversations and tag us @bonnerfide and @khaalidaforbes on social media!

A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network: bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com

🎧 003: Until They Put the Toe Tag On – The Unstoppable Journey of Pastor YPJ

Faith and fame often seem like two different worlds, but Pastor YPJ proves otherwise.

In this episode of BonnerFide Conversations, host Gerard Bonner sits down with Pastor YPJ to explore:

✅ Wrestling & Faith – How growing up as a wrestling fan shaped his resilience and ministry.

✅ The Music vs. Ministry Debate – Why he nearly quit music and why he now embraces both.

✅ Scandal-Free Leadership – His strategies for staying clear of controversy and maintaining integrity.

✅ Church & Relationships – The reality: The church doesn’t teach people how to have healthy relationships—it just tells them to stay in them.

✅ Privacy vs. Public Image – Why he chooses to keep parts of his life offline, and his thoughts on public figures sharing too much.

💬 Join the conversation: Use #BonnerfideConversations & tag @bonnerfide and @pastorypj on social media!

📌 A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network — bonnerfidepodcastnetwork.com

In this explosive episode of Bonnerfide Conversations, host Gerard Bonner sits down with Pastor YPJ—a dynamic voice in faith, music, and culture. From MySpace fame to leading a thriving ministry, Pastor YPJ shares his unorthodox rise in the digital era, how a viral song changed his trajectory, and his bold take on hip-hop, gospel, and breaking traditions.

🔹 How MySpace unexpectedly launched Pastor YPJ’s music career 🔹 The real reason Christian artists get boxed into one genre 🔹 Hip-hop, ministry, and the business of attention 🔹 Why creativity in faith spaces must evolve 🔹 The battle between Drake and Kendrick—who really won?

🔥 If you're an entrepreneur, artist, or faith leader navigating culture and influence, this episode is a must-listen!

💬 Join the conversation: Use #BonnerfideConversations and tag us @bonnerfide and @pastorypj on social media! 

A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network (bonnerfidepodcastnetwrok.com) 

Brandon opens up about the challenges of relocating, the complexities of church leadership, and the transformative lessons learned through grief and resilience. The conversation takes an emotional turn as he shares the heart-wrenching story of his daughter Zoe's birth, the unexpected trials that followed, and how he found hope after loss.

With raw authenticity, he reflects on his faith journey, the role of community support, and the evolution of the Reformation Network. Through personal testimonies, this episode highlights the power of spiritual growth, emotional healing, and navigating change with grace.

Don’t miss this compelling conversation on overcoming loss, faith, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Listen now on BonnerFide Conversations! 🔗 #BonnerFideConversations #BrandonClack #FaithJourneys #HopeAfterLoss #PersonalGrowth #ReformationNetwork

• Marriage & Family – The joys and challenges of relationships
• Moving Cities – The impact of relocation on personal and spiritual life
• Overcoming Loss – Brandon’s journey through grief and healing
• Church Leadership – The evolving role of ministry and community building
• Authenticity in Storytelling – Sharing raw, unfiltered experiences
• Faith & Spiritual Growth – Trusting God through life’s hardest seasons
• Creative Culture – How Reformation is shaping a new wave of faith-based conversations

Timestamps:

00:00 – BonnerFide Conversations welcomes Brandon Clack 02:18 – Episode sponsor: Kollective 09:12 – Moving from San Antonio to Memphis 16:00 – The emotional journey of Zoe’s birth 31:21 – Writing Hope After Loss with Christabel Clack 43:15 – The growth of Reformation and what’s next A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network

Welcome to the debut episode of BonnerFide Conversations! Kicking things off is none other than speaker, author, and leader Brandon Clack—a man with wisdom, wit, and a serious love for basketball and pro wrestling.

In this fireside chat, we dive into Clack’s world, exploring his passion for sports, his strategies for effective conflict resolution, and the mindset that fuels his leadership. Whether you're here for the hoops, the headlocks, or the hard-hitting life lessons, this episode sets the tone for what Bonnerfide Conversations is all about—real talk, real moments, and real impact.

Tap in and join the conversation. 🎙️ #BonnerfideConversations - A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network

Ever had a conversation so good that you thought, this should be a podcast? Well, Bonnerfide Conversations is exactly that! Hosted by Gerard Bonner, this podcast brings you engaging, thought-provoking, and unfiltered discussions that feel like sitting with friends who just get it. From culture and entertainment to faith, business, and beyond, we dive into the topics that matter—authentic, real, and unapologetically Bonnerfide.

Why Listen? Because real conversations matter.

This isn’t just another podcast—it’s the kind of discussion you wish you could have more often. Bonnerfide Conversations brings raw, insightful, and engaging dialogue that feels like sitting at the table with friends who challenge your thinking, affirm your experiences, and push you toward growth.

If you love deep dives into culture, entertainment, faith, business, and the things that shape our lives, this is where you need to be. No fluff, no gimmicks—just real talk that resonates.

Get ready to join the conversation! 🎙️ #BonnerfideConversations - A Member of the Bonnerfide Podcast Network