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Real talk, Real people

Real talk, Real people

By James Walker

Real talk, Real people is a podcast that turns the mic over to everyday people to hear what they have to say about the problems and social issues we face as a society.
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Part 2: We're growing marijuana at home

Real talk, Real peopleMar 06, 2024

00:00
12:56
Part 2: We're growing marijuana at home

Part 2: We're growing marijuana at home

In part one, we left you at the end of week 4 of our amateur attempt to grow marijuana. Here were are at week 8.

Mar 06, 202412:56
We are Growing Marijuana at Home

We are Growing Marijuana at Home

Marijuana is legal to possess and grow in Connecticut and Virginia where this podcast is produced. We are amateurs but decided to give growing our own a try.

Feb 19, 202417:04
Good Cooking Starts With A Pinch Of Salt

Good Cooking Starts With A Pinch Of Salt

From being invited by Michelle Obama to kick off her Let Move! campaign on the White House lawn to teaching in schools in Harlem and the South Bronx to now holding classes in Fairfield County, Chef Raquel has made a name for herself.

Jan 22, 202422:36
 Army veteran uses past life to help the homeless

Army veteran uses past life to help the homeless

Life is about overcoming obstacles and former Army veteran Matt Hammett has faced many challenges. He has used these challenges to start Socks For The Homeless. Contact him at 860-625-1931 to help.
Jan 13, 202417:35
100 Men of Color to be Honored in Connecticut

100 Men of Color to be Honored in Connecticut

Daniel Hunt and Denval Lawrence are among 100 men of color being honored at a gala at The Bushnell in Hartford

Oct 09, 202323:49
Promo for Dead Windows

Promo for Dead Windows

Here is a promo for my memoir Dead Windows: My Long Journey Out Of Domestic Violence. Available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books and Google Books ( https://amzn.to/47rtL3z )

Aug 10, 202300:46
Connecticut Lawmakers Strengthen Gun Laws

Connecticut Lawmakers Strengthen Gun Laws

State Rep. Anthony Nolan (D-39th) discusses changes in Connecticut's gun laws.

Jun 26, 202337:06
Study to detail struggles associated with Sickle Cell Disease in Connecticut

Study to detail struggles associated with Sickle Cell Disease in Connecticut

James Rawlings, president/CEO of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Connecticut, gives an update on funding and what's being done to help the 45,000 people carrying the Sickle Cell Trait in Connecticut.

Jun 15, 202320:59
Street Safe Bridgeport seeks to reduce crime and empower youth

Street Safe Bridgeport seeks to reduce crime and empower youth

Street Safe Bridgeport seeks to reduce crime and empower youth

Jun 01, 202337:38
Breast Cancer Survivor Shares her Story

Breast Cancer Survivor Shares her Story

Lolita Bonilla Brooks shares her story of surviving breast cancer

May 14, 202324:12
 Eating healthy can help low-income people control obesity and diabetes

Eating healthy can help low-income people control obesity and diabetes

Recorded in 2020: My guests are Eliza Caldwell, a community gardens manager at Gather New Haven who oversees 50 gardens; and Alexander Morales, an operations assistant at the Green Village Initiative in Bridgeport, which has 12 gardens.

They’re here to talk about how their gardens are benefiting low-income communities. Previously recorded in 2020.


May 02, 202328:48
2nd Amendment rights and the Black community

2nd Amendment rights and the Black community

Real talk, Real people revisit a discussion on guns

Apr 17, 202322:06
Professors raise awareness of media literacy through education

Professors raise awareness of media literacy through education

Welcome 2 Reality raises awareness of media literacy through education


Apr 03, 202329:07
Throwback Monday: A conversation with the late Quentin "Q" Williams

Throwback Monday: A conversation with the late Quentin "Q" Williams

We revisit an episode with the late state Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams and Activist Barbara Fair discussing solitary confinement


Mar 28, 202333:54
The Rev. Boise Kimber blazes a trail with housing, a school and day care center

The Rev. Boise Kimber blazes a trail with housing, a school and day care center

Pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church is bringing big changes to New Haven  

Mar 10, 202329:48
Bridgeport's new NAACP leader puts focus on competency and confidence

Bridgeport's new NAACP leader puts focus on competency and confidence

Dr. Lesly Valbrun is the new president of the Greater Bridgeport NAACP says he is charting a course for the city's Black youth and wants to make an impact on the community.

Feb 04, 202335:40
Walker Family Revisit Christmas Memories

Walker Family Revisit Christmas Memories

The Walker family recall their childhood

Dec 26, 202225:56
An activist shines a light on the homeless

An activist shines a light on the homeless

The late Congressman John Lewis coined the phrase "Good trouble," meaning that sometimes it is necessary to cause trouble to call attention to injustices and enact change. My guest is Mark Colville, a well-known activist who lives in New Haven. Whether he is in North Dakota protesting the pipeline or at a naval base in Georgia protesting against nuclear weapons or fighting for the homeless in his own backyard, Mark's activism knows no bounds.  

Dec 18, 202233:52
Judge Graves talks about crime and domestic violence

Judge Graves talks about crime and domestic violence

A former criminal lawyer and current Probate Judge Clifton Graves discusses crime and domestic violence. 

Nov 08, 202233:31
Bridgeport bookstore puts Black authors at your fingertips

Bridgeport bookstore puts Black authors at your fingertips

Karin Smith and Derek Tompkins are the owners of the only Black-owned bookstore in Bridgeport. 

Oct 25, 202238:09
Introducing "Dead Windows"

Introducing "Dead Windows"

After 25  years of stop and go, "Dead Windows," my book about growing up in a domestic violence household, is available on Amazon. 

https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Windows-journey-domestic-violence-ebook/dp/B0BGG1GNJF

Oct 04, 202206:09
NHPD looks to change the narrative about being a cop

NHPD looks to change the narrative about being a cop

New Haven Police want more minorities to join the force. Sgt. Paul Finch and Assistant Chief Bertram Ettienne talk about erasing the negative image about being a cop and highlight the opportunities and benefits of joining the force. 

Sep 05, 202227:34
Newton Takes on New Role at Reentry Center

Newton Takes on New Role at Reentry Center

Bridgeport Councilman Ernie Newton is the director of the city's new Reentry Welcoming Center. As a man who had to rehabilitate his reputation after a federal conviction, he is perfect for his new position and remains a powerful voice in Bridgeport.

Aug 29, 202229:44
Bridgeport program launches to let kids know "We See You"

Bridgeport program launches to let kids know "We See You"

Many children and young people are feeling the affects of having their social lives and education interrupted due to the pandemic. And as society returns to normal, many low-income kids feel it has left them invisible. 

Aug 22, 202226:31
Hamden man receives the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at 25

Hamden man receives the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award at 25

At 24 years of age, he was appointed a commissioner in Hamden by then-Mayor Curt Leng. At age 25, the White House recognizes his volunteer efforts to help kids and his community.  

Aug 15, 202218:12
3 women with 1 cause: unite the community

3 women with 1 cause: unite the community

Three local women are using their individual talents to unite the Black community. Collectively, they call themselves "The Essence of Abundance." 

Aug 01, 202231:21
Remembering Mom on her 93rd Birthday

Remembering Mom on her 93rd Birthday

Doris Lorraine Walker is no longer with us but to her seven children, she will live forever. We share some of our childhood memories of the woman who meant so much to us. This episode was taped on July 9th, her birthday. 

Jul 25, 202226:52
Psychiatrist talks about dealing with trauma

Psychiatrist talks about dealing with trauma

Our guest this week on Adversary to Ally is Dr. Charles Morgan

Jul 18, 202235:55
Happy 4th of July

Happy 4th of July

What does Independence day mean to you?

Jul 04, 202202:58
Adversary to Ally: Men United Against Domestic Violence

Adversary to Ally: Men United Against Domestic Violence

Marcus Stallworth of the Child Welfare League of America is our guest. You also can watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/wYtLQ4JB9BE

Jun 20, 202224:07
Book to offer budding actors tips on making it

Book to offer budding actors tips on making it

My guest is Barbara Alexander, who runs the Westville Performing Arts Center where budding performers learn to act, dance and sing. Now, she has written a 12-step guide to help aspiring artists launch their career and win their audition.


Jun 13, 202226:09
"Welcome 2 Reality" raises awareness of media literacy through education

"Welcome 2 Reality" raises awareness of media literacy through education

More than 10 years ago, two men teaching at a local university asked their students if they were to create a perfect world, what would it look like? They found that younger people were making decisions based on what they learned in the media and from influencers. The two men set out to change that with their company "Welcome 2 Reality," which is now a nationwide network that collaborates with child agencies, educators, clinicians and more. 

Jun 06, 202229:07
 Forget the myth: Resources are available to start your own business

Forget the myth: Resources are available to start your own business

My guests are Deborah Caviness and Diana Washington of the Southern CT Black Chamber of Commerce.  Many minorities believe it is hopeless to get a loan or grant to start or keep their business running. That may have been true in the past, but business leaders say don't throw away your dreams as it is easier than ever to start your own business. This episode also can be watched on YouTube. https://youtu.be/MAQlFxSLTcc 




May 30, 202226:13
Adversary to Ally: Men united against domestic violence and child abuse

Adversary to Ally: Men united against domestic violence and child abuse

Guest: Tyree Snead of Hampton, Virginia

May 23, 202218:47
 CT lawmakers/NY advocates vow to stop auto dealer abuse and discrimination

CT lawmakers/NY advocates vow to stop auto dealer abuse and discrimination

Many advocates and lawmakers believe business tactics used by the auto dealer industry are abusive and discriminatory. Research by a Yale professor formed the basis for federal anti-discrimination lawsuits against the auto dealer industry. This roundtable discussion highlights these practices as well as key actions lawmakers and regulators can take in Connecticut and New York State to finally address abusive and discriminatory lending practices in the car business.


Related discussion: https://anchor.fm/real-talk-real-people/episodes/Black-car-buyers-face-predatory-lending-at-dealerships-e15tkua/a-a6bi7pj

May 09, 202234:55
Chimene makes homemade bread and smothered chicken in Chimene's Kitchen.

Chimene makes homemade bread and smothered chicken in Chimene's Kitchen.

This episode is also available to watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f9hlIuj_XlQ

We're back in Chimene's Kitchen in Scottsboro, Virginia, where she is baking bread and smothering chicken. 

May 02, 202234:11
The Black community seems to be falling apart

The Black community seems to be falling apart

Whether it is guns, theft, or domestic violence, crime in the Black community is running amok and getting worse. And with juvenile laws protecting teens who are stealing cars and committing petty crime, the question that needs to be answered is, where are the parents and whatever happened to pride and discipline? 

Apr 25, 202214:24
Adversary to Ally: Men united against domestic violence and child abuse

Adversary to Ally: Men united against domestic violence and child abuse

Adversary to Ally welcomes Capt. Mark Catania of the Glastonbury Police Department. He discusses what happens when police go on a domestic violence call and the steps law enforcement are taking to tackle the problem. 

Apr 18, 202227:42
Throwback Monday: Revisiting Kids Mental Heath

Throwback Monday: Revisiting Kids Mental Heath

Lawmakers are proposing or already pouring millions into mental health services for children, citing the effects the pandemic has had on them. Nearly a year ago, Dr. Regina Wilson and Shenira Billups, a certified licensed counselor for New Haven County, talked about the challenges black kids are facing. Here is an abbreviated version of that important conversation. 

Apr 04, 202221:14
Welcome to Chimene's Kitchen

Welcome to Chimene's Kitchen

Cooking is an art. But how do you prepare a tasty meal when you live in an old farmhouse where the kitchen is currently under renovation and space is limited? Chimene shows us how as she makes "Aunt Doretha's Bread." Note to listeners: All of our episodes can be watched on YouTube. Follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Rc2WtQLxtN_Xekh4oYrPA


Mar 28, 202223:30
Adversary to Ally: Men united to stop violence against women and children.

Adversary to Ally: Men united to stop violence against women and children.

This is our collaboration with Mothers of Victim's Equality Inc., where men talk about domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Our guest is Pamplico, SC resident Joseph Woodberry.

Mar 21, 202226:60
Meet Ty Hopkins, founder of the website Hip-Hop Paradise

Meet Ty Hopkins, founder of the website Hip-Hop Paradise

Ty Hopkins is a multi-talented New Haven man whose website "Hip-Hop Paradise" gets more than 50,000 views a week and climbing. He says his goal is to provide a space for all artists.

Mar 14, 202217:27
The Westville Performing Arts Center in New Haven keeps dreams alive

The Westville Performing Arts Center in New Haven keeps dreams alive

Bringing the arts to the community is what drives Barbara Alexander, founder of "Arts in CT," a nonprofit with a mission to provide leadership and support to the diverse arts community of Greater New Haven." And to help her do this, she has opened "a multidisciplinary arts hub" she is calling the Westville Performing Arts Center at 351 McKinley Ave in New Haven. She is here to talk about why this is good for the community. 



Mar 01, 202227:05
Adversary to Ally: A monthly feature with Mothers of Victim's Equality Inc.

Adversary to Ally: A monthly feature with Mothers of Victim's Equality Inc.

Our guest is Kenneth Thompson, a former Connecticut resident now living in South Carolina. He founded the Gussie Wortham Foundation in memory of his sister, Gussie Wortham. The  conversation is about domestic and intimate partner violence.



Feb 21, 202226:27
While we make changes to the podcast, hang out with the Walkers

While we make changes to the podcast, hang out with the Walkers

As I told listeners at the end of December, we are making changes to the podcast and while we do, we invite you to hang out with the Walkers. We talk about everything and can be pretty funny.

Feb 08, 202214:36
Women in Business: Unique scents have Bridgeport woman's candle-making business thriving

Women in Business: Unique scents have Bridgeport woman's candle-making business thriving

This episode can be watched on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZBWXVpn5nI

As she states on her website, "Natural Annie Essentials," Bridgeport resident Annya White-Brown makes "pure soy candles with a feel-good vibe!" And with her unique scents like Island Vibes, Ginger and Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang & Rose and Lavender among many others, she is prepared to "fill your home and lift your mood with vibrant scents." 


Jan 28, 202216:18
Adversary to Ally: Meet the people who teamed up to produce Adversary to Ally

Adversary to Ally: Meet the people who teamed up to produce Adversary to Ally

Watch this interview on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClvyovPxCc0&t=583s

The partners behind Adversary to Ally discuss why they got together and what they hope to accomplish by having men talk about domestic and intimate partner violence. 

Jan 17, 202226:46
Happy New Year: Saying goodbye to 2021 and Betty White

Happy New Year: Saying goodbye to 2021 and Betty White

Watch the YouTube version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvaM4JIJMbk

2021 was a good year for Real talk, Real people. Our end of the year stats from Spotify and Anchor show that the number of hours people tuned in to our podcast grew by 128 percent; we increased our followers by 57 percent; our streams have increased by 44 percent and 2 percent of our audience is located in Germany and Ireland. We introduced jameswalkermedia.com and formed a partnership with Corrinna Martin, founder and president of Mothers of Victim's Equality to produce "Adversary to Ally," a once a month conversation where men talk about domestic violence and intimate partner violence in an effort to find solutions to stop the violence against women and children. Both of these new ventures were successful. We owe it all to our listeners and we thank you for listening and downloading. We look forward to bringing you more new content in 2022. 

Jan 02, 202208:28
The Walkers Share Their Christmas Memories

The Walkers Share Their Christmas Memories

Watch the YouTube version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_BjBD2WpeA

Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill toward your fellow man and we can only hope that spirit carries into the new year. But Christmas is also the time when families gather and new memories are made and older ones are shared. Here are some of the memories my siblings and I remember. 

Dec 21, 202125:56
Let's talk about crime

Let's talk about crime

From brazen flash mobs carting off TVs and soap powder to a middle-aged man stealing underwear and T-shirts, large retail stores face a wave of thefts as property crimes soar in Connecticut.    

Nov 29, 202119:36