Episodios

  • The Story of Larry Thompson

    The Story of Larry Thompson
    Mar 11 2026
    Some stories don’t just deserve to be told — they deserve to be remembered.

    On this episode of Tell Me Your Story, I honor the life of Larry Thompson, a man whose journey started in Norwalk, Ohio and was defined by grit, humor, and an unbreakable will to keep moving forward.

    Larry was the kind of person who didn’t wait around for life to hand him opportunities. At just 15 years old, he made the decision to stand on his own feet and carve out his own path. No safety nets. No shortcuts. Just hard work, determination, and a spirit that refused to quit.

    The thing about people like Larry is they don’t always make headlines — but they leave fingerprints everywhere they go. In the lives they touch. In the laughter they share. In the courage they show when life gets hard.

    And Larry showed that courage until the very end.

    This episode is more than a conversation.
    It’s a tribute to resilience.
    A reminder that ordinary people often carry extraordinary strength.
    And proof that a life lived with grit and heart can inspire more people than we may ever know.

    If you believe every person has a story worth hearing, this one will stay with you.

    🎙️ Listen to the full episode of Tell Me Your Story
    Because sometimes the most powerful legacies come from the quiet warriors among us.
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    1 h y 5 m
  • The Story of Kenny Smith

    The Story of Kenny Smith
    Mar 11 2026
    On this episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. sits down with a man whose life proves that where you start does not determine where you finish.

    Growing up in South Akron, Ohio, Kenny “Jo-Jo” Smith learned early that the court was more than a place to play basketball — it was a classroom for life. Surrounded by the rhythm of bouncing balls, squeaking sneakers, and a neighborhood built on mentorship and community, Kenny watched his father lead by example — not just as a player, but as a man who poured back into the people around him.

    That example lit a fire that never went out.

    Today, Kenny “Jo-Jo” Smith has transformed that same passion into a powerful mission. He’s an author, speaker, behavioral expert, educator, and mentor dedicated to helping people unlock the strength they didn’t know they had. Whether he’s shaping young minds in the classroom, coaching youth in his community, or challenging readers through his writing, Kenny has one goal:

    Help people turn their struggles into purpose.

    This conversation dives deep into:

    🏀 Growing up in South Akron
    📚 The power of mentorship and community
    💡 Turning life lessons into leadership
    🔥 Finding purpose beyond the game
    ❤️ And why listening might be the most powerful skill we have

    Kenny’s journey reminds us of something we all need to hear:

    Your circumstances may shape you, but they don’t get to define you.

    Lean in and listen to a story about resilience, purpose, and the power of lifting others as you rise.

    Because here on Tell Me Your Story, we believe the most powerful voices in the world are often the ones you haven't heard yet.
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    1 h y 6 m
  • The Story of Deonte Carter

    The Story of Deonte Carter
    Mar 11 2026
    In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story, host Chris Baker Jr. sits down with a man whose life proves what happens when grit meets grace.

    From the battlefields of Iraq as a United States Marine, to continuing his service in the U.S. Army, Deonte Carter answered the call to serve in places most of us will never see. Two branches of the military. Two honorable discharges. One relentless commitment to showing up when it matters most.

    But the uniform wasn’t the end of his mission.

    After military service, Deonte stepped into another frontline — the fight for people who feel forgotten. As a Victim Advocate and DEI Community Outreach Coordinator with COMPASS Rape Crisis, he now stands beside survivors, veterans, foster youth, and vulnerable communities, giving a voice to those the world often overlooks.

    And here’s what makes his story even more powerful:

    Deonte didn’t come from comfort.
    He came from the foster care system.

    Instead of letting his past define him, he transformed it into purpose. Today he holds degrees in Human & Social Services and Psychology, and he’s preparing to take the next step at Kent State University, pursuing a Master’s in Counseling — all driven by one mission: helping others heal.

    This episode isn’t just inspiring.
    It’s a reminder that your past doesn’t disqualify you.

    It prepares you.

    If you’ve ever wondered how someone turns pain into purpose, this conversation will stay with you.

    Listen now to the incredible story of Deonte Carter.

    Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr.

    Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories.
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    1 h y 19 m
  • The Story of T Vickz and Mrs. Dean

    The Story of T Vickz and Mrs. Dean
    Mar 10 2026
    In the music industry, dreams are built on two things: talent and relentless belief. Most people have the talent. Very few have the belief strong enough to survive the grind.

    This is the story of T. Vickz and Mrs. Dean.

    Before the spotlight…
    Before the album “Zamunda” shook the industry…
    Before the headlines calling them a power couple rewriting the rules…

    There were just two people chasing something bigger than themselves.

    Two dreamers.
    Two fighters.
    Two voices that refused to be silenced.

    They weren’t handed opportunities — they created them.
    They didn’t wait for a stage — they built one.

    Through late nights, doubt, setbacks, and the constant noise of people saying “you can’t do that”, they kept showing up. Together.

    Because their story isn’t just about music.

    It’s about love that fuels ambition.
    It’s about partnership that survives pressure.
    It’s about turning belief into a movement.

    And when you hear how it all started…
    You’ll realize something powerful:

    The distance between impossible and reality is often just two people who refuse to quit.

    🎙️ I’m Chris Baker Jr., host of Tell Me Your Story — a podcast built on one idea: Real People.

    Real People.
    Real Lives.
    Real Stories.

    Because somewhere out there, your story might be the one that inspires the world next.

    📩 Want to share your story?
    christopherfbakerjr@gmail.com
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    1 h y 26 m
  • The Story of Jamar Blackmon

    The Story of Jamar Blackmon
    Mar 8 2026
    Some people chase success.

    Some people talk about greatness.

    But every once in a while, you meet someone who wakes up every morning with one mission:

    Go get it.

    On this electrifying episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Jamar Blackmon — speaker, author, entrepreneur, mentor, and the man behind JAMAR BLACKMON INSPIRES LLC.

    But before the stage lights…

    Before the books…

    Before the brand…

    There was simply a man who refused to accept an ordinary life.

    Known as the Certified GoalGetta, Jamar’s mission is simple but powerful:
    Serve people.
    Develop leaders.
    Help others unlock the greatness that’s been sitting inside them all along.

    Through mentorship, speaking, and real-life wisdom, Jamar challenges people to stop making excuses and start building purpose.

    In this powerful conversation, Jamar shares:

    🔥 The mindset that transformed his life
    🔥 What it really means to be a GoalGetta
    🔥 Why mentorship can change generations
    🔥 How anyone can turn struggle into purpose

    And most importantly…

    Why your greatness is waiting on the other side of discipline and belief.

    If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your dreams are still alive — this episode will light that fire again.

    Because success doesn’t belong to the lucky.

    It belongs to the ones who wake up and say:

    “Let’s go get it.”

    📧 Contact Jamar Blackmon
    jamargoalgetta@gmail.com

    📧 Want to share your story on the show?
    christopherfbakerjr@gmail.com

    Because here we believe something powerful:

    Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories.
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    56 m
  • The Story of Bert Griggs

    The Story of Bert Griggs
    Mar 8 2026
    Some stories inspire you.
    Some stories challenge you.

    And then there are the stories that completely change the way you see people.

    On this episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Bert Griggs — a man whose journey proves that a single conversation can alter the direction of an entire life.

    Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Bert was the quiet kid — the one who could easily blend into the background. But life has a way of placing the right people in front of you at the exact moment you need them most.

    One moment.
    One conversation.
    One decision.

    That’s all it took to change everything.

    Today, Bert Griggs is the Managing Director of Education & Coaching at the GentleWay Institute, where he helps organizations and communities learn how to de-escalate conflict, prevent crisis, and create safer environments for everyone.

    This isn’t just theory.
    This is real-world leadership that saves relationships, protects lives, and builds stronger communities.

    In this powerful conversation, Bert shares:

    🔥 The moment that changed the trajectory of his life
    🔥 What most people misunderstand about conflict and escalation
    🔥 Why compassion and communication are the most powerful tools we have
    🔥 And how anyone can become a leader simply by choosing to step forward

    If you’ve ever wondered whether one decision could truly change your life — this episode will show you that it absolutely can.

    Because sometimes the difference between the life you have and the life you’re meant to live…
    is just the courage to step into the moment.

    📧 Contact Bert Griggs
    griggster@comcast.net

    📧 Want to share your story on the show?
    Christopherfbakerjr@gmail.com

    Because around here we believe something powerful:

    Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories.
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    1 h y 30 m
  • The Story of Jerome Moss

    The Story of Jerome Moss
    Mar 8 2026
    Some people talk about making a difference. Others actually step into the arena and become the difference.

    On this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we sit down with Albert Jerome Moss — a man whose life is built on grit, purpose, and lifting others higher.

    Albert isn’t just one thing. He’s a mentor, youth advocate, certified life coach, entrepreneur, trainer, and motivational speaker who has dedicated his life to helping people unlock the greatness already inside them.

    But his journey didn’t start with privilege or shortcuts.

    From the demanding worlds of nonprofit leadership, mental health advocacy, athletics, and social services, Albert learned firsthand that success isn’t about standing alone at the top — it’s about building a team, empowering others, and creating opportunities for people who need someone to believe in them.

    As a former collegiate and professional athlete, Albert carries the mindset that no championship is won alone. His mission today is simple but powerful: help people turn their potential into purpose and their struggles into stepping stones.

    In this episode, Albert shares:

    🔥 The mindset that helped him rise through life’s toughest challenges
    🔥 Why servant leadership is the key to real success
    🔥 How mentorship can completely change the direction of a young life
    🔥 And the powerful truth about believing in yourself when the odds say you shouldn’t

    If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your story isn’t finished yet, this conversation will light that fire inside you.

    Because sometimes all it takes is one voice saying,
    "You’ve got more in you than you think."

    🎧 Listen now on iHeartRadio:
    Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr.

    📩 Want to connect with Albert Jerome Moss?
    jr.moss7@gmail.com

    📩 Have a story worth sharing on the show?
    christopherfbakerjr@gmail.com

    Because here on this podcast we believe something simple — but powerful:

    Real People. Real Lives. Real Stories.
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    1 h y 34 m
  • The Story Of Kemp Boyd

    The Story Of Kemp Boyd
    Mar 7 2026
    Some people talk about leadership.
    Some people post about connection.

    Kemp Boyd lives it.

    In this powerful episode of Tell Me Your Story with Chris Baker Jr., we dive into the incredible journey of a man whose life was shaped by constant change. Growing up between Tennessee, Georgia, and Ohio, Kemp learned early how to walk into unfamiliar rooms and turn strangers into friends.

    But what started as a childhood necessity became a lifelong superpower.

    Today, Kemp Boyd is known across Akron, Ohio as a connector, a community builder, and a leader who pours his energy into faith organizations, civic groups, nonprofits, and businesses. With over a decade of experience in community engagement, sports management, coaching, leadership development, and public speaking, Kemp has dedicated his life to empowering others.

    And the best part?

    He's just getting started.

    This episode goes beyond the highlight reel. We talk about:

    ⚡ The challenge of growing up constantly moving
    ⚡ How adversity builds real leadership
    ⚡ Why connection is the most powerful currency in life
    ⚡ The mindset required to empower communities
    ⚡ What it truly means to lead with purpose

    Kemp Boyd’s story proves one powerful truth:

    Your starting point doesn’t define your destination.

    If you've ever had to adapt, rebuild, or find your place in the world — this conversation will hit home.

    Because around here…

    We don’t just talk about the dream.
    We talk about the grind that makes the dream worth it.
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    1 h y 20 m