Charla L. Draper is a nationally recognized food influencer and culinary communications professional providing marketing services for food and food related products through her consultancy company It’s Food Biz!

She is also the founder of National Soul Food Month launched in June of 2001 to celebrates the heritage and history of foods and foodways of people from the African diaspora.

With a menu of guests lined up to celebrate its 23rd year, we’re talking about what makes a true soul food meal and all the helpings in this episode.

Learn more about Charla and her work:

Website - National Soul Food Month

Social media: Instagram and Facebook

Thomas Dorsey began championing Black travel stories 30 years ago to share a diverse perspective that was missing from the travel industry.

Black travelers have always been savvy and adventurous and most importantly want experiences that speak to who we are culturally.

That is where Soul of America comes in.

In this episode, Thomas is sharing why it was important to bring diverse voices and perspectives to the industry, where other sites and publications miss the make when it comes to Black travelers and what is ahead for the Soul of America media platform.

Learn more about Soul of America online and connect Facebook and Instagram.

Elisha Barnes is a 4th generation peanut farmer who was born and raised in Virginia. His legacy includes a being raised in a strong family where agriculture was centered in their life and the seeds planted are now flourishing on his own farm, Pop Son Farm.

His partnership with Hubbard Peanut Company has been a game changer being a small farmer. Pop Son Farm’s peanuts are the now part of the company’s success as well as philanthropic efforts to help those who are food insecure.

In this episode, Mr. Barnes is sharing how farming has helped him stay connecting to his parents and what they taught him, the land and most importantly community.