Ep. 12: The Youngest Ph.D. in School History (Age 22), with Dr. Jalaal A. Hayes
Host Brandon Chastang sits down with Dr. Jalaal A. Hayes, the youngest Ph.D. graduate in Applied Chemistry in America. Brandon and Dr. Hayes talk about his upbringing in Chicago and North Philadelphia, and the dichotomy of attending a special STEM school in Philadelphia and going back home to a rough neighborhood. Dr. Hayes also discusses how he graduated high school at 15, earned two Bachelor's Degrees by 18, became a Ph.D. Graduate at 22, and is now a professor at Lincoln University.
Ep. 11: The Million Dollar Baby, with Shayna Robinson-Owens
Host Brandon Chastang talks with Philly teenager Shayna Robinson-Owens, who received over One Million Dollars in scholarships from 25 Colleges and Universities. Brandon and Shayna talk about growing up in Philadelphia, the public school system, and how she plans to help others.
Ep. 10: The ONLY Black-Owned Dental Academy in Philadelphia, with Sakinah Dawson
On this episode of Self Inventory, Host Brandon Chastang talks to Sakinah Dawson, CEO of Coys Dental Academy. Sakinah has 29 years of experience in the Dental Field, which started at 14 years old. As a young adult, Sakinah got married had twins. The father was a drug dealer and got locked away when the twins were just four years old. As a single mother, Sakinah needed a way to not only support her children, but to leave behind a legacy.
Ep. 9: How I Became a Celebrity Barber with Fah da Barber
On this episode of Self Inventory, your Host Brandon Chastang sits down in the barber’s chair to talk with Faheem Alexander (Fah da Barber), a legendary barber who cuts hair for The Roots. Fah da Barber has owned his South Philly shop, Faheem’s Hands of Precision, for over 20 years and has a sponsorship with Gillette Razors.
Ep. 8: From Addict to Motivator: How I Became B McFly
Host Brandon Chastang shares his life story on this special episode of Self Inventory. Brandon talks about growing up in an aggressive environment in West Philadelphia, the introduction of his own drug addiction, and how he became B McFly (Being Motivated Comes From Loving Yourself).
Ep. 7: I Murdered Somebody, and It Was the Worst Decision I Ever Made with William Cummings
On this episode of Self Inventory, Host Brandon Chastang talks to his childhood friend William Cummings, who is currently incarcerated and serving a life sentence for murder. They catch up on the big and small after not seeing each other for 15 years, discuss growing up together in West Philadelphia, how William ended up in prison, and the many flaws of the American prison system.
Ep. 6: Daddy got Me Pregnant with Ira Warren (TW)
(TRIGGER WARNING: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Child Molestation)
On this episode of Self Inventory, host Brandon Chastang sits down with Ira Warren. She is a pastor, the author of BodyGuards and the founder of Molestation Epidemic. Her organization and book provides necessary education and support for kids about grooming, molestation and sexual assault. Today she sits down with Brandon Chastang to talk about her painful personal experiences with intrafamilial domestic abuse and sexual assault and how self examination is a crucial part of her healing and mental health care.
Ep. 5: Rest in Power Walter Wallace Jr.
CONTENT WARNING: Murder, Police Brutality
Host of Self Inventory, Brandon Chastang discusses the murder of Walter Wallace Jr. and how this tragedy could have been avoided if this mental health crisis was evaluated differently by the police.
Ep. 4: Financing the Future with Maserati Neesh
On this episode of Self Inventory, host Brandon Chastang sits down with Rhonesha Howerton, AKA Maserati Neesh, entrepreneur, author and host of the Neesh Speaks podcast. Maserati Neesh is the Owner and CEO of Credit Medics, LLC, Co-Founder of Queening Mentoring Program, Co-Owner of ‘Get Well Urgent Care’ medical facility, and CEO of Neesh Speaks, her motivational speaker platform.
Ep. 3: An Epidemic of Violence
In this episode of Self Inventory, host Brandon Chastang, reflects on the epidemic of violence in Philadelphia, which is now second in the nation for the number of homicides in 2020. He explores some reasons for why young people find themselves involved in violent situations; and how families, community members, and community leaders can work together to set a better example for our children.
Ep. 2: We Need More Leaders, with Motivational Rapper Fis Banga
In episode 2 of Self Inventory, host Brandan Chastang sits down with Fis Banga, a motivational rapper and community activist based in Philadelphia. They discuss the importance of leaders while they were growing up in Philadelphia and how they can help the next generation.
Ep. 1: Black Lives Matter, with Captain Matthew Gillespie
To start this season, and podcast, we want to address the question: Why should we care about black lives, if black people don’t care about black lives?
Last week, an hour before the Breonna Taylor Verdict was announced, Brandon Chastang sat down with Captain Matthew Gillespie of the 18th District in West Philly. Captain Gillespie addresses the problems of racism and violence within the police force and how he is partnering with the community to come up with real solutions.
Police Captain Matthew Gillespie and Host Brandon Chastang React to The Breonna Taylor Verdict (Behind the Scenes)
While recording the first episode of Self Inventory, we braced ourselves for the verdict involving the three officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor. Brandon Chastang was sitting down with Captain Matthew Gillespie of the 18th District in West Philly. The first thing you will hear is raw audio of Captain Gillespie talking to Brandon and the audio engineer before we started the interview. He gave us permission to share this audio. Afterwards, we asked Brandon to record his reaction and input after we all heard the verdict.