Urban Family Focus Podcast

Architecture is about more than designing buildings. It can influence how communities live, connect, grow, and envision their future.
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Drake Dillard, an accomplished registered architect, community leader, mentor, and advocate for diversity in the architectural profession, for an important conversation titled: "The Citizen Architect"
With more than four decades of experience, Drake has led and contributed to complex medical, educational, and commercial projects while maintaining a deep commitment to community engagement and public service.
He believes in the idea of the Citizen Architect—a professional who not only designs spaces but also listens to communities, engages with stakeholders, mentors future generations, and uses their skills to help create stronger neighborhoods.
Drake's work includes the design of the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science in South Los Angeles, and throughout his career, he has been a vocal advocate for increasing diversity and representation within architecture.
Drake Dillard brings together professional expertise and a commitment to public service, demonstrating how architecture can become a powerful tool for community engagement, representation, and positive change.
Whether you're interested in design, public service, neighborhood development, or creating stronger communities, this conversation offers an opportunity to think differently about the spaces around us—and the people who help shape them.
 
To learn more about Rev. Dake, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

Religion and spirituality have shaped civilizations, inspired movements, created communities, and provided meaning and hope to people around the world.
But throughout history, religious beliefs and institutions have also been connected to systems of power, social control, political influence, division, and conflict.
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Dr. Larry “Cocoa” Welton, Los Angeles-based public speaker, global lecturer, teacher, workshop facilitator, and founder of the Moriah Institute, for a thought-provoking conversation titled: “Weaponizing Religion”
Dr. Welton brings decades of study and discussion focused on socio-politics, human behavioral motivations, and the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Influenced by a wide range of intellectual and spiritual traditions, his work encourages deeper examination of the ideas and belief systems that shape human behavior and society.
Together, we explore questions surrounding the relationship between faith, power, influence, culture, and control.
This conversation is not about telling listeners what they should or should not believe.
Instead, it creates space for reflection, curiosity, and meaningful dialogue about one of the most influential forces in human history.
Whether you are religious, spiritual, questioning, or simply interested in the role belief plays in society, this episode invites you to think deeper.
Listen, reflect, and join the conversation.
To learn more about Rev. Dr. Welton, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

Can storytelling be a pathway to healing?
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Rev. Albert Starr, Jr., DD for a powerful conversation about the transformative role of poetry, storytelling, song, and art.
Rev. Starr is a minister, pastor/teacher, storyteller, workshop leader, conference presenter, and Artist in Residence at Synod Assembly. A native of Durham, North Carolina, he has made Los Angeles his home with his wife, Judith, and has spent decades serving communities through ministry, education, leadership, and the arts.
His career has included serving as pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church in Los Angeles, Director for African Descent Ministries, and Director for Ethnic Specific Ministries within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Throughout his work, Rev. Starr has explored the intersection of race, culture, economics, faith, diversity, and community.
Our stories can carry pain—but they can also carry wisdom, resilience, hope, and healing.
Join us for a conversation about the power of finding your voice and giving meaning to the experiences that have shaped you.
To learn more about Rev. Dr. Albert, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

Betrayal has the power to shake our confidence, challenge our relationships, and leave emotional scars that can last for years. But healing is possible.
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Dr. Marcus Anderson—educator, author of Betrayed by Love & Faith, founder of The Writehood LLC, and lifelong advocate for personal growth and education.
Drawing from his lived experiences and passion for helping others transform adversity into opportunity, Dr. Anderson shares how painful experiences can become catalysts for healing, growth, and renewed purpose.
As a lifelong educator, father, author, and founder of The Writehood LLC, Dr. Anderson encourages others to embrace growth, resilience, and hope while learning that our greatest setbacks do not have to determine our future.
Whether you've experienced betrayal in your personal life, career, family, or faith journey, this conversation offers encouragement for anyone seeking healing and restoration.
To learn more about Dr. Marcus, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

For decades, homeownership has been one of the most powerful pathways to building generational wealth in America. But today's housing market raises new questions about who owns our communities and how those changes affect future generations.
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes retired real estate entrepreneur Richard Rice, whose nearly five decades as a California housing provider offer a unique perspective on the evolution of property ownership.
After purchasing his first rental property in 1978, Richard built and managed residential properties throughout Los Angeles, Inglewood, and the Bay Area while remaining deeply committed to neighborhood revitalization, quality housing, and community engagement. His experience spans changing economic cycles, housing regulations, and significant shifts in California's real estate landscape.
Together, they explore one of today's most important housing conversations:
How has property ownership changed from individual investors to large corporate ownership—and what does that mean for California communities?
Whether you're a homeowner, investor, policymaker, or simply interested in the future of housing, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the most significant economic issues affecting families today.
To learn more about Richard, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

As part of our continued observance of Black Mental Health Awareness Month, Urban Family Focus explores the often-overlooked intersection of grief, Black masculinity, and mental health.
In this episode, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Charles “Chuck” Clemons—Board-Certified Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, Corporate Trainer, Keynote Speaker, and Owner of Charles Clemons LLC.
Grief is a universal experience, but many Black men have been conditioned to navigate pain privately. Cultural expectations around strength, responsibility, leadership, and emotional expression can sometimes make it difficult to acknowledge grief or seek support.
This conversation creates space to examine what happens when grief goes unaddressed and how men can begin to move toward healing.
Charles Clemons brings a unique perspective shaped by his work as a Board-Certified Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, executive, corporate trainer, and keynote speaker. Through his work, he focuses on inspiring meaningful change in individuals, companies, and communities.
This is an important conversation about giving Black men permission to acknowledge their pain, process their grief, and pursue healing.
Because strength doesn't always mean carrying everything alone.
To learn more about Charles, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

Recovery from mental illness is possible—and no one should have to navigate that journey alone.
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith welcomes Adriene Bausley, Program Director of NAMI Urban Los Angeles, and Yvette Townsend, LCSW, retired Deputy Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and current NAMI Urban LA Board Member.
Together, they explore how education, advocacy, peer support, and community partnerships help individuals and families overcome mental health challenges while reducing stigma and increasing access to care.
Drawing upon decades of leadership in public mental health systems and community-based advocacy, Adriene and Yvette discuss practical ways to strengthen emotional wellness and ensure that more people receive the support they need.
Whether you're supporting a loved one, living with a mental health condition, or simply want to become a stronger advocate, this conversation offers practical guidance, encouragement, and hope.
Because recovery is possible—and healing begins with community.
To learn more about Adriene, click here ===> CLICK HERE
To learn more about Yvette, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

Mental health has become one of the most important conversations of our time, impacting individuals, families, workplaces, schools, and communities across the nation.
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with our beloved resident psychologist and mental health expert Dr. Loren M. Hill for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of mental wellness and what it means to thrive in today's complex world.
Together, they examine the ongoing effects of stress, trauma, grief, anxiety, burnout, and societal pressures while exploring practical strategies that help individuals build resilience and emotional well-being.
This episode offers valuable insight for anyone seeking to better understand mental health, strengthen emotional well-being, and support healthier conversations in their personal and professional lives.To learn more about Dr. Loren, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

On this BWAARP edition of Urban Family Focus Podcast—our Black Wealth Attainment & Retention Program—we’re diving deep into the world of estate planning with none other than Attorney Caprice L. Collins, a Harvard Law graduate and one of the nation’s top-rated experts in Living Trusts, Asset Protection, and Generational Wealth.
With over 40 years of experience, Caprice has helped thousands of families and nonprofits secure their futures and protect their legacies. In this powerful episode, she breaks down the essentials of estate planning—what a trust is, why a will alone isn’t enough, and how to avoid costly mistakes that could derail everything you've worked for.
If you’re serious about financial literacy, legacy planning, and Black wealth retention, this episode is your blueprint.Don’t wait—get informed, get protected, and trust the process.
Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.
To learn more about Caprice, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus

Weight loss medications have become one of the most discussed topics in healthcare, but understanding how they work—and whether they're right for you—requires more than social media headlines.
In this episode of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold Smith sits down with renowned colorectal surgeon Dr. Zuri Murrell to explore the growing use of GLP-1 medications and their role in modern healthcare.
Together, they discuss the science behind medications such as Ozempic® and Wegovy®, how these treatments impact weight management and metabolic health, and what patients should know before considering them as part of their wellness journey.
This informative conversation provides listeners with practical knowledge and expert guidance to better understand one of today's most talked-about healthcare innovations.
To learn more about Dr. Zuri, click here ===> CLICK HERE
------Whether you're tuning in for insights, solutions, or a dose of motivation, The Urban Family Focus Podcast is your destination for meaningful talk that matters.Subscribe today and be part of the movement to uplift, educate, and transform our future—one conversation at a time.Rev. Jerrold Smith is a Life Coach, Addiction Counselor, and seasoned media professional dedicated to uplifting urban families through faith, wellness, and empowerment. As host of Urban Family Focus, Rev. Jerrold brings decades of experience in community leadership, marketing, and ministry to the mic—offering real conversations, expert insight, and inspiring stories that spark meaningful change. His mission is simple: to amplify voices that matter and build stronger, healthier communities—one episode at a time.🎙️www.UrbanFamilyFocus.com🎙️https://www.instagram.com/urbanfamfocus/🎙️https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFamilyFocus🎙️https://x.com/UrbanFam_Focus