Invitation to the Cookout

Black fatherhood is often reduced to stereotypes, statistics, and assumptions.
But what does it really mean to be a present father?
In this episode of Invitation 2 The Cookout, we challenge some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding Black fathers and open up about our own journeys through fatherhood—the lessons, sacrifices, mistakes, growth, and responsibility that come with raising the next generation.
We discuss emotional presence, financial pressure, breaking cycles, building legacies, and why being a good father requires more than simply providing.
This is not a conversation about perfect fathers. It is a conversation about fathers who continue to show up, learn, grow, and love their children intentionally.
Pull up a chair and join the conversation.
What is one lesson your father—or fatherhood—taught you?
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We appreciate you accepting our Invitation 2 The Cookout!

There comes a point when every athlete has to answer one difficult question: Who am I when the game is over?
This week on Invitation 2 The Cookout, we sit down with former Arkansas Razorback and University of Central Arkansas standout Marc Winston to talk about the transition many athletes never prepare for.
We discuss:
-Life after competitive sports
-Mental health and emotional wellness
-Finding your identity beyond athletics
-Building purpose through entrepreneurship
-How Marc became Founder & President of Marc Winston Enterprises
Whether you're a current athlete, former athlete, entrepreneur, or simply navigating life's next chapter, this conversation is packed with wisdom about growth, resilience, and redefining success.
Pull up a chair... You're invited to the cookout.
Follow Invitation 2 The Cookout for conversations centered around food, health & wellness, culture, and the people building stronger communities.

This one is for everybody who grew up hearing “the whole neighborhood would help raise you.”
TheeAlexMac and DapperDom are diving into a real one: What did the Black community used to feel like, and what does it feel like now?
From being corrected by elders, to neighbors looking out, to having a real sense of belonging — we’re reflecting on what the village was, what changed, and whether we can get back to that.
Episode soundtrack: “Back in the Day” — Ahmad This one feels like memory, culture, and conversation all in one.
Question for the cookout: What did “the village” look like for you growing up?  Full episode out now
 

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a former retail executive turned entrepreneur to discuss supplier diversity, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and building opportunities beyond the traditional workplace.
We break down:
* What supplier diversity really means
* How major companies choose suppliers
* Lessons from executive leadership
* The transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship
* Business gems for aspiring entrepreneurs
* Representation, ownership, and legacy
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business professional, or someone looking for motivation, this conversation is packed with game.
Subscribe for more conversations on food, health, and culture.

$300 Billion has been lost in black wealth from the loss of black farmland, but why?
P.J. Haynie III, CEO of Arkansas River Rice and Past Chairman of the National Black Growers Council talk through that with the crew on this episode.
Remember to like, share, comment, and subscribe to our page
We appreciate you accepting our Invitation 2 The Cookout! 

American Black Chiropractic Association Doctor of the Year and the owner of the first only black owned multidisciplinary practice in the state of Arkansas, Dr. Bri joins the cookout and gets us right.
From her origin story, to her heart of service and constant debunking of chiropractor myths this interview was filled with personality and can't miss information.
Check out her practice at the link below! And remember at the cookout we are putting more than food on your table.
https://essence-chiropractic.com

Financial Expert Leah Collins, host of the OWN's show Maxxed Out joins us at the cookout to talk all things finances.
She gives us tips on what good savings strategies to implement, her own personal story of paying off $40k of debt in 18 months, and the bold decision she made to call off her wedding due to financial incompatibility.
Pull up a seat, get a plate, and enjoy the cookout!

Welcome to our Thanksgiving special! In this episode, we’re diving into the heart of the holiday — the FLAVORS we love, the FAMILY moments that shape us, and the FEELINGS that make this season so meaningful.
From comfort food and cultural traditions to the stories behind the dishes we pass around the table, we’re exploring what Thanksgiving really tastes like… and what it teaches us. Whether you’re here for the food science, the fun facts, or the soulful reflections, this episode has a seat at the table just for you.
In This Episode You’ll Learn:
Why certain Thanksgiving flavors bring instant comfort
How culture shapes our holiday menus
The science behind “food memories”
What makes Thanksgiving emotionally powerful
How family traditions evolve from one generation to the next
If you love comfort food, culture, and good conversation — you’re in the right place.

On this episode of Invitation 2 The Cookout DapperDom and TheeAlexMac get real about the silent battles too many of us fight alone. We’re talking faith, family, and mental health—unfiltered. From the pressure to “stay strong” to the stigma that keeps our people from getting help, this conversation dives deep into the truth behind the pain and the power of healing.
Our guests open up about personal stories, survival, and what it really means when we say, “You’re not alone.”
In this episode, we discuss:
• How cultural and generational silence impacts mental health
• Recognizing the warning signs and how to check on your people
• Faith, hope, and finding purpose in the middle of the struggle
• Real resources that can save a life Remember: Talking about suicide doesn’t cause it—silence does. It’s time to break that cycle.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — available 24/7, free and confidential. Join the conversation. Share this episode. Somebody needs to hear it.

What happens when the cookout menu can’t even get started because the neighborhood grocery store doesn’t exist?
In this episode, DapperDom and TheeAlexMac break down the reality of food deserts — communities where fresh fruit, produce, and meat is hard to find but fast food and convenience stores are everywhere. We’ll dig into how food deserts became prevalent, how they shaped our eating habits and health, and the lingering affects they have on us today as we try to come up with some solutions to combat this reality.
Pull up a chair — this is about more than food, it’s about equity at the table.