On Episode 26, I sat down with Branson Van Landingham, a successful entrepreneur, visionary, and community builder. As the CEO and co-founder of Natty State Sports, a cutting-edge digital media platform, Branson is reshaping the landscape of sports media and digital media in general. Branson's mantra, "We lived it," speaks volumes about his dedicat…

Don't miss Episode 25 featuring the incredible Aaron Davis—a keynote speaker, author, cancer survivor, and former national champion football player! We dive deep into the power of motivation, maintaining a positive attitude, consistency, and overcoming obstacles. Tune into this one for his invaluable insights and inspiring journey!…

It's hard not to be motivated by Rebecca @ladyanglerlentz's incredible journey. As an army veteran, two-time cancer survivor, and relentless go-getter, she shares invaluable wisdom on overcoming trauma, fueling personal growth, and not being afraid to try new things. Check out episode 24 today!Av Leo Cummings III

In this episode, host Sarah Samuels, CFA, CAIA, sits down with Lily Lyman, General Partner at Underscore VC, a Boston-based VC firm for bold, seed stage founders. Together, they delve into Lyman's insights garnered from her experiences in fostering entrepreneurship globally, her impactful role in spearheading international expansion efforts at Face…

Pull Up a Chair with Conway Fitness Kickboxing Jake Denton. In this episode, we got into his fighting career, his love for training others, and how his habits of practicing gratitude shape all of those things.Av Leo Cummings III

Kuma Roberts, Executive Coach, and Black Wall Street Chamber of Commerce President pulls up a chair in this episode. The Tulsa native talks about growing up in Tulsa, the world of DEI, and the idea that a lot more connects us than separates us. Kuma was a joy to talk to and I think you’ll enjoy our conversation. Check it out!…

In this episode, host Sarah Samuels, CFA, CAIA, sits down with Kyle Arrington, Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots and founder of the E.V.O.L.V.E. Foundation. They delve into Kyle's formative childhood experiences, lessons learned from working with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, his commitment to community service and empowerment, and …

We’re discussing Katt Williams and the fallout from his legendary interview, and the discussions and actions surrounding Plan B and abortions.

Todd Cate, co-creator and co-host of the now-retired Black Dude White Dude, a long-time friend and weight-loss expert pulls a chair, and just like that, the band was together again. Todd and I recounted the good ole days of BDWD and quickly launched into a variety of topics. The old-school BDWD banter was in full effect as we talked about the benef…

In this episode, host Sarah Samuels, CFA, CAIA, sits down with Crissi Cole, founder of Penny Finance, a financial wellbeing and education platform that seeks to bridge the wealth gap in the workforce. The two talk about foundational childhood experiences that formed who she is today, her career progression from investing portfolios for high net wor…

Mural artist Jessica Jones pulls up a chair for the first episode of 2024. We dive into the journey that led her to Conway, the logistics of painting a 30-foot mural, and the devastating, life-changing event that pushed her to be a full-time artist. Her story of creativity and perseverance is one you don’t want to miss!…

In this episode, host Sarah Samuels, CFA, CAIA, sits down with Devon Drew, CIMA, founder and CEO of DFD Partners. The two talk about foundational childhood experiences that formed who he is today, his career progression from equity sales to wealth management, his inspirations, becoming an entrepreneur in this space and addressing the challenges tha…

We’re discussing would you give up social media for your relationship, do you feel broke if you only have $10 left after all your bills are paid, and should marriage be based on love or should it be more transactional.

Jake Briley, Army veteran and airport director, pulls up a chair for the last episode of the year! From growing up in a military family to being appointed director of the Conway Municipal Airport, Jake offers a unique perspective on life after military service and the importance of aviation to community building.…

Clint Schaff, a seasoned marketing executive, educator, and accomplished entrepreneur pulls up a chair. In this episode, Clint reflects on the path that has shaped his journey, offering a glimpse into the serendipitous moments that have contributed to his success. Since beginning his career in education, Clint has marketed international brands incl…

In this episode, host Sarah Samuels, CFA, CAIA, sits down with Sloan Klein, career coach and executive coach for investment management and financial services professionals. The two talk about foundational childhood experiences that formed who she is today, how she has challenged herself throughout her professional career, transitioning into a caree…

In this episode, speaker and social entrepreneur Lorenzo Lewis pulls up a chair and shares his inspiring journey of transforming pain into purpose. After literally being born in prison, Lorenzo overcame major obstacles and emerged as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Lorenzo founded The Confess Project, empowering barbers to become mental health ad…

Jamie Ward pulls up a chair and shares her inspiring journey of resilience, grief, and triumph. Through suffering personal tragedy, starting her own company, and completing the 29029 Everesting Challenge, Jamie shares her unique perspective on how to make big changes to your own life and the world around you.…

Introducing a new segment of Pull up a Chair - Bourbon Brainstorming! Zach Carter and Corey Parks, two of my very best friends, pull up a chair as we talk through the black experience from our three perspectives.Av Leo Cummings III

In our inaugural episode, host Sarah Samuels, CFA, CAIA, sits down with Ted Seides, CFA, founder of Capital Allocators, an ecosystem that includes podcasts, gatherings, and advisory. The two talk about Ted's career journey, advice for investment professionals managing their careers, his bet with Warren Buffett, and his overall investment philosophy…

Ray Walker, CEO and Artistic Director of Saint Cloud Bourbon, pulls up a chair and tells his story of leaving corporate America behind to pursue his passion for wine. He then went on to use that same passion to create Saint Cloud Bourbon, where he combines his love of art with an interest in creating great bourbon.…

We’re discussing the 3 most important things in your life, and venting on social media.

CFA Society Boston presents Pull Up a Chair – an original podcast series created specifically for investment professionals. Join our host Sarah N. Samuels, board chair of CFA Society Boston, as she chats with leading industry voices with diverse backgrounds offering candid conversations and fresh perspectives. Check out the trailer for season one!…

In this episode, Justin Patton pulls up a chair and shares his journey of pushing through personal tragedy and how he has used his own experience to help and encourage others to lead lives of purpose and authenticity. Justin is an executive coach, leadership presence expert, and award-winning author.…

We’re discussing Jada Pinkett-Smith’s press run for her book and snitching on yourself and others.

Part 2 of Marybeth Hill's inspirational story of recovery. From using and selling drugs to surviving domestic violence, she recounts her life story and how she has used that experience to help and impact others that are suffering from addiction.Av Leo Cummings III

Marybeth Hill pulls up a chair and tells her inspirational story of recovery. From using and selling drugs to surviving domestic violence, she recounts her life story and how she has used that experience to help and impact others that are suffering from addiction. This episode is one you won’t want to miss!…

Chuck Reece, editor of Salvation South, pulled up a “virtual” chair and talked with me about the magazine, why he left the Bitter Southerner, and why he’s hopeful for the future of the South. Salvation South is an online magazine inspired by hope, healing and — most importantly — the desire to create a place on the web and a community of people whe…

The extremely talented @rahoward pulls up a chair. Howard and I conversed about his filmmaking, his old hip hop career and he shares why he’s a Griot (and shares his definition of the word). R.A. shares about his book, Beautiful People, and the inspiration behind it. Lastly the pair traversed into why community work and leaving a legacy can hit har…

We’re discussing apologizing when you didn’t mean to offend someone, should the term “hood movies” be used, and do women know that men like peace.

If you ever wondered if you could be a professional hula hooper, your wondering can now cease. Professional hula hoop performer and artist, Katie Wilson aka Katie Sunshine, pulls up a chair for some conversation with Leo. The two chat about how she was introduced to hooping, how she stepped up her hula hoop game, and the moment when her skills gain…

Artist (and Composer) Faye Hedera pulls up a chair and talks about the inspiration and desire to do the 100 Faces of Conway Project. Faye and Leo get into why she got into art in the first place, how a life changing event impacted her story, and what else is on the horizon for her career. Per usual, every conversation ends with the hot seat questio…

Whispering Willow Farm CEO, owner and garden grower Jill Ragan pulls up a chair with Leo. They get into how she got her start in growing, and more importantly why it's so important to her. She dives into the inspiration for her book "Tiny But Mighty Farm", and explains how what she is doing is far more than teaching others to grow. Jill is such a p…

We’re discussing have you ever faked an orgasm, can you stay in a relationship if the sex is trash, and would you let your spouse be friends with your ex.

Nationally known and respected, Police Officer Tommy Norman, pulls up a chair in this episode and it made for a great convo. The always humble Norman gets into what first led him to the police force and why his method of community policing is so effective and why it's led to him being on national television several times. Leo and Officer Norman als…

We’re discussing polygamy vs monogamy, and the order of importance of the women in your life.

We’re discussing the best member in hip-hop groups, and the best hip-hop storytelling songs.

We’re discussing do you want to feel needed in the relationship, would you force your spouse to conform to your beliefs, can you stay with your spouse if you find out they cheated on you, and what would you do if you find out the kid is not yours.

We’re discussing who is at fault for bad contracts, accountability in relationships, weaponizing tears, and does it matter what a person spends the money they borrow from you on.

Best-selling author, Tedx Speaker, and content creator Jessica Zimmerman pulls up a chair. She gets into her new series: Uncovering Divine Femininity. That led to conversations about taking control of your life, expectations thrust upon you, and relationships, including a transparent conversation about some of her own relationships. You'll want to …

We’re discussing Lebron being the All Time NBA Scoring Leader, would you donate your seed to a friend, would you snitch on your kid, and what’s one hip-hop song you would play for a person that never heard hip-hop before.

In this episode Hilary Downey pulls up a chair to discuss her journey of health, confidence, and consistency. Her story is not only one of motivation but also success. Give it a listen and you’ll soon see why she’s now coaching others across the world and why her story has been told on Good Morning America, Access Hollywood, The Today Show, The Drs…

We’re discussing transgender athletes, natural bodies vs surgery bodies, and is it fair for cops to use lyrics as evidence.

We're discussing which are the top 5 most impactful hip-hop record labels of all time.

We’re discussing who’s to blame between the drug dealer and the drug user, would you read the book of truths, and does your ex motivate you in your future relationships.

We’re discussing if you would report your child’s teacher if you saw them doing something illegal, what would you do if you caught your spouse on a dating site, and how far would you go to protect your spouse.

We’re discussing if you would tell if you had previous relations with your spouses friends, how would you handle your spouse excessively crying over their ex dying, how much of your freedom are you willing to sacrifice to insure public safety, and would the black community be exceptive to a new leader.…

We’re discussing an indecent proposal, would you get involved in friends and family beefs, and if you would be ok if your spouse having a hidden bank account.

We’re discussing does the location of the first date matter, are their expectations at the end of a date, does body count matter, and would it bother you if you look like your spouse's ex.

We're discussing letting your spouse borrow money from a friend of the opposite sex, when do you talk to your kids about adult things, and how important is your wife taking your last name.