Max Out Time W/ Aj Ii

This week on another #EducationReboot episode of #MaxOutTime: GOODProjects DC Cofounder and 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Darius Baxter, discusses the GOODLearning Hub’s impact in Southwest DC (Ward 6). GOODProjects DC, founded by Darius and two fellow Georgetown University football alumni (Troye Bullock and Daniel Wright), known as the GOODGuys, aims to end poverty neighborhood-by-neighborhood by 2030 through family success planning and youth programming. The trio’s most recent project consists of a safe, socially distanced learning hub in the GOODZone, which is located in one of the most-impoverished neighborhoods in the Nation’s Capital. In order to bridge the digital divide, instructors offer educational and emotional services to nearly two dozen at-risk students inside the hub. In addition, through mentorship, education and service, the holistic approach to aiding our city’s most vulnerable youth has provided a safe space for them. Visit https://goodprojects.networkforgood.com/projects/50924-goodproje

This week on a special #EducationReboot episode of Max Out Time: Victor Jimenez and Jeremiah Pierre, two seventh graders at Flushing Christian School in Flushing, New York, discuss their remote learning difficulties amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is the second time these young men have been guests on the show. I interviewed them in 2019 when they became the youngest winners of National Geographic’s GeoChallenge team competition for their project about preserving the Hudson River Watershed. The two middle schoolers say that remote learning causes unnecessary distractions, there are technical difficulties and it’s also affecting their social lives. But they both agree that it is *not* time to return to in-person learning. This podcast episode is sponsored by DC’s Southwest Soda Pop Shop (https://www.swsodapopshop.com), a family-run, Black-Owned ice cream parlor on the District Wharf that keeps sweets simple. For a limited time, visit the walk-up window and use the discount code “MAX OUT TIME!” to receive 10%

This week on an #EducationReboot episode of Max Out Time: Azel 'Zel' Prather Jr., KIPP DC Arts and Technology Academy physical education teacher, discusses encouraging Pre-K and Kindergarten students through self-care and positive affirmations amid the pandemic. The award-winning educator, who received the Washington Wizards Black History Month spotlight and a special guest appearance on Ellen earlier this year, has been lauded for his dedication to the city's youth through teaching and philanthropy. Zel discusses his virtual workouts with students, being a positive role model and helping DC area families through The Prather Foundation. To empower the next generation of leaders, donate today at https://www.thepratherfoundation.org/ This podcast episode is sponsored by Southwest Soda Pop Shop (https://www.swsodapopshop.com), a family-owned Black Business on the District Wharf that keeps sweets simple. For a limited time, visit the walk-up window and use the discount code “Max Out Time!” to receive 10% off your

This week on a special episode of Max Out Time: The Jones sisters of DC's Southwest Soda Pop Shop discuss their Black business and its triumphs after social media success and nationwide support through the Black Lives Matter Movement. Similar to most Black-Owned establishments, the pandemic crushed this ice cream parlor last spring. Then a viral tweet of the shop’s go fund me page helped salvage and revitalize the business for good. We discussed running a family-owned business, advice to Black Women in this climate and operating a restaurant during the height of a global pandemic. For more on the shop’s success and new treats, follow @swsodapopshop on social media. This podcast is now sponsored by SW Soda Pop Shop, the only Black-Owned establishment on the District Wharf that keeps sweets simple. For a limited time, visit the walk-up window and use the discount code “Max Out Time!” to receive 10% off your first purchase. Previously recorded on Thursday, October 1, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a special #EducationReboot episode of Max Out Time: former NASA Aerospace Engineer, Aisha Bowe, the Founder and CEO of Lingo by STEMBoard, discusses her mission to close the achievement gap amid the coronavirus pandemic. Over the summer, Aisha and her team invented Lingo, a home-learning, STEM-based coding kit, to help teens develop coding skills through virtual programming. We discussed representation in STEM, empowering Black youth and inspiring young women entrepreneurs. For more on Lingo, follow @aishabowe or @stemlingoco on social media. This podcast is sponsored by Bold Xchange, a one-stop shop for the most convenient buy black experience. Visit www.boldxchange.com and shop with promo code maxouttime2020 to receive 10% off your first purchase. Previously recorded on Friday, October 2, 2020. -AJ II

This week on an #EducationReboot episode of Max Out Time: Ms. Brittany Jones, seventh grade teacher and co-owner of the District Wharf’s Southwest Soda Pop Shop, discusses remote teaching while operating a thriving Black-Owned Business amid the coronavirus pandemic. Ms. Jones is preparing her students at Charles Carroll Middle School to tell their #COVID19 stories and preserve history as she leans on her three sisters at the shop during these unprecedented times. We discussed maintaining mental health, comforting students who’ve lost loved ones to the virus and adapting to the constant change throughout 2020. For more on Brittany and her family business, please visit imbryt_brat or @swsodapopshop on social media. This episode was previously recorded on Thursday, September 17, 2020. -AJ II

This week on an #EducationReboot episode of Max Out Time: Seck Barry, Philadelphia 76ers Community Champion and Dean of Students at Camden Prep in South Jersey, details his school’s remote learning difficulties amid the coronavirus pandemic. Camden Prep is the highest performing school of all renaissance and district schools in Camden and home to some of New Jersey’s most vulnerable students of color, which is why Dean Barry takes his job personally, especially during the new normal. We discussed Black children’s mental health, the importance of role models and the lack of resources in underprivileged communities. This episode was previously recorded on Saturday, August 15, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a special episode of #MaxOutTime: Reigning WNBA champion and Washington Mystics superstar, Natasha Cloud, who opted out of her season to fight for social reform, discusses the nationwide movement against racial injustice. In an attempt to spark change in this world, the Mystics guard gives a passionate plea for immediate social reform. This episode was previously recorded on Tuesday, September 3, 2020. Subscribe to Max Out Time With AJ II on YouTube for more. -AJ II

This week on an #EducationReboot episode of Max Out Time: Kahlil Greene, Yale's first Black Student Body President, discusses the college reopening process amid the coronavirus pandemic. Yale is operating on a hybrid learning system this fall, and Kahlil is back on campus leading the charge and leaving a legacy during his senior year. He is aiming to make concrete changes before his seat is up, both on campus and off, such as increasing faculty diversity and pushing to distribute more money to the New Haven community. For more on Kahlil's trailblazing feats, follow him on social media @kahlil.greene. This episode was previously recorded on Thursday, July 30th, 2020. -AJ II

Introducing #EducationReboot, a new weekly series, which re-imagines our nation’s schools amid the continued coronavirus pandemic. This week on Max Out Time: Coach Ashton Washington, the first full-time female coach in the history of the University of Illinois Football Program, discusses the sudden postponement of the Big Ten fall sports season and safely returning student-athletes to campus. As the Illini Director of High School Relations, Coach A not only explains the crushing blow that the college program received, but also how the pandemic impacts high school players and coaches. Additionally, Coach A outlines what it means to be a woman in sports and learning under Lovie Smith's tutelage. Please follow Coach A’s journey @ash3washington on social media. This episode was previously recorded on Thursday, August 13, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a special Black Business Month episode of Max Out Time: Checkout our sponsor, Bold Xchange, on the importance of supporting Black entrepreneurs and their brands. Bold’s co-founders, Danielle Deavens and Douglas Spencer, explain how the coronavirus pandemic sparked their one-stop shop’s meteoric rise and more. This episode was originally broadcasted through Facebook Live on Thursday, August 13, 2020. For the full recording visit: https://www.facebook.com/MaxOutTime/ Shop Bold today at https://boldxchange.com/ It’s the most convenient way to buy Black online. -AJ II

This week on a special episode of Max Out Time: We are celebrating the three year anniversary of the podcast by highlighting moments from each segment. The show has created more than 1,000 minutes of podcast interviews, connected with nearly 50 guests and featured 42 episodes. Please continue subscribing and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform today. We can't let the conversations die. Let's Max Out! -AJ II

This week on the series finale of #SportsSuspended: Former All-Pro Cornerback turned Entrepreneur, Shawn Springs, discusses his heralded impact performance company and the future of contact sports. Springs is the Founder and CEO of Windpact Inc., which combines applied science, technology and material data to help improve the world. Windpact partners with helmet brands, such as Schutt, to preserve the game of football from the grassroots level up to the NFL. For more on the company’s quest to solve unique impact challenges, visit https://windpact.com/ and follow @WindpactInc on social media. This episode was previously recorded on Friday, May 29, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a #SportsSuspended episode of Max Out Time: U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist, Laurie Hernandez, who is the youngest member of the world-renowned "Final Five" women’s artistic gymnastics team, discusses mental health and the Tokyo Olympics pandemic postponement. Laurie, who won the gold medal in the Team All-Around event and silver on the Balance Beam at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, shares her personal experiences dealing with mental health, seeking help and confiding in loved ones and even taking time off from gymnastics for two years before returning in 2018. In addition to her words of encouragement, don't miss Laurie’s tips on finding an outlet and staying in shape during the new normal. As always, please follow @lauriehernandez on social media for more. This episode was previously recorded on Tuesday, June 16, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a #SportsSuspended episode of Max Out Time: In-Game Host for the WNBA Champion Washington Mystics and the NBA’s Washington Wizards, Britt Waters, discusses her new normal without professional sports. Britt holds multiple jobs that revolve around sports and entertaining its fans. On March 11, 2020, when the NBA suspended its season, Britt realized the magnitude of the unprecedented times we are facing. She breaks down working at a time where games are non-existent. For more on Britt, please visit https://brittwaters.com/ and follow her on social media @itsbrittwaters. This episode was previously recorded on Thursday, May 7, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a #SportsSuspended episode of Max Out Time: Former University of Maryland football team captain and future George Washington Law student, Ellis McKennie III, describes his father’s bout with the coronavirus. The deadly virus outbreak halted Ellis’ NFL aspirations when the university cancelled its Pro Day, but none of that mattered days later as Ellis learned that his superhero would undergo a medically-induced coma. After the elder McKennie beat COVID-19, Ellis wrote a piece entitled “In His Own Words” to spread positivity amid the headlining tragedies across the world. For more on Ellis' work, please follow him on social media @EllisMcKennie. This episode was previously recorded on Tuesday, May 12, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a special episode of Max Out Time: Malik Stewart aka “Malik DOPE” discusses his breakout performance on the Season 15 premiere of America’s Got Talent (AGT). Malik is a street performer turned internationally-acclaimed percussionist, who made his start in Go-Go bands in Washington, DC, at the age of 12-years-old. Stay tuned for the rest of the AGT season to see more DOPE performances from Malik, and follow the electric musician on social media @malik.dope. This episode was previously recorded on Friday, June 5, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a #SportsSuspended episode of Max Out Time: Pro Bowl running back, Jordan Howard, discusses his off-season move to the storied Miami Dolphins franchise amid the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. During this seemingly uncertain period, Jordan said he couldn't enter the Dolphins' facilities and that he had only met with his new team via Zoom calls. A model of consistency in every sense of the word, Jordan went back to Indiana University and obtained his undergraduate degree last year. But adapting to a new organization while facing a global pandemic may be Jordan’s biggest test yet. For more on Jordan, please follow him on social media @JHowardx34. This episode was previously recorded on Thursday, May 14, 2020. -AJ II

Introducing #SportsSuspended, a new weekly series, which examines sports figures and their unique experiences during the coronavirus pandemic. This week on Max Out Time: Fifth overall WNBA draft pick, Dallas Wings Guard/Forward Bella Alarie, discusses being selected in the first-round of the first-ever virtual draft in major professional sports history. Bella is the third WNBA player ever chosen in the first-round whose father was an NBA first-round pick (Mark Alarie, Denver Nuggets ‘86). The Three-Time Ivy League Player of the Year, out of Princeton, is also the highest selected WNBA hooper from the conference. In addition to the draft, Bella details finishing school and preparing for the leap to the pros during quarantine. Follow Bella on social media @bella_alarie. This episode was previously recorded on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. -AJ II

This week on a special episode of Max Out Time: Entertainer and D.C. icon, Anwan ‘Big G’ Glover, discusses his call to action to our local politicians amid the coronavirus pandemic. As the ‘voice of the city,’ G urges Washington’s leaders to improve living conditions in the D.C. Jail and Hope Village Reentry Facility because the health and safety of prisoners and returned citizens is paramount. When G is away from his Hollywood acting roles, like in HBO’s classic hit show, The Wire, The Ghetto Prince is the leader of the Backyard Band—one of the most storied Go-Go bands in D.C. For more on G, please follow him on social media @anwanglover & @backyardband. This episode was previously recorded on Monday, May 4, 2020. -AJ II