In the Season Finale of Brik Talks (Episode 12), host Brik Chik sits down with Mark Stone—an Army veteran, entrepreneur, and community leader whose life journey is rooted in discipline, faith, and service.

Mark Stone holds degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice, along with an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity. Raised by a strong and resilient single mother, Mark learned responsibility early—working at just 12 years old, helping raise his siblings, and learning life skills by observing his mother as she courageously battled breast cancer.

With absent and imperfect father figures, Mark forged his values through lived experience, spiritual grounding, and structure—crediting the U.S. Army as one of the most transformative chapters of his life.

Now at 58, Mark reflects on legacy, sharing powerful insights on:

• Family and generational responsibility

• Faith and personal discipline

• Finances, fitness, and balance

• Why memories—not money—are the true measure of wealth

This conversation is honest, reflective, and deeply human—offering wisdom for anyone thinking about purpose, growth, and what truly matters over time.

Follow Mark Stone
Facebook: @drstone2011
Instagram: @drstone2011

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

In Episode 11, Brik Chik sits down with Bryan Burroughs — a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, educator, and advocate for evidence-based mental health care.

With over a decade in the health field, Bryan’s work is rooted in empathy, clinical precision, and meaningful patient outcomes.

He opens up about the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in Black and underserved communities — and why representation and shared experiences matter when it comes to seeking care.

Bryan also shares his mission to empower health professionals and inspire more people of color to enter mental health careers — from therapists and psychologists to psychiatric providers.

This episode challenges the myth that strength means silence — and reminds us that resilience and vulnerability can coexist.

Follow Bryan Burroughs
Linkedin: @bryanburroughs
website: ritediagnosis.com

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

In Episode 10, Brik Chik sits down with Benita Bennett, a registered nurse from Kansas City with over 25 years of experience in ICU and Emergency Medicine.

Benita speaks on the power of teamwork in healthcare — and the importance of respecting every role, from CNAs to LPNs to nurses on the front lines.

She also opens up about her childhood — growing up in a single-parent household, carrying adult responsibilities at a young age, and enduring years of abuse and trauma that deeply shaped her self-worth.

Facing doubt, low self-esteem, and being told she “wasn’t enough,” Benita shares how a near-death experience, faith, and a relationship with God became the turning point that changed her life’s direction.

This episode is a raw and courageous conversation about healing, faith, and rising beyond what tried to break you.

Follow Benita Bennett
Facebook: @benitalavonne
Instagram: @neetyboo

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

In Episode 8, Brik Chik sits down with Roy Ruffin Jr. born and raised in Rochester, New York, with deep family roots in Tennessee.

After his parents split, Roy’s life took a hard turn — from stealing cars to running with the G-Boyz in the mid-1980s, a mix of the Renegades and the Hawley Boyz.

In 1989, he was expelled from Buffalo State College, and by 1995, Roy was sentenced to 19 years for drug conspiracy and weapons charges.

After serving nearly two decades, Roy came home determined to change his life. Today, he’s focused on his children, accountability, and building something better.

Now, he’s working to launch a youth initiative called “Protect the Future” — aimed at steering the next generation away from the path he once walked.

This episode is about consequences, redemption, and the power to rewrite your story.

Follow Roy Ruffin Jr.
Facebook: @royruffinjr
Instagram: @lordulove

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

In Episode 8, Brik Chik sits down with Jerry Capers — a playwright, producer, director, and filmmaker whose life story is as powerful as the art he creates.

As a child, Jerry and his siblings were removed from their home after being disciplined by their mother — a woman navigating domestic violence and parental struggles. Much of his upbringing was spent living with his grandmother, learning resilience early in life.

In 2023, Jerry’s journey came full circle when he became his mother’s caretaker, spending her final months by her side — a time marked by healing, reflection, and love before her passing.

This episode is a raw and moving conversation about family, trauma, forgiveness, and turning pain into purpose.

Follow Jerry Capers
Facebook: @jerrycapers
Instagram: @capers_4097

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

In Episode 7, Brik Chik sits down with Ajoua Jackson — Assistant Principal in the Rochester City School District, travel agent, and author of the novel “Scotch on the Rocks.”

Born in Buffalo, New York, Ajoua shares the powerful influence of her mother and grandmother, and how their love and guidance shaped her perspective on life, education, and family.

She speaks on the importance of parent involvement in their children’s education and the impact true partnership can make in a child’s success.

As a world traveler, Ajoua launched AJ Excursions, a travel agency built on the motto: “We Make Vacation Dreams Come True.”

She reflects on life lessons, including the value of money and what she would do differently if she had the chance.

Follow Ajoua Jackson
Facebook: @ajouaj
Instagram: @aj__excursions
website: ajexcursions.com

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

The T-Shirt Brik Chik is wearing in this episode is to bring awareness regarding war in Tigray, in Northern Africa, in Ethiopia. Click link below to get yours and contribute to a worthy cause. tylvclothing.com

In Episode 6, Brik Chik sits down with DJ Dana — a legendary DJ with 40 years of experience shaping the soundtrack of Rochester and beyond.

From organizing and DJing the Rochester Summer Soul Music Festival to helping build community events like the Hanover Reunion, Dana has been a pillar in the culture.

But his story starts much earlier…
In the early ’80s, he moved to Harlem with his older brother Danny — a father figure who introduced him to the grind. Together, they became street art vendors, creating and selling art in the Mecca of New York.

And it was Starski who first put Dana behind the turntables, sparking a lifelong passion for DJing, music, and style.

This episode dives into Hip-Hop history, family, fashion, and the journey of a true cultural architect.

Follow Dj Dana
Facebook: @DanaDane
Instagram: @DJDana723
TikTok: @DJDana723

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

In Episode 5, Brik Chik sits down with Lady — a woman whose journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power to rebuild. Born in Jamaica, her story spans continents… from England to Miami to Rochester.
Raised in foster care, she survived abuse, neglect, and unimaginable challenges — yet refused to lose hope. A single mother of two and grandmother of three, Lady is balancing nursing school, work, family, and the difficult path of clearing her record after time in federal prison.

This conversation is about strength, healing, and the courage to rise — no matter where you start.

Follow Lady Campbell
Facebook: @JodiaPhirstLadyCampbell
Instagram: @phirstlady29

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

In Episode 3, Brik Chik sits down with Shanden D. Jackson, currently serving as Assistant Executive Director at the Rochester Traffic Violations Agency, where she’s made an impact for over 20 years. Beyond her professional role, Shanden “Coach Pinky” Jackson is a certified personal trainer, glute specialist, women’s group fitness and lifestyle coach, and line dancing instructor with the PNK Steppaz. She opens up about how childhood experiences shaped her strength, how she overcame personal health challenges, and how she’s inspiring women to transform their lives — mind, body, and soul.

It’s motivation, movement, and meaning — all in one powerful conversation.

Follow Shanden “Coach Pinky” Jackson
Facebook: @Pnkfitness421
Instagram: @pnk_fitness_421
TikTok: @coachpinky_pnkfitness421
Youtube: @shandendjackson5879

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network

Brik Talks | Jay Real | Episode 2

This week, Brik Chik sits down with the multi-talented Jay Real — a Syracuse native who built his brand in Rochester, NY.

He’s a national touring comedian, concert promoter, and financial educator whose story is all about hustle, purpose, and turning passion into profit.

Follow Jay Real
Facebook: @comedianjayrealtoo
Instagram: @jayreal1000000
TikTok: @jayrealsworld
Website: jnewmanassociatesllc.com

Follow Brik Chik
Instagram: @briktalks
Facebook: @brikchik
Youtube: @brikchik
Website: brikchik.com

Directed, Edited, and Motion Graphics by Shabaka Mu Ausar for Media Movement Network