Episode #10: Your Incredible “Somethings” & Sammy Kamara
SEASON TWO FINALE: We have shared some amazing stories of resilience during the first two seasons of “Everybody’s Got Something” — but until now, we’ve focused on people you probably know. This week, we focus on our listeners’ own ‘somethings.’
Robin sits down with Sammy Kamara – a man whose story and awe-inspiring journey is one you must hear. After growing up in a rural Liberian village, his parents sent him to live with his Uncle in a more populated area to learn English. What he didn’t know – was that the uncle would turn out to be incredibly abusive and “rent” him out to others for labor. His uncle eventually shipped him off to the US to one of his friends without the knowledge or consent of Sammy’s parents. Sammy was eventually thrown out on the streets of the Bronx with nothing but a school ID as winter loomed on the horizon. Because of a classmate’s kindness, Sammy ended up in the home of The Johnsons’ – who taught him about faith, love and family. He ended up receiving a competitive scholarship that changed his life – and introduced him to a place where he still works to this day, 40 years later. He was finally able to make it back to Liberia in 2012 – the first time in the 30 years since he left it where he learned more painful news regarding his family. Upon his return, he started a charity with his wife Carol that supports orphanages back in his home country of Liberia and other causes. He’s also written a memoir about his experiences and finding that hope through one’s pain.
Thank you to our faithful listeners who sent us their “somethings” in messages and voicemails. And thanks to you for listening this season. We’ll talk again very soon!
Listen NowEpisode #9: Felicia Johnson – “Breaking the Cycle of Silence”
First recorded for our latest WebMD series entitled: Advanced Breast Cancer: Courage, Comfort and Care with Robin Roberts, the incredibly resilient and strong Felicia Johnson shares her “something” with us – how cancer affected 3 generations of her family – 11 women in total. After the death of her first cousin, she vowed that she would never lose the fight with, as she describes it, the “monster that was chasing us down.” She wants to break the cycle of silence – in people that feel too scared to speak out about their health – or are too scared to find out more about their illness. She has an unforgettable story that you have to hear to believe.
Listen NowEpisode #8: Kenny Anderson – “Rebound”
At one time, Kenny Anderson was one of the most sought after basketball player in the nation. He led his Georgia Teach team to the 1990 Final Four, and got picked 2nd overall by the Nets in the ’91 NBA draft. An All-Star by just his third season, it seemed like the only way for Kenny to go was up – but after retiring from the game he loved at 35 and losing his beloved mother – he bottomed out with a DUI charge that cost him a coaching position at a private high school in Florida. In a new documentary, Mr. Chibbs, Kenny is followed through a candid, sad and hopeful journey about some of the toughest issues he’s faced. Issues like the excessive drinking rumors that followed him throughout his career – his molestation as a youth by two men, including a coach – and how he ended up spending all of the $63 million dollars he made in his career before filing for bankruptcy. Struggling with his post-NBA identity and fading fame – Kenny, a father of 8, calls himself a “work in progress,” which is something we can all relate to on some level.
Listen NowEpisode #7: Ernie Johnson Jr. – “What to do When Your Life Goes ‘Unscripted’”
Ernie Johnson Jr. is a three-time Sports Emmy Award winner and host of TNT’s Inside the NBA with Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal. He’s opening up about his new autobiography, “Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments that Make Life Extraordinary.” And his life is just that — extraordinary – inspiring many, and those who are picking up his book and learning about his story for the first time. Ernie’s legendary career spans more than 40 years. He says his life narrative went “unscripted” after adopting a young boy from Romania, who they later found out was living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; Adopting again from Paraguay and then once more — two sisters out of foster care. He bravely went through the passing of his beloved father, Ernie Sr., and a cancer diagnosis in 2003. But in those challenging times, he learned how to embrace those important moments and cherish what matters most in life. Ernie lives in Braselton, Georgia, with his wife, Cheryl, and their six children.
Listen NowEpisode #6: Lea Michele – “Places Everyone”
The wildly talented Lea Michele shares details about her highly anticipated second studio album, “Places.” Lea is known as an ambitious, dedicated and hard-working actress; A born-for-the-stage Jersey-girl striver with extraordinary pipes. She’s beloved by her fans worldwide. She joined us after a knock-out performance on Good Morning America. In this episode, Lea shares intimate details about the messages behind some of the songs on her new album, how she says maintains a healthy mindset despite the demands of her career and lifestyle, and her plans for the future.
Also, Robin revisits her interviews from Season 1 and reflects on some of the “somethings” her guests shared.
Listen NowEpisode #5: Andy Andrews – “Why You SHOULD Sweat the Small Stuff”
The New York Times calls Andy Andrews “someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America.” His books have been translated into over 25 languages, and he’s spoken at the request of four different U.S. presidents. Andy is one of the best people in the world who can “weave subtly year life-changing lessons into riveting tales of adventure and intrigue – both on paper and on stage” (andyandrews.com). It wasn’t always that way though. At the age of 19, both of his parents died – his mother from cancer, his father in a car accident. Within just a few years, he found himself homeless – which is when he asked the question that would focus his search for what would ultimately affect millions of people. The question? Is life just a lottery ticket, or are there choices one can make to direct his future? To find the answer, he first went to the library. Over time, he read more than 200 biographies of great men and women. The rest is history. The “Seven Decisions,” as he calls them, were the engines used to carry Andrews’ life in a different direction. And more than 20 years later, those same Seven Decisions became the outline for The Traveler’s Gift and the basis of a PBS Special. He’s talks about his newest book, The Little Things, which turns one of the most common belief assumed to instill success – on its head. The Little Things explains why you SHOULD sweat the small stuff – and how one tiny thing can help create powerful and extraordinary results.
Listen NowEpisode #4: Patti LaBelle – “Dishin’ & Desserts with the Godmother of Soul”
Patti LaBelle is one of the most successful and beloved entertainers of our time. Over a career spanning more than 50 years, she’s earned two Grammy’s, 3 Emmy nominations, and is the ONLY celebrity whose star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was paid for entirely by fans. With a new jazz album, dessert cookbook, concert dates AND a third season of her cooking show on deck, Philly’s sweetheart is proof that life is greater later. A dazzling 73 years young, the Godmother of Soul – be it music or food – has more on her plate right now than any time in her five-decades-long career – and she looks better than ever doing it. The new album, Bel Hommage, is her first foray into the wonderful world of jazz, and something the Grammy Award-winning singer herself the album is “something you’d never expect from Patti.” She talks about her double life as a celebrity cook, her childhood listening to Nina Simone records, the unimaginable loss of her 5 family members, her children, and what she’s learned through it all.
Listen NowEpisode #3: Wanda ‘Mama’ Durant – The Real MVP
After Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant helped his team clinch the 2017 NBA championship, his mother, Wanda Durant, celebrated alongside her son and the team in what truly was a lifelong dream come true. Durant, a single mother, said she did her best to stay engaged as a parent and demand the best from her two sons. When Durant was named league MVP in 2014, he delivered an emotional speech dedicated to his mother, calling her “the real MVP.”
Listen NowEpisode #2: Mandisa – “Out of the Dark”
With over one million records sold, Grammy award winning singer Mandisa is back with a renewed passion for music, after spending much of the past few years suffering from depression. As her career rose, she quietly withdrew from the spotlight after watching her very close friend (and backup singer) Kisha lose her battle with breast cancer (leaving behind a husband and two young sons.) If it weren’t for her friends – and her faith, Mandisa says she wouldn’t be here today. After some counseling, this powerhouse artist is back & better than ever with a highly anticipated new album appropriately named, Out of the Dark. Mandisa performed “Stronger” on GMA years ago for Robin’s emotional return to the show after defying the odds and beating her health battles. Mandisa talks about how she’s been doing, this unique and uplifting album, and why she’s the voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world
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