The Bookum Nook Show

George Johnson: Building the $75M Afro Sheen Empire & Funding Soul Train

At 97 years old, George E. Johnson Sr. is a living legend. In this extraordinary conversation, the founder of Johnson Products Company—the first Black-owned business to trade on the American Stock Exchange—shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings to revolutionizing the beauty industry.

Joined by his co-author, award-winning writer Hilary Beard, Mr. Johnson discusses their new memoir "Afro Sheen: How I Revolutionized an Industry with the Golden Rule, from Soul Train to Wall Street."

IN THIS EPISODE:

In this holiday special of the Bookum Founders Talk Podcast, we sit down with special guest, Co-Founder, and brother, the brilliant Kris Colley II.

We talk through Kris Colley’s role at Bookum, how the idea for the platform first came together, and the journey that took Bookum from an idea to a billboard in Times Square. We also reflect on standout moments from 2025, including conversations with Hollywood Producers like Will Packer, the evolution of community features like Nooks, and the podcast episodes and books that defined our year.

Does great art require hubris? In this episode of Creators Talk Podcast, we explore Gothic literature, Frankenstein, and the complex relationship between artists and their creations with Dr. Rebecca Marks, a Cambridge PhD specializing in Gothic literature and art history.

Dr. Marks takes us deep into the world of Gothic literature, from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to the moral questions that define the genre. We discuss whether classics should remain untouchable, who gets to adapt stories by women, and the eternal debate: can we separate the artist from the art?

This conversation covers content creation, the...

Legendary restaurateur Drew Nieporent sits down to discuss his incredible 40+ year career in the restaurant industry, from opening the iconic Nobu with Robert De Niro and Nobu Matsuhisa to building Tribeca Grill, Montrachet, and over 40 other restaurants. Drew shares lessons on leadership, navigating celebrity partnerships, surviving 9/11 and COVID, and what it really takes to succeed in the restaurant business.

Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our Youtube Channel!

TIMESTAMPS:
1:12 - Muhammad Ali
3:03 - On Being Difficult
4:28 - On Being A Leader
5:56 - The Dynamic of the front and back...

Welcome to the Bookum Author Talks Podcast!

In this episode, we sit down with culinary historian and James Beard Award winner Adrian Miller to explore the REAL history of soul food. We dive deep into Thanksgiving history and traditions, black food traditions, the soul food canon, and cooking through history. Adrian breaks down everything from cooking Thanksgiving dinner and the best soul food dishes to collard greens recipes and old world cooking techniques.

Discover the truth about soul food and how it's not slave food. Learn about mac and cheese history, the origins of chitlins...

My guest today on the Bookum Author Talks Podcast is the generational powerhouse Cheryl McKissack Daniel. Cheryl is the President and CEO of McKissack & McKissack, a design and construction company founded by Moses McKissack in 1905. It is the oldest Black-owned architecture and construction company in the United States.

In this episode, Cheryl shares the incredible story of her family’s legacy spanning 5 generations, their impact on HBCU campuses, succession plans, major stadium projects, and lessons on leadership, entrepreneurship, and preserving family history.

This episode is full of history and business lessons!

Get Cheryl’s bo...

In this episode of Creators Talk Podcast, we sit down with  @classicallyclare Juilliard-trained pianist, book content creator, and host of Study Hall Book Club We discuss her journey from Singapore to New York (Back to Singapore), the power of collective reading, how to engage with classic books (The Tempest by William Shakespeare), and the connection between music, storytelling, content creation, and social media.

Make sure to like and subscribe to our youtube channel  @bookum  

Timestamps:

1:12 – Reading in Singapore
2:23 – New York Reading Culture
3:12 – Playing Music as a Kid
4:01 – Music and Content Creation Duration: 00:38:03

On this episode of Bookum Author Talks, we sit down with New York Times journalist and bestselling author Ken Belson to unpack how the NFL became a billion dollar empire. We cover stadiums, streaming, anti-trust battles, and social justice. This episode is for anyone who loves the NFL & is interested in the business, cultural impact and economics of football.

Timestamps
1:03 - The Mets and The World Series
1:52 - The Evolution of the NFL
4:03 - The Business Structure of the NFL
6:18 - Jerry Jones and His Role in the NFL
9:21 - Owners Owning...

In this episode of Bookum Author Talks Podcast, we sit down with ESPN Senior Sports Writer Seth Wickersham to discuss his new book "American Kings: A Biography of the Quarterback." We discuss the evolution of the NFL quarterback position, what separates the greatest QBs of all time, and the untold stories that shaped the game.

From Joe Montana's uniqueness to Tom Brady's Super Bowl championships, Patrick Mahomes' greatness gene, and the rise of Black quarterbacks in the NFL - Seth breaks down what truly goes on inside the helmet of elite quarterbacks and how the position has...

Recorded: Jun 13, 2024

Our Guest today is the Delightful Danielle Robay

Danielle is the Founder of PrettySmart & The Host of the Question Everything Podcast.

Pretty Smart is a love letter to women with something to say:

Danielle is also a TV Host, Journalist and has chatted with everyone from Taylor Swift to Jada Pinkett Smith.

Danielle is a storyteller, a card game creator, a conversational, an avid reader and Questions are her Love Language.

This episode of Founders Talk Podcast is to brought you by Bookum - The...

Tonya Mosley | Bookum Creators Talk Podcast ‪@bookum‬ @nprf

Join us on the Bookum Creators Talk Podcast with Tonya Mosley, Emmy award-winning journalist and co-host of NPR’s Fresh Air ‪@thisisfreshair‬  celebrating its 50th anniversary this month and one of public radio’s most popular programs.

Tonya is also the founder of TMI Productions and host of the Truth Be Told Podcast, an advice show exploring race, Black stories, and how to grow and thrive in America. TMI also produced the limited series She Has A Name, a deeply personal family mystery.

Timestamps:
1:20 - Favorite st...

In this episode of the Founders Talk Podcast, we sit down with Jennifer Baker, seasoned publishing professional and host of the Minorities in Publishing Podcast, to reflect on 10 years of podcasting and the evolution of diversity in the publishing industry. Jennifer shares her insights on how the publishing world has changed, discusses what meaningful mentorship looks like, and dives into the challenges facing book production today.

Topics Covered:

Diversity in Publishing: Then vs. Now
The Role of Production in Book Publishing
Navigating the Marketing of Traditional Books
Tips for Breaking into the...

In this exclusive Bookum Founders Talk Podcast episode, we sit down with Rachelle Gardner, president of Gardner Literary Agency, to reveal the insider secrets that can transform your publishing journey.

About Rachelle Gardner:
Rachelle Gardner is the president of Gardner Literary Agency and has been a literary agent since 2007. She's negotiated over 300 contracts with more than 20 publishers and worked with over 200 authors to bring their books to publication. With nearly 30 years in publishing (since 1995), Rachelle brings unparalleled insider knowledge to help authors navigate the complex world of traditional publishing.

What You Will Learn:
<...

Award-winning filmmaker Felicia Pride, Co-Executive Producer of Bel-Air and founder of Honey Chile Production Company, joins Bookum Founders Talk to discuss why Black women over 40 represent television's biggest untapped audience. From her Hollywood breakthrough to launching her own production company, Pride shares the creative risks that transformed her career. Get an inside look at her new romance novella "Come Close" and discover how she's building an independent media empire focused on underrepresented stories.

Pride shares her journey from rejected scripts to executive producer, offering valuable advice for writers, creators, and entrepreneurs navigating the entertainment industry. Discover her...

On this episode of Bookum Creators Talk Podcast, Professor Timothy Welbeck from Temple University explains why Kendrick Lamar's music has become college curriculum and how hip-hop education is transforming academic discourse. 

In this comprehensive interview, we explore hip-hop as a scholarly discipline, the cultural impact of Kendrick Lamar, and the current state of rap journalism. From analyzing the Kendrick vs Drake beef to discussing what makes a "classic" hip-hop album, Professor Welbeck breaks down the intersection of hip-hop culture and higher education.

🎓 About Professor Timothy Welbeck:

Hip-hop scholar and educator at Temple University
...

Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel.

My Guest to Today is the Spectacular Stacy Spikes. Stacy is the Author of Black Founder - The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider. Stacy is also the co-founder of MoviePass.  MoviePass is a subscription-based movie ticketing service. Prior to MoviePass, Stacy worked at Motown Universal and was VP of Marketing at Miramax. He has worked with everyone from Eddie Murphy to Stevie Wonder.

Timestamp:

1:27 - MoviePass Documentary
3:07 - MovieGoing Experience
4:12 - Inspiring Black People in Film/Music
5:59 - Favorite M...

In this episode of Creators Talk Podcast, we sit down with Mishayla Twyman, founder and creator of Your Local Book Club ATX, to explore how she built a thriving book community of over 1,500 members in Austin, TX.

From childhood favorites to her top book club picks, Mishayla shares her book‑picking process, collaboration tips, and the behind‑the‑scenes of community‑building. Discover how she turned her passion into an inclusive, dynamic literary space.

Timestamps:
0:55 - Childhood Reading
2:55 - Austin, Texas Reading Culture
4:07 - Starting "Your Local Book Club"
6:43 - Early Members...

In this episode of the Author Talks Podcast, we sit down with crime fiction writer Marc Avery to break down how he built suspense, voice, and character in his new thriller Discipline. From writing villains to navigating the publishing process, Marc shares what it takes to write a killer crime thriller set in the heart of Philadelphia. If you're into suspense fiction, crime thrillers, or looking for the best thriller books to read, this one's for you.

📚 Timestamps
0:58 – Book Tour
2:44 – Character Development
4:23 – Writing Villains
6:39 – Premise of Discipline
7:23 – Setting the Book in Philly
9:23 – Wo...

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Khaya Fraites the voice behind Violet Sorrengail in the beloved Fourth Wing Dramatized Audiobook series. As a writer, director, and voice actor, Khaya shares her unique perspective on bringing characters to life across multiple creative mediums.

In this episode, we dive deep into her journey from theater to voice acting, the preparation that goes into voicing iconic characters like Violet, and how she navigates the business side of the industry. We also explore her work as a filmmaker, her writing process, and how AI is impacting voice actors today.
Duration: 00:46:34

In this powerful episode of the Bookum Author Talk Podcast, we sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Dr. Marcia Chatelain to explore her groundbreaking book, Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America. We trace the hidden history of McDonald’s in Black neighborhoods—from post-civil rights era franchising to protests, advertising, health, and economic empowerment.

This is not just a story about fast food, it’s about how Black America was both empowered and exploited by one of the most iconic brands in the world.

Timestamps
1:15 – Sinners & The Great Migration
2:55 – Growing up with McDonald's...

We talk about everything from Hogan’s record-breaking WCW deal to the NWO’s cultural crossover with hip-hop, Monday Night Wars, and Dennis Rodman. If you're a wrestling fan, this is a must-watch.

Timestamps:
1:15 - Current WWE
2:21 - John Cena turning Heel
3:35 - Watching Wrestle as a kid
5:23 - Hulk Hogan Signing to WCW
10:52 - Hulk Hogan & Pop Culture
12:02 - Hulk Hogan v. Andre The Giant
13:21 - Record Deal for Hulk Hogan
17:24 - The Formation of NWO
18:02 - Hulk Hogan joins NWO
24:22 - Trash throwing Trash in WCW<...

Welcome to another episode of the Creators Talk Podcast!

In this conversation, we dive deep with Sam Fox, Senior Director of Content Creation & Strategy at HarperCollins. With a background at Teen Vogue and Condé Nast, Sam brings a unique perspective on storytelling, marketing, and building inclusive book communities. From her journey as a dancer to shaping innovative book marketing campaigns, she shares priceless insights for authors and content creators alike.

Timestamps:
1:02 - Growing Up a Dancer
2:46 - Combining Dance and Storytelling
4:30 - Marketing Books
5:37 - Getting into Reading
8:44 - Working a...

In this episode of the Author Talks Podcast, we sit down with legendary sports biographer Roland Lazenby, the bestselling author behind definitive basketball books on Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Jerry West.

Roland shares behind-the-scenes stories, family histories, and pivotal basketball moments that shaped the modern NBA, from the Showtime Lakers to Jordan’s shoe deal to the rise of LeBron James. If you’re a fan of NBA history, storytelling, or great biographies, this is one you don’t want to miss.

⏱️ Timestamps
1:20 - NBA Finals
1:37 - Jerry West, Michael Jordan, Ko...

2x Super Bowl Champion Malcolm Jenkins  joins Bookum Author Talks Podcast to discuss life after the NFL, building generational wealth, and why owning your voice matters now more than ever.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Jenkins shares stories about his draft day moment, the pressures of leadership, founding businesses while still playing, and his latest writing and art projects. From football to philanthropy, from Substack to real estate, this is a masterclass in reinvention.

This episode is to brought you by Bookum - The book communities NEW and BEST way to host dynamic online book clubs. Duration: 00:43:27

In this episode of The Bookum Nook Show, Book marketing strategist Stephanie Moon shares what’s working right now to help authors sell more books. Whether you’re self-published or traditionally published, this episode covers how to drive real sales, build an online presence, land media, and market your book with confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered when to start marketing, how to overcome shyness, or what publishers actually do (and don’t), this conversation will clarify your next steps.

Connect with Stephanie Moon
Website: https://www.stephmoonco.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/step...

In this interview, USA Today's Clare Mulroy talks about the world of book news, trends, recommendations, and the changing media landscape. She discusses her path into book reporting and the future of journalism in the book world, along with her passion for literature and media.

Timestamps:

1:04 - Hunger Games
2:02 - Midnight Releases
4:02 - Early Reading
5:35 - Becoming A Book Reporter
7:33 - What is Good Journalism?
9:03 - Getting into Book Blogging
10:33 - Advice on News Reporting
12:33 - Book Trends
14:34 - Genre Blending
16:40 - How Niche is too...

How good was Larry Bird really? In this interview with author and historian Randy Mills, we go deep into Larry Bird’s high school days in Indiana, his sudden rise to stardom, his time at Indiana State, and the rivalry that shaped basketball history with Magic Johnson.

We also discuss how Bob Knight nearly coached Bird, why Boston was the perfect city for his pro career, and some wild, rarely-heard stories from Bird’s youth. If you’re a basketball fan, a Celtics diehard, or love uncovering sports legends’ early days—this is for you.

🎙️ Randy Mills is...

Ever wondered how books actually get published—and how to market them in today’s social media world? In this episode, we sit down with Megan (BooksNblazers) of Penguin Random House to break down the book publishing process, content creation, and how authors can grow online.

Whether you're an aspiring author, book content creator, or just curious about the inner workings of publishing, Megan shares it all.

⏱️ Timestamps
0:57 – Books That Have Shaped Megan’s Life
2:02 – Scholastic Book Fair Nostalgia
2:50 – Getting Into Publishing
3:06 – Roles in Publishing Explained
7:00 – Starting in Book Marketing
8:44 – How to Br...

In this episode of the Founders Talk Podcast, Morgan DeBaun, CEO of Blavity Inc. AfroTech and author of our April Founders Club Book Pick Rewrite Your Rules, shares powerful insights on entrepreneurship, lasting success, and building wealth.

Morgan discusses how to rewrite the rules for success, balancing intensity and joy, the secrets to avoiding burnout, and why originality is key to attracting attention in business. She also goes into the importance of mastering growth and navigating the challenges of building Blavity into a game-changing company.

Timestamps:

0:01 – Intro
1:15 – Dreaming Beyond Boundaries
3:08 – Being a Chan...

In this exclusive interview, Will Packer, NY Times Bestselling Author of Who Better Than You?, shares invaluable insights on film financing, dreaming big, and developing healthy arrogance for success. As a blockbuster film producer, Will has grossed over $1 billion worldwide at the box office, with 10 movies opening at #1, including:

Stomp The Yard
Girls Trip
About Last Night
Think Like A Man
Ride Along 1 & 2

Will opens up about his career journey, the importance of building your brand, how to make movies on a budget, and what it really takes to succeed in...

In this episode, we sit down with the legendary John Robinson, the most recorded drummer in modern music history. Known for his work with musical icons like Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and Steve Winwood, John gives us an exclusive look into his career, his new book The King of Groove, and the stories behind some of the most iconic hits of all time.

From his early beginnings in Iowa to shaping the sound of timeless classics like Off the Wall and Higher Love, John shares insights on groove, musical innovation, and the creative process.

Timestamps:<...

Join us on the Book Creators Talk Podcast as Jerid P. Woods, the force behind A Black Man Reading, shares his journey from devouring Little Golden Books at age 3 to becoming a cultural catalyst for creative resistance. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, he dives into:

Early Reading & Moments That Made Him Come Alive: From 50 pages an hour to life-changing quotes like "What will you do for free?"

Books & Culture: How books influence pop culture, ignite discussions, and shape the future of Black literature.

Hip-Hop & Media: His take on Kendrick’s halftime show and th...

In this candid conversation, Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, shares her unfiltered thoughts on the literary world, pop culture, and what readers can expect in 2025. From her personal writing philosophy to her favorite book-to-screen adaptations, Traci offers insights that challenge conventional views and spark meaningful discussions.

Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose by Keith O'Brien (Sports Book Rec)
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer (Sports Adjunct) 
Coming Home by Brittany Griner (Sports Book Rec)
The Sixth Man: A Memoir" by Andre Iguodala and Carvell Wallace (Sports B...

In this episode, I sit down with Randy Winston, Creative Director of Fiction at The Black List, to discuss the publishing industry, the craft of writing, and how writers can stand out. We dive into the creative process, the role of The Black List in fiction, traditional vs. hybrid publishing, and what truly makes a great fiction story.

If you're a writer looking to navigate the publishing world or just love great storytelling, this conversation is for you!

📌 Timestamps:
1:03 - Revisiting old creative work
3:04 - Finding your creative path
4:37 - Navigating the pub...

In this exclusive interview, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Eig joins us to discuss his groundbreaking biography, King: A Life.

We dive deep into the real Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—his struggles, triumphs, and the misconceptions that history has perpetuated.

📌 Timestamps:
1:04 - MLK Day in 2025
2:34 - Montgomery Bus Boycott
4:03 - MLK Sr.’s Influence on MLK Jr.
5:38 - Sweet Auburn Ave. Black Affluent Neighborhood
8:02 - MLK’s Mentors & Influences
10:25 - Coretta Scott King’s Role
12:12 - Building the Organization
14:02 - Humanizing Dr. King
18:25 - How the Movement Ev...

In this episode of the Book Creators Talk Podcast, we sit down with Lupita Aquino (@lupita.reads), a passionate advocate for Latine literature and vibrant bookish content creator. Known for her work uplifting diverse voices through the #ReadLatineLit Challenge and La Comunidad Reads Book Club, Lupita shares her journey, creative process, and insights into the literary world.

✨ Highlights from the conversation:

1:04 - Favorite books from Childhood
4:18 - Becoming a Book Content Creator
8:05 - Echo-Chamber of Literary space
12:10 - American Dirt Drama 
16:55 -  Naviagate being a voice people want hear from on majo...

In this episode of the Founders Talk Podcast, Tanya Sam shares her incredible journey from building a 10K+ member book club to launching a publishing company focused on amplifying women’s voices. Tanya opens up about her entrepreneurial path, the importance of community, and her mission to support diverse voices in publishing. If you’re a female entrepreneur, book lover, or looking for inspiration to grow your own community, this episode is for you!

Timestamps:

0:15 - Intro
1:25 - Reading Growing Up
3:02 - Toronto & Cultural Upbringing
5:05 - Being a Founder with a lot of t...

Dive into the fascinating world of Taylor Swift’s style in this episode of the Bookum Author Talks Podcast! We’re joined by Sarah Chapelle, author of Taylor Swift Style, and special guest host Hannah Lisa Lohr, creator of the MoodyReaders Book Club. Together, we explore how Taylor’s fashion evolution reflects her music eras, iconic looks, and storytelling.

From the origins of Sarah’s blog to the journey of turning it into a book, this conversation is packed with insights into Swift’s signature fashion, the trends she’s inspired, and her cultural impact. Whether you’re a Swiftie...

In this episode of Author Talks, we sit down with Sharon McMahon—renowned government educator and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller 'The Small & The Mighty'—to discuss the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, what to expect on Election Day, Unsung American Heroes and much more.

Get your copy of "The Small & The Mighty" by Sharon McMahon Today - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/709748/the-small-and-the-mighty-by-sharon-mcmahon/


Make sure to like, comment and subscribe to our channel!

Books Mentioned in This Episode:

The Small & The Mighty by Sharon McMahon
The Warmth of O...

In this episode, we discuss Paul Scheer's new book "Joyful Recollections of Trauma", starring in the show, The League, comedian's dark sides, and the personal stories he shares in his new book.

Paul is author of the New Times Bestselling Book Joyful Recollections of Trauma. He is also the cohost of two podcast:  How Did This Get Made  Unspooled Podcasts. Paul has starred in Hit Shows such The League, Black Monday, Fresh off the Boat and many more.

Get your copy of Joyful Recollections of Trauma today - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/joyful-recollections-of-trauma-paul-scheer?variant=41099495735330 Duration: 01:09:13

In this episode of Creators Talk Podcast, Alina, the creator behind According to Alina, shares her unique perspective on the rapidly evolving online book culture. We dive into her journey from growing up in Europe to becoming a content creator known for her insightful commentary on everything from overconsumption in BookTok to the nuances of being 'well-read.' Alina discusses how different cultures approach reading, the balance between popular trends and personal taste, and the pressures of staying consistent in the book community. Tune in as we explore the world of books through Alina’s lens!

Timestamps: Duration: 01:08:01

Our guest today on the Creators Talk Podcast is the exceptional Hannah Lisa Lohr.

 @HannahLisaLohr , formerly the paperback Bruncher,  is a book content creator and the host of the MoodyReaders Book Club.

Hannah is a book enthusiast, a twilight fan, will travel for books and has a spectacular home library!

Timestamp: 
0:55 - Intro
1:22 - Building Home Library 
4:10 - Designing and Organizing Bookshelf
5:25 - First falling in love with Books
9:43 - Developing a Book Taste
11:05 - How to organize your reading 
11:40 - Being a Moody Reader
13:15 - Get...