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Walking Each Other Home & Walking Through Solutions Wednesdays

on the left: red background, What's Next? loog, and the title and episode # in black and white text. On the left: photos of the 3 guests featured in this episode

On today’s episode, we bring you two new conversations. First, we welcome John Masiulionis, the author of “Walking Each Other Home”, a book that addresses the challenges of discussing death with children. He sits down with Jay Moran to break down the book's deeper meaning, and his inspirations for writing it. Next, we welcome back Deja Middlebrook and LaShawn Davis of Walking Through Solutions LLC. The two sit down with Jay Moran, to discuss what they’ve been up to since their last appearance on the show, and their upcoming Wednesday event series at Exchange at Beverly Gray.

What's Next? 2025
Latest Episodes
  • Chantele Campbell of BestSelf Behavioral Health joins What’s Next to discuss the importance of mental health in the Black community, addressing the impact of housing, workforce challenges, and other social determinants. We also hear from Kinya Baker, a registered social worker and educator. A conversation about mental wellness, empathy, and strengthening community connections.
  • As Buffalo prepares for the Sankofa Conference, Anthony Pierce and Selam Debs join What’s Next for a conversation centered on culture, identity, and accountability. A conversation about learning from the past to build a more just future.
  • Leanthony Freeman shares his journey from Buffalo to Atlanta and his vision to open a charter school in Buffalo by 2032. The conversation continues with conference host Shantelle Patton of the Brown Bag Minority Business Directory, who discusses the importance of self-reflection, community, and creating space for honest dialogue.
  • The Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center marks 60 years of expanding access to education and job training for underserved communities. This episode brings you a conversation about access, equity, and empowering communities through education and care.
  • Dr. LaGarrett King joins What’s Next to discuss the upcoming Sankofa Conference in Buffalo on February 28 and why history remains essential to shaping the future.
  • As Buffalo prepares for the first annual Sankofa Conference, Marcus Watson and Nubian Goddess join What’s Next to explore the relationship between continental Africans and African diasporans.
  • Buffalo Prep has spent more than three decades expanding college access for underrepresented students across Western New York. Jay Moran sits down with David Johnson, the organization’s incoming Executive Director, to discuss Buffalo Prep’s mission, the systemic barriers students continue to face, and how long-term academic and mentoring support can change outcomes.
  • As the community marks Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this episode of What’s Next highlights the annual MLK Day of Service and the impact of service-driven leadership.
  • On this episode, we highlight three standout conversations. First, we return to our tour of the Providence Farm Collective. Then, we continue Ekua Mends-Aidoo’s conversation with Charisma DuBois of the Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology. And we close out the episode with Alicia Stark from Child and Family Services.
  • The African American Cultural Center has completed phase one of its renovation, marking a major moment for this historic East Side institution. Interim dance and drum director Robin Hibbert, Board Chairwoman Thembi Duncan, and Executive Director Leah Angel Daniels join Jay Moran to discuss the challenges of rebuilding, the community’s response, and what lies ahead as the center prepares for new programs and its upcoming Kwanzaa celebration.