About Inspiration for the Nation

This program celebrates the positive achievements of African-Americans from all walks of life. Host George Kilpatrick brings you some of the country’s most inspiring conversations, in a fun, accessible style. Guests range from leaders and celebrities, to authors, artists, entrepreneurs, teachers and everyday people who are acting on their vision for making their lives and their communities better. The show reveals the texture and diversity within African-American communities through his guests. George has the gift of getting people to speak the truth of their experiences, and we are all made better by hearing their stories.

Dustin Czarny: Golden Day and Your Vote

Before you head to the polls, make sure you know your options.

Dustin Czarny, Democratic Elections Commissioner for Onondaga County, joins George Kilpatrick to help voters understand the process and prepare for Election Day. He breaks down registration early voting locations, mail-in ballots and how to review what’s on your ballot.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

Vicki Brackens: Are You Keeping Up?

Your financial future and civic voice both deserve your attention.

This week, George Kilpatrick and Vicki Brackens talk the importance of voting, the impact of inflation on everyday spending, and the steps you can take now to prepare your finances for the year ahead.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

This Week (10/18/26) on Inspiration for the Nation: Power of Participation


Your voice matters. Your vote matters. Your future matters.

This week (10/18/26) Inspiration for the Nation with George Kilpatrick, we’re putting civic engagement in focus as we encourage everyone to stay informed, get involved, and make their voices heard at the ballot box.

Dustin Czarny, Democratic Elections Commissioner for Onondaga County, breaks down voter registration, early voting, mail-in ballots, and what to know about propositions on the ballot.

Congressman John Mannion encourages everyone to use their voices and make their way to the polls.

Plus, an encore conversation with Vicki Brackens and Dr. Willie Jolley on money and financial wellness.

Plenty to talk about. Plenty to take in.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

Keeping Black Men in Education: Dr. Renardo Reeves

Black male educators are essential to our schools, but what happens when they’re expected to discipline instead of lead, or navigate systemic barriers without the mentorship and support they need?

Dr. Ronardo Reeves, author of Standing in the Gap: A Career Playbook for Black Male Educators Navigating Systemic Obstacles and Building Lasting Leadership in Public Education, joins George Kilpatrick to discuss representation, leadership, mental health and what it takes to build a lasting career in education.

His message is clear: know your why, commit to staying and stand in the gap for someone else.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

MWBE Summit: Funding and Growth for Small Businesses

Small businesses need more than a great idea. They need access to capital, the right connections and resources to turn opportunity into growth.

Bishop Ronald Dewberry, Malini Krishna and Sherri Falck discuss the upcoming Minorities & Women’s Business Economic Empowerment Summit. They explore how entrepreneurs can navigate business financing, AI tools and prepare to take advantage of Central New York’s economic opportunities.

This 8th Annual summit will be held October 16th at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown from 9:00 – 5:00pm.

Come early. Doors open at 8:00am. To register, visit www.cohi-inc.org.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

Vicki Brackens on Money and Markets

Power, sales and capital. According to America’s Money Maven, Vicki Brackens, these three forces shape more of our world than we may realize.

This week, Vicki breaks down rising interest rates, the bond market and what investors should understand before making decisions about their portfolios. She also explains why voting is an important way to exercise your power.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

This Week (10/11/26) on Inspiration for the Nation: Money, Growth and Education


Knowledge empowers. Stories inspire.

This week (10/11/26) on George Kilpatrick Inspiration for the Nation, Vicki Brackens shares the latest on interest rates, Sherri Falck and Malibu Krishna of Pursuit join Bishop Ronald Dewberry to highlight the 8th Annual Minorities & Women’s Business Empowerment Summit, and Dr. Ronardo Reeves introduces his new book.

Plus, Denise Baker, RN, stops by with insights on breast cancer awareness and the importance of staying informed.

Plenty to talk about. Plenty to take in.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

NOW LIVE! Beyond the Dream: Mary Nelson

Mary Nelson has spent her life turning what she’s been through into a reason to keep showing up for others.

In this episode, she talks about her new memoir, the Mary Nelson Center, the people who helped shape her journey and why she believes no one has to stay stuck.

Nelson also shares what’s ahead for the Beyond the Dream Gala on October 17 at the Palladium, celebrating women in the community and supporting the center’s continued work.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

315 Reading Academy: Preparing Young People

Reading is more than a skill. It’s a key that can unlock opportunity.

Through the 315 Reading Academy, Donna Satcher-Jackson and Sam Rowser are helping make sure young people in Syracuse have that key. The Academy is a grassroots program providing one-on-one reading support to students from first through eighth grade.

They’re calling on YOU (the community), for more tutors, more resources and more people willing to step up.

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.

Brackens: Shining a Light on Syracuse

Vicki Brackens is shining a light on the people helping Syracuse grow.

In this conversation, she talks about the people creating opportunities, building community and investing in what’s next for Syracuse.

Brackens also shares why your network, your reputation, and they way you show up in your community matter. She calls it your “capital stack.”

Who in Syracuse who deserves more recognition?

Inspiration for the Nation Sunday Mornings on Power 620: the iHeartRadio app and wherever you get your podcast.