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.

This Week (08/16/26) on Inspiration for the Nation: Money, Higher Education and Music


This week (08/16/26) on George Kilpatrick Inspiration for the Nation —

We’re sitting down with two major voices in R&B, Sugar Bear of E.U. and Stokley of Mint Condition, to talk music and their careers. Both artists are set to perform at JAMS Funk Fest 2K26 at the New York State Fair.

Mike Jennings helps us get our finances back in shape after summer spending, and OCC President Dr. Warren Hilton introduces us to SUNY Reconnect, an opportunity to pursue an associate degree tuition-free.

Then, Larry Luttinger previews the final installment of Jazz in the City.

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

ICYMI: The Jerry Rescue: A Story of Courage and Community

Author Valarie Short* joins George Kilpatrick Inspiration for the Nation to talk about her book, Sounds of Freedom Coming, a vivid retelling of the 1851 Jerry Rescue. She explains how ordinary citizens helped William Jerry Henry escape to freedom, the historical significance of the event, and her plans for sharing the story through readings, signings, and community events.

*About the Author Valarie Short

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

ICYMI: Dr. Robinson: Friendship is the Key to Literacy

What if friendship is the missing ingredient in literacy? Dr. Robinson explains.

Growing up in the Queens projects, Dr. Unseld Robinson learned the power of imagination, community, and positive role models. He joins George Kilpatrick Inspiration for the Nation to talk about how he’s using those lessons to inspire young readers through his Bayside Bunch series, and his mission to help child find belonging through friendship and literacy.

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

ICYMI: Breaking the Silence with Dr. Sunny Aslam

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the conversation is urgent. Dr. Sunny Aslam of Syracuse Community Health joins George Kilpatrick Inspiration for the Nation to break down the rising suicide rates in Black and Brown youth, the barriers to care, and how faith, family and community can save lives.

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

Two Retirees, $1 Million and Different Outcomes

What if two people retired with the same $1 million, but one ran out of money years before the other? How could that be?

Mike Jennings breaks down the sequence of return risks, the retirement “red zone,” and why having a plan before the market turns can make a difference.

He breaks down what you need to know and how to prepare.

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

This Week (08/09/26) on Inspiration for the Nation: Health, Community and Leadership


A little bit of everything is coming your way this week (08/09/26) on Inspiration for the Nation!

From preparing for retirement with Mike Jennings, to conversations on health, community, leadership and more with Dr. Sunny Aslam, Dr. Unseld Robinson and Valarie Short.

We also hear from Jimmie Highsmith Jr. of the Sax Summit, Gwen Muok of Syracuse NAACP, and attorney Ben Crump.

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

Jazz in the City Returns Tonight with the Sax Summit on George Kilpatrick Inspiration for the Nation

The Sax Summit is taking over CNY Jazz in the City TONIGHT! Larry Luttinger shares what to expect.

George Kilpatrick sits down with Larry Luttinger, Executive Director of the CNY Jazz Arts Foundation, to discuss the 2026 Jazz in the City concert series, bringing six weeks of live music, health resources, food vendors, and family-friendly fun to neighborhoods across Syracuse.

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

NOW LIVE! Governor Wes Moore: Be Fearless Now

Fearlessness. Service. Vision.

Those were the themes of Maryland Governor Wes Moore‘s remarks during Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s 72nd Boule.

Reflecting on the organization’s growth and impact, Moore reminded attendees that meaningful change is driven by those who refuse to blink in the face of adversity and continue answering the call to lead.

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

NOW LIVE! Vision & Service: Astronaut Victor Glover

“The reward of a thing well done is having done it.”

NASA astronaut Victor Glover delivered an inspiring message on leadership, purpose, and the courage to pursue bold visions during Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s 72nd Boule.

His remarks served as a reminder that extraordinary achievements begin with ordinary people who are willing to dream big, work together, and stay committed to serving others.

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

Kevin Owens: Living a ‘Natural High’

Get ready for a Natural High!

Kevin Owens, legendary vocalist and performer known for his work with Bloodstone and Luther Vandross, joins Inspiration for the Nation to talk about his incredible musical journey ahead of his performance at the Great New York State Fair’s Pan-African Village on August 29th.

Owens shares unforgettable stories from his decades in R&B, the artists who inspired him, and the experiences that shaped his career.

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