🎧 Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope: Inside the UP Foundation’s Mission to Transform Recovery in Lynchburg

In this emotionally powerful and eye-opening episode of The Spotlight Insider, host Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith welcomes two dedicated leaders from the UP Foundation: Randall Calloway (Board Chair) and Robin Oyster (Admissions Coordinator). Together, they share how the organization is rewriting the narrative around addiction recovery and mental health support in the heart of Lynchburg, Virginia.

More than just a discussion, this episode explores the real-life impact of the UP Foundation’s programs—from professional counseling and sober living homes to youth empowerment initiatives like summer camps and peer-led school groups. You’ll hear moving stories of pain turned into purpose, and how safe, judgment-free spaces are making recovery not just possible, but sustainable.

💬 Whether you're someone in need of help, know someone who is, or simply want to be part of the solution, this episode is a must-listen. Learn how the UP Foundation is reducing stigma, empowering youth, and building stronger families—one life at a time.

🎯 Topics We Cover:

The realities of addiction and mental illness in underserved communities

How trauma-informed care and community support change outcomes

Youth mentorship and the power of early intervention

Why holistic healing (mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical) matters

How YOU can support their mission—through volunteering, donations, or simply sharing their story

🎙️ This is more than a podcast episode—it’s a movement. Tune in and be part of the change.

🔗 Learn more or get involved at www.upwithrecovery.org

#TheSpotlightInsider #TeflonJohn #UPFoundation #LynchburgRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #AddictionAwareness #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityHealing #NonprofitSpotlight #Inspiration #RecoveryJourney

🎭 Family Reunion Cast Drops Truth Bombs on Black Family Struggles! | The Spotlight Insider

In this soul-stirring episode of The Spotlight Insider, host Johnathan Smith aka TeflonJohn sits down with powerhouse cast members Brenda Spinner (Evelyn) and Jemon “BatBro” Haskins (Uncle Jerome) from the hit stage play Family Reunion, written and directed by Daniel Barksdale. Together, they take listeners on an emotional, hilarious, and truth-filled journey into the heart of Black family life.

👴🏾 Uncle Jerome: The grumpy-yet-lovable elder, portrayed by Jemon Haskins, is the type of uncle who mispronounces modern slang, acts younger than he is, and always has a cough—but his wisdom cuts through the noise. With his bad knees and comedic timing, Uncle Jerome brings both laughter and life lessons. In one standout moment, he delivers heartfelt advice to a struggling family member: “Live for today because tomorrow isn’t promised.” That hug afterward? It’s the kind of scene that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go.

👵🏾 Evelyn: Played by the incredible Brenda Spinner, Evelyn is the glue of the family and the moral compass during the chaos of the reunion. She prays, supports, corrects, and holds everyone accountable—especially Uncle Jerome. Her role dives deep into generational pain, especially around Jay’s battle with alcoholism. Through arguments, heartache, and prayer, Evelyn remains a symbol of strength, always pushing for healing over division.

😂 Humor as Healing: Brenda and Jemon open up about how laughter has carried them—and their characters—through pain, grief, and tough conversations. Whether it’s Uncle Jerome lightening the mood or Evelyn using humor to ease tension, the episode shows how comedy is a cultural tool that both heals and connects.

👩🏽‍🦳 The Modern “Big Mama”: Evelyn’s role channels the evolution of the “Big Mama” figure—once the elderly matriarch who held everything together, now reimagined as a younger, emotionally present, and wisdom-sharing woman who listens and leads. Brenda shares how this dual role of giving and receiving wisdom is critical in today’s family dynamics.

🎭 Why You Must See Family Reunion: This isn’t just a stage play—it’s a living, breathing portrait of real families grappling with addiction, generational trauma, and love that refuses to quit. You’ll see your cousin, your auntie, your grandma—or maybe even yourself—on that stage. And the message? Powerful: Healing starts with honesty, and family is worth fighting for.

📅 Next Show: May 24th – Don’t miss this unforgettable performance that will leave you laughing, crying, and reflecting.

📡 Episode Sponsored By:

🎧 TeflonRadio – A 24/7 Hip Hop & R&B streaming station that amplifies music, artist interviews, and community voices. Download the app on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

🌱 The UP Foundation (Lynchburg, VA) – Empowering youth ages 10–17 through free mentorship camps, yoga, storytelling, and outdoor experiences that build confidence and resilience.

🎧 Tap in now to The Spotlight Insider for an unfiltered, entertaining, and deeply moving conversation about family, growth, and the healing power of storytelling through theater.

🎧 Spotlight Insider: Unpacking Sisterhood, Secrets & Stage Life with the Cast of The Family Reunion Play 🎭

Produced and hosted by Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith of Infinite Media | Sponsored by TeflonRadio & The Up Foudation

In this heartfelt episode of Spotlight Insider, the newest series hosted by Johnathan “TeflonJohn” Smith we’re joined by actresses Tracy Christian and Vivian Huard, who star as the sister duo Joyce and Josephine in The Family Reunion Play by playwright Daniel Barksdale. Sponsored by TeflonRadio, this conversation dives into the emotional, humorous, and authentic portrayal of family life on stage.

🎭 Characters & Connection

Tracy and Vivian bring life to sisters Joyce and Josephine characters full of complexity, humor, and love. Tracy's portrayal of Joyce offers a sharp wit and comedic edge, while Vivian's Josephine grounds the play in maternal strength and emotional nuance.

The real-life friendship between the two actresses enhances their chemistry on stage, creating a believable bond that mirrors true sisterhood. Their ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments makes their performances relatable to anyone with siblings or close-knit family dynamics.

💬 Themes & Takeaways

At its core, The Family Reunion Play is about love, secrets, and healing. The play doesn’t shy away from tough family topics, conflict, misunderstandings, generational wounds but wraps them in moments of laughter and genuine connection.

Tracy and Vivian reflect on how audiences connect deeply with the story, often seeing themselves or loved ones in the characters. It’s a mirror to real life, shining a light on the roles we play in our families, the jokester, the caregiver, the peacemaker and how those roles shape our bonds.

🎶 Music as a Character

Music plays a powerful role in this production. With live musicians and original songs woven throughout the play, the soundtrack acts as an emotional guide.

Vivian, who sings during the performance, shares how music opens the heart and enhances the storytelling. Tracy notes that it’s like a third sister on stage, bringing nostalgia, setting the mood, and connecting generations through shared memories. The music evokes the spirit of real family reunions, amplifying the play’s emotional impact.

👏 Audience Experience

Audiences don’t just watch The Family Reunion Play, they experience it. From moments of uncontrollable laughter to tears stirred by unresolved family tension, the emotional range keeps viewers engaged from beginning to end.

The actresses share how people often approach them after shows, saying how much the characters reminded them of someone in their own family. That level of connection makes this production more than just entertainment, it’s a catalyst for reflection, healing, and appreciation of our own family ties.

📣 The 2025 Fall Tour Is Coming!

After an incredible local debut, The Family Reunion Play is heading on tour to bring this moving experience to more cities:

🔸 08/22 & 08/23 – Roanoke, VA (Jefferson Center)

🔸 09/06 – Raleigh, NC (Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts)

🔸 10/04 – Greensboro, NC (Odeon Theatre at Greensboro Coliseum)

🔸 11/01 – Washington, D.C. (Atlas Performing Arts Center)

🔸 11/09 – Charlottesville, VA (M.L.K. Performing Arts Center)

🔸 11/15 – Richmond, VA (Dominion Energy Center)

This tour is your chance to witness a production that’s touching hearts, city by city.

Whether you're a lover of live theater, a fan of stories rooted in family truth, or someone looking for inspiration through performance, this episode is for you. Tune in as Spotlight Insider brings you behind the curtain of The Family Reunion Play, a story of love, laughter, healing, and sisterhood that’s taking the stage and starting important conversations.

"Family, Faith & Redemption: Rhonda Coles and Allen Brown Talk 'Family Reunion' and Real-Life Roles"

In this powerful and uplifting episode of The Spotlight Insider, host Johnathan Smith sits down with two dynamic cast members from the stage play Family Reunion — Rhonda Coles and Allen Brown. They open up about their personal journeys, their transformative roles in the production, and how life often imitates art in the most unexpected ways.

Rhonda Coles, who plays Nurse Tammy, brings a grounded and empathetic presence to the role — drawing on her real-world experience as a social worker. She discusses how the themes of compassion, boundaries, and emotional resilience mirror her everyday life and how the play has helped her reconnect with the importance of forgiveness and healing.

Allen Brown, who plays Jamal, shares a heartfelt look at what it means to be the emotional anchor in a family. His portrayal of Jamal brings raw honesty to the role of a man trying to hold everything together while navigating broken relationships and unresolved trauma. He reflects on his own experiences as a father, son, and man of faith, offering insight into why this role hits so close to home.

Together, the conversation dives deep into topics like family dysfunction, generational wounds, spiritual restoration, and the search for personal identity. Both guests share what it feels like to be the "black sheep" in a family, how theater has become a space for emotional growth, and why Family Reunion is more than just a play — it’s a ministry, a mirror, and a movement.

Whether you're a lover of theater, a fan of real-life reinvention stories, or someone navigating your own family struggles, this episode is for you. Rhonda and Allen’s transparency and wisdom will inspire you to look inward, love harder, and show up authentically.

🎭 Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look into one of the most powerful productions of the year.

Spotlight Insider: Family Reunion - A Daniel Barksdale Production

Join Teflon John, Anthony "Train" Johnson, and JaTaen Rucker for an exclusive behind-the-scenes conversation about Family Reunion, a compelling stage play by Daniel Barksdale of Daniel Barksdale Productions LLC. At the time of recording, this episode didn’t have an official title, so it was initially called Up Close and Personal. After thoughtful reflection and collaboration with my wife, I decided to rename the show Spotlight Insider—a fitting title that captures the intimate, in-depth look we offer into the world of artists, storytellers, and cultural leaders.

In this episode, you’ll hear about the complex journey of Roslin and DeAndre, a black couple navigating trials in their marriage, forgiveness, and family dynamics. The cast shares personal insights on their characters and the importance of portraying realistic black relationships with honesty and depth.

What you’ll get from this episode:

• Authentic perspectives on love and marriage: Explore the real struggles couples face and how they overcome challenges together.
• Insight into boundaries and communication: Understand how handling third-party influences and family involvement affects relationships.
• A deeper connection to theater: Discover the creative process behind Family Reunion, including acting choices and live band integration that bring the story to life.
• Cultural relevance: Appreciate why this production is critical in representing black couples in a balanced, respectful light.
• Personal stories from the cast: Hear how the actors relate to their roles and what they hope audiences will take away.
• An emotional journey: Expect to laugh, cry, reflect, and be inspired by powerful storytelling accompanied by live music energy.
• Community and culture: Connect with themes of resilience, forgiveness, and growth that resonate beyond the stage.

Whether you love theater, crave meaningful conversations about relationships, or simply enjoy great music and storytelling, Spotlight Insider delivers an engaging experience that pulls you into the heart of the culture.

Download Teflon Radio on Apple App Store or Google Play to stay connected with real music, real stories, and voices shaping today’s cultural landscape. Don’t miss this unforgettable episode and the upcoming tour of Family Reunion!