At the Table with Greg and Elliott

Mar 13, 2026 · 1h 18m

In this episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with actor Philemon Chambers for an honest and inspiring conversation about his journey into Hollywood, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the importance of staying grounded while pursuing creative dreams.Philemon reflects on how his passion for acting began as a child after seeing The Lion King at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, a moment that sparked a lifelong love for storytelling and performance. From performing in church and community theatre to building a professional acting career, he shares the perseverance required to navigate the entertainment industry.The conversation explores his breakout role in the Netflix holiday romantic comedy Single All the Way, working alongside Jennifer Coolidge, and what it meant to be part of one of the first mainstream holiday rom-coms centered on queer love. Philemon also discusses his work on Tyler Perry’s Netflix drama Beauty in Black, offering insight into Tyler Perry’s fast-paced production style and the realities of working on major television projects.Greg, Elliott, and Philemon also talk about faith, identity, and the pressure of finding purpose in an industry that can often feel unpredictable. As a preacher’s kid who grew up with strong spiritual foundations, Philemon shares how faith and perspective help him stay balanced while navigating fame, opportunity, and personal growth.It’s a thoughtful conversation about perseverance, authenticity, and the long road to building a meaningful career in film and television.

Mar 6, 2026 · 58m

In this episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with Nicholas Wiggins, founder and principal of NIW Design and Managing Director at Values Partnerships, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, strategy, and the importance of building spaces where culture and advocacy intersect.Nicholas shares insights from his years working with the NAACP, including helping shape experiences around the NAACP Image Awards, conventions, and leadership gatherings that bring together activists, creatives, and decision-makers. He reflects on the challenge of keeping legacy organizations relevant for younger generations, the importance of combating misinformation, and how coalition-building across communities remains critical in today’s social and political climate.The conversation also explores Nicholas’s work in narrative strategy and cultural storytelling through Values Partnerships, including projects like the PBS documentary Black and Jewish, which highlights the shared history and partnership between Black and Jewish communities in the fight for civil rights.Greg, Elliott, and Nicholas also reflect on the legacy of leaders like W.E.B. Du Bois and Reverend Jesse Jackson, the importance of mentorship, and the often unseen work of people who build the rooms where important conversations and decisions happen.This episode is a compelling discussion about leadership behind the scenes, the evolution of advocacy, and why thoughtful strategy, collaboration, and community remain essential for lasting change.

Feb 27, 2026 · 1h 12m

In this deeply moving episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with Wendy Rodgers, M.Ed, MPH, Director of Care and Support Services at the Lupus Foundation of America, for a powerful conversation about survival, advocacy, and purpose.Wendy shares her journey living with lupus — a disease that began showing signs in her teens but went undiagnosed for years. After being dismissed by doctors and navigating medical bias, her lupus progressed to kidney failure at just 27 years old, ultimately leading to dialysis and a life-saving kidney transplant. She speaks candidly about the physical toll of autoimmune disease, the emotional weight of not being believed, and the financial devastation that chronic illness can bring.The conversation expands beyond medicine into healthcare disparities affecting Black women, the importance of self-advocacy, and why participation in clinical research is critical for equitable treatment outcomes. Wendy also discusses faith, boundaries, mental health, and how learning to say “no” became part of her healing process.With honesty and wisdom, Wendy reminds us that while lupus is unpredictable and often invisible, strength, community, and education can change outcomes. Her story is not just about illness — it’s about resilience, purpose, and fighting to live fully.For lupus resources and support, visit lupus.org.

Feb 20, 2026 · 50m

Welcome to At The Table!Join hosts Elliott and Greg for an inspiring conversation with Trell Thomas, founder of the Black Excellence Brunch movement. From small-town South Carolina to the White House, Trell shares his journey of building community, stepping out on faith, and creating a global celebration of Black achievement.In this episode: ✨ How Sunday dinners became a cultural movement ✨ From Obama campaign organizer to LA entrepreneur ✨ Creating the first Black Excellence Brunch at the White House ✨ The power of authentic storytelling and intentional design ✨ Never telling yourself "no" and making room for bigger dreamsFeatured moments:Alice Smith concert with Miles Canton & Stevie WonderMeeting President Obama and entering politicsBuilding community through brunch cultureFashion inspiration from Marvin Gaye to PharrellSelf-care rituals and the art of the bathHosted on Captivate - The podcast hosting platform built for serious podcasters who want growth, analytics, and monetization tools.🎙️ Subscribe for more inspiring conversations at the table!

Feb 13, 2026 · 59m

In this powerful and uplifting episode of At the Table with Greg & Elliott, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with trailblazing model, actress, and activist Isis King for an honest conversation about courage, growth, and stepping fully into your power.Isis made history as the first openly transgender woman to compete on America’s Next Top Model, forever changing visibility for trans women in mainstream media. She opens up about navigating national television during a very different cultural moment, the pressures of transitioning publicly, and what it meant to carry representation on her shoulders at just 21 years old.From her early days in ballroom culture inspired by Paris Is Burning, to acting roles in When They See Us, The L Word: Generation Q, and Amazon’s With Love, Isis reflects on how trans representation has evolved — and where there’s still work to be done.The conversation shifts to confidence and self-protection as Isis shares how training in Taekwondo transformed her sense of safety and personal power, helping her reclaim control after difficult experiences. She also speaks candidly about dating in today’s culture, being demisexual, protecting her energy, and learning to choose connection over validation.Throughout the episode, Isis reminds us that joy, strength, and manifestation are practices — not destinations. Whether discussing mentorship, Marvel superheroes like Storm, or building financial stability for herself and her family, her message is clear: true power starts from within.This episode is a masterclass in resilience, growth, and self-definition.Follow Isis King: @msisiskingSubscribe, rate, and share At the Table with Greg & Elliott wherever you get your podcasts.