Site Content

Americans have long believed in the power of their 1st Amendment Right, “Freedom Speech and Expression”. We have learned in recent years that what you say has the potential to create a movement, instigate crimes of hate or change lives. We now understand that Speech comes with a hefty price to bear, called responsibility. We must take responsibility for the words we say, how we say them and the impact they create. Words have power! They can either be used as Weapons of Mass Destruction or tools for change! Straight Talk with Kareem Bowen is aimed at the latter. Saginaw native, Kareem Bowen, is shaping a generation by using the platforms of radio and social media to build awareness, build people, build a culture of hope for a better community. He is using his spotlight to bring engagement, activism, and open discussion. He truly believes all change starts with a conversation. That’s why there’s Straight Talk with Kareem Bowen.

WHY STRAIGHT TALK

Kareem remembered the days when radio personalities, especially Disc Jockey’s (DJ’s) were vital players of the social interaction of the community. Radio was the way we stayed informed. It was where we got our news and stayed in the know. If there was anything occurring in our local communities or society at large, you could turn on your radio and become fully aware of it and how to get engaged. 

Growing up as the son of two DJ’s (Odell Walker aka “Mellow Fellow” and Geraldine Bowen-Walker aka “Sparkle”) only fueled his love for music and entertainment. As a kid, Kareem could remember continually being in the company of many of the 107.1 W3Soul greats: Dante Toussaint, Dave Rosas, Don Juan (Don Wiggins), Howard Sharper, Dr. Boogie, Kermit Crockett, Sweat Meat, and Lolita. Music and radio were an integral part of his childhood. These radio personalities weren’t just local celebrities, but a part of our families. They were our musical griots, addressing the issues of our communities through the sounds of change, providing a heartbeat that kept our social justice movements alive. They provided a song for every major moment of our lives. When they spoke and shared information, they had the ability to mobilize our community.

Kareem went on to attend Michigan State University receiving both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physiology from the College of Natural Science. He worked with government agencies and had planned to become a Pediatrician, before being compelled to change his trajectory by a Spiritual call to ministry. He became a licensed minister and excelled mostly due to his ability to connect with people. He used his medical philosophy of always having “Good bedside manners” in every ministry opportunity, encouraging his listeners to focus on relationship over religion. 

In 2000 he was asked to assist his cousin, MSU standout shooting guard Jason Richardson, as he prepared to transition from college sports to National Basketball League. He eventually became his Executive Business Manager and managed every aspect of his professional career. This partnership lasted last for 17 years. In which time Kareem forged relationships with many athletes, celebrities, and corporations. He developed a knack for brand management, marketing, and negotiations. He used his newly acquired skill set to build mutually beneficial relationships within the entertainment industry, corporate American, and government. In 2012 he partnered with President Obama’s White House and Walmart to present The Man Up Forum in five key cities across the country. The Man Up Forum was an All-male forum Bowen developed with co-founder Sandra Ware in 2005. The purpose of this community forum was to create meaningful dialogue between men and boys to produce stronger relationships and heal hurts of abandonment. 

This is when Kareem realized the power of a conversation! It became apparent when sons were able to forgive fathers whom they hadn’t seen their whole lives. These broad-shouldered, strong, even hard-hearted young men would melt when they heard the words, I love you, from their fathers or another man whom they respected. Lives were changed, because of a conversation.

THE NEED FOR STRAIGHT TALK

In December of 2012 Kareem founded The Potter’s Touch Ministries; a Word-centered, non-denominational ministry focused at healing those who were hurting, and lives shattered. As he engaged with those who were hurting, he noticed he possessed a unique ability to speak to people where they were. He became amazed at the impact words made when presented with care at the right moment. This prompted him to begin a video blog, “Morning Manna with Pastor K”. In these video blogs he would use the power of words to communicate comfort, enlightenment, and to inspire. The blog was a hit and spread like wildfire, growing to over 12 thousand followers in 8 countries around the globe.

Kareem soon realized, in a world of digital technology that he was able to have a conversation from his home and engage the world. He began to received messages from people he had never met, asking for prayer, instruction, direction. His words were making an impact!

THE IMPACT OF STRAIGHT TALK

The question that loomed was, “How would a talk show fair on a station that is largely music based?” Yvonne Daniels (Kiss 107.1 Content Director and Branding Manager) was convinced it could work and place her full-throated support behind the effort. She convinced Station Director Mark Thomas that the community was ready for real engagement. 

The risk paid off! Straight Talk with Kareem Bowen debuted on the air 3/3/19 at 6:00 PM on a Sunday evening on 107.1 Kiss Wtlz. It was received with a warm welcome.  Kareem brought an informed, yet engaging perspective that mattered to the community. He was bold and said things that were honest and insightful. Suddenly, listeners were turning their dials to the station anticipating the conversation that they would be able to not only hear but engage through a Live social media platform on Facebook. The conversation wasn’t just on the radio, but it was now in our homes and we were now at the table able to engage through our Smartphones and computers.  Straight talk ranked #2 of all shows in the Michigan Bay Region after it’s first quarter on the Urban radio station. Kareem’s experiences and belief of having meaningful conversation were proving true. Since it’s inception he has had conversation with government officials, civic leaders, and entertainment celebrities such as S. Epatha Merkerson (Chicago Med and Law and Order), and Jeff Gardere (America’s Psychologist CNN, ATL Housewives, Maury). He has been able to forge his relationships to bring information and insight to the Michigan Bay Region and to mobilize a generation.