Charlamagne Tha God: Celebrating Mental Wealth and a Media Journey
Media mogul Charlamagne Tha God, from iHeartMedia’s The Breakfast Club, in partnership with the Mental Wealth Alliance, are gearing up to host the fourth annual Mental Wealth Expo on October 12, 2024 in Times Square, New York City. This event, set to coincide with World Mental Health Day, promises an engaging experience with experts discussing various aspects of mental health, panels, live podcasting, and breakout rooms. Special topics will include addressing the complexities of the Black maternal health crisis with MEternal.
Among the featured guests will be mental health leaders like Dr. Alfiee from the AAKOMA Project, actor Tyrese Gibson, professor Dr. Rheeda Walker, lifestyle therapist Dr. Jay Barnett, and more. Charlamagne himself shared his excitement for the event, stating:
“As we gear up for the Mental Wealth Expo 2024, my excitement is through the roof. Partnering with iHeartRadio for this fourth year to invest in our mental wealth fills me with immense pride. Together, we’re not just talking about mental health; we’re actively creating spaces for healing and empowerment for Black people and all people.”
Charlamagne Tha God’s mission to champion mental health aligns with his personal evolution, both as a public figure and a media mogul. His dedication to mental health advocacy adds another layer to his ever-expanding resume, which includes hosting The Breakfast Club, authoring New York Times best-selling books, and producing TV content. This journey has taken him from being a local radio personality to a nationally recognized voice in media.
Charlamagne The God’s Interview
In a previous exclusive interview, Charlamange discussed the importance of mental health with The Industsry Dot Biz’s CEO Kevin Ross
Kevin: I want to kick this off by talking about your continued success, especially with the work you’re doing around mental health. What inspired you to make mental health such a central part of your platform?
Charlamagne: You know, I always felt like the conversation around mental health was lacking, especially in our communities. Growing up in Moncks Corner, South Carolina, I didn’t hear much about therapy or emotional well-being. But as I started experiencing my own growth, especially after writing my books, I realized how important mental health is to achieving success. It’s not just about professional success; it’s about being whole as a person. The Mental Wealth Expo is really about creating a space for that healing and understanding.
Kevin: And now you’re getting ready for your fourth annual Mental Wealth Expo. That’s incredible. What do you hope this year’s event will achieve?
Charlamagne: I want people to leave feeling empowered to take control of their mental health. We’ve got some amazing speakers like Dr. Alfiee and Tyrese Gibson who bring real experiences to the table. It’s about breaking down barriers and letting people know that it’s okay to seek help and be vulnerable. The more we normalize these conversations, the more we heal as individuals and as a community.
Kevin: You’ve spoken about growing and evolving. How does mental health tie into that for you personally?
Charlamagne: Man, mental health is at the core of everything. I’ve always said you can’t grow professionally if you’re not growing mentally. It’s not just about grinding hard or chasing success—it’s about making sure your mind is in the right place. That’s why I talk about therapy all the time. It’s been a game changer for me. I’m always learning, unlearning, and evolving. That’s a big reason why I do what I do now with the Mental Wealth Expo.
Kevin: I remember from our previous conversations how surreal your success sometimes feels. Do you still have those moments?
Charlamagne: Every day, brother. Every. Single. Day. I still get amazed by the journey from Moncks Corner to where I am now. Being nationally syndicated, working with people I once looked up to, writing best-sellers—it’s wild. But it’s also a testament to how important it is to visualize your goals. I had vision boards years ago saying I’d be a New York Times best-selling author, and here I am. It makes me guard my mental even more because I know how powerful thoughts can be.
Kevin: That visualization really speaks to your journey. You’ve also faced your share of challenges, including being fired multiple times. How did those setbacks shape your approach?
Charlamagne: Getting fired four times in radio actually helped me become who I am. Those experiences made me comfortable with being myself. If you’re hiring me now, you know exactly what you’re getting. I had to learn to trust myself, and those firings put me in a position to always bet on me. It’s all part of the journey.
Kevin: Speaking of betting on yourself, what’s next for you? I know you’re working on another book and continuing to expand your media empire.
Charlamagne: Yeah, I’m always working on something. I’ve got another book in the works, but I’m taking my time with it. I don’t do anything just for the check—it’s gotta have meaning. I’m also continuing to grow the Mental Wealth Alliance, and we’ve got some big things coming in media. The goal is to keep evolving, keep creating, and most importantly, keep helping people along the way.
