Episode 288

full
Published on:

5th Jan 2026

Brian Mayes on Jackson Leadership Academy, Youth Mental Health & Venezuela Oil Politics

Welcome to 2026! In Episode 288 of The All About Nothing podcast, Barrett Gruber and Zac King welcome Brian Mayes, Director of the Jackson Leadership Academy.

Brian provides a deep dive into the evolution of community support, discussing his transition from the Boys and Girls Club to leading a new era of youth programs. The conversation addresses the systemic challenges facing today’s youth, including mental health, the rising cost of education, and the student loan crisis.

The episode takes a sharp turn into global affairs as the guys analyze the situation in Venezuela and the impact of oil politics on the 2026 economy. From education reform and nonprofit funding to housing affordability, discover why Brian believes this is a year of new opportunities for community engagement.

Key Topics: #BrianMayes #JacksonLeadershipAcademy #YouthPrograms2026 #EducationReform #VenezuelaPolitics #NonprofitLeadership #CommunityEngagement #SystemicIssues

Click here for Episode Show Notes!

As always, "The All About Nothing: Podcast" is owned and distributed by BIG Media LLC!

Check out our network of fantastic podcasts!

Click Here to see available advertising packages!

Click Here for information on the "Fair Use Copyright Notice" for this podcast.

Mentioned in this episode:

BIG Media Copyright 2026

BIG Media LLC

ZJZ Designs St. Patrick's Day

Visit http://zjzdesigns.com and check out the latest prints for St. Patrick's Day!

ZJZ Designs

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Support The All About Nothing: Podcast

A huge thank you to our supporters, it means a lot that you support our podcast.

If you like the podcast and want to support it, too, you can leave us a tip using the button below. We really appreciate it and it only takes a moment!
Support The All About Nothing: Podcast
A
We haven’t had any Tips yet :( Maybe you could be the first!

Listen for free

Show artwork for The All About Nothing: Podcast

About the Podcast

The All About Nothing: Podcast
All about nothing, while being all about something.
In this world of 24-Cable-News, Editorializations of our World, Politics, Wars, Pandemics, Partisan-ism, Sports, Entertainment... The constant barrage of information, we like to take a few moments and discuss particulars and their effect. We seek to learn and find direction. We look for understanding and good conversation in a world of unease.
Support This Show

About your hosts

Barrett Gruber

Profile picture for Barrett Gruber
Originally from Atlanta, Barrett has worked professionally in Radio and Television. By day, he works in Business Analytics and Quality Assurance, and by night he takes in news, politics and sports and some how makes light of nearly all of it. Rooted in Comedy and Satire, Barrett gives his honest and well informed opinion on the world we all must experience.

Zachary King

Profile picture for Zachary King
Just a guy that wears free shirts. Seriously. You give him a shirt, he will absolutely wear it. Don't ask for it back. He's all about the freebies. Seriously, again, he begs for free stuff.