Celebrating Black History Month With Raw and Real Vet Talk Podcast Host, PJ Cowan

Hi Vocal readers, today I bring to you PJ Cowan. An inspirational influencer who advocates for Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health within the African American Community and beyond. PJ is a Fitness Trainer and Fitness Competitor, an Army Veteran, and the Host of the upcoming podcast, "Raw and Real Vet Talk" which is set to launch in March. 

We are celebrating Black History Month with PJ as we highlight his accomplishments as a United States Military Veteran, a media professional, and more!

Vocal readers, please enjoy our interview.

Tammy Reese: Happy Black History Month! What does this month mean for you personally and how do you celebrate it?

PJ Cowan: I celebrate this every day, every month, & every year. It's an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the achievements that African Americans have accomplished in this country, despite the history of racism and oppression. Most of all, it is a time to teach or remind our children of the history lessons they might not learn as part of the everyday school curriculum.

Tammy Reese: How does the work that you do advance the community of color?

PJ Cowan: Showing that we are stronger together. Meaning I am an advocate for Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health which all play an important role in helping Black Americans cope with and heal from racial stress and trauma. I do believe however we can do more by working together to take the necessary steps toward changing an unjust and racist system that powerfully and negatively affects the mental health of Black Americans.

Tammy Reese: Who are a couple of Black figures in history that you are inspired by and why?

PJ Cowan: The two that I can think of off the top of my head are Deion Sanders and Denzel Washington who are both Fathers, Leaders and who are incredibly motivational and inspiring.

Tammy Reese: Congratulations on your new podcast, Raw and Real Vet Talk" launching next month! What vital information would you like for our readers to know about the show?

PJ Cowan: This podcast will be Raw and Real. I am all about great conversation and possibly a bit of a debate. I like to talk to those with a story. Raw and Real will cover topics from Mental Health, Fitness, Divorces, The System, Parenting, Single Dads, Military, and more. It is a way to let listeners know they are not alone. Stay tuned for some amazing guests.

From your perspective as a Black media professional, why is it important for stories to be told by us?

PJ Cowan: Nobody understands us like we do, it's better for us to tell our own stories. We want the facts out there, we want the sources out there and we are the source.

Tammy Reese: Define Black Excellence.

PJ Cowan: Can I say myself lol? Honestly, though I would define it as someone in the black community who has the ability to make the Black Community Proud whether it be through achievement or just really bringing awareness and education to those around us. We need to continue to uplift ourselves.

Tammy Reese: Thank you for your service! As an Army Veteran, what more would you like to see for Veterans of color?

PJ Cowan: The same as for all Veterans, the system taking better care of us when we come out, having our country take care of us more than just a thank you for your service.

Tammy Reese: What life lessons did you take away from your time in the United States Military?

PJ Cowan: Coming out of the United States Military you learn how to be more disciplined. I came out with a better work ethic, I came out learning how to be smarter in making better decisions, I came out knowing about honor, understanding brotherhood, and just a newfound personal strength.

Tammy Reese: In addition to the podcast, what else are you up to these days?

PJ Cowan: Aside from the podcast, I am first and foremost a parent, so parenting. I am a Chef so working on growing my cooking skills as well as rebuilding my personal training. I'm making sure I stay busy.

Tammy Reese: Thank you for sitting down with me for this interview. I look forward to seeing your career continue to flourish and make an impact.

More on PJ Cowan:

PJ was recently featured on Our Black Men Magazine, We Empower Magazine, Heart of Hollywood Magazine, and Hustle and Soul Magazine.

Follow PJ Cowan on social media:

Instagram: @RAW_AND_REAL_VETTALK

@Cowanpj_

Twitter: @RawandRealVet