In this episode of At The Table, Greg Mathis Jr. and Elliott Cooper sit down with political strategist, social impact leader, and culture shifter Dorien Blythers—a powerhouse whose career spans public service, national campaigns, and advocacy at the highest levels. Fresh off a whirlwind week of weddings, travel, and lupus fundraising, Greg and Elliott jump straight into Culture Catch-Up, spotlighting philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, her Yield Giving platform, and her historic $700M+ in donations to HBCUs, including more than $132M to Howard University.

From there, they welcome Dorien, CEO of Good Rebel, a social impact firm shaping strategies for justice, equity, and civic engagement. Dorien walks listeners through his journey from Atlanta and Chulahoma, Mississippi roots to Howard University, where the Obama era transformed his worldview and pulled him toward public service. He reflects on his years advising Vice President Kamala Harris, serving at the EPA, working with End Citizens United, and learning that even the most powerful political figures are still human—and sometimes disappointing.

The conversation moves through faith, upbringing, and how service and community shaped Dorien long before he had the language for “social impact.” He breaks down how to stay civically involved beyond voting, how values shape political choices, and how younger generations can build an internal “algorithm” for understanding what truly matters to them.

Dorien also opens up about his recent viral critique of GLAAD’s partnership with Snoop Dogg following harmful comments about the LGBTQ+ community, explaining why accountability and thoughtful representation matter—especially at sacred institutions like HBCUs. Greg and Elliott deepen the discussion by connecting it to their own LGBTQ+ advocacy and the need for aligned, culturally competent voices leading public health and stigma-reduction work.

They also explore:

• Why hope and optimism are still political tools

• How to survive the emotional grind of national politics

• Why “light attracts light” in community organizing

• The rise of leaders like Jasmine Crockett, Zora, and young candidates stepping into congressional races, including Everton Blair in Georgia

• Finding beauty in broken moments

• Mental health, running, sunrise-chasing, and grounding practices

• How Good Rebel is expanding into film, documentary storytelling, and new issue-based campaigns

The episode closes with Be Honest, Don’t Hold Back, where Dorien talks about lessons he learned the hard way in D.C., and a hilarious Chef’s Kiss or Chef’s Miss review of their food of the week: legendary Beverly Hills spot Il Tramezzino(“El Trimm”), complete with chicken specials and Nutella crepes.

This conversation is grounded, inspiring, sharply funny, and rich with insight—politics, culture, community, love, advocacy, and joy all sitting at the same table.

Featuring:

MacKenzie Scott, Yield Giving, Howard University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Tuskegee, Xavier, Hampton, Prairie View A&M, Vice President Kamala Harris, EPA, Biden Administration, End Citizens United, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jasmine Crockett, Snoop Dogg, GLAAD, Good Rebel, Il Tramezzino, John Lewis, Joshua DuBois, Values Partnerships, Everton Blair, Taylor Coleman, Dylan Het.