Zo Williams is known internationally for his “Voice of Reason” relationship radio show on Jamie Foxx’s Sirus/XM Foxxhole Radio station. Zo has done a masterful job of decoding the complexities of the modern day relationship for everyday people.
Zo Williams is also a self published author of the insightful book of poems, The Rebirth of Seeds and has been a Relationship Coach and Specialist for over a decade.
Deemed as the “Hip Hop Dr.Phil” or “Tupac meets Deepak,” Zo lends a unique and intelligent perspective to the relationship coaching world based on realism and ultimate truth.
A student of urban/alternative culture, Generation X, and world religions, Williams has turned his life experiences and knowledge into a no-nonsense empowerment movement.
He challenges his listeners and clients to look at communication and social systems as we know them with revolutionary ideas. While his controversial opinions about relationships, social structures and gender relations can stir up debate, he always leaves his listeners and clients reflective and inspired to learn.
Zo got his professional start as a music executive. Having worked with a myriad of music artist over the years included Madonna, Xhibit, Wu Tang Clan and Michelle Ndegeocello.
Zo began noticing the thematic shift in music content. Recognizing that this shift could be traced back to some of the negative nuances in how his generation related to one another and ultimately the world, Zo felt called to be of service.
He set out on a path that would pool his life experiences, literary skill, and independent studies background together. As a result, Zo Williams has emerged as a premiere authority on relationships and the Hip Hop Generation (Generation X).
Zo can still be found hosting various relationship roundtables, with rap legend Kool Mo Dee. Zo has also been a panelist on TV ONE’S “Black Men Revealed” and also been heard on, Speedy’s Comedy Corner, another Foxxhole Radio show. Zo Williams is currently working on the follow up book to his 2005 release, the Rebirth of Seeds.
See Zo on TV One’s Black Men Revealed Show!
Season One Episode 4 ” Why He Won’t Go To Church”
Season Two Premiere Episode “Our Roots, What We Inherited”
Read Essence Article by Zo Williams
How Secret Agendas Ruin Relationships
Essence Blog, November 2009
Read this article at Essence.com
Check out the latest post from Zo Williams, author and host of The Voice of Reason
I’ve always wondered about the effect desperation can have on intimate relationships. Likewise I have always felt whenever silent agendas coupled with desperation are attached to an embryonic relationship, the very survival of that union has and will be sentenced to intimate relationship’s version of death row.
For “real life” death row inmates there is seemingly a long wait, followed by a swift conclusion. Sometimes a prisoner can sit on death row in a cell for years before having their number called. The same can be said about being “cell mate” who sits on relationship’s version of death row. These silent contracts I speak of seemingly never reveal themselves during the relationships happier times, yet have no problem doing so when the going gets tough, or when we least expect it.
This brings me to the overall question of this writing: Can a woman and a man, who both share secret agendas for pursuing a relationship (i.e. the endless chiming of a woman’s biological clock, or the man who has given up on the thrill of the chase), achieve a truly fulfilling and meaningful union?
I say yes and no! I say yes to a long term and meaningful relationship being possible, only if the couple are absolutely, and brutally honest about their intentions from the very beginning. If not, the secret agendas will begin to take root, and restrict the growth of the relationship. I had to learn these lessons the hard way, many times. I’ve had relationships with quite a few women who were “marriage material,” where the relationships have faltered because of MY inability to be truthful about who and what I was at my core. I was an unconscious cell mate looking for a soul mate. Nevertheless I learned, and I am still learning from my relationships failures, which is why I have done relationships roundtables all over the country, from New York to LA.
Through these gatherings I have seen women and men who have “settled” for “the best mate at the present moment” as a means of temporarily satiating some unspoken personal desire. These desires can range from the commonly heard “I just want to have a child”, to the “Well, I’m getting up there in age, so I need someone I can trust to take care me” statements. More times than not, these silent contracts always come home to roost in a negative way. This is why I suggest that honesty becomes the corner stone of our relationships. If we cannot be truthful with ourselves, how can we ever be “real” with another person, and build a long lasting meaningful relationship?
Peace,
Zo
Review over 90 comments here:
http://blogs.essence.com/itsamansworld/2009/11/editors-note-its-a-mans.html
I can say that Zo has opened my eyes to life skills an how to manage an master everyday life..he has made a profound impact..the world is a better place with him in it..
my bad ZO i put my business on the wrong page. I know where to go now and i am eager to talk to you about my relationship. I listen to your show faithfully and wish that you had more time on the air.
Zo has served as a mentor, and a great inspiration in my life. When facing my many crossroads in life, I could always call on Zo for sound and honest advice. As a counselor and author, I credit Zo for being that big brother and voice of reasoning in my upbringing. Thanks you Zo.
I listen to the VOR each week and I an always impressed with the amount of knowledge Zo brings to each topic. I learn something every time I listen to Zo.
With respect to your show this morning regarding up-to-date child support & the mothers holding child from the other parent. I have been dealing with the same situation but I’ve always been current on child support. I have filed several Show Cause of Comtempt the court system doesn’t protect my rights as a father. I’ve spent time as much as I can whenever my ex-wife allow me to see my daughter. That’s when she is not being a you know what and it’s all about a woman using the child support system to control the man. Which is very much wrong! I’ve moved on and my ex claims she has too! I think your next topic should be about the Parental Rights & Laws regarding child custody cases and the court system to protect the rights of fathers.
Well ZO I hear you on the Foxxhole and you talk some deep words and all but are you a real, and what I mean by that is, can you take things to another level and then take it deep and I mean deep so deep that people will feel what you talking about, oh I’m the kind of man that will challenge the question and think on the answer so one day I hope to get to have a debate with you on some issues till then KEEP IT REAL!
Delfort Minor
My Lady and I are so excited that you finally made yourself more accessible to the fans. Look forward to learning more from you. Congrats. Question: When are you coming to the New York, New Jersey area…. Folks on the east coast got relationship problems tooo…..
First off, let me just thank you for the wisdom and guidance you have brought to the FOXXHOLE and the African American community in general. Second, I think you should have a show on astrology. I think a lot of times in our community people view astrology as some bull, but learning what I’ve about astrology has helped me immensely in having a better understanding of my self and how to get along with the people close to me, especially my mother who’s a Libra. I’m a Cancer and a lot of times you and Corey Holcomb say exactly what I’m feeling, which is why I believe the both of you might be Cancer’s or a water sign at the very least. And I know Jamie and Jonny Mack are Sagittarius’s, which is why I believe it’s not that easy for you and Corey to keep from smacking there flighty, diarrhea of the mouth ass at times. I think it would be a great topic for people to discuss, so people can have an understanding why a Cancer like 50 cent is so emotional, or why Sagittarius’s like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera fall in and out of love over and over like it’s nothing. I would love to know you and Corey’s sign, and just keep doing what you doing homie! Holla
I think your AMAZING! Keep up the great work ZO! Spread KNOWLEDGE, PEACE, AND LOVE.
Zo, I hope your show will return to Foxxhole this week. Looking forward to more Relationship Dumbassification enlightenment in the new year.
Hello, I was listening to what I now know was a re broadcast of WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING (Eddie Long), it was so thought provoking! I am def ordering Religious Literacy and it has linked me to what looks like other awesome, challenging books. Though, I truly believe in my heart that Jesus is my spiritual answer but I am now beginning to believe I’ve been drinking the kool-aid for many years. I know nothing about other religions and believe Christianity to be only what the Bible speaks of. When you broke down the translations of population and vulgar and how King James intended to use it with the new translation of the Bible, it saddened me that I didn’t know better…LACK OF KNOWLEDGE will kill you maaaan…Anyhoo it’s been a long time since I’ve even been interested in my spirituality to this extent and now that I have been searching for my purpose I realize I first have to truly understand the God that I worship, what is required of me as a human being, what Christianity really means, and a deeper meaning of life and spirituality as a whole. How dare I call myself a parent and want these awesome kids to grow up and be the best they can be but I limit them to my ignorance. WOW! Now, I’m not nor do I want to be the next Gandhi, but as the saying goes KNOWLEDGE is POWER. How dare I call myself a Christian just based off what I’ve been told is the truth. I’m realizing that truth is within oneself on many levels and to walk in Truth you have to break down the walls of deceit. I am now on a journey (thanks to you Zo) to find out what this is all about, I believe it is going to blow my cap back and broaden my horizon, my thinking and my love of God. I’ve been watching this show called Survived beyond & back, and everyone that has “died” and come back no matter what their belief, religion, faith etc. All speak of darkness and lightness…They never specify a specific God…Never. They will say I was in the presence of God, I knew God was there or something to that effect. When they speak of darkness it’s enough to make me believe there is some kind of hell existence and you don’t want have an afterlife in the “darkness”. I do find it interesting that they do say God’s love was unconditional…Not “God said I have to be Christian, JH, 7th day blah blah blah. I’m beginning to believe that we put these limitations on God’s Love. God never advocated sheep behavior and He knew better than anyone there would be so much said “in his name” and as typical human behavior it’s easier to follow than to find happiness and truth or happiness in truth…
Zo, please I need the music line up for this show (Wolves in Sheep’s clothing..eddie long! You played some banging music to go along with this topic and I searched the foxxhole website but to no avail. HELP Zo I have to get these songs in my collection. I’m a 70′s baby so I can’t take a lot of this new mess..excuse me I meant rap but babay you gotta post or hit me back with the music line up. I love real rap music and your play list was filled with heavy hitters on this program. Thanx…out
Zo tought me about the importance of spritual growth in relationships. He showed me that I must learn how to gain knowledge, strength, and motivation from all sitituations, whether good or bad. I am excited about everything that Zo is doing; He is legend!
Zo. I heard you touch on how important it is for people to be conscious equals in their relationships. I agree and try to reach Christian sistas and brathas and alert them to this FACT, because being “equally yoked” as the bible teaches, is deeper than,”she like blue and I do too”! Or we both are freaks! So we are yoked and will be ok.. Conscious equality is key! I hope to hear you go in on that one day. I’d dig hearing go “deeper” into this one, family… Keep bringing it 100! Never Too Much Love bruh…
Zo, if you want to read a review of the shoddy research in Manny Marable’s Malcom X biography, go the following site:
http://www.voxunion.com/?p=3646
You called the motives behind the book suspect and you hadn’t even read it. You were right again. Keep doing your damn thang!
Love the Thursday night shows.
yo zo i caught your show last week about “fat” people.. i just wanna say i have always found big women attractive. im glad you chose to talk about this subject. i can go really deep into this topic because it has been an issue in my relationships and with my family…its a subject that alot of people want to converse about….good lookin…maybe you can do a part two of this i would love to chime in about it! keep it up much love. PEACE
First, let me applaud you on your honesty on the June 2nd show. Takes a lot of courage to be real about your own situation.
Second, will you be doing any shows on relationships that work? In my relationship there is great honesty, communication, and great sex. When we have issues we talk them through and I know of a lot of other relationships like ours but all of the topics on your show, and other relationships shows, tends to focus on the dysfunctional aspects of relationships. I’d like to hear a show on Black Love Done Right!
i love your show. If you need legal expert hit me up. Check out my book on amazon on creating a successful law practice
I am often baffled by the success given to those with zero contribution to the elevation of the collective human consciousness, and how truth bearers, knowledge seekers, and seed planters are typically given little to no acknowledgment in comparison.
If more people would allow for the stimulation and penetration of wisdom…thrust upon them by these enlightened beings…we could ALL gather our “goodies”, graduate from this Earth school, and move on to the next dimension that awaits us.
Zo, I appreciate you for being a well rounded Soul…in touch with your human side yet guided by your Higher Self. You represent the Truth because you’re able to set Ego aside and share from a deeper more vulnerable place.
I thank the Universe for pleasuring my Mind and tickling my Spirit with the entity we’ve come to know as, Zometheus Rising
Truth and Love,
Spirit Driven
Thanks for the positive insight!
I recently start listening to Zo Williams, through my sirus station in my car. Zo is a word of delight his topics are awesome and the feedback from callers and tweeters has open my eyes. I look forward on his next topic each week. I am a volunteer and mentor to our inner city kids in the City of Rialto and I talk with kids all the time. Zo has given me a better platform, when talking with these kids. Zo has inspired me to continue my work in the community and I look forward to hearing the next topic each week. Zo continue to do what you do and know you will be hearing alot from me and situation you speak on alot. I follow you on tweeter I am @mauriceG1.
I have to ask this ! I stay in Texas ,have a business in Texas and now I have a state that is taking money out of my business can they do that or do I need to get a lawer to fight this ? I need some help! they is taking money out . Can u give me something to do to stop this befor it get bad how do I write this off it’s don’t make since. If u won’t I can send u paper to tell me what’s wrong with this CAN U HELP!!!!! Or someone?
What up Zo!
2011 was a great year and the VOR has continued to reach new levels each year. Zo and the VOR movement is ready for TV and I am going to keep saying that until you get on Zo!!! LOL
Thank you brother! I receive that thought! thanks again! Much respect!
Zo Williams!
Just listening to a well spoken black man is uplifting.
After watching you on BMR…I had to go to find you via the internet and get your book! I can’t wait to read it!!
I enjoy your show. One day you played someone’s rap called “The preacher is a pimp”. Who is the rapper? Where can I get it?
Where can I ordered your books Mr.Zo Williams? I tried Amazon and your books are not listed.
hi brother zo what’s going on with your show thursday did time n day change let me you are the only reason i have XMRADIO thanks
Im not sure of the exact date, but maybe sometime in March?
I have never seen a greater monster or miracle in the world than myself.
- Michel de Montaigne
As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world — that is the myth of the atomic age — as in being able to remake ourselves.
- Mohandas K. Gandhi
Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls.
- Maya Angelou
Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt.
- Laozi (Lao Tzu, Lao Tse, Lao Tsu)
When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.
- Mark Twain
The true means of being misled is to believe oneself finer than the others.
- Francois de La Rochefoucauld
A person unlearns arrogance when he knows he is always among worthy human beings; being alone fosters presumption. Young people are arrogant because they always associate with their own peers, those who are all really nothing but who would like to be very important.
- Friedrich Nietzsche
Arrogance and rudeness are training wheels on the bicycle of life — for weak people who cannot keep their balance without them.
- Laura Teresa Marquez
I love that quote I agree. I will save it too!
When men are most sure and arrogant they are commonly most mistaken, giving views to passion without that proper deliberation which alone can secure them from the grossest absurdities.
- David Hume
Yes…think before one speaks. How ones says things makes more of an impact than hat is said.
“Who is wise? He that learns from everyone. Who is powerful? He that governs his passions. Who is rich? He who is content. Who is that? Nobody.”
Franklin, Benjamin
“Content makes poor men rich; discontentment makes rich men poor.”
Franklin, Benjamin
“Yes, there is a Nirvanah; it is leading your sheep to a green pasture, and in putting your child to sleep, and in writing the last line of your poem.”
Gibran, Kahlil
“Be happy while you’re living, for you’re a long time dead.”
Scottish Proverb
“Most people would rather be certain they’re miserable, than risk being happy.” Robert Anthony—
“Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get.” Spanish Proverb
“The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, & 2 b able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.” Lin Yu-t’ang
“We may pass violets looking for roses. We may pass contentment looking for victory.” unknown…
“He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.”
― Socrates