BISHOP T. D. JAKES’ 2026 GOOD SOIL FORUM ADVANCE NATIONAL COVERAGE: Native Texans LaToya Jones and Monteshia Hooks’ new Rated Black podcast is as good as advertised
Andre Johnson 
SISTAS WITH VOICES
DALLAS — Texas is suitably known as the state where things are done big.
For native Texans LaToya Jones and Monteshia Hooks, they are strategically devising ways to do podcasting in a rather massive way.
Jones and Hooks have joined forces to spearhead Rated Black, their newly-erected podcast that, much to their delight, is shaping up to emerge as one of the finest of its kind throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.
Jones’ and Hooks’ Rated Black customarily airs weekly via Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify, and where podcasts are available.
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MORE ON JONES AND HOOKS PODCAST: https://www.facebook.com/Ratedblackpodcast
As part of Making Headline News’ advance national coverage ahead of Bishop T. D. Jakes’ 2026 Good Soil Forum in Dallas October 8-10, featuring special guest, Tyler Perry, the Lone Star state podcast tandem emphasized, among other things, Rated Black is more than a podcast.
“It’s a platform that creates meaningful conversations, builds community, and highlights the voices, stories, and businesses that deserve to be seen and celebrated,” Jones, 52, a longtime educator known as “Toya,” told MHN during a recent interview.
In a nutshell, Rated Black has become a fixture for routinely tackling real-life topics, many of which impact everyday people, including relationships, personal growth, finances, faith, mental wellness, entrepreneurship, and current events.
“Our goal is to educate, inspire, entertain, and encourage honest dialogue in a space where people feel heard and respected,” said Hooks, 40, who’s suitably known as “Money Mo.”
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Not only that, Jones and Hooks essentially have become committed through their podcast to shine the figurative spotlight on small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, most notably by way of their popular segment, Rated Black Spotlight.
“Because we believe that when one of us wins, we all win,” Jones said.
Interestingly enough, Rated Black is centered largely on connecting people, elevating voices, and reminding its audience that every story has value, the co-hosts told MHN.
“We’ve never been driven by the desire to compete with others,” Hooks said. “Our greatest competition has always been becoming a better version of ourselves and creating something that truly serves our community.”
According to Jones and Hooks, their rising podcast, by all accounts, was birthed amid what they describe as “a passion” to amplify voices, celebrate excellence, and create a space where real conversations can happen.
“We saw a need for a platform that not only entertains but also educates, inspires, and shines a light on entrepreneurs, community leaders, and everyday people making a difference,” Jones explained. “That purpose continues to propel us. Every episode, every spotlight, and every opportunity is another chance to build a brand that leaves people feeling heard, understood, encouraged, empowered, and inspired. Our goal isn’t simply to grow a podcast—it’s to build a lasting media platform that uplifts people, strengthens our community, and creates opportunities for others to be seen.”
Generally, Jones and Hooks said what they relish most about their podcast is the golden opportunities they are afforded to make a positive impact on people’s lives.
“Every conversation, every episode, and every community spotlight gives us the chance to educate, encourage, inspire, and connect with others,” Jones, University of North Texas alum, said.
Added Hooks, a Texas A&M University-Commerce graduate and accomplished content creator in her own right:
“We also love being able to highlight small businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals who are making a difference. Watching someone feel seen, supported, and celebrated because of a feature on our platform is incredibly rewarding.”
MORE ON JONES AND HOOKS
What it all boils down to, Jones and Hooks acknowledged, is customarily building a flourishing empowerment community, one where people can have honest conversations, thus learning from one another while walking away feeling empowered.
“Knowing that Rated Black is creating a space where every voice matters is what makes this work so meaningful to us,” Jones said.
For more information about Dallas/Fort Worth podcasters LaToya Jones and Monteshia Hooks of Rated Black, to inquire about their platform, to schedule them for a speaking engagement or public appearance, connect with them via: Facebook (Rated Black-Ladies Room Podcast); YouTube (Rated Black Podcast); Twitch (Rated Black pod); Spotify (Rated Black-Ladies Room Podcast).
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WHAT’S YOUR STORY? If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA, NFL, and NCAA sports from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to makingheadlinenews@gmail.com or to memphisgraduate@yahoo.com. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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