In a world where strength is often measured by titles, accomplishments, and public success, the real story is sometimes found in the private battles no one sees.  Some stories don’t just move you… they stay with you.

In this powerful episode of The Thought Brothers Podcast, we sit down with Ilka Rodriguez, a former senior executive with the Central Intelligence Agency who served her country for more than three decades. Her résumé speaks of leadership, discipline, and service at the highest levels — but her personal journey reveals something even more profound: survival.

Ilka opens up about navigating breast cancer, battling depression, caring for her husband and aging parents, and facing life-altering health challenges while continuing to lead and perform under extraordinary pressure. Her story reminds us that resilience is not the absence of struggle — it is the decision to keep moving forward despite it.

This conversation goes beyond biography. It explores mental health, care-giving, emotional endurance, and the quiet strength required to carry responsibilities while fighting unseen battles. For many viewers, it will feel deeply personal — a reminder that even the strongest among us need support, compassion, and space to heal.

At Black Men In America, we believe stories like Ilka’s matter because they expand the conversation around mental health and challenge outdated ideas about what strength truly looks like. Her honesty creates room for others to speak, reflect, and perhaps begin their own healing journey.

This is more than an interview.
It is a testimony to survival.

Watch the full conversation and join us as we continue creating spaces where real stories lead to real dialogue — and real change.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, you are not alone. Help is available. Call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — anytime.

The Thought Brothers Podcast features three diverse men who rotate as Host and talk about relevant and current topics of interest to a diverse audience of men and women.  The Thought Brothers consists of William “Bill” Spivey, a retired FBI Special Agent, Christopher “C.J.” Johnson, a Social Media Commentator and Carlos Prillman, a Financial Analyst.

Their goal is to:

• Objectively discuss issues of interest to our community
• Inspire a “Call To Action” and model the appropriate behavior for others
• Educate, motivate, provide a sense of caring towards those who are less fortunate
• Have fun!