By Staff
Dr. Moss has dedicated his life to inspiring and uplifting at-risk youth, using his own journey of resilience and faith to guide others toward hope and success. As a mentor, author, actor, and television host, he has impacted countless lives, breaking generational cycles and creating opportunities for transformation. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Moss reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his purpose, the challenges of sharing his story, and the powerful role faith plays in his mission. From his groundbreaking PUSH Program to international youth development and the creation of Moss & Marriage, he continues to lead with passion and intention. Here, he shares his insights on mentorship, leadership, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Your journey has been marked by resilience and faith. Can you share a pivotal moment when you realized your purpose was to inspire and uplift at-risk youth?
My journey has been defined by resilience, faith, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. A defining moment came when I mentored a young man who was on the verge of giving up—academically, emotionally, and spiritually. He had been dismissed by so many people that he started to believe he wasn’t worth saving.
Through our conversations, I saw a shift. His confidence grew, and he began to believe in himself again. Then, one day, he looked me in the eye and said, “If you hadn’t believed in me, I don’t know where I’d be.” That moment was transformative. It made me realize that my purpose isn’t just to motivate from a distance—it’s to walk beside young men who feel unseen, helping them recognize their own potential.
Seeing firsthand how encouragement, accountability, and faith can change a life made it clear—uplifting at-risk youth isn’t just something I do. It’s who I am.
PUSHed gives readers an intimate look at your experiences in the juvenile justice and foster care systems. What was the most difficult part of sharing your story, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
The hardest part was putting into words the pain and experiences I had never spoken about before. Writing them down was one thing, but then facing questions about those moments at book signings forced me to confront them in ways I hadn’t before.
But through that vulnerability, I discovered something powerful—sharing my story wasn’t just about recounting the past; it became a form of healing. Opening up allowed me to release burdens I had carried for years. More importantly, it created space for others to do the same. My hope is that PUSHed encourages people to embrace their own journeys, find strength in their struggles, and realize that healing and self-acceptance are possible, no matter where they’ve been.
You’ve built a career as a mentor, author, actor, and television host. How do these different roles allow you to reach and impact communities in unique ways?
Each role gives me a different way to connect with and inspire people.
- As a mentor, I provide hands-on guidance, walking alongside those who need support the most.
- As an author, I extend my reach beyond my immediate environment, allowing my story to inspire people I may never meet.
- Through acting, I bring powerful narratives to life, making emotions and experiences tangible for audiences.
- And as a television host, I have a platform to amplify important conversations, shining a light on stories that need to be heard.
These roles don’t just define my career—they give my life layers of purpose, allowing me to impact communities in ways that are both personal and far-reaching.
The PUSH Program has been a game-changer for young people in Toledo. What challenges did you face when launching the initiative, and what impact have you seen over the years?
One of the biggest challenges in launching the PUSH Program was being young myself and wondering if my story and approach would truly make a difference. There were moments of doubt—moments where I questioned whether people would listen, whether I was the right person for this mission.
But over the years, I’ve seen the lasting impact. Former students have come back to say, “You changed my life.” Some are now professionals, parents, and community leaders. In fact, I’m now mentoring the children of those I once guided. That’s when I knew—we’re not just changing individual lives. We’re breaking generational cycles and creating a legacy of hope and empowerment.
You have worked internationally, even developing curricula for children on military bases in Germany. How did that experience shape your approach to mentorship and youth development?
Working internationally opened my eyes to the universal needs of young people. Whether in the U.S. or overseas, children can sense authenticity. They know when someone genuinely cares.
Developing curricula for children on military bases in Germany reinforced that mentorship isn’t just about guidance—it’s about consistency, trust, and cultural awareness. I learned that when young people feel seen, valued, and supported, they don’t just work for their own success; they push harder because they know someone is standing in their corner. That lesson has shaped the way I mentor, ensuring that every young person I work with feels both challenged and deeply supported.
Faith has played a significant role in your life. How has your spiritual journey influenced the way you mentor and lead?
Faith has been the foundation of my life—it’s what has kept me grounded through every challenge and triumph. I truly believe that you can’t walk in your full purpose without divine guidance.
When I mentor and lead, I encourage young people to lean on something greater than themselves. I help them understand that true transformation comes when we align with a higher calling. My spiritual journey has shown me that leadership isn’t just about direction—it’s about inspiring others to trust the process, walk in faith, and recognize that even in their lowest moments, God is preparing them for something greater.
Moss & Marriage is an important platform for you. What inspired you to create this, and what message do you hope to share with couples and families?
Moss & Marriage was born from our own experiences as a couple. When Dr. Moss and I got married, we realized we had become an example of marriage within our families—because there weren’t many married couples around us. We didn’t just want to stay married; we wanted to thrive in our marriage.
So we studied, we researched, we applied tools to strengthen our relationship. As we grew, we felt called to share what we learned—not just with close friends and family, but with a larger community. Moss & Marriage is our way of equipping couples with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to build healthy, lasting relationships.
With over 20 years of service, what keeps you motivated to continue your work, and how do you balance the demands of advocacy, entertainment, and personal life?
What keeps me going after 20 years is simple—keeping God at the center. My faith is what fuels me, what gives me the strength to navigate the demands of advocacy, entertainment, and personal commitments.
I’ve also learned that passion fuels perseverance. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work—it feels like purpose. Balancing it all requires discipline, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what truly matters. But at the core of it all, my motivation remains the same: to serve, inspire, and create lasting impact.
You emphasize the importance of surrounding yourself with people who inspire growth. Who were the key mentors in your life, and what lessons did they instill in you?
One of my most influential mentors was my foster dad, Lawrence Tribble. He taught me that I wasn’t defined by my circumstances—I had the power to shape my own future.
He reminded me, “You are not your parents’ mistakes. You are not your past. You are capable of greatness.” That belief in me changed everything. It instilled resilience, self-worth, and the understanding that no matter where you start, you have the power to rise above. Now, I pass that same lesson on to the young people I mentor.
Looking ahead, what are your biggest aspirations for the next chapter of your journey, both personally and professionally?
My greatest aspiration is to continue following God’s plan, trusting that He will lead me exactly where I need to be. Over the years, I’ve learned that His vision is always greater than mine.
Personally and professionally, I want to stay open—to new opportunities, new ways to serve, and new ways to inspire others. Whether through mentorship, storytelling, or advocacy, my goal is to keep pushing forward, impacting lives, and walking fully in my purpose.
Social Media
Twitter @drdeontemoss
TikTok @deontemoss
