This episode is a note from our host about growth, resilience, and chasing dreams no matter how impossible they may seem.

From being a girl in St. Louis who was “never supposed” to make it out, to graduating with a B.S., to walking across the stage with a Master’s degree, to moving out of Missouri, this moment is proof that dreams can happen! 🌟

Every setback, every “no,” every statistic she was told she would become, was only fuel to keep going. And now, standing in the life she once prayed for, this episode is a reminder that no dream is too big, and no path is too far. Keep going!

✨ Growth is a blessing. And inside this episode, our host shares a huge announcement you don’t want to miss. ✨

Thank you for tuning in and celebrating this new chapter with us. Let’s keep chasing dreams together! 🥂

This week, I’m joined by Nina Barudzic: Director of the Student Resource Center, Serbian-born powerhouse, homeowner 🏠, former professional tennis player, and someone I’ve been lucky to call both a boss and a mentor. We dive into what leadership actually looks like as a woman navigating male-dominated spaces, cultural expectations, and the pressure of “having it all.” ✨

We discuss what it really takes to be a confident, effective leader in a world that wasn’t always built with women—or immigrants—in mind. 🎯 Nina shares the bumps along the way, her most difficult lessons, and the importance of staying true to who you are when leading others. 🫂

We unpack everything from emotional intelligence and high-maintenance habits to setting boundaries and knowing when to stop shrinking yourself just to make other people comfortable. Because real leadership? It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being real, taking risks, and trusting your gut even when it’s scary. 🫡

From becoming a homeowner to making big decisions without burnout—hit play to join the convo! If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room, if you’re trying to find your voice as a leader, or if you just need a reminder that it’s okay to be both powerful and soft—this one’s for you. 🩷

This week’s episode dives deep into a conversation we don’t have enough but desperately need—domestic violence. 🚫 I’m joined by Charity Jordan Rex of Harmony House, one of the leading safe spaces for survivors in Southwest Missouri, to talk about what abuse really looks like beyond the bruises. We tackle the truth behind abuse—the kind that isn’t just physical, the kind that leaves emotional bruises, financial scars, and silent shame.

Join us as we break down the difference between toxicity and abuse, how trauma bonds work, and why so many victims stay. 🫂 We also look at how pop culture, gender roles, headlines, and social media often fail survivors. From silent manipulation to loud cycles of harm, we’re unlearning everything that teaches us to excuse or normalize unhealthy love. ✨

Charity shares what it means to seek help, how shelters like Harmony House serve those in need, and what healing truly looks like after abuse. To close, I perform a spoken word piece written for the survivors 🌹! The ones who stayed. The ones who left. And the ones still searching for the door 🚪.

This episode is for anyone who’s been through it, loved someone who has, or ever needed the reminder that safe love is your birthright. Whether you’re surviving, supporting, or simply trying to understand—you don’t want to miss this one. ❤️

You…Her…Him…Me… we all deserve healthy love and conversations like these are the first step. 👣 TUNE IN ‼️

This episode is a love letter to Black stories, Black excellence, and Black Hollywood. ❤️ This week I’m joined by future physical therapist and full-time movie critic (in her own right), Neema Shabazz and we’re diving into the heart of Black storytelling—from the films that raised us to the ones that break us.

We talk about what really defines a Black film, what makes something a classic, the impact of Black representation on screen, and the moments in TV and film that still live rent free in our minds. From Set It Off to Waiting to Exhale, we unpack the unforgettable characters, fictional breakups, heart-wrenching deaths, and legendary performances that made Black cinema what it is today.

In addition, Neema shares how her passion for physical therapy and healing intertwines with the emotional healing found in the stories we grew up on. We talk about healing beyond the screen—mind, body, and soul—and how the stories we consume reflect the lives we lead.

We laughed, we debated, we gave Black Hollywood its flowers. 🌹 This episode is for anyone who ever felt seen in a movie, cried over a character like they were kin, or found pieces of themselves in the stories that raised us. Go hit play ▶️ and let’s talk about it!

Branden Michael Lewis isn’t here to play by the industry’s rules—he’s here to change the game. 👣

In this episode, we sit down with the St. Louis rapper, pianist, songwriter, and performer 🎤 who’s been stacking up awards and nominations—but what he’s after is bigger than that. 💫

Branden opens up about the realities of being an independent artist, from understanding that talent is only a small piece of the puzzle to navigating the pressure to compromise your values for a seat at the table. 🪑

He talks about purpose, principle, and what it means to have a calling that’s bigger than yourself. From cutting through the noise of bad advice to staying grounded when temptation shows up dressed like opportunity, Branden shares what it really takes to move with intention in the music industry—and in life‼️

He even gives us a freestyle on the spot. Stay turned til the end to hear his newest single “Like This”🔥 !

If you’re an artist, dreamer, or anyone tryna make it without losing yourself, this episode is for you! STREAM NOW 🎙️.

In this week’s episode, DJ Demon Time is stepping out the booth and onto the mic to tell the real story behind the name, the hustle, and the skills she brings to every set!

We talk about how she got her iconic DJ name, the importance of crowd control, why playing the same song twice is a big no, and how Afrobeats and Amapiano have become the heart of her favorite sets. 🎶✨

From mastering her equipment to creating smooth transitions that leave no crumbs, DJ Demon Time breaks down what it really takes to be a true DJ!

If you ever needed a reminder to stop playing with your own potential—this is it! Whether you’re a lover of music, an aspiring DJ, or someone who just wants to learn how to move a room, this episode is full of gems, laughter, and that signature Big Every Time energy.

🎤 Tap in. It’s Demon Time!

In this episode, we sit down with Johan Collins, the man who’s been shaping the live music scene in Springfield, Missouri for over 20 years. 🎶 From booking major names like DMX to creating space for up-and-coming artists, Johan breaks down what it really takes to be a concert promoter. He shares how he went from a kid in New Orleans surrounded by hip-hop greatness to recognizing a void in Springfield and building a scene from the ground up—with no social media, no resources, and no blueprint. 🧱

We talk artist development (or the lack of it), the art of promoting, the risks of investing in shows out of pocket, and how the industry has changed with TikTok fame and viral moments. From his early days throwing parties to locking in acts like Big Boogie, 42Dugg, and NLE Choppa, Yohan reflects on wins, losses, and the unforgettable moments that remind him why he keeps doing it. 🖤

Whether you’re an artist, aspiring promoter, or just love music—this episode gives you a front row seat to the hustle behind the scenes. 🔥

In this episode of Big Every Time, we sit down with Bali Cortes, the force behind the “Know Your Rights” platform 📢, to break down what it really means to be informed and engaged. She shares how her platform started as a way to educate her peers and grew into a resource for anyone looking to understand their rights, policies, and the power of their voice. ✊🏽

We get into the misconceptions surrounding DEI, the importance of voting 🗳️ —especially on the local level—and why so many people feel like their contributions don’t matter. Bali also speaks on balancing activism with mental health, because fighting for change shouldn’t come at the cost of your well-being.

This conversation is about more than politics—it’s about the role we all play in shaping the future. 🪴

Whether you’re new to advocacy or deep in the fight, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed, empowered, and ready to take action. STREAM NOW ‼️

Ever wondered who's behind the mic? 🎙️ In this episode of Big Every Time, Hollywood Lea, your host, is taking the hot seat 🥵 and stepping into the spotlight for my first-ever solo episode. 💭

Season 1 ends here, and I couldn't think of a better way to wrap it up than by giving you a front-row seat into my world. 🌍 Big Every Time has been a journey, but now it's time for you to meet the person behind the mic. 🔥 From navigating life's pivotal moments to pursuing my dreams in the entertainment industry, l'm keeping it real about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

But it’s not just about me—I’m dropping gems about navigating career, life, overcoming tribulations, reflecting on 2024, gearing up for 2025 🥂, and sharing a piece of my heart with a special poetry performance.

This isn't just the end of a season—it's the start of something bigger. You don’t want to miss this. Let’s close out Season 1 and 2024 in style 🖤. Out now on all audio podcast platforms! 🎧

In this compelling and nostalgic episode, we’re joined by Ahriya Powell to dive into the experiences that define “Growing Up Black.” From iconic household rules like “you got McDonald’s money?” to cultural staples like saving plastic bags and cleaning up to old school R&B, this episode takes a humorous and heartfelt look at the traditions, struggles, and memories that shaped us. 🖤✨

We explore the joy and pain of Black hair 👩🏾‍🦱 care, the impact of Black sitcoms and films 🎥 on representation, and what it was like growing up in the 2000s—before social media ruled the world. But it’s not all laughs; we also tackle deeper issues like the stigmas surrounding mental health 🧘🏽‍♀️ in Black households and the unspoken rule that “what happens in this house, stays in this house.” 🤫

Whether you’re reminiscing about double dutch and flip phones 📞 or reflecting on the lessons learned from growing up Black , this episode is a celebration of culture, resilience, and shared experiences. This episode is a love letter to Blackness. Tune in for a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and meaningful conversations that will leave you feeling like you’re back at Grandma’s house with your cousins. ✊🏽🔥

🎧 Listen now on all audio podcast platforms!