Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity: Real Women, Real Talk for Personal and Professional Development

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In this episode, I’m sharing the truth I had to swallow myself: when we make excuses for our problems, we keep those problems alive. Inspired by a line in Why Did I Get Married? and a recent conversation with friends, I take you through the moments that made me face my own excuses — from my health to my workload to the habits I’d been justifying instead of changing.

I talk through how accountability really feels, how overworking myself knocked me out, and why some of the things we’re carrying (from weight to relationships to business struggles) trace back to choices we’ve been avoiding. This episode is your invitation to stop holding on to what’s hurting you and start focusing on what you can control with honesty, grace, and clarity.

Grab your drink, take a sip, and let’s chat.

TL;DR

We talk about the hard truth that when we make excuses, we keep our problems. I share how accountability showed up in my own health, habits, and hard decisions — and how shifting from excuses to action can change everything. This episode is an invitation to be honest, choose differently, and take back control.

TIME STAMPS 

00:00 – Opening Thoughts: Tyler Perry, Movie Lessons & Excuses
01:00 – Welcome Back & Coffee Chat
02:20 – “If We Make Excuses, We Keep the Problem.”
03:45 – The Excuse Patterns We Don’t Notice
06:00 – My Real Reason for Getting Sick
08:20 – Burnout, Boundaries & Overworking Myself
10:40 – Weight, Food, Habits & Hard Truths
12:50 – Trauma Weight & What My Therapist Told Me
14:40 – What We Can Control vs. What We Can’t
15:30 – One Small Step Toward Accountability
16:40 – Closing Reflections & Clarity Moment

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RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

CREDITS 

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions

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In this heartfelt episode of Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity, I open up about what balance really looks like — especially for women juggling life, work, and everything in between. Inspired by my own health journey and an interview with Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, I unpack why “perfect balance” is an illusion and why it’s okay to shift, pause, and adjust as life changes.

We talk about the emotional and physical toll of chasing perfection, how to protect your peace through boundaries, and what it really means to give yourself grace. This conversation is your reminder that balance isn’t something you find — it’s something you practice.

TL;DR

In this episode, I get real about what balance really means for women—letting go of perfection, setting boundaries, and learning to move with life instead of against it.

TIME STAMPS 

00:00 – Finding My Balance
02:00 – Welcome & Warm-Up
03:30 – Inspiration from Renée Goldsberry
05:45 – The Illusion of “Having It All”
08:00 – When Life Knocks You Off Balance
09:30 – The Gymnast’s Lesson
11:40 – The Act of Balancing
13:50 – Boundaries, Self-Care & Small Shifts
15:30 – Listening to Your Body
17:30 – Redefining Balance & Being Perfectly Imperfect
18:25 – Final Sip & Reflection

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RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

CREDITS

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions

Support the show

Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me.

In this episode, I share a moment that shook me and forced me to face how powerful (and risky) distraction can be. One call became a crossroads — a reminder that every moment, we’re choosing our direction. Presence or autopilot. Fear or awareness. Reaction or intention.

If you’ve ever drifted, gotten caught up in the moment, or forgotten how precious life is — this one’s a reminder to breathe, pay attention, and choose the path that leads to peace and purpose.

TL;DR

A real moment that reminded me how quickly distraction can lead us toward danger — or toward deeper clarity and intention.

TIME STAMPS 

00:00 Introduction to Distraction and Its Consequences

02:42 Personal Reflections on Distractions

04:58 Identifying Personal Distractions

07:27 The Ripple Effect of Our Actions

09:50 Navigating Life's Distractions

12:32 Awareness and Decision Making

14:45 The Role of Distractions in Our Lives

16:47 Conclusion

CONNECT WITH ME

Fan Page

IG

Threads 

Facebook 

RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

CREDITS

Youtube 

IG Stitch

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions

Support the show

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In this candid podcast episode, I share my recent the emotional toll of facing
disappointment in entrepreneurship. In it, I emphasize the importance of
feeling emotions, having a back-up plan, and finding support systems to
navigate setbacks. Through my raw and unfiltered approach, I will
encourage you to embrace your feelings, seek solutions, and maintain hope
amidst challenges.


TL;DR
I share my recent experiences with a professional challenge, emphasizing
the importance of having a back-up plan, support systems, and maintaining
hope despite setbacks.

TIME STAMPS 
00:00:00 Introduction and Raw Thoughts
00:03:00 Virtual Speaking Event Experience
00:06:00 Learning New Systems
00:09:00 Emotional Impact of Unmet Goals
00:12:00 Importance of Plan B and Support Systems
00:15:00 Finding Hope and Moving Forward

CONNECT WITH ME
Fan Page
IG
Threads
Facebook

RESOURCES
Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from
any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.
Mental Health Resources
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Ph: 988
Psychology Today
National Institute of Mental Health
Sexual Violence Resources
RAIIN
Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)
Substance Abuse Resources
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Alcoholics Anonymous
Al-Anon Family Groups

CREDITS
Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions

Support the show

Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me.

Ever had life hit you out of nowhere — like, one minute you’re fine, and the next… boom, everything changes? Yeah, same.

In this episode, I’m talking about impact — the kind that shakes you, tests you, and forces you to decide who you’re gonna be on the other side of it. I share what really happened after my car accident and how that moment taught me what it means to brace for impact, breathe through the chaos, and focus on recovery — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too.

We’ll unpack what it looks like to stay grounded when life spins out, how to shift from reaction to reflection, and why gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff — it’s about finding your power in the middle of it.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to bounce back when everything feels like “too much,” this one’s for you.

Grab your coffee (or your cocktail — no judgment here) and let’s talk about resilience, recovery, and how to keep your clarity even when life throws you off course.

TL;DR

Sometimes life hits hard — and no, we don’t always see it coming. In this episode, I share how a car accident shifted my perspective on control, chaos, and recovery — and what it really means to brace for impact without losing yourself in the process.

TIME STAMPS 

00:00 Navigating Life's Impacts

08:06 Bracing for Impact

11:19 Maintaining Composure

14:13 Focusing on Recovery

20:34 Finding Gratitude in Challenges

CONNECT WITH ME

Fan Page

IG

Threads 

Facebook 

RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

CREDITS

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions

Support the show

Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me.

Whew, y’all… it’s been a minute!

After a little (okay, maybe longer than a little) hiatus, I’m back — and so ready to catch up. In this episode, I’m getting real about what’s been going on: burnout, mental health struggles, and the lessons I’ve learned about showing up for myself first.

Life was life-ing and burnout had me all the way tapped out. I’m talking about what really happened, how I found my way back to myself, and why slowing down was the most powerful thing I could’ve done.

I’m also sharing what’s next for Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity — more real talk, more amazing guests, and deeper conversations about personal and professional growth (the kind that feels good for the soul and the career).

Grab your coffee, your cocktail, or whatever’s in your cup, and let’s chat like the sistafriends we are — honest, softer, wiser, and still a little spicy.

TL;DR

This episode is your reminder that the pause isn’t weakness — it’s strategy. Oh, and I’m back!

Time Stamps 

00:00 The Heart of Leadership

05:43 Authenticity and Transformation

07:38 Looking Ahead

CONNECT WITH ME

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IG

Threads 

Facebook 

RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

CREDITS

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions

Support the show

Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

This week on Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity, I'm sharing my personal journey of navigating grief as a partner. I'll discuss supporting my husband through multiple losses while managing my own emotions. We'll explore the importance of open communication, sharing memories, and allowing ourselves to feel our grief. I'll offer practical tips that helped us grow closer during this difficult time. If you're coping with loss as a couple, this episode is for you. Let's find healing together.

TL;DR

Let’s talk about supporting a grieving partner, my experience with loss, and tips on communication and healing with your partner. If you're dealing with grief as a couple, this is for you.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity

00:05 Understanding Grief as a Partner

01:18 Welcome and Trigger Warning

02:26 Personal Grief Journey

02:49 Significant Losses in the Family

05:05 Coping with Grief Together

08:47 Practical Tips for Managing Grief

13:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

13:46 Closing Remarks

CONNECT WITH ME

Fan Page

IG

Threads

Facebook

RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

Credits

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions 

Support the show

Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Let's get real. You know that feeling when you're running on fumes? Yeah, me too. On this week's episode, I'm ditching the fluff and diving into what rest really is and means. I'm sharing my own messy, real-life journey. We're talking about everything from that much-needed girls’ getaway that saved my sanity, to the daily grind of trying to find a moment of peace.

So, grab your favorite drink (mine's currently a strong coffee, don't judge), get comfy, and let's have a real conversation about prioritizing ourselves and finding that elusive rest. You deserve it, girl.

TL;DR

I'm sharing my real-life tips for finding rest amidst a busy life. Let's get real about prioritizing ourselves.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

00:41 The Annual Girls' Getaway

01:22 Welcome to Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity

02:17 Exploring the Concept of Rest

03:39 The Importance of Self-Care

05:23 Personal Experiences with Rest

06:48 Finding Daily Moments of Peace

10:07 Practical Tips for Incorporating Rest

12:23 Conclusion

CONNECT WITH ME

Fan Page

IG

Threads

Facebook

RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

Credits

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions 

Support the show

Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Ever feel like a social media meltdown is a masterclass in leadership? In this impactful episode, I'm breaking down the explosive clash between Isaac Hayes III and Franchesca Leigh (Ramsey). We're digging into the five major leadership lessons we can all learn from this, especially around handling feedback, communication, and avoiding those costly mistakes. Did Isaac's response reveal deeper issues? Absolutely. Let’s talk about how misogyny and immaturity can tank your brand (and your app, Fanbase!). If you're ready to turn criticism into growth, this episode is for you. Let's get real about leadership, social media, and learning from other people's mistakes. 

TL;DR

In this episode, I analyze the Isaac Hayes III/Fanbase app social media controversy, extracting 5 key leadership lessons about handling feedback, communication, and avoiding costly mistakes.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity

01:20 The Importance of Feedback in Leadership

04:07 Effective Communication for Leaders

05:13 Continuous Learning and Growth

06:17 The Impact of Leadership Attitude

07:36 Can Fanbase Recover?

08:34 Conclusion

CONNECT WITH ME

Fan Page

IG

Threads

Facebook

RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

Credits

Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions 

Support the show

Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

How can women protect their financial assets before, during, and after marriage? This episode is a must-listen for any woman, whether you're single, married, or navigating a divorce. Join me and Certified Divorce Financial Analyst Nikki Tucker as we dive into the essential steps you can take to protect your assets. We're talking everything from the power of insurance and prenups to the nitty-gritty of joint versus separate bank accounts. Nikki also shares invaluable advice on navigating the financial rollercoaster of divorce and how to rebuild your financial life with confidence.1 So, grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's have an empowering chat about securing your financial well-being, no matter what life throws your way!

TL;DR

Learn how to protect your finances before, during, and after marriage. This episode covers key strategies like insurance, prenups, understanding joint vs. separate bank accounts, navigating the financial challenges of divorce, and rebuilding financially afterward. Essential listening for all women, regardless of marital status.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Financial Security

00:35 Protecting Your Money in Relationships

02:47 The Importance of Insurance

07:00 Personal Experiences with Insurance

10:59 Building Wealth and Financial Habits

16:59 Prenups: Myths and Realities

31:21 Estate Planning Essentials

38:48 Joint and Separate Accounts: Transparency is Key

39:24 Myths About Separate Accounts in Divorce

40:18 The Importance of Financial Communication in Marriage

44:11 Access and Control: Financial Roles in Marriage

48:28 Co-Owning Assets and Retirement Planning

52:41 Financial Implications of Divorce for Women

59:30 Protecting Your Assets During Divorce

01:04:41 Rebuilding Financial Life After Divorce

01:11:59 The Most Common Financial Mistake Women Make

01:15:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

CONNECT WITH ME

Fan Page

IG

Threads

Facebook

RESOURCES

Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 

Ph: 988

Psychology Today 

National Institute of Mental Health 

Sexual Violence Resources

RAIIN

Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)

Substance Abuse Resources

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon Family Groups

Credits

Guest: Nikki Taylor

The FIIRM Approach:

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Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions 

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