Description: What happens when a Black executive walks away from a six-figure role with no plan but a promise to reclaim her peace? She writes the book we all needed. In this powerful follow-up to our most-listened-to episode, Darlene Hightower returns to The Concrete Growth Project to talk about her debut book, The Plot Twist: Press Pause and Reset Your Life. We explore what it means to let go of old titles, rediscover your joy, and redefine success on your own terms. From quitting her job to napping on purpose, Darlene shares the vulnerable, hilarious, and deeply resonant lessons behind her transformation—and why you might be just one pause away from your own breakthrough.

Link with Darlene: www.darleneohightower.com

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Topics:

• What it means to reset your life in mid-career

• How to reclaim rest, clarity, and confidence

• The lies we believe about productivity and self-worth

• Romantic fiction, soul food, sabbaticals, and serendipity

• And why we should all be okay with not knowing what's next

Listen now if: You've been wondering whether your life still fits you—and need permission to rewrite the script.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oh4BudYiD3E

Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject

In the explosive conclusion of Detained, Marisol's world shatters once more as ICE targets her daughter Ana. As the family is pulled even deeper into the system, legal tactics collide with raw emotion, and public outcry becomes their only weapon. With mounting pressure and fading hope, the fight for Miguel's freedom and Ana's safety becomes a national flashpoint. Will justice prevail—or will the system silence them for good?

The Concrete Growth Project brings you a gripping final chapter in this audio drama series confronting family separation, immigration enforcement, and the courage to rise.

Trigger Warning: This episode contains emotionally intense scenes related to family detainment and child separation.

Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject Learn more: www.ConcreteGrowthProject.com

EPISODE 2 of 3

Miguel has been detained. Now, it's up to Marisol and fierce immigration attorney Raquel to fight a battle that's as emotional as it is political. As bureaucracies stall and ICE tries to vanish Miguel into the system, Raquel exposes the truth—this isn't random. It's war.

In the second part of Detained, justice collides with fury in a courtroom, at ICE facilities, and across social media. But when the fight gets personal—and Ana, their daughter, becomes a new target—the stakes soar.

The Concrete Growth Project continues this bold audio drama series that dares to put a spotlight on erasure, resistance, and the power of a mother's voice.

Themes: Legal injustice, systemic racism, family courage, representation Trigger warning: child detainment, ICE facility trauma, aggressive enforcement

Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject Learn more: ConcreteGrowthProject.com

Someone has been eliminated. Lena is accused. This is no longer just a fight for change.

It's personal now. After a tragic death and a political setup, Lena is forced to make a choice: silence or scorched earth. In this explosive conclusion to The Concrete Growth Project's debut audio drama, the stakes are higher, the system is darker, and Lena's next move could cost her everything—or change everything.

🎧 Episode 2 of 2 in The Concrete Growth Project's original audio drama series.

Like what you hear? Subscribe and share the series with your community. New audio drama series are coming soon.

#TheConcreteGrowthProject #AudioSoapOpera #PoliticalThrillerPodcast #ShortPodcastSeries #BlackStorytelling

Lena has stepped into the spotlight—but the weight of representation is heavier than it seems. In Part 1 of this short-form audio drama, she pushes back against institutional gaslighting, media manipulation, and performative diversity. What begins as a plea for change edges dangerously toward open rebellion.

🎧 Episode 1 of 2 in The Concrete Growth Project's original audio drama series.

Subscribe to The Concrete Growth Project Podcast for future audio dramas that tackle real-world issues through gripping fiction.

#AudioDrama #EquityInTheWorkplace #RepresentationMatters #BlackWomenLead #MiniSeries

Join us for an insightful conversation with Darlene Oliver Hightower, J.D., the trailblazing President & CEO of Chicago's Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), as we delve into the heart of leadership, authenticity, and the Black executive's journey towards well-being. In this episode, Darlene shares her remarkable insights gleaned from her extensive experience, including her pivotal role in spearheading transformative initiatives such as West Side United. Discover the essence of authentic leadership, the challenges and triumphs of Black leaders in organizational settings, and the imperative of embracing rest as a form of self-care and sustainability. Don't miss out on 'Reclaiming Rest: A Vision for the Black Executive's Well-Being,' where Darlene's wisdom illuminates a path towards inclusive, resilient leadership.

WATCH the Episode on YouTube HERE!

Our host, Shaneah Taylor identifies as a Black Woman. In this candid, "Next Door Chats", Shaneah sits down with her former White supervisor, Dr. Kimber Bogard to discuss her experiences as a black employee struggling to grow and find her place in an all white space. Kimber is transparent and shares her unique perspective on hiring. 

 

Shaneah and Kimber talk about the transitions in their relationship and how they finally built trust. This episode is unique and there are some nuggets to be gleaned for all listeners, irrespective of race and ethnicity.

 

website: www.concretegrowthproject.com

Music by: Tone Jonez

It's finally here!! The finale to Behind the Catfish. Randy and Stacey have been talking on the phone for a week or so and Stacey is ready to see Randy's face. We will leave the real conclusion to your imagination. However, be careful out there, y'all. Catfishing is a real thing.

Special shout out to Lanisha Fisher for writing this episode.

Gratitude as always to our voiceover and vocal acting partner; The House of Genesis

Music for the episode provided by: Tone Jonez

Follow us on instagram @concretegrowthproject for show updates.

Visit our website HERE

The CGP Podcast

features new audible content from it's Concrete Growth Moments series. Join us for 15-minutes as Jermaine shares his journey to sonship. We pray that you are blessed!

Check out more episodes by subscribing and visiting us on instagram @concretegrowthproject

Music for the episode was provided by: Tone Jonez

The full video for the episode can be found on our YouTube Channel