In this episode of Connect Like Minds, host Sharryse Piggott interviews Lynaia Jordan, a director and screenwriter whose journey from surviving domestic violence to building a career in film is nothing short of inspiring.

Growing up in the housing projects of Baltimore, Lynaia faced adversity at every turn. After escaping an abusive relationship, she made a powerful decision to change her life — and use storytelling as a tool for healing and impact.

This conversation explores resilience, breaking generational cycles, finding purpose after trauma, and what it really takes to step into your calling.

In this powerful episode of Connect Like Minds, host Sharryse Piggott sits down with Joie Cook — a military service member and founder of Support Her Boots, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting female veterans.

In this episode, we discuss:

In this episode of Connect Like Minds, host Sharryse Piggott sits down with business advisor and entrepreneur Jimmy Rios to talk about culture, discipline, resilience, and the future of entrepreneurship.

Jimmy shares how growing up Colombian American shaped his work ethic, how he overcame adversity, and how he built Rios Business Advisors. They also dive into the role of AI and technology in modern business, the importance of credit, innovative networking, and the mission behind Jimmy’s podcast Eye Level to High Level.

In this episode of the Connect Like Minds Podcast, host Sharryse Piggott welcomes Nancy Griffin, Founder and CEO of the Women, Worth and Wellness program, for a powerful conversation on financial empowerment for women.

Nancy shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Prince Edward County to building a successful career in wealth management, and how her life experiences shaped her passion for mentoring women in financial literacy, wellness, and self-worth. She reflects on her career at Procter & Gamble, her political work, and the mindset shifts that led her to create a community focused on money, meaning, and mission.

This episode is perfect for women seeking financial independence, leaders building purpose-driven careers, and anyone ready to align wealth with values.

In this episode of the Connect Like Minds podcast, host Sharryse Piggott interviews Simone Knego, an international speaker and bestselling author of "The Extraordinary Unordinary You." The conversation begins with Simone sharing her journey from growing up in Buffalo, New York, to living in Sarasota, Florida, and how her upbringing influenced her parenting style. Simone discusses her transition from a career in accounting to becoming a writer and speaker, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and the challenges of self-doubt. She also highlights her unique approach to parenting, which focuses on 'no judgment' and fostering open communication with her six children, including three adopted from Ethiopia and South Korea.

As the discussion progresses, Simone delves into her new book, "Real Confidence: A Simple Guide to Go from Unsure to Unshakable," which aims to empower women to build their confidence. She shares her insights on societal pressures that contribute to low self-esteem, particularly among women, and stresses the importance of self-acceptance and positive affirmations. The episode wraps up with Simone offering practical advice for aspiring podcasters and discussing her podcast, "Her Unshakeable Confidence," co-hosted with her daughter, where they explore themes of confidence and personal growth.

In this episode of Connect Like Minds, host Sharryse interviews Necia B, a poet and author from Philadelphia. Necia shares her journey of overcoming childhood trauma, her experiences in early adulthood, and her passion for writing and community service through her nonprofit organization, From the Heart Foundation. She discusses the challenges of publishing her poetry collection, The Ride of My Life, and her aspirations in acting. The conversation also touches on personal insights and hygiene awareness, providing listeners with a deep understanding of Nisha's life and work.

In this episode of the Connect Like Mine podcast, the host Sharryse interviews April Paige, a creative artist and entrepreneur. April shares her journey from a quiet child in Sarasota to a successful artist and founder of April Paige Fine Art. She discusses her early influences, the challenges of transitioning from a corporate marketing career to entrepreneurship, and her evolving artistic identity. The conversation also touches on the importance of mental health awareness, particularly among men, and the role of creativity in fostering community and connection. April's passion for art and her commitment to helping others shine through as she shares insights into her creative process and the art business.

In this episode of the Connect Like Minds podcast, host Sharryse interviews Dee Townsend, the CEO and founder of UTRPS, who shares his journey from growing up in Washington DC to becoming an entrepreneur and basketball trainer. Dee discusses his early dreams of basketball, the importance of education, and the challenges he faced in starting his security business. He also delves into his experiences in armed security, private investigation, and the significance of networking. The conversation explores fatherhood, co-parenting, and the impact of mental health on society, culminating in a discussion about the podcasting landscape and the importance of responsible content creation.

Sharryse interviews Dave Kotter, CEO of Integrity Capital and a leader at Hybrid Debt Fund. They discuss Dave's background, his journey into entrepreneurship, and the intricacies of commercial real estate. Dave shares insights on the importance of family influence, the challenges of the lending industry, and the growing need for affordable housing. He also emphasizes the significance of collaboration in addressing societal issues and offers advice for those looking to enter the commercial real estate field.

In this episode of the Connect Like Mine podcast, host Sharryse interviews Grammy-nominated artist James Artissen. They discuss his upbringing in New York, his journey into music, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating the music industry. James shares insights on the significance of support systems, the transition from group to solo artist, and the intricacies of music deals. He emphasizes the importance of social media for artists and reflects on his collaborations with major artists. The conversation also touches on his latest music releases, upcoming debut album, and the impact of traffic in Atlanta.