Legacy Leadership: The Entrepreneurial Pivot | Featuring Genevieve Angelique

 What happens when the thing you successfully built no longer represents where you're going?

In this episode of Conversations with Coach LA, Coach LA sits down with Genevieve Angelique for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, identity, legacy, mental wellness, and having the courage to pivot.

After nearly a decade of building The Other Boston and growing a community of more than 10,000 people celebrating Black culture and experiences throughout Greater Boston, Genevieve is preparing to close that chapter and lean more intentionally into travel, experience curation, content creation, and her evolution as a multi-hyphenate entrepreneur.

The conversation explores an often-overlooked side of entrepreneurship: our work can become part of our identity. So what happens emotionally when it’s time to release the business, title, role, or dream people associate with who you are?

Coach LA and Genevieve unpack professional identity, transitions, the emotions that can accompany closing a meaningful chapter, the freedom to explore what’s next, and why a pivot doesn’t erase your previous success.

They also discuss what therapy means to Genevieve, her journey toward completing her MBA, the transferable skills she’s carrying into her next chapter, and her personal BET on SELF™ moments.

Listen for this reminder:

“Reinvention isn’t always starting over. Sometimes it means taking everything you’ve built, learned, and become with you into the next chapter.”

If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, creative, professional—or simply someone who knows you’ve outgrown an old version of yourself—this episode is for you.

💜 BET on SELF™ — Believe. Empower. Transform.

Share this episode with someone standing at the edge of their next chapter.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

What happens when the therapist gets on the couch?

On this episode of Conversations with Coach LA, licensed psychotherapist Coach LA (Lakisha R. Austin, LICSW, MSW, MBA) sits down with Alphonso Nathan, MS, LPC — better known as Phonz the Therapist — for an unfiltered Therapist Spotlight conversation about therapy, Black mental health, culture, vulnerability, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care.

Phonz is a licensed therapist, speaker, author, futurist, and mental health advocate who uses therapy, humor, media, and culturally relevant conversations to make mental wellness more accessible—particularly within Black and Brown communities.

But this conversation goes beyond credentials.

Therapists are human, too.

Coach LA and Phonz pull back the curtain on what it means to be the person helping others heal while navigating your own emotions, relationships, boundaries, stress, and personal growth.

Together, they explore:

🛋️ What does therapy really mean?

And Coach LA asks the question at the heart of the Therapist Spotlight series:

“Who is Alphonso Nathan when Phonz the Therapist clocks out?”

This episode is for anyone who has ever considered therapy, questioned whether therapy is for them, struggled to find a therapist who understands their culture, or wondered what happens emotionally on the other side of the therapist’s couch.

Whether you’re a therapist, social worker, counselor, mental health professional—or simply somebody doing your own healing work—this conversation is a reminder that seeking support is not a weakness. Healing is human.

Alphonso Nathan, MS, LPC (Phonz the Therapist) is a licensed therapist, speaker, author, futurist, and mental health advocate based in the Philadelphia area. His work centers on breaking mental health stigma, promoting self-care, creating safe spaces for healing, and making conversations about mental wellness accessible, relatable, and empowering.

Follow Phonz:
Instagram: @phonzthetherapist
TikTok: @PhonzTheTherapist

Hosted by licensed psychotherapist and executive life coach Lakisha R. Austin — Coach LA, Conversations with Coach LA brings real talk, real healing, and real-life conversations to the virtual couch.

🎙️ Listen, subscribe, share, and leave a review.

And remember:

Believe in yourself. Empower yourself. Transform yourself. It’s time to BET on SELF™.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

What does it mean to BET on SELF™ when the doors aren't opening, the vision isn't being validated, and your community needs someone willing to create the opportunity?

On this episode of Conversations with Coach LA, Coach LA sits down on the virtual couch with Boston entrepreneur, producer, DJ and community connector ILL NEIL for an unfiltered conversation about Boston culture, music, entrepreneurship, Black men's mental health, community building and legacy.

From the streets to the studio, ILL NEIL shares the journey behind the name, how Boston helped shape him, and what he's learned about turning relationships, creativity and experience into opportunities—not only for himself, but for his community.

And of course, Coach LA takes the conversation beyond the résumé.

What does therapy mean to ILL NEIL?

What are Black men carrying emotionally that people rarely stop to ask about?

How do you balance being the person everybody depends on while still making room for your own emotional wellness?

And has his definition of what it means to be a strong man changed over the years?

Coach LA brings a clinical lens to the conversation as they unpack vulnerability, emotional wellness, the importance of safe spaces, social connection and why even the strongest people need somewhere to put the armor down.

Being the person everybody depends on doesn't mean you don't deserve somebody to depend on.

Strength isn't pretending nothing hurts.

Sometimes strength looks like asking for help, setting boundaries, resting, talking to somebody, allowing yourself to be vulnerable—and recognizing that you don't have to carry everything simply because you're capable of carrying it.

BELIEVE your experiences have value.

EMPOWER yourself to stop waiting for permission.

TRANSFORM what you've survived and learned into something that creates opportunities for you—and somebody coming behind you.

Sometimes BETting on SELF means building what you couldn't find.

Boston: What's ONE thing our city needs to do better to support local artists, entrepreneurs and community builders?

And to the men listening:

Who checks on YOU when everybody expects you to be strong?

Share your biggest #BETonSELF takeaway from this episode and send this conversation to someone who needs to hear it.

🎙️ Conversations with Coach LA

Conversations with Coach LA explores the intersection of mental health, relationships, healing, culture, entrepreneurship, community and personal transformation through authentic conversations on the virtual couch.

📻 Also heard on Urban Heat 98.1FM | iHeartRadio

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Want your organization positioned alongside meaningful conversations about mental health, Black culture, entrepreneurship, leadership, wellness and community impact?

Conversations with Coach LA offers sponsorship and strategic partnership opportunities for brands, businesses, healthcare organizations, nonprofits and community partners looking to authentically connect with an engaged audience.

Sponsorship inquiries: [email protected]

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

What happens when you can see the vision before anyone else can?

In this episode of Conversations with Coach LA, Coach LA welcomes J.Lew, founder of Liquid Luxx, to the virtual couch for a candid conversation about entrepreneurship, believing in your vision, building a brand from the ground up, and learning to BET on SELF™ before the validation arrives.

J.Lew shares the story behind Liquid Luxx, the lessons she's learned as an entrepreneur, and what it takes to continue building when the dream is bigger than the resources currently in your hands.

But this conversation goes deeper than business.

Coach LA brings the mental-health lens to entrepreneurship as they discuss the emotional pressure of being a business owner, burnout, boundaries, self-doubt, consistency, relationships, support systems, and the danger of tying your self-worth to your productivity.

Coach LA and J.Lew unpack:

Your business cannot be healthy if you're constantly running yourself into the ground.

Entrepreneurship can make productivity feel personal. When the business succeeds, you feel successful. When business slows down, it can become easy to question yourself.

But your revenue is not your identity.

Your productivity is not your worth.

And rest is not a reward you receive only after you've reached exhaustion.

Building something sustainable requires learning how to protect the person responsible for carrying the vision.

The vision usually comes before the validation.

Sometimes you'll see it before the customers see it.

Before the money comes.

Before people understand it.

Before the applause.

Before the proof.

That doesn't automatically mean the vision is wrong. Sometimes it means you're early.

BELIEVE in what you see.

EMPOWER yourself to take action.

TRANSFORM through the process of becoming the person capable of sustaining the vision.

What vision are you delaying because you're waiting for someone else to validate what you already know you're supposed to build?

Maybe the next move isn't waiting for another co-sign.

Maybe it's time to BET on SELF™.

🎙️ Guest: J.Lew — Founder of Liquid Luxx

🎙️ Host: Coach LA

📻 Conversations with Coach LA
Heat 98.1FM — The Urban Heat

Watch, listen, share the episode, and send it to an entrepreneur who needs the reminder that the vision doesn't need everybody's permission to become real.

See the vision. Build the vision. Become the proof.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

What happens when we turn our pain, purpose, identity, and lived experiences into art?

On this episode of Conversations with Coach LA, Coach LA sits down on the virtual couch with Lyrical Faith—an international award-winning spoken word poet, cultural curator, recording artist, educator, and social justice scholar—for a powerful conversation about poetry, healing, identity, resilience, and finding the courage to use your voice.

From performing on stages around the world to using spoken word as a vehicle for storytelling and social change, Lyrical Faith shares how creativity can help us process what we’ve experienced, reclaim our narratives, and transform both ourselves and the communities around us.

Coach LA and Lyrical Faith explore the intersection of mental health and creative expression, what it means to create from an authentic place, the responsibility that can come with being a cultural storyteller, and how our words can become tools for liberation and healing.

Because sometimes the words we struggle to say are exactly the words somebody else needs to hear.

🎙️ The connection between poetry, mental health, and emotional healing

Your voice does not have to sound like anyone else's to be powerful.

Sometimes healing begins when we stop editing ourselves for the comfort of others and give ourselves permission to tell the truth—through conversation, music, poetry, journaling, therapy, or simply saying out loud what we've carried silently.

Believe in your voice. Empower yourself to use it. Transform what you've lived through into something that moves you forward.

That’s what it means to BET on SELF™.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

😂 LAUGHTER. HEALING. LIFE LESSONS. 🎙️

Sometimes the best therapy begins with a laugh.

Join us for this episode of Conversations with Coach LA as I welcome comedian and entertainer Demetrius "Big D" Hullum to the virtual couch for a conversation that goes far beyond the punchlines.

For nearly a decade, Big D has been commanding stages with his quick wit, authentic storytelling, and unforgettable presence. A standout in the Boston comedy scene, he's been a finalist in both the Boston Comedy Festival and the Northwest Comedy Festival, hosted for Sam Jay at Boston's iconic Wilbur Theatre, and recently performed at the Netflix Is A Joke Festival in Los Angeles.

But behind every great comedian is a real story.

Together, we'll explore:

Whether you need a laugh, a reminder to keep going, or a fresh perspective on life's journey, this conversation is for you.

Come for the laughs. Stay for the healing. Leave inspired.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

📖 Every chapter doesn't begin beautifully—but every chapter can end differently.

This episode of Conversations with Coach LA, we're diving into the power of redemption, resilience, and rewriting your story with our special guest, Tarahn Harris, MSW.

Once justice-involved, Tarahn transformed his life through education, purpose, and service. Today, he is a respected social worker, author, and advocate empowering others to discover that their past does not determine their future.

💜 Together, we'll explore:

✨ Turning pain into purpose

✨ The psychology of rewriting your life story

✨ Healing from shame and embracing second chances

✨ Breaking generational cycles

✨ Building resilience after adversity

✨ Why your next chapter is still waiting to be written

🛋️ Join us for another powerful conversation that will challenge you to see yourself beyond your mistakes and embrace the author within.

Remember... your story isn't over. The pen is still in your hands.

Did you know?

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

Welcome to Season 10 of Conversations with Coach LA! We have a new time, a new season, and a renewed commitment to helping you BET on SELF™. Whether you’re watching from Boston or around the world, thank you for inviting us into your wellness routine. As Coach LA enters Chapter 50, this season explores what it means to evolve, pivot, heal, lead, and thrive through every season of life. Through powerful conversations with thought leaders, authors, therapists, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and community changemakers, listeners will gain practical strategies and inspiration to BET on SELF™ and embrace their next chapter with confidence.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

"Your voice has the power to heal—not because it's perfect, but because it's honest." -Coach LA

This season closes with a conversation about identity, purpose, emotional resilience, creativity, and the courage to use your voice to heal yourself and your community. Nay Speaks' music blends hip-hop, poetry, and storytelling with messages of self-awareness, healing, and authenticity. Her work explores growing up in Boston, navigating young adulthood, mental wellness, and finding balance through creativity.

Description

Season 9 comes to a powerful close with one of Boston's most inspiring artists and community voices, Nay Speaks.

Known for blending music, storytelling, and healing, Nay joins Coach LA for an authentic conversation about purpose, identity, mental health, creativity, and what it truly means to use your voice as a tool for transformation.

Together, they explore the emotional realities behind success, navigating self-doubt, protecting your peace, and embracing vulnerability while remaining committed to your purpose. This episode reminds us that healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about reconnecting with who you've always been.

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, student, professional, or someone learning to believe in yourself again, this conversation will encourage you to embrace your story and BET on SELF™.

Healing doesn't erase your story—it helps you reclaim it.

Sometimes the greatest act of courage isn't speaking to thousands; it's finally telling yourself the truth. Every experience, every setback, every victory has prepared you for this moment. Your voice has value. Your story has purpose. Don't wait for permission to become who you were created to be.

Believe.

BET on SELF™.

One of the biggest barriers to healing is believing that our experiences disqualify us from greatness. In reality, our lived experiences often become the very bridge that helps someone else heal.

Comparison silences purpose.

When we stop apologizing for our journey and begin embracing it, we create space for ourselves and others to grow.

Never underestimate what can happen when you decide to speak with authenticity instead of perfection.

Follow Nay Speaks on social media:

Website:
www.IamCoachLA.com

Instagram:

Show:

Listen Live:

✔️ Like

Every conversation has the power to change a life.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

Behind every successful voice is a story most people never hear.

This week, Coach LA sits down with The Ladies Choice, DJ Wade, one of Urban Heat 98.1FM's most recognizable personalities. Known for his work on Morning Café, Mic Chek 1-2, and Cultural Roots, DJ Wade has become a trusted voice in Boston media, music, and culture.

In this intimate conversation, we'll go beyond the turntables and the microphone to explore the man behind the brand. From his early beginnings to becoming a respected media personality, DJ Wade shares lessons on confidence, consistency, community, and staying authentic while building a legacy.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 11 AM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at [email protected] to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media