This episode was recorded at the close of 2025 and shared at the beginning of 2026, not as a recap, but as a moment of collective reflection. As the year unfolded, certain ideas kept resurfacing through conversations, stories, and lived experience. Questions about leadership, consistency, courage, discernment and what it really means to grow when no one is watching.

In this episode, Dustin zooms out and reflects on what lingered from the year. Not the highlights alone, but the lessons that revealed themselves quietly over time. Through storytelling, humor and honest reflection, this conversation invites listeners to notice what they learned, what shaped them and what they want to carry forward. Because insight is not tied to a date on the calendar. It deepens when we return to it with intention.

Moments & Themes from the Year

• Framing the Day (and the Year): Awareness over perfection. Noticing when you’ve drifted and choosing to return.
• Consistency Over Intensity: Movement matters, even when progress feels invisible.

• Goal Check-Ins as Course Corrections: Adjusting, reimagining, or deleting goals as a sign of alignment.

• Protecting Your Ideas: Seeking guidance from those with lived experience, not loud confidence.

• Building When No One Is Watching: Quiet work as the foundation of meaningful impact.

• Taking Leaps Without a Clear Landing: How action turns the unfamiliar into experience, and experience into wisdom.
  

Questions to Sit With

• What did you build this year when no one was watching?

• What leap did you take, or wish you had taken?

• Whose voice most shaped your thinking this year, for better or worse?
  

Closing Reflection

Growth is rarely one defining moment. It’s a series of small, brave decisions made over time. As we move forward, we carry both new insights and familiar lessons, allowing them to shape how we show up next.

Thank you for being part of this listening community.

Frame Your Morning, Change Your Day - A simple morning routine for clarity and focus

Mornings don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. In this episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, Dustin explores how to reclaim the first few minutes of your day before the world takes over. Through a simple journaling practice, you’ll learn how to anchor yourself in clarity and presence rather than reactiveness.

She shares her personal three-step system:

1. Write down three things that make you happy today.

2. Choose three things you’d like to move forward (not “must-dos”).

3. Identify one truth to carry with you—a grounding sentence to guide the day.

Along the way, Dustin reveals what happened the morning she skipped this practice and how she reset her day when overwhelm took over. With practical steps and relatable storytelling, this episode is about choosing who you want to be before the day chooses for you.

Try it for yourself tomorrow: five minutes, one journal page, a better day.

Approximate Timestamps:
00:55 – Why mornings matter more than you think
02:57 – The three-step journaling practice explained
04:01 – The power of one grounding truth
05:45 – A story about skipping the practice (and how to reset)
06:50 – How this simple system keeps you centered all day

If this episode helped you, follow Dustin’s Kaleidoscope on Spotify, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a stronger start to their day.

Keywords:morning routine, journaling, leadership, daily habits, intentional living

Over five years. Every single day. Rain, snow, holidays and long workdays—Dustin never missed a walk. What began as a way to cope with the COVID shutdowns became a life-shaping practice that redefined her leadership and resilience.

In this episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, host Dustin Dumas reflects on the surprising lessons she’s learned from walking daily for over five years—and how they apply to leadership, identity, and consistency.

She shares three powerful insights:

1. Progress doesn’t need to be loud — small, consistent steps compound into transformation.

2. You can be tired and still show up — discipline is about commitment, not perfection.

3. Time alone is a leadership tool — clarity doesn’t happen in chaos, it happens in quiet.

This isn’t just about walking—it’s about the power of showing up for yourself every single day.

- What’s the one thing you could do daily that would change how you see yourself?

Thanks again for listening to Dustin's Kaleidoscope. If this is your first time here, I hope this episode gave you something to think about.

If you found this episode helpful, rate the show, leave a review and subscribe—that’s how we grow the community and keep this work going.

Support the show and connect with me:

• Patreon

• Substack

And if there’s someone in your life who needs a gentle nudge toward movement, self-discipline or just something positive, please pass this episode along.

Keep moving forward, one step at a time. I’ll see you next time.

In this episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, Dustin Dumas sits down with Chrishan Wright, founder of Blaxit Global, to explore what it really takes to design a life abroad on your own terms. Chrishan shares how a solo trip to New Zealand unlocked a deeper truth about how she wanted to live, how Portugal ultimately became her chosen home and why living intentionally, rather than by default, is her guiding philosophy.

This is more than a conversation about relocation. It's about realignment, healing, legacy and making bold moves when the world tells you it’s too late to change.

Topics Covered

• Her transformative solo trip to New Zealand and why it awakened her
• Falling in love with Portugal after just a few days
• The founding of Blaxit Global during the upheaval of 2020
• Her journey from corporate marketing to full-time entrepreneur and expat mentor
• The joy of reclaiming presence, peace, and community abroad

Key Takeaways

“Living abroad isn’t about running away. It’s about choosing yourself.”

“Live life by design, not by default.”

Chrishan’s 3 Tips for Moving Abroad:

1. Get in community
2. Understand your finances
3. Take a scouting trip

Connect with Dustin

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dustinskaleidoscope/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Solskinner

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/Dustinskaleidoscope

Substack: https://dustindumas.substack.com/publish/home

Connect with Chrishan Wright

Website: blaxitglobal.com](https://blaxitglobal.com)

Tags

Dustin Dumas, Dustin's Kaleidoscope, Black expats, Blaxit Global, living abroad, Portugal, digital nomads, midlife reinvention, lifestyle design, Black women travel, scouting trips, purpose, intentional living, expat life, global storytelling, Black women entrepreneurs, financial independence

Hashtags

#DustinDumas #DustinsKaleidoscope #ChrishanWright #BlaxitGlobal #BlackExpats #MidlifeReinvention #LifeAbroad #IntentionalLiving #NomadNoir #StorytellingMatters #LiveByDesign

We’ve officially reached the halfway point of the year—and whether that realization motivates you or overwhelms you, this episode is designed to meet you where you are.

In this solo episode, Dustin Dumas invites you to pause—not to tally up tasks or unfinished goals, but to reconnect with the real work behind progress. The early mornings, the quiet discipline, the creative energy, the decisions made when no one is watching.

This is your mid-year permission slip to reflect, reset, and begin again—on your terms.

• Why the “work behind the work” matters

• How to move past internal pressure and mid-year comparison

• The value of progress that no one sees

• How to recommit to goals you still care about

• Tools for staying grounded and creative in the second half of the year

• What work do I do that drains me? What work energizes me?

• Where have I been consistent, even in small ways?

• What needs to be restarted—not from scratch, but from strength?

• What am I proud of that no one knows about?

• Protect your creative time—start with 30 minutes a week

• Reduce input when you're in a creative season

• Track your effort, even when outcomes aren’t visible yet

• Share your goals with one trusted person who understands your “why”

“The middle of the year is not the end of the story. It’s not about shame—it’s about alignment. You don’t need a new year to move forward. You just need now. And you already have that.”

What have you been working on behind the scenes?

Tag Dustin at @DustinDumas or use the hashtag #DustinDumas to share your story.

If this episode resonated with you:

• Share it with a friend

• Rate and review the podcast

• Subscribe for future episodes of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope

In this episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, Philadelphia-based photographer Allan Ali shares how photography is more than learning how to take a good picture—it’s about learning how to live with purpose. He talks about his why: honoring the moments we’re given, capturing the beauty in everyday life, and staying present.

From his creative process to a viral photo taken with a $5 thrift store camera, Allan’s story is a reminder that getting started—and staying grounded—matters more than having perfect gear. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creative, this episode will leave you inspired to see life through a different lens.

Key Takeaways

00:00 – Welcome and introduction

03:00 – Photojournalism inspiration and early curiosity

08:45 – Allan’s creative process and camera choices

14:00 – Documenting West Philly: 52nd Street and The Bottom

18:30 – Art Basel and connecting with people beyond the hype

24:00 – Road tripping across the country with a camera

29:30 – The $5 camera story and unexpected viral success

33:30 – Two key rules for beginner photographers

36:00 – Why Allan uses Instagram instead of a personal website

38:45 – Exhibitions, printing, and upcoming gallery shows

40:30 – Allan’s “why” behind his work and honoring life through photography

42:30 – Closing thoughts and how to connect

Connect with Allan Ali

• • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allan.ali_
    

Support the Show

If Allan’s story resonated with you, please consider:

Show Description:

In this inspiring episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, Dustin Dumas sits down with Nicole Snell—solo hiker, self-defense expert, and passionate advocate for personal empowerment.

Nicole shares her journey from childhood explorations in nature to leading self-defense trainings across the country. She opens up about the fears many face around solo hiking, and how preparation, intuition, and confidence can transform fear into freedom.

Together, Dustin and Nicole dive into topics like:

• Setting and respecting boundaries

• Building self-trust and intuition

• Why self-defense training matters, especially for students and professionals

• The balance between staying safe and fully enjoying the outdoors

• How solo adventures can change the way you see yourself

  
  

Nicole also previews her upcoming TEDx Talk and shares her vision for making empowerment and safety skills accessible to all.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a student navigating independence, or someone looking to own your space in the world—this episode will leave you energized and ready to move with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Empowerment training should be foundational, especially for young adults entering new environments (like college or the workforce).

• Verbal and social strategies are essential tools in preventing violence, not just physical tactics.

• Bystander intervention plays a vital role—Nicole includes this in her programs to create community responsibility.

• Confidence builds over time—starting with using your voice, trusting your intuition, and then expanding into physical skills.

• We need proactive, accessible self-defense education until gender-based violence and harassment are no longer realities.

• Online access removes barriers—Nicole’s on-demand course allows anyone, anywhere to build these critical life skills.

• Personal safety is a human right, not a privilege—and teaching it can reshape how people experience the world around them.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Solo Hiking and Personal Background

02:50 The Journey from Solo Hiking to Sharing Experiences

05:55 The Birth of Outdoor Defense

09:00 Understanding Boundaries and Self-Defense

11:56 Empowerment Through Hiking and Overcoming Fear

15:09 Balancing Vigilance and Joy in Hiking

25:17 Exploring Favorite Hikes

29:16 Preparing for Long Hikes

34:42 Choosing Hiking Trails

39:50 Self-Defense Programs for Students

44:11 Future Plans and Goals

Nicole Snell

Websites:

• www.nicolesnell.com

• www.girlsfightback.com

Instagram:

• @adventuresofnik

• @girlsfightback

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/NicoleSnellOutdoorDefense

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girlsfightback

TedX Talk: https://youtu.be/_UETjFX0ErU?si=Uw5D5bE9sx96ahM8

Support the Show:

Become a Patron → ⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/Dustinskaleidoscope⁠

Subscribe on Substack for exclusive content & behind-the-scenes insights → ⁠⁠⁠substack.com/@dustindumas⁠

Every share, rating, and subscription helps this community grow. Thank you for being part of it.

Show Description:

In this inspiring episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, Dustin Dumas sits down with Nicole Snell—solo hiker, self-defense expert, and passionate advocate for personal empowerment.

Nicole shares her journey from childhood explorations in nature to leading self-defense trainings across the country. She opens up about the fears many face around solo hiking, and how preparation, intuition, and confidence can transform fear into freedom.

Together, Dustin and Nicole dive into topics like:

• Setting and respecting boundaries

• Building self-trust and intuition

• Why self-defense training matters, especially for students and professionals

• The balance between staying safe and fully enjoying the outdoors

• How solo adventures can change the way you see yourself

Nicole also previews her upcoming TEDx Talk and shares her vision for making empowerment and safety skills accessible to all.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a student navigating independence, or someone looking to own your space in the world—this episode will leave you energized and ready to move with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Empowerment training should be foundational, especially for young adults entering new environments (like college or the workforce).

• Verbal and social strategies are essential tools in preventing violence, not just physical tactics.

• Bystander intervention plays a vital role—Nicole includes this in her programs to create community responsibility.

• Confidence builds over time—starting with using your voice, trusting your intuition, and then expanding into physical skills.

• We need proactive, accessible self-defense education until gender-based violence and harassment are no longer realities.

• Online access removes barriers—Nicole’s on-demand course allows anyone, anywhere to build these critical life skills.

Every share, rating, and subscription helps this community grow. Thank you for being part of it.

Episode Summary
In this solo episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, host Dustin Dumas shares five practical, proven strategies to help you set and achieve meaningful goals. Going beyond the usual “write it down and visualize” method, Dustin walks through real-life stories that highlight the importance of protecting early ideas, seeking advice from experienced individuals, setting realistic timelines, understanding the deeper “why” behind goals, and thinking through the long-term lifestyle impact. If you’ve struggled to follow through on goals, this episode offers a clear, thoughtful path forward.

Key Takeaways

• Protect your ideas early on—develop them before inviting outside opinions

• Seek advice only from people with relevant experience

• Set realistic timelines and work backward to create a clear plan

• Understand the personal reason behind your goals—don’t just follow trends

• Consider how your goal will affect your daily life, finances, and relationships

• Goal setting is a strategic process, not just motivation

• Dream big—but align your dreams with your values and lifestyle

Insights Worth Sharing

• “Not everyone needs to be in on your dream—especially at the beginning.”

• “Success should enhance your life, not quietly overwhelm it.”

• “If your goal doesn’t match your life, it’s not the right goal.”

• “Goal setting isn’t about wishful thinking—it’s about smart planning.”

Chapters
00:00 – Introduction
02:36 – Keep Early Ideas Private
04:31 – Seek Advice from the Right People
05:58 – Set Realistic Timelines
06:57 – Know Why It’s Your Goal
08:50 – Consider Long-Term Lifestyle Impacts
09:49 – Final Recap and Takeaway

Your Turn

Have you ever had to turn something around—at work, in your community, or in your life? Maybe you're doing it right now.

I’d love to hear your story. Tag me or send a DM on LinkedIn—let’s keep this conversation going.

If you liked this episode:

• Follow Dustin’s Kaleidoscope

• Leave a rating or review (it really helps!)
• Share this episode with someone rebuilding something meaningful

Support the Show

• Become a Patron → ⁠patreon.com/Dustinskaleidoscope⁠
• Subscribe on Substack for exclusive content & behind-the-scenes insights → ⁠substack.com/@dustindumas⁠

Every share, rating, and subscription helps this community grow. Thank you for being part of it.

In this powerful solo episode of Dustin’s Kaleidoscope, Dustin Dumas reveals what it truly takes to lead quiet transformation when a community has lost trust.

When she stepped into a neglected local TV station teetering on collapse, Dustin faced a choice: let it fade into irrelevance—or rebuild it with care, vision, and persistence.

What followed was a journey of listening deeply, reimagining workflows, and leading with empathy. The result? A revitalized station, renewed community trust, and an award-winning multilingual PSA campaign created during the critical shift to vote-by-mail.

Inspired by a conversation with changemaker Tobias Fox, Dustin shares how real impact doesn’t begin with big declarations—it starts by noticing what’s broken, believing in what’s possible, and doing the work anyway.

Whether you're leading a turnaround, trying to earn back trust, or quietly building something meaningful, this episode offers a personal, practical roadmap for creating lasting change—one small, intentional step at a time.

Tune in to hear how Dustin helped a struggling station thrive again—and how her journey can inspire your own, wherever you’re starting.

Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome: Why this solo episode matters now

00:48 – What Tobias Fox taught me about building from scratch

02:10 – Walking into a broken station—and deciding to stay

03:15 – Rebuilding trust through empathy, not ego

04:00 – Behind the multilingual vote-by-mail PSA campaign

05:30 – Solving technical chaos while staying true to the mission

06:45 – Winning the station’s first-ever award—and what it meant

07:15 – The quiet power of rebuilding community trust

08:00 – Final reflections + a quote to carry with you

Quote of the Episode
"The small wins matter. And when it feels like no one sees the work—do it anyway. Because eventually, they will.”

Related Episode

Want to hear the full conversation that sparked this reflection? Don’t miss my interview with changemaker Tobias Fox: ⁠Listen here⁠.

Your Turn

Have you ever had to turn something around—at work, in your community, or in your life? Maybe you're doing it right now.

I’d love to hear your story. Tag me or send a DM on LinkedIn—let’s keep this conversation going.

If you liked this episode:

• Follow Dustin’s Kaleidoscope

• Leave a rating or review (it really helps!)
• Share this episode with someone rebuilding something meaningful

Support the Show

• Become a Patron → patreon.com/Dustinskaleidoscope
  
• Subscribe on Substack for exclusive content & behind-the-scenes insights → substack.com/@dustindumas

Every share, rating, and subscription helps this community grow. Thank you for being part of it.