Got questions about navigating your career, side hustle, or creative journey? Welcome to the Hustle Hotline, the career Q&A series from Heart to Hustle where host Layla Palmer tackles your biggest career questions. Whether you're wondering how to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig, negotiate a better salary, or stay motivated in the face of setbacks, we’ve got answers. Each episode, we dive into real questions from our listeners and bring in expert insights, personal experiences, and actionable advice to help you hustle smarter, not harder. In this episode, we’re covering the delicate balance of incorporating passions into your career without experiencing burnout or losing your love for the activity. 

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Got a question for Hustle Hotline? Send in your career, side hustle, or business questions via Speakpipe, and we might answer it in a future episode!

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If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

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Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

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In this episode of Heart to Hustle, Layla sits down with Dr. Stevie Ames Roberts and Dr. Bobby Johnson, the husband-and-wife duo behind Duo, the toothpaste tablet company revolutionizing oral care. Stevie, a general dentist with a creative background in music, and Bobby, an oral surgeon, met at Tufts Dental School, where their shared ambition sparked a vision beyond traditional dentistry. They dive into the challenges of launching Duo while managing their full-time careers, the trial-and-error process of developing their product, and the unexpected lessons they’ve learned as first-time entrepreneurs. They also discuss the importance of sustainability in oral care, why the industry has been slow to evolve, and how they’ve leveraged their unique skill sets to build a brand that blends science, wellness, and eco-consciousness. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, partnership, and the power of innovation.

Learn More About Duo Toothpaste: https://duotoothpaste.com/

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Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

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Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

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Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening, see you on Tuesday!

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

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In this episode of Heart to Hustle, my former professor Mneesha Gellman, an influential figure in education and social justice, explains how her lifelong activism led her to found the Emerson Prison Initiative (EPI), a program at Emerson College dedicated to bringing higher education to incarcerated individuals at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution - Norfolk (MCI Norfolk). Drawing on her extensive experience in education and advocacy, Mneesha discusses overcoming challenges like technological barriers in prisons and outdated curricula in schools, offering innovative strategies that empower marginalized communities and drive meaningful change. She also highlights how providing higher education in prisons transforms lives and reinforces the mission that education is a fundamental right for all, paving the way for societal reintegration and lasting reform.

About Mneesha Gellman: Mneesha Gellman is Associate Professor of Political Science in the Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies, at Emerson College, Boston, USA. Her research interests include comparative democratization, cultural resilience, memory politics, and social movements in the Global South and the United States. She is also the founder and Director of the Emerson Prison Initiative, which brings a BA pathway to incarcerated students in Massachusetts.

About the Emerson Prison Initiative (EPI): Emerson College launched the Emerson Prison Initiative (EPI) in 2017 at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution at Concord (MCI-Concord), a men’s medium-security prison. EPI acts on the knowledge that college-in-prison programs can interrupt the cycle of incarceration. EPI offers the same courses taught on Emerson’s main campus, taught by Emerson faculty as well as guest faculty from other local colleges, and bearing official Emerson credits. EPI provides a pathway to an Emerson College Bachelor of Arts in Media, Literature, and Culture, a degree that combines Emerson’s unique strengths in media studies, literary studies, and the liberal arts. 

Follow Layla Palmer on Social Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ LinkedIn

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Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

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Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

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2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening, see you on Tuesday!

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For nearly 20 years, Pierre Hurel’s improvisation workshop at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee has been a cornerstone for musicians looking to expand their artistry. As the workshop approaches its 20th anniversary, Pierre reflects on his journey from performing on stages with is trio to shaping the next generation of musicians. In this episode, he shares how his early experiences in jazz led him to a career in both performance and education, the evolution of his teaching philosophy, and what makes his workshop a unique space for artistic growth. From navigating the unpredictability of the arts to inspiring students to take creative risks, Pierre offers insight into a life dedicated to music, mentorship, and the pursuit of expression.

About Pierre Hurel: Born in Paris, pianist and composer Pierre Hurel was first discovered by Paris Jazz Conservatory’s founder and director Charles Henry. At age 20, as he was about to reluctantly start a career in business, Hurel decided to change course and enrolled at the School of Modern Music in Paris. Six months later, he came to Boston for a summer session at the Berklee College of Music and has remained here ever since. Hurel has been featured numerous times on New England Cable News and his music has been played on WGBH, WERS, WBUR, WMBR, Paris Jazz, Europe 1 and France inter, among others. He has recorded eight albums. Hurel is a regular at the Regattabar in Cambridge, and has appeared at numerous Jazz festivals including the Nice and Toulon Jazz Festivals in France, and Jazz clubs including the Duc des Lombards in Paris, the Knickerbocker in New York and locally at Sculler’s and Ryles Jazz clubs, among others.

Follow Layla Palmer on Social Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ LinkedIn

Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

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Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

⁠Instagram⁠: @HeartToHustlePod

Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening, see you on Tuesday!

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

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In this episode of Heart to Hustle, I sit down with Reed Amber Thomas-Litman to explore her journey as both a sex worker and the co-creator of Come Curious, the influential sex-positive podcast and YouTube channel. Reed shares the realities of working in an industry often met with censorship and stigma, discussing how she’s built a career that allows her to educate, advocate, and inspire others. We dive into the complexities of sex work, the importance of dismantling shame around sexuality, and the challenges of maintaining a public platform in a world that still polices conversations about pleasure and intimacy. From navigating the stigmas of her profession to using her platform for activism and community-building, Reed embodies what Heart to Hustle is all about. Whether you're interested in sex positivity, curious about the world of sex work, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation about following your passion, this episode delivers raw insight, authenticity, and boldness straight from one of the most outspoken voices in the space.

Follow/Listen to Come Curious: Instagram Youtube Podcast

Follow Reed on Social Media: Instagram

Follow Layla Palmer on Social Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ LinkedIn

Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

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Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

⁠Instagram⁠: @HeartToHustlePod

Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening, see you next Tuesday ;)

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode of Heart to Hustle, I sit down with my high school friend and talented musician, Gabi Gamberg, also known as Daffo. Gabi shares their journey from being a creative, musical child to taking the leap into indie music, signing with a label, and living their dream in California. We discuss the challenges of finding balance as an artist, navigating the tension between making music for profit versus passion, the exhilarating energy of performing live, and debunking myths about life on tour. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a music lover, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of a musician, this episode is filled with inspiration and a celebration of turning passion into purpose.

About Daffo: An essential new voice on the indie-rock scene, 20-year-old singer/songwriter Daffo brings an unexpected beauty to the most uncomfortable of feelings. With a poetic specificity that cuts right to the heart, the Brooklyn-based artist speaks an unfiltered truth about all that sets them apart from the wider world, exploring everything from shame and self-loathing to misplaced affection and the chaos of living with an overactive brain. As a kid growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs, the musician otherwise known as Gabi Gamberg first started writing songs after taking up guitar at age 9, then later shaped their intimate yet frenetic sound by playing countless DIY shows in backyards and basements. Recently signed to Concord Records, Daffo is now set to share a new body of work revealing the full depth and power of their strangely poignant songwriting. Learn more at https://www.daffomusic.com/.

Follow Layla Palmer on Social Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ LinkedIn

Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

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Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

⁠Instagram⁠: @HeartToHustlePod

Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening, see you on Tuesday!

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

 Hosted on Acast. See 

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In this conversation, Marcus Collins shares his journey from being a product of Detroit to navigating various career paths, including engineering, music, and marketing, ultimately becoming a leader in cultural strategy. Drawing from his personal experiences, Marcus emphasizes the profound influence of culture on human behavior and the importance of understanding this dynamic in shaping effective marketing strategies. This discussion seamlessly ties into Marcus’s bestselling book, For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be, where he unpacks the critical role culture plays in driving consumer behavior and shaping identities. Through engaging anecdotes and reflections, Marcus offers unique insights on how culture can be harnessed to create authentic and impactful connections in both business and life, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the intersection of culture, marketing, and purpose.

Get Marcus Collins’ book, For the Culture, here: https://amzn.to/49FLiqm

Follow Marcus Collins on Social Media:

Website: marctothec.com

Instagram: @marctothec

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marctothec/

Follow Layla Palmer on Social Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ LinkedIn

Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

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Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

⁠Instagram⁠: @HeartToHustlePod

Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening, see you on Tuesday!

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In the world of journalism, Art Cohen has always believed in the power of storytelling to drive social change. In this episode, Art shares insights from his expansive career in Boston, where his reporting and documentaries often intersected with activism. We discuss how his personal experiences and identity influenced his work and how he’s used journalism to advocate for the issues that matter most. This conversation will leave you inspired by the way activism and journalism can work hand in hand to make a real impact.

About Art Cohen: Art Cohen is a reporter and anchor for WBZ-AM, focusing on international news, local news, regional news, and national news. Previously, he produced programs for PBS, WGBH-TV, A&E, The Family Channel, National Geographic, and WCVB-TV. He has also worked at several radio stations, including WFCR-FM in Amherst, Mass., and WBUR-FM in Boston. Mr. Cohen is a teacher for the broadcast program at the New England Institute of Art in Brookline and the recipient of two New England Emmy Awards.

Follow Layla Palmer on Social Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ LinkedIn

Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

⁠Spotify⁠

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⁠Other Platforms⁠

Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

⁠Instagram⁠: @HeartToHustlePod

Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening, see you on Tuesday!

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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In this episode of Heart to Hustle, we sit down with Nita Akoh, the founder and CEO of MyAtlas, a groundbreaking startup transforming how individuals approach their mental health journeys. Nita shares the personal backstory behind MyAtlas, revealing how her own experiences inspired her to create a platform that blends resources, community, and care. She offers candid insights on the grit and discipline it takes to build a startup while prioritizing self-care for balance and sustainability.

Nita’s Nigerian upbringing, shaped by two entrepreneurial parents, instilled in her the values of hard work and resilience that fuel her mission to create meaningful change. Her story is a powerful testament to determination, balance, and purpose, leaving listeners inspired to tackle their own challenges with heart and hustle.

Join the MyAtlas Waitlist https://www.myatlas-health.com/

At MyAtlas, we’re revolutionizing mental health by delivering personalized, data-driven wellness solutions. Using cutting-edge digital phenotyping, our platform provides real-time support, tailored to each user’s unique needs. We’re here to make mental health care precise, accessible, and effective — empowering individuals to thrive every day.

Follow Nita on Social Media: ⁠Instagram⁠ LinkedIn

Inspired by her journey? Nita recommends The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a book that gave her faith in the journey and direction as an entrepreneur. Grab a copy and see how it might guide your own path! https://amzn.to/4gfTT5y

Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

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Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

⁠Instagram⁠: @HeartToHustlePod

Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.

Thanks for listening!

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show

Christina Thomas is a true multi-hyphenate, blending her talents in dance, acting, and filmmaking into a dynamic and fulfilling career. In this episode, she takes us through her journey in the arts, the challenges of producing her first documentary, and how her life shifted with a cancer diagnosis. Christina shares her honest and inspiring story of balancing work with treatment, overcoming career gaps, and finding renewed purpose in storytelling—most recently through a heartwarming documentary about dog rescue.

Watch Christina’s Film Free Puppies!

Millions of rescue dogs from the rural South have been transported to new homes thanks to the tireless efforts of a grassroots network of dog rescuers. FREE PUPPIES tells one such rescue story and explores the challenges facing a group of intrepid women from Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee working together to save dogs. 

Follow Christina on Social Media: Instagram

Subscribe to Heart to Hustle:

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

Other Platforms

Follow us on social media for updates, inspiration, and even more hustle!

Instagram: @HeartToHustlePod

Have a question or guest suggestion? Reach out at [email protected].

If you loved this episode, we’d be so grateful if you’d:

1. Subscribe to Heart to Hustle on your favorite platform.
2. Leave us a review, it helps others find the show!
3. Share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra inspo today.
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Thanks for listening!

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday, we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected lessons, and a whole lot of hustle. Because when passion meets purpose, incredible things happen!!

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Support the show