Hi! I'm Here

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones virtually sits down with Gerald Edwards, the founder of NSOD Clothing, a brand he started in high school. Gerald shares his journey from the early days of entrepreneurship to managing his business while balancing a full-time job. He offers valuable insights into building a brand, staying focused on your goals, and the importance of community in the creative space.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The origins of NSOD Clothing: Gerald’s experience founding his brand in high school and what it took to get started
• Balancing a 9-5 and entrepreneurship: How Gerald juggles his full-time job with growing his business
• Entrepreneurial tips: Gerald’s top advice for those just starting out in business
• Creative community: The value of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals and prioritizing your creative output over accolades.

This episode is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their passion into a business and anyone seeking inspiration on balancing multiple pursuits while staying true to their vision.

✨ Connect with Gerald Edwards and NSOD Clothing:

• Visit NSOD Clothing: nsodclothing.com
• Follow on Instagram: @nsod_

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this episode, host Shelbi Jones virtually sits down with Rob Rush, a first-generation college student from the South Bronx who defied the odds and graduated from Harvard University. Rob shares his inspiring journey and discusses his challenges as a trailblazer in higher education.

Rob is also the founder of Become What You Can't See a community for and by first-generation students that provides resources, mentorship, and a platform for students who often feel isolated in their academic journeys.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Rob’s journey: Overcoming obstacles as a first-generation college student from the South Bronx
• Harvard University: The highs and lows of attending an Ivy League school as the first in his family to attend college
• Become What You Can't See: How Rob founded the community to support and uplift first-generation students
• Community impact: The role of mentorship, representation, and solidarity for students often underrepresented in higher education

This episode is a powerful reminder that representation matters and that perseverance and community can help break barriers and create new possibilities.

✨ Connect with Rob and his community:

• Follow Become What You Can't See on Instagram @becomewhatyoucantsee
• Visit their website: Become What You Can't

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this solo episode, host Shelbi Jones explores the often-overlooked importance of friendship in a society that tends to place romantic relationships on a pedestal. This episode dives into why friendships are vital for a fulfilling and balanced life through personal reflections and cultural observations.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Friendship vs. romance: Challenging society’s focus on romantic relationships as the ultimate goal
• The value of platonic love: Why friendships are as meaningful as romantic connections
• Cultural influences: How media and societal norms shape our views on relationships
• Celebrating friendships: Practical tips for nurturing and prioritizing your platonic bonds

This episode is a heartfelt reminder to honor the friends who uplift us, support us, and enrich our lives in ways that are just as powerful as romance.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this inspiring episode, host Shelbi Jones is joined by Tori Bell, the founder of Black Women@ Facebook, an impactful employee resource group, and Inclusion Unpacked (@inclusionunpacked), a weekly newsletter providing actionable diversity resources. Tori shares her insights on fostering meaningful communities, building partnerships, and creating spaces for authentic conversations about diversity and inclusion.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• The art of community building: Tori’s approach to creating supportive, impactful spaces like Black Women@ Facebook
• Inclusion Unpacked: The inspiration behind her newsletter and its mission to provide weekly diversity resources
• Collaborating with Sophia Amoruso: How their partnership through Business Class is helping amplify diverse voices
• Allyship in action: What white women can do to become better allies in the workplace and beyond

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this solo episode, host Shelbi Jones shares candid reflections after one week of navigating the dynamic world of NYC dating apps. From unexpected trends to personal lessons learned, this episode takes listeners through the highs, lows, and unique quirks of modern dating in New York City.

• First impressions: What stands out in NYC’s fast-paced dating app culture?
• Trends and patterns: Common themes and behaviors observed on the apps.
• Personal takeaways: Lessons learned about connection, compatibility, and navigating the scene authentically.

Whether new to dating apps or a seasoned pro, this episode offers relatable insights and a fresh perspective on dating.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this solo episode, host Shelbi Jones delves into the transformative power of vision writing and how it can help you manifest your desired life. With 2021 in full swing, now is the perfect time to get clear on your goals and set powerful intentions for the year ahead.

Topics covered in this episode:

• What is vision writing? How can this practice help you clarify and focus on your dreams?
• Manifestation tips: Practical steps to align your actions with your goals.
• Creating a vision for 2021: Strategies to turn your desires into reality and design a life you love.

This episode guides anyone looking to take charge of their future, tap into their creativity, and start manifesting a life that aligns with their true self.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this powerful episode, host Shelbi Jones interviews Daniel Stokes, a Senior Culture Manager at a travel company based in NYC. Daniel shares his candid mental health journey, discussing his experiences with anxiety and depression, the pivotal moment his anxiety first manifested, and his path to seeking therapy.

Listeners will gain insight into how Daniel prioritizes mental health while navigating the pressures of work and life during a global pandemic. His transparency sheds light on breaking the stigma around mental health and embracing authenticity.

Topics discussed include:

• The Onset of anxiety: How Daniel recognized his mental health challenges and began addressing them
• Therapy as a resource: His journey toward seeking help and how it has shaped his well-being
• Mental health advocacy: Why Daniel believes in being open about his struggles to inspire others
• Pandemic resilience: Coping strategies that have helped him manage during uncertain times

This episode is a compelling exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the importance of mental health advocacy.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this heartwarming episode, Shelbi virtually sits down with Natalie Lynch and Stuart Nelson, a couple whose love story began on Bumble and has spanned continents. For the past year, they’ve been navigating the challenges of a long-distance relationship and are here to share their journey.

Topics we explore:

• A modern love story: How Natalie and Stuart met on Bumble and their unforgettable first date
• Making it work: How they’ve maintained their relationship despite the physical distance
• Pro tips for dating apps: Natalie and Stuart advise on creating an impressive, standout Bumble profile
• Long-distance survival guide: Practical tips and insights for keeping the spark alive when miles apart

Whether navigating long-distance love or looking for inspiration on your dating journey, this episode contains relatable stories and actionable advice.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this episode, Shelbi virtually sits down with Katie Foley, a millennial conservative white woman from Dayton, OH, to explore her unique perspective on life, values, and family. Despite their differing views, Shelbi and Katie engage in a candid and respectful conversation about her conservative beliefs and how they shape her approach to faith, family, and the future.

Topics Covered:

• Conservative values: What they mean to Katie and how they influence her decisions
• Religion and upbringing: Growing up in a bubble and faith's role in her life
• Parenting perspectives: How Katie envisions raising her future children with her values
• Bridging differences: Shelbi's reflections on why she wanted to hear Katie's story and how they navigate opposing views

This episode is a window into the complexities of differing ideologies and an example of how open dialogue can foster understanding, even in challenging conversations.

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season.

Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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

In this heartfelt and humorous episode, Shelbi sits down with her mom, Sharon Jones, to reflect on what it's been like living together during quarantine for the past nine months. They dive into the joys, challenges, and unexpected lessons of sharing space during a global pandemic.

Topics we discuss:

• Quarantine bonding: How we've kept our sanity and found joy together
• Gourmet quarantine meals: Shelbi's dad's culinary creations that have become household favorites.
• Lessons learned: What my mom has discovered about me after nine months of close-quarters
• Funny family dynamics: The mystery of my job title and how we navigate our generational differences

Join the Define Normal community:

Follow Shelbi on Substack for weekly reflections and updates during the off-season. Stay connected with Define Normal on Instagram.

Get in touch! Email us at [email protected] or leave a voice memo here. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the show—your support means everything!

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