How'd I Get Here Podcast

Is a secret just a quiet truth… or a polite lie?In this episode, we’re diving into the uncomfortable gray area between secrecy and deception — because let’s be honest, most of us have said, “I didn’t lie… I just didn’t tell them.” But is withholding information actually different from lying? Or is silence sometimes the loudest form of dishonesty?We explore the psychology behind why we keep secrets — to protect ourselves, to avoid conflict, to maintain control, to preserve privacy. But at what point does privacy turn into avoidance? When does self-protection become manipulation? And when is protecting someone going too far? Intentionality often plays a roll but a lie is a lie and the truth is the truth so do your intentions make it ok to lie? How about transparency and accountability. If you didn't get caught would you have told me the truth? We unpack all this and more.

Does tough love build resilience — or leave lasting emotional scars? Were you raised on “because I said so” — or “let’s talk about how you feel”? 👀In this powerful, honest, and at times hilarious episode, we unpack the real conversation around tough parenting vs. gentle parenting — especially within the Black community.We’re not here to shame our parents. We’re here to understand them. We explore how our childhood experiences shaped who we are — and how they influence the way we want to raise our own children. As kids we dont realize that our parents are doing the best they can but looking back we reflect if the styles were affective or more hurtful. We talk about instilling respect, discipline and responsibilities on our kids while also choosing our battles and much more! Tap in and let us know your thoughts.

Is it just you… or is everyone in their 20s low-key spiraling?Welcome to Quarter-Life Chaos, an episode for ambitious, overwhelmed, existentially-curious humans navigating their 20s and early 30s. If you’ve ever thought, “I should have it figured out by now” while simultaneously googling “how to start over at 27,” this episode is for you.Your 20s are supposed to be carefree, right? Instead, you’re juggling career pressure, relationship confusion, financial stress, comparison culture, family expectations, healing your inner child, and somehow also “building your personal brand.” Casual.Today we dive into the very real phenomenon of the midlife crisis in your 20s — when the path you thought you’d take no longer fits, obstacles you’ll encounter in your 20s. How to pull yourself out a rut. How to handle when trauma hits you and more. Tap in with us for a look into our 20 year old crisis.

It's February so its only right we tap into our insight on love, emotions and your feelings. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the messy, magical, mind-bending world of love — from the sting of heartbreak to the science of intimacy. Why does heartbreak feel physically painful? Why do we crave connection even when it terrifies us? And what did Aristotle really mean when he described the many different forms of love? This isn’t just about romance. It’s about friendship. Self-love. Family. Passion. Purpose. It’s about understanding how love shapes who we are — and how we can love more intentionally. We use Aristotle's 8 forms of love to help figure out what forms of love we do and don't like. Because we know that you can love someone but are you loving them how they need to be loved and the right way.

In this weeks episode, we explore one of pop culture’s & our childhoods greatest philosophical duels: Professor X vs. Magneto — not just as comic-book icons, but as mirrors for our own inner conflicts.Is it better to change the world through understanding, patience, and inclusion… or through force, disruption, and uncompromising conviction? Both Magnet and Professor X both had the right ideas of wanting inclusion and to be excepted they just had different ways of going about it. It raises the question of manipulation vs a direct approach. Which one is more effective and which one is morally correct. There's often many different approaches to situations in life however does that make one better than the other. We dive deep into this topic and which side we would be on if we had to pick.

In this weeks episode we sit down with genre-bending lyrical rapper and storyteller Hunni Ellis for a raw conversation that blends artistry, personal growth, and real-life responsibility. Hunni opens up about the evolution of her sound and the inspiration behind her latest music, sharing how her creative process has shifted from chasing perfection to embracing honesty, risk, and experimentation.A major theme of the episode is vulnerability in music—how Hunni learned to get comfortable telling the truth in her lyrics, even when it felt uncomfortable or exposed. She talks about vulnerability not as weakness, but as a skill she’s learned to practice, one that’s allowed him to connect more deeply with fans and with himself.We also dive into parenting, as Hunni reflects on the challenges and joys of raising children while navigating the pressures of a music career. She tells stories through her rhymes and gives parenting advice as well. Throughout the episode, Hunni offers insights on discipline, creativity, consistency, taking risks, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who push you to grow. It’s a conversation full of wisdom, humor, and heartfelt moments—perfect for anyone striving to evolve while staying true to who they are.

In this inspiring episode of the How'd I Get Here Podcast, we sit down with the creator and mind behind Fruitful Mixology. Shyam, an entrepreneur who turned a bold vision into a thriving craft liqueur brand. Hear the real story behind building a business from the ground up—navigating cultural barriers, taking big risks, and redefining what’s possible through resilience and creativity.Our guest opens up about the realities of the service industry, the challenges of work-life balance as both a parent and a founder, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people. From hiring the first team member to overcoming self-doubt and shifting your mindset, this conversation is packed with practical insights for anyone pursuing personal or professional growth.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a creator in the food & beverage world, or someone passionate about mindset and self-development, this episode delivers value you can take straight into your own journey

In this episode we hopped behind the bar with Hartford Flavor Company to learn about the ins and outs of bartending, night life and being a huge growing liquor and liqueur brand.The essence of team is a huge driving point behind how this brand continues to grow and thrive. Night life isn't easy as more times than not this is a second job for bartenders and they wear multiple hats while doing the job. They have to escape from burn out amongst other challenges but that is where the phrase work hard play hard comes into play. This episode looks into the late night grind and how these bartenders master the craft.Grab a drink & tap in for this fun episode!

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into one of the most important — yet often overlooked — topics in personal growth: asking for help.For generations, many in the our community have been taught to “be strong,” “push through,” and “handle it alone.” But what happens when that mindset becomes a barrier to healing, mental health, and true success?Join us as we unpack the stigma around vulnerability and seeking support — from friends, mentors, or professionals. We look into building a village and having the right people around you. The right time to ask for help and how not give up on yourself or the people around you.We dive into the stigmas that depict asking for help as weak and why it actually shows strength to ask for help. Tap in with this weeks episode & like share & comment!

Are you hustling toward your dreams—or hustling yourself into burnout?In this powerful episode of The How'd I Get Here Podcast, we dive deep into the fine line between ambition and exhaustion. Discover the truth behind the "grind culture" mindset, how to spot the early signs of burnout, and strategies to stay driven without sacrificing your mental health, relationships, or long-term success.Whether you're building a business, chasing a promotion, or just trying to stay consistent with your self-improvement journey, this episode will help you find a healthier, more sustainable rhythm.We'll cover the difference between a healthy hustle that fuels your growth and toxic productivity that drains your energy and purpose. You’ll learn how to recognize the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of burnout—and what actionable steps you can take to recover before it derails your progress. We’ll also explore how to set boundaries without losing momentum, so you can stay aligned with your goals while honoring your limits. Expect practical tools for balancing high performance with intentional self-care, plus real talk on what success really means, how discipline can coexist with rest, and why protecting your peace is non-negotiable on the path to greatness.