Humble Renegade Podcast

In this episode of Humble Renegades, Kesha and Bookie unpack what it means to “discover” your life’s work. It's not by chasing titles or trends, but by reflecting on your story, your patterns, and your God-given burden.

They explore the early stages of calling and the tension between what you’re good at, what people expect of you, and what you’re truly called to steward. This conversation will resonate deeply with anyone who’s felt like their gifts don’t fit inside a job description or their burden doesn't make sense on paper.

Through honest stories and practical insight, you’ll be encouraged to revisit your past not to stay there, but to extract the evidence of your purpose. Because discovering your assignment isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about paying attention.

What You’ll Hear:

• How to identify your God-given burden
• Why discovering your calling starts with reflecting, not rushing
• The difference between gifting and calling
• How imposter syndrome and people-pleasing distract us from alignment
• Why your past jobs, roles, and life experiences hold clues to your future
• How the “Discover It” phase fits within the Get It Done Method

Quote Highlights:

• “Your burden is often the birthplace of your assignment.”
• “You’re building from story.”
• “Just because you’re good at something doesn’t mean it’s your calling.”

Reflection Questions:

• What are the themes that show up in your life over and over again?
• What problem in the world burdens you the most?
• What have people always come to you for?

Take It Further:

Ready to go deeper in discovering your own life’s work? Connect with Kesha at www.lakeshagates.com 

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

In this powerful bonus episode of the Humble Renegade Podcast, Kesha and Bookie welcome their very first guest, Elizabeth Perkins, Co-President of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation and daughter of the legendary civil rights and Christian reconciliation pioneer, Dr. John Perkins.

Recorded at the Antioch House in Jackson, MS, this heartfelt conversation digs into legacy, leadership, and the transformative power of reconciliation. Elizabeth shares deeply personal stories from growing up in a household that didn’t just preach the gospel but lived it out through the three foundational principles of Christian Community Development: relocation, reconciliation, and redistribution.

Together, they explore how these timeless values are still changing lives, how faith intersects with action, and how legacy is not just inherited but actively lived. From the origin story of the Reconciliation Tour baseball camp to the redemptive work of community development in Jackson, this episode is a testimony to grace, perseverence, and the gifts of multigenerational leadership.

Show Notes

Guest:
Elizabeth Perkins | Co-President of the John and Vera Mae Perkins Foundation

Topics Covered:

• The 3 Rs of Christian Community Development
• Living the gospel beyond Sunday sermons
• What reconciliation really requires: humility, truth-telling, and forgiveness
• Legacy leadership and the power of proximity
• Baseball as a vehicle for healing and community engagement
• Carrying the mission forward with urgency and love

Mentioned:

• Dr. John Perkins
• Vera Mae Perkins
• Christian Community Development Association (CCDA)
• Baseball Beyond Borders 
• The Reconciliation Tour documentary (Watch Here)
• Equal Justice Initiative & Anthony Ray Hinton
• Jackson State University
• Uncle Bud’s Field at the Perkins Foundation

Get Involved:
Visit JVMPF.org to learn more about the Foundation’s mission and how you can support its work through prayer, donations, or volunteerism.

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

In this heartfelt and nostalgic episode, Kesha and Bookie explore the vital role of place in shaping community identity, connection, and engagement. More than just physical locations, the spaces we frequent, from barbershops and parks to corner stores and community centers, hold the memories, mentorship, and meaning that define who we are and where we belong.

This episode digs into how built environments affect our sense of safety and belonging, the importance of cultural preservation in rapidly changing neighborhoods, and why designing with dignity matters. They reflect on their own upbringings in Seattle’s Central District and South End, and the full-circle moments of watching the next generation occupy those same cherished spaces.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why “community doesn’t just happen, it’s shaped by where we gather”
• The emotional, spiritual, and cultural power of place
• How to activate underutilized spaces for connection and healing
• What it means to walk your block and read the stories it tells

Reflection Questions:

• What places shaped who you are?
• What does your ideal community feel like, not just look like?
• Can people be considered a place?

🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

👉 Subscribe & tune in for the next episode

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

In this episode of Humble Renegades, Kesha and Bookie explore what it truly means to embody your values and gifts. This isn’t about lofty ideas or big declarations. It’s about how you show up in real life. How do your habits, mindset, and daily actions reflect the purpose you carry?

Kesha introduces the concept of the “life resume,” a tool to help you take stock of your lived experiences, natural talents, and the meaningful ways you already contribute to the world around you. They explore how practicing your gifts consistently can create a deeper sense of purpose and how alignment in your life can unlock a greater impact.

Whether you’re rediscovering your voice or stepping into a new season, this conversation encourages you to be fully present with what you’ve been given and to lead from there.

What You’ll Hear:

• What a life resume is and how to create one
• How to identify your natural gifts by looking at where you’ve already made impact
• Why consistent habits matter more than big moments
• How proximity and presence help shape purpose
• Real stories of transformation through living in alignment
• A reminder that your gift is meant to serve others, not just yourself

Challenge for the Week:

Write your life resume. Think about the roles you’ve played, the people you’ve helped, the values you live by, and the lessons you’ve learned. Use it as a reminder of who you are and what you carry.

To go deeper, reach out to Kesha at [email protected] for details on the Life’s Work Challenge.

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

In this powerful episode of Humble Renegades, Kesha and Bookie Gates explore the heartbeat of community engagement, people. Bookie breaks down the first "P" in his G7 Philosophy™: People. From honoring lived experiences to co-creating relevant solutions, this conversation challenges leaders to center the voices of the village rather than speaking for them.

The duo shares real stories, hard truths, and tangible strategies for building trust, avoiding harmful assumptions, and creating space where every voice matters. They discuss why leading from the back, practicing humility, and embracing diversity are essential to authentic servant leadership.

Whether you're a community builder, grassroots leader, or someone rethinking how to engage meaningfully with others, this episode will remind you: People don't support what they don't feel connected to.

Episode Highlights:

• Why "people" must come first in any engagement strategy
• The dangers of assumptions and surface-level representation
• How to build trust and co-create with, not for, community
• Leading from behind: Servant leadership in action
• Understanding the nuances of demographic needs
• Empowering others through empathy, curiosity, and proximity

Call to Action:

• Start listening before creating solutions. 
• Be curious. 
• Ask who needs to be heard and challenge yourself to truly see them. 
• Understand that legacy is built not by standing alone, but by lifting others as you rise.

Tag us on social media and share your thoughts!

Join the Conversation:
Follow Humble Renegades @humblerenegade on social media and let us know how this episode inspired you!

How to Listen Now: This Podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

In this episode of Humble Renegades, Bookie and Kesha Gates take a deep dive into the Dream It component of the Get It Done Method™. They discuss the power of dreaming big, aligning your vision with God’s promises, and setting intentional goals that go beyond just personal success. They challenge the traditional SMART goals approach and introduce the concept of FOCUS goals, emphasizing alignment, purpose, and service. With biblical insights from Habakkuk 2:2-4, personal testimonies, and practical tools, this episode will inspire you to believe in your dreams before you see them manifest.

If you’ve been struggling with clarity, feeling stuck in goal-setting, or want to ensure your ambitions align with a greater purpose, this episode is for you. Tune in for encouragement, faith-driven wisdom, and actionable steps to move forward with confidence.

Show Notes:

Main Topics Discussed:

• The Power of Dreaming Big
  • The difference between dreaming and goal-setting
  • How most people focus on goals instead of dreaming with purpose
  • The need for a God-sized vision that stretches beyond personal ambitions
• Biblical Foundation for Vision & Faith
  • Habakkuk 2:2-4 – Writing the vision and waiting on God’s timing
  • Romans 1:17 – The righteous shall live by faith
  • Trusting God to guide your dreams and embracing a "believe it to see it" mindset
• Shifting from SMART Goals to FOCUS Goals™
  • Why traditional SMART goals can be limiting
  • The FOCUS Goals™ framework: 
    • Fixed – Clearly defined
    • Obvious – Easy to articulate
    • Constructive – Beneficial for both you and others
    • Urgent – Creates a sense of necessary action
    • Strategic – Aligns with your long-term vision
• Aligning Your Vision to God’s Promise
  • The importance of patience and trusting God’s timing
  • Avoiding distractions that pull you away from your divine purpose
  • Being courageous and taking risks that align with your calling
• Vision Board Process & Practical Steps
  • Choosing a Word of the Year – The power of a guiding theme
  • Setting Quarterly Intentions – Small steps toward the bigger vision
  • Building Consistency & Habits – How discipline and intentionality fuel progress

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• “Most people don’t have dreams, they have goals.” – Kesha Gates
• “We get conditioned to think the goal is the goal, but the goal has nothing to do with our purpose.” – Bookie Gates

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Reflect on Your Dreams vs. Goals – Are you setting goals just to check off boxes, or are you dreaming with purpose?
2. Identify Your Word of the Year – Choose a word that will guide your focus and direction.
3. Write Down Your FOCUS Goals – Ensure they align with your vision and benefit others.
4. Pray for Clarity & Alignment – Ask God to reveal the next steps in your journey.
5. Be Intentional & Take Action – Start small but stay consistent in pursuing your dreams.

Listener Challenge:

➡ What’s your Word of the Year?
➡ What’s one bold step you can take toward your God-sized vision this month?
Tag us on social media and share your thoughts!

📢 Join the Conversation:
Follow Humble Renegades on social media and let us know how this episode inspired you!

🎧 Listen Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major pla

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

Is The Humble Renegade Podcast the right podcast for you? In this episode, we break down who this podcast is for and what it means to embrace servant leadership in a world that glorifies personal success.

We explore:
🔹 What It Means to Be a Servant Leader – The humility, mindset, and purpose behind true leadership
🔹 Personal Growth & Renewing Your Mind – Why transformation is necessary for stepping into your calling
🔹 Being in Partnership with God – Letting faith guide your journey instead of trying to manufacture the outcome
🔹 The Process of Learning: Intake, Do, Teach – How true mastery comes from both being a student and a teacher
🔹 Faith & Action – Shifting from a "see it to believe it" mindset to a "believe it to see it" faith

If you've ever felt called to leadership but hesitant to embrace it, or if you're seeking clarity on your role in this world, this episode is for you.

📢 You are capable of more than you think. What would happen if it actually worked?

Show Notes:

🎙 Key Topics 

• Welcome Back! Defining who this podcast is for
• Are You a Servant Leader? – Understanding this unique leadership approach
• Why Renewing Your Mind Matters – Breaking free from old ways of thinking
• Being in Partnership with God – Letting Him lead your journey
• The Role of Personal Growth – Learning from friction and discomfort
• The Process of Learning – Intake → Do → Teach
• Teach and Be Taught – Why coachability is critical for leadership
• Stepping Back to Move Forward – How revisiting past skills can equip you for the future
• Your Journey is Bigger Than Today – Building a legacy for future generations
• Disruption is Part of Change – Navigating the transition from where you are to where you're called to be
• Plan, Prepare, Produce – How to move from preparation to execution
• Believe It to See It – The power of faith in action
• Call to Action: Take the Leap – What’s stopping you from going after what’s in your heart?

💡 Affirmation of the Episode:
"You are capable of doing above and beyond what you think is possible. Change happens in the realm of impossibility." – Kesha
"If you're feeling froggish, leap. Take that jump and go do it." – Bookie

🔥 Join the Conversation:
How are you stepping into servant leadership? What’s holding you back? Share your thoughts using #HumbleRenegades and tag us!

👉 Subscribe & tune in for the next episode as we continue to challenge conventional leadership and redefine success through faith and humility.

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

How do you navigate life? What principles and philosophies shape the way you move through the world? In this episode of The Humble Renegade, we dive deep into how our personal philosophies and leadership styles impact our journey—from sports and business to faith and servant leadership.

We explore:
💡 The Importance of Self-Reflection – Identifying the patterns, habits, and values that define how you show up
💡 Developing a Personal Philosophy – Why understanding how you operate is just as important as what you do
💡 The Get It Done Method™ – Kesha’s framework for turning dreams into reality through intentional internal and external work
💡 The G7 Philosophy™ – Bookie’s leadership model that prioritizes people, place, and proximity in community engagement
💡 Who Knows You & What They Know About You – How to shape your legacy and control your narrative

If you've ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, this episode will challenge you to define your philosophy and live with greater clarity and purpose.

📢 What’s YOUR approach to life? What do people know you for? Let’s talk about it.

Show Notes:

🎙 Key Topics

• Welcome Back! Defining our approach to life
• Why This Conversation Matters – Recognizing patterns in your life
• Sports, Leadership & Life’s Mileposts – How past experiences shape who we become
• What Do People Come to You For? – Recognizing your natural gifts and influence
• Philosophy as a Tool for Success – Why defining your approach matters
• The Get It Done Method – Kesha breaks down her 9-step process for clarity and action
• Why Most People Build Things Backwards – Common mistakes in leadership & business
• The G7 Philosophy – Bookie’s leadership framework for community engagement
• The Power of Proximity – Why understanding people, place, and policy is critical for change
• The Role of Failure in Success – Learning from setbacks instead of avoiding them
• Change is Inevitable – Are You Ready? – Why 2025 will be different, and how to adapt
• Final Takeaways & Encouragement – Be curious about your own life instead of others’
• Who Knows You & What They Know About You – Controlling your narrative and legacy

💡 Affirmation of the Episode:
"Be curious and pay attention. You are important, and what you bring to the world is unique." – Kesha
"It’s not about what you know, it’s about who knows you—and what they know about you." – Bookie

🔥 Join the Conversation:
What’s your personal philosophy? How do you approach life, leadership, and faith? Share your thoughts using #HumbleRenegades and tag us!

👉 Subscribe & tune in for the next episode

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

In a world obsessed with defining who we are, how often do we stop to ask who we are NOT? In this episode of Humble Renegades, we flip the script and challenge the labels, assumptions, and expectations that have been placed on us.

We dive into:
🔥 Breaking Free from Misconceptions – Why people often assume things about us that aren’t true
🔥 Shedding Society’s Labels – How we reclaim our own identity and refuse to be boxed in
🔥 The Power of Saying No – Why embracing who we are not helps us step boldly into our true purpose
🔥 The Role of Faith & Obedience – How trusting God’s plan leads to real success (not just worldly definitions of it)
🔥 Pain, Passion & Purpose – How past struggles shape our calling and drive us forward

This episode will challenge you to think differently about yourself and empower you to step into your God-given identity—without apology.

📢 Are you living out your true calling, or are you stuck in expectations that aren’t yours? Let’s talk about it.

Show Notes:

🎙 Key Topics 

• Welcome Back! Introducing today’s topic: Who We Are Not
• Why We Let Others Define Us – The dangers of external labels
• The Power of Saying No – Owning what isn’t for you
• Breaking the ‘Supposed To’ Mindset – Challenging norms that hold us back
• Leadership vs. Following – Understanding when to lead and when to learn
• The Thorn in Our Side – How pain fuels purpose
• Delayed Gratification & Sacrifice – Why true success takes time
• Finding Your Sphere of Influence – Not everyone is called to the same path
• Growth Mindset & Changing Your Mind – The small shifts that make a big impact
• What You Won’t Get from This Podcast – No fluff, no shortcuts, just real growth
• Affirmations & Takeaways – Encouragement for the journey

💡 Affirmation of the Episode:
"You are equipped with everything you need to do what God has called you to do." – Kesha
"You are the answer. Start asking the right questions." – Bookie

🔥 Join the Conversation:
Who are YOU not? What labels have you rejected to step into your true self? Share your thoughts using #HumbleRenegades and tag us!

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and tune in for the next episode.

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode. 

Welcome to Humble Renegades! After a year in the making, we’re finally launching this journey—a space where faith meets leadership, where curiosity challenges the status quo, and where humility and boldness go hand in hand. In this origin story episode, we unpack what it means to be a humble renegade—a person who walks in both meekness and power, disrupting systems with intention while remaining rooted in humility.

We explore:

✨ The meaning behind "Humble Renegades" and why we started this podcast

✨ The balance between faith, leadership, and disruption

✨ How biblical figures like Jesus, David, and Moses embodied humble renegade leadership

✨ The power of asking the right questions and challenging the norm

✨ The personal journeys that shaped us—our triumphs, challenges, and callings

This episode is just the beginning. If you’ve ever felt called to think differently, lead boldly, and serve with purpose, then this podcast is for you.

📢 Connect with us and share your thoughts on today’s episode! Are YOU a humble renegade?

Show Notes:

🛠 Key Themes & Topics:

Welcome to the Humble Renegades Podcast!

What is a Humble Renegade? The intersection of humility, faith, and bold leadership

Challenging Systems & Thinking Differently: The role of curiosity in change

Biblical Examples of Humble Renegades – Jesus, David, Moses & more

Personal Stories: How life experiences shape us as disruptors & servant leaders

Finding Purpose in the Process – Overcoming struggles & embracing growth

Closing Thoughts & Takeaways – What listeners can expect in future episodes

🎙 Inspiration for the Journey:

"Progress is in the process. Trust it." – Kesha

"Being a champion is about lifting others as you rise and turning victory into a legacy of change." – Bookie

🔥 Join the Conversation:

What resonated with you in this episode? Share your thoughts using #HumbleRenegades and tag us!

👉 Subscribe & stay tuned for Episode 1, where we dive deeper into what it means to be set apart in a world that calls for conformity.

Thank you for listening. Please subscribe, comment and share your thoughts with us about this episode.