I Pick Passion and Funny

In this episode, I sit down with Melanie Goolsby, creator of I’m Not a Lawyer But, to talk about trusting the journey, balancing motherhood with passion, and building a purpose-driven brand.

Tune in as we discuss:

• ​ Melanie’s transition from a corporate career at Netflix to creating her own brand and reporting on untold stories of Black and Brown women.
• ​ How her personal experiences, including motherhood and being laid off during maternity leave, shaped her views on resilience and purpose.
• ​ The challenges and rewards of growing a brand that highlights social issues and the importance of self-advocacy.
• ​ Practical advice on trusting yourself, especially when life doesn’t go as planned.

Whether you’re navigating your own career change, seeking inspiration to pursue your passion, or just trying to “figure it out” along the way, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways:

• ​ Finding Purpose in Change: How Melanie found new meaning after an unexpected career shift.
• ​ Building a Brand with Purpose: The mission behind “I’m Not a Lawyer But” and Melanie’s dedication to amplifying marginalized voices.
• ​ Balancing Motherhood and Ambition: Her journey of balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship and social media presence.
• ​ Trusting the Unknown: Melanie’s advice on taking things step-by-step and learning to trust the journey, even if you don’t have all the answers.

Connect with Melanie Goolsby:

• ​ TikTok: @imnotalawyerbut
• ​ Instagram: @youvegtmel and @imnotalawyerbut
• ​ YouTube: I’m Not a Lawyer But
• ​ Podcasts: The Debrief and Gin and Juice (with her sister, Melissa Fredericks)

In this episode of I Pick Passion, we’re diving into something every person pursuing their passion encounters—obstacles. Whether you’re facing internal doubts, external challenges, or simply life getting in the way, it can feel like these roadblocks are stopping you from reaching your goals. But what if these setbacks are actually stepping stones?

I’ll be sharing my personal journey of overcoming obstacles, how mindset shifts have been a game-changer, and practical strategies you can start using today. We’ll explore how to push past self-doubt, handle life’s curveballs, and keep moving forward, even when things get tough.

This episode is for you if:

-You’ve ever felt like giving up on your passion.

-You’re dealing with a specific challenge that feels overwhelming.

-You’re looking for practical ways to overcome setbacks and grow from them.

Key Takeaways:

• Obstacles are inevitable, but they are often valuable learning experiences.

• Mindset is everything—reframe challenges as opportunities to grow.

• Consistency matters more than perfection. Keep showing up!

• Break big challenges down into smaller, manageable steps.

• Lean on your support system when things get tough.

• Self-care is essential when pursuing your passion. You can’t pour from an empty cup.

Resources Mentioned:

1. Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck

Learn more about how to develop a growth mindset and how it can change the way you approach challenges.

https://www.amazon.com/Mindset-Psychology-Carol-S-Dweck/dp/0345472322 : Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck]

2. Oprah Winfrey’s Journey

A reminder that even the most successful people face setbacks. Oprah’s story of being fired early in her career is a testament to resilience.

3. Steve Jobs’ Comeback Story

After being fired from Apple, Steve Jobs made one of the greatest comebacks in tech history.

4. The Importance of Self-Care

When pursuing passion projects, it’s easy to burn out. Here’s an excellent guide to self-care routines that will help keep you balanced and energized.

Oludara Adeeyo

https://www.amazon.com/Self-Care-Black-Women-Radically-Prioritize/dp/1507217315

5. Journal Prompt for Overcoming Obstacles:

• What is one obstacle you’re currently facing?

• How can you break it down into smaller steps?

• What is this obstacle trying to teach you?

Use this prompt to reflect on your own journey and develop a plan for tackling your challenges head-on.

Quotes from the Episode:

• “Obstacles aren’t a sign to stop—they’re a sign to slow down, regroup, and keep going.”

• “You can’t always control what happens, but you can control how you respond to it.”

• “Consistency matters more than perfection. Just keep showing up.”

• “What if this obstacle is actually a lesson I need?”

Join the Conversation:

Have you overcome an obstacle recently? Or maybe you’re facing one right now. I want to hear from you! Share your story with me on social media using the hashtag #OvercomingWithPassion, and let’s keep this conversation going. You never know—your story might be shared on an upcoming episode!

Connect with [Your Name]:

• Instagram: @theipickpassionpodcasf

Substack: https://epickspassion.substack.com

Next Episode Teaser:

Next week, we have our very first guest! Stay tuned for the reveal!

In this episode of I Pick Passion, Ericka walks you through the process of identifying your passion. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what truly excites you or struggled to figure out your life’s calling, this episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and actionable exercises to guide you. You’ll learn about common myths around passion, practical tips for discovering yours, and how to differentiate between passion and skills.

Key Takeaways:

-Discover how to reflect on childhood joys and past experiences to find your passion.

-Learn the difference between passion and skills and how they can intersect.

-Hear personal stories of passion discovery to inspire your own journey.

-Try out simple exercises to explore what makes you come alive.

Exercises Mentioned in This Episode:

-Reflect on Childhood Joys

Think back to your childhood. What activities brought you the most joy? Sometimes, passions are rooted in the hobbies and interests we had when we were younger.

Helpful Resource: Discovering Childhood Passions Exercise

-The ‘Flow’ Test

Pay attention to the activities that make you lose track of time. These are often indicators of what you’re passionate about. Consider what makes you feel most energized, creative, or focused.

Helpful Resource: Finding Flow: The Psychology of Engagement

-Passion Inventory

Create a list of things you enjoy, even if they seem trivial. Look for patterns or themes that could reveal deeper passions.

Helpful Resource: Discovering Your Passion Inventory Worksheet

-Envision Your Ideal Day

Imagine your perfect day from start to finish. What activities would you include? This exercise can help you figure out the types of things that bring you joy and align with your passion.

Helpful Resource: Ideal Day Visualization Exercise

Resources for Further Exploration:

• Book: The Passion Test by Janet and Chris Attwood

A great resource that dives deep into finding and following your passion.

• Article: How to Identify Your Passion

A Forbes article offering more exercises and insights on discovering your passion.

• TED Talk: How to Find and Do Work You Love by Scott Dinsmore

This inspirational TED Talk gives practical advice on finding fulfilling work aligned with your passion.

Connect With Me:

• Follow I Pick Passion on Instagram: @theipickpassionpodcast

• Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly inspiration: https://epickspassion.substack.com

• Send me your thoughts or questions: [email protected]

Don’t Miss the Next Episode:

Next week, we’ll discuss how to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of pursuing your passion. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!

In this surprise bonus episode, I dive into Hulu’s new hit show How to Die Alone, starring Natasha Rothwell, and explore the deep connections between the show and the mission of this podcast, I Pick Passion. Join me as I discuss the relatable struggles of Melissa, the show’s main character, and how her journey to a more fulfilling life mirrors the themes we explore here: passion, self-discovery, and personal growth.

Throughout the episode, I summarize key moments from the first four episodes of How to Die Alone and reflect on how Melissa’s experiences of love, loneliness, and self-realization resonate with real life. We’ll also talk about the importance of not just surviving, but thriving, and how each of us can take meaningful strides to avoid “dying alone”—figuratively speaking—by living a life filled with purpose and passion.

I want to hear from you: How do you see yourself in Melissa’s story? What steps can you take to live a more fulfilling life, much like the character? Share your thoughts, and let’s start a conversation!

Tune in for:

• ​A loose review of How to Die Alone and its themes.
• ​Insights on how this show connects to real-life passion and purpose.
• ​Personal reflections on how the character’s journey resonates with me—and maybe with you too.

Welcome to I Pick Passion and Funny—the podcast that proves passion doesn’t have to be so serious! If you love comedy, chasing dreams, and laughing through the chaos of life, you’re in the right place. Hosted by [Your Name], this show brings comedians and comedy-adjacent guests together for unfiltered convos, unexpected wisdom, and a whole lot of laughs. Hit play, subscribe, and get ready—because it’s about to get funny!