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What if every no you’re hearing is quietly saving you for a yes that fits? We sit down with Coach Dawn “The Diva Coach” Thornton—now leading Alabama A&M women’s basketball—to unpack how she turned layoffs, long waits, and public doubt into a platform built on faith, preparation, and unapologetic style. It’s a story that moves from WIC cards and chapel vans to community impact, player development, and a sideline presence that makes confidence contagious.

We go deep on the inner game: trusting God in the valley, protecting your mind from borrowed limits, and choosing environments that stretch your roots instead of choking them. Dawn’s mantra, “Your preparation is your separation,” runs through every chapter—from breaking down film and owning mistakes to pruning people and habits that stall growth. She speaks openly about humility, using assistance without shame, and keeping the glass half full while you wait for the phone to ring. When it finally did, she rebuilt with intention, then jumped—heels and all—when the moment came.

We also explore fashion as leadership. Dawn partners with Black designers and stylists to craft custom looks that amplify culture and spark pride for her players and fans. It’s not vanity—it’s brand, belonging, and belief. Expect practical takeaways on overcoming rejection, building resilient teams, designing a personal brand in women’s sports, and setting a championship standard without losing your soul. If you’re navigating no’s, cutting dead weight, or getting ready to transplant into a bigger pot, this conversation will meet you where you are and nudge you forward.

Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on resilience, women’s sports, purpose-driven leadership, and bold self-belief. If this episode helped, share it with a friend and leave a review—what’s one no you’re ready to reframe today?

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The room laughed—and Hope chose to build a bigger stage. That’s the energy we bring into this conversation with author, artist, and activist Hope Giselle, a world-changer who turned rejection at a conservative HBCU into a blueprint for queer visibility, campus safety, and unapologetic self-worth. We trace the path from “you’ll never perform here” to founding a student organization, producing a two-hour AIDS benefit in drag, and facing the hidden fees and institutional traps designed to shut it all down. What could have been an end became a playbook: document everything, gather allies, anticipate gatekeeping, and refuse to shrink.

We go deeper at a dorm window where despair almost won—and two Black men from student affairs broke the door off its hinges to pull Hope back. That moment complicates the easy narratives and shows what real allyship can look like in Black communities. From there, we explore the “free” chapter of Hope’s life: a marriage that holds her accountable with love, a circle that won’t let her shrink her height or her light, and a boundary with family that protects her peace. If you’ve wrestled with body image, gendered expectations, or the pressure to be smaller to make others comfortable, this is a practical guide. Hope’s line will stick with you: “Everything exclusive goes on sale.” Set your price. Run your race. Keep your pen.

We also preview Not Your Average Girl—Hope’s new documentary with grassroots screenings in Atlanta, Miami, LA, and DC—and her expanding HIV and AIDS advocacy, including USCHA in Washington, DC. Come for the story; stay for the frameworks you can use today: how to navigate hostile systems, build chosen family, and live out loud without apology. If this conversation moved you, tap follow, share it with someone who needs the reminder, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice helps us reach the people still standing at their own window.

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What would happen if you stopped begging for a seat at someone else's table and built your own instead? That's exactly what Kerri Paul, a self-described "regular little southern girl" from Mississippi, decided to do. After leaving corporate America behind, she's now the proud co-owner of three thriving Brick and Spoon restaurants across the Gulf Coast, a content creator, and a mompreneur raising "Irish triplets" while building her empire.

Raised by entrepreneurial parents who showed her that women could be bosses and multiple income streams were normal, Kerri developed a fearless approach to business. When opportunity knocked, she didn't hesitate to take massive risks—selling her custom-built home and moving in with her parents to secure seed money for her first restaurant. "I'm going to take a risk on myself, I'm going to invest in myself," became her mantra.

The southern brunch culture Kerri created through Brick and Spoon isn't just about mimosas and good food (though there's plenty of both). It's about crafting spaces where people feel seen and valued, not just numbers passing through. Her customers sometimes cry when sharing how her story has impacted them, proving that authentic connection builds stronger businesses than corporate strategies ever could.

What distinguishes successful entrepreneurs from dreamers? According to Kerri, it's not intelligence or resources—it's consistency. "Consistency has been the key in everybody I know that has a bag," she explains. Combined with her philosophy that "the only time you fail is when you stop," this mindset has carried her through ventures ranging from a shoe store during the 2008 recession to competing on The Amazing Race.

Ready to build something that reflects your vision and values? Take Kerri advice: "Get out of your own way. There is nothing standing between you and success but yourself." Start now, start imperfect, and remember that every experience—whether conventionally successful or not—gives you tools no one can take away.

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Meet Briannagh D, the 23-year-old musical powerhouse who defies expectations at every turn. From earning her master's degree at Columbia to collaborating with hip-hop legend MC Lyte, she's built an impressive career while maintaining an authenticity that's genuinely refreshing.

The conversation begins with Briannagh sharing her remarkable journey, which started at age 8 singing in church choirs and releasing her first single by 11. What stands out immediately is her uncommon poise and wisdom, something host Alethea Crimmins quickly notices. When asked how she stays so grounded, Briannagh offers a perspective that resonates deeply: "I keep God as the main center and focus of my life." This spiritual foundation, alongside a supportive family, has helped her navigate the inevitable rejections in her entertainment career.

Perhaps most compelling is Briannagh’s candid reflection on failure. Rather than viewing rejection as defeat, she sees it as redirection—protection from what wasn't meant for her. This philosophy has served her well through auditions, competitions, and career setbacks. She admits to being a perfectionist with "plans that have plans," yet works daily to embrace life's unpredictability.

The conversation shifts to her latest single "Realest Wine," featuring MC Lyte—a vibrant dancehall track that fulfills Briannagh  longtime dream of creating music that makes people dance. Beyond her musical pursuits, we discover her philanthropic partnership with The Thirst Project, where she's helping provide clean water to communities worldwide.

Throughout the episode, Briannagh demonstrates that success doesn't require sacrificing authenticity. Her closing advice—"Take it one day at a time. Expect three things will go wrong daily"—reveals the balanced perspective that's allowed her to thrive across multiple domains.

Stream "Realest Wine" now and follow Briannagh D across all platforms @BriannaghHD to witness firsthand how this young artist is redefining what it means to live your dreams while staying true to yourself.

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In a world fixated on conformity, Mrs Kasha Davis stands as a beacon of authenticity and self-love. This powerful conversation traverses the rocky terrain of addiction, self-discovery, and the transformative power of embracing one's true identity.

The legendary drag performer opens up about her journey to sobriety—approaching a decade clean after battling alcoholism that stemmed from years of trying to please everyone but herself. "I spent so many years in my youth running away from who I was," she reveals, detailing how the decision to live authentically became her truest act of self-love. This raw vulnerability creates an instant connection, especially when we discover our parallel struggles with addiction—hers with alcohol, mine with food—both stemming from a desperate attempt to numb pain rather than process it.

But this isn't just a story of personal triumph. With disarming honesty, Kasha shares how she's channeling her experiences into creating spaces of acceptance through drag story hours, children's books, and university teaching—building the supportive environments she never had access to as a child. When parents approach her after performances saying, "Thank you for showing me my child has a community," she finds her purpose crystallized in those moments of connection across difference.

Perhaps most moving is the story of reconciliation with her father—a man who once spat in her face when she came out, but who eventually attended one of her performances and proclaimed, "That's my son, Eddie, and I am so very proud." This unexpected turn reveals how leading with love can sometimes penetrate even the most hardened prejudice, offering hope in seemingly hopeless situations.

Whether you're struggling with self-acceptance, battling addiction, or simply trying to find your authentic voice in a noisy world, this conversation reminds us that our purpose is bigger than any force trying to silence us. As Mrs Kasha Davis puts it so beautifully: "There's always time for kindness." Subscribe now and join our community of truth-seekers riding shotgun through life's most meaningful journeys.

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The pursuit of authenticity often requires breaking free from everything you've been taught to believe about yourself. In this soul-stirring conversation with viral sensation Khian KB, we journey from small-town limitations to global recognition, uncovering what it truly means to step into your power.

Khian opens up about the jarring reality behind social media stardom—having two million followers while struggling financially—and how understanding the business side of creativity ultimately transformed his career. "I had to learn the game," he shares, revealing how brands initially tried to underpay him despite the massive visibility he provided. This raw transparency offers a crucial perspective for aspiring creators navigating similar waters.

Beyond the numbers, our conversation delves into the emotional and spiritual dimensions of Khian's evolution. After living 17 years in the closet, dimming his light to make others comfortable, Khian describes the liberation that came from embracing his truth. "I broke out of that darkness and ever since, it feels like the world is my playground," he reflects. His spiritual awakening, including a pivotal moment when his house burned down, becoming the catalyst that forced him to relocate and pursue his dreams, demonstrates how setbacks often serve as divine redirections.

Fashion emerges as a powerful theme throughout our discussion. For Khian, clothing isn't just fabric—it's a language that allows him to honor both his masculinity and femininity without constraint. "Fashion is fun," he insists, challenging the notion that we should limit our self-expression based on others' perceptions. His parting wisdom resonates deeply: take baby steps outside your comfort zone, practice being uncomfortable, and remember that growth happens when you're pushed beyond familiar boundaries.

Ready to embrace your authentic self? Listen now and discover why, in Khian's words, "What other people think about you is not your business." Then join our community of freedom-seekers who are learning to shine brightly without apology.

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What happens when you finally decide your peace is non-negotiable? Freshie—rapper, filmmaker, athlete, and community builder—joins me to share her remarkable journey of rebirth and self-discovery. 

From the opening moments, Freshie's magnetic energy and wisdom fill the conversation as she dives deep into what it means to protect your peace at all costs. "What other people think about you is not your business," she declares, setting the tone for a raw discussion about reclaiming personal power. Her song "My Peace" emerged from a painful breakup that left her feeling diminished, yet became the anthem of her transformation: "You can't steal my peace, you can't steal my soul."

The conversation takes powerful turns as Freshie vulnerably shares her mental health struggles, including moments where she contemplated ending her life, and how reaching out saved her. "I'm not okay," she admitted to someone after her most recent low point—a statement that demonstrates remarkable courage. Her employers responded by giving her time off, showing what true support looks like when we're brave enough to speak our truth.

Perhaps most compelling is Freshie's discussion of what had to die inside her to make room for rebirth: "People pleasing," she answers without hesitation. She explains how, as a natural giver who leads with love, she often found herself manipulated and gaslit by those who took advantage of her generous spirit. The transformation came when she started heeding her intuition and observing people's actions rather than their words.

Beyond personal growth, Freshie shares her passion for community building through initiatives like The League Atlanta and We Outside ATL, creating spaces for authentic connection beyond typical nightlife scenes. She approaches her artistry without limitation, identifying as "an artist who happens to be in the LGBT community" rather than allowing herself to be boxed in.

Ready to reclaim your power and protect your peace? Listen now and remember Freshy's parting wisdom: "Your greatest strength and your greatest weapon will always be your self-awareness. Your peace is your own to own."

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The world comes to a standstill when royalty enters the room. Latrice Royale—"large and in charge, chunky and funky"—brings her formidable presence to a conversation that transcends drag entertainment and dives deep into the soul of authenticity, self-love, and purposeful living.

This raw, emotional exchange peels back the sequins and reveals Timothy—the resilient human behind the iconic Latrice Royale persona. With breathtaking candor, Latrice traces her journey from being "different" and not fitting any mold to deliberately transforming perceived weaknesses into superpowers. "If the skinny is doing it, I'm gonna work ten times harder to do the same things," she shares, revealing the determination that propelled her to legendary status.

The conversation takes unexpected emotional turns as both Latrice and host Alethea Crimmins recognize their profound impact on each other's journeys toward self-acceptance. Latrice vulnerably discusses her mental health struggles, including a recent birthday where depression prevented her from receiving love from thousands of well-wishers. Her practical approach to recharging—surrounding herself with inspiring people who "make me love what I do again"—offers wisdom for anyone navigating similar challenges.

Beyond personal revelation, Latrice delivers mic-drop insights about criticism ("I am living rent-free, doing laps inside of your mind"), chosen family ("I have chosen you"), and the deeper purpose of drag ("It shows you that you can be any and everything that you want to be"). Her message to her younger self brings tears: recognizing that being different would ultimately become her greatest strength.

Whether you're a longtime fan or meeting Latrice for the first time, this conversation will leave you changed—inspired to stand in your truth, embrace your uniqueness, and as Alethea says, "have a good day on purpose." What parts of yourself have you been dimming? It's time to let that light shine.

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What happens when you refuse to dim your light for others' comfort? When you set firm boundaries without apology? When you decide to keep winning despite the whispers of doubt around you? 

YouTube superstar Terrell Grice joins me to share his remarkable journey from Southern church choir singer to creator of "The Terrell Show" with 2.2 million subscribers. With his trademark warmth and wisdom, Terrell reveals how his talk show empire began as "one giant accident" – a divine assignment he wasn't initially seeking but was perfectly prepared to fulfill.

"How you can shut your haters down immediately is you keep on winning," Terrell explains, offering a masterclass in maintaining your stride when others hope to see you stumble. His refreshing perspective on success comes from someone who's lived it – creating his own lane when traditional paths weren't available and refusing to compromise his authenticity along the way.

Our conversation takes a vulnerable turn when we discuss the unexpected loneliness that accompanies achievement. "It got lonely fast," Terrell admits, sharing how relationships transform when your star rises and the painful necessity of setting boundaries with people you once considered close. His candid reflections on therapy and protecting his peace offer valuable guidance for anyone navigating similar waters.

Terrell also delivers a powerful message to listeners struggling with self-confidence: "You are beautiful... It is not like I need to do this thing to become it. You are." This affirmation challenges our tendency to postpone self-acceptance until reaching some external standard.

His parting wisdom perfectly encapsulates our time together: "Take the time to be grateful for the answers to the prayers you prayed yesterday." Before rushing to the next challenge, acknowledge how far you've already come. Remember, "Being great is not about proving anybody wrong. It's about proving yourself right."

Ready to shine brighter and stand taller in your truth? This episode will light the way forward.

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What happens when you stop hiding your "too much" and embrace it as your superpower? Charli Lark found out after years of playing small.

"If the sun doesn't ask permission to shine, why should you?" asks host Alethea in this soul-stirring conversation about breaking free from society's expectations. Singer-songwriter Charli Lark shares her journey of reclaiming her dream after years of believing time had passed her by. She walked away from a restrictive marriage and environment to pursue music on her own terms, proving that purpose has no expiration date.

The magic happens when Charli reveals how her emotional depth—once criticized as being "too intense" or "dramatic"—became the very foundation of her artistry. "It's not a weakness; it's my gift, it's actually my power," she explains. This perspective shift offers liberation for anyone who's ever felt they need to tone themselves down to be accepted.

Their discussion expands beyond personal journey to explore songwriting as both intentional craft and mystical channel, the beauty of the LGBTQIA+ community "pushing boundaries by just being themselves," and how to stop comparing yourself to others. Charlie's upcoming music releases promise to showcase the full spectrum of her reclaimed voice—from summer anthems to dark club tracks.

Whether you're just starting to pursue a long-held dream or finding the courage to be fully yourself, this conversation reminds you that your story isn't over. As Alethea affirms, "Your dreams are valid and your story ain't over, baby, not by a long shot." Ready to create the life you want, unapologetically? Listen now and discover why your flaws might just be your greatest strengths.

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