Light Up the Mic Podcast

How far would you go to save a friend's life?

Two former University of Miami Hurricanes football players, Gerard Daphnis and Jermaine Chambers, join Light Up the Mic host Kembala Evans to share an extraordinary story of brotherhood, faith, family, resilience, and the gift of life. This powerful conversation is filled with honesty, laughter, heartbreak, and hope—and gives new meaning to what it means to be there for someone.

Gerard and Jermaine’s friendship started on the Hurricanes’ Greentree practice field, but decades later, they learned that brotherhood is much bigger and stronger than football. 

When a life-threatening crisis left Gerard facing kidney failure, dialysis, and an uncertain future, he struggled physically and emotionally. Through it all, his wife Harriett stood by his side, making tremendous sacrifices and facing her fear to help keep him going.

Just when Gerard’s hope was shattered, an incredible act of friendship, love, and courage changed everything. Hear the story behind an unforgettable Christmas card, a brotherhood forged at the University of Miami, and why Jermaine insists, “I'm just his brother.” 

Content Advisory: This episode includes discussions of serious health challenges, emotional distress, references to self-harm and violence, and some strong language. Listener discretion is advised.

7 Key Takeaways:

1. Brotherhood beyond the football field: Relationships forged as Miami Hurricanes teammates have evolved into lifelong friendships built on love and genuine care.
2. When life changes unexpectedly: Gerard's journey reveals how an injury can mark the beginning of life-altering health challenges.
3. The realities of dialysis: The physical and mental toll that dialysis treatment can have on patients and their families.
4. Faith through life's darkest moments: When life knocks you down, faith and the people you love can provide the strength and inspiration to move forward.
5. Life’s greatest gift: Discover how a teammate’s selfless act led to Gerard’s unforgettable Christmas surprise.
6. A second chance at life: Gerard's kidney transplant brought renewed hope, a new perspective on life, and a deeper desire to help others.
7. The meaning of a lifeline: Reflect on what Gerard and Jermaine have learned about love, sacrifice, showing up for others, and the life-changing gift of organ donation.

Resources:

• Organ Donation - https://www.organdonor.gov/
• Living Kidney Donation - https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/living-donation

Spread the Word…

Some stories are too meaningful to keep to ourselves. Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

The Light Up the Mic Podcast — Real People. Real Stories.

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

You’ve probably heard “the best things in life are free”—but are they really?

In this episode of the Light Up the Mic podcast, Kembala Evans explores this popular saying through street interviews to hear what real people think. Their answers spark unexpected conversations about love, money, work, family, faith, happiness—and even the air we breathe.

Some agree and others don’t. Then there’s a twist when one person surprisingly discovers her answer isn’t as black and white as she once thought.

7 Key Takeaways:

1. What’s Does "Free" Really Cost? Cost isn’t always measured in bills—sometimes it’s effort, energy, sacrifice, or time.
2. The Best Things Could Be Priceless. Something may not cost us a thing and still mean everything.
3. There’s Value in Working for Something. When we work for it, we may appreciate and care for it more.
4. More Money Doesn’t Mean More Happiness. Happiness could have less to do with money earned and more to do with how we spend our time.
5. Finding Joy in the Simple Things. Some of life’s greatest joys may be found in everyday moments, like taking a walk in the park or spending quality time with those we love.
6. Free Is Personal. Our faith, beliefs, and experiences can shape what being truly free means to us.
7. Reflection Can Change Our Perspective. Thinking a little deeper can help us see what truly matters.

Seven people. Seven different perspectives on what the best things in life mean and cost to them.

Listen to what they had to say and decide for yourself: 

Are the best things in life really free?

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

Divorce can leave behind a difficult question: Will I ever find love again?

Following Love After Divorce (Part 1), Kembala Evans explores remarriage after divorce. She sits down with Pat LaCroix, who opens up and answers real questions from people who've experienced divorce—from dating and learning to trust again to her non-negotiables, prenups, and blending a family.

But this time, we're also hearing a man’s perspective on divorce.

In an unexpected encounter on an airport shuttle in Pittsburgh, Kembala meets a man whose first marriage lasted only 18 months—but whose second has lasted almost 30 years. He candidly shares what divorce taught him, why trying again can be scary, and what helped him find lasting love.

And remarkably, his story and Pat's have something quite revealing in common.

It's an episode about divorce, healing, dating, second chances, remarriage—and why the end of one love story doesn't mean the end of love.

 7 Key Takeaways:

1. Know what you can and can't accept. Lasting relationships start with seeing people for who they are instead of entering a relationship hoping to change them. 
2. Don't let yesterday's hurt limit tomorrow's possibilities. Healing requires feeling the pain without allowing it to keep you stuck. 
3. Pay attention to the lessons from your first marriage. What didn't work the first time can teach you what's important—and help you do better the next time around. 
4. Know your non-negotiables. Experience can be a great teacher in helping you understand the values, qualities, and behaviors you need in a partner. 
5. Don't look for perfect—look for perfect for you. Compatibility matters more than finding someone without flaws. 
6. Lasting love still takes work. Nearly 30 years into his second marriage, the Pittsburgh gentleman says love is possible—but relationships require effort and compromise. 
7. Never give up on love. Divorce may end one chapter, but if you’re open to love again, it could lead to a new and even better love story. 

Resources:

1. Good Will Hunting movie
2. Quotes referenced:
   • “The person who seeks to change another person in a relationship basically sets the stage for a great deal of conflict.” - Wesley Snipes
   • “If you fall, fall on your back. If you can look up, you can get up.” - Les Brown

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Thanks for joining us today! 

We want to hear from you with any feedback, show ideas or thoughts. You can send us a text above or email to [email protected].

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Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

Have you ever stayed in a relationship because you didn’t know how to get off the roller coaster?

Pat LaCroix did. After seven years with her first boyfriend, she finally found the courage to end the relationship. She later married, became a mother of two, and after 11 years of marriage found herself facing divorce—and the challenge of starting over. 

But Pat never gave up on love.

In this candid conversation on Light Up the Mic, Pat sits down with Kembala Evans and shares what divorce taught her about herself, the remarkable second-chance story that reconnected her with someone she’d met 15 years earlier, and how she finally discovered what true partnership felt like.

From an undeniable “aha” moment involving Oprah and a box of Wheat Thins to learning to trust again, Pat gets candid about losing yourself in a relationship, recognizing what you can—and can't—accept in a partner, and why knowing yourself may be one of the most important steps toward lasting love. 

And, what would she tell her 18-year-old self about finding love?

“Play the field.”

It’s an episode about love, divorce, healing, self-discovery, second chances—and being willing to learn from the old story to craft a new and better love story.

In Part 2: Pat answers real questions from divorcees who want to know more.

7 Key Takeaways:

1. Know when to get off the roller coaster. Loyalty isn't a reason to stay in a relationship that isn't right for you.
2. Don't lose yourself in love. A healthy relationship leaves room for your own identity, interests, and independence. 
3. Reflect before you repeat. Pat reflected on what was missing from her first marriage and identified what she needed—and what wasn't negotiable—the next time around. 
4. Partnership is more than being together. Pat found her love, teammate and “partner in crime”— finally, someone she could share life with fully. 
5. Know what you can and can't accept. Nobody is perfect. Know your standards—and your deal breakers.
6. Stay open to love. Pat didn’t give up on marriage after divorce, She kept the faith—and found love again. 
7. Don't rush to find “the one.” Pat's three-word advice to her 18-year-old self: “Play the field.” Meet people, experience life, and learn who you are before making a serious commitment.

Resources:

• CDC on Marriages and Divorces
• Women More Likely Than Men to Initiate Divorces

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Thanks for joining us today! 

We want to hear from you with any feedback, show ideas or thoughts. You can send us a text above or email to [email protected].

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

How happy are we, really?

The latest World Happiness Report inspired Kembala Evans to take this question onto the streets of Georgia and Florida to find out how everyday people feel about happiness today. You’ll hear what happiness means to them, where they believe it really comes from, and the advice they'd offer someone struggling to find it.

From a 10-year-old's thoughtful reflection to heartfelt conversations about gratitude, faith, purpose, authenticity, and relationships, a remarkable pattern emerges. While every person's story is unique, many point to the same timeless principles that money can't buy.

If you're searching for more joy, navigating a difficult season, or simply curious about what happy people seem to know, this episode offers honest conversations, practical wisdom, and a hopeful reminder that happiness may be closer than you think.

And if life feels heavy right now, this episode also carries an important message: you don't have to struggle alone. Sometimes asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do.

Join Kembala for an inspiring journey into happiness—and discover how one small step can lead you to a happier, more meaningful life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Anchor yourself in something bigger. Faith and deeply held beliefs can provide strength and perspective through life's challenges.
2. Choose gratitude. Focusing on what you have instead of what you lack can transform the way you experience life.
3. Be true to yourself. Lasting happiness usually comes from living authentically instead of following someone else's expectations.
4. Live with purpose. Knowing what matters most helps guide your decisions and brings more fulfillment.
5. Invest in people and healthy habits. Meaningful relationships, honest conversations, and simple daily routines all contribute to well-being. 
6. Count your blessings and be a blessing. Helping others often brings joy back into our own lives.
7. Don't carry life's burdens alone. Reaching out for support is a sign of courage, and sometimes the first step toward healing and hope.

Resource: The World Happiness Report

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

What are you saying to yourself every day—and how might those words be shaping your life? 

In this episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans explores the power of affirmations, positive self-talk, and how our self-belief and mindset play a role in helping us become the person we want to be.

Drawing from personal experience, scientific research, and the stories of Muhammad Ali, Lady Gaga, W. Clement Stone, and Michael Jackson, Kembala shares how self-talk can shape our beliefs, choices, and ultimately our lives.

You'll learn what affirmations are, what the research says about their impact on stress, performance, self-belief, and well-being, and why so many successful people make them part of their daily lives.

Plus, you'll walk away with a practical 7-Day Challenge to help you become more aware of the conversations you're having with yourself, along with simple ways to bring more positive self-talk into your life.

7 Key Takeaways:

1. The conversations you have with yourself matter.
2. Affirmations help reinforce the beliefs you want to live by.
3. Research suggests affirmations can support performance and well-being.
4. Affirmations work best when combined with self-belief and action.
5. Many successful people have used positive affirmations to reach BIG goals.
6. It's about who you're becoming, not just what you're achieving.
7. Pay attention to the story you're telling yourself.

Resources:

• Affirmation Research:
  1. Carnegie Mellon University’s Self-Affirmation and Stress Performance Study
  2. Self-Affirmation Impact on Brain 
  3. Stanford University’s Self-Affirmations and Academic Success
• Book: Moonwalk by Michael Jackson
• Cleveland Clinic: Do Positive Affirmations Work 
• Mayo Clinic: Positive Thinking 

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

What if just 15 minutes… one simple sweat… could change how you feel—and ultimately, how you live?

In this episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala sits down with certified personal trainer Steve Parkin to explore what it really takes to build strength, transform your body, and stay committed to your health for life.

Born and raised in Jamaica without access to gyms, Steve shares how fitness changed his own life—and how, over 30 years as a trainer, he has helped others reclaim theirs. From helping a client recover after brain surgery to training a runner who returned from Graves’ disease to qualify for the Boston Marathon, this conversation goes far beyond weight loss.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, intimidated, unsure where to start, or wondered if it’s too late to make a change—this conversation is for you. 

You’ll learn why “just showing up” is the hardest—and most important—step, how clean eating fuels your body, and why chasing how you feel matters more than chasing how you look.

Together, Kembala and Steve discuss:

• Why movement is medicine
• How breaking a sweat impacts your mental health
• The importance of clean eating and recovery
• The dangers of losing muscle mass
• How to build strength the right way

This episode may change the way you think about fitness, aging, and what’s still possible for your life—while reminding you how one step could lead to your breakthrough. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Chase the feeling, not the look
2. Clean eating > dieting
3. Just showing up can change everything
4. Breaking a sweat can shift your mindset
5. Movement today protects your future
6. Healing and recovery are important 
7. It’s never too late to improve your life

Disclaimer: Be sure to consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional before starting any diet, lifestyle change, or exercise routine.

Resources:

• Connect with Steve Parkin on Instagram: @SparkinFitness
• Business Insider: Bob Marley’s Famous Last Words
• UC Davis Health on the Impact of GLP-1 Drugs 
• Statista: 1 in 8 Americans Use a GLP-1 Drug 

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

After seeing three words in gold—“Expect a Miracle”—on a tall black iron gate, Kembala couldn’t stop wondering what would make someone believe in miracles like that.

So, she set out to learn more—and discovered how a single mother’s dream became her reality: owning that very estate.

In this episode, Kembala and her friend Kai talk to real people in Florida and ask a simple question: Do you believe in miracles… and why or why not?

From doubt to deep faith, the answers were honest, surprising, and thought-provoking.

What they discovered—from real people to their own experiences—may change how you think about belief, alignment, and expectation.

As they reflect on that morning, what started as a simple outing turned into a series of moments they couldn’t ignore—reminding them that sometimes what doesn’t go as planned may lead to something even better.

This episode is about perspective, belief, and the power of expectation.

So maybe the real question is—what are you expecting?

In this episode, we explore:

• What people really think about miracles and real-life experiences.
• The contrast between belief and doubt.
• A powerful testimony that challenges perspective. 
• How unexpected moments can lead to meaningful connections. 
• The role of expectation in shaping our experiences.

Send us Fan Mail

Thanks for joining us today! 

We want to hear from you with any feedback, show ideas or thoughts. You can send us a text above or email to [email protected].

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Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

With rising costs, economic uncertainty, and increasing financial stress, many people are working harder than ever—but still feel like they’re falling behind.

In this episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans sits down with award-winning financial expert and CEO of MoneyChat, Dorethia Kelly, to break down what’s really keeping people stuck—and how to take control back.

From credit cards and emergency savings to job loss and major financial decisions like buying a car, this conversation delivers practical strategies and real-world insights you can apply immediately.

Dorethia shares how she helps clients get out of debt, recover from financial setbacks, and build a stronger financial future. She also discusses how you can:

• Avoid common debt traps 
• Reframe your path to the American Dream 
• Recover after job loss and rebuild savings 
• Reduce financial stress and build confidence with money 

Whether you're trying to get out of debt, improve your credit, or simply feel more in control of your finances, Dorethia delivers real, actionable advice to help you move forward. 

Key Takeaways:

1. Money is a tool—but how you use it determines your results.
   Financial success starts with mindset. 
2. Don’t beat yourself up about past mistakes.
   Focus on progress, not perfection. 
3. Emergency savings are critical—start small and build over time.
   Aim for 6–12 months expenses as a goal. 
4. Use credit cards strategically.
   Spend what you can pay off monthly. 
5. High-interest debt can keep you stuck—take action to reduce it.
   Increase income and follow a clear plan. 
6. Financial stress decreases when you take control and create a plan.
   Clarity builds confidence. 
7. Big purchases like cars require strategy—not emotion.
   Understand the total cost before committing.

Resources:

1. Connect with Dorethia 👉 Dorethia.com or on social media @iamdorethia
2. Dorethia's #MoneyChat® Book
3. Gen Z (Fortune) 
4. Average Car Payments (NerdWallet)
5. Financial Stress (NFCC)

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Thanks for joining us today! 

We want to hear from you with any feedback, show ideas or thoughts. You can send us a text above or email to [email protected].

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.

What does it really take to break barriers, rise to leadership, and create a life of purpose?

In this powerful episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans sits down with Terry Cardwell—former Accenture partner and global leader—who shares her journey navigating corporate America at a time when women were still fighting for a seat at the table.

Terry shares her journey navigating corporate America as one of the first women in her office. Through candid stories and practical insights, Terry highlights the importance of mentorship, resilience, visibility, and a strong work ethic.

Terry also reflects on her transition from corporate leadership to global philanthropy, underscoring the importance of impact-driven success.

Ultimately, this episode reframes success as the ability to influence and uplift others, encouraging listeners to pursue meaningful growth and define success on their own terms.

Key Takeaways:

1. Success is about more than a title. True success is measured by the lives you touch—not just the positions you hold.
2. No task is beneath you—excellence builds reputation. Even the smallest assignments are opportunities to prove your value.
3. Mentorship is a game changer. Having someone “at the table” advocating for you can accelerate your growth.
4. You must take ownership of your own career. Even without formal programs, you can create your own opportunities.
5. Visibility matters—don’t hide your potential. Seek out high-impact opportunities where your work can be seen.
6. Be intentional about celebrating your wins. Pausing to recognize achievements builds confidence and resilience.
7. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Whether it’s a new career path or a life goal, don’t give up.

McKinsey & Company 2025 Women in the Workplace Report

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Disclaimer: This "Light Up the Mic" podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. It is not intended to deliver legal, accounting, medical, or other professional services. If legal, accounting, medical or other professional advice is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. 

Links to Other Sites: The "Light Up the Mic" podcast may provide links to other sites and we provide no warranty for other sites. Sites that may be linked have their own policies. Users may reference their terms of use and privacy policy.