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Is social media quietly draining your wallet? šø In this eye-opening episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans and Todd Christensen, financial educator and author of Everyday Money for Everyday People, dive into the digital spending trap millions of Americans fall into every day. From flashy ads and influencer āmust-havesā to sneaky algorithms designed to trigger impulse buys, social media isnāt just shaping what we seeāitās shaping how we spend.
Todd unpacks the psychology of online spending, the emotional triggers behind impulse purchases, and simple ways to become a more mindful consumer. He also discusses how ads, influencers, and algorithms are shaping what we see ā and how we can drive change. He breaks down how to spot manipulative algorithms and the small shifts that can help you take control.
Kembala also hits the streets to hear real voices on how social media affects their spending habits. And later, Paula in Canada, joins to share her buying based on social media ads experience. Youāll also hear a powerful real-world story about her smart $200 makeup purchase, to a dress that turned into a cautionary tale.Ā
Kembala wraps with an FTC alert on the $1.9 billion lost to social-media scams, plus actionable tips to protect your wallet and your peace of mind from scammers online.Ā
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
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Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
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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.Ā
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.
Money worries? From student debt to late payments to skyrocketing housing costs, Americans are losing sleep over money. In this candid episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans takes to the streets to hear real voices share their financial worries ā and the wisdom theyāve learned along the way.
Youāll hear from:
These raw, honest conversations reveal not only the struggles but also the solutions ā from budgeting with purpose to building emergency savings to focusing on what truly matters.
š§ Tune in for financial truths that cross generations and inspire small steps toward stability, peace of mind, and a stronger future.
Kembala shares some practical strategies for budgeting, building an emergency savings fund, and achieving your financial goalsāto help you worry less and feel better. She also ways to have more peace of mind, stability, and hope for the future.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Yahoo Finance/Marist Poll - My Money August 2025
Ā·Ā Ā Ā Changes to Federal Student Loans from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Ā·Ā Ā Ā āThe Richest Man in Babylonā book by George S. Clason
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
ā ļø Content Warning: This episode mentions domestic violence.
Everyone wants to be loved, but it can be hard. In this open and candid conversation, Carla Marie Mills joins Kembala to share why real love starts within. And how you can find healing, happiness and love again after a major breakup.Ā
Whether youāre navigating relationships, healing after divorce, or learning to embrace being happily single, this conversation will encourage you to keep your heart open and choose joy in every season.
Kembala and Carla unpack what love really means. They discuss the importance of self-love and wholeness on your journey. Carla shares lessons learned from relationships, healing after divorce, and the mindset that carried her through cancer treatment.
Throughout their conversation, Carla highlights the power of positivity and faith in overcoming life's challenges. She encourages listeners to keep their hearts open and pursue happiness.
Carlaās message is simple, honest, and powerful. She stresses the importance of not settling.
Key Takeaways:
Important Note - If you are experiencing domestic violence, help is available - call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, go to thehotline.org to chat, or text START to 88788. The hotline is available 24/7.
Resources:
š§ Listen & Subscribe - If this episode inspired you, please share it and follow Light Up the Mic so you never miss an episode!
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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 happens when your doctor says youāll be on meds āuntil your name is on the tombstoneā? For Oscar Camejo, that became a challenge to prove his doctor wrong. In this powerful episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans sits down with the Beating Diabetes Lifestyle podcast hostāto uncover his raw, emotional, and resilient journey of transformation.
Oscar opens up about the near-death diagnosis that forced him to confront his habits, the dramatic food purge that put him in grouch mode, and the exact steps that helped him lose 84 pounds and reverse type 2 diabetes. He also shares wisdom on diet, sleep, stress, hydration, and relationships.
Youāll also hear the unfiltered āWalrus and the Ringā story, where Oscar reveals what itās like to fight for your health when the support you expected isnāt there. His journey reminds us that progress, not perfection, is the real goal ā and that movement is medicine.
This is an empowering health transformation story about courage, resilience, and proving that progress, not perfection leads to real change.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
268 Pounds. Emergency Room. Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis.
For Oscar Camejo, that was the wake-up call of a lifetime. On a weekend, his doctorās office told him to rush to the emergency room ā because his life was on the line.
In this gripping and heartfelt conversation, Light Up the Mic host Kembala Evans sits down with WebMD contributor Oscar Camejo for a candid discussion that will both shake and inspire you. She uncovers how Oscar turned a shocking healthcare diagnosis into a powerful physical and mental transformation. From an overweight man out-of-breath taking the stairs to becoming a strong marathon and ultra runner, his transformational story is about faith, focus and getting back to the basics.Ā
Through vulnerability, resilience, and determination, he walks us through his journey of reclaiming his healthāsharing not only the physical steps but also the mindset shifts and community support that fueled his transformation. Oscar opens up about the lifestyle changes that helped him reverse his diabetes, drop the weight, and saved his life.
Whether youāre battling a health scare, looking for weight loss motivation, or seeking fitness inspiration, this conversation will give you the tools ā and the belief ā to start your own journey.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
In this inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans reconnects with high school track teammate and wellness advocate Vanessa Lain. With over 27 years in the healthcare industry and a passion for running that spans decades, Vanessa shares her personal journey of resilienceāfrom witnessing her motherās battle with obesity and diabetes to forging her own path of health, discipline, and community connection.
They discuss the importance of goals, accountability partners, and striking the right balance between diet and exercise to live healthier. They explore the impact of cortisol on weight management, the significance of strength training, and the challenges of overcoming injuries.
Vanessa opens up about breaking generational health patterns, the importance of your mindset, and the power of accountability through running groups and fitness routines. Whether youāre just getting started on your wellness journey or looking for motivation to keep going, this conversation will remind you that itās never too late to change your storyāone step at a time.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
-Ā Ā Ā Ā Is There An Age When You Can Start Eating Whatever You Want?
-Ā Ā Ā Ā 6 Exercises That Can Help You Live LongerāNo Gym Membership Required
-Ā Ā Ā Ā Ida Keelingās book Can't Nothing Bring Me Down
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
Content Warning ā ļø: This episode contains an open and honest discussion of depression and suicide. It may be triggering for some. Please use discretion before listening. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifelineāavailable 24/7.Ā
In this inspiring and revealing episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala speaks with renowned Zen student, teacher, and author Cheri Huber. Cheri shares her deeply personal story of moving from suffering to self-compassion, and how awareness can help us find true joy. Cheri shares her struggles with depression and the major turning point that led her to Zen.
This is a conversation about healing, hope, and finding happiness.
She also discusses her philanthropic work in Zambia, where she launched a feeding and education program that now serves over 1,000 children.Ā
Cheriās message is clear and deeply empowering: Thereās nothing wrong with you. Our healing begins when we stop believing the voices of self-hate and start choosing love. This conversation is a powerful reminder that transformation is possibleāand that healing begins with unconditional love for ourselves.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
In this deeply enlightening episode, Kembala speaks with renowned Zen student, teacher, and author Cheri Huber. Cheri has over 45 years of experience with Zen. She is the author of 24 books, including There Is Nothing Wrong With You.Ā
They discuss the journey of self-acceptance, the layers that people build over time, and the transformative power of love and understanding in overcoming personal challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness, unconditional love, and being present in the moment, as well as the significance of recognizing one's true nature beneath societal conditioning.
From the impact of technology on real human relations to how loveānot punishmentāheals hurt, this episode invites listeners to rethink judgment, embrace self-compassion, and reconnect with the simple joys of nature, meditation, and childlike innocence. Cheri shares practical ways to find peace in a noisy world and offers resources for those struggling with anxiety and depression.Ā
Whether you're experienced with Zen or just curious about it, this episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and explore it more.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
Born with one leg, Carl Joseph never accepted limits. In this deeply inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans speaks with Carl āSugarfootā Josephāa Hall of Fame athlete. Carl Joseph's praying single mother raised him on a tobacco farm in Madison, Floridaāwithout using the word āhandicap.ā Carlās story is a powerful testament to faith, grit, and unwavering self-belief.Ā
With no prosthetic and no excuses, he excelled in sports earning eight varsity letters in football, basketball, and trackābecoming a state legend and eventually inducted into the Florida High School Hall of Fame.Ā
He shares how faith, self-belief, and resilience fueled every step of his journeyāfrom dominating high school sports to inspiring youth across the nation. Carl opens up about bullying, spiritual purpose, missed NFL dreams, and the life-changing impact of being seen not for what he lacked, but for who he truly is.
This is more than a sports story. Itās a testimony of whatās possible when you believe in yourself and trust in something greater.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
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Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
In this colorful episode, Kembala speaks with engineer and devoted father Roderick Langrin about fatherhood. Growing up with a single mother, Roderick was intentional in creating his own father blueprint.Ā
They discuss the origins of Fatherās Day from Sonora Smart Doddās campaign in 1910 Spokane, WA to its national recognition in 1972. Roderick shares his idea of a perfect Fatherās Day and his most treasured giftsāagainst a backdrop of the National Retail Federationās projected $24 billion in Fatherās Day spending (2025).Ā
Roderick shares invaluable, candid lessons on navigating fatherhood, prioritizing his children first, and his dedication to having lasting connections.Ā
What do dads want most? Kembala reveals the Top 5 things American dads wantĀ for Fatherās Day 2025 (YouGov survey).
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
š If you're a dad, have a dad, or want to be a dadāthis oneās for you.
š Follow, share, leave a review or send us a textš
Send us Fan Mail
Thanks for joining us today!Ā
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].
Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcast
Follow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:
X: @Kembala
YouTube: @KembalaEvansĀ (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
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.Ā
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.
From the publisher's feed
Light Up the Mic shines a light on meaningful conversations that help you win in life. Through honest stories and inspiring interviews, you'll hear how everyday people and remarkable guestsā¦
Every story has the power to change the way we see ourselves and the world around us. The lessons we learn from others can inspire us to think differently, grow through life's challenges, and believe more deeply in what's possible.
Because one conversation... one idea... or one story could change your life.
šļø New episodes released monthly ā every second Wednesday.