Living in the Sweet Spot with Angelique Francis

My next guest in the Sweet Spot is Raquel Delermeis a PhD Candidate at the University of Southern California. Her research examines how legal institutions reproduce economic, social, and environmental inequality for racialized women. Raquel's first ongoing stream of work explores the caregiving experiences of women with incarcerated adult children. Her dissertation work pivots to ask how penal institutions and the climate crisis are co-constitutive of one another, especially as it relates to racialized and gendered labor exploitation, the siting of prisons, and extreme weather events. Raquel's impactful work has been published in Gender & Society and The Conversation.  “The mommas are still holding it down!” 

Join us for this weighty and hot topic in the Sweet Spot!  

In this episode, Angelique Francis sits down with Lawrence Koh, founder and CEO of International Diversified Products, to discuss his journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar company.

Lawrence shares how success takes more than just willpower it takes clarity, consistency, and a commitment to creating solutions that serve others. For him, achievement isn't just about personal gain, but about impact. When your success benefits others, it becomes something much more powerful.

In this episode of Living in the Sweet Spot , Angelique welcomes Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis into the Sweet Spot for a conversation that goes far beyond the stage. Known for his powerful voice and unforgettable presence, Norm opens up about his humble beginnings, his deep commitment to character-driven work, and the values that have guided his extraordinary career. From Broadway to Hollywood and everywhere in between, this is a story about grace, perseverance, and staying true to the pursuit of dramatic artistry excellence.

Angelique welcomes America’s Court Judge Kevin Ross to the Sweet Spot for a conversation about where he came from, why he chose the bench, and what keeps him grounded. He opens up about his childhood in South Central L.A., the lessons that shaped him early on, and how he turned purpose into a platform. It’s a story about pushing through, no matter where you start.

Zo Williams, host of The Voice of Reason on KBLA, joins us for a powerful conversation on relationships, self-awareness, and why love is often more about inner work than outer perfection. With his signature insight and raw honesty, Zo shares his background, what led him to this work, and the core philosophy that shapes his approach to everything from heartbreak to healing. Whether you’re navigating a breakup, building something new, or just ready for some real talk, this episode will challenge what you think you know about connection.

This is a rich and reflective episode — honoring James Baldwin through the lens of Charles Reese’s artistry and personal transformation. Let’s craft a title and description that captures the emotional depth, creative process, and legacy Baldwin left behind — and how it reshaped Charles from the inside out.

We’re welcoming back artist James Elcock to Living in the Sweet Spot , this time, his story is even more powerful. After becoming disabled due to a tragic accident and being told he’d never walk again, James defied every expectation. In this episode, he opens up about what it took to reclaim his body, his mindset, and his art. This isn’t just a comeback it’s a masterclass in perseverance, identity, and finding purpose when the path forward seems impossible.

What happens when a long marriage ends after decades together? In this episode, Dr. Camille Banks-Lee joins us to talk about gray divorce — the emotional and life-shifting experience of separating after age 50. We get into why it's happening more often, what it means for identity and healing, and how to move forward with grace. Whether you’ve lived it or are just curious, this conversation is full of real talk, insight, and hope.

Attorney and BecuzofU podcast host Cheri Freeman-Watkins joins us for a timely and powerful conversation about what justice really looks like and who gets left behind when access depends on income. She shares how her work focuses on equitable legal support, what true leadership means in the fight for fairness, and how practicing gratitude keeps her grounded through it all. With clarity, conviction, and compassion, Cheri reminds us that justice isn't just a system it's a calling.

This week, we’re talking about something most men don’t talk about enough, prostate cancer and how it impacts not just health, but identity, intimacy, and everyday life. Terry Williams, a urological research coordinator, joins us to share real talk about what men go through physically and emotionally, and why it’s so important to have these conversations. If you or someone you love is facing prostate issues, this episode offers clarity, connection, and a reminder that no one has to face it alone. All of this in the Sweet Spot.