More Than 2 Min.

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There are seasons when the person everyone leans on needs somewhere to lean, too.

In this episode of More Than 2 Min., Wil E. sits down with Carla D. Walker, a transitional life coach, educator, and founder of Live On Purpose. Together, they explore the woman behind the work: her Dallas roots, the music that has followed her through life, and the season that asked her to give herself the care she had offered others.

Carla speaks candidly about boundaries, faith, identity, and recovery that does not follow someone else’s timetable. The conversation also looks at the difference between helping people set goals and clinical therapy, the honesty relationships require, and the courage to return to singing before everything feels perfect.

The episode closes with Culture Check, bringing television, music, and a little laughter into a conversation about becoming.

Guest: Carla D. Walker
Host: Wil E.

Connect with Carla: https://www.instagram.com/carlad365/
The Test, mentioned in the conversation: https://safaithpublishing.com/our-books
Midlife Mixtape — current ticket details: https://www.ticketmaster.com/midlife-mixtape-featuring-jesse-jayy-carla-dallas-texas-11-07-2026/event/0C006538DC87F4C1

Follow More Than 2 Min. in your podcast app and share this episode with someone navigating a new season.

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What happens when you’ve been shot at, set on fire, and fed poison — and you’re still standing?

On this episode of More Than 2 Min., host Wil E. sits down with Lion Aurah, a Dallas-based actor, model, poet, martial artist, and creator of Lap Dance Poetry, for an unforgettable conversation about survival, identity, grief, creativity, and transformation.

Raised in Oak Cliff and Pleasant Grove, Dallas, Lion shares stories from a life that sounds almost unbelievable — protecting family from gunfire as a teenager, surviving dangerous encounters, discovering martial arts, landing his first acting commercial as an angry jumbo shrimp, and finding himself unexpectedly on a Los Angeles runway in front of thousands of people.

There’s even a wild story involving DMX’s entourage, a pool hall, and a decision that could have changed his modeling career forever.

But behind the extraordinary stories is a deeply personal journey.

Lion explains how his wife gave him the name “Lion Auhra” after seeing the energy he carried into a room — and how her death from COVID-19 changed everything. Rather than simply mourning the loss of his wife, Lion describes burying his former identity with her and beginning the process of becoming someone new.

Now, after four years of celibacy, Lion channels grief, passion, memory, and creativity into Lap Dance Poetry, an erotic and boundary-pushing form of performance poetry that has taken him to venues and events across the country, including South by Southwest and New York Fashion Week-related events.

Wil E. and Lion also explore the psychology of being “the strong one” — the person everyone depends on but rarely asks, “How are you doing?” They talk about social engineering, the changing landscape of music, gentrification, masculinity, relationships, creativity, and the importance of discovering what you’re capable of when life forces you to start over.

And yes… the conversation eventually gets to wigs, nail polish, and the swimming test.

This is a conversation about survival, grief, resilience, Black creativity, Dallas culture, poetry, acting, identity, masculinity, and finding the lion within.

🎙️ IN THIS EPISODE

• Lion’s season of “finding out how far I can go”
• Growing up in Oak Cliff & Pleasant Grove, Dallas
• Protecting family and children from gunfire at age 14
• High school test-cheating pranks and fake nightmares
• His first acting commercial as an angry jumbo shrimp
• The DMX entourage and pool hall story
• The runway walk that could have launched his modeling career
• Why Lion threw away a top LA agent’s card
• “I’m hard to kill” — surviving bullets, fire, and poison
• Martial arts and competing with virtually no training
• Church confession-card pranks: Hugh Jazz, I.P. Freely & Ben Dover
• How his wife gave him the name “Lion Aura”
• Losing his wife to COVID-19
• Burying his old identity and starting over
• Pushing nearly 1,000 pounds after a head-on collision
• “The cost of the strong” and why nobody checks on the person holding everyone up
• Creating Lap Dance Poetry
• Performing erotic poetry across the country
• Four years of celibacy
• Social engineering and human behavior
• The gentrification of music
• Culture Check: clear nail polish, wigs & the swimming test

🎧 GUEST

Lion Aurah
Actor • Model • Poet • Martial Artist • Creator of Lap Dance Poetry

Instagram: @LionAurah
Facebook: Lion Aurah
TikTok: @LionAurah
IMDb: Lion Aurah
Watch Lion Aurah on Tubi & Amazon Prime

🎙️ HOST

Wil E.
Host of More Than 2 Min. Podcast

🔎 SEARCH TOPICS

Lion Aurah • Lion Aura • Lion Aurah interview • More Than 2 Min Podcast • Dallas actor • Dallas model • Dallas poet • Oak Cliff Dallas • Pleasant Grove Dallas • Lap Dance Poetry • Black poets • Black actors • Black creatives • Dallas creatives • Dallas podcast • Texas podcast • poetry performance • erotic poetry • grief and loss • COVID grief • surviving violence • resilience • self-discovery • personal transformation • masculinity • celibacy • martial arts • South by Southwest • SXSW • Dallas culture • Black culture

Real people. Real journeys. Real impact.

If Lion’s story resonates with you, share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that there’s still a lion within them.

#MoreThan2Min #LionAurah #LapDancePoetry #DallasPodcast #DallasPoet #DallasActor #BlackCreatives #OakCliff #BlackPoets #Grief #Resilience #SelfDiscovery

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What happens when a creative vision becomes a lifelong commitment to culture, community, and the next generation?

In this episode of More Than 2 Min, presented by Greenhouse Lounge & Wellness Center in DeSoto TX. Wil E. sits down with Curtis King, founder of The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) and visionary behind the Riverfront Jazz Festival in Dallas, Texas.

King takes us from his childhood in Coldwater, Mississippi, and his early success as a young actor, through Jackson State University and TCU, to the extraordinary story of how the history of TBAAL was salvaged from a New York dumpster—ultimately inspiring him to start the organization with just $250.

Curtis also opens up about his current season of transition and transformation, overcoming obstacles, faith, creativity, and his philosophy that artists are healers and entertainment can support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
We dive into the vision behind the Riverfront Jazz Festival, why Black music—from jazz and blues to R&B, gospel and hip-hop—is connected through the Black experience, and how the festival helps create visibility while supporting TBAAL’s youth arts and education programs.

King previews the ninth annual Riverfront Jazz Festival, happening September 4–6, 2026 at Fair Park in Dallas, featuring Gladys Knight, Brian McKnight, Samara Joy, Spyro Gyra, King George, Bilal, Marian Meadows, Alex Bugnon, Kim Waters, Jamal Roberts, Afro-Fusion Band, and more.

The episode closes with Culture Check: Riverfront Edition, where Curtis King reflects on memorable festival performances, including Erykah Badu, Mary Wilson, Freda Payne, Eloise Laws, Rachelle Ferrell and others—and shares who he’s most excited to see in 2026.

In this episode: Curtis King • TBAAL • The Black Academy of Arts and Letters • Riverfront Jazz Festival • Dallas Jazz • Black Arts & Culture • Art as Healing • Music & Mental Well-Being • Youth Arts Education • Black Music • Dallas Events • Fair Park Dallas
Riverfront Jazz Festival 2026: September 4–6, 2026 | Fair Park, Dallas, Texas
#CurtisKing #TBAAL #RiverfrontJazzFestival #DallasJazz #MoreThan2Min

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In this unfiltered episode of More Than 2 Min, Keisha Nixon shares her journey from surviving domestic abuse and a wrongful criminal case to becoming a voice for community advocacy, justice reform, and political accountability.

After being arrested and indicted following an act of self-defense, Keisha’s experience exposed the deeper realities of the criminal justice system, including systemic bias, political influence, and gaps in accountability. Instead of staying silent, she turned her survival into purpose—advocating for individuals and families still navigating injustice.

In this episode, we explore:
● The truth about the criminal justice system and wrongful prosecution
● The importance of police accountability and reform
● How local politics directly impacts communities
● Ongoing concerns around school safety and child protection
● The root causes of voter apathy in marginalized communities

This episode highlights the power of resilience, advocacy, and using your voice to create change.

If you’re passionate about justice, community leadership, and real conversations that drive impact, then sit back, grab some tea, because this episode is for you.

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In Episode 10 of More Than 2 Min, we sit down with activist, stylist, and community organizer Lelani Marie Russell for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about activism, identity, mental health, and self-discovery.

From growing up in Dallas to becoming a frontline voice in protests across Texas, Lelani shares her journey into activism—including her first protest at just 14 years old, experiences with police brutality, and what it truly means to live a life committed to fighting for justice. She opens up about the emotional toll of activism, navigating community challenges, and the reality of being on the front lines.

This episode dives into:
• The truth about activism as a lifestyle vs. a moment
• The impact of police brutality and systemic injustice
• Mental health, postpartum depression, and healing
• Finding your “me season” and reclaiming your identity
• Community, culture, and breaking generational cycles
• Style as self-expression and personal empowerment

Lelani Marie Russell also shares how she transitioned from constant activism to prioritizing self-care, therapy, and personal growth—without losing her voice or purpose.

If you’re interested in social justice, Black community conversations, mental health awareness, personal growth, activism stories, or real-life experiences from the front lines, this episode is a must-watch.

🎙️ More Than 2 Min is a podcast focused on real people, real journeys, and real impact—going beyond the surface to uncover stories that shape our communities and inspire what’s next.

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In this inspiring episode of More Than 2 Min, Vallery “I Get Stuff Done” Mitchell shares her journey from being placed in foster care at birth to becoming the founder & CEO of the Fostering Dreams Foundation and an award-winning nonprofit leader.

Vallery dives into her “season of growth,” balancing graduate school, leadership, and service while staying grounded in purpose. She reflects on how her upbringing shaped her passion for serving foster youth and how she turned that passion into a thriving organization impacting thousands of lives.

This episode explores:
• Life in the foster care system and identity challenges
• Turning trauma into purpose and community impact
• Building a nonprofit with limited funding
• The importance of mental health, healing, and boundaries
• Lessons from athletics, coaching, and leadership
• Faith, discipline, and resilience in entrepreneurship

The story of Vallery Mitchell is a powerful reminder that healing is ongoing—and that purpose is often born from the very challenges we face.

🎙️ So sit back, grab some tea, and tune in for a conversation about growth, grit, and giving back.

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In this episode of More Than 2 Min, we sit down with Donna Dabbs, owner of Dabbs Decor and Gifts, to explore her journey from a quiet, shy girl growing up in Oak Cliff, Texas to becoming a successful entrepreneur, home designer, and creative force in the Dallas area.

Donna shares how her early experiences at Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts shaped her love for design, staging, and storytelling through space. From working behind the scenes in theater production to building a business rooted in intentional design, affordability, and community impact, her story is one of growth, vision, and purpose.

We dive deep into:

• The power of home decor and interior design in shaping your mental health
• How color, lighting, and space influence your mood and daily energy
• Why home staging is essential in real estate and how it helps buyers visualize their future
• The journey of launching a women-owned small business in DeSoto, Texas
• How to decorate your home on a budget without sacrificing style
• The difference between trends vs. personal style in your living space
• Why art, culture, and exposure matter in our communities

Donna also breaks down how she turned her passion into a business, the risks of entrepreneurship, and how she creates a positive, affordable, and unique shopping experience for her customers.

This episode is more than design—it’s about identity, creativity, community, and building spaces that heal and inspire.

So sit back, grab some tea, and get ready for a great conversation!

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In this powerful episode of More Than 2 Min, host Wil E. sits down with Richard A. Prince II, entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Building Better Fathers, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families by empowering and supporting men in their journey through fatherhood.

Richard shares his remarkable story of growing up in South Dallas, watching his father build community programs from the ground up, and how those early experiences shaped his mission to uplift fathers and build stronger communities.

Throughout the conversation, Richard opens up about the personal challenges that forged his resilience — including loss, health struggles, entrepreneurship setbacks, and the moments that pushed him to rely on faith, perseverance, and purpose.

Listeners will hear how those experiences led Richard to create Building Better Fathers, an organization focused on mentorship, community engagement, and providing practical tools for men striving to become better fathers, partners, and leaders.

The conversation also dives into Richard’s entrepreneurial journey, including how he developed and patented a smart mailbox designed to prevent package theft, demonstrating how innovation can come directly from real-life community needs.

This episode explores:

• The importance of strong fathers in building healthy communities
• The emotional and spiritual challenges men face in modern fatherhood
• How mentorship and community support can change lives
• The power of entrepreneurship and invention in solving everyday problems
• Why collaboration, faith, and resilience are critical for long-term success

Richard also discusses the lessons he learned from adversity and why he believes that the future depends on communities creating their own opportunities, technologies, and businesses.

If you care about fatherhood, entrepreneurship, community leadership, innovation, and faith-driven purpose, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

So grab your tea, sit back, and join us for an unforgettable conversation with Richard Prince II.

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In this powerful episode of More Than 2 Min, host Wil E. sits down with motivational speaker, bestselling author, and community leader Dr. A'londa Barber- Kusimo for a deeply personal conversation about faith, identity, trauma, leadership, and transformation.

Dr. Kusimo shares her journey from growing up in Oak Cliff, via Dallas Tx., attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts; from being mentored by Savion Glover and Gregory Hines to become a certified hoofer, to navigating trauma, identity struggles, and mental health challenges before ultimately discovering freedom through faith.

She also discusses her work in community leadership, running for DeSoto City Council, and founding the DeSoto African-American Heritage Society to preserve the city’s rich Black history.

This conversation explores the weight of servant leadership, the importance of mental health, and the power of telling your story before someone else tells it for you.

If you’re interested in conversations about faith, purpose, community leadership, and personal growth, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. So sit back, grab your tea and spend More Than 2 Min. with us!

⸻

Topics Covered

• Faith and personal transformation
• Overcoming trauma and abuse
• Mental health and therapy
• Leadership and civic responsibility
• Running for city council
• Black history in DeSoto, Texas
• Branding and discovering your purpose

About the Podcast

More Than 2 Min is a podcast focused on real conversations about culture, leadership, business, and community voices.

Support the show

"Text 'SPONSOR' to 469-609-7540 for advertising info"

In this episode of More Than 2 Min, we sit down with South Oak Cliff by way of Dallas Tx. native and DeSoto Tx. boutique owner Catrice Hines for a thoughtful conversation on identity, confidence, and the deeper meaning behind what we wear.

From early memories of designer jeans and charm school to spiritual growth and redefining personal expression, Catrice shares how her style evolved from survival to empowerment.

We unpack:
• The difference between fashion and style
• How clothing reflects spiritual and mental shifts
• Boutique culture as community therapy
• First impressions and environment awareness
• The value of thrifting
• Fashion pressure then vs. now
• How to build a $100 jazz lounge look

Plus, a fun “This or That” 90s fashion edition.

This episode reminds us that getting dressed isn’t superficial — it’s personal.

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