Passion and Purpose with Pamela

Welcome to the beginning of our journey through Panama! In this first episode of Panama: Beyond the Postcard, we arrive in Panama City and experience some of the sights many visitors encounter—the energy of the city, beautiful architecture, Old Town, local shopping, wonderful food, the Amador Causeway, and, of course, the Panama Canal. But this series is about much more than beautiful scenery and tourist destinations.

One of my passions has always been traveling—not simply to see new places, but to learn from them. As our journey continues, we'll move beyond the postcard to explore Panama's history, culture, people, African and Caribbean influences, and stories that many of us may never have been taught. This first episode is only the introduction. This is a journey, not a destination—and we're just getting started. Welcome to Panama: Beyond the Postcard. — Passion & Purpose with Pamela

This podcast was created for you. Because if you’ve lived any amount of time in this world, then you already understand that life is not always easy. We all carry stories, struggles, lessons, disappointments, victories, and moments that shape who we become.

I created this space so we can have real conversations about purpose, growth, healing, faith, resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to keep moving forward through every season of life.

My hope is that every episode leaves you encouraged, challenged, inspired, and reminded that you are not alone on this journey.

We learn from one another. We grow through one another. And most importantly — we lift as we climb.

Welcome to Passion and Purpose with Pamela.

Bonita Bryant is a dynamic educator, author, and leader who embodies what it means to live and lead with purpose. As an Associate Faculty member at the Academic Engagement Center within the School of General Studies, Bonita has dedicated her career to empowering students and shaping meaningful learning experiences across multiple institutions.

In this episode, Bonita shares her journey of impact—balancing her professional calling with a deeply rooted commitment to family, faith, and personal growth. A published author through Amazon KDP, she brings wisdom, resilience, and authenticity to every space she enters.

In this conversation, we explore:

• What it truly means to lead with purpose
• The power of education in transforming lives
• Balancing career, calling, and family
• Lessons learned from a life of service and impact

This episode is a powerful reminder that purpose is not just something you find—it’s something you live every day.

In this episode of Living Fully, Truthfully — This Season, Dr. Pamela Hardy-Shepard explores a powerful shift many experience but rarely talk about—the moment your body begins to speak louder.

This is not about decline. It’s about awareness.

As we move into a new season of life, fatigue, stress, sleep, and energy begin to change. Instead of seeing these shifts as problems to fix, this episode invites you to consider a different perspective: your body is not working against you—it’s communicating with you.

In this conversation, we explore: • Why the body becomes more vocal in this season of life • The cost of ignoring physical and emotional signals • How to shift from pushing through to paying attention • The connection between awareness, alignment, and longevity • What it really means to respect your body, not control it

If you’ve ever felt like your body is changing in ways you don’t fully understand, this episode will help you reframe that experience with clarity, compassion, and truth.

• In this episode of Passion and Purpose with Pamela, we welcome Louvenia Brevard, whose work and lived experience bring insight, compassion, and purpose to the conversation.
• Louvenia shares her journey into advocacy and care, offering a powerful perspective on navigating complex systems and supporting individuals and families in need.
• This conversation explores:
  • What inspired her path into this work
  • The realities families face when navigating care systems
  • The importance of advocacy, education, and support
  • Lessons learned through lived and professional experience
• Louvenia offers thoughtful guidance for those seeking clarity, direction, and support in similar situations.
• A meaningful and informative discussion centered on service, resilience, and purpose.

Episode Description

In this episode of Passion and Purpose with Pamela, we welcome Donna Fortenberry, a People & Culture Strategist and Executive Coach with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations develop high-performing leaders and strong workplace cultures.

Donna shares practical insights on leadership, culture, and the importance of leading with intention in today’s evolving workplace.

In this conversation we explore:

• What it means to lead with intention
• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership
• Building cultures that support performance and belonging
• Navigating leadership challenges and organizational change

🎙 Guest: Donna Fortenberry People & Culture Strategist | Executive Coach | Leadership Advisor

This Season is a podcast for women (and the men who love them) entering the most powerful, awakened, and discerning chapter of life. Hosted by Dr. Pamela Hardy-Shepard, this show explores what it really means to live with intention, health, clarity, courage, and joy—especially in a world that feels loud, uncertain, and ever-changing.

Each episode dives into the real questions of this season: • How do we care for our bodies with respect, not fear? • What does aging look like when you see it as expansion, not decline? • How do we stay human and hopeful when society feels fractured? • How do travel, curiosity, and new adventures keep us alive inside? • And what does it look like to choose truth over performance?

Through solo reflections, expert conversations, and grounded, honest dialogue, Dr. Pamela guides listeners toward deeper self-awareness, longevity, reinvention, and purpose.

If you’re ready to live awake—not shrinking, not numbing, not apologizing—this podcast is your invitation.

Living Fully, Truthfully — This Season is a podcast for women (and the men who love them) entering the most powerful, awakened, and discerning chapter of life. Hosted by Dr. Pamela Hardy-Shepard, this show explores what it really means to live with intention, health, clarity, courage, and joy—especially in a world that feels loud, uncertain, and ever-changing.

Each episode dives into the real questions of this season: • How do we care for our bodies with respect, not fear? • What does aging look like when you see it as expansion, not decline? • How do we stay human and hopeful when society feels fractured? • How do travel, curiosity, and new adventures keep us alive inside? • And what does it look like to choose truth over performance?

Through solo reflections, expert conversations, and grounded, honest dialogue, Dr. Pamela guides listeners toward deeper self-awareness, longevity, reinvention, and purpose.

If you’re ready to live awake—not shrinking, not numbing, not apologizing—this podcast is your invitation.

As the year comes to a close, Passion & Purpose with Pamela pauses to reflect, celebrate, and give thanks. In this special year-end solo episode, Dr. Pamela Hardy-Shepard looks back on powerful conversations, inspiring guests, and the lessons that moved us—while also stepping into the role of her own final guest. With wisdom, gratitude, and intention, Pamela shares reflections on purpose, growth, leadership, and trusting yourself as you step into a new year. This episode is an invitation to breathe, reflect, and move forward with clarity, courage, and purpose.

In this episode of Passion and Purpose with Pamela, we welcome Tanzania Skinner—a San Diego native whose journey reflects faith, resilience, and purpose. From earning her Mathematics degree at Hampton University to pursuing medicine and ultimately finding her calling in nursing, Tanzania’s path is a story of divine redirection. She continued her education with an MBA in Healthcare and a Master’s in Nursing from Johns Hopkins University, where she commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps.

Her story reminds us that even when plans change, purpose remains. Tune in to hear her powerful journey of trusting God’s timing and walking boldly into purpose.