I used to think control was my ally, until life showed me it was actually one of my greatest teachers. In this episode, I reflect on two eye-opening experiences: revisiting Northwestern for homecoming two years post-grad, and an encounter with an Indian family visiting Chicago that challenged me to reassess my perspective on living in America.  Both moments revealed my slowly softening relationship with control and marked my ongoing growth in surrender, patience, and resolve.

Solo Episode: I Had to Redefine Success

Stay connected!

IG: takeaseatpodcast

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear on Take A Seat? I’d love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]

What do your relationships reveal about you—and how do you know when it’s time to audit them?

Cianna Hope sits down with therapist and writer Austin Newcomb to dive into Austin Essays—his series of personal reflections on the challenges and truths of navigating your 20s. In this conversation, Austin explores what it means to audit yourself and your friendships, set boundaries that bring clarity, and embrace the uncertainty of adulthood, inspired by his piece, “I’m the Most Social Person I Know and I’m Completely Alone.”

Substack: Austin's Essays

September's Journal Prompt: 46:40

IG: takeaseatpodcast

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear on Take A Seat? I’d love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]

What if our careers aren’t about having the answers, but asking the right questions?

Cianna Hope sits down with Bridget Thoreson, founder of My Career River—a community-centered platform for anyone curious about making a career shift but feeling stuck. In this episode, Bridget shares her own story and highlights others who’ve stepped away from the corporate ladder mindset to follow their own “career river.” She also offers actionable steps to help others navigate fulfilling career transformations and make decisions with more ease and intention.

August's Journal Prompt (52:50)

Take the Quiz: Which Career Transitioner Are You?

Stay connected!

IG: takeaseatpodcast

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear on Take A Seat? I’d love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]

What if success wasn’t about how much you do, but how well you care for yourself while doing it? In this solo episode, I’m opening up about my evolving definition of success—no longer tied to doing more, but to being aligned. If you’re in a season of stretching, questioning, or simply trying to keep up with life while staying grounded in who you are, join me at the table.

July's Journal Prompt (27:04)

Stay connected!

IG: takeaseatpodcast

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear on Take A Seat? I’d love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]

What does it mean to grow up in a city that shapes you, and still find the courage to carve your own path?

Cianna Hope sits down with friend, creative strategist, and a proud Chicago-native, Nia Robinson, for a heartfelt conversation on identity, career, and community.

From childhood memories to pivotal career shifts, they reflect on how passion, self-belief, and courage continue to guide their journeys forward.

3 journal prompts for the month (Tune in at 49:10)

Help me, help you! Survey Link: https://bit.ly/42LsDHR 

Have a topic or question you'd love to hear on Take A Seat? I’d love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]

Stay connected!

Instagram: @takeaseatpodcast 

I need your help to shape the future of Take A Seat Podcast! Please fill out this brief survey and share it with others! Link: https://bit.ly/42LsDHR 

Cianna Hope sits down with friend and political staffer Jordan Jefferson following their run-in last year in D.C. He opens up about how his upbringing in Mississippi shaped his life, shares personal realizations, and reflects on the lessons he’s learned while working alongside Congressman Bennie Thompson, former DNC Chair Jamie Harrison, and, most recently, the Biden-Harris administration.

Stay connected!

Instagram: @takeaseatpodcast

Instagram: @planetjordan

Cianna Hope sits down with Northwestern classmate and friend Ria Parab to reflect on their journey after graduating from their master’s program a year ago. Together, they discuss the key lessons they learned, their return to corporate life,  personal realizations, and their handle on dating.

Stay connected (:

Instagram: takeaseatpodcast

Cianna Hope sits down with LA-based entertainment journalist Giana Levy, known for profiling some of the biggest stars in film, culture, and entertainment. In this conversation, Giana reflects on the defining decisions and experiences that have shaped her journey and shares what she’s learned while pursuing her dreams and balancing life as it comes.

Stay connected! (:

Instagram: @takeaseatpodcast

Instagram: @gianalevy

Cianna Hope sits down with E—a world-traveling photographer, filmmaker, and author working with some of the biggest names in music, like Glorilla, Future, Latto, Burna Boy, Brent Faiyaz, and more. He opens up about navigating the highs and lows of pursuing his dreams and how a game-changing opportunity with Yo Gotti changed his life. 

Stay connected! (:

Instagram: @takeaseatpodcast

Instagram: @elabsarchives