Alyssa Michelle Stewart joins Terrance for a wide-ranging conversation about poetry, songwriting, performance, photography, and the family and cultural roots that shaped her creative life. She shares how storytelling shows up across her work, why poetry and songs feel different in her process, and how she approaches teaching, performing, and staying open to inspiration.

We discuss how she moved from family traditions and childhood media into writing and music, what it means to create with seasonal awareness, and why supporting local artists matters. Alyssa also reflects on vulnerability, candid photography, and the idea that you are every age you have ever been.

Connect with Alyssa:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alyssummichelle/

Bandcamp - https://localhoney.bandcamp.com/album/slight-foxing

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Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

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Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

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Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

This solo episode from Terrance P. Elmore builds on the previous discussion about goals by making a simple case: the people already around you may be the ones who can help you move faster, think better, and solve problems sooner. Terrance uses a real work situation to show how quickly relationships change when someone suddenly needs your help, then turns that into a broader reminder about valuing the people in your everyday life.

We discuss why conversations matter more than status, why help can come from unexpected places, and why you should be just as willing to support others as you are to ask for support.

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Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

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Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

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YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

EPISODE DESCRIPTION - Ready to publish

Season 6 opens with a wake-up call for anyone who has been sitting on a goal too long: stop pausing, stop overthinking, and get back in the game. Terrance P. Elmore kicks off the Brown Sugar Cafe Podcast with a deeply personal check-in on his own writing, his new novel, and the self-sabotage that can hide inside “good” distractions.

He traces the journey from blog poems to podcast host to six full seasons, but this premiere is really about what happens when momentum slips - and how to rebuild it. If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll start again next week, next month, or “when things calm down,” this episode will hit home fast.

You’ll hear Terrance break down:

why positive distractions can still pull you away from the main thing

how to tell the difference between a pause and a permanent stop

why accountability changes everything, from public deadlines to private discipline

when it’s time to level up your current goals instead of coasting

how to restart a project when the strategy no longer fits

Terrance also shares what’s coming this season, including more poets, more original poetry, and a renewed commitment to the show’s mission: poetry meets conversation, and love over hate, one episode at a time.

This is an honest, motivating reset for creators, dreamers, and anyone who knows they are capable of more than they’ve been giving themselves lately. Perfect for the moment you need to stop making excuses and start moving again.

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

Season 6 Premiere will be dropping on 8/81/26!

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

We've made it to the end of the season! In this episode I give a recap as I get ready to celebrate National Poetry Month.

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

In this inspiring interview, poet and librettist Tifara Brown shares her journey into Afrofuturism, the creation of her opera 'Lalo Vavi,' and the transformative power of poetry for healing and community. Discover how her work bridges history, culture, and imagination to shape future narratives.

Connect with Tifara:

Webstite - https://www.tifarabrown.com/

TEDx Video: https://youtu.be/1c7Ib4gcBlY?si=Y4UAtfamEH4vBHEt

Spoken Word Video: https://youtu.be/5uwThxL22SU?si=dQYk8qrheGfE0IZz

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

In this episode A$iah Mae, Charleston's poet laureate and filmmaker, returns to share her journey of staying true to her craft without compromising her values. In this episode, A$iah delves into her matriarchal roots, the transformative power of community, and the significance of authenticity in artistry. Discover how her family's mosaic heritage has shaped her understanding of resilience and creativity, and explore her innovative projects like the Saltwater Cinema Club. A$iah's insights on navigating the art world, resisting gatekeeping, and embracing indie films offer inspiration for artists and cultural enthusiasts alike. Tune in to celebrate Black artistry, honor roots, and craft a life rooted in integrity.

Connect with A$iah:

https://www.AsiahMae.com

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

In this episode, videographer and storyteller Trenise Elmore shares her journey from childhood fascination with cameras to traveling across the U.S. filming reality TV and documentaries. She discusses the importance of storytelling, navigating a male-dominated industry, and the impact of AI on creative work.

Connect with Trenise:

Website - www.YourWorldOnFilm.com

Instagram - www.Instagram.com/YourWorldOnFilm

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

In this episode, my wife, D. Nicole—creator of It’s Clay By the Way—shares how her handmade polymer earrings went from a pandemic hobby to being featured in the International African American Museum gift shop and even on the game show Family Feud. Her journey reveals how investing in the right tools, continuous learning, and faith can turn passion into a thriving business, proving how the artistry of polymer clay makes every pair uniquely stunning.

Connect with D. Nicole:

Website - https://itsclaybytheway.square.site

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/itsclaybytheway

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itsclaybytheway

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠

In this episode Jarell Rose stops by to talk about purpose, his new book, upcoming webinar, and more.

Connect with Jarell:

Sign up for the webinar - https://go.meant2befit.com/webinar

Meant2BeFit: https://www.meant2befit.com

Podcast: https://youtube.com/@Jarells_Journal_Official

Book (Amazon): https://a.co/d/0eyDhMNP
 

Signed Copies: https://link.coachgrowthsolutions.com/payment-link/697ce1064b614d39da32ebe6
 

Instagram: @meant2befit, @jarellsjournal
 Facebook: @meant2befit

Signup for my monthly newsletter: ⁠The Common Flame | Terrance P. Elmore | Substack⁠

Autographed copies of Pain Is Not Our Only Paintbrush and my other books: Home | The Brown Sugar Café (square.site)

Amazon: Amazon.com: Terrance P. Elmore: Books, Biography, Blog, Audiobooks, Kindle

Connect with me on these other platforms:

Facebook: The Brown Sugar Café | Facebook

Instagram: 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏. 𝐄𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 ✍🏾🎙 (@thebrownsugarcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Terrance P. Elmore | LinkedIn

YouTube: The Brown Sugar Café - YouTube

Twitter: Terrance P. Elmore ✍🏾🎙 (@TheBrwnSgrCafe) / Twitter

Clubhouse: Terrance P. Elmore - Clubhouse

My Barbecue Pages:

Instagram: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (Terrance P. Elmore) (@tdubb.bbq)⁠

TikTok: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ (@tdubb.bbq) | TikTok⁠

YouTube: ⁠T-Dubb BBQ - YouTube⁠

Pass the Remote!: Pass The Remote! Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts 

The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast:⁠⁠ The Black Smoke Barbecue Podcast on Apple Podcasts⁠