The DerrionLH Show

What happens when your pivot doesn’t just affect you — but your relationship too?

In this episode, Nicole F. Smith gets candid about the emotional weight of pivoting while in a relationship, navigating shared expectations, and learning how to ask for support without passing the blame.

We also talk about what it feels like to walk away from corporate America, only to later find yourself overqualified and questioning whether you should go back.

If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, ambition, and accountability during your pivot — this one’s for you.

In the premiere of The Pivot Series, fitness trainer and entrepreneur Tariq Ghafoori joins the show to share his journey of leaving Virginia for the Queen City in hopes of elevating his brand and chasing new opportunities. But the move wasn’t without its challenges.

Tariq gets real about the struggles of starting over in a new city, balancing personal battles, and navigating the pressure to succeed. He also reveals what keeps him motivated on the tough days and how he’s reshaping his mindset through it all.

If you’ve ever thought about pivoting to a new chapter, this episode is for you.

We’re back and setting the tone for the rest of the summer! This week, we’re catching up on all the vibes — from the concerts we’re hitting, taking that Emmy L (yeah… we’re unpacking it 👀), what’s getting us on the dance floor, and of course, all the Love Island drama.

Plus, we’re laying the groundwork for our upcoming series on pivoting — because sometimes life hits you with a plot twist, and it’s all about the comeback.

Everybody says “don’t read the comments”… but we did. This week, Nicole F. Smith joins me to break down the wild, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking conversations happening in the comment sections. From the STL storm aftermath to renters insurance debates and the Diddy trial drama — we’re unpacking what those comments really reveal about us and our culture.

#TheDerrionLHShow

So What Happened? pulls back the curtain on The Billionaire Broke Girls — the award-winning investigative piece now Emmy-nominated and a NABJ Salute to Excellence finalist.

Jeanette Vasquez, one of the fearless women who blew the whistle, joins the show to unpack what really went down at BC Lounge in Bessemer City, NC (just outside Charlotte). Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the hurdles, newsroom politics, and last-minute decisions that almost left this story on the cutting room floor.

But that’s not all — hear a review of the Kendrick Lamar and SZA Grand National Tour stop in Charlotte, and find out if the mission to buy last-minute tickets scored big or landed in the nosebleeds.

And as promised, an update on how my dog Leo is handling life in Charlotte after the big move.

All that and more in this episode.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses allegations that remain under investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

We pick up right where Episode 1 left off. Derrion Henderson wraps up the story of his transition out of the news industry and his move to Charlotte. Plus, special guest Nicole F. Smith drops gems on knowing when it’s time to pivot, how to lean into life’s unexpected turns, and fully embrace your journey.

After years of delivering the news, I stepped away from the anchor desk — and ever since, the question has followed me: Why? In the premiere episode of my podcast, hosted through S.P.E.A.K. UP LLC, I open up about my decision to leave the TV news industry and begin a new chapter.

Joining me for this candid conversation is our monthly contributor and leadership coach, Nicole F. Smith. Together, we unpack the power of purpose, the fear of transition, and what it truly means to bet on yourself. This is more than just a story — it's a new beginning.