The Minute Mastery

After 45 years in journalism, including seven years editing for Wolf Blitzer at CNN, John DeDakis made a remarkable pivot from reporting facts to crafting fiction. 

In this powerful conversation, he joins host Ngozi Edema to discuss the evolution of journalism, the healing power of writing, and how personal loss shaped his storytelling. John also shares practical advice for aspiring authors on starting their first book, avoiding common writing mistakes, and using writing as a tool for self-discovery.

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book but don’t know where to start, this episode will give you the courage, and the roadmap, to begin.

Links Mentioned:

• John DeDakis → https://johndedakis.com/
• Mama’s Daycare by Ngozi Edema → https://amzn.to/3fVilJy
• Delay to Daily Action Course → https://ngoziedema.store/shop/fe45c385-79dd-41d0-a0da-eece23275680

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, Ngozi Edema discusses the importance of making the most of the final quarter of the year. She shares insights on overcoming procrastination, setting achievable goals, and creating a system that fits into your life to finish the year strong.

Takeaways

• You still have time to make massive progress.
• Today's episode is your permission to reset, refocus, and finish strong.
• Action, not perfection, is what moves us forward.
• If yesterday did not work out, today can still work.
• Focus on what truly matters in this season of your life.
• Pick one project and break it into actionable weekly goals.
• Block off 20 minutes a day for micro momentum.
• The Delay to Daily Action course helps break free from procrastination.
• Perfection delays progress, but consistent imperfect action builds dreams.
• Don't just manage your minutes, master your time.

Before you go, thank you for tuning in to this episode. Please check out the tools and resources below to help you take action right now:

• Join The Delay to Daily Action: The Delay to Daily Action course is a 12-week, hands-on program that helps busy moms, authors, and entrepreneurs break free from procrastination and perfectionism, turning long-delayed goals into consistent daily progress, one focused action at a time. Join below: https://ngoziedema.store/shop/fe45c385-79dd-41d0-a0da-eece23275680

•Enjoy my children’s books—fun, inspiring stories that spark creativity and a love of reading for kids. Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this inspiring episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, host I sat down with Taylor Jenkins,a self-published author, making waves in the creative world.

Taylor shares how she turned her childhood love for reading into a writing career, what it’s like to build fantasy worlds from scratch, and how storytelling helps teens find their voice. She also opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of self-publishing, overcoming fear, and learning patience, confidence, and courage along the way.

This episode will remind you that age is never a barrier to creativity or success. Whether you’re a teen dreaming of writing a novel, a parent encouraging your child’s creativity, or an entrepreneur wondering where to start, Taylor’s story will inspire you to take that first leap.

Key Takeaways

• How Taylor found her voice through writing
• The creative process behind creative world-building
• The challenges and rewards of self-publishing
• Why empathy and courage matter in storytelling
• Advice for young writers and parents supporting creative teens

In this episode you were encouraged to join the Delay to Daily Action Course – Learn to beat procrastination and turn your ideas into reality. Join below:

https://ngozi-edema.mykajabi.com/joinus?fbclid=PARlRTSANg6oNleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABp_D0nHPJke568-PmGSdjDB-Z_2DLyTOzAbx6unKW92KW54TPwZKGwKO5x-6b_aem_BnRwo2hFkvhHlyOii3qRFw

The Proud Sunflower by Ngozi Edema, A story about empathy and growth. Order on Amazon 

Connect with Taylor: Taylor Jenkins
The Academy of Young Super-Villains
Instagram: @author.taylorajenkins

Facebook: Taylor A. Jenkins

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Do you ever wonder if you are holding yourself to high standards or just stuck in perfectionism?

 In this episode, let's break down the difference between striving for excellence and being trapped by fear. Learn how to shift from delay to daily action with simple mindset strategies that help you finish what you start.

What You’ll Learn:

• The emotional and mental difference between excellence and perfectionism
• 3 red flags that show you’ve crossed the line
• Why perfectionism feels productive but isn’t
• How to apply the 70% rule to move forward with peace and confidence
• One reflection question that will keep you grounded in purpose, not pressure

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Delay to Daily Action Course is Now 50% OFF Join Here:                                         https://ngozi-edema.mykajabi.com/joinus
• Free Masterclass: Beat Procrastination and Perfectionism                                         https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vz1-tgmYSKmb0EFM8yDRew
• Instagram: @ngoziedema

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery podcast, I sat down with dyslexia expert 
Russell Van Brocklen, to discuss how parents can reclaim their evenings by making a simple yet powerful shift in their family's literacy habits. 

We explored the impact of dyslexia on learning, effective strategies for teaching dyslexic children, and the importance of focusing on a child's specialty to enhance their learning experience. 

Russell shares practical tips for parents to implement at home, emphasizing the need for early intervention and the benefits of structured literacy methods. The conversation concludes with resources for parents to support their children's literacy journey.

Before you go, thank you for tuning in to this episode. Please check out the tools and resources below to help you take action right now:

• Register for my free Masterclass to beat Procrastination, perfectionism and self-doubt:                                                                                                                Registration for October 18th, 2025:   https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vz1-tgmYSKmb0EFM8yDRew

        Registration B October 22nd 2025 (Replay):  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZgvP2KI9S4yKvQn_HLSuuA

• Boost your focus and productivity with my favorite task manager, Todoist. Use my special link to start a two months free trial today https://get.todoist.io/l4vxuvmks6qh-perks
• Enjoy my children’s books—fun, inspiring stories that spark creativity and a love of reading for kids. Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist
•  Connect with my guest, Russell Van Brocklen, through his website, and download his free guide: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/TheMinuteMastery

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Do you ever look at your to-do list and feel like everything is urgent and equally important? The emails, the projects, the deadlines—they all scream for your attention. In this episode of The Minute Mastery Podcast, I’m breaking down simple, science-backed strategies to help you cut through the noise, find clarity, and actually get things done.

In this episode, you will discover:

•   Why writing things down with pen and paper boosts memory, focus, and decision-making
•  A simple framework (the Eisenhower Matrix) to prioritize tasks that truly matter
• How to identify your “one thing” so you don’t drown in busy work
• Why daily reassessment makes your to-do list realistic and flexible
• Practical ways to shift from overwhelm to daily progress

✨ Plus, I’m sharing two resources to help you go deeper:

• My free Daily Planner for Creatives → your tool to brain-dump, prioritize, and plan your day with clarity.
• My upcoming Breakthrough Series Masterclass → a live interactive session designed to help you overcome procrastination, perfectionism, and self-doubt so you can move from delay to daily action.

Tune in and learn how to master your to-do list, even when everything feels urgent.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Grab your free Daily Planner for Creatives → https://mailchi.mp/ngoziedema.com/daily-planner-for-busy-people?fbclid=PARlRTSANG_R5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABpwR8xXkzMFuM-zmr-CKTZMh5ozuBmvxN8xduSObzizmEmuGRa_P721kcHbkF_aem_OVPCH0YqkBujd1j5RGLq4w
• Register for the Breakthrough Series Masterclass →
  Registration A:   https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vz1-tgmYSKmb0EFM8yDRew  Or
  
  Registration B  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZgvP2KI9S4yKvQn_HLSuuA
• Connect with me on Instagram → @ngoziedema
  
  
• Visit my website → www.ngoziedema.com

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

Do you ever find yourself endlessly planning, tweaking, or rewriting, all in the name of “getting it right”? Maybe you’ve been stuck in a cycle of procrastination and perfectionism, waiting for the perfect moment, perfect conditions, or perfect tools to finally start. If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. And today’s episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast is here to help.

I recently sat down with Kareen Aristide, an expert who has spent years helping people overcome procrastination and perfectionism. She shared how these habits often stem from deeper fears, self-doubt, and the pressure to produce flawless results. Over time, Kareen has developed strategies that empower individuals to take action, even when things aren’t perfect, and regain balance in their work and personal lives.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The myths around procrastination and perfectionism
• How fear and self-doubt contribute to stalled progress
• Why procrastination isn’t laziness and how to distinguish rest from avoidance
• The toxic duo: how perfectionism and procrastination feed off each other
• Practical tools and small shifts to take action without overthinking
• How to prioritize your time and protect it from distractions
• The power of progress over perfection

Resources Mentioned:

• Eisenhower Matrix for prioritization
• “Procrastination Breakthrough: From Delay to Daily Action” Masterclass, register on either days: A   https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/vz1-tgmYSKmb0EFM8yDRew
  
  Registration B  https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZgvP2KI9S4yKvQn_HLSuuA
• Book Clarity Call: in my 6-Week Time Reset Coaching Package—perfect for time-starved entrepreneurs ready to reclaim their time and energy. Book your clarity call: https://calendly.com/ntnwanze/30min
• Enjoy my children’s books—fun, inspiring stories that spark creativity and a love of reading for kids. Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist
•  Connect with my guest, Kareen Aristide, on your favourite social media platform. On instagram https://www.instagram.com/kareenaristide?igsh=MTV3b2hxb3NuZTEycw==

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

The world has come a long way with technology, and the new kid on the block is AI. From the workplace to entrepreneurship, leadership, and even creative writing, artificial intelligence is transforming how we live, work, and thrive. But here’s the truth: AI is not going away! And those who adapt early will gain the greatest advantage.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, host Ngozi Edema shares practical strategies for entrepreneurs, workers, leaders, and authors to navigate an AI-driven world with confidence. Discover how to use AI to boost productivity, scale your business, and save time  without losing your unique human edge.

You will learn:

• Why creativity, empathy, and critical thinking are your biggest assets.
• How entrepreneurs can leverage AI as a business partner.
• How workers and authors can upskill and stay relevant.
• How leaders can integrate AI ethically while inspiring their teams.

AI may call the shots, but humans still hold the pen. Tune in and learn how to thrive in the age of AI.

Before you go, thank you for tuning in to this episode. Please check out the tools and resources below to help you take action right now:

• Boost your focus and productivity with my favorite task manager, Todoist. Use my special link to start a two months free trial today https://get.todoist.io/l4vxuvmks6qh-perks
• Work with me in my 6-Week Time Reset Coaching Package—perfect for time-starved entrepreneurs ready to reclaim their time and energy. Book your clarity call: https://calendly.com/ntnwanze/30min
• Enjoy my children’s books—fun, inspiring stories that spark creativity and a love of reading for kids. Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this inspiring episode of the Minute Mastery Podcast, host Ngozi Edema sits down with Sasha Eburne who redefined her life and career after 25 years in the hospitality and events industry.

 Feeling boxed in and undervalued, she made a bold leap during the pandemic, and today she is a sought-after business coach helping women step into their CEO era.

Clip a seat and get ready to learn how she went from single mom navigating uncertainty to leading a thriving online brand with over 7,000 engaged business owners. We discuss:

•  Why "work-life balance" is outdated and what to focus on instead
• How to align your business with your lifestyle
• Building high-ticket offers with ease and clarity
•  Mindset shifts that fuel reinvention and confidence
•  Time management as a CEO-level skill

This episode is your reminder that it's never too late to pivot, and that your next breakthrough might be one bold decision away.

 Resources & Links:

• Connect with our guest: https://sashaeburne.com/
• Book a Clarity Call with Ngozi:https://calendly.com/ntnwanze/30min
• Boost your focus and productivity with my favorite task manager, Todoist. Use my special link to start a two months free trial today https://get.todoist.io/l4vxuvmks6qh-perks
• Enjoy my children’s books—fun, inspiring stories that spark creativity and a love of reading for kids. Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist
• Subscribe to the podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.

In this episode of the Minute Mastery podcast, host Ngozi Edema speaks with Kerry Thomas, an expert in decluttering and productivity. They discuss the various forms of clutter—physical, digital, and emotional—and how these can impact our productivity and overall well-being.

 Kerry shares insights on how to start decluttering, the importance of creating a productive workspace, and practical tips for busy individuals, especially moms, to regain control over their time and space. The conversation emphasizes that clutter is not just about physical items but also includes mental and emotional aspects that can hinder our progress.

Takeaways

• Clutter is postponed decisions.
• Clutter can be physical, digital, or emotional.
• Emotional clutter can significantly impact productivity.
• Starting with one area can create momentum.
• Creating a clutter-free zone can boost confidence.
• Digital clutter is often overlooked but equally important.
• Processing emails intentionally can reduce digital clutter.
• A productive workspace requires essential tools.
• 10 minutes of decluttering can lead to significant change.
• It's okay for organization levels to fluctuate. 

Please check out the tools and resources below to help you take action right now:
•Boost your focus and productivity with my favorite task manager, Todoist. Use my special link to start a two months free trial today https://get.todoist.io/l4vxuvmks6qh-perks
•Work with me in my 6-Week Time Reset Coaching Package—perfect for time-starved entrepreneurs ready to reclaim their time and energy. Book your clarity call: https://calendly.com/ntnwanze/30min
•Enjoy my children’s books—fun, inspiring stories that spark creativity and a love of reading for kids. Get copies of my books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/africanfoodsdotcom/list/121PPT4JMU0Y5?ref_=aipsflist
• Connect with my guest, Kerry Thomas, grab her resources and do the  quiz on her wesite: https://www.conquerthechaos.com/   

Join my community where I support midlife women to move from Idea to Published Author in 90 days:

https://www.skool.com/writers-academy-1893/about?ref=14f4886cfea04b969a41d37a4ebfbc8b

And get my Children's Book Blueprint : 

Also a mom can be several things in one day! Besides hosting this podcast, I write children's books and will love that check them out and gift a child in your life.

Here is a list of books authored by Ngozi Edema:

1. Mama's Daycare
2. Mel The Monkey And The Alligator
3. The Proud Sunflower
4. Bringing Africa Home: A Cookbook Of 52 Easy African Recipes
5. Tyson The Lion Who Ignored His Mom's Advice
6. Freddy and the Veggies

This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. We suggest you seek out the help of a trained professional for help with your specific situation.