In this final episode of 2024, I’m reflecting on the whirlwind year that’s been—what worked, what didn’t, and everything I’ve learned along the way. It’s a moment to pause, take stock, and share what’s been on my heart as I set intentions for the year ahead. I’m also encouraging YOU to reflect on your own journey, address your fears, and dream big as we step into 2025. This episode is all about gratitude—thank you for trusting me, for showing up, and for being part of this community. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let’s wrap up the year with hope, heart, and a clear vision for what’s NEXT!

Correction: I left my previous “life” in 2022 NOT 2002. 

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Feeling stuck in toxic environments—whether at work or in your personal life? It's easy to tolerate what feels "normal," but that doesn't mean it's healthy. Ariane Hunter reveals how to break free from these patterns, with insight from her book, Dreaming on Purpose, to help you overcome cultural limits that hold you back from pursuing your true dreams. Looking to set clear intentions for the year ahead? 

The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect, dream big, and align your goals with what truly matters. Plus, learn how entrepreneurship can unlock the freedom you've been craving, whether it's creative, financial, or personal. Ready to stop burning out and start living with purpose? It's time to stop settling for "normal" and start building a life that reflects your true potential.

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Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG @nextbestthingpod

Get to know Ariane:
Website: https://www.arianehunter.com/
Dreaming on Purpose book: https://www.arianehunter.com/dreamingonpurpose
Dreaming + Doing newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/dreaming-doing-digest-6962118989334376448/IG: https://www.instagram.com/arianehunter/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianehunter/

Could you do 1% less everyday to create lasting change? In this episode, rest coach and author, Octavia Raheem discusses how to start building a rest practice that actually works for you. She breaks down the how to recognize when you’re truly tired (and not just pushing through) and gets real about the unique exhaustion Black women face, especially with all the systemic barriers stacked against us. And she dives into the power of surrendering—letting go of the need to do it all—and why rest isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a radical act of self-care. If you’ve been feeling burnt out, this episode is for you.

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Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Website: https://www.octaviaraheem.com/
“Rest is Sacred” Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rest-Sacred-Reclaiming-Brilliance-Stillness/dp/1645473279

Save yourself! Here are some suggestions on how!

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Are you ready to become a “Rested Rebel” and take the practice all the way to the bank? Kibi Anderson dives into why rest is all about trust. She challenges us to think about what we might not be trusting ourselves with and how to flip that script. When sharing tips for shifting from a lack mindset to one of abundance, Kibi encourages us to ask, “What can go right?” Check out her Macro Success Cycle, which is all about taking those small, doable steps toward our goals while still making time for some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/
Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Stay in touch with Kibi:
Website: https://kibianderson.com/
Coaching: https://www.lifeeditor.co/
Book: https://life-editor.thrivecart.com/author-signed-copy-point-taken-book/

I’m back with part 2 of our discussion about the anatomy of a transition, the important steps so many often overlook and why your Rewrite and NEXT Best Thing are no longer a one-time pursuit but a new way of being. 

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Save Your Seat for The Rewrite Summit on November 2nd: https://startyourrewrite.com/summit-page160958
Learn more about The Rewrite including our FREE resources: https://startyourrewrite.com/

The media landscape is collapsing before our eyes. Thousands of journalists have been laid off. In this episode we discuss how to turn the turmoil into opportunities, the mindset shifts needed and how The Rewrite can help!

Join us on Octover 14th for a free webinar to learn more: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/oGk38aDlf8vbaeZQzUT7

The Rewrite website: https://startyourrewrite.com/
Get your FREE transferable skills guide: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/9bmFYXNewaeZ3l6NNH5F
Follow the Rewrite on IG and hit up our DM’s: https://www.instagram.com/rewritecourse/

From the Community College of Philadelphia to The White House, Deesha Dyer’s journey has been anything but a linear path. Along the way she’s always leaned into her curiosity and faith that she could make a way. In this episode, Deesha shares insights from her memoir, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble," and dives into topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, leaning into joy, and embracing unconventional career paths. For all of the late bloomers or people who don’t know where their life is taking them, this conversation is for you!

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Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod

Stay in touch with Deesha:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/deedyer267/
Get “Undiplomatic:” https://www.deeshadyer.com/

Far too often we are living a muted reality, tip toeing around what we think others can handle instead of asserting what we need. In this episode, inclusion strategist and author, Amber Cabral provides practical strategies for having tough conversations at work and home, all with the goal of allowing us to thrive both personally and professionally. Amber literally provides the script on how to set and maintain clear boundaries and provides her unique insight on how to make the most out of changing times, especially with all the craziness the pandemic has thrown our way.

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Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Stay in touch with Amber:
Website/Books/Coaching: https://www.ambercabral.com/
Guilty Privilege Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bamcabral

Sleep deprivation may be the root cause of a lot of your ailments from irritability to chronic diseases, but doctors rarely prescribe rest. Licensed mental health professional, sleep science and corporate wellness coach LaShasta Bell shares key insights on how to not only live longer but how to enjoy the journey. 

In this episode you will learn:

• Health Impact: Learn the correlation between chronic diseases and sleep deprivation along with the long term impact 
• Sleep Hygiene: Learn practical changes you can make to improve your sleep
• Setting Boundaries: Find out why boundaries are crucial in ensuring better rest.
• Support Systems: You need accountability partners to enhance your rest and peace
• Rest vs. Sleep: There’s a difference. Explore how do you differentiate and achieve rest, sleep, and peace.
• Information Overload: Doom scrolling? Unpack how do you handle news and social media to protect your mental health.

Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter for lessons from this interview: https://thenextbestthingact.com/
Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Learn more about LaShasta:
Website: https://lashastabell.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamlbell/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamLBell/