Ever wondered how a personal problem could turn into a successful business? In this episode, Britney Crowell, founder and inventor of CurlCap takes us on her journey from deconstructing her dad's old hat to address her own scalp psoriasis to becoming the first Black woman with a patented product to sell officially licensed Disney apparel, yes THAT Disney!

You'll hear firsthand how protecting her intellectual property through patents made all the difference when major opportunities came knocking.This conversation goes beyond business basics as Britney opens up about the difficult decisions entrepreneurs face – from walking away from Amazon's marketplace to navigating partnership transitions with integrity. Her story shows the reality of perseverance, community building, and creating a lasting legacy.

Whether you're struggling to protect your creative work, looking to build a purpose-driven brand, or simply need inspiration to turn your own problems into profitable solutions, Britney's wisdom will leave you ready to take action on your dreams.


Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest
Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/
Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpod

Stay in touch with Britney:
Get Your Curl Cap: https://www.curlcaps.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/curlcap/
Britney’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/britney_sade/

Ever feel like society's constantly giving you the side-eye for being happily single? In this episode of The NEXT Best Thing Podcast we're chatting with Dr. Kris Marsh from the University of Maryland, whose book "The Love Jones Cohort" is shaking up everything we thought we knew about relationships. 

Dr. Marsh introduces us to a growing group of college-educated, financially comfortable single Black Americans who are absolutely thriving without wedding rings. Named after that classic 1997 film (you know the one!), these folks are rewriting the rules of success and happiness.

"But aren't single people just... waiting to find someone?" Not according to Dr. Marsh's research! She breaks down how those strong friendships in your life might actually be delivering more happiness than that relationship you think you're supposed to be chasing. We get real about whether marriage still holds the same value it once did (spoiler alert: it's complicated), and why your net worth might matter more than your paycheck when it comes to being "middle class" today.

The most refreshing part? Dr. Marsh's take on friendship. While everyone else is swiping right and stressing about dating, she's got the data showing how those ride-or-die friends might be the real MVPs in your happiness story. If you've ever felt that pressure to couple up just because everyone keeps asking "so, are you seeing anyone?" at family gatherings, this episode will feel like someone finally gets it. Dr. Marsh doesn't just understand—she's got the research to back up why your life choices are completely valid.

Join the waitlist for The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://rewritecourse.com/community
Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/
Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpod

Stay in touch with Dr. Kris Marsh:
Get The Love Jones Cohort: https://www.amazon.com/Cohort-Cambridge-Studies-Stratification-Economics/dp/1316612910
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drkrismarsh/
Bio: https://socy.umd.edu/facultyprofile/marsh/kris

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant chaos around you? Like the world is on a never-ending loop of bad news, and you're stuck in fight or flight mode? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be this way.

In this episode, guest Lidia Bonilla talks about how understanding your nervous system can be the key to handling all that stress. We’ll dive into polyvagal theory, a game-changer for recognizing how your body reacts to danger, safety, and everything in between. It’s time to stop letting external chaos dictate how you feel inside. Whether you’re burning out at work, feeling triggered by politics, or just done with all the noise, this conversation will help you reconnect with yourself and find a sense of peace—even when the world feels anything but safe.

Sign Up for The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest

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

Stay in touch with Lidia Bonilla
IG: https://www.instagram.com/lidiabonilladotcom/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidiabonilla999/
Website: https://www.lidiabonilla.com/

More on the Polyvegal Theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxn9SyW0DvM

In this episode, we explore the power of ignoring the doubts and limitations others try to place on us, and how to break free from societal timelines that don’t align with your unique journey. I share personal stories of how embracing uncertainty, building a supportive community, and acknowledging your own superpowers can lead to transformation. It’s not about starting over—it’s about recognizing the skills you already have and finding new ways to apply them.

The NEXT Best Thing Community is your guide to turning big dreams into achievable steps, and I invite you to join us in taking consistent action, celebrating each baby step toward your goals. Doors open for those on the waitlist on February 17th. Join Here: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest

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

Feeling like you're stuck in a rut or not reaching your full potential? It’s frustrating when you know you can do more, but something’s holding you back. In this episode, NBA Performance Coach Ben Kenyon gets real about how to break through those mental blocks and tap into your true power. Whether you’re an athlete or just looking to level up in life, Ben shares his top strategies for staying motivated, mastering your mindset, and getting back on track after falling off. If you’re ready to take your game to the next level, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for!

The NEXT Best Thing community is officially launching! It’s a space for all of us to come together, learn, and grow. Be the first to know when doors open: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest513766

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

Stay in Touch with Ben:
Website/ Book: https://www.greatdaytoclimb.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ben_kenyon_/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkenyon-gds/

Ready to Feel Good About Your Money in 2025? 🙌🏾With everything happening in this political climate, we can't afford to have our money stay funny. Financial therapist Aja Evans returns to the show – this time as a published author – to help us get crystal clear about creating prosperity and options for ourselves.

Her new book "Feel Good Finance" is right on time. We all know money talk can get heavy. The stress, the shame, the constant pressure – Aja gets it. But instead of beating yourself up about your finances, she shows you how to actually feel GOOD about your money situation, no matter where you're starting from. From creating a "dopamine menu" that helps you feel abundant without spending, to showing up for your future self while still enjoying your present life, Aja brings practical wisdom and genuine understanding to the conversation.

The best part? She keeps it real about her own journey, from being nervous about podcast appearances to publishing a whole book while working full-time with two kids under 5. Her story shows us what's possible when you believe in yourself and put in the work.This is our year to get intentional about building wealth and creating choices for ourselves. Grab your notebook, because this episode will transform how you think about money – and yourself – in 2025. 

Big news for 2025: The NEXT Best Thing community is officially launching! It’s a space for all of us to come together, learn, and grow. Be the first to know when doors open: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest513766

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

Keep In Touch with Aja Evans:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ajaetherapy/
Get “Feel Good Finance:” https://ajaevanscounseling.com/

Welcome back! I’ve finally returned after taking some time off to regroup, and I’m so grateful for your patience and support! It was so important to recharge and reconnect with why I started this podcast in the first place. 

I’m diving into some real talk about how to survive—and even thrive—in today’s politically charged world. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or just plain exhausted by everything happening around us, you’re not alone.

Big news for 2025: The NEXT Best Thing community is officially launching! It’s a space for all of us to come together, learn, and grow. Be the first to know when doors open: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest513766

We’re also halfway to hitting our YouTube monetization goal! If you love the podcast, please help by watching and sharing the episodes to get us closer to that milestone.

Please note: I switched up the release schedule. Episodes are now dropping on Fridays. The newsletter is also coming back with exciting updates!

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

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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Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG @nextbestthingpod 

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.

Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/
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.

Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/
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