The Next Best Thing

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

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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

Save yourself! Here are some suggestions on how!

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

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. 

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

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!

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