This is for anyone who’s ever eaten something so good it felt like a memory and a hug at the same time because food isn’t just food, it’s connection.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Top Chef Season 22 winner and Afro-Caribbean chef Tristen Epps for a conversation that goes way beyond the show. Tristen shares one of the most powerful compliments a chef can receive: not “this is delicious,” but “I’ve never felt so seen eating your food.” Tristen opens up about growing up as a military kid, moving 18 times, and learning how to adapt to new cultures across the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, Guam, and beyond. This conversation is equal parts thoughtful, funny, and grounding. Tristen breaks down the four reasons he cooks, why nostalgia and culture matter, what post-Top Chef life has been like, and how food can bridge people across backgrounds. This is a real one about connection, identity, culture, and the power of being seen.

What You Will Hear About:

1. Why the greatest compliment is “I’ve never felt so seen eating your food.”

2. How Tristen’s Afro-Caribbean roots and global travel shaped his cooking.

3. The four reasons he cooks: deliciousness, nostalgia, the “aha” moment, and feeling seen.

4. What Tristen learned from living in Japan, the Philippines, and across the U.S.

5. How culture impacts belonging, friendship, and the way we connect.

6. Why people struggle to connect in new environments and how to adapt without losing yourself.

7. What life is like after Top Chef, private dinners, sold-out events, and building a platform with purpose.

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you care about culture, food, and the kind of connection that makes people feel seen.

Connect with Tristen Epps on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheftristenepps/ or visit his website: https://www.eppsandflows.com/

Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp.

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections

00:59 Travel and Cultural Experiences

02:22 Post Top Chef Life

03:17 Childhood and Culinary Beginnings

14:41 Top Chef Journey

17:40 Career Reflections and Inspirations

28:56 Celebrating Afro-Caribbean Culture

29:36 The Untold Story of Afro-Caribbean Cuisine

30:02 Connecting Through Food

34:36 The Journey to Top Chef

36:22 Family Support and Sacrifices

39:57 Perseverance Through Loss

43:06 Favorite Dishes and Culinary Inspirations

48:04 Future Plans and Collaborations

51:34 Speed Round: Quickfire Questions

#TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #TristenEpps #TopChef #ChefLife #AfroCaribbeanCuisine #FoodCulture #Friendship

If you are building something, feeling tired, or trying to find your lane without pretending to be someone else, this episode will hit.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Atlanta real estate closing attorney and TV personality (Ladies Who List), Tiffani Hawes, to talk about what it really takes to build a respected business in an industry that was not designed with you in mind. Tiffani opens up about walking into brokerages as the “little old Black girl” asking for a chance, realizing she did not understand how business was actually won, and then finding her edge through social media by simply being real.

They also talk about the seasons of entrepreneurship, why burnout is often part of season one, and how relationships, consistency, and honesty can become the best strategy for success.

This conversation is equal parts funny, practical, and grounding. Tiffani breaks down why you cannot outsource clarity, how she built a team that actually stays, what it means to lead without control, and how to keep your marriage and family strong while still going after what is yours.

What You Will Hear About:

1. Breaking into a male-dominated industry and learning the real game

2. How Tiffani used social media to build trust, visibility, and consistent referrals

3. The truth about entrepreneurship seasons, burnout, and what the “grind” really looks like

4. Why you cannot hire help until you understand your own problems

5. Leadership, loyalty, and how she keeps long-term employees without micromanaging

6. Marriage, motherhood, and raising self-sufficient kids while building a business

7. Why real connection feels natural, not forced

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you are trying to build something real, stay consistent, and still feel like yourself while doing it. This one is for the people who are tired of pretending and ready to lead with truth.

Connect with Tiffani Hawes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanihawes_closingattorney or visit her website: https://thehaweslawfirm.com/

Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp.

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

00:00 Discovering the Power of Social Media

01:19 Navigating the Real Estate Industry

01:40 Life in Atlanta and Personal Background

03:34 Building a Dream Home

08:03 Journey to Becoming a Lawyer

12:04 Entrepreneurship and Business Growth

15:50 Leadership and Team Management

24:52 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate

26:27 Starting a Law Firm: The Early Struggles

27:33 Embracing Social Media for Business Growth

27:58 Authenticity on Social Media

30:52 Balancing Family and Career

33:27 Raising Independent Kids

39:33 The Reality TV Experience: Ladies Who List

41:35 Maintaining Relationships and Friendships

44:37 Marriage and Longevity

49:55 Speed Round: Fun and Personal Insights

#TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #TiffaniHawes #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #ClosingAttorney #Atlanta #LadiesWhoList

Real connection is about choosing growth, accountability, and peace, even when quitting feels easier.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Jovon “Q” Quarles. A retired Navy SEAL, public speaker, and cast member on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test for a real conversation about love, leadership, trauma, and the kind of resilience you only earn.

Jovon opens up about finding peace in his relationship with his fiancée. He shares the truth about growing up with a mother struggling with addiction, being raised by a village led by his grandmother, and how that upbringing shaped his trust, dating patterns, and identity as a man.

They also get into the moment Jovon quit during SEAL training. Why he rang the bell, how regret hit instantly, and what it took to come back and graduate not only as a SEAL, but as Honor Graduate—twice. Tamika and Jovon discuss the difference between motivation and inspiration, why humility is required to evolve, and how vulnerability becomes strength when your life is on the line.

What You Will Hear About:

1. Why men often “know she’s the one”

2. How your upbringing can shape attachment, trust, and your life in relationships

3. The moment Jovon quit during Hell Week and what it taught him about regret and resilience

4. What Hell Week is really like (and why most people still have more in the tank than they think)

5. The difference between motivation and inspiration, and how to build a vision that carries you

6. Why humility is the entry point to becoming a better leader (and why celebrities struggle with it on Special Forces)

7. The reality of the SEAL team brotherhood, trust, and responsibility

8. Why vulnerability is a core part of military culture even for the most “emotionally controlled” men

8. Tamika’s challenge to Jovon

9. Jovon’s upcoming book, Why Not Me, and the mindset behind building a life you didn’t grow up with

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if it reminded you that relationships still sit at the center of every opportunity.

Connect with Jovon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovonpquarles

Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp.

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

00:00 Knowing When She's the One

00:14 Family Struggles and Support

00:34 Military Life and Brotherhood

01:20 Welcome to the Real Connect Podcast

01:53 Life in South Africa and Beyond

04:03 Engagement and Love Story

08:50 Childhood and Upbringing

14:22 Joining the Military

17:02 Navy SEAL Journey

23:13 Hell Week and Overcoming Challenges

28:52 Standing Out in Navy SEAL Training

30:42 Inspiration and Motivation

35:16 Reinventing After Retirement

37:40 Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

42:21 The Importance of Team Camaraderie

45:40 Vulnerability and Emotional Control

52:59 Personal Reflections and Future Goals

56:26 Speed Round and Final Thoughts

#TheRealConnectPodcast #RealConnection #EmotionalResilience #HealthyMasculinity #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipMindset #TamikaCarlton #JovonQQuarles

This is for anyone who has ever been labeled, judged, or misunderstood and still had to show up like nothing was wrong.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with TV personality, writer, and entrepreneur Ashley Silva from OWN’s Love & Marriage: DC. Ashley opens up about growing up in Baltimore near the world of The Wire, becoming a young wife and mom, and what really happens behind the scenes of reality TV when the cameras go down and the comments start rolling in.

She shares candidly about anxiety, suffering in silence, and how writing her book Do That Sht* helped her face her own story. Ashley and Tamika talk about friendship breakups, being labeled “mean” for telling the truth, navigating marriage when your partner is always working, and why so many women lose themselves in the roles they play for everyone else. They also dive into Ashley’s dreams of acting, her love of true crime, and building a beauty brand with her daughter.

What You Will Hear About:

1. Growing up in West Baltimore

2. The cost of being “the honest one” on camera and online

3. Mental health, insomnia, and suffering in silence

4. The story behind Ashley’s book Do That Sht* and what she hopes readers feel

5. Friendship, loyalty, and why she does not play with the word “friend”

6. Big dreams, acting classes, and what is next for Ashley

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you have ever felt misunderstood, mislabeled, or tired of pretending. This one is for the people who are finally ready to be who they really are.

Connect with Ashley Silva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybrittney or visit her website: https://ashleybrittneysilva.com/

Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp.

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

00:46 Welcome to the Real Connect Podcast

01:00 Discussing Sleep and Daily Routine

02:16 The Real Connect Mission and Ashley's Journey

03:05 Life Changes and Reflections

04:01 Growing Up in Baltimore

05:26 Early Love for Entertainment

07:06 Reality TV Experience

10:52 Friendships and Authenticity in Reality TV

11:11 Podcasting and Social Media

15:19 Friendship Dynamics on Reality TV

25:09 Importance of Authentic Friendships

26:51 Writing 'Do That Shit' and Scorpio Energy

29:03 Silent Suffering and Misconceptions

29:34 Breaking the Silence and Finding Balance

30:14 Reflecting on Family and Personal Growth

30:58 Journaling and Relating to Others

31:23 Book Reveal and Reality TV Insights

33:22 Challenges of Reality TV and Personal Growth

36:52 Future Aspirations and Personal Projects

48:41 Balancing Public Life and Mental Health

54:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

#TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #AshleySilva #LoveAndMarriageDC #RealityTV #RealConnections #DoThatShit #FriendshipGoals

Real connection is still the secret to real visibility, especially in a more AI-obsessed world.In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Brett Farmiloe, CEO of Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and Featured.com, to talk about relationships, PR, and the power of simple conversations. Brett shares how HARO works behind the scenes, why connection accelerates every startup, and how he balances being a founder, husband, and dad of three while leading a team.They get into the realities of AI-generated pitches, what journalists actually want from sources, and how to use tools like HARO and Featured without losing your voice. Brett also talks about the RV road trip that shaped his whole philosophy on business, why he still believes in walking meetings, and how being the “dumbest person in the room” is his favorite advantage.What You Will Hear About:1. How Help a Reporter Out (HARO) really works for journalists and sources2. The role of authentic connection in PR, thought leadership, and startup life3. The percentage of AI pitches that are AI-generated and what that means for trust4. What makes a great pitch 5. How Brett manages his stressors🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if it reminded you that relationships still sit at the center of every opportunity.Connect with Brett at Help a Reporter Out: https://www.helpareporter.com or at Featured: https://www.featured.com or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettfarmiloe/Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbpJoin The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletterVisit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:36 Balancing Family and Career01:44 Journey to Arizona and Family Life02:22 Introduction to Help A Reporter Out (HARO)04:11 Reviving HARO: Challenges and Successes07:08 The Importance of Connections11:09 AI in Journalism and HARO16:56 Future of AI and Customer Insights19:25 The Power of HARO: Connecting with Anyone19:58 Behind the Scenes: Query Approval Process21:15 Optimal Timing for Query Submission23:40 Handling Stress as a Founder26:15 Future Prospects for HARO27:49 The Shift in Media and Thought Leadership32:40 Rapid Fire Questions with Brett35:21 Conclusion and Contact Information#TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #HelpAReporterOut #HARO #PRTips #MediaPitching #Podcasting #ThoughtLeadership

Real connection is still the secret to real visibility, especially in a more AI-obsessed world.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Brett Farmiloe, CEO of Help a Reporter Out (HARO) and Featured.com, to talk about relationships, PR, and the power of simple conversations. Brett shares how HARO works behind the scenes, why connection accelerates every startup, and how he balances being a founder, husband, and dad of three while leading a team.

They get into the realities of AI-generated pitches, what journalists actually want from sources, and how to use tools like HARO and Featured without losing your voice. Brett also talks about the RV road trip that shaped his whole philosophy on business, why he still believes in walking meetings, and how being the “dumbest person in the room” is his favorite advantage.

What You Will Hear About:

1. How Help a Reporter Out (HARO) really works for journalists and sources

2. The role of authentic connection in PR, thought leadership, and startup life

3. The percentage of AI pitches that are AI-generated and what that means for trust

4. What makes a great pitch

5. How Brett manages his stressors

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if it reminded you that relationships still sit at the center of every opportunity.

Connect with Brett at Help a Reporter Out: https://www.helpareporter.com or at Featured: https://www.featured.com or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettfarmiloe/

Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:36 Balancing Family and Career

01:44 Journey to Arizona and Family Life

02:22 Introduction to Help A Reporter Out (HARO)

04:11 Reviving HARO: Challenges and Successes

07:08 The Importance of Connections

11:09 AI in Journalism and HARO

16:56 Future of AI and Customer Insights

19:25 The Power of HARO: Connecting with Anyone

19:58 Behind the Scenes: Query Approval Process

21:15 Optimal Timing for Query Submission

23:40 Handling Stress as a Founder

26:15 Future Prospects for HARO

27:49 The Shift in Media and Thought Leadership

32:40 Rapid Fire Questions with Brett

35:21 Conclusion and Contact Information

#TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #HelpAReporterOut #HARO #PRTips #MediaPitching #Podcasting #ThoughtLeadership

Real connection starts with presence—on stage, on screen, and in life.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with actor and producer Danielle Moné Truitt, best known for her role as Sgt. Ayanna Bell on Law & Order: Organized Crime. From her early years performing in theatre to leading one of TV’s biggest franchises, Danielle shares how empathy, discipline, and authentic connection have shaped every part of her journey.

She opens up about the lessons theatre taught her about resilience, how she stays grounded through motherhood and anxiety, and what it means to advocate for yourself as a Black woman in entertainment. Danielle also reflects on the emotional truth behind her performances, the energy exchange between actors and audiences, and the community that keeps her centered when fame quiets down.

What You’ll Hear About:

1. How theatre training builds emotional depth and confidence

2. Why empathy and breathwork are the foundation of powerful acting

3. The importance of self-advocacy and representation behind the scenes

4. How journaling, gratitude, and connection keep you grounded

5. The role of community in navigating success, grief, and growth

6. Laundry, the film Danielle executive-produced

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if it reminded you why connection always matters most.

Connect with Danielle Monét Truitt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellemonetruitt

Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp.

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

00:00 Theater as a Foundation

00:28 Early Career and Breakthroughs

01:05 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:24 Journey into Acting

02:36 High School and College Experiences

03:36 Transition to Professional Theater

06:03 Theater vs. TV and Film

13:59 Balancing Career and Family

18:58 Coping Mechanisms and Gratitude

21:06 Law and Order: Organized Crime

23:59 Behind the Scenes Fun

24:37 Long Hours on Set

29:05 The Challenges of Being a Black Woman on Television

34:57 Playing Sergeant Bell

39:30 Upcoming Projects and Future Plans

44:58 Speed Round and Conclusion

#AuthenticConnections #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #DanielleMonetTruitt #LawandOrderOrganizedCrime #BlackWomenInFilm #RepresentationMatters #Resilience

Some people stay surface level. Others help you see yourself more clearly.In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Rachel Leonard Kennedy, author, entrepreneur, and relationship builder with over 15 years of experience helping people turn small talk into meaningful opportunities. Together, they unpack what it really means to find your tribe, protect your energy, and stay open to connection even after loss.Rachel shares how travel, grief, and storytelling have shaped her sense of purpose. From her early success as a blogger to her work empowering women to communicate with confidence, she’s built a career around helping others rediscover who they are and how to build connections that last.What You’ll Learn:1. Why protecting your energy doesn’t mean isolating yourself2. How travel and self-reflection help you reconnect with your identity3. The link between confidence, storytelling, and belonging4. How to build a supportive community wherever you are🔗 Watch, subscribe, and leave a comment if this spoke to you!🎧 Stay Connected:Follow Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbpJoin The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletterVisit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.Connect with Rachel Leonard Kennedy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekennedycurate/Learn more about Rachel by visiting her website: https://www.authorrachelkennedy.com00:00 Introduction: The Impact of Isolation00:24 Welcome to the Road Connect Podcast00:26 Guest Introduction: Rachel Kennedy01:13 From Marketing to Building Connections04:00 The Importance of Speaking Out09:45 Finding Yourself and Attracting Your Tribe11:47 The Value of Travel and New Experiences15:23 Settling in Chattanooga21:12 Coping with Loss and Moving Forward26:40 Self-Reflection and Personal Growth27:16 Evaluating Past Relationships28:34 Focusing on the Positive33:49 The Importance of Support Systems35:39 Building Connections in a New City37:03 Hosting Memorable Events41:13 Practical Advice for Newcomers43:35 Maintaining Motivation and Emotional Health46:12 Rapid-Fire Questions and Fun Facts49:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#therealconnectpodcast #tamikacarlton #rachelleonardkennedy #authenticconnection #womenempowerment #griefandhealing #personalgrowth #meaningfulrelationships

Some relationships add to your life. Others drain it.

In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Portia James for a conversation that goes beyond surface-level talk. They unpack what it actually means to recognize real vs. fake connections through the lens of personal experience, self-awareness, and the energy people bring into your life.

They get honest about friendships that feel forced, business relationships that lack integrity, and the quiet ways people show you who they are.

Here’s what you’ll walk away with:

1. A clearer sense of what intention really looks like in close relationships

2. Signs you’re expending too much emotional labor and how to step back

3. How to create space for connection without abandoning your own needs

This isn’t about cutting people off for sport. It’s about choosing peace over performance and learning how to stay rooted in your values, even when the connection feels blurry.

Chime in below—what’s one lesson you’ve learned about protecting your energy?

🔗 Watch, subscribe, and leave a comment if this spoke to you!

🎧 Stay Connected:

Follow Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp

Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter

Visit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.

Connect with Portia James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missportiajames

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:45 Catching Up with Portia James

01:14 Reflecting on Past Conversations

01:35 Diving into Viewer Questions

02:05 Identifying Real vs. Fake Connections

03:05 The Importance of Intentions in Friendships

04:20 Effortless Friendships and Their Value

06:29 Cutting Off Toxic Relationships

12:14 Self-Awareness and Accountability in Relationships

13:10 The Struggles of Dealing with Selfish People

13:52 Challenges in Business Relationships

15:40 Balancing Personal and Professional Boundaries

16:51 The Importance of Integrity in Relationships

19:38 Letting Go and Moving Forward

25:04 Final Thoughts and Farewell

#TheRealConnect #TamikaCarlton #PortiaJames #RealConnections #Friendship #Boundaries

Connection doesn’t have to be perfect. Real connection is about showing up open, being your true self, and embracing both your vulnerabilities and your strengths. In this episode of The Real Connect, host Tamika Carlton is the guest, and friend Vincent Tobias Bell is asking the questions. Tamika shares how she finally answered that voice in her soul, stepped into this podcast, and invited you into the journey of living to connect.In this episode, she explores:• The courage it takes to be seen and why perfection kills connection• How her relationship with her father shaped her understanding of love and memory• The power of saying “no,” honoring boundaries, and allowing yourself to evolve3 Takeaways:1. Connection thrives in imperfection when we stop hiding and start being our true selves.2. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s the gateway to authentic love, creativity, and growth.3. Healing and self-trust begin when you allow your voice to be heard and your story to be felt.If you’ve ever felt the pull to go deeper, to live, grow, and love through connection, this episode is for you.🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of The Real Connect Podcast.💬 Drop a comment—what part of connection are you leaning into right now?🔔 Like this video and share it with someone you want to connect with deeper.00:00 Introduction: The Essence of Connection00:42 The Birth of the Podcast01:57 Misconceptions About Connection02:55 Personal Stories and Vulnerability04:58 Reflections on Family and Legacy06:33 Self-Discovery and Growth12:32 Boundaries and Affirmations15:50 Final Thoughts: Living to ConnectFollow Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbpJoin The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletterVisit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected.#Connection #Vulnerability #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #Podcast #LivingToConnect #AuthenticRelationships #TrueSelf