Too Authentic Podcast

From growing up in Vallejo and navigating the Bay Area hip-hop scene during the Mac Dre era to experiencing the loss of his mother and brother, Shob reflects on the experiences that shaped him, the choices that changed his direction, and the journey that led him to pursue education, discover his passion for cooking, and build his career as a chef, entrepreneur, rapper, and podcast host.

Having known each other since their college days in Sacramento, Ashley and Shob get personal about the past, reflect on how far life has brought them, and explore what it means to grow beyond who you used to be.

Because there's more to a person than their past, more to the story than what people see, and always room to become something greater.

In this solo episode of Too Authentic Podcast, Ashley Moniiique checks in about being in a season of transition,one where nothing is necessarily wrong, but she doesn’t quite know what’s next. She talks about being grateful and tired at the same time, navigating motherhood, work, purpose, and the desire to build a life beyond the 9-to-5.

Inspired by a powerful conversation with Grace Deyanna, Ashley reflects on the difference between things actually going wrong and things simply not going the way she envisioned them. She also dives into what it means to get your house in order;not just literally, but mentally, spiritually, physically, financially, and emotionally.

From cleaning and decluttering to building Too Authentic, preparing for the next level, and learning to steward what she already has, Ashley explores the possibility that maybe this season isn't about something being withheld from her,maybe she's being prepared for what's next.

Because sometimes the boring parts count too. Sometimes getting ready looks like cleaning your house, setting boundaries, showing up, letting go, and staying down for the come-up.

Maybe nothing is going wrong. Maybe it's just not going your way. And maybe… that's the whole point.

Sometimes you have to step away from what you love to find your way back to yourself. In this episode of Too Authentic Podcast, I’m walkin’ with Grace Deyanna;educator, poet, rapper, creative, and the Hope Dealer herself as we get real about the season that changed her.

From stepping away from the classroom and taking time to travel, rest, create, and rediscover herself, to walking back into education with a whole new perspective, Grace opens up about what that journey really taught her. We talk creativity, identity, authenticity, hope, boundaries, and what it looks like to honor the person you’re becoming while still making room for every version of you that got you here.

This isn’t just a conversation about teaching—it’s about knowing when to pause, trusting the walk, and learning to live up to your own name.

So yeah… come walk with us. 🤎

What if you’re so busy waiting on the next prayer to be answered that you don’t realize you’re already living in some of them?

In this solo episode of Too Authentic Podcast, Ashley Moniique reflects from a beach balcony on what it means to recognize the blessings, growth, and answered prayers already in front of you. From becoming someone’s first podcast guest experience to being able to share moments with her daughters and mother, she realizes that some of the things she’s living today are things she once prayed for.

But answered prayers come with sacrifice. Sometimes obedience means letting go of old relationships, old habits, old expectations, and even the version of yourself you thought you had to be. And sometimes obedience looks like admitting, “I need help,” going back to the root, and being honest about how you got here.

This is a reminder that comparison can make us overlook our own progress. You may not be where you want to be yet, but that doesn’t mean you’re behind.

Maybe you’re not waiting on the answer.

Maybe you’re standing in it.

What happens when you've spent years being everything for everybody and realize somewhere along the way, you lost touch with yourself?

Ashley Moniique sits down with La’Shante, host of Perspectives Unfiltered, for an honest conversation about motherhood, identity, healing, and rediscovering the woman underneath it all.

From becoming a mom at 17 and raising four children to navigating divorce, rebuilding, boundaries, and learning how to choose herself again, La’Shante shares the lessons that came from growing through every season.

This conversation is for every woman who has ever asked, “Who am I outside of motherhood, marriage, or survival?”

Because you can love your family deeply without abandoning yourself.

This is Becoming Her Again. 🤎🎙️

What happens when you know you've outgrown an old season of your life, but you haven't quite stepped into the new one yet?

In this solo episode of the Too Authentic Podcast, Ashley Moniique gets real about the uncomfortable space between who you were and who you're becoming. She talks about recognizing when a shift is happening, why transition can feel so uncomfortable, and how sometimes we hold onto people, places, habits, and mindsets simply because they're familiar.

Using the analogy of a plant that has outgrown its pot, Ashley explores what it means to be repotted, have your roots disturbed, and make room for new growth. She also talks about the importance of watering yourself and pouring back into yourself with the same energy you so freely give to everyone and everything else.

From growing pains to consistency, this episode is a reminder that discomfort doesn't always mean something is wrong. Sometimes, it means you're stretching. Sometimes, you're not lost,you're just between seasons.

You don't have to rush your becoming. You just have to keep growing, keep showing up, and keep making room for the person you're becoming.

Because you're not supposed to stay the same after every season. 🌱

What does it really look like to answer the calling on your life while you're still becoming the woman you're meant to be?

In this episode of Too Authentic, Ashley Moniique sits down with Kerah Speaks, the visionary behind The Calling Series, for an honest conversation about purpose, healing, faith, and growth. Together, they unpack the realities of building something meaningful, choosing therapy, setting healthy boundaries, leading with authenticity, and navigating life as Black women committed to becoming their best selves.

This isn't just a conversation about succes, it's about the work that happens behind the scenes. The healing no one applauds. The boundaries that protect your peace. The faith it takes to keep going when the path isn't clear.

If you've ever questioned your purpose, struggled to trust the process, or felt like you're growing into a new version of yourself, this episode is your reminder that becoming is part of the journey.

So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and join the conversation.

Because healing looks good on you... and your calling is waiting.

This week's episode is a special one. 💫

I'm taking you behind the scenes of a weekend I'll never forget—from my executive coordinator Tiffany coming into town, to attending the Pour Minds live show, to the honor of being handpicked to speak on The Calling Series hosted by Kara.

I'm sharing what it felt like to step onto that stage, the fear that came with walking into a new level, and the gratitude I have for everyone who helped make it possible. Because while people often see the finished product, they don't always see the prayers, preparation, support, and community behind the scenes.

If you've ever questioned whether your story matters or wondered if you're ready for the opportunities in front of you, this episode is your reminder to keep showing up. Purpose has a way of opening doors when you're willing to walk through them.

Thank you for being part of this journey. This is only the beginning. 🤍

Some weeks don't go according to plan... and this was one of them.

From work burnout and canceled guests to celebrating my daughter's 16th birthday, building my new workspace, and learning to give myself grace, this episode is a reminder that life doesn't stop just because you're building a dream.

Join Ashley Moniique as she talks about navigating the unexpected, protecting your peace, and continuing to build—even when life be lifin'.

Because growth isn't always found in the perfect weeks... sometimes it's found in the ones that stretch us the most.

From humble beginnings to building a business of her own, Jada Monae's story is a testament to what can happen when faith, consistency, and self-belief come together.

In this episode of Too Authentic Podcast, Ashley Moniique sits down with entrepreneur, nail technician, and newlywed Jada Monae for a real and inspiring conversation about her journey in the beauty industry. Jada shares how she started by simply doing feet, built her confidence over time, and eventually stepped out on faith to leave the traditional salon setting and open her own suite.

Together, they discuss the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, overcoming self-doubt, navigating challenges behind the scenes, and staying committed to a vision even when the road isn't easy. Jada also opens up about the role her faith has played throughout her journey, the lessons she's learned about trusting God's timing, and what this new season of marriage has taught her about partnership, purpose, and growth.

This episode is a reminder that success doesn't happen overnight. It is built through perseverance, obedience, and showing up for yourself even when you're uncertain of the outcome. Whether you're building a business, pursuing a dream, or simply trying to trust the process, Jada's story will encourage you to keep going.

Because sometimes the greatest glow-up isn't just in your business,it's in the woman you're becoming along the way.