Too Smart For This

With June coming to a close, it’s time to engage in self-reflection – contemplating the lessons and experiences that have shaped the first half of 2023. For Alexis, these past few months have been filled with moments of growth, challenges, and surprising discoveries, all of which have left an indelible mark on her journey. In this week’s solo episode of Too Smart For This, she dives into what she’s leaving behind in H1 of 2023, what she’s bringing into H2, and the products/resources she’s picked up along the way. 

Show Notes

0:18 Mid-Year Check-in!

0:51 Benefits of planning in quarterly increments

1:15 What we’re leaving in the first half of 2023, and what we’re bringing into the next 6 months!

2:45 Let’s review H1

6:35 Importance of making the right decisions for YOU

7:13 Trust your timing! Peaks cannot exist without valleys

9:03 Stop chasing perfection and just be you

11:45 What’s being left in the first half of 2023

12:55 What we’re taking into the next half

15:26 Radical acceptance as a means of minimizing your suffering!

17:21 Everything (products, routines, etc) I’ve loved about the past 6 months

22:36 Self-Care/Mindset favorites

24:45 Not letting astrology define/dictate your life

26:24 Body/Skincare/Hair favorites

32:01 Utilizing quarterly vision boards to visualize your upcoming success

Resources/Mentioned

Elix Cycle Balance Drops: https://rb.gy/vf7mm

Alive by Whitney Simmons: https://rb.gy/llvwd

Lululemon Align Mini-Flared Pant: https://rb.gy/6rmsq

Lululemon Cropped Define Jacket: https://rb.gy/u5w31

Ratio Food Protein Yogurts: https://rb.gy/4s1nv

Premier Protein Shakes: https://rb.gy/y11c9

The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control: A Path to Peace and Power by Katherine Morgan Schafler: https://rb.gy/2zf84

Conscious Luck: Eight Secrets to Intentionally Change Your Fortune by Gay Hendricks, PhD: https://rb.gy/nwp35

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: https://rb.gy/ms9zz

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay: https://rb.gy/vj9f8

Superhuman App: https://rb.gy/dot84

Big Conversations with Haley Hoffman Smith: https://rb.gy/qitg4

The Twelfth House Podcast: https://rb.gy/xdyzt

Balanced Black Girl Podcast: https://rb.gy/w95ru

The Colin and Samir Show: https://rb.gy/ig101

Female Founder World: https://rb.gy/8j5l8

I’ve Had It Podcast: https://rb.gy/hjnny

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett: https://rb.gy/pwyws

Bravo! We're Black Podcast: https://rb.gy/itfo4

Hot Off The Mess Podcast: https://rb.gy/jmvwn

Ouai St. Barts Body Cleanser: https://rb.gy/p0ib0

Summer Fridays Dream Oasis Serum: https://rb.gy/96e0f

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum: https://rb.gy/fauxa

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Cream: https://rb.gy/flbak

Bread Beauty Supply Hair Gel: https://rb.gy/46a3u

Act+Acre: https://rb.gy/blpuo

Too Collective Giveaway

Too Collective Website

Too Collective Affirmation Texts

Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en

Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

Hey baddies! Welcome to the third Sunday Solo episode! Alexis chats current life updates and how she's changed her perspective on making friends.

Show Notes

0:48 Smart tip of the week

2:51 How to reframe your mindset

3:24 Superficial tip of the week

4:59 Life update!

10:58 Tips for making new friends

12:12 How to become more confident in who you are

13:50 The most embarrassing thing you can be in this world is embarrassed

14:37 Don’t take things personally!

15:43 Worrying less about whether people like you

17:19 Importance of joining likeminded clubs/organizations

18:10 Talking with anyone and everyone

19:45 Authenticity attracts people

19:51 Be chill!

Resources/Mentioned

Conscious Luck: Eight Secrets to Intentionally Change Your Fortune by Gay Hendricks and Carol Kline

Ami Cole Lip Treatment Oil

Nars Liquid Afterglow Blush

Enter the Too Cozy Robe Giveaway

Too Collective Website

Too Collective Affirmation Texts

Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en

Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Too Smart For This! This week, Alexis is joined by Olay Noel for a delightful conversation on all things self-care, entrepreneurship, and more.

The Atlanta, Georgia native knew from a young age that she was destined to walk the catwalk, drawing heavy inspiration from Naomi Campbell. While earning her degree from Kennesaw State University, Olay took a trip to New York City and returned with a modeling contract from Wilhelmina Models, the world-renowned agency that has had such clients as Naomi Sims, Anjelica Huston, Beverly Johnson, Patti Hansen, and Whitney Houston among others. Despite facing adversity as a woman of color in the modeling industry, Olay has continued to book countless projects including Essence, Cosmopolitan, and L’Officiel. Upon her parents’ advice, she has expanded her repertoire and started her own clothing and jewelry line with her sister that highlights the Black Diaspora, called MIANIK, which has been in business since 2019.

Listen to Olay's New Single “Flowers”

Show Notes

00:58 Learn more about Olay!

8:10 Solitude as self care

11:05 Olay’s career trajectory

13:03 Developing the confidence to audition yourself

14:52 Juggling and nurturing multiple interests and talents

16:07 Ignoring the pressure of conformity

17:52 Seeking other women for inspiration

20:39 Developing an entrepreneurial spirit/mindset

21:59 How to find structure amidst uncertainty and spontaneity

23:37 Investing in small things that boost your mental health

25:54 Trying to develop community in new environments

27:35 Knowing when to pivot when experiences no longer serve you

29:13 Importance of escaping your comfort zone to realize your true potential

32:15 Thinking of your life as a series of lessons rather than timelines

34:41 Importance of promoting inclusivity beyond fads or trends

37:59 Finding community in a post-pandemic world

39:29 Importance of being the initiator 

Resources/Mentioned

Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil: https://rb.gy/5lirg

Osea Advanced Protection Cream: https://rb.gy/sr9bq

Zuri Fate Body Butters: https://rb.gy/so0hs

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: https://rb.gy/w550y

Glo Skin Beauty GlyPro AHA Resurfacing Peel: https://rb.gy/dwbwc

The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone: https://rb.gy/uq7yp

Keep up with Olay!

Follow Olay on Instagram

Follow Olay on TikTok

Too Collective Website

Too Collective Affirmation Texts

Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en

Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

Hey baddies! Thanks for baring with us after a week of technical difficulties while we switched to a new podcast distributor. Better and brighter content coming to you!

In Alexis' second Sunday solo episode, we chat her lfie updates before heading on a flurry of travels, her current obsessions, and how she's having a hot girl summer.

Show Notes

1:47 Superficial tip of the week

2:47 Importance of prioritzing how you look and feel

3:06 Smart tip of the week

3:51 Life update! What happened this week

10:58 How to curate a Hot & Healed Girl Summer

11:45 Prioritizing like a pro and living a balanced life

14:16 Finding and investing in clothes that make you feel good

15:34 Living in the moment whilst planning for the future

17:00 The benefits of moving your body

17:34 Removing/ignoring anyone who doesn’t add to your life

Resources/Mentioned

Superficial Tip: House of CB

Smart Tip: Superhuman Meditation App

Enter the Too Cozy Robe Giveaway

Too Collective Website

Too Collective Affirmation Texts

Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en

Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the first installment of Solo Sundays, or Sunday Spiels, or Sunday Sermons? We don't have a name yet, but it's just fun to connect! In these lighter weekly episodes, expect some juicy life updates, product favorites, and an answer to one of your questions, starting with "How do you stay so consistent?" Spoiler: she doesn't always , but she's got some tips that will help you get started. Keep up with Alexis on Instagram to be there when the next AMA drops!

Show Notes

2:48 Smart tip of the week

4:15 Perfectionism takes many different forms

5:11 Superficial tip of the week

6:43 Life update!

13:28 Q&A

14:31 Managing both your energy and your time

16:45 Creating systems to navigate failure

19:47 Reframing: How to learn from failure

20:02 How to simplify your life to be happier

Resources/Mentioned

Smart Tip: "The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control" https://amzn.to/3Nq7KdO

Superficial Tip: Lululemon Align Top: https://creatoriq.cc/43LXKRo 

Too Collective Website

Too Collective Affirmation Texts

Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en

Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

The Smart Girl’s Guide returns, and this week, Alexis delves into her early career tips! Whether you’ve just graduated, looking to make a pivot, or simply want to refresh your professional life, this episode is chock full of helpful career advice!

Show Notes

1:22 Let’s talk career!

3:02 10 tips for each stage of your career

3:30 #1 Know what you want

5:15 Recognizing/understanding your personal agency

5:52 Reframe your career goals – understanding when it’s time to pivot

6:05 What are your longterm goals?

6:56 Knowing when it’s time to leave

7:15 Be clear with your intentions!

8:14 #2 Do what is right for you

11:36 #3 Use a brag book + keep track of everything

13:23 Importance of checking in with yourself 

15:46 #4 How to respond to negative feedback professionally

15:58 #5 Be authentic, not annoying

17:46 #6 Act on curiosity

18:40 #7 Search for knowledge everywhere

20:18 #8 Be professional + #9 Invest in yourself

25:04 #10 Importance of doing the work and developing your personal brand

26:44 Approach everything with curiosity

27:24 Stop making excuses and own your actions

27:44 Watch your social media!

Career resources for updating your resume & looking for careers:

1. https://www.wonsulting.com/resumai

2. https://resumeworded.com/

3. https://www.rezi.ai/

4. https://simplify.jobs/

5. https://www.tealhq.com/

6. https://secta.ai/

7. https://www.rampedcareers.com/

8. https://www.careerflow.ai/

9. Kickresume: https://bit.ly/3kCHFwo

10. https://usemassive.com/

11. https://www.tryitonai.com/

12. https://www.loopcv.pro/

13. https://www.hiration.com/

14. https://www.biginterview.com/

15. Wave.ai: https://bit.ly/3WSig08

Too Collective Website

Too Collective Affirmation Texts

Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en

Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en

Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

As of 2023, it’s estimated that nearly 1 million people in the United States struggle with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). And globally? That figure rises to more than 2.8 million. MS is categorized as a disease in which your immune system attacks both your brain and your spinal cord – causing numbness, fatigue, and blindness. At the moment, there is no cure, but Nancy Davis is tireless in her efforts to not just manage the disease, but eradicate it for good. This week, the philanthropist joins the Too Smart for This podcast to discuss her organization, being your own health advocate, and how you can get involved to end MS forever.

Show Notes
1:17 Background on Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
3:38 Alexis’ personal experience with MS
11:33 Welcome, Nancy Davis!
15:54 Who gets MS?
18:26 Race to Erase MS’ Mission
20:27 Motivation behind Nancy’s altruism
23:58 The business of philanthropy
26:55 Finding motivation when you’re feeling down
31:48 How to be your own health advocate
34:17 Importance of being an active, well-informed patient
35:35 Building/leaning on community in times of crisis
36:47 Necessity of educating yourself before your doctor’s appointment
37:09 How to be a friend to a person with MS
39:33 Homeopathy for MS
43:53 How you can get involved in the fight against MS!

Resources/Mentioned
Race to Erase MS: Erasems.org
Race to Erase MS Resource Links: https://www.erasems.org/resource-links/
National MS Society: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Resources-Support

Nancy Davis’ Work
Lean on Me by Nancy Davis: https://tinyurl.com/2vdbkdpb
Race to Erase MS Gala Tickets: https://shop.erasems.org/collections/tickets
Cured Addiction Now: https://cureaddictionnow.org/
Peace & Love Jewelry Line: https://www.peaceandlovejewelry.com/

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

Haitian-raised, Brooklyn-based sisters, Shelcy and Christy Joseph (@NYCxClothes), are among many leading the fight for inclusion and diversity in the high-fashion conversation. And this week, the vibrant duo joins the Too Smart for This podcast to discuss all things luxury and lifestyle!

Show Notes

1:14 Learn about our guests!
3:14 Introductory questions
9:00 Lightning round!
15:36 How @NYCxClothes began
16:04 Expanding – not limiting – your career
17:57 Connecting passion with purpose
19:10 Crafting timeless, culture-shifting stories
19:44 Black women as historical actors
20:33 How childhood dreams can lay the path for your future career
24:30 Grinding now to reap the harvest later
25:37 Tips for pitching yourself
30:52 Importance of overcoming perfectionism
32:23 Being intentional with your relationships
33:28 How to navigate working with others
35:05 Discovering and crafting your personal style
37:16 Building and maintaining relationships into adulthood
41:44 How to take care of yourself and others!


Resources/Mentioned
Headspace: https://www.headspace.com/

Keep up with Shelcy & Christy!
@nycxclothes on TikTok
@nycxclothes on Instagram
@nycxclothes on YouTube
https://www.nycxclothes.com/
@nycxstudio on Instagram

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

¡Ciao! With Alexis’ month-long trip to Europe in full effect, this week’s episode is centered around all things travel. With her tips and tricks you’ll be able to conquer your summer vacation(s) with ease and in style.

Show Notes
2:33 Travel tips!
3:32 Importance of planning to ensure a seamless trip
3:46 A Guide to Financial Planning for Travelers
3:55 Importance of Travel Credit Cards
4:22 Choosing the best credit card for rewards/points
7:50 Building a relationship with/loyalty to an airline
10:31 How I go about booking hotels!
10:52 Importance of filtering your searches
11:11 Utilizing prior-reviews to make informed decisions
12:45 Travel planning logistics
13:14 Where/How to research a travel destination before you go
15:22 Utilizing Notion to arrange the itinerary, financials, etc
17:12 Be mindful of downtime!
18:12 Downloading Google Maps to navigate offline
18:48 Packing logistics
19:00 Packing in a color scheme
19:49 How I utilize luggage packing cubes
20:23 Visualizing outfits before your trip
21:10 High Maintenance Travel Girly Things!

Resources/Mentioned
Amazon Cosmetic Containers:
Bose Earphones: https://rb.gy/9zqle
MEC Travel Pillow: https://rb.gy/no549
Downy Wrinkle Releaser: https://rb.gy/0o6rq
Arrae Bloat Alchemy Supplement: https://rb.gy/vh5js
Rimowa: https://rb.gy/oiojd
YSL Rive Gauche Supple Bag: https://rb.gy/tz5fl
Lululemon Clean Lines Tote Bag: https://rb.gy/2qchs
Cuyana The Travel Bag: https://rb.gy/lszvm


Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe

After discovering a love for writing his senior year of college, the exuberant @cashmeretote (Cole Habersham) has since used his skills to navigate familial estrangement, the highs and lows of dating, and finding joy in the mundane … all while balancing a full-time advertising career. He joins the Too Smart for This podcast to discuss cutting ties with family members, finding fashion inspiration, and so much more! It's an episode you won't want to miss.

Show Notes
1:32 Quick introduction to Cole!
2:40 NY vs LA
7:28 What works for others won’t always work for you
11:50 Cole’s background
14:51 Viewing your work as a source of empowerment
15:56 Embracing uncertainty to jumpstart your creative endeavors
16:31 How does one get published?
17:54 Healing through creativity
18:24 Knowing when to end relationships with unsupportive family members
19:46 Discomfort precipitates growth
20:13 Building your chosen family
20:48 Importance of intention within budding/established friendships
21:51 Everything gets better with time
25:32 How to build your personal confidence
26:10 Surrounding yourself with people who stimulate you
26:35 Fake it till you make it
30:40 Finding what works and/or what inspires the most confidence in you
32:58 Your worst day only lasts 24 hours
35:35 Journaling as a preventative self-care measure
37:00 Let’s talk dating!

Resources/Mentioned:
Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin: https://tinyurl.com/2s366e9e

Keep up with Cole!
@cashmeretote on Tiktok
@cashmeretote on Instagram
@cashmeretote on Twitter
cashmeretote.com

Too Collective Website
Too Collective Affirmation Texts
Follow Too Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocollective/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexisbarber/?hl=en
Follow Alexis on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexisbarber_?lang=en
Subscribe to Alexis on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7-YnRrflV9g6nLMWUkwDtA

This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5806440/advertisement

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit toocollective.substack.com/subscribe