Unknown & Talented with Jelan Abrams

Welcome back to another episode of "Unknown and Talented: Behind the Scenes." In this installment, your hosts Jelan Abrams and Charnae Ja'Nyse dive into a candid discussion about their personal experiences with hair and the journey of embracing locks.

The hosts kick off the episode with a lighthearted banter about Jelan's recent change in hairstyle, transitioning into a deeper conversation about the societal acceptance of natural and locked hair. Charnae opens up about her decision to lock her hair and the fascinating journey of transitioning through different hairstyles over the years.

As they share personal stories, the hosts touch on societal perceptions, family influences, and the evolving acceptance of natural black hair in various settings. Jelan reflects on the stereotypes associated with locks, highlighting the impact of media portrayal on individual choices.

The hosts explore the shifting norms around natural hairstyles, from the challenges faced by professionals to the heartwarming moments of connecting with younger generations who see themselves represented in diverse hairstyles. They emphasize the importance of breaking stereotypes and celebrating the beauty of all natural hair textures.

The episode takes an unexpected turn as the hosts discuss the differences between styling locs for men and women, sharing humorous anecdotes and insights into the unique challenges and joys of maintaining various loc styles.

Join Jelan Abrams and Charnae Ja"Nyse for an enlightening conversation that goes beyond hairstyles, touching on identity, acceptance, and the power of representation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal expression.

Tune in for an episode filled with laughter, wisdom, and genuine reflections on the journey to embracing and celebrating natural hair.

In today's episode, we're diving into the concept of Rebranding – not just for businesses but for individuals like you and me. We will give you the steps to successfully rebrand your personal image. What does it really mean to reinvent yourself, reshape your image, and be seen in a different light?

Our host kicks off the episode by breaking down the essence of a Rebrand, emphasizing the transformative power it holds. Drawing parallels between personal and corporate transformations, they explore the idea that changing the way people perceive you can lead to a whole new way of living.

To illustrate the concept, our host provides examples of notable rebrands, starting with Instagram's evolution. From a platform solely dedicated to photos, Instagram redefined itself by introducing videos, stories, and most recently, "Reels," taking inspiration from emerging trends like Vine and TikTok.

But it's not just about apps and platforms – personal rebrands matter too. The episode delves into the journey of Rihanna, from her early days as "Good Girl Riri" to the entrepreneurial powerhouse she is today. The lesson here is that even when you're at the top, embracing change can open doors to new opportunities.

The host shares their own experiences with rebranding, touching on appearance, environment, and mindset shifts. They emphasize the importance of reflecting on your current situation, preparing for change, and, most crucially, maintaining the right mindset throughout the process.

Using humor and relatable anecdotes, our host keeps the energy high, offering practical advice for listeners who are considering their own rebrand. Whether it's waking up earlier, changing your appearance, or seeking a new environment, the episode encourages everyone to embrace change and step into the next version of themselves.

So, join us on this journey of transformation! Grab your headphones, hit play, and let's explore the power of rebranding on Unknown and Talented. Remember, the only constant in life is change, and a successful rebrand might just be the key to unlocking your fullest potential. Enjoy the episode!

In this episode, we dive deep into Banks 360's life, from his beginnings on the streets of Toronto to becoming a renowned celebrity barber. We explore the challenges of being a celebrity barber, the sacrifices, and the rewards of networking with top-tier individuals.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn as we delve into Banks 360's personal journey of self-improvement, particularly his experiences with a 90-day semen retention journey. Banks shares how this practice has transformed his life, raising his energy, awareness, and level of consciousness. He emphasizes the importance of finding oneself and being intentional with life.

As we discuss entrepreneurship in the barber industry, Banks 360 shares his insights into opening and managing multiple barber shops. From the highs of success to the struggles of paying rent, he reflects on the value gained from these experiences and the lessons learned.

The podcast also touches on the importance of physical fitness and Banks 360's unique approach to working out. He shares how running, calisthenics, and weightlifting play a role in his routine, emphasizing the healing power of exercise and the connection between physical and mental well-being.

Towards the end of the episode, Banks 360 opens up about his spiritual journey, the challenges of detaching from distractions, and his commitment to being the voice of the people. He shares his views on the elixir of life, the hidden information that he believes is crucial for personal development and soul discovery.

Join us for a powerful and enlightening episode as we uncover the untold stories and talents of Banks 360 on "Unknown and Talented." Don't miss out on the wisdom and inspiration he has to offer on this transformative journey of self-discovery and growth.

Meet Banks:

https://www.instagram.com/banks360_/

https://www.youtube.com/@compoundinterestpodcast/videos

In today's episode, Jelan Abrams explores the theme of insecurities and how they manifest in our lives.

Jelan shares personal experiences, from the college dance floor rejections to insecurities about body image, emphasizing that external opinions should not define our self-worth. He identifies three sources of insecurities: personal experiences, comparisons with others, and a lack of self-confidence.

Drawing from personal stories, Jelan encourages listeners to overcome rejection, embrace their bodies, and build self-confidence. He emphasizes the importance of positive affirmations, urging listeners to say aloud, "I am enough, I am blessed, I am loved, I am successful."

The episode also touches on the role of failure in personal growth, urging listeners to keep knocking on doors and pushing forward despite setbacks. Jelan shares his father's experience as a door-to-door salesman, highlighting the resilience needed to overcome rejection.

To conclude, Jelan emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and supportive people. He encourages listeners to share the podcast without revealing it's a friend's creation to avoid biases.

Tune in to "Unknown and Talented" to gain insights on overcoming insecurities, embracing positivity, and chasing your dreams. Remember, insecurities are not real, and it's time to grow beyond them. Like, comment, share, and subscribe to support the podcast, and join Jalon next week for more empowering discussions on "Unknown and Talented."

Show Notes:

Main Topic: Insecurities

Analogical Story: Selling a Shirt

Setting up a scenario of selling a shirt to illustrate how external opinions can diminish self-worth.

Emphasis on the impact of others' opinions on personal value.

Three Sources of Insecurities:

Personal Experience:

Sharing a personal experience of rejection and how it led to self-blame.

Encouraging listeners not to internalize rejection and consider other perspectives.

Body Image Insecurities:

Addressing societal standards and family influences on body image.

Advocating for self-acceptance and not letting others' opinions dictate self-worth.

Comparison:

Advising against comparing one's life to others, emphasizing the uniqueness of each individual's journey.

Stressing the importance of appreciating one's own life and not desiring someone else's.

Building Confidence:

Sharing a personal fitness journey to overcome body image insecurities.

Highlighting the significance of positive affirmations and changing self-talk.

Embracing Failure:

Encouraging listeners to take action and not fear failure.

Using personal stories, such as a father's experience as a door-to-door salesman, to illustrate resilience and persistence.

Surrounding Yourself with Positivity:

Emphasizing the impact of the social circle on self-esteem.

Advocating for relationships that uplift and support personal growth.

The Imaginary Nature of Insecurities:

Drawing parallels between childhood fears and lingering insecurities.

Urging listeners to let go of imaginary insecurities as adults.

Conclusion:

Encouraging listeners to overcome insecurities and pursue their goals confidently.

Reiterating the message that insecurities are not real obstacles.

Closing remarks, gratitude, and reminders to engage with the podcast (likes, comments, shares, subscriptions).

In this podcast episode, Jelan and Charnae reflect on their Christmas celebrations, sharing anecdotes about the two microphones Jelan received as a gift. They delve into their holiday gifts, including duplicate copies of the book "Atomic Habits," leading them to start a book club.

As they discuss their progress in reading "Atomic Habits" and the impact on their thinking, the hosts explore the origins of their habits. Jelan humorously attributes his bad habits to his parents while Charnae teases him about his seasoning skills. The conversation takes an insightful turn as they ponder the sources of habits and the importance of understanding their origins.

Transitioning into the New Year, they share personal habits, such as making the bed and eating breakfast, highlighting the significance these habits hold in their lives. The hosts also touch on Usher's song "Bad Habits" and the idea of recognizing and addressing habits to bring about positive change.

The duo opens up about their experiences with habits, discussing the challenges of breaking old patterns and establishing new ones. They share their resolutions, emphasizing the importance of intentional and positive habits.

The episode takes a lighthearted turn as Jelan and Charnae discuss bad habits in popular culture, using humor to address the absurdity of certain situations. They encourage listeners to join their virtual book club and share in the journey of self-improvement.

The hosts explore the concept of finding joy in life without resorting to escapism. They share personal examples, such as starting a plant journey with a snake plant named Samuel. Jelan and Charnae encourage listeners to pursue activities that bring genuine joy and fulfillment. And also cutting out distractions, with social media being a prominent example. We explore the idea of using social media strategically, not as an escapism tool but as a source of creative encouragement and inspiration. The conversation touches on curating a timeline that aligns with personal goals, whether it's for healthy meals, DIY projects, or home decor.

Our hosts share insights into intentional living, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of the habits we cultivate. The discussion unfolds into the concept of finding joy in real-life experiences rather than constantly seeking an escape through various means. They highlight the need to be intentional with social media use, ensuring it adds value and aligns with personal aspirations.

The hosts also discuss their journey of developing positive habits, such as maintaining a gluten-free diet, creating financial habits, and embracing a healthier lifestyle. They share personal experiences of aligning habits with identity, emphasizing the impact of intentional choices on overall well-being.

The conversation delves into the concept of making small improvements daily, echoing the idea that progress is about consistent 1% betterment. Examples from the world of sports, particularly the analogy of a sprint race, illustrate the cumulative impact of small habits over time.

Additionally, the hosts share how reading books and learning from successful individuals have influenced their habits. They touch on the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and how identity can be shaped by the habits we adopt.

The episode concludes with a reflection on the impact of habits on personal growth and the commitment to continue the journey of intentional living. The hosts encourage listeners to find accountability partners, set goals, and strive for progress in the years ahead.

As the conversation flows seamlessly between humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful reflections, Jelan and Charnae create a welcoming space for listeners to join them on their journey of self-discovery and positive habit-building. 

If you're enjoying this episode, don't forget to leave a review, subscribe, and share the podcast with your friends.

Jelan Abrams:

YouTube

Instagram

E-mail: [email protected]

Liv is the founder of Liv with Nature, a brand that offers all-natural products for hair care, oral care, skin care, and household care. In this episode, we dive into Liv's journey from starting her business in her kitchen to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

Liv shares her motivation behind creating affordable, eco-friendly, and plant-based products. Frustrated with overpriced and underperforming items, she decided to make a change and provide solutions to essential needs without compromising quality. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Liv is a mother of two and wears many hats, but Liv with Nature remains her passion.

During the podcast, Liv discusses her initial foray into entrepreneurship, starting with handmade products in her kitchen. Her journey took a significant turn after a three-day water fast during the holidays, where she found inspiration and clarity for her brand. Liv with Nature was born out of the desire to offer budget-friendly products derived from natural ingredients.

The conversation touches upon the challenges and highlights of being a business owner, including the overwhelming experience of participating in events like Invest Fest. Liv shares her dedication to providing a platform for handmade vendors, like the Creator's Noble marketplace, and emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between entrepreneurship and personal life.

Liv's insights extend to her commitment to veganism and the impact of clean, natural ingredients on overall well-being. She discusses the benefits of fasting, particularly water fasting, as a powerful tool for physical and mental clarity.

As the podcast unfolds, Liv talks about her real estate ventures and the decision to move from Sacramento to Atlanta. She emphasizes the significance of having a backup plan and finding balance while pursuing entrepreneurial goals.

Towards the end, Liv offers advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of passion, problem-solving, and setting realistic goals. She encourages everyone to do their research and emphasizes the power of respecting nature.

You can connect with Liv on Instagram at @livwithnature and explore her all-natural products on her website, www.livwithnature.com.

Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Unknown and Talented podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. Until next time, stay inspired and keep pursuing your passions!

Meet Liv: 

https://www.instagram.com/livwithnature/

www.livwithnature.com

Jelan Abrams:

YouTube

Instagram

E-mail: [email protected]

Today, we're diving deep into the power of practice, inspired by the legendary Allen Iverson's iconic "Practice" moment. Reminiscing on my days as an aspiring ballplayer with hoop dreams. Living in Raleigh, North Carolina, I had the biggest driveway in the neighborhood, making my house the go-to spot for basketball. Amidst the epic driveway games and occasional fights, I was more focused on playing the game than honing my skills through practice. Fast forward to middle school tryouts – the pivotal moment for any aspiring basketball player. I vividly recall the anticipation as I checked the list on the cafeteria wall to see if I made the team. Spoiler alert: I didn't. It was a heartbreaking realization that not practicing had consequences, and I couldn't join my friends on the team. This experience taught me a valuable lesson about the importance of practice. Despite not making any basketball teams throughout high school, my journey took an unexpected turn. Enter my little sister, Kia, who expressed a desire to play basketball. Determined to guide her differently, I committed to daily practice sessions. We worked on ball handling, shooting form, and even the seemingly mundane form shooting close to the basket. Surprisingly, Kia's dedication paid off – she made every team, played varsity in the ninth grade, and eventually pursued D1 basketball. This success was a testament to the transformative power of intentional and consistent practice.

Transitioning from basketball to boxing, I share a recent experience where bad practice led to ridicule on social media. However, I didn't let that discourage me. Instead, I engaged in good practice by studying the craft, seeking improvement, and applying that knowledge in subsequent sessions. The podcast itself is a journey of practice, perseverance, and continuous improvement. I highlight the example of Shannon Sharp's interview with Katt Williams, emphasizing that luck often follows meticulous preparation and practice. The key is not to aim for perfection but to chase continuous improvement, getting 1% better every day. I discuss the inevitability of facing challenges and criticism as you level up in any pursuit. Changing and evolving might lead people to claim you've "switched up," but it's an essential part of growth. In conclusion, I encourage you to focus on today – the small steps and practices that contribute to your improvement. Share this episode, spread the word, and remember, success is a journey of consistent, intentional practice.

Thank you for tuning in to Unknown & Talented. I'm Jelan Abrams, signing off with peace, love, and joy. Happy New Year!

• Jelan shares his personal experience of being a basketball enthusiast, playing in his front yard with friends.
• Reflects on the disappointment of not making the basketball team in middle school due to lack of practice.
• Emphasizes the significance of practice and its impact on achieving goals.

• Jelan draws parallels between his basketball experience and the importance of practice in various aspects of life.
• Stresses the need for practice to pursue and achieve goals in any field.
• Jelan shares a turning point when he applied the lesson of practice to help his sister excel in basketball.

• Reflects on the realization that lack of practice led to missed opportunities in his own life.
• Encourages listeners to understand that practice is essential for improvement.
• Emphasizes the difference between bad practice (repeating mistakes) and good practice (studying, learning, improving).

• Cites the example of Shannon Sharp's successful interview with Katt Williams, highlighting how preparation and practice contributed to its success.
• Shares his personal experience of starting boxing, initially facing criticism, but turning it into a learning opportunity through studying and improvement.

• Acknowledges that the journey to success is tough and comes with challenges.
• Highlights the inevitability of change and challenges in relationships as one progresses.
• Encourages perseverance and emphasizes the need to focus on daily improvements rather than long-term goals.

• Wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of practice for personal and professional growth.
• Encourages listeners to share the podcast with others for mutual growth.
• Expresses gratitude and signs off with a positive message.

Jelan Abrams:

YouTube

Instagram

E-mail: [email protected]

As we step into January 2024, it's a time of excitement, resolutions, and promises for positive change. We've all been down this road before, declaring "new year, new me" with plans to eat healthier, hit the gym, read more books, and perhaps start a business.

But let's face it, the cycle often repeats itself. The initial enthusiasm fades as life's distractions take over—work, friends, family—pushing our goals to the background. Well not this year! This year is about setting clear priorities and establishing boundaries to protect those goals. There are countless distractions in our lives and with smartphones in our hands 24/7, it's crucial to ensure these distractions don't overshadow our goals.

Boundaries are emotional, physical, and relational limits set to safeguard your well-being, maintaining a healthy balance between personal needs and the demands of the world. Think of them like the lines on a sports field, preventing interference from the outside.

Why are boundaries so important? They help you put your needs first, ensuring your priorities remain front and center. Time is our most valuable asset, and as the years pass, it becomes increasingly essential to use it wisely. Eddie Murphy once remarked, "75 years, that's all we have if we're lucky." Yet, research suggests it's even less, especially for certain demographics. Time is fleeting, and setting boundaries becomes a powerful tool to make the most of it.

I've witnessed the power of boundaries in my own life. From protecting time for personal goals to managing emotional capacity, boundaries are crucial. Whether it's saying no to distractions or communicating your priorities clearly to loved ones, it's about saying yes to yourself.

Setting boundaries isn't about being mean; it's about asserting your priorities. Reflect on your goals, those resolutions you made at the beginning of the year. Before saying yes to someone else's request, check if it aligns with your goals. Communicate with loved ones, explaining your journey and the need to prioritize. If needed, don't hesitate to let calls go unanswered or texts unread. Remember, saying yes to yourself may sometimes mean saying no to others.

In the end, it's about creating a mindset that puts your goals first. The first step is reflecting on your aspirations, then communicating or simply not engaging with distractions. Make a habit of starting your day by focusing on your priorities, not diving into social media or other distractions.

As we navigate through 2024, let's make it a year of genuine change. Be the new you, accomplish your goals, and only then can you extend your hand to help others. Here's to a transformative year ahead! This is Jelan Abrams, signing off. Happy New Year, and let's make it count!

Overview:

Recap of typical New Year resolutions: health, gym, reading, starting a business.

Acknowledges the pattern of setting goals every year but often not following through.

Theme: Setting Clear Priorities and Boundaries:

Emphasizes the need to set clear priorities to avoid distractions.

Reflects on the common cycle of excitement in January, followed by distractions and neglect of goals.

Definition of Boundaries:

Boundary defined: Emotional, physical, relational limits to protect well-being and balance personal needs with external demands.

Analogies with sports: Football, basketball, and soccer have boundaries to maintain fairness.

Importance of Boundaries:

Prioritizing personal needs first.

Time is valuable, and setting boundaries helps use time wisely.

Reflection on the limited time we have in life, citing a quote from Eddie Murphy's movie.

Types of Boundaries:

Time Boundaries:

Illustration: Goal of reading 10 pages a day disrupted by a friend's crisis.

Emphasizes protecting time for personal goals.

Emotional Boundaries:

Example: Discusses the emotional toll of getting involved in others' problems.

Encourages focusing on personal issues before helping others.

Communication Boundaries:

Advocates for communicating boundaries to loved ones.

Suggests explaining the need for personal time and goal accomplishment.

How to Set Boundaries:

Reflect on Goals:

Encourages revisiting New Year's resolutions.

Evaluating requests against personal goals.

Prioritize Goals:

Emphasizes saying "yes" to oneself by saying "no" to external distractions.

Stresses the power of saying "no" to protect personal priorities.

Communication:

Recommends open communication with loved ones about setting boundaries.

Discusses the importance of conveying the need for personal time and goal focus.

Non-Communication Approach:

Suggests not answering calls or messages during focused time.

Highlights the importance of prioritizing personal goals without explicitly explaining to others.

Conclusion:

Reiterates the importance of putting oneself first.

Encourages listeners to focus on accomplishing personal goals before helping others.

Advocates for sharing the podcast to help others embrace a similar mindset.

Jelan Abrams:

YouTube

Instagram

E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode of "Unknown and Talented," host Jelan Abrams welcomes special guest Edgar, the owner and founder of National Beard League. The conversation begins with Jelan expressing his excitement about the help Edgar's company can provide for men with straggly beards. The two discuss their respective football teams and Edgar shares how he became a fan of the Dallas Cowboys despite living in Portland, Oregon.

Edgar then goes on to explain how he started his business, beginning with designing t-shirts and jerseys in the 90s. He talks about his love for beards and his passion for sports, music, and fashion, which led him to create the National Beard League. The league is for anyone who loves beards and wants to promote confidence and awareness among men with beards.

As the conversation continues, Edgar discusses the importance of beard products and how they can help to moisturize, hydrate, and protect the hair follicles and skin. He talks about the issues men face with dryness, roughness, patchiness, and irritation, and explains how his products can address those concerns. He emphasizes that a little goes a long way with his products and recommends using them once or twice a week, with the option to use more for special occasions.

Overall, this episode provides insights into Edgar's journey as an entrepreneur and his mission to support men with beards through his National Beard League and product line. Listeners will gain a better understanding of the importance of beard care and the benefits of using quality products to maintain healthy and well-groomed facial hair.

Meet Edgar: 

https://www.instagram.com/nationalbeardleague/

https://nationalbeardleague.com/

Jelan Abrams:

YouTube

Instagram

E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode of Unknown & Talented hosts Jelan Abrams & Charnae Ja'Nyse discuss their recent moves and reflect on the challenges of moving as adults compared to their experiences in college. They share their thoughts on the concept of minimalism and how it relates to the difficulties of transporting a lot of belongings. The hosts also talk about their experiences with hiring movers and the importance of having a supportive community during the moving process.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of community and how it evolves as they move to different locations and go through different stages of life. They discuss the role of communication in maintaining relationships and how their conversations have changed over time, focusing more on personal growth, finances, and future goals rather than just the present moment. The hosts share their thoughts on the importance of vulnerability and championing each other's achievements within their communities.

The hosts also touch on the impact of social media on building and maintaining relationships. They reflect on how social media can sometimes give a different perception of individuals and how it can influence their views of others. They discuss their own experiences with unfollowing or limiting their interaction with certain people based on their social media presence. Overall, this episode explores the dynamics of community, the challenges of moving, and the importance of genuine connections in different stages of life.

Key Points:

The value of community: The hosts emphasize the innate need for connection and community in human nature. They believe that we are built to thrive through relationships, and having a sense of belonging and support can greatly impact our overall well-being.

Finding the right community: The hosts discuss the importance of finding a community that aligns with one's values and interests. They suggest exploring different avenues such as church groups, work environments, and shared hobbies to meet like-minded individuals.

The evolving nature of community: While some relationships may last a lifetime, the hosts acknowledge that people come into our lives for different seasons. They believe that every phase of life brings new opportunities for growth and connection, and it's essential to embrace the changes and the people who enter our lives during those times.

The challenges of building community as an adult: The hosts acknowledge the difficulties of forming deep connections as adults, especially when it comes to making new friends. They discuss the societal expectations and discomfort that can arise when trying to approach others and build relationships outside of school or work settings.

The importance of changing environments: The hosts highlight the benefits of changing environments and surrounding oneself with different people to foster personal growth. They share their own experiences of how their communities have changed and evolved as they moved to different places or pursued new opportunities.

Conclusion:

Building a strong community is crucial for personal growth and support. The hosts encourage listeners to explore various avenues to find communities that align with their values and interests. They emphasize the value of embracing change and being open to new relationships as they can contribute to personal development and a sense of belonging.