In Episode 77, we are joined by Brandon Dean Johnson, who has accepted the passing of the torch to be the new CEO of Create Now, founded by our late friend, Jill Gurr. An organization that has used arts to impact the lives of tens of thousands of at-risk youth, Aalia and Johnson discuss the challenges and joyous moments of being their first African American CEO. Discussing Create Now’s focus on educating underprivileged youth, they emphasize the importance of art as we attempt to mitigate the effect of a global pandemic on our most vulnerable children. While talking to Aalia, Johnson drops some real gems that everyone needs to hear! Press PLAY!

Like, comment, and subscribe!

Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Stay connected to our guest on IG: @Createnowarts

UNSUGARCOATED Media is a 501c3 media enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.

In Episode 76, we are joined by luxury fashion designer, Veronica Tharmalingam, to discuss visualization and what it means to have a brand that isn’t trying to sell a product, but an experience! Tharmalingam, shares on her journey of being multicultural, split between French and Indian, and what building an empire looks like when you’re trusting the process! Using her bold pieces to empower women, Tharmalingham has beautifully blended these cultures together and created beautiful fashion statements. Check out the conversation as they talk fashion, multiculturality, womanhood and supportive husbands!

Like, comment, and subscribe!

Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Stay connected to our guest @veronicatharmalingam

UNSUGARCOATED Media is a 501c3 media enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.

UNSUGARCOATED with Aalia, Season 10 launches with a powerful conversation surrounding separation, divorce, and rebuilding with guest, award-winning director and filmmaker, Sunnie McFadden-Curtis. Unfortunately, around half of all marriages end in divorce. What if someone were to tell them that it was just the beginning and not the end? McFadden-Curtis reveals to Aalia the process behind creating an award-winning film and the different stories that impacted her throughout the process. Each story portrays the message that although ending a marriage is traumatic, there is hope to rebuild a better life for yourself when you trust the process and know your value.

In Episode 74, actor Michael Nouri joins us for our season 9 finale to discuss the influence of meditation. Michael got his big break as Nick Hurley in the 1983 film Flashdance. He experienced his spiritual awakening when he became passionately interested in why he was here on the planet (19:55). After 50 years of meditation, Michael has found he is happiest when coming from a place of service and hopes to better the world through his philanthropic endeavors (29:35). Listen to hear more about Michael Nouri’s spiritual journey and how you can offer your service to others.


Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Connect with Michael Nouri:

IG: @michaelnouriofficial


UNSUGARCOATED Media is a 501c3 media enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and live events please visit www.UNSUGARCOATEDMedia.com.

In Episode 73, “Jolly Good Ginger”, a self-proclaimed reformed bigot and racist, shares with Aalia his journey of unlearning white supremacy and his mission to educate white people about their bigotry and implicit biases. Jolly discusses how racism is a spectrum and that everyday he continues his journey to learn about racism and reject the racist beliefs he was raised with (11:38). He shares how racism has transformed itself through history and that most Americans live with casual racism in their everyday life (19:35). White privilege has continued to dominate American culture as being white has become the standard of life (27:33). Listen to hear more about the disease of racism and the steps you can take toward becoming more aware of bigotry in your life.


Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Connect with Jolly Good Ginger:

IG: @jolly_goog_ginger


UNSUGARCOATED Media is a 501c3 media enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and live events please visit www.UNSUGARCOATEDMedia.com.

In Episode 72, Eric Blake shares how his passion for making people laugh got him off the streets of South Central Los Angeles and into the life of a comedian. Eric enlightens the audience with his formula for comedy and the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist (11:35). On the stage, Eric feels there are no limits to topics he can use as material. He reminds the audience to be open-minded and emphasizes that the true intention of comedy is to make people laugh (19:27). His journey as a comedian has brought him many places, but one of the most impactful was his performances for the American troops overseas (23:55). Eric is happiest doing comedy because he gets to see others laugh, he knows he is giving his audience a momentary release from whatever trauma they are going through. Listen to hear more about Eric’s journey of becoming a comedian and bringing joy to the soul through laughter!


Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Connect with Eric Blake:

IG: @ericblake21


UNSUGARCOATED Media is a 501c3 non-profit media production enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information please visit www.UNSUGARCOATEDMedia.com.

In Episode 71, Kushal Choksi shares his story of how surviving the tragedy of 9/11 altered his path and encouraged a life of living in the present. After such a traumatic experience and close encounter with death, Kushal was forced to question the status quo of his life and ask himself “what am I really doing?” (6:00). Through spirituality and meditation, Kushal has found healing and personal growth (14:45). He has learned to counter his conditioned belief-systems in order to connect with his inner self (28:30). Listen to hear more about Kushal’s journey from trauma to self discovery and tips for living in the present.

Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Connect with Kushal Choksi:

IG: @choksi108

Kushalchoksi.com

In Episode 70, Matt Gray and our host tackle the challenges the cannabis industry is facing in the coming year along with his story of becoming a cannabis entrepreneur and the CEO of Herb. Matt shares his passion for natural remedies and the positive impacts of cannabis on ailments both mental and physical (7:30). However, there is still a great stigma around cannabis use. Matt uses Herb as a platform to educate his audience and works with The Last Prisoner Project, a nonprofit organization with the mission to free those incarcerated for cannabis-related charges (12:40). He believes in finding your passion by taking a stand for what you believe in and making a change (23:55). Listen to hear more about Matt’s business journey into the booming cannabis industry, the legality around cannabis, and his secrets to success!

Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Connect with Matt Gray:

IG: @matthgray

Check out Herb at:

www.herb.co

UNSUGARCOATED Media is a 501c3 non-profit media production enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and live events please visit www.UNSUGARCOATEDMedia.com.

In Episode 69, Sean V. Bradley shares his journey from being a dealer on the streets to becoming “The Millionaire Car Salesman.” In this candid conversation, you’ll get to hear from both our host, Aalia Lanius and Sean discuss their less than perfect backgrounds and how each dealt with the shame of “who they were'' to embrace “who they are”. Sean shares how he grew up in an abusive household, spent 3 years in a juvenile facility, and started dealing drugs in the rave scene by the age of 17 (9:45). Utilizing the skills he learned on the streets, Sean is breaking the cycle of trauma and violence that held him back from his greatest potential (29:30). Sean leaves the audience with this final message; remember that time is the most precious commodity, experience life to the fullest (33:55).



UNSUGARCOATED Media is a 501c3 non-profit media production enterprise, using podcasts, print publications, short documentaries, and more to tell stories of empowerment in the face of adversity and trauma. For more information on our goals, content, and live events please visit www.UNSUGARCOATEDMedia.com.

In Episode 68, Christy Buss, joins us to share her story and speak on the challenges shared by women leaders in relation to her own journey of entrepreneurship. Discussing her own perspective of what female entrepreneurship looks like and how her journey has taken her through dance, being married into the Laker family, once upon a time, and her latest venture into the skincare industry. HEDO, Christy’s new skincare line, has shifted her work to focus on personal wellbeing and she’s using her product to promote self-care and love through finding pleasure in taking care of themselves.

Like, comment, and subscribe! Stay connected with your host on IG: @aalia_unsugarcoated

Connect with Christy Buss:

IG: @christycbuss

Check out HEDO:

IG: @hedoskin