Self-Discovery Episodes

When Life Lifes: A Real-Time Pivot with Oryn Stewart What if the most powerful asset you possess for your next chapter is precisely what you've been told to leave behind? In this episode, we close out The Execution Series: Power, Pivot & Purpose with a demonstration of true leadership. When the unexpected happens and plans change, real leaders adapt. In this instance, life intervened. Our scheduled guest was unable to join, and instead of canceling, we executed a real-time pivot strategy. Oryn ...

Own Your Voice and stop letting your communication style hold your career back. In this episode, Tanya Spencer — founder of FCK Being Stuck Coaching and Master of "Bad-Asshery" — breaks down the Likability vs. Competence matrix, why credentials alone aren't enough, and how to reclaim 200 hours of non-promotable work. This is the conversation that shifts how you show up in every room.

What happens when the traditional path doesn't fit the legacy you are building? In the powerful conclusion of our "She Who Mothers: Redefining Legacy, Love & Lineage" series, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with RIMIDI (pronounced RE-ME-DY or RIM-IDI) — a Miami-born visionary creating sacred impact through sound, soul, and story. As an independent artist and mother, RIMIDI recently bypassed industry norms to release her latest work, JUNO: THE LATE BLOOMER, directly to her fans. In this conver...

"She didn't shrink to fit the room. She expanded what the room could hold." In the third installment of our May series, She Who Mothers: Redefining Legacy, Love & Lineage, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Violette Omotosho — Senior Relationship Manager, Pastoral Leader, Speaker, and Writer — to explore what it means to lead with your full self intact. For over 15 years, Violette has navigated the intersection of faith, corporate leadership, and cultural identity — without leaving any part...

What happens when a child grows up carrying grief she has no language for — and discovers at age 12 that she can read minds? In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Rima Desai — transformational life coach, spiritual healer, and Masters-trained counseling psychologist — takes us all the way back. Born in Mumbai, India, Rima lost her mother at age 6 in a moment that shattered her entire world. She grew up in a home heavy with silence, in a culture where grief was never spoken aloud — and where ...

"She who mothers, prepares. She who mothers, builds a world without borders for her lineage." In the kickoff to our May series, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Lynelle Baker-Hall — Senior Government Advisor, entrepreneur, and author — to explore what it truly means to mother a legacy without borders. After experiencing the loss of her mother, Lynelle transformed grief into a global mission: the Plan B philosophy. Today, she shares how she is passing this legacy of freedom down to her adu...

Two hundred episodes. And we're just getting started. Episode 200 of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation is here — and it arrives exactly the way it should: with a conversation that goes straight to the heart of what this podcast has always been about. Identity. Legacy. Leading as your full self. Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Kaila James — senior strategic global leader, cultural architect, and recording artist — for a milestone episode that doesn't celebrate by slowing down. It celebr...

What if the thing holding you back isn’t your circumstances — it’s the story you keep telling yourself about your circumstances? Dr. Brandy Peer has spent her career inside that question — and built an entire practice around helping women answer it, dismantle it, and move. In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Dr. Brandy Peer — CEO of BMPowered Consulting, LLC, Identity Architect, speaker, and consultant who has dedicated her career to dis...

You were built to lead. So why does the path keep feeling out of reach? In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Gia Warren — strategic operations and program management leader, MBA, and global executive with leadership experience at Lumen, Intel, Amazon, and AT&T — for a conversation about what it truly means to be built to lead. Gia shares the decision that shifted how she sees herself, what she had to unlearn on the road to operational ex...

Episode 190 In this intimate and deeply necessary conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Wendy Ashley — a nationally recognized Black and biracial clinician, professor, author, change agent, and Department Chair of the MSW program at Cal State Northridge. Her current book is a bold act of reclamation: a vulnerable exploration of biracial identity, anti-Blackness, white supremacy, and light-skinned privilege — and the healing that becomes possible when we stop suppressing our truths. Together, we u...

You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Win: Brandi Hudson’s Blueprint for Soul-Aligned Success Episode 186 ✨ In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Brandi Hudson, Founder of The Happiest Place Podcast, for a raw and uplifting conversation about redefining success, protecting your peace, and leading with intention. Brandi shares her journey from burnout to brilliance—offering tangible insights for Women of Color ready to live and lead f...

You Don’t Have to Burn Out to Win: Brandi Hudson’s Blueprint for Soul-Aligned Success Episode 186 ✨ In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Brandi Hudson, Founder of The Happiest Place Podcast, for a raw and uplifting conversation about redefining success, protecting your peace, and leading with intention. Brandi shares her journey from burnout to brilliance—offering tangible insights for Women of Color ready to live and lead f...

Back Yourself: The Power of Standing in Your Truth ~ with Lildonia Lawrence Episode 185 🎧 Episode Summary: In this powerful and affirming episode, I’m joined by well-being coach and activist Lildonia Lawrence, as we explore the vital themes of backing oneself, standing in one’s truth, and embracing rest as resistance. Through her lived experiences and deep work with BIPOC communities, Lildonia shares how identity suppression, racial trauma, and systemic inequities impact well-being — and how re...

🎙️ Unstoppable Grit: Tashana’s Journey from Military Jumps to Bodybuilding Glory 💪🏾🔥 Episode 182 🚀 What does it take to go from jumping out of planes to dominating the bodybuilding stage? In this episode, I sit down with Tashana, one of the Ambitious Women from Kris' Krew, an Army Airborne veteran turned 8X all-natural bikini bodybuilding champion, to uncover the grit, mindset, and resilience that fueled her transformation. 💡 Inside this episode: ✅ The mental toughness & discipline that took he...

Turning Passion into Profit: Vida Robinson’s Entrepreneurial Journey with Vida Robinson Episode 180 Kris' Krew, Ambitious Women 🎙️ Episode: Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation 🎧 Guest: Vida Robinson | Multi-Passionate Entrepreneur & CEO 🔥 Topics: Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Vision, Resilience Full episode note here: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/turning-passion-into-profit/ From Passion to Profit: Vida Robinson’s Inspiring Story Ever dreamed of turning your creativ...

🎙️ Collaboration is Queen: Unlocking Success Through Sisterhood (Part II) Episode 179 💡 The Power of Self-Advocacy, Authenticity & Collective Success 🔥 “Dear beautiful Black woman, I just want you to know you are more than enough. Do not fear success because it’s already yours.” 🔥 💬 What does true collaboration look like? How do Women of Color own their power unapologetically? In this episode, we dive into the strength of sisterhood, self-advocacy, and strategic partnerships—because when women ...

Episode 178: The Power of Our Stories – How Personal Narratives Inspire, Empower & Drive Success (Part I) In this powerful episode, we bring together a dynamic group of Ambitious Women making waves in their industries. From marketing and media to finance and culinary arts, these trailblazers share their unique journeys, insights, and the passion driving their success. ✨ Key Takeaways: ✅ How personal narratives shape success and resilience ✅ The importance of financial literacy and generational ...

Stop Waiting, Start Living: Embracing Vulnerability & Taking Action with Souraya Christine Episode 174 Throwback In this powerful throwback episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen L. Garrett sits down with Souraya Christine to explore the transformative power of vulnerability and why taking action despite fear is essential for living a fulfilling life. Souraya shares her journey of overcoming self-doubt, embracing her voice, and stepping boldly into her purpose. If you'v...

Embrace Change & Say YES to New Experiences w/ Dr. Denise Y. Mose Episode 172 Ever felt stuck in your career or life? Wondering what’s next? 🤔 In this episode, Dr. Denise Y. Mose shares how one bold decision—saying YES to a new opportunity—completely transformed her life. From feeling stagnant in her career to teaching in Shanghai, China, covering the Olympics for NBC, and hosting red carpet events, Dr. Mose proves that stepping out of your comfort zone is the key to unlocking extraordinary op...

🎙️ Episode 170: The LOTUS Within – Leadership, Resilience & Purpose with Dr. Amelia Duran-Stanton 🔥 "Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about impact." – Dr. Amelia Duran-Stanton In this powerful episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, Dr. Amelia Duran-Stanton shares her extraordinary journey from enlisted soldier to Colonel in the U.S. Army. She proves that resilience, leadership, and purpose transcend ranks and titles. 💡 What You’ll Gain from This Episode: 🌸 Defining Identity Bey...

Recognizing and Addressing Limiting Beliefs Limiting beliefs can silently hold us back, especially for women of color navigating systemic challenges. In this episode, Dr. Kimberly Walker, psychiatrist and RTT practitioner, shares how subconscious beliefs impact mental health and success. Learn how Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), self-reflection, and community can help reframe negative narratives and foster growth. Discover practical steps to overcome limiting beliefs and step into your pow...

WOC: Get From Stuck to Vision with Dr. Sharon Arrindell Episode 165 In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, Dr. Sharon Arrindell shares her journey as a speaker, counselor, and best-selling author dedicated to empowering women and couples. Dr. Sharon discusses her mission to help couples transition from feeling like roommates to experiencing true romance, as well as assisting women in moving from a place of feeling stuck to discovering their purpose and wholeness. She opens...

The Power of Intentional Living: A Guide to Personal Growth with Susanne Mariga Episode 164 In a podcast episode featuring Susanne Mariga, a CPA and fractional CFO, the discussion revolves around the concept of intentional living and its profound impact on personal and financial growth. Here are some key takeaways from the conversation: Understanding Intentional Living The Importance of Acknowledging Grief Celebrating Wins and Finding Joy The Role of Community and Support Embracing Change ...

Grief and Transformation: A WOC Shares Stories of Resilience and Empowerment Episode 163 In this episode of Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation, host Deneen welcomes grief and transformation coach Olivia Abu-Said for a heartfelt kickback session. They dive deep into the complexities of grief, transformation, and resilience, particularly in the context of Olivia's experiences as a Palestinian-American navigating cultural and political challenges. Olivia shares her journey from a career in ...