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Why It Matters: Sharing Your Voice Is Essential
Cut out all of the noise of the world for a moment and think about who you are.
Not what you “do”.
Not your status at your job.
Not who you’re dating.
Not how many social media followers you have.
Not what awards or accolades you’ve collected.
Not who has featured you or interviewed you for their blog, online publication or show.
YOU as a whole human being in all of your flaws and talents whose voice deserves to be heard – because you do.
Think about why you follow people online and elect to spend time with them; common qualities like humor, wit, intelligence, kindness, empathy, transparency, and skill-set connect us to each other. These qualities create a bond of relatability that help us collaborate and vibe well together. So in the midst of admiring all of the people that I do for their individual talents, I had to take a moment to understand that my words matter just as much as theirs do, because I matter. I had to realize that I can be just as impactful as them. I had to understand that I, too, can operate at a similar level as they do. Now if I’m going to be honest for a moment, it’s taken me a loooong time to muster up the courage and push past fear to even launch this blog, but I finally decided to give into my interests and talents and to tap into the necessary discipline that comes with executing even when I feel nervous.
I had to understand that no one can execute for me except for me. And I had to realize that fear was clouding my chance to be heard.
So I hope in reading this you decide to also push aside your fear, because here are a few reasons why your perspective + your voice matter
Your Words and Experiences Can Save Someone.
When someone reads what you write, they are no longer a complete stranger to you because they have now tapped into your thoughts and the innermost workings of your mind. Your words can help save someone heartache, process through grief, advise them through a confusing transition period or season, nurture a new idea, etc. The impact of your words is endless. We all want to seem strong and avoid exposing our painful moments in life so often that we choose to suffer in silence. But when you factor in the internet, there's a temptation to be bold because you're not speaking directly to any one person even though your words are. Revealing your personal + vulnerable moments can help encourage or reassure someone who is going through a tough situation that they will make it to the other side because you're making it through even if you are currently working through your storm.
What You Say Can Unintentionally Impact You, Too.
The internet is like a live online journal. You can look back at tweets from years ago, Facebook lets you know what you were doing this time last year, you can document your life online via YouTube, you collect memories with people through tags, and whoever you document yourself to be is cemented through your online persona. Think about who you were or who you created your online brand to be just 6 months ago. Seeing/hearing the quality of your content and how you used to piece together your thoughts will hold you accountable and push you to be better. Maybe you were ignorant to a cause or movement and you have now become more informed. Maybe your grammar and who you used to present yourself to be was a HOT mess. Beyond the freedom of sharing your thoughts with others, now you can look back and say “whew, I've really improved how I used to take pictures, what I used to write about, how I used to write, etc.” Self-awareness and self-reflection really are beautiful.
Words Create Worlds, Establish Escapes, and Create Endless Opportunities.
J.K. Rowling created an entire phenomenon around Harry Potter. She imagined a place based on part of her childhood and produced a whole world that resonates with both kids and adults. James Baldwin and Ta-Nehisi Coates have expanded the minds of people across all backgrounds and ethnicities through their thought-provoking books, interviews, and speeches on topics such as race, life, and the complexities of it all. Maya Angelou and Toni Morrison have created beautiful imagery and ignited confidence with their words. Suzanne Collins and Veronica Roth created terrifying yet equally-intoxicating dystopian worlds. Your words, too, can leave the page to create an escape for people living in their current reality. They can educate the uneducated, and it doesn’t have to be solely in the form of a TV show, movie, or book to matter. Your words can create opportunities to collaborate with brands you used to obsess over through the pages of your J-14, Teen Vogue and Essence magazines – hello Issa Rae. There are no limits, so share your narrative and do it now before you talk yourself out of it.
Don’t deprive the world of your words because you claim in your own mind that they aren’t valuable. Stop believing your own lies.
Sometimes "In Progress" Pieces Of Work Need To Be Validated.
You know this is true to some extent. Go with me on this. As people in a world with billions of other people, we want to know that what we say is connecting to our audience, and to, well, anyone outside of ourselves. Do you have a thought or idea that you want to develop into a book, a script, a pilot, a web series – shoot, even an Instagram post? Since the internet – more specifically social media – has changed the way we receive + process information, doing things like Twitter/IG Polls, posting something inspirational on Instagram, or creating a Facebook post can be the beginning of a project in your mind that needs the opinion of the people you’re creating it for. Do they love it? Hate it? Benefit from reading/consuming it? It’s key to know that what you’re writing about or creating is resonating because if it’s not then it’s likely time to change course.
Becoming obsessed with validation from everyone else = No
Understanding the value of confirmation, impact + affirmation = Yes
The Need For Change and Impact Is Bigger Than Your Fears.
The internet has opened up the magical door for creatives to have insight into the mind of other creatives in order to . . . you guessed it, create. We don’t ALWAYS need to be in competition because sometimes we are much more impactful in a group. Sometimes our strength is in aligning and discerning where our talents fall in the grand scheme of things. Not to mention, burnout is real. It is our responsibility to pay attention to the needs of each other so that we can collaborate to continuously create things that will make way and give a chance for the next generation to see what’s possible. That is both my responsibility and yours. Change, in all of its forms, only takes place when we are ready and able to do something completely uncomfortable and outside of ourselves. I have the willingness to constantly learn if I don't know something because everything I'm doing is bigger than me.
Whether or not my words resonate immediately, as an afterthought in your mind, or not at all, I can’t control. What I can control is making my words available to you in the first place. Putting yourself out there is both thrilling and terrifying, but one thing that’s for certain is if you never try, you’ll never know who could be affected by what you have to say.
Dismiss the fear, embrace the discomfort, and release the risk-free moments all 2018, friends.
Xoxo
Sincerely, Ang.
Allow Yourself The Time and Grace Needed For Your Journey
One of the easiest and most natural things there is to do is compare. Compare the money we make, compare our successes, compare our failures, compare our number of followers or views, compare our looks, and whatever else we can measure on an uneven playing field. And social media (as much as I love it) makes it way too easy to see the award-worthy moments aka the Highlight Reel, and we easily associate that with being the everyday reality of people’s lives. It’s not, and it never is, the way anyone celebrity or regular person alike actually lives 24-7.
Let's take your favorite celebrities for example. When we see stars like Yara Shahidi or Zendaya scoring lead roles in a TV show or earn an award it can be easy to think what in the world was I doing at that age? or am I totally washed because I’m not hitting it big by the time I’m 30? While we’re busy thinking we’re failing because the focus on age is so prevalent to success, we forget to understand whether the type of projects we take on, the career path we’re on, or the person we’re becoming has anything to do with someone’s else’s level up. While every move younger kids make is thrust into the spotlight thus making us feel inadequate, looking at the brilliant Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Mahershala Ali, or even Bianca Lawson, can provide perspective about the “silent hustle” and how more often than not many incredibly talented people often don’t receive their recognition early.
Look At Your Process As a Fine Wine
Cheese. Wine. Kombucha. Two of the three I can actually consume easily, and all three have their proper aging process. When things grow they have a predetermined time-frame in which they’re meant to fully produce the correct nutrients to develop their best taste or structure. Wine is at its best when it’s aged – and that’s how we have to look at our journey because it’s not a sprint, it’s a long and sometimes excruciatingly slow marathon. So much like wine, you don’t want to start rushing the fermenting process of your life, because if you do you’ll end up with a bitter and unbalanced taste which benefits no one. Take pleasure in the beautiful development of your aging process because in the end it will be incredibly strong and sweet.
Support and Cheer For Others Fervently
One of my favorite things to do is to boost up those that I love. It doesn’t matter if it’s a specific event or achievement or just because I’m proud of the person that someone is becoming, I’m your personal hype woman always and in all ways. Honestly, I don’t even have to know you at all and I’m still here for your growth. When you truly celebrate the progression and ascension of others it opens up a mindset of gratitude and places you in the neighborhood to receive abundance right along with them. There’s something about sharing the achievements of others as if they were your own that just feels . . . right. Always do this while you're simultaneously climbing your own ladder to success.
Write + Record Every Moment For Your Future Self
Did you have a journal from your first high school heartbreak? Well then if you’ve ever looked back on it you probably realize how dramatic you were but you also recognize how much you’ve (hopefully) changed and grown. I hate to say it, and it’s even harder to see it, but growth develops best from obstacles and turmoil. If you’re going through heartbreak or you’re wondering how you’re going to pay your car note this month, you’re probably not going to be able to say, “alright, I know I may default on my student loans buuutttt I’m not mad because I know that six months down the line my work is going to be published in XYZ publication or I’ll land a contract and get paid.” Nah girl. To be automatically accepting of your struggle in the thick of it is not the norm. In the moment, your perspective is likely clouded with anger, confusion, resentment and irritation. You can’t see the lesson or reason but what you can and should do is write down every event that is happening. Break down in detail every moment of intense joy and blinding rage. Be descriptive about how what is happening to you is impacting your emotions, productivity and mental health. You’ll be grateful to look back and see how you moved through the pain and now you can gracefully reflect back in order to move forward.
Reflect on Difficult Moments With Appreciation
We won’t lie to each other. This one is really, really hard and it’s especially hard if you’ve experienced personal hurt along the way. I don’t know anyone who is going to look at their current hardships with admiration while they sit in . . . like . . . literal depression. It’s almost impossible to see the light at the end of the tunnel and whatnot, but just take a moment in the midst of your tears and think about what you get to look forward to that is for you. That man who never became your boyfriend and chose someone else? He wasn’t meant for you. That big project you worked hard as hell for but never saw come to fruition? Throw that bad boy in your portfolio and keep it moving. That job you went through three rounds of interviews for but turned you down? Your dream job is around the corner. If you can find a way to grasp onto the small amount of light in the darkness then you’re already halfway to where you need to be.
Your Mistakes Are Inevitable But They Don’t Have To Be Crippling
Pssst. Hey fellow human: you’re going to make A LOT of mistakes. Some people expect you to be perfect but your superpower is that you’re far from it. You’re relatable because you’re an awkward hot mess sometimes just like the rest of us. So maybe you were late on a project or didn’t put your all into it. Or maybe you said something dumb out of ignorance. Or perhaps you got distracted and forgot to do something relatively important. Guess what one of the best things in the world is? It’s this little thing called the process of learning, adjusting and improving. The gag is that walking around as if you’re immune to mistakes only helps you make them quicker, and not in a good way. When you’re unaware of how you’re acting it’s pretty easy to slip up because you’re failing to pay attention, but if you embrace the fact that you’re going to make mistakes, you’ll have them, forgive yourself and bounce back faster.
Despite the mistakes you’re going to make or the wins you’re going to have, the best part of this life is being able to take charge of your own process and realize that you are very much still a delicate work in progress. Give yourself a little grace.
Xoxo
Sincerely, Ang
We All Can Win: Why This Has to Be The Core Focus In All That We Create
One thing I discovered when grabbing barbeque with a friend in D.C. last year was the anxiety of planning out what our 2018 should look like. It’s a universal emotion that a lot of us feel as we try to figure out our future, pay our student loans, attend a brunch or two, and simultaneously work to build entities that will succeed, grow, and that truly make an impact. The problem is the overwhelming burnout that happens when we’re constantly building and doing everything by ourselves. We’re all so focused on building our own legacies that oftentimes by doing that we limit what can happen if we build together.
There’s a Greater Sense Of Achievement When You Win With Your Crew
Issa Rae and Ava Duvernay are great examples of what it means to reap the benefits of the seeds you planted long ago. What's so beautiful and impactful about their genius is that it extends beyond their solo achievements because they make an intentional effort to network across instead of networking up, as Issa Rae put it. In other words, when they win they bring their people with them. Issa believes in incorporating the talent around her because she knows her people want to tell brilliant narratives and are fully capable of doing so with access to the right opportunities, and those opportunities often come when one person wins and extends a hand to another. She also gives intentional shoutouts to the brilliant women directors and producers who put in work on every single episode of Insecure and Ava Duvernay implements this same behavior by making sure we know the incredibly talented artists who work on the beautifully-shot and intoxicatingly-scripted episodes of Queen Sugar. Sharing our success by keeping the door open for our counterparts is how we erase being the anomalies of great storytellers and instead solidify the standard for our narratives.
Diversification Of Ideas and Skill Are Imperative When You’re Creating Anything
The limitations of our own mindset and point-of-view are often our enemy. When your goal is to plan a large event or build a company – whether it’s a non-profit or corporation – or develop an app or physical product – it’s important to bring with it more than one set of eyes or one perspective. It’s too easy to miss the mark when it comes to branding something because of a little thing called human error. The way you target people correctly is by understanding the audience you want to reach, and if you’re not in that audience, or at times even if you are, it’s invaluable to include people who have a different perspective than you. Having a multifaceted and multi-cultural team will always propel you past your competition and strengthen you in both the short and long term.
Reflection, Improvement, and Advancement Come With Teamwork
You can’t always critique yourself. Realistically, sometimes you’re so wound up in who you are (your feelings, your emotions, and your state-of-mind) that nothing can penetrate your thought-process. How many of us need that tell-it-like-it-is friend? How many of us need that swift kick in the ass to make a move? WE. ALL. DO. Whether the people you need around you are friends, family or work colleagues, they all play a pivotal role in you moving to the next tier whether personally or professionally. It’s especially important for teams that you work on to be able to reflect on the past work you’ve done and have a vision for where you’re heading. As an extrovert, I stan for teamwork because of the unmatched synergy that comes along with it, but beyond that, I also see the value it holds in propelling you forward. After all, duplicating similar ideas results in less impactful outcomes but fusing together brilliance can create a project that’s a force of nature.
There Are Levels To Building, You Don’t Have To Invest All Of Yourself In Another Person Or Team
A big reason why we’re scared to build with other people is that we fear that we’ll have to be really committed like it’s a relationship or a 9-5 job, but that's not the case. Working with someone can be within the confines of an annual or semi-annual event. Think Essence Festival, SXSW or even more small-scale – an online workshop or masterclass you host with someone. Not everyone is meant to be your full-time business partner. The key to finding solid teammates is to get to know people through-and-through. Maybe you’re not building a business with someone else but at the very least you can collaborate with them. You’ll learn how to work with people professionally and you’ll either make money or grow your respective audiences.
Think of partnership as manifesting at least twice as much abundance as you would alone. We all can win and there's no reason why we shouldn't if we continue to pass the torch of strategy and opportunity.
We’re entering into the second quarter of the year and all that 2018 has to offer is yours, let’s continue to work with each other to make it outstanding and fruitful.
Xoxo
Sincerely, Ang.
8 Epic SXSW Sessions I Experienced That Will Make You Want To Reach For More
QuirkCon SXSW Pop-up hosted by Quirktastic Media
This event launched the madness that was SXSW on a weekday and the conversation was so good that I couldn’t dip out earlier than absolutely necessary. Bryanda (Creator of Quirktastic Media) moderated three different panels of content creators about their hustle and what pushes them to continuously create. Everyone had words of wisdom for us, but the panel of YouTube/media creators consisting of Evelyn Ngugi, Ngozi Kim and Momo Pixels resonated with me the most. When Evelyn said, “I create what feels good to me and what makes me laugh because at the end of the day this could all go away,” I felt that. We have to create what our audience wants, but it has to come from a place of what we love and want to make, too.
Kamau W. Bell in Conversation With April Reign and Luvvie Ajayi
Naturally, April and Luvvie headed straight into the most important topic of discussion, aka Black Panther, and the massive success of it. They then proceeded to talk about the unfair and often unrealistic expectations of movies, TV shows, and books by POC, as well as the Netflix + Monique controversy and the pay disparities for WOC, and they also tackled #BlackLivesMatter and the Parkland school shooting. Luvvie even tapped into the importance of mental health and not depleting yourself by being reactive to the constant overwhelm of news. I was able to watch two influential women speak on stage at SXSW for simply being themselves, something we're all capable of doing. April recognized the lack of acknowledgment (and awards) for films by POC and started the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag movement, and Luvvie has used her comedic voice to elicit inspiration and emotion for her readers through her blog and book titled I’m Judging You.
The Chi Panel – Moderated by Jim Halterman with Lena Waithe, Jason Mitchell, Common and Jacob Latimore
First things first: Lena Waithe is the very definition of a boss and she further proves that in her Vanity Fair interview. I knew she was a visionary before I sat in the same room as her, but being able to sit in on this panel to soak up just a little bit of her creative magic and how intentional she is with her storytelling process was priceless. To start off the panel, one clip from the Chi was played of each character and afterwards Lena broke down why she wrote the character, and scene, that particular way. One of the deepest connections she made was in reference to Coogie running through the streets in episode 1, how that represents Black people running through the Underground Railroad, and how we haven't stopped running since. *Whew. My SOUL THO.* Lena saw a lack of true and authentic representation for the culture of Chicago, so through storytelling and colorful nuances she set the tone for her home, for the culture and for anyone who follows suit to dispel myths that surround their way of life.
#OscarsSoWhite: What’s next for hollywood? A Conversation With April Reign, Robin Theade and Matthew Cherry
Since I heard April Reign speak earlier with Luvvie Ajayi and Kamau W. Bell, I already knew the power she brought to conversation, so to know that she was teaming up with producer Matthew Cherry (9 Rides, Hair Love) and BET’s Robin Theade for a chat? Giiiiirl I was beside myself. Robin Theade brought the funny and the tea as we talked about everything from the Netflix + Monique controversy (yes, again) to her journey writing for a plethora of famous comedians’ and her struggle to break into the spotlight herself, to Matthew Cherry’s modest transition from former NFL player to Producer. Being in such a small, intimate setting where I could be within feet from these creators, talk to them, and feel encouraged by their stories felt surreal. These are the creators who simply chose to take their vision, their talents, and their love of art and activism to execute so the rest of us can watch, be uplifted and encouraged by their journeys. We got next.
On Doing Better: Evelyn Ngugi in conversation w/ Luvvie Ajayi
When two hilariously-honest women dive into unrestricted candor you know it’s about to be good. Luvvie started the conversation with a brief overview of her career and how the success of her blog has been a long-time coming but the lack of expectation on her early on helped her to find her voice. Luvvie then jumped into calling us all out for our lack of ability to be able to tell the truth anymore because we're so used to silencing ourselves to make people comfortable. When Evelyn asked Luvvie why she uses humor to tell the truth she said, "because humor is an equalizer. If I can get you to laugh then you're more likely to listen." And when it came to not changing her voice once her audience grew she said "you don't have to go looking hard for your voice. I write in the way that I think and I trust my own voice because all I can trust is that." Luvvie is willing to walk into comfortable spaces and shake them up unapologetically with the truth, because it's necessary.
GameChangers: Dell x Create & Cultivate – Women At The Intersection of Fashion x Technology
When Create & Cultivate teamed up with Dell for a brunch and panel during SXSW, the result was a conversation about the modern way consumers are using technology to meet their needs. From the influence that tech has on how fashion is created and distributed to the way that media companies like Blavity and Create & Cultivate have to pull, produce and post content as fast as possible, it was made clear that the fluidity of the user experience has to be prioritized. The panel was moderated by Create & Cultivate founder Jaclyn Johnson and highlighted the fact that, according to Morgan DeBaun, CEO of Blavity, Inc., when it comes to content for her online audience, “they appreciate that done it better than perfect. They want it now.” And when asked what would you tell your younger self about starting your business? The panelists uniformly agreed, “I would tell myself to stop sitting on it, stop stalling and just do it, you HAVE to make a move and go for it.” *noted*
Building a Badass Business Against All Odds
This was what I thought would be my last SXSW panel to end a whirlwind week, and it did not disappoint. Four badass entrepreneurs, Danielle Leslie, Tara Reed, Thomas K R Stovall and Aniyia Williams, talked about how they started their successful businesses and the most important aspects of them – from knowing who your audience is, to researching + utilizing your connections in order to get funding and support, to not undervaluing or underselling yourself. What I loved about this group was how they highlighted the failure of their previous businesses, how it happened, and what they did differently to succeed this time around. Once again I was shown that four ordinary people took an idea, even one that didn’t work the first or the first few times around, and remained persistent and dedicated to their mission to succeed. And succeed they have.
Create & Innovate With Jason Mayden
This was the only session I went to that wasn’t downtown near everything else and I have to say it was a nice break from the large crowds and non-existent parking. This session also happened to be one of the best I heard during my 10 days of SXSW. Jason is a former shoe designer for Nike and has worked with Steph Curry, LeBron James, and countless others, and now he runs his own business to encourage all kids to know they are unstoppable + empowered. His assuredness reigned supreme when he talked about his life and the mission of SuperHeroic and how imperative it is that we focus on “empowering our kids instead of fixing broken adults because that is where we effect change." And even when we feel confused or lost in the shuffle of our mundane lives, Jason's motto is that no job is too small and to get everything you can out of every position. Without a doubt this was the perfect way to close out SXSW.
Did you attend SXSW? What were some of your favorite panels or events? Let me know in the comments!
Xoxo
Sincerely, Ang
These 17 Podcasts Need To Be On Your Radar
If you've been following me on Instagram you KNOW how much I love podcasts. They've gotten me through tedious days of running budgets at positions in the past to my current 2-3 hour daily commute to my job now. Listen, we all need a way to absorb information from brilliant minds around the world, and I have a list of podcasts that do just that. From the educational to the tea sipping + shade throwing ones that give you the details on your favorite celebrities – here are a few podcasts that will help make your day.
Powerful Women Who Are Doing It on Their Own
Myleik Teele’s Podcast
CurlBox founder and former Hollywood Public Relations savant Myleik Teele talks about everything from relationships and best business rules and practices, to being excellent in your work ethic even if you hate your 9-5. Her words are anything but cookie-cutter and if you need an inspirational yet very real facelift in your life, Myleik’s podcast will do the trick.
On One with Angela Rye
Self-proclaimed sophistiratchet Angela Rye is a known Activist, CNN Commentator, and NPR Political Analyst who exposes you to intimate conversation with social justice advocates and entertainers. From actor/activist Jesse Williams and Senator Cory Booker to actress/activist Gabrielle Union and Congresswoman Maxine Waters – she brings the best of the best by to drop knowledge on current political issues. I promise you won’t leave an episode without feeling either enlightened or educated – but usually both.
Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations
The great Oprah Winfrey brings her talk show greatness into the digital space where she effortlessly breaks down the complexities of life through the likes of guests such as Cookie Johnson, President Jimmy Carter, Meagan Good and Devon Franklin, India Arie, Deepak Chopra + more. Oprah definitely doesn’t disappoint with this podcast.
Feeling like you’re stuck, undervalued or need a wake-up call when it comes to where you’re going in life? This podcast is for you. Ayana Angel brings guests on her show that make you want to reset and refresh your life and after every episode, you’ll leave wanting to do better and be better.
Mattie is a successful style blogger who makes waves with her courses on how to monetize your social media presence and make an impact with your fashion + lifestyle blog. If being clued in on how to create appealing content and position yourself effectively to work with brands is your thing, then this podcast is exactly what you need.
Luvvie Ajayi: Rants & Randomness
If you’re a fan of Luvvie’s blog, you’ll be a fan of her podcast. And though she's fresh out the gate with this, with stars like Myleik Teele, Vanessa K. De Luca, and Eunique Jones Gibson it’s quickly become one of my favorites.
Girl Talk and Sisterhood
Sometimes you just need to feel like you’re listening to three girls you went to college with have girl chat and this podcast does just that. With dynamic personalities, each of these three women dig into conversations’ focused on some of your favorite shows – plus they provide inspirational talking points about life sprinkled with highlights of politics and pop-culture.
Chileee, episode one had me completely hooked. This podcast is centered on five dynamic Black women with careers in entrepreneurship and the media + entertainment industry. Their infectious support of each other is uplifting and they truly make you feel like you’re sitting around with your girls sipping wine during #TGIT. Tune in for raw, relatable, emotional + hilarious candor. Thank me later.
Aside from this podcast starring Jessica Williams of The Daily Show fame, and Phoebe Robinson author of You Can’t Touch My Hair, these delightfully honest and hilarious women invite talented comedians into each episode. This podcast effortlessly provides you with your laugh quota for the week. Pssst: They also have an HBO show.
Arts + Entertainment
Crissle + Kid Fury bring every oz of piping hot tea to you in every flavor, every single episode, guaranteed. There is no filter when it comes to these two and they’re constantly telling listeners who send in Q+A’s that they don’t know anything and to not listen to their advice, but that’s exactly why they are loved so much. Honesty sells, y’all. With podcast titles and descriptions like: “The First Whitewalker,” “Noprah Winfrey,” and “Make America Jennerless Again,” you need this in your life without question.
Reviews from this podcast convinced me to see Baby Driver and to skip out on Detroit. This panel full of well-versed movie/TV-goers break down pop-culture and explain the ins and outs of the latest movies and TV shows that you need to be watching – or not.
Their dynamic is carefree, fluid, and collaborative. Dustin, Asante, and Franchesca talk everything from life, world news to and mental health and wellness in order to help you live your most high-energy life. The topics flow so well that this is sure to be a pick-me-up in your long work week.
News and Politics
Deray Mckesson, Brittany Packnett, Clint Smith and Samuel Sinyagwe bring guests onto the show across the political sphere and discuss everything from mainstream news to behind-the-scenes actions being taken by politicians that most people are unaware of. If you want to be well-rounded politically and receive realistic and objective updates on current events – Pod Save the People should be your first resort.
This podcast is one of my newest and most admired discoveries. As part of the Crooked Media family with Pod Save the People, this show goes in-depth into news and policy from the perspective of four former aids of President Obama: John Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, Jon Lovett, and Tommy Vietor, and it's really good.
Every morning I wake up this podcast is the first one that I turn to. If you’re like me and you can’t stomach the depressing reality that comes from the main news outlets, then this concise yet necessary podcast is for you. Each episode is delivered in bite-sized and easily-digestible portions of between 20-45 mins and give you updates each morning on world news from the previous day or weekend.
NPR - Advice + Entrepreneurship
Talk about entrepreneurship heaven. This is basically the podcast where all your faves like Starbucks, Chipotle, Instagram and Toms gather. Each business talks about how they discovered their brilliant initiatives, got their start financially, and developed the confidence to become the impactful companies they are today.
Terry Gross dives head-first into an intimate conversation with public figures spanning across all industries and touching on a number of unique topics. These interviews are free-flowing and interesting, and they just really work.
Whether you need weekly doses of inspiration, the latest Hollywood scoop, entrepreneurship tips, or political updates, you’re sure to find something you love in one of these podcasts.
What are your favorite podcasts to listen to? Let me know in the comments!
Xoxo
Sincerely, Ang