Sol Talk: Recent Episodes
Simone Keelah
Sōl Talk is an audiobook companion for your journey through this wild thing called life. Simone Keelah and guests artfully write the pages of this book as they explore the questions and challenge the assumptions that come up on our paths towards growing and glowing. Like our lives, Sōl Talk is unfinished, requiring listeners to decide for themselves - what's good for their souls?
What does it take to stay connected to your art throughout your life? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Vanessa Aldrich, an opera singer, writer, creative director and content creator, to explore this profound question.
Having been engaging with her own art for two decades, Vanessa knows firsthand the responsibilities and challenges that come with being an adult artist. Throughout this conversation, Vanessa shares the differences between an adult and child artist, as well as how we can identify our unique talents, the role of loneliness in fostering creativity, and the common misconceptions we have about chemistry in our work and relationships.
Topics Discussed:
- The journey of an adult artist and the responsibilities it entails
- Identifying and nurturing your unique talents
- How loneliness can support and enhance artistic expression
- Misunderstandings about chemistry and how to navigate them
- Strategies to honor your creative calling despite internal and external pressures
Connect with Vanessa:
· TikTok: @vanessadomslife
· Instagram: @vanessadomslife
· Website: VanessaAldrich.com and anotefromself.com
In a more off-the-cuff episode of Sōl Talk, Simone dives into a topic that weighs heavily on many creatives: resistance. Whether it's hitting the gym, managing finances, or pursuing your artistic dreams, resistance is a universal challenge that can derail progress and stifle potential.
Simone shares her personal reflections on how resistance has impeded her creative process, along with tactics to confront and work alongside resistance to reach your full potential.
MORE FROM SIMONE:
- Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity.
- Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah
Ever wondered how to balance pursuing your dreams with your day-to-day responsibilities? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Jai Franklin Sarki, who embarked on her journey to become a TV writer at 40. Jai shares her inspiring story of overcoming challenges and realizing her dreams through strategic planning and unwavering determination.
In this heartfelt conversation, Jai reflects on her path to breaking into the TV industry, the highs and lows she encountered along the way, and the true meaning of achieving your aspirations.
Topics Discussed:
- Jai's journey to becoming a TV writer
- Balancing personal dreams with professional responsibilities
- How Jai funded her dreams
- Strategies employed to network and strengthen her portfolio
- Overcoming challenges on the path to success
- Lessons learned and advice for aspiring writers
Connect with Jai:
- Instagram: @giveshrimpachance
- Show: Jai writes for "Tracker" on CBS
Making the leap from a corporate job to creativepreneurship is often framed as the ultimate dream—ditching the 9-to-5 grind to follow your passion. But what happens when the reality of that transition isn't exactly what you expected? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone shares five surprising things she's learned on her journey from corporate life to creative entrepreneurship.
Join Simone as she pulls back the curtain on the less talked about aspects of being a creativepreneur. From working longer hours than anticipated to navigating the emotional highs and lows, this episode is packed with insights and real-life lessons that every aspiring creative should hear.
MORE FROM SIMONE:
- Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity.
- Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Do you struggle to balance your day job with your creative passions? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Barry S Naylor, a substitute teacher by day and comedian by night, to explore how he navigates these dual roles. Barry shares his journey of tapping into the zeitgeist through comedy, creating content, and the persistence needed to build a creative career. Join us for a conversation filled with humor, insights, and practical tips to help you transform your 5-9 passions into a 9-5 reality.
Topics Discussed:
· Balancing a day job with creative pursuits
· Using humor to connect with audiences and stay relevant
· Drawing creative inspiration from everyday experiences
· Practical tips for content creation and audience building
· The importance of persistence in the creative industry
CONNECT WITH BARRY:
· Instagram: @barry_s_naylor
· Twitter: @barry_s_naylor
· Samples: Barry from the Delta Counter; Mr. Barry Feels the Blues; Florida Music
MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (https://simonekeelah.substack.com), where you’ll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Pouring your heart into a creative project can be rewarding, but what happens when things don’t go as planned? In this episode of Sōl Talk, we delve into the inevitable letdowns that are part of every creative journey and how to navigate them with grace and resilience.
Join Simone as she shares a personal story of tackling a writing fellowship deadline, only to face unexpected challenges. Through this experience, she uncovers powerful lessons: the importance of embracing progress over perfection, recognizing your ability to overcome obstacles, and trusting the Universe to deliver new opportunities.
Discover how to shift your mindset and see setbacks not as failures, but as essential steps in your creative evolution. Whether you're an artist, writer, or any kind of creative, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay motivated and keep moving forward, even when the road gets tough.
MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity.
Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
It’s one thing to decide to pursue your creative interests and passions, but it’s another when you start to question the sustainability of a particular creative path. Mel Czaykowsky had crafted an envious career as a Broadway performer when she started to wonder if the path ahead was still the one she wanted to be on. Against the wishes of those around her, she made a reverse pivot—transitioning from a successful career on Broadway to kickstart a new path in HR.
In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Mel to discuss the pivotal moments when you know it’s time to move on, how to handle the reactions from others, and what it looks and feels like to return to creative work after a stint in corporate America. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating career shifts and finding fulfillment in new paths.
Topics Discussed:
· How to make peace with pivots
· Navigating adverse reactions to career choices
· The conversations that help you gain clarity on pivots
· The evolution of your career needs and values
· Crafting a creative life on your own terms
· Finding creative community abroad
CONNECT WITH MEL:
· Instagram: @melczay
MORE FROM SIMONE:
Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you’ll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity.
Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
As creatives, we often believe that serious artistry demands endless hours of solitary work and relentless dedication. But what if the key to your most innovative ideas lies in something you mastered as a child?
In this episode of Sōl Talk, we're exploring how losing touch with our playful side, especially after years in corporate environments, can lead to creative blocks and uninspired work. Join Simone as she delves into four powerful ways to reintroduce play and childlike curiosity into your creative process. Discover how these strategies can help you break through ruts, rediscover artistic joy, and unlock fresh ideas. Whether you're stifled by corporate culture or just stuck in a creative groove, this episode offers insights to reignite your creativity.
MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Every creative has the opportunity to leverage social media as a vehicle to share their creative projects, sell their art, or gather with their community. However, many of us have a lot of anxiety around building a brand tied to work that is already deeply vulnerable.
In this episode, Simone sits down with Dr. Corey Emanuel, a media psychologist and multimedia strategist who examines how film, TV, and social media influence us. Corey has both knowledge and personal experience when it comes to building a brand online. Together, they explore the impact of visibility on creatives and how to overcome the fear that comes with it to begin building a strong creative brand.
Topics discussed:
· Creative inspirations and the beauty that comes with sharing your art
· Strategies for overcoming the fear of sharing your art online
· Practical tips for not losing our authenticity online
· Navigating a lack of creative support
· Dr. Corey Emanuel’s personal journey in building his brand
CONNECT WITH DR. COREY EMANUEL:
· Instagram: @coreyemanuel
· Bloomberg article: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-02-24/black-hollywood-s-role-in-keeping-the-industry-white?srnd=undefined
MORE FROM SIMONE:
Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you’ll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity.
Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Are you tired of feeling like your corporate job is suffocating your creative spirit? What if I told you that some of the most popular advice on cultivating creativity might actually be holding you back? In this episode of Sōl Talk, we're diving into three hidden traps that can sabotage building a creative practice and what you can do that will be more supportive as you continue on your journey. Join Simone as she explores daily rituals and habits that you should avoid when trying to nurture a consistent creative practice alongside your corporate job. Discover practical insights and actionable tips to help you find a balanced approach to creativity that truly supports your unique path. MORE FROM SIMONEJoin the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you’ll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
In this solo episode, Simone returns after a two-year hiatus to kick off Season 3 of Sōl Talk. Join as we delve into the intentions behind the new season, discussing what ultimately led to the evolution of the podcast. Discover what listeners can expect from Season 3, including key topics aimed at helping corporate professionals transition to creative fields.
MORE FROM SIMONE
Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you’ll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity.
Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Five years ago, Natasha Greene’s life looked drastically different. She had worked for nearly decade at a major retailer, breathing life into her blog, AsiliGlam, only on nights and weekends. But since then, she’s transitioned away from corporate America, designing a life that centers her passions. In this episode, host Simone Keelah sits down with the multi-talented content creator to explore the intersection of corporate experience and creative pursuits. Together, they delve into the central question: how can professionals leverage their experiences in corporate America to fuel their creative endeavors? Natasha shares her own journey of blending her corporate background with her passion for content creation, offering valuable insights and practical tips for listeners looking to do the same.
Topics discussed:
· Leveraging skills and knowledge learned in corporate roles to support creative endeavors
· How the pandemic ushered in possibilities for creators
· Risk vs. reward
· Finding your unique gifts and talents
· Monetizing your creativity
· The balance sheet of a content creator
CONNECT WITH NATASHA:
· Instagram: @asiliglamcooks and @asiliglam
· TikTok: @asiliglamcooks
MORE FROM SIMONE
Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you’ll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity.
Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
In our third and final installment of “Community & Connections” we chop it up with Marissa Shrum. Marissa is a strategist, artist and investor living in Chattanooga, TN and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. She is the Founder of Remember, I Love You (RILY), a cultural intelligence and community impact studio that helps brands reimagine their position in society, community and everyday life.
In this conversation, we learn from Marissa how we can use contrasting and life-affirming moments to guide how we connect with humans.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How Marissa was able to return to a past that was a source of pain and self-abandonment
- The secret unlock for direction-less seasons
- The types of community Marissa encourages us to build
- Why Black women deserve their roses
- What to look for as you build community and connections
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Marissa’s Instagram: @marissashrm
- Remember I Love You’s Instagram: @RILY.xyz
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In our second installment of “Community & Connections” we sit down with Chloe Dulce Louvouezo. Chloe is the executive producer and host of the Life, I Swear podcast and author of Life, I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust.
As a third culture kid, Chloe is intimately familiar with both the challenges and opportunities that come with building community when multiple cities and countries have contributed to your identity. In this conversation, she helps us understand the power of sharing the stories we collect and the importance of connecting to oneself before anyone else.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Three of the most pivotal stories of Chloe’s life and why Chloe chooses to share them
- The innocent question that may trip up third culture kids
- Why Chloe prioritizes sisterhood in her work
- Corporate America and community
- Connecting to self and its role in connecting to others
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Chloe’s website: https://www.chloelouvouezo.com
- Chloe’s Instagram: @chloe_dulce
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We kick off “Community & Connections” – the final chapter of Season 2 of Sōl Talk – with the founder and CEO of Mino, Krystal Scott. After a challenging experience in corporate America, Krystal decided it was time to build the community she knew Black women so desperately needed.
As a mother of young children, entrepreneur, and self-described ‘introvert’ – Krystal helps shed light on the ultimate cheat code to climbing the ladder in corporate America: community.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The challenging experience that sharpened Krystal’s vision for Mino
- The way that the pandemic affected Krystal’s socialization
- The role community plays in the journey to the top
- Why the rhetoric on entrepreneurship needs to shift
- Why Krystal – a mother – doesn’t identify strongly with motherhood
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Mino website: joinmino.com
- Mino’s Instagram: @joinmino
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In our third and final installment of “Creating and Sustaining Love” we sit down with Myisha Battle, a certified sex and dating coach, writer and educator who lives by the motto: “better sex, better life.” Through her podcast and coaching, Myisha provides her community with reliable sexual information, while encouraging our quest for sexual satisfaction – regardless of race, gender, orientation, ability or age.
Today, Myisha helps us understand how sex and intimacy show up in our lives and shares practical tips that allow us to get our needs met in the bedroom and beyond.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The pivotal moment that led Myisha into the sex coaching world
- Why heterosexual women are not experiencing orgasms to the frequency or degree that others are
- Myisha’s take on how those in long-term partnerships can keep the spark alive
- How to find and embrace your kinks
- Answers to your top sex questions
Myisha’s Pleasure Recommendations can be found at https://www.myishabattle.com/sex-life-resources
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Myisha’s Instagram: @myishabattle
- Myisha’s website: myishabattle.com
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We continue this chapter – “Creating and Sustaining Love” – with MY GIRLS Shanaz Green, Wendy Oliver and Abby Spence. I have the pleasure of being in a group chat with these three working professionals, wives, and mothers. Group chat conversations – which range from vent sessions and cute pics of babies to child-rearing recos and praise reports – have given me a front-row seat to the beauty and work that goes into healthy partnership. Today, we bring the group chat to the pod.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- A love letter to husbands
- Why my friends are looking forward to turning 40
- The truth about having kids and keeping the spark alive
- What each friend wishes she would’ve known about marriage and motherhood before this season of life
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Wendy’s Instagram: @exaltedbeautybywendy
- Shanaz’s Instagram: @nazzybaby
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We kick off a NEW chapter of Sōl Talk – “Creating and Sustaining Love” – with Crystal Irom, a top relationship coach and expert.
Crystal went to single to happily married to the love of her life in 10 months. Today, we learn from Crystal the lessons and approaches she use to help single women create happy, healthy, and loving relationships through manifesting and intentional dating.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How Crystal went from lawyer to love & manifestation coach
- The role our subconscious plays in picking partners
- The green and red flags we should be on the lookout for when dating
- The humbling truth of being attracted to eligible bachelors
- How Crystal stopped her pattern of choosing unavailable men
- How love feels for Crystal after marriage and a baby
IMPORTANT NOTE Find your love type by heading over to www.crystalirom.com/soltalk.
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
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Crystal Irom’s Instagram: @crystalirom
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Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
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Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the third and final installment of “The Creative Class,” we sit down with Felicia Pride. Felicia is a TV writer / producer and an award-winning filmmaker who wrote on Ava DuVernay's Queen Sugar and is currently a producer on Grey’s Anatomy. In film, she’s the writer and executive producer of Really Love, which debuted on Netflix and became a Top Ten Movie on the platform. Having moved to LA to pursue writing at 35, Felicia is no stranger to being bold with her life and being unapologetic about her dreams. In this conversation, Felicia shares with us how she was able to fiercely commit to her craft – no matter the high or low.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The journey that led Felicia to LA
- The medium of writing Felicia prefers and why
- How writing is tied to our spiritual practices
- The creative purpose fueling Felicia’s work
- How Felicia healed her relationship with her father
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Felicia Pride’s Instagram @feliciapride
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We continue “The Creative Culture” with Reyna Noriega, a visual artist and author based in Miami, Florida. Reyna has been steadily rising to prominence, with her work appearing on covers including Science Magazine and The New Yorker. Having previously explored various mediums, techniques, and expressions – Reyna has developed her distinct way of depicting vibrant, joyful women of color. As we continue exploring creativity, Reyna shares what it’s like to sustain a life as a creative entrepreneur.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Reyna’s career journey that brought her to creative entrepreneurship
- How one balances working with inspiration vs. discipline
- Why Reyna canceled her plans to move abroad and what that meant for her career
- How the racial reckoning both supported and opposed Black creators
- The role social media has played in Reyna’s career
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Reyna Noriega’s Instagram reynanoriega_
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
Creating Generously and for the Coins with Traveling Social Media Manager, Yasmine Bedward
We open the latest chapter of Sōl Talk – The Creative Class – with Yasmine Bedward, a Traveling Social Media Manager. When most of her peers were playing with rocks and playdough, Yasmine was taking apart computers and sending emails to her aunties. After a few career pivots, Yasmine decided to travel the world, leveraging her comfortability with the internets to start building her client roster.
Now, Yasmine supports brands and businesses tell their stories on social media, while offering her own community tips and tricks via her ever-flowing well of creative ideas.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- What a creative process for someone balancing client and personal projects looks like
- Yasmine’s non-linear but very connected career journey
- What moves Yasmine to be generous on IG
- How to manage growing while sharing your journey (on social media and beyond)
- How Yasmine took back her power by embracing her sexuality
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
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Yasmine Bedward’s Instagram: @yasminebedward
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Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
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Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the third and final installment of Closing Time: Changes and New Chapters – we sit down with Ashley Gantt. Ashley’s 33rd year of life changed the lenses she uses to look out at the world, and from there, she started her journey of healing. Now, as an attorney and host of the With ClariTea podcast – Ashley works to create a safe space for healing through vulnerable and honest storytelling.
As we wrap this chapter of Sōl Talk, Ashley sheds light on the importance of developing clarity and incorporating healing practices to transition into new chapters.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How new chapters can bring up old insecurities
- The most challenging chapter Ashley was called to leave
- The self-care practice that has been a gamechanger in Ashley’s life
- Why intentional healing is needed within the Black community
- How egg freezing can lead to freedom
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Ashley Gantt’s Instagram: @withclaritea
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the second installment of Closing Time: Changes and New Chapters – we chat it up with Atlanta Amado. Atlanta is a Change Consultant, dancer, and vocalist who is gifted at honoring her soul’s callings – no matter how that may change from season to season.
Atlanta operates a coaching + consulting business called Palm Change Consulting, where she helps people find ways to deepen the roots of their strengths in life and work, reach for higher levels of joy in their living + stand strong when the winds of change blow through. In this episode you’ll hear:
* What holds most people from living the life they want to live
* How we can respond to forced pivots
* How Atlanta knows when to shift into a new season
* The spiritual practices that support Atlanta’s healing and growth
Announcements
Join our Community I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media * Atlanta Amado’s Instagram: @theatlantaamado
* Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
* Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We’re kicking off the first installment of Closing Time: Changes and New Chapters with Nikki Walton. Known to many as Curly Nikki, Nikki began her career as a natural hair blogger, helping countless women of color accept their natural locks. However, at the height of her career, Nikki found herself searching for more. Thus began her spiritual journey.
Today, we meet Nikki in a season of paying it forward. She hosts a daily podcast, Go(o)d Mornings, where she shares daily practices to start your day off right. She joins us to share some of her life experiences and wisdom that will help you understand how to enter new chapters with a sense of peace.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How the success of CurlyNikki didn’t translate to joy
- The practices that help keep Nikki centered and grounded
- How the law of attraction may be failing us
- What Nikki has learned about Christhood after reading 600+ books
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- CurlyNikki website: www.curlynikki.com
- Nikki Walton’s Instagram: @curlynikki
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
A whole Sōlo episode, baby! As we get ready for season 2, I’m sharing a quick update on my own life, what I’m excited to share with you for this season and why we need to forget about the whole ‘Sophomore Slump’ concept. In this episode you’ll hear:
- Why it took so long to share season 2 with y’all.
- The five things that I’m realizing in this season of my life.
- What to expect for this season 2.
Announcements
Join our Community:
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In true audiobook fashion, we’re wrapping up season 1 by convening our second book club. Danielle Spikener (aka DaMoJa) is back – blessing us again with her brilliance and beauty as she shares what she’s been moved by and moved to reconsider because of ‘The Power of Peace’ and ‘Party of One.’ In this episode you’ll hear:
- The difference between champagne vs. vintage wine love
- Why creatives should start to embrace 75-80% effort
- Parenting vs. self-care and why the latter is what we should strive to do
- And a few off topic, but still insightful conversations between two friends
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Danielle’s Instagram: @therealdamoja
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
When you name a chapter, “Party of One” – you kind of, sort of have to have a party… with just one person. So here is the first solo dolo episode of the season. In Lucky #13, the host of the audiobook that is Sōl Talk, Simone Keelah grabs and holds the mic to share what she’s learned, what’s she’s loving and what she’s leaving from her single season.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Why after several years uncoupled, Simone is hopeful for a future bae
- How manifestation comes to life in relationships
- What being a late bloomer – in love and life – looks like and why its okay
- Why Simone is unsubscribing from the notion that there is a recipe to find romance
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We couldn’t have a chapter on being a single woman of marrying age without tapping into the guidance of a professional. Enter: Josie Rosario, a straight shooting and compassionate therapist who specializes in healing work for folks of color. Formerly focused on couples and families before pivoting to intuitive work, Josie brings an entirely new perspective to the topic. In this episode of “Party of One” Josie shares the sacredness of a single season without the unnecessary toxic positivity many of us are accustomed to being served.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Why having “a list” for your ideal partner isn’t suggested
- The questions unpartnered folks can start to ask to prepare for big love
- Relationship patterns and the meaning behind falling for emotionally unavailable people
- Josie’s response to some of the unfair stats Black women face when it comes to love
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Josie’s Instagram: @josierosarionyc
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We kick off Party of One with Antoinette Henry, Ms. Duality herself and co-host of Around the Way Curls. Having been single for five years, Antoinette is no stranger to doing aspects of her life alone. However, she also doesn’t try to paint singledom for any more or less than what it is. In this candid conversation, Antoinette shares the highs, lows and regular smegular about being a single woman of marrying age.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The romanticization of singleness and why Antoinette doesn’t subscribe to that
- What Antoinette and Simone’s exes have shared with them
- Thoughts and decisions on motherhood
- How Antoinette ended up contributing to her bestie’s latest EP, Heaux Tales
- Dating in the pandemic and the ghettoness that it is
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
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Antoinette’s Instagram: @antoinettewashere
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Around the Way Curls’ Instagram: @aroundthewaycurls
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Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
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Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the final installment of The Power of Peace we chat with Dr. Keia Robinson, a self-described Jesus Zealot. As a researcher in higher education; one half of the popular podcast, Gettin’ Grown; the mind behind #teamtypingfast; and a mentor to many– Keia is no stranger to having a full plate. Yet, for most of her decisions, Keia is turning to God to guide her. Keia helps us understand how putting God at the center of our decisions doesn’t always equate to rest and relaxation, turning the concept of peace on its head.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The myth of balance and peace
- Keia’s experience in the church, being raised as a PGK, and how it has continued to evolve
- The lies of capitalism and why we should all lean into community
- Why Keia feels DMX had God’s full attention
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
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Keia’s Instagram: @tykeianicole
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Gettin’ Grown Instagram: @GettinGrownPod
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Team Typing Fast: www.teamtypingfast.com
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Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
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Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the second installment of The Power of Peace we meet Farah, a Black Muslim woman. Farah is a doctor who is leaning into her creative passions as she starts defining her life’s purpose. She is the co-host of Rooted Black Girls, a visual podcast that pulls in Farah’s intersectional perspective, and founder of Zia East, an apparel line inspired by the African Diaspora.
Farah dispels the notion that we have to choose one niche, while talking us through the internal chatter within most creative’s minds. She also opens up about how she maintains peace and why she believes in the power of community.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The journey of Farah understanding more of who she is as she strengthened her relationship with her Islamic faith
- The mission statement that keeps Farah focused
- Why it’s important for an artist to release their work into the world
- Farah’s perspective of peace and its connection to fear
- Why power in the hands of Black community is often feared
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
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Farah’s Instagram: @farah_og
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Rooted Black Girl’s Instagram: @rootedblackgirls
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Zia East’s Instagram: @ziaeast
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Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
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Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the first installment of The Power of Peace we connect with Tonya Gonzalez. Tonya made a major a few major shifts in her life, including leaving behind her role as a librarian to step into her power as a Spiritual Healer voted #3 Psychic in the World. Tonya credits her spiritual practices and listening to her intuition for her ability to learn, heal and make these bold decisions.
Tonya strongly opens up Chapter 3 of Sōl Talk, helping us understand how one specific spiritual practice – African Spirituality – has been able to connect her to peace and power.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How Tonya leveraged her feelings of being “over herself” to build a life she loves
- The unexpected call that led Tonya to leave her job as a server in Miami
- Why African Spirituality is demonized in the West
- How connecting with the Divine Feminine can help you tap into who you are and how you’re meant to serve the world
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
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Tonya’s Instagram: @tonyargonzalez and @browngirlswhocoach
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Tonya’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonya.melendez
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Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
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Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
Staying true to Sōl Talk being your “audiobook companion,” we are pausing midday through the season to recap chapters 1 and 2. This book club conversation is with Danielle Spikener (aka DaMoJa), a strategist by day, collector of random facts and information by night. South LA-born and bred – with a little Detroit on top – Danielle is committed to the culture through and through, and comes in to provide her unique perspective on Push or Pivot and In Pursuit of Purpose.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The commonalities and takeaways two Geminis found among all episodes to date
- What Danielle and Simone really desire women of color to start to do
- And a few off topic, but still insightful conversations between two friends
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Danielle’s Instagram: @therealdamoja
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the third installment of In Pursuit of Purpose, we chat with Briana Riddock, a sought-after chef in Atlanta. Briana is no stranger to pursuing purpose, as she has steadily walked a path that now allows her to get paid for what began as her passion. Along the way, Briana has brought her culinary skills to life in new and interesting ways.
Briana helps us make sense of how entrepreneurship looks when you’re turning passion into profits. And the overlap between what one does to light themselves up (passion) and what one does to serve the world (purpose).
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The various careers – and sometimes unexpected – stops Briana made before landing in her current chapter
- Briana’s unapologetic stance on compensation
- Why ‘food’ doesn’t always equate to ‘femininity’
- How Bri knows she is on a purpose-led path
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Briana’s Instagram: @seasoningbottle
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the second installment of In Pursuit of Purpose, we connect with Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin. Lisa grew up as an overachiever, but for years, she was weighed down by her imposter’s syndrome, a feeling that she didn’t belong in certain rooms and would inevitably be “found out.” Now, as a licensed psychologist and executive coach, Lisa works with her clients on imposter’s syndrome, as well as career advancement and leadership development
Lisa helps us tackle the age-old question of whether “purpose” and “profession” are synonymous, while providing us with tools to become more satisfied in our personal and professional lives.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The moment that Lisa finally decided “enough is enough” and set out to build her own practice
- Lisa’s perspective on profession being tied to purpose
- How to overcome imposter’s syndrome and step into your greatness
- The specific ways imposter’s syndrome may impact marginalized people
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
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Lisa’s Instagram: @drorbeaustin
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Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
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Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the first installment of In Pursuit of Purpose, we sit down with Rachel V. Hill, a woman who is no stranger to exploring the different evolutions of purpose. At 27, Rachel retired from corporate America to travel the world. She went on to travel to more than 70 countries as a travel influencer and wrote a book before she stepped into the current chapter of her life as a launch manager.
Rachel now uses her awe-inspiring story and her extensive background to not only help her clients conquer successful product launches – but to also show the world that it’s possible to live a rich life, on their own terms.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- How Rachel continues to redefine herself
- Rachel’s perspective on purpose and how she’s being true to hers
- Why Rachel believes that entrepreneurship is a spiritual journey
- The ways that Rachel’s imposter syndrome manifests even as she’s killing the game
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Rachel’s Instagram: @rachelvhill
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the third installment of Push or Pivot, we chat with Soeuraya Wilson, a celebrated instructor of the cult fitness experience, The Class. From performing arts to fitness, Soeuraya has learned to move with the energies that call her into each new chapter. In The Class, Soeuraya brings her students as much life coaching as she does intense workout, sprinkling in her honest reflections between what feels like 10 million squats.
Today, we meet Soeuraya in a season of neither push nor pivot, as she shares the profound wisdom about an alternative to always having to choose one or the other.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- What led Soeuraya from late night theatre and bartending life to the world of fitness
- How pivots can happen in the face of resistance
- The story of why Soeuraya had to say goodbye to her SoulCycle fam
- The pandemic love that knocked on her door and moved her to answer… for a while at least
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Soeuraya Instagram: @rawbabysugar
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
002. Chapter 1: Push or Pivot
In the second installment of Push or Pivot, we chat with Sara Clark, an international vinyasa yoga and meditation teacher. Having decided early on in her career to move from corporate America to yoga, Sara is not new to making hard decisions.
Sara went on teach in front of packed crowds and grace the covers of Yoga Journal and Prevention Magazine. Sara often thanks her intuition for leading the way – but that intuition has sometimes required that she accept the more challenging stuff that life throws her way. Today, we meet Sara in the island of Grenada. Initially, a short stay at the beginning of the pandemic turned into a semi-permanent move, allowing Sara to find a new way to find peace in the life stage she’s in today.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- Why after so many pivots, Sara is in a season of pushing
- The things Sara does to figure out how to make peace with the things not in her control
- The secrets of manifestation and living a life with less suffering
- Body dysmorphia and Sara’s road towards loving her body
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Sara Clark Instagram: @saraclarkyoga
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
001. Chapter 1: Push or Pivot
In the first installment of Push or Pivot we meet Michaela B, or Pippy as her people call her. From a young age, Michaela moved “towards the love,” as her mother taught her to do. In her early 20s, her work ethic and impeccable sense of style led her to become a commercial stylist. However, she eventually felt at odds with this particular path and shifted to real estate, a career that she’s made her own with purpose and authenticity.
In this episode you’ll hear:
- The practices that support Michaela as she makes challenging decisions around push or pivot
- Why Michaela decided that she would focus her career on creating generational wealth for people of color
- How buying in NYC is possible
- The big Love that forced Michaela to rethink her concept of love and identity
Announcements
Join our Community
I’d love if you’d join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love, and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/.
Social Media
- Michaela B Instagram: @glamourphiles
- Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk
- Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah