The FearlessKea Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nakea Tyson
The #FearlessKea podcast explores the complexities of fear and the pursuit of happiness. According to Dr. Christopher Bader, “people often fear what they cannot control.” Every week, a special guest will join host, #FearlessKea, to delve deep into parts of their personal journey that has led them to live a life free from fear. Through the stories shared on this podcast, we hope to inspire others to be bold, fearless, and authentic in their pursuit of happiness. Follow @FearlessKeaPod on Twitter + Instagram.
The only Independence Day we acknowledge!
I wanted to recap my ancestors and the black communities TRUE independence day in this country, Juneteenth! This recap could not be complete without my friend, Jill Lofton. From the Juneteenth Parade in Inglewood to Lemeirt Park Rising, we take you through a day in history that will never be forgotten!
Tola Lawal, Executive Director of Gryl Wonder and Founder of Brown Gyrl Social, discusses her fear of not successfully using all of the gifts God has given her, the importance of creating spaces and communities for brown girls, and learning how to be still while giving herself grace during her journey.
Chris Lubin, a strategy lead at Spotify, discusses his fear of not living up to his potential, the positive impact of meditation and creating a morning routine, and reflecting on mental health throughout his journey.
Courtney Whitaker, TV Executive, discusses her fears of letting her talents go to waste and not reaching her fullest potential, founding @BingeThisNow, and using this time in quarantine to creatively express herself through different artistic mediums that bring her joy.
Tunde Ogundipe, SVP & GM of African Music & Culture Intelligence a Sony, discusses his fears of living a life without intention and feeling like he has achieved security emotionally, financially, and spiritually enough to build a future with someone…but is that someone attracted to him for the wrong reasons.
Dzifa Yador, Project Manager, Video & Podcast at Spotify, discusses her fears of being content and falling victim to self-doubt, reflecting on trusting God in the process of her life’s journey, and knowing that she is more than enough.
Charles Kuykendoll, Head of Talent Acquisition at PlayVS, discusses his fears of not being able to manifest his destiny and being broke baby, reflecting on his journey to creating RnB Houseparty, and the power of having a strong support system in your corner no matter the storm.
Dr. Nadia Marie Sasso, Creative Producer + Unconventional Scholar, discusses her fear of not be able to take care of her family in a way that last generations, balancing the prioritization of self while growing through motherhood, and exploring her latest art exhibition #13AlbumsTo31 & #BcuzSheSaidSo tour taking a deep dive into the multifaceted every day black women.
New Year, New Decade! What did you leave in the last decade? What lessons did you learn? As we continue to attack our goals for 2020, I want to make sure you have some guiding principles to help you live your best life fearlessly. Here are some tips and tricks to help you #LiveRadiant this year and beyond! Sponsored by Tampax Radiant.
Jodie Taylor, University Specialist at Google, discusses her fear of ego and letting it get in the way of the work that she truly wants to do, learning how to give herself grace, and founding The StartUp Society as a space for women of color founders.
Julian Mitchell, an award-winning marketer, instructor, and multimedia journalist, discusses his fears of fatherhood, being invested in a life partnership with the wrong person, and what fatherhood has taught him as a person.
Michael Muse Jr., Creative Director at TheManTheMuse.com and Co-Host/Founder of The Psyce Podcast, discusses his fear of having his dreams deferred, protecting his inner creativity while marching to the beat of his own drum, and being the truest version of himself in every facet of his career.
Passion Artis, Certified Public Accountant and Budget Analyst in the Film Industry, discusses her fear that her goals and dreams will overshadow her relationships due to her scheduling, why it’s important to financially budget based on your values, and what it’s like to transition into a profession/industry that’s more aligned with your current position in life.
Donovan Thompson, Producer/Panelist on The Grapevine TV and Co-Hosting NoDazeOff Podcast, discusses his fear of being stuck and not impacting the world in a unique way, how black women helped him overcome two fears in his life - coming out and losing a sibling, and the importance of unlearning generational systematic thinking through the power of storytelling.
Destinee Swindell, Media Supervisor at Cashmere Agency and Founder of Strivers’ Row, discusses her fear of not having it all, taking a break from climbing the corporate ladder, and the importance of building a platform that celebrates young black doers who are establishing new standards in their areas of expertise.
Kameron Mack, Senior Video Director & Producer at Complex and creator of the film “Kings America Made,” discusses his fear of never tapping into true happiness, unpacking the impact of the losing a parent, and the importance of taking the necessary measures in order to truly enjoy life.
Ashley Akunna, filmmaker and creator of The Grapevine TV, discusses her fear of not finding her one true love, investing in her vision with The Grapevine TV, and the importance of staying ready for your blessing.
Cory Townes, Editorial and Content Consultant and Executive Founder of The Cory Townes Company, discusses his fear of running out of time, chartering his own path outside of his father’s legacy, and the art of manifesting your dreams into reality.
Jasmine Clennon, Advertising Insights Marketing Strategist, discusses her fear of self-imposed limitations, unlearning negative narratives of being the only black woman in the room, and her career transition from television to the tech industry.
Dela Yador, consumer marketing expert & brand manager, who in the past has worked on brands such as Martell cognac, Avion tequila, BET and VH1, discusses his fear of not fulfilling God’s plan for his life, the importance of monitoring your energy, and always asking the question personally and professionally: “What’s in it for the culture?"
What does your financial health look like? Are your prepared for a rainy day, a lay off, or a new career move across the country? As we continue to attack of goals of 2019, we want to make sure we can afford the life we envisioned for ourselves. Here are some tips and tricks to improve your financial health this year. #FearlessFund
Ashlee Merritt, Product Manager at Def Jam Recordings, discusses her fear of not tapping into her inner light and using her purpose to serve her loved ones, trusting God’s direction for her life, and becoming best version of herself.
Robert Avery, Associate Director of Public Relations at Complex Networks, discusses his fear of not reaching his fullest potential personally and professionally, the fear of not having control of certain personal pursuits, and his journey of becoming a force within the public relations industry.
Imani Ellis, Founder of The CCNYC and Senior Communications Manager of Bravo TV, discusses her fear of living a life of quiet desperation, learning lessons from your highs and lows, and the magic that happens when you build with your friends. She also reflects on the squad’s success with @theccnyc 2nd Annual #CultureCon
Denequa Williams-Clarke, Owner of LIT Brooklyn, discusses her fear of departing this world and not having an impact, a candid conversation about the loss of a parent, and building a legacy and loyal fan base with LIT Brooklyn.
Ep.31 Carrying Out My Legacy Ft. Michael Tonge
Michael Tonge, Founder of The CultureLP and Senior Marketing Manager at Brooklyn Museum, working on cultural campaigns such as the David Bowie x Spotify Brooklyn Museum partnership, discusses his fear of not carrying out what he thinks has been laid out in front of him by his parents, being an only child and dealing with the loss of a parent, and the importance of going to therapy.
Janell Hickman, a beauty writer and brand consultant, who has worked with brands such as Allure, Teen Vogue, Gilt, BET and many more, discusses her fear of not allowing herself to enjoy the moments she’s worked so hard to create, diversity in the beauty industry, and being more intentional with her time.
Keyley Mable, a Business Architect, discusses her fears of being a successful black woman without the love of her life, having to uproot her life to take care of her family before she’s ready, and the importance of finding peace and joy in enjoying her own space.
Briana Owens, Founder of SpikedSpin, a lifestyle fitness brand offering cycling classes crafted around being self-aware, confident, and strong, all while turning up, discuss her deepest fear of not living up to her fullest potential in this world, what it really means to walk in your purpose, and how important it is to surround yourself by positive energy.
Jeff J, Video Producer at Bleacher Report, Co-Host @ForAllNerds Show, and #PowerAfterHours Host, discusses his fear of falling below the expectations that he has for himself, how he defines success, and how he manifested his dream job.
Melanie Yvette, Founder & Editor of BeautifullyBrown.com, an editorially provocative site that caters to ethnic women and their beauty needs and concerns, and Social Media Manager at DevaCurl discusses her fear of not living up to her fullest potential based on the vision of her evolved self, how a trip to Cuba transformed her life, and why she made the decision to focus on just “doing” vs the “outcomes”.
Jarrod Anderson, is a creative specializing is visual stories via photography working with brands such as Vogue Italia, Link NYC, Jumpman 23 and the Creative Director for Striver’s Row, a community that celebrates doers, discusses his fear of not making his family proud, defying the odds, and pursuing a passion that fulfills him.
Alexandra Hill, an Account Supervisor at Team Epiphany and Founder of JustAddHotSauce.com, a food blog that caters to your wants and needs, discusses her fear of not living up to her full potential through authenticity, growing up with the complexities of race and colorism, and what inspired her to bring her love for food to life through her blog.
Career vs Love? Do you have to choose one or can you do both?
Sylvia Obell, Entertainment Reporter for BuzzFeed News and host of #HellaOpinions Mondays at 9PM EST on Twitter, discusses her fear of not fulfilling God’s plan for her life, particularly when it comes to her personal pursuits of love and family, how she grinded her way to perfecting her craft as a writer and journalist, and the importance of her daily relationship with God.
What would happen if let down the people who invested in you?
Mark Clennon, a digital advertising professional turned photographer, discusses his fear of letting down the people who've invested in him, why he doesn’t dwell on congratulations when it comes to success as a full-time photographer, and how having a strong black woman in his corner has helped him flourish as a person and pursuing his passion.
Are you being honest with yourself?
This week's #fearlesschat addresses living in your truth, taking accountablity for ourselves, and living an honest life.
Are you happy?
There are all these pressures of feeling like you have to live up to societal expectations of what it means to be successful. But are you truly happy?
When is the last time you finished what you started?
Amanda Moore-Karim, an independent wardrobe stylist & owner of her own fashion publication, Luxy Haus, discusses her fear of not being able to finish what she started, socio-political issues working within the fashion industry, and addressing how to manage anxiety and stress while being a creative.
What is your definition of success?
Fatimot Isadare, NYC Celebrity & Editorial Makeup Artist, discusses her fear of not being successful, how to navigate makeup industry in the Big Apple, and sticking to your dreams and aspirations through the midst of it all.
Are you living a fulfilled life?
Papa Gyan-Baffour, Financial Analyst & Business Development Professional, discusses his fear of not living a fulfilled life, learning the meaning of life after the loss of his best friend, and the importance of executing on your ideas and sharing your gifts with the world.
What happens if God takes his hands off you?
Kristin Meyers, Production Manager of Music Specials and Programming at BET Networks, discusses her fear of God removing his hands from her life, the importance of self-discipline, and becoming more aware of what you consume mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Gia Peppers — Entertainment Journalist & On-Air Talent for BET, Essence and more — discusses her fear of not making the return on her parent's investments, fighting for herself, and the power of prayer, hustling hard and manifesting the things you want to happen in your life.
How do you manage living up to your own definition of success?
Amanda Booz, Media Journalist & On-Air Talent, discusses her fear of not living up to her own success, how to move forward when life throws you a curveball and the power of investing in her own spiritual journey with God.
Are you walking in your purpose?
Xavier Jernigan, Head of North America - Shows & Editorial | Host of Showstopper at Spotify, Deacon at Emmanuel Baptist Church, and founding member of The Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture Council discusses his fear of not walking in his God-given purpose, the importance of trusting God's plan, and his journey from Procter & Gamble to overseeing music programming and curation at Spotify.
Do you remain true to yourself in everything you do?
Michelle Dalzon, Founder of The BOM (Black-Owned Market) discusses her fear of not living an authentic life, why peace is more important than stability in entrepreneurship, and the importance of her Haitian heritage.
What's the point of being successful if you can't share it with the people you love?
Kenneth Kyrell, a DJ • Creative Consultant • Co-Founder of The Art of Finesse podcast, discusses his fear of reaching a level of success and not being able to share it with his loved ones, how he turned his passion of DJing into a paycheck, and the importance of being authentic.
Are you afraid of your own potential?
Kameron McCullough, Entrepreneur and Partner at The TNTH Agency, discusses the fear of his own potential, learning humility in the midst of adversity, and the importance of alignment and timing when it comes to his newly formed partnership with Dusse and Roc Nation, #DussePalooza.
How are you maximizing your God-given talent? Stewart Cornelius, Client Partner at Twitter, discusses his fear of wasting his talent, overcoming a post-traumatic childhood experience, and the importance of paying it forward in the black community within the tech industry.
How do you prevent yourself from becoming the “what if” story? Mouse Jones, discusses his fear of being the “he could’ve been” person, the impact of fatherhood, and the hustle of a rising host in the entertainment industry.
Got too much idle time on your hands? Get a hobby, beloved! This week's #Fearlesschat discusses what to do when you're bored or find yourself with too much idle time on your hands?
Everyone talks about self-worth, but do you really know your value? This #Fearlesschat discusses giving away your value with zero ROI, taking inventory of yourself, and knowing your self-worth, then adding tax!
Every new year, we start a new journey on the “path to greatness,” but by the end of the year, we're wondering how did we fall so far off track? There is only one determining factor in whether we succeed or fail in 2018: Consistency!
What are you leaving in 2017? What are your goals for 2018? What are some learnings from 2017 to keep in mind for the year of 2018?
How are you making an impact in your community? Emilee Christopher, a Managing Director at Public Preparatory Network, discusses her fear of not having an impact, the power of vulnerability, and her journey to motherhood!
When its all said and done, how do you want to be remembered? Dewayne Evans, an HR Lead • Liquor Connoisseur • HennyPalooza member, discusses his fear of not being remembered, connecting the dots in his professional and personal life, and never giving into self-doubt.
What happens if you don’t succeed? Michael Arceneaux, writer and author of “I Can’t Date Jesus," discusses his fear of failing, eliminating distractions, and what success looks like for him.
Am I Enough? Bianca Jeanty, CMO of MIM Connect & Account Manager at Neilsen, discusses her fear of believing she’s not enough, defying all odds, and redefining her self-narrative.
Are you wasting your God-given talent? Heather Haynes, an Associate Producer at VH1.com, discusses her fear of not living up to her full potential, how Spike Lee influenced her career path and the lack of hustle in today’s generation.
What would you do if you lost the ability to do what you love? Cyrus Aaron, a Writer•Storyteller•Organizer, discusses his fear of the “Bleek Gilliam Effect” - to lose his gift prematurely, tapping into his God-given talent, and the sacrifices that are required to manifest your dreams into reality.
Are you getting too comfortable in your life? Marissa Calhoun, a Lead Producer for CNN Films & Series Digital Videos, discusses her fear of being mediocre, letting go of arbitrary deadlines, and finding the power in saying “I Do” to herself.
What happens when things are no longer in your control? Ryan Sides, a Senior Social Strategist at Complex Networks, discusses his fears at the thought of losing his mom, not being able to control the outcomes in his life, and his perception of happiness.
Who is #FearlessKea? How does she define fear? What happens when she faced her fears? What can you expect this Season?