concretegrowthproject's podcast: Recent Episodes
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Most of our stories aren't neatly packaged, and even in their current states, can be used to help someone else make it one more day. The Concrete Growth Project is a podcast comprised of stories – some anonymous and some not – of resilience and encouragement meant to uplift and motivate others to press through life’s most challenging situations.
Description: What happens when a Black executive walks away from a six-figure role with no plan but a promise to reclaim her peace? She writes the book we all needed. In this powerful follow-up to our most-listened-to episode, Darlene Hightower returns to The Concrete Growth Project to talk about her debut book, The Plot Twist: Press Pause and Reset Your Life. We explore what it means to let go of old titles, rediscover your joy, and redefine success on your own terms. From quitting her job to napping on purpose, Darlene shares the vulnerable, hilarious, and deeply resonant lessons behind her transformation—and why you might be just one pause away from your own breakthrough.
Link with Darlene: www.darleneohightower.com
BUY THE BOOK:
Topics:
- What it means to reset your life in mid-career
- How to reclaim rest, clarity, and confidence
- The lies we believe about productivity and self-worth
- Romantic fiction, soul food, sabbaticals, and serendipity
- And why we should all be okay with not knowing what’s next
Listen now if: You’ve been wondering whether your life still fits you—and need permission to rewrite the script.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oh4BudYiD3E
Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject
In the explosive conclusion of Detained, Marisol's world shatters once more as ICE targets her daughter Ana. As the family is pulled even deeper into the system, legal tactics collide with raw emotion, and public outcry becomes their only weapon. With mounting pressure and fading hope, the fight for Miguel’s freedom and Ana’s safety becomes a national flashpoint. Will justice prevail—or will the system silence them for good?
The Concrete Growth Project brings you a gripping final chapter in this audio drama series confronting family separation, immigration enforcement, and the courage to rise.
Trigger Warning: This episode contains emotionally intense scenes related to family detainment and child separation.
Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject Learn more: www.ConcreteGrowthProject.com
EPISODE 2 of 3
Miguel has been detained. Now, it’s up to Marisol and fierce immigration attorney Raquel to fight a battle that’s as emotional as it is political. As bureaucracies stall and ICE tries to vanish Miguel into the system, Raquel exposes the truth—this isn’t random. It’s war.
In the second part of Detained, justice collides with fury in a courtroom, at ICE facilities, and across social media. But when the fight gets personal—and Ana, their daughter, becomes a new target—the stakes soar.
The Concrete Growth Project continues this bold audio drama series that dares to put a spotlight on erasure, resistance, and the power of a mother’s voice.
Themes: Legal injustice, systemic racism, family courage, representation Trigger warning: child detainment, ICE facility trauma, aggressive enforcement
Follow us on Instagram: @ConcreteGrowthProject Learn more: ConcreteGrowthProject.com
Someone has been eliminated. Lena is accused. This is no longer just a fight for change.
It’s personal now. After a tragic death and a political setup, Lena is forced to make a choice: silence or scorched earth. In this explosive conclusion to The Concrete Growth Project’s debut audio drama, the stakes are higher, the system is darker, and Lena’s next move could cost her everything—or change everything.
🎧 Episode 2 of 2 in The Concrete Growth Project’s original audio drama series.
Like what you hear? Subscribe and share the series with your community. New audio drama series are coming soon.
#TheConcreteGrowthProject #AudioSoapOpera #PoliticalThrillerPodcast #ShortPodcastSeries #BlackStorytelling
Lena has stepped into the spotlight—but the weight of representation is heavier than it seems. In Part 1 of this short-form audio drama, she pushes back against institutional gaslighting, media manipulation, and performative diversity. What begins as a plea for change edges dangerously toward open rebellion.
🎧 Episode 1 of 2 in The Concrete Growth Project’s original audio drama series.
Subscribe to The Concrete Growth Project Podcast for future audio dramas that tackle real-world issues through gripping fiction.
#AudioDrama #EquityInTheWorkplace #RepresentationMatters #BlackWomenLead #MiniSeries
Join us for an insightful conversation with Darlene Oliver Hightower, J.D., the trailblazing President & CEO of Chicago's Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC), as we delve into the heart of leadership, authenticity, and the Black executive's journey towards well-being. In this episode, Darlene shares her remarkable insights gleaned from her extensive experience, including her pivotal role in spearheading transformative initiatives such as West Side United. Discover the essence of authentic leadership, the challenges and triumphs of Black leaders in organizational settings, and the imperative of embracing rest as a form of self-care and sustainability. Don't miss out on 'Reclaiming Rest: A Vision for the Black Executive's Well-Being,' where Darlene's wisdom illuminates a path towards inclusive, resilient leadership.
WATCH the Episode on YouTube HERE!
Our host, Shaneah Taylor identifies as a Black Woman. In this candid, "Next Door Chats", Shaneah sits down with her former White supervisor, Dr. Kimber Bogard to discuss her experiences as a black employee struggling to grow and find her place in an all white space. Kimber is transparent and shares her unique perspective on hiring.
Shaneah and Kimber talk about the transitions in their relationship and how they finally built trust. This episode is unique and there are some nuggets to be gleaned for all listeners, irrespective of race and ethnicity.
website: www.concretegrowthproject.com
Music by: Tone Jonez
It's finally here!! The finale to Behind the Catfish. Randy and Stacey have been talking on the phone for a week or so and Stacey is ready to see Randy's face. We will leave the real conclusion to your imagination. However, be careful out there, y'all. Catfishing is a real thing. Special shout out to Lanisha Fisher for writing this episode.
Gratitude as always to our voiceover and vocal acting partner; The House of Genesis
Music for the episode provided by: Tone Jonez
Follow us on instagram @concretegrowthproject for show updates.
Visit our website HERE
The CGP Podcast
features new audible content from it's Concrete Growth Moments series. Join us for 15-minutes as Jermaine shares his journey to sonship. We pray that you are blessed!
Check out more episodes by subscribing and visiting us on instagram @concretegrowthproject
Music for the episode was provided by: Tone Jonez
The full video for the episode can be found on our YouTube Channel
WHEW!! We are still recovering from this WISDOM packed Next Door Chat with the phenomenal and incomparable Tashyra Ayers of The House of Genesis
Tashyra shares with us about the weight and depth of responsiblity of self! She journeys through it, records and nurtures her process, and gives us practical steps to ensure that we understand that we are responsible for ourselves FIRST and when we activate the selves God has called us to be, our purpose falls into place.
We were truly honored to have Tashyra in the Next Door Chat space.
Find out more about the Podcast HERE
We are joined by Caprisse Hall, the CEO and proprieter of Pri Essentials .
Caprisse shares an incredible and inspiring journey of how she has transitioned through trauma, abuse, and loss to ultimate victory! Caprisse's faith and belief in the God who made her has inspired her entrpreneurial journey! Take 20 minutes and tap into this goodness!
Check out additional audio dramas and next door chats HERE
Follow guest and host on instagram:
@priessentials
@concretegrowthproject
Music Produced by: Tone Jonez
Through twins that weren't supposed to be here, car accidents, and ultimate victory, Join us for another INCREDIBLE Next Door Chat with the amazing Taneka Small! We sit down for a quick conversation around Life, Love, and Motherhood!
Instagram: @concretegrowthproject
Guest Instagream: @_tanekasmall
Show Page
Partners: The House of Genesis
Episode Music: Tone Jonez
This 2-minute audio drama was co-written by CGP Podcast Collaborative writer Aaron Patterson.
This is a sweet little reflection on LOVE! This podcast was founded on the pursuit of love and also uplifts its beauty! So take a quick listen. This one is for our hopeless romantics out there!
All voiceover and vocal acting provided by: The House of Genesis
Music Produced by: Tone Jonez
I was blessed to sit down with Jennifer Bordes of JBD Hairstyling.
WATCH the video of the interview HERE!
She shares her triumphant journey to starting a business through illness, unexpected challenge, and adversity. Jennifer is resilience in human form and an aspiration to us all. She credits her success and victory to God and our project was encouraged to KEEP GOING because she blessed the mic!!
Instagram JBD Hairstyling: @jbdhairstyling
Concrete Growth Project Instagram: @concretegrowthproject
Project Website: www. concretegrowthproject.com
Tune in!!
There are some unexpected connections happening with the Concrete Growth Project's characters. Tune in...
Warina is back..indirectly... (That's all we'll say for now..)
ALL Voiceover and Vocal acting: The House of Genesis
www.concretegrowthproject.com
Instagram: shaneahtay45
Instagram: concretegrowthproject
2 minute short episode!
Join us for this surprise ending and plot twist. Secret Conversations is part of our Unpolished and Imperfect: Stories with no ending series! We are excited to keep bringing you amazing content! We bring you real issues, relevant for our time!
www.concretegrowthproject.com
Instagram: @concretegrowthproject
Collaborative Co-writer: Aaron J. Patterson
Vocal Acting: The House of Genesis
Join us for PART 2 of Becoming Venice! You don't want to miss a WORD of this Next Door Chat. We are still thinking, writing, and reflecting over these amazing nuggets.
Thank you to the incredible Venice Williams for stopping by to bless the Concrete Growth Project with your wisdom.
Follow Venice on instagram @soshegoes
Follow the concrete growth project on insta @concretegrowthproject
www.concretegrowthproject.com
Join us as we launch our NEWEST series within the Concrete Growth Project Podcast called, "Next Door Chats." We can be far away as it relates to proximity, but our shared experiences make us feel like we're RIGHT NEXT DOOR.
This is a TWO-PART series! We are excited for you to listen in, grow, and we look forward to the next!
Follow Venice Williams on Instagram @soshegoes_
Her journey is extremely inspiring!
Follow the project on instagram @concretegrowthproject
www.concretegrowthproject.com
Music attribution for this episode:
"Music by Tri-Tachyon - https://soundcloud.com/tri-tachyon/albums".
Tri-Tachyon - SoundCloud
Composer / Musician and Sound Designer,
Working as a Sound Engineer locally,
Need something? Just contact me.
Spotify: spoti.fi/2yb9bbD
Bandcamp: goo.gl/jIAQLT
iTunes: apple.co/3bs49Gb
Instagram: bit.ly/ТТ-Inst
YouTube: bit.ly/TT-Tube
Twitter: goo.gl/9CMtZM
Facebook: goo.gl/i580XK
Licensing and contacts:
contact.Tri.Tachyon@gmail.com
Join us on this one minute reflection as we explore the difficulties in our parents "seeing us."
Vocal Acting by: The House of Genesis
Collaborative Co-Writer: Aaron J. Patterson
Follow us on Instagram @concretegrowthproject
www.concretegrowthproject.com
He has a dream and destination. She has a history of heartache and fatigue with his dreams.
Check out this 2 minute discussion between a couple just trying to hang in there.
Podcast Instagram: @concretegrowthproject
Voiceover/Vocal Acting: The House of Genesis
Collaborative Co-Writer: Aaron J. Patterson
Warina and Chase explore therapy and what it means to begin the journey toward intentional healing. Men can go to therapy too!
Tune in!
Voice over and Vocal Acting: The House of Genesis
Music: Tone Jonez
Episode Sponsor: Gigi's Customs
Unpolished and Imperfect: Stories with No Ending is the CGP Podcast's newest series.
Explore this 2 minute audio drama detailing Charles' thoughts and why he's struggling in his current situation.
Voiceover/Vocal Acting: The House of Genesis
Collaborative Writer: Aaron J. Patterson
Warina attempts to start her therapy journey. Check out this mini episode as we explore her path to healing together!
Episode Sponsor: Halo Blu Juices
Vocal Professionals: The House of Genesis
Music Produced by: Tone Jonez
Warina talks to a dear friend about her date and also runs into someone unexpected. Tune in to see what she's up to!
Vocal Acting and Voiceover for the episode provided by The House of Genesis.
New Collaborative Co-writer: Liza Grant
Episode Sponsor: Shenequa Pierre
Warina attempts dating after divorce. The Concrete Growth Project
partners with The House of Genesis to bring this date to life.
Warina reflects on some online dating woes. It's rough out here trying to date...IN A PANDEMIC. Tune in to hear her reflections and to prompt reflections around your dating woes as well. In partnership with The House of Genesis, the Concrete Growth Project brings characters to life.
Music By: Tone Jonez
The Concrete Growth Project is partnering with The House of Genesis to bring you a new sound and series of audio dramas for 2021! In this episode, meet Warina, a woman of color traversing LIFE and ALL its complexities. Warina shares about issues at work in Episode 1. We hope you enjoy her journey and find ways to grow with her in the process.
Music produced by: Tone Jonez
Raji Ganesan and Saron Selassie stop by the CGP Podcast to drop some true wisdom as it pertains to self-care and compassion. We all know that the self-care industry has been commercialized Listen to this episode to garner tips and methods to be intentional about your self-care.
Episode Sponsor: Mindful Glow Candles
Music by: Tone Jonez
Poetic Thoughts on White Supremacy and the murder of black bodies by Shaneah Taylor
End of diary music by: The CUR3
Ebony Stokes, Autopsy technician stops by the CGP Podcast to share knowledge on examining bodies during COVID-19. Ebony reflects on her journey in the death care industry and opens up about life as a professional, business owner, first lady, wife, and mom. We are energized by her passion, and inspired by her indefatigable commitment to comforting families in need.
Dr. Lauren Lewis, OB/GYN stops by the CGP Podcast to share some knowledge about authentic patient care, COVID-19, and the importance of self-advocacy in the doctor's office. She speaks candidly about her experience as an essential worker called to assist women during the chaos of a pandemic.
Wamite Muthara of Career Safari visits the CGP project to encourage women that are ready to take risks in their careers. She gives some incredible nuggets of inspiration and helps to give concrete tips for those that are thinking of starting entrepreneurial endeavors.
Episode Sponsored by: Mindful Glow Candles
Music By:
"In a Heartbeat" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Tone Jonez
Dr. Alexis Melville, Psy.D of Inspired Courage Counseling and Consultation stops by the CGP Podcast to drop knowledge around relationships, vulnerability, and the importance of getting to know yourself FIRST even before you attempt to be there for your friends!!!
What's all the fuss about Triggers? Are they even a real thing? What are examples of some common triggers? What can you do to get over them?
Check out the first full episode of the year for the Concrete Growth Project Podcast. We've got some great content and wonderful surprises for our audience!
Music for the episode produced by: Tone Jonez
Shaneah Taylor does not own the rights to the music played on the cast.
Podcast Sponsored by: Gigi's Customs, MoBetta Credit, and Chicago Bravo
Tammera L. Holmes is a strong advocate for youth in science, technology, engineering, and Mathematics, cultural exposure and career development/ advancements. She is the President and CEO of Aerostar Consulting and Co-Founder of the Aerostar Avion Institute. The CGP project was super blessed to be able to sit down and hear pearls of wisdom and get the scoop on how Chicago is embracing Aviation like NEVER BEFORE!
Concrete Growth Project show host and producer Shaneah Taylor speaks for a short time on the importance of travel and self-reflection. Segment includes a couple samples and sounds from her time in Paris and Venice.
This is the beginning of the Concrete Growth Project Podcast's 10 minute Audio Diary Segments. We will air these submissions in between episodes as we get them. This segment features an anonymous audio diary from a sister that stepped out to share what she was feeling on a certain day at a certain time. CGP's host also opens up and shares part of her journey poetically.
Pain and Resilience make a Beautiful Couple, and Aisha Hurston kicks off the CGP's First Episode by brilliantly sharing the trials and tribulations that led her to being the successful attorney that she is today. Aisha is a beautiful example of how the painful seeds of our past can most definitely blossom into gardens where others can glean encouragement and strength.
#resilience #strength #women #men #encouragement #childhood #attorney #law
#socialjustice #relationships #personalstories #audiodiary
Intro Music Produced by Tone Jonez