Frankly Speaking with Tyra G

In this special edition, we embark on a journey to reflect on the profound insights shared by our previous guests within the "What About the Children" theme. Together, we will explore their collective challenges in the present, transforming this moment into an opportunity for us to consider a vital question: What time is it on life's clock for our children's well-being, accomplishments, and happiness? Let me emphasize: What time is it on life's clock for our children's well-being, accomplishments, and happiness? Today, I am honored to host a remarkable guest—a student leader representing Gen Z. I had the privilege of meeting her at Marshall High School in Virginia, where our conversation illuminated her as an exceptional voice for her generation. She sheds light on aspects of Gen Z that we might overlook when assessing their impact, well-being, and potential for success. I firmly believe that every child I encounter is a divine appointment. Time and again, I have witnessed that the greatest gifts we can offer children are the deep roots of responsibility and the soaring wings of independence. They are truly extraordinary! Let us unite to ensure their well-being, accomplishments, and happiness take center stage. Listen, enjoy, and learn things, then share. Now, I am presenting Ms Sara Nadkarni.

Think back to the first time you engaged in an art project as a child. That moment was not just about creativity; it was a profound expression of who you are, conjuring something extraordinary from mere imagination. Remember that school trip to a museum or a national park? Those experiences were monumental, filled with discoveries that left an indelible mark on your identity and contributed to your understanding of our culture. Art, expression, and culture may not always seem interconnected, but they are incredibly effective tools for driving sustainability and education. Arts and cultural education empower individuals of all ages, equipping them with the essential knowledge, skills, values, and mindsets necessary to address pressing issues such as climate change, environmental degradation, poverty, and inequality. Through creative expression, we can celebrate and recognize the diverse manifestations of sustainability around the world. I invite you to join me in an enlightening conversation with Mr. Stuart Holt, President and CEO of ArtsFairfax. For over 20 years, he has dedicated his career to inspiring learners of all ages through the transformative power of the arts. Before his role at ArtsFairfax, Mr. Holt served with passion as the Director of Education and Outreach for the Metropolitan Opera Guild. He was the Director of Youth Opera Programs at Sarasota Opera. He also shared his expertise as a member of the music faculty at both Florida State University and James Madison University. Please take a moment to listen, absorb these insights, and share them with others. Together, we can harness the power of art for a brighter, more sustainable future.  Take a listen, learn things, and share.

In 1986, Whitney Houston sang a powerful, positive message about nurturing our children and believing in their potential, titled "The Greatest Love of All." Fast forward to today, and the UN Secretary-General urgently reminds us of our duty: “leave no child behind” in the battle against human trafficking—a grave violation of human rights that preys on the most vulnerable among us. Tragically, one-third of trafficking victims are children, who endure unimaginable suffering, from forced labor to sexual exploitation and even recruitment as soldiers. The rise of online platforms has further exacerbated their vulnerability, allowing traffickers to exploit these innocent lives across borders. The long-lasting psychological and physical trauma these children face robs them of their innocence and future. It is imperative that we bolster our protective measures. This means implementing justice systems that are sensitive to children's needs, raising public awareness, supporting unaccompanied minors, and addressing the root causes of exploitation by aiding families in distress. We must rally governments, civil society, and the private sector, including tech companies, to work together to create an environment where no child falls victim to this crime and no trafficker escapes justice. In the United States, approximately 10,000 children are subjected to the horrors of commercial sexual exploitation each year, forced to perform unimaginable acts multiple times daily. Yet, those who perpetrate this abuse often evade accountability, blending back into their communities without facing consequences. The current fight against child trafficking is far from effective, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to safeguard our most vulnerable populations and support child survivors. Now is the time to act. Let's commit to listening, learning, and taking meaningful steps to address this critical issue. Together, we can make a difference and protect our children's futures. Take a listen, learn things, and then share.  

So, this week, we begin with a twist to create our common thought space for today. In the words of Isabel Wilkerson in her interview with Krista Tippet on NPR entitled The Heart is the Last Frontier. And I Quote, "With all due respect, I can't want to!" For some, this is the best of times. For others, it feels like the worst of times. For the wise, it is seen as one season in history. For others, it feels like an impending eternity of uncertainty. Words like 'us' and 'them' no longer define diversity but decree exclusion. Anger has become the overcoat that keeps our raw fear warm. Our country is like an ancient house. I love old houses. But old houses need a lot of work. And the work is never done. And just when you think you've finished one renovation, it's time to do something else. Something else has gone wrong. Sometimes, may need to look down in the basement to find the problem. We may need to go down into our metaphorical basement and see the historical causes and effects of things that need change. Only then can we make humanity-saving decisions. We must then intentionally add radical empathy to our solution. "Empathy is not pity or sympathy in which you look down on someone and feel sorry for them. With sympathy, you may be looking across at someone and feeling bad for them. However, empathy means getting inside of them, understanding their reality, and looking at their situation and saying not, "What would I do if I were in their position?" but, "What are they doing? Why are they doing what they're doing from the perspective of what they have endured?" Today, we are telling the story of one of Fairfax County, Virginia's organizations that has decided that it can want to… An organization that embodies empathy and hope! We are going to walk through the doors of Britepaths of Fairfax County. Britepaths is dedicated to stabilizing clients facing economic crises, fostering personal empowerment, and supporting the needs of children! This week's storyteller is Mr.David Joyner, the Development Manager of Britepaths of Fairfax County, Virginia. Be inspired, learn things, and share.

It has been proven to me many times that the greatest gifts you can give children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence. They are amazing! Whether I was living as an educator, author, inspirational speaker, international talk show host, business owner, or survivor, living in my spirit has been the constant question, but What about the children?” In today's episode, we will examine some collective challenges, particularly those of Generation Z. Gen Z makes up about 20% of the US population - we cannot afford to ignore them or let them suffer. Statistics also indicate that Gen Z struggles with their mental health more than any generation, with over half of Gen Z saying they've experienced bouts of depression. Hopefully, you will have a better answer at the show's end: What time is Life's Clock for Generation Z's well-being, accomplishment, and happiness? If we can better understand this question, we, personally or together, may support the legacy of worthiness and productivity for those who will come after. We are all in this together. Our guide today is Dr. Onnatti Jain, a Keynote Speaker, Youth Behavior Change expert, and Relationship Expert who has worked in this field for over a decade. She believes that Gen Z has challenged the world's perception of their generation and is brilliant, focused, committed, driven, loyal, and committed. Take a listen, learn things, be inspired, and then share with your network. If you wish to continue conversing with Dr. Jain, please contact Dr. unnattijain@genzandu.com.    

Some particular words to establish our common thought space today are offered by noted Karmic astrologer Dora Jones, and I quote: "Each of us comes into life with a promise, a gift, a passion, and a deep, heartfelt desire. The promise is not just a concept; it's a journey of self-discovery. It's what you have come to life to master, overcome, resolve, or heal some aspect of your consciousness. As you face your life's experiences, you can fulfill this promise. Your responses to your experiences determine whether you fulfill or break the promise you have made to yourself. The gift is not just a talent; it's a unique expression of yourself. It is the cornerstone of self-determination and self-actualization. The gift constitutes your talents and abilities, the unique things you do as only you can do them. The gift is enhanced or diminished by how you do what you do and how you share the things you do naturally or well with others. Passion represents those things you pursue for sheer joy, making you feel alive, meaningful, valuable, and worthy. Most of us are frightened away from or talked out of our passion, making us think it is inappropriate or useless. Heartfelt desire is what you most want to experience in life. Some want love, others wish for acceptance, and most want both. However, it can be difficult not to lose our identity or integrity in pursuit of heartfelt desire. You may only have been aware of your life's true meaning and purpose today. So, put this message on your mirror as a daily reminder. This week, my guests walk individually and collectively in their self-discovered promises, gifts, passions, and heartfelt desires. Together, their stories combine history, mystery, and hope. Because of their specific areas of expertise, they are producing this show as a team, as only they can, so I will become a part of the listening audience. Meet Dr. Tyler Nolting, who will further introduce himself and the team.

Iyanla Vanzant, Life Coach, and Author offers the following in her 2000 book Until Today. "Shhhh! Don't tell that story again. Do not talk about how so many bad people wronged you. Please do not talk about him, her, or them unless it will make you feel better right now. Hush! Don't utter another syllable about the pain and losses that have left you broken unless you are ready to recover right now. Stop! Dragging yourself back there, reminding yourself about how bad it was for you then unless it is relevant to what you are doing right now. Each time you think about talk about, or remember then, you put that energy squarely in the middle of your life right now. "You must acknowledge how you feel about everything you have experienced. However, it would be best not to tell the story in a manner that makes you feel bad right now. Tell me what you learned! Tell me how you have healed! If you look at your story, there is probably a great deal you can use right now to move forward. Join me and Dr. Bernadette Anderson as we look behind and beyond these words into a path of Healing, Health, and Happiness. You may learn something new about something old. Take a listen. Be inspired, and share.

We continue discussing with Michelle Petties., her book, and the mentoring program about Leaving Large. "Life will work for me when I accept … The labels placed on me don't always fit. With its structures, expectations, and divisions, society has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous. Do not forget that a bossy woman is domineering, making her the B word. We won't bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or that they cannot handle money as well. The point is some people believe these things about women, and some of these are women! Labels define. Often, labels set up expectations. Labels prescribe how much, how little, and sometimes how long a thing can be used. Labels are descriptive. Labels are protective, and labels can be removed. It just may be that the time has come to take the labels off women. It is probably more accurate to say it is time for women to take the labels off themselves. For a woman to realize that she is more than a mother, more than a wife, more than what she earns or what she does to earn a living, she must know her worth. This means she must test herself and her limits. A woman must learn to describe herself and establish her expectations for herself. She must encourage herself, support and nurture herself, be willing to be disliked, and violate the descriptions and confines imposed on her.  My guest is doing the work today, paying the dues, and gracefully managing the rewards. The first inscription in her new book is a quote from Maya Angelou: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” My guest personifies a butterfly and has come this week to share her journey. Her story will amaze, encourage, and excite anyone who has ever felt left out, left behind, or left over. Listen, be inspired, and share.

I quote "Life will work for me when I accept … The labels placed on me don't always fit. With its structures, expectations, and divisions, society has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous. Do not forget that a bossy woman is domineering, making her the B word. We won't bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or that they cannot handle money as well. The point is some people believe these things about women, and some of these are women! Labels define. Often, labels set up expectations. Labels prescribe how much, how little, and sometimes how long a thing can be used. Labels are descriptive. Labels are protective, and labels can be removed. It just may be that the time has come to take the labels off women. It is probably more accurate to say it is time for women to take the labels off themselves". --Iyanya Vanzant, Until Today 2000 My guest is doing the work today, paying the dues, and gracefully managing the rewards. The first inscription in her new book is a quote from Maya Angelou: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has undergone to achieve that beauty.” My guest personifies a butterfly and has come this week to share her journey. Her story will amaze, encourage, and excite anyone who has ever felt left out, left behind, or left over. Be inspired and share.

Karmic astrologer Dora Jones believes, And I quote; “Each of us comes into life with a promise, a gift, a passion, and a deep, heartfelt desire.” The promise is what you have come to life to master. You have promised to overcome, resolve, or heal some aspect of your consciousness. As you face your life's experiences, you are given the opportunity to fulfill this promise. Your responses to your experiences determine whether you fulfill or break the promise you have made to yourself. The gift is what you have come to give to life. It is the cornerstone of self-determination and self-actualization. The gift constitutes your talents and your abilities. The unique things you do as only you can do them.  The gift is enhanced or diminished by how you do what you do and how you share those things that you do naturally or well with others. Passion represents those things you pursue for the sheer joy of it- those things you do that make you feel alive and meaningful, valuable, and worthy. Most of us are frightened away from or talked out of our passion. We are made to feel it is inappropriate or useless. The heartfelt desire is the thing you most want to experience in life. Some want love. Others want acceptance. Most of us want both. We face difficulty not losing our identity or integrity in pursuit of heartfelt desire. My guest of the week, Ms. Quay Holland, WELLTH Coach and Rebalance Strategist, walks us through her process of addressing each of the above attributes. This week, we included an authentic role-play exercise to demonstrate her healing process with her process. Take a listen, learn things, be inspired, and share.

I am excited about how the Frankly Speaking with Tyra G show progresses. We are celebrating the sixth year of proof that dreams can come true. We have been telling stories to touch the mind, the heart, and the spirit. They have been multicultural, intergenerational, educational, and inspirational, and you have told them! This week, we present a story from our Frankly Speaking Human Library Catalogue with a theme called This is Us Next Chapter. These stories celebrate the courage, commitment, and creativity of people who positively impact the lives of those challenged in some way, moving from their no longer into their not yet. This week, meet Dana Saif, Visionary and Founder and Director of the International Language Academy (ILA) in Washington, DC. Dana authentically shares the challenges and blessings of birthing something new yet so needed. She prioritized her goals as a relevant curriculum, certified faculty and staff, a state-of-the-art facility, and accreditation. At ILA, the team understands that traveling to a new country can be overwhelming, but rest assured, ILA has all the tools to help you succeed. Whether you want to complete your education at an American university or improve your English, you'll find your perfect fit at ILA. Take a listen, learn things, and be inspired. Then, share and subscribe.  

Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it's primarily intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices. It was initially called Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I. World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the essential purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. This week, Frankly Speaking shares the table with a National Defense Strategist, Educator, Research Analyst, and Business Architect with multiple years of experience in each of these areas. Hershel Holiday Sr, US Army United States Military Academy at West Point and Veteran takes us beyond preparation for war and the war experience. We share the resulting emotional impact on his family spoken through Hershel Holiday Jr.'s words. Take a listen, learn things, feel proud, subscribe, and share.              

The 1977 theme song for a film about Mohammed Ali, "The Greatest Love of All," was written and composed by Michael Masser, with lyrics by Linda Creed, and sung by George Benson. The beginning lyrics lay the perfect introduction to this week's Frankly Speaking radio show discussion, Were it Not for Those Who Care. "I believe that children are our future    Teach them well and let them lead the way        Show them all the beauty they possess inside                                                                     Give them a sense of pride to make it easier                                                                         Let the children's laughter remind us of how we used to be." This is the ideal life we would like all of our children to experience, However, The World Health Organization reports that an estimated 1 Billion children between the ages of 2-17 in the world have experienced physical, mental, and sexual abuse in the last year. What time is it on the clock for our children's safety, achievement, and happiness? How can we reach, teach, and love those children who are left out, left behind, and leftover that what happens to them is different than who they were created to be? How can we help them discover and walk in their worthiness? This week, we learned about a national non-profit[1] organization, that is doing just that. Girls on the Run (GOTR) designs programming that strengthens third to eighth-grade girls' social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills to navigate life experiences successfully. The program's intentional curriculum places an emphasis on developing competence, confidence, connection, character, caring, and contribution in young girls through lessons that incorporate running and other physical activities. The life skills curriculum is delivered by caring and competent coaches who are trained to teach lessons as intended. Ashleigh Conrad, GOTR Northern Virginia Program Engagement Manager, gets us excited about the secret sauce of the girls, their coaches, the annual 5K, and the proven positive impact that is changing life's clock on the happiness of the girls in the program. Take a listen, be inspired, share, and subscribe. 1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_on_the_Run.    

I believe everyone not only has a story but is a story. Each of our stories evolves as a journey, not a destination, a process, not an event. We learn as we become emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. Only when we look back and remember can we understand. This week, we look into the rearview mirror of the eternity of one intelligent,  evolving, creative story. He has discovered that life works for him because he knows everything he manifests on the outside results from who he has become on the inside. In the beginning chapters, Patric Gregory McCoy was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 20, 1946. McCoy graduated as class valedictorian from Englewood High School in Chicago in 1964. He received his B.A. in chemistry in 1969 from the University of Chicago. In 1972, McCoy was employed as the chief chemist for the Gary, Indiana, Air Pollution Control Department while taking part-time graduate courses. He received his M.A. in environmental science from Governors State University in 1979. McCoy retired from the EPA in 2006 after serving ten years as a national expert on air pollution control measures for the petroleum refining industry. However, the current chapter of Patric's story finds him immersed in his passion for art, nurtured in his childhood home in Chicago, surrounded by art and books. Patric's art collection contains over one thousand paintings, drawings, sculptures, collages, and assemblages of African-American art. He co-founded Diasporal Rhythms in 2003. Diasporal Rhythms is a not-for-profit arts organization that promotes the collection of artworks by living artists of African descent. He is a legacy, mentoring the next generations to live in the now, not be afraid to make mistakes, and walk in their worthiness. His favorite quote is "Stop Trying, Just Do"! The best part of this episode is Patric's outstanding storytelling style. Get comfortable, learn, and be inspired. Then, share and subscribe.    

This evening, our show theme is curated from our HUMAN LIBRARY catalog titled What I Know Now. You often hear me say everyone has a story. And you know, I also believe that everyone is a story. Each of our stories reflects a journey, not a destination, a process, not an event. We are continually moving, continually growing, continually becoming. As long as we breathe, the end of our story has not yet been written. That means we have opportunities to edit the plot of our story to reflect our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional evolution. Author Maya Angelou   says, "There is no greater agony than hearing an untold story inside you." Let that resonate for a second. Life coach and author Iyanla Vanzant believes in her story, and I quote, “Life will work for me when I realize I have everything I need within me to create everything I want out there. My guest this week believes all that exists between perceiving something as negative or positive is choice. She is a dynamically unfolding story; a journey, and a process.  She is a student. She is a teacher. She is a survivor. She is hope. So, sit back, listen, and learn things as Ms. Lynnie Vessels joins us at the FS Table. Her story, so far, reads of survival and a grateful spirit. Educator, author, and inspirational speaker, Ms Lynnie Vessels.

Tysons Corner and McClean Rotary Clubs Flags For Heroes Display Today, we find ourselves in the midst of an ongoing season of uncertainty, unrest, unnatural disasters, and unnecessary violence and death. We have all been touched by a fresh sense of fragility in ourselves and in our social systems. In order to survive and hopefully thrive, we must recognize that in spite of all this, we are dynamic. We are a journey, not a destination, a process, not an event. We have options in how we respond to how life presents itself to us. And sometimes, we just have to go the extra mile. Going the extra mile means taking what you have and looking for ways to expand it. This week's show is a return to our Frankly Speaking Human Library theme: Thank You for Your Service, Then and Now. Over the past six years, I have demonstrated my passion for celebrating veterans and active duty military who continually help us sustain and maintain our quality of life, often at the greatest of costs. We have heard stories through diverse lenses including wars fought, age, gender, race, family impact, and especially cultural and social legacies. For more than a century, an organization called Rotary, People of Action, has bridged cultures and connected continents. Rotary champions peace fights illiteracy and poverty, helps people access to clean water and sanitation, and fights disease. Rotary's newest cause is to protect our planet and its resources. The global organization's motto is Service Above Self. Rotary celebrates veterans and active military who help maintain our national quality of life with a flag display called Flags For Heroes on July 4th, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. The definition of Heroes expanded during our most recent war against COVID to include healthcare professionals, teachers, public safety, and all who kept our lives livable, e.g., grocery workers, sanitation, etc. Take a listen and be inspired. Then share and subscribe.  

I intentionally created Frankly Speaking with Tyra G with an intergenerational, multicultural audience in mind. Thematic content helps keep our stories fresh and relevant. This evening, our story is curated from our HUMAN LIBRARY theme: Voices From the Future. Hearing the next generations' hopes, dreams, and concerns is always delightful. It serves as a kind of report card on how we are doing. Legacy is an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us. We need to understand that the world isn't connected by molecules. Stories, traditions, memories, hopes, and dreams connect it. Legacy is truly about life and living. My guest this week is a student of life and living extraordinaire, Her conversation will give us a snapshot of how we are doing and how she is responding to the world we have given her. She is a member of Generation Z, the generation reaching adulthood in the second decade of the 21st century. A generalized generational definition describes her generation. As the first social generation to have grown up with access to the Internet and portable digital technology from a young age, members of Generation Z have been dubbed "digital natives.” Okay, but wait, what does that mean in terms of how they live life? Sit back, take a listen, and be inspired. Then, share and subscribe.

"If man is to survive, he will have learned to take delight in the essential differences between men and between cultures. He will learn that differences in ideas and attitudes are a delight, part of life's exciting variety, not something to fear." "A man either lives life as it happens to him, meets it head-on and licks it, or turns his back on it and starts to wither away." "Star Trek was an attempt to say that humanity will reach maturity and wisdom on the day that it begins not just to tolerate but take a special delight in ideas and differences in life forms. […] If we cannot learn to enjoy those small differences, to take a positive delight in those small differences between our kind here on this planet, then we do not deserve to go out into space and meet the diversity almost certainly out there." ― Gene Roddenberry My guest this week on Frankly Speaking with Tyra G' is Christopher Derrick, one of the writers on Picard, The Eighth Main series set in the Star Trek universe, and a current writer on The Equalizer television series. Christopher creatively walks us into how AI will reshape stories in entertainment, how living outside your comfort zone can positively impact your creative abilities, and other insights for "consumers" of Hollywood entertainment. Take a  listen, learn stuff, and be inspired. Then share

Susan V. Bosak of the Legacy Project suggests, “Legacy is about life and living. It's about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future. It is an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us. A legacy may take many forms – children, grandchildren, a business, an ideal, a book, a community, a home, or some of ourselves. How many of us live so that our legacy reflects all we genuinely hold, most near and dear? How many of us are living with integrity and courage? Molecules don't connect the world. Stories, traditions, memories, hopes, and dreams connect it. The legacies connect us passed down from those who came before us and the legacies we passed down to those who come after us. For children, legacy means learning from the past. It separates the timeless from the transient. We need to tell them our life stories, our choices, and how we made our decisions. For adults, legacy means hoping for the future. It means developing and passing on a timeless part of yourself. We feel valued and valuable no matter how old we get. For both young and old, the power of legacy enables us to live fully in the present. You understand that you are part of a larger community that must remember its history to build its future." This week, our story begins with someone who did not have shoes to wear until he signed up to be in the army. However, what he did have was a dream and determination. We hear his story through the words of his son, Bruce Wesley of Wesley Sheos, in the Hyde Park Community of Chicago. For over 70 years, the Wesley family has nurtured this dream until it awakened to win a National Independent Retail Shoe Store Award. The journey in between has been filled with life lessons, overcoming racism, natural disasters, determination, creativity, and faith. Today, Wesley's is a family-owned shoe store providing an individual shopping experience to all who visit. From measuring a child's first shoe to helping you find comfort and style, we have everything you need to take your best step. This week, we celebrate the Wesley's Shoes legacy with its second-generation owner, Mr. Bruce Wesley. Be inspired! I was.

Are you a fan of Star Trek? Do you watch The Equalizer? You will love this week's Frankly Speaking conversation if you answer yes to either of these questions! Once upon a time, Christopher Derrick's father told him, "If you see someone doing something you want to do, you can do it." And so he did. However, for Christopher, it was a process, not an event, a journey, not a destination. Christopher shares his journey from his graduation in finance at the Univesity of Michigan to his present position as Executive Story Editor on the television show The Equalizer. Christopher is evidence of the validity of the Karmic astrologer Dora Jones's message: “Each of us comes into life with a promise, a gift, a passion, and a deep heartfelt desire.” The promise is what you have come to life to master. You have promised to overcome, resolve or heal some aspect of your consciousness. As you face your life experiences, you are allowed to fulfill this promise. The gift is what you have come to give to life. It is the cornerstone of self-determination and self-actualization. The gift constitutes your talents and your abilities. the special things you do as only you can do them. Passion represents those things you pursue for sheer joy- those you do that make you feel alive, meaningful, valuable, and worthy. Most of us are frightened away from or talked out of our passion. We are made to feel it is inappropriate or useless. The heartfelt desire is the thing you most want to experience in life. Some want love. Others want acceptance. Most of us want both. We face difficulty not losing our identity or integrity in pursuing heartfelt desires. Until today, you may not have been aware of your life's true meaning and purpose. For today, ask the Holy Spirit, your guardians, angels, and guides to reveal how each element is represented in your life. Put this message on your mirror as a daily reminder. “Today, I am devoted to pursuing a deeper meaning and a more divine expression in my life! “I will separate what happens to me from who I was created to be. Take a listen. Be inspired!

Today I share once more words that awaken from the life coach and author in her 2000 book, Until Today.  And I quote: “Life will work for me when I realize …the experience of my faith keeps my faith alive. You must have faith and experience to live life fully. You must believe that everything you expect from life is possible. You must have faith that no matter what life brings to you, you will be able to handle it. You must have confidence that your faith will eventually lead to good experiences. Experience teaches you that your faith is paying off. Once you have had an experience, you know that you know. When you see, you become more fruitful. Once you have an experience, you want more and better or different experiences. The difference between faith and experience is this: One you must work on, the other works on you. Join Dr. Amile Exume as he explores the role of the Divine in his life. He continues to provide service to others above self, in spite of a medical condition that defies all odds. He lives in constant wonderment declaring, WOW! God did this for me? Be inspired!

Radio Show Salutes Women in the Military I am celebrating veterans and active-duty military who keep us and have kept us out of constant harm's way, often at great costs. We are reminded that war is a part of human history. I aim to share varied war stories across age, gender, and race to include family impact and cultural legacies. The Vietnam War was my coming-of-age war. I became immersed in and confused by the concurrent war at home about the necessity of US involvement while at the same time grieving over school friends who paid the ultimate price. There were so many bold and untold stories. Today's story, although history, is her story as well. We will hear about women who decided to make history instead of reading about it. The Voices of Women in Vietnam is a replay of a weekly National Public Radio show called With Good Reason. When I first heard this show, it was such a heart tug I knew I had to share. It includes, in their voices, stories from wives, widows, nurses, and librarians who took off their white lace gloves and struggled culturally, socially, intellectually, and physically to build a foundation for our continued gender-based struggles today. So, brew a cup of tea, get comfortable, and be transformed by a story 28 years later. This show is dedicated to all women, your children, and your children's children. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, then and now.

This month, Frankly Speaking, focuses again on phenomenal women and how we embrace and manage our universal experiences, rainbows and clouds, courage, and resolve. We are a journey, not a destination; our life is a process, not an event. Even still, we are motion, loving, serving, nurturing, encouraging, and empowering. We are love, and love does. And yes, sometimes… sometimes we get stuck between our no longer the familiar, the habits, and our not yet, who we were created to be, and we may ask, "Am I enough?" By the way, the correct answer is a resounding YES! “Society, with its structures, expectations, and divisions, has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous. Do not forget that a bossy woman is domineering, making her the B word. We won't bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or cannot handle money. The point is that some people believe these things about women, and some are women! Labels define. Often, labels set up expectations. Labels prescribe how much, how little, and sometimes how long a thing can be used. Labels are descriptive. Labels are protective. And labels can be removed. It just may be that the time has come to take the labels off women. It is probably more accurate to say it is time for women to take the labels off themselves. Share and enjoy Catherine Ahearn's story of ignoring the labels and becoming a successful entrepreneur. There are stories along the way that will grab your heart. Thank you, Catherine!

This month, Frankly Speaking, is focusing on phenomenal women and how we embrace and manage our universal experiences, rainbows and clouds, courage, and resolve. We are a journey, not a destination; our life is a process, not an event. Even still, we are motion, loving, serving, nurturing, encouraging, and empowering. We are love, and love does. And yes, sometimes… sometimes we get stuck between our no longer the familiar, the habits, and our not yet, who we were created to be, and we may ask, "Am I enough?” By the way, the right answer is a resounding YES! Author Ilyanla Vanzant says, "A society with its structures, expectations, and divisions has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous. Do not forget that a bossy woman is domineering, making her the B word. We won't bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or cannot handle money. The point is that some people believe these things about women, and some are women!" For any of you who follow me, you know in my manifest, I commit to encouraging and empowering women to walk in their worthiness. Frankly Speaking, is changing the script one story at a time. My guest this week is doing the work by saying yes to the power within her, empathically listening to others' silence, and giving when others are unable to ask. She is paying the dues, and gracefully managing the rewards. Welcome, Ms. Louise Molton to the Frankly Speaking table.

Today has become a testing time and a time of self-evaluation. This is also a time to recognize that we are a journey, not a destination. This is a time to elevate voices of hope and reimagine what is essential. This is a time to remember who we are today; what we can do comes with a price. And we must remember those who paid for it when we could not or did not ask. Sometimes we need help remembering that their struggle was real. "Until today, you may have misunderstood death. You may have been grieving or mourning the loss of a loved one, believing they were forever gone from your life. Today, be a living reflection of the dreams and love you shared with someone who has passed on. “People never really die. They leave their bodies. They end their physical existence to continue their spiritual journey in another form, on another plane. A person who has entered the realm of reality that we call death is never beyond your love. Death is not a cold, dark, or frightening experience. It is an essential part of life that teaches us to believe in what we cannot see. Once you have loved someone, your love will keep them alive". --Author Iyanla Vanzant. This week we will visit a place where life is resuscitated through memory. We will meet members of the Board of the Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, whose mission it is to emphasize the influence and contribution of African American regarding the history, education, development, growth, and culture of the Clarkesville, Tennessee area. During my first conversation with board members, I was impressed that their volunteer commitment was born from a servant's heart. They recognize and honor those who do not have a voice to remind us that their struggle was real. Be inspired!

Noted Karmic astrologer Dora Jones believes “Each of us comes into life with a promise, a gift, a passion, and a deep heartfelt desire.” The promise is what you have come to life to master. You have promised to overcome, resolve, or heal some aspect of your consciousness.  As you face your life experiences, you are allowed to fulfill this promise. Your responses to your experiences determine whether you fulfill or break the promise you have made to yourself. The gift is what you have come to give to life. It is the cornerstone of self-determination and self-actualization. The gift constitutes your talents and abilities, the special things you do as only you can do them. The gift is enhanced or diminished by how you do what you do and how you share the things you do naturally or well with others. Passion represents those things you pursue sheer joy- those things you do that make you feel alive and meaningful, valuable, and worthy. Dr. Mamie Parker left her small Southern town inspired by, and I quote, " Momma and Marvin." Her many experiences and degrees have accommodated her promise, passion, and gifts. On the way, she exceeded all expectations as a woman of color in her field. She has been a biologist and senior executive in the federal government as the FWS Chief of Staff, Assistant Director of Habitat Conservation, and Head of Fisheries in this country. Dr.Mamie is known for her public speaking throughout the environmental community. She is currently the district commissioner for the Department of Wildlife Resources. Take a listen, be inspired, and find truth in the fact that impossible is merely a word to describe the degree of difficulty.

In the words of life coach and award-winning author Iyanla Vanzant in her book Until Today, written in 2000. “Society, with its structures, expectations, and divisions, has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous.  We won't bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or cannot handle money. The point is that some people believe these things about women, and some are women! Labels define. Often, labels set up expectations. Labels prescribe how much, how little, and sometimes how long a thing can be used. In order for a woman to realize that she is more than a mother, more than a wife, more than what she earns or what she does to earn a living, she must know her own worth. It means she must test herself and her limits. A woman must learn to describe herself and establish her own expectations. A woman must encourage herself. She must support and nurture herself. She must be willing to be disliked. She must be willing to violate the descriptions and confines placed on her. Until today you may have placed defining, confining labels of unworthiness on women. For today, think of women as people; think of women as human beings and doing. They are the divine energy of God.” My guest is doing the work today, paying the dues, and gracefully managing the rewards. Meet Ms. Felicity Smith, a phenomenal woman with a servant's heart. The first time I met her, she was like a breath of fresh air. Her story will amaze and encourage and excite anyone who has ever felt left out, left behind, or left over. But let me let her connect with you personally. Enjoy the podcast.

This month we celebrate the Phenomenal Women who walk into this space through many doors. They authentically share their stories, often vulnerably pay forward what they have learned, and celebrate each other.  Thank you, ladies! Life is always listening to the silent requests of your heart and mind. Life is always surveying the landscape of your heart, gathering the bits and pieces of the emotions buried there. Life is always monitoring the activity of your tongue, checking for ruins and sacred elements. Life knows that your mind, heart, and mouth will produce the requests of your consciousness even when you are most aware of it. Author Iyanla Vanzant believes you may not have realized that life is answering your requests until today. You may not have believed that you have the power and the right to ask life for more than you already have right now. Just for today, be devoted to creating a life of positive, joyful requests. Create them first in your mind. Next, create them in your heart. Then speak to them into existence. Be sure to remember what you have created. Meet Afrika Bell Kathuria and Michele Sandiford, two phenomenal women who have accessed their power within. They asked questions of life, made decisions, first in their minds, then in their hearts, and then spoke their dream into existence. They have found a positive, successful, and joyful path they call Zebra Ears podcast through their creative collaboration focusing on early childhood development. Wait until you find out why Zebra Ears. I was fascinated!  

Today, we are living in an ongoing season of uncertainty and unrest. We have all been touched by a fresh sense of fragility in ourselves and our social systems. This is a testing time. This is a time to accept that empathy is unlimited. This is a time to realize that you are doing better than you think. This is a time to elevate voices of hope. This is the time to reimagine what is essential. This is a time for believers to remember the author of Genesis is also the author of Revelation. He is still in the miracle business. This is a time to be encouraged.  This is a time to serve. However, on occasion, in order to survive, in order to serve, we are challenged to encourage ourselves. Sometimes we must silence the voice that says, “If” or “if only.” The voice that says, “Am I enough to do what I was created to do?' And the answer to this question is a resounding YES! However, in those moments, we must dig deep, renew, and reposition ourselves to give away the gifts and talents that accompany our creation.  Who you are, where you are, and what you know define your value. How much you believe in who you are, serve where you are, and use what you know can make a big difference in who you become, where you go, and what you do when you get to the next place. My guests today, Rotarians Meesh Peters and Sam Marigu, are committed to walking in their worthiness while delivering service above self in African villages. As you receive their stories about creating family beyond borders, I know you will be inspired.

In her own words, “We had music growing up, 78RPM's that evolved into 45RPM's and, always, the radio.  The radio in my day, Black and white, played everything.  Gospel Spirituals, even some opera when Leontyne Price came along.  You could listen to R & B late at night or you could go to the other station and listen to popular music.  There was also jazz if the wind was right.  I feel so sorry for the kids who only hear one kind of music.  Where do your dreams come from? My dream was not to publish or to even be a writer:  my dream was to discover something no one else had thought of.  I guess that's why I'm a poet.  We put things together in ways no one else does.” She did not go unappreciated as revealed in a few recognitions below. Seven NAACP Image Awards: for Love Poems; Blues: For All the Changes; Quilting the Black-Eyed Pea; Acolytes; Hip Hop Speaks to Children; 100 Best African American Poems; Bicycles. Named one of Oprah Winfrey's 25 Living Legends Phi Beta Kappa State Historical markers in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Lincoln Heights, Ohio The Tennessee Governor's Award in the Arts Tennessee Governor's Award In the Humanities Virginia Governor's Award for the Arts Woman of the Year, Ebony Magazine Woman of the Year, Ladies Home Journal Woman of the Year, Mademoiselle Magazine This show is a replay of an NPR On Being with Krista Tippett Nikki Giovanni interview. You will love her authenticity, her humor, and her resolve.  Grab your favorite beverage, put your feet up, and exhale. Then, click below.

Do you go the extra mile? Do you do more Than what is expected? Do you expect the best? These questions pertain to your relationship with the world and how you treat yourself. Do you go the extra mile when it comes to you, or do you think that the least is enough for you? Some people believe that struggle, servitude, and sacrifice are the best they can hope for. They look for ways and reasons to be okay with the things they believe are not okay with your lives. Other people believe they must constantly be on the giving end. These are people who give until it hurts. These people have not learned how to go the extra mile to explore what may be possible. Going the extra mile means taking what you have and looking for ways to expand it--- you believe in your ability to make it happen. Going the extra mile means doing just a little more than is expected, being just a little more than is expected, and having just a little more than you expected. It means moving beyond limiting beliefs and restrictive behaviors and being willing to have more than you have right now. Going the extra mile does not mean that you have prideful ambitions. It means that you want to feel better about yourself. You want to know that you can surpass your own expectations. You want to push your mind to the limits. It can be quite a rewarding experience! This week we meet someone who has explored the best of all possibilities in herself and put those into action by continuing an amazing giving legacy. Be inspired!

The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson, and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent. By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of black identity, Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses. President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Since then, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The Black History Month 2023 theme, "Black Resistance," explores how "African Americans have resisted historical and ongoing oppression, in all forms, especially the racial terrorism of lynching, racial massacres, and police killings." Today in the United States, we hear terms like diversity, equity, and inclusion as goals for our society now and in the future. However, before those words were a part of our United States lexicon, brave, determined black Americans were willing to die to be recognized as worthy of fighting for any rights. The question I leave you with today is how would you grade their success? Listen to three stories that were born, lived, and survived in a military setting. Colonel Arthur Nick Nicholson, Retired and current president and executive director of the Mt. Olive Cemetery Historical Preservation Society, is joining me at the Frankly Speaking table this week. Learn more about the Society here. https://www.facebook.com/mtolivechps/ and https://mtolivechps.weebly.com Be inspired!  

Over the past three years, Frankly Speaking with Tyra G has been intentionally curating thematic stories across generations, cultures, and genres. We are learning from and paying tribute to servant leaders, game-changing entrepreneurs, innovative organizations, planting seeds that yield precious harvests, and all who live "despite "rather than "because of." These leaders and organizations have chosen SERVICE to heal themselves and the nation. Service as a way of lighting up the darkness. Tonight, we are hearing one voice out of 1.4 million members of a 117-year-old international organization called Rotary. Rotary has continued to grow itself into a position of global power, embodying its guiding principle of Service Above Self.  Guided by values of diversity, inclusion, and equity, Rotary globally: Promotes peace, Fights disease, Provides clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, Saves mothers and children, Supports education, Grows local economies, Protects the environment and responds to disasters. My storyteller today provides district leadership within this global organization that, since 1905, has provided friendship, fellowship, comfort, resources in turbulent times, and so much more. Meet my guest, Ms. Rene Laws, Rotary 7610 District Governor Elect. Listen to her story and be inspired. I was.

"Jimmy, Ana's boyfriend, says, "You're not fat. You're beautiful." She is both. "Real Women Have Curves" doesn't argue that Ana is beautiful on the "inside," like the Gwyneth Paltrow character in "Shallow Hal," but that she is beautiful inside and out--love handles, big boobs, round cheeks, and all. "Turn the lights on," she shyly tells Jimmy. "I want you to see me. See, this is what I look like." Ana has learned to accept herself. It is more than her mother can do. There have been several movies recently about the second generation of children of immigrants--Indian, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese--and they follow broad outlines borrowed from life. The parents try to enforce the conditions of their homeland on the kids, who are becoming Americanized at blinding speed. While Carmen is insisting on her daughter's virginity, Ana is buying condoms. She insists on a view of her life that is not her parents'. That includes college. For young women depressed because they don't look like skinny models, this film is a breath of common sense and fresh air. "Real Women Have Curves" is a reminder of how rarely the women in the movies are real. After the almost excruciating attention paid to the world-class beauties in a movie like "White Oleander" (a film in which the more the women suffered, the better they looked), how refreshing to see America Ferrera light up the room with a smile from the heart." -- Roger Ebert, movie critic The universal themes of intergenerational family expectations, the road to self-worthiness, courage, and love delivered a healthy dose of hope, no matter what your mirror shows you. I loved it!

There is a moment in Steven Spielberg's "The Color Purple" when a woman named Celie smiles and smiles and smiles. That was the moment when I knew this movie was going to be as good as it seemed and was going to keep the promise it made by daring to tell Celie's story. It is not a story that would seem easily suited to the movies. The film is based on the novel by Alice Walker, who told Celie's story through a series of letters, some never sent, many never received, most addressed to God. The letters are her way of maintaining sanity in a world where few others ever cared to listen to her. The turning point in the book, and the movie, comes after Celie's husband brings home the fancy woman he has been crazy about for years - a pathetic, alcoholic juke-joint singer named Shug Avery, who has been ravaged by life yet still has an indestructible beauty."--Roger Ebert, Movie Critic Grab your favorite snack, sit back, and listen to movie clips wrapped in authentic conversations and new perspectives. Be entertained.  

My goal in November is to share varied war stories across the spectrum of age, gender, and race to include family impact and cultural legacies. I am celebrating veterans and active-duty military who keep us and have kept us out of constant harm's way, often at high costs. We are reminded that war is a part of human history. The Vietnam war was my coming-of-age war. I became immersed in and confused by the concurrent war at home about the necessity of US involvement while at the same time grieving over school friends who paid the ultimate price. There were so many bold and untold stories. Today "s stories are told by women who decided to make history instead of reading about it. The Voices of Women in Vietnam is a replay of a weekly National Public Radio show called With Good Reason. When I first heard this show, it was such a heart tug that I knew I had to share. It includes stories from wives, widows, nurses, and librarians who took off their white lace gloves and struggled culturally, socially, intellectually, and physically to build a foundation for our continued gender-based struggles today. So, brew a cup of tea, get comfortable, and be transformed by a story 28 years later after a short break. This show is dedicated to all women, your children, and your children's children.

This month's theme is: Thank you for your Service, Then and Now. I am passionate about celebrating veterans and active-duty military who continually help us sustain and maintain our quality of life, often at the greatest of costs. We hear stories through various lenses this November and December, including wars fought, age, gender, race, family impact, and cultural and social legacies. Our stories have included Mary Jessie Herrera, a 100-pound, 20-year-old Military Policewoman who wore an M16 and a 9 mm sidearm in IRAQ as accessories. We have heard informative heart-to-heart stories from women who decided to serve in the Vietnam War as nurses, librarians, and social support personnel, as well as some unusual consequences of their choices. We cried during with stories from wives of Prisoners of War and military widows. Today we are time-traveling as well: first, backward to WWII to meet some extraordinary heroes whose stories have often been left untold. Then we will fast forward into the 21st century to meet Pilot and Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron Leader Bill Shepard. The best part of today's show is discovering how these stories are connected. And for many of our intergenerational and international audiences, these stories may be a surprise. To start our journey, I will quote an account published in the Franklin Roosevelt Library titled: Who were the Tuskegee Airmen? Take a listen and be inspired.

"The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion."– Camus…documenting my liberation. "Adrienne Maree Brown grows healing ideas in public through her multi-genre writing, her music, and her podcasts. Informed by 25 years of movement facilitation, somatics, Octavia E Butler scholarship, and her work as a doula, Adrienne has nurtured Emergent Strategy, Pleasure Activism, Radical Imagination, and Transformative Justice as ideas and practices for transformation. She is the author/editor of seven published texts and the founder of the Emergent Strategy Ideation Institute, where she is now the writer-in-residence."-Adrienne Maree Brown Adrienne is brilliant in a fresh, non-threatening, and insightful way. She wants us as a community to commit to not canceling us.  She believes we are in a time of unstoppable change and describes the difficulty individuals have with change. She believes that when it looks like everything is falling apart, that is when everything is possible. She wants us to understand that failure is not when something ends because sometimes, it's time, and that end is vital. We live in cycles, not perpetuity. Most importantly, What a time to be alive! I had to share this podcast. Consider it my special gift. Be motivated to...

A legacy may take many forms – children, grandchildren, a business, an ideal, a book, a community, a home, or some piece of ourselves. Our legacy naturally intrigues us. Understandably, we would want to know how the world will remember us after we're gone. How many of us will be surprised? How many of us live so that our legacy reflects all that we genuinely hold most near and dear? How many of us are living with integrity and courage? Leaving a legacy is a human need. It is, in part, selfish – we want to feel immortal. We also want to feel like we matter in the vast sea of humanity. The idea of leaving something behind that will "live forever" is appealing. By connecting with those at the beginning of their lives, we complete a full circle in life's journey and leave some of our "selves" – our experiences, ideas, values, and personal example – in the minds and hearts of others. But leaving a legacy also has a generous component. What kind of society are we building if we don't leave a positive legacy? What kind of world are we leaving behind? What are we passing on to our children and grandchildren? The world isn't connected only by molecules. It's joined by stories, traditions, memories, hopes, and dreams. The legacies connect us passed down from those who came before us, and the gifts we pass down to those who come after us. For both young and old, the power of legacy enables us to live fully in the present. You understand that you are part of a larger community, a community that must remember its history to build its future. There is caring combined with a conscience. There is also wisdom in each other – linking action and reflection to deal with complex problems." [1] Today I have two guests representing legacy from two different perspectives: mother and daughter. Additionally, they are building a legacy together across cultures and miles. Be encouraged by their story. [1] http://www.legacyproject.org/guides/whatislegacy.html

Spring is the season during which the natural world revives and reinvigorates after the colder winter months. During spring, dormant plants begin to grow again, new seedlings sprout out of the ground and hibernating animals awake. What are you doing to revive and reinvigorate your dreams, your soul, your mind? What script are you creating? Does it contain thoughts like “I am not enough!” or “I am more than enough!”? Are you stuck between your no longer and you not yet? Or are you willing to take new risks and experience the vulnerability that comes with it? Do you understand that hope is a consequence of struggle? What is your mirror telling you? I invite you to take a listen to an NPR On Being podcast that I treasure and feel compelled to share between Krista Tippet and Brene Brown about Courage and Vulnerability. It is NOT comfortable, yet it is necessary to hear. It is one of those experiences, when you finish listening, you may say to yourself, Wow! I thought I was the only one. Take a listen, and get smarter. Then let me know what you think. Maybe we can continue the conversation around the Frankly Speaking with Tyra G table.

A legacy may take many forms – children, grandchildren, a business, an ideal, a book, a community, a home, or some piece of ourselves. How many of us live so that our legacy reflects all that we genuinely hold most near and dear? How many of us are living with integrity and courage? The world isn't connected by molecules. It's joined by stories, traditions, memories, hopes, and dreams. We are bound by the legacies passed down from those who came before us and the gifts we pass down to those who come after us. Legacy is an interconnection across time, with a need for those who have come before us and a responsibility to those who come after us. His father's legacy, now deceased, left the belief not to fear hard work and sacrifice for others. His mother's legacy was to teach him respect for himself first and pushed him to challenge life's realities at an early age. Because she planted the seed of excellence and possibility in his mind, he believes he is the man he has become. And so, he has become a legacy in his own right as a leader, author, entrepreneur, and inspiring messenger about the process of leadership, accountability, and professionalism. Take a listen and be inspired!

The drive to do what you're good at is instinct. It is what you were created to do. Human instinct in action is pure joy. It's like a work of art in motion. Your instinct will draw you to the unique expression of your gifts. You can only be fruitful out of your own understanding of and connection with what is in your core.  It is the urging inside you that tells you to make your move now, to reach out now, to hold back until later, or to never give up. Instinct must merge with a purpose to give you a life that fulfills your destiny. And all gifts must be given a place of expression in order for Destiny to unfold. And no matter how gifted you are, you need a place of expression. That place is Destiny. Hatched many moons ago, Caroline Zarinelli was soon given the name “Carrie Canary with the Red Red Shoes” for her zestful love of singing, dancing, and signature red Keds. As time passed, the little whippersnapper began writing and directing neighborhood musicals (in the back lot behind her house) which led directly to her do-not-pass-go-or-collect-$200-drumroll-please...degree in Theatre! After decades in the school house and studying what is now called "Arts Integration" at Harvard's Project Zero, Boston Arts Academy, Opening Minds Through the Arts, and Arts Integration Solutions, Mrs. Z has returned to her cottage to create, coach, host Cottage Kids, and produce Blanket Theatre shows. This evening, you are invited to sample a few of the creative gifts that are embodied in Caroline's destiny. Take a listen and let me know what you think.

There is always more. "If by chance no one has told you that they love you today, I would be honored to be the first t say, I love you today. I love you because you are and have been so willing to grow. And my how you have grown. You have grown from struggling to searching. From trying to do something to learning how to do it. You have grown from fear to having faith, to demonstrating your courage. You have grown in many ways, consistently demonstrating your willingness and courage to take the next step -- the step toward the profound and divine wisdom buried within yourself. The step toward knowing more about yourself." --Iyanla Vanzant, Until Today 2000. Take a listen and learn about this week's phenomenal woman, Lezlie Ravelle Zucker. She not only knew there was more, but she also pursued more. The results presented themselves in her becoming an award-winning playwright, author, and singer-songwriter. Let me know how you enjoyed her talent.

This month Frankly Speaking is focusing once again on phenomenal women and how we embrace and manage our universal experiences, our rainbows and clouds, and our courage and resolve. We are a journey, not a destination, a process, not an event. Even when we are still, we are motion, loving, serving, nurturing, encouraging, and empowering. We are love and love does. But sometimes, sometimes we get stuck between our no longer the familiar, the habits and our not yet, who we were created to be, and we may ask the question: “Am I enough?”   By the way, the right answer is a resounding YES! In order for a woman to realize that she is more than a mother, more than a wife, more than what she earns, or what she does to earn a living, she must know her own worth. It means she must test herself and her limits. A woman must learn to describe herself and establish her own expectations for herself. A woman must encourage herself. She must support and nurture herself. She must be willing to be disliked. She must be willing to violate the descriptions and confines placed on her. This week's conversation provides an example of one woman who has figured out how to walk in her worthiness as wife, mother of three very busy girls, four pets, and managing physician of her neonatology practice. Her story feels comfortable and joy filled in the telling and yet reality informs us there must be challenges. Yet she has found a healthy way to separate her circumstances from who she is. Listen and be inspired. It feels like you are having coffee with a friend.

Meet Patrick. "Patrick has autism and an intellectual disability. Until 2008, Patrick lived with his biological mother in Texas. She worked hard to ensure that Patrick had every opportunity to achieve his fullest potential. She socialized Patrick, taught him manners, and gave him basic skills. Sadly, after so many years of her life dedicated to the care and growth of her son, Patrick's mother was tragically killed in an automobile accident. Patrick's grandparents brought him to West Virginia following their daughter's untimely death. While they were in good health, they were elderly and began looking for housing and care options that would be in Patrick's best interest. His aunt became his legal guardian and the entire family came together to make sure he had a safe and happy place to live with caregivers who were specially trained to care for him based on his disability"1 This story is not always the case. Intellectual disability affects about 1% of the population, and of those, about 85% have a mild intellectual disability. Males are more likely than females to be diagnosed with intellectual disability. Our guest this evening is professionally, and emotionally dedicated to improving the quality of life for this population. Listen, learn, and share. https://sfcp.cedwvu.org/personal-stories/

Radio Guest Asa Nero " Service is about you. Service is about giving what you have to offer without expecting recognition or reward. It is about doing what needs to be done. It means giving 100 percent of your attention to what you are doing as long as you are able to do it without causing yourself harm. Give what you have to offer without expectation. Give with love. Give in Joy. More you cannot do. Less you must not do if it is your intention to be of service." some words borrowed from life coach Iyanla Vanzant. Listen to how Gen Z's brother and sister, Asa and Naomi Nero, are actualizing their version of service by saying "YES" to the power within them. You will be amazed and also understand they are the harvest of a faith-fill family who planted them in love. Asa and Naomi are not new to the Frankly Speaking table. I have followed them since high school. Their gift during this visit was to be their own producers. And so they did. It was marvelous! Enjoy and share. Radio Guest Naomi Nero  

Iylanla Vanzant says in her, Until today,  published in 2000, " When you are the light, you cannot complain about the darkness. The only thing you can do is shine. You must shine brightly in everything you do, and everywhere you go. That is your job. When you are light, you must realize that without the darkness, you would have no meaning. Until today you may have believed that the light must come to you. You may have complained about the darkness around you and how it seems that you are the only one trying to make the darkness brighter. Just for today, be devoted to being the light. Give of yourself without the expectation of receiving light or recognition or rewards in return." Meet my young guest, Ms. Lauren Pittman, who is devoted to shining her light without complaining about the darkness. Be inspired; I was. Share.

No one told her she couldn't, so she lives in a world of possibilities. Student extraordinaire, musician, dancer, competitive athlete, and faith-based servant leader, Gen Z Naomi Nero decided to become a game-changer. Using her Master's Honor thesis as her launch pad, she leaves the University of Chicago to continue her research in a five-year Doctorate Program at Georgetown University in Northern Virginia. In this episode, Naomi unpacks her thesis Title: Psychopathy, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Violent Crime in Male and Female Inmates. Naomi helps us understand the impact of not considering gender differences when designing criminal justice rehabilitation programs. Fueled by family and faith, one feels she believes she cannot fail. Naomi possesses that quality that is not earned or purchased, yet its value is irreplaceable…wonder. Listen to the end and be treated to one of her other gifts. Get smarter. Be inspired.

Our theme these two months is Courageous Conversations. It's Big! And sometimes uncomfortable. To get a return on our investment, we must invest in our authenticity and vulnerability. We will have to be perfectly imperfect and receive, in love, information about issues that may be uncomfortable to think about, deal with, anticipate, and forgive. We will contemplate, evaluate, learn about, be surprised by, and celebrate. We discovered during previous shows that the ability to have a courageous conversation is often a process, a journey, not an event. It does not always just happen when it logically should; sometimes, one must grow into it. And sometimes courageous conversations happen in and stay in our heads or our hearts. Sometimes our courageous conversations are dressed in silence. We all have times or seasons when it requires courage to make it from one moment to the next, take the next step, or say the next word. And sometimes, we let fear, shame, and guilt demonize our potential to overcome. But for now, we are pausing in a place where we can be mirrors for one another; our goal is to understand better topics that don't make it into polite conversations or the dinner table. We will look beyond and behind terms like human trafficking, domestic violence, child abuse, opioid poisoning, homelessness, and developmental and intellectual disabilities into their potential causes, effects, victims, stakeholders, and necessary courageous conversations. Join my guest, Ms. Susan Young, mother of a trafficking survivor, as she courageously shares a kaleidoscope of related emotions, lessons that had to be learned, myths that had to be busted, and her growing commitment to join the army to prevent human trafficking. Be inspired.

"An entrepreneur herself and leading expert on people 50 years and older, Kerry Hannon draws powerful lessons from the mid-life entrepreneurs she profiles. Her enthusiasm about the opportunities is inspiring, her cautions are practical and refreshing, and her insights into later life entrepreneurship ars spot-on. I love this book." -Chris Farrell, author of Purpose and Paycheck. Beyond being a nationally recognized expert and strategist on career transitions, personal finance, and retirement, I enjoyed learning about Kerry's family and life experiences that helped to inform the WHO and WHY she is today. Horses play an exciting role. Listen, get more innovative, and be inspired.

Legacy is about life and living. It's about learning from the past, living in the present, and building for the future. A legacy may take many forms – children, grandchildren, a business, an idea, a book, a community, a home, some piece of ourselves. Our legacy naturally intrigues us. It's perfectly understandable that we would want to know how the world will remember us after we're gone. How many of us will be surprised? How many of us are living our lives so that our legacy reflects all that we truly hold most near and dear? How many of us are living with integrity and courage? Leaving a legacy is a human need. It is in part selfish – we want to feel immortal. The idea of leaving something behind that will "live forever" is appealing. We also want to feel like we matter in the vast sea of humanity. By connecting with those at the beginning of their lives, we do complete a full circle in life's journey and leave some of our "selves" – our experiences, ideas, values, and personal example – in the minds and hearts of others. But leaving a legacy also has an altruistic component. If we don't leave a positive legacy, what kind of society are we building? What kind of world are we leaving behind? What are we passing on to our children and grandchildren? The world isn't connected by molecules. It's connected by stories, traditions, memories, hopes, and dreams. We are connected by the legacies passed down from those who came before us and the legacies we pass down to those who come after us. Be inspired by my guest, poet, artist, educator, and creator of The Urban Legend Series,  Mr. Paris White. His gifts will make your heart will smile.