Kickin' It with Daree

My yearly review of 2023 includes a recap of my epic month in Colombia, my goals, accomplishments and more! #KickinitwithDaree #contentstrategist #FIREjourney, #Colombia #Portugal #Egypt #Mexico #Morocco #digitalnomad #2022recap #theyearlyreview #goalgetter #blackpod #wocpodcasttoo #podcastingwhileblack #wocpodcaster #blackpodcast

In the third quarter of 2023 (Jul-Sep), I took 5 trips to Colombia, Boston and Atlanta, and attended Investfest and INBOUND. Show Notes: at https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/spring-life-update-2023 o

In the second quarter of 2023, I earned my TEFL certificate, took trips to COL, Portugal and Morocco, attended the Our Rich Journey's 365 Days to FIRE meetups, and became unemployed for the first time in my life.   Also posted at https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/spring-life-update-2023 & wherever you listen to podcasts. Vlog playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvCwxNMPnkbGAsAniqnmJG42qgiM_Woey Follow my blog on Medium! https://medium.com/@dareeallen

My update on the first quarter of 2023 includes becoming an ESL tutor, being in the second cohort of Our Rich Journey's 365 Days to FIRE program, a new client, the New Edition Legacy Tour concert, and another trip to Colombia for Carnival, complete with a new tattoo!

My yearly review of 2022 includes a recap of my epic month in Colombia this quarter, and more! Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/year-in-review-2022

My update on the third quarter of 2022 includes becoming an investor, falling back in love with running, in-person conferences, and of course, more trips.    Show Notes: https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/summer-life-update-2022

At the end of Season 5 (June 2021), I didn't have much else I wanted to say outside of occasional life updates / check-ins. But in the process of working on a new dance fitness certification at the end of 2021, thought I'd explore my thoughts and history & relationship with dance. Music videos from back in the day with amazing choreography (6:21) Reading of my blog about Laurianne Gibson, “You're Not Eliminated, You're Moving On” (14:06) My relationship to Debbie Allen (16:40) Reading of my blog, “Beauty and the Beat” (18:49) My dance certifications (27:25)   Show notes Grown Woman Dance Collective Beauty and the Beat Aaliyah & choreographer tribute

My update on the second quarter of 2022 includes my kitchen renovation, a new job, and more trips (including a big decision prompted by the SCOTUS rulings in June)!

My update on the first quarter of 2022 includes things like my first international trip during the pandemic, starting my new freelance writing business, and fainting in public!   Interviews: https://kickinitwithdaree.com/features UX spotlight: https://uxcontent.com/uxcc-instructor-spotlight-meet-daree-allen-nieves/ Cuba trip: https://thecmonsonpod.libsyn.com/havana-at-last Vegas trip: https://thecmonsonpod.libsyn.com/birthday-freebies-and-dajs-bday-trip Scriptwriting https://medium.com/@dareeallen/as-someone-who-does-both-copywriting-and-voiceover-professionally-i-am-presenting-this-quick-152dd5b7fc16

I'm celebrating the milestone of 10 years being a published author! In this episode I'm giving you the behind-the-scenes look at lessons learned with self-publishing, how to bounce back from the fallout from writing an honest memoir, and advice for would-be authors.    Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/10th-anniversary-books Book info - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/whats-wrong-with-me Flashback of book launch highlights - http://youtu.be/63pFgg46dO4

It's been a minute—and 6 months actually, so I'm popping up to give a recap of the highlights and reflections of my life in 2021, including what happened in the past quarter. I hope that it inspires you to reflect, make some decisions you've been putting off, and strategize your plans for 2022! Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/2021-recap

Erikka J @misserikkaj is a singer/songwriter, voice actor, and product manager in Atlanta. In this episode we talked about redefining what it means to go full-time in #VO, being a Black woman in tech, boundaries in entrepreneurship, balancing work and family life, and more! Erikka's journey into voiceover 2:21 VO gear 4:27 Advantages of being a singer when voice acting 8:00 Being a Black woman in the tech space and creative endeavors at the same time 10:40 Challenges in doing VO 22:39 Balancing career and family life 24:08 Setting boundaries as a freelancer/entrepreneur 28:12 Advice for those who want to pursue VO 36:18   Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/erikkaj-white-colorvo-collective  

It's time to share updates for this quarter on... VO, Writing and Volunteer Work My Personal Life "Travelations" - where I've been and where I'm going Announcement about the future of this show   CrimeCon Recaps: https://thecmonsonpod.libsyn.com/crimecon-21-recap-part-1 and https://thecmonsonpod.libsyn.com/crimecon-21-recap-part-2 My VO mentor series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvCwxNMPnkbHQTu_w6doFxYmcnWHCKxwf Voiceover Resource Guide: https://DareeVoiceover.com/get-started-in-vo VOcality e-course description: http://bit.ly/vocality-ecourse

I had Andrew Lander on the show in February. As a follow up and discussion for that episode (153), on the following weekend we did a Clubhouse room about being a Corporate Narration Sensation in the voiceover industry. Intro and a little backstory 1:28 Public speaking skills 8:47 When a scripts wants you to sound "urban" or "Blackish" 16:01 (and 33:42) Doing a full time corporate job while doing voiceover part time 21:26 Trying to work in every VO genre 26:59 Marketing yourself via email and P2Ps, and negotiating your rate 36:47 Q&A 51:59   Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/andrew-lander-corporate-vo-clubhouse

In this informal chat from January 2021 on Clubhouse, I shared how to reset your mind and confidence when auditioning and marketing for voiceover. You can follow me @DareeAllen on Clubhouse and other social media platforms. Foundation of thought work and mastering your mind 2:27 Finding your identity in VO 5:56 Self-talk when auditioning 14:11 Dealing with P2Ps 21:11 Directed sessions 27:45 Marketing yourself 32:21 Setting and standing by your rates 40:18 Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/get-your-mind-right-for-vo

Whether you are recording for podcasts or voiceovers, sound quality is everything. Jean-Francois Donaldson is a voice actor, demo producer and booth builder, so he knows a little something about booths and sound isolation for VO. We had a chat on Clubhouse about it. We discussed: How Jean-Francois got started with VO 3:34 Booth building 9:00 Soundproofing and the ideal places to set up a booth in your home 16:07 Prerequisites for your recording environment  Materials you can use for sound isolation when recording in a closet Registering as a production studio 31:03 Q&A 38:00 Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/jeanfrancois-donaldson-voiceover-booths   Note: This was my first time recording a Clubhouse room. I didn't catch the first few minutes of Jean-Francois' audio, so you'll miss his side of our back and forth during the introduction.    

My quickest life update yet. Here's what I did in the first quarter of 2021, including a new car and a new job on the horizon! Show Notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/spring-life-update-1st-quarter-2021

Continuing the ColorVO Collective series highlighting wonderful African American voice actors, this week's feature is Trekina White. Her joyful sound and spirit radiates for such brands as Apple, Amazon, PBS Kids, PlayStation and the Calm app. We talked about how she went full-time in VO, how to vet voiceover resources, auditioning tips, and more! Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/trekina-white-colorvo-collective

As people are forced to explore their new careers in these stressful times, they often devote a lot of effort without having any clear path in mind. If they don’t have the foundation to move forward and sustain their joy from their passions, they will be, or again become, overwhelmed and dissatisfied. Achieving psychological growth to stay happy and motivated is easier than people realize. In this episode, Sabrina Runbeck explains how to master your mental immunity, and prevent your passion from becoming poison. Listen to this episode to learn how to focus, prioritize, stop overworking, and stay open to receive what you need. Sabrina's hectic life as a front line worker 1:35 Experiencing burnout when trying to follow your passion 6:11 How to boost your energy naturally 7:22  Preventing your passion from becoming poison 14:07 Asian Women Who Boss Up 20:40 How to become an peak performer 25:21 Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/mental-immunity

Andrew Lander is a DC native, award-winning African American voice actor based in Atlanta. His passion for voice acting began behind a podium rather than on stage, and juggles his corporate career with corporate VO and commercials. In this show, we talked about getting out of your head, the demand for African American voices, his "not-quite-Urban but distinctly Black (ish) sound," and how it's best to be in "as many places as possible" to market yourself.  Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/andrew-lander-colorvo-collective

Darryll Stinson is a former Division I athlete, author, dynamic motivational speaker and Founder of Second Chance Athletes. After going from suicidal to successful, Darryll uses his experience to help athletes and entrepreneurs shed their past stories, and create a massive impact that aligns with their highest purpose. Darryll shared the details of his failed suicide attempt, and how he has transformed his life and now teaches others how to elevate their mindset so they can start living out their true purpose.  Show Notes - http://kickinitiwithdaree.com/episode/living-as-if

Kesha Monk is another of my talented Black female voice actor friends, and she recently lent her talents for The Soul Train Music Awards and A Little Late with Lilly Singh just to name a few. In this interview, we were just two girlfriends chatting about VO life, her plans to disrupt the voiceover industry, and how we can redefine rejection when we don't get the booking with an audition. So grab some tea and catch these gems we're dropping! Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/kesha-monk-colorvo-collective

January is Mentoring Month. So I thought it fitting to share a roundup of guest content that you can use to mentor yourself and set your path for this new year, or anytime. The past 31 guests who appeared on this podcast answered this question: "How do you define success?" As I produced this episode, I quickly saw themes unfold, and I re-lived their wonderful advice. Please share what success means to you social media @DareeAllen. This is timeless advice! Find the full interviews from these guests and others at kickinitwithdaree.com/episode Show Notes - kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/success-leaves-clues

January is Mentoring Month. So I thought it fitting to share a roundup of guest content that you can use to mentor yourself and set your path for this new year, or anytime. The past 31 guests who appeared on this podcast answered this not-so-simple question: "What advice would you give to your younger self?" As I produced this episode, I quickly saw themes unfold, and I re-lived their wonderful advice. I hope it blesses and encourages you. Please share your best advice to your younger self with me on social media @DareeAllen. This is timeless advice! Find the full interviews from these guests and others at kickinitwithdaree.com/episode

It's that time again—a recap of the highlights and reflections of my life in 2020, including what happened in the past quarter. I hope that it inspires you to reflect, make some decisions you've been putting off, and strategize your plans for 2021!   Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/2020-recap

Originally a stage actor, Mia Bankston is a full time voice actor in NYC, and my biz bestie. This talented lady voices for clients like OWN, Nick Jr., McDonald's, Toyota, Pandora Internet Radio, Secret Deodorant, Pantene, Shea Moisture,Bank of America, and NBC just to name a few. And in this episode, we talked about how you can slowly and surely transition into full-time voice acting, even if you have a full-time job right now.  This conversation is one where you need to sit down and take notes. Let's go! Mia's VO journey 5:41 Using your life experience and imagination to influence voice acting 10:28 Interpreting copy for auditions 14:42 Managing directed sessions 17:10 Transitioning into freelancing while still working for a full-time employer 22:48 Entrepreneurial discipline and sacrifices 33:25 Auditing your business and celebrating along the way 37:39 Entrepreneurial mindset and goal-setting 43:01 Help clients find you online via SEO 52:56 Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/mia-bankston-colorvo-collective

Are you interested in freelancing or becoming an entrepreneur? Hilary Sutton has some advice for you. As the CEO of HSL Digital she runs a content marketing consultancy from a loft above her bedroom, with a little one in tow! We talked about how the pandemic has created a resurgence in the freelance world, mindset shifts to make when transitioning to working for yourself and working from home, and the best freelance opportunities to get started with. Show Notes: https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/freelancing-hilary-sutton

Marisha Tapera is voice actor in the DC area who has built her long career in VO, by managing her incremental growth as a voice actor and business owner with the concept of "hurrying slowly." In this second installment of my ColorVO Collective series highlighting talented, unknown Black voice actors, she describes how her journey into VO has been full of self-discovery, brought her some surprising advice and truths, and embracing your unapologetic authenticity. Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/marisha-tapera-colorvo-collective YouTube link: https://youtu.be/8Ds0rkmsz0I

In 2006, Stacey Simms' son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, only one month before he turned two. She started blogging about her family's experience with T1D a few weeks later. Stacey now hosts the award-winning podcast, Diabetes Connections, and is the author of the book, “The World’s Worst Diabetes Mom.” In this podcast episode, we discussed: The definition of diabetes Type 1 and Type 2, and what causes it How diabetes misdiagnosis happens Insulin access and the insulin affordability crisis What people without diabetes in their families need to know - 4 signs to watch out for Being "the world's worst diabetes mom" Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/worst-diabetes-mom-stacey-simms

You can't listen to those who say you can't do it. I've been doing it this year and no signs of stopping. Here's my quarterly life update with lots of gems for you. Biz happenings, breakups and boundaries Watch me Live! (10:04) Mom 2.0 Conference (12:13) Dating #storytime (14:06) The Social Dilemma (21:02) Black Voters Matter (22:39) What's Next? (25:30)

In this episode, I talked to Dr. Lise Deguire, who suffered third-degree burns on two-thirds of her body when she was just 4 years old. After decades of surgeries and treatments to heal her injuries, she shares how she worked through the internal and external pain of her childhood to find a path towards love, health and joy in her life.  Lise also gives you tips on how to cultivate strength and resilience, and offers wisdom and hope for anyone who is suffering from life’s challenges.   Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/flashback-girl-lise-deguire

We're celebrating the 5-year anniversary of Kickin' it with Daree without much fanfare. For a goal-getter like me, I wish I had more to report now with half of the year over. But as you know, this has been no ordinary year.   Show Notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/5-years-in+life-update-2nd-quarter-2020

Are you self-aware? Do you know what your triggers are? In these times, we must stand for what we believe in and be clear about it, but that can't happen until we do the work on ourselves. So in this episode I discuss thought work, the George Floyd case, and ways to get actively involved with racial reform and civil rights in America in 2020.   Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/examine-yourself

Our world as we know it is in the midst of a massive reset, as the COVID-19 global health crisis sparks an overwhelming sense of uncertainty, change, and concern. In a sense, many of us are grieving our sense of normalcy that is gone forever. And for those who are already grieving, the side effects of this pandemic can easily trigger us to remember and reflect on the grief we experienced when we lost our loved ones, and suddenly had to cope and readjust our lives to a new normal. This might be hard to hear, but we can’t go back to the way things were. In this solo episode I share my thoughts and recommendations on dealing with grief, learning acceptance, and moving forward as the pandemic continues.   Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/we-cant-go-back

Shayna Rattler and I recorded this conversation one week before the U.S. shut down for the pandemic. These days, as people are grappling with layoffs and so many other changes in these uncertain times, I've been hearing from a lot of businesses and entrepreneurs who are making pivoting their product or business offerings, or deciding to change careers. Shayna is passionate about helping others who are burned out from their career align with God’s principles to drive the next chapter of their life. I think it's a conversation that's right on time, as we talked about how to make shifts in various areas of your life. In This Episode… The definition of Shift and why you should consider it when you feel burned out (5:02) Signs that it's time for you to shift (8:31) Obstacles to making a shift and confronting "shoulds" (9:09) How to shift successfully (12:36) Shifting in leadership (17:23) Success is... (20:12) You're not too much! (21:18) Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/its-time-for-a-shift

What's been going on? The first quarter of 2020 is a wrap, so it's time for my life update. Show Notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/life-update-1st-quarter-2020

As we close out Women's History month in the middle of the COVID-19 mandate of social distancing, using your voice more important than ever—it's not a choice. Learn how to use the power of your voice in this episode where I talked to Julie Fogh, half of the dynamic duo that is Vital Voice Training: Using your voice is not a choice How improv and acting classes help with workplace interactions, flowing in situations, and personal confidence Why finding and using your voice helps you in everyday life situations, and more! Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/the-power-within-using-your-voice

Michelle Glogovac is a podcast producer, pitcher, and host who launched her business after 18 years in corporate aviation. When we recorded this podcast episode a couple of months ago, the only Corona we knew about came in a glass bottle with a twist of lime and maybe some grenadine! But it's a timeless message: transferring skills from a previous corporate job into something they love, while working from home— even with small children. We talked about: How she made the switch from a long career in corporate aviation to podcast production How she manages working from home while also caring full-time for 2 young kids Her advice for you to get on track to do what YOU love Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/working-from-home-with-young-kids

I'm honored to feature Dr. Kate Clancy this week during Women's History month. She is a champion of my theme of empowering women to use their voices and not being afraid to speak up. We talked about Chelsea Handler's documentary, workplace aggression, her testimony at a congressional hearing, how her menstrual cycle research turned into advocacy against sexual harassment, and how we as friends and leaders can effect change in the culture. Hello Privilege commentary (Chelsea Handler's Netflix doc) 2:22 Kate's research on periods and gender/workplace harassment 6:00 How her menstrual cycle research turned into advocacy against harassment 10:51 The National Academies 12:34 Her testimony in front of Congress 14:12 The real, lasting effects of harassment 19:51 Solutions for harassment 26:02 The Period Podcast, and your forthcoming book! 33:40 Kate's forthcoming book, "Life Blood" 37:02 Success is... 39:49 What advice would you give your younger self? 43:07 Show Notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/no-more-gas-lighting

Are you interested in doing voiceovers part-time, as a side hustle? It's a coveted work-from-home career, and in this episode, I share with you the e-course I developed by popular demand to help navigate the process of launching a business in VO.   Voiceover definition 2:07 Me as your VO mentor 4:00 Who the VOcality e-course is for 2:41 The opportunity to do VO 6:34 Free Facebook Challenge 8:06 VOcality e-course 9:17   Resources VOcality course  http://bit.ly/vocality-ecourse 5-Day Facebook Challenge https://www.facebook.com/groups/619989361897813/ VO Consultation https://dareeallen.as.me/ Free VO Resource Guide http://bit.ly/DareeVoiceoverResource VO Mentoring playlist (YouTube) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6rEGSlKOlM&list=PLvCwxNMPnkbHQTu_w6doFxYmcnWHCKxwf Self-Publishing e-course: http://KickinitwithDaree.com/resources/

Online dating can feel like a Catch-22.  It's a way to meet people whom you wouldn't ordinarily run into in real life, but how do you navigate the so-called rules of dating when there are so many rules and advice about when to call, when to text, ad nauseum? Veronica Grant is a Love Coach for successful women who feel like they have it all except love, and helps them find it. She shares why there's no stigma with online dating, dealing with mistrust and baggage from past relationships, how to set up your own rules for dating, and working on your relationship with yourself.

January is Sex Trafficking Awareness month, and Arzo Yusuf visited the Kickin' it with Daree podcast to talk about it. She shares her connection to the cause, how we can prevent it, and support survivors. Arzo is the former President of the Board of Directors of Angels Nest which provides shelter, food and resources to youth that have aged out of foster care or are homeless. She is also the CEO & founder of a company that launched a new indie beauty brand called Sexy Boss Babe, a social enterprise. A portion of proceeds of each product is donated to charities that help foster youth and victims of sex trafficking. Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/like-a-diamond-sex-trafficking

For almost 20 years Penni Zelinkoff (aka "PenniZ") focused on rehabbing real estate, but after a divorce and a cross-country move, she realized she needed to rehab her life. PenniZ visited the Kickin’ it with Daree show to share how the weight of feeling that she was not _____ enough as she was (imposter syndrome) stemmed from an event that happened when she was 6 years old. It took over 40 years for her to finally start to love herself, transform her mindset, made choices to change her life and helps others live their very best life. Show Notes - https://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/youre-more-than-enough-penniz

This is a recap of the highlights and reflections of my life in 2019, including what happened in the past quarter, reflections on the past 10 years, and dreams for my next decade. I hope that it inspires you to reflect, make some decisions you've been putting off, and strategize on your next year and decade ahead!   Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/2019-recap

How do you feel when you think about your: Past mistakes Failed business ventures Grief Relationships and friendships that ended There are so many situations, whether it be meetings at work, holidays with family, and others where you can be tempted to "read into" a situation or what someone else is saying. Or you can think about things that have happened in your life and boil them down to a negative reason why things happened the way they did. I'll give you a personal example that I've never shared before to illustrate how I overcame this. The meaning of anything you say, hear or experience is the meaning you give it. I hope you can apply this quick episode to your own life.

I took a cruise for the first time as a solo traveler for my birthday (which continued over Thanksgiving).  It was a 15-day itinerary to Hawaii round trip! Listen to how my trip went, what I learned, and whether I will ever do it again.   Show Notes - http://kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/hawaii-solo-cruise

Got goals?  With less than 6 weeks until the end of the decade, you might be thinking about changes you want to make next year. Deb Eckerling's got your covered with her forthcoming book, Your Goal Guide.  Check out this episode of the Kickin' it with Daree podcast where we discuss goal strategies, the DEB Method, accountability, #GoalChat, and how anti-climatic Y2K was.   Listen at link in bio!     Show notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/your-goal-guide

Do you feel stuck in your romantic relationship?  Have things gotten stale, and the sizzle fizzled out?   Dynamic duo, husband and wife therapists Allen and Talia Wagner each run their own private practices in Los Angeles. In their new book, Married Roommates, they discuss how to get your relationship out of roommate territory, stop living parallel lives, and get back to the connection you used to have. Learn how NOT to become just a roommate with the one you love, or what to do if you have. Show Notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/married-roommates  

Could your confidence use a boost? Then check out this week's interview of Jessica Guzik, host of The Art of Speaking Up podcast, about building your confidence and how to:   Speak up in our daily lives (onstage and off) Focus on what you have and show up as a leader in your life Value your relationship with yourself, monitor your self-talk, and how it all contributes to your level of competence Have faith in your abilities, even when you're not "there" yet   Show Notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/improv-and-confidence-boosters

I was BEYOND excited to talk to Dr. Dinorah Nieves for this special "Kickin' it with the Nieves' " edition of the podcast-- my favorite this year, where she dropped all kinds of gems about: How we find ourselves in toxic relationships  A fail-proof method to determine whether your relationships are toxic Loneliness in relationships (and what it really means) Why you should be as picky with your relationships and friendships as you are about your food   Show Notes - https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/get-picky-breathe-easy  

What's left after your kids leave "the nest"?   Plenty!  Just ask Alice Agnello.    She visited the Kickin' it with Daree podcast to talk about what to do with yourself when you've dedicated your life to your kids, and the time comes for them to move out on their own.  She's also sharing some tips for moms like me who aren't quite there yet, how to put yourself out there to make new friends (almost like you're dating!), and practicing self-integrity.    Show Notes -  https://www.kickinitwithdaree.com/episode/never-an-empty-nest