The Next Best Thing

In today's hustle culture, simply grinding harder won't cut it. Your technical skills? Great. Your dedication? Essential. But here's the real career secret: success is about strategic connections. While you're burning the midnight oil, others are building the relationships and visibility that actually get them noticed while opening doors to new opportunities.Melody Wilding, executive coach and author of Managing Up, shares insider strategies top performers use to turn connections into your career currency. Your performance matters, but in today's workplace, how you play the game determines who really gets ahead. Stop letting your hard work go underappreciated. This is your chance to turn things around and start creating the career opportunities you deserve.Sign Up for The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodMelody's Previous Episode:Episode 65 - The Power of Highly Sensitive People and Embracing Your Emotions At Work with Melody WildingYouTube: https://youtu.be/0Nvi-cDPP38Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-next-best-thing/id1680095327?i=1000660683719Stay in touch with Melody:Website: https://melodywilding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/Instagram: @melodywilding 

Feeling buried by stuff and stress? This week, Christine Platt, author of The Afro Minimalist's Guide to Living With Less, shows us how minimalism, when rooted in culture and intention, can be a path to true liberation.Forget the cold, colorless aesthetic. Christine's approach embraces warmth, identity, and purpose focusing on why we accumulate and how to release what no longer serves us.She shares her powerful four-step process to help you move from overwhelm to clarity.We also talk about those messy in-between seasons, and get a sneak peek of her latest book, Less is Liberation, with five wellness foundations to help you check in and reclaim your peace.This episode is your invitation to start small and trust your path. You've got this! Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodStay In Touch With Christine:Website: https://www.iamchristineplatt.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamchristineplatt/LinkedIn: ​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-platt-afrominimalist/

Thinking about writing a book or pitching a big idea? LIsten to this FIRST! Kishan Trotman didn't set out to launch a publishing imprint—but when the moment called for action, she answered. In this episode, she shares how Legacy Lit was born in the wake of the George Floyd uprisings, and what it took to convince one of the biggest publishing houses in the world to bet on something new.We talk about how to make a compelling case for your ideas, why most people misunderstand what success in publishing actually looks like, and what it really takes to turn a book—or any creative project, into something that lasts. If you've ever wondered whether your story matters, how publishing works behind the scenes, or what it takes to get your idea out into the world and keep it alive, this episode is for you.Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodStay In Touch With KrishanSubstack: https://ktrotman.substack.com/?r=2v4k4o&utm_campaign=subscribe-page-share-screen&utm_medium=webWebsite: https://www.krishantrotman.com/Legacy Lit: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/imprint/legacy-lit/IG: https://www.instagram.com/krishantrotman/

You keep pushing, showing up, and holding it together, but inside, you're exhausted, numb, and running on fumes. In this conversation therapist Kalisha Crone unpacks the silent damage of suppressing your emotions just to survive. If you've been snapping at people you love, zoning out at work, or feeling disconnected from yourself, this episode is your call-in. Kalisha offers clarity, compassion, and practical ways to come back to center without quitting your job or pretending you're okay. It's time to stop normalizing numbness. You deserve more than survival. Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community:  https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpod Grounding Exercises:Address Anxiety: Setting Intentions and Deep Breathing Exercise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XPicJ9WRIgs&t=3s Quick Meditation and Grounding Exercise with Therapist Kalisha Crone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaQQ7LfSZKs Keep In Touch with KalishaIG: https://www.instagram.com/gracefulchangecounseling/Graceful Change Counseling: https://shorturl.at/gSSgk Soulful Serenity Journal: https://www.amazon.com/Soulful-Serenity-Prompts-Inner-Self-Discovery/dp/B0D6SV1SZG

On this episode of The Next Best Thing, I'm celebrating two years of the podcast. I opened up about the journey behind building this podcast from scratch, facing doubts, fighting comparison, and redefining what success really means. From almost quitting to now reaching nearly 100 episodes, it's been about honoring promises to myself and helping others navigate life's transitions. Remember, perfection isn't the barometer of success. Show up, use what's in your hand, and let your own path unfold. Thanks for being part of this journey!

Ever felt like your career has more chapters left to write? When the path you've built starts to feel narrow, or you're craving a professional reinvention that honors your hard-earned experience,Christina Santiago and Elaine Walker have a conversation that will change your perspective. In this episode, they unpack the art of career transitions, from leveraging your existing skills, to  expanding your network, and creating opportunities when traditional routes seem closed. From the career opportunities that can come from volunteering to understanding the true timeline of a meaningful job search, they offer a roadmap for redesigning your career trajectory with confidence and intention.Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestLearn more about The Rewrite: https://startyourrewrite.com/Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodReach out to…Christina Santiago: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinasantiagotv/Elaine Walker:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainewalk/

Feeling stuck in your career with no clear NEXT step? I get it, I've been there too. That's exactly why I created The NEXT Best Thing Podcast, to help you move forward with confidence, no matter what curveballs come your way. In this episode, I'm sharing my EMPOWER framework, a simple roadmap built from conversations with 70+ podcast guests who turned setbacks into new opportunities. It's also what I use to stay on track and open doors to new opportunities.You'll learn the seven key steps to figuring out what you actually want without waiting for permission. No need to take notes... I've got you covered. Get Ready, Set, NEXT: Your 7-Step Guide to Unlocking New Opportunities by joining the NEXT Best Community waitlist here: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSo get comfy, and let's dive in—because your NEXT chapter might just be your best one yet!Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpod

One moment, you're secure in your job, and the next, the rug is pulled out from under you. The emotional rollercoaster of job loss can feel overwhelming. But what if the pain you're feeling isn't just frustration or confusion, it could actually be grief? In this episode, career coach and grief specialist Laverne McKinnon helps you reframe what you might be going through.Laverne McKinnon shares how being fired from CBS left her grieving for a decade before she could name it. Learn to spot the harmful stories you've been telling yourself since your layoff and replace them with empowering alternatives. Discover simple rituals that provide genuine closure and clear your path forward.In today's uncertain job market, this conversation offers more than advice, it provides the missing piece for anyone struggling to reconnect with their purpose.Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodStay In Touch With LaverneWebsite: https://www.lavernemckinnon.com/Moonshot Mentor Newsletter: https://moonshotmentor.substack.com/

Ever wondered how a personal problem could turn into a successful business? In this episode, Britney Crowell, founder and inventor of CurlCap takes us on her journey from deconstructing her dad's old hat to address her own scalp psoriasis to becoming the first Black woman with a patented product to sell officially licensed Disney apparel, yes THAT Disney!You'll hear firsthand how protecting her intellectual property through patents made all the difference when major opportunities came knocking.This conversation goes beyond business basics as Britney opens up about the difficult decisions entrepreneurs face – from walking away from Amazon's marketplace to navigating partnership transitions with integrity. Her story shows the reality of perseverance, community building, and creating a lasting legacy.Whether you're struggling to protect your creative work, looking to build a purpose-driven brand, or simply need inspiration to turn your own problems into profitable solutions, Britney's wisdom will leave you ready to take action on your dreams.Learn more about The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodStay in touch with Britney:Get Your Curl Cap: https://www.curlcaps.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/curlcap/Britney's IG: https://www.instagram.com/britney_sade/

Ever feel like society's constantly giving you the side-eye for being happily single? This episode of The NEXT Best Thing Podcast we're chatting with Dr. Kris Marsh from the University of Maryland, whose book The Love Jones Cohort is shaking up everything we thought we knew about relationships. Dr. Marsh introduces us to a growing group of college-educated, financially comfortable single Black Americans who are absolutely thriving without wedding rings. Named after that classic 1997 film (you know the one!), these folks are rewriting the rules of success and happiness."But aren't single people just... waiting to find someone?" Not according to Dr. Marsh's research! She breaks down how those strong friendships in your life might actually be delivering more happiness than that relationship you think you're supposed to be chasing.We get real about whether marriage still holds the same value it once did (spoiler alert: it's complicated), and why your net worth might matter more than your paycheck when it comes to being "middle class" today.The most refreshing part? Dr. Marsh's take on friendship. While everyone else is swiping right and stressing about dating, she's got the data showing how those ride-or-die friends might be the real MVPs in your happiness story. If you've ever felt that pressure to couple up just because everyone keeps asking "so, are you seeing anyone?" at family gatherings, this episode will feel like someone finally gets it. Dr. Marsh doesn't just understand—she's got the research to back up why your life choices are completely valid.Sign Up for The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://rewritecourse.com/communitySubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodStay in touch with Dr. Kris Marsh:Get The Love Jones Cohort: https://www.amazon.com/Cohort-Cambridge-Studies-Stratification-Economics/dp/1316612910IG: https://www.instagram.com/drkrismarsh/Bio: https://socy.umd.edu/facultyprofile/marsh/kris

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant chaos around you? Like the world is on a never-ending loop of bad news, and you're stuck in fight or flight mode? You're not alone—and it doesn't have to be this way.In this episode, guest Lidia Bonilla talks about how understanding your nervous system can be the key to handling all that stress. We'll dive into polyvagal theory, a game-changer for recognizing how your body reacts to danger, safety, and everything in between. It's time to stop letting external chaos dictate how you feel inside. Whether you're burning out at work, feeling triggered by politics, or just done with all the noise, this conversation will help you reconnect with yourself and find a sense of peace—even when the world feels anything but safe.Sign Up for The NEXT Best Thing Community: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpodStay in touch with Lidia BonillaIG: https://www.instagram.com/lidiabonilladotcom/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidiabonilla999/Website: https://www.lidiabonilla.com/More on the Polyvegal Theory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxn9SyW0DvM

In this episode, we explore the power of ignoring the doubts and limitations others try to place on us, and how to break free from societal timelines that don't align with your unique journey. I share personal stories of how embracing uncertainty, building a supportive community, and acknowledging your own superpowers can lead to transformation. It's not about starting over—it's about recognizing the skills you already have and finding new ways to apply them.The NEXT Best Thing Community is your guide to turning big dreams into achievable steps, and I invite you to join us in taking consistent action, celebrating each baby step toward your goals. Doors open for those on the waitlist on February 17th. Join Here: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interestSubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Follow The NEXT Best Thing on IG @nextbestthingpod

Feeling like you're stuck in a rut or not reaching your full potential? It's frustrating when you know you can do more, but something's holding you back. In this episode, NBA Performance Coach Ben Kenyon gets real about how to break through those mental blocks and tap into your true power. Whether you're an athlete or just looking to level up in life, Ben shares his top strategies for staying motivated, mastering your mindset, and getting back on track after falling off. If you're ready to take your game to the next level, this is the episode you've been waiting for!The NEXT Best Thing community is officially launching! It's a space for all of us to come together, learn, and grow. Be the first to know when doors open: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest513766Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG @nextbestthingpodStay in Touch with Ben:Website/ Book: https://www.greatdaytoclimb.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/ben_kenyon_/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benkenyon-gds/

Ready to Feel Good About Your Money in 2025?

Welcome back! I've finally returned after taking some time off to regroup, and I'm so grateful for your patience and support! It was so important to recharge and reconnect with why I started this podcast in the first place. I'm diving into some real talk about how to survive—and even thrive—in today's politically charged world. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, hopeless, or just plain exhausted by everything happening around us, you're not alone.Big news for 2025: The NEXT Best Thing community is officially launching! It's a space for all of us to come together, learn, and grow. Be the first to know when doors open: https://startyourrewrite.com/the-next-best-thing-interest513766We're also halfway to hitting our YouTube monetization goal! If you love the podcast, please help by watching and sharing the episodes to get us closer to that milestone.Please note: I switched up the release schedule. Episodes are now dropping on Fridays. The newsletter is also coming back with exciting updates!Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG @nextbestthingpod 

In this final episode of 2024, I'm reflecting on the whirlwind year that's been—what worked, what didn't, and everything I've learned along the way. It's a moment to pause, take stock, and share what's been on my heart as I set intentions for the year ahead. I'm also encouraging YOU to reflect on your own journey, address your fears, and dream big as we step into 2025. This episode is all about gratitude—thank you for trusting me, for showing up, and for being part of this community. Grab your favorite drink, settle in, and let's wrap up the year with hope, heart, and a clear vision for what's NEXT!Correction: I left my previous “life” in 2022 NOT 2002. Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG @nextbestthingpod 

Feeling stuck in toxic environments—whether at work or in your personal life? It's easy to tolerate what feels "normal," but that doesn't mean it's healthy. Ariane Hunter reveals how to break free from these patterns, with insight from her book, Dreaming on Purpose, to help you overcome cultural limits that hold you back from pursuing your true dreams. Looking to set clear intentions for the year ahead? The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect, dream big, and align your goals with what truly matters. Plus, learn how entrepreneurship can unlock the freedom you've been craving, whether it's creative, financial, or personal. Ready to stop burning out and start living with purpose? It's time to stop settling for "normal" and start building a life that reflects your true potential.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG @nextbestthingpodGet to know Ariane:Website: https://www.arianehunter.com/Dreaming on Purpose book: https://www.arianehunter.com/dreamingonpurposeDreaming + Doing newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/dreaming-doing-digest-6962118989334376448/IG: https://www.instagram.com/arianehunter/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianehunter/

Could you do 1% less everyday to create lasting change? In this episode, rest coach and author, Octavia Raheem discusses how to start building a rest practice that actually works for you. She breaks down the how to recognize when you're truly tired (and not just pushing through) and gets real about the unique exhaustion Black women face, especially with all the systemic barriers stacked against us. And she dives into the power of surrendering—letting go of the need to do it all—and why rest isn't just a nice-to-have, but a radical act of self-care. If you've been feeling burnt out, this episode is for you.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Website: https://www.octaviaraheem.com/“Rest is Sacred” Book: https://www.amazon.com/Rest-Sacred-Reclaiming-Brilliance-Stillness/dp/1645473279

Save yourself! Here are some suggestions on how!Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Are you ready to become a “Rested Rebel” and take the practice all the way to the bank? Kibi Anderson dives into why rest is all about trust. She challenges us to think about what we might not be trusting ourselves with and how to flip that script. When sharing tips for shifting from a lack mindset to one of abundance, Kibi encourages us to ask, “What can go right?” Check out her Macro Success Cycle, which is all about taking those small, doable steps toward our goals while still making time for some much-needed rest and relaxation.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Kibi:Website: https://kibianderson.com/Coaching: https://www.lifeeditor.co/Book: https://life-editor.thrivecart.com/author-signed-copy-point-taken-book/

I'm back with part 2 of our discussion about the anatomy of a transition, the important steps so many often overlook and why your Rewrite and NEXT Best Thing are no longer a one-time pursuit but a new way of being. Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Save Your Seat for The Rewrite Summit on November 2nd: https://startyourrewrite.com/summit-page160958Learn more about The Rewrite including our FREE resources: https://startyourrewrite.com/

The media landscape is collapsing before our eyes. Thousands of journalists have been laid off. In this episode we discuss how to turn the turmoil into opportunities, the mindset shifts needed and how The Rewrite can help!Join us on Octover 14th for a free webinar to learn more: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/oGk38aDlf8vbaeZQzUT7The Rewrite website: https://startyourrewrite.com/Get your FREE transferable skills guide: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/9bmFYXNewaeZ3l6NNH5FFollow the Rewrite on IG and hit up our DM's: https://www.instagram.com/rewritecourse/

From the Community College of Philadelphia to The White House, Deesha Dyer's journey has been anything but a linear path. Along the way she's always leaned into her curiosity and faith that she could make a way. In this episode, Deesha shares insights from her memoir, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble," and dives into topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, leaning into joy, and embracing unconventional career paths. For all of the late bloomers or people who don't know where their life is taking them, this conversation is for you!Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Deesha:IG: https://www.instagram.com/deedyer267/Get “Undiplomatic:” https://www.deeshadyer.com/

Far too often we are living a muted reality, tip toeing around what we think others can handle instead of asserting what we need. In this episode, inclusion strategist and author, Amber Cabral provides practical strategies for having tough conversations at work and home, all with the goal of allowing us to thrive both personally and professionally. Amber literally provides the script on how to set and maintain clear boundaries and provides her unique insight on how to make the most out of changing times, especially with all the craziness the pandemic has thrown our way.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Amber:Website/Books/Coaching: https://www.ambercabral.com/Guilty Privilege Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@bamcabral

Sleep deprivation may be the root cause of a lot of your ailments from irritability to chronic diseases, but doctors rarely prescribe rest. Licensed mental health professional, sleep science and corporate wellness coach LaShasta Bell shares key insights on how to not only live longer but how to enjoy the journey. In this episode you will learn:Health Impact: Learn the correlation between chronic diseases and sleep deprivation along with the long term impact Sleep Hygiene: Learn practical changes you can make to improve your sleepSetting Boundaries: Find out why boundaries are crucial in ensuring better rest.Support Systems: You need accountability partners to enhance your rest and peaceRest vs. Sleep: There's a difference. Explore how do you differentiate and achieve rest, sleep, and peace.Information Overload: Doom scrolling? Unpack how do you handle news and social media to protect your mental health.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter for lessons from this interview: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Learn more about LaShasta:Website: https://lashastabell.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamlbell/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IamLBell/

Is perfectionism holding you back? Are you trying to be the best parent, partner, friend and worker all at the same time? What if I told you perfection doesn't exist? L'Oreal Thompson Payton, author of “Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power,” shares how she manages her own perfectionism, the hard truths she had to confront, and how she's modeling what she's learned for your her daughter.  Be sure to join The Next Best Thing community on IG @thenextbestthingactSubscribe to The NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://aundreact.com/Stay In Touch with L'Oreal:Website: https://www.ltinthecity.comBook “Stop Waiting For Perfect”  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720665/stop-waiting-for-perfect-by-loreal-thompson-payton/

Have you hit a wall? Did summer burn you out? In this episode we're unpacking the transformative journey of Daisy Auger-Dominguez, former Chief People Officer at Vice Media, who took a courageous step away from the corporate world to embark on a "radical sabbatical."In this conversation, Daisy opens up about the immense burnout she faced after steering her team through the pandemic, coupled with a financial crisis at her company that included layoffs. Daisy also talks about why she decided to go public with her resignation and her mission to reclaim her narrative.We'll discuss the powerful moments and unexpected challenges she encountered during her time off, including the healing process of writing her upcoming book, Burnt Out to Lit Up, and the deeply transformative experience at a women's retreat in Costa Rica.This episode is packed with insights on self-care, the importance of community, and redefining what leadership looks like. Daisy's story is a testament to the power of taking bold steps for one's mental and emotional well-being. Plus, you'll hear about her strategies for combating burnout and preventing it from happening in the first place.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Learn more about Daisy:Website: https://www.daisyauger-dominguez.com/“Burnt Out to Lit Up” Book: https://www.daisyauger-dominguez.com/booksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisyaugerdominguez/

How are you…. really? As summer is coming to a close are you in survival mode and don't even know it? What does wellness even look like? On this REWIND episode Dr. Thema Bryant, discusses the rewards of authenticity and how certain characteristics that culture celebrates may actually be harmful to our health. Plus, we'll explore how healing can change the game in relationships and what men can do on their journey. Be prepared to challenge traditional beliefs and redefine your path of purpose and abundance.  Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG @NextBestThingPod Subrcribe to the NEXT Nuggets newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/ More on Dr. Thema: Website: https://drthema.com/Get “Homecoming:” https://www.amazon.com/Homecoming-Overcome-Trauma-Reclaim-Authentic/dp/059341831X

Putting your head down, working hard and hoping to be noticed is not a recipie for success. It's a way to be overlooked. So get comfortable with pitching! If the idea still leaves a pit in your stomach, this is the conversation for you!In this REWIND episode “Killer pitchmaster,” author, and entrepreneur Precious Williams breaks down the art of the perfect pitch, from teaching us how to pitch for profit and visibility. But don't let Precious' success fool you. She's faced homelessness and personal struggles, yet she used these challenges as stepping stones, pitching her way to television appearances and global speaking engagements. Precious is joining us today to share her tips about the power of the pitch and how you wield it to navigate through your own challenges. If Precious can do it, you can too. This episode shows you how.Join the Next Best Thing community on IG/Tik Tok @nextbestthingpodSubscribe to the newsletter NEXT Nuggets: https://nextbestthingpodcast.com/Stay in touch with Precious Williams:Website: https://perfectpitchgroup.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/perfectpitchgroup/

Headlines about layoffs are plaguing the news industry as it fails to come up with a viable business model to address declining viewership, trust and advertising revenue. Simply put it's time for anyone in the industry to plan their NEXT. That's why it was time to REWIND this episode with Renee Washington.With more than two decades in TV news, Renee switched gears big time. Imagine managing 150 people, handling the crazy news cycle, then throwing in a pandemic, budget cuts, and a mountain of stress. Renee was in the thick of it when she decided to rethink success on her own terms. In this episode we're going on the wild ride that led her from being the boss of a bustling newsroom to her launching her own business, Resilience Wins Coaching. Renee is an example of how to move from feeling trapped to feeling in charge, and she has the blueprint you can use on how to flip our own script.Curious about what coaching can do for you? Stuck in a rut at work? This episode will get you unstuck and increase your confidence as you navigate those career and life challenges.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Journalists: Free Guide To Redefine and Leverage Your Transferable Skills: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/9bmFYXNewaeZ3l6NNH5FStay In Touch with Renee:Resilience Wins Coaching: https://resiliencewinscoaching.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reneewashington-resiliencewins/IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamcoachrenee/

What's your earliest money memory? In this REWIND episode we're peeling back the layers on what's getting in the way of financial freedom and how the messages received in our childhood plays a major role in how we manage our finances as adults. From outlining the impact of a scarcity versus an abundance mindset to loud budgeting, in this episode financial therapist Aja Evans uncovers strategies to reshaping the way we think about money with the goal of finding balance between financial health and mental well-being.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay In Touch with Aja and don't forget to pre-order her new book "Feel Good Finance"Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajaetherapy/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ajaetherapyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajaevans/Aja Evans Counseling: https://ajaevanscounseling.com/

Everyone has a stage, but are you owning it? K.J. Rose is the go to performance director for some of your favorite artists including Lil Nas X, Saweetie, The Lumineers and Erica Campbell. In this episode she's breaking down how to deliver the performance of your life! A performance that's authentic, full of confidence and as K.J. says, leaves no crumbs. Get ready to be introduced to The Rose Effect.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Learn more about K.J. Rose: Website: https://www.kjrose.com/Power Chants: https://open.spotify.com/album/2KjpxfRZLfJIOLztEUrzScBook: “The Rose Effect: Eight Steps To Delivering The Performance Of Your Life: https://a.co/d/116ZsFs

What's NEXT for this country? Does it include electing the first woman to become President of The United State? After President Biden suddenly ending his campaign the Democratic apparatus has thrown all of its support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. But with less than 100 days until the election, the work is far from over. In this episode we discuss what's at stake, and the work you can do TODAY to build community, save democracy and help make history.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Project 2025: https://www.heritage.org/conservatism/commentary/project-2025The 19th Explains What you need to know about Project 2025: https://19thnews.org/2024/07/project-2025-women-education-lgbtq-workforce/

What's getting in the way of getting closer to your dreams? Are you waiting for more favorable conditions? For someone else to tell you it's okay? In this episode Aundrea shares how a season of desperation taught her the skills that opened her up to new opportunities and forced her to ditch her timelines. If you're struggling with how to get started, this episode is for you!Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Join The Rewrite Community:Get your FREE Transferable Skills Guide:  https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/9bmFYXNewaeZ3l6NNH5FSign up for The Rewrite Course: https://www.therewritecourse.com/home

In this solo episode Aundrea discusses what she wishes she knew before launching into her NEXT. It's insight she hopes can help get you unstuck and keep you from making the same mistakes she did!Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Join The Rewrite Community:Get your FREE Transferable Skills Guide: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/9bmFYXNewaeZ3l6NNH5FSign up for The Rewrite Course: https://www.therewritecourse.com/home

On July 8, 2022 Aundrea walked away from her local news career and started an experiment. After living a life by other people's rules and checking the boxes, she decided to try living life on her own terms for two years. She couldn't give up no matter how hard it got. Now two years later, in a letter to the 2022 version of herself, Aundrea explains what she's learned, but more importantly what she's letting go of.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Do emails from colleagues or your boss put you in a bad mood? Are you having a hard time shutting off work at the end of the day? Are you ever criticized for being too sensitive? In this episode executive coach and author Melody Wilding explains how to turn that negative feedback into your superpower and navigate corporate environments strategically with your spirit intact!Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Melody Wilding:Website: https://melodywilding.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/

Are you ready to meet your BIG moment? If the opportunity showed up today could you take all of the attention and pressure that comes with it?Nurse Sandra Lindsay was managing an ICU at a NY hospital when she made history as the first person in the United States to receive the covid vaccine. Thrust in front of the entire world, Sandra's life changed overnight. But she was ready for the opportunity she never even asked for. In this conversation Sandra shares how she's remained grounded despite the onslaught of media attention, what prepared her to meet this moment and how she now uses her platform to give others a voice.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Keep in Touch With Sandra:Website: https://www.sandralindsay.com/New Book “First In Line” https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/First-in-Line/Sandra-Lindsay/9798888452769IG: https://www.instagram.com/therealsandralindsay/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-lindsay-dhsc-ms-mba-rn-ccrn-k-ne-bc-39bb4b38/

 What are the pillars you live by and how do they align with your actions? Is your ambition running you or are you managing it to live a life of impact? We're answering those questions and so much more. Our guest this week is three-time founder, sought-after speaker and C-suite/board advisor Kendra Bracken-Ferguson. Her ecosystem of leadership is rooted in her global conglomerate BrainTrust including a global brand consultancy and BrainTrust Founders Studio, the largest membership-based platform for Black beauty and wellness founders. She hosts the Business of the Beat podcast, offering insights and behind-the-scenes stories from BIPOC senior executives and operators as they navigate the journey of building and scaling their companies. Among her firsts, Kendra has the distinction of being one of the first 100 Black women to have raised more than $1MM in investment for her debut company, Digital Brand Architects. Kendra's first book, The Beauty of Success: Start, Grow, and Accelerate Your Brand was released February 13, 2024 and named the #1 New Release in Business Entrepreneurship on Amazon. Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Keep in Touch With Kendra:Website: https://kendrabracken-ferguson.com/Braintrust Agency: https://www.thebraintrust.com/homeThe Business of the Beat Podcast: https://kendrabracken-ferguson.com/podcasts“The Beauty of Success: Start Grow and Accelerate Your Brand” https://www.amazon.com/Beauty-Success-Start-Accelerate-Brand/dp/1394162944Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendrabrackenferguson/

How do you access your joy, even in dark times? That's the central question in this week's episode. Our guest this week is storyteller, educator, curator of joy and healing Tracey Michea'l Lewis-Jiggetts. Tracey shares some of her joy journey through personal tragedy that required her to understand the profound impact of simple pleasures. She also gives us a sneak peak into her new book” The Black Joy Playbook.” This episode is an exploration of joy as resistance, how to nurture emotional well-being, and the shared responsibility to progress for future generations. Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Tracey:Website: https://www.traceymlewis.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/tmlgwriter/

In today's episode we're diving deep into the world of book publishing and its powerful impact on business and growing your personal brand. Danielle Mendoza shares how to connect book ideas to your business as a way to attract more customers and lucrative opportunities. We're also discussing the different publishing pathways, including traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing. Learn how self-publishing can offer more control, quicker market access, without requiring a large social media following.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpodJournalists join The Rewrite Community by getting your FREE Transferable Skills Guide: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/9bmFYXNewaeZ3l6NNH5FStay in touch with Danielle:Website: https://www.confidentconcept.com/Download Danielle's FREE e-book “Timeless Visibility” https://www.confidentconcept.com/download-bestsellerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-mendoza-3059788a/

We're just about halfway through the year, and it's time for an intentional check-in. In this episode we're calling out some of the barriers that may have be in the way of you reaching your goals. It starts with your mindset and then your actions. And if no one told you today, no matter your background or current situation, you are absolutely worth it. Grab your notes, because this episode is packed with actionable steps to help you moving forward. Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpodJoin The Rewrite Community by getting your FREE Transferable Skills Guide: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/9bmFYXNewaeZ3l6NNH5F

Arivee Vargas shares her journey from a successful legal career to discovering her true calling in coaching and leadership development. Arivee explains the importance of creating a vision without self-judgment, setting aligned goals, and trusting oneself through a gradual progress. In this episode, Arivee discusses the challenges of leaving the comfort and security of her corporate life to follow her passion, and how motherhood and self-care play crucial roles in her journey.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in Touch With Arivee:Website: https://www.ariveevargas.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariveevargas/May 31st LinkedIn Event: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/linkedin-live-event-invitation-arivee-vargas-esq--vs55e/?trackingId=sYeYoTLCTx%2B%2FPSjyJgurFQ%3D%3D

Amy Shoenthal is a journalist and author of “The Setback Cycle: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward.” The "Setback Cycle," consists of four phases—establish, embrace, explore, and emerge—which provides a roadmap for navigating through times of adversity. In this conversation Aundrea and Amy discuss why setbacks don't just have to be obstacles, but can also serve as catalysts for growth and creativity. Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Keep in touch with Amy Shoenthal:“The Setback Cycle” book: https://www.amyshoenthal.com/the-setback-cycleWebsite: https://www.amyshoenthal.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amysho/

Hi Friends! Each week we bring you a guest who talks about how to navigate your NEXT. This week host Aundrea Cline-Thomas is giving you an update on her journey. She's talking about the time in between jumping and seeing progress. It's when your idea is vulnerable and the silence or no's you receive can cut deep. What's the conversation Aundrea has with herself to keep going? When does it begin to pay off? Aundrea candidly shares her experiences in hopes that it may inform your own. Subscribe to the YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBestThingACTNEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

We're back with Part 2 of our conversation with  Lydia Hamilton. Lydia has always been a world traveler, but she embarked on a nearly 50 day solo adventure across the world seeking to better understand her NEXT chapter personally, her NEXT chapter professionally and become unshakably clear about who she was independent of anyone else. In this conversation we discuss how Lydia is reframing her idea of success, how pausing is allowing her to make better decisions and what you can do to implement these practices in your own life. Stephanie Perry on Career Breaks, Sabbaticals, Moving Abroad and Living with Ease: https://youtu.be/EJPHUblf-7USubscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Lydia:Website: https://www.lydonthago.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/lhamilt77/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiahamilton/

Lydia Hamilton traded her title as a Vice President of Operations to Professional Wanderer. Then she set out on an epic journey that included working on a farm in Tennessee, exploring Antarctica on zodiac boats, and literally riding through the clouds of Vietnam. With each stop, Lydia was searching for answers about who she was and wanted to become. This episode takes you on a journey of what Lydia calls Transformational Travel in hopes that you reexamine what you think is possibile and discover who you really are. Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Lydia:Website: https://www.lydonthago.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/lhamilt77/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiahamilton/Tamron Hall Show Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty7DBPF3kGc&t=96s

Gemma Toner transitioned from the fast-paced executive life to the introspective satisfaction of retirement. But for Gemma, retirement was not an end, but a new beginning. She created the Tone Networks, an online micro-coaching and mentoring platform designed to connect, grow and retain early to mid-career employees at scale.In this episode we'll get into the nitty-gritty of confronting fears, developing resilience, and the importance of seeking support from a strong community—especially when venturing into uncharted territories.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Gemma and the Tone Networks:Tone Networks: https://www.tonenetworks.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tone-networks/Gemma's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-toner/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonenetworks/

Kara Stevens, the force behind The Frugal Feminista , began her journey grappling with hefty student loans and credit card debt. It led her to create a blog that turned into  a robust community dedicated to building wealth. In the meantime she leveraged her career as a teacher and administrator to reach financial freedom. Her experience confirms that traditional jobs, when combined with entrepreneurial savvy, can indeed pave the way to prosperity.Our conversation dives deep into Kara's recent life-changing move from New York to Ghana, motivated by the pursuit of quality of life, generational wealth, and providing a nurturing environment for her daughter. This move signifies not only a geographical shift but also a profound evolution in Kara's work-life balance and her connection to Africa.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Kara:Frugal Feminista: https://www.thefrugalfeminista.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/frugalfeminista/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-stevens-37882b12/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefrugalfeminista/?_rdc=1&_rdr

Today's episode is a pause, a time to reflect on not just the achievements, but the bumps and stumbles along the way. We've built something incredible here, a safe space especially for marginalized voices. I want to express my deepest thanks to you—our dedicated listeners, amazingly generous guests, and the village that has helped put this whole thing together. So, in this solo episode, join me as we walk down memory lane, celebrate the growth, and reaffirm our commitment to heal, to learn, and to soar even higher.Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Keisha Hickson's life changed when a diagnosis threatened her life expectancy. Faced with a renewed appreciation for time, Keisha is determined not to waste it and now urges all of us to combat complacency in all areas of our lives. This woman's story is not just moving – it's a masterclass in living life to the fullest despite the toughest of blows. Join us as we celebrate Keisha's journey, explore the lessons she's gathered along the way, and perhaps, find the encouragement we need to chase our own "Next Best Thing." Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter for a transcript and the lessons from this  interview: https://thenextbestthingact.com/Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in touch with Keisha:Website: https://keishahickson.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-hickson/IG: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_keishahickson/