Frolic and Detour

Valencia Yearwood’s path to the stage wasn’t a straight line — it was a bold detour. A dancer since childhood, Valencia once planned to become a doctor, studying biology at Syracuse University before realizing her true calling was in the arts. In this episode, Valencia shares how she pivoted from science to performance, what she learned from her early days as an extra on film sets, and how storyte...

Damon Venable spent 35 years behind bars—and emerged with a mission. In this episode of Frolic and Detour , Damon shares his powerful journey from incarceration to advocacy, reflecting on resilience, redemption, and the fight for justice. His story is one of transformation, second chances, and the power of using your voice to change lives.

Roxanne Richards, Ph. D. didn’t start her journey in mental health—she found her way there after exploring several different careers, each one bringing her a step closer to her true purpose. In this episode of 𝐹𝘳𝑜𝘭𝑖𝘤 𝘢𝑛𝘥 𝘋𝑒𝘵𝑜𝘶𝑟, she opens up about that winding path and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way. We talk about the lasting emotional impact of COVID-19, the rising rates of trau...

Tomika Arnold was once deep in the world of IT, telecom, and accounting — until her true calling started humming beneath the surface. Now a full-time singer based in Washington, D.C., Tomika brings more than a voice to the stage — she brings 𝑝𝘶𝑟𝘱𝑜𝘴𝑒. In this episode of 𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑟, she shares how she made the bold leap from corporate cubicles to center stage, performing at weddings, funerals...

In this episode of 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓, I sit down with Jeff Lindor, founder of 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛'𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦--a transformative space for men of color to connect, grow, and build legacy. Recorded in Brooklyn, New York, this conversation dives into Jeff's journey from Coney Island to creating a thriving professional community in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Jeff opens up about the early challenges of keepin...

Jamie Richards-Linton once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian in Jamaica—but her path shifted when she discovered her love for helping people organize. She began her journey organizing for Black immigrants, leaving a lasting imprint at 𝑈𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑐𝑢𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑁𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 and on the landscape of immigration justice. Today, Jamie works behind the scenes helping bold, first-of-their-kind organizations build structur...

Josh Wilcox grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, dreaming in beats and broadcast waves. From early days working with hip-hop artists to a corporate chapter at Comcast, Josh’s path was anything but linear. Now a podcasting expert and proud studio owner in Brooklyn, he’s built a business helping others find their voice—literally. In this episode, Josh shares how he turned his love for sound into a fu...

Iris Bodre didn’t follow a straight path to the classroom. Before becoming a writing professor at St. John’s University in New York, she worked in crisis counseling, fundraising, and even at a hedge fund. A Brooklyn writing group helped reignite her passion for writing, ultimately leading to a faculty position and the creation of her student-focused e-book, 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝐸𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑦𝑠. In this episode, Iris sha...

What happens when the path you planned doesn’t pan out? Kyla Denanyoh—law school grad, podcast host, and creative entrepreneur—faced that question head-on after not passing the bar exam. In this episode, Kyla shares how she transformed a moment of uncertainty into a powerful pivot, launching 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝐴 𝐿𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟, a podcast that celebrates curiosity and nontraditional legal careers. She discusses how h...

Sergio talks about his path from lawyer to podcaster and the meaning behind "Frolic and Detour."

In 2004, Marjorie Vail gave birth to her son, Alexsei, who was stillborn. Devastated and depressed, she questioned her purpose and distanced herself from her pregnant friends—only to help one deliver her baby just two months later. Volunteering with New York Cares became her path to healing. Now a trauma therapist, Ph. D. student, and co-founder of Push for Empowered Pregnancy, Marjorie supports f...

Laurent Amzallag is living his dream—part fitness guru, part stand-up comic, and all heart. In this episode, the Montreal-born founder of FlexPods shares how a near-death childhood illness, including a collapsed lung and multiple infections, shaped his lifelong devotion to movement and health. Laurent’s story moves from hospital beds to the Dr. Oz Show, from Oprah’s 𝐿𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐵𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝐿𝑖𝑓𝑒 Tour to the...

Davon Harris isn't your typical law school graduate. Before entering the legal profession, Davon battled a storm of mental health challenges, identity struggles, and even served time for arson. In this powerful episode, Daven opens up about the years he spent searching for purpose--from dropping out of school and navigating paranoia to ultimately reclaiming his future through law. His story is...

In part two of my conversation with artist and Instagram sensation LaNia Roberts, I explore how a simple weather report on Snapchat turned into a movement of joy and self-expression. LaNiya opens up about her journey from being bullied and feeling invisible to becoming a beloved voice on campus--and now a celebrated artist with over 300,000 followers. LaNiya shares how fame initially triggered old...

In part one of this powerful two-part series, artist and Louisville, KY native LaNia Roberts opens up about the early chapters of her journey--before the likes, the followers, and the viral fame. At just 15, LaNiya struggled deeply with self-image and acceptance, often moved to tears by her reflection. Now known for her striking two-panel paintings that bridge duality, LaNiya explains how art help...

Florine Demosthene discusses charting a new path as a first-generation American artist.

Ben Green talks about his passion for broadcasting, film, and using his gift of communication in his 5th grade classroom.

After losing a legal challenge to get out of prison after 16 years, Lawrence opts to focus on self improvement -- mentoring other inmates, teaching literacy courses, and graduating summa cum laude from Rutgers University.

Lawrence Bell discusses being wrongfully accused and convicted of murder and rape and spending more than 30 years in prison.

YouTube content creator and social media influencer, Kenya Chestnut, discusses personal growth and development and connecting with the younger generation.

Kendra Cabrera, a licensed social worker and therapist, talks about administering mental health services and insights from her personal journey.

Meditation Instructor Satira Janine talks about experiencing greater self awareness and insight with meditation.

Jeff Ansah, a personal trainer and fitness enthusiast, discusses the mind-body connection to health and wellness.

Author Celeste Duffie discusses her book, "The Assbackwards Way To Move Forward: A Tongue-in-Cheek Guide to Poverty and Misery." 

Sharon Wise is an artist and trauma expert and survivor. Sharon discusses her history of sexual abuse, suicide attempts, homelessness, and giving up her children at an early age.