Inspire. Create. Shine.

When art becomes light, it stirs the soul and lifts the spirit. Listen in as Melanie gives her take on the must-see Academy Award-winning documentary, "Summer of Soul," which features hidden gems of Black history, culture and music from the Harlem Culture Festival -- and shares reminiscent moments from her own life. For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirati...

As we reflect on those whose stories and work have impacted our lives this Black History Month, think about this: Your story was written before the foundation of the world. Psalm 139 speaks of the book of your life that was written, the days of your life fashioned before your days on earth began, all leading toward the destiny already ordained for you.  Listen in on this Black History segment...

The journey to pursuing our dreams can be an interesting one, to say the least. How important are dreams and goals to you vs. living your reality? Listen in as Melanie gives a word of encouragement to the dreamers out there, while sharing a few nuggets from some of the greats who touched on the topic of dreams and their pursuit. For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspir...

Growth takes time, water, light, and love primarily - and we grow through everything we go through.  Listen in as Melanie shares a little of her journey, which may encourage you daily to bloom where you're planted and resist the push/things that take you outside of your character, your capacity, and your calling. For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational con...

Some of the most trying or tragic times in our lives can be great catalysts for self-discovery and discovering/fulfilling purpose; developing us into stronger, wiser and more empathetic people; and creating the necessary momentum to bring about great movements for the betterment of society. Love can have the same effect. Listen in as Melanie gives her take on two powerful, must-see films she...

An encounter with Jesus is a direct encounter with Love.  Since Jesus is Love, then He is also our blueprint - in business, in life, in ministry, in relationships, etc.  Listen in as Melanie explores further from the pages of her book and other sources on the nature of Jesus, His acts, His character, His example - and how He shows up when we need Him most. For more info on Melanie D...

If Jesus is Love, then He is also our blueprint - in business, in life, in ministry, in relationships, etc. But what might that truly look like? Listen in as Melanie explores a few passages that give a small window into the nature of Jesus, His character, and His example - which may surprise you how different it is from common ideas about Him and our societal influence on what Love looks like. For...

In all your getting, get an understanding... Further insight into who you are and why you do what you do may be found in your roots. Melanie continues to reflect on the critically acclaimed "Roots" miniseries/sequels chronicling the life and heritage of legendary writer, Alex Haley - and how it relates to us today. Listen in on this episode as she shares a bit more about her personal discoveries i...

We are what our communities are made of - the branches, the limbs, the fruit - and it all starts with our family tree roots.  Listen in as Melanie discusses the part we all should play in building community and shaping our world, as she continues to reflect on the critically acclaimed "Roots" miniseries/sequels chronicling the life and heritage of legendary writer, Alex Haley - and how it rel...

It's important to know where we come from in order to know who we are and where we are going. Listen in as Melanie shares her perspective and touches on the critically acclaimed "Roots" miniseries/sequels chronicling the life and heritage of legendary writer, Alex Haley - and how it relates to us today. For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please vi...

Good times usually outweigh the bad, but have you ever wondered why bad things sometimes happen to God's people?  Listen in as Melanie gives her take on "The Shack," the best-selling yet controversial book by acclaimed author, William Paul Young, and the film the book was derived from - which delves into the subject.  For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspira...

When we begin to grasp the magnitude of the love of GOD, it will make us examine and change our perspective and how we love.  Listen in as Melanie shares a more in-depth exploration of Love, from the pages of her book and other sources. For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at www. MelanieDTheAuthor.com . Originally reco...

Love is, no doubt, the most powerful force in the world - the Greatest of All Time. But what does that look like to you? How has Love impacted your life? Listen in as Melanie shares a more in-depth exploration of Love, from the pages of her book and other sources. For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at www. MelanieDTheAutho...

In a recent group meeting and in honor of Black History Month, we examined the lives of 4 phenomenal African Americans who believed in the power of prayer and used it to accomplish great things - Harriet Tubman, Richard Allen, Jarena Lee and Thomas Dorsey. Listen in as we share a bit of their lives, as well as some personal stories/testimonies that are a testament to the power of prayer. Food for...

Some of the greatest work is often done behind the scenes.  Greatness is often found in uncommon places. Recognition matters. Get your dose of inspiration as Melanie shares some insight on the groundbreaking story/film that brought these hidden figures to light. For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at www. MelanieDTheAu...

Take the 2022 Black History Month challenge and help us spread black positivity, black love, and black inspiration every day, all month long. Listen in for the details on how you can be a part. #spreadthelove #blackhistory2022 #blacksuccess #blacklove #blackculture #blackfacts #blackownedbusiness #blackisbeautiful  For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational c...

At the close of yet another year, it's often the new Year we look forward to. But this quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson challenges us to think in even simpler terms and celebrate every Day as it comes. Listen in for a little tidbit from Melanie on why TODAY is a gift! For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visit her website at www. MelanieDTheAut...

Even if you gotta kneel sometimes, stand your ground... Life is a journey of discovery - of self, of God and others - and we never stop learning or evolving. But being true to ourselves is one thing that will make the journey truly worthwhile and serve as a testament to who we truly are and what we believe in. Listen in as Melanie highlights the new Netflix limited series on the life of Colin Kaep...

Sight, sound, taste, touch, smell... what can you sense beyond your 5 senses?  Without sight or sound, and a rough start, Helen Keller lived a remarkable life and accomplished great things. Without sound, Beethoven composed some of the greatest musical works of our time. Mozart became a skilled musician/musical composer beginning at the young age of 4... Listen in as Melanie touches on Keller...

From poetry by the legendary Maya Angelou to films like Brown Sugar and Love Beats Rhymes to hip-hop and other genres of music by great musicians; the spoken word, no doubt, is definitely an art form to be appreciated. Listen in as Melanie reminisces on her early days being introduced to the arts, and as she highlights a film that celebrates both the poetry and hip-hop genres. For more info on Mel...

When it comes to life, love, career, everyday decisions, etc... Do you believe in "following your heart"? What does that mean to you exactly? It is said that "where the treasure is, there the heart is also." Listen in as Melanie reviews the international best-selling book (and soon-to-be film) by author Paulo Coelho, exploring the concept, and the effect it could have on your journey through life....

What is more important than love in achieving success in your relationships? Listen in as Melanie shares insight from relationship experts on the thought-provoking topic, and how it all ties into another popular teaching by bestselling authors Gary Chapman (the 5 love languages) and Steve Covey.  For more info on Melanie D, the Author, her book, and for more inspirational content, please visi...

Jane Austen's character, Darcy, echoing the brilliant mind of Shakespeare, refers to poetry as "the food of love" in the classic book/film, "Pride and Prejudice." Some words are so delightful, so delectable, that they enrapture the senses and captivate the heart - and what better medium than poetry to do so. Listen in as Melanie gives her commentary on 9 beautiful verses from an epic work by the p...

Episode Description: Meet Shanaye and Peter McPherson, a young newlywed couple. Listen in as they share their love story and the impact God's love and their relationship with God have had on them and contributed to the success of their relationship, leading up to marriage. Inspiration and encouragement to anyone currently dating, looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right, or unsure about getting married...

Listen in as Melanie shares 13 powerful scriptures about God's love. These, among others, are His love letters to you and me. Which of these scriptures is your favorite? Which scripture do you most relate to? Please share this episode to help our mission and give a dose of inspiration and encouragement to someone who might need it.    You can view the video version of this podcast on You...