Light Up the Mic Podcast

What are you saying to yourself every day—and how might those words be shaping your life?  In this episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans explores the power of affirmations, positive self-talk, and how our self-belief and mindset play a role in helping us become the person we want to be. Drawing from personal experience, scientific research, and the stories of Muhammad Ali, Lady Gaga, W. Cleme...

What if just 15 minutes… one simple sweat… could change how you feel—and ultimately, how you live? In this episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala sits down with certified personal trainer Steve Parkin to explore what it really takes to build strength, transform your body, and stay committed to your health for life. Born and raised in Jamaica without access to gyms, Steve shares how fitness changed...

After seeing three words in gold—“Expect a Miracle”—on a tall black iron gate, Kembala couldn’t stop wondering what would make someone believe in miracles like that. So, she set out to learn more—and discovered how a single mother’s dream became her reality: owning that very estate. In this episode, Kembala and her friend Kai talk to real people in Florida and ask a simple question: Do you believe...

With rising costs, economic uncertainty, and increasing financial stress, many people are working harder than ever—but still feel like they’re falling behind. In this episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala Evans sits down with award-winning financial expert and CEO of MoneyChat, Dorethia Kelly, to break down what’s really keeping people stuck—and how to take control back. From credit cards and emer...

What does it really take to break barriers, rise to leadership, and create a life of purpose? In this powerful episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala Evans sits down with Terry Cardwell —former Accenture partner and global leader—who shares her journey navigating corporate America at a time when women were still fighting for a seat at the table. Terry shares her journey navigating corporate America...

In this episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala Evans sits down with health coach, chef, and wellness advocate Chef Pat (Patrick Quinn) for a powerful conversation about the relationship between food and our wellbeing. This conversation goes beyond food and protein myths. Kembala and Chef Pat explore topics like listening to your body, stress management, physical movement, and the importance of havi...

What if the obstacles in your life are actually preparing you for something greater? If you’ve ever felt overlooked, overwhelmed, or unsure where to begin, this episode will challenge you to start where you are, use what you have, and take the next intentional step toward your goal. In this episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala Evans unpacks powerful lessons from the life of George Washington Carv...

The greatest human desire is to love and to be loved. In this episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala Evans steps into real conversations with everyday people and asks one powerful question of each: How do you attract love into your life? From couples married over 50 years to singles reflections on heartbreak, boundaries, vulnerability, rejection, and agape love, this episode explores love in its ma...

What if the most important investment you’ll ever make isn’t in your career or finances — but in your health? In this episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala Evans explores how treating your health like wealth can transform your energy, confidence, strength, and future. You’ll learn why mindset matters, how to move more your way, and why nutrition plays a bigger role than most of us realize. From mi...

In this episode of Light Up the Mic , host Kembala Evans sits down with Jim Katzaman , a 25-year Air Force veteran and personal finance advocate—who breaks down how to save more, pay down debt, and build stronger money habits without making it complicated. Jim’s known for his straight talk. He shares why he never waits for “New Year’s resolutions” to improve his life.  They dive into Motley Fool M...

As 2025 comes to a close, host Kembala Evans reflects on the journey that launched the Light Up the Mic podcast and revisits the most powerful life lessons guests shared this season. From learning that love begins within, to believing in yourself against impossible odds, to understanding the keys to success and why time is more valuable than money, this episode shares real nuggets of wisdom to hel...

In this Light Up the Mic episode, host Kembala Evans sits down with a seasoned realtor Marci Muster with more than 30 years of experience helping families buy and sell homes across Rhode Island and Georgia. Marci puts the real in real estate — from how she got started to why great photos, honest communication, and negotiation skills matter more than fancy brochures or brand names.  She shares stor...

The holiday season is here — which means deals, discounts, and temptation everywhere. In this episode, Kembala Evans breaks down 10 powerful strategies to help you shop smarter on Black Friday and Cyber Monday so you can save more, stress less, and protect your wallet. From planning ahead and comparison shopping to avoiding impulse buys and staying safe online, Kembala gives practical, real-world...

In this inspiring conversation, host Kembala Evans sits down with Lanée Blaise —screenwriter, producer, and co-host of Imagine Yourself Podcast —to talk about how delay is not denial when faith, patience, and persistence meet divine timing. Lanée shares how a middle-school “dream binder” became real-life scripts, and her journey from writer to producer of the new Rekindled for Christmas film strea...

In this heartfelt Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode, host Kembala Evans sits down with Ms. Carmaneila Green , a breast cancer survivor and social worker of 50+ years. Carmaneila shares her candid, hope-filled personal journey. With honesty, humor, and faith, she shares her inspiring story—from early detection to healing—and reminds us of the power of mindset, gratitude, and people.  After a ro...

Is social media quietly draining your wallet? 💸 In this eye-opening episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala Evans and Todd Christensen , financial educator and author of Everyday Money for Everyday People , dive into the digital spending trap millions of Americans fall into every day. From flashy ads and influencer “must-haves” to sneaky algorithms designed to trigger impulse buys, social media isn...

Money worries? From student debt to late payments to skyrocketing housing costs, Americans are losing sleep over money. In this candid episode of Light Up the Mic , host Kembala Evans takes to the streets to hear real voices share their financial worries — and the wisdom they’ve learned along the way. You’ll hear from: A student navigating new federal grad loan limits. An independent contractor ju...

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode mentions domestic violence . Everyone wants to be loved, but it can be hard. In this open and candid conversation, Carla Marie Mills joins Kembala to share why real love starts within. And how you can find healing, happiness and love again after a major breakup.  Whether you’re navigating relationships, healing after divorce, or learning to embrace being happily si...

What happens when your doctor says you’ll be on meds “until your name is on the tombstone”? For Oscar Camejo , that became a challenge to prove his doctor wrong. In this powerful episode of Light Up the Mic , host Kembala Evans sits down with the Beating Diabetes Lifestyle podcast host—to uncover his raw, emotional, and resilient journey of transformation. Oscar opens up about the near-death diagn...

268 Pounds . Emergency Room. Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis. For Oscar Camejo, that was the wake-up call of a lifetime. On a weekend, his doctor’s office told him to rush to the emergency room — because his life was on the line. In this gripping and heartfelt conversation, Light Up the Mic host Kembala Evans sits down with Web MD contributor Oscar Camejo for a candid discussion that will both shake and...

In this inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic , host Kembala Evans reconnects with high school track teammate and wellness advocate Vanessa Lain. With over 27 years in the healthcare industry and a passion for running that spans decades, Vanessa shares her personal journey of resilience—from witnessing her mother’s battle with obesity and diabetes to forging her own path of health, discipline, and...

Content Warning ⚠️ : This episode contains an open and honest discussion of depression and suicide. It may be triggering for some. Please use discretion before listening. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—available 24/7.  In this inspiring and revealing episode of Light Up the Mic , Kembala speaks with renowned Zen stud...

In this deeply enlightening episode, Kembala speaks with renowned Zen student, teacher, and author Cheri Huber. Cheri has over 45 years of experience with Zen. She is the author of 24 books, including There Is Nothing Wrong With You .  They discuss the journey of self-acceptance, the layers that people build over time, and the transformative power of love and understanding in overcoming personal c...

Born with one leg, Carl Joseph never accepted limits. In this deeply inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic , host Kembala Evans speaks with Carl “Sugarfoot” Joseph—a Hall of Fame athlete. Carl Joseph's praying single mother raised him on a tobacco farm in Madison, Florida—without using the word “handicap.” Carl’s story is a powerful testament to faith, grit, and unwavering self-belief.  With...

In this colorful episode, Kembala speaks with engineer and devoted father Roderick Langrin about fatherhood. Growing up with a single mother, Roderick was intentional in creating his own father blueprint.  They discuss the origins of Father’s Day from Sonora Smart Dodd’s campaign in 1910 Spokane, WA to its national recognition in 1972. Roderick shares his idea of a perfect Father’s Day and his mos...