Live To Thrive podcast

Ermias Hagos is the host of The Black Experience Podcast, a platform dedicated to amplifying voices, stories, and perspectives from across the Black community. With a passion for authentic conversations and cultural storytelling, Ermias dives into topics that shape identity, challenge narratives, and celebrate resilience. Each episode offers listeners thought-provoking dialogue, personal insights,...

Host Lizzy Koetsier takes a pause to share what’s been going on behind the scenes of Live To Thrive . From navigating life’s unexpected changes to managing the demands of producing a passion project, Lizzy opens up about why she’s shifting the show to a bi-weekly schedule. This honest update is also a gentle reminder that it’s okay to set boundaries, slow down, and protect your mental well-being—w...

Kwame Terra is the founder and CEO of bEHR Health Systems, Inc., a New Orleans–based digital health platform dedicated to advancing health equity in Black communities. An alumnus of Xavier University of Louisiana with a background in neuroscience research and an MPH in public health and health equity, Kwame is also a world-record holder for the most steps in a single month and a passionate enduran...

What happens when the life you’re living doesn’t look anything like the one you imagined? In this honest, heart-centered episode, we’re talking about unmet goals, shifting timelines, and learning to find peace in the in-between. If you’ve been feeling out of sync with your vision, this conversation is a gentle reminder that your path still holds value, even when it doesn’t follow the plan. From th...

Shaun Murphy, also known as Mister Motivation, is redefining what it means to be a motivational speaker. A speaker, educator, and U.S. Army veteran, Sean is the author of “Unbreakable Valor: Triumph Through the Soul of Resilience (May 2025).” A Brooklyn native raised in poverty and without a father (who was murdered when Shaun was six), he turned pain into purpose — serving in the U.S. Army, overc...

In this episode of the Live To Thrive Podcast, host Lizzy Koetsier shares her personal experiences with anxiety and the emotional complexities that arise during significant life events, such as her recent honeymoon. She emphasizes the importance of taking breaks, holding space for oneself, and acknowledging feelings of overwhelm. Lizzy encourages listeners to practice self-compassion and to unders...

Michelle Dean is a brand marketer turned barista from South Florida. Though her former day job in marketing brought her to Seattle in 2022, family, community, and her coffee bar, Bonhomie Coffee, have made Seattle home. Michelle is Haitian-American and spent most of her life in Florida. Before earning her MBA from Georgia Tech, Michelle’s marketing career began in church ministry, managing communi...

Hey friends — so much has happened lately, and I’m excited to finally share it with you! I recently got married (!!) and have been soaking in all the joy and love that came with this new chapter. 💫Now that things are settling down, I’m officially back to weekly podcast episodes — and I couldn’t be more excited to reconnect with you all. Expect fresh conversations, real talk, and inspiring stories...

Building Creative Community with Kyla In this special episode of the Live2Thrive Podcast, we switch things up with a unique roundtable format featuring four amazing guests and a spotlight interview with Kyla—a talented brand strategist, photographer, and all-around awesome human being. We dive deep into the importance of community, especially for creatives navigating life and work in Seattle. Kyla...

From Boston to Seattle and soon heading To the Midwest, Francisca Moliere is a first-generation Haitian American with over 9 years of experience in Media Advertising. Throughout her career, she has worked with major brands such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Ulta Beauty, Amazon Fresh, and BECU, helping clients navigate complex business challenges and drive impactful audience engagement. In addition to her pro...

This week, we’re talking about the pressure to always show up, even when your tank is on empty. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not meeting expectations—yours or someone else’s—this one’s for you. Let’s unpack the power of grace, rest, and redefining what it means to be “enough.”

Cynthia Pong, JD, is an award-winning executive coach and speaker who empowers women of color leaders to advance their careers into positions of power. A Forbes Contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice for Job Search and Career, she has been featured in HBR, The Atlantic, and on NBC, CBS, NPR, and more. As Founder and CEO of Embrace Change, Cynthia leads an elite, all-BIPOC team who provide specialized...

In this episode of the Live To Thrive Podcast, I open up about my personal struggles with mental health in a chaotic world. I share my experiences with finding joy, the impact of social media on my well-being, and the importance of community support. Through honest conversations and personal reflections, I want to remind you that it’s okay to not be okay—and that surrounding ourselves with positiv...

In this episode, we sit down with Sandra Gungaloo , founder of Mabel Brempong , a Black woman-owned luxury fashion brand that redefines elegance with purpose. Rooted in a deeply personal story of adoption and the transformative power of chosen family, Mabel Brempong is more than just fashion—it’s a movement of love, community, and empowerment. Sandra shares her journey of building a brand that cha...

Creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about breaking barriers, telling stories, and shaping the future. In honor of Women’s History Month , this episode highlights some of the most inspiring women in history who used their creativity to spark change. From Maya Angelou , who turned words into a movement, to Frida Kahlo , who transformed pain into art, and Toni Morrison , who redefined literat...

Envi Jordan is a singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, and entertainer in Seattle, Washington. He is a Caribbean-American, Black and Queer artist in the dance, pop, alternative, and LGBT music scenes. Follow Envi Jordan on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/envijordan/ Twitter:https://x.com/envijordanx Tiktok:https://www.tiktok.com/@envijordan Stream the "Secrets - Volume I" mixtap...

Are you feeling creatively blocked or struggling to find inspiration? In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between mindfulness and creativity. Discover how being present and engaged can unlock fresh ideas, enhance problem-solving, and help you break through creative barriers. We'll dive into the science behind mindfulness, discuss common creative blocks, and share simple techniq...

Both in life and in business, Kye and Shahron are on a mission to redefine the wine industry, transforming it into a space that embraces diversity and fosters genuine connections. Drawing inspiration from their own Black and Punjabi heritage and the resilience demonstrated by their parents, Kye, alongside Shahron, founded Saanj Winery in Seattle, WA. Their goal is to disrupt the traditional norms...

In this episode of Live to Thrive , host Lizzy Koetsier gets real about the emotional weight of today’s world—especially when constantly plugged into social media. She shares personal strategies for maintaining mental wellness while staying informed, from setting social media boundaries to creating grounding routines like journaling, meditation, and morning readings from The Daily Stoic . Lizzy al...

Catherine B. Mitchell is a leading expert in empowering fatherless daughters, known for her passion and dedication. As a best-selling author, certified life coach, and dynamic speaker, she inspires women globally with her authentic message of victory. Through her coaching programs and speeches, she guides women to overcome fear and live a life of purpose. Catherine's legacy is one of empowerme...

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Dr. E'Toyare (Torie) McDonald-Williams achieved the milestone of being a first-generation high school graduate from Paseo Academy High School. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Mo. Dr. Williams furthered her education by completing her Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from the University...

We’re kicking off an exciting new season of Live to Thrive podcast with fresh energy and incredible conversations ahead! In this episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek into what you can expect this season — from thought-provoking discussions to inspiring stories with some amazing guests lined up. I’m thrilled to bring you more of the content you love, along with a few surprises along the way. Plus,...

Join me on this journey in today’s episode, where I delve into the '7 Ways to Build Discipline', a guide shaped by years of personal experiences and lessons learned. Whether you’re starting new habits or striving to reach your goals, mastering self-discipline is a game changer. From the essential first steps to maintaining momentum, I’ll share the strategies that have profoundly impacted m...

Sean DeMarco Garcia is the owner/operator of Astrochemistry Consulting. They offer training and coaching sessions in de-escalation and crisis intervention for frontline workers. Our training classes aim to better serve those in emotional and mental wellness distress. They teach individuals how to de-escalate those experiencing an emotional or mental wellness crisis humanely. The skill sets that th...

Hailing from the streets of Gugulethu, Cape Town. South Africa’s Thando Skwatsha brings heart and soul to the performing arts. A multitalented performer, Thando is known for combining his heartfelt, uplifting melodies and powerful vocals to weave a tapestry of contemporary African sounds that speaks for itself. His charismatic stage presence and extensive background as a lead choral singer have se...