Pondering Thoughts Podcast

We often hear that success comes from hard work, determination, and perseverance—but is that the whole story? In this solo episode, host K. Wilkes takes a thoughtful look at the role luck, timing, circumstance, and personal effort play in shaping our lives. Through personal reflections, real-world examples, and philosophical questions about free will and determinism, she explores how factors beyon...

Men can be victims of emotional abuse too—but many struggle to recognize it, talk about it, or seek help. In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Tim Golden—philosophy professor, author, actor, former attorney, and national speaker on men's mental health—shares his journey as a survivor of emotional abuse. Best known for his TEDx Talk, Suffering in Silence: The Emotional Abuse of Men ,...

According to the CDC, at least 1 in 7 children in the United States experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year—raising an urgent question: Are the conversations that could help protect children happening too late, or not happening at all? In this powerful and trauma-informed episode, host K. Wilkes is joined by Ashley-Lauren Elrod — child-abuse survivor, board-certified mental health coac...

In this episode, host K. Wilkes explores the deeply thought-provoking question: Does everything happen for a reason? Through personal storytelling, grief, faith, and philosophical reflection, this episode unpacks how we make meaning of life’s most painful and pivotal moments. From a conversation about suffering in the world, to a life-changing personal tragedy, to questions of free will vs. determ...

What if the key to stress relief and clarity has been growing right outside your door?  In this episode of the Pondering Thoughts Podcast, host K. Wilkes interviews Roshanda Ward, a CPA by profession turned wellness advocate and founder of Sow & Center.  Based in Prince George's County, Maryland, Sow & Center is a wellness-focused organization that helps busy professionals reconnect,...

In this episode of Pondering Thoughts, host K. Wilkes welcomes back Michael Lyles, Esq. for a timely and thought-provoking conversation on free speech in the workplace and what the First Amendment really protects. Together, they break down the legal nuances between public vs. private employment , unpack how social media and free speech intersect with workplace policies, and examine real-world case...

In this episode, host Kay takes a moment to reflect on the journey of Pondering Thoughts Podcast celebrating two incredible years and five seasons of meaningful, curiosity-driven conversations. From inspiring guests to thought-provoking topics, the show has grown in ways that feel both exciting and deeply personal. As Pondering Thoughts prepares for a short break before launching Season 6, Kay sha...

In this conversation, Dominic Lawson shares his journey from Christianity to Judaism, exploring the complexities of faith, cultural identity, and personal growth. He reflects on his upbringing in the Bible Belt, the questions he had as a child, and the impact of a major life event on his spiritual exploration. Through a series of meetings with religious leaders, he found a sense of belonging in Ju...

In this episode, host K. Wilkes and legal expert Samantha Bradshaw break down the legal essentials every content creator should understand. They tackle common misconceptions—like thinking an LLC provides trademark protection—and clarify the core pillars of intellectual property: trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Samantha explains how copyright protection is automatic, why registration matters,...

 In this lively conversation, host K. Wilkes speaks with Dr. Kris Marsh as she dives into the challenges and rewards of teaching in today’s politically charged higher education landscape. She reflects on the importance of critical thinking and authentic student engagement, drawing from her popular Boondocks class and highlighting the power of contemporary culture—like Kendrick Lamar’s music—to con...

In this episode, host K. Wilkes is joined by Dr. Alan Kelton, a board-certified physician specializing in Internal Medicine to discuss andropause — often referred to as male menopause . Dr. Kelton explains what andropause is, how it differs from female menopause, and why testosterone decline and hypogonadism can have such a profound impact on men’s health. The conversation explores common symptoms...

In this episode K. Wilkes sits down with Brée Nachelle, a passionate cosplayer, to explore the transformative world of cosplay. Brée shares her journey, which began as a way to connect with her children during a challenging time, and how cosplay became a source of healing, creativity, and joy. They discuss the vibrant cosplay community, the importance of representation—highlighting spaces like Ble...

In this episode of Pondering Thoughts, host K. Wilkes welcomes Corey Gumbs, founder of the Black Podcasters Association (BPA), to discuss his journey into podcasting, the challenges and triumphs of founding BPA, and the importance of community and advocacy in the podcasting space. Corey shares his personal story, insights on monetization, and the vision for BPA's future, highlighting how his...

Join this engaging conversation with author Monica Garner as we spotlight her latest novel, Summer on Cape May . This captivating beach read follows three lifelong friends Lu, Kenya, and Natalia who reunite in the charming seaside town of Cape May, New Jersey, to plan a lavish wedding. As the summer unfolds, past secrets, new loves, and difficult choices challenge their bond in unexpected ways. In...

 As Season 4 comes to a close, K. Wilkes reflects on the evolution of the podcast — from standout guest insights to moments of personal growth behind the mic. In this episode, she shares what she’s learned, how curiosity and community have guided the journey, and what listeners can expect in Season 5. Plus, a look at how she plans to pause and recalibrate over the summer break. A thoughtful recap...

In this powerful episode host K. Wilkes sits down with Dominic Lawson, the creator of the groundbreaking new podcast Mental Health Rewritten , to dive deep into the evolving landscape of mental health conversations. Together, they explore how storytelling, cultural identity, and personal experience can transform the way we talk about mental health. Dominic Lawson shares the inspiration behind Ment...

In this episode, K. Wilkes is in conversation with Talib Jasir, Founder of Afros & Audio.  Talib shares his journey from a close-knit community upbringing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland to becoming the founder of Afros & Audio, a festival dedicated to Black podcast creators. He discusses how his childhood experiences shaped his creativity and storytelling abilities, the importance of com...

In this episode host K. Wilkes interviews Anthony Weaver from About That Wallet, discussing his personal journey towards financial literacy and the importance of understanding money management. They explore childhood influences, pivotal moments that shaped Anthony's mindset about money, practical steps for achieving financial literacy, and the significance of community planning in financial d...

In this special Earth Day episode host K. Wilkes is in conversation with Imani Black an oyster farmer and Founder of Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA), who shares her inspiring journey into aquaculture, detailing her early influences, education, and the founding of her nonprofit, Minorities in Aquaculture (MIA). She discusses the significance of the Chesapeake Bay, the mission of MIA to promote dive...

In the second installment of our "Childfree By Choice" series, host K. Wilkes engages in an enlightening discussion with Dr. Jennifer Neal, a prominent researcher, at Michigan State University, specializing in child-free adults. This episode takes a deep dive into the motivations and demographics of individuals who choose not to have children, examining the stereotypes they face and the...

In this captivating first part of our two-part series,  host K. Wilkes is in conversation with Mia Voss, who describes herself as "intentionally childless".  In this engaging conversation,  Mia shares her journey of choosing a child-free lifestyle, discussing societal pressures, personal choices, and the language surrounding childlessness. The dialogue explores the importance of communit...

In this episode K. Wilkes is in conversation with Lori L. Tharps, an award-winning author, journalist, educator, and literary influencer.  She discusses the influence of her upbringing, her experiences in academia, and her commitment to elevating BIPOC voices through storytelling. Lori also delves into her podcast, 'Reed, Write, & Create,' where she explores the power of literature a...

In this episode host K. Wilkes is in conversattion with Dr. Allison Applebaum, author of 'Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving', as she shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her father, renowned musician Stan Applebaum, known for many iconic songs including "Stand By Me" and "This Magic Moment".   The conversation explores the emot...

In this episode, K. Wilkes is in conversation with Talaya Dendy who shares her inspiring journey from being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma to becoming a cancer doula. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced during her diagnosis and treatment, the importance of self-advocacy in the healthcare system, and the support she sought to navigate her cancer journey. Talaya emp...

In this episode, host K. Wilkes is in conversation with Attorney D. Mike Lyles as he shares his unique journey from a career in comedy to law.  He reflects on his childhood inspirations, particularly Richard Pryor, and how his comedic background has influenced his approach to law. Lyles discusses the parallels between comedy and law, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and audience engageme...