Quiet No More

Rabbit holes - those unexpected tangents we follow while researching - often carry a negative connotation as productivity killers. But what if these digital detours are actually where the magic happens? Today I'm pulling back the curtain on my research process, particularly the way I embrace going off-script when following information trails. Just yesterday, what started as a simple search to...

Have you ever wondered what stories about your family, your community, or yourself might be lost forever if not written down? I tackle this profound question head-on in a deeply personal exploration of why documentation matters. I share my journey from taking legislative notes to founding the first NAACP chapter at North Carolina State University—an achievement I almost forgot until recently. I ob...

Have you ever held onto a dream that others couldn't see? That burning vision that persists even when practical obstacles seem insurmountable?  The journey from dream to reality requires more than wishful thinking—it demands meticulous planning and unwavering belief. I share my recent experience planning an event that started as a vision to honor my mother and Black women, facing skepticism a...

Breaking the silence around hoarding, this raw and honest episode explores my personal journey from being overwhelmed by possessions to finding freedom through purposeful decluttering. After years of accumulation, I invited help to organize my space into clear categories—new items by the door, barely-used items for sale, craft supplies, and more. The process revealed not just the physical weight o...

Have you ever wondered about the invisible architects of your community? The women who shaped history without fanfare or recognition? My powerful journey reveals how a simple plan to honor her mother transformed into a mission to celebrate over 250 Black women who built Raleigh, North Carolina, since the 1800s. What began as a modest reception for her mother became something far more profound when...

I break decades of silence to share my deeply personal journey with hoarding in this powerful, vulnerable episode. What began as a practical response to financial insecurity—ensuring my family always had necessities despite an unpredictable legislative work schedule—gradually transformed into an overwhelming burden that shaped not just my living space, but my family's understanding of possess...

"Unseen, unheard. We've lived like that far too long." These powerful opening words set the stage for an intimate conversation with her brother Peele Wimberly, a music producer and record company owner, in this revealing episode of Quiet, No More. We explore the concept of respect from multiple angles, challenging conventional wisdom about how it functions in relationships and socie...

Reflecting on the wisdom of our elders, I, Carmen Cauthen, invite you to explore the timeless value of honoring those who came before us. Have you ever wondered how cultures like Japan seamlessly weave respect into their societal fabric? This episode promises to reveal the profound impact these values have on our communities and personal lives. With anecdotes from my own experiences and touching s...

Have you ever paused to consider the silent pillars of strength in our communities—those women whose names may not be etched in history books but whose impact resonates through generations? Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I recount the inspiring stories of my mother and her sisters, the legendary Grady Girls from Mount Olive, North Carolina. These women broke barriers in education and activism during...

What if unlocking your full potential was just a matter of embracing curiosity and continuous learning? Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I navigate the often unseen terrains of personal growth, sharing my experiences as a self-proclaimed "guinea pig" in life's grand experiment. From the unexpected joy of rediscovering a forgotten cashier's check to the complexities of being a truste...

Born amidst segregation and systemic barriers, my journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Black community in overcoming racial inequality, particularly in healthcare. My story begins in a racially segregated hospital in 1959 Raleigh, where my family faced relentless obstacles, even with the establishment of new facilities like Wake Med Hospital. I recount my grandmother’s ferv...

What does it truly mean to celebrate Black identity every single day? I'm Carmen Cauthen, and I invite you to join me as we explore the profound significance of embracing Black culture in our daily lives. Drawing from my own experiences growing up in an all-Black community, I reflect on how cultural celebrations like Emancipation Day and Black History Month have shaped our understanding of Bl...

What happens when holiday traditions collide with the raw emotions of grief and loss? Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I unravel this complex question through an emotional journey of memory and legacy. After the passing of my parents, the holidays took on a new shape, presenting challenges and opportunities for growth. Together, we'll explore how cherished holiday ornaments become more than just d...

What if you could preserve your family's legacy while honoring the powerful women who shaped history? Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I share my ambitious vision for 2025, where we celebrate the influential Black women of Raleigh, North Carolina, through extraordinary initiatives like the "Woman of Substance, Strong and Beautiful Dinner Event."  This episode is a heartfelt tribute to th...

What happens when a wedding reception turns your world upside down? Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I recall a pivotal moment that forced me to confront my own snobbery. Growing up in a world of lavish celebrations, I was unprepared for the humble affair of canned fruit cocktails and white bread sandwiches. This experience was not just a cultural shock but a wake-up call that made me rethink the messy...

What if the essence of your family's past was captured in the rituals of your holiday gatherings? Join me, Carmen Cauthen, on Quiet, No More, as I invite you to explore the rich tapestry of my family's traditions—stories that are filled with laughter, community, and sometimes bittersweet memories. From the tantalizing aroma of turkey and ham during Thanksgiving to the timeless tradition...

What happens when the unsung heroes of our lives step into the spotlight, even if only through the memories we cherish?  I’m Carmen Cauthen, and in this heartfelt episode of "Quiet, No More" I reflect on the profound influence of my mother, whose dedication as a community activist and educator has left an indelible mark on the social and educational fabric of Raleigh, North Carolina. Her...

America's history is often defined by the voices that recorded it, leaving many untold stories in the margins.  Today, I challenge the conventional narratives and bring to light the essential contributions of women, Native Americans, African Americans, and immigrants whose stories have been overshadowed.  I, Carmen Cauthen, invite you to explore these overlooked perspectives, sparking a neces...

What if the power to transform your community was right at your fingertips? J Join me, Carmen Cauthen, on "Quiet, No More" as I unravel my compelling journey into civic engagement, revealing the profound influence political participation can hold for those historically left unheard. I will share my personal awakening through early involvement in election campaigns, where I discovered the...

What if the simplest moments in our lives hold the key to true happiness? As I take you through a personal journey of discovering joy, you'll hear stories of my life, like the early days of mastering couponing to keep my family well-fed or the passion I have for unveiling the rich histories of families. Through these experiences, I invite you to explore how connections with loved ones and the...

What if the journey to personal fulfillment begins with a single decision to step out of the shadows? Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I recount my exhilarating transformation from a life of quiet anonymity to one bustling with public speaking, podcasting, and creativity. With a new series of children's history books in the works, I'm embracing a path filled with curiosity and ambition. This...

What happens when life pulls you away from a high-powered career into the unexpected role of family caregiver?   I faced such a crossroads when diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, compelling her to retire early and embrace a new chapter filled with unforeseen challenges. I bravely shares my personal journey, navigating my daughter's severe staph infection and her parents' dec...

What if the stories of our ancestors held the key to a richer understanding of our shared history?   Today's episode features a captivating discussion with me, Carmen Cauthen, a passionate historian committed to unearthing the forgotten narratives of Black history. I share my vibrant journey of illuminating the voices of those long overlooked, from my work on a book about Mount Hope Cemetery—...

What happens when you replace "I can't" with "I can"? Join me, Carmen Cauthen as I share my personal journey of overcoming self-imposed limitations by transforming fear into empowerment. Inspired by her upbringing, where "I can't" was never an option, I dive into the art of confronting fears head-on, from learning to spell to facing the daunting world of pub...

What if the spark of childhood wonder could transform your daily life?   Join me, Carmen Cauthen, as I share the heartwarming tale of my daughter's 80-year-old babysitter, who proves that creativity knows no age by inventing new words each day. This episode of "Quiet, No More" invites you on a journey through personal anecdotes and reflections on how continuous learning—whether thro...