Rooted & Rising

Last week, I announced The Real Cost of Wellness series, a series meant to pull back the curtain on the real economics of eating well and living well in midlife, and here we are. Today's episode, The Real Cost of Wellness: The Wellness Tax , is where it actually starts. I've paid this tax more times than I'd like to admit. The wellness industry quietly charges every time we buy something out of fe...

What if your income didn’t have to be tied to one city, desk or timezone? Let’s break down the most practical, tested strategies that real travelers are using to make real money on the road. No massive following required, no trust fund, and no new degrees, just you, your assets, and skills you already harbor. By the end of this guide, you’ll have at least two or three ideas you can start researchi...

A seed isn't something you sprinkle on yogurt. It's the very first dollar that starts an empire. We went deep on seed nutrition last episode. Now we're making the pivot from your plate to your portfolio. Seed capital, early-stage investing, the seed mindset for personal finance, and the legendary bets that changed the world. This one is for every woman who's ready to start planting for her financi...

Seeds are nature’s original multivitamin. Inside every single seed is everything a plant needs to survive, and when we eat them, we tap into that same concentrated power. Every few years, seeds start trending (chia seed pudding, adding hemp seeds to açaí bowls, etc.), but the truth is, humans have been eating seeds for thousands of years. Seeds are packed with nutrients that include anti-inflammat...

Mornings set your baseline Your mornings determine the feeling you carry throughout the day. Every meeting, meal, and money decision stems from this place. When you’re intentional about the way you nourish your body, even if it’s as small as starting your day with a warm glass of water, your cortisol levels stabilize faster. Your morning sets the trajectory for the entire day. It's about your base...

For my entire life, I‘ve operated from a logical standpoint. As the oldest child and daughter, I was not granted the same level of freedom as my younger brothers. So when I became a mother, it wasn’t too difficult to create routines and set boundaries that would shape my new life—a life of financial stability and raising healthy daughters. Last week, I spoke about my gastrointestinal issues and ho...

For all of my childhood and much of my young adult life, I struggled with gastrointestinal issues and gut discomfort. My doctors and I couldn’t figure out why. At one point, I just assumed that would always be how my life would be. Until one day in 2017, I was introduced to the concept of plant-based dieting. I had no idea what that lifestyle entailed, nor did I expect any benefits. I just thought...

When was the last time you checked your bank account, and your heart was beating normally? Growing up, everything I knew about money was from what I saw. My mom got every credit card for every department or grocery store. She definitely said, “Do you have McDonald’s money?”, and I surely repeated her patterns in my young adulthood. The conversations around money have gotten better over the past fe...

Have you ever woken up one day and realized you’re not in touch with the version of yourself that lives happily and freely? On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Sacred A. McEwen, a spiritual coach, energy healer, nail technician, massage therapist, esthetician, and owner of Divinity Massage & Oasis Spa , to discuss her inspiring journey from culinary arts school to skincare and holis...

Have you ever thought about what your days will look like after you’ve retired? If you have retired, does your life look how you imagined? On this episode of Rooted & Rising, Tabitha and Cheryl are back to discuss the transition from military to civilian life, what the retirement process was like, and what they are up to now. Transitioning out of the military often comes with profound identity and...

What if I told you that the secret to a vibrant life at 80 starts now? On this solo episode of Rooted & Rising, I dive into the world of movement, the benefits of being active as you age, share my daily fitness routines and science-backed insights, recount my fitness journey, and discuss the importance of surrounding yourself with those who make fitness a priority, too. When it comes to fitness, m...

In today’s fast-paced and challenging military environment, effective leadership is essential for success. On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Cheryl Bartly and Chief Warrant Officer 4 Tabitha Williams to explore their personal journeys in the military, the challenges they faced as women leaders, and the importance of mentorship and mental health. In any orga...

Are you curious about how to elevate your skincare routine with clean, luxury products rooted in Asian philosophies? On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Rain SanMartin, the owner of Rain Skin Lux and Spa , to discuss the deep connection between what we put on our skin and our overall health. Skincare has always been a part of Rain’s life, and in 2023, she decided to turn her passion...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Olivia Jewell, owner of Oblige Salon, who shares her journey in the hair industry, emphasizing the importance of building trust with clients, transforming their confidence, and understanding the unique needs of natural hair. Olivia highlights that understanding the unique properties of your hair is essential. Every individual’s hair is different,...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Cherie Bennett, a trained physician assistant who has taken a holistic health approach to her lifestyle to discuss the power of holistic health. The principles of holistic medicine, the importance of addressing root causes of health issues, and the role of nutrition in promoting wellness were only a few of the captivating topics during this conver...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Nate and Evelyn Thomas, a marriage and family counseling duo, to discuss the evolution of their understanding of relationships. They shared how their own marriage challenges led them to seek help and ultimately guide others through their struggles. The couple emphasizes the importance of communication in relationships, as many couples come to them...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Jasmine Roberts, a dedicated massage therapist and photographer, to explore the transformative power of massage therapy, consent, communication, and comfort. Jasmine shares her journey into the field, driven by a passion for helping others find relief from pain and stress. Jasmine not only alleviates physical pain but also facilitates emotional re...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by… me. February 28th, I am having the 2nd Color of Life event in Monroe, Louisiana, and just like the first event, we are preparing for the women to leave feeling moved. The Color of Life is a one-day wellness event that empowers our guest to embody the characteristics that make them feel their best by creating deep, thought-provoking discussions, e...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Quincy Cornelius, a teacher and founder of the non-profit organization, Classroom Crops, to discuss his journey from teaching algebra to horticulture, the importance of engaging students in learning about food and health, maintaining classroom structure, being a role model for students, overcoming language barriers and handling the emotional weigh...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Drew Johnson Nwabueze, an entrepreneur and sound meditation coach, to explore the transformative power of sound meditation and its impact on emotional well-being. We discussed the intricacies of sound meditation, the significance of chakras, and how sound can facilitate emotional regulation and healing, while highlighting the significance of a saf...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, I am joined by Dr. Letesha Newsom Butler, owner of the Newsom Fitness Gym with a Ph. D. in Nutrition and Health Sciences, to share her journey from military service to becoming a personal trainer and gym owner. We discussed the importance of dieting in fitness, bodybuilding, her personal experiences with weight fluctuations, and how she uses this approach to emp...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising , we revisit eight of my favorite moments from past episodes! It covers topics like financial planning before major purchases, the importance of rest, and embracing self-compassion. The episode also highlights the life cycle of plants, the significance of forgiveness, and strategies for rebuilding self-trust and confidence. Today, I feel grateful for the communit...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, Angie K. Allen, the founder of AK Tha Experience, author, writer, writing coach, and mentor, joins me to talk all things writing, creativity, wellness practices to enhance creativity, and more. From the evolution of her creative process, the importance of support from family, the challenges of overcoming writer’s block, and stepping out of her comfort zone as an...

On this episode of Rooted & Rising, Nicole Curtis, a talented gardener, joins me to discuss her passion for gardening, her homesteading goals, and even reveals the unexpected mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and anxiety, that come from engaging with nature and gardening. She even provides insight on where to start for those beginning their gardening journey. Getting my hands in the s...

For the second week in a row, we are joined by Regina Lewis, founder of Brightway Planning , money mindset coach, and author. Since we met Regina last week, we dove right into the importance of self-care, financial awareness, budgeting regularly, and how to stay/get prepared for things as catastrophic as a 43-day government shutdown. Regina encourages listeners to take actionable steps towards bud...