The Meaningful Shift Podcast

Show Notes: Simone returns with a solo episode of The Meaningful Shift, sharing reflections from being “in the trenches” of building Ackee House and realizing it has become the work of her life, shifting from a business idea to a sense of purpose and calling. She discusses themes from The Five Regrets of the Dying, focusing on the regret of not having the courage to live a life true to oneself, an...

This entire conversation is inspired by a quote I read a few months ago that said, “ ‘Motherhood is actually the far better metaphor for any kind of God worth worshiping.” I’ve been on a long journey to motherhood myself and with every hurdle I overcome, with every new reality I face watching how we treat women and mothers in this world… I become more and more radicalized. We have so much work to...

If you were seeking permission to make your own way in the world, I hope this episode is it! I think if we can all find a way to accept the imperfections that are inherently part of life and choose to experience this one little, precious life on our own terms… we’ll all be better off for it. I hope you too consider doing something bold like living in a warehouse conversion 😏 go for it! Show Notes...

Sometimes you have to follow your heart and do things that don’t have clear explanations... things that don’t “make sense” when you try to explain them to other people. When you learn to trust your gut, you just might realize you’re being pulled in the exact place you’re supposed to be. ✨✨ Show Notes: Simone explains why she started The Meaningful Shift and how her answer has evolved beyond mark...

You know that lyric, “I make Black history everyday, I don’t need a month!” This conversation is the embodiment of that. We have to treasure our stories, especially the everyday and the mundane… when we step away from the ongoing pressure of the profit motive, we can remember the power of our humanity. In a time when history is being intentionally erased, it’s up to us to preserve and remember. Sh...

I’ve been seeing little pockets of this idea of “ friction maxxing ” online as a goal for people in 2026 to find more happiness. I find it hilarious that TikTok has made everything a trend with a brand but I will say, this one actually feels like a good thing. Brandy and I talk a little bit about this but I think realizing that in order for us to build our world together, we need to get comfortabl...

You know how they say if you can’t get a seat at the table, build your own table? This conversation is the best example of that… just start where you are! Show Notes: In this episode of The Meaningful Shift, Simone dives deep into the transformative journey of Nirupa Konijeti, the founder of Bazaar, a highly sought-after supper club in NYC. Nirupa shares her story of overcoming dissatisfaction in...

So many of the most incredible opportunities I’ve had in my life have come from me pushing past fear. It’s a human emotion, that never goes away… so know that and realize there’s SO much potential goodness on the other side. 🫶🏽✨ You cannot use someone else’s fire. You can only use your own. And in order to do that, you must first be willing to believe that you have it. -Audre Lorde Show Notes:...

It’s time to get offline and get back to the land - let’s touch grass folks! The truth is, there’s so MUCH we can do when we work together. We have so many skills and talents we can each bring to create the world we want to see 🫶🌎✨ Show Notes: In this episode we sit down with Angel Tobar, a horticulturalist and educator from the Bronx, to explore his dramatic transition from the world of financ...

In a time where so much feels so scary and out of our control, I really appreciated this conversation with Kathy. Her wisdom reminded me of the agency we all have to choose happiness. We have the power to transform ourselves and also the power to transform our world. I hope this conversation encourages you to step boldly into the transitions in your own life. There’s a new you waiting, and a new w...

Art can save your life. I know this for certain because it’s the only thing that’s saving me right now. My creative practice is my balm… Art can also change your life and I loved talking with Jodine about how art has changed hers. I hope you enjoy this conversation and consider how you might be able to support an artist that speaks to you. 💖 Show Notes: In this episode, we delve into Jodine Gordo...

What’s really crazy about this conversation is the fact that Maya and I recorded this in April and we talk about “navigating this time” and “ignoring the news” but it feels like we just talked last week. While that may feel depressing at first glance, as I thought about it, it actually brought me peace, because it’s a reminder that mindfulness is an evergreen solution and will continue to be an im...

I knew when I started this storytelling journey that I didn’t want to focus solely on me and the business in Jamaica. While I’m sure it’s interesting to many people, I wanted to make sure I wasn’t presenting it like a path that just anybody can take. I also don’t have it all figured out, so wanted to selfishly build something that would allow me to learn alongside you as listeners. However, I do k...

Have you seen that meme floating around on Instagram and TikTok recently? The one where it’s typically a montage of beautiful landscapes or simple pleasures like fresh fruit, or joyful laughter between friends and then the text overlayed just says “I almost forgot this was the whole point.” This conversation reminded me of that and the power we have to take back our agency and choose joy. I hope y...

The past week was a real doozy (I feel like we say that every week at this point)… I hope you’re finding time to take care of yourself, cultivating moments of joy, and spending time loving on the people in your life that matter. Might I suggest something else to add to your list? ✨Creativity✨ You’ll learn, like I did during this conversation, that doing something creative is another important wa...

Hey Substack friends! You’re getting a sneak peek before I share with the rest of the world — I’ll be previewing the first three episodes of the show here exclusively. So please, let me know what you think ☺️ This is a show where people share how they’re getting unstuck by embracing new ways of thinking about work, family, community, and everything in between. We’re living in a time of constant in...