The Next Best Thing

Thinking about writing a book or pitching a big idea? LIsten to this FIRST! Kishan Trotman didn’t set out to launch a publishing imprint—but when the moment called for action, she answered. In this episode, she shares how Legacy Lit was born in the wake of the George Floyd uprisings, and what it took to convince one of the biggest publishing houses in the world to bet on something new. We talk abo...

You keep pushing, showing up, and holding it together, but inside, you’re exhausted, numb, and running on fumes. In this conversation therapist Kalisha Crone unpacks the silent damage of suppressing your emotions just to survive. If you've been snapping at people you love, zoning out at work, or feeling disconnected from yourself, this episode is your call-in. Kalisha offers clarity, compassion, a...

On this episode of The Next Best Thing, I'm celebrating two years of the podcast. I opened up about the journey behind building this podcast from scratch, facing doubts, fighting comparison, and redefining what success really means. From almost quitting to now reaching nearly 100 episodes, it’s been about honoring promises to myself and helping others navigate life’s transitions. Remember, perfect...

Ever felt like your career has more chapters left to write? When the path you've built starts to feel narrow, or you're craving a professional reinvention that honors your hard-earned experience, Christina Santiago and Elaine Walker have a conversation that will change your perspective. In this episode, they unpack the art of career transitions, from leveraging your existing skills, to  expanding...

Feeling stuck in your career with no clear NEXT step? I get it, I’ve been there too. That’s exactly why I created The NEXT Best Thing Podcast, to help you move forward with confidence, no matter what curveballs come your way. In this episode, I’m sharing my EMPOWER framework, a simple roadmap built from conversations with 70+ podcast guests who turned setbacks into new opportunities. It's also wha...

One moment, you're secure in your job, and the next, the rug is pulled out from under you. The emotional rollercoaster of job loss can feel overwhelming. But what if the pain you're feeling isn't just frustration or confusion, it could actually be grief? In this episode, career coach and grief specialist Laverne McKinnon helps you reframe what you might be going through. Laverne McKinnon shares ho...

Ever wondered how a personal problem could turn into a successful business? In this episode, Britney Crowell, founder and inventor of CurlCap takes us on her journey from deconstructing her dad's old hat to address her own scalp psoriasis to becoming the first Black woman with a patented product to sell officially licensed Disney apparel, yes THAT Disney! You'll hear firsthand how protecting her i...

Ever feel like society's constantly giving you the side-eye for being happily single? In this episode of The NEXT Best Thing Podcast we're chatting with Dr. Kris Marsh from the University of Maryland, whose book "The Love Jones Cohort" is shaking up everything we thought we knew about relationships.  Dr. Marsh introduces us to a growing group of college-educated, financially comfortable single Bla...

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant chaos around you? Like the world is on a never-ending loop of bad news, and you're stuck in fight or flight mode? You’re not alone—and it doesn’t have to be this way. In this episode, guest Lidia Bonilla talks about how understanding your nervous system can be the key to handling all that stress. We’ll dive into polyvagal theory, a game-changer for recognizing h...

In this episode, we explore the power of ignoring the doubts and limitations others try to place on us, and how to break free from societal timelines that don’t align with your unique journey. I share personal stories of how embracing uncertainty, building a supportive community, and acknowledging your own superpowers can lead to transformation. It’s not about starting over—it’s about recognizing...

Feeling like you're stuck in a rut or not reaching your full potential? It’s frustrating when you know you can do more, but something’s holding you back. In this episode, NBA Performance Coach Ben Kenyon gets real about how to break through those mental blocks and tap into your true power. Whether you’re an athlete or just looking to level up in life, Ben shares his top strategies for staying moti...

Ready to Feel Good About Your Money in 2025? 🙌🏾With everything happening in this political climate, we can't afford to have our money stay funny. Financial therapist Aja Evans returns to the show – this time as a published author – to help us get crystal clear about creating prosperity and options for ourselves. Her new book "Feel Good Finance" is right on time. We all know money talk can get he...

In this final episode of 2024, I’m reflecting on the whirlwind year that’s been—what worked, what didn’t, and everything I’ve learned along the way. It’s a moment to pause, take stock, and share what’s been on my heart as I set intentions for the year ahead. I’m also encouraging YOU to reflect on your own journey, address your fears, and dream big as we step into 2025. This episode is all about gr...

Feeling stuck in toxic environments—whether at work or in your personal life? It's easy to tolerate what feels "normal," but that doesn't mean it's healthy. Ariane Hunter reveals how to break free from these patterns, with insight from her book, Dreaming on Purpose, to help you overcome cultural limits that hold you back from pursuing your true dreams. Looking to set clear intentions for the year...

Could you do 1% less everyday to create lasting change? In this episode, rest coach and author, Octavia Raheem discusses how to start building a rest practice that actually works for you. She breaks down the how to recognize when you’re truly tired (and not just pushing through) and gets real about the unique exhaustion Black women face, especially with all the systemic barriers stacked against us...

Save yourself! Here are some suggestions on how! Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/ Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod 

Are you ready to become a “Rested Rebel” and take the practice all the way to the bank? Kibi Anderson dives into why rest is all about trust. She challenges us to think about what we might not be trusting ourselves with and how to flip that script. When sharing tips for shifting from a lack mindset to one of abundance, Kibi encourages us to ask, “What can go right?” Check out her Macro Success Cyc...

I’m back with part 2 of our discussion about the anatomy of a transition, the important steps so many often overlook and why your Rewrite and NEXT Best Thing are no longer a one-time pursuit but a new way of being.  Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/ Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod  Save Your Seat for The Rewrite Summit on N...

The media landscape is collapsing before our eyes. Thousands of journalists have been laid off. In this episode we discuss how to turn the turmoil into opportunities, the mindset shifts needed and how The Rewrite can help! Join us on Octover 14th for a free webinar to learn more: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/oGk38aDlf8vbaeZQzUT7 The Rewrite website:  https://startyourrewrite.com/...

From the Community College of Philadelphia to The White House, Deesha Dyer’s journey has been anything but a linear path. Along the way she’s always leaned into her curiosity and faith that she could make a way. In this episode, Deesha shares insights from her memoir, "Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble," and dives into topics like overcoming imposter syndrome, leaning...

Far too often we are living a muted reality, tip toeing around what we think others can handle instead of asserting what we need. In this episode, inclusion strategist and author, Amber Cabral provides practical strategies for having tough conversations at work and home, all with the goal of allowing us to thrive both personally and professionally. Amber literally provides the script on how to set...

Sleep deprivation may be the root cause of a lot of your ailments from irritability to chronic diseases, but doctors rarely prescribe rest. Licensed mental health professional, sleep science and corporate wellness coach LaShasta Bell shares key insights on how to not only live longer but how to enjoy the journey.  In this episode you will learn: Health Impact: Learn the correlation between chronic...

Is perfectionism holding you back? Are you trying to be the best parent, partner, friend and worker all at the same time? What if I told you perfection doesn’t exist?   L’Oreal Thompson Payton, author of “Stop Waiting for Perfect: Step Out Of Your Comfort Zone and Into Your Power,” shares how she manages her own perfectionism, the hard truths she had to confront, and how she’s modeling what she’s...

Have you hit a wall? Did summer burn you out? In this episode we’re unpacking the transformative journey of Daisy Auger-Dominguez, former Chief People Officer at Vice Media, who took a courageous step away from the corporate world to embark on a "radical sabbatical." In this conversation, Daisy opens up about the immense burnout she faced after steering her team through the pandemic, coupled with...

How are you…. really? As summer is coming to a close are you in survival mode and don’t even know it? What does wellness even look like?   On this REWIND episode Dr. Thema Bryant, discusses the rewards of authenticity and how certain characteristics that culture celebrates may actually be harmful to our health. Plus, we'll explore how healing can change the game in relationships and what men can d...