The Next Best Thing

With more than two decades in TV news, Renee Washington switched gears big time. Imagine managing 150 people, handling the crazy news cycle, then throwing in a pandemic, budget cuts, and a mountain of stress. Renee was in the thick of it when she decided to rethink success on her own terms. In this episode we're going on the wild ride that led her from being the boss of a bustling newsroom to her...

There’s no shortage of bad news right now from the wars abroad to the attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion right here at home. In this episode we explore how we can take a more active role in what’s NEXT for our community, our country and our world. Our guest Michellene Davis isn't holding back. With her diverse career in law, government, and healthcare, she's seen it all—from the toll of th...

What’s your earliest money memory? We're peeling back the layers on what’s getting in the way of our financial freedom and how the messages received in our childhood plays a major role in how we manage our finances as adults. From outlining the impact of a scarcity versus an abundance mindset to loud budgeting, in this episode financial therapist Aja Evans uncovers strategies to reshaping the way...

From the allure of short-form video content to the finesse of building not just an audience, but a true community, Chris Russo has the lowdown on what it takes to go viral while creating genuine brand impact. His company, Russo Strategic Partners, has helped clients go from zero followers to hundreds of thousands, that’s led to corporate partnerships, national television appearances and real money...

Deb Boulanger knows the corporate game all too well, after having served in senior roles for decades. But let's be real—the top spots are still a boys' club. Deb says, why wait for a seat at their table when you can build your own empire on your terms? As the President of The Great Do-Over Inc., Deb helps women entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses. In this episode Deb explains why entre...

Isis Breanna is a marketing expert, author, storyteller, and a lighthouse for those who want to make a living pursuing their purpose and passion. She joins us to share her transformative journey—from a beloved kindergarten teacher, to a highly sought after business coach. Isis explains how her faith has always been the driver of her transitions, the role submission plays in the process and the nat...

By February 80% of people would have ditched their New Year’s goals. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Dr. Kerry Ann Rockquemore, a sociologist, created a planning framework that changed her and her husband’s lives. They went from being self described “miserable, workaholic, perfectionists,” to retiring in their 40’s and living life on their own terms. But it all started with a plan, that they r...

K.J. Rose is the go to performance director for some of your favorite artists including Lil Nas X, Saweetie, The Lumineers and Erica Campbell. In this episode she is breaking down how to deliver the performance of your life, because after all we’re all artists on a stage. A performance that’s authentic, full of confidence and as K.J. says, leaves no crumbs. Get ready to be introduced to The Rose E...

HAPPY NEW YEAR! In this episode we’re saying farewell to 2023, reflecting on the highlights and the lessons! We’re also setting our sights on 2024 and celebrating Chanel’s upcoming 40th birthday! Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/ Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Stay in contact with Chanel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel...

Each week during the ACT Up segments guests share what you can do TODAY to get you from where you are to where you want to be. Here are a few of our favorites that can help you show up and show out in the New Year! Join our community on IG/Tik Tok @thenextbestthingpod Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets newsletter: https://thenextbestthingact.com/ Check out the full episode with our featured guests: Boz...

What do you want? Not what you THINK you can have but what do you want? What will it take to pursue that thing? This quick episode outlines the questions you should ask yourself, the mindset necessary and the actions you can take TODAY to get you closer to your goals. Join The NEXT Best Thing community on IG/TikTok @nextbestthingpod Subscribe to the NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://thenextbestthin...

What does financial freedom mean to you? For Jamila Souffrant it meant ditching her 1.5 hour commute to work for a life that gave her far more flexibility. To get there Jamila and her husband aggressively saved $169,000 in two years with the goal of retiring by 40. Jamila shared her experiences in a blog, which turned into the popular Journey To Launch Podcast. In this episode Jamila explains her...

In this episode of The Next Best Thing, host Aundrea Cline-Thomas shares her personal experiences and reflections on stillness and healing. Aundrea explains the consequences of overworking that forced her to prioritize creating space for rest. The unexpected impact was a burst of creativity. Aundrea also reflects on her anti hustle and bustle approach to the holiday season! Tune in for inspiring i...

Candi Carter had an award winning television career. She was a Senior producer of The Oprah Show and went on to be the show runner at The View and The Tamron Hall Show. After three decades in television she decided is was time for her NEXT. In this episode we discuss the importance of saying 'yes' to opportunities, exploring the world outside our comfort zones, and how to use your skills more stra...

How are you…. really? Are you in survival mode and don’t even know it? What does wellness even look like? On this episode we’re joined by Dr. Thema Bryant, the 2023 president of the American Psychological Association, minister and author of “Homecoming: Overcoming Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole Authentic Self.” We discuss the rewards of authenticity and how certain characteristics that cult...

Today, we welcome “Killer pitchmaster,” author, and entrepreneur Precious Williams. She breaks down the art of the perfect pitch, from teaching us how to position ourselves effectively in business, to sharing tips on networking, tailoring pitches, and leaving a lasting impression on audiences. But don't let Precious' success fool you. She's faced homelessness and personal struggles, yet she used t...

From pulling Howard University and its hospital out of a financial deficit, to increasing graduation rates, and attracting highly sought after faculty, University President Dr. Wayne Frederick decided to retire in September 2023 after a decade of service. In this episode Dr. Frederick explains his strategy for leading the University through a storm, building buy-in along the way, managing corporat...

Andre Iguodala joined The Next Best Thing podcast just days after announcing his retirement from the NBA after 19 seasons. Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of a champion as Andre shares his insights on success, leadership, being present, and his passion for investing in the tech space. From the basketball court to the boardroom, Andre discusses the importance of building a winning culture a...

It’s not what you say, it’s what they hear! Our non verbal communication truly determines how others may perceive us. Yet it’s a skill so many overlook. From helping lawyers choose a fair jury, to helping leaders in the C-Suite with their executive presence in this episode sales and body language expert Linda Clemons breaks down the key practices that will give you an edge in fostering deeper conn...

Are you hiding something? Does the secret keep you from connecting with others? Does the fear about being judged keep you from showing up as your true authentic self? For years the answer was yes for Philadelphia anchor and reporter Aziza Shuler. That was until she boldly told her story on the evening news about her alopecia diagnosis and traumatic childhood. Aziza took off her wig and so much wei...

The light is finally shining at the end of what seemed like and endless dark tunnel, but is it here to stay? Learn more about how host Aundrea Cline-Thomas is transitioning into her NEXT with recent projects, new revelations, what she’s implementing from conversations with past podcast guests, and her message to you! Sign Up for our newsletter NEXT Nuggets: https://thenextbestthingact.com/ Join ou...

Is setting up a business part of your NEXT? Don’t be so excited about going to market with your product and service and not protect yourself legally. In this episode you will learn what papers to file with the federal and state governments, the registrations needed to have products in big box stores and to become a government contractor. You will also learn how to protect your intellectual propert...

Do you have a nagging feeling that there’s more out there, but you don’t know where to begin? Are you trying to make your job fill all of the needs in your life that it wasn’t designed or has the capacity to honor and create space for? In this episode thought leadership brand strategist Amanda Miller Littlejohn asks the 5 questions you need to consider TODAY to provide clarity around how to best m...

Why not now for your joy, happiness and peace? What are you waiting for? On this episode of The Next Best Thing it’s just you and me! I want to share how we’re expanding, how I’ve been navigating my NEXT and the crucial lessons I learned this summer. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast! Also sign up for our BRAND NEW NEWSLETTER at TheNextBestThingACT.com Join our community on Inst...

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 le...