In this conversation, Jamal 'Litebulb' Oliver discusses the rich history and evolution of footwork culture in Chicago, emphasizing its roots in community and artistic expression.

He shares insights on his journey as a dancer and creative producer, the importance of empowering the next generation through initiatives like 'Footwork Saves Lives,' and the future of footwork as a recognized art form.

The dialogue highlights the significance of personal development, cultural identity, and the collaborative spirit within the footwork community.

Takeaways

• Footwork is deeply rooted in Chicago's culture and community.
• The evolution of footwork has transformed it into a global phenomenon.
• Empowering youth through dance is crucial for the future of footwork.
• Personal development and mental health are integral to the dance experience.
• The Era represents a new wave of artistic expression in footwork.
• Collaboration among dancers and musicians enhances the art form.
• Footwork is not just a dance; it's a lifestyle and identity.
• The importance of preserving the authenticity of footwork culture.
• Artistic initiatives can create opportunities for the next generation.
• The future of footwork is bright, with a focus on storytelling and community engagement.

Trump has only been back in office for a week, and things are already going off the rails. From DEI program cuts in the military to major corporations like Target rolling back diversity initiatives, the writing is on the wall. What does this mean for Black, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented communities? And how do we fight back? 🤔 💡 In this episode, we break down: ✅ The history behind DEI in the military & why it’s needed ✅ Why Target folded under pressure & what it means for Black-owned brands ✅ The bigger picture—how Trump’s leadership is already shaking the table ✅ Should we boycott or keep buying Black? 🎯 Join the conversation! What do you think about these DEI rollbacks and corporate backpedaling? Drop a comment below! 👇🏾 🔔 SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS so you don’t miss the next episode! 📢 Follow me on social media: 🎧 Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/unso...

In this episode, Gabrielle Pickens discusses the journey from financial anxiety to abundance, the importance of diversifying income streams, and the impact of DEI policies on veterans.

With special guest Broker Robert McKinney-McGee, they explore the significance of mindset in achieving financial success, navigating the real estate landscape, and the role of vision in entrepreneurship. The conversation emphasizes the need for persistence in the face of rejection and the importance of finding the right contractors to bring one's vision to life.

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Creating Your Own Path

5:00 Trumps DEI Ban

7:00 Earn Your Leisure Book Review

15:53 Introducing Robert McKinney

16:28 New Chapter

17:37 Overcoming Doubts and Pursuing Visions

20:36 The Entrepreneurial Spirit

23:04 Learning from Failures and Moving Forward

25:52 Resonating with the Audience

27:13 The Journey of Real Estate Investment

31:05 From Dream to Reality: Building Your Vision

35:30 Finding the Right Contractor

36:54 Unsolicited Advice for Success

keywords #financialanxiety #entrepreneurship #incomestreams #wealth building #mindset #real estate #DEIpolicies #veterans #entrepreneurshippath #vision #contractors

Gabrielle Pickens doesn’t hold back in this powerful episode, diving into everything from financial goals and sobriety to the 14-hour TikTok ban that sent shockwaves through small businesses—and the surprising role of Trump’s ego in its ongoing drama. With her signature blend of insight and honesty, Gabrielle unpacks the importance of diversifying your business strategies, staying resilient during uncertain times, and managing anxiety through mindfulness practices.

She shares her personal journey to 500+ days sober, practical tips on building an email list to safeguard your audience, and how celebrating small wins can keep you motivated. Using the TikTok ban as a real-world example, Gabrielle explores why it's critical not to rely on one platform and how to stay grounded when life throws you curveballs.

If you’re ready to revisit your purpose, strengthen your resilience, and grow both personally and professionally, this episode will give you the tools and inspiration you need to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Takeaways:

• Sobriety can lead to profound personal growth.
• Diversification is essential for mitigating risks in business.
• Building resilience and staying grounded are key to overcoming challenges.
• Mindfulness and celebrating small wins are vital for managing anxiety and staying motivated.
• The TikTok ban, fueled by political egos and policy debates, is a reminder to own your audience by building platforms like email lists.

Sound Bites:

• "Revisit your why all the time."
• "This TikTok ban is a wake-up call. Trump’s influence is still playing a role here."

Chapters:
00:00 The TikTok Rollercoaster: Bans, Unbans, and Trump’s Ego
01:45 The Importance of Diversification in Business
06:43 Building Resilience in Uncertain Times
10:30 Staying Grounded and Appreciating Time

Don’t miss this heartfelt and inspiring episode that’s packed with strategies to help you thrive in the face of uncertainty—even when politics and platforms are unpredictable.

In this conversation, Gabrielle Pickens and Musician Takenya Freeney explore the profound impact of voice and expression in personal and societal contexts.

They discuss the cultural conditioning that leads to self-muting, particularly among marginalized groups, and the importance of reclaiming one's voice as a source of power.

The dialogue delves into transformative experiences, such as motherhood and personal challenges, that catalyze growth and self-discovery.

They emphasize the significance of reframing challenges into opportunities and the necessity of embracing authenticity in self-expression.

Ultimately, the conversation serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking up and being true to oneself.

Takeaways:

• The voice is a powerful tool for expression and transformation.
• Cultural conditioning often leads to self-muting, especially among marginalized groups.
• Reclaiming one's voice is essential for personal empowerment.
• Transformative experiences can catalyze significant personal growth.
• Reframing challenges can turn obstacles into opportunities for success.
• Authenticity in self-expression attracts the right connections.
• Fear of judgment often holds people back from speaking up.
• Vulnerability can create community and connection with others.
• It's important to verbalize experiences to process them effectively.
• Trusting the process of life can lead to unexpected opportunities.

• Finding Your Voice: Empowerment Through Expression
• Breaking the Silence: The Journey to Self-Expression

• "Your voice is your power."
• "You must win for them."
• "Trust the process of life."

Chapters

03:39 The Power of Voice and Expression

06:33 Overcoming Societal Norms and Self-Muting

09:24 Cultivating a Strong Voice

12:23 Vulnerability and Personal Transformation

15:43 Empowering Future Generations

21:29 The Power of Silence and Voice

23:02 Navigating Allegations and Finding Strength 24:24 Reframing Challenges into Opportunities

27:08 Emotional Journey: From Shock to Surrender

30:36 Trusting the Process of Life

33:34 Failing to Find Out: Embracing Growth

33:59 Unsolicited Advice: Just Do You

35:34 The Power of Speaking Up

35:59 Finding Your Voice and Safety

In this episode, Gabrielle and Tully discuss the challenges and triumphs of sobriety, exploring personal journeys, social pressures, and the realities of alcohol consumption.

They emphasize the importance of self-acceptance, the need for supportive relationships, and the tools available for those seeking to change their relationship with alcohol.

The conversation highlights the significance of taking sobriety one day at a time and the transformative power of self-discovery.

• Having a support system is crucial for sobriety.
• Social pressures can persist into adulthood.
• Sobriety requires removing temptations from your life.
• Respect from friends is vital during recovery.
• There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink.
• Self-discovery is a continuous journey.
• It's important to appreciate small wins in life.
• The relationships formed without alcohol are deeper.
• Everyone struggles with some form of addiction.
• Take it day by day and trust the process.

• Navigating Sobriety: A Personal Journey
• The Impact of Social Pressures on Sobriety

• "It only takes 15 minutes a day."
• "It's a journey of becoming."
• "Take it day by day."

00:00 Navigating Peer Pressure

01:36 Respecting Boundaries in Friendship

04:30 Life in Sobriety: The Ups and Downs

06:38 Testing Your Limits with Alcohol

09:19 Tools for Sobriety

10:41 Exploring Non-Alcoholic Options

12:15 Unsolicited Advice for the Journey

Links Mentioned:

Surgeon General's Warning about Alcohol

Reframe App Code, 1-Month Free: LG68PM

Full Episode Drops Next Week! Follow to be notified!

Celebrating Dry January all month long!

In this premiere episode of Unscripted with Gabrielle, I dive deep into my personal journey with alcohol, sharing how it started, its influence on my time in the military, and the moment when a DUI forced me to face the truth.

I discuss the struggles of navigating social circles and the fear of not fitting in when I decided to change my relationship with alcohol.

This episode is a raw and real exploration of transformation, self-awareness, and the courage to redefine yourself and your choices.

Episode Topics:

1. How I started drinking and the role alcohol played in my life
2. My experience with drinking in the military
3. The turning point: Getting a DUI and facing the consequences
4. Rebuilding my relationship with alcohol
5. Navigating social circles and the fear of not belonging
6. Overcoming the challenge of change and self-identity
7. A personal story of transformation and self-acceptance

Resources this episode:

1. Get $25: Use Code 'ht4cp65f' in Qapital App
2. Get 1 Month Free: Use Code 'LG68PM' in Reframe App
3. Submission email: unsolicitedwithgabrielle@gmail.com