This episode is for you. You have that idea on your mind, but you’re letting what you don’t have get in the way of what you could have. You feel fear, doubt, and all the other things holding you back. And, you just need that bit of encouragement. Well, here it is! In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I sit down with Denese Longsworth and we discuss the importance of asking for help, building visibility, and fostering community engagement. Denese is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, creator of community, podcast producer, voice over artist and public speaker.

In this episode, Denese shares her journey in both navigating the podcasting industry and creating her own social work agency. She highlights the importance of community, collaboration, and support among Women of Color. And, she discusses her experiences and challenges in creating Podcasters of New Jersey and the PODWORK Virtual Summit.

Denese and I emphasize the value of relationships and the lessons learned from rejections, ultimately advocating for supportive communities that foster growth and empowerment. We explore how to build confidence through authenticity, embrace your unique journey, and prioritize your well-being while pursuing your goals.

We talk:

09:04 - The importance of asking for help

11:58 - The role of community in growth

21:10 - The value of relationships in entrepreneurship

34:58 - Visibility and community engagement

40:31 - Building confidence through authenticity

54:19 - Entrepreneurship: responsibility and freedom

Episode References:

Ann Smith

Danielle Desir Corbett

ABF Creative

Shirlz Rejouis

Black Podcasters Association

Afros & Audio

Dissecting Your Perspective

Evergreen Podcasts

Building Confidence and Success Through Affirmations with Deandre Raquel Bacon

Black with Benefits

Discovering Your Calling through Connection and Resilience with Erin Pompa

From Dream Job to Dream Life: A Cannabis Journey with Lucille Verde

Connect with Denese! - IG @deneseduran82 - LinkedIn @deneselongsworth

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis

“Black with Benefits” is a new audio series that brings mental health theories to life in an engaging story about a modern day situationship. It highlights cultural expectations, family dynamics, and societal pressures, especially within Black and Brown communities. And, in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, I get to sit down with its creators! Today I talk to Shirlz Rejouis and Denese Longsworth, and get all the details on the show.

In this episode, Shirlz and Denese share the show’s writing process, their creative journey, and how they bridged theoretical knowledge with real-life examples. They also highlight the significance of their social work backgrounds in shaping the content of “Black with Benefits,” emphasizing mental health and community support. They reflect on their successful listening party, the challenges of work-life balance, and the need for boundaries in creative partnerships. And, they discuss the significance of community, support, and resilience in the entrepreneurial journey, encouraging you to embrace your identity and pursue your dreams despite the obstacles.

This conversation truly highlights the importance of collaboration and sisterhood in your creative endeavors. Ultimately, we hope to inspire you to embrace your journey, learn from failures, and build meaningful connections.

We talk:

10:40 - Sisterhood and collaboration

26:11 - Social work's influence on creativity

32:15 - “Black with Benefits,” a peak into the story

42:06 - Entrepreneurship: overcoming fear and building community

Episode References:

Ep. 17 - Rejection is Redirection: Walking in Purpose with Shirlz Rejouis

ABF Creative

bell hooks

Frequency973prod

Connect with Shirlz!

- IG @i_5urelyrejoice

- SubStack @i5urelyrejoice

Connect with Denese!

- IG @deneseduran82

Follow Black with Benefits on social media!

- IG @frequency973prod

- Threads @frequency973prod

Connect with Pink Lady!

- IG @pinkladyprod

- Tik Tok @pinkladyprod

- LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media!

- IG @betonyourselfsis

- Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis

- YouTube @betonyourselfsis

My grandmother passed away a year ago.

And it has been super hard to focus on anything but memories.

So Bet On Yourself, Sis! is taking a break! But we will be back with new episodes on Wednesday, September 2nd! Make sure that you are subscribed and/or following the show so that you will be notified. And catch up on old episodes while you wait.

Connect with Pink Lady! - IG @pinkladyprod - Tik Tok @pinkladyprod - LinkedIn @pinkladyprod

Follow Bet On Yourself, Sis! on social media - IG @betonyourselfsis - Tik Tok @betonyourselfsis - YouTube @betonyourselfsis