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

I’m not a mom yet, but I know that entrepreneur parents are amazing! You work, you build your business, you take care of your family, and you take care of yourself! Entrepreneuring as a parent is hard work and today’s guest on Bet On Yourself, Sis! is an expert! Ms. Jonna is a mama of 5 children and the daycare mama of many others. She is the owner of Ms. Jonna’s Play & Learn, a successful home-based daycare center, and she is currently working on her first children's book for publication.

In this episode, Ms. Jonna shares her journey of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship and the challenges she faced in establishing her daycare business. She is also a longtime vegan with 3 self published vegan cookbooks, so you know I had to learn more about that! She discusses her transition to veganism and the creation of her cookbooks.

Throughout the conversation, we emphasize the importance of authenticity, staying true to yourself in your entrepreneurial journey, and the personal growth that comes with it. We explore the significance of networking, the need for self-care, and the necessity of perseverance and hard work for achieving long-term goals, especially for Black Women Entrepreneurs.

We talk:

08:55 - Starting the daycare business

18:13 - Staying true to yourself in business

22:48 - The power of networking and authentic connections

30:25 - Personal growth through entrepreneurship

40:28 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs: perseverance and self-care

Episode References:

Just VEGANIZE It: Vol 1

Just VEGANIZE It: Vol 2, Soups, Salads, & Sides

VEGANIZED for Kids: Vegan Cooking Simplified for Kids

Insight Timer

Connect with Ms. Jonna! - IG @Ms.Jonnas - FB @msjonnas - LinkTree @queenluv

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

We live in a world where Black birthgivers face a disproportionately higher risk of mortality, with a rate of 44.8 deaths per 100,000 live births*. And Leah Hairston is on a mission to change that number to 0 deaths. Leah is a seasoned doula, health advocate, and the CEO and founder of Sweet Bee Services, Baltimore's concierge doula agency, with a 100% survival rate.

In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Leah shares her entrepreneurial journey into the field of doula services and creating a business that prioritizes community needs and well-being. She discusses the importance of autonomy and choice in maternal health and the challenges faced by Black women in the healthcare system. And she emphasizes the need for education and support in navigating maternal care.

Our conversation highlights the intersection of personal purpose and professional responsibility, and the necessity of addressing financial concerns in the pursuit of impactful work. We discuss the need for Black Women Entrepreneurs to embrace our unique identities and serve our communities. And, we advocate for rest, noting that it is imperative and not earned.

We talk:

8:53 - The importance of autonomy and choice

17:51 - Entrepreneurship in the doula space

29:20 - Sustainable business practices

37:40 - Entrepreneurship as a responsibility and privilege

45:13 - Advice for Black Women Entrepreneurs

Episode References:

Navigating Identity Shifts in Business and Life with Shervon Laurice

*CDC’s Data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System

Connect with Leah! - IG @sweetbeeservices - LinkedIn @lhairston - Website SweetBeeDoula.com

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

This is another episode to remind you to build your dream life! Don’t focus on finding your dream job. Do what you have been called to do and the rest will fall into place. That is a running theme in this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, with Casaundra Freeman. Casaundra is a professional actor and director, and the founder of Work with Your Voice, a voiceover training program exclusively for Black women.

In this episode, Casaundra shares her transformative journey through motherhood and entrepreneurship. She discusses her career change from acting to voiceover, her move to Mexico to “worldschool” her children, and the importance of community and empowerment for Black women, especially in the voiceover industry. Casaundra also notes her experiences with grief, healing, and setting boundaries while navigating her career and motherhood.

Our discussion emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, the power of believing in yourself, the responsibilities that come with freedom as an entrepreneur, and the necessity of pursuing dreams without seeking external validation.

We talk:

12:45 - World Schooling and Healing Through Relocation

27:31 - Building Community and Setting Boundaries

38:28 - The Journey to Motherhood and Self-Discovery

48:45 - The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Pursuing Freedom and Responsibility

55:53 - Overcoming Adversity: The Impact of Intimate Partner Violence

1:09:37 Dreaming Big: The Importance of Believing in Yourself

Episode References:

Detroit Repertory Theatre

Alabama Shakespeare Festival

https:The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms - Audiobook

The Broken Kingdoms - Audiobook

The Kingdom of Gods - Audiobook

ExodUS Summit | For Black Women

The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani Sanders

Adrienne Livingston

Connect with Casaundra! - IG @heycasaundra - LinkedIn @casaundra-freeman - Website heycasaundra.com

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

“We are human beings, not human doings!” This quote from Dr. Alicia Newsome really sets the tone for this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis! Dr. Alicia is an executive advisor, international speaker, bestselling author, and most importantly a functional medicine expert. And in this episode, I learn so much about myself.

In this episode, we discuss the importance of health in leadership, the differences between functional and traditional medicine, and the significance of rest and boundaries in entrepreneurship. Dr. Alicia shares her journey into functional medicine and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to health and well-being, especially for Black women entrepreneurs.

This conversation also touches on the importance of trusting yourself and finding clarity in your personal and professional life. Dr. Alicia teaches me about the impact of stress on hormones and overall health, which emphasizes the connection between mental and physical well-being. We highlight the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing your inherent worth. And Dr. Alicia gives practical tips on nutrition and gut health, reinforcing a holistic approach to wellness.

Stay tuned for more info on Dr. Alicia’s new book!

We talk:

06:01 - Functional vs. traditional medicine

12:07 - The importance of health in leadership

18:04 - Redesigning business for personal wellbeing

29:15 - Trusting yourself and finding clarity

34:12 - The impact of stress on hormones

52:23 - Empowerment and self-acceptance for Black women entrepreneurs

Episode References:

And Still She Rise! (2024)

Manifesting Her! (2023)

Stories of The World's Greatest Speakers (2024)

Women Redefining Leadership with S.P.I.C.E. (2025)

Connect with Dr. Alicia! - IG @dr.alicianewsome - YouTube @dr.alicianewsome - LinkedIn @dr-alicia-newsome

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

We got another Black Woman in Cannabis ya’ll! If you know her, you already know this will be a great conversation. But if you don’t know her, I’m super excited to introduce you to Lucille Verdé, your favorite stay at home stoner. Lucille is a cannabis entrepreneur and the owner of Canna Cape Cod, a unique bud and breakfast in DC.

In this episode of Bet On Yourself, Sis!, Lucille shares her journey in the cannabis industry, both personal and professional. She highlights the importance of community building, the cultural nuances of being a stoner, and the spiritual growth that comes with entrepreneurship.

Our conversation emphasizes the significance of empowering Black Women, especially within the cannabis industry, showcasing the nurturing and supportive community we create. We discuss the importance of advocating for those still incarcerated for cannabis-related offenses. And we stress the need for authenticity, resilience, and commitment in entrepreneurship and the importance of recognizing signs in business and life.

We talk:

4:10 - The journey of building a cannabis business

12:05 - Navigating the cannabis industry while community building

19:24 - Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship

25:31 - From dream job to dream life

38:06 - The injustice of cannabis incarceration

42:52 - Empowering Black Women Entrepreneurs!

Episode References:

Last Prisoner Project

Free My Weedman

Buy Weed From Women

Connect with Lucille! - IG @canna_cape_cod_dc - YouTube @lucilleverde420 - Website lucille-verde.com

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