Tomika Arnold was once deep in the world of IT, telecom, and accounting — until her true calling started humming beneath the surface. Now a full-time singer based in Washington, D.C., Tomika brings more than a voice to the stage — she brings 𝑝𝘶𝑟𝘱𝑜𝘴𝑒. In this episode of 𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑡𝑜𝑢𝑟, she shares how she made the bold leap from corporate cubicles to center stage, performing at weddings, funerals, engagement parties, and everything in between.

Tomika sees her gift not just as talent, but as ministry — a way to comfort grieving families, celebrate love, and stir the soul. She’s worked with legends like Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and even the Kennedy Center Honors. And she doesn’t shy away from tough questions: Can Christians sing secular love songs? Should artists collaborate or create in isolation? What does it mean to move prophetically through music?

Whether you’re a creative in transition or simply love a story about stepping into purpose, Tomika’s journey will inspire you to find 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 voice — and use it.

In this episode of 𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑫𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒓, I sit down with Jeff Lindor, founder of 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛'𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦--a transformative space for men of color to connect, grow, and build legacy.Recorded in Brooklyn, New York, this conversation dives into Jeff's journey from Coney Island to creating a thriving professional community in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Jeff opens up about the early challenges of keeping the Gentleman's Factory afloat and staying personally grounded while building something bigger than himself.We talk about the power of community in combatting isolation and bias, and Jeff shares how the Gentleman's Factory has become a hub where men gather to network, get inspired, watch games, and even grab a haircut.Most importantly, Jeff discusses the legacy he hopes to leave behind--and his bold mission to expand this model of intentional brotherhood across the country and around the world.

Jamie Richards-Linton once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian in Jamaica—but her path shifted when she discovered her love for helping people organize. She began her journey organizing for Black immigrants, leaving a lasting imprint at 𝑈𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑐𝑢𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑁𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 and on the landscape of immigration justice. Today, Jamie works behind the scenes helping bold, first-of-their-kind organizations build structure, clarity, and intention. In this episode, we talk about the power of family, being led by God, the quiet resilience it takes to chart a new course, and what it means to support others in starting something that’s never been done before.

Josh Wilcox grew up in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, dreaming in beats and broadcast waves. From early days working with hip-hop artists to a corporate chapter at Comcast, Josh’s path was anything but linear. Now a podcasting expert and proud studio owner in Brooklyn, he’s built a business helping others find their voice—literally. In this episode, Josh shares how he turned his love for sound into a full-fledged career, the lessons he’s learned mentoring new creators, and what it takes to succeed in the ever-evolving podcasting space. We talk entrepreneurship, creative pivots, and why control over your own mic might just be the most powerful move of all.

Iris Bodre didn’t follow a straight path to the classroom. Before becoming a writing professor at St. John’s University in New York, she worked in crisis counseling, fundraising, and even at a hedge fund. A Brooklyn writing group helped reignite her passion for writing, ultimately leading to a faculty position and the creation of her student-focused e-book, 𝐸𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑒𝑟 𝐸𝑠𝑠𝑎𝑦𝑠. In this episode, Iris shares how she turned lived experience into a teaching tool and why she believes writing is a craft that should be accessible and inclusive. Raised in a family of educators, and once aspiring to be a surgeon, Iris now helps students find their voice through the written word. Her journey is one of rediscovery, purpose, and creative return.

What happens when the path you planned doesn’t pan out? Kyla Denanyoh—law school grad, podcast host, and creative entrepreneur—faced that question head-on after not passing the bar exam. In this episode, Kyla shares how she transformed a moment of uncertainty into a powerful pivot, launching 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝐴𝑟𝑒 𝐴 𝐿𝑎𝑤𝑦𝑒𝑟, a podcast that celebrates curiosity and nontraditional legal careers. She discusses how her worker mindset fueled her journey as a business owner, helping others grow their podcasts and scale their brands. With honesty and insight, Kyla breaks down why being an employee feels safe—but building your own thing can unlock your full value. Her story is a bold reminder that there’s more than one way to use a law degree—and more than one way to define success.

Sergio talks about his path from lawyer to podcaster and the meaning behind "Frolic and Detour."

In 2004, Marjorie Vail gave birth to her son, Alexsei, who was stillborn. Devastated and depressed, she questioned her purpose and distanced herself from her pregnant friends—only to help one deliver her baby just two months later.

Volunteering with New York Cares became her path to healing. Now a trauma therapist, Ph.D. student, and co-founder of Push for Empowered Pregnancy, Marjorie supports families impacted by stillbirth and pregnancy loss, especially women of color who face higher risks.

She’s also a former Mrs. New York International, Mrs. Brooklyn America, and Mrs. New York American.

This episode explores grief, service, and how one woman turned personal tragedy into powerful advocacy.