In this episode, we sit down with Katrell Lewis, a Brooklyn native, lobbyist, and public policy professional who has dedicated his career to addressing issues like housing affordability, homelessness, and inequality. After spending eight years as a chief lobbyist for Habitat for Humanity in New York City, Katrell now works across the public policy and government relations space, advocating for solutions that can create meaningful change in his community.

We dive into Katrell's personal journey with self-care and grooming, from growing up as the youngest of three boys in a single-parent household to learning through trial and error what works best for his body, his skin, and how he wants to show up in the world. He shares why self-care is ultimately personal, why no one can tell you exactly what works for you, and how grooming can influence the way you see yourself and carry yourself with confidence.

Katrell also opens up about the connection between grooming, mental health, and homelessness. He discusses the importance of supportive housing and mental health services, why simply moving someone off the streets isn't enough, and how something as simple as a haircut can change the way someone sees themselves.

We also talk about imposter syndrome, navigating professional spaces as a Black man from Bed-Stuy, and the perspective that comes from looking back at how far you've come. Katrell shares how he stays grounded through meditation, exercise, kayaking, hiking, pottery, and even watching cartoons after spending his days immersed in politics and the news.

Key Takeaways:

· Why self-care is personal and requires trial and error to find what works for you

· How grooming can influence confidence and the way you show up in the world

· The connection between self-care, mental health, and homelessness

· Why supportive housing requires more than simply providing someone with a home

· How to navigate imposter syndrome by remembering how far you've come

· The importance of creating routines that center you before you step into the demands of the world

· Why doing things alone and trying something new can be an important part of self-care

· How to find the things that genuinely make you happy outside of your career and responsibilities

Whether you're figuring out what self-care looks like for you, navigating your career, or simply trying to find more ways to center yourself, Katrell's story is a reminder that taking care of yourself starts with understanding who you are and what makes you feel like yourself.

Listen now and join the conversation.

#NoFilterNeeded #MensSelfCare

In Episode 5, Brooke Williams and co-host Mike Fahey (four-time Emmy Award winner, veteran news executive, and PR expert) get real about Power Grooming and why looking put-together can quietly elevate your career.

They unpack the moments most people don’t prepare for. The interview you barely made it to. The networking event where you’re meeting five people in two minutes. The Zoom call where your face is basically the whole presentation. The point is not vanity. It’s self-respect, credibility, and giving yourself a better shot at walking into the room with confidence.

Mike shares how moving from Boston to Baton Rouge at 22 made him realize grooming is part of “dressing for the job you want,” plus the behind-the-scenes pressure of working in news and being camera-ready. Brooke opens up about being self-conscious on video, wearing exhaustion under her eyes, and how a few extra minutes of prep can change how you show up. They also get practical with low-maintenance routines, what to keep in a go-bag, and why starting with one product is the easiest way to build consistency.

Topics covered:
• Why first impressions still influence hiring, credibility, and negotiations

• Grooming as a confidence tool, not a superficial flex

• Camera-ready basics for Zoom and on-screen work

• Networking resets: quick touch-ups that change your presence

• Building a routine you can actually stick to

• Starting with one product and expanding from there

• Oily skin and on-the-go solutions like Shine Eraser Powder

• Knowing your skin, your patterns, and what throws you off

Listen now and share this with someone who’s trying to show up stronger at work without overcomplicating their routine.

🎙️ No Filter Needed is sponsored by NuNorm

You can check us out on all your favorite podcast platforms.

🎥 YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAynaI4kRDwJazBXS85XKeIy5rSF2SRx3&si=_N4vi7SEglafmnp9

🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-filter-needed/id1861952130

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pBYMbl1vWHk8J1aM8WdTp

In Episode 4, Brooke sits down with Tony Waller, a community relationship builder from Bentonville, Arkansas (originally from Puerto Rico), for an intimate conversation about life purpose, self-care, and what it truly means to honor yourself.

Tony shares his journey of understanding his assignment—helping people heal—and how that mission shapes everything he does, from his grooming practices to his personal styling side hustle. We explore the connection between internal confidence and external appearance, the power of vulnerability, and why therapy is just another form of self-care.

From his Ferrari mindset to grooming as a cultural practice in communities of color, Tony's wisdom reminds us that self-care isn't about perfection—it's about valuing who you are and showing up as your authentic self.

Topics covered:
• Understanding your life assignment and purpose
• Filling your cup and sharing with others
• How confidence shapes appearance (not the other way around)
• Vulnerability as strength
• Grooming in communities of color
• Therapy as self-care, not weakness
• Being authentic vs. fitting in
• The Ferrari mindset: treasuring yourself
• Personal growth through self-reflection

Listen now and share this with someone who needs to hear that you cannot be whole to the world until you're whole for yourself.

🎙️ No Filter Needed is sponsored by NuNorm
You can check us out on all your favorite podcast platforms.
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAynaI4kRDwJazBXS85XkeIy5rSF2SRx3
🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-filter-needed/id1861952130
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pBYMbl1vWHk8J1aM8WdTp

In Episode 3, Brooke and Mike explore one of the most influential forces in men's grooming: women. From scent and skincare to the power of a single caring person, we dive into what women actually wish men knew about self-care—and spoiler alert, it's way simpler than you think.

We discuss the psychology behind grooming insecurity, why one nudge from someone you trust can change everything, and the three pillars women value most: hygiene, grooming, and confidence. Whether you're starting your grooming journey or supporting someone in theirs, this episode is a reminder that self-care isn't selfish—it's essential.

Topics covered:

• What women secretly wish men knew about grooming
• The power of scent and how to wear it right • Skincare myths vs. reality
• Confidence, effort, and showing up for yourself
• Why vulnerability matters in self-care conversations

Listen now and share this with someone who needs to hear it.

🎙️ No Filter Needed is sponsored by NuNorm
You can check us out on all your favorite podcast platforms.
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAynaI4kRDwJazBXS85XkeIy5rSF2SRx3
🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-filter-needed/id1861952130
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6pBYMbl1vWHk8J1aM8WdTp

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Aubrey Jonathan Grant, one of only three Black sports cardiologists in the United States. Dr. Grant is the Director of Sports Cardiology at MedStar Health and serves as the team cardiologist for the Baltimore Ravens, Baltimore Orioles, and Washington Capitals. He's also a husband, father, former college athlete, and a passionate advocate for cardiovascular health in Black and brown communities.

We dive into Dr. Grant's journey from a young athlete navigating self-consciousness and grooming in an all-boys Catholic high school to becoming a confident leader in a predominantly white field. He opens up about imposter syndrome, the power of culturally concordant care, and why his identity as a Black man in medicine is his superpower.

Dr. Grant shares practical advice on building a simple, sustainable self-care routine, the importance of setting boundaries, and how he's normalizing grooming and skincare for his 14-month-old son. From trial-and-error skincare routines to the emotional experience of finding the right barber, this conversation is honest, inspiring, and full of wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

• Why self-care starts with knowing yourself and what actually fills your cup
• How to navigate grooming and professionalism in spaces that weren't built for you
• The value of seeing a dermatologist who understands your skin
• Simple, manageable routines that work for busy professionals
• How to love your community aggressively and attract the right people into your life
• Why authenticity is the ultimate confidence builder

Whether you're just starting your self-care journey or looking to refine your routine, Dr. Grant's story will remind you that showing up as your authentic self is the best thing you can do—for yourself and the people around you.

Listen now and join the conversation.

#NoFilterNeeded #MensSelfCare

In the debut episode of "No Filter Needed" by NuNorm, hosts Brooke Williams and Mike Fahey dive into the often unspoken challenges men face regarding self-care and grooming. They explore the societal pressures that discourage men from discussing their insecurities and the transformative power of makeup and grooming products. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, this episode encourages listeners to embrace self-care as an essential part of their daily routine. Tune in to discover how small changes can lead to significant boosts in confidence and well-being.