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The room laughed—and Hope chose to build a bigger stage. That’s the energy we bring into this conversation with author, artist, and activist Hope Giselle, a world-changer who turned rejection at a conservative HBCU into a blueprint for queer visibility, campus safety, and unapologetic self-worth. We trace the path from “you’ll never perform here” to founding a student organization, producing a two-hour AIDS benefit in drag, and facing the hidden fees and institutional traps designed to shut it all down. What could have been an end became a playbook: document everything, gather allies, anticipate gatekeeping, and refuse to shrink.

We go deeper at a dorm window where despair almost won—and two Black men from student affairs broke the door off its hinges to pull Hope back. That moment complicates the easy narratives and shows what real allyship can look like in Black communities. From there, we explore the “free” chapter of Hope’s life: a marriage that holds her accountable with love, a circle that won’t let her shrink her height or her light, and a boundary with family that protects her peace. If you’ve wrestled with body image, gendered expectations, or the pressure to be smaller to make others comfortable, this is a practical guide. Hope’s line will stick with you: “Everything exclusive goes on sale.” Set your price. Run your race. Keep your pen.

We also preview Not Your Average Girl—Hope’s new documentary with grassroots screenings in Atlanta, Miami, LA, and DC—and her expanding HIV and AIDS advocacy, including USCHA in Washington, DC. Come for the story; stay for the frameworks you can use today: how to navigate hostile systems, build chosen family, and live out loud without apology. If this conversation moved you, tap follow, share it with someone who needs the reminder, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your voice helps us reach the people still standing at their own window.

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What if every no you’re hearing is quietly saving you for a yes that fits? We sit down with Coach Dawn “The Diva Coach” Thornton—now leading Alabama A&M women’s basketball—to unpack how she turned layoffs, long waits, and public doubt into a platform built on faith, preparation, and unapologetic style. It’s a story that moves from WIC cards and chapel vans to community impact, player development, and a sideline presence that makes confidence contagious.

We go deep on the inner game: trusting God in the valley, protecting your mind from borrowed limits, and choosing environments that stretch your roots instead of choking them. Dawn’s mantra, “Your preparation is your separation,” runs through every chapter—from breaking down film and owning mistakes to pruning people and habits that stall growth. She speaks openly about humility, using assistance without shame, and keeping the glass half full while you wait for the phone to ring. When it finally did, she rebuilt with intention, then jumped—heels and all—when the moment came.

We also explore fashion as leadership. Dawn partners with Black designers and stylists to craft custom looks that amplify culture and spark pride for her players and fans. It’s not vanity—it’s brand, belonging, and belief. Expect practical takeaways on overcoming rejection, building resilient teams, designing a personal brand in women’s sports, and setting a championship standard without losing your soul. If you’re navigating no’s, cutting dead weight, or getting ready to transplant into a bigger pot, this conversation will meet you where you are and nudge you forward.

Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations on resilience, women’s sports, purpose-driven leadership, and bold self-belief. If this episode helped, share it with a friend and leave a review—what’s one no you’re ready to reframe today?

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What would happen if you stopped begging for a seat at someone else's table and built your own instead? That's exactly what Kerri Paul, a self-described "regular little southern girl" from Mississippi, decided to do. After leaving corporate America behind, she's now the proud co-owner of three thriving Brick and Spoon restaurants across the Gulf Coast, a content creator, and a mompreneur raising "Irish triplets" while building her empire.

Raised by entrepreneurial parents who showed her that women could be bosses and multiple income streams were normal, Kerri developed a fearless approach to business. When opportunity knocked, she didn't hesitate to take massive risks—selling her custom-built home and moving in with her parents to secure seed money for her first restaurant. "I'm going to take a risk on myself, I'm going to invest in myself," became her mantra.

The southern brunch culture Kerri created through Brick and Spoon isn't just about mimosas and good food (though there's plenty of both). It's about crafting spaces where people feel seen and valued, not just numbers passing through. Her customers sometimes cry when sharing how her story has impacted them, proving that authentic connection builds stronger businesses than corporate strategies ever could.

What distinguishes successful entrepreneurs from dreamers? According to Kerri, it's not intelligence or resources—it's consistency. "Consistency has been the key in everybody I know that has a bag," she explains. Combined with her philosophy that "the only time you fail is when you stop," this mindset has carried her through ventures ranging from a shoe store during the 2008 recession to competing on The Amazing Race.

Ready to build something that reflects your vision and values? Take Kerri advice: "Get out of your own way. There is nothing standing between you and success but yourself." Start now, start imperfect, and remember that every experience—whether conventionally successful or not—gives you tools no one can take away.

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