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Today I share once more words that awaken from the life coach and author in her 2000 book, Until Today.  And I quote: “Life will work for me when I realize …the experience of my faith keeps my faith alive. You must have faith and experience to live life fully. You must believe that everything you expect from life is possible. You must have faith that no matter what life brings to you, you will be able to handle it. You must have confidence that your faith will eventually lead to good experiences. Experience teaches you that your faith is paying off. Once you have had an experience, you know that you know. When you see, you become more fruitful. Once you have an experience, you want more and better or different experiences. The difference between faith and experience is this: One you must work on, the other works on you. Join Dr. Amile Exume as he explores the role of the Divine in his life. He continues to provide service to others above self, in spite of a medical condition that defies all odds. He lives in constant wonderment declaring, WOW! God did this for me? Be inspired!

This month, Frankly Speaking, is focusing on phenomenal women and how we embrace and manage our universal experiences, rainbows and clouds, courage, and resolve. We are a journey, not a destination; our life is a process, not an event. Even still, we are motion, loving, serving, nurturing, encouraging, and empowering. We are love, and love does. And yes, sometimes… sometimes we get stuck between our no longer the familiar, the habits, and our not yet, who we were created to be, and we may ask, "Am I enough?” By the way, the right answer is a resounding YES! Author Ilyanla Vanzant says, "A society with its structures, expectations, and divisions has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous. Do not forget that a bossy woman is domineering, making her the B word. We won’t bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or cannot handle money. The point is that some people believe these things about women, and some are women!" For any of you who follow me, you know in my manifest, I commit to encouraging and empowering women to walk in their worthiness. Frankly Speaking, is changing the script one story at a time. My guest this week is doing the work by saying yes to the power within her, empathically listening to others’ silence, and giving when others are unable to ask. She is paying the dues, and gracefully managing the rewards. Welcome, Ms. Louise Molton to the Frankly Speaking table.

This evening, our show theme is curated from our HUMAN LIBRARY catalog titled What I Know Now. You often hear me say everyone has a story. And you know, I also believe that everyone is a story. Each of our stories reflects a journey, not a destination, a process, not an event. We are continually moving, continually growing, continually becoming. As long as we breathe, the end of our story has not yet been written. That means we have opportunities to edit the plot of our story to reflect our physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional evolution. Author Maya Angelou   says, "There is no greater agony than hearing an untold story inside you." Let that resonate for a second. Life coach and author Iyanla Vanzant believes in her story, and I quote, “Life will work for me when I realize I have everything I need within me to create everything I want out there. My guest this week believes all that exists between perceiving something as negative or positive is choice. She is a dynamically unfolding story; a journey, and a process.  She is a student. She is a teacher. She is a survivor. She is hope. So, sit back, listen, and learn things as Ms. Lynnie Vessels joins us at the FS Table. Her story, so far, reads of survival and a grateful spirit. Educator, author, and inspirational speaker, Ms Lynnie Vessels.

Are you a Star Trek fan? Do you watch The Equalizer? You will love this week's Frankly Speaking conversation if you answer yes to either of these questions! Once, Christopher Derrick's father told him, "If you see someone doing something you want to do, you can do it." And so he did. However, for Christopher, it was a process, not an event, a journey, not a destination. Christopher shares his journey from his graduation in finance at the University of Michigan to his present position as Executive Story Editor on the television show The Equalizer. Christopher is evidence of the validity of the Karmic astrologer Dora Jones's message: “Each of us comes into life with a promise, a gift, a passion, and a deep heartfelt desire.” The promise is what you have come to life to master. You have promised to overcome, resolve, or heal some aspect of your consciousness. As you face your life experiences, you can fulfill this promise. The gift is what you have come to give to life. It is the cornerstone of self-determination and self-actualization. The gift constitutes your talents and your abilities. The special things you do that only you can do. Passion represents those things you pursue for sheer joy- those you do that make you feel alive, meaningful, valuable, and worthy. Most of us are frightened away from or talked out of our passion. We are made to feel it is inappropriate or useless. A heartfelt desire is what you most want to experience in life. Some want love. Others want acceptance. Most of us want both. We face difficulty in not losing our identity or integrity in pursuing heartfelt desires. Until today, you may not have known your life's true meaning and purpose. For today, ask the Holy Spirit, your guardians, angels, and guides to reveal how each element is represented in your life. Put this message on your mirror as a daily reminder. “Today, I am devoted to pursuing a deeper meaning and a more divine expression in my life! “I will separate what happens to me from who I was created to be. Take a listen. Be inspired!

This week we visit the land of Generation Z also known as iGen, also known as Centennials, also known as Nexters featuring Aiden Hayes, Paige Jackson, and Michelle Jackson. This conversation expands our appreciation of who young people are becoming as a result of the stories they have been told and the ones they are telling themselves. We listen to how stories impact their behavior, their thoughts, and their dreams, DJ KHALED, music industry megaproducer and recording artist reminds Gen Z as well as all of us in his book The Keys, and I quote: “We the Best" means exactly what it says. I didn’t say I’m the best. That’s an important distinction; I said we. That means me, Fan Luv, my team, and everybody who’s got love and positive energy. Let me ask you this: If somebody came up to you and asked, “Are you, the beat writer, chef, producer, director? What would you say? If you don’t declare that you’re the best, I’m disappointed. You are supposed to say that you are the best because let me tell you, you are the best. You need to own it with confidence and conviction. Say it to yourself first a thousand times, and then say it to others a thousand more. For real, Is somebody better than you? Nah. "We the Best". You have to speak your success into existence because absolutely no one else will do it for you. That’s why I started my first label, I called it "We the Best". Were we the best yet? That’s up for debate. But did we have the drive and the passion and the necessary dedication to be the best? Without a doubt, Muhammad Ali, rest in peace, said, “I am the greatest, I said that before I knew I was.” DJ said, make your life about fulfilling your vision and dream big.” End Quote Let’s listen, be inspired, and get smarter.

This week, we introduce our guest with a quote from Karmic astrologer Dora Jones: “Each of us comes into life with a promise, a gift, a passion, and a deep, heartfelt desire.” The promise is your soul’s mission, the lesson you are here to master. It is a vow to yourself to overcome, resolve, or heal a part of your inner world. Your gift is the unique offering you bring to the world. It forms the foundation of your self-determination and the journey to becoming your truest self. Passion is the spark that drives you to chase what brings pure joy, the pursuits that make you feel alive, purposeful, and truly valued. Heartfelt desire is the experience you yearn for most in life. Some seek love, others long for acceptance, and many of us hope for both. This week, we are honored to welcome a guest to the Frankly Speaking Table who has woven his gifts, passions, and heartfelt desires into a life of service. By blending leadership and technical expertise with a servant’s heart, he guides Fairfax Public Access communications in Fairfax, Virginia. Only he can truly share the story of his remarkable journey. So, I invite Mr. Eric Richardson, CEO, to share his story in his own words. Be inspired and share!

Frankly Speaking with Tyra G was born from a vision to unite voices across generations and cultures. By weaving in thoughtful themes, we keep our stories vibrant and meaningful. Tonight, we open the pages of our HUMAN LIBRARY with the theme: Voices From the Future. Listening to the hopes, dreams, and concerns of the next generation is a joy and a mirror, reflecting how well we are shaping the world for them. Legacy weaves us together through time, binding us to those who paved the way and those who will follow. The world is not held together by molecules alone, but by the stories, traditions, memories, hopes, and dreams we share. Legacy is the heartbeat of life itself. This week, I am joined by a true connoisseur of life. Her insights offer us a window into our collective progress and reveal how she navigates the world we have shaped. As a proud member of Generation Z, she belongs to the first wave of adults raised with the Internet and digital technology at their fingertips. These "digital natives" are redefining what it means to grow up in a connected world. But what does all this mean for how they experience life? Settle in, listen closely, and let yourself be inspired. If you enjoy the journey, share it and subscribe.

What happens when you have to be light in the darkness? “At night, the ocean can be a huge dark place. When riding the seas, you can never know for sure if the water will be calm or turbulent. You never know if you will drift off course or run aground. That is why there are lighthouses. When ships lose their way, they are guided by the lighthouse. When there is trouble or danger at sea, you can seek refuge by the lighthouse. During a storm, the lighthouse will always guide the ships safely to shore. Best of all, there is always someone in the lighthouse waiting. Join a conversation with Robyn McCoy who suffered the loss of a beloved husband and who found a path to healing by walking in vulnerability and authenticity and faith. She has co-founded an organization, a safe place to say the name of their beloved, to grieve and to grow, called Widow Expressions.  Click below and be blessed!

In the words of life coach and award-winning author Iyanla Vanzant in her book Until Today, written in 2000. “Society, with its structures, expectations, and divisions, has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous.  We won’t bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or cannot handle money. The point is that some people believe these things about women, and some are women! Labels define. Often, labels set up expectations. Labels prescribe how much, how little, and sometimes how long a thing can be used. In order for a woman to realize that she is more than a mother, more than a wife, more than what she earns or what she does to earn a living, she must know her own worth. It means she must test herself and her limits. A woman must learn to describe herself and establish her own expectations. A woman must encourage herself. She must support and nurture herself. She must be willing to be disliked. She must be willing to violate the descriptions and confines placed on her. Until today you may have placed defining, confining labels of unworthiness on women. For today, think of women as people; think of women as human beings and doing. They are the divine energy of God.” My guest is doing the work today, paying the dues, and gracefully managing the rewards. Meet Ms. Felicity Smith, a phenomenal woman with a servant’s heart. The first time I met her, she was like a breath of fresh air. Her story will amaze and encourage and excite anyone who has ever felt left out, left behind, or left over. But let me let her connect with you personally. Enjoy the podcast.

Ray Bradbury, in Fahrenheit 451, says, "Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child, a book, a painting, a house, a wall built, or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way, so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you're there. Dara Horn says. "Every person has a legacy. You may not know your impact, and it may not be something you can write on your tombstone, but every person impacts this world." Brett Eldredge says. "A legacy for me is a piece of the soundtrack of someone's life." I believe in living your legacy. Listen to a conversation with father and son Courtney and Asa Nero and experience a legacy in the making. Click below and be inspired. Then please share.

I agree with the saying, "A house is not a home". Home is more than bricks and mortar. Home is a feeling, a place we make with friends and family. A home provides refuge, joy, peace, and safety. A home knows when it's you turning the key. Someone said it, “Home is where love resides, memories are created, friends always belong, and laughter never ends.” So, how do you discover that special place where, as your head sinks into the pillow, your soul finally feels at peace? I am glad you asked. Meet Suzanne Hanger, "Your Broker with a Side of Soul".Suzanne is a trailblazing entrepreneur, auctioneer, broker, landlord, investor, rehabber, and bank asset manager. Her guiding vision is rooted in the belief that everyone has a purpose, and if each person lived true to their soul’s calling, the world would brim with peace and harmony. Imagine a world without war, hunger, or poverty, where people value and respect one another, inspiring everyone to live their most authentic life. Since 2003, Suzanne has guided more than 480 real estate journeys, from a humble $108 vacant lot in South Carolina to a $7,155,000 assisted living facility in Connecticut. Yet, what truly sets Suzanne apart is how she reimagines the sales process, beginning each client’s experience with a holistic, personal evaluation. Click below and listen.

From an outsider’s perspective, it looked like “Santiago” was simply a rebellious kid. At Second Story for Teens in Crisis, however, counselors worked on getting to know him and learning why he was acting out. He opened up and the counselors were there for him, helping him rewrite the narrative for his future. When Timothy began attending Second Story's Safe Youth Project he was struggling in school. The program coordinator worked to tutor him in the subjects he found especially challenging, and at the end of the school year he won an award for his hard work and progress! When Marley was kicked out of her home she was almost relieved -- it was her escape from years of abuse. She quickly faced new challenges on her own, though: poverty, anxiety, and homelessness. Now, Marley is a high school graduate. Learn how Second Story helped her get there. When “Robert” graduated from Second Story for Homeless Youth he felt grateful for the counseling, guidance and help to find a stable place to live. But something stood out even more: he was grateful to know that Second Story staff believed in him, something he hadn’t felt before from the people in his life. Second Story transforms the lives of children, youth and their families by providing safe havens and opportunities for them to grow and thrive. Second Story transforms the lives of children and youth, helping them stay safe, make positive decisions, achieve educational success, and overcome personal crises. My guest, Abigail Brougher, Second Story Communications Director, shares the power of Second Story through a podcast with one of the many success stories. Stay close and be inspired.

This month, Frankly Speaking shines its spotlight once more on phenomenal women, exploring how we navigate our shared journeys, weathering both rainbows and storms with unwavering courage and resolve. We are a journey unfolding, a process ever in motion. Even in stillness, we move—loving, serving, nurturing, encouraging, empowering. We are love in action. Yet sometimes, we find ourselves caught between the comfort of what was and the promise of what could be, and we wonder: “Am I enough?” By the way, the right answer is a resounding YES! For a woman to truly see that she is more than a mother, more than a wife, more than her paycheck or her profession, she must first recognize her own worth. She must dare to test her boundaries, define herself on her own terms, and set her own expectations. She must become her own encourager, her own nurturer, and be brave enough to risk disapproval. She must be willing to break free from the labels and limits others try to impose. This week’s conversation introduces a woman who has learned to walk confidently in her worth—as a wife, mother to three lively daughters, caretaker of four pets, and the managing physician of her neonatology practice. Her story is told with warmth and joy, though we know challenges are woven into her reality. Still, she has discovered how to keep her circumstances from defining her. Meet Dr. Tiffany Simpson. Listen and be inspired—it is like sharing coffee with a friend.

So, this week, we begin with a twist to create our common thought space for today. In the words of Isabel Wilkerson in her interview with Krista Tippet on NPR entitled The Heart is the Last Frontier. And I Quote, "With all due respect, I can't want to!" For some, this is the best of times. For others, it feels like the worst of times. For the wise, it is seen as one season in history. For others, it feels like an impending eternity of uncertainty. Words like 'us' and 'them' no longer define diversity but decree exclusion. Anger has become the overcoat that keeps our raw fear warm. Our country is like an ancient house. I love old houses. But old houses need a lot of work. And the work is never done. And just when you think you've finished one renovation, it's time to do something else. Something else has gone wrong. Sometimes, may need to look down in the basement to find the problem. We may need to go down into our metaphorical basement and see the historical causes and effects of things that need change. Only then can we make humanity-saving decisions. We must then intentionally add radical empathy to our solution. "Empathy is not pity or sympathy in which you look down on someone and feel sorry for them. With sympathy, you may be looking across at someone and feeling bad for them. However, empathy means getting inside of them, understanding their reality, and looking at their situation and saying not, "What would I do if I were in their position?" but, "What are they doing? Why are they doing what they're doing from the perspective of what they have endured?" Today, we are telling the story of one of Fairfax County, Virginia's organizations that has decided that it can want to… An organization that embodies empathy and hope! We are going to walk through the doors of Britepaths of Fairfax County. Britepaths is dedicated to stabilizing clients facing economic crises, fostering personal empowerment, and supporting the needs of children! This week's storyteller is Mr.David Joyner, the Development Manager of Britepaths of Fairfax County, Virginia. Be inspired, learn things, and share.

We continue discussing with Michelle Petties., her book, and the mentoring program about Leaving Large. "Life will work for me when I accept … The labels placed on me don’t always fit. With its structures, expectations, and divisions, society has fostered certain ideas about women that are not always flattering. Many people believe that strong women are not feminine and that assertive women cannot be trusted. My all-time favorite is that women who exhibit any degree of clarity about who they are and what they want are dangerous. Do not forget that a bossy woman is domineering, making her the B word. We won’t bother to mention the myths that women are not as smart as men or that they cannot handle money as well. The point is some people believe these things about women, and some of these are women! Labels define. Often, labels set up expectations. Labels prescribe how much, how little, and sometimes how long a thing can be used. Labels are descriptive. Labels are protective, and labels can be removed. It just may be that the time has come to take the labels off women. It is probably more accurate to say it is time for women to take the labels off themselves. For a woman to realize that she is more than a mother, more than a wife, more than what she earns or what she does to earn a living, she must know her worth. This means she must test herself and her limits. A woman must learn to describe herself and establish her expectations for herself. She must encourage herself, support and nurture herself, be willing to be disliked, and violate the descriptions and confines imposed on her.  My guest is doing the work today, paying the dues, and gracefully managing the rewards. The first inscription in her new book is a quote from Maya Angelou: “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” My guest personifies a butterfly and has come this week to share her journey. Her story will amaze, encourage, and excite anyone who has ever felt left out, left behind, or left over. Listen, be inspired, and share.