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In Episode 158 of Thee Amateur Expert, Ashlee Eason sits down with executive coach and facilitator Rupa Dev Rihan ( @rupadevrihan  ) to talk about career growth, faith, defining success, and the experiences that shape how we show up in our work and our lives. Rupa shares why she believes confidence is built through reps: taking action, learning from the experience, building evidence that you can do hard things, and continuing to show up. Together, Ashlee and Rupa explore what it looks like to recognize your strengths, navigate your career, define success for yourself, and step more fully into your gifts. IN THIS EPISODE: Why confidence is built through repsRedefining what success meansFaith and careerFinding and using your strengthsNavigating career growth and transitionsBuilding confidence from the inside outSupporting women and underrepresented leadersThe experiences and motivators that keep us moving forward MEET RUPA Rupa Dev Rihan is an executive coach and facilitator who helps leaders lead from their strengths. Over 16 years, she has coached more than 500 professionals across 30+ organizations, from individual leaders to full teams. She is the creator of the Confidence Cycle™, a framework for building confidence from the inside out. Rupa is also a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach and ICF-credentialed coach based in the East Bay Area. She is passionate about supporting underrepresented leaders and women as they step into their unique gifts, expertise, and superpowers. Connect with Rupa: LinkedIn:   / rupadevrihan  Website: https://www.rupadevrihan.com/ SUPPORT THE SHOW! @affirmedarmor⁠⁠ , wear your affirmation. Armor yourself in confidence. Shop your affirmation: www.affirmedarmor.com NEED PRODUCTION SUPPORT? Are you a podcaster who needs an editor? A musician who needs your next album or single mixed? Connect with my GRAMMY-nominated engineer @b_cuz⁠  on Instagram. The DMs are open! ABOUT THEE AMATEUR EXPERT I'm Ashlee Eason, Thee Amateur Expert. I know a little bit about a lot, and I'm always learning more.This is a space for those who are curious about life, career, faith, creativity, relationships, mental wellness, and everything in between.If you learned something, laughed a little, or saw yourself in this conversation, like, subscribe, and join the conversation. If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #TheeAmateurExpert #Confidence #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #FaithAndCareer Originally recorded September 22, 2026

Running it back with my guy Jay Allen ( @jayhaspurpose )! Jay was the EIGHTH guest about 7 years ago. Can’t wait to catch up and discuss what’s new in his life. Here’s Jay’s full bio: Jay Allen is a speaker, author, entrepreneur, and former corporate executive who believes some of life’s greatest lessons come from the challenges we’re most tempted to hide. A lifelong stutterer, Jay chose the stage instead of silence, discovering that what once felt like his greatest limitation became one of his greatest strengths. After spending more than 20 years leading teams, developing people, and driving organizational success in corporate America, Jay stepped into entrepreneurship with a mission to help others grow personally and professionally. His work spans leadership, financial empowerment, wellness, and mental health, but at the heart of it all is one simple belief: growth doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from being willing to learn, adapt, and keep moving forward. Whether he’s speaking about resilience, navigating career transitions, building confidence, or creating lasting impact, Jay shares the victories, setbacks, and lessons that shaped him into the man he is today. His story is a reminder that every expert starts as an amateur, and sometimes the story you’re most tempted to hide becomes the very story God uses to give someone else hope, courage, and healing. If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Thank you to our sponsor @affirmedarmor Shop your affirmation today at www.affirmedarmor.com If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer @b_cuz on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded August 18, 2026

Today, host Ashlee Eason and guest Robert Mercado ( ‪@robertmercadoworld )discuss career paths, faith, definitions of success, and the tips/motivators used along the way!! Buy tickets here:https://teatrolatea.org/events/list/ Watch his series here:   • The Divine Intervention | Start Here   Full bio here: Robert Mercado is a New York–based actor, writer, director, and filmmaker whose latest original series, The Divine Intervention, was released to great success and is now available to watch on YouTube. Written, directed, and starring Mercado alongside a talented ensemble cast, the series blends mystery, drama, dark comedy, and the supernatural into an ambitious independent production. Mercado continues to work both behind the camera and on stage. This fall, he returns to the theater in Dominant Animals, appearing October 2, 3, and 4 at the LATEA Theater. From creating his own original work to stepping into characters on stage and screen, Mercado continues to build a body of work that reflects his passion for independent storytelling and performance. Thank you to our sponsor, Affirmed Armor. Shop your affirmation today at www.affirmedarmor.com If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded August 11, 2026

Host, Ashlee Eason and guest Monece Starling (‪@MoEatsLA‬) discuss her career path, faith, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! Here’s her full bio: Monece is an award-winning actress, entrepreneur, and creative based in the Los Angeles area. She won Best Lead Actress for a Web Series at the 2022 Focus International Film Festival and created and starred in the comedy short film The Writer's Room. In addition to her work on screen, she has been featured as a national print model for Punch Bowl Social and owns two businesses: Mo Pies, a handcrafted dessert company, and a professional hair braiding business called Mo Braids. Born into a military family, Monece spent her childhood moving from place to place, which taught her how to adapt, connect with people from all walks of life, and embrace new experiences. She describes herself as a witty creative with a big imagination who goes after what some would call the impossible. Outside of her career, Monece is passionate about serving others through community outreach. She volunteers with the Assistance League, supports foster and unhoused children and families in need, and participates in local community cleanups. She loves spending time in nature, staying active, cooking homemade meals from scratch, and making people laugh. Above all, Monece loves Jesus and strives every day to become a better person than she was yesterday while encouraging others to do the same. Thank you to our sponsors Affirmed Armor. Shop your affirmation today at www.affirmedarmor.com If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H...⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer ⁠⁠⁠⁠@b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded July 21, 2026

Today will discuss Aggie Erskine's (@kissmyaggie⁠) career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! Aggie Erskine is a media producer, content creator, and storyteller rooted in the Washington, DC metro area. Born and raised in the DMV to parents with roots in Sierra Leone and Ghana, West Africa, Aggie has always understood that authentic storytelling is a calling. She conducted her first interview at age 13 and never looked back. A proud Howard University alum with a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio, TV, and Film, Aggie furthered her craft at American University, earning a Master’s Degree in Producing Film, Television, and Video. As the CEO and founder of Kiss My Aggie Entertainment, Aggie has built a media brand that moves fluidly between music coverage, cultural commentary, and authentic storytelling. Her interview catalog reads like a who’s who of R&B royalty — including Lloyd, Tank, Teedra Moses, Lion Babe, Monifah, Chrisette Michele, Bilal, Syleena Johnson, and more. From intimate sit-down conversations to live performance coverage featuring artists like Lloyd and Ginuwine, Kiss My Aggie Entertainment is a platform that takes pop culture seriously without losing its soul. Her content reaches audiences across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook under the Kiss My Aggie banner, where she has cultivated a loyal community that trusts her lens on music and culture. Aggie’s work is guided by a simple principle: do all things in love. If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: ⁠⁠⁠https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H...⁠⁠⁠ If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer ⁠⁠⁠@b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠ on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded July 14, 2026

Host Ashlee Eason and Dr. Marla A. Parker (@itsjustmarlaa ) discuss her career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! Dr. Parker is an educator, consultant, and public administration scholar whose work focuses on teaching, strategy, equity, collaboration, and community-centered change. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at Cal State LA, where she teaches undergraduate political science and graduate public administration courses and serves as MPA Director and Advisor. In the classroom, her work is grounded in helping students connect theory to practice, build confidence as emerging public service professionals, and see their education as a tool for meaningful change in their communities. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Parker has developed and co-founded initiatives that extend learning into applied public service and community impact. She is the co-founder of the Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship, known as LEEAF, which supports equity-centered work connected to community and economic development. She also co-founded the California State Innovation Group, or CaSIG, which creates opportunities for students and emerging professionals to engage in applied research, consulting, and problem-solving around public sector and community challenges. Dr. Parker also brings a consulting lens to her work with organizations, programs, and teams navigating questions of collaboration, leadership, equity, strategy, and organizational change. Across her teaching, advising, consulting, and community-engaged work, she is especially interested in helping people and organizations move from ideas to action in ways that are thoughtful, practical, and grounded in real-world context. Her work is guided by a commitment to public service, inclusive leadership, and creating spaces where students, communities, and organizations feel equipped to lead, collaborate, and contribute with purpose. Check out LEEAF here:   / leeaf.la  Marla suggested this book https://a.co/d/033cKE9X by her colleague   / drportiapreston   to help us be well. If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: ⁠⁠https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H...⁠⁠ If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer ⁠⁠@b_cuz⁠⁠⁠ on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded June 30, 2026

On today’s episode host Ashlee Eason and Darrell Peacock discuss his career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators he used along the way!! Darrell is a Queens-born creative now calling Los Angeles home, where he lives with his wife, Jasmine, and their two daughters. Currently working in tech, Darrell brings the same forward-thinking energy to his day job as he does to his lifelong love of fashion and streetwear. Over the years, Darrell has built and grown several brands, learning the industry from the ground up with every venture. Now, he's channeling that experience into his latest project: Triumph, a God-centered brand born from faith, purpose, and the belief that style can carry meaning. With God at the center of everything he does, Darrell continues to walk boldly into what's next,  rooted in family, faith, and a vision for what Triumph can become. Follow Darrell on IG at @darrell.peacock and @triumph.la.co Thank you to our sponsor Affirmed Armor. Shop your affirmation today at https://affirmedarmor.com/ If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: ⁠https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H...⁠ If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer ⁠@b_cuz⁠⁠ on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded June 23, 2026

Today’s episode discusses Jasmine (@mynameisjsmn) her career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! With a career spanning art galleries, public relations, photography, event production, visual merchandising, and education, Jasmine has built a bold and unconventional path rooted in one core belief: that people deserve spaces where they can discover what’s possible for themselves. She currently works in education while continuing to pursue innovative projects at the intersection of creativity, community, and personal growth, driven by the conviction that every person can create something meaningful, regardless of where their journey begins. As a mother, educator, and lifelong creative, Jasmine brings both heart and hard-won experience to everything she does, inspiring others to embrace change, pursue their passions, and build lives filled with purpose. Thank you to our sponsor Affirmed Armor. Shop your affirmation today at www.affirmedarmor.com If you’re interested in being a guest on the show or know someone who has a great story sign up using this link: https://calendar.app.google/5jDr3mf3H... If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer @b_cuz⁠ on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded June 16, 2026

Today’s episode discusses Joydaisa’s her career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! Joydaisa (@joydaisa) is a gifted visionary with a heart anchored in purpose, she is committed to building strong character and inspiring great hope wherever she goes. Relentless in love and unwavering in truth, she passionately pursues excellence in every area of her life. A singer, songwriter, actress, writer, and director, she embraces every gift and responsibility with care, creativity, and intention. Driven by faith, purpose, and a desire to make a meaningful impact, she uses her voice and talents to uplift, inspire, and bring light to others.Thank you to our sponsors Affirmed Armor. Shop your affirmation today at www.affirmedarmor.com. If you’re interested in being a guest on the show DM us theeamateurexpert on IG. If you’re a podcaster & need an editor or a musician & need your new album or single mixed, please hit up MY GRAMMY Nominated Engineer @b_cuz on IG, the DM’s are open! Originally recorded June 9, 2026

Here you'll find a solo episode from me... Ashlee Eason, host of Thee Amateur Expert Podcast. It was an " Ask Me Anything " episode, and I answered random life update questions like, where have you been, how's wedding planning, have y'all had the conversation about seggs 👀 , updates on Affirmed Armor, etc.? We will be back weekly with guests sharing their career journey with us. Let me know if you like the " Ask Me Anything " episode, and we may do some more!!! Audio Engineer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Originally recorded June 4, 2026

Happy Talk Tuesday!! Join us as we chat with ⁠@joshschuschke!! Josh Schuschke is a scholar of Black academic identity development across multiple media contexts. He began his academic journey by earning his Bachelor’s of Science and Master’s of Arts in Pan-African Studies from his hometown school, the University of Louisville. Josh’s master’s thesis developed a theoretical framework of online Black academic identity development for Black students through the use of social media platform affordances. He earned his PhD in 2019 from the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education’s Urban Education Policy program. Josh’s concentration was in Educational Psychology with a special focus on intersectional educational experiences. Josh’s dissertation: #RepresentationMatters: Constructing Black Academic Identities Through Popular & Social Media won Rossier’s PhD dissertation of the year and explored the process by which Black adolescents use television, film, and social media platforms to construct academic identities.  We will discuss his career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators he used along the way!! Audio Engineer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Originally recorded December 16, 2025

Happy Talk Tuesday!! Join us LIVE at 3p PST today as we chat with @angeljhernandez_!! Angel is a filmmaker, storyteller, and host of the @builtwithin_podcast , where he dives into real conversations about manhood, mental health, marriage, and fatherhood. With a background in Film & Television from Cal State LA and years of experience directing and editing video, he’s passionate about helping men grow from the inside out. His greatest joy is being married to his beautiful wife of 13 years and being an intentional father to their child. Today will discuss his career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators he used along the way!! Journal link: https://a.co/d/aXlbzD Podcast link:    / @builtwithin   Audio Engineer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Originally recorded December 9, 2025

Happy Talk Tuesday!! Join us LIVE as we chat with @juss.shayla! Shayla White is a legal professional with a strong background in complex litigation, legislation and policy research, and strategic business development. After years navigating demanding legal and strategic environments, she has stepped into her passion for mental-health and faith-based advocacy. Shayla brings a unique blend of analytical skill, emotional intelligence, and spiritual insight, creating safe spaces for real conversations about growth, calling, and community. Today will discuss her career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! **and imma ask about a strawberry shortcake cupcake 🤭 Audio Engineer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Originally recorded November 25, 2025

Happy Talk Tuesday!! Join us LIVE as we chat with @brunescharles! Brunes Charles is a Christian music producer, songwriter, creator, speaker, musician, storyteller, instrumentalist and the best MD I know. He has produced for some of your favorite artists…. But he’ll just tell you, he’s just a man walking in purpose. Today will discuss his career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators he used along the way!! Audio Engineer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Originally recorded November 18, 2025

After a long hiatus… we are BACK with a new episode of Thee Amateur Expert Podcast!! Join us as we chat with @danielle_swaby !! We will discuss her career path, definitions of success and the tips/motivators she used along the way!! Excited to be back and really excited to share space with Danielle in this way. Her story is incredibly inspiring!! Audio Engineer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠b_cuz⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Originally recorded November 11, 2025