Advertise on podcast: Business of the Beat

In this episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson sits down with Nicole Jones, a trichologist and licensed cosmetologist, to explore the evolving intersection of beauty, health, and entrepreneurship. Nicole shares her journey from aspiring doctor to building a purpose-driven beauty business, revealing how her passion for care and healing found a new path in the beauty industry. Through her work with Studio Nicky Spice, she’s redefining what it means to serve clients—creating a space that goes beyond aesthetics to prioritize total wellness. The conversation dives into the importance of professional training in beauty, the often-overlooked connection between mental health and self-image, and the transformative impact of services like cranial prosthesis in restoring confidence for clients facing medical hair loss. Looking ahead, Nicole outlines her vision for expanding wellness education within the beauty space—bridging the gap between beauty professionals and holistic health practices. This episode is a powerful reminder that beauty isn’t just about how you look—it’s about how you feel, heal, and show up in the world.

In this powerful episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with Dr. Dallas Blacklock for a deeply intentional conversation on the intersection of spirituality, emotional health, and effective communication in both life and business. Together, they explore the weight of wearing masks, the importance of authenticity, and how self-awareness and emotional intelligence shape the way we show up in our relationships and leadership. The conversation highlights the need for balance between personal and professional life, and how being intentional in both spaces leads to more meaningful connections and long-term success. Kendra and LaShasta also unpack the difference between desire and need, the role of purpose in guiding decisions, and how to navigate seasons of waiting without losing alignment. Through it all, they emphasize that growth requires inner work—and that transformation is possible when we commit to understanding ourselves and showing up fully. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you become in the process. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

In this nourishing episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and co-host LaShasta Bell sit down with Chef Marquita to explore her inspiring journey from aspiring nurse to private chef—and how food became her true calling. Together, they unpack the deep emotional connections we have with food, challenge common misconceptions around “healthy eating,” and highlight the importance of quality ingredients and mindful consumption. The conversation dives into how food can be both care and self-care, especially during stressful times, emphasizing balance and moderation over restriction. Chef Marquita shares practical insights on how to build healthier relationships with food while still enjoying the experience, making wellness feel approachable and sustainable. From navigating family nutrition and caregiving to meal prep strategies for busy lifestyles, this episode offers real-life solutions for maintaining balance. With thoughtful reflections on parenting, sleep, and daily routines, it’s a powerful reminder that what we eat—and how we approach it—can transform our overall well-being. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to keep the conversation going.

In this inspiring episode of Business of the Beat, three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Aundrea Cline-Thomas shares her powerful journey of storytelling, career evolution, and stepping fully into authentic self-expression. From navigating reinvention in a competitive industry to embracing the courage it takes to own your narrative, Aundrea opens up about the lessons that have shaped both her personal and professional life. She also highlights the importance of wellness, balance, and staying grounded while pursuing success. This conversation is a reminder that your story is your power—and when you own it, you unlock new opportunities, deeper purpose, and lasting impact. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and inspired.

In this inspiring episode of Business of the Beat, Carlisha Bradley shares her powerful journey through leadership and the lessons that have shaped her voice, presence, and impact. From cultivating executive presence to mastering self-awareness, she breaks down what it truly takes to lead with confidence and authenticity. Carlisha also dives into the importance of wellness and balance while navigating leadership roles, and how her experiences fuel her commitment to empowering women and driving meaningful systemic change. This conversation is filled with insight for anyone looking to elevate their leadership, show up with intention, and lead from a place of purpose. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app. Be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share to stay connected and keep the conversation going.

In this episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson welcomes licensed professional counselor and certified yoga teacher Danielle Bowman for a thoughtful conversation about the powerful connection between movement, mindfulness, and mental health. Danielle shares how simple practices—like intentional movement, breath work, and mindfulness—can help reduce stress, improve focus, and support overall well-being, especially for entrepreneurs and professionals balancing demanding schedules. The discussion explores how integrating these practices into everyday routines can create sustainable habits that benefit both personal health and professional performance. Whether you’re managing a business, a busy career, or simply looking for ways to improve your mental and emotional wellness, this episode offers practical strategies to help you move with intention and cultivate balance in your life. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app and be sure to follow, rate, comment, and share.

In this episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and co-host LaShasta Bell dive into a topic that impacts every aspect of our lives—sleep. The conversation becomes deeply personal as Kendra shares her family’s journey navigating sleep challenges with her daughter, Tierra Ferguson. Together, they discuss how sleep issues can affect health, energy, and daily performance, and why it’s so important to pay attention to the signals our bodies give us. From exploring sleep studies and journaling habits to advocating for better rest and recovery, this episode highlights practical steps families and professionals can take to improve sleep quality—and ultimately improve quality of life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone trying to function better day to day, this honest conversation reminds us that prioritizing sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for wellness, clarity, and long-term success.

On this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with entrepreneur Stephanie Cartin for a heartfelt conversation about building community while building a business. Stephanie shares what the entrepreneurial journey has taught her about partnership, wellness, and the importance of not trying to do it all alone. The conversation unpacks how meaningful connections can create momentum, why self-care is not optional for leaders, and how initiatives like Founders Weekend are helping women entrepreneurs find support, strategy, and sisterhood along the way. This episode is a reminder that sustainable success is rooted in community, collaboration, and caring for yourself as you grow.

On this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with leadership strategist and certified coach Jenequa Eldridge for a powerful conversation about what it really means to lead from the inside out. Jenequa breaks down the importance of internal alignment—for both individuals and organizations—and why leaders must first understand who they are beyond their job titles. She explores how strengths-based leadership, empathy, and intentionality can transform workplace culture and deepen collaboration across teams. The conversation also dives into navigating friction in relationships, articulating your needs, and building community in ways that support both personal growth and organizational success. If you’re leading people—or preparing to—this episode offers practical insight on how to show up with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

On this powerful episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with licensed mental health counselor Jermai Harrison to unpack his journey into mental health and wellness and the role community plays in healing. Jermai reflects on generational shifts in how mental health is discussed, how faith and therapy can coexist, and why self-awareness is essential to long-term growth. The conversation centers on investing in yourself, honoring your scars as part of your story, and embracing healing as a pathway to real transformation and a healthier future. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.

On this insightful episode of Business Of The Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken - Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with wellness coach Deon Hall Garriques to unpack why wellness is essential to sustainable leadership — especially for women navigating demanding careers and evolving life stages. Deon shares her powerful pivot from CPA to wellness coach and breaks down the often-overlooked realities of women’s health, including menopause, hormonal shifts, and the impact they have on focus, energy, and performance. The conversation centers self-care as a leadership strategy, highlighting the importance of boundaries, education, and self-awareness, while offering practical, real-world steps women can take to protect their health, advocate for their needs, and lead at their best.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Business of the Beat, the hosts sit down with Dr. Patrice Douglas, a Black Mental Health Expert, and CEO of The Weight Room & Empire Counseling whose work centers on culturally responsive mental health care. With a deep focus on the emotional well-being of Black men and boys, Dr. Patrice unpacks the often-misunderstood role of anger—reframing it as a valid and necessary emotion rather than something to suppress or fear. The conversation explores how generational trauma, cultural expectations, and social conditioning shape emotional expression and conflict resolution. Dr. Patrice highlights the critical role of community, male friendships, and safe spaces in supporting mental health, while also emphasizing the importance of emotional rewiring as a pathway to healthier communication and healing. This episode offers insight, compassion, and practical perspective on what it truly means to support emotional wellness across cultures—and why collective healing starts with understanding.

In this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with Jenai Tidwell, LPC-S, for a thoughtful conversation about shifting from hustle culture to a more sustainable rhythm rooted in harmony, intention, and self-awareness. Jenai shares her journey from traditional therapy into entrepreneurship, explaining why expanding impact beyond one-on-one sessions became essential to her purpose. Together, they explore the power of community, the importance of mindful consumption—both in what we eat and what we consume mentally—and how small, consistent choices can lead to meaningful transformation. The conversation also introduces Jenai’s 3E approach—efficiency, effectiveness, and endurance—as a framework for building businesses and lives that don’t sacrifice well-being for success. From examining the effects of sugar on health to redefining productivity, this episode offers practical insights for anyone seeking balance without burnout. The episode concludes with reflections on Jenai’s collaborative book, Time Well Spent, which chronicles personal journeys of growth, healing, and intentional living—reminding listeners that success is most powerful when it’s sustainable.

In this powerful and deeply affirming episode of Business of the Beat, Kendra and LaShasta sit down with licensed clinical social worker Agatha Peters for an eye-opening conversation about narcissistic parenting and its lasting impact on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Agatha shares her personal journey from Nigeria to becoming a therapist, weaving lived experience with professional insight as she breaks down how narcissistic traits can show up in parents and caregivers. She explains why these dynamics are often difficult to recognize, how they affect identity, self-worth, and relationships well into adulthood, and why so many people struggle with guilt when setting boundaries. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but radical truth: love should not hurt. Agatha emphasizes the importance of self-protection, therapy, and intentional healing, while reminding listeners that joy and healing can coexist, even after deep relational wounds. This episode offers validation, clarity, and hope for anyone navigating the long road toward reclaiming their life and sense of self.

Season 6 Begins! On this episode of Business Of The Beat, the conversation between new co-host LaShasta Bell and Kendra Bracken-Ferguson turns to Real Estate as a cornerstone of Generational Wealth and long-term stability with investor, realtor, mentor and owner of Sillers Realty Group Avery Sillers. They unpack how financial security impacts emotional well-being and why shifting our Mindset around Budgeting, Investing, and ownership is critical to building lasting wealth. The discussion explores the power of Family Collaboration in creating financial legacies, along with why tools like Life Insurance and Trusts are essential for protecting assets and securing future generations. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your financial strategy, this episode offers practical insights on taking action—even with limited funds—and aligning wealth creation with Purpose and clear goals. This is a blueprint for thinking bigger, planning smarter, and building something that lasts.