Thinker vs. Speaker

In this deeply personal and poignant return to Thinker vs. Speaker, I open up about my journey through grief after the unexpected loss of my beloved father. With raw honesty and unwavering strength, I share how my father's unwavering support and intellectual companionship played a pivotal role in shaping the essence of this podcast.

Through heartfelt anecdotes and candid reflections, I invite you into my world as I navigate the complex emotions of loss, from grappling with the reality of funerals to wrestling with anger and questions of faith. Yet, amidst the darkness, I discover glimmers of grace and gratitude, finding solace in the smallest victories and the power of resilience.

Returning from a hiatus with renewed determination, I set the stage for the next chapter of Thinker vs. Speaker, promising engaging conversations and compelling insights. From dynamic entrepreneurs to self-love experts, each episode promises to inspire and uplift, honoring my father's legacy through the pursuit of meaningful dialogue and connection.

Join me as I embark on this brave and beautiful journey of healing, reminding us all that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone.

#GriefJourney #Resilience #HonoringLegacy #ThinkerVsSpeaker #Podcast #HealingJourney #EmotionalWellness #NavigatingLoss #findingstrength

🎙️ New Episode Alert! "Show Me Purpose: Pride, Authenticity, and the Keys to Building a Brand" 🌟

Join Marissa the Thinker in an inspiring conversation with Reauanna Sledge, the culinary virtuoso behind Show Me: Culinary, serving up delectable delights to the vibrant St. Louis community. In this captivating episode, Reauanna shares her journey from culinary passion to entrepreneurship, weaving together her diverse skills and previous ventures to create a culinary experience that's as authentic as it is delicious.

Delve into the heart of purpose-driven entrepreneurship as Marissa and Reauanna explore the transformative power of pursuing one's passions while giving back to the community. Discover the delicate dance of authenticity in branding, as they discuss the evolution of a brand alongside personal growth, and the courage it takes to stay true to oneself amidst changing tides.

In a candid exchange, Marissa and Reauanna open up about the pride and vulnerability inherent in their entrepreneurial paths, reflecting on the importance of seeking help, building resilience, and staying steadfast in the face of uncertainty. From overcoming the fear of rejection to fostering supportive relationships, they share invaluable insights on navigating the entrepreneurial landscape with grace and determination.

Tune in as they redefine leadership through empathy, kindness, and the lessons learned from past experiences, highlighting the profound impact of fostering a culture of respect and camaraderie within one's team.

Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and empowered to carve your own path, embrace authenticity, and lead with purpose in this thought-provoking episode of Thinker vs Speaker.

Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that celebrates the journey of purpose-driven entrepreneurship and the keys to building an authentic brand. Hit play now!

Hey there, it's Marissa, and this week on "Balanced and Busy," I'm switching things up a bit with a special recap and life update episode. Taking a cue from my recent conversation with Eloquent Pearlfection, I decided to step back and reflect on how I've been navigating the balance between my work, personal life, and community involvement.

Join me as I revisit some memorable moments from earlier episodes, starting with Christie's empowering story of resilience and community building through Gutted Fitness. Through her journey, I've come to appreciate the power of our platform to amplify voices and make a positive impact on our communities.

Then, I dive into Trey's episode, "St. Louis Rising," where we discuss the importance of supporting local black-owned businesses and my recent involvement with the Emerging Business Leaders group. From there, I share insights from Dre's journey with MeyeGurl LLC, exploring themes of resilience, collaboration, and personal growth.

Drawing on Rachel's wisdom about setting goals and finding balance in life, I reflect on my own journey and share some personal realizations about the multifaceted nature of purpose and fulfillment.

So join me on this journey of self-discovery and living life to the fullest. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the podcast, and consider checking out my family's candle business, Passion and Purpose Candles and More, for all your aromatic needs. Thanks for tuning in!

Welcome to another soul-enriching episode of Thinker vs. Speaker! 🎙️ This week, I'm joined by the incredible Rachel "Eloquent Pearlfection" Jenkins, a phenomenal poet who's been on a whirlwind journey since her last appearance on the show.

We kick off by catching up with Rachel and diving into her extraordinary 2023. From numerous podcast appearances to a cameo in a music video, and even gracing the stage at a women's festival – she's been booked and busy, showcasing her dedication to perfecting her poetic craft.

Rachel reflects on the unexpected wave of success, emphasizing her initial goal to elevate her work in 2023. Little did she know that her journey would lead to a multitude of bookings and widespread support, underscoring the power of setting ambitious goals.

In our conversation, we explore the exhilaration of challenging oneself creatively, drawing inspiration from Rachel's experience at the women's festival. We delve into the nerves, preparation, and the fulfilling feeling of conquering a stage of that magnitude.

Our dialogue shifts to the profound journey of pursuing a passion seriously, finding confidence in one's craft, and the appreciation for artistic expression without a sense of competition. This segues into a deep dive into goal-setting and planning, where I share my evolution from skepticism about tools like vision boards to recognizing the importance of intentional goal-setting.

As we reflect on our 20s, we share experiences of celebrating life without a specific purpose and the realization that intentional planning became crucial for long-term success. We discuss the importance of being intentional with our time, making necessary sacrifices, and understanding that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.

The episode takes an introspective turn as I share my personal journey of losing ambition in young adulthood, leading to a series of life experiences and a profound realization that I wasn't missing anything at all. Together, we explore the transformative power of intentional decision-making and the necessity of embracing change for personal growth.

I then turn the spotlight on Rachel, asking her about her unique approach to celebrating accomplishments. Her method? Relaxation and regrouping – a vital step in the creative process. We also delve into her early start in the spotlight, drawing parallels with our church upbringings and questioning whether others can see a light in us that we might not recognize ourselves.

Our conversation evolves into a discussion about faith, redirection, and the incompatibility of ego and faith. Rachel shares how learning faith at a young age provided her with a deep understanding that sometimes, redirection is a form of protection. We explore the idea that living authentically, getting selective about our surroundings, and embracing change can lead to a more fulfilling and supportive existence.

Tune in as we navigate through the depths of creativity, faith, and personal growth in this captivating episode with Rachel "Eloquent Pearlfection" Jenkins. Don't miss the insights, laughter, and wisdom we share on Thinker vs. Speaker – the podcast for deep, relatable conversations about life's journey. 🌟 #ThinkerVsSpeaker #EloquentPearlfection #LifeGoals #PodcastJourney

This week on Thinker vs. Speaker, Marissa the Thinker is joined by Trey L Scott, Co-Founder of Emerging Business Leaders and owner of A&O Movers LLC. The episode kicks off with holiday reflections, exploring the challenges of spiritual warfare and entrepreneurial burnout.

A significant part is dedicated to recapping the transformative Emerging Business Leaders Expo, where Marissa shares her inspiring experience surrounded by black-owned businesses and Trey provides insights into its success.

Transitioning to their hometown of St. Louis, they discuss positive changes, despite challenges, and personal experiences with gun violence. The Emerging Business Leaders' impact is explored, along with future plans, including Marissa's official addition to the EBL board.

The conversation takes a poignant turn as they discuss emotional struggles in communities, emphasizing the need for accountability and emotional awareness. Join Marissa and Trey in this thought-provoking episode navigating growth, burnout, and positive change.

Don't miss out on insights, connections, and the keys to creating positive change in our communities. Tune in this week on Thinker vs. Speaker!

🎮 "You've Advanced! Player One: New Quest Unlocked" 🌟

Join Marissa the Thinker in a visually immersive episode featuring Dre Dupree, CEO of MeyeGurl LLC, as they unlock new levels of insight and growth in life. In this groundbreaking visual format, they delve into Dre's journey from overcoming health challenges to becoming a game changer in the cannabis industry.

🌿 Venturing Beyond: Dre's Cannabis Odyssey

Embark on a journey with Dre as he takes his cannabis brand on the road, connecting with industry innovators and sharing powerful stories. Discover how cannabis transformed Dre's health, leading him to use his platform to inspire others to embrace thriving lifestyles.

🧘 Mindfulness Practices: Unlocking Creativity

Explore the common thread between Marissa and Dre—mindfulness practices that opened doors to creativity and self-discovery. From meditation to journaling, learn how these practices became the catalysts for their successful ventures and balanced lives.

💪 Courage Beyond Comfort: Embracing Authenticity

Dive deep into the courage it takes to step outside comfort zones, embracing authenticity despite societal challenges. Marissa and Dre share their experiences of overcoming ostracization and the importance of going beyond ego to find genuine support.

🙏 Gratitude, Acceptance, and Trust: Keys to a Fulfilling Life

Discover the power of gratitude, acceptance, and trusting the journey. Marissa and Dre reflect on how these principles cultivate a fulfilling life, allowing acceptance of change, embracing uniqueness, and letting go of judgment.

🌱 Thriving Beyond Perfection: Maturing and Choosing Happiness

Learn the adult lesson of choosing what's worth working for. Marissa and Dre discuss breaking generational curses, escaping survival mode, and creating a life that not only allows them to thrive but uplifts their communities.

🌈 Inspire Your Journey: Reflections and Transformations

This episode is a beacon of inspiration for anyone seeking to step outside their comfort zones, reflect on their journey, and find the courage to create a life that brings lasting happiness and peace.

Tune in to "You've Advanced! Player One: New Quest Unlocked" for a conversation that transcends boundaries and inspires personal growth. 🚀✨

🌱 Embark on a Journey of Transformation with Christie Holland in "Getting Gutted"

Hey, Thinkers! 🎙️ Ready for another deep dive into the realms of growth, self-discovery, and creating safe spaces for transformation? Join me, Marissa the Thinker, in a soul-stirring conversation with the incredible Christie Holland, the visionary behind Gutted Fitness and the Zone.

🏋️‍♀️ Gutted Fitness: More than a Wellness Brand, a Haven for Healing

Christie shares her inspiring journey from St. Louis to Texas and Washington D.C., a path marked by growth, healing, and a return to her roots. We explore the impact of environment on personal development and tackle the question: Can you grow in place? 🌍

🌈 From Dark Spaces to Renovation: The Birth of Gutted Fitness

Discover how Christie's own transformative process, akin to a renovation, led to the creation of Gutted Fitness. We delve into the importance of shedding old conditioning, embracing discomfort, and the continual process of self-discovery. 💪

🎨 Rediscovering Passions and Creating Safe Spaces at the Zone

Christie's college journey in anthropology taught her the importance of pursuing passions, especially when they've been dismissed in childhood. The Zone, her brainchild, goes beyond a gym, offering a holistic approach to well-being, addressing both the physical and mental. 🧘‍♂️

🔮 Trusting Inner Guidance: A Conversation on Spiritual Growth

In a candid moment, Christie and I discuss trusting our inner guidance. Learn how therapy and self-discovery helped me decipher my fears, while Christie found guidance in a book, navigating motivations, and building confidence in decision-making. 📚

🚀 Join the Conversation!

Tune in for a conversation that touches on growth, healing, challenging the ego, and finding safe spaces to come into your own. Can you relate to the journey of being called to grow? Share your thoughts with us! 🌟

🔗 Connect with Us

Don't forget to connect with Gutted Fitness and the Zone! Subscribe, share, and let's continue this dialogue. Your growth journey is uniquely yours, and we're here for it! 🌈✨

#ThinkerVsSpeaker #GrowthJourney #TransformationTalks #SafeSpaces #MindBodySoul #PodcastConversations

Welcome back, thinkers! 🎙️✨ In the first episode of 2024, I'm diving deep into my recent hiatus and the invaluable lessons it brought. Join me as I open up about the unexpected break, its origins, and the crucial self-reflection that followed.

I lay bare my past fears and the struggle with the haunting specters of failure and motivation. This hiatus wasn't just a pause; it was a powerful revelation about the art of achieving goals. Discover with me the significance of taking breaks, letting go of past failures, and embracing the chance to shape my future.

In this episode, we explore the concept of redirecting our approach to goals in the face of obstacles. What if life's challenges are nudges towards a different, more fulfilling path? We'll unravel the idea that a temporary pause doesn't equate to surrender. Instead, it's a strategic move to recharge, reassess, and return stronger.

Life may throw curveballs, but our determination shouldn't waver. I share my personal journey of overcoming obstacles and realizing that sometimes, the key is not giving up but picking up where you left off. Join me in rediscovering the resilience to face challenges head-on and the courage to pursue our goals with renewed vigor.

As we gear up for a fantastic 2024, I'm thrilled to announce the return to our regular programming next week, featuring a captivating new guest. Expect exciting updates to the show's look and a lineup of engaging episodes waiting to be unleashed.

Thinker vs. Speaker is officially back, and the mission to "Give a Voice to Every Story" continues. Join the conversation as we connect communities through authentic dialogues that challenge the norm and provide a safe space for healing.

Tune in, share your thoughts, and let's embark on this journey together! 🚀 #ThinkerVsSpeaker #PodcastRevival #NewBeginnings

In this compelling episode of "Thinker vs Speaker," join Marissa the Thinker and her frequent collaborator, producer Ashton "StonedVapor" Davy, as they embark on a soul-stirring journey through the layers of self-reflection. What begins as an impromptu conversation in the aftermath of a mass shooting event evolves into a powerful exploration of mental health, environmental influences, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Delving into their personal experiences, Marissa and Ashton underscore the significance of therapy, emphasizing the transformative impact of open conversations about thoughts and emotions. The narrative unfolds to unveil the negative mindsets bred in inner-city environments, where survival mode often stifles the contemplation of alternative paths.

The hosts navigate the complex web connecting high crime rates and self-hate, posing profound questions about the perceived value of one's life. As the conversation unfolds, Marissa and Ashton issue a call to action, urging listeners to take responsibility for their own healing journey.

Soul searching and self-reflection become the focal point as the hosts encourage listeners to assess their desires and align their paths with personal fulfillment. The episode culminates in a poignant inquiry: Are you settling for a life that leaves you miserable, or have you given up on the vision buried deep within?

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode as Marissa and Ashton inspire change, challenge perspectives, and illuminate the path towards personal growth.

Welcome back to "Healed for the Holidays: A Mental Health Rewind." In this remastered episode, we delve into the heart of breaking stigmas surrounding mental health as we revisit the inaugural episode of Marissa the Thinker's solo journey on Thinker vs. Speaker. Joining us is the incredible Ka’Cheena (Kay) Lucas, a seasoned social worker and therapist. Together, we embark on a candid exploration of our personal therapy journeys, unraveling the societal beliefs and misconceptions that once held us back. We share the circumstances that finally propelled us to take the courageous leap into therapy. In a raw and vulnerable conversation, Kay courageously shares her battle with suicidal ideation, navigating the hesitancy to seek help, and the transformative journey towards securing a brighter future. (🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about self-harm and emotional distress. Listener discretion is advised.) Throughout the episode, we tackle essential questions like: What makes a good therapist? What should one look for in their therapeutic journey? We emphasize the importance of creating a receptive headspace for the therapy process and discuss the distinctions between therapy and conversations with loved ones. Our aim is to reshape the narrative around mental health within the black community, shedding light on available resources and their life-changing impact. This episode underscores the significance of prioritizing mental health, recognizing that therapy may not be a universal solution but is a valuable resource for many. Key themes and keywords such as accountability, self-reflection, mental health resources, healing trauma, breaking stigmas, overcoming obstacles, mental health crisis, trusting the process, self-love journeys, and releasing control weave through our conversation. The underlying message resonates—there are options, and it's essential to value oneself enough to seek the help needed, fostering the necessary changes for a more fulfilling life. Tune in as we challenge perceptions, share stories, and encourage a shift towards a more open, understanding, and supportive approach to mental well-being. This is "Breaking Stigmas: Should I See a Therapist? Remastered," part of our special December series on "Healed for the Holidays."