Continuing in the vein of giving black women their flowers- this week, I want to highlight my favorite podcast ever, The Call. I love this podcast not just for the content but because of the amazing host and my cousin (in my head) Erica Simon Williams, aka E! E is our wise cousin with wisdom beyond her years, who manages to remain cool and down to earth.
The Call is a podcast that interviews various women on how they have answered the call. While also making it clear that there is no right or wrong way to do it! This show perfectly demonstrates that if you’re willing to trust yourself and walk in your truth- the universe will open up to you and help guide you along your way. This podcast also taught me a valuable lesson about being creative and putting art out in the world.
For almost two years, I would go to The Call's podcast feed and check to see if there was a new episode. (Mind you, I was already subscribed.) Four years later, I gave up, but I realized this podcast was still good without a new season. If not better. Sometimes instead of forcing a show to run forever. (Coughs, Grey Anatomy) It's better to wrap it up with three perfect seasons. So thank you, E, for that valuable lesson. I hope that where ever you are in the world, you are somewhere answering your call.
Below are a few of my favorite episodes that helped me when I began to doubt my path. I hope that it also gives you some encouragement to answer your call in your own unique way:
It would only be right to start this off with the woman I don't know, yet I feel like I know her oh so much! In this episode, we learn about Erica’s past, present, and potential future. What I admire the most about this episode is how Erica used a traumatic moment in her life to propel her into a career in politics. Then when things didn't turn out how she envisioned, she wasn't afraid to pivot into something different. This interview is a Master Class on how to use every part of your work experience to custom design your dream career.
This episode may have been the beginning of my obsession with the Detroit legend and my shero, dream hampton. Erica did this interview well before the racial awakening of America. But right in the midst of the Trump drama. This dialog was a great reminder that you get to decide how you want to fight for justice in the world, and it doesn't have to be connected to marching in the streets. You get to pick your own method of protest. dream also stresses the importance of having multiple creative outlets and pacing ourselves in this fight for equality.
010 Bevy Smith | Finding Happiness Outside a Man Now a Ted Talk sensation, Bevy Smith shows that life gets greater later! In this episode, Bevy was very honest about her party-girl lifestyle and how she had to find herself after realizing a man will not save her! After experiencing several failed relationships, Bevy realized that her life and happiness were her responsibility. She quit her high-paying job and focused on creating a life she truly loved. Then she went out and turned it into a reality. Not worrying about her age or what anyone may think. If that's not inspiring, I don't know what is! 024 Janet Mock | The Power of Authenticity This episode was recorded before Pose was renewed for season two! This conversation shows the power of authenticity and not being afraid to become the star in your life story. Janet Mock tells her unconventional journey into television writing. While also keeping it real about the haters who said her career would be over if she told her truth. The funny part is the exact opposite happened, and now she is the holder of a Netflix's first-look deal. This episode reminded me to be intentional in my career and the power of storytelling.
Introduced to most of us on Netflix's hit show, Orange is The New Back. Dascha's journey to her dreams shows that when there is a will, there is a way. Dascha dreamed of being a big star, but she had no idea how to make it happen. One day, her partner challenged her to stop talking about her dreams and actually try to make them happen. From then on, everything changed. What I love the most about this conversation is that it shows when you take a leap of faith, God will provide a whole damn staircase.
This list is just a handful of my favorite episodes. In my notes, I had over ten different episodes. So when I say I love this podcast, I promise I am not just talking!! If you ever need some inspiration or guidance on how to answer your call, this letter was created especially for you!
P.S. To my creatives, allow this podcast to be an example that good shit will always find its audience. So create your things, give them space to grow, and when the time is right, let it go.
AM
Until Next Time:
“Dream them dreams. Then man-up and live them dreams, because a life without dreams is black and white. And the universe flows in technicolor and surround-sound.” The Late Great Combat Jack!
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