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What does it really take to live a big and simple life in today’s noisy, status-driven world?
In this final episode of Season 1, I share my personal journey from leaving corporate life, to moving countries, to choosing clarity over chaos. Some called it brave. Others… not so much. But for me, it was about becoming who I envision myself to be.

We explore:
What it actually means to live a big and simple life
– The fine line between courage and fear
– Why simplicity doesn’t mean small or broke
– Letting go of other people’s expectations

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or simply craving more meaning and less mess in your life this one’s for you.
👉🏽 Are you walking the line between courage and comfort? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Watch the full Clarity Series Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl48MDCkiuOXqUiZyR7Z40mkfXHdegc8W

*Sponsored by Made Alive Design & Co. – motion graphics + video editing that tells your story right.
Contact: akeem@madealive.me

This week on Behind the Mic, I’m joined by fellow REVOLT Podcast Network veteran and media powerhouse, Lalaa Shepard. Lalaa is the creator of The Progress Report, one of Atlanta’s most respected platforms for hip hop and culture. From her early days working with Cincinnati artists to building genuine relationships in Atlanta’s music scene, Lalaa’s journey is rooted in hustle, intention, and community.

B-Sides Track of the Week:
Lalaa shares “Hot Boyz” by Kai Cash, a standout track from one of her favorite emerging artists.

Lalaa opens up about how her upbringing and work ethic shaped her path from college to the strip clubs of Atlanta where she learned the real mechanics of the music business. She breaks down how The Progress Report became an essential stop for artists, producers, and tastemakers in Atlanta’s hip hop ecosystem.

Featured Quote:
“I’m just a student of the game. I’ve been in love with music and journalism since I was a little kid.”

Chapters:
00:52 Meet Lalaa Shepard
01:26 Lalaa’s Journey in Music and Journalism
03:18 The Progress Report and Atlanta’s Music Scene
05:25 Challenges and Inspirations
14:36 Rapid Fire: Overrated or Underrated
16:22 Lalaa’s Love for Sports

Don’t forget to subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you listen or watch podcasts. Leave us a five-star rating, drop a review, and hit that like button on YouTube. We’re building this community with your support.

Follow Lalaa Shepard:
Instagram, Threads, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube: @LalaaShep
Website: TPR Media Group
Instagram: @TheProgressReport101

Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network is hosted by me, Wize Grazette. Special thanks to The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios for editing and producing this podcast.

Welcome to the final episode of the Clarity Series on the Island Woman Podcast, a space for Caribbean women who, like me, are rethinking success and ready to move with intention.

In this episode, “Clarity in Action: A Success Blueprint for Caribbean Women Over 40,” I’m exploring how to turn your clear vision into bold, grounded decisions without burnout, hustle, or upending your life.

Whether you’re a seasoned expert, an emerging leader, or a purpose-driven creative, this episode will help you:
✅ Move toward your redefined vision of success
✅ Align your time, energy, and money with your vision
✅ Recognise and act on opportunities with confidence
✅ Let your Caribbean cultural values guide your leadership and voice

This episode is especially for Caribbean women who want more visibility, financial freedom, and ownership of their time without starting from scratch.

Ready to move from clarity to action with support?
Explore the Clarity & Visibility Package — a 1:1 experience to help you define your vision, refine your message, and show up with cultural confidence.
📅 Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/diannensquires/discovery-call

🎨Clarity Series Sponsor:Made Alive Design & Co.
For intentional visuals and video editing that bring your message to life.
Contact them:
Instagram: @madealive.design;
Email: akeem@madealive.me

Other Episodes in the Clarity Series:
EP. 9 – Career Fog to Focus: 4 Clarity Anchors for Women Redefining Success
EP. 10 – Speak Clearly About Your Work Without Being a Showoff

Like this episode?
👍👍🏾 Like
🗨️ Comment
📤 Share
🔔 Subscribe for more clarity, calm, and cultural confidence as you build a new vision of success Island Woman style.
#IslandWomanPodcast #CaribbeanWomen #RethinkSuccess #VisionToAction #ClarityAndVisibility #IslandWomanEthos #CaribbeanVoices #CulturalConfidence #DianneSquires

Sober Soldiers, today we’re going from Katlehong to DAKAR, as the legendary Kwesta joins us in studio to talk legacy, bars, and what it means to be built different. We also delved heavily into his brand new album, the pen that never dulls, and staying rooted while evolving. Tap in

This week, the girls are back with Part 2 of our powerful conversation: What does it mean to be seen and still be silenced?

From Cassie’s leaked abuse footage and the industry’s shameful silence, to Halle Bailey being harassed just for being a mother, to Megan Thee Stallion still having to prove she’s worthy of protection—this episode digs deep into the emotional toll of being a visible Black woman in a world that claims to celebrate us but refuses to protect us.

Main Topic:
• The double bind of visibility: hyper-visible but still vulnerable
• DEI may be fading, but anti-Black woman bias is thriving
• The emotional and creative toll of constantly having to “be strong”
• How to build your CareFree Survival Kit: joy rituals, real boundaries, and radical softness

HOT or NOT: Culture + Media Edition
• Forever Netflix: Black girl/boyhood nostalgia and literary gems
• Is public support for Black women real or just performance?
• “Dandy” style: celebration or cultural erasure?

Who Said Dat? – Black Fashion & Culture Remix
Guess who dropped these iconic quotes about fashion, power, and presence. Was it Solange? Pharrell? Naomi? We’re testing the crew and giving flowers.

Get Free Segment:
We’re done shrinking. From money to love to how we show up online—we’re claiming our full selves.
I’m no longer shrinking myself when…” — and neither should you.
⸻
🎧 Tune in now and join the conversation using #CareFreeBlackGirl

Follow us:
Instagram: @CareFreeBlackGirlInc
Twitter: @CFBGPod

On this episode of Behind the Mic, I’m joined by Mokgethwa, aka Big Warra and a whole bunch of other akas, co-host of The Sobering Podcast, one of South Africa’s most respected Hip-Hop podcasts. We dig into the pod’s 10-year journey, what it took to build from scratch, and how Big Warra’s curiosity growing up in Limpopo shaped his love for music, media, and storytelling.

B-Sides Track of the Week:Big Warra picks I Bore by Onipa, a continental groove that’s become his go-to track on socials and in life.

Rapid-Fire Game:In a word association round, Warra drops 90s gems, cipher shoutouts, and unexpected picks in honor of Black Music Month.

Featured Quote:”AKA was a star before he was a star. He always carried himself like one.”

Chapters:
00:27 – Guest Introduction: Big Warra
01:01 – The Sobering Podcast Journey
02:37 – Music Talk: B-Sides Track of the Week
03:47 – Behind the Mic: Big Warra’s Background
06:28 – The Birth of The Sobering Podcast
10:25 – Remembering AKA

Follow Big Warra on Instagram and X: @Big_WarraFollow The Sobering Podcast: @TheSoberingPod

Credits:Hosted by Wize Grazette. Produced by The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios. Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network.

Do you want more opportunities to do what you’re great at, but feel awkward talking about your work? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Island Woman Podcast, I share how women, especially Caribbean women can show up and speak clearly about their work without feeling like a showoff.

You’ll explore:
✅ Why clarity is the first step to meaningful visibility
✅ How to speak about your value without self-promotion that feels icky
✅ Cultural nuances that make visibility more complex (and more powerful)
✅ Three core tips to get grounded in how to speak clearly about your work
Whether you’re pivoting your career, building a consulting business, or just ready to be seen this is your invitation to do it in a way that’s clear, honest, and aligned with your values.

🔗 Mentioned in the Episode:
📦 Clarity & Visibility Package — a 1:1 strategy experience by Island Woman Media & Messaging
Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/diannensquires/discovery-call

🌴 Connect with Dianne: linkedin.com/in/dianne-n-squires-a2389132

💛 Sponsored by: Made Alive Design & Co.
Motion graphics and podcast video editing for creators who want to show up beautifully.
📧 Contact: akeem@madealive.me; Instagram: @madealive.design

Watch other episodes of the Island Woman podcast:
➡️50 Not Too Late To Change – https://youtu.be/LyPZZhZCRBc
➡️Buy Less, Use it More: Responsible Consumption – https://youtu.be/ktpo-61Ii3Q
➡️Staying Well As An Island Woman – https://youtu.be/3Voy04HFwfE
➡️Island Woman Freedom – https://youtu.be/dFvMPooEiZ0
➡️Stay-at-home Work my Island Woman Way – https://youtu.be/gle1PvTS6A8?si=WmXKUSWLQNYzhlAH
➡️Nature Nostalgia – https://youtu.be/OD9pGZkQS0w
➡️Why Saying No Can Lead to a Better Life – https://youtu.be/jcna4-435jQ?si=C6lrchbU9kpcFj70
➡️Why Caribbean Women Are Rethinking Success – https://youtu.be/fUAbkrQEN1U
➡️Career Fog to Focus: Career Fog to Focus: 4 Clarity Anchors for Women Redefining Success | Island Woman Podcast EP. 9 https://youtu.be/e1g94zJEXCw

#IslandWomanPodcast #VisibilityWithoutHustle #CaribbeanWomenInBusiness #ClarityAndConfidence #DianneSquires

Feeling lost after leaving a job title behind? You’re not alone.
In this first episode of the Island Woman Clarity Series, we explore how to move from career fog to focus with 4 powerful clarity anchors every woman (or man) needs when redefining success on her (his) own terms.
Whether you’re shifting from a 9-5 to consulting, entrepreneurship, or simply seeking a new path, this episode will help you root yourself in your values, define success your way, and build the confidence to show up and be seen.

🔗 Mentioned in the episode:
Rooted & Ready Clarity & Visibility Package →
Book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/diannensquires/discovery-call

🎥 Sponsored by Made Alive Design & Co. →
For motion graphics, video editing, packaging design
Instagram: @madealive.design; Email: akeem@madealive.me

⏱ Chapters
0:00 – Intro & Scenario
1:40 – The Clarity Series: What It’s About
3:02 – Why Clarity Is Foundational
3:53 – Anchor 1: Know Who You Are
4:38 – Anchor 2: Know Your Values
5:48 – Anchor 3: Know Your Definition of Success
6:38 – Anchor 4: Know What You Want to Be Known For
7:18 – Visibility That Feels Good
7:57 – Rooted & Ready Offer
9:24 – Outro & Community Invitation
👇 Let’s build clarity together:
📝 What’s one thing you’re brilliant at but haven’t fully owned yet? Drop it in the comments. We’re here to cheer you on.
🔔 Subscribe to the channel for more episodes in this series and more grounded conversations on clarity, confidence, and redefining success.

Watch other episodes of the Island Woman podcast:

➡️50 Not Too Late To Change – https://youtu.be/LyPZZhZCRBc
➡️Buy Less, Use it More: Responsible Consumption – https://youtu.be/ktpo-61Ii3Q
➡️Staying Well As An Island Woman – https://youtu.be/3Voy04HFwfE
➡️Island Woman Freedom – https://youtu.be/dFvMPooEiZ0
➡️Stay-at-home Work my Island Woman Way – https://youtu.be/gle1PvTS6A8?si=WmXKUSWLQNYzhlAH
➡️Nature Nostalgia – https://youtu.be/OD9pGZkQS0w
➡️Why Saying No Can Lead to a Better Life – https://youtu.be/jcna4-435jQ?si=C6lrchbU9kpcFj70
➡️Why Caribbean Women Are Rethinking Success – https://youtu.be/fUAbkrQEN1U

—
🎙 About the Island Woman Podcast
Hosted by Dianne Squires AKA D-Anne, this podcast is for people walking bold, simple, values-led paths to success. Rooted in the Caribbean but speaking to soul-led women everywhere.
🌴 Listen, learn, and walk your own way. Welcome to the Island Woman Podcast.

#CareerChange #ClarityAndConfidence #IslandWomanPodcast #WomenRedefiningSuccess #RootedAndReady

We’re switching things up this week with a special update from Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network.

As Season One winds down, I’m sharing what’s next: Behind the Mic is taking a break starting at the end of June, but we’re not disappearing. Starting in July, tune in for our new summer series: Behind the Mic Bytes. Each week, we’ll revisit standout moments from past episodes, with a monthly focus on themes like Disability Pride, Back to School, Wellness, and Fashion & Culture.

🔊 To give you a taste of what’s coming, I pulled a few of my favorite clips:
— NeAndre Broussard on showing up with light and purpose
— Lynae Vanee on finding clarity at Spelman and redefining Black history
— Freddie on how HBCUs shaped her confidence and career
— And a throwback from our “Attitude Era” with Krista B talking wrestling and growing up in Bed-Stuy

Let’s close this season strong, June is both Black Music Month and Pride Month, so trust me, we’re going big with these final guests. Then catch me all summer with a few bonus drop-ins and updates. Hit subscribe, leave a review, and share your favorite Behind the Mic moments with us.

Chapters

00:28 Special Episode Announcement
00:50 Upcoming Content Overview
01:28 Personal Reflections and Inspirations
02:15 HBCU Experiences and Impact
04:44 Career and Personal Growth
05:45 Wrestling Memories
06:35 Season Recap and Future Plans

🎧 Host: Wize Grazette
🎙 Powered by: REVOLT Podcast Network
🎛 Produced by: The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your fix.
Follow me @TheRealWize on X and Instagram.

Sober soldiers, we’re going on a parade today, a championship parade. We got the iconic Larry O’Brien Trophy and special guest Norman Nhlapo in the studio. We delve into the essence of championship glory, from the NBA Playoffs to the upcoming BAL Finals. But before that, we touch on some music, events, and sneakers. It’s a pseudo-parlay, but on a championship level. Enjoy!

Check out @nbafinalstrophy @nbaafricaofficial for more info.
#NBAPlayoffs #NBAAfrica