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In this special 2.0 edition, we dive deep with digital griot and cultural truth-teller Lynae Vanee. From viral “Parking Lot Pimpin’ monologues to her upcoming show on Revolt TV, Lynae continues to challenge minds and shift narratives. We discuss her creative journey, academic roots, and what it means to keep it “Black, but brief.” And because this is a CFGB 2.0… it’s games, gems, and good vibes all around.

Hey y’all, welcome back to the CareFreeBlackGirl podcast—where Black girls are carefree on purpose! It’s your host Dr. Phoenix  and we’re coming at you with a 2.0 episode that’s giving intention and hot girl intellect! Today we’re celebrating a voice that’s redefining cultural commentary with poetry, power, and purpose. Welcome, Lynae Vanee!”

Topics + Questions:
“Let’s talk about the lot…”What inspired you to start Parking Lot Pimpin’? Did you ever expect it to go viral the way it did?
Academic Meets ActivistYou have degrees from Spelman and BU. How do your academic roots influence your storytelling and activism?
Revolt TV’s ‘The People’s Brief’Congratulations on your new show! What can we expect from The People’s Brief on Revolt?How does this new format allow you to dig deeper into culture, politics, and pop culture?
Production ModeWhat’s it been like creating your own production company, From the Lot?Do you feel like the industry is finally ready for conscious content creators like you?
Self-Care + BalanceYou pour so much into your audience—what are the ways you pour into yourself?

On this episode of Behind the Mic, I sit down with poet, educator, and storyteller Lynae Vanee—whose voice hits like a sermon and a cipher at once. You’ve seen her on Parking Lot Pimpin’, but now she’s stepping into a new lane with her REVOLT show The People’s Brief, premiering May 20th.

B-Sides Track of the Week:
Lynae shares a slept-on gem from Cameo’s Word Up album “You Can Have the World.” It’s her daily reminder that dreaming big is never too much.

From there, we talk about the woman who changed everything for her, Coach Ray and how Spelman sharpened not just her skills, but her sense of self. She opens up about what HBCUs really teach you and why her EARTHGANG feature was both unexpected and unforgettable.

“We shouldn’t be teaching Black kids how to plug into the real world—we should be teaching them how to disrupt it.” – Lynae Vanee

Chapters
00:44 – Introducing Today’s Guest: Lynae Vanee
00:59 – Lynae Vanee’s New Show on REVOLT
02:18 – Lynae’s Inspirational Playlist Pick
03:43 – Coach Ray: A Key Influence in Lynae’s Journey
05:38 – Choosing Spelman and the HBCU Experience
09:37 – EARTHGANG Collaboration: A Poetic Journey
11:38 – Rapid Fire Round of Rank It

If you’re feeling the episode, subscribe, rate us five stars, and watch The People’s Brief on REVOLT.

📱 Follow Lynae Vanee: @LynaeVanee
🎧 Tap into the B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on Spotify.

🎙️ Behind the Mic is hosted by Wize Grazette.
🎛️ Produced and edited by The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios

What does success look like for us Caribbean Island Women now?
For those of us who’ve walked the corporate path but stepped away, how can we still fuel our big ambitions?
In this week’s episode, I reflect on:
– Growing up in a house of strong women
– Why financial independence was non-negotiable
– The hidden cost of “success” as we once knew it
– Why more of us are saying no to sacrificing health, reputation, family, or respect
– What a new version of success looks like — built on our terms

Are we still ambitious? Always. But the rules are changing.

This is about walking the path to a BIG, simple life where financial freedom and contentment coexist.

👉🏽 Share this with a woman who is rethinking success.
💬 Let me know in the comments: What does your version of financial independence look like these days?
🔔 Like, share and subscribe if this resonated and you’re up for a path to a Big and simple life
#IslandWomanPodcast #CaribbeanWomen #FinancialFreedom #WomenEmpowerment #LeakyPipeline #RedefiningSuccess #GlassCeiling #WomenInLeadership
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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

In this episode of Behind the Mic, Wize sits down with Krista B, co-host of Those Wrestling Girls to talk about growing up in Brooklyn, discovering wrestling through her brother, and how the women’s revolution pulled her back into the ring.

From Catholic school DX chants to full-on WWE journalism, Krista shares how wrestling shaped her world and her voice.

Featured Quote:
“Attitude Era was the era to grow up in.”

B-Sides Track of the Week:
Krista loves Reggae and Soca so she added two to the playlist for the culture! “Issa Snack (Remix)” by Nessa Preppy ft. Machel Montano and HoodCelebrityy, and “Wet Me” by Krosfyah. Both are now on our B-Sides playlist on Spotify.

Listen to the B-Sides Track of the week playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EysXGOWrzoQ3Zmp34VWLx

Stick around for a rapid-fire round of WWE Word Association—because her take on Monday Night Raw might just surprise you.

Chapters:
00:56 – Welcoming Krista B
01:51 – Krista B’s Background and Career
02:41 – Music and Energizing Playlists
05:07 – Krista B’s Wrestling Journey
08:41 – The Women’s Evolution in Wrestling
13:01 – Rapid Fire Round: WWE Word Association

Subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you listen to podcasts. Watch the full episode on YouTube and help us hit 14,000 subscribers.

Watch all of Season 1 of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOCTSuUwMT0fyOeExh2Sm6xhTdIhHZzSj

Follow Krista B:
Instagram & Twitter: @ms_kristab
Podcast: Those Wrestling Girls on YouTube
TikTok, IG, FB, and Twitter: @ThoseWrestlingGirls

Hosted by Wize Grazette
Produced by The Indie Creative Network & Storytime Studios

Have you ever said yes to something… and immediately regretted it?
In this episode, I share a personal story about missing a dream opportunity because I was already stretched too thin — and what that taught me about saying NO.
Saying no isn’t selfish. It’s strategic. It’s how we protect our time, energy, and space for the YESes that really matter — the ones that align with our values and our vision of a BIG, simple life.
Whether you’re a consultant, a caregiver, or a woman wearing many hats, this episode is a gentle reminder that less can be more in your work life and personal life for your well-being.
🎧 Topics covered:
– How I lost a perfect-fit opportunity by saying yes to too much
– Why island women (and women everywhere) need better boundaries
– The link between overcommitment and women’s health in the Caribbean

Questions to ask yourself when it’s time to say NO

👉🏽 Share this with a woman who gives too much.
💬 Let me know in the comments: What’s one thing you’re saying NO to this season?
🔔 Subscribe for more reflections on intentional living and wellbeing from the Caribbean.
#SayNo #Boundaries #WomenWellbeing #IslandWomanPodcast #BigSimpleLife #CaribbeanWomen #intentionalliving
—
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

Sober Soldiers, you know the parlay way. No guest, just us back in the booth. We’re catching up on the chaos: events we pulled up to, sneakers we’re rotating heavy, and the music that’s been loud in our headphones. Tap in, it’s one of those episodes.

Welcome back to the CareFreeBlackGirl podcast, where Black women and femmes are the center of every conversation. This week, we’re blooming into May with real talk about money, music, and cultural moments that matter.

CareFreeBlackGirl of the Week: Black Women in Wrestling

This week we celebrate the Black women breaking barriers in professional wrestling.
* Bianca Belair – The EST of WWE, known for her strength, speed, and style. A former champion representing Black excellence with every match.
* Jade Cargill – From AEW to WWE, Jade is delivering power and presence while changing the landscape for Black women in the ring.
* Trinity Fatu (formerly Naomi) – The original “Feel the Glow” icon is back and thriving in TNA, showing resilience and evolution in real time.
These athletes continue to inspire and push boundaries in a space that hasn’t always made room for them.

Gurl…We’re talking about AI influencers taking over brand deals while real Black creators struggle to be seen. What does it mean when digital models are prioritized over real voices? A must-have convo for anyone navigating influence and identity online.

Get Free: Money Talks, Sis – April Edition (with Leslie)April is Financial Literacy Month, and we’re centering the conversation around Black women and wealth.

Topics include:
* Money Trauma in the Black Community
* Generational scarcity mindsets
* Financial boundaries within families and friendships
* Unlearning inherited habits

* Black Women & Wealth Building
* Starting from scratch with no blueprint
* Beginner investing tips
* Strategies for building generational wealth

* Budget Like a Baddie
* Living soft on a budget
* Helpful budgeting apps and hacks
* Creating a luxury mindset with realistic numbers

Hot or Not: The R&B Resurgence
R&B is in a new renaissance led by soulful, independent Black women artists.
* Ari Lennox steps fully into her soft girl era.
* Coco Jones delivers flavor and depth with her new single, “Taste.”
* Ravyn Lenae goes viral with “Love Me Not” and “Sticky” after over a decade in the game. She recently charted on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.
These women are redefining what modern R&B sounds like and expanding what it can be.

Girls to Watch: YK Niece and Pluto
YK Niece made waves with her viral verse on “Whim Wham.” While the track gained popularity, she’s spoken out about not receiving proper credit or compensation, sparking an important conversation around recognition, value, and voice in music. She’s one to watch with talent, drive, and a story worth listening to.

Biz to Watch: Olamide Olowe – TopicalsFounder of the skincare brand Topicals, Olamide Olowe is disrupting the beauty industry by putting real skin stories and community care at the forefront. Recently featured on Forbes 30 Under 30, her work bridges innovation, wellness, and Black girl excellence.

Closing Thoughts: From wrestling rings to viral singles, and from money trauma to beauty breakthroughs, this episode honors Black girls who are blooming — despite every obstacle. April showers may have poured, but May is full of flowers.

Listen now wherever you stream your podcasts, and follow @carefreeblackgirl_inc for updates and community highlights.

Santana opens up about surviving an unhealthy relationship, reclaiming her voice, and using her podcast Santana Says to uplift her community. From breaking cycles to building virtual support spaces, this conversation dives into motherhood, faith, and advocacy.

“It’s always easier to give out or to help others versus look within your situation.” – Santana

For her B-Sides Track of the Week, Santana chose “I Love Your Smile” by Shanice—a joyful 90s throwback that reminds her of her childhood and keeps her spirit lifted.

Chapters:
00:53 Cleveland Roots and B-Side Tracks
02:23 About Santana Says Podcast
03:00 Personal Journey and Advocacy
06:43 College Days and Organizing Spirit
11:00 Rapid Fire Round: She Did That!
11:53 Mother’s Day Shoutout

Subscribe for more real stories from bold voices behind the mic.
🎧 Available wherever you get your podcasts.
📲 Follow Santana: @SantanaSays_
📲 Follow Wize: @TheRealWize

🎬 Edited by Storytime Studios
🌍 Powered by The Indie Creative Network + REVOLT Podcast Network

My experience of nature growing up in St. Philip Barbados has given me some of the most powerful memories of my childhood. In this episode of the Island Woman podcast, I’m sharing my nostalgia for nature back then and the joy it brought me. I discuss how the shift from an agricultural economy to tourism has transformed our landscape in Barbados, leading to some loss of that natural beauty. While I mourn that loss, I believe we can still create a nature-nourishing industry for the future starting with each household. I’d love to hear how nature has changed in your area—share your thoughts in the comments below!
—

If you’re new here welcome to the Island Woman podcast! 🌴
To get up to speed on what has inspired this podcast, start with this episode: https://youtu.be/dFvMPooEiZ0
It’s my candid and heartfelt message on walking this journey to a #BIGandSimple life rooted in joy, clarity, and the Caribbean spirit.
👉🏽 Subscribe if that sounds like your kind of life. I’d love to have you walk with me.
—-
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

#naturenostalgia #nature #loveBarbados #IslandWomanPodcast #podcast

On this episode of Behind the Mic: Powered by REVOLT Podcast Network, Wize Grazette sits down with Brandon Brathwaite, co-host of the Situationships podcast. A proud Bronx native with Bajan and Trini roots, Brandon shares his story of how he got his start working behind the scenes on the hit series Situationships and how that eventually led to the launch of the podcast.

B-Sides Track of the Week:
Brandon’s selections celebrate two women he feels connected to through resilience and talent—Keisha Cole’s “Forever” and Jocelyn Hernandez’s “I Like the Way You Are (Disco Shoes).”

Brandon opens up about navigating the entertainment world, the importance of building authentic connections, and why communication is everything—whether you’re creating shows or managing relationships. He also shares why $50,000 isn’t nearly enough to launch a true creative project and how he values respecting the work of everyone on a team.

In our rapid-fire “What Would You Do?” game, Brandon keeps it honest about dream jobs, brand partnerships, and the realities of budgeting in the entertainment industry. Plus, he reveals a fun side you might not catch from just listening to the podcast—and why he’s the friend you can call at 2 AM… as long as you call twice.

Featured Quote:
“When you’re creating content, sometimes the best stories come from your everyday life and relationships.”

Chapters:

00:31 Meet Brandon Brathwaite
01:11 Brandon’s Background and Influences
01:43 B-Sides Track of the Week
04:02 The Story Behind Situationships
06:31 Creating the Situationships Podcast

Make sure you subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a five-star review! Follow @TheRealWize on Instagram and Twitter for more behind-the-scenes moments.

Guest Socials & Links:
Follow Brandon on Instagram: @brandonbrathwaite526
Follow the Situationships Podcast: @situationshipny

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