Life, Love & Leadership with Dr. James & M

S3-EP13-Let’s Talk Shame with Britney Harris

S3-EP12-Let’s Talk Beating Cancer with Lindsey Walker

This week, Marissa sits down to talk with Dr. Omolora Thomas Uwemedimo of Melanin & Medicine. Dr. Omolora is not new to life shift, she's true to it. She starts the conversation by sharing with Marissa everything she knows to be true about shifting and dives deeper into what she feels to be the most transformational shift to date (4:19). When Dr. Omolora found herself suddenly hospitalized and unable to walk, she had to quickly reevaluate everything she once thought about her self worth and her true meaning in the workplace (7:00). Dr. Omolora recalls a moment where she prayed to God for clarity on how to execute the vision she knows she's called to do (12:49). She gets real about the difficulty of asking for help in the medical profession and talks about the moment she stepped out on faith and decided that it actually was okay to need help to reach your full potential (20:26). Often times, high achievers hold business as a badge of honor, but Marissa and Dr. Omolora relate to each other while discussing the importance of slowing down and valuing yourself (22:26).  Dr. Omolora then reflects on the time in her life where she felt the most free and dives deep into the importance of determining your own course in life in order to find the happiest version of yourself (34:19). 

This week, Marissa sits down to talk with transformational speak Markeith Braden. Marissa begins the chat asking Markeith about the most disruptive shift in his life and he opens up about his experience being laid off (4:27). Markeith details the transformational decision of choosing to be excited about this unexpected shift (9:25). He then details the realities of being the oldest of 4 siblings and seen in the family as the "responsible one" during a time of such uncertainty (10:16).  Markeith opens up about the dangerous cycle of constantly planning but never taking action (16:29).  The two chat about how deceiving it could be when finding success in the wrong assignment and how that can distract you from living in your true purpose (24:45). Markeith then opens up about how, although he's come a long way on his journey, he's still working on embracing his greatness and accepting his calling (29:20).  

This week, Marissa sits down to chat with podcast hosts KeAnna Daniels and Bridget Flaherty. From the outside looking in, the two seem like an unlikely pair, but they quickly explain why they are actually a perfect match based on what's inside their heart. They utilize this time to stress the importance of finding your tribe (6:50). KeAnna then takes time to share her most impactful shifts over the course of her life and what led her to this place in her life (13:50). Marissa shares insight from what she has learned from her own shift journey, and emphasizes the difference between running towards something and running from something (24:19). Marissa then turns to Bridget and gives her an opportunity to chat about her impactful life shifts and the importance of mental health (27:19). The two reflect on how they found each other and what their partnership has done to take their lives to the next level (31:58). 

This week, Marissa sits down with award winning marketing solutionist and thought leader, Dr. Shamieka Dean. Shamieka starts off by sharing with Marissa what she believes to be her most impactful life shift; divorcing and remarrying the same man (4:16). She then breaks down the marriage timeline of how they went from divorced to re-engaged and the things that she intentionally prayed for before going to the alter again (8:26). Shamieka gets honest with Marissa about her role in the separation and how she often used her gift, words, against her husband (12:05). She reflects on the stages of her new marriage, from honeymoon to growing together again, and how they handled it better this time around (15:07). Marissa asks Shamieka to share how she found the balance between her new normal as entrepreneur and newlywed (21:42). Shamieka closes with advice that she would give a woman in the same position she found herself in many years ago: how to have it all (25:47). 

This week, Marissa sits down with Authorpreneur Stephanie Krauss. Stephanie starts by explaining how she got her start and why based on her history, she's not "supposed" to be where she is today (4:02). Marissa asks Stephanie to reflect on her personal transformation and share what people often overlook when celebrating triumph (8:12). Stephanie's work for the past decade has been to provide resources to anyone that is working directly with children (15:50) and she shares the ways that she herself is preparing her own children for the potential storm (20:32).

This week, Marissa sits down with breath-work facilitator, Rachel Dehler. Rachel opens up about the various shifts that happened in her life that led her to turn to breath work (5:12). She then opens up about transitioning from a student of breath-work, to a facilitator (12:29). Marissa takes a moment to ask Rachel to define breath-work, in her own words (14:08). With this new found coping mechanism, Marissa asks Rachel how she has been dealing with all that life has to throw at her while utilizing this newfound resource (18:44). Rachel leaves a final message to the past version of herself, knowing all that she knows now (22:22). 

This week, Marissa sits down to talk with business and personal development coach, Datasha Mayo. Datasha talks with Marissa about what comes to mind when she reflects on her most transformational shift (4:06). When thinking through her 100 pound weight loss, Datasha clues Marissa in on how that physical change is nothing compared to the mental weight loss (7:39). Datasha then touches on how previously strained childhood family relationships have manifested themselves into her adult life (10:23). Marissa asks about the moment that made Datasha "wake up" and take a look in the mirror to prompt the weight loss in the first place (16:21). Datasha then shares what it is about her morning routine that sets her apart from the woman she once was (24:26). Datasha shares her final message to the highly productive couch potato listening in; ready to make a change (22:22). 

This week, Marissa sits down with one of her besties, Melissa Tureaud, VP of Early Learning Programs. The two start the conversation reflecting on the start of their 30 year friendship and how they both took the unconventional path towards success (5:32). Melissa emphasizes that she’s always had an affinity for youth which is what led her to her passionate career in early childhood leadership (7:47). Melissa then reflects on what her leadership gift allowed her to learn about the childhood industry (10:21). As the first black woman executive in her organization, Melissa reflects on key workplace experiences she had to navigate with grace in order to find continued success in this role (18:03). Marissa gives Melissa an opportunity to reflect on some of the biggest shifts that she has made over her 8 year tenure as VP (22:30). The pair chat about the importance of utilizing your natural gifts to help you find a career that brings you joy (31:53). 

This week, Marissa sits down to talk with lifestyle content creator, Jewell Samone, who also happens to be Marissa's only daughter. Growing up watching Marissa take on many life shifts, Jewell reflects on her favorite one that completely changed the way she views the world (6:05). Marissa returns the favor by telling listeners her favorite shift of Jewell's so far ( 9:54). A mental heath advocate, Jewell herself struggles with anxiety and depression. She touches on her own personal warning signs of a depressive episode and what listeners might look out for in those around them (13:44). Jewell offers her own advice for people going through depression (17:25) and shares what she did to pull herself out of it (20:19). Now in a new city, which Jewell believes to be the greatest city in the world, she shares the uncomfortable realities of making this new shift work for her (24:41). You can keep up with Jewell on Tik Tok or Instagram: @jewell_samone

This week, Marissa sits down to talk with associate marriage & family therapist/ certified bestie, Treniss Roberts. It's one of those friendships that have been going on so long they hardly remember how it started, but apparently, it started with one stealing the other's 6th grade boyfriend (05:37). Treniss then reflects on the first time Marissa truly became independent as her favorite shift throughout the years (7:08). The two quickly realize that they have supported each other through similar traumas ranging from abusive relationships to family loss (12:08). Marissa reflects on how the two were showing signs of their gifts long before they even realized it was their purpose work (16:30). Treniss reflects on what it took to get herself to a place where she truly understood her value and decided to accept nothing less (19:55). They reflect on the impact of watching a friend live beneath their potential (22:06) and what it takes for someone to truly change based on the power of choices (31:22). You can keep up with Treniss via email: trenissmft@gmail.com

This week, Marissa sits down to talk with financial services professional and bad ass mom, Bridgett Deana. Growing up together and being only six years apart, Bridgett has seen Marissa through a lot of shifts. Bridgett speaks about which life shift stands out the most when thinking of our host, Marissa Q. Paine (06:13). Bridgett opens up about witnessing Marissa experiencing her “hot girl years” later in life, whereas Bridgett feels that she’s “been there, done that” (12:37). Marissa checks in with Bridgett on how her unexpected baby completely turned her professional and personal life upside down (18:48). Bridgett then opens up about the trauma that came with her first born being born premature and spending the first three months of life in the NICU and the PTSD that followed (21:08). You can keep up with Bridgett on Instagram: @beingbridgett

Talking Shift is a "kitchen conversation among friends" transparently discussing the realities of #MakingShiftHappen" in life, love, business and beyond. Our mission is to normalize what's normal and talk about what's taboo until every human gives themselves permission to live their authentic truth and create a life they love by EVERY MEANS NECESSARY.  

SURPRISE! In this bonus episode Marissa has Valentine's Day on the brain and doesn't quite understand what all the fuss is about (2:25). James is feeling grateful for his health after undergoing oral surgery earlier in the month that left him both weak and feeble (6:15) For the fight of the week our hosts debate on whether or not an apology is actually always necessary (9:22) During the big idea, the couple dives deeper into the 25 lessons they've learned over the course of their 25 year marriage (18:12)

As we near the end of this season, our hosts spend time reflecting on the best moments of season 2.

As we near the end of this season, our hosts spend time reflecting on the best moments of season 2.

As we near the end of season 2, our hosts spend time reflecting on their favorite moments with featured guests.

This week, a recent celebration of life has Marissa reflecting on the true strength of love (4:45). James spends time pondering the quote “addictions are reactions to emotions we can’t handle”(12:03). The fight of the week is sparked by an impulsive gift James bought their daughter leaving Marissa feeling as if he had gone behind her back (15:50). For the big idea, James speaks about the importance of issue spotting in relationships to avoid big blowouts down the road (23:50). For homework, the hosts urge listeners to spend time with their partner being intentional about talking through all unresolved issues from the week prior (34:03). The hosts end the show offering marriage advice to newlywed listener, Michelle (35:25).  

This week Marissa spoke a lot about what wasn’t on her mind (2:39) before eventually deciding that ultimately, she couldn’t stop thinking about Christmas (8:13). James has spent his week reflecting on yet another quote, and you must ask yourself, are you really surprised? (13:40) This week’s fight of the week was sparked by a simple 2 letter word but ended in laughter as surprise guest, Jewell, countered James’ argument with words from his own mouth just a few episodes earlier in the season (18:38). This week’s big idea focused on the importance of strengthening your self-esteem (29:50).