Living in the Sweet Spot with Angelique Francis

My guest today is Denise Woodland Lombard, a Medicare consultant and specialist who has made it her mission to take the fear and confusion out of one of the most important financial and healthcare decisions you will ever make. Denise works with people who are getting ready to turn 65, those who are already on Medicare and wondering if they’re in the right plan, and — just as importantly — adult children and caregivers who are trying to help their aging parents navigate this system with confidence. Because here’s the truth: making the wrong Medicare decision can cost you thousands of dollars — in penalties, in out-of-pocket expenses, in coverage gaps you didn’t know you had. And making the right decision? It can give you peace of mind, protect your retirement savings, and make sure you have the coverage you need when you need it most.  That is not something you want to leave to chance. That is not something you want to Google at midnight and hope for the best. Tune in!! 

Talk about The Sweet Spot!  My guests are the perfect dynamic duo in the month of Money Financial May”  — together,  we explore “real wealth” in every sense of the word. Not just financial, but the richness of a life lived with intention, impact, and meaning. Malgy Blue and Delphine Pruitt, both executives at US Bank, get deep down and personal about what brings meaning and purpose to their lives and careers as they serve and help navigate their community while  supporting the economic needs, inspired visions and simply help make  dreams come true, every day!

Money Matters just got REAL this month on Living in the $weet $pot!!!  Money does matter and so we’re talking wealth, freedom, and financial power — and I’m bringing on someone who lived it from the ground up. Meet Munif Ali —                     Executive Chairman of Mpower Collective of Companies, inspired  entrepreneur, the author of two books, philanthropist, and thought leader who grew up in Hunters Point Housing Projects in San Francisco and became a self-made millionaire by the age of 24. Munif built multi-million dollar businesses along the way, and now runs one of LA’s most powerful urban luxury brokerages — Pacific Playa Realty.Living in the Sweet Spot with me, we will talk about: starting from the ground,  breaking the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, building wealth through real estate, his “momma” and the “millionaire mindset shift” that changes everything! Tune in, and it will Pay Off!! This one will hit different! $$$$$$

Going Blind, made him See!! What if losing your sight… actually helped you finally see? My next guest in the Sweet Spot knows something about that kind of miracle. Marvin Dexter Moore spent decades inside the music industry — working with songwriters, artists, and legends… helping shape the soundtrack of other people’s dreams. But somewhere along the way, life took an unexpected turn, and Marvin completely lost his physical sight. And in the middle of that darkness… something extraordinary happened. He discovered his own voice. Today, Marvin Dexter Moore is a singer, songwriter, and artist creating music that speaks to faith, resilience, and the belief that it’s never too late to step into the purpose God has been preparing you for all along. His songs have climbed the charts, his message is touching lives, and his journey reminds us that sometimes the greatest vision… is the one we receive from the inside. A former music industry executive with BMI and Jobete/Stone Diamond Music, Marvin’s love for music has only grown deeper since stepping into his own artistry. Now working on his second album, his songs capture both the beauty and the struggle of living a spirit-filled life — inspiring others to go deeper, reach higher, and achieve beyond their limitations. Sometimes it’s through the trials that life gives us the clearest vision… removing the clutter so we can truly SEE. Don’t miss this powerful time in the Sweet Spot! 

On this episode of Living in the Sweet Spot, we talk with brothers Dwayne and Drew Cox, founders of the View Park Wellness Collective, a wellness space created for the neurodiverse by the neurodiverse. They share the story behind building a community rooted in understanding, inclusion, and healing, along with the experiences that inspired them to create a space where neurodivergent individuals and families can feel supported and seen. This conversation offers a new perspective on how we can better understand, interact with, and support the neurodivergent community through compassion, awareness, and connection. From mental wellness and entrepreneurship to advocacy and representation, this episode is honest, inspiring, and deeply personal. Dwayne and Drew remind us what’s possible when people build the kind of spaces they once needed themselves. Tune in for a powerful conversation about purpose, community, and living fully in your sweet spot.

In this episode of Living in the Sweetspot, we pay tribute to the incomparable Kiki Shepard, known to millions as the "Apollo Queen of Fashion," Kiki was more than just the co-host of Showtime at the Apollo; she was a symbol of elegance, a Broadway trailblazer, and a tireless advocate for sickle cell disease research. We dive into her 15-year legacy at the legendary Apollo Theatre, where her signature style and grace helped define an era of Black excellence. Beyond the spotlight, we discuss her profound impact as the founder of The K.I.S. Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness, education, and research for Sickle Cell Disease and Sickle Cell Trait a cause she championed for over 20 years. All this here in the Sweetspot.

In this episode of "Living in the SweetSpot" we sit down with Grammy nominated singer and songwriter Eric Roberson for an honest conversation about music, independence, and staying true to yourself. Eric has been building his career on his own terms for years. From earning Grammy nominations to collaborating with artists like Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and Ledisi, he has created a lane that proves you do not have to follow the traditional industry path to succeed. In this episode, he talks about the early days, what pushed him to stay independent, and how he has managed to grow while keeping his integrity intact. It feels less like an interview and more like real dialogue about longevity, ownership, faith, and the work behind the scenes. If you care about building something that lasts and doing it your way, this conversation will resonate. Welcome to the Sweet Spot.

My next guest in the Sweet Spot is Raquel Delermeis a PhD Candidate at the University of Southern California. Her research examines how legal institutions reproduce economic, social, and environmental inequality for racialized women. Raquel's first ongoing stream of work explores the caregiving experiences of women with incarcerated adult children. Her dissertation work pivots to ask how penal institutions and the climate crisis are co-constitutive of one another, especially as it relates to racialized and gendered labor exploitation, the siting of prisons, and extreme weather events. Raquel's impactful work has been published in Gender & Society and The Conversation.  “The mommas are still holding it down!”  Join us for this weighty and hot topic in the Sweet Spot!  

My next guest, Director and Choreographer Otis Sallid, has not only style but substance beyond compare. His close attention and keen eye for detail always make something special out of everything he touches. His accomplishments as a producer, director and choreographer in theater, television and film are known throughout the entertainment industry. His work in Spike Lee’s “SCHOOL DAZE”,  “DO THE RIGHT THING” and “MALCOLM X”,  the opening titles for the television shows “LIVING SINGLE” and “SUDDENLY SUSAN”,  Disney’s “SISTER ACT II” and Thomas Carter’s “SWING KIDS” has positioned him amongst the most notable producers, directors, and choreographers.  While at the Juilliard School, Otis spent nights studying, acting and directing at the NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYHOUSE and soon thereafter became a member of the distinguished NEGRO ENSEMBLE COMPANY working with distinguished actors, Denzel Washington, Adolph Caesar, Antonio Fargas and Roscoe Lee Brown. Otis worked his way through numerous Broadway shows including “THE WIZ”, “PURLIE”, “HALLELUJAH BABY”, “TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA”, “DON’T BOTHER ME I CAN’T COPE” and  “ME AND BESSIE”.  

In this episode, Angelique Francis sits down with Lawrence Koh, founder and CEO of International Diversified Products, to discuss his journey from humble beginnings to building a multimillion-dollar company. Lawrence shares how success takes more than just willpower it takes clarity, consistency, and a commitment to creating solutions that serve others. For him, achievement isn't just about personal gain, but about impact. When your success benefits others, it becomes something much more powerful.

In this episode of Living in the Sweet Spot , Angelique welcomes Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and SAG Award nominee Norm Lewis into the Sweet Spot for a conversation that goes far beyond the stage. Known for his powerful voice and unforgettable presence, Norm opens up about his humble beginnings, his deep commitment to character-driven work, and the values that have guided his extraordinary career. From Broadway to Hollywood and everywhere in between, this is a story about grace, perseverance, and staying true to the pursuit of dramatic artistry excellence.

Angelique welcomes America’s Court Judge Kevin Ross to the Sweet Spot for a conversation about where he came from, why he chose the bench, and what keeps him grounded. He opens up about his childhood in South Central L.A., the lessons that shaped him early on, and how he turned purpose into a platform. It’s a story about pushing through, no matter where you start.

This week, we’re talking about something most men don’t talk about enough, prostate cancer and how it impacts not just health, but identity, intimacy, and everyday life. Terry Willis, a urological research coordinator, joins us to share real talk about what men go through physically and emotionally, and why it’s so important to have these conversations. If you or someone you love is facing prostate issues, this episode offers clarity, connection, and a reminder that no one has to face it alone. All of this in the Sweet Spot.

Attorney and BecuzofU podcast host Cheri Freeman-Watkins joins us for a timely and powerful conversation about what justice really looks like and who gets left behind when access depends on income. She shares how her work focuses on equitable legal support, what true leadership means in the fight for fairness, and how practicing gratitude keeps her grounded through it all. With clarity, conviction, and compassion, Cheri reminds us that justice isn't just a system it's a calling.

What happens when a long marriage ends after decades together? In this episode, Dr. Camille Banks-Lee joins us to talk about gray divorce — the emotional and life-shifting experience of separating after age 50. We get into why it's happening more often, what it means for identity and healing, and how to move forward with grace. Whether you’ve lived it or are just curious, this conversation is full of real talk, insight, and hope.

We’re welcoming back artist James Elcock to Living in the Sweet Spot , this time, his story is even more powerful. After becoming disabled due to a tragic accident and being told he’d never walk again, James defied every expectation. In this episode, he opens up about what it took to reclaim his body, his mindset, and his art. This isn’t just a comeback it’s a masterclass in perseverance, identity, and finding purpose when the path forward seems impossible.

This is a rich and reflective episode — honoring James Baldwin through the lens of Charles Reese’s artistry and personal transformation. Let’s craft a title and description that captures the emotional depth, creative process, and legacy Baldwin left behind — and how it reshaped Charles from the inside out.

Zo Williams, host of The Voice of Reason on KBLA, joins us for a powerful conversation on relationships, self-awareness, and why love is often more about inner work than outer perfection. With his signature insight and raw honesty, Zo shares his background, what led him to this work, and the core philosophy that shapes his approach to everything from heartbreak to healing. Whether you’re navigating a breakup, building something new, or just ready for some real talk, this episode will challenge what you think you know about connection.

Kathy Lee and Deatra Handy don’t just talk about change ,they live it, every single day. In this deeply moving episode, ex-felon turned minister Kathy Lee and human trafficking advocate and author Deatra Handy share their unfiltered truths about the devastating impact of trafficking on young girls. With courage, compassion, and lived experience, they explain how they reach those most at risk, the barriers these girls face, and what real outreach looks like. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s a call to wake up and take action for a generation that needs protection and healing.

By day, Michelle Sanchez is a respected music executive. But when the lights go down, she’s on a different kind of journey one of healing, intuition, and radical self-honesty. In this episode, Michelle opens up about walking away from alcohol, toxic habits, and the pressure to perform, and leaning into affirmations, boundaries, and truth. It’s a candid look at what it means to glow up from the inside and how trading temporary escapes for deep alignment changed everything.