The Next Best Thing

Most people are job searching the same way they did 10 years ago. It's not working. 🎙️   Send the application. Wait. Send another. Wait longer. Refresh the inbox. Repeat. That's not a job search. That's a lottery. And in 2026, the odds are worse than ever, not because the market is impossible, but because everyone is using the exact same playbook.   What Aundrea figured out when everything fell apart in 2008 wasn't a trend or a tactic. It was a different way of moving, one that kept working through every shift in the industry, every new platform, every changing economy. The world looks different now. The approach still holds. In this episode, we cover:  ✅ Why waiting for a job posting could mean you're already behind  ✅ How to get in front of decision-makers before a role exists  ✅ The difference between having connections and having relationships that actually move for you  ✅ What it looks like to treat your career like it's yours  The people landing right now aren't the most qualified. They're the most intentional. This episode is about becoming that person.   🔗 Ready to stop waiting and start building? Learn more about… The Next Best Thing Membership: https://nextbestthingcommunity.com/sign-up The Next Level Accelerator: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/f3tg6AFVMPSriiz9w65i  🎧 Subscribe + 5-star review  https://www.youtube.com/@TheNextBestThingACT

The economy is shifting, AI is moving fast, and playing it safe isn't a strategy anymore. This week, one line from a Jay-Z interview stopped me cold, and it's been living rent-free in my head ever since. Let's talk about what it means to stop playing defense and finally go on offense in your own life. Jay Z GQ interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu_MVMOdbvY&t=1413s Join the tribe: If you're navigating your own career transition, sign up for The NEXT Nuggets newsletter: http://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER Music by Elysium Audio Labs Track: “Let It Flow” www.elysiumaudiolabs.com License: https://bit.ly/3wR1UKpYouTube:  Funky Upbeat Hip Hop Background Music For ...   Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3as7DLr

We often think moving forward is about doing more, but sometimes the breakthrough requires a new blueprint and the courage to stop strategies that lead to burnout instead of results. I’m exploring the 'Season of No’, the privilege of subtraction and giving ourselves permission for beautiful endings to make room for what truly aligns. This week, I’m asking you to marinate on one question: What do you need to put down to pick something better up?"   Join the tribe: If you're navigating your own career transition, sign up for The NEXT Nuggets newsletter.  http://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER Music by Elysium Audio Labs  Track: “Let It Flow” www.elysiumaudiolabs.com License: https://bit.ly/3wR1UKp YouTube:  • Funky Upbeat Hip Hop Background Music For ...   Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3as7DLr

Transitions often feel like a whirlwind where it is easy to get lured into the appeal of something simply because it is new. To remain rooted during these shifts, you must be clear about your non-negotiables. In this week's NEXT Nuggets Voice Note, Aundrea reflects on her fifteen-year career as an on-air television journalist and the heavy toll that lifestyle took on her personal relationships. From working holidays to being told that an uncle’s funeral wasn’t covered by a bereavement policy, she shares the pivotal moment she decided that showing up was no longer up for debate. This episode explores the shift from living on autopilot to living with intention.  Get more tools & resources sent directly to your inbox: https://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER

In the current job market, getting an interview is a win, but landing the job is an entirely different game, especially with the "AI recruiting doom loop" making it harder than ever to stand out. In this episode of The NEXT Best Thing, certified interview coach Lili Foggle prepares you for what may be the most important conversation in your career. Lili is the Director of the Interview Institute at the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. She's known for turning rusty interviewee into a top-tier candidates, making her a viral sensation on TikTok. We’re breaking down why you need to stop just answering questions and start landing strategic messages. From navigating AI to the subtle language shifts that help women and first-gen professionals own their achievements, this conversation is a masterclass in modern career storytelling. Connect with Lili Foggle: Website: impressiveinterviewing.com  TikTok: @ImpressiveInterviewing LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilifoggle/ Join The NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER If this episode helped you feel more confident for your next interview, please subscribe, leave a five-star rating, and share it with a friend who is currently on the job hunt.

This episode isn't just about seasons. It’s about navigating the winters in our own lives, especially when it feels like we're "hustling backwards" or juggling too much to keep up.   From the snow mounds of New York to the Texas sunshine, Aundrea shares a lesson on patience and progress. Discover why a bumpy flight with prolonged turbulence doesn't actually mean you're delayed, and how to stay grounded when you're tempted by the spirit of comparison. This is your weekly pep talk to cut through the noise, get your mind right, and start your week focusing on what actually matters.   Join the tribe: If you're waiting in anticipation for summer, sign up for The NEXT Nuggets newsletter. It’s where I share tools and resources to help you on your journey:  http://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER   Music by Elysium Audio Labs  Track: “Let It Flow” www.elysiumaudiolabs.com License: https://bit.ly/3wR1UKp YouTube:  • Funky Upbeat Hip Hop Background Music For Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3as7DLr

"Maybe it is time to stop pushing through." In this episode, host Aundrea Cline-Thomas sits down with award-winning psychologist and author Dr. Charmaine Jackman to unpack the heavy reality of career grief and burnout. Whether you’ve recently lost a job or you’re still "armored up" in a toxic environment, this conversation is a reminder that you don't have to carry the weight of your workspace alone. Dr. Jackman shares her personal journey from a driven 9-to-5 career to "choosing herself" through entrepreneurship, and why even a therapist needs therapy when the environment becomes exploitative.  We dive deep into:The 5 Stages of Career Grief: Why losing a job (or a dream) feels like losing a loved one. The Body Keeps the Score: How to recognize the physical triggers of being "out of alignment" before the breakdown comes. Survival Mode vs. Safety: Why we keep working like we're being chased, even after we've escaped. The ACT Framework: A step-by-step process to Assess, Choose, and Tackle your well-being. 📩 Stay Connected with the Next Best Thing: Don’t navigate your transitions alone. Subscribe to Next Nuggets, my weekly newsletter helping you navigate career and life transitions with purpose and clarity. https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/yFBDlj7mHmblPa028xyd As Dr. Jackman says, our environments are often designed to exploit us, but we can choose a different path. It's time to stop giving work your "best" while your family and health get the "scraps." Connect with Dr. Charmaine Jackman:Book: The Black Therapist's Guide to Private Practice and Entrepreneurship Website: InnoPsych.com Instagram: @AskDrCharmain

In this week’s Nuggets Voice Note, Aundrea explores the liberating power of Jill Scott’s new album title, "To Whom This May Concern." Reflecting on her transition from the "appeal to everyone" world of journalism to the "find your tribe" reality of life and business, she shares why your worth isn't defined by your palatability. Whether you're navigating a career shift or dealing with "keyboard courage" critics, this is your reminder to focus on the people who actually need what you have to offer. Join the tribe: If you're navigating your own career transition, sign up for The NEXT Nuggets newsletter. It’s where I share the raw, unpolished tools and resources (grammar mistakes and all) to help you find your lane and own your story:  http://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER Music by Elysium Audio Labs  Track: “Let It Flow” www.elysiumaudiolabs.com License: https://bit.ly/3wR1UKp YouTube:  • Funky Upbeat Hip Hop Background Music For ...   Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3as7DLr

Is the "American Dream" actually a math problem that doesn't add up? In this episode, I'm joined by Stephanie Perry and Roshida Dowe, the founders of the Exodus Summit. We’re breaking down the literal cost of freedom, like how one woman they coached traded a $2,700 daycare bill in the US for $550 in Panama. Stephanie and Roshida aren't just "retired," they are working, living, and bopping around the world on their own terms. We discuss why that jealousy you feel when looking at their lives is actually a map to your own future, and how to stop making rich people richer with your labor. Stay in touch: Exodus Summit: https://www.instagram.com/exodussummit/ Stephanie Perry: https://stephanie-perry.mykajabi.com/site/about Roshida Dowe: https://www.roshidadowe.com/ Get these gems directly in your inbox: http://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER Follow The NEXT Best Thing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextbestthingpod/

Companies that demand 110% loyalty are the same ones that can pivot their entire strategy in an 18-minute Zoom call. If you’re still following rules for a market that doesn’t exist anymore, you aren't moving the needle, you’re just standing still. It’s time to stop serving a job description and start serving your future self. Shift your focus from being "The Best Employee" to being "The Best Asset." Your value isn't the name on your badge. It's the skills you take with you and the leverage you create for your NEXT. Stop building someone else’s dream for 40 hours a week without spending at least 4 hours building your own. Need help on your journey? Sign up to get tools and resources sent straight to your inbox: http://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER

"The math isn't mathing anymore."   January's job market just flashed warning signs we haven't seen since 2009. While everyone else is hitting snooze, I'm asking: what's YOUR plan if everything changes tomorrow?   This week, I'm breaking down the 4 things you need to do RIGHT NOW to protect yourself. This is about knowing your options, your resources, and your next move before you are forced to figure it out under pressure.   Disruption does not have to derail your life. Plot twists make for the best chapters.    Want resources sent directly to your inbox? Sign up for the NEXT Nuggets voice note: http://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER 

Getting laid off while being six months pregnant wasn't in the plan. But that devastating moment forced her to completely rethink her relationship with money, work, and financial security. What started as survival mode turned into discovering a skill that would eventually make her more in a single week than her entire monthly salary. This isn't about quitting your job or getting rich quick. It's about what happens when you stop relying on the false security of corporate loyalty and start building real options for yourself. Stay In Touch with Arielle: https://arielledeane.com/ Sign up for The NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER/

Feeling the weight of pushing forward when no one's cheering yet? This week's voice note is about what happens when you're still in the arena and the applause hasn't arrived. We're talking about the gap between doing the work and getting the recognition, also known as the exact place where your strength gets built. This is your reminder that your best work often gets recognized in hindsight. Press play, find your footing, and keep swinging.

Therapist Minaa B breaks down why most people get boundaries completely wrong, and what actually works. If you've tried setting boundaries but still feel drained, taken advantage of, or guilty, this conversation will change how you approach relationships. We discuss the difference between boundaries and walls, why emotional caretaking leaves you depleted, and how to stop abandoning yourself while trying to meet everyone else's needs. Minaa shares practical strategies for navigating difficult family dynamics, addressing burnout, and actually scheduling joy into your life the same way you'd schedule a meeting, because if it's not on the calendar, it's not happening. This isn't about cutting people off or being selfish. It's about learning to show up whole for yourself and for the people who matter most. About Minaa B: Minaa B is a licensed therapist, author of "Owning Our Struggles," creator of the Siblinghood Theory, and host of the Mindful with Minaa podcast. She specializes in helping people understand how their early relationships shape their adult connections and emotional wellness. https://www.minaab.com/ Sign up for The NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER/

If bullies rely on silence to win, what changes when you decide to make noise?   Audacity is a necessary skill, not a character flaw or something reserved for bullies. Audacity can be deployed to push back, take up space, and stop letting other people dominate the room. Using the rise of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as a real-world example, Aundrea shows how momentum is built by refusing to shrink, choosing the right allies, and moving before you feel ready.   If you're done waiting to be picked and watching less qualified people get ahead, this is your reminder that confidence is created through action and power begins the moment you decide to speak.

Feeling pressure to become a completely different version of yourself to move ahead? In this episode of The Next Best Thing Podcast, Aundrea explains why success in 2026 isn’t about doing more. It’s about leveraging what you already have. She shares her EMPOWER framework, lessons from career transitions, and practical strategies to build momentum, set boundaries, and design a career that supports both your goals and your well-being. Download the EMPOWER Framework worksheet: Ready, Set, NEXT https://aundreact.com/NEWSLETTER More about the EMPOWER framework: https://youtu.be/6QFFEmwGslc NEXT Best Thing Membership: https://nextbestthingcommunity.com/sign-up NEXT Level Accelerator: https://link.therewritecourse.com/widget/form/IGlPJXvMjqHxJkBHOyNP

This voice note is a grounding reset for anyone carrying quiet grief, uncertainty, or unease about the state of the world. This pep talk is meant to help guide you back to steady ground by reconnecting with what you actually can control. I understand how disorienting this moment can feel and I want you to start your week feeling a little more anchored, clear, and less alone in what you’re navigating.   Music by Elysium Audio Labs  Track: “Let It Flow” www.elysiumaudiolabs.com License: https://bit.ly/3wR1UKp YouTube:  • Funky Upbeat Hip Hop Background Music For ...   Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3as7DLr

Mondays feel different when you begin them with intention. NEXT Nuggets Voicenotes are your weekly reset. A few focused minutes of grounded, honest reflection every Monday to help you cut through the noise and remember what you’re really doing all this for. Just enough to reset your thinking and reclaim your week before it runs you.   Don't worry, the traditional podcast is coming back. This is just an added bonus! Ready to start your week with clarity instead of chaos? Press play.   Music by Elysium Audio Labs  Track: “Let It Flow” www.elysiumaudiolabs.com License: https://bit.ly/3wR1UKp YouTube:  • Funky Upbeat Hip Hop Background Music For ...   Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3as7DLr

What if your next hello could change the trajectory of your career? Natasha Cornstein knows it can. On this episode of The Next Best Thing Podcast, the Blushington CEO shares how a single introduction transformed her path from customer to CEO, and how intentional relationships have fueled every step of her journey. Natasha opens up about navigating the pandemic and rebuilding the business from scratch, while founding the Beauty and Wellness Forum to bring together peers and competitors in support and collaboration. She also breaks down franchising opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to take control of your NEXT chapter. Connect with Natasha: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-cornstein-27317628/ Blushington Website: https://blushington.com/?srsltid=AfmBOor6cBIDzj4o5wAnwMR-rizNtf1Nv6akvJDLA96nLM7FBrhG-Tny Stay connected with The NEXT Best Thing: NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://aundreact.com/newsletter/ NEXT Best Thing Membership: https://nextbestthingcommunity.com/sign-up

We’re living through a time when everything’s changing. From AI to government furloughs and mass layoffs, so why are you still playing by the old rules? In this episode, we’re talking about why it’s time to stop waiting for your job to take care of you and start taking control of your own career. It's time to start creating your NEXT Best Thing TODAY! We’re getting into the biggest mistakes people are making right now. I’ll show you how to uncover your transferable skills and tell your story in a way that makes opportunities come to you. This isn’t about being rebellious, it’s about putting yourself in a position to win. NEXT Nuggets Newsletter: https://aundreact.com/newsletter/ The Rewrite: https://startyourrewrite.com/ NEW Year, NEXT Level Series begins THIS WEEK: https://nextbestthingcommunity.com/new-year-next-level