Episodes

What happens when you let go of sole ownership and embrace the power of a shared vision? Having carried the weight of my ideas alone for too long, I share my revelations on creating a vision that is owned and evolved by everyone involved. Through strategies like discussing ideas rather than just communicating them, welcoming others' contributions, and embracing the inevitable changes that come with collective input, we can not only lighten our burdens but also ensure the sustainability and growt...

We venture into the transformative concept of love languages, popularized by Gary Chapman, and the delightful complexity of how we express and receive love. Personal stories unravel our mixed feelings about gift-giving while highlighting the willingness to embrace and adapt to each other's unique preferences. Whether it's quality time, acts of service, or the power of a handwritten note, our conversation showcases how understanding these expressions can enhance our relationships. We also reflect...

Discover your inner superhero through the transformative power of the StrengthsFinder assessment. Join Jaquita and me as we reveal how uncovering our unique strengths has not only reshaped our careers but also boosted our confidence in the professional realm. By focusing on what we naturally excel at, rather than harping on weaknesses, we explore how this mindset shift leads to more fulfilling work experiences. In a candid comparison, Jaquita and I share our top strengths, painting a vivid pict...

Have you ever found yourself caught in the whirlwind of life’s demands, feeling like you’re juggling too many balls in the pursuit of personal growth? With honest reflections, I reveal how I reached a point where I needed to intentionally declutter my life, focusing on fewer, more meaningful commitments. It's a journey that's tested my resolve, especially when tempting opportunities arise, challenging the promises I've made to myself and my accountability partners.

What if understanding your personality could unlock a whole new level of personal growth? Join us as we embark on the second season of the Unlearned Podcast, filled with gratitude and excitement. Ruth Abigail and Jaquita reflect on their 20-year journey of impactful conversations and share personal stories, including Jaquita's shift to a new administrative role and Ruth’s memorable meeting with icons like Jasmine Guy at a Legends Luncheon. We also find humor in our renewed love for boy band musi...

Ever found yourself caught in the perfectionist trap, inadvertently micromanaging those around you despite your best intentions? Join me, Ruth Abigail, aka RA, on the Unlearned Podcast for this special Freedom Friday episode, where I unravel the delicate art of balancing leadership and personal growth with the freedom to let others learn independently. Tune in to explore how you can embrace a liberating approach to leadership, replacing micromanagement with empowerment, and fostering an environm...

What makes a podcast thrive while so many others fall by the wayside? Join me as I welcome seasoned entrepreneur and podcast host Kevin Palmieri to the UnlearnT Podcast. We dive into Kevin's remarkable seven-year journey in podcasting, inspired by his mission to be a guiding light during tough times and his dream of making podcasting a full-time endeavor. We'll unpack why genuine relationships and consistent follow-ups are game-changers for sustained success, both in podcasting and entrepreneurs...

In this episode, you will learn about the two pivotal unlearning points that can add more freedom to your life. First, it’s okay if people don’t show up the way you do—accepting this can be tough, especially under pressure. Second, being committed, dependable, and servant-minded isn't just an innate trait; it’s a skill that can be developed. Tune in as I reflect on these insights and how embracing them can transform your approach to teamwork and leadership. 🎙Listen to the show https://open.spo...

Ever wondered how a small-town mayor can drive significant community growth without pocketing a dime of his salary? In our latest episode of the UnlearnT Podcast, we sit down with Mayor Greg Bennett of Swainsboro, Georgia, who shares his remarkable approach to governance and development. Mayor Bennett details his choice to reinvest his mayoral earnings into local projects, offering a fresh perspective on the power of a community-first mindset. From creating jobs to building affordable housing, h...

Explore the crucial aspects of entrepreneurship that go beyond just doing what you love. Megan shares her perspective on the importance of supporting existing nonprofits, the roles and benefits of a fractional Chief Marketing Officer, and how to nurture an entrepreneurial spirit within a nine-to-five job. This episode offers a comprehensive look at marketing strategies, sales skills, and the need for a structured approach to transform passion into impactful results. Whether you're an aspiring en...

What happens when you blend a Ph.D. in Economic Development with a passion for supporting small businesses and women entrepreneurs? You get Griselda Martinez, our remarkable guest on this episode of the Unlearned Podcast. Join us as we journey from our first meeting during a coaching course in 2022 to Griselda's flourishing career in economic development consulting and business coaching. Learn how her business, Ascendo Strategies, is making a difference and why representation and mentorship matt...

What happens when you combine a divine calling with an entrepreneurial spirit? In this episode of the UnlearnT Podcast, I reconnect with my friend and former boss, Reggie Davis, to explore the risky yet rewarding world of entrepreneurship. We kick off with humorous stories from our first meeting in 2010, setting the stage for a candid conversation about embracing diversity, taking calculated risks, and the lessons that have shaped our careers. I also share my journey from ministry to entreprene...

How does one transition from a disciplined upbringing as a former Olympic qualifier to advising over 40 prime ministers and founding three unique businesses? Join us on this captivating episode of the Unlearned Podcast as we welcome Dr. Monique Ositelu, an extraordinary entrepreneur and data strategist whose journey is a remarkable blend of discipline, creativity, and perseverance. Monique shares her story of juggling multiple roles, from lecturing at Harvard to innovating in the fintech space w...

In this episode of the Unlearned Podcast, Ruth Abigail sits down with Karis Gilmer, who shares her incredible journey from a childhood of global adventures as a missionary's daughter to overcoming domestic violence. Karis reflects on her spiritual growth, the importance of personal scripture study, and the shift from religious rituals to genuine faith. She also bravely discusses her path to healing and the wisdom gained from unlearning harmful patterns. This conversation is a powerful testament ...

Join us as Shamika and Patrick share their journey of balancing life and entrepreneurship. They reveal how they built a thriving coaching business, reaching clients from South Africa to New York, all while keeping a family-like culture. We’ll also dive into the story behind a unique barbershop and nail salon, where quality and personal connection have been key to its success over 15 years. Learn how they’ve balanced professional ambitions with personal well-being. Finally, Shamika and Patrick ...

Ever felt like you're running on fumes, both physically and mentally? Join me, Ruth Abigail (RA), on this week's Freedom Friday episode of The UnlearnT Podcast, where I share my recent wake-up call about the importance of nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls. After a summer filled with lots of travel and unhealthy eating, I found myself feeling empty and depleted. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on my journey towards reclaiming my well-being by adopting healthier habits and making time...

What if we told you that freedom is like a unique language, one that not everyone can understand? Join me on this eye-opening episode of the Unlearned Podcast as I recount my recent journey back into the world of music, playing the piano at a youth camp and a friend's EP release. These experiences brought to light the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals who can help decode complex ideas, just like my musician friends did with a tricky chord progression. It's a powerful reminder...

Ever wondered how young professionals tackle perfectionism, navigate their career paths, and find a balance between personal growth and professional success? Discover the candid and inspiring stories of Amir and Joya in the season finale of the Unlearned Podcast, where our hosts Ruth Abigail (Ra) and Jaquetta bring you a wealth of insights and practical advice. Listen in as Amir, an assistant director and campus programmer, and Joya, a passionate young adult, share their personal journeys, chall...

What if your mistakes were the stepping stones to your greatest growth? In this conversation, we delve into the privilege of making mistakes and how each stumble has been a vital part of our journey. We discuss the freedom that comes from trying new things, even when they don't go as planned, and the significance of embracing unpaid opportunities to build skills and knowledge. Listen to personal anecdotes, such as my experience teaching piano lessons, and gain insights into the essential seasons...

Have you ever wondered how a simple makeover could spark a lifelong friendship? In this episode, we invite our special guest, Producer Joy (Producer of the UnLearnT Podcast), to join us in reminiscing about nearly two decades of shared memories and the transformative moments that shaped our bond. From Ruth Abigail's early days of iconic tank tops and hair clips to her evolution into a confident leader, we recount the laughter and pivotal experiences that strengthened our connection. Jaquetta's h...

In this episode, we challenge the idea of splitting your life into separate compartments and introduce a fresh perspective on integrity, likening it to the wholeness of an "integer." Every part of our lives impacts the others, and we explore how embracing this interconnectedness can lead to genuine personal growth. In our deeper discussion, we dive into the essence of personal integrity and the pitfalls of living through a "representative" version of ourselves. Learn from our stories and insigh...

What happens when the discomfort you feel isn't a signal of danger, but rather an opportunity for growth? We dive into the often-overlooked challenges of making friends as adults, where the eagerness for companionship can lead to misplaced trust. Drawing from the wisdom of my father, we categorize friendships into four distinct groups: casual friends, cohorts, close friends, and confidants, offering you practical tools to build a reliable and genuine community.

Have you ever felt on edge during life's transitions, questioning whether it's genuine danger or just discomfort? We dive deep into managing these feelings and offer our own experiences to help you feel more secure amidst change. From relationship shifts to job changes, we discuss how to manage rather than eliminate discomfort and the importance of facing our fears head-on. We share our strategies for handling the dread of making mistakes and the anxiety that comes with unforeseen situations, of...

What if maturity didn't have to mean losing your joy? On this Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast, I revisit that very question, inspired by a poignant scene from "Inside Out 2." Imagine Joy, the ever-optimistic character, grappling with the reality that growing up could mean having less joy. This revelation hit me hard and prompted me to challenge the conventional belief that joy diminishes with age. Join me as I share this deeply personal experience and unpack the emotions introduc...