Episodes

Ever wondered what happens when preconceived notions of faith community clash with reality? Ruth recounts her eye-opening experience at divinity school, confronting her own self-righteousness and learning to see others through a more compassionate, God-like lens. Through their stories, Ruth and Jaquetta highlight the importance of personal growth, differentiation, and the ongoing process of self-discovery. We share heartfelt anecdotes about overcoming legalism, the evolution of friendships throu...

RA and Jaquetta then share their diverse faith journeys, revealing how their distinct backgrounds shaped their spiritual paths. From RA's upbringing as a pastor's kid to Jaquetta's transient life as part of a military family, we uncover how different experiences can lead to a shared commitment to faith. We delve into the importance of discipline and consistency in maintaining spiritual practices, supported by a powerful quote from Denzel Washington and reflections on the Asbury University reviva...

Have you ever found yourself running away from your inherent potential, simply because the weight of responsibility seemed too great? Join me on this transformative Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast, as I reveal the pivotal moment that made me embrace my role as a leader, a role I had long resisted. Listen in to uncover how recognizing your leadership abilities, no matter how subtle or grand, can lead to a life of authenticity and impact. Throughout the episode, I reflect on the v...

Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences shape your leadership abilities? Explore the surprising ways Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development impacts your growth as a leader as we dive into how each life stage, from infancy to adulthood, influences your ability to lead effectively. We share compelling personal stories and PhD research findings, shedding light on the significant role that parents and mentors play in guiding these developmental milestones. Understanding the...

This Freedom Friday join me as we rethink the fundamentals of leadership by emphasizing the power of genuine connections, clear communication, and creative strategies. We'll dig deep into how nurturing relationships and learning from others can lead to continuous personal growth and enhance our leadership abilities. Plus, discover how structuring your messages with clarity can drive meaningful action and eliminate confusion, ensuring your intentions are always understood.

Can effective leadership transform your team from good to great? Tune in to the Unlearned Podcast as we explore the heart of leadership with Ruth Abigail (RA) and Jaquetta. In this special two-part series, we reveal the origin story of our podcast, rooted in our mutual support and shared leadership experiences. This episode is rich with insights on preparing young leaders for the future, the art of influence, and the hurdles of navigating leadership in today’s dynamic culture. We provide action...

Ever found yourself paralyzed by the fear of public speaking or hesitated in crucial conversations? Imagine transforming that anxiety into confident and clear communication. Drawing from ten years of leadership, we unravel how a lack of confidence or clarity can hold young leaders back, leading to missed opportunities and unresolved conflicts. By the end, you'll not only understand how to communicate more effectively but also become a more compelling and impactful leader. Don’t miss out on learn...

Fear-driven decisions and underdeveloped leadership skills can be detrimental, but they don’t have to define your journey. Learn how to bridge the gap in leadership development and turn vulnerabilities into strengths. We delve into the significance of effective communication, the nuances of following a founder’s footsteps, and the importance of leaning into your unique contributions. Embrace the power of vulnerability and clarity in communication as we explore generational differences in workpla...

Hey everyone, it's RA here! Are you ready to transform your financial beliefs and liberate your life choices? On this Freedom Friday, I'm flying solo to guide you toward the financial freedom that comes with understanding your money. Forget the myth that you need to be a math genius to manage your finances. I'll share my personal journey to becoming debt-free and reveal four foundational money management steps that revolutionized my finances – wisdom not from a finance guru, but from my own fath...

We're peeling back the veil on the transformative process of holding a mirror to ourselves, whether we're single, mingling, or deeply entwined in partnership. Through candid tales and introspective musings, we explore the often-unspoken challenges of accountability in relationships, the myth of the 'simple' single life, and the profound impact of aligning with someone who cherishes our most authentic self. As we wrap this episode, we extend an invitation: join us in embracing the raw, the real,...

. This episode isn't just about counting pennies—it's about reshaping our attitudes towards wealth. We'll guide you through the tightrope walk of financial independence, stress the importance of wise giving, and disclose why mastering everyday budgeting is the real secret to financial freedom. Whether you're single, navigating a relationship, or part of a military family, we've got insights that'll help you harness the power of clear communication and intentional habits. And for those moments wh...

Are you ready to dismantle the myth that your purpose should always ignite with the flames of passion? Join RA on this Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast we challenge the millennial mantra that intertwines passion tightly with purpose, and share insights that could redefine your career and personal calling.

You've seen leaders who shine in the limelight, but what about the power of those who uplift from the shadows? Our discussion takes a twist as we dissect the evolution of leadership. It's a candid look at the maturity it takes to value support roles and collective triumphs. We chat about the tough transitions—from mentoring students to shepherding young leaders—and the toll of grappling with toxicity in the workplace. This chapter peels back the layers of what it means to navigate company cultur...

Reflect on the joy of forming bonds that outlast life's fleeting moments with us, RA and Jaquetta, as we take you on a laughter-laced excursion through memory lane. We'll unwrap the stories that have become the fabric of our enduring friendship, born in the harmonious halls of Furman University's gospel choir. From name mix-ups to life's trials and triumphs, we'll share how the people who uplift and energize us, rather than drain us, played pivotal roles in our lives. The tapestry of anecdotes w...

This Freedom Friday, let's traverse the subtle landscape of personal growth, dissecting why society's glamorization of extremes can obscure the true milestones of our private victories. In an age where sensationalism reigns supreme, this conversation serves as a reminder to cherish the quiet, yet profound, revelations that lead to genuine transformation. As I share my personal reflections, we contrast the explosive public downfalls, like the Harvey Weinstein scandal, with the silent, private ep...

Let's talk about that Florida trip that seemed like self-care but turned into a financial scare. The reality of adulting hit us like a ton of bricks, and we learned the hard way that self-indulgence doesn't equate to self-care. This episode isn't just about avoiding the pitfalls of retail therapy; it's about discovering the joy of creative, cost-effective self-nurture. We're sharing the tough love and tough choices that can steer you back to financial stability—sometimes, that means swallowing p...

Have you ever felt shackled by your own internal rulebook? We'll unveil the steps to identify and transform the "always" and "never" declarations that dictate our actions, urging you to evolve these rules to align with your present self and leave behind those that belong to yesterday. Prepare to confront the possibly uncomfortable but ultimately liberating truth that some of these regulations may have outstayed their welcome. We'll share the importance of contentment as an anchoring principle,...

This conversation between two middle adults, RA and Jaquetta, cross the realms of mentorship, personal growth, and the bravery needed to leap from the comfort zone into the realm of greatness. We traverse the tales of our own lives, including insights from my son Tyson's unfettered courage, to illustrate the importance of casting off the chains of fear and embracing a culture of continuous self-improvement. The path to greatness is often littered with uncertainties and the need for a guiding li...

This conversation is an open invitation for you to join me on a journey where we recognize our inherent worth, independent of the accolades and the often exhausting pursuit of productivity. No more chasing shadows of successes that belong to someone else's story. It's time to embrace the unique individuals we are, with all our quirks and dreams that don't necessarily fit into a LinkedIn profile. Through personal anecdotes and reflections on "First Things First" by Stephen Covey, we consider the ...

Why do we often toil without reaping the rewards we expect? This pressing question sets the stage for our latest Freedom Friday discourse here on the Unlearned Podcast. Today we're embarking on a journey through the heart of what it truly takes to achieve the success we're all chasing. As I engage with incredible individuals who spark inspiration and challenge growth, we uncover the often overlooked truth that discipline, rather than knowledge, paves the way to the fruits of our labor.

In this Freedom Friday, I'll share the nitty-gritty of breaking new ground—literally—with a tiller, the unexpected wisdom unearthed in each handful of dirt, and the life lessons that sprouted alongside our tomato vines. Whether you're a veteran cultivator or your idea of a garden is the produce aisle at the grocery store, you're sure to reap a harvest of insights on the profound rhythms of sowing, tending, and reaping that apply far beyond the backyard.

Ever found yourself tangled in beliefs that no longer serve you? This Freedom Friday, my best friend, Jaquetta Ross, joins me for a transformative discussion on the liberating journey of unlearning—an odyssey that is reshaping our personal narratives. We'll dive into the insights Jaquetta has gained from her recent speaking engagements, particularly during Black History and Women's History months, and how sharing these experiences enrich our community. We muse on the art of intertwining life's s...

In a recent episode of "The Unlearned Podcast," host Ruth Abigail engages in a rich conversation about the significant shift from mastering a skill to teaching it. This episode uncovers the intricacies of unlearning the mindset of an expert to adopt the patience and humility required of an educator. Through personal anecdotes and shared stories, Ruth explores how this transition is not just about changing roles but about enhancing one's ability to lead creatively and empower others. If you're in...

Imagine if America's entire population sat on a therapist's couch, facing the mirror of our collective mental health—what would we discover? Phyllis Levitt, a psychotherapist with profound insight into the nation's psyche, joins me to unravel this question. Together, we venture into uncharted territories, discussing how the dysfunctions within our personal family lives often echo in the corridors of our society. Phyllis doesn't just outline the issues; she advocates for a therapeutic revolution,...