Learn to Love Your Layers

It’s the end of season two of You Better! This episode features a compilation of Kiesha's reflections, questions, and conversations with this season’s guests.If you’ve listened to season two, enjoy returning to the most powerful moments from these episodes. And if you’re tuning in for the first time, let this compilation point you to some must-listen episodes for your podcast queue.Make sure you listen to the end of the episode to hear about her new project Hey, Black Seattle! Episode Resources:Hey, Black Seattle!Contact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrisonDirectly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

In this inspiring final interview of the season, Kiesha talks with Rhonda Joy McLean, a celebrated attorney, entrepreneur, leadership consultant, and co-author of The Little Black Book of Success.Rhonda shares her family heritage and pivotal life lessons, including her experience of integrating a school at age thirteen in the Jim Crow South.Kiesha and Rhonda also discuss high achievement, depression, and mental health — making this episode a must-listen for anyone wondering how successful individuals prioritize their mental and emotional well-being.Rhonda is a phenomenal human who offers her wisdom with an open heart. She is sisterhood with a capital “S”. Tune in to learn from her story! Episode Resources:Visit Rhonda’s WebsiteFollow Rhonda on InstagramFollow Rhonda on LinkedInBuy The Little Black Book of SuccessContact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrisonDirectly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

In this moving and thought-provoking interview, Kiesha talks with poet and educator Dr. Lauri Conner. Together, they explore the value of personal reflection in shaping character and discuss freer, more open-minded ways to think about education. Dr. Conner also reflects on her young life and shares some vulnerable and difficult lessons she learned, leading to a discussion on the importance of compassion & accountability.Dr. Conner is a Cave Canem fellow whose poems have appeared in Calyx, Seattle Review, and other journals and anthologies. She holds a Ph.D. and an MFA from the University of Washington and has taught at Cornish College of the Arts, Antioch University, Seattle Central College, and Seattle Academy. Now, as the Head of School at Lake Washington Girls Middle School, Dr. Conner uses her past experiences to help understand and shape her students for the better. Her inquisitive spirit, love for Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon, and ability to share what she’s learned make this an episode you don’t want to miss! Episode Resources:Follow Dr. Lauri Conner on LinkedInOrder *Song of Solomon* by Toni MorrisonContact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrisonDirectly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

In this episode, Kiesha is joined by Dr. Amber Thornton, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Default Parenting + Millennial Motherhood Wellness Expert, and the Founder of Balanced Working Mama, where the mission is to support millennial mothers in creating a life of more balance and wellness.It is important that we - for our individual and collective wellbeing - break free from confining social norms and cultural conditioning that don’t serve us.  And this is why Dr. Amber is a person I appreciate deeply because that is exactly what she helps people do. Her current teaching is focused on undoing the prevalence of default parenting syndrome.  Tune in to learn how default parenting can lead to a type of life that makes it easy to lose yourself and your dreams.  Together, we discuss the power of crafting a life that includes space for you to learn yourself and to have what you need to thrive. We also highlight the importance of effective communication and questioning societal expectations.You better tune in and learn more about supporting the parents in your community!Episode Resources:Visit Dr. Amber’s WebsiteFollow Dr. Amber on InstagramFollow Dr. Amber on TikTokListen to the Balanced Working Mama PodcastContact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrison Directly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

In this solo episode, Kiesha reflects on why we should love all parts of ourselves and live our layers.She explores a few common ways we lose touch with ourselves. And offers suggestions for returning and reconnecting, time and time again.She also shares an exercise for figuring out when and where you’re denying yourself so you can connect with your ideal self and your most supportive community.Grab some pen and paper, then tune in to learn how to love your layers. And if you want to share anything that comes up, find Kiesha on social media @kiesha_garrison. Contact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrison Directly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

At the height of her career, Celine Brozovich was experiencing severe health issues and fell into a deep depression that pushed her to the edge of her life. After watching her mother battle similar issues with little success, she decided to make matters into her own hands by becoming a Lifestyle Medicine Coach.Celine is the founder of Baykenji Health and the creator of the E.L.M. tree method for improving your Emotional Intelligence, Lifestyle Medicine, and Mindset. She believes in helping people achieve health and happiness through self-acceptance, good nutrition, reconciliation, and movement.Together, Kiesha and Celine discuss Celine’s six pillars of nutrition, as well as many of her tried-and-true best practices for a happy, healthy life. Ultimately, Celine strives to contribute to healing and encourages listeners to slow down, appreciate what they have, and focus on helping others. You better tune in to learn how!Episode Resources:Visit Celine’s WebsiteFollow Celine on LinkedInCheck Out Celine’s Favorite Resources Contact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrison Directly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

Have you ever wondered if music could help you heal? In this episode, Kiesha is joined by Stephanie Ann Ball to discuss just that.Stephanie is a professional classical singer who performs in curated concerts across the country, as well as a sound meditation facilitator who holds space for people to hear healing sounds. She is also a Certified Hypnotherapist and Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and Mental Emotional Release.Together, they discuss how post-college and mid-Covid anxiety led her to take a non-traditional path in the world of performance and sound. They also discuss the struggles of being visible in our daily lives and how Stephanie learned to let music come through her without trying to control it. Episode Resources:Visit Stephanie’s WebsiteFollow Stephanie on InstagramFollow Stephanie on LinkedInContact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrisonDirectly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

In this fun and inspiring episode, Kiesha and Bernice Ye discuss how sometimes we must go against everything we’ve been taught to find the path that fits who we are. Together, they unpack how embracing your unique perspective is a key to a happy life.Bernice is a comedian, first generation Chinese-American, and producer of the multicultural comedy show Fine Imports in Santa Monica, CA. In her journey to living as her true self Bernie has boldly rejected confining cultural norms to take ownership of her path forward. From an intense and demanding Chinese grade school education, to her initial distaste for public speaking, to embracing standup comedy as part of her skincare routine— her life is full of delightful twists and turns.Bernice lives by the mantra “rules are suggestions” and that shows in her willingness to be courageously unique in everything she does and in the stories she tells in this episode. You better tune in to hear about it!Episode Resources:Visit Bernice’s WebsiteFollow Bernice on InstagramFollow Fine Imports on InstagramFollow Bernice on TwitterContact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrisonDirectly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

In this solo episode, Kiesha reflects on how we can receive and process feedback while staying true to ourselves.She explains why processing feedback requires knowledge of the self and knowledge of the source. And she shares a story about feedback she received after an internship that shows how critical feedback can actually tell us our superpowers.She also reflects on the messiness of feedback, including how some people will give you feedback that sends you where they want you to go and when positive feedback can be clouded by contemporary -isms.Listen in to hear Kiesha’s poignant reflections on praise and criticism, as well as her two quick tips about feedback. Then share your thoughts on social media! LinksEpisode Resources:Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull & Amy WallaceWhen We Make It by Elisabet VelasquezContact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrisonDirectly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org

In this heartfelt episode, Kiesha and Heather Burris dig deep into what it means to set an example for those around us.Together, they talk through Heather’s pandemic journey, one that brought a deep grief that taught her the importance of leaning on and receiving God’s love through community. They also discuss the book she wrote after embracing an uncomfortable lesson about how we embody the lessons we want our children to learn. Heather Burris is the Immunization Division Chief at the District of Columbia Department of Health (DC Health). Her expertise includes vaccine operations, program management, and clinical research administration of infectious diseases. In addition, she is mission-focused on health equity and ensuring vulnerable residents or those hard-to-reach community members have access to immunizations. A champion for Black women, particularly Black girls, Heather also authored Hair Like Me, a children’s story about beauty and confidence inspired by her daughter.Episode Resources:Order Heather’s Book Hair Like MeFollow Heather on InstagramVisit Heather’s WebsiteContact Info:Email hosting & speaker booking inquiries for Kiesha to info @ kieshagarrison.coFollow Kiesha on LinkedIn: @kieshagarrisonFollow Kiesha on IG: @kiesha_garrisonDirectly support the podcast financially:Cash AppVenmoPayPal.Me To connect with host Kiesha B. Free, visit kiesha.org