Épisodes

  • Ep. 198 A Little Me Time with Tara Jaye Frank

    Ep. 198 A Little Me Time with Tara Jaye Frank
    Jan 29 2026
    In the first episode of year seven of the Culture Soup Podcast, L. Michelle Smith sits down with equity strategist, author, and Waymaker Change Group founder Tara Jaye Frank for a timely and deeply personal conversation about leadership, grief, obedience, and self-preservation. They explore the making of Tara’s new book, You Are Before the World: Lessons on Doing Good Without Being Undone, including why she chose to self-publish, how the aftermath of the 2024 election reshaped her work, and what it means to redefine helping in ways that no longer wound the helpers. This conversation unpacks the emotional and spiritual labor carried by Black women, the reality behind the 92 percent, and why boundaries, integrity, and trust matter more than performance. Together, they reflect on surrender, mission-driven work, and remembering who you were before the world placed its demands on you. This episode is for leaders, helpers, creatives, and change agents who are asking how to continue doing good without losing themselves in the process.
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    49 min
  • EP. 197 Full Circle: The Leadership Theory Episode

    EP. 197 Full Circle: The Leadership Theory Episode
    Nov 21 2025
    In this third installment of the Leadership Revival Series, L. Michelle Smith brings the journey full circle. After exploring history & culture in Part 1 and applied science in Part 2, today’s episode takes us into the final pillar of the Call & Response Leadership Revival Framework: leadership theory. This episode weaves together research, lived experience, and a deeply personal full-circle story that became a turning point in the creation of Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad Books/HarperCollins, Feb 2026). You’ll hear: Why leadership theory is finally naming what many leaders have lived for generations How self-work, relationship work, and world work become the backbone of leadership with heart A powerful reading of L. Michelle’s essay, “When You Receive the Language for What You’ve Lived” A moving sidebar featuring her early connection with Abby West, now VP & Editorial Director at Amistad Books A special clip from Episode 161, “The Sound of Progress,” exploring storytelling, sound, community, and cultural leadership How one unexpected conversation led directly to the acquisition of Call & Response This is the episode where everything clicks — the moment theory, story, science, and culture meet in a single, resonant truth: Leadership isn’t changing. It’s returning. To community. To connection. To courage. To heart. And this episode marks that return. IN THIS EPISODE Part 3 of the Leadership Revival Series Leadership theory explained through a cultural, scientific, and human lens What it means to “receive the language for what you’ve lived” Why narrative and sound have always been leadership technologies How L. Michelle’s relationship with Abby West helped bring Call & Response to life The moment everything came full circle ABOUT THE BOOK Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church By L. Michelle Smith Amistad Books / HarperCollins | JVL Media Releases February 10, 2026 Pre-order & learn more: lmichellesmith.com/callandresponse FOLLOW & CONNECT Website: lmichellesmith.com Instagram: @lmichellespeaks LinkedIn: L. Michelle Smith Join SOAR Academy for leadership tools & resources
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    19 min
  • Ep 196 w/Finding Your Giant Steps When the Ground Feels Shaky

    Ep 196 w/Finding Your Giant Steps When the Ground Feels Shaky
    Sep 26 2025
    he Class of 2025 is shaken. Join me and Leilani M. Brown as we unpack how today’s grads can shift with intention—despite a wobbly job market. Practical tools, straight talk & career clarity await. Let’s talk about your giant steps forward.
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    41 min
  • Ep 196: Finding Your Giant Steps When the Ground Feels Shaky with Lelani Brown

    Ep 196: Finding Your Giant Steps When the Ground Feels Shaky with Lelani Brown
    Sep 25 2025
    ???? Episode Summary

    The job market isn’t giving today’s college seniors much to smile about—and that includes the Class of 2025. On this timely and powerful episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®, L. Michelle Smith welcomes leadership expert and author Leilani M. Brown for a heart-to-heart on what it takes to launch strong, even in uncertain times.

    With candor, warmth, and serious know-how, Leilani unpacks what students, families, employers—and even leaders—need to understand about the transition from campus to career. You’ll hear about the emotional toll of today’s job market, what matters most to Gen Z job seekers, and how both individuals and organizations can shift with intention.

    ???? Show Shoutouts

    People Mentioned

    • Leilani M. Brown – Guest, author, CEO of Giant Steps LLC
    • L. Michelle Smith – Host, author, executive coach
    • Leilani’s son – Class of 2025, mentioned as a source of inspiration
    • Parents & college students – Broad shoutout to listeners navigating this landscape

    Organizations & Institutions

    • Giant Steps LLC – Leilani’s consulting and leadership firm
    • Spelman College – Both Leilani and L. Michelle are alumnae
    • Howard University – Mentioned in context of the HBCU community
    • The Culture Soup Podcast® – In its 8th year, hosted by L. Michelle Smith
    • The Circle – L. Michelle’s leadership growth and coaching community
    • NSC Coaching – Executive & personal coaching firm founded by L. Michelle
    • SOAR Academy – Digital learning platform for leaders

    Books

    • From Campus to Career – Career launch guide for young professionals by Leilani
    • Your Giant Steps – Leilani’s latest book on professional clarity and growth
    • No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself – L. Michelle’s bestselling book

    Cultural/Professional Themes

    • Class of 2025 – Core focus of the episode
    • Grit, grace, gumption – Leilani’s leadership mantra
    • Purpose, performance, people – Three pillars for career success
    • “The kids are not alright” – Referenced as a cultural truth
    • “You’re not stuck—you’re shifting” – A powerful Leilani quote echoed by L. Michelle
    ???? Learn More
    • Leilani M. Brown – leilanimbrown.com
    • L. Michelle Smith & The Culture Soup Podcast® – lmichellesmith.com/theculturesouppodcast
    • Join The Circle – lmichellesmith.com/thecircle
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    41 min
  • Valorie Burton on Rules of Resilience | The Culture Soup Podcast Live

    Valorie Burton on Rules of Resilience | The Culture Soup Podcast Live
    Aug 22 2025
    Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about building a system that makes you stronger, wiser, and better. Join me for Episode 195 of The Culture Soup Podcast with my mentor coach and longtime friend, Valorie Burton, bestselling author of Rules of Resilience. We’ll unpack 10 practical rules for thriving through uncertainty and leading with authenticity. This extended edition streams live this Thursday.
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    49 min
  • Ep. 195 Rules of Resilience with Valorie Burton

    Ep. 195 Rules of Resilience with Valorie Burton
    Aug 21 2025
    In this episode, I welcome back my dear friend of more than 25 years, Valorie Burton — bestselling author of 14 books, CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, and my mentor coach. Valorie joins me to talk about her newest release, Rules of Resilience: 10 Ways Successful People Get Better, Wiser, and Stronger, dropping September 16, 2025. Together we explore why resilience is more than a buzzword, how it looks in real life (hint: sometimes messy), and why it’s a system you can strengthen with intentional practices. ✨ What You’ll Learn Why resilience isn’t about being “tough” but about getting back up — even when it’s messy. How cognitive distortions like catastrophizing can derail you, and the tools to counter them. The critical link between values, purpose, and resilience. Why resilience should be taught in schools and practiced in organizations. How Valorie applied her own rules while writing the book, facing down her inner “gremlins.” The bonus rule: paying resilience forward to your peers, family, and future generations.
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    49 min
  • Ep 195 Rules of Resilience w/Valorie Burton Teaser 2

    Ep 195 Rules of Resilience w/Valorie Burton Teaser 2
    Aug 19 2025
    What does resilience really look like? In this episode of **The Culture Soup Podcast**, I sit down with my mentor coach and dear friend of 25+ years, **Valorie Burton**—bestselling author of 14 books and CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. Her newest book, *Rules of Resilience: 10 Ways Successful People Get Better, Wiser, and Stronger*, releases September 16, 2025. Together, we explore why resilience is more than just a buzzword and how you can build a **personal resilience system** to thrive through uncertainty. --- ## What You’ll Learn * Why resilience isn’t about “toughness” but about getting back up * How to stop catastrophizing and reframe negative thoughts * The surprising role of **authenticity and values** in true resilience * How to pay resilience forward to your circle and future generations Preorder *Rules of Resilience* now: available everywhere books are sold (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound). The Culture Soup Podcast streams everywhere you listen. #RulesOfResilience #ValorieBurton #CultureSoupPodcast #Leadership #PositivePsychology #Resilience
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    1 min
  • Ep 195 Rules of Resilience w/Valorie Burton Teaser

    Ep 195 Rules of Resilience w/Valorie Burton Teaser
    Aug 18 2025
    This Thursday, I’m sitting down with my mentor coach and friend of 25+ years, Valorie Burton, CEO of the CaPP Institute and author of the brand-new Rules of Resilience (Tyndale Refresh, out Sept 16). We’re getting specific: how leaders build a personal resilience system—not just “bounce back,” but bounce better. We’ll talk science without the jargon, choices under pressure, and the micro-habits that keep your purpose steady when the world wobbles. If your calendar says “busy” but your brain says “over it,” this one’s for you. Premieres Thursday (Aug 21). Streaming everywhere. Bring your notebook. Leave with a plan.
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    1 min