The Culture Soup Podcast®️

There is something powerful about returning to a university campus to talk about leadership. At Texas Christian University, our conversation around Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing and JVL Media) was not just about a book. It was about formation. It was about where leadership really begins. About the spaces that quietly shape courage, discipline, and voice long before someone earns a title. The conversation was sponsored by the TCU Brite Divinity School and the TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication, my graduate alma mater and where I currently serve on the Board of Visitors. We explored the idea that the Black Church has functioned as a leadership laboratory for generations. Not simply as a place of worship, but as a place where people learned to speak with conviction, collaborate across differences, regulate emotion under pressure, and lead with both authority and empathy. Grateful to TCU for hosting a rich, honest exchange. If your campus or organization is thinking about the future of leadership, I would love to continue the conversation.

Show Notes: Call & Response at TCU — A Conversation on Culture, Leadership, and Legacy At Texas Christian University’s Carr Chapel, L. Michelle Smith returned to her alma mater for a powerful conversation on Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, joined by Rev. Dr. Shonda Jones, Executive Vice President and Dean of Brite Divinity School. What unfolded was more than a book talk. It was a rich exploration of how culture, history, and applied science intersect to shape leadership in profound and often unrecognized ways. Drawing from both personal story and rigorous research, Michelle shares how her leadership journey began long before corporate boardrooms, tracing back to her formative years in the Black church, where young people were given real responsibility early. That early formation became the foundation for the leadership capabilities she would later see reflected in high-performing Black executives across industries. The conversation explores: The Black Church as the original leadership incubator A space where communication, accountability, resilience, and community-building were not taught theoretically, but practiced in real time. The research behind the framework Insights drawn from 155 high-performing Black leaders, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data to identify the most impactful leadership lessons. Resilience redefined Moving beyond endurance to a more nuanced understanding grounded in neuroscience, including the process of naming, processing, and reframing adversity. Culture as a leadership engine How traditions like storytelling, music, and intergenerational connection shape leadership capacity and emotional intelligence. A critical leadership gap The declining participation of younger generations in the Black church and what that means for the future leadership pipeline. Heart-centered leadership in a changing world In a time marked by workplace disruption, AI acceleration, and shifting expectations of leaders, the need for leaders who can combine performance with empathy, courage, and community-building has never been greater. Throughout the conversation, one idea becomes clear: the leadership lessons cultivated in the Black church are not confined to the church. They are transferable, teachable, and urgently needed across corporate, academic, and community spaces. This conversation is an invitation to rethink where leadership is formed, how it is practiced, and what it will take to develop leaders with both strength and heart in the future. Key Takeaway Leadership is not only learned in formal institutions. It is shaped in culture, reinforced through experience, and now, increasingly, understood through science. Learn More Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church Explore the book and leadership resources at: lmichellesmith.com

If you couldn't be in the room, now's your chance to be a part. TOMORROW at noon, Thursday, March 5 we'll be streaming video of the kickoff to the Call and Response book tour that happened at the Barnes & Noble bookseller at Hillside Village on multiple platforms. It will be featured here on Linkedin, so grab your colleagues, family and friends and bring a journal: Cynt Marshall and I will be holding class, a different kind of Sunday School, not about religion, and not on a Sunday. It's all about a leadership revival during a time where harsh leadership trends, values misalignment, character failures and more are breaking trust at every level in business and beyond. Return to heart-centered leadership with us on The Culture Soup Podcast, because episode 199 is the live recording of that Feb 11th book event. It's guest hosted by my friend and former colleague Neil Foote of Foote Communications. Settle in for the hour, and light up the chat. I'll be in the chat live to answer your questions. The video and audio will also stream across all podcast platforms beginning at noon as well. Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church is a collaboration between Amistad Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing and JVL Media, the brainchild of the incomparable Viola Davis, Julius Lennon and Lavaille Lavette. Purchase your copy or audiobook ahead of the stream and follow along as we go!

The Culture Soup Podcast® Live from Barnes & Noble: Call & Response — 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church In this special live episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®, L. Michelle Smith celebrates the launch of her newest book, Call & Response: Ten Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, recorded live at Barnes & Noble in Cedar Hill, Texas. Joined by trailblazing executive and former Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, L. Michelle explores how leadership principles rooted in the Black church tradition translate into powerful lessons for modern leaders in business, community, and culture. Blending storytelling, neuroscience, positive psychology, and leadership strategy, this conversation highlights how cultural traditions can shape resilient, innovative, and heart-centered leadership. In This Episode Values as a Leadership North Star L. Michelle shares the three values that guide her leadership and decision-making: faith, family, and freedom. Values act as non-negotiables that help leaders determine when to say yes—and when to say no. Community: The Antidote to Isolation Strong leadership cultures are built on connection. Drawing from neuroscience, L. Michelle explains how human bonding and trust strengthen teams and create environments where people move together with shared purpose. Collaboration and Emotional Intelligence Great collaboration requires emotional awareness, cultural understanding, and trust. The conversation highlights how early experiences in community environments—like church choirs—can sharpen the emotional intelligence leaders rely on in the boardroom. Creativity and Innovation Innovation often emerges from constraint. Leaders who cultivate calm, focused thinking create the mental space needed for insight, creativity, and new ideas. Resilience That Builds Strength Resilience isn’t simply pushing through adversity. L. Michelle shares a powerful practice for navigating challenges: Name it – Identify what’s happening and the emotions attached to it Tame it – Process the experience rather than suppress it Reframe it – Discover the opportunity or lesson within it A Leadership Framework Throughout Call & Response, L. Michelle introduces three pillars of leadership growth: Self Work – mastering purpose, mindset, and personal leadership Relationship Work – building trust, collaboration, and community World Work – using leadership to create meaningful impact Learn More To learn more about Call & Response: Ten Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, visit: lmichellesmith.com/callandresponse There you can explore the Call & Response leadership curriculum, designed for corporations, universities, and ministries, and submit a speaker request to bring L. Michelle Smith to your organization or event.

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.

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.

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

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.

???? Episode SummaryThe 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 ShoutoutsPeople MentionedLeilani M. Brown – Guest, author, CEO of Giant Steps LLCL. Michelle Smith – Host, author, executive coachLeilani’s son – Class of 2025, mentioned as a source of inspirationParents & college students – Broad shoutout to listeners navigating this landscapeOrganizations & InstitutionsGiant Steps LLC – Leilani’s consulting and leadership firmSpelman College – Both Leilani and L. Michelle are alumnaeHoward University – Mentioned in context of the HBCU communityThe Culture Soup Podcast® – In its 8th year, hosted by L. Michelle SmithThe Circle – L. Michelle’s leadership growth and coaching communityNSC Coaching – Executive & personal coaching firm founded by L. MichelleSOAR Academy – Digital learning platform for leadersBooksFrom Campus to Career – Career launch guide for young professionals by LeilaniYour Giant Steps – Leilani’s latest book on professional clarity and growthNo Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself – L. Michelle’s bestselling bookCultural/Professional ThemesClass of 2025 – Core focus of the episodeGrit, grace, gumption – Leilani’s leadership mantraPurpose, 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 MoreLeilani M. Brown – leilanimbrown.comL. Michelle Smith & The Culture Soup Podcast® – lmichellesmith.com/theculturesouppodcastJoin The Circle – lmichellesmith.com/thecircle

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.

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.

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

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.

She was there. Not watching the footage—in it. Errin Haines (@emarvelous) recounts what it felt like on the ground in Ferguson as a Black journalist. Press badge on. Still targeted. No distinction made. In an era where covering the story can make you the story, we need to talk about what’s really happening to Black journalists on the frontlines. No press freedom, no democracy. Watch. Listen. Share. Full episode of The Culture Soup Podcast i streams this afternoon. #CultureSoupPodcast #BlackPress #ErrinHaines #FreedomOfThePress #Ferguson #BlackJournalists #DemocracyUnderFire #PressFreedom #ProtestCoverage #TruthTellers

Guest: Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large at The 19th News, award-winning journalist, political analyst, and candidate for President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Episode Summary: What happens when the organization that once spoke truth to power… goes quiet? In this candid and courageous conversation, host L. Michelle Smith sits down with her friend and media powerhouse Errin Haines to talk about the urgent state of Black journalism, the legacy (and future) of NABJ, and what leadership must look like when both journalism and democracy are under attack. Errin shares deeply personal stories—from reporting in Ferguson to launching The 19th—and outlines her bold vision for NABJ’s next 50 years. They discuss press freedom, AI, innovation, media accountability, and the hard truth about corporate sponsorship and advocacy. This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to action. Key Topics: How Black journalists are being silenced, arrested, and sidelined in today's political climate Why press freedom and protest coverage are now one and the same What it means to truly advocate when your sponsors are the ones you should be watching The role of AI in journalism (and why it’s not the enemy—if you know how to use it) Why Errin is running for NABJ president—and what she'll bring to the role Why NABJ needs bold, transparent, and tech-savvy leadership more than ever Show Shoutouts: People & Organizations Mentioned: The 19th News National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Texas Christian University Joy-Ann Reid Don Lemon Tiffany Cross Alex Wagner April Ryan Yamiche Alcindor Jasmine Wright Cheryl Smith Richard Prince & Journal-isms Mark Morial, National Urban League NAACP National Action Network Legal Defense Fund NNPA (National Newspaper Publishers Association) The Associated Press Gannett Unity: Journalists of Color Convention Atlanta Daily World The Ferguson Protests Places: Cleveland, OH (NABJ 2025 Convention) Seattle, WA Auburn Avenue, Atlanta Essence Festival, New Orleans Things & Themes: AI & journalism Press freedom Corporate media sponsors Media accountability Innovation in Black media Movement journalism Advocacy and activism DEI backlash Independent newsroom funding models A Special Message to NABJ Members: If you're headed to Cleveland for the 2025 NABJ Convention, enjoy the fellowship, the forums, and the opportunity to come home to the organization that shaped so many of us. But remember: your voice doesn’t stop at the mic. It matters at the ballot box. Make time to vote in the NABJ elections. Your vote is your power—and this moment requires bold, visionary leadership. Let’s make the next 50 years count. Listen or watch now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you stream. #CultureSoupPodcast #NABJ #ErrinHaines #BlackJournalists #BlackMedia #Leadership #Advocacy #AIandMedia #PressFreedom #Ferguson #VoteNABJ #Cleveland2025 #DEI #Accountability #JournalismMatters

What happens when the organization that once spoke truth to power… goes quiet?In this candid and courageous conversation, host L. Michelle Smith sits down with her friend and media powerhouse Errin Haines to talk about the urgent state of Black journalism, the legacy (and future) of NABJ, and what leadership must look like when both journalism and democracy are under attack.Errin shares deeply personal stories—from reporting in Ferguson to launching The 19th—and outlines her bold vision for NABJ’s next 50 years. They discuss press freedom, AI, innovation, media accountability, and the hard truth about corporate sponsorship and advocacy.This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to action.

Black journalists are under fire. Press freedom is being tested. And NABJ? It’s time to reboot. In this raw and real convo, I sat down with journalist and editor Errin Haines (@emarvelous) to talk about: Why Black stories still aren't safe How legacy orgs are going quiet at the worst possible moment And how AI could help us fight back if we know how to wield it This isn’t just a convo—it’s a call to action. Tap in to Ep. 194 of The Culture Soup Podcast on Thursday. #CultureSoupPodcast #ErrinHaines #BlackJournalists #FreePress #NABJ #MediaMatters #Leadership #PodcastClip #CultureAndCode

Well, here's a first. I have never in the seven year history of The Culture Soup Podcast released the full opening monologue before the show streams; yet, uncommon times demand uncommon action. This is the opening to Thursday's show with my friend Errin Haines, editor-at-large from THE19th, MSNBC Political Commentator, and candidate for president for The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Most of you know that my career began as a journalist, beginning with student publications at Texas Christian University, then as a television news writer and producer, a tad bit of newspaper both with the Dallas Morning News (Arlington edition) and The Dallas Weekly. Since then, I spent more than 25 years as a strategic communicator for global agencies, my own along with a Fortune 10. Although I opened my coaching practice in May 2019, I'm still a communicator--as a professional speaker, media subject matter expert, executive producer, creator and host of Culture Soup and now Her Next Power Move on Substack, and last but certainly most impactful, award-winning 4X author with bylines across national publications like HuffPost, Fast Company, Black Enterprise, BLAVITY and more. It's fair to say that I'm a better certified executive and personal coach because of my background in journalism because I was curious and asking the right questions from the very beginning. I joined NABJ at the age of 18. This one is personal to me. So everyone, listen closely. *tap tap tap on the mic* I have something important to say. First, you should know, that I love NABJ. Second... well, watch and you'll know the rest. Be sure to watch or listen to the entire show with my conversation with Errin on Wednesday. We'll all be better for it. Captions are auto generated

Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace We’re cracking the code on workplace trust. Join me for a memorable moment as I welcome my friend and colleague Minda Harts, bestselling author of The Memo. She’s back with a bold new book that reframes trust not as a vibe… but as a language. In fact, seven of them. We’ll talk: How to rebuild trust when it’s broken Why we’ve been saying the wrong things at work What neuroscience and cultural intelligence have to do with leadership How we move forward in this post-DEI landscape—with real talk and practical tools And yes—pop culture, storytelling, and Beyoncé all make cameos. Because of course they do. Talk to Me Nice drops July 22. Preorders matter—so let’s get behind this one. And did I mention Minda’s now winning film festival awards too? RSVP and join the conversation. This one’s too timely to miss.

Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace We’re cracking the code on workplace trust. Join me for a milestone moment as I welcome my friend and colleague Minda Harts, bestselling author of The Memo, for Episode 200 of the podcast. She’s back with a bold new book that reframes trust not as a vibe… but as a language. In fact, seven of them. We’ll talk: How to rebuild trust when it’s broken Why we’ve been saying the wrong things at work What neuroscience and cultural intelligence have to do with leadership How we move forward in this post-DEI landscape—with real talk and practical tools And yes—pop culture, storytelling, and Beyoncé all make cameos. Because of course they do. Talk to Me Nice drops July 22. Preorders matter—so let’s get behind this one. And did I mention Minda’s now winning film festival awards too? RSVP and join the conversation. This one’s too timely to miss. #CultureSoup #MindaHarts #TalkToMeNice #Leadership #Trust #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #TheCultureSoupPodcast #Episode200 #WomenWhoLead