Lessons in the Key of Life

 Feeling like your business is thriving but your closest relationships are fraying? You’re not alone—and you deserve both momentum at work and closeness at home. In this 34th episode of Lessons in the Key of Life podcast, Dr. G. Wayne welcomes his special guest Melissa Barnes, The RISE Method™ Mentor.  She reveals how to prevent the “burned it up” moment—where ambition and burnout collide—by rebuilding the foundations of connection, communication, and identity. What you’ll uncover: - The telltale patterns: when success at work masks strain with family, partners, and friends - Early warning signs in you and your environment that signals a widening gap between leadership and relationships - The practical steps of The RISE Method™ to reframe your identity as both a leader and a loved one - A clear, achievable timeline showing when you can expect shifts in relationships and business momentum - Actionable steps you can start today to reduce the risk of burnout and boost relationship vitality Tune in for a fast-paced, practical conversation that meets you where you are—ready to strengthen you the “Mom Entrepreneur” so that you can enjoy success in your business without sacrificing you relationship with the people who matter most.   For more information about Melissa Barnes please follow these links. Empowering Women to Lead with Legacy, Purpose & Zero Regrets Article How to Reclaim Your Presence and Legacy Before It's Too Late Press Release

Are you holding on too tightly to control? Do you feel overwhelmed by life's uncertainties, fighting against what "is", instead of flowing with it? In this powerful episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, we delve into a profound truth: surrender is not weakness—it’s the ultimate act of strength. Join host Dr. G. Wayne Jackson as he shares personal stories, insight from a legendary leader, and practical tools to help you embrace surrender — the key to peace, resilience, and authentic growth. Discover why letting go can be the bravest thing you do today. Uncover the real meaning of surrender— beyond giving up, into embracing trust, courage, and inner power. Learn simple, actionable steps to practice surrender daily, reduce stress, and open your heart to new possibilities. Overcome the fears and doubts that hold you back — because vulnerability is the foundation of true strength. Whether you're navigating a difficult relationship, facing health challenges, or simply seeking peace amidst chaos, this episode will remind you that the greatest growth happens when you surrender to life’s flow. Are you ready to release control, embrace your inner power, and step into a new chapter of growth? Tune in now to “Lessons in the Key of Life” Episode 33 — and discover the liberating truth that surrender is your most courageous act. Press play and begin your journey toward trust, healing, and limitless possibilities today

In this 32nd  Episode of Lessons in the Key of Life...Dr. G. Wayne and his Partners in Crime, his cousins Natalie and Tanika burst on the scene to honor the  Mothers of the House, present today or those who have transitioned already. You will find so many nuggets of information about life listening to the three of them as they share stories of the family.

In this 31st Episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, Dr. G. Wayne opens the episode telling us the biggest mistake that humans make.  Have you heard Mohammed Al Qahtani’s The Power of Words?    Listen to Dr. G. Wayne as he talks about a Yoruba proverb about the wind.  Dr. G. Wayne discusses the people we choose in our life and what steps you should take when people do what people do.  Then G. Wayne puts his spin on expectations. You will never look at microfiber the same again when you learn how frictions plays a part in your life.  Dr. G. Wayne is prepared to answer this question for you.  Some people think that doing these actions impact others in a specific way…however Dr. G. Wayne gets real with you by telling you what your actions show about you.  Then Dr. G. Wayne speaks candidly and honestly about why men would rather be miserable than vulnerable.  If you thought you knew the male sex…think again as G. Wayne gives you a day in the life of a Black man.  Dr. G. Wayne closes out this last episode of 2024 giving the best advice he can give you to cause you to think about how you are going to go into your new chapter in the year 2025.  Dr. G. Wayne gets very transparent and vulnerable as he speaks from his heart to people who have had to encourage themselves all by themself with that person and a mirror.   https://speakola.com/other-events/mohammed-qahtani-toastmasters-power-of-words-2015

In this 30th episode of Lessons in the Key of Life podcast, Dr. G Wayne goes back to the 1990s with, End of the Road, one of the biggest hits of that decade by Boyz II Men.  He discusses the truth of every relationship, two people must work at the relationship in order for it to be a successful relationship. Dr. g. Wayne shares an intimate experience the he had with a former colleague leading to his first publicly shared poetic piece “I am Light”.  G Wayne discuses various ingredients needed to maintain a healthy relationship.  Relationship breakups and closure are discussed to provide the listener with some activities to help them process through their breakup. There is an old fable involving a frog and a scorpion that Dr. G. Wayne shares to illustrate a lesson in kindness and transformation. Everything has a reason, a season, or a lifetime…do you know what this saying doesn’t say? You don’t want to miss this a Dr. G. Wayne guides you through a mental exercise to prepare you for the best year yet. Take a few moments of your time to invest into you!

In this 29th episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, Dr. G. Wayne puts together some lessons that he learned through trying times. He speaks about friendships and expectations. Have you seen a Ship either at dock or in the sea? You will not look at ships the same after Dr. G. Wayne identifies your ships. Has anyone ever did you wrong and then avoided you? Dr. G. Wayne speaks on accountability and then hits a home run as he speaks about dysfunction.  He shares the story about a Donkey and a Tiger and extrapolates lessons from that story that are practical in today’s society.  Are you the consummate parent? Dr. G. Wayne talks about the possible impact of bailing our children out without them learning the lessons they were meant to learn. 

In this the 28th episode of Lessons in the Key of Life Podcast, Dr. G. Wayne puts the podcast on reborn status.  He starts off emulating the ever so funny Estelle Getty, as the consummate story teller Sophia Petillo giving us a “picture it” moment highlighting that absolute perfection is a fleeting possibility. If you wanted to underdstand the potential outcomes from perfection listen as Dr. G. Wayne takes the listeners on a journey of understanding the by products of perfectionism. How is it that humans allow feelings of validation to come from external sources when the true and more pure form of validation comes from within.  If you didn’t have a picture of what perfectionism is allow G. Wayne to paint this picture for you from a psychological standpoint, but then give you a story and illustrative view point of it as well.  It is not okay to just have the professional definition of it along with how it shows up in business…Dr. G.Wayne further speaks on how these seeds impact us right there in our house and its cost to the family unit.  If you want to better your relationship with an estranged or distant parent G. Wayne gives you some ideas to consider to incorporate as you try to create this important relationship.  It would not be a Lessons in the Key of Life podcast without a transparent Dr. Jackson and he does not fail us on this epidote as he talks about unresolved past trauma that had him removing himself from the better than thou pedestals.  Hindsight is a wonderful tool to have when used in the proper manner…see how it helped Dr. G. Wayne break down an incident where his integrity and self-control was attacked. People show you everything you need to know about them…but sometimes it takes you looking at those behaviors, actions, and the words unsaid.  Are men smarter than beasts?  You make your decision after you hear what he has to say about the apparent shortage of Elders in the community.  If this is a new birth to this podcast…we are in for some interesting Lessons in the Key of Life episodes. 

In this 27 episode of Lessons in the Key of life podcast, Dr. G Wayne starts by defining two verbs ‘is’ and ‘equals’. He talks about two math problems to demonstrate the importance of our word choices.  Understanding the power of the word, Dr. G. Wayne shares the words he spoke into his little Niece Amaya when she was born and then discusses the ever changing Parent./Child relationship. If you are struggling with your child’s transition between adolescence to adulthood, you may find the key to your struggles here as Dr. G. Wayne speaks about the push and drive that our children experience in order to gain their autonomy. Do you struggle with over parenting or putting YOUR desires for your child in front of theirs?  Dr. G. Wayne will tell it like it is by explaining what is meant when we say we want the best for our child or children. The destination or the Journey…which is most important?  Allow Dr. G. Wayne to go back to good ole’ mathematics to paint this picture. What does perseverance have to do with a math equation? You will have to take listen to see how Dr. G. Wayne masterfully takes two separate and distinct topics and skillfully uses them to paint a picture that you can refer to time and time again on your journey through life.  Lastly, G. Wayne talks about how we often do a disservice to those who are closest to us.  You may even be doing it right now…take a listen to discover what this disservice is and how to fix it.  You don’t want to miss this episode.

In this 26 episode of lessons in the Key of life podcast, Dr. G Wayne starts by defining Closure. He demonstrates why you must focus your energy on yourself during this period of life. What are feelings? Dr. G Wayne offers a definition of feelings, along with a realistic example to show his listeners how feelings impact our understanding of a situation. Dr. G Wayne challenges his listeners  to take a different approach to categorizing whether a situation is good or bad as he presents this through a lesson that he and his family learned in 2010. Every day is a day that we can equip ourselves to embrace closure in a more beneficial manner. Are your reactions to situations more important than your forward progression in life? You may be surprised at what you are valuing as important.  What balance do you maintain in life? Dr. G Wayne hits on balance as he introduces how guilt impacts closure. Dr. G Wayne discusses priorities and how not having your priorities in order can lead you into some strange lands. As he brings the episode to a close, Dr. G Wayne reveals that closure is the key to unleashing healing. You don’t want to miss this episode.

In this 25th episode of Lessons in the Key of Life. Dr. G. Wayne brings you another Conversations with Dr. G. Wayne. Please welcome to Lessons in the Key of Life - The Banks Family.  The Matriarch Shanda and her two Sons Camden and Simian come and sit with G. Wayne and let the episode have it! The Banks talk about their favorite moments growing up and Mom shares somethings with the listeners that will bring a new understanding of the blessing of motherhood.  Listen to these two young men speak about how respect shows up and how restraint is precisely executed to avoid overstepping the boundaries that sons should never cross with their mothers. The Banks share how their family has had its challenges but through the family unit coming together in love and in mutual respect the ties that bind solidify this family as a family united with each member understanding their contributions and the specific roles the operate in. Rigidity or flexibility? Take a listen and see just what nuggets of wisdom you will walk away with that could be the missing piece needed to strengthen your own family. You will see in this episode another shining example of the importance of motherhood in the lives of young men and how that role supports their development into successful young men and role models. This is Breakfast with the Banks!

In this 24th episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, Dr. G. Wayne speaks on the topic of healing. As we have discussed before, timing is of the utmost importance when moving through life.  Dr. G. Wayne starts off by telling his listeners to not abort their lesson prematurely but that healing comes after you have endured your storm. If you wanted to know the basics of how your body heals, Dr. G. Wayne paints a simplistic picture of what healing looks like from the standpoint of the body.  However, this is just one of the areas in life that can experience healing.  Dr. G. Wayne shares how the research back that overall well-being is accomplished when you allow healing in all areas, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  As G. Wayne does, he provides real life examples of experiences people may go through and how healing is needed. Listen intently as Dr. G. Wayne reveals what anger is and then he speaks about an injustice that society has committed against men.  What impact does truth talking have on healing?  Have you heard of the 5 wounds of the soul? Listen to what Dr. G. Wayne says are tools that you can use to heal and protect yourself from these 5 wounds.  Lastly, if you enjoy eating candy bars, you may want to listen to the analogy of a candy bar and venom. 

In this 23rd episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, Dr. G. Wayne opens up the podcast with a story about 12 year old Nina Simone and her recital experience to set the theme of Self-Worth for this episode. He gives his listeners the definition of self worth and challenges them to self reflection.  G. Wayne discusses low self worth and the potential negative impact it can have on people.  How does one build self worth? Dr. G. Wayne talks about our critical inner voice and how to empower yourself by quieting that critic.  Dr. G. Wayne talks about the two common communication examples…Passive and Aggressive. He provides his listeners with tools to increase their self-understanding, self-acceptance, and to become mindful of how we should be present in how we treat ourselves.  Dr. G. Wayne ends this episode with some statistical information that will surely increase your personal level of self-worth.

In this 22nd episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, Dr. G, Wayne opens by encouraging the listener to hang in the fight…no matter if you are hanging by a thread. Dr. G Wayne breaks down how significant midnight is to any problem you may be facing.  He won’t put more on you than you can bear…you have heard it… but have you seen it? Isn’t it March? Dr. G.Wayne introduces his audience to the next Universal Laws - The Law of Inspired Action. Is your plate full?  G. Wayne explains how we end up adding to our plate in an attempt at or helping others. G. Wayne tells it like it is when they tell you right is wrong and up is down as he gives a call to action…Inspired Action.  Dr. G. Wayne tells the story of a blind woman who even with sight…is still blind.  As he brings the episode to a close, Dr. G. Wayne gets personal as he empowers those whose voices have been silenced.  There are so many pearls of wisdom within this episode you don’t want to miss this. **Trigger warning disclosure at about 24:00 minutes**

In this 21st Episode of Lessons in the Key of Life Podcast, Dr. G, Wayne welcomes his Godmother of 40+ years, Dr. Darlene to have a conversation. One of his listeners asked the question “What do you do finding your freedom through forgiveness?” To move from forgiveness to freedom…then from freedom to healing through grace, Dr. G. Wayne says that it starts with you understanding that there is a need for forgiveness.  However, this forgiveness is directed to and for the person within.  Healing is not something that will fall into your lap.  It is work that means you have to look at yourself, your decisions, your thought process, and do so with transparency. The two Doctors talk through the process of healing and discuss the importance and the places that the tribe holds in the people.  Dr. Darlene gives a simple, yet complex analogy utilizing a tree to give Dr. G. Wayne nuggets of wisdom. Dr. Darlene encourages G. Wayne to continue to be transparent because  some one may need to see this transparency and authenticity in order to further demonstrate the power of doing the work.  None of  this would be possible without having accountability for one’s own actions. If you are ready to digest this topic…what are you waiting for?

n his 20th Episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, Dr. G. Wayne starts us off walking down memory lane to when he was in Elementary school and walked to school with the neighbor hood kids but as with most people, they had the dreaded School Bell.  Then he fast forwards everyone to Organic Chemistry class where he skillfully breaks down the basic molecular building structures...the atom.  Yes, again in a way unique way, Dr. G. Wayne threads the needle with the atom and clearly establishes why this is pertinent for mankind today. Once we are on the right track G. Wayne introduces the listener to the 2nd Universal Law. Next, Dr. G. Wayne throws the anchor overboard as he introduces self-sabotage to his listeners and gives them reasons that this behavior may have helped you when you were a child...the time comes where you must shed thoughts and practices that no longer service ones best interests.

On this episode of Lessons in the Key of Life Podcast, Dr. G. Wayne has a special surprise guest to have a conversation...none other than Padrino Turi Santana. In this episode Dr. G. Wayne and his guest discuss service and what that looks like in the community and from there the conversation takes flight. They discuss topics such as tapping into the Divine, developing your own gifts, how you deal with receiving hard advice and how to deal with it.  The two of them discuss the importance of the Godparent - Godchild relationship. Padrino Turi continued to provide nuggets of spiritual food that will surely spark your spiritual appetite to crave more.  If you are ready to experience the benefits of sitting with an Elder...here it is!

In the 18th Episode of Lessons in the Key of Life Podcast, Dr. G. Wayne opens the podcast asking his listeners to be open to understanding their status quo and how this episode can fit into their lives.  Dr. G. Wayne then speaks to how the Earth is divided into various spheres and how these different spheres can interact. This illustration underpins G. Wayne's introduction of the Universal Law of Divine Oneness.  Dr. G. Wayne passionately speaks on the importance of your word choice and presents a real-talk, in your face story of a Father teaching the impact of speaking lies and gossip to his young son.  Finally, Dr. G. Wayne wraps the episode up with an emotional call for Acceptance and Forgiveness...but you will be surprised who actually really needs it.

In this 17th episode of Lessons in the Key of Life Podcast, Dr. G. Wayne jumps back in to the podcast arena raw and honest showing a passionate side of himself in his opening few lines.  If you want to know who Dr. G. Wayne is…ask him about what he lives for.  He emphatically states he is living for a day where the color of his skin is not a point of judgment. He speaks about loyalty not being enough to avoid betrayal. He takes the listener on a journey of glass houses and stones, where karma gets the final and last laugh. G. Wayne even puts his humanity and vulnerability on display describing him having to “Encourage Himself” in the dark times. Dr. G. Wayne concludes the episode talking about one of the components of communication…Listening,  Who would have known the importance of being present was to your ability to listen? If this is how Dr. G. Wayne is entering 2023…we are in for a ride of evolution and elevation!

In this 16th Episode of Lessons in the Key of Life, Dr. G. Wayne welcomes a special guest that he has known since his AOL dial-up days, Mr. Robert Durrah. Together the two of them share a conversation about offering assistance to others. Dr. G. Wayne introduces a point that Mr. Durrah told him regarding gaining permission from the person you want to assist rather than interjecting yourself into their situation. Dr. G. Wayne shares some information with his listeners and his guest that will shock you concerning not only what he was asked, but the frequency of which he was asked.  You don't to miss the true story of  "Loss Prevention" he encountered with his friend Jimmy. You will never look at loss prevention the same.  They both discuss the power of No, the ill placed feeling of guilt, and the many forms that assistance takes. The relationship between these two men has been carefully crafted for almost 30 years and there is no doubt that the listeners can find many nuggets to apply to their lives. Dr. G. Wayne gives his listeners something to look for in his third fiction book slated to release later in 2022...The Social Media Chronicles.  If you are one who is always the target of individuals asking for your assistance this episode is for you.  

In this episode of Lessons in the Key of LIfe Podcast, Dr. G. Wayne Celebrates over 1000 downloads. He makes a special dedication of this episode to some very special people. Then he opens the podcast talking about how much the world has changed over the past three years. Dr. G. Wayne explains how the Pandemic has had an impact upon the lives of people everywhere. He shares a story of an interaction he had, how it was one-sided, and his comical response to the situation. Then Dr. G. Wayne, in a shift goes back to his Flight Attendant days to usher in self-care and give you permission to experience grace and forgiveness. Guilt...what's that? Dr. G. Wayne frees his listeners from feeling guilty. Lastly, Dr. G. Wayne gives the listeners things they can do to set themselves up for a balanced life. This is truly an episode to review often!