Claim OwnershipSol Talk: From Corporate to Creative
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Four years ago, Simone Keelah was a dissatisfied cog in the machine that is corporate America. She often wondered what her life would look like if she gave her art as much time, attention and energy as she gave her 9-5. Hellbent on not waking up years later, wrinkled and resentful, she left her marketing job to figure out how to breathe life into her creative curiosities.
Since then, she's built a life around storytelling – scripts, speeches, essays, and this podcast.
Sōl Talk: from Corporate to Creative will help you transform your 5-9 passions and interests into your 9-5 reality. Join us as we delve into stories, strategies, and insights that will support you on your path from corporate to creative fulfillment. And since everyone's path is unique, Sōl Talk requires listeners to decide for themselves – what's good for *my* souls?
Since then, she's built a life around storytelling – scripts, speeches, essays, and this podcast.
Sōl Talk: from Corporate to Creative will help you transform your 5-9 passions and interests into your 9-5 reality. Join us as we delve into stories, strategies, and insights that will support you on your path from corporate to creative fulfillment. And since everyone's path is unique, Sōl Talk requires listeners to decide for themselves – what's good for *my* souls?
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What does it take to stay connected to your art throughout your life? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Vanessa Aldrich, an opera singer, writer, creative director and content creator, to explore this profound question. Having been engaging with her own art for two decades, Vanessa knows firsthand the responsibilities and challenges that come with being an adult artist. Throughout this conversation, Vanessa shares the differences between an adult and child artist, as well as how we can identify our unique talents, the role of loneliness in fostering creativity, and the common misconceptions we have about chemistry in our work and relationships. Topics Discussed: The journey of an adult artist and the responsibilities it entails Identifying and nurturing your unique talents How loneliness can support and enhance artistic expression Misunderstandings about chemistry and how to navigate them Strategies to honor your creative calling despite internal and external pressures Connect with Vanessa: · TikTok: @vanessadomslife · Instagram: @vanessadomslife · Website: VanessaAldrich.com and anotefromself.com
In a more off-the-cuff episode of Sōl Talk, Simone dives into a topic that weighs heavily on many creatives: resistance. Whether it's hitting the gym, managing finances, or pursuing your artistic dreams, resistance is a universal challenge that can derail progress and stifle potential. Simone shares her personal reflections on how resistance has impeded her creative process, along with tactics to confront and work alongside resistance to reach your full potential. MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah
Ever wondered how to balance pursuing your dreams with your day-to-day responsibilities? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Jai Franklin Sarki, who embarked on her journey to become a TV writer at 40. Jai shares her inspiring story of overcoming challenges and realizing her dreams through strategic planning and unwavering determination. In this heartfelt conversation, Jai reflects on her path to breaking into the TV industry, the highs and lows she encountered along the way, and the true meaning of achieving your aspirations. Topics Discussed: Jai's journey to becoming a TV writer Balancing personal dreams with professional responsibilities How Jai funded her dreams Strategies employed to network and strengthen her portfolio Overcoming challenges on the path to success Lessons learned and advice for aspiring writers Connect with Jai: Instagram: @giveshrimpachance Show: Jai writes for "Tracker" on CBS
Making the leap from a corporate job to creativepreneurship is often framed as the ultimate dream—ditching the 9-to-5 grind to follow your passion. But what happens when the reality of that transition isn't exactly what you expected? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone shares five surprising things she's learned on her journey from corporate life to creative entrepreneurship. Join Simone as she pulls back the curtain on the less talked about aspects of being a creativepreneur. From working longer hours than anticipated to navigating the emotional highs and lows, this episode is packed with insights and real-life lessons that every aspiring creative should hear. MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Do you struggle to balance your day job with your creative passions? In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Barry S Naylor, a substitute teacher by day and comedian by night, to explore how he navigates these dual roles. Barry shares his journey of tapping into the zeitgeist through comedy, creating content, and the persistence needed to build a creative career. Join us for a conversation filled with humor, insights, and practical tips to help you transform your 5-9 passions into a 9-5 reality. Topics Discussed: · Balancing a day job with creative pursuits · Using humor to connect with audiences and stay relevant · Drawing creative inspiration from everyday experiences · Practical tips for content creation and audience building · The importance of persistence in the creative industry CONNECT WITH BARRY: · Instagram: @barry_s_naylor · Twitter: @barry_s_naylor · Samples: Barry from the Delta Counter; Mr. Barry Feels the Blues; Florida Music MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (https://simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Pouring your heart into a creative project can be rewarding, but what happens when things don't go as planned? In this episode of Sōl Talk, we delve into the inevitable letdowns that are part of every creative journey and how to navigate them with grace and resilience. Join Simone as she shares a personal story of tackling a writing fellowship deadline, only to face unexpected challenges. Through this experience, she uncovers powerful lessons: the importance of embracing progress over perfection, recognizing your ability to overcome obstacles, and trusting the Universe to deliver new opportunities. Discover how to shift your mindset and see setbacks not as failures, but as essential steps in your creative evolution. Whether you're an artist, writer, or any kind of creative, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay motivated and keep moving forward, even when the road gets tough. MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
It's one thing to decide to pursue your creative interests and passions, but it's another when you start to question the sustainability of a particular creative path. Mel Czaykowsky had crafted an envious career Broadway Touring when she started to wonder if the path ahead was still the one she wanted to be on. Against the wishes of those around her, she made a reverse pivot—transitioning from a successful career on Broadway to kickstart a new path in HR. In this episode of Sōl Talk, Simone sits down with Mel to discuss the pivotal moments when you know it's time to move on, how to handle the reactions from others, and what it looks and feels like to return to creative work after a stint in corporate America. Tune in to gain valuable insights on navigating career shifts and finding fulfillment in new paths. Topics Discussed: · How to make peace with pivots · Navigating adverse reactions to career choices · The conversations that help you gain clarity on pivots · The evolution of your career needs and values · Crafting a creative life on your own terms · Finding creative community abroad CONNECT WITH MEL: · Instagram: @melczay MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
As creatives, we often believe that serious artistry demands endless hours of solitary work and relentless dedication. But what if the key to your most innovative ideas lies in something you mastered as a child? In this episode of Sōl Talk, we're exploring how losing touch with our playful side, especially after years in corporate environments, can lead to creative blocks and uninspired work. Join Simone as she delves into four powerful ways to reintroduce play and childlike curiosity into your creative process. Discover how these strategies can help you break through ruts, rediscover artistic joy, and unlock fresh ideas. Whether you're stifled by corporate culture or just stuck in a creative groove, this episode offers insights to reignite your creativity. MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Every creative has the opportunity to leverage social media as a vehicle to share their creative projects, sell their art, or gather with their community. However, many of us have a lot of anxiety around building a brand tied to work that is already deeply vulnerable. In this episode, Simone sits down with Dr. Corey Emanuel, a media psychologist and multimedia strategist who examines how film, TV, and social media influence us. Corey has both knowledge and personal experience when it comes to building a brand online. Together, they explore the impact of visibility on creatives and how to overcome the fear that comes with it to begin building a strong creative brand. Topics discussed: · Creative inspirations and the beauty that comes with sharing your art · Strategies for overcoming the fear of sharing your art online · Practical tips for not losing our authenticity online · Navigating a lack of creative support · Dr. Corey Emanuel's personal journey in building his brand CONNECT WITH DR. COREY EMANUEL: · Instagram: @coreyemanuel · Bloomberg article: https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2024-02-24/black-hollywood-s-role-in-keeping-the-industry-white?srnd=undefined MORE FROM SIMONE: Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Are you tired of feeling like your corporate job is suffocating your creative spirit? What if I told you that some of the most popular advice on cultivating creativity might actually be holding you back? In this episode of Sōl Talk, we're diving into three hidden traps that can sabotage building a creative practice and what you can do that will be more supportive as you continue on your journey. Join Simone as she explores daily rituals and habits that you should avoid when trying to nurture a consistent creative practice alongside your corporate job. Discover practical insights and actionable tips to help you find a balanced approach to creativity that truly supports your unique path. MORE FROM SIMONEJoin the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
Five years ago, Natasha Greene's life looked drastically different. She had worked for nearly decade at a major retailer, breathing life into her blog, AsiliGlam, only on nights and weekends. But since then, she's transitioned away from corporate America, designing a life that centers her passions. In this episode, host Simone Keelah sits down with the multi-talented content creator to explore the intersection of corporate experience and creative pursuits. Together, they delve into the central question: how can professionals leverage their experiences in corporate America to fuel their creative endeavors? Natasha shares her own journey of blending her corporate background with her passion for content creation, offering valuable insights and practical tips for listeners looking to do the same. Topics discussed: · Leveraging skills and knowledge learned in corporate roles to support creative endeavors · How the pandemic ushered in possibilities for creators · Risk vs. reward · Finding your unique gifts and talents · Monetizing your creativity · The balance sheet of a content creator CONNECT WITH NATASHA: · Instagram: @asiliglamcooks and @asiliglam · TikTok: @asiliglamcooks MORE FROM SIMONE Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
In this solo episode, Simone returns after a two-year hiatus to kick off Season 3 of Sōl Talk. Join as we delve into the intentions behind the new season, discussing what ultimately led to the evolution of the podcast. Discover what listeners can expect from Season 3, including key topics aimed at helping corporate professionals transition to creative fields. MORE FROM SIMONE Join the community on Substack (www.simonekeelah.substack.com), where you'll receive weekly musings that hit on the intersection of mindfulness and creativity. Stay connected with Simone Keelah on Instagram: @thesoltalk and @simonekeelah.
In our third and final installment of "Community & Connections" we chop it up with Marissa Shrum. Marissa is a strategist, artist and investor living in Chattanooga, TN and Fort Greene, Brooklyn. She is the Founder of Remember, I Love You (RILY), a cultural intelligence and community impact studio that helps brands reimagine their position in society, community and everyday life. In this conversation, we learn from Marissa how we can use contrasting and life-affirming moments to guide how we connect with humans. In this episode you'll hear: How Marissa was able to return to a past that was a source of pain and self-abandonment The secret unlock for direction-less seasons The types of community Marissa encourages us to build Why Black women deserve their roses What to look for as you build community and connections Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media Marissa's Instagram: @marissashrm Remember I Love You's Instagram: @RILY.xyz Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In our second installment of "Community & Connections" we sit down with Chloe Dulce Louvouezo. Chloe is the executive producer and host of the Life, I Swear podcast and author of Life, I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust. As a third culture kid, Chloe is intimately familiar with both the challenges and opportunities that come with building community when multiple cities and countries have contributed to your identity. In this conversation, she helps us understand the power of sharing the stories we collect and the importance of connecting to oneself before anyone else. In this episode you'll hear: Three of the most pivotal stories of Chloe's life and why Chloe chooses to share them The innocent question that may trip up third culture kids Why Chloe prioritizes sisterhood in her work Corporate America and community Connecting to self and its role in connecting to others Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media Chloe's website: https://www.chloelouvouezo.com Chloe's Instagram: @chloe_dulce Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We kick off "Community & Connections" – the final chapter of Season 2 of Sōl Talk – with the founder and CEO of Mino, Krystal Scott. After a challenging experience in corporate America, Krystal decided it was time to build the community she knew Black women so desperately needed. As a mother of young children, entrepreneur, and self-described 'introvert' – Krystal helps shed light on the ultimate cheat code to climbing the ladder in corporate America: community. In this episode you'll hear: The challenging experience that sharpened Krystal's vision for Mino The way that the pandemic affected Krystal's socialization The role community plays in the journey to the top Why the rhetoric on entrepreneurship needs to shift Why Krystal – a mother – doesn't identify strongly with motherhood Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media Mino website: joinmino.com Mino's Instagram: @joinmino Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In our third and final installment of "Creating and Sustaining Love" we sit down with Myisha Battle, a certified sex and dating coach, writer and educator who lives by the motto: "better sex, better life." Through her podcast and coaching, Myisha provides her community with reliable sexual information, while encouraging our quest for sexual satisfaction – regardless of race, gender, orientation, ability or age. Today, Myisha helps us understand how sex and intimacy show up in our lives and shares practical tips that allow us to get our needs met in the bedroom and beyond. In this episode you'll hear: The pivotal moment that led Myisha into the sex coaching world Why heterosexual women are not experiencing orgasms to the frequency or degree that others are Myisha's take on how those in long-term partnerships can keep the spark alive How to find and embrace your kinks Answers to your top sex questions Myisha's Pleasure Recommendations can be found at https://www.myishabattle.com/sex-life-resources Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media Myisha's Instagram: @myishabattle Myisha's website: myishabattle.com Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We continue this chapter – "Creating and Sustaining Love" – with MY GIRLS Shanaz Green, Wendy Oliver and Abby Spence. I have the pleasure of being in a group chat with these three working professionals, wives, and mothers. Group chat conversations – which range from vent sessions and cute pics of babies to child-rearing recos and praise reports – have given me a front-row seat to the beauty and work that goes into healthy partnership. Today, we bring the group chat to the pod. In this episode you'll hear: A love letter to husbands Why my friends are looking forward to turning 40 The truth about having kids and keeping the spark alive What each friend wishes she would've known about marriage and motherhood before this season of life Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media Wendy's Instagram: @exaltedbeautybywendy Shanaz's Instagram: @nazzybaby Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
We kick off a NEW chapter of Sōl Talk – "Creating and Sustaining Love" – with Crystal Irom, a top relationship coach and expert. Crystal went to single to happily married to the love of her life in 10 months. Today, we learn from Crystal the lessons and approaches she use to help single women create happy, healthy, and loving relationships through manifesting and intentional dating. In this episode you'll hear: How Crystal went from lawyer to love & manifestation coach The role our subconscious plays in picking partners The green and red flags we should be on the lookout for when dating The humbling truth of being attracted to eligible bachelors How Crystal stopped her pattern of choosing unavailable men How love feels for Crystal after marriage and a baby *IMPORTANT NOTE* Find your love type by heading over to www.crystalirom.com/soltalk. Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media - Crystal Irom's Instagram: @crystalirom - Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk - Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
In the third and final installment of "The Creative Class," we sit down with Felicia Pride. Felicia is a TV writer / producer and an award-winning filmmaker who wrote on Ava DuVernay's Queen Sugar and is currently a producer on Grey's Anatomy. In film, she's the writer and executive producer of Really Love, which debuted on Netflix and became a Top Ten Movie on the platform. Having moved to LA to pursue writing at 35, Felicia is no stranger to being bold with her life and being unapologetic about her dreams. In this conversation, Felicia shares with us how she was able to fiercely commit to her craft – no matter the high or low. In this episode you'll hear: The journey that led Felicia to LA The medium of writing Felicia prefers and why How writing is tied to our spiritual practices The creative purpose fueling Felicia's work How Felicia healed her relationship with her father Announcements Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media Felicia Pride's Instagram @feliciapride Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
1We continue "The Creative Culture" with Reyna Noriega, a visual artist and author based in Miami, Florida. Reyna has been steadily rising to prominence, with her work appearing on covers including Science Magazine and The New Yorker. Having previously explored various mediums, techniques, and expressions – Reyna has developed her distinct way of depicting vibrant, joyful women of color. As we continue exploring creativity, Reyna shares what it's like to sustain a life as a creative entrepreneur. In this episode you'll hear: Reyna's career journey that brought her to creative entrepreneurship How one balances working with inspiration vs. discipline Why Reyna canceled her plans to move abroad and what that meant for her career How the racial reckoning both supported and opposed Black creators The role social media has played in Reyna's career Announcements Join our Community I'd love if you'd join the mailing list as we create a community of folks who believe in duality, love and growth. Sign up for the newsletter at https://www.simonekeelah.com/. Social Media Reyna Noriega's Instagram reynanoriega_ Sōl Talk Instagram: @thesoltalk Simone Keelah Instagram: @simonekeelah
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