NOW - No Opportunity Wasted with Angelica Ross

In this episode of "No Opportunity Wasted," I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Leo Moore, a remarkable physician whose journey is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of community support. We kicked off our conversation by checking in on Dr. Moore's well-being, and he shared how his busy day of patient care and administrative work had him looking forward to our discussion. The core theme of our podcast revolves around how individuals navigate challenges and seize opportunities throughout their lives. I expressed my belief that everyone faces obstacles, regardless of their background or appearance, and it is our responses to these challenges that define us. Dr. Moore's story exemplifies this notion, particularly as a Black man in the medical field. Dr. Moore reflected on the strong foundation he received from his family, particularly the influence of his mother, grandmother, and aunts, all of whom worked in healthcare. He shared that he is the first doctor in his family, and his family's unwavering support nurtured his dream of becoming a physician from a young age. This support was crucial, especially when he encountered the daunting realities of medical school, including the financial burdens and the rigorous academic demands. A pivotal moment in Dr. Moore's journey occurred when he met a Black emergency medicine physician during high school. This encounter crystallized his dream of becoming a doctor, as he finally saw someone who looked like him thriving in the profession. He emphasized the importance of representation and mentorship in shaping his aspirations. We also discussed the significance of programs like "Minority to Majority," which provided him with opportunities to learn and grow in a predominantly white environment. Dr. Moore expressed concern over the decline of such programs and the impact this has on future generations. As we delved deeper into his experiences, Dr. Moore candidly shared the challenges he faced as a Black physician navigating predominantly white institutions. He highlighted the importance of confidence in his training at a historically Black medical school, which equipped him to serve diverse communities effectively. Our conversation took a poignant turn when Dr. Moore recounted his recent experience with cardiac arrest during an elective procedure. He described the harrowing moments of being in cardiac arrest for over nine minutes and the subsequent journey of recovery. Dr. Moore's resilience and commitment to his health were evident as he shared how he quickly returned to his routine, emphasizing the importance of physical fitness and mental fortitude. We also touched on the broader implications of health disparities, particularly within the Black community, and the need for open conversations about health, trust, and misinformation. Dr. Moore passionately advocated for addressing stigma surrounding HIV and the importance of education in combating misinformation. Towards the end of our conversation, we explored Dr. Moore's personal life, including his journey of coming out as a Black gay man. He shared the challenges he faced in a religious household and the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. His reflections on love, spirituality, and the qualities he seeks in a partner were both insightful and inspiring. This episode is a powerful reminder of the strength found in community, the importance of representation, and the resilience required to overcome life's challenges. Dr. Leo Moore's story is not just about his journey in medicine; it is a celebration of hope, purpose, and the unwavering belief that we can all make a difference in our lives and the lives of others.

Join Angelica Ross in a compelling conversation with Shea Couleé as they explore her journey from a crafty queen to a Marvel star. In this insightful interview, Shea discusses her personal growth and the importance of navigating the entertainment industry while championing the LGBTQ+ community. Dive into stories about Shea's early days in Chicago, the challenges faced by Black queens, and her ascent to polished stardom. The video highlights the significance of voting, embracing identity, and challenging social issues to create a more peaceful and just world. Angelica's deep understanding of social dynamics and her background as founder of TransTech adds depth to their discussion, touching on the intersection of personal empowerment and community advocacy. With expert storytelling, they address the need for authentic representation in media and the impact of Shea's work on broader societal change. Engage with the video by sharing your thoughts in the comments, subscribing for more empowering discussions, and spreading the message of inclusivity and resilience.

Join us for a conversation with Dominic Lim, the author of "Karaoke Queen," a queer rom-com that explores themes of identity, love, and the complexities of being a queer person of color. Dominic shares his journey as a writer, the challenges he faced in the publishing industry, and the importance of representation in literature. We discuss his experiences growing up Filipino and queer, the acceptance he found within his family, and the supportive community that helped him thrive. Dominic also highlights the significance of visibility for marginalized communities and the role of storytelling in fostering understanding and connection. We touch on the importance of mental health, the realities behind social media portrayals, and the need for solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community. As we wrap up, I reflect on the teachings of Buddhism, encouraging listeners to focus on the present moment and make choices that liberate themselves and others. I invite everyone to find opportunities for positive action in their lives, reminding them that every moment counts. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Buddhist Wisdom Welcome back to Now, No Opportunity Wasted. Angelica Ross shares a Buddhist quote about individual responsibility and self-discipline. 00:01:05 - Political Climate and Responsibility Discussion on the upcoming election, online discourse, and the importance of taking responsibility for societal issues. 00:02:10 - Boycotting for Change Angelica talks about boycotting companies that support war and human rights violations, emphasizing the BDS movement. 00:03:39 - Sustainability in Fashion and Tech A call for transparency in business practices, particularly in tech companies and their environmental impact. 00:04:49 - Introduction to Dominic Lim Angelica introduces Dominic Lim, author of "Karaoke Queen," and discusses his excitement about the conversation. 00:05:12 - Dominic's Inspiration for Writing Dominic shares his inspiration for "Karaoke Queen" and the exploration of queer identity within the context of drag. 00:07:47 - The Desire for Adaptations Discussion on the potential for Dominic's stories to be adapted into movies and the challenges authors face in the industry. 00:09:51 - Challenges for Authors of Color Dominic discusses the difficulties faced by authors of color in the publishing industry and the importance of supportive allies. 00:11:07 - Growing Up Filipino and Queer Dominic reflects on his upbringing, family acceptance, and the dynamics of coming out within his family. 00:13:03 - The Role of Music in Writing Dominic talks about his background in music and how it influences his writing, particularly in his books. 00:17:19 - Navigating the Legal Field Discussion on Dominic's experience in the legal industry and how it informs his writing. 00:18:57 - Writing from Personal Experience Dominic emphasizes the importance of writing from personal experience and the need for diverse representation in literature. 00:19:56 - Personal Life and Marriage Dominic shares about his marriage and the importance of love in his life. 00:20:10 - Concerns for LGBTQ+ Rights Discussion on the current political climate and fears regarding the future of LGBTQ+ rights. 00:22:09 - Visibility and Representation The importance of visibility for marginalized communities and the role of artists in promoting diverse stories. 00:25:30 - Creating Inclusive Narratives Dominic discusses the need for inclusive narratives in media and the importance of recognizing diverse experiences. 00:30:27 - The Importance of Support Structures Dominic reflects on the support he received growing up and the significance of community in navigating identity. 00:32:12 - Overcoming Writer's Block Dominic shares tips for overcoming writer's block and the importance of consistency in writing. 00:35:04 - Spirituality and Faith Discussion on Dominic's relationship with Catholicism and how he finds spirituality within a liberal church community. 00:40:15 - Challenging Problematic Voices Angelica and Dominic discuss the need to challenge problematic voices within religious communities. 00:41:19 - Opportunities and Challenges Dominic reflects on the opportunities he has had and the challenges faced along the way. 00:45:01 - Conclusion and Book Promotion Dominic shares where to find his books and the excitement surrounding the audiobook of "Karaoke Queen."

In this insightful episode of "No Opportunity Wasted," Angelica Ross sits down with Andre M. Perry, author of "Know Your Price," to delve into the art of unlocking hidden value and transforming life's challenges into opportunities for personal growth and social empowerment. The conversation explores the intersection of personal experiences and societal structures, emphasizing the importance of valuing Black lives, property, and communities. Angelica and Andre discuss the power of resilience, the significance of recognizing personal and community assets, and the role of Buddhism in creating a more peaceful and just world. They also highlight the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and the need for ownership and economic empowerment within Black neighborhoods. With a focus on shared economics and entrepreneurship, this episode offers a narrative on how to navigate and overcome systemic obstacles. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments, subscribing for more inspiring discussions, and spreading awareness to empower others.

In this episode of the NOW podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting Jordan and Dr. John Paul from the Black Fat Femme Podcast. We kicked off the conversation with a warm reunion vibe, reflecting on our shared history and the journey we've all been on in the media landscape. Both guests expressed their excitement about being on the show and shared how they feel validated in their work, particularly in creating a platform that centers Black, fat, and femme voices. We delved into the challenges they faced while developing their podcast over the past three years, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and trust in their partnership. Jordan and Dr. John Paul highlighted how their friendship and shared vision have been crucial in navigating the complexities of podcasting, especially in a space that often overlooks marginalized voices. As we discussed the intersectionality of their work, they shared insights on maintaining mental health in an environment that can be anti-Black, anti-fat, and anti-femme. They emphasized the need for empathy and the importance of curating their online spaces to protect their peace. Both guests acknowledged the challenges of celebrity culture and the pressure to perform, while also recognizing the value of authenticity in their interactions. Throughout the episode, we explored themes of community, support, and the significance of standing firm in one's identity and beliefs. Jordan and Dr. John Paul reminded us that while social media can be a double-edged sword, it is essential to engage with it mindfully and prioritize mental well-being. This conversation was not only enlightening but also a celebration of the resilience and creativity within our communities.