The LifeStrong Project

Figure It Out Filmmaking: Julian Hampton on Making Movies Anywhere

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I can’t make a movie because I don’t live in LA, I don’t have money, or I don’t know where to start,” this episode is for you. Filmmaker Julian Vaughan Hampton (Vaughanworks LLC) has spent the last 15 years proving you can create anyway. From the Midwest to Los Angeles to the Southwest, he’s made action films, crime dramas, thrillers, and family films—often handling nearly every job on set himself. In this conversation, we cover: * How he learned filmmaking by doing every job on an indie set * Being a Black indie filmmaker and what that really looks like day-to-day * Going from songwriter and author to screenwriter and director * How to make movies in your hometown, not just LA or New York * The making of Fighting Olympus and the upcoming thriller The Fear of It * The story behind his award-winning short Blacked Box * Practical advice for staying motivated when you want to quit 🎬 Whether you’re a filmmaker, writer, or any kind of creator, you’ll walk away with real, usable inspiration and strategies. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

"Congrats, You’re Divorced!” – The Black Man’s Survival Guide

Divorce hits different when you’re a Black man. In this episode of The Lifestrong Project, we’re joined by David—divorce survivor, author, and professional “WTF just happened?” analyst—to unpack what really goes down when a Black man’s marriage ends.We get into: * The emotional fallout Black men are never taught to talk about * How culture, pride, and “man up” expectations make the pain even heavier * Co-parenting, courts, and the quiet fears most brothers never say out loud * Why it’s okay to be angry, hurt, and confused—and still be healing * Real strategies to rebuild your life, identity, and joy after the papers are signed If you’re a Black man going through a breakup, know someone who is, or just want to understand the unseen weight divorce puts on men in our community, this one’s for you. “Congrats, you’re divorced.” Now what? Press "Play" and let’s talk about it! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Who Closed the Book? The Disappearance of Black Bookstores in America

Black bookstores were once the heartbeat of our communities—spaces of knowledge, culture, resistance, and liberation. In this episode of The Lifestrong Project, we sit down with the filmmakers behind the upcoming documentary “They Said Niggas Don’t Read: The Rise & Fall of Black Bookstores.” Together, we break down: ✔️ How Black bookstores shaped political thought & cultural identity ✔️ Why these spaces were systematically removed across the U.S. ✔️ COINTELPRO’s role in targeting Black intellectual hubs ✔️ The legacy these stores left behind—and why their story matters now more than ever If you care about culture, truth, and preserving our history… this is the episode you need to hear. Listen, subscribe, and share. Let’s keep the legacy alive.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

A Culture of Inclusion

In this episode of the Lifestrong Project, we’re thrilled to welcome Tibisay Hernandez, Founder and Chief Learning Officer of A Curious Space. With over 15 years of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), leadership development, and interactive training, Tibisay has collaborated with organizations such as the U.S. Department of Justice, Brown University, and the NYC Department of Education. She is dedicated to shaping inclusive spaces and fostering understanding, having delivered training to over 10,000 participants on subjects like leadership development and implicit bias. Holding an M.S. in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology and currently pursuing a PhD in Education Theory and Practice, Tibisay merges academic insight with practical experience, making her an inspiring leader in education and DEI work. Join us as we dive into her journey, her approach to creating meaningful change, and her vision for the future of leadership and inclusivity. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].

Age Ain't Nuthin But A Number... Holistically Speaking-

In this episode of the Lifestrong Project, join us as we sit down with Blanca Rodriguez, the Owner and CEO of Wounded Healer, LLC, a transformative wellness practice dedicated to holistic healing. With over 18 years of massage therapy experience and 8 years as a certified canine massage therapist, Blanca brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice, offering unique healing modalities for both humans and pets. A dynamic speaker, podcaster, Amazon bestselling co-author, and fitness instructor specializing in senior wellness, Blanca champions personal growth through wellness. Her passion for community extends beyond her business; as a bilingual leader in Toastmasters, she serves as Vice President of Public Relations for both the Talking Heads of Stuart and Puerto Rico Toastmasters Clubs, as well as a mentor at the American Massage Therapy Association. She also dedicates her time to The Inner Truth Project, The Pet Cottage, and the Humane Society of Saint Lucie County. Tune in to hear Blanca’s insights on holistic wellness, her journey as a business leader, and her dedication to giving back to the community! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lifestrong-project--4260319/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss].