The Power of the Hum: Front Porch Wisdom & The Legacy of Mahalia Jackson with Valerie Nero

Civil Rights Royalty, Healing Melodies, and Auntie’s Winning Wisdom

Welcome to a deeply moving episode of The Bucket Wish, hosted by Erica Nicole Malone. What began as a documentary has transformed into a global movement—a weekly space dedicated to helping you uncover your dreams, embrace the impossible, and connect with a community that lifts you up. In this special episode, Erica sits down with civil rights royalty: Valerie Nero, the niece of the legendary, world-renowned "Queen of Gospel" and civil rights icon, Mahalia Jackson. Together, Erica and Valerie bridge the past and the future, sharing intimate, never-before-heard stories about a woman who didn't just sing for kings and finance Dr. King's rallies, but who anchored the spirit of a generation. Inside the Episode: The Medicine in the Music: Valerie reflects on the profound spiritual depth of Mahalia’s gift—how gospel music served as a tool for liberation, from coded messages on the Underground Railroad to the raw pain and ultimate release captured in Imitation of Life. The Heavy Weight of a Global Gift: A candid look at Mahalia's personal life, her struggle to find true love amidst the jealousy of partners who couldn't handle her immense light, and her unwavering devotion to her home and family on Indiana Avenue. The Click of the Marcel Iron: Delightful, nostalgic memories of a young Valerie watching her aunt click the Marcel irons, balancing her world-famous singing career with her love for styling hair in the kitchen. Passing the Torch: Valerie shares her personal "bucket wish"—to launch Auntie’s Winning Wisdom, a podcast and mentorship initiative aimed at guiding the next generation of young women using real, lived truths. > "I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm sad. And I sing because I'm free." Connect With the Movement Mahalia Jackson laid out the red carpet, and Valerie Nero is walking across it to finish what her aunt started. Tune in to hear this powerhouse conversation about purpose, legacy, and the beautiful responsibility of carrying a family light. Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you—and we'll see you next week on The Bucket Wish.

Overcoming Procrastination

What is that one thing you always find yourself starting, but never quite finishing? In this deeply personal and honest episode, Erica Nicole Malone pulls back the curtain on her own life to talk about a hurdle we all face: procrastination. From writing scripts in record time to facing total mental paralysis while trying to write her new book, Erica shares how the pursuit of absolute perfection can leave us standing still, staring at a wall. This isn't a conversation from a high place—it’s a heart-to-heart between friends. Erica dives into the emotional truth behind why we delay our own dreams, often putting everyone else's needs before our own. Together, we look at what it means to stop waiting for permission, to honor the sacrifices of the ancestors who dreamed before us, and to face the gut-wrenching but beautiful process of stepping into our next level. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Perfection Trap: How demanding perfection creates mental paralysis, and why simply writing "two lines" is better than waiting for the perfect three pages. The Cost of Staying Still: Reflecting on the 90-year-old version of yourself in a rocking chair. What is the true cost of a life that is merely "good" instead of untapped and great? An Ancestral Debt: Embracing our freedom to dream and achieve as a way to honor those who came before us. Just Get in the Water: Remembering The Bucket Wish documentary roots—from conquering a fear of swimming to surviving a comedy-stage panic attack—and why simply buying the guitar is a victory. 🌟 This Week's Challenge: Don't do this alone. Join The Bucket Wish community on social media this week and tell us: What is the one thing you are working on? No perfection required—just real people, real flaws, and real progress. Not starting is not failure. It’s a hollow place in your soul that never got filled because you didn’t love yourself enough to fill it. Choose to love yourself today." — Erica Nicole Malone Listen, lean in, and let's climb together!

The Power of the Hum: Front Porch Wisdom & The Legacy of Mahalia Jackson with Valerie Nero

In this deeply moving episode of The Bucket Wish, host Erica Nicole Malone sits down with an extraordinary woman who completely changed her life: minister, entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Valerie Nero. As the niece of civil rights icon and "Queen of Gospel" Mahalia Jackson, Valerie shares intimate, never-before-heard stories from her childhood. Step inside Mahalia's vibrant home as Valerie recalls playing in her aunt's famous wig closet, getting "Shirley Temple curls" in her hair, and witnessing the exact lineage of strength that led Mahalia to shout, "Tell 'em about the dream, Martin!" at the historic March on Washington. But this episode is also about Valerie’s own fierce journey of perseverance. Together, Erica and Valerie dive into: The Power of the Hum: How the old-school tradition of humming brought healing and comfort through generations of hardship. Shrewd Business & Intuition: The sharp business acumen and protective foresight passed down by the women in Valerie’s family. Surviving Life’s Darkest Places: A raw, honest look at how Valerie survived the grief of COVID, losing her beloved brother, and a volatile separation from her mother by tapping directly into her DNA of resilience. Auntie’s Winning Wisdom: Valerie’s passion for launching a new movement to bring "kitchen table and front porch guidance" to a generation of young women who desperately need a village. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel the undeniable spirit of the ancestors. "It is amazing when people transition. It's like they become you. Their spirit comes into you... and that gives you the strength." — Valerie Nero Connect with The Bucket Wish Community: Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next week for another inspiring story!

Unlocking Your Inner Funny

Vulnerability, Healing, and Comedy with Susanna Spies Welcome back to The Bucket Wish—which started as a documentary but has officially blossomed into a movement! Each week, host Erica Nicole Malone takes you on a journey to uncover hidden parts of yourself, face the seemingly impossible, and fearlessly chase your dreams. In this episode, Erica Nicole Malone is joined by her brilliant friend, veteran comedian, and premier comedy coach, Susanna Spies. Erica opens up about facing one of her own ultimate bucket list wishes: stepping up to the microphone to perform stand-up comedy. Together, Erica and Susanna pull back the curtain on what it really takes to find your comedic voice, master the stage, and use humor as a powerful tool for emotional survival and healing. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: Stand-Up vs. Improv: Susanna breaks down the technical differences between navigating a spontaneous improv scene and meticulously crafting a stand-up set (from premises to act-outs). The Vulnerability Leap: How to push past being a private person, embrace the fear of the unknown, and authentically connect with an audience. Comedy as a Form of Ministry: A deep dive into how humor helps us navigate heavy times, lower our blood pressure, and find a cathartic release from life’s biggest struggles. Your Voice is Plentiful: Why comedy has no expiration date, why you should never try to emulate anyone else, and how to start finding the funny in your everyday, mundane experiences. "Funny is a bone. You’ve got funny bones out the gate. But I’m less interested about coaching how to be funny, and I’m more interested about how to teach you how to share who you are through comedy." *Susanna Spies* Connect with the Movement Don't let regret dictate your journey—get in front of it and enjoy the ride! There is no right or wrong when you trust your vision. Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you. Subscribe & Review: If this episode inspired you to dust off your own bucket list, please leave us a review and share this episode with a friend who needs a laugh today! Tune in Next Week: Join us every week for more incredible, soulful, and inspiring stories. See you next time!

Who Are You When the Camera Stops?

With guests Tara Punzone & Debra Mars "It was all a dream..." This week on The BucketWish Podcast, Erica Nicole Malone sits down for an intimate, soul-stirring conversation with two absolute powerhouses who are redefining what it means to live a multifaceted, audacious life. Meet Tara, the thick-headed rebel who stood as part of the resistance to keep her LA vegan Italian restaurant alive during COVID, and Debra, a corporate America veteran who stepped off the traditional path to build her own business and launch a national design line. They are proof that being a little "crazy" is exactly what it takes to jump off the cliff and land on your feet. But who are they when the cameras are off, the restaurant doors are closed, and it’s just them? In this beautifully raw episode, we strip away the titles and get down to the heartbeat of what drives us. Turn down the external noise and step into a space of unexpected inspiration, covering: The Anthems That Move Us: How a shared passion for music—from heavy metal and old-school blues to playing Biggie Smalls at closing time—reminds us that childhood dreams really do come to fruition. Gift vs. Purpose: Why being talented at something isn't the same as your true life calling, and how Debra discovered her ultimate purpose: unconditionally spreading joy and hope. The Magic of Simple Pasta: Tara shares her lifelong mission of spreading non-violence and love through food, proving that a plant-based life doesn't mean missing out on the things that bring us together. Sitting in Front of God: A profound, tear-jerking moment where Erica, Tara, and Debra discuss what they would say in a private conversation with the Divine—and the vital importance of giving ourselves more grace. There is so much heaviness in the world right now, but your piece of light can make a massive difference. Grab your coffee, find a moment of silence to just feel your breath, and join us for an episode that feels less like a podcast and more like church. Live a loud life. Come with us. Let's go. Tune in now on your favorite podcast platform! Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you—and we'll see you next week.