Books, Bullets and Babies

Episode 8: "Embracing Your Greatness - Overcoming Fear and Adversity"

Show Notes: Episode Title "Embracing Your Greatness - Overcoming Fear and Adversity" Host: Dr. Sagashus Levingston Guest: Latonya Webb, Owner of Divine Transformations Hair Salon and Boss Lady Designs Sponsors: * American Families Institute for Corporate and Social Impact * TruStage (formerly known as Cuna Mutual Foundation) * UW Health * B. Brown Productions Episode Overview In this empowering episode, Dr. Sagashus Levingston is joined by Latonya Webb, the visionary behind Divine Transformations Hair Salon and Boss Lady Designs. Together, they navigate the raw and honest truths about overcoming adversity, financial hurdles, and fear to step into personal and entrepreneurial greatness. From embracing uniqueness to transforming struggles into faith, this conversation is a powerful reminder that challenges don't define us—they prepare us for greatness. Key Topics * Overcoming Stuttering and Embracing Uniqueness Latonya shares her journey of transforming a personal challenge into empowerment, inspiring us to celebrate what makes us different. * The Intersection of Dyslexia and Creativity Dr. Levingston reveals how dyslexia and ADHD shape her creative process, offering a perspective on turning perceived setbacks into strengths. * Entrepreneurship Through Financial Fear Latonya opens up about the financial struggles she faced while building her businesses, emphasizing the importance of vision and resilience. * Faith During Personal Battles From overcoming pregnancy with cancer to finding strength after suicide attempts, Latonya's story is a testament to faith and perseverance. * Conflict Avoidance and Leadership Both speakers unpack their struggles with conflict and its impact on leadership, challenging listeners to lean into discomfort for growth. * Misconceptions About Wealth The truth about wealth-building—Latonya and Sagashus break down the myth that most millionaires are born into money. Don't Miss These Moments * "Disrespectful Tidbit": "Challenges are the cost of greatness. Don't let fear rob you of the life you're called to live." * Latonya's most surprising motivation? A prophecy of becoming a millionaire and how she uses that as fuel to face the impossible. Featured Quote "Fulfillment comes from embracing your unique purpose, even when life's obstacles scream 'no.'" – Latonya Webb Personal Insights * Latonya Webb: Inspired by faith, purpose, and a clear vision for her businesses, Latonya urges listeners to embrace their struggles as stepping stones. * Dr. Levingston: Shares her excitement for showcasing Latonya's designs and amplifies the importance of living intentionally, unapologetically. Worst Parenting Advice: Latonya's blunt reflection—"Just beat your child."—serves as a powerful moment to challenge harmful parenting narratives. Listener Takeaways 1. Embrace the parts of yourself that others might dismiss—your uniqueness is your superpower. 2. Lean on supportive communities to help you navigate adversity and grow. 3. Fear and financial struggle are part of the journey; perseverance transforms them into milestones. 4. Your purpose can be unlocked by leaning into faith, persistence, and creative expression. Special Thanks to Our Sponsors * American Families Institute for Corporate and Social Impact * TruStage (formerly known as Cuna Mutual Foundation) * UW Health * B. Brown Productions Call to Action (CTAs): * Pre-Order A Pot to Piss In: Your blueprint for resilience and transformation—Click Here to Pre-Order. * Join the Movement: Be part of the sisterhood leading without apology—visit infamousmothers.com. * Subscribe to the Podcast: Follow Books, Bullets, and Babies on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you stream. Guest Contact Info * Latonya Webb * Divine Transformations Hair Salon and Boss Lady Designs Host Contact Info: * Dr. Sagashus Levingston * infamousmothers.com Follow Us * Instagram: @infamous.mothers [https://www.instagram.com/infamous.mothers]

Episode 7: Love + Business

Episode 7 Title: Balancing Love and Business: Redefining Wealth on Your Terms Host: Dr. Sagashus Levingston Episode Overview In this candid and empowering episode, Dr. Sagashus opens up about the challenges women face when trying to balance love, business, and the pursuit of wealth. Through personal stories, societal critiques, and thought-provoking insights, she examines the complexities of gender roles, financial independence, and the narratives that shape our understanding of success and relationships. Key Topics Gender Roles and Challenges * The impact of traditional gender roles on the division of labor and relationship dynamics. * Research showing male partners' supportive roles versus the gaps in spousal encouragement for women entrepreneurs. * Personal anecdotes of women sacrificing their dreams due to lack of support. Balancing Love and Business * Dr. Sagashus shares her experiences of toggling between leader and caregiver roles. * Embracing the tension between enjoying love and pursuing ambition unapologetically. * A bold call to reframe societal norms around self-activation and rejecting the "savior" narrative. Financial Independence and Intersectionality * Protecting assets in romantic relationships while navigating cultural expectations. * The influence of race, class, and education on financial and relationship decisions. Personal Lessons and Parenting * Sharing life stories with her children to instill resilience and authenticity. * Finding a supportive partner amidst societal perceptions of women's ambitions. Don't Miss This Moment Disrespectful Tidbit: Discover how Kathy Hughes, the founder of Radio One, overcame countless rejections to build her media empire—proving the power of persistence and belief in one's vision. Follow and Engage Connect with Dr. Sagashus Levingston: * Instagram: @infamous.mothers [https://www.instagram.com/infamous.mothers] * Website: Infamous Mothers, LLC [https://www.infamousmothers.com/] Call to Action * Share Your Story: How do you balance love and business? Join the conversation with #BooksBulletsBabies. * Pre-Order the Book: Get your copy of A Pot to Piss In and become part of the Without Apology Movement. Pre-Order Here. * Subscribe to the Podcast: Don't miss future episodes of Books, Bullets, and Babies. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Episode 6: Creating Spaces of Belonging with Jessica Oladapo

– Episode 6 Title: Creating Spaces of Belonging with Jessica Oladapo Host: Dr. Sagashus Levingston Guest: Jessica Oladapo, Sociologist, Entrepreneur, and Founder of Diversity to Inclusion Inc. Episode Overview In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Sagashus sits down with Jessica Oladapo, a professor of sociology and psychology and the founder of Diversity to Inclusion Inc. Jessica shares her unique approach to professional development and coaching, focusing on creating inclusive, equitable spaces in workplaces and communities. Together, they discuss capitalism, collective wealth-building, and the transformative power of treating people with care and dignity. Key Topics * Jessica's Mission and Approach: * Jessica's work centers on creating spaces of belonging by prioritizing employee care and support. * She builds strong, trust-based relationships with clients by offering flat-rate services, valuing connection over profit. * Dr. Sagashus praises Jessica's focus on dignity, fair pay, and community-building in her collaborations. * Capitalism's Impact on Marginalized Communities: * Jessica defines capitalism as a system built on profit and exploitation, often harmful to marginalized groups. * While acknowledging her own benefits from capitalism, she avoids exploitative practices and promotes collective wealth-building. * Jessica explains her use of "targeted universalism," an approach that focuses on equitable outcomes rather than starting points, ensuring fairness for her employees. * Addressing Intersecting Oppressions: * Jessica and Dr. Sagashus explore the interconnectedness of capitalism, racism, and sexism, advocating for systemic change. * Jessica recommends books examining these systems and their impact on marginalized communities worldwide. * Personal Insights: * Jessica shares her journey as an atheist and agnostic, reflecting on her upbringing in the church. * She opens up about raising neurodiverse children and the challenges of balancing motherhood with advocacy and business. Don't Miss This Moment * Dr. Sagashus wraps up with an inspiring reflection on Maya Angelou's transformation, asking listeners to consider their own journey of growth and resilience. Follow and Engage Stay connected with Jessica Oladapo: * Social Media: [Insert links if provided] * Website: Diversity to Inclusion Inc. Call to Action * Share Your Transformation Story: What's a moment that shaped your growth? Use #BooksBulletsBabies to join the conversation. * Subscribe to the Podcast: Never miss an episode of Books, Bullets, and Babies. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Episode 5: Bridging the Trust Gap Between Women of Color and Financial Institutions

Host: Dr. Sagashus Levingston Guests: Suzanne Johnson & Jeff Mack (VPs, Park Bank) Episode Overview In this episode, Dr. Sagashus explores the trust gap between financial institutions and women of color, especially Black women. Suzanne Johnson and Jeff Mack from Park Bank share how community banks foster inclusive relationships, empower clients, and help build generational wealth. Important Note: We want to acknowledge and correct misinformation shared in this episode. While the outro mentioned an upcoming discussion on Mental Health, Wealth, and Community Support, next week's episode will instead dive into Racism, Capitalism, and Sexism on the Journey to Becoming a Millionaire. We apologize for the oversight and appreciate your understanding. Key Topics * Meet the Guests: * Jeff Mack: 15+ years in finance, specializing in client relationships and community impact. * Suzanne Johnson: A seasoned banking professional focused on leadership, financial literacy, and personalized business solutions. * Community vs. National Banks: How local banks like Park Bank offer personalized services and flexible decision-making. * Building Trust: Creating safe spaces for honest financial conversations with clients of color. * Wealth Creation Tools: Resources like loans, capital access, and financial education to support generational wealth-building. * Challenges for Women Entrepreneurs: Tailored banking services for women, including single mothers and non-traditional entrepreneurs. * Representation in Banking: How diverse leadership fosters confidence and trust among clients of color. * Bridging the Gap: Building trust starts with genuine, inclusive conversations. Don't Miss This Moment * Disrespectful Tidbit: Inspired by Aminata Diallo from Someone Knows My Name, Dr. Sagashus reflects on the empowerment of reclaiming one's identity. Sponsor Shout-Outs * American Family Institute for Corporate and Social Impact * CUNA Mutual Group Foundation Take Action: Join the Movement 1. Pre-Order A Pot to P*ss In: This memoir isn't just a book—it's a blueprint for resilience and rewriting the rules. Sagashus Levingston's story of chasing the impossible inspires us to aim higher and demand more. Pre-order your copy and join the movement transforming lives and cities through the Without Apology Tour. Purchase it here: A Pot to P*ss In [https://littlecreekpress.com/product/a-pot-to-pss-in-available-for-pre-order-now/]). 2. Subscribe to Books, Bullets, and Babies Podcast: Ready to balance motherhood, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building? This podcast is your personal guide to audacious growth, unapologetic living, and inspiring success stories. Season 1 dives into the question: "Can women we call Infamous Mothers become millionaires?" Listen to Books, Bullets, and Babies on all major podcast platforms—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you stream your favorites. 3. Order the Books, Bullets, and Babies Card Game: More than a card game, it's a way to connect, reflect, and reclaim your value. Perfect for solo moments of clarity or group sessions filled with laughter, healing, and bold conversations. Order your deck and start using play as a tool for transformation. To do so, visit our website at Books, Bullets and Babies Card Game [https://www.infamousmothers.com/products/p/books-bullets-and-babies-game]. 4. Join the Collective Now: The Without Apology Tour is activating a global sisterhood through workshops, panels, and community connections fueled by A Pot to Pss In*. Together, we're rewriting the narrative and breaking every rule that says we can't. Join the collective and bring the tour to your city—your participation decides where we go next. To join, go to the "Without Apology Tour Collective" [https://www.facebook.com/groups/withoutapologycollective] on Facebook and request access. Be sure to answer the group questions to complete your membership. Follow and Subscribe For more bold conversations, subscribe to Books, Bullets, and Babies on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform. Call to Action * Connect with Park Bank: Discover personalized banking solutions by visiting their website or contacting Suzanne and Jeff. * Share Your Story: Use #BooksBulletsBabies or email us to share your financial experiences. Next Episode Teaser Next week, we'll explore Racism, Capitalism, and Sexism on the Journey to Becoming a Millionaire. Join us for this crucial discussion on overcoming systemic barriers to wealth.

Episode 4: Health, Fitness, and the Wealth Journey with Qiana Holmes, Marjorie Ledbetter and Tanisha Pyron

Episode 4: Health, Fitness, and the Wealth Journey Host: Dr. Sagashus Guests: Members of the Covet Fitness Program Pilot Cohort Episode Overview: In this energizing episode of Books, Bullets, and Babies, Dr. Sagashus is joined by a special panel of women from the pilot cohort of the Covet Fitness Program—a wellness and wealth initiative offered through the Third Space Virtual Co-Working platform. This episode focuses on the intersection between health, fitness, and wealth as part of the overarching question: Can the women we call infamous mothers become millionaires? The panel shares personal stories, challenges, and victories from their health and wellness journeys throughout the episode. They discuss the importance of accountability, community, and the connections between physical well-being and financial prosperity. Their honest reflections offer both inspiration and practical insights for listeners striving to improve their health while building wealth. Key Topics: 1. Introductions to the Panelists: * Tanisha Pyron: A visual artist, poet, and actress who shares her journey of reconnecting with fitness after years of feeling "stuck." * Qiana Holmes Sabbatical: A mother of two adult sons who reflects on how walking has helped her release trauma and heal from the invisible weight of past hardships. * Marjorie: As the oldest member of the group, Marjorie highlights how this wellness program has taught her to embrace her health journey and the importance of "showing up." 2. Key Lessons from the Wellness Journey: * Tanisha's Revelation on Hydration and Life: Tanisha discusses how the group's water challenges helped her realize that not only was her body dehydrated, but so was her life. She reflects on how being mindful of hydration transformed her wellness and daily approach to life. * Marjorie on the Power of Showing Up: Marjorie emphasizes the importance of simply "showing up"—mentally and physically. Her journey taught her that consistency, even when facing setbacks, leads to success in both health and wealth. * Qiana on Walking as Therapy: Qiana shares how walking has been transformative for both her physical health and emotional healing. She speaks on how walking helps her process trauma, clear her mind, and release emotional baggage. 3. Challenges Faced During the Health Journey: * The women candidly discuss struggles such as self-sabotage, lack of family support, and the mental hurdles that accompany weight loss and health improvements. * The Disrespect of the Scale: Panelists share their frustrations with the fluctuating numbers on the scale despite their hard work, leading to the recurring joke that the scale is "disrespectful." 4. Connections Between Health and Wealth: * The panel discusses how health and wealth are intrinsically linked. For instance, poor health can sabotage wealth-building efforts due to low energy or lack of motivation. Conversely, pursuing wellness creates the mental and physical clarity needed to pursue financial goals. * Tanisha: Describes how addressing her health and hydration also impacted her financial mindset, helping her shift from a "survival" approach to life to one of abundance. * Qiana: Speaks about how learning to cook healthy meals at home not only improved her health but also saved money, which she could then reinvest in paying off debts and improving her financial stability. 5. What Makes This Journey Disrespectful? * The women laugh about how certain aspects of their health journey—such as fluctuating weight, uncooperative scales, and unexpected reactions to "healthy" foods—can feel downright disrespectful. They discuss the ongoing challenge of learning to respect the process while ensuring the process respects them back. Disrespectful Tidbit: In today's tidbit, Dr. Sagashus shares a surprising fact: According to a 2019 report by American Express, while Black women are leading as the fastest-growing group of new business owners, their businesses earn an average of only $24,000 annually, compared to $142,000 for all women-owned businesses. The gap highlights the importance of mindset and strategy shifts required to earn the first six figures—a crucial step toward millionaire status. Sponsor Shout-Outs: * CUNA Mutual Foundation * UW Health * Mortgage Family Foundation Take Action: Join the Movement 1. Pre-Order A Pot to P*ss In: This memoir isn't just a book—it's a blueprint for resilience and rewriting the rules. Sagashus Levingston's story of chasing the impossible inspires us to aim higher and demand more. Pre-order your copy and join the movement transforming lives and cities through the Without Apology Tour. Purchase it here: A Pot to P*ss In [https://littlecreekpress.com/product/a-pot-to-pss-in-available-for-pre-order-now/]). 2. Subscribe to Books, Bullets, and Babies Podcast: Ready to balance motherhood, entrepreneurship, and legacy-building? This podcast is your personal guide to audacious growth, unapologetic living, and inspiring success stories. Season 1 dives into the question: "Can women we call Infamous Mothers become millionaires?" Listen to Books, Bullets, and Babies on all major podcast platforms—Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and wherever you stream your favorites. 3. Order the Books, Bullets, and Babies Card Game: More than a card game, it's a way to connect, reflect, and reclaim your value. Perfect for solo moments of clarity or group sessions filled with laughter, healing, and bold conversations. Order your deck and start using play as a tool for transformation. To do so, visit our website at Books, Bullets and Babies Card Game [https://www.infamousmothers.com/products/p/books-bullets-and-babies-game]. 4. Join the Collective Now: The Without Apology Tour is activating a global sisterhood through workshops, panels, and community connections fueled by A Pot to Pss In*. Together, we're rewriting the narrative and breaking every rule that says we can't. Join the collective and bring the tour to your city—your participation decides where we go next. To join, go to the "Without Apology Tour Collective" [https://www.facebook.com/groups/withoutapologycollective] on Facebook and request access. Be sure to answer the group questions to complete your membership. Follow and Subscribe: If you found this episode inspiring, be sure to follow Books, Bullets, and Babies for more insightful discussions around entrepreneurship, wellness, and motherhood. Each week, Dr. Sagashus delves deeper into the strategies and mindsets that can help infamous mothers on their journey to becoming millionaires. Special Thanks: A huge thank you to our panelists for their honesty, vulnerability, and humor in sharing their experiences with health and wellness. You all inspire us to keep showing up for ourselves and our goals!