Between Love & Lessons: Unfiltered Conversations with Courtney

Welcome to Between Love and Lessons Unfiltered Conversations with Courtney Arlesia.

For some Mother’s Day is a celebration and for others it can bring grief, heartache, and unspoken pain. For many it is both. In this episode of Between Love and Lessons I explore the different layers of Mother’s Day beyond the flowers and greetings we often see. I begin with the origin of Mother’s Day which was rooted in advocacy, recognition, care, and peace and how it later evolved into a heavily commercialized holiday. From there I reflect on what has been lost and what still remains in the spirit of its original intention. This episode also takes us into deeper conversations around Black maternal health, the realities of grief and loss that many carry during this season, and the often unspoken impact of domestic violence on mothers and children. These are the layers that exist beneath the surface of celebration but are just as present in many of our lived experiences. I close with a word of encouragement for all of us mothers, those who have lost mothers, those longing to become mothers, and those navigating the absence or loss of children as we hold space for both joy and sorrow in this holiday. For coaching, consulting, writing, speaking, or interviews, email me at courtney@courtneyarlesia.com. Please note that some episodes will be exclusive for paid subscribers. Melodies for Mama: A Mother’s Day Tribute Playlist [https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.RB1A72JIzO0Dk2] - I created this playlist a few years ago and recently updated. May it serve as a space to honor yourself and the mother figures in your life. The Origin of Mother’s Day [https://www.instagram.com/p/DYFojfnvODg/] x Cassandra Freeman Journey to Joy Part One [https://youtu.be/cBkZGpCyDiM?si=kWUBLIHEzL6nL_-z] Journey to Joy Part Two [https://youtu.be/rfu25sACGoM?si=EHiDQ6LmazbN9TEx] This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. © 2026 Courtney A. Clardy. All rights reserved. This post, including all written content, may not be copied, reproduced, or used without express written permission from the author. Intellectual property protection is in effect. Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Courtney Arlesia at courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe [https://courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Welcome to Between Love and Lessons Unfiltered Conversations with Courtney Arlesia.

It’s April. It’s Spring. It’s Resurrection weekend. And it’s my birthday month! So of course I’m excited to be back with another episode of Between Love and Lessons and I’m honored that my dear friend, Albert Tsibu, joined me again for another rich, layered, and intellectually grounded conversation. In this episode of Between Love and Lessons, Albert and I have a layered conversation about legacy, influence, and what it truly means to honor the people and platforms that shaped us. We get into how magazines like Vibe, Essence, and Jet played a role in our creative development, our love for music, and the way we show up as storytellers today. We also explore the tension of honoring what came before us while navigating disagreement, and how respect, perspective, and emotional maturity all play a role in that process. This conversation doesn’t stay on the surface. We talk about conflict, communication, and the importance of being solution-oriented, not just in culture but in our personal relationships as well. At its core, this episode is about recognizing the blueprint, carrying it forward with intention, and allowing yourself the space to grow, evolve, and think independently without dismissing the foundation that helped shape you. As you enjoy this episode, I want to share that I left out an album I’m currently listening to, 6WA, a collaborative project featuring BigXthaPlug, Ro$ama, MurdaGang PB, and Yung Hood. The album is solid, but I personally think it highlights even more that Ro$ama is an artist we should be keeping a close eye on. Don’t forget to share your thoughts about this episode and your favorite songs in the comments! Follow Albert on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tsibuuuu___ Follow Induct Aaliyah: https://www.instagram.com/inductaaliyah Sign the Induct Aaliyah Petition: https://www.change.org/p/aaliyah-s-induction-to-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame Listen to Albert’s Love Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/for-the-love-with-love-in-love-lust/pl.u-zPyLmZXsZpEm7Pj Courtney Arlesia’s Aries Season Playlist: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/these-hxes-mad/pl.u-NpXmoagTLXaz2A For coaching, consulting, writing, speaking, or interviews, email me at courtney@courtneyarlesia.com. Please note that some episodes will be exclusive for paid subscribers This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. © 2026 Courtney A. Clardy. All rights reserved. This post, including all written content, may not be copied, reproduced, or used without express written permission from the author. Intellectual property protection is in effect. Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Courtney Arlesia at courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe [https://courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Welcome to Between Love and Lessons Unfiltered Conversations with Courtney Arlesia.

It is a new year and I am grateful that I began it surrounded by love. I have been allowing myself to bask in the shifts taking place in my life, embracing rest, welcoming a change of scenery, and leaning fully into the adventures life presents. The first episode of Between Love and Lessons for 2026 marks a beautiful return, and I am joined by my longtime friend Albert Tsibu. Albert is an R&B and hip hop connoisseur and a true student of music and Black culture. He is widely known for spearheading the Induct Aaliyah campaign, advocating for Aaliyah’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Through his Change.org petition and relentless dedication, Aaliyah was inducted into the National R&B Hall of Fame in 2023. His work garnered nearly 11,000 signatures and support from influential voices including Missy Elliott, Maxwell, Jimmy Jam, Tank, and Nicole Ray, with coverage from outlets such as Black Enterprise and Power 105. In this episode, we explore what it means to bring back the love, grounding our conversation in the intentionality of 90s R&B and the timeless music that continues to shape how we understand intimacy, vulnerability, and connection across generations and genres. One of my favorite moments in our conversation is when Albert encourages us to fall into faith and trust the process of surrender without forcing or resisting what God is unfolding. It was a thoughtful and expansive dialogue about love, accountability, vulnerability, and the courage required to let go. This episode is a beautiful reflection on life, music, faith, and the kind of love that feels safe, seen, and sustaining. Don’t forget to share your thoughts about this episode and your favorite songs in the comments! * Follow Albert on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/tsibuuuu___]: https://www.instagram.com/tsibuuuu___ * Follow Induct Aaliyah [https://www.instagram.com/inductaaliyah]: https://www.instagram.com/inductaaliyah * Sign the Induct Aaliyah Petition [https://www.change.org/p/aaliyah-s-induction-to-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame]: https://www.change.org/p/aaliyah-s-induction-to-the-rock-roll-hall-of-fame * Listen to Albert’s Love Playlist [https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/for-the-love-with-love-in-love-lust/pl.u-zPyLmZXsZpEm7Pj]: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/for-the-love-with-love-in-love-lust/pl.u-zPyLmZXsZpEm7Pj [https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/for-the-love-with-love-in-love-lust/pl.u-zPyLmZXsZpEm7Pj] For coaching, consulting, writing, speaking, or interviews, email me at courtney@courtneyarlesia.com. Please note that some episodes will be exclusive for paid subscribers. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. © 2026 Courtney A. Clardy. All rights reserved. This post, including all written content, may not be copied, reproduced, or used without express written permission from the author. Intellectual property protection is in effect. Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Courtney Arlesia at courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe [https://courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Welcome to Between Love and Lessons Unfiltered Conversations with Courtney Arlesia.

And in the words of Aaliyah, “it’s been too long and I’m lost without you”. I am being a tinch bit over dramatic, but I truly have missed connecting with you all. I know those of you who have been loving Between Love and Lessons have probably been wondering where I have been. There were moments when I was sick, shut in, and really needing to listen to my body. There were also many moments when I needed to focus on other parts of my growth and successes. I’ve been experiencing wins and so many moments worth celebrating. In this episode, I am catching you up. I am sharing what I have been doing, what I am working on, and of course, a moment of encouragement. Don’t forget that there’s still time to join the Endless Love Circle and participate in my new Fruitful Foundations course. Click here [https://open.substack.com/pub/courtneyarlesia/p/fruitful-foundations-laying-the-groundwork?r=4ltrq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false] to learn more! Read my recent article with Hearts of Hearts Foundation here [https://courtneyarlesia.substack.com/p/hearts-of-hearts-foundation-spreading?r=4ltrq]. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. © 2025 Courtney A. Clardy. All rights reserved. This post, including all written content, may not be copied, reproduced, or used without express written permission from the author. Intellectual property protection is in effect. Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Courtney Arlesia at courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe [https://courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Between Love & Lessons (A Love Note)

Thank you for your patience with me posting today. I have intentionally been moving with ease and allowing myself to go at a slower pace while still experiencing momentum. Knowing that I can produce even while resting has been a game changer for me. I have been resting and winning and I am not making it up. As you listen to this love note, I briefly reflect on new wins, share more about what to expect with Fruitful Foundations [https://open.substack.com/pub/courtneyarlesia/p/fruitful-foundations-laying-the-groundwork?r=4ltrq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false], and offer a word of encouragement that I hope reminds you of how worthy you are not to quit on yourself. Below are the words I share in this episode. Read along with them and really take them in. Keep going, do not give up. Celebrate every win. Do not play yourself small. Everything you do that helps you grow closer to your goals is worth celebrating. Go at your own pace. You get distracted when you worry about what everyone else is doing. Trust me, when your time comes, it is going to feel amazing. You are going to be so proud of yourself. Stay focused. Keep your eye on your prize. Protect what you are building and the things you love. Sometimes the first team you need to build is one full of people who will not let you fall or fail. Let God clear space so He can send you people who do not really play about you. But you also should not play about you. Make decisions that honor you. It might hurt to let that thing go, but once you do, you get what you have always been praying for. You might be feeling lonely, but you are not alone. Go out and enjoy the little things. The little things bring you the peace and joy that you need in your life. I hope to see you in the Endless Love Circle soon and enjoying my new Fruitful Foundations course. Click here [https://open.substack.com/pub/courtneyarlesia/p/fruitful-foundations-laying-the-groundwork?r=4ltrq&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false] to learn more! This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. © 2025 Courtney A. Clardy. All rights reserved. This post, including all written content, may not be copied, reproduced, or used without express written permission from the author. Intellectual property protection is in effect. Thanks for reading! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Courtney Arlesia at courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe [https://courtneyarlesia.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]