Big Every Time Podcast

Ep. 208: Until Next Timeee

This episode is a note from our host about growth, resilience, and chasing dreams no matter how impossible they may seem. From being a girl in St. Louis who was “never supposed” to make it out, to graduating with a B.S., to walking across the stage with a Master’s degree, to moving out of Missouri, this moment is proof that dreams can happen! 🌟 Every setback, every “no,” every statistic she was told she would become, was only fuel to keep going. And now, standing in the life she once prayed for, this episode is a reminder that no dream is too big, and no path is too far. Keep going! ✨ Growth is a blessing. And inside this episode, our host shares a huge announcement you don’t want to miss. ✨ Thank you for tuning in and celebrating this new chapter with us. Let’s keep chasing dreams together! 🥂

Ep. 207: The Blueprint of a Boss

This week, I’m joined by Nina Barudzic: Director of the Student Resource Center, Serbian-born powerhouse, homeowner 🏠, former professional tennis player, and someone I’ve been lucky to call both a boss and a mentor. We dive into what leadership actually looks like as a woman navigating male-dominated spaces, cultural expectations, and the pressure of “having it all.” ✨ We discuss what it really takes to be a confident, effective leader in a world that wasn’t always built with women—or immigrants—in mind. 🎯 Nina shares the bumps along the way, her most difficult lessons, and the importance of staying true to who you are when leading others. 🫂 We unpack everything from emotional intelligence and high-maintenance habits to setting boundaries and knowing when to stop shrinking yourself just to make other people comfortable. Because real leadership? It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being real, taking risks, and trusting your gut even when it’s scary. 🫡 From becoming a homeowner to making big decisions without burnout—hit play to join the convo! If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong in the room, if you’re trying to find your voice as a leader, or if you just need a reminder that it’s okay to be both powerful and soft—this one’s for you. 🩷

Ep. 206: Love Ain’t Supposed to Hurt

This week’s episode dives deep into a conversation we don’t have enough but desperately need—domestic violence. 🚫 I’m joined by Charity Jordan Rex of Harmony House, one of the leading safe spaces for survivors in Southwest Missouri, to talk about what abuse really looks like beyond the bruises. We tackle the truth behind abuse—the kind that isn’t just physical, the kind that leaves emotional bruises, financial scars, and silent shame. Join us as we break down the difference between toxicity and abuse, how trauma bonds work, and why so many victims stay. 🫂 We also look at how pop culture, gender roles, headlines, and social media often fail survivors. From silent manipulation to loud cycles of harm, we’re unlearning everything that teaches us to excuse or normalize unhealthy love. ✨ Charity shares what it means to seek help, how shelters like Harmony House serve those in need, and what healing truly looks like after abuse. To close, I perform a spoken word piece written for the survivors 🌹! The ones who stayed. The ones who left. And the ones still searching for the door 🚪. This episode is for anyone who’s been through it, loved someone who has, or ever needed the reminder that safe love is your birthright. Whether you’re surviving, supporting, or simply trying to understand—you don’t want to miss this one. ❤️ You…Her…Him…Me… we all deserve healthy love and conversations like these are the first step. 👣 TUNE IN ‼️

Ep. 205: A Love Letter to Black Hollywood

This episode is a love letter to Black stories, Black excellence, and Black Hollywood. ❤️ This week I’m joined by future physical therapist and full-time movie critic (in her own right), Neema Shabazz and we’re diving into the heart of Black storytelling—from the films that raised us to the ones that break us. We talk about what really defines a Black film, what makes something a classic, the impact of Black representation on screen, and the moments in TV and film that still live rent free in our minds. From Set It Off to Waiting to Exhale, we unpack the unforgettable characters, fictional breakups, heart-wrenching deaths, and legendary performances that made Black cinema what it is today. In addition, Neema shares how her passion for physical therapy and healing intertwines with the emotional healing found in the stories we grew up on. We talk about healing beyond the screen—mind, body, and soul—and how the stories we consume reflect the lives we lead. We laughed, we debated, we gave Black Hollywood its flowers. 🌹 This episode is for anyone who ever felt seen in a movie, cried over a character like they were kin, or found pieces of themselves in the stories that raised us. Go hit play ▶️ and let’s talk about it!

Ep. 204: Branden Michael Lewis - Artist Interview

Branden Michael Lewis isn’t here to play by the industry’s rules—he’s here to change the game. 👣 In this episode, we sit down with the St. Louis rapper, pianist, songwriter, and performer 🎤 who’s been stacking up awards and nominations—but what he’s after is bigger than that. 💫 Branden opens up about the realities of being an independent artist, from understanding that talent is only a small piece of the puzzle to navigating the pressure to compromise your values for a seat at the table. 🪑 He talks about purpose, principle, and what it means to have a calling that’s bigger than yourself. From cutting through the noise of bad advice to staying grounded when temptation shows up dressed like opportunity, Branden shares what it really takes to move with intention in the music industry—and in life‼️ He even gives us a freestyle on the spot. Stay turned til the end to hear his newest single “Like This”🔥 ! If you’re an artist, dreamer, or anyone tryna make it without losing yourself, this episode is for you! STREAM NOW 🎙️.