Ep 198: A Litte Me Time with Tara Jaye Frank

In the first episode of year seven of the Culture Soup Podcast, L. Michelle Smith sits down with equity strategist, author, and Waymaker Change Group founder Tara Jaye Frank for a timely and deeply personal conversation about leadership, grief, obedience, and self-preservation. They explore the making of Tara’s new book, You Are Before the World: Lessons on Doing Good Without Being Undone, including why she chose to self-publish, how the aftermath of the 2024 election reshaped her work, and what it means to redefine helping in ways that no longer wound the helpers. This conversation unpacks the emotional and spiritual labor carried by Black women, the reality behind the 92 percent, and why boundaries, integrity, and trust matter more than performance. Together, they reflect on surrender, mission-driven work, and remembering who you were before the world placed its demands on you. This episode is for leaders, helpers, creatives, and change agents who are asking how to continue doing good without losing themselves in the process.