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___* 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-zPyLmZXsZpEm7PjFor coaching, consulting, writing, speaking, or interviews, email me at [email protected]. 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