Ask Nyomi " Bridging The Gap" Podcast

Fashion Week is a week away, and Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap is bringing on two people host Nyomi Banks calls her "fashion industry children" — Xavier Walker and Norka Vasquez, co-founders of Caribbean Fashion Collective (CFC). Nyomi has watched both of them grow from models into industry builders, and this episode is a front-row seat to that evolution.Xavier and Norka break down what it actually took to land Caribbean Fashion Collective a spot on the CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar — for the second time — and why that matters far beyond the glitz of a runway show. They talk about being recognized by Essence, the reality of being "gatekeepers" trying to open more doors instead of just one, and their long-term vision to expand CFC beyond New York into a full Caribbean tour and eventually Europe.The conversation gets personal fast. Norka shares the unvarnished story of how CFC actually got funded — an unexpected move-out payout from a landlord, a friend's spare room in Harlem, and a decision to bet that money on a company instead of an apartment. It's a real, no-gloss look at what founding something from nothing actually looks like, plus their advice for the next generation of Caribbean creators and models trying to build their own platforms.In this episode, you'll learn:What it means to be selected for the CFDA New York Fashion Week calendar — twiceHow Caribbean Fashion Collective is creating opportunities for historically excluded Caribbean creatorsXavier and Norka's vision for CFC's future: a Caribbean tour, European expansion, and mentorship for designers back homeThe real, unplanned financial risk behind founding CFCWhy having "someone in your corner" matters when you're building something from scratchTheir advice to models and creatives who want to build their own platform instead of waiting to be chosenAbout Xavier Walker & Norka Vasquez Xavier Walker and Norka Vasquez are co-founders of Caribbean Fashion Collective, a platform creating visibility and opportunity for Caribbean creators in the fashion industry. Both started as models — including work with IS By Nyomi Banks — before building CFC into a CFDA-recognized New York Fashion Week presence, with recognition from Essence and a growing footprint aimed at expanding across the Caribbean and into Europe.Connect with Caribbean Fashion Collective:Check their official website and socials for Fashion Week show details and season updatesConnect with Nyomi Banks / Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap:Email for love, sex & relationship advice: [email protected] Nyomi at New York Fashion Week this week supporting Caribbean Fashion CollectiveNew: Nyomi's Intimate Corner on PatreonUpcoming: Souls (horror film, written and executive produced by Nyomi, directed by Dog Pound Mike Mike) coming to Tubi, plus Caught 2 on the waySEO Keywords / TagsCaribbean Fashion Collective, CFDA Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, Caribbean designers, fashion entrepreneurship, from model to founder, Xavier Walker, Norka Vasquez, building a fashion brand, Caribbean creators, fashion industry diversity, Essence recognition, Nyomi Banks, Ask Nyomi Bridging the Gap, entrepreneurship podcast, fashion week special episode ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAPHost: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike MikeThank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community 📧 HAVE A QUESTION? Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests:Email: [email protected] line: Your question or topic 🌐 VISIT US ONLINE:Website: AskNyomi.comPersonality Quiz: Discover your coaching path 📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @asknyomiFacebook:@asknyomiTwitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG 💻 EXPLORE MORE:Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi)Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026)The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms) 2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & UnashamedBe good to one another and yourselves.Always keep it sexy.— Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love  

What happens when you keep a part of yourself secret for over 25 years? On this episode of Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap, host Nyomi Banks sits down with certified sex and relationship coach Amanda Dames, aka The Kink Consultant, for an unfiltered conversation about kink, shame, and the long road to sexual self-acceptance.Amanda opens up about hiding her own kink from age five into her thirties — and what it finally felt like to be fully seen by the people who love her. Together, she and Nyomi dig into why so many people confuse kink with trauma, how to figure out why a kink makes you (or your partner) uncomfortable, and the simple homework Amanda gives clients to help them stop feeling so alone: attending a "munch," a casual, clothed meetup for kinky people to connect outside the bedroom.This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered if what turns them on makes them "too much," "broken," or "abnormal." Spoiler: it doesn't. As Amanda puts it, half of life is learning — and the other half is unlearning what you were taught about making everyone else comfortable at your own expense.In this episode, you'll learn:Why kink and trauma are not the same thing (and how to tell the difference)How to identify the real source of shame around a kink or desireWhat a "munch" is and why Amanda prescribes it as homework for clientsHow to talk to a partner about a kink without pushing them awayWhy visibility and normalization matter — for coaches, creators, and everyday peopleWhat self-love really means when you've spent your life prioritizing everyone else's comfortAbout Amanda Dames Amanda Dames is a certified sex and relationship coach known as The Kink Consultant. She works with individuals and couples navigating kink, communication, and intimacy, and hosts The Kink Consultant Podcast, where she interviews couples and individuals in the kink community about their journeys — normalizing the idea that "your next-door neighbor could be into the exact same thing you're into."Connect with Amanda Dames:Website / Book a Coaching Consultation: amandadames.comInstagram: @the_kinkconsultantPodcast: The Kink Consultant Podcast (available wherever you get your podcasts)Connect with Nyomi Banks / Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap:Email for love, sex & relationship advice: [email protected]: Nyomi's Intimate Corner on Patreon — deeper conversations on sexuality and spirituality, plus the explant surgery documentary seriesNew episodes weekly — subscribe and never miss the BTG crew ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAPHost: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike MikeThank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community 📧 HAVE A QUESTION? Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests:Email: [email protected] line: Your question or topic 🌐 VISIT US ONLINE:Website: AskNyomi.comPersonality Quiz: Discover your coaching path 📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @asknyomiFacebook:@asknyomiTwitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG 💻 EXPLORE MORE:Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi)Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026)The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms) 2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & UnashamedBe good to one another and yourselves.Always keep it sexy.— Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love  

We celebrated the Caught 2 cast reunion with Simeon Henderson, Greg Ellery, and Mike Merrill. Raw conversations about building a creative universe over 20 years, behind-the-scenes magic, loyalty, and why this cast keeps showing up.🌟 KEY MOMENTS:- 20 years of Caught: From 2006 to 2026- Episodes 3 & 4 spring 2026 shoot - fresh material- Greg's 9-year gap & powerful return- Simeon's loyalty across 20 years- Mike's creative vision as writer/director- Behind-the-scenes stories and set dynamics- Manifestation & the butterfly effect📺 WHAT'S DROPPING TOMORROW:Caught 2: Lisa's Back premieres on TubiAugust 14, 2026Go watch. Go share. Go support independent filmmaking.🎥 COMING SEPTEMBER 18:Souls premieres on Tubi(Nyomi wrote + produced, Mike directed, Simeon stars)🎧 SPONSORS TODAY:✓ Elevate Me App - 7 days free self-discovery (studio.com/naomi)✓ We-Vibe - Intimate wellness (wevibe-north-america.sjv.io/PO6Znx)✓ Goli - Gut health support (Code: AskNyomi)✓ HelloIce - Statement jewelry (Codes: FREE or B2G2)📱 NEXT WEEK:Guest Episode: Amanda DamesSame time, same channel, same energy.💜 PATREON EXCLUSIVE:1-year explant anniversary documentary now availableSupport independent creators📧 CONNECT:Questions? [email protected]: @theseasonofselfloveWebsite: AskNyomi.com🔴 Remember: "Be good to one another and yourselves, and always keep it sexy."================================================================================HASHTAG SUGGESTIONS FOR SOCIAL:#Caught2LisasBack #AskNyomi #BridgingTheGap #BTGCrew #IndependentFilm #Tubi #CreativeUniverse #SelfLove #ElevateMe #ManifestationProof================================================================================ ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAPHost: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike MikeThank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community 📧 HAVE A QUESTION? Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests:Email: [email protected] line: Your question or topic 🌐 VISIT US ONLINE:Website: AskNyomi.comPersonality Quiz: Discover your coaching path 📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @asknyomiFacebook:@asknyomiTwitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG 💻 EXPLORE MORE:Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi)Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026)The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms) 2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & UnashamedBe good to one another and yourselves.Always keep it sexy.— Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love  

Nyomi is 15 days into her 30 Hard challenge, and tonight she gets REAL about what discipline actually means.On Day 13, her body shut down. She had a choice: restart at Day 1 or repeat Day 14 and continue. She chose to honor the work she'd already done and keep moving forward.This episode explores the difference between perfectionism and REAL discipline - it's not about being perfect, it's about being RESILIENT. It's about continuing when you fall, not erasing your progress.Nyomi shares the powerful story of a man who walked from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to raise money for a school, got hit by a car during the journey, and kept going. That's what real discipline looks like.If you've ever thought about restarting instead of continuing, if you've been knocked down and wondered if it's worth getting back up, if you're learning what real discipline means - this episode is for you.KEY TOPICS & MOMENTS:✓ 15 days into 30 Hard challenge✓ Day 13 body shutdown (post-explant surgery healing journey)✓ The choice: restart at Day 1 or repeat Day 14✓ Nyomi chose to CONTINUE and honor the 13 days of work✓ What she did on Day 14 (pull exercises, eating right, continuing)✓ Day 15 moving forward✓ The Philadelphia to Los Angeles walker (100-day goal, got hit by car, kept going)✓ Discipline vs. Perfectionism✓ Resilience as the core of real discipline✓ Honoring your progress (not erasing it)✓ Getting up where you fall✓ The importance of "your why"✓ Not being afraid to work hard to find out how great you can be✓ Morning rituals (shower, altar, prayer, meditation, journaling)✓ Understanding that things happen (unforeseen circumstances)✓ Continuing forward vs. starting completely over✓ The quote: "Don't be afraid to work hard enough to find out how great you can really be"✓ Community wisdom (callers shared their experiences with starting/stopping)✓ Self-love isn't about perfection✓ Healing journey awareness✓ Discipline in real life (when podcasts interrupt morning rituals, etc.)THE CORE MESSAGE:"Discipline is so sexy, but not because it's perfect, but because it's RESILIENT.Because it continues. Because it honors you in where you are and how you're moving and how you move from there.When you get knocked down, you get up where you fell and you keep going. That's discipline. That's resilience."— Nyomi BanksTHE 30 HARD CHALLENGE:Nyomi's 30 Hard consists of:✓ 30 minutes altar/prayer/meditation✓ 30 minutes walking✓ 30 minutes working out✓ 30 minutes reading/listening to uplifting content✓ Eating healthy mealsDay 13: Body shut downDay 14: Repeated (honored the 13 days + kept moving)Day 15: Pull exercises, healthy eating, continuing forwardTHE PHILADELPHIA TO LOS ANGELES WALKER STORY:A man set a 100-day goal to walk from Philadelphia to Los Angeles to raise money to build a school in Philadelphia.During the walk, he got HIT BY A CAR.Did he:A) Restart from Philadelphia?B) Give up?NO.He said: "Fix me up. I'm going to heal and continue walking."128 days total.Got knocked down.Got back up WHERE HE FELL.Kept going.That's real discipline.That's real resilience.His "WHY" (helping the kids get a school) was bigger than any obstacle.CALLER INSIGHTS:**BRUSH COMMENT:**"The confidence in which one rocks their clothes matters more than any price tag."On starting/stopping: When you have a bad day, it's not failure. You take that day and move on to the next one.**ANOTHER CALLER:**Talked about learning subjects and starting/stopping patterns. Key insight: When you have a bad day, don't start over - just move on to the next one.SPONSORS:ELEVATE ME APPSelf-discovery coaching app by Nyomi BanksGuided meditations + workbooks on healing + self-love + daily coachingStudio.com/Nyomi7 days free, no credit card requiredWE-VIBEPremium intimate wellness products for couples and solo explorationSelf-pleasure is self-discovery. Part of knowing yourself.Link in episode notesCode: AskNyomi (mentioned but not emphasized in episode)GOLIGut health and energy support productsNyomi is personally using for gut health and energyAffects mood, mental clarity, confidence - all connectedCode: X (or asknyomi - need to verify from previous episodes)Goalie.comHELLO ICEStatement jewelry piecesMake you feel like the main character in your own storySummer sale: Buy 1 Get 1 Free (Code: FREE)Buy 2 Get 2 Free (Code: B2G2)helloice.comRESOURCES & LINKS:📧 Sex, relationship, life coaching: [email protected]💻 Elevate Me App: Studio.com/Naomi🌐 Website: AskNyomi.com📱 Instagram: @theseasonofselflove🎙️ Ask Nyomi: Bridging the Gap - Live Thursdays 9PM EST / 6PM PSTEPISODE DETAILS:Host: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike MikeTopic: Discipline, resilience, 30 Hard challenge, perfectionism recoveryDuration: ~90 minutesFormat: Live Thursday show with audience participationContent: Personal experience + teaching + real conversationTheme: "2026 - Reclaimed & Unashamed"CALL TO ACTION:"Be good to one another and yourselves. And always keep it sexy."— Nyomi Banks ASK NYOMI: BRIDGING THE GAPHost: Nyomi Banks (Da Goddess of Self Love)Co-Host: Dog Pound Mike MikeThank you for tuning in! We appreciate you being part of the BTG community 📧 HAVE A QUESTION? Submit your questions, stories, and advice requests:Email: [email protected] line: Your question or topic 🌐 VISIT US ONLINE:Website: AskNyomi.comPersonality Quiz: Discover your coaching path 📱 FOLLOW ON SOCIAL:Instagram: @asknyomiFacebook:@asknyomiTwitter/X: @AskNyomiBTG 💻 EXPLORE MORE:Elevate Me: Self-Discovery App (Studio.com/nyomi)Talk To Me Tuesday: Listener Letters Podcast (Returns Fall 2026)The Season of Self Love: Monday Mindset & Wednesday Action (YouTube, Spotify, all platforms) 2026 THEME: "Reclaimed & UnashamedBe good to one another and yourselves.Always keep it sexy.— Nyomi Banks, Da Goddess of Self Love