Got InSpiration Podcast
by Kristine Smith
No matter how big or how small, everyone makes an impact in their own unique way. And that's what I'm here for, to share and explore the many different forms of inspiration in our world today through having conversations with people from all walks of life whether you are an entrepreneur, teacher, in corporate america, or volunteer, your story needs to be heard. You never know what a difference you can make in someone's life by telling your story. I am your host Kristine Smith and I would like to welcome you to "Got Inspiration".
Episodes
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Loyal Friend that Found a Way and Made One
This episode stars a woman who WOW'd my Daddy starting when I met her in college. Dr. Wanda Joubert is a Clinical Psychologist and the Co-Founder of Ikonic Spirits, known for their Phyllis Wines and Black Eden 1912 brand of Bourbon & Moscato. Hear how the deep relationships we have with other...
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Episode #62 - Remembering My Mommy - Mrs. Lillie Mitchell - Showing Up Anyway
Episode #62 - Showing up Anyway! In this special solo episode, I talk resilience and reflect on losing my Mommy, Lillie Mitchell, to COVID 6 years ago. If you've ever lost someone you love, you already know: you don't "get over it." You learn how to keep going with it. Hear why today's episode...
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Episode #61 - Juliett & Gracie Reid-Ventura of JuJu & CeCe's Lemonades and Treats - Kid Entrepreneurs from St. Croix
This episode stars 2 young women my Daddy would be very proud of. Juliett & Gracie Reid-Ventura are the Owners of JuJu & CeCe's Lemonades and Treats, from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. They're 8 and 7 years old, respectively. Hear what being a founder means to them, what they love most about…
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What I Learned From My Daddy, Mr. Leroy Mitchell
In this special solo episode, I reflect on my Daddy's life & legacy. We're a little over 6 months past his death. He simply impacted people. People loved him, and they connected with him. Hear the memories from his 99th birthday trip to Aruba, the kindness shown by the team at his favorite Stop &...
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Episode #59 - Cathy Perez of The Original Pancake House in Metuchen - Treating Guests as Family
This episode stars a woman who was very special to my Daddy. Cathy Perez is the General Manager of The Original Pancake House in Metuchen, where my Daddy ate endless flapjacks. Hear how Cathy & team made my Daddy's celebrations so special, how to provide a personalized touch with your customer...
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Episode #58 - Kise Anderson of BWS Massage Concierge - Creating Impact through Massages
This episode stars a man who truly took care of my Daddy. Kise Anderson is the Founder & CEO of BWS Massage Concierge, who's offered customized massages and other modalities for the past 10+ years. Hear how to start a small business or massage business, how to find your perfect clients, how to...
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Episode #57 - Mr. Tonnie Rozier - Making the World Better One Cupcake at a Time
This episode stars a man my Daddy loved very much. Tonnie Rozier is the Founder & CEO of Tonnie's Minis, the top destination for cupcakes & desserts in the Newark, NJ area. Hear the impact Tonnie's treats have had on so many families, how he started the business in the first place, his advice for...
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Episode #56 - Legacy and Inspiration - Mr. Leroy Mitchell (My Daddy)
My Daddy, Mr. Leroy Mitchell, was a great man. He passed away on August 29, 2025, at the age of 102—and I miss him more than words can express. He was an inspiration to so many, and even now, people smile when they speak his name. At the height of COVID, in August 2020, I had the blessing of...
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Episode #55 - Mrs. Dajuana Rowe-Mayers and Mr. Malcolm Mayers - A Family's Journey of Healing
This episode is a celebration of the unconditional love parents have for their children. Mrs. Dajuana Rowe-Mayers and her son Mr. Malcolm Mayers join the podcast to share their ongoing journey of healing. They share their journey through Malcolm's traumatic brain injury and how it has transformed...
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Episode #54 Dr. Sheron Jefferson, Dr. Dakira Starks Watkins and Mrs. Nasha Shandri, - Bald and Beautiful: The Alopecia Journey
I'm excited to share a special episode for Alopecia Awareness Month with 3 wonderful guests: Dr. Sheron Jefferson, Dr. Dakira Starks Watkins, and Mrs. Nasha Shandri. They're all amazing women, Alopecia warriors, and members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Hear their journeys with Alopecia…
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Episode #53 Ms. Tsia Moses - Stay Hungry
Ms. Tsia Moses will take you on a journey of her life. First, we have known each other since we were 12 years old and attended The Hamlin School in San Francisco, CA. She then gives an in-depth view of her life beginnings of wanting to be a professional dancer, then going to Howard University,...
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Episode #52 Ms. Nadiyah Spencer - Don't Be Afraid, You Only Have One Life
Ms. Nadiyah Spencer is truly an amazing woman. She's a wife, mom and consultant. Both of us have roots in the Atlanta University Center as she is an Alumna and I am an Alumna of Clark Atlanta University. I am also excited to say that she and I are both members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc....
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Got InSpiration Podcast Episode #51 My Reality...Being Seen and Heard
Miss Raina Ford is an 18-year-old, from the metro Chicago area. She is an amazing student and an athlete and can now add an entrepreneur to her resume. In this episode, she speaks about her life and growing up with a sibling that has ADHD. Her reality influenced her to start her own company…
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Got InSpiration Podcast Episode #50: Mr. Jimmy Locust - Show The True You
Mr. Jimmy Locust is a Dance Studio Owner, Choreographer, Master Teacher, and my friend. I have known Jimmy since the early 90's back in my Atlanta Days and working at then Total Dance Theatre. In this episode, he speaks about how he became a dancer, getting into the professional world, opening…
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Episode #49 Ms. De'Neia Mabry Whitted - Be True To Yourself
I met Ms. De'Neia Mabry Whitted while she was a student at Clark Atlanta University and I was leading an aerobic program there. She is an amazing Wife, Mother, Sorority Sister, and Entrepreneur. She is the Owner of Events By Day. I was blessed to work with her personally three years ago this...
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Episode #48 Ms. Lisa Haygood - Creating Experiences
My next two episodes focus on ladies that have an event planning business. Ms. Lisa Haygood is my CAU and D9 Sister. She is in the Start Up Phase of her business ICE - Innovative Creative Experiences. In this episode she speaks about how ICE came to be and how she balances her 9 -5 and her side...
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Episode #47 - Ms. Adrienne Fudge - Dreams Come True at Any Age
Ms. Adrienne Fudge is the Chef/Owner of 40 Dreams Catering. 40 Dreams provides fresh, high-quality meals to NJ Seniors and disabled adults. Adrienne and I participated in an entrepreneurship program with Rutgers University and have remained forever connected. In this episode, she speaks about 40...
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Episode #46 - Mr. Michael Dones - Refocus, Recharge...Take A Sabbatical
Mr. Michael Dones and I have known each other since we were Freshmen in High School at Bishop O'Dowd. After high school, he and I both headed to the Atlanta University Center for College. He at Morehouse and I at Clark Atlanta University (then Clark College). He is an amazing Husband to his wife...
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Episode #45 - Ms. La Shonda Tyree - Sowing Seeds
Ms. La Shonda Tyree is the Owner of Nyah Beauty a plant based skincare line of soaps, scrubs, and lotions. She also makes candles and offers classes for the public to learn how to make their own soaps. In this episode, she discusses how Nyah Beauty came to be and the ups and downs of...
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Episode #44 - The Heart Festival - Possibilities
On August 12th and 13th, 2022 the Heart Festival events will take place in New Brunswick. This concept of bringing the arts and people of all different cultures came together in early 2020 and then the pandemic began. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ms. Tracey O'Reggio, Interim Executive...
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Episode #43 Gabriella Robinson - Start Now
Miss Gabriella Robinson is a seventeen-year-old young lady that has just completed high school and her Gold Award. In this episode, she discusses how she overcame a major health scare, her Gold Award project, and her future. Get ready to be inspired!!!
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Episode #42 Lori Lindsey - Trust the Process - Overcoming Obstacles
Ms. Lori Lindsey is truly an inspiration. She and I are connected becuase she is a graduate of Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University). She is my Big Sister in our Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Both of us were initiated at Sigma Chapter (her in Fall 1983 and me in Spr. 1991).…
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Episode #41 - Miss Rayna Wyatt Courageous and Proud
Courageous and Proud Miss Rayna Wyatt is seven years old! She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age one. She is truly amazing and will capture your heart right away. She and her Mom Hanae Wyatt are the authors of I am Princess Rayna. They want everyone to know about Type 1 Diabetes. You will...
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Episode #40 Donovan Bazemore - Put in the Work to Achieve Your Goals
My 40th podcast guest is truly an inspiration. Donovan Bazemore is 10 years old. He currently plays "Young Simba" in The Lion King on Broadway. He has starred in FBI: Most Wanted and The Last O.G. At his age he already has a mindset that I have never witnessed before. His wonderful family are...
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Episode #39 Miss Laila Quallis - Stay True to Yourself
Miss Laila Quallis is truly an inspiration. This fourteen-year-old has her own Haircare line called You're Beautiful Too. She has been featured on the Local News 12 Station in NJ and is getting plenty of highlights everywhere she goes. She is a gem and shares her story of balancing being an...
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Episode #38 - Alyea Pierce Keep Trying, Never Give Up
Alyea Pierce is a Spokenword Poet and Researcher, National Geographics's Into the Depths. An alumna of the Fulbright Program, Alyea uses her creative work with poetry, spoken word performance, audio, & photography to examine oral storytelling and folklore traditions across the African diaspora.…
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Episode #37 - Miss Valencia Julien - Keep Your Head Up and Keep Smiling
Miss Valenica Julian is a 17-year-old Junior at Morristown High School that is doing some impactful work. Recently she was on News 12 which is a local tv station here in NJ speaking about her new book entitled " Giselle Learns About Alzheimer's. Writing this book was her project for her Girl…
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Episode #36 - Monique Robinson - Being Your Most Authentic Self
Ms. Monique Robinson is a meteorologist with WFMY News in Greensboro, NC. Community, and impacting the lives of young people especially girls of color is really important to her. We discuss how she chose her career as well as discussed highs and lows thus far. This young lady is grounded and you...
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Episode #35 - Ms. Daphne Lee - Cherish The Little Things
I have had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Daphne Lee since 2006. Currently, she is a Company Artist with the World Renowned Dance Theatre of Harlem, Entrepreneur, and Caregiver to her Dad. In our wonderful conversation, you will learn about her professional dance career, handling being a caregiver…
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Episode #34 - Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) Series 3 of 3
This is our final conversation in our three-part series with the wonderful ladies from the WOCIP. I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Monique Adams Ph.D. who is the Dir., Janssen Clinical Innovation in Global Development at Janssen Pharmaceuticals a Johnson & Johnson Company. Ms. Adanna…
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Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) Series 2 of 3
This is part 2 of my great conversations with ladies that are members of Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP). In this episode, I spoke with the amazing Dr. Imara Charles who is the Head of Strategy Sourcing & Procurement for Product Development at Bristol Myers Squibb, Ms. Annie Harris, who is the...
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Episode #32 - Women of Color in Pharma (WOCIP) - Series 1 of 3
I had the pleasure of speaking with 9 Dynamic Ladies at the Women of Color in Pharma Conference in the Fall of 2021. Today in the first of three series you will hear from Dr. Ozama Henry, M.D., Ms. Patricia Cornét(Co-Founder of WOCIP), and Dr. Stephanie Taylor Ph.D. I have to give a BIG Thank you...
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Epsiode #31 - Ms. Dawn Fitch - Prayer, Perseverance, & Persistence
Ms. Dawn Fitch is the Founder of Pooka Pure and Simple. She and I met when we were both being honored as Entrepreneurs for an event that young people who started a non-profit had back in 2006. She and I have been connected ever since. in this episode, she touches on her career in Corporate…
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Epsiode #30 - Mr. Everett Oliver - Figure Out Your Own Path
Mr. Everett Oliver and I have known each other for 30+ plus years. He and I were both Mass Media Arts Majors at Clark Atlanta University. In this episode, he speaks about his journey and move to LA and being in the business of animation, casting, and eventually opening his own business as the...
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Episode #29 - Ms. Mari Bell - It's Possible
Ms. Mari Bell wears a lot of hats. In our conversation, she discusses her day job as a Senior Care Consultant for Hospice, being a former caregiver of her late Mom, being an author, and her big venture of being the Founder of "No Ma'am Nation" an International community of women over 40. Mari and…
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Epsisode #28 Ms. Jacqueline Edmond - Doing What You Love to Do
Ms. Jacqueline Edmond is one of my dearest sister-friends in the world. She was my Freshman Guide at CAU, and she is my Sorority Sister in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She shares her passion about education and being an entrepreneur as President of Edmond Educational Enterprises. Get ready to...
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Episode #27 Valerie Mason-Robinson - Stay Humble...Never Stop Learning
This 27th episode with my sister-friend Mrs. Valerie Mason Robinson is unique. She discusses working in Corporate America, being an entrepreneur, and going back to Corporate America again. Aside from business, she speaks about being an adoptive parent. You are in for a treat and will definitely…
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Episode #26 - Natasha Wright Eldridge - Power in Our Purpose
My sister-friend Natasha Wright Eldridge is a serial entrepreneur. She and I were in the same cohort for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. She is the Founder and CEO of Kidcare Concierge and is also invests in real estate. In our conversation, she speaks about education, mentorship,...
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Episode #25 - Ms. Yolanda McKinney - Don't Let Others Manage Your Vision
Ms. Yolanda McKinney and I have over 30 years of friendship and sisterhood. She and I are both graduates of the Illustrious Clark Atlanta University and she is one of my Sorority Sisters in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. In this episode she touches on balances her 9-5 corporate job and being an...
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Episode #24 - Kristine Smith - Quotes of InSpiration
Hey Got InSpiration Fam, Today I had to share some inspirational quotes with you that may inspire you to do something to take yourself, your business that a position that you want, a new hobby that you want to start or help get you through a particular situation. I hope that they stir something...
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Episode #23 - Mr. Marcell Pickens - Visit Your Soul
Mr. Marcell Pickens known as the Film Marketer has a story to tell. He and his family have been linked to my family since 2013 and he has been InSpira's photographer and so much more since that time. Today you will learn about what got him into photography, his company marketing and branding...
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Epsidode #22 - Ms. Jill Johnson Set Your Mind, Visualize, Then Do It!
Ms. Jill Johnson is my mentor, sorority sister and friend, that is truly an inspiration. She is the CEO of The Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership. In the episode she speaks about growing up with entrepreneurial parents, graduating from Harvard, and starting her businesses. Learn more about...
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Episode #21: Nathaniel Stampley - Be Your Best Self
I met the amazing Mr. Nathaniel Stampley in 2009 due to his also amazing wife being on faculty at my dance studio. InSpira. This Brother is an actor that mesmerizes audiences with his talent whether he is on Broadway, Off Broadway, Concerts, and TV. His Broadway credits include Cats, The…
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Episode #20: Metra Lundy - A Walk in Her Shoes
My friend Metra Lundy is a Coach, Speaker, Author, Producer, and Entrepreneur. You will be moved by her life journey from working in a 9 - 5 to beginning her business to now having multiple businesses. You will learn how a traumatic experience helped move her forward into a impactful journey. Get...
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Episode #19 - Dr. Lisa Herbert, MD Growing The Next Generation of Physician Leaders
My Sister and Soror Dr. Lisa Herbert, MD has a story to tell. She shares with the Got InSpiration Fam, of what led her into medicine, her personal touch with her patients. She then speaks about why she left practicing after twenty five years to pursue being an author, Executive Coach to help…
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Epsiode #18 - Ms. Audrey Davis - Dunning Think Bigger
My dear friend Ms. Audrey Davis - Dunning has been a part of my life since 2004. She is taught African Dance at InSpira for a little over ten years. She has been an educator for twenty seven years and started her business Get Your Goddess in 2015. If you want a to be inspired or have a young...
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Episode #17 Ms. Kathleen Cirioli Living and Loving Your Passion
My friend Kathleen Ciroli has an amazing story. She owned her dance studio for 50 years. She has overcome serious bouts of a variety of cancers from ovarian cancer at age 19, breast cancer in 1999 and most recently lung cancer. She has a very giving heart and gave me direction when I moved into…
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Episode #16 Ms. Janell Stephens - Building a Brand with Grit and Grace
Ms. Janell Stephens is the Founder and CEO of Camille Rose. We have been friends for almost twenty five years through our husbands, it has been a true pleasure seeing her business grow from an idea to reach international markets. You can find her brand in Target, Whole Foods, and Walmart to name…
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Epsiode #15 - Dr. Elizabeth Henry MD - Follow Your Passion
Dr. Elizabeth Henry MD is a Pediatrician turned Consultant that is making a true difference with pre teens/teens/young adults and their parents. She was my twin daughters Pediatrician and is truly an amazing person. You will definitely enjoy her story. Learn more about her at drlizconsulting.com...
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Episode #14 - Cliff Ward & Autin Wright - Changing Lives Through Visual Art
Cliff Ward and Autin Wright are amazing sculptors and painters that I had the pleasure of meeting while I was working at Sculpture Magazine. With now 20 years of friendship, they take us behind their life and how they got into the their field. Sit back and enjoy this one Got InSpiration Fam. To...
About this show
No matter how big or how small, everyone makes an impact in their own unique way. And that's what I'm here for, to share and explore the many different forms of inspiration in our world today through having conversations with people from all walks of life whether you are an entrepreneur, teacher, in corporate america, or volunteer, your story needs to be heard. You never know what a difference you can make in someone's life by telling your story. I am your host Kristine Smith and I would like to welcome you to "Got Inspiration".
Hosted by
Kristine Smith