Hard Wig, Soft Life Podcast

We're back on the couch and this time I brought someone with me.June Archer — media executive, author, entrepreneur, and what I can only describe as a dot connector — is sitting with me today and I need you to clear your schedule because this conversation is not one you're gonna want to rush through.We met backstage at the Power Networking Conference in Atlanta and I knew immediately that this was someone I needed to get on this couch. June has built a career across music, media, entertainment, and now publishing — not by pivoting, but by evolving. And there is a difference.In this episode we get into what it really means to push the button on your dreams instead of just talking about them, why trying is not the same as doing, how June went from working in the executive suite at Cigna as a college freshman to becoming one of the most connected people in the room, the lost art of human connection in a world that hides behind devices, and why your word for the year means nothing without execution behind it.Oh — and we talked about Jay-Z for a solid minute. You already know.June also brought his brand new book, The Definitive Art of Networking, and broke down why networking is actually the wrong word for what we're all trying to do. This one is going to shift how you move in every room you walk into.New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe so you don't miss what's coming.🎙️ Hard Wig, Soft Life is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.Produced by BUSSALENZ MediaSupport the show

We're back, baby. Give yourself your flowers.Season 3 is HERE and we are back on the couch where we belong.I'll be honest with you — I filmed this episode way more times than I'd like to admit. Between planning and executing The Intersection (a 100-person culture event that I threw entirely by myself), doing 75 Hard, co-hosting Shake the Room, and moderating at the Power Networking Conference in Atlanta where I shared a stage with Les Brown — I was not mentally available to show up for this podcast the way it deserved. But we're here now.In this episode, we're catching up on everything that went down between Season 2 and Season 3: what it really took to pull off a first event solo and actually land sponsors, why I'm moving to Atlanta in September, how I'm redefining my relationship with time and the baby conversation, what it feels like to be almost 35 and still feel like you're racing the clock, and why this season I'm done being polished.And more than anything — we're talking about giving yourself your flowers. Before someone else does. Before you're ready. Right now.If you've been rocking with HWSL since Episode 0, this one is for you. And if you're new here — welcome. Get comfortable.New episodes every two weeks. Subscribe so you don't miss what's coming.🎙️ Hard Wig, Soft Life is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.Support the show

This is it - the Season 2 finale of Hard Wig, Soft Life.11 months ago, I started this podcast not knowing if I had anything valuable to say. I just knew I wanted to share my story - from being a felon who faced jail, eviction, and homelessness to building a life I'm proud of.Season 2 became so much more than that. I trademarked the name (by myself, no lawyer). I got invited to speak at events. I moderated a panel at Nike Wellness Collective. I'm heading to Atlanta for a speaking engagement. This little idea kept growing.But the real growth happened behind the scenes. Watching myself back on camera forced me to confront things about myself I didn't even realize - how I respond to trauma, how I've spent my life trying to be palatable, how I hide behind my guests instead of showing up fully as myself.Therapy every two weeks alongside releasing episodes every two weeks? That combination exposed everything. I'm unlearning the need to assimilate. I'm learning to show up unapologetically. I'm embracing my accent, my directness, my authenticity - not as a buzzword, but as who I actually am.This season taught me:Empty the clip on your ideas, even when it feels cringeyGrowth isn't linear and that's okayYou don't have to be perfect to startFinishing something you're proud of is its own rewardSome personal news: My husband Ryan and I are actively trying for a baby. For the first time in my life, I feel ready to be a mom without resentment or feeling like I'm giving up on myself. I've accomplished things I'm proud of, and I'm ready for the next chapter.Thank you to everyone who made Season 2 possible - Justin Story for Creators Escape, Sabrina and Imani from Blackstock Footage for producing, and every single guest who trusted me with their story: Tracey Baker-Simmons, Esso, Pastor Tekoa Pouerie, Jada Urban, Monique, and more.Most importantly, thank you to my community. Without you listening, there's nothing for me to create.Season 3? We'll see what happens. But I promise more episodes of just me talking. No more hiding behind interviews.It's been real. See you soon.Support the show

Sometimes the best conversations start with discovering you have the same favorite rapper! When I reconnected with Jada Urban in NYC after three years, we ended up bonding over everything from Jay-Z to growing up Afro-Latina in spaces where we were often the only ones who looked like us.Jada's been behind the scenes on some of your favorite productions - from "Owning Manhattan" (where she watched people casually drop $7.7 million on apartments) to the Tony Awards. But what I love about her is that she shows up authentically in every space, no code-switching required.In this candid girl talk, we dive into:- What it's really like being the production assistant who speaks up about diversity on set- The reality of working 12-hour days while being a mom to a three-year-old- Our shared experiences growing up Afro-Latina and the identity confusion (like teachers asking me "how are you black AND Hispanic?")- Why she prefers controlling the vision from behind the camera- Her dream to work with Henry Louis Gates Jr. on PBS projects- The art of advocating for yourself without burning bridges- Music memories that shaped us (shoutout to Watch the Throne tour!)- Secret talents that involve toes (yes, we went there)This episode is for anyone who's ever felt like the only one in the room, anyone trying to balance career ambitions with motherhood, or anyone who refuses to dim their light to make others comfortable. Plus, we settle the age-old debate about whether KIX cereal still exists.Two women just catching up and keeping it 100 about representation, motherhood, and making it in entertainment.#HardWigSoftLife #ProductionLife #DiversityInMedia #WorkingMoms #AfroLatina #EntertainmentIndustry #BehindTheScenes #Authenticity #NoCodeSwitching #RepresentationMatters #SingleMom #ProductionAssistant #RealTalk #JayZSupport the show

This episode is so special! 🎬✨ For the first time, I'm bringing someone from behind the camera to the front - meet Zebrina Lee, co-founder of Blackstock Footage and the creative genius who's been helping bring Hard Wig, Soft Life to life visually.What started as a professional relationship has blossomed into a beautiful friendship, and today Zebrina shares her powerful journey of finding her voice through art, healing, and entrepreneurship.In this episode, we dive deep into:Her evolution from journalism dreams to becoming a cinematographer and visual storytellerHow endometriosis and trauma led to a profound healing journey through holistic healthBuilding Blackstock Footage with her husband to preserve and celebrate Black cultureUsing art as medicine - from photography to painting to herbalismThe importance of authentic representation in media and stock footageCreating with intention: "I'm creating with a clear mind and an open heart"Supporting women entrepreneurs in telling their visual storiesZebrina's story is one of resilience, creativity, and the power of using your voice to heal not just yourself, but your community. From sexual assault survival to endometriosis battles to building a groundbreaking stock footage company, her journey proves that our greatest challenges can become our most powerful purpose.Connect with Zebrina: 📱 Instagram: @ArtByZebrina🌐 Blackstock Footage: blackstockfootage.io 🎬 Visual storytelling for women entrepreneurs and healersThis conversation will inspire you to see art as more than creativity - it's healing, it's purpose, and it's a pathway to finding your authentic voice.#HardWigSoftLife #ZebrinaLee #BlackstockFootage #ArtHealing #VisualStorytelling #Endometriosis #HolisticHealing #BlackRepresentation #WomenEntrepreneurs #CreativeJourney #FindingYourVoice #ArtAsMedicineSupport the show

Meet ESSO - entrepreneur, podcast host of Bag Fuel, and the man who's literally making business sexy for the culture. From surviving an attempt on his life at 22 to building a six-figure empire while navigating personal struggles, ESSO proves that authenticity isn't just a buzzword - it's a business strategy.In this episode, we dive deep into:- Why "marketing yourself like a rapper" changed his entire approach to business- How putting your heart first in everything creates genuine connections and opportunities- Building from rock bottom: losing everything in 2010 to hitting 100K YouTube subscribers- The power of authentic networking without asking for anything in return- Why he only talks to 3 people a day and how that protects his energy- Creating the Business Brunch movement and teaching financial literacy to youth- Having his biggest year financially while going through his hardest time personally- Why vacation and travel opened his mind more than any college degreeBuilding multiple revenue streams and knowing your worth ($3,500 speaking fees!)Connect with ESSO:📱 Instagram: @EssoWrld🎙️ YouTube: Bag Fuel🎓 ESSO University: SKOOL app ($47/month)📅 Upcoming: Business Brunch Texas (Sept 13)ESSO keeps it 100 about everything - from his champagne habit to intermittent fasting, from authentic networking to turning personal pain into business profit. This is what happens when authenticity meets entrepreneurship.#HardWigSoftLife #esso  #MakingBusinessSexy #AuthenticEntrepreneurship #BagFuel #BusinessBrunch #BlackEntrepreneurs #EntrepreneurMindset #AuthenticNetworking #FinancialLiteracy #YouTubeSuccess #BusinessEducation #GenerationalWealth #ESSOwrldKeywords: ESSO, making business sexy, authentic entrepreneurship, bag fuel podcast, business brunch, financial literacy, authentic networking, entrepreneur mindset, black entrepreneurs, YouTube success, business education, generational wealthSupport the show

Y'all, this episode is EVERYTHING! 🎬✨ Meet Tracey Baker Simmons - the Emmy-nominated executive producer and reality TV pioneer who literally created "Being Bobby Brown" and changed television forever.Twenty years ago, Tracey revolutionized how we watch television with "Being Bobby Brown," and she's STILL making moves! Just this past June, she dropped Nelly and Ashanti's highly anticipated reality show, proving she's the queen of authentic celebrity storytelling across generations.From finessing her way into Houston's restaurant with a strategic resume to convincing Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston to do reality TV (when reality TV barely existed!), Tracey's got the ultimate playbook for divine positioning and she's sharing ALL the game.In this episode, we dive deep into:The Houston's restaurant resume strategy that launched her entertainment careerHow she created "Being Bobby Brown" through pure divine positioning and six degrees of separationWhy "every image makes an impression" and the responsibility of Black creators in mediaHer code-switching mastery and connecting authentically across all walks of lifeThe "do you want my face or my voice?" approach to navigating white spacesTurning grief into purpose through documentaries and passion projectsWhy "your life can be someone's survival guide" for othersHow she's evolved reality TV storytelling from Bobby & Whitney to Nelly & AshantiTracey keeps it 1000 about finessing the industry, staying woke unapologetically, and building authentic connections that open impossible doors. Twenty years later, she's still setting the standard for how celebrity reality TV should be done.Connect with Tracey: 📱 Instagram: @TBakerSimmons🌐 Website: TraceyBakerSimmons.com 🎙️ Upcoming Podcast: "TV Decoded"This is Hard Wig, Soft Life at its finest - strategic positioning meets divine favor. Grab your notebook because Professor Tracey is in session!#HardWigSoftLife #DivinePositioning #RealityTV #MediaRepresentation #BeingBobbyBrown #BlackWomenInHollywood #TelevisionProducer #EntertainmentIndustry #TraceyBakerSimmons #RealityTVPioneer #AuthenticStorytelling #BehindTheScenes #TVProducer #DivinePositioningPlaybook #NellyAndAshanti #MelissaLaborielKeywords: divine positioning, reality TV producer, Being Bobby Brown, Emmy nominated producer, Black women in entertainment, television industry, media representation, entertainment executive, reality TV pioneer, Tracey Baker Simmons, Nelly and AshantiSupport the show

Y'all know Deshae Frost, Brooklyn Frost, and Amari Frost - but do you know the powerhouse woman who helped build their empire? 💪🏾Meet Monique S. Carrillo - the ultimate momager who went from working with Nicki Minaj and Gucci Mane to managing four of the internet's biggest personalities. From getting an eviction notice to packing up and driving 18 hours to LA on pure faith, Monique's story is about pivots, resilience, and building something from nothing.In this episode, we talk about:How an eviction became the catalyst for their move to LAManaging four kids' careers while they navigate fameThe balance between being mom vs. managerQuitting her day job after her son's first $50k YouTube checkWhy she lets "the world humble" her kids instead of correcting them publiclyStarting therapy for the first time and breaking generational patternsConnect with Monique:📱 All platforms: @MoniqueSCarrillo🎬 YouTube: Monique S Carrillo🍳 Cooking show: "We Got Food at Home"This conversation gets real about the sacrifices, the wins, and what it takes to raise kids in the spotlight while finding yourself in the process.#HardWigSoftLife #MoniqueCarrillo #DeshaeFrost #BrooklynFrost #AmariFrost #MomagerLife #ContentCreator #FromScratchToSuccessSupport the show

Y'all, this episode is about to SHIFT your whole perspective on what's possible for your life. 🐠✨Meet Tekoa Pouerie - CEO, pastor, author, and the woman who made me ugly cry at Creator's Escape with her raw truth about turning trauma into triumph. From losing both parents by 16 and surviving poverty to becoming a powerhouse nonprofit CEO and co-pastoring with her husband, Tekoa's story will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about your own limitations.In this episode, we dive deep into:The goldfish tank principle that will blow your mind (seriously, you'll never look at your environment the same way)How speaking life over your circumstances literally rewires your soulWhy "God is my homie" approach to faith hits differentTrauma-informed care and why empathy changes everythingBreaking generational cycles and speaking your future into existenceThe real tea on affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and giving people their flowers while they can smell themBuilding a ministry rooted in business integrity and community service.Tekoa keeps it 100 about depression, survival mode, and finding purpose in your pain. If you've ever asked "when will I be happy again?" - this conversation is your sign that breakthrough is coming.Connect with Tekoa:📖 Book: "I Am Courageous: Discovering the Power of Affirmations" (Amazon)📍 The Sharing Center - Seminole County's largest homeless services nonprofit⛪ Co-Pastor with her husband (business Bible study turned ministry)📱 Instagram/LinkedIn/Facebook: Tekoa PouerieThis is Hard Wig, Soft Life at its finest - doing the internal work to create the external freedom. Grab your tissues and your journal because Pastor Tekoa is about to pour into your spirit.#HardWigSoftLife #TraumaInformed #PurposeInPain #NonprofitLeadership #AffordableHousing #CriminalJusticeReform #GenerationalWealth #BlackWomenInLeadership #FaithJourney #Affirmations #SpeakingLife #GoldfishTankPrinciple #CreateorsEscape #TekoPouerie #PastorLife #MinistryWorkSupport the show

Hard Wig, Soft Life | Season 2, Episode 3: "She Said No One Knew She Was Married" - A Chat w/ Giovonnie Samuels"All That" icon Giovonnie Samuels kept her 16-year relationship and 11-year marriage completely private—until now. In this vulnerable conversation, the actress, entrepreneur, and mother opens up about her recent divorce, ADHD diagnosis, and journey toward embracing her soft life.What You'll Discover:• How Giovonnie kept her personal life private for over a decade in Hollywood • Her transition from "masculine era" survival mode to feminine energy • Co-parenting successfully after divorce while maintaining friendship • Late ADHD diagnosis and how it changed everything • Breaking the "strong Black woman" trope to embrace vulnerability • Building Soul Not For Sale Productions and GS Acting WorkshopsKey Conversations:Why she chose privacy over publicity during her marriageNavigating divorce as a public figure and protecting her sonThe "parentified daughter" syndrome and eldest child traumaBlack hyperfemininity and reclaiming softnessMental health, therapy, and generational healingEntrepreneurship, boundaries, and saying no to what doesn't serve youPerfect for: Black women seeking wellness inspiration, divorce recovery stories, ADHD awareness, parenting wisdom, celebrity interviews, soft life lifestyle content, and personal growth journeys.Hosted by Melissa L. Atkinson | Follow Giovonnie Samuels @only_1giovonnie across all platformsAvailable May 28, 2025 on all platforms: www.hardwigsoftlifepodcast.comSupport the show

Hard Wig, Soft Life | Season 2, Episode 2: "Walking in Your Purpose" - A Chat w/ Justin StoreyDigital marketing mogul Justin Storey shares his journey from teen actor to successful entrepreneur, revealing how faith, vulnerability, and community building became the foundation of his purpose-driven business empire and the transformative Creators Escape movement.What You'll Discover:How Justin made $32,000 in high school and chose entrepreneurship over collegeThe pivotal moment when his mother's health crisis inspired his business driveTransitioning from child actor to behind-the-camera digital storytelling expertBuilding a 60% real estate clientele while staying true to artistic visionCreating Creators Escape: a safe haven for entrepreneurs and creativesNavigating industry spaces while maintaining integrity and faithKey Conversations:Why he never wanted to be labeled as "Black-owned business"The difference between religion and authentic faith in businessSupporting Black entrepreneurs and giving second chances in our communityDepression, setbacks, and the $20K project that nearly broke himHow vulnerability fuels both community and creativityThe three steps for navigating seasons of uncertaintyPerfect for: Entrepreneurs seeking purpose-driven business advice, faith-based entrepreneurship, Black business owners, creative community building, mental health awareness, digital marketing insights, and personal development journeys.Hosted by Melissa L. Atkinson | Follow Justin Storey @iamjustinstorey | Learn more about Creators Escape @thecreatorescapeSupport the show

Hard Wig, Soft Life | Season 2, Episode 1: "Do It Differently: Letting Go, Starting Therapy, and Trusting Myself, For Once"After months of silence, podcast host Melissa L. Atkinson returns with raw vulnerability, sharing why she abandoned her podcast, what sparked her comeback, and the transformative experience that changed everything. This deeply personal solo episode explores burnout, pride, and the journey to asking for help.What You'll Discover:Why Melissa disappeared from podcasting and what really happened behind the scenesThe life-changing impact of attending Creators Escape in OrlandoHow meeting TV icon Giovonnie Samuels shifted her entire perspectiveThe breaking point that led to starting therapy and real healing workWhy "soft life" isn't actually soft—it's the hardest work you'll doBuilding a production team and learning to delegate for the first timeKey Conversations:The toxic cycle of trying to do everything alone and burning outMeeting legends like Giovonnie Samuels, Jay Bolin, and other creatorsHow Creator's Escape became a catalyst for massive life changesStarting therapy and unpacking generational trauma patternsThe difference between performing healing and actually doing the workPartnership with Blackstock Footage and building authentic collaborationsPerfect for: Women entrepreneurs experiencing burnout, therapy seekers, creative professionals, podcast listeners interested in behind-the-scenes stories, mental health advocacy, and anyone navigating major life transitions. Hosted by Melissa L. Atkinson | Follow @melissalaboriel and @hardwigsoftlifepodcast across all platforms Available now on all platforms:www.hardwigsoftlifepodcast.comSupport the show

"Renegotiating the Price: The Real Cost of Growth"Growth isn’t cheap—it’ll cost you your time, energy, and even relationships. In this episode, I’m unpacking what it means to set your price, protect your peace, and align with the life you deserve. Inspired by Jay-Z’s 4:44 and my dad’s timeless wisdom, we’re diving into the layers of growth, from letting go of stagnant relationships to recalibrating your mindset.Tune in as I share personal stories about navigating friendships, the emotional toll of leveling up, and how setting boundaries has shifted everything for me. Plus, I’ll challenge you to think about where in your life you might need to renegotiate.💡 Key takeaways: Growth isn’t always glamorous, but it’s always worth it.Support the show

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Hard Wig, Soft Life, I sit down with Ricky Lane, who courageously shares his story of navigating life during and after incarceration. From missing out on his 20s to being released in 2020 during a global pandemic, Ricky reflects on the challenges of rebuilding his life and reclaiming his future.We discuss the friendships he formed in the most unlikely circumstances, the emotional toll of being away from loved ones, and how he coped with FOMO (fear of missing out) while the world moved on without him. Ricky also sheds light on the flaws in the justice system and the resilience it takes to thrive despite them.I’m honored Ricky trusted me to help tell his story, and I know his journey will inspire and challenge you to think differently about survival, growth, and second chances.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:Ricky’s reflections on losing a decade of his life and adjusting to the world after release.The unexpected relationships and lessons he learned while incarcerated.The flaws in the justice system that make survival so challenging.Ricky’s advice for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable setbacks.Links Mentioned in This Episode:Hardwigsoftlifepodcast.comFollow Ricky Lane (@rickylaneofficial)Connect With Us:Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissalaborielShare your thoughts on this episode by tagging us or leaving a comment @hardwigsoftlifepodcastNext Episode:Melissa takes a step back from the heavy topics with a more fun and lighthearted conversation. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it!Support the show

What do you do when one moment changes your whole life? For me, it all started with a car accident that flipped my world upside down—literally.In this episode, I’m taking you through everything: the crash, waking up in the hospital, trying to heal while drooling into a napkin, and realizing I’d been pulled into a system that felt impossible to escape. From the detective’s visit to the sentencing that left me with a choice I didn’t fully understand, it’s a story about survival, resilience, and trying to hold onto myself when everything felt out of control.It’s not pretty, but it’s real. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that no mistake defines you—what you do next does.Support the show

In this first episode of Hard Wig, Soft Life, I’m getting real with you about where this journey starts and why I’m here. Growing up as a first-gen Afro-Latina in a single-parent home, I learned early that life wasn’t going to be simple. By 19, I was working full-time, helping support my family, while friends were figuring out college. Then a car accident changed everything, leaving me labeled and navigating a system that felt impossible to escape.This episode isn’t just about my story, though—it’s about what it takes to get back up after life knocks you down. I’m here to talk about surviving, finding resilience when things don’t look “perfect,” and choosing a soft life even when the world tries to keep you hard.This podcast is for anyone carrying a weight that no one else can see. If you’re ready for real conversations, tough truths, and a little bit of softness where it counts, pull up a seat.Support the show