Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas
by Nicole Thomas
Welcome to Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas! Join host Nicole Thomas as she sits down with writers, artists, and visionaries who share their journeys and the services that helped them achieve their goals. Each episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and empowering conversations designed to help you discover your passion, live with purpose, and elevate your path to success. Tune in for motivating stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will inspire you to live a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.#PassionAndPurpose #Inspiration #Empowerment #NicoleThomas
Episodes
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EP 60 – "From Creative Vision to Global Impact" | Shraddha Varma | Co-Founder & Director, OpenGrowth Media Pvt. Ltd. & Co-Founder of Fuzia
What begins as one small idea can grow into a movement that changes lives. In this episode of Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with Shraddha Varma, Co-Founder & Director of OpenGrowth Media Pvt. Ltd. and Co-Founder of Fuzia, Fuzia Talent, and Humans of Fuzia, to...
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EP 59 – “The Space Between Life and the Poem” | Patrick Swaney | Author, Hand Over Hand Over the Edge of the World
In this episode of Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with author Patrick Swaney to discuss his debut prose poetry collection, Hand Over Hand Over the Edge of the World. Patrick shares the story behind the book, the challenges of revising and submitting a…
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EP 58 – “How Culture Shapes Creativity” | Doba Afolabi | Award-Winning Expressionist Painter
In this episode Nicole Thomas welcomes award-winning Nigerian-born expressionist painter Doba Afolabi, whose vibrant work celebrates Yoruba culture, movement, and storytelling. From drawing with charcoal in his mother's kitchen in southwest Nigeria to exhibiting his work in galleries, art fairs,...
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EP 57 – "The Stories That Bring Us Home" | Nicole Jorge | Dominican Writer and Educator
What does it mean to truly feel at home in yourself? In this episode host Nicole Thomas sits down with Dominican writer and educator Nicole Jorge for a heartfelt conversation about identity, creativity, and finding the courage to embrace your calling. Nicole shares her journey from simply loving…
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EP 56 – "Celebrating Caribbean Culture Through Storytelling" | Yolanda T. Marshall| Award-Winning Author and Columnist
In this episode of Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with award-winning, Guyanese-born, Bajan-heritage award-winning author and columnist Yolanda T. Marshall to explore the power of storytelling, the importance of representation in children's literature, and...
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EP 55 – "Protect the Dream: Purpose, Creativity & Resilience" | Jason Hayes | Filmmaker
In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with independent filmmaker Jason Hayes, also known as Jay D. Hayes, for a powerful conversation about creativity, purpose, resilience, and protecting your dream. Jason shares his journey from a quiet child growing up in Mississippi to becoming a filmmaker...
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EP 54 – "Owning Your Voice as a Writer " | Ashley Cowger | Award-Winning Author
Guest: Ashley Cowger is an award-winning author whose short story collections include On the Plus Side (Galileo Press) and Peter Never Came, winner of the Autumn House Press Fiction Prize. What makes someone a writer? In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Ashley Cowger to discuss writer...
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EP 53 – "Called to Create: Purpose, Discipline, and Destiny" | Emmanuel Senaya Fianu | Ghanaian Craftsman
Guest: Emmanuel Senaya Fianu, Ghanaian Craftsman Host: Nicole Thomas Emmanuel Senaya Fianu’s journey from carving scrap wood as a young boy in Ghana to exhibiting his work on international platforms is a powerful story of perseverance, purpose, and dedication. In this conversation, he shares how…
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EP 52- "Craft, Identity, and Persistence" | Annell López | Louise Meriwether First Book Prize Winner & Author of I'll Give You a Reason
What does it take to cross the bridge from storyteller to finally calling yourself a writer? In this episode, Nicole sits down with award-winning author Annell López to discuss her debut short story collection, I’ll Give You a Reason. Together, they explore identity, immigration, imposter…
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EP 51- "The Blueprint for Representation" | Bleu Pablo | Abstract Artist & Visual Storyteller
In Episode 51 of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, host Nicole Thomas sits down with Bronx-born abstract artist and visual storyteller Bleu Pablo (Elijah Wrighton) for a powerful conversation about creativity, resilience, and building legacy through art. Bleu opens up about the...
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EP 50- "How Art Connects Us Back to Ourselves" | Damon Mescudi | Abstract Artist
In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, host Nicole Thomas sits down with abstract artist Damon Mescudi to explore how art becomes a mirror, a coping mechanism, and a form of service. Damon shares how he moved from corporate graphic design to a purpose-led art…
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EP 49- "Leading with Courage, Culture & Purpose" | Leslie Short | Author, Founder of The Cavu Group, and Culture & Brand Strategist
In this episode, Leslie Short – Author, Founder of The Cavu Group, and Culture & Brand Strategist – sits down with host Nicole Thomas to explore what it really means to lead with courage, culture, and purpose. They discuss her journey from ballet to global business, being “the first” in rooms not...
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EP 48- "The Mindset Every Writer Needs" | Keisha-Gaye Anderson | Award-winning Poet, Author, and Artist
In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Keisha-Gaye Anderson — award-winning poet, author, visual artist, and educator — for a grounding conversation on creativity, purpose, and authenticity. Keisha shares how she moves through different “seasons” of creativity, from poetry to visual art,...
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EP 47- "Art as a Global Language" | Bakare Mubarak | Founder and Creative Director of BILARTERAL, and Global Culture and Youth Ambassador
In this episode, Bakare Mubarak, Founder and Creative Director of BILARTERAL, Global Culture and Youth Ambassador, and Co-founder of Expedition 54 Ltd, joins Nicole Thomas to explore how art functions as soft power and a universal language. He shares how African art, culture, and the creative...
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EP 46- "From Idea to Brand" | Temika Walker | Founder, BlacBeutyNo9, LLC
In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Temika Walker, founder of BlacBeutyNo9, LLC and creator of B4 UR SKN®, a Brooklyn-based Black-owned, plant-based skincare brand. Temika shares how her Guyanese roots, lifelong battle with acne and dry skin, and career in fashion and the cosmetics...
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EP 45- "The Privilege to Create" | Sangho Han | Painter
In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with painter Sangho Han to talk about the realities of being an artist. From early beginnings to developing a personal voice, Sangho shares how doubt, isolation, and intensity shape both his work and creative...
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EP 44- "Building a Life in Art " | Patrick Schmidt | Visual Artist & Educator
How do you build a sustainable life as an artist—and keep creating over years, not just moments? In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with visual artist and educator Patrick Schmidt to explore what it really takes to build a creative career. From…
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EP 43- "Wealth, Purpose & Financial Literacy" | Stacia M. Morris | Author, Educator, and Executive Leadership Coach
In this episode of Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose, Nicole Thomas sits down with Stacia Morris—2025 Women Innovator honoree, author, educator, and executive leadership coach. From a small island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines to corporate leadership at IBM and global financial literacy work,...
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EP 42- "How to Rewrite Your Story" | Krystal Glenn | Media Producer, Storyteller, Author and, Award-winning Teaching Artist
In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole sits down with Krystal Glenn (SmartVideo Girl)—media producer, storyteller, and author—to explore how to rewrite your story, release limiting beliefs, and step into authentic self-love. Krystal shares her journey from...
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EP 41- "Creative Leadership in Action" | Sylvia Barchue | Transformational Healthcare Leader and Author
In this episode of the podcast, host Nicole Thomas sits down with Sylvia Barchue, an author, healthcare leader, and innovator with more than 35 years of experience in critical care and healthcare leadership. Sylvia shares her journey from training as a nurse in London to becoming a senior leader…
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EP 40- "Turning Vision Into Results" | Antoy Grant | ICF Credentialed Coach, Execution Strategist and Creative Consultant
In this episode, guest Antoy Grant, an ICF-credentialed coach, execution strategist, and former president of the ICF NYC chapter, shares how creativity becomes powerful when vision turns into action. Antoy shares her journey from growing up in Jamaica writing poetry under an apple tree to…
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EP 39 - "A Life in Service of Healing" | Sarah Alayne Martin | Poet and Teaching Artist
Poet and teaching artist Sarah Alayne Martin joins the podcast to explore creativity as a tool for identity, healing, and community transformation. As executive creative director of Talk to Me Nation, she designs trauma-informed arts and wellness programs for families impacted by incarceration…
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EP 38 - "Nurturing Creativity through Faith & Resilience" | Canessa Thomas | Digital Mixed Media and Collage Artist
In this episode, multidisciplinary artist Canessa Thomas shares how a life-altering chronic illness led her from writing to faith-led abstract art—and how creativity became a pathway to healing, purpose, and resilience. She opens up about creating through limitation, trusting intuition, and…
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EP 37 - "Crafting Legacy through Faith and Purpose" | Dorinda Walker |President, Expectant Media and Author of Protected by Purpose
In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Dorinda Walker—equity architect, inclusivity innovator, President of Expectant Media, and author of Protected by Purpose —to explore how faith, legacy, and purpose can transform even the most difficult beginnings. Dorinda shares how discovering her...
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EP 36 - "Resilience, Creativity, and Passion" | Alexander Boyce | Artist
Alexander Boyce is an artist and creative visionary who transforms challenges into opportunities, using his multidisciplinary talents to challenge stereotypes and celebrate black culture. Through music, visual art, and fashion, he demonstrates the power of resilience, passion, and purpose. His...
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EP 35 - "Creating Beyond Boundaries" | Gabriela Domville | Mixed-media Artist and Educator
In this intimate and inspiring conversation, artist Gabriela Domville takes us on a profound journey through her creative life, revealing how art has been a powerful tool for healing, self-discovery, and social consciousness. From her early experiences of creativity to navigating personal...
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EP 34 - "A Journey of Reinvention" | Andrew Wong | Paper Artist
Andrew Wong is a New Jersey-based paper artist originally from Hong Kong. Trained in fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York and Paris, his creative path took a turn during the pandemic when he returned to art after years away. What began as handmade paper creations for his…
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EP 33 - "Capturing Moments, Creating Worlds" | David Ellis | New York Times–Featured Poet, Author, Artist, and Educator
David is very much a part of this New Harlem Renaissance and his thoughtful poetry captures that elegantly. His love of this community and teaching is evident as well as his passion for poetry, artistry. - Marcus Samuelsson Featured in the New York Times for his haiku poetry that he paints on...
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EP 32 - “Comedy, Courage, and Creativity” | Francesco Paladino | Classically Trained Actor, Writer, Comedian, and Producer
Guest: Francesco Paladino — classically trained at Lee Strasberg / The Actors Studio; credits across stage, TV, film, and stand-up (incl. Orange Is the New Black); writer for touring comics and TV (2 years with Wendy Williams); producer/director building new work under his production banner and...
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EP 31 - “On Writing and Life” | Cleyvis Natera | Award-Winning Author of Neruda on the Park & The Grand Paloma Resort (2025)
Cleyvis Natera is an award-winning author whose work spans fiction, essays, and cultural criticism. Her debut novel, Neruda on the Park, was a New York Times Editor’s Choice, selected by Malala Yousafzai for her book club, and won a Silver Medal for Best First Book of Fiction from the…
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EP 30 - "What Does It Take to Call Yourself a Writer?" | Leydi Margaret Ferreira | Dominican American Writer
Leydi Margaret Ferreira is a Dominican American writer whose work lies within the intersections of immigration, Blackness, and womanhood. She looks to explore the interiority of motherhood and intergenerational relationships. Her work has been supported by VONA and Tin House and is currently...
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EP 29 - "Emotional Self-Defense & Creative Power" | Zak Mucha, LCSW | Author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025)
Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas Episode 29: Emotional Self-Defense & Creative Power Guest: Zak Mucha, LCSW – Psychoanalyst, Poet, President of the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis, Author of Emotional Abuse: A Manual for Self-Defense (2025) Episode Overview In this...
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EP 28 - "Rooted in Nature, Reaching for Joy" | Maggie Douglas | Visual Artist
Maggie Douglas is an artist based in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa with a BA in Art and Digital Design. She has worked as a graphic designer while developing her art practice. Her body of work consists of abstract, mixed media pieces on canvas as well as...
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EP 27 - Creativity, Dreams, and Identity | Nancey B. Price | collage artist, writer, storyteller and host of Dreaming in Color with Nancey B
Show Notes – Let's Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas Episode 27: "Creativity, Dreams, and Identity" Featuring Nancey B. Price 🎙 Guest: Nancey B. Price 📍 Host: Nicole Thomas 📣 Episode Title: Creativity, Dreams, and Identity 🎧 Podcast: Let's Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas...
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EP 26 - Creating a Life Through Art | Bryant Small | Visual Artist, Curator, and Co-Founder of KAAI
🎨 Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Let's Talk Passion and Purpose, Nicole Thomas sits down with Bryant Small—a celebrated visual artist, curator, and co-founder of KAAI—to explore the transformational power of embracing your creativity. From a pivotal moment of self-recognition in…
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EP 25 - Finding Clarity in the Chaos | Bridgette Bramlage | Collage Artist
Podcast Title: Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas 🎨 Episode Title: Episode 25 – Finding Clarity in the Chaos | Bridgette Bramlage, Collage Artist 🎧 Host: Nicole Thomas 🎤 Guest: Bridgette Bramlage 📅 Release Date: 07/03/2025 🌐 Guest Website: www.bridgetbramlage.com 📲 Instagram:...
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EP 24 - Lessons from a Creative Life | Kate Murdoch | Australian Artist and Writer
Let’s Talk Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas Episode 24 – “Lessons from a Creative Life” with Kate Murdoch Episode Snapshot Australian artist-turned-novelist Kate Murdoch joins Nicole to unpack what a lifetime of creativity really looks like—spanning gallery walls, award-winning historical...
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EP 23 - From Pain to Purpose | Kimberly Stratton | Internationally-selling author, TED Speaker and the CEO of The Crown and Cross Consulting
Episode 23 of Let's Talk Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas Title: From Pain to PurposeGuest: Kimberly Stratton – Internationally-Selling Author, TEDx Speaker, and CEO of The Crown and Cross Consulting & Publishing CompanyHost: Nicole Thomas Air Date: 06/19/2025 Platform: Let's Talk Passion and...
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EP 22 - Living a Creative Life | Lori Siebert | Artist, Designer & Creative Entrepreneur
Show Notes Podcast Title: Let's Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas Episode 22: Living a Creative Life with Lori Siebert Guest: Lori Siebert – Artist, Designer, Creative Entrepreneur, Co-Host of the Rebloom Podcast Host: Nicole ThomasRuntime: 46 minutes Listen:...
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EP 21 - Healing Through Creativity | Jacquese Armstrong | writer, poet, mental health advocate
Show Notes – Let’s Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas Episode Title: Healing Through Creativity: The Journey of Jacques Armstrong Host: Nicole Thomas Guest: Jacques Armstrong – Writer, Poet, Mental Health Advocate, Founder of NJ Expressive Arts Café Episode Overview: In this powerful and...
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EP 20 - Hanna Guzman | Podcaster and Storyteller
Let’s Talk Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas 🎙 Episode Title: Podcaster and Storyteller – Featuring Hanna Guzman Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Passion & Purpose, host Nicole Thomas sits down with the dynamic podcaster and storyteller, Hanna Guzman. As the visionary...
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EP 19 - "Art, Identity, and Belonging" | Chunbum Park | Visual Artist & Writer
Show Notes – Let's Talk Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas 🎙 Episode Title: Exploring Identity, Art, & Expression 📅 Air Date: 03/13/2025 Host:🔹 Nicole Thomas – Speaker | Author | Purpose Coach Special Guest:🎨 Chunbum Park – Visual Artist | Writer | Creator of ArtBid 🌐 Website/Collective:...
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EP 18 - Dr. Theresa A. Moseley | United Nations Peace Ambassador, United States Army Veteran, Motivational Speaker & Best Selling Author
🎙️ Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas 📅 Aired Tonight at 8 PM EST 📡 Available on all digital platforms 🔥 Special Guest: H.E. Dr. Theresa A. Moseley Episode Title: The Power of Purpose, Passion & Peace 🌟 Join host Nicole Thomas in an empowering conversation with Her Excellency…
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EP 17 - Tamara J. Madison | poet, author, editor, spoken word artist, and instructor
Show Notes: Let’s Talk Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas Special Guest: Tamara J. Madison – Poet, Author, & Spoken Word Artist 🎙️ Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Passion & Purpose, Nicole Thomas sits down with Tamara J. Madison, a poet, author, spoken word artist,...
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EP 16 - "Storytelling Through Collage" | Marcus Dawson | Collage Artist
Guest Bio:Marcus Dawson is a talented collage artist from North Carolina whose mission is to spread love and light through analog collage. What began as a self-care practice evolved into a passion for visual storytelling, using hand-cut pieces of paper to create vivid, colorful, and deeply...
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EP 15 - "Art, Community, and Healing" | Monique Luck | award-winning artist and muralist
Episode Overview In this inspiring episode of Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose, host Nicole Thomas interviews Monique Luck, a renowned artist and muralist whose soulful and textured works tell stories that resonate deeply with the human experience. Monique's unique collage technique brings vibrant...
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EP 14 - Pavar Snipe | Emmy-nominated producer, comedian, writer, and actress & Emily E. Turner | writer-producer
Let's Talk Passion and Purpose with Nicole Thomas 🎙 Episode Title: "Comedy, Creativity & Changing the Industry" Episode Overview: Let's Talk Passion and Purpose, Nicole Thomas welcomes two powerhouse guests breaking barriers and transforming the entertainment industry. Pavar Snipe, an...
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EP 13 - Damien Cowger | writer, editor, and proofreader
Show Notes for Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas 🎙️ ✨Episode 13 – The Art of Writing, Editing, and Proofreading Host: Nicole Thomas Guest: Damien Cowger – Writer, Editor, and Proofreader 🔹 Episode Overview: In this insightful episode, Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose welcomes Damien...
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EP 12 - Shonda Buchanan | Award-winning Author, Educator, Speaker
Episode Title: Award-Winning Author, Educator, and Speaker: A Conversation with Shonda BuchananEpisode Description: In this captivating episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose, host Nicole Thomas welcomes the award-winning author, educator, and speaker Shonda Buchanan. A Kalamazoo, Michigan...
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EP 11 - "Faith, Calling, and Creativity" | Cortland Jones | Author, Speaker, Coach and Founder of CJones Enterprises
Episode Title: Empowering Through Art, Education, and Ministry with Cortland Jones Episode Overview: In this inspiring episode of Let’s Talk Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, Nicole is joined by Cortland Jones—author, speaker, coach, and founder of CJones Enterprises. With over 30 years of...
About this show
Welcome to Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas!
Join host Nicole Thomas as she sits down with writers, artists, and visionaries who share their journeys and the services that helped them achieve their goals.
Each episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and empowering conversations designed to help you discover your passion, live with purpose, and elevate your path to success.
Tune in for motivating stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will inspire you to live a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.#PassionAndPurpose #Inspiration #Empowerment #NicoleThomas
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Nicole Thomas
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