Say It Out Loud with Kara Brothers

This week, we’re joined by FRITZ SAM, a Bronx-born Uber driver whose ordinary morning ride became an extraordinary act of courage. On his way to the airport with a passenger, Fritz pulled over, ran into a burning building, and helped rescue people trapped inside, then still got his rider to their flight on time.What drives someone to turn a car full of strangers into a scene of real-life heroism? Fritz is here to tell us that story and why he’s always felt like pacifism wasn’t a choice for him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

As we head into the new year, this episode with Syama Bunten feels like the perfect reset, an invitation to think about what we gain when we choose expansion over staying stuck in old money stories and personal trauma. It’s a conversation about curiosity, agency, and what becomes possible when we stop letting the past define our future.FOLLOW HER on IG ‪@syama.coLearn more about WEALTH CATALYST at https://syamabunten.comMeet Syama Bunten, CEO and Founder of Scaling Retail and host of the Getting Rich Together podcast. Through her work, Syama helps women unpack their relationship with money and build financial strategies that actually fit their values, goals, and lives. She’s an active investor with over 25 private investments, an LP, advisor, and board member, and her insights have been featured in The New York Times and Forbes. Syama has spoken at SXSW, TED Braindate, Chief, Luminary, American Express, SAP, and Condé Nast, and at the heart of it all is her belief that wealth-building starts with self-trust, not comparison. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

In this episode, Kara shares her personal reading with expert Kate Mehta on her Human Design chart and how it can guide her future. Maybe these insights can help guide yours, too.FOLLOW HER on IG ‪@yourwiring Explore her services at https:/www.katemehta.comKate Mehta is a mind, body, and soul expert who helps people understand their unique wiring so they can work with their energy, not against it. Rooted in wellness, Human Design, and family systems, her work reveals how our patterns shape how we think, relate, and thrive. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Our next Say It Out Loud guest is a sex worker rights advocate, comedian, and writer. Kaytlin Bailey, is the Founder & Executive Director of Old Pros, a nonprofit using storytelling to fight for sex worker rights. She hosts The Oldest Profession Podcast and created The Oldest Profession, a bold, funny, and fierce journey through 10,000 years of history from a sex worker’s perspective. A globally recognized leader in the movement, she’s been featured across major media and on stages around the world. Her advocacy is backed by Amnesty International, World Health Organization, Human Rights Watch, and UNAIDS. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis uses her gifts as author, activist, preacher, and public theologian toward creating an antiracist, just, gun violence free, fully welcoming, gender affirming society in which everyone has enough.Jacqui is the Senior Minister at Middle Collegiate Church. A womanist theologian, Jacqui has preached at the Festival of Homiletics, the Wild Goose Festival, The Children’s Defense Fund’s Haley Farm, and was a featured speaker on the Together national tour with best-selling author, Glennon Doyle.Dr. Lewis’ work has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, the front page of The New York Times website, New York Times Video, The New York Post, CNN i-report, Essence, Ebony.com, the New York Daily News, the New York Post, The Associated Press, The San Francisco Chronicle, U.S. News, The Public’s Radio, The Houston Chronicle, The Seattle Times, The San Diego Union Tribune, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and The Yakima Herald. She has blogged for The Huffington Post, GLAAD, Patheos, and Believe Out Loud. Her books include The Power of Stories; Ten Essential Strategies (with John Janka); Becoming Like Creoles (with Curtiss de Young, et al), and the children’s book, You Are So Wonderful! Harmony/Penguin Random House published her book, Fierce Love: A Bold Path to Ferocious Courage and Rule-Breaking Kindness That Can Heal the World in 2021. Her next book is the Just Love Story Bible for Children (Beaming Books, 2024). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Chad Sanders is a writer, podcast host, and creator. In his latest book, How to Sell Out: The (Hidden) Cost of Being a Black Writer, Chad brings deep vulnerability, honesty, and humor to a collection of essays that reflect on personal experiences from his career. He is also the author of Black Magic: What Black Leaders Learned From Trauma and Triumph and the children’s book The Quest Cousins Go Camping. In addition to hosting the Yearbook podcast on The Armchair Expert Network and the Audible Originals podcast, Direct Deposit, Chad is building Hacking Hollywood, an online community to help outsiders build creative careers through modern and unconventional means. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Kara talks with Coach Keren FOLLOW HER at @kereneldad2960 IG @coachkerenhttps://www.kereneldadspeaks.com/Kara is joined by someone who made waves in her own pivot, Keren Eldad, aka Coach Keren. They talk about overcoming judgment and embracing sacrifice to level up. This is a no-nonsense talk where she breaks down real lessons and tools. New episode drops Thursday at 10 AM EST. Subscribe today! Keren Eldad is an Executive Coach, founder, and inspirational speaker on a mission to help people become incredible leaders and even better humans. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Kara talks with thought leader, Michael Ventura.FOLLOW ON IG @michaelventurahttps://www.michaelventura.co/In our first episode of Season 2, we chat with Michael Ventura about how empathy can change our workplace and our lives. We dive into what risks are worth taking to follow our “north star,” aka greater purpose, and live intentionally.Michael Ventura has worked as a leader, facilitator, and educator. His work is focused on helping leaders and their teams to incite growth and catalyze change. His work has been featured in media outlets such as Business Insider, Fast Company, Forbes, The New York Times, PBS News Hour, and with conference attendees at Adobe’s 99U, SxSW, The TED Conference, and corporate events the world over. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Kara catches up with her dear friend, Rebecca Allen. From their origin story at university to their current playground hangouts, they've known each other for a minute. They discuss finding balance as parents and the spiritual practices they've decided to pass on (or not to), and what might be lost in the in-between. They also attempt to finish a round of Jenga. Spoiler: they don't. Working moms have a lot going on. Rebecca Allen is a Black mom of two with a background in finance. She started her fashion business, Rebecca Allen NY, to provide sophisticated styles that were practical yet wearable—and available in five shades in order to complement women of every complexion. She then went on to found Helix Hair Labs. She's an active member of her community and a fearless entrepreneur.FOLLOW ON IG @rebeccaallenny This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Kara and Allie discuss our worst and best-case scenarios for AI through the lens of futurism and primalism. They also explore ways to preserve friendship, human connection, and our ancestral wisdom in the face of these possible futures. Allie Dietzek is equal parts futurist and primalist. Professionally, she has spent time in the worlds of business development, innovation, and digital product design, helping countless brands bring ideas and products to life. In 2018, she founded Reign_Wala, a small business that makes clothing and accessories in partnership with artisans in India. She is currently a growth consultant, business coach, startup advisor, and Substack author. Allie's superpower is helping people bet on themselves. Allie was born in Queens (she gets to say that!), lives in Brooklyn, and frequently flings herself to the farthest corners of the world. These days, Allie is fascinated by any topic that pokes at the relationship between science and spirituality. Allie is offering listeners 20% off unisex anklets, bracelets, bags and more for the Say It Out Loud community. Visit reignwala.com and use code RWOUTLOUD at checkout!FOLLOW ALLIE ON IG @alz5 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Kara talks with activist and poet, ALYSSA MARTINEZ aka LILO. They chat about their shared introvert tendencies, the clerb, environmental activism, and what the journey to finding her voice as a young Black woman looked like for Alyssa in today's America. Alyssa is a Bronx-born teaching artist, activist, spoken word poet, and actress who’s been performing for over 12 years. She uses her art as a way to educate, connect with, and create a safe space for others. Her work primarily focuses on social issues and introspection. Her art lives at the intersection of healing and resistance, using poetry and performance to educate, empower, and create a safe space. She’s shared her voice alongside change makers like Michelle Obama, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Vanessa Gibson, and Richie Torres, and has opened for Hamilton: The Musical. Whether in classrooms, theaters, or rallies, Alyssa's words aim to reflect the truth—and reimagine the future.FOLLOW ON IG @lilo_marz for upcoming performances & more This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Kara talks with her hubby, John-Marcus Phillips. They discuss how their communication has improved (for the most part) over the past 10+ years together and what they needed to do to achieve that. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Pooja Reddy is a rural Kentucky-raised comedy writer and stand-up comedian based in Brooklyn, NY with roots in Hyderabad, India. She began her career in Washington, DC, working for First Lady Michelle Obama before moving into public-private sector partnerships at the United Nations and then the business development team at The Walt Disney Company. Pooja's writing and performances have been featured by Vulture, and she is an on-air contributor for both Disney’s Localish Network and PBS’ All Arts Network. Pooja is also the co-host of Kutti Gang, the New York Times and Time Out New York recommended comedy show that celebrates women and queer South Asian voices. Kutti Gang has headlined Carolines on Broadway, been featured in the New York Comedy Festival, and released a special on PBS’ All Arts Network.FOLLOW ON IG @pooreddy This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Francesca Hogi is a love coach, writer, podcast host, and TED speaker known for her work on navigating modern love and building healthy relationships. She's also a former corporate lawyer and a two-time contestant on the reality TV show "Survivor". Francesca founded The True Love Society, a community for singles, and hosts the podcast "Dear Franny," where she offers relationship advice. ORDER her book "How to Find True Love Relationships" HEREFOLLOW ON IG @dearfranny This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

Joél L. Daniels, also known as Joel Leon, is a performer, author, and storyteller who writes and tells stories for Black people. Born and raised in the Bronx, Joel specializes in moderating and leading conversations surrounding race, masculinity, mental health, creativity, and the performing arts, with love at the center of his work and purpose.FOLLOW ON IG @iamjoelleon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com

We chat rebranding intuition, trusting yourself, spirituality, and our work together as coach and client. Mory Fontanez is an Intuitive Life & Leadership coach, author, podcast host, speaker, and founder of Eight22 Group—a consultancy designed to help organizations elevate their consciousness. Follow @SignalWithMoryandMelissa IG @moryfontanezOrder “Higher Self: Reclaiming the Power of your Intuition” HERE This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit karabrothers.substack.com