The Culture Soup Podcast®️

What if the most sophisticated leadership training you ever received happened before you turned 15, and it happened in church? In this fireside chat recorded live at Greater Life Church in Dallas, L. Michelle Smith joins Pastor Stephen G. Brown for a conversation that moves between sermon and scholarship, between science and story. Drawing from her bestselling book Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, L. Michelle traces the origins of her keynote career back to a Sunday school floor at Good Street Baptist Church, where she learned to stand in front of a room and deliver. This is not nostalgia. It is a leadership masterclass grounded in neuroscience, positive psychology, and the lived wisdom of Black excellence. In this episode, you will hear: - Why real team bonding requires going through something real together, and what the science of social cohesion and oxytocin reveals about how trust is actually built in high-performing teams. - The story of Trudy Bourgeois, former Fortune 500 executive, who was deliberately left behind by her new leadership team at the Kentucky Derby, and what she did next. - Why resilience is pliability and not strength, and how the name-it, tame-it, reframe-it framework turns adversity into a passport for growth. - How hope theory, neuroplasticity, and the music ministry of the Black church connect to what the most rigorous leadership research is only now beginning to name. - What it means for the future of leadership development that the generations who need these formation lessons most have largely left the building. Go deeper: Free leadership toolkit: soaracademy.nsccoaching.co The Circle (community for leaders): lmichellesmith.com/thecircle Speaking requests: lmichellesmith.com/speaking FlightPath newsletter: soaracademy.nsccoaching.co/subscribe Heart-Centered Leader Assessment: SOARacademy.nsccoaching.co/a/CallandResponse Substack: lmichellesmith.substack.com #HerNextPowerMove #HeartCenteredLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #CallAndResponse #BlackChurch #CultureSoupPodcast #GreaterLifeChurch #PastorStephenBrown #Resilience #SocialCohesion #BlackLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #LeadershipLessons #BlackExcellence

"It was important to me to not just go on a hunch..." LMS Watch this clip from my recent book tour stop at Texas Christian University's Brite Divinity School with my friend and classmate, Rev. Dr. Shonda Jones as she probes about my research methodology for my new bestseller Call and Response. No pressure at all...right? I always get a little nervous when I'm speaking to a well-credentialed scholar, but I have to say that this book has been extremely well received from academia, with some universities buying the books in bulk. Shoutout to all the PhDs giving this book praise! I am honored and humbled. You can watch my full conversation with Dr. Shonda and most of the Q&A on The Culture Soup Podcast on YouTube, or listen on any podcast platform.

There is something powerful about returning to a university campus to talk about leadership. At Texas Christian University, our conversation around Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing and JVL Media) was not just about a book. It was about formation. It was about where leadership really begins. About the spaces that quietly shape courage, discipline, and voice long before someone earns a title. The conversation was sponsored by the TCU Brite Divinity School and the TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication, my graduate alma mater and where I currently serve on the Board of Visitors. We explored the idea that the Black Church has functioned as a leadership laboratory for generations. Not simply as a place of worship, but as a place where people learned to speak with conviction, collaborate across differences, regulate emotion under pressure, and lead with both authority and empathy. Grateful to TCU for hosting a rich, honest exchange. If your campus or organization is thinking about the future of leadership, I would love to continue the conversation.

Show Notes: Call & Response at TCU — A Conversation on Culture, Leadership, and Legacy At Texas Christian University’s Carr Chapel, L. Michelle Smith returned to her alma mater for a powerful conversation on Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, joined by Rev. Dr. Shonda Jones, Executive Vice President and Dean of Brite Divinity School. What unfolded was more than a book talk. It was a rich exploration of how culture, history, and applied science intersect to shape leadership in profound and often unrecognized ways. Drawing from both personal story and rigorous research, Michelle shares how her leadership journey began long before corporate boardrooms, tracing back to her formative years in the Black church, where young people were given real responsibility early. That early formation became the foundation for the leadership capabilities she would later see reflected in high-performing Black executives across industries. The conversation explores: The Black Church as the original leadership incubator A space where communication, accountability, resilience, and community-building were not taught theoretically, but practiced in real time. The research behind the framework Insights drawn from 155 high-performing Black leaders, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data to identify the most impactful leadership lessons. Resilience redefined Moving beyond endurance to a more nuanced understanding grounded in neuroscience, including the process of naming, processing, and reframing adversity. Culture as a leadership engine How traditions like storytelling, music, and intergenerational connection shape leadership capacity and emotional intelligence. A critical leadership gap The declining participation of younger generations in the Black church and what that means for the future leadership pipeline. Heart-centered leadership in a changing world In a time marked by workplace disruption, AI acceleration, and shifting expectations of leaders, the need for leaders who can combine performance with empathy, courage, and community-building has never been greater. Throughout the conversation, one idea becomes clear: the leadership lessons cultivated in the Black church are not confined to the church. They are transferable, teachable, and urgently needed across corporate, academic, and community spaces. This conversation is an invitation to rethink where leadership is formed, how it is practiced, and what it will take to develop leaders with both strength and heart in the future. Key Takeaway Leadership is not only learned in formal institutions. It is shaped in culture, reinforced through experience, and now, increasingly, understood through science. Learn More Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church Explore the book and leadership resources at: lmichellesmith.com

If you couldn't be in the room, now's your chance to be a part. TOMORROW at noon, Thursday, March 5 we'll be streaming video of the kickoff to the Call and Response book tour that happened at the Barnes & Noble bookseller at Hillside Village on multiple platforms. It will be featured here on Linkedin, so grab your colleagues, family and friends and bring a journal: Cynt Marshall and I will be holding class, a different kind of Sunday School, not about religion, and not on a Sunday. It's all about a leadership revival during a time where harsh leadership trends, values misalignment, character failures and more are breaking trust at every level in business and beyond. Return to heart-centered leadership with us on The Culture Soup Podcast, because episode 199 is the live recording of that Feb 11th book event. It's guest hosted by my friend and former colleague Neil Foote of Foote Communications. Settle in for the hour, and light up the chat. I'll be in the chat live to answer your questions. The video and audio will also stream across all podcast platforms beginning at noon as well. Call and Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church is a collaboration between Amistad Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishing and JVL Media, the brainchild of the incomparable Viola Davis, Julius Lennon and Lavaille Lavette. Purchase your copy or audiobook ahead of the stream and follow along as we go!

The Culture Soup Podcast® Live from Barnes & Noble: Call & Response — 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church In this special live episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®, L. Michelle Smith celebrates the launch of her newest book, Call & Response: Ten Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, recorded live at Barnes & Noble in Cedar Hill, Texas. Joined by trailblazing executive and former Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, L. Michelle explores how leadership principles rooted in the Black church tradition translate into powerful lessons for modern leaders in business, community, and culture. Blending storytelling, neuroscience, positive psychology, and leadership strategy, this conversation highlights how cultural traditions can shape resilient, innovative, and heart-centered leadership. In This Episode Values as a Leadership North Star L. Michelle shares the three values that guide her leadership and decision-making: faith, family, and freedom. Values act as non-negotiables that help leaders determine when to say yes—and when to say no. Community: The Antidote to Isolation Strong leadership cultures are built on connection. Drawing from neuroscience, L. Michelle explains how human bonding and trust strengthen teams and create environments where people move together with shared purpose. Collaboration and Emotional Intelligence Great collaboration requires emotional awareness, cultural understanding, and trust. The conversation highlights how early experiences in community environments—like church choirs—can sharpen the emotional intelligence leaders rely on in the boardroom. Creativity and Innovation Innovation often emerges from constraint. Leaders who cultivate calm, focused thinking create the mental space needed for insight, creativity, and new ideas. Resilience That Builds Strength Resilience isn’t simply pushing through adversity. L. Michelle shares a powerful practice for navigating challenges: Name it – Identify what’s happening and the emotions attached to it Tame it – Process the experience rather than suppress it Reframe it – Discover the opportunity or lesson within it A Leadership Framework Throughout Call & Response, L. Michelle introduces three pillars of leadership growth: Self Work – mastering purpose, mindset, and personal leadership Relationship Work – building trust, collaboration, and community World Work – using leadership to create meaningful impact Learn More To learn more about Call & Response: Ten Leadership Lessons from the Black Church, visit: lmichellesmith.com/callandresponse There you can explore the Call & Response leadership curriculum, designed for corporations, universities, and ministries, and submit a speaker request to bring L. Michelle Smith to your organization or event.

In the first episode of year seven of the Culture Soup Podcast, L. Michelle Smith sits down with equity strategist, author, and Waymaker Change Group founder Tara Jaye Frank for a timely and deeply personal conversation about leadership, grief, obedience, and self-preservation. They explore the making of Tara’s new book, You Are Before the World: Lessons on Doing Good Without Being Undone, including why she chose to self-publish, how the aftermath of the 2024 election reshaped her work, and what it means to redefine helping in ways that no longer wound the helpers. This conversation unpacks the emotional and spiritual labor carried by Black women, the reality behind the 92 percent, and why boundaries, integrity, and trust matter more than performance. Together, they reflect on surrender, mission-driven work, and remembering who you were before the world placed its demands on you. This episode is for leaders, helpers, creatives, and change agents who are asking how to continue doing good without losing themselves in the process.

In the first episode of year seven of the Culture Soup Podcast, L. Michelle Smith sits down with equity strategist, author, and Waymaker Change Group founder Tara Jaye Frank for a timely and deeply personal conversation about leadership, grief, obedience, and self-preservation. They explore the making of Tara’s new book, You Are Before the World: Lessons on Doing Good Without Being Undone, including why she chose to self-publish, how the aftermath of the 2024 election reshaped her work, and what it means to redefine helping in ways that no longer wound the helpers. This conversation unpacks the emotional and spiritual labor carried by Black women, the reality behind the 92 percent, and why boundaries, integrity, and trust matter more than performance. Together, they reflect on surrender, mission-driven work, and remembering who you were before the world placed its demands on you. This episode is for leaders, helpers, creatives, and change agents who are asking how to continue doing good without losing themselves in the process.

In this third installment of the Leadership Revival Series, L. Michelle Smith brings the journey full circle. After exploring history & culture in Part 1 and applied science in Part 2, today’s episode takes us into the final pillar of the Call & Response Leadership Revival Framework: leadership theory. This episode weaves together research, lived experience, and a deeply personal full-circle story that became a turning point in the creation of Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad Books/HarperCollins, Feb 2026). You’ll hear: Why leadership theory is finally naming what many leaders have lived for generations How self-work, relationship work, and world work become the backbone of leadership with heart A powerful reading of L. Michelle’s essay, “When You Receive the Language for What You’ve Lived” A moving sidebar featuring her early connection with Abby West, now VP & Editorial Director at Amistad Books A special clip from Episode 161, “The Sound of Progress,” exploring storytelling, sound, community, and cultural leadership How one unexpected conversation led directly to the acquisition of Call & Response This is the episode where everything clicks — the moment theory, story, science, and culture meet in a single, resonant truth: Leadership isn’t changing. It’s returning. To community. To connection. To courage. To heart. And this episode marks that return. IN THIS EPISODE Part 3 of the Leadership Revival Series Leadership theory explained through a cultural, scientific, and human lens What it means to “receive the language for what you’ve lived” Why narrative and sound have always been leadership technologies How L. Michelle’s relationship with Abby West helped bring Call & Response to life The moment everything came full circle ABOUT THE BOOK Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church By L. Michelle Smith Amistad Books / HarperCollins | JVL Media Releases February 10, 2026 Pre-order & learn more: lmichellesmith.com/callandresponse FOLLOW & CONNECT Website: lmichellesmith.com Instagram: @lmichellespeaks LinkedIn: L. Michelle Smith Join SOAR Academy for leadership tools & resources

he Class of 2025 is shaken. Join me and Leilani M. Brown as we unpack how today’s grads can shift with intention—despite a wobbly job market. Practical tools, straight talk & career clarity await. Let’s talk about your giant steps forward.

???? Episode SummaryThe job market isn’t giving today’s college seniors much to smile about—and that includes the Class of 2025. On this timely and powerful episode of The Culture Soup Podcast®, L. Michelle Smith welcomes leadership expert and author Leilani M. Brown for a heart-to-heart on what it takes to launch strong, even in uncertain times.With candor, warmth, and serious know-how, Leilani unpacks what students, families, employers—and even leaders—need to understand about the transition from campus to career. You’ll hear about the emotional toll of today’s job market, what matters most to Gen Z job seekers, and how both individuals and organizations can shift with intention.???? Show ShoutoutsPeople MentionedLeilani M. Brown – Guest, author, CEO of Giant Steps LLCL. Michelle Smith – Host, author, executive coachLeilani’s son – Class of 2025, mentioned as a source of inspirationParents & college students – Broad shoutout to listeners navigating this landscapeOrganizations & InstitutionsGiant Steps LLC – Leilani’s consulting and leadership firmSpelman College – Both Leilani and L. Michelle are alumnaeHoward University – Mentioned in context of the HBCU communityThe Culture Soup Podcast® – In its 8th year, hosted by L. Michelle SmithThe Circle – L. Michelle’s leadership growth and coaching communityNSC Coaching – Executive & personal coaching firm founded by L. MichelleSOAR Academy – Digital learning platform for leadersBooksFrom Campus to Career – Career launch guide for young professionals by LeilaniYour Giant Steps – Leilani’s latest book on professional clarity and growthNo Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I’ll Just Include Myself – L. Michelle’s bestselling bookCultural/Professional ThemesClass of 2025 – Core focus of the episodeGrit, grace, gumption – Leilani’s leadership mantraPurpose, performance, people – Three pillars for career success“The kids are not alright” – Referenced as a cultural truth“You’re not stuck—you’re shifting” – A powerful Leilani quote echoed by L. Michelle???? Learn MoreLeilani M. Brown – leilanimbrown.comL. Michelle Smith & The Culture Soup Podcast® – lmichellesmith.com/theculturesouppodcastJoin The Circle – lmichellesmith.com/thecircle

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about building a system that makes you stronger, wiser, and better. Join me for Episode 195 of The Culture Soup Podcast with my mentor coach and longtime friend, Valorie Burton, bestselling author of Rules of Resilience. We’ll unpack 10 practical rules for thriving through uncertainty and leading with authenticity. This extended edition streams live this Thursday.

In this episode, I welcome back my dear friend of more than 25 years, Valorie Burton — bestselling author of 14 books, CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute, and my mentor coach. Valorie joins me to talk about her newest release, Rules of Resilience: 10 Ways Successful People Get Better, Wiser, and Stronger, dropping September 16, 2025. Together we explore why resilience is more than a buzzword, how it looks in real life (hint: sometimes messy), and why it’s a system you can strengthen with intentional practices. ✨ What You’ll Learn Why resilience isn’t about being “tough” but about getting back up — even when it’s messy. How cognitive distortions like catastrophizing can derail you, and the tools to counter them. The critical link between values, purpose, and resilience. Why resilience should be taught in schools and practiced in organizations. How Valorie applied her own rules while writing the book, facing down her inner “gremlins.” The bonus rule: paying resilience forward to your peers, family, and future generations.

What does resilience really look like? In this episode of **The Culture Soup Podcast**, I sit down with my mentor coach and dear friend of 25+ years, **Valorie Burton**—bestselling author of 14 books and CEO of the Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. Her newest book, *Rules of Resilience: 10 Ways Successful People Get Better, Wiser, and Stronger*, releases September 16, 2025. Together, we explore why resilience is more than just a buzzword and how you can build a **personal resilience system** to thrive through uncertainty. --- ## What You’ll Learn * Why resilience isn’t about “toughness” but about getting back up * How to stop catastrophizing and reframe negative thoughts * The surprising role of **authenticity and values** in true resilience * How to pay resilience forward to your circle and future generations Preorder *Rules of Resilience* now: available everywhere books are sold (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound). The Culture Soup Podcast streams everywhere you listen. #RulesOfResilience #ValorieBurton #CultureSoupPodcast #Leadership #PositivePsychology #Resilience

This Thursday, I’m sitting down with my mentor coach and friend of 25+ years, Valorie Burton, CEO of the CaPP Institute and author of the brand-new Rules of Resilience (Tyndale Refresh, out Sept 16). We’re getting specific: how leaders build a personal resilience system—not just “bounce back,” but bounce better. We’ll talk science without the jargon, choices under pressure, and the micro-habits that keep your purpose steady when the world wobbles. If your calendar says “busy” but your brain says “over it,” this one’s for you. Premieres Thursday (Aug 21). Streaming everywhere. Bring your notebook. Leave with a plan.

She was there. Not watching the footage—in it. Errin Haines (@emarvelous) recounts what it felt like on the ground in Ferguson as a Black journalist. Press badge on. Still targeted. No distinction made. In an era where covering the story can make you the story, we need to talk about what’s really happening to Black journalists on the frontlines. No press freedom, no democracy. Watch. Listen. Share. Full episode of The Culture Soup Podcast i streams this afternoon. #CultureSoupPodcast #BlackPress #ErrinHaines #FreedomOfThePress #Ferguson #BlackJournalists #DemocracyUnderFire #PressFreedom #ProtestCoverage #TruthTellers

Guest: Errin Haines, Editor-at-Large at The 19th News, award-winning journalist, political analyst, and candidate for President of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Episode Summary: What happens when the organization that once spoke truth to power… goes quiet? In this candid and courageous conversation, host L. Michelle Smith sits down with her friend and media powerhouse Errin Haines to talk about the urgent state of Black journalism, the legacy (and future) of NABJ, and what leadership must look like when both journalism and democracy are under attack. Errin shares deeply personal stories—from reporting in Ferguson to launching The 19th—and outlines her bold vision for NABJ’s next 50 years. They discuss press freedom, AI, innovation, media accountability, and the hard truth about corporate sponsorship and advocacy. This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to action. Key Topics: How Black journalists are being silenced, arrested, and sidelined in today's political climate Why press freedom and protest coverage are now one and the same What it means to truly advocate when your sponsors are the ones you should be watching The role of AI in journalism (and why it’s not the enemy—if you know how to use it) Why Errin is running for NABJ president—and what she'll bring to the role Why NABJ needs bold, transparent, and tech-savvy leadership more than ever Show Shoutouts: People & Organizations Mentioned: The 19th News National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Texas Christian University Joy-Ann Reid Don Lemon Tiffany Cross Alex Wagner April Ryan Yamiche Alcindor Jasmine Wright Cheryl Smith Richard Prince & Journal-isms Mark Morial, National Urban League NAACP National Action Network Legal Defense Fund NNPA (National Newspaper Publishers Association) The Associated Press Gannett Unity: Journalists of Color Convention Atlanta Daily World The Ferguson Protests Places: Cleveland, OH (NABJ 2025 Convention) Seattle, WA Auburn Avenue, Atlanta Essence Festival, New Orleans Things & Themes: AI & journalism Press freedom Corporate media sponsors Media accountability Innovation in Black media Movement journalism Advocacy and activism DEI backlash Independent newsroom funding models A Special Message to NABJ Members: If you're headed to Cleveland for the 2025 NABJ Convention, enjoy the fellowship, the forums, and the opportunity to come home to the organization that shaped so many of us. But remember: your voice doesn’t stop at the mic. It matters at the ballot box. Make time to vote in the NABJ elections. Your vote is your power—and this moment requires bold, visionary leadership. Let’s make the next 50 years count. Listen or watch now on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you stream. #CultureSoupPodcast #NABJ #ErrinHaines #BlackJournalists #BlackMedia #Leadership #Advocacy #AIandMedia #PressFreedom #Ferguson #VoteNABJ #Cleveland2025 #DEI #Accountability #JournalismMatters

What happens when the organization that once spoke truth to power… goes quiet?In this candid and courageous conversation, host L. Michelle Smith sits down with her friend and media powerhouse Errin Haines to talk about the urgent state of Black journalism, the legacy (and future) of NABJ, and what leadership must look like when both journalism and democracy are under attack.Errin shares deeply personal stories—from reporting in Ferguson to launching The 19th—and outlines her bold vision for NABJ’s next 50 years. They discuss press freedom, AI, innovation, media accountability, and the hard truth about corporate sponsorship and advocacy.This isn’t just a conversation. It’s a call to action.

Black journalists are under fire. Press freedom is being tested. And NABJ? It’s time to reboot. In this raw and real convo, I sat down with journalist and editor Errin Haines (@emarvelous) to talk about: Why Black stories still aren't safe How legacy orgs are going quiet at the worst possible moment And how AI could help us fight back if we know how to wield it This isn’t just a convo—it’s a call to action. Tap in to Ep. 194 of The Culture Soup Podcast on Thursday. #CultureSoupPodcast #ErrinHaines #BlackJournalists #FreePress #NABJ #MediaMatters #Leadership #PodcastClip #CultureAndCode

Well, here's a first. I have never in the seven year history of The Culture Soup Podcast released the full opening monologue before the show streams; yet, uncommon times demand uncommon action. This is the opening to Thursday's show with my friend Errin Haines, editor-at-large from THE19th, MSNBC Political Commentator, and candidate for president for The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Most of you know that my career began as a journalist, beginning with student publications at Texas Christian University, then as a television news writer and producer, a tad bit of newspaper both with the Dallas Morning News (Arlington edition) and The Dallas Weekly. Since then, I spent more than 25 years as a strategic communicator for global agencies, my own along with a Fortune 10. Although I opened my coaching practice in May 2019, I'm still a communicator--as a professional speaker, media subject matter expert, executive producer, creator and host of Culture Soup and now Her Next Power Move on Substack, and last but certainly most impactful, award-winning 4X author with bylines across national publications like HuffPost, Fast Company, Black Enterprise, BLAVITY and more. It's fair to say that I'm a better certified executive and personal coach because of my background in journalism because I was curious and asking the right questions from the very beginning. I joined NABJ at the age of 18. This one is personal to me. So everyone, listen closely. *tap tap tap on the mic* I have something important to say. First, you should know, that I love NABJ. Second... well, watch and you'll know the rest. Be sure to watch or listen to the entire show with my conversation with Errin on Wednesday. We'll all be better for it. Captions are auto generated

Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace We’re cracking the code on workplace trust. Join me for a memorable moment as I welcome my friend and colleague Minda Harts, bestselling author of The Memo. She’s back with a bold new book that reframes trust not as a vibe… but as a language. In fact, seven of them. We’ll talk: How to rebuild trust when it’s broken Why we’ve been saying the wrong things at work What neuroscience and cultural intelligence have to do with leadership How we move forward in this post-DEI landscape—with real talk and practical tools And yes—pop culture, storytelling, and Beyoncé all make cameos. Because of course they do. Talk to Me Nice drops July 22. Preorders matter—so let’s get behind this one. And did I mention Minda’s now winning film festival awards too? RSVP and join the conversation. This one’s too timely to miss.

Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace We’re cracking the code on workplace trust. Join me for a milestone moment as I welcome my friend and colleague Minda Harts, bestselling author of The Memo, for Episode 200 of the podcast. She’s back with a bold new book that reframes trust not as a vibe… but as a language. In fact, seven of them. We’ll talk: How to rebuild trust when it’s broken Why we’ve been saying the wrong things at work What neuroscience and cultural intelligence have to do with leadership How we move forward in this post-DEI landscape—with real talk and practical tools And yes—pop culture, storytelling, and Beyoncé all make cameos. Because of course they do. Talk to Me Nice drops July 22. Preorders matter—so let’s get behind this one. And did I mention Minda’s now winning film festival awards too? RSVP and join the conversation. This one’s too timely to miss. #CultureSoup #MindaHarts #TalkToMeNice #Leadership #Trust #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #TheCultureSoupPodcast #Episode200 #WomenWhoLead

Talk to Me Nice with Minda Harts—Cracking the Code on Trust at Work The Memo author and workplace whisperer Minda Harts joins us on this episode! In this heart-forward, thought-deep convo, L. Michelle and Minda explore what it really takes to build trust at work—beyond buzzwords, beyond DEI jargon, and definitely beyond performative leadership. Minda drops gems from her new book Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace, offering a toolkit to decode how trust actually operates across teams, leadership, and culture. From the neuroscience of oxytocin to the erosion of trust in a matter of moments, they break it all down with candor, warmth, and a few Beyoncé references for good measure. This episode is for anyone who’s tired of saying “I don’t trust my manager” without knowing how to say it better—and for leaders who want to actually earn that trust back.

After 7 years, it was time for a little show-open refresh. Join us today for this all-new, all-video episode with author, workplace consultant and film maker, Minda Harts. The Culture Soup Podcast streams everywhere today, including Linkedin Live this afternoon. Stay tuned! #podcasts #authors #talktomenice #newbooks

Skip the Theory. Speak Trust. We’re not here to add to the stack of unread leadership books on your desk, because we actually write the leadership books that you can actually relate to. Who's we? We’re decoding what really builds trust at work—with my friend who's only a text message away, Minda Harts, the author behind The Memo and her latest, Talk to Me Nice: The 7 Trust Languages for a Better Workplace. This isn’t about theory. It’s about relationships, reality, and how you show up. Episode 200 drops July 17.

What happens when leadership rooted in the Black Church meets the rigors of neuroscience and positive psychology? In this episode of Leadership Revival, we explore the science pillar of my upcoming book, Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church. I take you behind the scenes of my coach training journey at The CaPP Institute—founded by my mentor coach, Valorie Burton—and explain why evidence-based coaching became the foundation of my practice. Featuring a powerful throwback clip from my 2019 conversation with Valorie Footnotes segment on the science of social cohesion—how group singing synchronizes heartbeats Insights on why grounding leadership in science is a game-changer for impact and inclusion Whether you’re a coach, executive, or someone leading from wherever you are—this is for you. SUBSCRIBE for more on the Leadership Revival Series, and visit https://lmichellesmith.com to learn more about the book. Learn more: https://lmichellesmith.substack.com Listen to past episodes: https://theculturesoup.com Book info: https://lmichellesmith.com/callandresponse Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lmichellesmith #LeadershipRevival #CallAndResponse #Neuroscience #PositivePsychology #ExecutiveCoaching #CultureSoupPodcast #SoulMeetsScience #BlackChurchLeadership #ValorieBurton

This week, we step into the second pillar of Call & Response—science. In this episode:

Before the credentials. Before the awards and the accolades, there was a corporate executive with a podcast--and that was not cool, I was told. My, how far we've all come! #FlashbackFriday to the year 2020 when The Culture Soup Podcast had only been streaming for two years. I was invited to be on WFAA's Good Morning Texas for a segment called "Another Popin' Podcast" to discuss the show. This is a wonderful opportunity to align on the values that the show was built on. It's hard to believe that it's been seven years since we first launched, and you can tell that there has been an evolution. For one, my credentials shifted the topic from entrepreneurship to leadership. Secondly, The Coaching Corner morphed into it's own audio podcast on my Substack, Her Next Power Move; however, the substance of The Culture Soup Podcast has remained the same. Known for it's indepth conversations with the movers and shakers at the intersection of tech, business and culture, all of them my friends--and it's been quite a lineup for more than 300 episodes. I launched this show to expand my reach to engage a global audience that would be ready to consume by books. Four books later, here we are. Every book launch has begun on the show, and Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church will be no different. In fact, yesterday we launched A Leadership Revival--a multi-part series that goes behind the scenes for the making of the book grounded in the three pillars that bolster the book: research in history, science and leadership. Connect the dots with me with this segment from Good Morning Texas. My, how far we've come. #Podcasts #TheCultureSoupPodcast

The Culture Soup Podcast goes all the way in. https://lmichellesmith.substack.com/p/its-a-leadership-revival

The revival has begun. The first episode of Leadership Revival, my new series on The Culture Soup Podcast, is now live. We’re going behind the scenes of Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church—starting with legacy, memory, and the historical pillar that holds this movement up. You’ll hear a powerful clip from my interview with Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., and a short “Footnote” that reminds us: the Black Church didn’t begin in buildings. It began in the shadows—down by the riverside, where our ancestors stole away to worship in freedom. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts—and stay with us. The journey has just begun. #LeadershipRevival #CallAndResponse #BlackChurchWisdom #CultureSoupPodcast #LegacyLeadership

Recently, I spent time with Seniors in TCU Bob Schieffer College of Communication, my alma mater, and while we had a wonderful discourse around leadership ethics, before I left they wanted to ask which episode of The Culture Soup Podcast was most meaningful to me. I had to really think, because all the episodes are with my friends, so we have context and meaning already, but there was one episode that stood out the most, and it is still impacting me today. Hard to believe the show turns seven this year! #TCULeadOn #Leadership #relationships

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate her legacy with someone who knows it intimately—her great-granddaughter, award-winning journalist and author A’Lelia Bundles. In her newest book, Joy Goddess, Bundles unearths the layers of A’Lelia Walker’s life—the glamour, the grit, the business, and the burden of being her mother’s daughter. This is one you don’t want to miss. Streams Thursday, wherever you listen to podcasts. #TheCultureSoupPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #JoyGoddess #ALeliaWalker #HarlemRenaissance #BlackExcellence #Legacy #Leadership #Podcast

The Culture Soup Podcast – Women’s History Month Episode Guest: A’Lelia Bundles, Award-Winning Author & Journalist Joy Goddess: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance What if you were so extraordinary—so magnetic, so dazzling—that Langston Hughes himself called you “Joy Goddess”? A’Lelia Walker wasn’t just the daughter of Madam C.J. Walker. She was the heartbeat of the Harlem Renaissance—a woman who turned salons into sanctuaries for Black brilliance, who made a space where art, activism, and ambition could thrive. She owned her story, commanded her presence, and lived as a beacon of joy and power. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate her legacy with someone who knows it intimately—her great-granddaughter, award-winning journalist and author A’Lelia Bundles. In her newest book, Joy Goddess, Bundles unearths the layers of A’Lelia Walker’s life—the glamour, the grit, the business, and the burden of being her mother’s daughter. In this episode, we explore: The power and influence of A’Lelia Walker during the Harlem Renaissance The art of legacy—how we shape it, carry it, and redefine it What it means to lead in your own right, beyond expectations and history By the way... did you know that Madam Walker could sing?!?! This is one you don’t want to miss. Streams TODAY (Thursday), wherever you listen to podcasts. #TheCultureSoupPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #JoyGoddess #ALeliaWalker #HarlemRenaissance #BlackExcellence #Legacy #Leadership #Podcast

The Culture Soup Podcast® – Women’s History Month Episode Guest: A’Lelia Bundles, Award-Winning Author & Journalist

oy Goddess. That’s what Langston Hughes called her. Because A’Lelia Walker didn’t just exist—she illuminated. She made spaces sacred, turned gatherings into history, and brought the Harlem Renaissance to life. And now, her great-granddaughter, the incredible A’Lelia Bundles, is telling her story in Joy Goddess—a book that’s as rich and radiant as the woman herself. This Women’s History Month, I’m sitting down with A’Lelia Bundles on The Culture Soup Podcast to talk about legacy, liberation, and the lessons we can learn from one of the most fascinating women in Black history. Streams TOMORROW (Thursday) wherever you listen to podcasts. Don’t miss this one. #TheCultureSoupPodcast #WomensHistoryMonth #JoyGoddess #ALeliaWalker

What if you were so extraordinary—so magnetic, so dazzling—that Langston Hughes himself called you “Joy Goddess”? That’s the kind of legacy A’Lelia Walker left behind. A woman who owned the room, turned salons into sanctuaries for Black brilliance, and set the Harlem Renaissance ablaze with her presence. She was the daughter of the legendary Madam C.J. Walker—but she was a force all her own. And now, her great-granddaughter, the award-winning journalist and author A’Lelia Bundles, is bringing her story to life in Joy Goddess. This Women’s History Month, I’m honored to have A’Lelia Bundles on The Culture Soup Podcast to share the untold depths of A’Lelia Walker’s life—the beauty, the boldness, the business, and the burden of legacy. Streams TOMORROW (Thursday), wherever you get your podcasts. This one is for the women who build, who lead, who dare to shine. Don’t miss it.

Streams everywhere Thursday!

Show Notes - The Culture Soup Podcast In this episode, host L. Michelle Smith takes us on a reflective journey back to 2018, when she first launched The Culture Soup Podcast. She shares how an unexpected speaking career and a chance encounter led her to create both a podcast and a book, despite corporate challenges. She then shifts focus to the present, discussing the impact of recent executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), particularly in the corporate and federal sectors. With canceled sponsorships and shifting priorities, Michelle emphasizes resilience in times of uncertainty, urging leaders to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Additionally, she delves into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership and decision-making, highlighting its potential beyond content generation. She teases upcoming AI workshops designed to help leaders integrate AI into their businesses strategically. Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating change, leveraging AI, and strengthening resilience as a leader in today’s fast-moving world. Show Mentions from This Episode of The Culture Soup Podcast People - **Reuben Canada** (Intellectual property attorney, helped trademark *The Culture Soup Podcast*) - **Audrey DuBois Harris** (Mezzo-soprano who performed at Aretha Franklin’s funeral, first podcast guest) - **Aretha Franklin** (Legendary Queen of Soul) -**Valorie Burton** (Founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute (CaPP)) -**The CaPP Institute** - **A’Lelia Bundles** (Great-great-granddaughter and biographer of Madame C.J. Walker, author of *Joy Goddess*) - **Madame C.J. Walker** (First female self-made millionaire in the U.S., haircare entrepreneur) - **A’Lelia Walker** (Daughter of Madame C.J. Walker, key figure in the Harlem Renaissance) **Events & Historical References:** - **Aretha Franklin’s Funeral** - **Harlem Renaissance** - **Black History Month 2025** - **Women’s History Month** - **Executive Orders (EOs) impacting DEI initiatives** - **Inauguration & subsequent policy shifts** - **March 20 Podcast Episode Release featuring A'Lelia Bundles** #### **Brands & Organizations:** - **Black Enterprise** (Publication where Michelle contributed articles) - **TED Talks** (Referenced in connection to speaking career growth) - **The Culture Soup Podcast** - **LinkedIn Live** (Planned streaming platform for canceled AI event) - **Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)** (Mentioned in AI event sponsorship plan) - **Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit** (March event where L. Michelle will be speaking) - **Sephora** (Retailer where updated Madame C.J. Walker haircare products are available) #### **Books Mentioned:** - *Joy Goddess* by A’Lelia Bundles (New biography of A’Lelia Walker) - *Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church* by L. Michelle Smith (Upcoming 2026 release) #### **Technology & AI References:** - **AI Executives & Leadership in AI** - **ChatGPT & AI for strategic decision-making** Let me know if you'd like this formatted differently or if there's anything to add!

Show Notes - The Culture Soup Podcast In this episode, host L. Michelle Smith takes us on a reflective journey back to 2018, when she first launched The Culture Soup Podcast. She shares how an unexpected speaking career and a chance encounter led her to create both a podcast and a book, despite corporate challenges. She then shifts focus to the present, discussing the impact of recent executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), particularly in the corporate and federal sectors. With canceled sponsorships and shifting priorities, Michelle emphasizes resilience in times of uncertainty, urging leaders to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Additionally, she delves into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership and decision-making, highlighting its potential beyond content generation. She teases upcoming AI workshops designed to help leaders integrate AI into their businesses strategically. Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating change, leveraging AI, and strengthening resilience as a leader in today’s fast-moving world.

In the latest episode of The Culture Soup Podcast , I take time to reflect on 5 lessons I've learned over the past five years of running my professional private executive & personal coaching practice in a very special Coaching Corner episode. We are celebrating NSC Coaching's 5th anniversary all this month, and we are also observing International Coaching Week. Listen for what I learned along this journey so far about perseverance, determination, focus, relationships and other important lessons in business, leadership and coaching that you can take away for your journey as well. I also tease a big announcement that's forthcoming. It's a very special episode, so tune in! The Culture Soup Podcast streams in 70 countries and on all your favorite platforms. Ask Google, Siri, Spotify or Alexa to play the latest episode. Stream now: https://lnkd.in/g-35qzbs #TheCultureSoupPodcast #PodsofLinkedIn

Source: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ep-187-five-big-lessons-i-learned-in-5-years-the-coaching-corner-w-l-michelle-smith--60063016 In this episode, I take time to reflect on 5 lessons I've learned over the past five years of running my professional private coaching practice. We are celebrating NSC Coaching's 5th anniversary all this month, and we are also observing International Coaching Week. Listen for what I learned along this journey so far about perseverance, determination, focus, relationships and other important lessons that you can take away for your journey as well. I also tease a big announcement that's forth coming. It's a special episode, so tune in!

In this episode, I take time to reflect on 5 lessons I've learned over the past five years of running my professional private coaching practice. We are celebrating NSC Coaching's 5th anniversary all this month, and we are also observing International Coaching Week. Listen for what I learned along this journey so far about perseverance, determination, focus, relationships and other important lessons that you can take away for your journey as well. I also tease a big announcement that's forth coming. It's a special episode, so tune in!

In essence, here's the motivation behind my mission: bridging the gap between science and culture. Let me illustrate how the workings of our minds play a pivotal role. It all begins in our minds. Understanding the intricacies of our brain function and its profound influence on our actions in various settings can empower us to excel, even when faced with formidable odds. The reality is that women, particularly those of color and individuals on the margins, grapple with unique challenges compounded by political dynamics and toxicity. These hurdles can be surmounted by grasping the fundamental science underpinning them: When we are depleted and discontent, our capacity to thrive diminishes. It's as straightforward as that. So, the key lies in discovering what brings us joy, how to preserve our energy—this is our strategy for maneuvering through spaces where we may feel marginalized, lest... We seek out environments that nurture us. Period. #PositivePsychology #Neuroscience #BodyBudget #WomenLeaders

In 2019, I did what many corporate types would call "the unthinkable." I walked away from opportunities at a Fortune 10 after being "surplussed" without a job lined up. Sure, I had opportunities externally. Yes, I had a seedling of a business that I had started, but I wanted to take the time to think through my next step methodically. I had a mission that only a few were aware of, and that drove me to seek out the one thing that I needed to activate it. Could I do it and remain in corporate? I had interested organizations telling me that I could do both-pursue my calling to author books and speak across the country and internationally and work for them. But I knew that would eventually cause friction. I'd lived it already. That one piece was missing that would activate my mission, and a scroll through Instagram and an ad from a longtime sisterfriend and former client would ultimately become the the gateway to my destiny. I let that sisterfriend turn the tables on me this week, and I thought it would be great to finally share my story: how I went from there...to here, five years later with a thriving, global executive and personal coaching and consulting practice, a publishing journey that has been extraordinary and the speaker tour that began in 2015 and has yet to end. What took me from a 25+ year-long career in strategic communication, agency side, agency owner, and client side to here? I pass Valorie Burton, MAPP, MCC the mic on my show, The Culture Soup Podcast as she featured me in her global preview call for The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. That is where I earned my certification that would tee me up for credentialing at the world's most respected coaching organizations, International Coaching Federation. I began with her Coach Training Intensive (CTI). So it's befitting that I allowed Valorie to throw back the covers on my purpose-driven story. My pen as my sword, my speaking as my munitions, evidence-based coaching, I discovered, would ultimately become my armor. Join me and Val for this inspiring and powerful conversation about what it actually takes to take on coaching as a profession in this special, extended video edition of The Culture Soup Podcast brought to you in part by The CaPP Institute. We're continuing to celebrate the five years anniversary of NSC Coaching, and six years for the podcast with this exclusive rebroadcast of "Conversation with a Coach", and it streams everywhere Thursday afternoon.

In 2019, I did what many corporate types would call "the unthinkable." I walked away from opportunities at a Fortune 10 after being "surplussed" without a job lined up. Sure, I had opportunities externally. Yes, I had a seedling of a business that I had started, but I wanted to take the time to think through my next step methodically. I had a mission that only a few were aware of, and that drove me to seek out the one thing that I needed to activate it. Could I do it and remain in corporate? I had interested organizations telling me that I could do both-pursue my calling to author books and speak across the country and internationally and work for them. But I knew that would eventually cause friction. I'd lived it already. That one piece was missing that would activate my mission, and a scroll through Instagram and an ad from a longtime sisterfriend and former client would ultimately become the the gateway to my destiny. I let that sisterfriend turn the tables on me this week, and I thought it would be great to finally share my story: how I went from there...to here, five years later with a thriving, global executive and personal coaching and consulting practice, a publishing journey that has been extraordinary and the speaker tour that began in 2015 and has yet to end. What took me from a 25+ year-long career in strategic communication, agency side, agency owner, and client side to here? I pass Valorie Burton, MAPP, MCC the mic on my show, The Culture Soup Podcast ® as she featured me in her global preview call for The Coaching and Positive Psychology (CaPP) Institute. That is where I earned my certification that would tee me up for credentialing at the world's most respected coaching organizations, International Coaching Federation. I began with her Coach Training Intensive (CTI). So it's befitting that I allowed Valorie to throw back the covers on my purpose-driven story. My pen as my sword, my speaking as my munitions, evidence-based coaching, I discovered, would ultimately become my armor. Join me and Val for this inspiring and powerful conversation about what it actually takes to take on coaching as a profession in this special, extended video edition of The Culture Soup Podcast ® brought to you in part by The CaPP Institute. We're continuing to celebrate the five years anniversary of NSC Coaching, and six years for the podcast with this exclusive rebroadcast of "Conversation with a Coach", and it streams everywhere Thursday afternoon.

How about more about her time in Atlanta with the Executive Leadership Council’s C-Suite Academy, their conversation about how crucial P&L ownership is to their leadership ascension to the C-Suite? Or her book signing in Atlanta? It’s all here in this bonus edition of TCSP.

SHE’S BAAAAA-AAACK Coach L says the quiet part out loud about…. employee resource groups or ERGs. It’s what Black people say to each other, but never say in mixed company. The Culture Soup Podcast is streaming again, this time with a fresh new Coaching Corner episode. In this episode called The Catch Up, we will discuss the historic roots of attitudes surrounding Black people “gathering,” and how many of those feelings may have been passed down generation over generation thanks to epicgenetics. Let’s talk trauma without saying trauma, shall we? She shares more in the new segment called The Nugget that will leave you thinking deeper than you thought you could about subjects that seem so surface. You will hear this and so much more about what the practice has been up to since July of last year— book projects, DISC, how you can get involved and more. This fresh new episode is streaming right now wherever you get your podcasts.

Where have I been? What have I been up to, you ask? This episode will catch you up, and drop some Nuggets that you probably weren't expecting.

This event was previously recorded live. If you are interested in having Dr. Jeff and Coach L. visit your organization to speak or host workshops related to the power of positive emotion to help you lead through challenging times, or perhaps you'd like to look into Coaching + Counseling one on one or group sessions, follow this link: https://nsccoaching.info/CoachLandDrJeff #ExecutiveCoaching #Counseling #Therapy #HappyAnyway #PositivePsychology