The DerrionLH Show

On Episode XVII of The DerrionLH Show, Derrion sits down with author Nicole F. Smith for a real conversation about being in the middle of your come up. Nicole breaks down what she’s learning right now, how emotional intelligence is shaping her next chapter, and why she’s reworking EQ Impact for 2026. Derrion shares his own growth season too.A quick, honest look at building while becoming. 

Brandon Harris is on the rise — and he’s moving with intention.On this episode of The Come Up Series on The DerrionLH Show, Brandon breaks down how he’s strategically elevating his brand, making calculated decisions, and positioning himself for long-term success — not just quick wins. From mindset to money moves, he shares what it really takes to grow in today’s competitive landscape.We also dive into his journey in the barber industry and the blueprint he believes young barbers need to follow to stand out, build clientele, and turn their craft into a business.If you’re building something, betting on yourself, or trying to level up without moving reckless — this conversation is for you.

In Episode XIV of The Come Up Series, Mark Metzger, owner of Precision Ice Rink, talks about building from scratch, navigating doubt, and scaling a business in a changing world. We get into using your resources, knowing your worth, and finding joy in pressing send — even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.

Brandon Harris returns to the world renewed—after converting to Islam, stepping away from social media, and rebuilding his identity from the inside out. Derrion opens up about his own baptism, and together they unpack what spiritual rebirth really feels like. Brandon also shares how he’s navigating a split-faith household and the importance of allowing his wife to choose her own spiritual path. A raw, reflective conversation on faith, discipline, identity, and the journey of becoming new.

Season 2 kicks off with clarity and intention. Derrion sits down with Nicole F. Smith to talk New Year goals, mindset shifts, life updates, boundaries, and her newly reworked book EQ Impact. They break down how emotional intelligence shapes success and what’s ahead for The DerrionLH Show in 2026.

We’re ending the Pivot Series with a powerful story. Thad Chevere, owner of Training Camp Fitness in Charlotte, went from partnering to create his dream gym to being kicked to the curb. He shares how faith and family guided him through the toughest pivots, the bold moves that helped him launch his own gym, and the lessons that turned setbacks into success.

Jeanneth Vasquez is the definition of a hustler and the undisputed Queen of Pivot. From balancing multiple careers to sparking the Billionaire Broke Girls investigation, Jeanneth knows how to change lanes without losing momentum. In this episode, we talk about surviving the grind, knowing when to shift gears, and why flexibility might just be the real secret to success.

When no one would lease him a space at the start of COVID, Mohammed Zaid didn’t fold — he pivoted. As the founder of Buffalo Eats CLT, he turned rejection into a booming food brand serving up some of the most talked-about wings in Charlotte. In this episode, we talk about betting on yourself, building from scratch, and how social media became his secret weapon. Now, with a second location on the way, his story is just heating up.

When Brandon Harris picked up the clippers, it wasn’t just about fades—it was about freedom. From Detroit to Charlotte, he turned his side hustle into a premium brand, now trusted by athletes, media professionals, and a growing community. Brandon shares how he built his $100 cut business, why community matters more than clout, and how his IG group is inspiring barbers and creatives nationwide. This episode is all about ownership, elevation, and the pivot that changed everything.

What happens when your pivot doesn’t just affect you — but your relationship too?In this episode, Nicole F. Smith gets candid about the emotional weight of pivoting while in a relationship, navigating shared expectations, and learning how to ask for support without passing the blame.We also talk about what it feels like to walk away from corporate America, only to later find yourself overqualified and questioning whether you should go back.If you’ve ever wrestled with identity, ambition, and accountability during your pivot — this one’s for you.

In the premiere of The Pivot Series, fitness trainer and entrepreneur Tariq Ghafoori joins the show to share his journey of leaving Virginia for the Queen City in hopes of elevating his brand and chasing new opportunities. But the move wasn’t without its challenges.Tariq gets real about the struggles of starting over in a new city, balancing personal battles, and navigating the pressure to succeed. He also reveals what keeps him motivated on the tough days and how he’s reshaping his mindset through it all.If you’ve ever thought about pivoting to a new chapter, this episode is for you.

We’re back and setting the tone for the rest of the summer! This week, we’re catching up on all the vibes — from the concerts we’re hitting, taking that Emmy L (yeah… we’re unpacking it 👀), what’s getting us on the dance floor, and of course, all the Love Island drama.Plus, we’re laying the groundwork for our upcoming series on pivoting — because sometimes life hits you with a plot twist, and it’s all about the comeback.

Everybody says “don’t read the comments”… but we did. This week, Nicole F. Smith joins me to break down the wild, hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking conversations happening in the comment sections. From the STL storm aftermath to renters insurance debates and the Diddy trial drama — we’re unpacking what those comments really reveal about us and our culture.#TheDerrionLHShow

So What Happened? pulls back the curtain on The Billionaire Broke Girls — the award-winning investigative piece now Emmy-nominated and a NABJ Salute to Excellence finalist.Jeanette Vasquez, one of the fearless women who blew the whistle, joins the show to unpack what really went down at BC Lounge in Bessemer City, NC (just outside Charlotte). Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the hurdles, newsroom politics, and last-minute decisions that almost left this story on the cutting room floor.But that’s not all — hear a review of the Kendrick Lamar and SZA Grand National Tour stop in Charlotte, and find out if the mission to buy last-minute tickets scored big or landed in the nosebleeds.And as promised, an update on how my dog Leo is handling life in Charlotte after the big move.All that and more in this episode.Disclaimer: This episode discusses allegations that remain under investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

We pick up right where Episode 1 left off. Derrion Henderson wraps up the story of his transition out of the news industry and his move to Charlotte. Plus, special guest Nicole F. Smith drops gems on knowing when it’s time to pivot, how to lean into life’s unexpected turns, and fully embrace your journey.

After years of delivering the news, I stepped away from the anchor desk — and ever since, the question has followed me: Why? In the premiere episode of my podcast, hosted through S.P.E.A.K. UP LLC, I open up about my decision to leave the TV news industry and begin a new chapter.Joining me for this candid conversation is our monthly contributor and leadership coach, Nicole F. Smith. Together, we unpack the power of purpose, the fear of transition, and what it truly means to bet on yourself. This is more than just a story — it's a new beginning.