The Tiff’s Truth Podcast

In this episode I speak with the CEO of Kissed by a Bee Organics, Akilah Scott-Amos about herbalism, rootwork, urban farming and how she's using the earth and nature's gifts to help others heal. Akilah comes from generations of rootworkers and sharecroppers; she learned most of her knowledge about the healing powers of plants via her Grandmother (LeDora) and Father (William). Born and raised as a vegetarian, most of her meals were made from scratch and grown right on the family property. Many plants and roots were grown to nourish the body, but also heal ailments as well. She decided to start Kissed By A Bee Organics in May 2013, with the support of her husband and friends. Akilah also has several certifications in herbalism and is constantly honing her craft. She, along with her family, utilize their 4-acre farm by growing roughly 75% of what she uses in the products. She lives in Manvel, TX with her two sons (Alex and Aiden), her husband (Christopher), 3 dogs (Chad, Aza and Ashe) and a cat named Horus.  Kissed By A Bee Organics

In this episode, psychologist Dr. Obari Cartman and I discuss the day-to-day challenges Black men face, the social conditioning that leads to mental health struggles and why so many Black men won't seek help. Dr. Cartman is a father, son, brother, uncle, thinker, writer, therapist, photographer, drummer, and grassroots mental health advocate. He is a Chicago native, where his cultural and educational foundations were cultivated by several African-centered institutions. He received his undergraduate degree from Hampton University and a Ph.D in clinical & community psychology from Georgia State University.  His recent work includes being a trauma focused clinician, restorative justice coach and program evaluator with H.E.LP., LLC (Healing Empowering and Learning Professions). Dr. Cartman has served as a professor of psychology at Georgia State University and the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies at Northeastern University.  Dr. Cartman recently created a male rites of passage curriculum called MANifest that is being implemented in juvenile detention centers, schools and in private community settings. Dr. Cartman is the former program director for Real Men Charities, Inc. where for 3 years he facilitated weekly men's wellness and African drumming circles and was the associate editor of the South Side Drive magazine.  Dr. Cartman is the current President of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists and curator of a directory of Black mental health providers. As a consultant Dr. Cartman facilitates trainings for adults and workshops with youth about maintaining good mental health, critical analysis of hip-hop and media, racial and cultural identity, developing authentic manhood, and healthy relationships. Mental Health | Manhood | United States | Obari Cartman

In part two of my exploration of the spiritual practice of Hoodoo, I interview Baba Rah, who is an experienced conjure oil maker, Hoodoo practitioner and IFA initiate. He breaks down the history of conjure oils, their purpose, how they are used and more. Conjure oils are ritual oils been blessed with herbs and intention that can be used to bless, anoint, heal, curse, bring in money, love etc. Baba Rah can be reached via email at: [email protected] and on Instagram @theelracollective

In this episode, I got a chance to speak with Hoodoo practitioner and business owner Lisa Jones, who owns Memphis Conjure Supply in Memphis, Tennessee. She breaks down this CLOSED spiritual practice developed by enslaved Africans, how she began practicing, how African Americans can utilize Hoodoo today, her feature on the STARZ network and more... Memphis Conjure - Memphis Conjure Supply

In this episode, Dr. Norma Reyes and I discuss manifestation, connecting to your ancestral roots and how to go about changing your mindset to create the life of your dreams. Dr. Reyes is a first-generation Mexican American who has overcome generational trauma and poverty cycles. She first began her journey in reconnecting with her spiritual roots in 2019.  ​ Since then, Dr. Reyes has enjoyed helping Latinas and women of color rediscover their spiritual roots, embrace their ancestral wisdom, and manifest their deepest desires. ​ As a first-generation Mexican American, Dr. Reyes brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences and extensive academic background, including a Bachelor’s in Psychology, a Master’s in Counseling, and a Ph.D. in Adult, Professional, and Community Education. ​ She has been married for 9 years and is the proud mother of four children. Alongside her therapy and coaching work, Dr. Reyes is a certified moonology and hypnosis is currently pursuing certifications as a trauma-informed professional, trauma-informed yoga professional. Her passion for spiritual tools such as astrology, moonology, tarot, crystal healing, and energy healing shines through in her coaching. ​ Dr. Reyes is dedicated to helping others on their manifestation journey, providing guidance that blends therapeutic expertise with metaphysical insights, empowering her clients to create spiritual routines that align with their unique goals. Home | Manifesting Latina

In this episode I speak with the founder of Flower Girls Meet, Vanessa Flowers about the importance of building community, finding your tribe and connecting with people with are aligned with your personal values and purpose. Flower Girls Meet cultivates space for authentic conversations about work, mental health, and wellness while empowering women with meaningful connections and the awareness that we aren’t alone in our struggles. By teaming up with mental health and wellness experts who teach us to live and work more mindfully, we give each other flowers that enable us to thrive. We are a beautiful community of Flower Girls growing each time we meet! As of August 2023, Flower Girls has expanded to become a digital platform offering resources and interesting articles that can help you on your healing and health journey. We also offer curated events for companies who want to help their employees improve their health, well-being, productivity, and retention.

In this episode, Inez and I discuss the importance of networking, how to do it the right way and adding value to our business relationships. Inez Woody is a highly skilled writer, copywriter, and Sr. Network Administrator with over 20 years of expertise in technology. Throughout her career, she has excelled in creating compelling content that boosts brand visibility, fuels business growth, and shapes communication strategies for many businesses. Inez's mastery of language, persuasive writing abilities, and talent for crafting brand messaging have been instrumental in her success as both a journalist and storyteller.Proudly hailing from Chicago's South Side, Inez is a published writer for publications like Parents Magazine and The Chicago Defender. As a celebrity journalist, she has conducted interviews and written stories on notable figures like Dwayne Wade, Gabrielle Union, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Alongside her freelance copywriting endeavors, she has co-authored and edited an empowering book "Sis, Stand On My Shoulders," specifically targeting young women. She is also dedicated to assisting novice female authors in copy-editing their manuscripts and books.Inez is the proprietor of Woody Suite & Co, a creative ad agency specializing in crafting conversational story-driven copy for business owners and creatives. With a strong background in technology, she has held positions at leading international law firms and has actively mentored Black and brown girls pursuing careers in technology and STEM fields. In her personal life, Inez champions black-owned businesses and serves as a master connector within her community.As a dedicated mother to her 22-year-old son, Isaiah—a college athlete and scholar—Inez gracefully balances her professional achievements as the cornerstone of her girlfriend's circle and a pillar of support in her community. Woody Suite & Co. | Linktree

In this episode, we explore narcissistic personality disorder, what it is and how to navigate/heal, (whether you are in a platonic or romantic relationship). We also discuss how parents can identify early traits in their children to get them treatment. Dr. Natalie Jones, PsyD is a Therapist and coach in narcissistic abuse recovery, expert witness, corporate consultant, writer & speaker. Dr. Natalie Jones PsyD, LPCC® Therapy for narcissistic abuse recovery. (drnataliejones.com)

In this episode, the mother of Hadiya Pendleton who was slain in 2013 at the age of 15 by men firing at who they thought were rival gang members joins me to discuss the Party 4 Peace event she throws every year in honor of her daughter's life, forgiveness and how she's rebuilding herself after loss. Hadiyas Promise – We Envision a World of hope And change (hadiyaspromisechi.org)

In this episode comedian, poet, community servant and founder of The Sandwich Ministry and Griselda Negrow, M'Reld Green joins me to discuss how she balances family all while having multiple irons in the fire and the importance of using ALL of your gifts and talents before it's too late. The Sandwich Ministry is a 501c3 that assists children in underserved areas in Chicago with food and other necessities. Griselda Negrow is a cannibis-lifestyle brand designed to give good vibes to those who deal with busy lives and suffer from anxiety.

In this episode, "Kookie" Daniels shares what she's learned in her decade plus of experience as an entrepreneur. She talks about how all of her ventures (from teaching dance to business consulting) and the failures along the way, have molded her into the woman she is today. Kookie's Dance Den (kookiesdanceden.com) teaseuniversity - Link in Bio & Creator Tools | Beacons Business Coaching | Kookie Daniels (itsbusinessupstairs.com)

In this episode, the owners of the Black, family-owned bookstore "Da Book Joint" in Chicago's Washington Park neighborhood talk about the ups and downs of trying to keep their business thriving on the South Side of the city. And how (after almost throwing in the towel), the community rallied around them to provide support. Chicago's African American Book Source | Da Book Joint

In this episode I discuss the so-called “setbacks” that led me to my latest opportunity.

In this episode, Dr. Kisha discusses how her passion for identifying and assisting victims of sex trafficking led her to start her own non-profit and how her mother's drug addiction played a role in her life path. Dr. Roberts-Tabb has created and implemented programs, mentored young ladies, and has been instrumental in bringing awareness to the Juvenile Probation Department around gender responsive issues including, alarming rates of HIV and AIDS among African-American women and girl, LGBTQ support, and domestic human trafficking; developing and implementing mandatory trainings Identifying Domestic Trafficking Victims, Working with Domestic Sex Trafficking Victims, and Working with Court Involved Youth. As the first Human Trafficking/ Gender Responsive/LGBTQ Specialist for Cook County Juvenile Probation Department, Dr. Tabb has worked alongside Stop It, Sky Way Railroad, Center on Halsted, Not Your Shame, Children’s Advocacy Center, Chicago Police Department, Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, Department of Children and Family Service, Chicago Coalition on Urban Girls, Cook County Human Trafficking Taskforce, CCHT Taskforce Training Subcommittee, Cook County Multi-Disciplinary Team, Human Trafficking Housing Pilot with the Administration for Children and Families in partnership with Housing and Urban Development and FBI specifically Operation Cross Country (2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018) to assure that the youth service are afforded the best care and treatment possible without violating their dignity and safety while acting as a mentor and often times a mother figure. Home | Dr. Kisha Roberts- Tabb (drkisharobertstabb.com)

In this episode I detail my journey into becoming an Usui Reiki Practitioner.

In this five-minute guided meditation, the focus is on healing and restoration. Camille Smith is a wellness and mindfulness content creator who seeks to inspire women to love themselves inside and out. She is currently working on her meditation teacher training certification and enjoys yoga in her free time. The Wellness in Creativity with Camille – The Cirri

In this episode, Psychotherapist Denisha Smith walks me through the practice of somatic experiencing therapy and how she implements it into her sessions to assist her patients with releasing trauma. Denisha is a highly sought-after holistic therapist, minister, workshop presenter, and clinical supervisor who is called to help adult survivors of trauma move from surviving to thriving. She has been extensively trained in Somatic Experiencing ™(SE), which is a trauma modality that supports the gentle release of bound trauma energy from the nervous system. As a body-based therapist, Denisha tracks nervous system patterning to assist in resolving symptoms of trauma. Black Trauma Therapist In Maryland | Embodied Culture (embodied-culture.com)

In this episode, the founder of Chicago Black Restaurant Week, Lauran Smith discusses how she's been working for nine years to grow the brand to what it is today, her love of food, how she deals with nay-sayers and more... CBRW always falls on the 2nd week in February. Because back in 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson established "Negro History Week" as a way to celebrate the achievements of the Black Community. In an effort to honor the legacy of such a great man, Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week launched on Windy City Live during the 2nd week in February of the year 2016. This way, Dr. Carter G. Woodson will always be mentioned and remembered as the inspiration behind Chicago BLACK Restaurant Week, as we continue to celebrate the achievements of the Black Community. CHICAGO BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK (chiblackrestaurantweek.com)

In this episode, Shonya Williams a.k.a. Chef Royce discusses her journey through decades of cooking and her struggles with her new restaurant Soul Prime before food critic Keith Lee showed up and changed her life. Soul Prime Restaurant uplifts the community while celebrating the uniqueness of African American culture. Their elevated soul food menu is associated with excellence and the authenticity of the ancestors. Soul Prime Chicago

In this episode, Teharah J. Smith (a.k.a. Teharah J.) discusses her childhood, battles with mental health and seeking therapy, how she's healing her inner child by working with youth and creating a makeup line that gives back. Teharah J. Smith is an actress, producer and entrepreneur, mental health advocate/certified Mental Health first aider and owner and creator of "Power by Teharah J." Her makeup line connects colors with psychology and a portion of the proceeds assist women with getting mental health resources. Power By Teharah J

In this episode, Jeannette and I discuss our love of travel, the impact it has had on our lives and why we've turned our passions for wanderlust into businesses. She also details her healing process after the loss of her beloved father in 2021. Jeannette Ceja is an award-winning bilingual travel journalist, television host, travel advisor, and global public speaker. Over the past ten years, she has interviewed countless celebrities, athletes, and travel experts, including Samantha Brown, Rick Steves, and Anthony Bourdain.   She has appeared as an on-air travel expert on BBC World News, ABC7 Los Angeles, WTTW Chicago, FOX 11 Los Angeles, Mexico Travel Channel, Spectrum News 1 Los Angeles, ABC 10 News San Diego, KUSI News, Good Day Austin/Fox 7 Austin, and other prominent media outlets worldwide. Jeannette is a seasoned and bilingual journalist known for her expertise in women's travel, luxury travel, and the Latino-Hispanic travelers demographic. Jeannette's dedication has taken her to over 60 countries to date. Home | Jet Set Jeannette (jetsetwithjeannette.com)

In the first full episode of 2024, Tamar Manasseh details her childhood growing up on the South Side of Chicago, her love of community, how her ancestors assist in her activist work and the road to finally becoming an ordained rabbi. MASK (ontheblock.org)

As we kick off 2024, here are some thoughts on my personal shadow work journey. The aim of this podcast in 2024 will be to encourage more healing and self reflection.

I've put together clips of my favorite episodes this year for listeners. From conversations with a psychic medium to the Executive Director of a Chicago non-profit, these were some of my favorite CEO conversations because of how insightful and candid they were. Make sure you go back to hear the FULL episodes with each guest featured and subscribe!

In this episode, Joe details his journey from telecommunications tech to professional DJ and how his leap of faith into the craft has paved the way for opportunities to build almost 23 other businesses and secure contracts with some well-known corporate clients like Carnival Cruises and the Chicago Cubs. About | Soca King of the Sea (jblendz.com)

In this episode, LaKeisha and I discuss the importance of providing young women with safe spaces and the freedom show up as their authentic selves, how adults should set the tone and how her non-profit is seeing to it that Black girls use media to push back against "respectability politics". La'Keisha Gray-Sewell is a new media relations and strategic communications consultant by trade, and a girls advocate by life assignment. An internationally recognized urban girls advocate, a media literacy expert, and speaker, La'Keisha founded Girls Like Me Project Inc. to train girls in media literacy and empower them to navigate beyond negative media stereotypes to become global legacy builders. Under her leadership, GLMPI has served more than 700 girls through its transformative programs and events. The mission of GLMPI is to help African American girls ages 11-17 critically examine social, cultural, and political ideologies in media so that they will be able to overcome stigmas and negative stereotypes. We equip them with the tools and strategies to become influential, independent digital storytellers who transform their communities and foster global sisterhood. Girls Like Me Project - Home

In this episode, media maven Michelle Mekky details her journey of starting what is now a seven-figure business with no money and no business plan after being let go from her 9 to 5. She also discusses how she persevered through ovarian cancer and wants to bring awareness so that more women are able catch the disease in the early stages. Michelle got her start in television news, spending over a decade as a senior producer and news writer for Fox-TV in Chicago. She transitioned from journalism to PR and marketing, working at top agencies and using her insider media knowledge and widespread connections to achieve top-tier coverage for clients ranging from startups to global powerhouses. She launched Mekky Media in 2016, to bring her own brand of PR to the market and deliver powerful publicity, with an emphasis on personal attention and creative storytelling. Mekky Media provides PR strategy, media relations, media training, event promotion, social media strategy and influencer outreach. To meet demand brought on by the pandemic, the agency has added services that include integrated digital and PR programs, personal branding, and internal communications. Top Rated Public Relations (PR) Firm in Chicago - Mekky Media

In this episode, award-winning publicist Briahna Gatlin talks about how she created a name for herself by becoming one of the first publicists in the city of Chicago with a sole focus on hip-hop and urban culture. Over the span of her nearly twenty-year career, she has grown her business to now include big named brands, musical artists across all genres, and festivals known around the world. swankpublishing.com Her notable clients include Zenni Eyewear, Earn Your Leisure, DropBox, The Chicago Bulls, The Gorillaz, Vic Mensa, Comedian/Actor Lil Rel, Chance The Rapper, Tobi Lou, Raekwon, King Louie, Sway Calloway (MTV), New Era, Complex Magazine, Mos Def, Sports Journalist Brandon Scoop B Robinson,  Lupe Fiasco, Multi-Platinum Producers Christian Rich, Da Internz, G.O.O.D Music, Eighty81 (Lebron James, Rich Paul), Professional Skateboarder Stevie Williams (DGK) and more. CEO & Principal Publicist Briahna Gatlin has branded Swank PR in various and unconventional ways creating a lane for Public Relations in Chicago of what was only considered a minimal asset. Being a major beacon in the industry within Chicago, Briahna has become a trailblazer keeping her ear to the ground, connecting the dots, and creating a legacy and lane for upcoming new media.

In this episode, the co-owners of Upscale CBD talk about starting a family-owned business geared toward adding a holistic approach to pain relief by using hemp CBD. UPSCALE is an innovative, Chicago, Illinois based health, wellness, and personal care products company with a secondary operation located in North Carolina. Their vision is to illustrate and showcase the dynamic, restorative advantages of hemp derived products. Upscale CBD (shopupscalecbd.com)

In this episode, Anthony Waller who's the CEO of Catering Out The Box discusses leaving his 9 to 5 as a top sales executive to running his own successful corporate catering business and the trials he's endured along the way. Catering Out The Box is a Chicago business established in 2003 that does full-service catering for dining venues and events. Healthy & Affordable Chicago Catering - Catering Out The Box

This episode includes a short introduction about the importance of rest and stillness, followed by a five-minute guided meditation with holistic practitioner Angelana Celeste Grant. We cannot truly become our optimal selves if we are constantly running from rest. So, whether you make the decision to put away the laptop, lay across the couch and watch tv, take a few deep breaths, or just go to sleep. I encourage you to be STILL.

In this episode, Kyra and I discuss how YR Media is assisting the next generation of journalists, being a Black woman in the field, how to work your way up the ranks and more. Kyra Kyles is a multi-platform senior-level media executive, award-winning writer and public speaker on issues of diversity and representation. In 2020, she was named CEO at YR Media (formerly Youth Radio), an award-winning national network of young multicultural creators who develop content—including music, investigative journalism, design/interactive, and documentaries— for this generation. The Oakland-based nonprofit organization has invested in the future workforce for nearly 30 years, helping next-generation talent develop crucial skills across journalism, arts, and media. YR Media - It's Your Media

In this episode "Sharaun" Brown and I discuss building self-esteem, affirming yourself, navigating public ridicule and how she's using her platform to help others. Brittney "Sharaun" Brown is a model, actress, mystic mentor, motivational speaker and former contestant on America's Next Top Model Cycle 11. She's also started a healing community called "The Model Tribe" where she provides spiritual support for aspiring and non-models. Model Tribe (themodeltribe.com)

Shavonna Mason details her life being placed up for adoption at the age of three months due to her mother's drug addiction and how she was able to heal, reinvent herself and start a new life by assisting others. thewindycitylifecoach.com

In this episode, Takiia Deadwyler (owner of RedHed Photography ) discusses how she launched a successful business while juggling her own mental health challenges, motherhood and her husband's cancer diagnosis.

In this episode we're talking ALL about money and breaking down LLC’s, Sole Proprietorships, S-Corps, taxes, the importance of CPA’s, cash flow vs. profit, how to pay yourself from your business and MORE! Jay Veal is the CEO of INC Education, the #1 AA owned private tutoring and education company in the US as well as the top online tutoring company for BIPOC in the nation. The company is a $1.6M brand in the private tutoring space. He is also Founder/CEO of The Jay Veal Brand which is a Dallas-based premier consulting brand that deploys education, business, and credit consulting as well as Airbnb real estate. He has been a Black Enterprise contributor for education and credit. https://www.inceducationllc.com

Entrepreneur and Holistic Practitioner Angelana Celeste Grant discusses the importance of stillness, it’s benefits and the ways that we can take advantage of it in our day-to-day lives. https://iamtheniftygypsy.com

Entrepreneur and owner of Badabing Wings in Chicago shares how he took a leap of faith at the top of the pandemic and built a successful restaurant. https://badabingwings.com

Psychic medium, numerologist and reiki healer Javia Alissa joins us to talk about her spiritual journey growing up as an intuitive and how she's built a six-figure spiritual empire. https://www.javiaalissa.com

Dr. Akilah Bradford and I discuss the importance of mentor ship, systems & growth. https://www.hr-doc.com

In this episode Dr. Bradford and I discuss the part(s) of entrepreneurship that aren’t posted on social media. It’s a conversation every NEW entrepreneur needs to hear. https://www.hr-doc.com

This is a piece that I wrote shortly after becoming a full-time entrepreneur. It’s published in Thought Catalog and titled “Read This if You’re Scared of Starting Over”. I hope that it encourages someone.

An intro to my new podcast which explores spirituality and entrepreneurship…