The Black Experience

Seattle-Tacoma-based photographer Chelsea Tornga shares her powerful journey from being born in Uganda to building a photography career rooted in faith, identity, and human connection.🎧 Tap in now and don’t forget to subscribe for more powerful conversations.In this episode, Chelsea opens up about growing up in a household of 20 siblings from around the world, how that shaped her perspective on people, and how she turned a simple moment—taking photos for a friend—into a creative path.Plus, we introduce a brand new segment: “This or That” 🎯If you’re a creative, photographer, or someone trying to find your voice—this episode is for you.--------------------------TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro1:56 Who is Chelsea Tornga? (Uganda to PNW Journey)7:46 Growing Up in a 20-Sibling Household16:44 Identity, Culture & Finding Her Place24:06 “This or That” Segment (Fun Photography Challenge)29:12 How She Got Into Photography (From Phone to Business)34:02 Faith, Confidence & Seeing Through God’s Lens43:18 Outro--------------------------✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠#photographypodcast #creativemindset #selfgrowthjourney #faithandpurpose #seattlecreatives

✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠Representation isn’t just important… it’s life-changing.Actress, Poet, and Author Danela Butler shares how seeing women like Brandy, Whoopi Goldberg, and more shaped what she believed was possible for her life.If you’ve ever needed a reminder that your presence matters and your story can impact someone else… this is it!👉 Watch the full episode here:https://youtu.be/HdKA5LE3cPoGet Her Book Here:https://danelabutler.com/#representationmatters #blackcreatives #storytelling #purpose #selfidentity

✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠Get ready for a powerful conversation on creativity, identity, and purpose.Danela is an actress, poet, and author of The Pearl: Unveiling the Strength Within. From her early days in Seattle to building her career in Atlanta, she shares how art became her outlet, her therapy, and ultimately her calling.In this episode, we dive into what acting really is (hint: it’s not pretending), the difference between spoken word and written poetry, and how pain can be transformed into purpose. Danela also opens up about the journey behind her book, the importance of representation, and why creativity is one of the most powerful gifts we have.Danela's Website & Book:https://danelabutler.com/Follow Danela Here:https://www.instagram.com/danela_butlerofficial/TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro3:40 Icebreaker: Movie That Brings Peace5:20 Who Is Danela Butler?9:30 Discovering Creativity & Overcoming Shyness16:00 The Story Behind The Pearl23:30 Poetry vs Spoken Word Explained29:40 The Truth About Acting (It’s Not Pretending)36:28 Advice to the Younger Generation40:00 Outro#podcast #blackcreatives #actingtips #spokenwordpoetry #selfgrowth

✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠What if your purpose isn’t just one thing… but something that evolves as you grow?Neil shares a perspective that will challenge how you think about purpose, identity, and growth. From overcoming addiction to finding faith, he breaks down why chasing a single “life purpose” might actually be holding you back.🎯 If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or pressured to “figure it all out,” this is for you.#findingpurpose #personalgrowth #faithbased #selfdevelopment #mindsetshift 

✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠Young people today are watching everything adults do — and they’re asking important questions.Tiesha Clark shares why investing in the next generation is critical right now. She opens up about the responsibility adults have to model integrity, create safe spaces for youth, and provide guidance in a chaotic world.👍 LIKE this video if you believe mentorship matters🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more conversations on culture, leadership, and purpose💬 COMMENT your thoughts: How can we better support the next generation?Follow her here:https://www.instagram.com/rotiesha_clark/Women's Retreat:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScLnD239JH91GpqB7LFixKotUOap4AGsK_P5xhiOlvqQQFy3Q/viewform

✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠You are not ordinary — and your life is not accidental.Make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT your biggest takeaway from this episode!This week, I got the chance to sit down with Tiesha Clark, faith-based transformational coach, founder and CEO of Right Standing Solutions LLC, to talk about purpose, obedience, leadership, and why faith is the foundation of everything she builds.We discuss her move to the Pacific Northwest, the inspiration behind launching her coaching business, and the vision behind her upcoming women’s retreat. Tiesha also shares why Jesus is central to her life, why investing in youth is critical right now, and how bold obedience unlocks doors you never imagined. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!Tiesha Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rotiesha_clark/----------------------------------------TIMESTAMPS:0:00 intro2:51 Icebreaker!6:36 Meet Tiesha Clark 14:31 Faith 17:22 Isolation v Separation24:40 Women's Retreat!29:43 Coaching: Is It Your Life Purpose?35:03 Focus & Investment Into The Youth42:53 The Deep End: Advice To The Younger Generation44:23 Outro----------------------------------------#faithbasedcoaching  #womenempowerment #christianleadership  #personalgrowthjourney  #blackexperiencepodcast 

✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠From Ethiopia & Eritrea to Seattle — this is a story of faith, leadership, identity, and purpose.Make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & COMMENT your biggest takeaway from this conversation!In this powerful episode,  I sit down with Aman — a husband, father, civil servant, and pastor at Yesu Way Community in Seattle. We dive deep into his journey from Ethiopia & Eritrea to the U.S., how faith shaped his career in government, and what it truly means to follow Jesus “His Way” instead of cultural religion. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!Yesu Way Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/yesuwaycommunity/--------------------------------------------TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro1:41 Icebreaker4:10 Meet Aman10:03 Gifts & Talents13:39 First Impressions Of Washington16:47 Managing Responsibilities Without Going Crazy21:23 Pressure From The Word "Pastor?"29:49 Why So Many Denominations?38:43 Yesu Way42:48 Advice To The Younger Generation46:40 You Cant Do It Alone! 48:10 Message To Non-Christians51:33 Outro--------------------------------------------#faithandpurpose #christianpodcast #blackexperiencepodcast #leadershipjourney #modernchristianity

What does it take to rebuild your life and find purpose after your darkest moment?LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT to support more powerful conversations like this.In this episode, rising independent singer Jayla Snow shares her raw journey through addiction, recovery, motherhood, and rediscovering her voice through music. She opens up about moving to the Pacific Northwest, choosing joy daily, and using her story to inspire the next generation to keep going—no matter what.Jayla Snow Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jaylasnow_/Mama Nat's Jerk Spot Jamaican Cuisine:https://www.instagram.com/mamanatsjerkspot/TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro5:00 Meet Jayla Snow & her move to the Pacific Northwest10:48 Music roots, family influence, and creative journey12:30 Overcoming addiction & discovering her true purpose17:10 Healthy habits, healing, and using music as therapy23:40 Community, motherhood, and rebuilding life30:30 Advice to Gen Z: don’t rush life & choose happiness daily34:15 Outro

✅ 🎧 Link to all platforms: https://linktr.ee/ermiashagos✅ ☕One-time donation: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/tbewithermias⁠What if loss could bring clarity instead of fear?In this powerful Q&A, I sit down with Netta Fei—author, spiritual coach, and founder of True Self Society—to discuss her book The Book of Burnett: 42 Truths for Living Life Well, Fully and Without Regret. Be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT to support the show and join the conversation.Netta opens up about the inspiration behind the book, the lessons passed down from her late father, the emotional challenges of writing through grief, and the truths that continue to guide how she lives today. This episode is a grounded, honest conversation about legacy, healing, and choosing what truly matters—right now.Get Her Book Here:https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Netta-Fei/dp/B0G61XXV68Netta Fei Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nettafei/Netta Fei Substack:https://substack.com/@nettafei?TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Intro | Live Q&A & Why This Conversation Matters2:28 – Who Is Netta Fei? Author of The Book of Burnett6:21 – Honoring Her Father & The Purpose Behind the Book10:04 – “Don’t Play Yourself Cheap” | Self-Worth & Boundaries14:57 – “Haste Makes Waste” | Slowing Down With Intention35:55 – Writing the Book | Lessons, Loss & Channeling Wisdom47:23 – Marriage, Compatibility & Real Relationship Truths56:28 – Final Reflections, Where to Buy the Book & Outro#blackexcellence #podcast #advice