What happens when you stop playing it safe, bet on yourself, and decide you’re no longer shrinking to make other people comfortable?

On this episode of Okay And? With Leah Henry, I’m sitting down with award-winning journalist, host, entrepreneur, and creator Sommer Hill for a real conversation about leaving corporate media, building your own platform, and what it really takes to bet on yourself.

Sommer opens up about walking away from NPR to build her own brand, Sommer Time Productions why she believes in shooting her shot every single day, and how she turned her passion into opportunities to interview some of the biggest names in entertainment. We also revisit her experience at NBC, where she and other pages advocated for changes that improved pay, benefits, and opportunities for future employees.

But we’re not stopping at career talk. We get into the reality of going viral, dealing with internet trolls, being judged for your appearance, and why successful women are often reduced to their looks instead of being recognized for their hard work. As two Black women navigating media and entrepreneurship, we also have an honest conversation about plus-size beauty standards, online hate, gender roles, and why some people struggle with women who know their worth.

Plus, we talk about boundaries, discipline, legacy, manifestation, and learning to keep going even when the path looks nothing like you expected.

If you’re building something of your own, navigating a career transition, or learning how to stop letting other people’s opinions dictate your next move, this conversation is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

• Leaving corporate media and choosing yourself
• Betting on yourself and shooting your shot, even when you might hear no
• Speaking up for Black talent and creating change in the workplace
• The emotional side of journalism and telling difficult stories
• Going viral, dealing with trolls, and protecting your peace
• Plus-size beauty standards and the way Black women are perceived
• Gender roles, dating, and why independent women make some people uncomfortable
• Staying disciplined, believing in your vision, and manifesting what’s next

🎙️ ABOUT OKAY AND? WITH LEAH HENRY

Life gets messy, but I get real. Okay And? is where we have honest conversations about the experiences, challenges, and unexpected turns that shape who we become.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Leah Henry Instagram: @leahahenry

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Sommer Hill Instagram: @sommerfh

👍🏾 Like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder to keep betting on themselves.

💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Have you ever had to choose yourself even when other people didn’t understand your decision? How do you handle negativity when you put yourself out there? Let us know in the comments!

What happens when the career you worked so hard to build no longer looks the way you imagined? And what happens when God starts pushing you to build something of your own?

On this episode of Okay And? With Leah Henry, I'm sitting down with award-winning journalist, host, podcaster, and founder of Creatives of Faith, Gia Peppers, for an honest conversation about faith, career transitions, and navigating the changing landscape of Black media.

We're getting real about the challenges Black women face in the media industry, the impact of layoffs, the pressure to stay visible, and the financial lessons that often come with being a creative. Gia opens up about learning to share her journey while she's still figuring things out, why our gifts are bigger than the platforms we occupy, and how her faith inspired her to create a community that helps creatives grow spiritually and professionally.

We also talk about financial stewardship, redefining success, building beyond traditional career paths, and why waiting for someone else to recognize your value can keep you from walking in your purpose.

If you've ever questioned your next move, felt overlooked in your industry, or wondered whether it's too late to start over, this conversation is your reminder that you don't have to stay in one box, and your purpose doesn't disappear when a door closes.

Because sometimes rebuilding isn't starting over. It's becoming who you're called to be.

🎙️ About Okay And? With Leah Henry

Life gets messy, but I get real. Okay And? is where we have honest conversations about the experiences, challenges, and unexpected turns that shape who we become.

👍🏾 Like this podcast, subscribe to the channel, and share this episode with a creative who needs the reminder to keep going.

💬 Join the conversation: Have you ever had to rebuild your life or career after a door closed? What did that season teach you? Let us know in the comments!

Follow us on IG: @OkayAndWithLeah

Follow Leah on IG: @Leahahenry

Follower Gia on IG: @GiaPeppers

#OkayAndWithLeahHenry #GiaPeppers #BlackWomenInMedia #CreativesOfFaith #FaithAndPurpose

For over 7 years, I’ve been trying to make one interview happen: the Jonas Brothers.

After 10 years of working professionally in media, countless pitches, emails, connections, videos, and more than a few closed doors, it looked like this interview just wasn’t going to happen.

But I refused to let “no” be the end of the story.

In this special Okay, And… episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my Journey to Jonas — how this dream started, the setbacks along the way, what pushed me to keep going, the unexpected turns, and how I ultimately went from trying to get their attention to actually sitting down with the Jonas Brothers.

This is more than the story of an interview. It’s a story about persistence, betting on yourself, and what can happen when you keep going even when the door doesn’t seem to be opening.

Seven years in the making. Ten years into my career. One interview I refused to give up on.

Okay, And… we got the Jonas Brothers.

Follow us on IG: @OkayAndWithLeah

Follow Leah on IG: @Leahahenry