In this soul-stirring episode, Michelle Gines sits down with Nakea Bruce to explore how the profound weight of loss can become the catalyst for a more intentional life. Nakea opens up about the "pivotal moment" that changed everything: the loss of her father to COVID-19 in May 2020. She shares the raw reality of a Zoom-screen farewell and how God later provided a redeeming moment of presence while she cared for her bonus dad.

Beyond the grief, Nakea discusses her journey of self-awakening and the release of her book, Love Illusions—a collection of poetry and prose published in her late father’s name. This conversation serves as a guide for anyone navigating a "changed reality," offering practical advice on handling those who push back against your growth and finding the "But God" strength to move from longing to self-respect.

Key Discussion Points

• The Impact of a Zoom Farewell: Nakea reflects on the trauma of losing her father during the height of the pandemic and the profound "thank you" she gave to God for the chance to be physically present for her bonus dad.
• Intentionality in the Aftermath: How loss shifted Nakea’s perspective on time, leading her to prioritize deep connections and "check-ins" with those she loves.
• A Legacy in Print: The story behind Love Illusions. Nakea explains why publishing the book in her father’s name and releasing it on his birthday was a vital step in her healing and his legacy.
• The Changemaker’s Reality: Nakea’s hard-won advice for those evolving:
  • Make space for the "new you" and your new perspectives.
  • Prepare for the "you're acting different" crowd—and learn when to create distance to protect your peace.
• The "But God" Motivation: A look into Nakea’s spiritual endurance. She discusses how sitting in silence and repeating "strength, comfort, and keep me, Lord" provides the fuel to live an abundant life.
• Reclaiming the Self: Exploring the themes of Love Illusions—choosing oneself after choosing others first and the quiet triumph of returning to your own voice.

Are you ready to reclaim your voice after life has changed you? Listen to Nakea’s journey from heartbreak to clarity and discover how to live with intention, even in the midst of loss.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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In this critical follow-up conversation, Michelle Gines and Dr. Joyce G. Moore tackle the multi-billion dollar supplement industry. While many of us take vitamins to improve our health, Dr. Moore reveals that the wrong choices can actually introduce toxins into our systems.

This episode is a masterclass in "Supplement Literacy." Dr. Moore explains how to spot hidden "red flag" ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and why the front of the bottle rarely tells the whole story. We also dive into life-saving information regarding Vitamin E and its role in combating fibrocystic breast disease and uterine fibroids—a condition that disproportionately affects 30% of African American women. This is a must-listen for any woman looking to take full authority over her wellness journey.

Key Discussion Points

• Becoming a Label Detective: Why "natural" doesn't always mean safe. Dr. Moore emphasizes that your first line of defense is the Supplement Facts panel and the "Other Ingredients" list.
• The "Clean" Supplement Checklist: Identifying the high-quality players. Dr. Moore highlights why seeing "No Zinc Oxide" or "No Titanium Dioxide" on a label is a massive win for your long-term health.
• The Vitamin E Shield: A deep dive into the protective qualities of Vitamin E. We discuss its role in:
  • Reducing fibrocystic breast pain.
  • Supporting uterine health.
  • Addressing the 30% higher incidence of uterine fibroids in the African American community.
• Ethnic Health Disparities: A candid conversation on why certain populations must be even more vigilant about nutrient deficiencies and preventative care.
• Actionable Advocacy: How to audit your current vitamin cabinet and make the switch to pharmaceutical-grade or high-integrity supplements.

Key Takeaways

1. Don't Trust the Front: Always flip the bottle. The real story is in the fine print.
2. Avoid the Fillers: Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are unnecessary additives that can be toxic.
3. Prioritize Vitamin E: Especially for women concerned with uterine and breast health.

Is your vitamin cabinet doing more harm than good? Join me and Dr. Joyce G. Moore as we uncover the toxic ingredients hiding in plain sight and learn how to protect your body with the right nutrients. Listen now!

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
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In this profoundly empowering episode, Michelle Gines welcomes Deb Krier, a woman who is fundamentally rewriting the playbook on what it means to live with a chronic or life-threatening diagnosis. Deb, who has navigated Stage 4 Triple Positive Breast Cancer since 2015 along with two subsequent cancer diagnoses, shares how she refused to let her disease become the "star of the show."

This conversation moves beyond the medical to the deeply personal and strategic. Deb discusses the importance of being the "empoweree" of your own life and why self-advocacy is the most critical skill any of us can possess. She also touches on her modern approach to business and life, including her balanced view on AI as a tool that supports, but never replaces, human wisdom. From naming her prosthetics to building a "tribe" that includes her doctors as partners rather than bosses, Deb teaches us how to keep life on the schedule—and cancer off of it.

Key Discussion Points

- Building Your Tribe: How to treat physicians and care providers as members of your support team, not the leaders of it. Deb discusses shifting the medical model to one where the person is treated, not just the disease.

- Humor as a Weapon: How a wicked sense of humor and radical honesty can "kill" the despair of a cancer-consuming existence.

- The Mission of Trying Not to Die: Why the goal is to stop being "fine" with the status quo and start energizing our voices to expand our choices.

Are you watching your life from the sidelines? Listen to Deb Krier’s incredible story and learn how to put yourself back in the starring role. It’s time to stop just surviving and start truly living.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/time-for-action
License code: DYIDUNCFTECNV0Y4