Ericka sits down with Zoie Brogdon, a young equestrian who has already made her mark in one of the most demanding sports in the world.

Zoie talks about how she got her start in the saddle, and about the early mornings, hard work, and determination it took to become one of the standout riders of her generation.

She also shares the bond between horse and rider, what competing at the top level really takes, and where she's headed next, with the Olympics on the horizon. For anyone chasing a big dream, this conversation shows what it looks like to commit to one completely.

I'm so excited to introduce today's guest because he had such an impact on my life. David Sepulveda is the reason I got back in the water. When I was young, I went through something traumatic in the water, and I never swam again. I was terrified for years.

David became my teacher, my coach, and my mentor, and he got me swimming again.

Today, we're talking about how many people are afraid of water, how you overcome that fear, and what to do to save yourself if you're ever in trouble. I can't wait for you to hear his story.

Welcome, David.

Ericka Nicole Malone sits down with Valerie Nero, niece of the Queen of Gospel, Mahalia Jackson. They first met while Ericka was writing Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story. Valerie shares what it was like to grow up in her aunt's house: the open door on Indiana Avenue, the family who came to visit every year, and the click of the Marcel iron when Mahalia did hair in the kitchen. She talks about the healing in Mahalia's music, and how one song could carry praise, pain, and release all at once. She also talks about what a gift like that costs, the jealousy it drew in love, and the day her aunt stood up for her in front of everyone. Then the conversation turns to Valerie's own bucket wish. She wants to go to Rome and to Africa, and she wants to answer her calling: "Aunties' Winning Wisdom," a space where young women can learn from someone who's lived it. As she puts it, "I'm not telling you what I heard. I'm telling you what I know." This episode is about legacy, family, and walking into the purpose that was laid out for you. Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you.