Black Women Amplified Podcast

There are voices you hear, and then there are voices you feel. This week on Black Women Amplified, we sit with the incomparable Wendy Moten, an artist whose career has been defined not just by talent but by staying power, faith, and a deep understanding of who she is.From her breakout moment in 1992 to her unforgettable appearance on The Voice in 2020, Wendy’s journey stretches across decades of an industry that is constantly shifting. What stands out is not just longevity, but the way she has continued to evolve without losing herself. She shares what it really looks like to keep going when the spotlight changes, when the industry shifts, and when your path no longer fits the mold you were given.In this conversation, Wendy opens up about the early days and what it felt like stepping into visibility, and how those first moments shaped everything that followed. She speaks candidly about the choices she made to step away from traditional industry routes, including her decision to tour globally with Julio Iglesias, and how that experience expanded her view of what a career in music could be.We also explore the foundation beneath the voice. Wendy reflects on how her upbringing and the legacy of the civil rights movement shaped her courage, her discipline, and her commitment to excellence. There is a throughline of faith in her story. Not performative, but steady. The kind that carries you when nothing else makes sense.What makes Wendy’s journey so compelling is her range, both musically and personally. She has moved seamlessly across genres such as country, jazz, and soul, never asking permission and never shrinking herself to fit expectations. That versatility is not accidental. It is the result of knowing your gift and honoring it fully.At the heart of it all is connection. Wendy does not just sing songs; she creates moments where people feel seen. In a world that often asks you to narrow who you are, her story is a reminder that your fullness is your power.This episode is about more than music. It is about endurance. It is about trusting your path even when it looks different than what you imagined. It is about the quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly who you are.In This Episode, We Discuss:Building a career that lasts beyond trendsThe decision to step away from traditional industry expectationsWhat global touring taught her about artistry and audienceHow history and lived experience shape confidence and voiceMoving across genres without losing identityThe discipline behind longevity in musicCreating connection through your workWhy This Conversation MattersWendy’s story grounds us in something real. A career built over time, shaped by decisions that did not always make sense on paper, but made sense in her spirit.There is a steadiness in her journey. The kind that comes from doing the work, staying committed, and trusting your own timing even when the industry, or the world around you, is moving fast and expecting quick results.What she offers here is perspective. You can take a different route. You can pivot. You can expand. You can do it without losing the core of who you are.This conversation is for anyone standing at a crossroads, questioning their next move, or wondering if it is too late to redefine what success looks like on their own terms.

For more than 30 years, Icey Parks has been a quiet force across film, television, and theater. She began behind the stages of Broadway, running wardrobe departments and shaping how stories are told through costume. That foundation carried her into a career spanning more than 80 projects.You may not know her name, but you have seen her work. From American Gangster to Nurse Jackie, Oz, Luke Cage, and Pose, her imprint is woven into the culture.In this rare conversation, Icey opens up about her journey, her discipline, and what it takes to sustain a career behind the scenes at the highest level. We also talk about her latest project, The Color Purple, produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, and the responsibility of helping bring powerful stories to life.Icey does not do interviews, which makes this moment a true gift. This is a look into the life of a woman whose work has always spoken for itself.In This Episode, We Talk About:Building a 30-year career behind the scenes in film, television, and theaterStarting in Broadway wardrobe and developing a creative foundationThe role of costume in storytelling and character developmentWorking across iconic productions and shaping cultural momentsHer work on The Color Purple and what continues to inspire herLongevity, discipline, and staying power in a competitive industryWhy This Episode Matters:This conversation offers a rare perspective on the women who shape what we see, even when they are not in front of the camera. It is a reminder that legacy is not always loud, but it is always felt.Listen & Subscribe:If this episode resonates with you, subscribe, rate, and review Black Women Amplified. Your support helps us continue to share these powerful stories.

Liv Warfield does not ease into a stage. She steps into it fully.A vocalist with range, control, and presence, she has built her career performing at the highest level. From sharing the stage with Prince to working alongside Nancy Wilson of Heart and stepping into the national spotlight on America’s Got Talent, Liv has long been a performer who knows exactly how to hold a room.In this episode, we talk about what happens beyond those moments.This is a conversation about building your own lane, staying rooted in your voice in an industry that does not always know where to place you, and the discipline it takes to sustain a life in music.We also talk about her return home to Peoria for a special performance with a symphony behind her, and what it means to come back not as who you were, but as who you have become.This is not about starting over. It is about ownership.To learn more about Liv Warfield, visit: https://livwarfieldofficial.com/IN THIS EPISODEBuilding your own lane as an artistStaying true to your voice in a shifting industryThe discipline behind longevity in musicReturning home with a new level of clarityPerforming with a symphony and what that moment representsWEBSITE: www,blackwomenamplified.com and monicawisdomglobal.com

In this intimate and revealing conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Richelle Carey, an award-winning journalist whose career has spanned major newsrooms and global platforms, and who made the bold decision to walk away at the height of it.Known for her work in broadcast journalism, Richelle built a respected career delivering the news to millions. Behind that success was a deeper question about fulfillment, timing, and what it means to live life on your own terms.In this episode, Richelle opens up about the moment everything shifted.She shares what led her to step away from a high-profile career and pursue motherhood later in life, a decision that required clarity, courage, and a willingness to redefine success outside of public validation.This is not a conversation about leaving something behind. It is about choosing yourself fully.We explore the reality of navigating a career that looks successful on paper but requires personal sacrifice, and what it means to listen to your inner voice when it asks for something different.Richelle speaks candidly about identity, timing, and the courage it takes to pivot when the world expects you to stay the course.This conversation is a reflection on life transitions, personal truth, and the quiet power of making decisions that align with who you are becoming.In this episode, we discuss:Building a career in journalism and what it requiresThe decision to leave a high-profile role at the height of successChoosing motherhood and redefining personal timelinesLetting go of external validation and public identityCreating a life that reflects your truthAbout Richelle CareyRichelle Carey is an award-winning journalist and former global news anchor who has worked with major networks, including Al Jazeera English and HLN. Her career has taken her across the world, covering complex global stories while maintaining a commitment to thoughtful, human-centered reporting.Listen and Stay ConnectedVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified

In this dynamic and deeply engaging conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Natasha Yvette Williams, a powerhouse performer whose presence on stage is matched only by the depth of her journey behind the scenes.Natasha’s story is one of vision, discipline, and the kind of resilience that is forged over time. She shares what it takes to build a life in one of the most competitive industries in the world, offering an honest look at the path to Broadway and the realities that come with it.From her early aspirations to commanding some of the most celebrated stages, Natasha reflects on the moments that shaped her—both the triumphs and the challenges. Her journey moves beyond performance and into purpose, revealing what it means to stay grounded while navigating an industry built on visibility.This conversation also explores what happens after the spotlight. Natasha speaks to expanding her career beyond Broadway, stepping into new opportunities, and embracing the evolution of her craft on her own terms.At the heart of this episode is a deeper truth: success is not a single moment. It is built through persistence, relationships, and the courage to continue even when the path is unclear.In this episode, we discuss:The real journey to Broadway and what it requiresNavigating an industry that demands both excellence and enduranceExpanding beyond the stage and building a lasting careerThe role of community, relationships, and support systemsStaying grounded while stepping into greater visibilityNatasha’s story is a reminder that dreams are only the beginning. The real work is in becoming the woman who can hold them.About Natasha Yvette WilliamsNatasha Yvette Williams is a Tony-nominated actress known for her standout performances on Broadway, including her breakout role in Some Like It Hot. With a career that spans theater, television, and music, she continues to leave a lasting impression both on stage and beyond.Listen & Stay ConnectedVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified

In this powerful and deeply layered conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with the incomparable Tonya Pinkins—Tony Award-winning actress, author, activist, and a woman who has never asked for permission to speak her truth.Known for her commanding presence on stage and screen, Tonya’s journey extends far beyond performance. She has built a life rooted in conviction, creativity, and courage, using her voice not only to entertain but to challenge, disrupt, and uplift.In this episode, we move beyond titles and into the heart of who she is.Tonya reflects on her early life and the foundation that shaped her, sharing what it meant to grow up in environments that required both resilience and imagination. She speaks candidly about navigating the theater industry, the weight of representation, and the discipline it takes to sustain a career on Broadway while remaining true to herself.This is not a surface-level conversation about success. It is a reflection on what it costs to live fully expressed.We also explore the intersections of art and activism. Tonya opens up about using her platform to speak on issues that matter, even when it comes with resistance. Her perspective is clear—visibility without purpose is empty, and real impact requires both voice and action.As a mother and a creative, she shares the ongoing work of balancing family and career, offering an honest look at what it means to show up fully in both spaces. There is no perfection here, only intention.This conversation is a masterclass in owning your story, standing in your truth, and refusing to shrink in rooms that were not built with you in mind.In this episode, we discuss:The journey from early ambition to Broadway excellenceWhat it really takes to sustain a life in the artsThe responsibility of visibility and using your voice with purposeBalancing motherhood, creativity, and personal truthWhy telling your story is both personal and politicalTonya Pinkins reminds us that our voices are not optional. They are necessary.About Tonya PinkinsTonya Pinkins is a Tony Award-winning actress best known for her work on Broadway in productions such as Caroline, or Change, Jelly’s Last Jam, and Merrily We Roll Along. Beyond the stage, she is an author, filmmaker, and outspoken advocate whose work continues to push conversations around equity, identity, and creative freedom.Connect & Continue the ConversationVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified

Today on Black Women Amplified, we step into the radiant world of Annette Freeman—visionary, coach, and headmistress of The Goddess Portal.Annette’s mission is clear: to help professional women reconnect with their deepest desires, reclaim their feminine power, and manifest lives of pleasure and purpose. Through her unique blend of coaching, movement, and sacred experiences, she serves as a midwife for transformation—guiding women to rise in both their personal and professional lives.But Annette brings even more to the table. She’s an Emmy-award-winning producer, journalist, and educator whose work spans prestigious platforms like Columbia University, NBC News, and the New York Film Academy. She’s currently consulting on the upcoming documentary Minnie Evans: Draw or Die, releasing in 2024.In This Episode, We Explore:The origin and power of The Goddess PortalWhat it means to be a midwife for women’s desiresHow pleasure and movement activate personal transformationAnnette’s journey from journalism to women’s empowermentBalancing softness with professional brilliance Don’t Miss This If You’re Craving:A deeper connection to your feminine energyTools for manifesting your most aligned lifeInspiration from a woman who has redefined success on her own terms Available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and amplify with us. #BlackWomenAmplified #AnnetteFreeman #TheGoddessPortal #FemininePower #PleasureAndPurpose #BlackWomenInMedia #WomenWhoInspire #MidlifeMagic #EmmyAwardWinner #MinnieEvansDrawOrDie #HealingThroughMovement #SoftLifeLeadership

In this episode of Black Women Amplified, we sit down with Jayne Allen, the bestselling author of the acclaimed Black Girls Must trilogy, a series that has captured the hearts of readers around the world. Jayne shares her journey from Harvard-trained attorney to bestselling novelist, turning her brilliance, purpose, and creativity into a powerful storytelling career.You will hear about her collaboration with Malcolm D. Lee, the visionary filmmaker behind The Best Man franchise, and what it was like joining forces to expand one of the most beloved stories in Black culture into a new literary experience. Jayne also opens up about what is next in the Jayne Allen Universe, from new projects to empowering the next generation of authors through her education platform, Book Genius.This conversation is for every Black woman who is ready to own her story, claim her voice, and build a legacy rooted in creativity and courage. In this episode, you will hear:Jayne’s journey from Harvard Law to bestselling authorThe creative collaboration with Malcolm D. Lee on The Best Man book seriesHow she built the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy into a global phenomenonThe business and purpose behind her storytelling empireInsights into Book Genius and how she helps aspiring authors navigate publishingWhat is next in the Jayne Allen UniverseAbout Jayne Allen:Jayne Allen is the bestselling author of Black Girls Must Die Exhausted, Black Girls Must Be Magic, Black Girls Must Have It All, and The Most Wonderful Time. She is also the co-author of The Best Man book series, inspired by the beloved film and television franchise created by Malcolm D. Lee.A graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School, Jayne is the founder of Book Genius, where she helps authors master the art and business of publishing. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Essence, Good Morning America, USA Today, and more.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite shows.Visit BlackWomenAmplified.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/black-women-amplified--6590667/support.

In this expansive and forward-thinking conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Stephanie Perry, a woman who turned a personal decision into a global movement.What began as Stephanie’s choice to leave the United States and explore life abroad has grown into a community of tens of thousands of women reimagining what freedom, work, and lifestyle can look like.This conversation is not about travel. It is about structure.Stephanie shares how she built a life that allowed her to move across countries through house-sitting, how she sustained herself financially, and what it required to shift from constant movement to establishing roots in Bogotá, Colombia.We also explore the creation of ExodUS Summit, a global platform designed to help women build income streams, develop digital skills, and create sustainable lives beyond traditional systems.This episode moves beyond inspiration and into execution.At its core, this is a conversation about ownership of time, location, and income, and the mindset required to build a life that is not confined by geography.In this episode, we discuss:Building a life abroad through house-sitting and remote incomeTransitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to establishing rootsThe structure behind creating sustainable global freedomHow ExodUS Summit supports women in building income onlineThe mindset required to live and work internationallyPreparing emotionally and practically for life outside the U.S.Key Takeaways:Freedom requires both vision and structureLocation independence is built through intentional income streamsYou can create a life that is not tied to one placePreparation is essential for long-term sustainability abroadExpanding your environment can expand how you see your lifeAbout Stephanie PerryStephanie Perry is an entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of House Sitter School. She is known for helping women create location-independent lifestyles through house-sitting, digital income, and strategic planning. Her work has grown into a global movement supporting women who want to live and work abroad with intention.Join the MovementExodUS Summit A global virtual experience designed to help you build income, create freedom, and design a sustainable life abroadRegister: www.blackwomenamplified.com/freedomListen and Stay ConnectedVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified

In this powerful and expansive conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Marisha Wallace, a globally recognized performer whose career reflects both discipline and bold vision.From her early beginnings in North Carolina to commanding stages across London’s West End and Broadway, Marisha has built a career that refuses limitation. Her work spans major productions including Dreamgirls, Waitress, Hairspray, Oklahoma!, Guys and Dolls, and her return to Broadway in Cabaret.This conversation moves beyond performance and into what it takes to sustain a life at this level.Marisha shares the realities behind her journey, the resilience required to navigate the industry, and the faith that has anchored her through each transition. She speaks candidly about stepping into global opportunities, building a career across continents, and remaining grounded while operating at the highest level of her craft.We also explore her latest project, Live in London, recorded at the Adelphi Theatre, a body of work that captures both her artistry and her evolution as a performer.At its core, this episode is about expansion. What it looks like to move beyond what is expected and create a career that reflects your full range.In this episode, we discuss:Building a career across Broadway and the West EndNavigating the realities of the theatre industry at a global levelThe discipline and resilience required for longevityReturning to Broadway and continuing to evolve as an artistThe creation of Live in London and what it representsBalancing visibility, faith, and personal groundingKey Takeaways:A global career requires both talent and strategic movementExpansion often comes from stepping into unfamiliar spacesLongevity is built through discipline and consistencyFaith and self-trust can anchor you through uncertaintyYour path can extend far beyond what you initially imaginedAbout Marisha WallaceMarisha Wallace is a Broadway and West End performer known for her dynamic stage presence and powerful vocals. Her work includes leading roles in major productions across the U.S. and U.K., as well as performances on screen in projects such as Disney’s Aladdin and Netflix’s Jingle Jangle. She has received Olivier Award nominations for her work in theatre and continues to build a global career as both a performer and recording artist.Listen and Stay ConnectedVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Explore: queen.blackwomenamplified.com

In this focused and forward-moving conversation, Monica Wisdom sits down with Jasmine Nevels, a rising entrepreneur who is redefining what it means to transition from corporate leadership into ownership.Jasmine’s journey is not built on theory. It is built on decision. The decision to leave what was familiar, step into uncertainty, and build something that reflects her vision and values.In this episode, she shares how she carved out space in the coffee industry, an industry that is both competitive and often overlooked when it comes to representation. She speaks candidly about the discipline required to shift from executive to entrepreneur and what it means to fully commit to your next chapter.This conversation is about ownership.Not just in business, but in identity, direction, and the willingness to bet on yourself before there is proof.At its core, this episode reflects a larger moment. A shift where more women are choosing to build, invest, and create on their own terms.In this episode, we discuss:Transitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurshipEntering and building within the coffee industryThe mindset required to bet on yourselfNavigating uncertainty while building something newOwnership as both a business decision and a personal oneCreating opportunities in spaces where access is limitedKey Takeaways:You have to decide before the results show upOwnership requires clarity, discipline, and consistencyLeaving security is often the first step toward expansionYour vision has to be strong enough to guide your decisionsBuilding something new requires both courage and structureListen and Stay ConnectedVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplifiedExplore journals, apparel, and resources designed to support your next chapter.

In this thoughtful and necessary episode, Monica Wisdom explores what it means to be in true community and why alignment matters more than history.Many relationships are maintained out of familiarity, obligation, or shared past experiences. Monica invites you to pause and ask a different question. Are the people around you aligned with who you are becoming, or are they reflections of who you once were?This conversation examines the difference between connection and alignment.Through personal reflection and cultural insight, Monica explores how nostalgia can keep you tethered to outdated versions of yourself and how digital culture has reshaped the way we relate to one another. In a time where connection is constant but depth is often missing, this episode calls you back to intentional relationships built on shared direction, not just shared history.At its core, this is about belonging.Not the kind that asks you to shrink or perform, but the kind that supports your growth, reflects your truth, and moves with you as you evolve.This is an invitation to choose community with clarity.In this episode, we discuss:The difference between longevity and alignment in relationshipsHow nostalgia can keep you connected to past versions of yourselfWhy shared direction matters more than shared historyThe impact of digital culture on connection and emotional well-beingRebuilding community with intention and careCreating relationships that support your growth and evolutionKey Takeaways:Not all long-standing relationships are meant to continueAlignment creates a deeper and more sustainable connectionNostalgia can blur your ability to see what no longer fitsThe community should support who you are becomingYou can choose relationships that reflect your truthMentioned in This EpisodeVivek Murthy, Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation (2023)Soft Life Reset – Audio Workshop: A guided experience to help you reconnect with your inner voice and realign your lifeThe Soft Life Blueprint Journal: A structured journal designed to support reflection, clarity, and intentional livingToday’s LifeCode™ ReflectionYou do not have to walk alone. The right community reflects who you are, supports your growth, and moves with you forward.Listen and Stay ConnectedVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplifiedIf this episode resonates, share it with someone you are growing with or someone you are ready to walk beside.

Affirmation: I am not an imposter—I am evidence of what’s possible.In this powerful and clarifying episode, Monica Wisdom challenges the narrative of “Imposter Syndrome” and reframes it for the lived experiences of women who have been historically excluded and underrepresented. The term may have been coined to describe doubt in high-achieving women, but its origin does not reflect the realities of Black women navigating spaces that were never built for them.Monica explores how systemic barriers—not personal inadequacy—fuel the pressure to overperform, overexplain, and constantly prove worth. This episode is a reclaiming of power, a release of inherited doubt, and a guide to recognizing that your presence in any space is proof enough.Through reflection and actionable reframing, listeners are invited to return to their own truth, embrace softness, and cultivate self-worth on their own terms.In this episode, we discuss:Why “Imposter Syndrome” does not fit the lived experiences of Black womenHow systemic barriers, not personal failure, create the pressure to prove oneselfThe emotional cost of carrying doubt in spaces we helped buildReframing internalized voices inherited from systems that were not designed for usReturning to self-worth through presence, truth, and intentional actionKey Takeaways:Your accomplishments are evidence, not accidentThe need to constantly prove yourself is a systemic, not personal, burdenSoftness and self-compassion are tools for reclaiming powerYou are allowed to occupy space without apologyLiberation begins when you reject inherited doubt and claim your own storyMentioned in This Episode:The Impostor Phenomenon in High Achieving Women by Pauline R. Clance & Suzanne A. Imes (1978)Reframe Your Narrative – Audio Workshop: Begin shifting the story you tell yourselfThe Soft Life Blueprint Journal: Reflect. Reclaim. Reframe. A guided companion for your next chapterListen and Stay ConnectedVisit: www.blackwomenamplified.com Follow: @blackwomenamplified