Real, Raw, & Relevant: A Guide to Authentic Living

Good Friday is the ultimate story of resilience. It’s about a selfless act for the greater good. In my life and my coaching, I see so many women—especially my sisters, my women of color—who are carrying heavy crosses. You’re carrying the weight of your family, your community, and your own high expectations. Sometimes, it feels like Friday. It feels dark. It feels like the world is trying to stop you. I’m standing here as living proof that the "Friday" in your life is not your finale. It’s the setup. God’s blessings often come disguised as endurance.

Allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m Alesha Eads. If you’ve been following the journey, you know the titles: Author. Podcaster. Life Coach. Motivational Speaker. But those aren't just hats I wear; they are the tools I use to paint a much bigger picture. I’m a renaissance woman because I refuse to be put in a box. The world is my canvas, and every project I touch is a brushstroke toward a more authentic reality. People often ask, "Alesha, how do you balance the coaching with the humanitarian work? The writing with the speaking?" The truth? It’s all one mission. It’s about being selfless. It’s about looking at the greater good and asking, "How can my success pave a smoother road for the woman walking behind me?" Whether I’m supporting charities that are close to my heart or mentoring someone to find their voice, my goal is to inspire you to be resilient. To be unapologetically you. And most importantly? To go after those dreams you’re too scared to tell people about. My journey isn't just about my own success; it’s about representation. It’s about showing that we can be the CEOs, the visionaries, the humanitarians, and the change-makers all at once.Success isn't a destination for me; it's a journey of paving the way. If I’m the only one at the table, I haven't done my job. I’m pulling up chairs. At the core of everything I do is one simple, radical belief: The power of connection. I’m a humanitarian because I believe we are responsible for one another. I don't just want to talk about a better world on this podcast; I want to be the change. When I support a cause, when I give back to our community, it’s because I know that change doesn't start with a policy or a grand gesture—it starts with a single person deciding to be authentic.So, that’s me. Reintroduced. Not just as a voice in your ears, but as a partner on your journey. I’m here to challenge you, to hold space for you, and to remind you that your life is your canvas. What are you going to paint today? Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you for believing in the power of change. Let’s go out there and be the representation the world is waiting for.

Hey there, beautiful souls! Today’s episode is about taking back your identity. Let’s get raw. Nobody wakes up one morning and decides to abandon themselves. It’s a slow fade. It happens when you choose "peace" over your own truth. It happens when you prioritize being "likable" over being authentic. We trade our quirks for acceptance. That season is over!!! You can come back now. The "Lost You" is still there. The moment when you feel disconnected from who you used to be—or who you thought you would become. The moment when your reflection feels familiar, but your spirit feels distant. When you’re functioning, showing up, doing what needs to be done, but something inside you feels misplaced. You are not broken beyond repair. You are not too far off course. You are not a stranger to yourself—you are simply someone who has been buried under experiences, expectations, and survival strategies that were necessary at one point in your life. Let’s get real, raw and relevant with practical strategies on finding the lost version of YOU!

Hello, family. Welcome to a very, very special episode of the Real, Raw and Relevant podcast!!!When we started this journey, it was just a vision—a mission to create a safe space for authenticity, for the kind of growth that hurts a little before it heals, and for the intellectual, thought-provoking conversations that stay with you long after the audio stops. Today, we aren’t just celebrating a number; we are celebrating a global community that has decided to choose self-reflection over stagnancy.To Our Neighbors in the StatesTo our listeners right here in the US, you have been the heartbeat of this show. From the early days to this milestone, your feedback and your stories have fueled us. We want to send a massive, heartfelt thank you to our listeners in:Florida: Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Winter Haven, and Lithia.New York: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Merrick, and Freeport.California: Los Angeles, North Hollywood, and Sacramento.Texas: Austin Dallas, and HoustonThe DMV & East Coast: Washington DC, Baltimore, Potomac, Philadelphia, and Boston.The South & Beyond: New Orleans, Atlanta, Charlotte, Kansas City, Memphis, Chicago,Phoenix, Mesa, Ashburn, and Denver. Puerto Rico: We love you!Whether you’re listening on your commute through Brooklyn or watching the sunset in Phoenix, thank you for letting us into your hearts and minds.Our Global VillageBut the Real, Raw and Relevant mission didn’t stop at the borders. It is truly humbling to realize how many of you are tuning in from across the globe. We see you, we love you, and we thank you. A special shout-out to our international family in:Canada, Australia, Paris, the Netherlands, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Germany, Chile, Dubai, Kenya, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Poland, Israel, the Dominican Republic, the Philippines, and Singapore.Distance hasn't stopped us from connecting on the things that matter most. We may speak different languages or live in different time zones, but the human experience—the adversity, the resilience, and the desire to become the best version of ourselves—is universal.The Mission ContinuesThere is so much going on in the world right now. It can feel heavy, confusing, and at times, overwhelming. We want you to know: We understand. This podcast was established to be your anchor in the storm. Our goal has always been to help you push through life’s challenges by providing content that resonates with the actual reality of your life—not the "filtered" version, but the raw version. We’ve accomplished a huge part of our mission by inspiring you to self-reflect and build resilience, but we aren’t done yet. As we move into the next 250 episodes, our promise remains the same:To stay Authentic: No sugar-coating, just real talk.To stay Thought-Provoking: Challenging the status quo.To stay Relevant: Addressing the issues that actually impact your mental and emotional well-being.Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Thank you for growing with me. We will continue to inspire, uplift, and expand this community, one conversation at a time. Here’s to being real, being raw, and staying relevant.I love you all. Let’s keep growing!

Today’s episode we will explore the importance of understanding you are a survivor, and how to rewrite your narrative. There was a time when you thought it was the end. You thought the heartbreak would define you. You thought the betrayal would harden you. You thought the rejection meant you weren’t enough. You thought the failure exposed something lacking inside you. But here you are. Still breathing. Still believing. Still becoming. The storm you feared would erase you did something entirely different — it revealed you. It revealed your endurance. It revealed your boundaries. It revealed your discernment. It revealed your depth. You did not survive because it was easy. You survived because something within you refused to collapse. You aren't "damaged goods." You’re a limited edition. The cracks you’re so busy trying to hide? That’s where the light actually gets in.

The endurance and stamina of life are not about never falling. They are about always rising. It’s about trusting that hardship shapes character, and character shapes destiny. You have to believe that what you are carrying today is strengthening you for tomorrow. On today’s episode we will discuss the strategies on how to build endurance & stamina to be resilient in life.If you are tired, this episode is for you. If you are rebuilding, this episode is for you. If you are in the middle of something that feels heavier than you expected, this episode is for you. You are not weak because it’s hard. You are human. Within you is a deeper well of strength than you realize.Life will test you—but it will also transform you.

Today we are getting into it—real, raw, and very relevant. We’re talking about the one thing that never goes out of style, fits every body type, and works for every occasion from the boardroom to the bedroom: Confidence. But we aren’t talking about that fake-it-’til-you-make-it, loud, "look at me" energy. We’re talking about being cozy and confident in your own skin. We’re treating confidence not as a mask, but as your best accessory. Let’s dive in.

We often confine love to narrow definitions, limiting it to romantic relationships or specific categories. But the truth is, love is far more expansive than we often allow ourselves to believe. This episode isn’t about denying the complexities of relationships or ignoring the pain of heartbreak; it’s about recognizing the boundless nature of love, understanding its diverse expressions, and embracing the freedom that comes with letting go of limitations. We’re going to get real and raw about the societal constructs that restrict our understanding of love and explore how to cultivate a more inclusive and expansive view of love in all its forms.We’ll explore the different ways love manifests in our lives, discuss the common misconceptions that limit our understanding of love, and delve unpack practical strategies for cultivating a more open and inclusive heart. We’ll be honest about the challenges of breaking down societal barriers and embracing unconventional forms of love, but also celebrate the immense joy, connection, and liberation that comes with experiencing love without limits.

Today's Episode is all about celebrating your bestie! Girl code and galantine’s day is a celebration and the decision to choose loyalty over jealousy, honesty over silence, and love over competition. It’s knowing that another woman’s shine does not dim your own—and that your best friend’s wins are your wins too.Celebrating your bestie isn’t about grand gestures or perfectly curated moments. It’s about showing up in the small, ordinary ways that end up meaning everything. It’s answering the phone even when you’re tired. It’s defending her name when she’s not in the room. It’s reminding her who she is when she forgets. It’s clapping the loudest in rooms where you could have stayed quiet.In a world that too often pits women against each other, Girl Code is rebellion. It’s choosing sisterhood over comparison. It’s refusing to compete where collaboration feels better. It’s understanding that there is room for all of us to win—and that winning is sweeter when your bestie is right beside you.

Hey there, beautiful soul! We are constantly inspiring and uplifting people on the Real, Raw & Relevant podcast and today is no different. On today’s episode I will share with you insights from my new book A Rose is Still a Rose: You Hold The Power. Female empowerment, relationships 101, careers choices, and the importance of knowing your self worth. You are capable of extraordinary things! This episode is for anyone who has been through a storm. You might feel like the person you were before the storm is gone, replaced by someone tired, someone cautious, someone who has simply forgotten their own beauty. It’s time to reclaim your identity and choose new soil! A Rose is Still A Rose by Alesha Eads is available at Barnes & Noble 🌹⬇️https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-rose-is-still-a-rose-alesha-eads/1147482484?ean=9798317683221Be sure to share this episode with your bestie and loved ones for self improvement, self love, confidence, career choices, building better relationships, girl code, and healing from heartbreak!

The price of settling is everything you could have been. It’s the most expensive bill you’ll ever pay, and you’re paying it in daily installments of your own potential. The "unknown" is scary, sure. But you know what’s scarier? Being in the exact same spot 365 days from now, still making excuses for not living the life you truly deserve. Let’s get relevant. What is the actual price tag of settling? It’s not just "unhappiness." It’s a compound interest of regret.You are the architect of your own experience. If you’re unhappy with the building, look at the blueprints. Are you building on sand, or are you building on a foundation of high standards? Stop waiting for someone to give you permission to want more. The world will take as much from you as you are willing to give. Start giving less to the mediocre and save that energy for the "magnificent."Need a pick me up! Indulge in this delicious tasty matcha!🍵 It’s my favorite drink to give me focus energy and balance. Mantra Matcha is one of our paid sponsors for Real Raw, & Relevant Podcast Use this discount code for savings ⬇️ https://mantramatcha.com/discount/RRRELEVANT2025New Year New Habits by Alesha Eads⬇️https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DMP9YQMX/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-pomf6gDFWKl0HfuCUq_RG8dEbsolw2-Tt879nI4A2v6Qr5riCyD_mpV6T3f65J4513O1IVK-y_s8gtjsrc_f2-yYqibpsH6PAUD3yDLWfqRa9SGu1JSWfU0UzJkv9nOTyl2Ttw9YDYVrHirraaD3KTN9MVaidQ1imzoRoNqLCE.Gm3muiih8fsGSCxKD27OADBr01D60aAx28Wx3R8ceFQ&qid=1767245105&sr=1-10

On today’s episode we will explore the reality behind manifesting a new chapter in your life. You cannot manifest a "New Chapter" while you are still rereading the old one. If you are still holding onto the resentment of your last breakup, the bitterness of that old job, or reliving past trauma, you will just keep rewriting the same chapter with different character names.You don’t manifest what you want. You manifest who you are. To get a new life, you have to become a new version of yourself before the evidence even shows up. Now is the time to get inspired to seek new inspiration to connect with your passion and manifest the life you truly deserve!

Today’s episode gets real about the perfectionist trap! We’ve convinced ourselves that Amazing is a destination at the end of the Perfection road. But I’m here to tell you that those two things don't even live in the same neighborhood. Perfection was never your assignment. Your assignment was courage. Your assignment was growth. Your assignment was resilience. Your assignment was showing up even when you felt unsure. You were never meant to have it all figured out. You were meant to figure it out as you go. Through trial and error. Through lessons and setbacks. Through wins and losses. Through moments of doubt and moments of bold faith. You don’t need a flawless plan to build a meaningful life. You need a brave heart and a willing spirit.

Today’s episode we’re getting into something that almost everyone is carrying right now, whether they realize it or not: The weight of negativity. This isn't about "toxic positivity." I’m not going to tell you to just "smile more" and your problems will vanish. That’s not what we do here. We’re going to talk about the raw truth of why we get stuck in these ruts and the relevant steps you can take today to actually break free and start transforming your reality. We will also discuss the importance of how to stop letting your history dictate your destiny. You have the power to change the lens.

Happy New Year, family! Welcome to the very first episode of 2026. Before we can welcome the new, we have to be raw about what we’re leaving behind.Take a deep breath right now. That version of you that stayed silent to keep the peace? The version that let fear dictate your career moves? The version that struggled with the same old habits? We are saying goodbye to them today.You cannot enter your future while holding onto the baggage of your past. 2026 requires a lighter, faster, and more authentic version of you.Release the guilt. Release the 'could-haves.' We are thanking the old you for getting you this far, but they don't have a ticket to where we’re going next.New Year New Habits by Alesha Eads⬇️https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0DMP9YQMX/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-pomf6gDFWKl0HfuCUq_RG8dEbsolw2-Tt879nI4A2v6Qr5riCyD_mpV6T3f65J4513O1IVK-y_s8gtjsrc_f2-yYqibpsH6PAUD3yDLWfqRa9SGu1JSWfU0UzJkv9nOTyl2Ttw9YDYVrHirraaD3KTN9MVaidQ1imzoRoNqLCE.Gm3muiih8fsGSCxKD27OADBr01D60aAx28Wx3R8ceFQ&qid=1767245105&sr=1-10

Every person has a unique destiny; an extraordinary purpose waiting to be fulfilled. Yet too often, our potential remains dormant because we feed our fears, doubts, and distractions instead of nurturing the vision planted within us. Just as our bodies need nourishment to thrive, so does our destiny. What we feed our minds, hearts, and spirits directly shapes the path we walk. We often think of destiny as something predetermined, a path laid out before us that we have no control over. But what if I told you that you have the power to actively participate in creating your own destiny? We will unpack this, and so much more on today’s episode.Need a pick me up! Indulge in this delicious tasty matcha!🍵 It’s my favorite drink to give me focus energy and balance. Mantra Matcha is one of our paid sponsors for Real Raw, & Relevant Podcast Use this discount code for savings ⬇️ https://mantramatcha.com/discount/RRRELEVANT2025