Episode 57 - The Radical Joy of Receiving the Truth That Sets You Free
We Are Out of Office · Jayne Allen Writes and Nikki T
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Show Notes
In this week’s episode of We Are Out of Office, your co-hosts Veteran Television Executive Producer Nikki T and Bestselling Author Jayne Allen keep the conversation going in their first intentional audio-only episode — live from Nikki’s mother-in-law’s closet in Oregon and fully committed to staying out of office, even off-camera.
The episode opens with the ladies doing what they do best: turning on their out-of-office replies and letting the conversation unfold from there. Nikki is busy watching QVC and reflecting on the unexpected entertainment value of daytime television, while Jayne shares a deeper lesson from her own QVC experience — that manifestation requires aiming beyond the moment you think you want, because getting exactly what you asked for is not always the same as arriving where you’re meant to be.
From there, the conversation moves through beauty, Black history, fitness, haircare, loneliness, friendship, truth-telling, and the discipline of choosing yourself again and again.
I See You Girl
Jayne’s I See You Girl goes to Chaka Khan, who at 73 is still glowing, radiant, and completely herself. After hearing Chaka casually reveal that her beauty “secret” is simply slathering her face with oil or heavy lotion before bed, Jayne takes the moment as both a practical skincare tip and a broader reminder that consistency, moisture, and keeping it simple may still be some of the best anti-aging wisdom there is.
Nikki spotlights Biddy Mason, the formerly enslaved woman who became one of the wealthiest Black women in Los Angeles. From winning her freedom in court to building a real estate empire, founding institutions, and leaving behind a legacy of generosity and civic power, Biddy Mason becomes this week’s reminder that Black history is full of women who transformed survival into ownership, influence, and lasting community impact.
What We’re On Right Now
Nikki is currently on Tae Bo with Billy Blanks, rediscovering the joy of old-school workouts that still get the job done. Between YouTube Tae Bo sessions and figure-eight resistance bands, she’s focused on toning, moving with intention, and reconnecting with a kind of fitness that feels fun, effective, and sustainable.
Jayne is on Cécred, Beyoncé’s haircare line, and specifically has her eye on what appears to be a quietly excellent formulation strategy. After trying the Silk Protein Rinse and reviewing the ingredient deck through the lens of her own beauty industry background, she suspects the line may be doing much more than it initially lets on — and is preparing to test the styling products next, wash-and-go included.
Mindin’ My Black Business
Jayne brings a twofer this week, highlighting both Cécred and Grow Good, Cardi B’s newly launched haircare line. With one brand positioned as luxurious and ingredient-forward and the other appearing more affordable and accessible, the ladies are interested in seeing how both lines perform — especially for women on real-life healthy hair journeys.
Nikki spotlights Cedric Mitchell Design, the work of Black glassblower Cedric Mitchell, whose sculptural glassware blends art, function, nostalgia, and what he calls modern funk. His kinetic glasses feel equal parts conversation starter and design object, and the whole collection is a reminder that Black creativity continues to expand the definition of luxury, beauty, and everyday ritual.
Jesus Take the Wheel
Jayne’s Jesus Take the Wheel comes from a trend she finds both unsettling and deeply sad: people using AI for romance. What begins as a conversation about AI “boyfriends” and digital companionship becomes a broader reflection on loneliness, emotional avoidance, and the ways people are increasingly turning to simulation over actual intimacy. For Jayne, it’s a sharp reminder that AI may be a tool, but it cannot replace the humanity of being seen, challenged, and loved by another real person.
Nikki’s Jesus Take the Wheel goes to the bizarre story involving Alan Ritchson, a bike ride, a neighbor dispute, and a body-cam reveal that changed the whole narrative. What initially looked like one story became another entirely once more footage surfaced, and Nikki is left asking the obvious question: why are people this committed to schemes, setups, and self-inflicted chaos in the first place?
Health & Healing
This week’s Health & Healing centers on a hard truth: not everyone who says they want honesty is actually ready to receive it.
Nikki reflects on a pivotal moment when her father-in-law lovingly but directly called her out for not being present enough with her daughter — a truth that was painful to hear, but powerful enough to change her life. Jayne builds on that by reflecting on the friendships she has lost in the act of being honest with people about their own misalignment, and the courage it takes to tell someone the truth not because you want to hurt them, but because you care enough not to lie.
Together, they explore the difference between judgment and loving accountability, and the rare value of the people willing to tell you when you are falling short of your own standards.
What’s Good
Jayne shouts out Elmiene, the British soul singer whose new album Sounds for Someone is on the way. Blending the emotional texture of artists like Maxwell, Raphael Saadiq, and D’Angelo, Elmiene remains one to watch for anyone craving real voice, real feeling, and a return to musical artistry.
Nikki highlights Alexis Coakley, whose mantra loops have become part affirmation, part soundtrack, part energetic reset. Between the catchy abundance mantras and her discovery of so-called songs that “hack the matrix,” Nikki is fully leaning into sound as vibration, intention, and maybe even a little magic.
Final Word
Nikki’s final word:
Some of you think you need a business mentor when you really need a business midwife. A mentor gives you steps. A midwife helps you deliver.
Jayne’s final word:
I’m choosing me. Every time.
Show Links:
Chaka Khan on Table Manners Podcast
Women's History- Meet Biddy Mason
Cedric Mitchell Design Glassware
Elmiene Tiny Desk (You're Welcome)
Alexus Cokley Mantra-Honey Getting Money
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