Summer Solstice

The Beauty & Soul Podcast will be on break for the month of July 2019. Don't worry we will back in August. In the meantime check out some of the older episodes and leave a review.

Thank you for listening!

XOXO, Shoni

Transcript

Shoni: Hey, beautiful people it’s your girl, Shoni. Let's start with the quote. “People haven't always been there for me, but music always has.” by Taylor Swift.

All right, guys. So I titled this episode Summer Solstice, the reason why is because the Beauty and Soul Podcast will be on a little break. I'm super super excited. The reason why I'm deciding to take a little break from the Beauty & Soul Podcast is so that I can focus on music for the summer. I'm so, so excited. I'm working on something, and I really need to devote my energy to that right now. But don't worry it’s just for a month we’ll be right back with interviews and discussions in August. So make sure that you're listening and subscribe, and that you check out any past episodes. Okay?

Why don't you start with Episode One and see how far the Beauty and Soul Podcast has grown. Like I've told a few of you I didn't have anybody to interview. I didn't have half of the gear that I have right now, but I had a message that I wanted to share with everyone. So you know what? I started with what I had, and I figured it out on the way. So I encourage everybody to take a listen to the first episode. And, yes, let me know what you think.

But also, I would really appreciate it if you could leave a review for the Beauty & Soul Podcast on Apple Podcast because it helps the show to be discovered by other people and, you know, is all about spreading light and love and inspiration to everyone. So if you could leave a review, I would really, really appreciate it.

And lastly, now we have The Beauty & Soul Shop. So any gear that you may want to rock you could find in the shops we have tote bags, hoodies, and T-shirts. We have all of that good stuff. So take a look at the brilliant shop. I'll make sure that I include a link in the show notes as well.

I just want to tell everybody I truly, truly appreciate you for listening and supporting the Beauty & Soul show so far. I never thought that the podcast would be as effective as it is right now. I'm so, so excited. I feel like I'm just getting started. But I truly appreciate everyone listening, sharing via DM with me how you feel about certain episodes. I read all of that, and I'm really, really grateful for you. If I can share any inspiration and help you to connect with your dreams and overcome whatever it is that you need to overcome so that you could be the best version of yourself. Then I want to do that because that's exactly what I'm doing, becoming the best version of myself. So, like I said, I'll be taking a break for the month of July so I can work on some music, which is my first love.

Okay, so all right, guys, I don't have a feature song for you this episode, because it's just a little quick message real quick. But I want to encourage you to check out the Beauty & Soul playlist that's on Spotify. You know, I'll include that, too. But again, guys, thank you so much for being a part of the Beauty & Soul community.

Social Connection

“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots” — Marcus Garvey

Hey Beautiful people today I thought I would change it up and balance all of this feminine energy by adding a little masculine energy to the pod. I want to introduce Terrell. Terrell and I connected via Instagram. One of the great things about social media is it allows us to connect with people around the world from our mobile devices. Lucky Terrell is just a regular guy from Brooklyn…. He told me to introduce him like that ahahaha.

Life- abundance

Love- boundless

Business- savvy

Featured song: Diamond by Sol Development

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Beaches & Blessings

“Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet.” – Sadie Delany

Hey Beautiful people I recently took myself on a getaway to literally get away. I needed to give my creativity a jumpstart.  Alone time that is not driven by fear or avoidance but rather the pleasure you experience in solitary activities can inspire your creativity. 

I have a few reasons why: 

• Temporary social disconnection can help you to get lost in your work. When you eliminate distractions and put all of your focus on what you are trying to accomplish you are able to boost your productivity.

• Spending time outdoors with nature can also help you eliminate creative roadblocks.  If you have an idea you can’t figure out how to get from your head, take a break step outside, take a walk, go to the beach, listen to the waves, take everything in.

• Catch a flight and go. Traveling abroad has been proven to help you get your creative juices flowing too. The farther you travel from your home the more creative you become! I know you’re probably saying how girl? Well here you go:

  • Traveling helps you to be open-minded as you meet new people and come across new situations.

  • Traveling helps you to be innovative if you truly immerse yourself in the culture and country you’re visiting. 

  • Traveling also helps to build your self confidence by strengthening your self worth.

I hope if you find yourself stuck in some way you will consider spending some time alone, connecting with nature and/or catching a flight somewhere new.

This episode’s featured song is Holy by Jamila Woods.

Dear Journal

“Before a child talks they sing. Before they write they draw. As soon as they stand they dance. Art is fundamental to human expression. “ - Phylicia Rashad 

Happy February and Happy Black History Month! For the month of February I will feature quotes by some of my favorite artists, writers and creators to shine a little light on their wisdom. 

This podcast episode is about self expression, now self expression can be defined as the expression of one's feelings, thoughts, or ideas, especially in writing, art, music, or dance.

Recently, I stumbled upon one of my journals. Unlike most of my journal entries this one in particular was very important because it was the day I decide to make a major life change.  I expressed how I felt about my upcoming marriage at the time. For once I was honest with myself. I loved that I dated the journal entry and that I was completely open while writing because now 6 years later I can reflect on how far I have come on my journey. 

It’s important to have a place to lay everything out. Singing and writing are my outlets where I can do just that. What are yours? How do you express your thoughts and emotions? Some of us need daily ways to express ourselves to reduce and release the emotional pressure within without worrying about what it all means just yet.  Honesty can be hard to face, even if it means being honest with yourself. 

The featured song is “Rollercoster” by Tank and the Bangas.

Now Playing

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” ― Billy Joel

Hi guys, it is almost the end of Jan and I hope all of you have working hard to make 2019 your best year. I know I am, I’m wearing so many hats  right now and it’s all good. One tool I use to stay productive and to help me get through my work week is music. Do you ever notice when you play your favorite uptempo song you’re able to get a lot more done?

Listening to and playing music can make you smarter, happier, healthier and more productive at all stages of life. Music is powerful. When need to be mindful when it comes to what we listen to.

Did you hear we are on Spotify now?! I’m so excited. Now you can hear the Beauty & Soul Podcast everywhere!! To help me help you I created a playlist for us on Spotify so we can Werk It! this year. I know you will enjoy it. Xoxo

Mic Check

“Give them everything.” 

― Mark W. Schaefer

Hey friends,

This episode we are talking about creating a podcast. I have received private messages from people asking me how I created my show or what I use to market the Beauty & Soul Podcast so I thought it would be a great idea to help you start your podcast. First of all I love podcasts. Even before I decided to become a podcaster myself I enjoyed listening to different shows for inspiration and insight on various topics. I liked being about to press play while still going about my day. I’m sure if you’re listening to my show you feel the same way. So if you have a message you feel compelled to share podcasting is probably great for you. Plus you can record from the comfort of your home in your pajamas like I’m doing right now lol. 

What software do I use to record?

• Audacity- The program I use to record and edit. I love Audacity one because it is free and super easy for you to navigate. If you’re new to mixing and mastering Audacity will be easy as 1, 2, 3. If you aren’t able to jump on the mic right away and run with the show, I have a YouTube video that will bless your life here.

  What equipment do I use?

• I am a little extra so I have fabulous gold microphone that I purchased from Amazon. I really love this mic one because it’s gold, two it has a stand. I am able to move around freely behind the scenes without feeling trapped behind a headset. Now if you aren’t able to purchase  a freestanding microphone like this one here right now that’s cool use your headphones and mic that comes with your cell. In my first few episodes that’s what I recorded with. You will need a good pair of headphones you find them here. Everything does not need to be perfect it just needs to get done, ya feel me?

  What do I use to market?

• I use many programs/apps but my go-to favs are Canva and Wavve. I use Canva to create all of my show stopping graphics and Wavve to create my audio clips for social media . 

If you have something to say then the world needs to hear it! Don’t forget to subscribe to the Beauty & Soul Podcast on Apple Podcast and leave a review. :)

Back to One

“I want every day to be a fresh start on expanding what is possible.” 

― Oprah Winfrey

This is episode 31 titled Back to One.  Recently I stopped everything I was doing so I could take it from the top. Life can be so overwhelming at times with so many deadlines and obligations coming at us left and right. I had to ask myself why am I doing all of this? Seriously am I getting closer to my goals doing the 20 things on my to-do list? The answer was no.  So while I was listening one of my favorite podcasts Redefining Wealth with Patrice Washington, she talked about how it’s okay to un-commit. Ugh, you don’t know how good I felt to hear someone say that. As a people pleasing person I find it really hard to say no to people and opportunities, even if they aren’t in line with my goals. After listening to the Redefining Wealth episode I decided to  write down what is important to me personally and professionally. I learned a few things from this exercise, take a moment to listen.

Featured song is “Moment” by Kyle feat. Wiz Kalifa

The Art of Storytelling

“Musicians want to be the loud voice for so many quiet hearts.”- Billy Joel.

This episode I have another special guest for you, Mr. Drew Ford aka as ThatViolaKid and the creator of the wonderful hashtag and movement #PlayHomiePlay. Drew talks about his journey through the classical music world and his life after The Julliard School. He also discusses why it's important for musicians to share their story on and off the stage. 

For more information on Drew please check out his website ThatViolaKid.com. Also, you can purchase tickets to his upcoming farewell concert here. I hope to see you there! 

Featured song: All Of The Lights by Kanye West feat. Rihanna and Kid Cudi