THE MELANIN PEARLS PODCAST
Stagione 3
di Yvette Schmitter and Ericka Shoulars
To say we’re living through challenging times sounds like both a cliché and an understatement. In recent months, news about the pandemic, economic woes, and bitter political debates have triggered tremendous anxiety and sadness for many Americans. But when people look back on their lives, it is usually the most difficult challenges that gave them a new perspective or caused them to grow the most. Of course, in the midst of a crisis, it doesn’t feel that way. In this episode Yvette and Ericka share how they go about keeping positive in stressful times. “Trying to stay positive in a negative world can be difficult. All it takes is one light to change darkness. Keep the light with you burning. – Davene Taylor”
Working from home is dominating our lives. If you haven’t experienced the phenomenon directly, you’ve undoubtedly heard all about it, as U.S. media coverage of working from home jumped 12,000 percent since January 2020. This change in working arrangements is impossible to overhype. As big as it is, it’s even bigger than people think – this is the largest societal change in America since the end of World War II. In this podcast, Yvette and Ericka discuss the state of working from home as well as their personal views to the pros and cons of working from home. “Successfully working from home is a skill, just like programming, designing or writing. It takes time and commitment to develop that skill. – Alec Turnbull”
Everyone has an inner voice that deep down is trying to be helpful and keep you safe – even when it’s being harsh. In this episode, we share ways you can shift your inner critic and transform negative self-talk into a more supportive and empowering voice. Remember that you will never get rid of the inner critic forever – and you don’t have to. You can, however, re-pattern it and shift your relationship with the negative voice in your head. In essence, taming your inner voice and use this powerful voice to keep you on the path to visualizing your best self. “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?” ~ Maya Angelou
In this episode, Yvette and Ericka chat about leveraging your superpowers at work and how to use your superpowers to help others. “The things that make us different those are our superpowers” ~ Lena Waithe
In this episode, we will shine a light on Renee Belton, retired New York City Principal. Ms. Belton is a member of the first graduating class of the New York City Leadership Academy, the most intensive and costly principal training program in the country. The academy was created at the suggestion of the New York City Department of Education’s Chancellor Joel I. Klein, who was chairman of its board, and supported by the Academy's Chief Executive, Robert E. Knowling Jr. Ms. Belton was the principal of The James McCune Smith Community School 200 for 18 years. She retired from her post August 31, 2022. This episode we shine a light on Renee to hear about her trail to Black excellence.
In this episode, Yvette and Ericka share how they use their influence to create meaningful impacts on those around them and how others have used their influence to impact their lives. “Each of us should be aware of the energy we are putting out into the world. Are we a positive influence or a negative one.” – Laurence Overmire
Steve Jobs said “your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is GREAT work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, and don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart you’ll know when you find it.” In this episode Yvette and Ericka share how they found their passion(s) and go about loving what they do – everyday.
Providing and soliciting constructive feedback can be difficult, and in this episode Yvette and Ericka tackle how to handle constructive conversations, specifically, how to ask for and give constructive feedback. “Sometimes speaking the truth feels as if we are being unkind, especially when sharing difficult information or feedback. But in reality, dancing around the truth is unkind. When we avoid stating the truth—when we are vague or ambiguous under the guise of being kind—it is often because we are trying to lessen the discomfort for ourselves, not for the other person.” – Brene Brown
In this episode, we talk about the impact of everyday choices have on our lives. “At any moment, you have a choice that either leads you close to your spirit or further away from it. – Thick Nhat Hanh”
Do you let your light shine? Do you step into your greatness? Do you refuse to shrink or play small? Ah, yes, the power of giving yourself permission to glow. Many have a hard time wielding it. In this episode, Yvette and Ericka chat about how they give themselves permission to glow and share 5 ways that could help you give yourself the power, and the permission to glow. “As we let out light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. – Nelson Mandela”