エピソード

  • Erika J. Kendrick: From Courtside Cheers to Cultivating Mental Fitness
    2024/09/05
    Erika J. Kendrick is a bestselling author, national speaker, and mental fitness expert. With a psychology degree from Stanford and an MBA from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Erika's diverse career includes being an NBA cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls and writing novels like Confessions of a Rookie Cheerleader and Appetite. She’s currently touring her bestselling middle grade books Squad Goals and Cookie Monsters, with her next novel, Instafamous, set to release on October 1, 2024.After overcoming personal struggles, Erika founded Mental Fitness for Life, launching the "Who Moved My Happy?" tour to inspire hope through conversations about mental health. She has spoken at colleges, Fortune 500 companies, and the military, and is a Hall of Fame inductee with the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Erika has been featured on major media outlets like Good Morning America and in publications such as The Huffington Post and The Chicago Tribune.In this episode, Dante and Erika discuss:Transition from cheerleading to mental health advocacyManaging depression and anxietyImpact of social media on emotional well-beingPromoting mental wellness in communities of colorConstructing a mental fitness planKey Takeaways: Erika's personal narrative sheds light on the power of transformation, revealing how career changes can be catalysts for advocacy and personal fulfillment. Recognizing and accepting one's mental health struggles are highlighted as the first steps towards managing depression and anxiety effectively.The complex relationship between social media usage and our collective happiness, cautioning against the hidden pitfalls of digital engagement.The pressing need for better mental health support in underserved communities, advocating for a more inclusive approach to wellness resources.Practical advice surfaces on how to draft your own mental fitness plan, emphasizing support systems and professional guidance as foundational elements.“It's been incredible to be able to use a lot of my pain for good now that I'm on the other side of it and I'm thriving and not just struggling to survive. It's a tremendous blessing.” - Erika J. KendrickConnect with Erika J. Kendrick:Website: http://xoerika.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-kendrick-658284127/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erikajkendrick/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikajkendrick/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    19 分
  • Joshua Mercer: Diverse Ventures and Community Impact
    2024/08/22
    Joshua Mercer is a true Chicago visionary with a heart for the community and a knack for entrepreneurship. A graduate of Howard University with a degree in marketing, he later received a master's in elementary education. His journey has been marked by impactful ventures, from founding Swish Dreams Sports and Educational Foundation to pioneering the largest black bar crawl with the Movemakers. His commitment to youth empowerment and community engagement is unparalleled. Not stopping there, he ventured into insurance with the Joshua Mercer Insurance Agency, serving thousands in the Chicagoland area, and later expanded into real estate with Mercer Capital LLC, now boasting over 135 units and a luxury lounge, The Hue Chicago. Beyond business, Joshua is deeply involved in organizations like 100 Black Men and finds joy in family moments with his wife, Kenya, and their two children.In this episode Dante and Joshua discuss:Joshua's motivations and journey in his diverse entrepreneurial venturesThe shift from traditional employment to thriving as an entrepreneurStrategic problem-solving and partnership building across various businessesThe pressures of entrepreneurship and the resilience needed to push through challengesEssential advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including reputation management and the balance between professional growth and giving back to the communityKey Takeaways: Understanding how the desire for freedom and financial autonomy can drive the leap into entrepreneurship, while also highlighting the importance of utilizing one's unique skill set to address market needs.The narrative of shifting from teaching to entrepreneurship accentuates the critical role of strategic problem-solving and partnership formations in cultivating business growth.Examining the intense pressures of entrepreneurship reveals that the immense financial and personal investment often makes quitting a viable option.This insightful discussion delves into the complexities of serial entrepreneurship, from sustaining brand integrity and achieving work-life balance to effective team building.Offering invaluable guidance for budding entrepreneurs, Mercer touches upon the pillars of a strong reputation, clear problem identification, adaptability, leadership, and the impact of giving back to the community.“The true mark of a leader is somebody who makes other people better. You can lead from the front, the middle, or the back, but if you're not making other people better, you're not a leader.” - Joshua MercerConnect with Joshua Mercer:Websites: https://www.movemakerevents.com/ , https://www.homecomingathoward.com/ , https://hue-chicago.com/ , https://www.listwithmercer.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamercer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaMercerInsurance/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh4insurance/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    31 分
  • Trent Ehrlich: Revolutionizing Insurance in an Evolving Market
    2024/08/08
    Trent Ehrlich is a seasoned insurance professional dedicated to providing personalized coverage solutions throughout Colorado. With over a decade of experience, Trent is known for his attentive customer service, unwavering integrity, and ability to simplify complex insurance concepts. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, which enables him to combine industry expertise with a strong financial background to offer tailored solutions for both families and businesses. Outside of his professional endeavors, Trent is an active community member, volunteering with local charities and youth organizations. He enjoys hiking in the picturesque Colorado mountains, skiing in the winter, and spending quality time with his family.In this episode Dante and Trent discuss:Trent's dedicated approach to offering customized insurance solutions and the relevance of personal integrity and education in his workThe unexpected path that led Ehrlich to the insurance sector, underscoring the importance of interpersonal connection, a positive mindset, and technological savvyThe significant challenges confronting the insurance industry such as surging insurance rates tied to an increase in crime, thefts, and economic issues post-2020State Farm's strategic response to industry challenges and its success in retaining its market in high-risk areasKey insights for budding insurance professionals around the importance of resilience, maintaining an upbeat attitude, and not taking obstacles personallyKey Takeaways: Tailoring insurance solutions to individual clients is paramount, and this is grounded in the consultant's experience and integrity.Success in the insurance industry can often stem from an ability to foster strong interpersonal relations, remain optimistic, and adapt to technological changes.The insurance landscape is influenced by a variety of factors including crime rates and economic conditions, requiring customer education and clear communication of changes.Companies like State Farm can succeed in challenging environments by adopting competitive strategies that address regional risks.Aspiring insurance agents should focus on persevering through setbacks, staying positive, and viewing challenges as stepping stones to success.“Staying up-to-date with technology and being highly customer-focused—ensuring that customers come first and receive accurate information—are key to success. It's also important to remain optimistic and positive during challenging times, which are inevitable in the insurance industry. Staying informed about the latest technology and industry trends, and effectively communicating this knowledge to customers, is crucial.” - Trent EhrlichConnect with Trent Ehrlich:Website: https://www.statefarm.com/agent/us/co/boulder/trent-ehrlich-1cdc678mbge Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    21 分
  • Jesse Pettway: Service Beyond the Transaction
    2024/07/25
    Jesse Pettway is a Husband, Father, Firefighter Paramedic, and Licensed Funeral Director. He is a dedicated professional with a passion for guiding aspiring Funeral Directors on their journey to obtaining licensure. As an honors graduate of Malcolm X College's Mortuary Science Program, Jesse brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field. Who is Jesse Pettway? Jesse is more than just a licensed funeral director; he's a loving husband and father to 11 children, having experienced the heartache of losing two of them at an early age. His unique perspective and commitment to family drive his unwavering dedication to his work. Balancing Act In addition to his role in the world of mortuary science, Jesse serves as a full-time Firefighter Paramedic for the City of Chicago. In this episode Dante and Jesse Pettway discuss:Jesse's multifaceted career and his dedication to serving others in various capacities, including the often misunderstood funeral industry.The unexpected journey into funeral direction and the importance of pre-planning to reduce the financial and emotional burden on loved ones.The practicalities of life insurance planning, especially the advantages of planning early.A closer look into the costs and processes of burial and cremation services, challenging common myths about the industry.The personalized approach to providing compassionate support to grieving families, and the significance of personalizing funerals to honor the memory of the deceased.Key Takeaways: Jesse Petway showcases how personal experiences can shape professional paths, leading to a fulfilling career that blends empathy with service.Preplanning critical end-of-life services, like funerals and life insurance, can be an invaluable gift, easing the practical and financial stress on families during difficult times.Understanding the costs and processes involved in funeral services can dispel myths and bring clarity to a topic often shrouded in mystery.An empathetic and flexible approach towards grief can redefine the experience of morticians' interactions with grieving families, moving away from the traditional stoic image.There is a powerful desire to build a lasting legacy, not just through the services offered but through the impact and care imparted to each individual and the community.“Mortuary science or death care is pretty much similar to clergy in the fact that we take care of people. The journey of grief is a long journey and it helps to have somebody with you that's familiar with that journey, so that you could get to the other side.” - Jesse PettwayConnect with Jesse Pettway:Website: https://nbeexamprep.com/home LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-pettway-5340b27b/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    15 分
  • Dr. Shadae Booker-Shelton: Empowering Holistic Well-being in Healthcare
    2024/07/11
    Dr. Shadae Booker-Shelton is a distinguished Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in primary care, with a doctoral degree in nursing from Northern Kentucky University, earned in 2022. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from Governor State University and is nationally board-certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). She is licensed to provide high-quality care to individuals of all ages.In addition to her clinical practice, she is a nursing professor at Rasmussen University. She is also an accomplished entrepreneur, co-owning A & S Divine Healthcare, founding The Corner of Aspirations—a life coaching and business/entrepreneur coaching service—and serving as Vice President of the non-profit youth organization, Angel’s Helping Hand.Passionate about education and empowerment, Dr. Booker-Shelton’s philosophy of care centers on delivering informed, high-quality care to her clients and their families. In this episode Dante and Dr. Booker- Shelton discuss:Dr. Booker Shelton's journey from the business sector to the nursing field, revealing the personal motivations behind her career changeThe rigorous training and challenges faced by nurse practitioners, and Dr. Booker Shelton's focus on building trust and realistic patient careCritical barriers to healthcare access, including the significance of annual exams, issues with insurance, and cultural perceptions of medical assistanceEffective approaches for individuals and businesses to set and achieve goals, with an emphasis on balanced life coaching and operational efficiencyThe shared vision of community empowerment and the actionable steps towards democratizing healthcare accessKey Takeaways: A transition to a career in healthcare can be driven by a holistic approach and a personal passion for improving patient well-being.Building trust with patients requires a realistic and empathetic approach, encouraging them to take an active role in managing their health.Understanding and overcoming barriers to healthcare is crucial in preventing chronic illnesses and improving patient outcomes.Life coaching and support in operational effectiveness are essential tools for individuals and businesses aiming to realize their objectives.Regular annual exams and affordable healthcare options play a vital role in community empowerment and preventative medicine.“I like to let my clients know that they're the driver, and I'm the passenger. I have the knowledge and the science behind me, but I want you to take control.” - Dr. Shadae Booker- SheltonConnect with Dr. Shadae Booker- Shelton:Website: https://coaspirations.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shadae-booker-shelton-dnp-fnp-bc-1a22881a9/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    20 分
  • Sharon Buck: Best-Selling Author - Secrets to Crafting Cozy Mysteries
    2024/06/27
    Sharon E. Buck, an Amazon best-selling author renowned for her humorous cozymysteries with a Florida twist, balances her creative endeavors with the meticulous work of editing, formatting, and ghostwriting business books. She lives in northeast Florida close enough to the Atlantic Ocean to smell the salt air but far enough away that she doesn’t have to wash the beach sugar sand from her feet. With a prolific career spanning over a thousand newspaper and magazine articles and over twenty fiction books, Sharon has captivated audiences both nationally and internationally.In this episode Dante and Sharon discuss:Balancing humorous cozy mysteries with editing and ghostwritingWriting a cozy mystery book each month with clean, fun contentProviding readers with laughter and enjoyment amidst daily stressCreating relatable characters based on people from Sharon’s hometownSharon’s daily writing routine and influences from other authorsKey Takeaways: Commit to the craft by consistently putting words on the page. Even a few paragraphs a day can make a significant difference.Seeking inspiration from favorite authors and engaging with the writing community offers motivation and practical advice from shared experiences and diverse styles.Character-driven writing helps create relatable and engaging stories by focusing on the depth and development of characters. This approach allows readers to connect emotionally with the characters, making the narrative more compelling.Balancing creative writing with other professional endeavors is possible with dedication and time management.Reading from a young age can foster a lifelong passion for writing. It nurtures storytelling skills and inspires creativity.“Commit to yourself. If you say you want to be a writer, sit down and write. Just write.” - Sharon BuckConnect with Sharon Buck:Website: https://sharonebuck.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharonebuck/ Email: Sharon@SharonEBuck.com Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    15 分
  • Damon Royster: The Art of Laughter
    2024/06/13

    Damon Royster, originally from Chicago and now residing in Los Angeles, has made a name for himself in the world of comedy. He has written and directed sketch comedy for both Second City in Chicago and the Pack Theater in L.A. His writing has been featured on The Gag, a Comedy Central-owned LGBTQ Instagram account, the tabletop game Cards Against Humanity, and Cracked. Damon is also the creator of the award-winning web series AppQueen, which was a finalist at the 2019 Outfest Film Festival. Additionally, he co-wrote the parody play Love, Factually, which was performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. in 2018 and 2019. Currently, Damon serves as an executive assistant for the award-winning documentary production company Firelight Films.

    In this episode, Dante and Damon discuss:

    • Damon's multifaceted career as a writer, actor, and comedian
    • Early influences and the desire to understand the formula of comedy
    • The interplay between acting and writing in self-produced comedic work
    • Creating comedic characters based on real-life encounters
    • Damon's approach to stand-up comedy and connecting with the audience


    Key Takeaways:

    • Comedy brings together the unique skills of acting and writing, drawing from personal experiences.
    • Exaggerating quirks of real-life people can be a source of comedic character creation.
    • Establishing a connection with the audience through personal stories is crucial in stand-up comedy.
    • Aspiring actors and comedians should have a day job while constantly creating and refining their craft.
    • Setting short-term goals is essential for personal and professional growth in the comedy industry.


    “If you're going to go into the world of comedy and call yourself a comedian, you do need to have a little bit of both acting and writing skills, because both those things coincide with comedy.”

    - Damon Royster



    Connect with Damon Royster:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-royster-29667540/


    Connect with Dante Royster:

    Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/

    Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086

    Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086

    Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/

    “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRP

    LinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedIn

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster

    YouTube: Epic Spotlight

    Email: dante@epic.mortgage


    The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas



    Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

    Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

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    17 分
  • Osazee Thompson: Building Wealth Through Purpose
    2024/05/30
    Osazee Thompson is a passionate motivator who believes that everyone has a specific unique purpose to fulfill in life, and a part of his purpose is to educate, empower, train, and equip business owners and their employees to be most effective, proficient, and efficient in their respective industries and fields of work. He accomplishes this through leadership development, strategic planning/goal accomplishment, financial empowerment, and legacy planning.As a corporate trainer, instructional designer, and certified professional life and business coach, he assists corporations and organizations with the development and implementation of business leadership-related training through instructional design development and facilitation.In this episode Dante and Osazee discuss: Exploring New Real Estate Opportunities in TexasCreating a Realistic Financial Plan for ClientsTailoring Financial Strategies for Individual GoalsEmpowering Clients Through Financial EducationReassessing Financial PlansKey Takeaways: Discover strategies to build generational wealth and fulfill your life's purpose through investing, income strategies, and personal developmentLearn about the differences between the Chicago and North Dallas real estate markets and the growth potential in TexasUnderstand the importance of identifying your vision and purpose for your money and how to create a customized financial planExplore the factors to consider when developing a financial strategy, such as personal goals, risk profile, income, and life stageFind out how to make better financial decisions by understanding your money personality and identifying opportunities“ I love empowering people financially and throughout life, helping them understand and fulfill their sense of purpose. Essentially, I help people build generational wealth through investing, income strategies, and by guiding them to walk in and fulfill their life purpose.” - Osazee ThompsonConnect with Osazee Thompson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/osazeethompson/ Connect with Dante Royster:Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/Epic Mortgage Website: Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086Facebook: EpicMortgage1885086Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/“The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKTRWLRPLinkedIn: Dante Royster | LinkedInTwitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterYouTube: Epic Spotlight Email: dante@epic.mortgageThe 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/TexasShow notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul TagamaAudio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.
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    19 分