What is environmental stewardship? It’s the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices, encompassing actions to conserve resources, reduce waste , and minimize environmental impact.

Admittedly when I recorded this episode with Amethyst Jackson of Black Sapphire Gardens and Aliviyah Blis, almost a year ago I really didn’t understand the definition. What came out of our conversation was an exploration of natural and holistic traditions and healing practices that have elevated Amy’s hair care, internal wellness, and parenting, especially for her son who has autism. I now realize that what prompted me to invite Amy to the podcast was her wellness stewardship which includes her dedication to her family, her kindness and zeal to be of service to others, and how her garden has literally fed her family nutritionally, spiritually, medicinally, financially, and mentally. And yes, all of these outcomes are documented benefits of practicing environmental stewardship through gardening which is just one way of protecting an earth that has everything we need. I hope that makes sense.

This podcast is designed for the audience to learn, connect, and be inspired to act. On a personal note, I gained all three.

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Anyone else start therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic via telehealth? Me too! In this episode of The Vocal Action Podcast I finally meet my therapist, Diane Jones of The Lotus Wellness Group, in person and share her wisdom with all of you. “Life is filled with swift transitions” and it’s important to find joy and remain joyous through tough transitions. Whether it’s navigating new seasons of life or pushing through difficult times, Diane has some helpful tips to share!

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According to AI, "private equity (PE) is an investment in a private company that's not publicly traded. It's a type of long-term financing that helps businesses grow." Patrick Kimble, is the Founder and Managing Partner of Caste Capital, a private equity firm and "socioeconomic catalyst" that "opportunistically invests in real assets and distinctive opportunities that significantly influence the built environment." On the podcast we talk private equity, entrepreneurship, and the journey that inspires one's life. So grateful to be inspired by my cousin and share him with the world.

and if you have any questions, please drop them in the comments. We will have an in-person conversation later this year as we tour Caste Capital's Prudential office.

As always:

Thank you for tuning into The Vocal Action Podcast

Join our community by following and subscribing to our show on all social media platforms. (@vocalactionpodcast)

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A 2023 Forbes study found that only 6% of people followed through with their New Year’s resolutions. A study at the University of Scranton found that only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolution. Another study at Columbia University found that only 25% of people stay committed to their resolutions after 30 days.

BUT THEN THERE IS KALYN BELL. As a full-time worker, mother of two, wife, and cheer coach, Kalyn continues to find time to maintain her fitness goals- and done so successfully since 2020. Now she is motivating others through her “75 Soft Challenge” and her fitness page, @KalynInMotion . So how does she remain in the 6%? Listen to this episode to find out!

As always:

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Welcome to the new year!!! Each year Vocal ACTION hosts a vision board, fellowship, and networking event. This year is quite smaller in scale, but the feeling of the experience is big as ever and recapped here with Latoya, an annual attendee since the very first one!

Hear us share our goals for 2025 and tune in throughout year to follow our progress!

As always:

Thank you for tuning into The Vocal Action Podcast

Join our community by following and subscribing to our show on all social media platforms.

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Amity is the Deputy Chief Marketing and Storytelling Officer of Color of Change, the nation’s largest online racial justice organization where they “design campaigns powerful enough to end practices that unfairly hold Black people back and champion solutions that move us all forward.” Amity is currently leading change in how Black stories are told on social media, in film and television, and during fundraising efforts, just to name a few areas. But before Color of Change, Amity was a girl in Boston attending social events with her parents, exploring the arts, and “going with the wind”- allowing her skills and experience to lead her to contribute to projects that she felt most passionate about. These projects included journalism, creating her own outfit for New York Fashion Week (NYFW), being apart of the conception of Black Lives Matter, and now growing her own produce with her husband. Amity is a shining example of how listening to your own voice wins every time. I needed this reminder and I am grateful that the young girl from Boston that I met in 5th grade was able to give it to me.