Blow Your Mind(set)

Hosted by Nicole F. Smith, M.Ed.

Education News

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Apr 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Blow Your Mind(set) Podcast — where ordinary moments meet extraordinary mindset shifts. 🎙️ In a world that’s noisy, messy, and constantly moving, we slow things down just enough to ask: "Did that really just happen?" I’m your host, Nicole Smith — emotional intelligence expert, mindset disruptor, and your favorite thought partner in this wild ride we call leadership and life. Every episode, we crack open the stories, shifts, and surprises that challenge how we think, lead, and show up. From boardrooms to breakups, social trends to self-talk, we’re unpacking it all through the lens of emotional brilliance. You’ll hear powerful solo episodes and unfiltered conversations with game-changers, thought leaders, and real people doing the inner work. No fluff. Just real talk, real insight, and a real push to think differently . Whether you're navigating a personal pivot or leading in high-pressure spaces — this is your space to reset, reframe, and blow your mindset wide open. Let’s get into it.

Listen to episodes

41 recent

April 1, 202650 min

Blow Your Mind(set): Life After 50: Clarity, Confidence, and Choosing Yourself Without Apology

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you stop performing and start choosing yourself?In this episode, Nicole sits down with content creator and cultural commentator Shelley Winters to unpack what life really looks like after 50—without filters, without pressure, and without apology.They go deep on:The emotional weight and expectations placed on Black women todayWhy empathy does not require self-sacrificeNavigating aging parents while protecting your own well-beingThe truth about visibility, confidence, and the “silver economy”Letting go of people-pleasing and reclaiming your choicesShelley shares how turning 50 shifted her perspective on time, identity, and ownership—and why she chose a boudoir photoshoot over a party to mark the moment.This is not surface-level inspiration. This is real conversation about boundaries, identity, and emotional intelligence in action.If you’re still performing for approval, this episode will challenge you.If you’re ready to lead your life differently, this episode will meet you there.Connect with Shelley:Social Media HandlesFacebook: Ms WintersInstagram: IammswintersLinkedIn: ShelleyWintersTikTok: IammawintersThreads::IammawingersYou can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

March 19, 202646 min

Blow Your Mind(set): Unsubscribing From It All with Ginny Priem

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Blow Your Mind(set), Nicole sits down with Ginny Priem, keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, bestselling author, and author of Unsubscribe: Why Letting Go Is the Secret to Getting Ahead. With more than 20 years of corporate leadership experience, Ginny shares powerful insight on burnout, boundaries, hustle culture, and sustainable success. Together, they unpack how fear of disappointing others, people-pleasing, and constant digital pressure lead so many people to overextend. They also discuss why saying no is clarity, not conflict, how boundaries strengthen relationships, and what it means to let go of what no longer fits so you can move forward with more intention. This episode is for anyone ready to stop over-giving, trust themselves again, and redefine success in a healthier way. Connect with Ginny!Keynote Speaker, Master Certified Professional Life Coach, Best-Selling Author & Host of Unsubscribe PodcastFacebook::https://www.facebook.com/Ginnypriem/Instagram::https://www.instagram.com/ginnypriem/LinkedIn::https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginny-priem-8a87248/You can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

March 4, 202642 min

Blow Your Mind(set): From Corporate Layoffs to CEO with Kia Van Wright Ford

Send us Fan MailIs it possible to be wildly productive and completely burnt out at the same time? Absolutely! And that's exactly what Kia Van Wright Ford addresses in this game-changing episode of Blow Your Mindset.As CEO of Van Wright Consulting and a fractional CEO with 20+ years of experience, Kia helps leaders move from survival mode to intentional growth. She shares her journey from corporate VP to entrepreneur, revealing why 75% of professionals feel burnt out and what to do about it.Kia unpacks her SHIFT mindset framework, the power of boundaries and delegation, and why we need to stop treating our businesses like babies. Nicole and Kia get vulnerable about identity, layoffs, and the courage it takes to bet on yourself.If you're tired of being tired or ready to work ON your business instead of IN it, this conversation is your wake-up call.Contact Kia Van Wright Fordwww.alwazeapparel.comKia@vanfordconsulting.comFacebook: Kia VanWright FordInstagram: Kia VanWright FordLinkedIn: Kia VanWright FordYou can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

February 18, 202647 min

Blow Your Mind(set): Boss Moves: How to Run Sh*t When Nobody Gave You Permission with Connie Woolard

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when you're managing change at work while change is managing you? Connie Woolard—talent development expert, new grandmother ("Meema"), and K-12 survivor—gets real about the messy, magnificent chaos of navigating a multi-generational household, perimenopause hot flashes, and showing up powerfully in rooms where you don't have "the title."Fresh from the classroom to the boardroom, Connie breaks down why listening first is your superpower, how "PSWIG" (Put Sh*t Where It Goes) keeps family harmony alive, and what it really takes to earn your seat at the corporate table and become an entrepreneur at the same time. Plus, the dream home story that proves timing matters more than timelines and why sometimes "I don't know" is the most emotionally intelligent answer you can give.This isn't your typical career conversation. It's two friends, two decades of friendship, goldfish crackers in the car, and the unfiltered truth about what leadership looks like when pushing through the 4th decade of life, hot in 32 degree weather, and still showing up to change the game.Perfect for: Women navigating career transitions, new grandmas balancing multi-gen households, anyone who's ever felt "too young" or "not enough," and every human trying to lead with influence—not just a title.You can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

February 4, 202647 min

Blow Your Mind(set): The Shift from Control to Connection with Dr. Shanesia Davis

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when leaders prioritize control over connection? Nicole F. Smith and Dr. Shanesia Davis unpack the critical shift modern leaders must make: moving from control reflexes to authentic relationships.Dr. Davis reveals how cultural norms like urgency and perfectionism condition leaders to stay in "doing mode" while neglecting the inner work that creates sustainable impact.In this episode, you'll discover:✅ Why leadership is a relational process that begins with self-leadership ✅ How unexamined emotions leak into public consequences affecting teams ✅ Why empathy doesn't mean fixing others ✅ How to develop emotional regulation as a core leadership skill ✅ The difference between being a leader and doing leadership tasksIf you've ever felt the weight of needing all the answers or controlling every outcome, this episode will give you permission to lead differently. True influence comes not from control, but from showing up authentically and creating space for others to do the same.Resources mentioned: 📖 20 Golden Leadership Nuggets, Refined by EQ Impact by Nicole F. Smith 🎓 Upcoming webinars on emotional intelligence www.thenicolefsmith.comYour leadership impact begins with your inner work.Connect with Dr. Davis:uandmeconsulting.comsdavis@uandmeconsulting.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AnqSWDbKs/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadership_lounge_tm/LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-shanesia-davis-359310aaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@niesha_davis1117?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcYou can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

January 28, 202656 min

Blow Your Mind(set): Trust Yourself First: Strategic Communication & Pricing for Black Women Experts

Send us Fan MailStop undervaluing your expertise! In this game-changing episode, host Nicole F. Smith sits down with Kelly Charles Collins, Esq—former trial lawyer, mediator, and arbitrator turned strategic advisor and professional speaker—for a conversation that will challenge everything you believe about pricing your expertise. Kelly doesn't hold back as she addresses the uncomfortable truth: Black women experts are showing up in spaces without getting paid what they're worth, and it's time to change that narrative.ANNOUNCEMENT! JOIN US IN ATLANTA: Kelly is hosting The 6 Speaking Industry Expo, March 16-18, where Nicole will be speaking at the Iconic Talks Speaker Showcase! This business incubator isn't about taking notes—it's about implementation. Learn the strategies Kelly has used to help clients go from zero to multiple five figures and close six-figure contracts.Ready to disrupt the industry and stop being complicit in your own erasure? Register for The 6 Speaking Industry Expo taking place in Atlanta March 16-18 now at speakingindustryexpo.comConnect with Kelly!facebook.com/kellycharlescollinsInstagram: instagram.com/kellycharlescollinsLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kellycharlescollinsThreads: threads.com/kellycharlescollinsYou can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

January 21, 2026Episode 424 min

The Legacy You Lead One - A peek into one of Nicole's keynotes

Send us Fan MailYour legacy isn't what you leave behind — it's what you're building right now. In this powerful episode, Nicole F. Smith challenges leaders to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start living their legacy intentionally.Drawing from her keynote The Legacy You Lead and her EQ Impact® Framework, Nicole guides you through a transformative reflection process: What do you need to START doing to align with your values? What do you need to STOP that's blocking your impact? And what strengths do you need to CONTINUE to protect your growth?This episode isn't about achievements or titles. It's about emotional intelligence, authentic leadership, and the courage to show up in a way that creates lasting impact. You'll learn how to define your legacy statement and ensure your presence reflects the leader you want to be remembered as — not someday, but today.You can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

January 7, 2026Episode 350 min

Blow Your Mind(set) | From Trauma to Triumph: Healing Through Divorce with Nicole Bright

Send us Fan MailYou're Not Going BACK, You're Becoming NEW w/ Nicole BrightDivorce doesn't mean going back to who you were before—it means discovering who you're becoming. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Nicole Bright, certified divorce coach, author, and motivational speaker, to talk about healing from divorce with emotional intelligence, authenticity, and intention.Nicole shares her personal journey of leaving a controlling, abusive marriage while secretly coaching other married women—and how she transformed that pain into her purpose of helping others rebuild their lives after separation.In This Episode, We Discuss:✨ Why you can't recover the old you—and why that's a good thing ✨ The shame, guilt, and anger that surface during divorce (and how to process them) ✨ Nicole's "Find the Bright Spot in Your Darkness" framework ✨ How to reposition your ex-spouse in your life while protecting your peace ✨ Why therapy and coaching aren't optional—they're essential ✨ Breaking free from the masks we wear and the exhaustion of pretending ✨ The truth: two people in a home can still be a broken homeWhether you're navigating divorce, supporting someone through it, or leading others through major life transitions, this episode will shift your perspective on healing, resilience, and self-discovery.About Nicole Bright: Nicole Bright is a certified life coach specializing in divorce recovery, author, motivational speaker, and mother of two. She helps individuals heal from divorce and rebuild their lives with confidence and clarity.www.facebook.com/CoachNicoleBright/ You can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

December 17, 2025Episode 217 min

Blow Your Mind(set): 50 Cent, Diddy, and the Emotional Intelligence Masterclass You Missed

Send us Fan MailMost people see drama. Leaders see strategy.In this episode, I dissect 50 Cent's documentary move on Diddy—not as celebrity gossip, but as an emotional intelligence masterclass. He controlled his emotions, read the cultural moment, understood the emotional climate, and turned years of tension into influence, revenue, and global positioning.Your leadership will face similar moments. Maybe not on Netflix, but absolutely in your workplace and reputation.I break down five critical truths for leading in cancel culture:Power without EQ is a liabilitySilence is the real scandalReceipts live foreverEQ gives you influence that outlasts backlashSelf-correction speed determines survivalYou cannot afford to lead on autopilot. The leaders who rise in 2025 are the ones who maximize their emotional intelligence—not for show, but for sustainability.This is your wake-up call.You can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

December 10, 2025Episode 150 min

Blow Your Mind(set): From Trauma To Triumph: Mastering the Art of Becoming with Malaysia Harrell

Send us Fan MailIn this transformative episode, host Nicole F Smith sits down with Malaysia Harrell—psychotherapist, spiritual transformation coach, UN peace ambassador, best-selling author, and military veteran—for a conversation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about success, purpose, and healing.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: ✅ How to know when you're living in your divine assignment ✅ The difference between authenticity and transparency ✅ Why trauma can redirect you toward your purpose ✅ How to master the art of becoming and surrender ✅ Why everyone can't come with you on your journey ✅ How to redefine success on your own termsAfter surviving childhood trauma, near-death experiences in the military, and nine surgeries in five years, Malaysia found herself at rock bottom—254 pounds, Bell's palsy, sarcoidosis, and unable to walk. But in that dark night of the soul, she had a true conversation with God and chose surrender. Three weeks after military retirement, she met with Howard Schultz (Starbucks founder), proving that obedience leads to miracles.Now as a UN-sanctioned peace ambassador, Malaysia travels internationally, helping high-achieving women heal from behind their masks of perfection and step into their divine assignments.CONNECT WITH MALAYSIA HARRELL: 📖 Book: God Has My Six 🌐 Website: MalaysiaHarrell.com 🏢 Consulting: BlissfulLifeConsulting.com 📧 Email: info@MalaysiaHarrell.com 📱 Instagram: @MalaysiaHHarrell @YourWellnessMogulSUBSCRIBE for more transformational conversations that blow your mindset! 🔔You can even SEE us power through this conversation via YOUTUBE!Contact Nicole - she can't wait to talk to you!InstagramLinkedInnicole@thenicolefsmith.compowered by: JMS Creative Leadership SolutionsWebsite: https://www.thenicolefsmith.com© 2025 Blow Your Mind(set). All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content without express written permission is prohibited.

Is this your show?

Claim this listing to keep it up to date, reach guests who want to pitch you, and manage bookings with Guestify.

Claim this listing