Dreams In Drive

Hosted by Rana Campbell

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457

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May 2026

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About the show

Learn how to take your dreams out of PARK and into DRIVE. Host Rana Campbell and weekly guests share their personal #dreamdriving stories and keys to success that have allowed them to successfully create lives full of fulfillment and passion. We chat entrepreneurship, small business advice, professional & personal development, success, branding, marketing, motivational, and general life tips that you can use as you put your #dreamsindrive. Follow us on social @dreamsindrive. For guest pitches, visit www.dreamsindrive.com/pitch.

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60 recent

May 20, 2026Episode 4511 hr 0 min

451: From Trauma to Transformation — Denise Roman on Hitting Rock Bottom, Starting Over & Reclaiming Her Future

What happens when someone refuses to let their circumstances define them? In this deeply moving episode, Rana sits down with Denise Roman for one of the most powerful conversations ever shared on Dreams In Drive. Denise opens up about her journey growing up in the Bronx, becoming a mother at just 15 years old, navigating foster care, surviving multiple incarcerations, and ultimately finding the courage to rebuild her life on her own terms. From experiencing systemic failures firsthand to pursuing higher education through programs like the Bard Prison Initiative and setting her sights on political leadership, Denise shares how faith, resilience, and self-belief helped her transform pain into purpose. In this episode, Denise and Rana discuss: Growing up in a difficult and isolating home environment Becoming a teen mother while navigating foster care The realities and trauma of the foster care system Survival, incarceration, and rebuilding after prison Witnessing corruption and abuse within correctional facilities How education became a turning point for Denise's future Rebuilding her relationship with her daughter Overcoming shame, self-doubt, and societal labels Why Denise now wants to create policy change through politics The power of faith, confidence, and lived experience This episode is a reminder that your past does not disqualify you from your purpose. If you've ever felt like your circumstances were stacked against you, Denise's story will inspire you to keep dreaming bigger. FIND DENISE ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-roman-8887a5276/ INSTAGRAM: Emperoroman_d Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

May 15, 2026Episode 45047 min

450: Why Getting Fired Ended Up Being Angelica Deuel's Biggest Blessing

She thought losing her corporate job would break her. Instead, it became the exact push she needed to build the career — and life — she actually wanted. For interior designer Angelica Deuel, getting laid off from corporate in 2024 became the unexpected turning point that changed everything. What could've felt like failure actually became the push she needed to finally go all in on the dream she'd been quietly building behind the scenes for years. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Angelica opens up about walking away from the security of corporate life, navigating uncertainty, and building a business rooted in purpose, creativity, and freedom. From fear and finances to identity and self-trust, this episode is for anyone questioning whether the "safe" path is still the right one. We talk about: Feeling unfulfilled in corporate despite career success The surprising relief she felt after getting laid off Why she believes the layoff was divine timing How she prepared for entrepreneurship before taking the leap Transitioning from media + marketing into interior design Building Hatch Interior Design Group from the ground up Overcoming comparison, fear, and uncertainty The mindset shift that helped her replace her corporate income Why she refuses to create a backup plan How losing her job helped her finally align with the life she truly wanted If you've been feeling stuck, burnt out, overlooked, or afraid to start over, this episode will remind you that sometimes the thing that disrupts your life is also the thing that redirects it. Your next chapter might be waiting on the other side of letting go. FIND ANGELICA ON: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/angelicadeuel OR https://www.instagram.com/hatch.interiordesign/ Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

May 8, 2026Episode 44915 min

How to Stand Out in Any Room | My Padma Lakshmi Story

How do you stand out in rooms full of accomplished, talented, and ambitious people? In this solo episode, I'm sharing the story behind something that happenedat a fireside chat with Padma Lakshmi — and the powerful lesson I learned about visibility, confidence, and why so many of us shrink ourselves in the very rooms we prayed to be in. Before the event even started, I made a decision: I was going to participate. I prepared my question ahead of time, workshopped it with coworkers, and intentionally positioned myself in the room. What happened next validated strategies I use when it comes to networking, career growth, and standing out professionally. In this episode, we talk about: how to stand out in any room the power of preparation and intentionality overcoming fear and imposter syndrome at work why visibility matters for career growth how ambitious women unintentionally play small networking, confidence, and speaking up the opportunities that come from participation If you've ever struggled with confidence, visibility, or advocating for yourself in professional spaces, this episode is your reminder that sometimes standing out starts with one simple thing: raising your hand. Because the opportunities we want often begin the moment we stop shrinking ourselves. Listen If You Are: A Dream Driver ready to reflect, recharge, and refocus Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step Looking for a practical yet soulful guide to set intentions for the new year Wanting to step into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and energy Where to Find Rana Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rainshineluv Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Newsletter: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ranacampbell

April 21, 2026Episode 4481 hr 0 min

448: Why "Having It All" Feels So Hard for Working Moms | Balancing Motherhood, Career, Ambition w/ Rukiya Ross

Why does "having it all" feel so much harder than it sounds? In this episode, Rukiya Ross breaks down the real challenges working moms face balancing career, ambition, and motherhood. In this episode of Dreams In Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with operations executive, podcast host, and mom of two Rukiya Ross for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to pursue ambition while navigating motherhood. As Head of Operations at inquirED and co-host of Moms Who Pause, Rukiya helps women rethink how they approach career growth, childcare, and building a life that actually works. In this conversation, she shares how becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with ambition, success, and self-worth—and why so many working moms struggle silently with the pressure to "do it all." Together, Rana and Rukiya unpack the emotional and logistical realities of balancing motherhood and career, from managing the mental load and childcare decisions to navigating guilt, boundaries, and burnout. If you're a working mom trying to pursue your goals without losing yourself in the process, this episode will remind you that ambition doesn't disappear after motherhood—it just requires a new strategy. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why motherhood changes your relationship with ambition The emotional reality of balancing career and family How to make confident childcare decisions without guilt The invisible mental load working moms carry Why so many ambitious women struggle after becoming mothers How to redefine success for your current season of life The importance of building systems that support your family and career Navigating burnout, boundaries, and identity after kids How intentional pauses can help women make better life decisions Why "having it all" may require redefining what "all" means Key Takeaway Motherhood doesn't make you less ambitious. It forces you to become more intentional about where your ambition goes. FIND RUKIYA ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rukiyaross Instagram: http://www.instagram/momswhopause 🛠️ Resources + Links Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

March 25, 2026Episode 4471 hr 3 min

447: From Survival Mode To Self Discovery - How To Become Who You Were Always Meant To Be w/ Kadi Cisse

In this episode, Rana sits down with storyteller, speaker, and podcast host, Kadi Cisse, for a powerful conversation about identity, independence, grief, purpose, and becoming who you really are. Kadi shares her journey growing up as a first-generation American raised by West African immigrant parents, and how being the "independent child" shaped the way she approached life, relationships, and success. She opens up about loss, navigating life after losing her father, and how many of us who are seen as "strong" often learn how to survive before we ever learn how to feel. Together, Rana and Kadi talk about the identity crisis that many high-achieving people face when they realize their job title is not their purpose, why unprocessed emotions eventually show up in our lives, and how spirituality, self-awareness, and honesty with yourself are often the real keys to growth. Kadi also shares wisdom from her platform Ask Kadi: The Voice of Reason, where she uses humor, honesty, and real-life experience to help people navigate relationships, self-worth, and personal growth. This episode is about resilience, truth, self-discovery, and the journey of becoming who you were always meant to be. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up first-generation with immigrant parents Being the "independent child" Grief and losing parents Emotional vs logical coping Layoffs and career pivots Job titles vs purpose Identity and self-discovery Spirituality and self-awareness Relationships and self-worth Building the right circle Learning to take up space Becoming who you really are Key takeaway: You can build a successful life, a great career, and still reach a point where you have to ask yourself, "But who am I really, and what am I actually here to do?" FIND KADI ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xo.kadi_ Website: www.askkadi.com 🛠️ Resources + Links Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

March 3, 2026Episode 4461 hr 2 min

446: The Strength in Surrender - Ashley Rouse on Reinvention, Letting Go And Embracing a New Season

Ashley Rouse shares how surrender, letting go, and reinvention led to clarity and new beginnings after closing her company, Trade Street Jam Co. _____ After building a nationally recognized brand, Ashley Rouse returns to Dreams In Drive - eight years later - to share the raw truth about closing Trade Street Jam Co., embracing surrender, and stepping into new beginnings with her new creative agency Rouse Like House. A heartfelt, inspiring conversation for anyone navigating change, letting go, or finding clarity and purpose in life's next chapter. ______ In this deeply honest and full-circle conversation, Ashley Rouse (Episode 174 guest) returns eight years later to Dreams In Drive to reflect on the evolution from the woman who was scaling Trade Street Jam Co. at lightning speed to the woman she is today — one who chose surrender, healing, and alignment over external definitions of success. Ashley opens up about the circumstances surrounding and the grief of closing Trade Street Jam Co., the loss of identity that comes when your life's work ends, and the emotional and spiritual clarity that followed. She shares how motherhood and deep personal growth forced her to redefine what success, ambition, and purpose look like in this new season. Most importantly, she reframes surrender as a power move, a conscious decision to trust that releasing what no longer aligns creates space for new vision, new pathways, and a more authentic future. What We Discussed: Surrender & Purpose: Finding the courage to realize that a business is just a "tangible asset" and that her true purpose—helping other entrepreneurs—remains intact. The Realities of Running A Product-Based Business: Ashley breaks down why running a product-based CPG business is "no joke," discussing the capital intensive, inventory-heavy nature of the industry and the pressure of scaling, and seeking investors as a Black Woman The Power of Community: How sharing her "messy" journey on Instagram built a community that ultimately saved her during her transition. This conversation is for anyone who: Feels the pull toward a new beginning Is questioning a long-held dream Is learning to detach their worth from their work Is navigating a transition season You'll walk away with both the emotional language and the practical mindset shifts needed to: Recognize when it's time to move on Honor the chapter you're closing without shame Trust the unknown Rebuild from a place of clarity and self-alignment. FIND ASHLEY ROUSE ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymarierouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouselikehouse Website: https://www.rouselikehouse.com 🛠️ Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join ❤️ Leave a Review Loving the show? Your reviews help Dreams In Drive reach more listeners. Leave one on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tag Rana to share your thoughts! 📣 Join the Conversation Has your dream evolved? Are you navigating a pivot in real time? DM Rana on IG @dreamsindrive or pitch your story at http://www.dreamsindrive.com/pitch

February 10, 2026Episode 4451 hr 4 min

445: You're Not Behind —You're Being Redirected w/ Brittney Oliver

From 100 Rejections to Real Purpose | Community, Career & Resilience In this episode of Dreams In Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with Brittney Oliver, founder of Lemons to Lemonade, for a powerful conversation about turning rejection into purpose and building meaningful community when the traditional path doesn't work. Before creating one of the most impactful platforms for professionals of color, Brittney faced over 100 job rejections while trying to break into New York City's PR industry. Despite being qualified and prepared, she repeatedly heard "no." Instead of letting rejection define her, she chose to build the community she wished existed. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Rana and Brittney discuss what it really takes to keep going when your journey doesn't look like everyone else's. You'll hear about: Navigating racism and cultural barriers in corporate spaces Turning rejection into redirection The difference between "community" as a buzzword and real connection Building impact without millions of followers Creating inclusive spaces in Nashville Navigating grief after losing a parent Why Plan B doesn't mean you failed Measuring success through purpose, relationships, and impact Brittney also shares how Lemons to Lemonade has helped thousands of professionals find opportunity, confidence, and belonging — and why your worth can't be measured by follower counts. If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure about your timeline, this episode is a reminder that your story isn't over. Sometimes, rejection is just the beginning of something greater. 🎧 Listen now and be reminded: you're not behind — you're being redirected. FIND BRITTNEY OLIVER ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemons_2_lemonade/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsoliver/ Website: https://www.l2lmixer.com/ 🛠️ Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join ❤️ Leave a Review Loving the show? Your reviews help Dreams In Drive reach more listeners. Leave one on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tag Rana to share your thoughts! 📣 Join the Conversation Has your dream evolved? Are you navigating a pivot in real time? DM Rana on IG @dreamsindrive

January 26, 2026Episode 44453 min

Episode 444: Becoming a Full-Time Artist Without Losing Yourself: Healing, Motherhood, and the Courage to Create with Cristina Martinez

Contemporary artist Cristina Martinez joins Rana Campbell to discuss career pivots, motherhood, grief, and staying authentic while building a creative career. A powerful conversation about choosing yourself and continuing to create through life's challenges _ As Dreams In Drive enters its 10th year, host Rana Campbell continues her mission of spotlighting what it really means to be a dream driver—embracing change, navigating pivots, and staying true to yourself through every season. In this episode, Rana sits down with contemporary artist Cristina Martinez for an inspiring conversation about creativity, courage, and choosing yourself—even when the path feels uncertain. Cristina shares her journey from working in hospitality to becoming a full-time artist, creating sold-out exhibitions, massive public murals, and partnering with brands like Nordstrom, Disney, and Spotify. She opens up about balancing motherhood and creativity, processing grief through her work, and allowing her real life to show up on canvas. Together, Rana and Cristina discuss the power of authenticity, consistency, and self-awareness, and why continuing to create—especially when you don't feel ready—matters more than perfection. FIND CRISTINA MARTINEZ ON: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sew_trill Website: http://www.juneandmars.com 🛠️ Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join ❤️ Leave a Review Loving the show? Your reviews help Dreams In Drive reach more listeners. Leave one on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tag Rana to share your thoughts! 📣 Join the Conversation Has your dream evolved? Are you navigating a pivot in real time? DM Rana on IG @dreamsindrive

December 22, 2025Episode 44356 min

443: Driver's Ed - How to Build Trust, Community, and Impact w/ Guapify CEO CJ Harris

In this Driver's Ed session of Dream Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with Guapify CEO CJ Harris to workshop how to build trust, community, and real impact while launching a purpose-driven platform. Together, they break down CJ's journey from media executive to founder and tackle the real-time challenges of creating a safe, culturally relevant space for financial empowerment. More About The Show: In this Driver's Ed episode of Dream Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with media executive–turned–founder CJ Harris, CEO of Guapify, for a live workshopping session on how to build trust, community, and impact from the ground up. CJ shares her journey from growing up in the Bronx to spending 15 years at HBO and leading creative at BET—experiences that shaped how she thinks about storytelling, representation, and safe spaces. That background ultimately led her to create Guapify, a financial empowerment platform designed for Black millennials who want honest, culturally relevant conversations about money. Together, Rana and CJ break down Guapify's evolution from a content curation site to a community-driven forum—often described as "the Reddit of Black wealth"—and tackle real founder challenges in real time. They explore what it means to build trust in a financial space, how to differentiate from social media "money talk," and why founders don't have to be the expert to lead with authority. This episode is for anyone building a purpose-driven platform, navigating a pivot, or learning how to create community without pretending to have all the answers. FIND CJ HARRIS ON: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/guapify.tv Website: https://guapify.com/ 🛠️ Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join ❤️ Leave a Review Loving the show? Your reviews help Dreams In Drive reach more listeners. Leave one on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tag Rana to share your thoughts! 📣 Join the Conversation Has your dream evolved? Are you navigating a pivot in real time? DM Rana on IG @dreamsindrive

December 9, 2025Episode 44225 min

442: Before You Hit the Gas in 2026 - A Dream Driver Year-End Tune-Up

The year is winding down, but are you finishing it with intention, or just rushing toward the next? In this solo episode, I take you through a Dream Driver Year-End Tune-Up, helping you reflect on 2025, recalibrate your energy, and set a roadmap for 2026 without overwhelm or guilt. We'll cover: How to celebrate your wins, even the small ones How to spot what's draining your energy and what's fueling you Practical ways to leave behind what no longer serves you How to set intentions and take bold steps toward the dreams that scare you Whether you're juggling career, motherhood, creativity, or all of the above, this episode is a guided reset for your mind, your energy, and your dreams. By the end, you'll feel inspired to make one meaningful decision before the year ends, so your future self starts 2026 ready to drive. Listen If You Are: A Dream Driver ready to reflect, recharge, and refocus Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step Looking for a practical yet soulful guide to set intentions for the new year Wanting to step into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and energy Action Step / Listener Challenge: Take 10 minutes this week to do your own Dream Driver Year-End Tune-Up: Reflect on wins, clear out what drains you, and set one bold intention for 2026. Share your decision with me on IG @dreamsindrive! Where to Find Rana Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rainshineluv Newsletter: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ranacampbell