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Just What I Needed

Just What I Needed

Written by: Dr. Esther Zeledon and Dr. Paul Rivera
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Welcome to "Just What I Needed," where Esther and Paul, the dynamic duo behind Be Act Change, bring you a podcast that's as heartwarming as it is transformative. Whether you're a changemaker, social entrepreneur, or simply someone with a big heart, this show is your go-to source for inspiration and actionable insights. Join us as we explore the power of authenticity, the impact of small actions, and the interconnectedness of our world. With a blend of humor, real-life stories, and expert advice, each episode is designed to help you become the strongest, most authentic version of yourself. Tune in for a journey of growth, empowerment, and change. Let's make a difference together!

2025 Dr. Esther Zeledon and Dr. Paul Rivera
Episodes
  • EP005 Just What I Needed: COMMUNITY (ft. Earl Talbot)
    Jan 9 2026

    We often speak about the journey to a limitless life, but there is a fundamental truth we must acknowledge. You cannot build a skyscraper on an island. To truly thrive, you need a foundation of genuine support. You need a community that sees you, values you, and propels you forward.

    Finding deep connection today can feel elusive. That is why we are thrilled to welcome Earl Talbot to kick off 2026 with the energy we all need.

    Earl is a true guide to "soulpreneurship" and a master of intentional community building. In this episode, we move beyond surface level connection to explore the mechanics of belonging. We unpack the shift from viewing community as a transaction (what you can get) to a contribution (how you can serve).

    Earl challenges us to distinguish between our "North Star" and our "North Pole." The North Star is the visible aspiration, while the North Pole is the invisible magnetic pull of intuition. We also explore the "Round Table" and how to choose the few key advisors who sit in the front row of your life, not just to agree with you, but to hold you to your highest standard.

    If you are navigating change, feeling the "slump" of uncertainty, or ready to shift from passive participant to active creator of your tribe, this conversation offers the blueprint you have been looking for.

    ABOUT EARL TALBOT

    Earl is a solopreneur and founder of Creative Muscle, helping corporate citizens and solopreneurs live on purpose.

    With 25+ years across tech sales and management consulting, he supports digital and cultural transformation for multinational clients, partnering with C-suite leaders to deliver measurable results.

    A certified NLP trainer, Earl blends modern tools with ancient wisdom, and has coached and mentored people since co-facilitating his first wellbeing retreat in 2002.

    SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS!

    This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you'd like us to answer, if you'd like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you'd like for us to discuss. Find us:

    Instagram: @be.act.change
    Website: beactchange.com
    Email: hola@beactchange.com

    SEO
    Keywords: community, belonging, intentional community, soulpreneurship, purpose, mentorship, North Star, intuition, Round Table, personal growth

    Hashtags
    #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Community #Belonging #Purpose #Soulpreneurship #Mentorship #Intuition #PersonalGrowth #Leadership

    THEME SONG: "HIGHER" by Kingsley

    Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast.

    Let the vibes lift you up and remind you of your power to rise.

    Stream "Higher" here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley

    Discover more music by Kingsley:
    kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast

    Join the Kingdom for more music, magic, and meaning:
    Instagram: @yokingsleymusic
    Website: iamkingsley.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 22 mins
  • EP004 Just What I Needed: INSPIRATION (ft. Precious Azuonwu)
    Dec 31 2025

    In this episode of Just What I Needed, Esther and Paul sit down with Precious Azuonwu to trace his journey from one of Africa’s largest slums to the forefront of global entrepreneurship. Precious shares how his father’s commitment to education, plus a resilient mindset, helped him transform adversity into a mission for systemic change.

    We explore the birth of Bankable Wisdom, a platform built to bridge the opportunity gap for young people through high demand digital skills. The conversation also dives into core pillars of success: leveraging education, using storytelling to unlock doors, and grounding ambition in service.

    Precious offers a practical roadmap for change makers by highlighting the power of community support and the courage to embrace your unique narrative. You will hear how to cultivate a growth mindset and turn raw talent into bankable assets in today’s digital economy.

    ABOUT: Precious Azuonwu | Founder of Bankable Wisdom

    Precious Azuonwu is an impact entrepreneur and digital strategist focused on tackling Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. Known as “Emperovial,” he founded Bankable Wisdom at age 23 and scaled it into a workforce development engine that has empowered 75,000 users across 30 African countries. His work centers on Strategic Systems Development, Sustainable Resource Optimization, and Collaborative Community Empowerment to bridge the gap between raw talent and global opportunity. A 2024 Western Union Foundation Fellow and member of the Forbes Black Community, Precious has educated 15,000+ students globally and mentors for the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Through partnerships with Google and the Ford Foundation, he continues transforming marginalized youth into bankable assets within the global digital economy.

    LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/preciousazuonwu
    Instagram: https://instagram.com/financialemperovial
    Facebook: https://facebook.com/preciousazuonwu
    Book: https://www.amazon.com/Read-Change-Inspiring-Generation-Readers-ebook/dp/B01F5JOY0W
    Company: https://bankablewisdom.com

    SEO
    Keywords: inspiration, Precious Azuonwu, Bankable Wisdom, youth unemployment, Africa, digital skills, entrepreneurship, workforce development, growth mindset, storytelling, opportunity gap, global careers

    Hashtags
    #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #BankableWisdom #DigitalSkills #GrowthMindset #Storytelling #YouthEmpowerment #WorkforceDevelopment #Africa #ImpactEntrepreneur

    SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS!

    This show is for YOU! Find us:
    Instagram: @be.act.change
    Website: beactchange.com
    Email: hola@beactchange.com

    THEME SONG
    "HIGHER" by Kingsley

    This original song "Higher" was written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast.

    Let the vibes lift you up and remind you of your power to rise.

    Stream "Higher"
    Discover more genre-bending, soul-stirring music by Kingsley.
    Instagram: @yokingsleymusic
    Website: iamkingsley.com

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 32 mins
  • EP003 Just What I Needed: BOUNDARIES
    Dec 23 2025

    Welcome to Episode 3 of Just What I Needed with Esther and Paul, where we coach the brave next step forward using the questions people carry quietly every day.

    Today we tackle a fear almost everyone has felt:


    “I know I need boundaries, but I’m afraid of what will happen if I set them. How do I say no without feeling like the bad guy?”

    In this episode, we make boundaries feel practical, human, and even freeing. We break down a key distinction: a limit is the hard line (yes or no). A boundary is your space, and you are the gatekeeper deciding what gets access to your time, energy, money, and emotional bandwidth.

    We also name the hidden cost of not setting boundaries: resentment that builds until you hit a boiling point, then withdraw, then repeat the cycle. If you have ever wondered why you feel exhausted or quietly irritated with people you love, this conversation will click.

    You will learn how to:

    • Pause the automatic yes with “Let me sit on it” and reply after 24 hours
    • Offer a redirection instead of a shutdown: “I can help this way, not that way”
    • Reinforce boundaries with action, including not responding when needed
    • Notice when seasons change, and adjust boundaries without guilt
    • Spot extractive dynamics and shift your giving toward relationships that grow with it

    And yes, we use a surprisingly powerful metaphor: pizza toppings. When you tell people what you like and what you do not, you are not being difficult. You are making it easier to love you well.

    If you want to keep your sparkle and protect your peace, press play.

    SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS!
    This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us:

    Instagram: @be.act.change
    Website: beactchange.com
    Email: hola@beactchange.com

    CONTACT RUBY GARCIA
    Shout-out to Ruby Garcia, a great friend and incredible coach who specializes in helping people set and enforce boundaries. Connect via LinkedIn:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubygarcia/

    THEME SONG
    “HIGHER” by Kingsley
    Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast.

    Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley
    More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast
    Instagram: @yokingsleymusic
    Website: iamkingsley.com

    SEO
    Keywords: setting boundaries, boundaries without guilt, how to say no, people pleasing, resentment, emotional boundaries, limits vs boundaries, healthy relationships, communication, burnout prevention, self respect

    Hashtags
    #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Boundaries #SettingBoundaries #SayNoWithoutGuilt #PeoplePleasing #HealthyRelationships #SelfRespect #EmotionalWellbeing #PersonalGrowth #BurnoutPrevention

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
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