Here's what I'm Speaking Now is all about! If it has to do with the art of communication, no matter the medium, we'll be discussing it in every episode of this podcast.

Kindness is often touted as a meritorious characteristic -- but within communication, there are people who use it as a form of subtle manipulation, bondage, and as an escape from accountability. Inspired by Annie Mueller's essay, "Kindness and Respect."

Sending endless rage-filled texts usually never turns out well for the person who sends it (has that been you?) or the person who receives the message (have you experienced this?). In this episode, we'll take a look at what the research shows about why endless text bubbles of rage fall flat and what you really should do instead of letting your text-happy thumbs lead you down a road of wrath.

Elementary School Vice Principal Shawn Ellison talks to "I'm Speaking Now" about the delicate matter of finding solutions when you believe your son or daughter is not being treated fairly by an educator. This episode applies to all students through pre-K all the way to 12th grade. This episode is also helpful for administrators and teachers as well. Wishing all members of the educational village a great school year!

My guest, cookout extraordinaire Kim Kallai discusses the all-American cookout for hosts and guests! From whether you should talk to the person on the grill too much, to how to handle folks who drunk, tips on engaging younger guests, and even flirting with a person who catches your eye while you're eating your potato salad. Kim also explains why she thinks the words cookout and barbecue are not synonymous and why mangoes are too bourgeois for a cookout (the latter of which I completely disagree!).

Some people simply can't accept that they are talented, innovative, worthy, beautiful, smart, and the list goes on and on. In fact, they believe that any accolades, positions of leadership, or success are ill-gotten gains and thin ice upon which they walk, soon to go crashing into icy waters. This week's episode examines the work we need to do to remember that we're not frauds skating on thin ice but hard-working people who've sewn real seeds of success. Owning the badassness is a must!

Learn how to anticipate potential audience questions, technology woes, and how to quell your anxiety when preparing for a presentation that involves digital auxiliary tools such as PowerPoint or Prezi. From text size to even your chosen outfit -- you'll get tips on making future presentations even better!

Join me, along with Marlon Rice, Brooklyn's Magnolia Tree Center Executive Director, and Sakina Williams, founder of BK Buddha in this candid discussion about relationship preferences. This Brooklyn couple shares with us how their past experiences have shaped their abilities to find joy and contentment within themselves first so eventually, their connection would prove to be just as satisfying. One of the best conversations I've had all year, hands down! Many lessons about acceptance and self-reliance to be learned in this episode.