Shows
Light Up the Mic PodcastThe Truth About Love: Attracting It, Handling Rejection & Making It LastThe greatest human desire is to love and to be loved.In this episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans steps into real conversations with everyday people and asks one powerful question of each: How do you attract love into your life?From couples married over 50 years to singles reflections on heartbreak, boundaries, vulnerability, rejection, and agape love, this episode explores love in its many forms — romantic, family, spiritual, and self-love.You’ll hear why respect and honesty matter, why self-love sets the standard, and why love doesn’t promise perman...
2026-02-1223 minLight Up the Mic PodcastYour Health Is Your Wealth: How to Feel Better, Move More, and Live WellWhat if the most important investment you’ll ever make isn’t in your career or finances — but in your health? In this episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans explores how treating your health like wealth can transform your energy, confidence, strength, and future. You’ll learn why mindset matters, how to move more your way, and why nutrition plays a bigger role than most of us realize.From mindset shifts to understanding the impact of movement and nutrition, this conversation is about progress, not perfection. Filled with real stories, practical takeaways, and encouragement from past gue...
2026-01-3021 minLight Up the Mic PodcastSimplify Your Money Now: Take Control, Save More, and Get Out of Debt | Jim KatzamanIn this episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans sits down with Jim Katzaman, a 25-year Air Force veteran and personal finance advocate—who breaks down how to save more, pay down debt, and build stronger money habits without making it complicated. Jim’s known for his straight talk. He shares why he never waits for “New Year’s resolutions” to improve his life. They dive into Motley Fool Money’s Top 2026 Financial New Year’s Resolutions. Jim talks about how the Great Recession shaped his passion for personal finance, why mo...
2026-01-1439 minLight Up the Mic Podcast10 Powerful Life Lessons to Live By | A Year-End ReflectionAs 2025 comes to a close, host Kembala Evans reflects on the journey that launched the Light Up the Mic podcast and revisits the most powerful life lessons guests shared this season.From learning that love begins within, to believing in yourself against impossible odds, to understanding the keys to success and why time is more valuable than money, this episode shares real nuggets of wisdom to help you on this journey called life.Whether you’re navigating relationships, finances, purpose, or your wellbeing, these meaningful lessons are here to help you win in li...
2025-12-2416 minLight Up the Mic PodcastReal Estate: The Simple Truth About Buying, Selling & Building a Business | Marci MusterIn this Light Up the Mic episode, host Kembala Evans sits down with a seasoned realtor Marci Muster with more than 30 years of experience helping families buy and sell homes across Rhode Island and Georgia. Marci puts the real in real estate — from how she got started to why great photos, honest communication, and negotiation skills matter more than fancy brochures or brand names. She shares stories about walking away from bad deals, building trust that lasts decades, and how today’s market challenges are changing what it takes to close a sale. Marci...
2025-12-0541 minLight Up the Mic PodcastListen to This Before You Shop Black Friday or Cyber MondayThe holiday season is here — which means deals, discounts, and temptation everywhere. In this episode, Kembala Evans breaks down 10 powerful strategies to help you shop smarter on Black Friday and Cyber Monday so you can save more, stress less, and protect your wallet.From planning ahead and comparison shopping to avoiding impulse buys and staying safe online, Kembala gives practical, real-world tips to help you stay on budget and make the most of your money. She also shares a heartwarming reminder that some of the best gifts aren’t found under the tree.Whet...
2025-11-1914 minLight Up the Mic PodcastDelay is Not Denial: Making Childhood Dreams Come True | Lanée BlaiseIn this inspiring conversation, host Kembala Evans sits down with Lanée Blaise—screenwriter, producer, and co-host of Imagine Yourself Podcast—to talk about how delay is not denial when faith, patience, and persistence meet divine timing.Lanée shares how a middle-school “dream binder” became real-life scripts, and her journey from writer to producer of the new Rekindled for Christmas film streaming on Apple TV and Amazon. She opens up about the people who played key roles in her success and why embracing opportunities—and challenges—along the way matters so much.
2025-11-0552 minLight Up the Mic PodcastBreast Cancer Journey: How Early Detection, Mindset, and Faith Saved My Life | Carmaneila GreenIn this heartfelt Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode, host Kembala Evans sits down with Ms. Carmaneila Green, a breast cancer survivor and social worker of 50+ years. Carmaneila shares her candid, hope-filled personal journey. With honesty, humor, and faith, she shares her inspiring story—from early detection to healing—and reminds us of the power of mindset, gratitude, and people. After a routine mammogram, Carmaneila discovered a lump and learned why a diagnostic mammogram can reveal what screening may miss. She explains how recording a medical consult helped her make informed choices with family, why s...
2025-10-2340 minLight Up the Mic PodcastIs Social Media Draining Your Wallet? How to Break the Spending Cycle | Todd ChristensenIs social media quietly draining your wallet? 💸 In this eye-opening episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans and Todd Christensen, financial educator and author of Everyday Money for Everyday People, dive into the digital spending trap millions of Americans fall into every day. From flashy ads and influencer “must-haves” to sneaky algorithms designed to trigger impulse buys, social media isn’t just shaping what we see—it’s shaping how we spend.Todd unpacks the psychology of online spending, the emotional triggers behind impulse purchases, and simple ways to become a more mindful consu...
2025-10-0833 minLight Up the Mic PodcastMoney Talks: What Really Keeps Us Up at Night…Money worries? From student debt to late payments to skyrocketing housing costs, Americans are losing sleep over money. In this candid episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans takes to the streets to hear real voices share their financial worries — and the wisdom they’ve learned along the way.You’ll hear from:A student navigating new federal grad loan limits.An independent contractor juggling unpredictable income.A 21-year-old trying to find balance saving, investing, and spending.An immigrant striving to build wealth to give back to her community.A young professional resist...
2025-09-2624 minLight Up the Mic PodcastStill Looking for Love? Start Here. | Carla Marie Mills⚠️ Content Warning: This episode mentions domestic violence.Everyone wants to be loved, but it can be hard. In this open and candid conversation, Carla Marie Mills joins Kembala to share why real love starts within. And how you can find healing, happiness and love again after a major breakup. Whether you’re navigating relationships, healing after divorce, or learning to embrace being happily single, this conversation will encourage you to keep your heart open and choose joy in every season.Kembala and Carla unpack what love really means. They discuss...
2025-09-1134 minLight Up the Mic PodcastLifesaver: The Lifestyle Shift That Reversed Type 2 Diabetes | Oscar CamejoWhat happens when your doctor says you’ll be on meds “until your name is on the tombstone”? For Oscar Camejo, that became a challenge to prove his doctor wrong. In this powerful episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans sits down with the Beating Diabetes Lifestyle podcast host—to uncover his raw, emotional, and resilient journey of transformation.Oscar opens up about the near-death diagnosis that forced him to confront his habits, the dramatic food purge that put him in grouch mode, and the exact steps that helped him lose 84 pounds a...
2025-08-271h 03Light Up the Mic PodcastFrom ER to Energetic Athlete: How I Beat Diabetes and Changed My Life | Oscar Camejo268 Pounds. Emergency Room. Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis.For Oscar Camejo, that was the wake-up call of a lifetime. On a weekend, his doctor’s office told him to rush to the emergency room — because his life was on the line.In this gripping and heartfelt conversation, Light Up the Mic host Kembala Evans sits down with WebMD contributor Oscar Camejo for a candid discussion that will both shake and inspire you. She uncovers how Oscar turned a shocking healthcare diagnosis into a powerful physical and mental transformation. From an overweight man out-of-breath taki...
2025-08-1352 minLight Up the Mic PodcastWellness Champion: How My Mother’s Health Challenges Fueled My Passion | Vanessa LainIn this inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans reconnects with high school track teammate and wellness advocate Vanessa Lain. With over 27 years in the healthcare industry and a passion for running that spans decades, Vanessa shares her personal journey of resilience—from witnessing her mother’s battle with obesity and diabetes to forging her own path of health, discipline, and community connection.They discuss the importance of goals, accountability partners, and striking the right balance between diet and exercise to live healthier. They explore the impact of cortisol on weight management, the significance of s...
2025-07-3042 minLight Up the Mic PodcastCheri Huber on Depression: Finding Love, Peace, and JoyContent Warning ⚠️: This episode contains an open and honest discussion of depression and suicide. It may be triggering for some. Please use discretion before listening. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—available 24/7. In this inspiring and revealing episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala speaks with renowned Zen student, teacher, and author Cheri Huber. Cheri shares her deeply personal story of moving from suffering to self-compassion, and how awareness can help us find true joy. Cheri s...
2025-07-1635 minLight Up the Mic PodcastThe Journey Back to You: Zen, Love, and Letting Go | Cheri HuberIn this deeply enlightening episode, Kembala speaks with renowned Zen student, teacher, and author Cheri Huber. Cheri has over 45 years of experience with Zen. She is the author of 24 books, including There Is Nothing Wrong With You. They discuss the journey of self-acceptance, the layers that people build over time, and the transformative power of love and understanding in overcoming personal challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for mindfulness, unconditional love, and being present in the moment, as well as the significance of recognizing one's true nature beneath societal conditioning.From the impact of technology o...
2025-07-0243 minLight Up the Mic PodcastUnstoppable Carl Joseph: From One Leg Wonder to LegendBorn with one leg, Carl Joseph never accepted limits. In this deeply inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans speaks with Carl “Sugarfoot” Joseph—a Hall of Fame athlete. Carl Joseph's praying single mother raised him on a tobacco farm in Madison, Florida—without using the word “handicap.” Carl’s story is a powerful testament to faith, grit, and unwavering self-belief. With no prosthetic and no excuses, he excelled in sports earning eight varsity letters in football, basketball, and track—becoming a state legend and eventually inducted into the Florida High School Hall of Fame.
2025-06-1850 minLight Up the Mic PodcastFather’s Day Special: An Authentic Take on Fatherhood | Roderick LangrinIn this colorful episode, Kembala speaks with engineer and devoted father Roderick Langrin about fatherhood. Growing up with a single mother, Roderick was intentional in creating his own father blueprint. They discuss the origins of Father’s Day from Sonora Smart Dodd’s campaign in 1910 Spokane, WA to its national recognition in 1972. Roderick shares his idea of a perfect Father’s Day and his most treasured gifts—against a backdrop of the National Retail Federation’s projected $24 billion in Father’s Day spending (2025). Roderick shares invaluable, candid lessons on navigating fatherhood, prioritizing his children first, and his dedica...
2025-06-0443 minLight Up the Mic PodcastFinancial Stress Got You Down? Here Are Some Tips to Get Back UpAre you stressed? In this episode, Kembala shares some proven, practical and effective stress management techniques to help you find relief. She also discusses the state of Financial Stress in America today. And the negative impact it has on your mental health.Just in time for #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth - This episode emphasizes the need for managing stress, having a positive outlook and actionable steps you may consider to help improve your mental well-being and financial health.Kembala highlights five effective and practical tips for managing stress, including relaxation techniques, the power of your mindset...
2025-05-2013 minLight Up the Mic PodcastMother’s Day Special: Filled with Love, Laughs, and Life Lessons | Mayra McEvoyWhat do moms really want? In this candid and lively Mother’s Day episode, Kembala Evans sits down with her dear friend Mayra McEvoy for an honest, uplifting conversation about the joys and struggles of motherhood. They also unpack what moms really want—and it might surprise you.From navigating multigenerational households and dreams, the two explore how family, faith, and self-reflection shape a mother’s journey. Mayra shares how understanding love languages, embracing change, and letting go have deepened her relationships. With humor, vulnerability, and wisdom, this episode reminds us that the best gi...
2025-05-0753 minLight Up the Mic PodcastWhat is Love? Real Answers, Hard Facts and The SecretIn this heartfelt episode, Kembala Evans takes to the streets and a college campus across Florida and Georgia to explore a timeless question: What is love? Through candid interviews with everyday people of all ages (20-85) and backgrounds, she uncovers the different ways love is defined, experienced, and how love has shaped their lives.Kembala also reveals what Americans think about love from a recent YouGov survey. And other stats on what Americans think about true love and marriage. Some of this may surprise you, especially when it comes to relationships.She closes sharing the...
2025-04-2413 minLight Up the Mic PodcastOn Money - Side Hustles, Housing, Saving, Investing, and More | Beverly Harzog“Light Up the Mic” listeners get answers to their burning money questions from nationally recognized personal finance expert Beverly Harzog. Kembala Evans and Beverly Harzog sit down and discuss the challenges many Americans have living paycheck to paycheck, side hustle ideas for more income, and the necessity of having an emergency fund. Beverly shares her insights on building a diverse retirement portfolio and the significance of shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. They both agree your mindset is very important in achieving your financial goals. So, changing the way you think could impact your finan...
2025-04-0934 minLight Up the Mic PodcastHow to Save More Money, Pay Off Debt and Reach Your Financial Goals in 2025 | Beverly HarzogAre you ready to transform your finances? Nationally recognized personal finance expert Beverly Harzog joins Kembala Evans for a money conversation on how to do just that. They explore the importance of setting specific financial goals, practical tips for budgeting and saving, and the emotional aspects of spending. Beverly stresses you don't have to give up everything to reach your financial goals. Beverly shares her remarkable personal journey from being in debt to achieving financial empowerment, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and strategic planning in managing finances. She also stresses the importance of Knowing Your Wo...
2025-03-2651 minLight Up the Mic PodcastAmazing Weight Loss Journey: He Lost 80 Pounds Without Surgery, Drugs or Shots | Mark CarruthersIn this episode of “Light Up the Mic,” host Kembala Evans speaks with Mark Carruthers about his transformative weight loss journey that began with a doctor's visit. Mark shares the real challenges and motivations behind losing 30 pounds in one month without any weight loss surgery, pills, or shots. And the secrets behind his success in losing 80 pounds —focusing on nutrition, cutting out processed foods, and making lifestyle changes. Mark’s take on diet and exercise might surprise you, but he’s managed to maintain his weight since 2016 using his strategy.The conversation delves into the importance...
2025-03-1143 minLight Up the Mic PodcastBreast Cancer Survivor’s Story: What She Felt and How Challenging Her Doctor's Diagnosis Saved Her Life | Shalita ThrasherA “clean” mammogram almost cost today’s guest her life—hear what saved her. In this episode of “Light Up the Mic,” host Kembala Evans interviews Shalita Thrasher, a breast cancer survivor who shares her powerful journey of self-advocacy, faith, and resilience. Shalita recounts her experience of discovering a lump in her breast after receiving a clean mammogram, her relentless determination to seek more testing, and hearing the eventual diagnosis of stage two breast cancer. Shalita emphasizes the importance of being an advocate for your own health and early detection. In this inspiring conversation...
2025-02-2645 minLight Up the Mic PodcastHow Champions Are Built May Surprise You | Coach Hurlie BrownIn this engaging conversation, 2x Miami Hurricanes National Football Champion, Coach Hurlie Brown, shares his incredible journey from a young athlete in Merritt Island, Florida, to a successful football coach today. He reflects on the profound influence of his mother, who instilled a strong work ethic in him. And the impact his mentor Bubba McDowell (former Prairie View A&M football coach) had on his life. Coach Brown discusses the importance of mentorship, visualization, great coaches, hard work and the lessons learned from his experiences in sports and life. He emphasizes the significance of legendary Miami Hurricanes f...
2025-02-1255 minLight Up the Mic PodcastAnswered Prayers in the Nick of Time | Jannie GrantDo you believe in the power of prayer? Kembala interviews her friend Jannie Grant. Jannie shares two amazing stories about the answers she received to prayers. Kembala and Jannie discuss the significance of these unbelievable and timely prayer responses. If you’re interested in the supernatural or have ever questioned anything in life, you don’t want to miss a word of this! Jannie is a devoted mother, committed to growth, creativity, and community service. She balances her professional life as a government servant with her civic responsibilities and entrepreneurial ventures. Jannie has always had a deep inter...
2025-01-2831 minLight Up the Mic PodcastWhy I Started This Podcast...Are you curious about why Kembala started "Light Up the Mic"? In this episode, she reveals the real inspiration behind it and gives you a peek into what’s to come. Get ready to be in the know!A special thanks to Oscar Camejo from "The Beating Diabetes Lifestyle" podcast.Send us a textThanks for joining us today! We want to hear from you with any feedback, show ideas or thoughts. You can send us a text above or email to hello@lightupthemic.com.
2025-01-2804 minLight Up the Mic PodcastWelcome to Light Up the Mic!The show host, Kembala Evans, introduces herself and shares what you can expect to hear on the "Light Up the Mic" podcast. Send us a textThanks for joining us today! We want to hear from you with any feedback, show ideas or thoughts. You can send us a text above or email to hello@lightupthemic.com. Connect with us on Instagram: lightupthemicpodcastFollow "Light Up the Mic" host Kembala Evans online:X: @KembalaYouTube: @KembalaEvans (video podcasts will be posted here occasionally)
2025-01-2601 min
Imagine Yourself PodcastThe Top 3 New Year’s Resolutions (and How to Tackle Them)It’s true that we can make changes any time of the year. There’s nothing magical about the coming of a new year that will help good habits stick or bad habits disappear. However, it is a time that many of us commit to these “resolutions.” Maybe there’s something about a fresh calendar year that inspires us to believe these previously illusive changes are now possible, or perhaps it’s just become a tradition. Every January we can count on lists of top resolutions popping up in our newsfeeds; and while they do vary year to year, there are thr...
2022-12-3125 minImagine Yourself PodcastHelp for a High-Priced Holiday Season w/Financial Coach Kembala EvansIt’s no secret that prices have gone through the roof lately. The cost of everything from filling up your gas tank to filling up your shopping cart has spiked. From cat food to cars and hamburgers to houses, we are feeling a big pain in the wallet. Not to mention, sometimes we just consider ourselves lucky to even FIND what we set out to purchase. Words that most folks don’t hear much outside of an economics class like “supply chain” and “inflation” are now common in everyday language. That’s just where we are in holiday season 2021. Enter fina...
2021-11-1408 minImagine Yourself PodcastThe Biggest Money Mistakes w/Financial Coach & Author, Kembala EvansReady to reframe your financial picture? Let’s take a good look at your relationship with money. Hopefully, there are many things working well, but there may be mistakes you’re making that you weren’t even aware of. Our guest, financial guru, Kembala Evans wants to help you find ways to make your money work for you instead of against you. Words like budgets, savings, credit scores and emergency funds can give you hope instead of fear. You just need a proper introduction to what they can mean for you and your personal and financial freedom and an underst...
2021-11-0734 minImagine Yourself PodcastFinancially Fit w/Author & Personal Finance Expert, Kembala EvansLet’s get fiscally fit! We’re flexing our financial muscles and securing a bright future for ourselves. We start by following the money and taking a good look at our personal finances with President and Founder of KP Evans Financial, Kembala Evans, as she helps us gain insight on how to get, keep, and grow healthy money habits. For more inspiration, go to ImagineYourselfPodcast.comJoin the conversation on our FACEBOOK, TWITTER or INSTAGRAM pagesSend a textFor more info on IMAGINE YOURSELF, visit imagineyourselfpodcast.com. You'll find bl...
2019-10-0729 min