Shows
The UnlearnT PodcastSingle In Leadership: I Swiped the Wrong Way And Met My HusbandSend a textWe share how choosing a partner as a leader starts with self-knowledge, honest community, and shrinking the list to core values. Ruth Abigail walks through leaving a Velcro situationship, reframing online dating, and finding a partner who frees her to lead.• priorities in early 30s: debt freedom, home buying, career growth• writing and community work building emotional clarity• rethinking online dating as a tool for conversation• how community ends unhealthy attachments• COVID capacity exposing misfit relationships• protecting leadership identity inside romance• authenticity on apps and whole-self profiles•...
2026-02-171h 07The UnlearnT Podcast(Re-Release) Unlearning Love and Basketball: What Monica and Quincy Got Wrong!Send a textRuth and Jaquetta dive into the cult classic "Love & Basketball" as they kick off their summer series examining movies they had to unlearn from, breaking down the film's problematic messages about relationships, identity, and success.• Analyzing the movie in quarters, just like the film's structure• Unlearning identity limitations - you don't have to choose between femininity and athleticism• Character development matters more than talent when pursuing dreams• Leaders look past gifts to character - "if your mentor don't get on your nerves, you ain't got a good mentor"• Relationsh...
2025-11-041h 05The UnlearnT PodcastUnlearning Gen Z: The Secret World of Teenagers with Tanaya (Memphis College Student)Send a textIn this candid conversation, host Ruth Abigail speaks with Taniya Adams, a college student she has known since third grade, about the unique challenges and perspectives of Generation Z.• Finding identity amidst social media's influence and the pressure to know your purpose early• Learning it's "okay to be not normal" and breaking free from the exhaustion of trying to fit in• The reality of cancel culture and how it affects young people's lives• Challenging stereotypes about Gen Z being lazy or always on their phones• The importance of community...
2025-09-0258 minThe UnlearnT PodcastThe Life of Gen Z Entrepreneur with Savannah Brister (Spoiler Alert: It’s Not As Easy As Tik Tok Makes it LookSend a textIn this candid conversation, Ruth Abigail welcomes back musician Savannah Brister to discuss the realities of Gen Z, information overload, and navigating creative entrepreneurship in today's digital landscape.• How Gen Z is perceived: either as exciting innovators or as the generation that will "take us down"• The overwhelming nature of constant information and how it affects mental health• Breaking free from phone dependency and the benefits of digital boundaries• The extensive behind-the-scenes work that goes into creative success• Understanding the raised "floor" of knowledge that Gen Z begins with•...
2025-08-261h 00The UnlearnT PodcastUnlearning Parenting: The Challenge and The Blessing of a Blended FamilySend a textThe Gardners join us to share their journey as a blended family, revealing how they built a strong foundation through commitment, communication, and adapting to unexpected changes. Ty and Ruth Abigail discuss how their relationship evolved from online dating to creating a unified family, demonstrating that love makes room for the unexpected.• Meeting on Facebook and moving from text messages to real connection• Being transparent about children from day one of dating• Adapting when a temporary visit became permanent parenthood two days before their wedding• Transitioning from "fun weekend parent"...
2025-04-291h 12The UnlearnT PodcastUnlearning Parenting: The Smith Family EpisodeSend a textThe whole Smith family gathers for an intimate, multigenerational discussion about parenting approaches, examining what needs to be preserved and what should be unlearned for the benefit of future generations.• Jacqueline Smith (mother) shares how "more is caught than taught" when it comes to parenting• Rev. Rufus Smith IV (father) reflects on giving his children what they wanted too easily, wishing he'd made them "earn it a little bit more"• The family explores differing definitions of success across generations – from career achievements to family formation to spiritual growth• Parental disappoint...
2025-04-151h 24The UnlearnT PodcastFreedom Friday: Confidence Does NOT Require CertaintySend a textConfidence isn’t about knowing everything—it's about pushing forward even when you don’t. This idea transformed my journey as a musician, where I discovered that the true essence of confidence lies in embracing uncertainty and acting with intention. Join me, Ruth Abigail, as I share personal stories about the invaluable lessons I learned from mentors on maintaining momentum and the importance of appearing intentional, even when mistakes happen. Leave a comment to let us know your thoughts about the episode!
2024-11-1512 minThe UnlearnT PodcastTalks With Middle Adults: Unlocking Personal Growth Through DISC Assessments, Adapting to New Roles, and Embracing Authentic LeadershipSend a textImagine stepping into a new job in your late 30s and navigating the intricate maze of workplace dynamics. On this episode of the Alert Podcast, I'm Ruth Abigail, joined by my lively co-host Jaquita, as we unravel the secrets of personal growth through the power of personality assessments. We promise to shed light on how understanding your DISC assessment results can transform not just your professional life, but also your personal journey. Jaquita shares her firsthand experiences, uncovering how these insights have been pivotal in adapting to new roles and environments. This episode isn't...
2024-11-051h 04The UnlearnT PodcastFreedom Friday: To Adapt is to LoveSend a textAs we explore the fine line between knowing oneself and becoming self-absorbed, we confront the potential dangers of personal assessments. It's easy to brandish our results like a shield against the world, expecting others to conform to our self-declared identities. But what if we viewed these insights as a guide to personal growth, a chance to move beyond our comfort zones for the sake of deeper connections with others? Together, let's discuss how embracing the shadow side of our strengths can lead us toward a more balanced and empathetic approach to both leadership and...
2024-10-2511 minThe UnlearnT PodcastTalks With Middle Adults : MBTI Assessment Broken Down, Personal Growth Through Assessments, Navigating Feelings and Decision-Making, Personality Types and Dichotomies Explained, Reflecting for Personal TransformationSend a textWhat if understanding your personality could unlock a whole new level of personal growth? Join us as we embark on the second season of the Unlearned Podcast, filled with gratitude and excitement. Ruth Abigail and Jaquita reflect on their 20-year journey of impactful conversations and share personal stories, including Jaquita's shift to a new administrative role and Ruth’s memorable meeting with icons like Jasmine Guy at a Legends Luncheon. We also find humor in our renewed love for boy band music, a reminder of how our past influences our present.This se...
2024-10-081h 26The UnlearnT PodcastFreedom Friday: Overcoming MicromanagementSend a textEver found yourself caught in the perfectionist trap, inadvertently micromanaging those around you despite your best intentions? Join me, Ruth Abigail, aka RA, on the Unlearned Podcast for this special Freedom Friday episode, where I unravel the delicate art of balancing leadership and personal growth with the freedom to let others learn independently. Tune in to explore how you can embrace a liberating approach to leadership, replacing micromanagement with empowerment, and fostering an environment where everyone can shine in their own unique way.
2024-10-0411 minThe UnlearnT PodcastUnlearning Entrepreneurship with Mayor Greg Bennett: How to Run Twelve Different Businesses At Once, Community-First Governance, Strategic Business Pivots, Financial Discipline, and Expanding Local ImpactSend a textEver wondered how a small-town mayor can drive significant community growth without pocketing a dime of his salary? In our latest episode of the UnlearnT Podcast, we sit down with Mayor Greg Bennett of Swainsboro, Georgia, who shares his remarkable approach to governance and development. Mayor Bennett details his choice to reinvest his mayoral earnings into local projects, offering a fresh perspective on the power of a community-first mindset. From creating jobs to building affordable housing, his initiatives have not only increased Swainsboro's population but also set a new standard for local leadership.
2024-09-241h 14The UnlearnT PodcastThere Is No Such Thing As "My Truth" (Throwback Freedom Friday)Send a textWhat if truth and reality are not the same? This week on the unlearned podcast, we're taking a deep dive into the intriguing difference between truth and reality. We challenge the popular belief that truth is subjective and explore the idea that while our realities are personal and ever-changing, truth remains constant, existing beyond our individual selves.So join us on this thought-provoking journey of understanding and unlearning, as we grow towards freedom together. Plus, stay tuned for an exciting new series coming your way in a few weeks.
2024-09-0609 minThe UnlearnT Podcast(Throwback) Freedom Friday: Knowledge is Overrated, Environment is KING!Send a textHave you ever stopped to consider that personal growth is more than just a solo journey? This episode is a deep-dive into the popular phrase "do your own work" and its critical implications for personal transformation. I'll share personal insights on why "doing your own work" goes beyond amassing knowledge to consciously shaping our surroundings. We'll also explore the importance of aligning ourselves with individuals and environments that mirror our desired future. Remember, unlearning isn't just about gaining knowledge; it's about shaping our environment too. Let's embark on thi...
2024-08-3006 minThe UnlearnT PodcastFreedom Friday: Global Adventures, Spiritual Growth, Overcoming Domestic Violence, and Embracing SolitudeSend a text*Trigger Warning* This episode discusses domestic violence. In this episode of the Unlearned Podcast, Ruth Abigail sits down with Karis Gilmer, who shares her incredible journey from a childhood of global adventures as a missionary's daughter to overcoming domestic violence. Karis reflects on her spiritual growth, the importance of personal scripture study, and the shift from religious rituals to genuine faith. She also bravely discusses her path to healing and the wisdom gained from unlearning harmful patterns. This conversation is a powerful testament to finding strength in vulnerability and achieving true freedom.
2024-08-2354 minThe UnlearnT PodcastFreedom Friday: Refueling Your Body, Mind, and SoulSend a textEver felt like you're running on fumes, both physically and mentally? Join me, Ruth Abigail (RA), on this week's Freedom Friday episode of The UnlearnT Podcast, where I share my recent wake-up call about the importance of nourishing our bodies, minds, and souls. After a summer filled with lots of travel and unhealthy eating, I found myself feeling empty and depleted. This episode is a heartfelt reflection on my journey towards reclaiming my well-being by adopting healthier habits and making time for soul-care, even amidst a busy schedule.
2024-08-1607 minThe UnlearnT Podcast(Throwback) Talk With Middle Adults: Finding and Maintaining a Healthy CommunitySend a textReflect on the joy of forming bonds that outlast life's fleeting moments with us, RA and Jaquetta, as we take you on a laughter-laced excursion through memory lane. We'll unwrap the stories that have become the fabric of our enduring friendship, born in the harmonious halls of Furman University's gospel choir. From name mix-ups to life's trials and triumphs, we'll share how the people who uplift and energize us, rather than drain us, played pivotal roles in our lives. The tapestry of anecdotes we weave together illustrates how nurturing connections with others can catalyze growth...
2024-08-1333 minThe UnlearnT Podcast(Throwback) Freedom Friday: Your Growth Requires Digging and DyingSend a textIn this Freedom Friday, I'll share the nitty-gritty of breaking new ground—literally—with a tiller, the unexpected wisdom unearthed in each handful of dirt, and the life lessons that sprouted alongside our tomato vines. Whether you're a veteran cultivator or your idea of a garden is the produce aisle at the grocery store, you're sure to reap a harvest of insights on the profound rhythms of sowing, tending, and reaping that apply far beyond the backyard.
2024-08-0910 minThe UnlearnT PodcastTalks With Middle Adults Season Finale: Overcoming Perfectionism, Embracing Vulnerability, and Nurturing Financial WellnessSend a textEver wondered how young professionals tackle perfectionism, navigate their career paths, and find a balance between personal growth and professional success? Discover the candid and inspiring stories of Amir and Joya in the season finale of the Unlearned Podcast, where our hosts Ruth Abigail (Ra) and Jaquetta bring you a wealth of insights and practical advice. Listen in as Amir, an assistant director and campus programmer, and Joya, a passionate young adult, share their personal journeys, challenges, and victories. Producer Joy also joins the celebration, adding a rare and delightful on-screen presence to our discussion.
2024-07-301h 26The UnlearnT PodcastTalks With Middle Adults: Triggers in Friendships, Insecurity in Leadership, Diverse Personalities, Transitions, and Powerful MemoriesSend a textHave you ever wondered how a simple makeover could spark a lifelong friendship? In this episode, we invite our special guest, Producer Joy (Producer of the UnLearnT Podcast), to join us in reminiscing about nearly two decades of shared memories and the transformative moments that shaped our bond. From Ruth Abigail's early days of iconic tank tops and hair clips to her evolution into a confident leader, we recount the laughter and pivotal experiences that strengthened our connection. Jaquetta's humorous recollections of Ruth's style and their unforgettable makeover offer a lighthearted look at the...
2024-07-231h 05The UnlearnT Podcast(Throwback) Freedom Friday: The Art and Consequences of Juggling with Jaquetta RossSend a textEver found yourself tangled in beliefs that no longer serve you? This Freedom Friday, my best friend, Jaquetta Ross, joins me for a transformative discussion on the liberating journey of unlearning—an odyssey that is reshaping our personal narratives. We'll dive into the insights Jaquetta has gained from her recent speaking engagements, particularly during Black History and Women's History months, and how sharing these experiences enrich our community. We muse on the art of intertwining life's stories with public discourse, cultivating a genuine connection with our listeners. As we thread our way through the complexities of...
2024-07-0237 minThe UnlearnT PodcastTalks With Middle Adults: Unlearning and Growing in Our Faith Journey Pt. 2Send a textEver wondered what happens when preconceived notions of faith community clash with reality? Ruth recounts her eye-opening experience at divinity school, confronting her own self-righteousness and learning to see others through a more compassionate, God-like lens. Through their stories, Ruth and Jaquetta highlight the importance of personal growth, differentiation, and the ongoing process of self-discovery. We share heartfelt anecdotes about overcoming legalism, the evolution of friendships through honest confrontations, and the necessity of self-awareness and vulnerability in cultivating deeper relationships.Discover the power of genuine prayer and honesty with God as we...
2024-06-251h 23The UnlearnT PodcastFreedom Friday: Your Life Rules Are Outdated!Send a textHave you ever felt shackled by your own internal rulebook? We'll unveil the steps to identify and transform the "always" and "never" declarations that dictate our actions, urging you to evolve these rules to align with your present self and leave behind those that belong to yesterday. Prepare to confront the possibly uncomfortable but ultimately liberating truth that some of these regulations may have outstayed their welcome.We'll share the importance of contentment as an anchoring principle, and the power it wields in helping us maintain our balance through life's f...
2024-06-2119 minThe UnlearnT PodcastTalks With Middle Adults: Leadership Be Hard...Let's Talk About ItSend a textCan effective leadership transform your team from good to great? Tune in to the Unlearned Podcast as we explore the heart of leadership with Ruth Abigail (RA) and Jaquetta. In this special two-part series, we reveal the origin story of our podcast, rooted in our mutual support and shared leadership experiences. This episode is rich with insights on preparing young leaders for the future, the art of influence, and the hurdles of navigating leadership in today’s dynamic culture. We provide actionable strategies for addressing team needs, such as asking team members wha...
2024-06-041h 17The UnlearnT PodcastFreedom Friday: You Don't Need to Be An Expert to Win With Your MoneySend a textHey everyone, it's RA here! Are you ready to transform your financial beliefs and liberate your life choices? On this Freedom Friday, I'm flying solo to guide you toward the financial freedom that comes with understanding your money. Forget the myth that you need to be a math genius to manage your finances. I'll share my personal journey to becoming debt-free and reveal four foundational money management steps that revolutionized my finances – wisdom not from a finance guru, but from my own father. So, put away your calculator; we're making financial freedom simple, one st...
2024-05-2411 min