Truth Then Dare with Dr. Nandi Shareef

Episode 10: There’s Joy in the Journey with Sameerah Shareef

Guest: Sameerah Shareef
In this special episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef is joined by her mother, Sameerah Shareef, a certified nurse midwife and pastor, to explore the profound theme of choosing joy in the face of adversity. Sameerah shares her inspiring journey of overcoming life's hardships by grounding herself in joy, faith, and gratitude. This heartfelt conversation highlights the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of ritualizing joy, and the transformative power of a positive mindset.
Key Takeaways:
The Difference Between Happiness and Joy:
Sameerah explains that happiness is often dependent on external circumstances, while joy is a deep-seated state of being that can persist regardless of life's challenges.
The Role of Faith:
Joy is described as being rooted in faith and trust in a higher power, which provides strength and resilience during difficult times.
Ritualizing Joy:
Practical tips on how to incorporate joy into daily life, such as spending time in nature, enjoying simple pleasures, and maintaining a gratitude practice.
Personal Stories of Resilience:
Sameerah shares a poignant story about choosing joy in a life-or-death situation, illustrating the power of a joyful mindset.
Mother-Daughter Bond:
The episode also highlights the strong, supportive relationship between Dr. Nandi and Sameerah, showcasing the importance of family and love.
Time-stamped Discussion Points:
00:00 The importance of exploring the power of joy during challenges
05:01 Exercising gratitude for family and finding joy amid challenges
07:39 Finding solace in breathing during life's challenges
11:35 How faith and spiritual guidance averted a tragic decision
15:48 The value of emotional sensitivity, vulnerability, and choosing joy
17:23 Developing grounding skills to manage overwhelming empathy
22:16 The power of deep appreciation for simple necessities and the like
27:22 How embracing joy, appreciating others, and sharing it widely makes all the difference
#TTDareoftheDay:
Today, dare to find joy in a small, unexpected place. Even if life feels heavy or uncertain, pause and look for a single “joy point” — that spark of warmth or gratitude, however tiny it may be. Maybe it’s the quiet comfort of your morning coffee, a favorite song that lifts your spirits, or simply the beauty of the world around you. Let this small joy remind you of your strength, your resilience, and your capacity to find light even in the darkest moments.Embrace this joy wholeheartedly, and carry it with you today as a reminder that you are equipped for this journey, and you are meant to be here, right now, living it.
Quotes:
"For me, joy was something that was consistent. There was always a joyful spot somewhere.”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef
“I could be upset.. But the scripture says count it all joy. You make a decision to find the joy.”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef
“God has gifted you in ways that only you are gifted...If you don’t bring forth your gifts in the way that God gave them to you...then you haven’t had an opportunity to live to the fullest that God wants you to live.”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef
“There is no greater, more noble vocation than motherhood. It's the best job I've ever done!”- Rev. Sameerah Shareef
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
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Check out the Truth Then Dare website
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LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Instagram: @truththendare 
Youtube: @truththendare
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
 If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 9 : What You See is What You Get (Solo Episode)

In this final solo episode of the season, Dr. Nandi Shareef delves into the powerful concept that our beliefs drive our lives. Through personal anecdotes and insightful observations, she explores how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our experiences, relationships, and life outcomes. Dr. Nandi shares her journey of recognizing and transforming these beliefs to create a more fulfilling life, offering listeners practical advice on how to do the same.
Key Topics:
Introduction to the Topic:Importance of understanding how beliefs drive life experiences.
Personal anecdotes of recurring challenges in relationships, career, and friendships.
Recognizing Patterns:
Identifying and understanding recurring negative patterns.
The significance of approaching these patterns with curiosity.
Beliefs vs. Facts:
Clarifying the difference between immutable facts and changeable beliefs.
How beliefs are formed and how they influence behavior and experiences.
Changing Beliefs:
Practical steps to adopt new, empowering beliefs.
Examples of how changing beliefs can lead to different, more life affirming outcomes.
Embracing Challenges:
Understanding that new beliefs won’t prevent challenges but will change how they are navigated.
The importance of having a renewed mindset to tackle new and different problems.
Quotes:
“Your beliefs drive your life.”- Dr. Nandi Shareef
"The only way out is through. And the only way to get it done is to do." - Dr. Nandi Shareef
“Anywhere where you don't like the results in your life, there's an opportunity and an invitation to examine your beliefs and decide that different beliefs are what's needed and wanted.” - Dr. Nandi Shareef
#TTDareoftheDay: 
Take a moment and reflect on an area of your life where you're not seeing the results you truly want. Is it in your relationships, your career, your health? Now, ask yourself: What belief is driving this? Get curious. What’s the story you’ve been telling yourself that’s keeping you stuck?
Now here’s the dare—choose a new belief. One that serves you. One that aligns with the life you actually want to live. Try on that new belief and act as if it’s already your truth.
The only way to shift your life is to shift your beliefs. So today, I dare you to believe something new. Watch what happens.
 
Time stamped discussion points: 
00:00 The journey of recognizing, investigating, and understanding recurring life patterns 
06:23 How formative experiences created a self limiting, victim mindset 
07:15 The value of introspection and how it revealed beliefs’ role in shaping and driving life experiences.
12:33 The importance of reflecting and evaluating the impact of beliefs. 
15:52 How adopting new beliefs reduced repeated suffering and diversified challenges.
Next Episode Teaser:
In this special and final episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef is joined by her mother, Reverend Sameerah Shareef, a certified nurse midwife and pastor, to explore the profound theme of choosing joy in the face of adversity. Reverend Sameerah shares her inspiring journey of overcoming life's hardships by grounding herself in joy, faith, and gratitude. This heartfelt conversation highlights the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of ritualizing joy, and the transformative power of a positive mindset.
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Youtube: @truththendare
Instagram: @truththendare 
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 8: When We Heal Ourselves, We Heal Each Other with Ellena Balkcom

Guest: Ellena Balkcom
Welcome back to another episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, hosted by Dr. Nandi Shareef. In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Nandi chats with Ellena Balkcom about the power of healing, vulnerability, and transformation. 
Ellena Balkcom, Founder of Written on Purpose and former employee of The Walt Disney Company, shares her remarkable journey of healing and self-discovery. After deciding to leave her corporate career to launch her business, Ellena faced unprecedented challenges, including a life threatening car accident and a painful marital breakdown. This episode explores Ellena's story of resilience and the profound impact major life transitions can have on individuals and their families.
Key Takeaways:
Major Life Transitions:
Ellena transitioned from Orlando, Florida to Savannah, Georgia, facing numerous obstacles, including leaving a stable job at The Walt Disney Company and dealing with marital challenges.
A near-fatal car accident required emergency surgery and led to a significant hospital stay. 
Despite her husband's lack of support during her recovery, Ellena found the strength to move forward, co-writing a book from her hospital bed, which sparked her re-energized spirit.
Rebuilding and Growth:
After her marriage fell apart, Ellena took the courageous steps to leave, get a job, and move to Atlanta. 
She bought a house, creating stability and a new life for herself and her daughter.
Ellena’s journey highlights the vulnerability of not having permission or time to break down, particularly as it affected her daughter who observed the challenges closely.
Healing Through Rediscovery:
Ellena healed by rediscovering herself, allowing herself time, and appreciating the love and support she received.
She encourages listeners to rediscover themselves, steer clear of harmful coping mechanisms, and to share their stories for communal healing.
Time-stamped Discussion Points:
05:21 Ellena’s story of how she left a cushy role in Orlando for her husband's job relocation to Savannah and subsequently launched her writing services firm
10:12 How Ellena’s near-fatal car accident led to emergency surgery and lasting trauma for daughter
17:11 How Ellena transitioned remarkably, creating a successful and fulfilling life post-divorce
22:07 How entrepreneurship can surpass corporate success, yielding significant rewards despite challenges
27:53 The importance of rediscovering identity after divorce and remembering who you were before marriage and children
#TTDareoftheDay:
Dare to Rediscover Yourself. Who were you before life’s challenges shaped you? Chase that version of yourself with unwavering determination—the path to healing and fulfillment starts within.
Quotes:
"Many of us don’t realize how much of ourselves we lose in trauma and transition and surviving." - Ellena Balkcom
"I felt such a tug that it's something more. It's something different, not necessarily better, just more of me that was left to be discovered and put into the world, more of the world to be experienced. And I just couldn't shake it." - Ellena Balkcom
"It was less about proving anything to anybody else and more about making her (my daughter) proud." - Ellena Balkcom
Connect with Ellena for Ongoing Inspiration:
Written On Purpose:
Website: www.writtenonpurpose.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wopcomms/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WOPComms/
Next Episode Teaser: 
In this solo episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef delves into the powerful concept that our beliefs drive our lives. Through personal anecdotes and insightful observations, she explores how deeply ingrained beliefs shape our experiences, relationships, and outcomes. Dr. Nandi shares her journey of recognizing and transforming these beliefs to create a more fulfilling life, offering listeners practical advice on how to do the same.
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Instagram: @truththendare 
Youtube: @truththendare
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
 If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 7: Dark Nights Don’t Last Forever (Solo Episode)

In this empowering solo episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef explores the concept of "Dark Nights of the Soul", a phrase coined by 16th Century Spanish Mystic, St. John of the Cross, which are those challenging periods in life when everything seems overwhelming and unending. Drawing from her own experiences with hardships such as job losses, relationship challenges, and personal grief, Dr. Nandi offers practical techniques and uplifting advice to help listeners navigate through dark periods and hold onto hope.
Key Topics:
Techniques for Self-Soothing Through Dark Nights:
Take Care to Take Care: Invest in self-care practices to create a comforting space through scent-scaping with candles/essential oils, meditation, journaling, and taking showers or baths.
Physically Move Through Challenges: Engage in physical activities like taking walks with gratitude meditations, dancing to favorite tunes, or practicing yoga to release tension and improve your mood.
Meet Yourself Where You Are: Identify and nurture the different parts of yourself such as your protectors and exiles (from No Bad Parts) or your inner child, teenager, unhealthy adult (variations from both Susan Anderson’s literature and Lori Jean Glass’ work) by understanding their needs and providing age and context-specific comforts.
Ways to Hold On to Hope:
Reflect on Past Resilience: You've survived every hard day before, drawing strength from personal history or ancestral perseverance.
Your Vision Over Your Circumstances: Remind yourself that your long-term vision and goals are more significant than your current struggles.
Quotes:
“I care enough about myself to take care of myself.” - Dr. Nandi Shareef
“You want to identify the parts inside of you that are having this difficult experience and ask them what they need from you.” - Dr. Nandi Shareef
"In every point in your life, especially during a dark night of the soul, you deserve a soundtrack, too, one that actually helps to narrate and firm up the experience that you're experiencing." - Dr. Nandi Shareef
#TTDareoftheDay: 🚶🏾‍♀️This week, I dare you to take a walk and listen to a gratitude meditation. As you move, reflect on the things in your life you can appreciate, no matter how small. Let this moment remind you that your long-term vision is so much bigger than today’s challenges. You’ve got this—keep moving forward with gratitude.
 
Time stamped discussion points: 
00:00 How it feels to endure repeated life adversities and strive onward
04:37 The importance of prioritizing intentional self-care and personal well-being
09:45 Exploring practices such as gratitude meditation and dancing to improve mood
11:50 Identifying the internal parts we all have and the value of understanding their needs
14:47 How creating a personal soundtrack for difficult times changes everything 
17:50 A call to action to cling to hope and allow your vision to transcend your current struggles
 
Resources Mentioned:
Book Recommendation:
"No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model" by Dick Schwartz
The Journey from Abandonment to Healing: Turn the End of a Relationship into the Beginning of a New Life by Susan Anderson
Artists Mentioned:
Londrelle
Beautiful Chorus
 Gratitude Meditation:
21 Day Gratitude Meditation by Jessica Heslop
Next Episode Teaser: In the next empowering conversation with Dr. Nandi Shareef, she sits down with Ellena Balkcom to dive into the power of individual healing, vulnerability, and transformation to help transform both oneself and also the next generation. 
 
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Youtube: @truththendare
Instagram: @truththendare 
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 6: Sometimes, You Have to Fight for Your Friendships with Ashley Company

In this heartfelt and illuminating episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef and her best friend, Ashley Company, delve into the intricacies of sustaining long-term friendships. Reflecting on their 20-year bond, they candidly discuss the challenges, misunderstandings, and the necessity of fighting to preserve meaningful connections. As visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Jelani Travel, Ashley brings not only her travel expertise but also her profound insights into relationship building and maintenance.
Key Topics:
Accidental Beginnings:
Discussion on how their accidental meeting turned into a cherished, long-term friendship.
Surviving and Thriving After Conflict
Candid talk about a rough patch in their 20-year friendship.
Insights on dealing with life's stresses while trying to maintain a strong bond.
Sharing of personal vulnerabilities and how that aided their reconciliation.
Personal Growth Through Friendship
The importance of mutual effort, boundaries, and giving each other space and time.
The emotional journey and development that leads to a stronger, more resilient friendship.
Vulnerability and Truth as Tools for Healing
Embracing vulnerability as an essential part of friendship.
How focusing outwardly on each other's needs helps build empathy and understanding.
Advice to Listeners
The importance of taking intentional time and space, setting boundaries, and daring to be vulnerable.
Time stamped discussion points: 
00:00 The power of a chance encounter under the stairs that initiated a meaningful 20-year friendship
05:17 The challenges of navigating our thirties and the questioning of the longevity of our friendship that came along with it
10:17 An emotional reflection on the events that almost tore us apart and our commitment to creating an enduring friendship
16:12 How life's shifts challenge friendships, necessitating constant adaptation, flexibility, and commitment
18:16 The value in developing trust, emotional maturity, and communication for future relationships
22:59 The choice to gain perspective and experience empathy by focusing outward
Quotes:
"We were always meant to be friends, and that's why our friendship has been able to withstand the test of time." - Ashley Company
Regarding friendships: “Just because you don't have the answers doesn't mean you can't try something."- Ashley Company
“When you dare to do that harder thing, that's when you get out of your comfort zone.” - Ashley Company
"The vulnerability is being seen in that challenging moment and daring to continue being seen until you heal." - Dr. Nandi Shareef
"Real friends will go into the forest and find you and bring you home." - Mindy Kaling referenced by Dr. Nandi Shareef
#TTDareoftheDay: Dr. Nandi dares you to get clear on the relationships that matter today. Reach out to someone you’ve drifted apart from, or take a step back from what’s not serving you. Be bold enough to fight for what’s worth it—and brave enough to let go of what isn’t.
Connect with Ashley:
Websites
ashleyncompany.com 
gojelanitravel.com
Instagram: instagram.com/ashleyncompany_
Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time as Dr. Nandi explores the concept of "Dark Nights of the Soul" – those challenging periods in life when everything seems overwhelming and unending.
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Youtube: @truththendare
Instagram: @truththendare 
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 5: Change Creates Energy with Charreah K. Jackson

Guest: Charreah K. Jackson
In this episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef welcomes Charreah K. Jackson, a renowned communications strategist, executive coach and AI-certified CEO of Shine Army, serving clients across five continents. Charreah shares her journey of radical change, discussing how she transitioned from a successful career in New York to a more fulfilling life in Atlanta. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change, self-awareness, and personal growth to live a fuller and more authentic life.
Key Takeaways:
Embracing Change:
Charreah shares her decision to leave her dream job in New York and move back to Atlanta.
She highlights the significance of acknowledging when a season in life has expired and the courage needed to pursue new dreams.
Self-Awareness and Personal Growth:
The importance of self-awareness and understanding oneself in order to make meaningful changes.
Charreah discusses her journaling practice and how it has helped her stay connected to her goals and dreams.
Radical Reset:
Charreah talks about her radical reset, which involved leaving her job, moving back home, and starting a new business.
She shares her journey of becoming a licensed minister and the challenges and rewards of starting over.
Power of Community and Declaration:
The role of community in supporting change and growth.
Charreah emphasizes the power of speaking life over oneself and setting clear, actionable goals.
Living a Full Life:
The necessity of letting go of past experiences and relationships that no longer serve one's current journey.
Charreah encourages listeners to embrace vulnerability and uncertainty to achieve a more fulfilling life.
Quotes:
“I chose change and change chose me.” - Charreah K. Jackson
“The only choice was me… I was willing to give up the life I had lived, to have access to a life I could only dream about”  - Charreah K. Jackson
“I am a student of myself. That requires a level of focus, intention… vulnerability and honesty…. I had to be willing to interrogate, who am I anyway?”  - Charreah K. Jackson
#TTDareoftheDay: Dare to change. Dare to give up what you have to have what you don’t. You can start by reflecting on an area of your life where you feel stuck or unfulfilled. Take one bold step towards making a change, whether it’s setting a new goal, having a difficult conversation, or letting go of something that no longer serves you. Embrace the discomfort and uncertainty as a part of your growth journey.
Resources Mentioned:
Shine Army: Charreah's company that supports leaders and organizations in increasing their visibility and impact.
Website: shinearmy.com
SEEN Leader Platform: A platform for visibility and marketing support for executives and entrepreneurs. 
Website: seenleader.shinearmy.com
Download their free resource: SEEN Leader - 7 Shortcuts to Visibility
Connect with Charreah:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charreah/\
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charreah/?hl=en
Next Episode Teaser: In this upcoming episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef welcomes her best friend, Ashley Company, to discuss the intricacies of maintaining and fighting for friendships. Ashley, the visionary entrepreneur and CEO of Jelani Travel, shares her journey of balancing a demanding career and extensive travel while nurturing deep, meaningful relationships.
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Instagram: @truththendare 
Youtube: @truththendare
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
 If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 4: We Must Find Beauty in the Breakdown

In this episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi shares her personal journey of navigating life's challenges and finding beauty in moments of breakdown. Through candid storytelling and insightful reflections, she explores the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and reframing difficult experiences as opportunities for growth. She outlines three key principles—breaking open, breaking through, and breaking free—that guided her path from hardship to personal empowerment. Listeners are encouraged to embrace radical self-acceptance, surrender to the process of transformation, and find strength in vulnerability as they navigate their own journeys of growth and self-discovery.
Key Topics:
Breaking Open: Dr. Nandi explains how allowing herself to be vulnerable and embracing the "breakdown" moments led to significant personal realizations, including the realization that she couldn't return to her old life but had to welcome the undoing and transformation.  
Breaking Through: Dr. Nandi discusses the importance of surrendering to the process, facing pain head-on, and believing in the possibility of post-traumatic growth. This step involved actively participating in her emotional and psychological challenges and seeking personal and relational growth.
Breaking Free: The final step is all about embracing radical self-acceptance. By accepting herself and the changes that had occurred, Dr. Nandi found freedom and new opportunities in her relationships and life choices.
Time stamped discussion points: 
05:27 Experiencing challenging life experiences such as changes in relationships and a parent's death.
07:35 Embracing change, releasing pain, and cultivating resilience.
10:17 Finding spiritual alignment and growth through faith and relationships, including connections with departed loved ones, and that leading to significant personal breakthroughs and profound transformation.
14:03 Achieving emotional liberation, setting boundaries, and fostering growth in relationships. Resolving deep-seated issues and experiencing profound personal transformation resulting in significant life changes.
16:13 Achieving transformation by breaking open, breaking through, and breaking free.
Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time as Dr. Nandi continues to explore the journey of embracing vulnerability and living a truly authentic life with an inspiring and powerful guest co-host. You don't want to miss it!
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Youtube: @truththendare
Instagram: @truththendare 
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 3: You Belong Everywhere with Lauren Chesley

In this enlightening episode of the Truth and Dare Podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef and Lauren Chesley dive into a powerful conversation about the essence of true belonging and self-acceptance. Lauren, a dynamic corporate leader, coach, and author, shares her journey of discovering how to feel at home in any space. Lauren and Dr. Nandi explore what it means to belong everywhere you go. They discuss the courage it takes to show up as your authentic self, even in environments where you might feel out of place. Lauren offers invaluable advice on navigating moments of vulnerability and overcoming the self-doubt that can arise when you’re the “only” in the room.
A significant part of their conversation focuses on the role of self-care in fostering empowerment. Lauren highlights her cherished rituals, emphasizing how these practices are more than just relaxation—they’re vital for nurturing self-awareness, personal growth, and security as one navigates challenging environments. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences of belonging and the practices that help them stay grounded and invites them to embrace their authenticity and dare to be themselves, regardless of the space they find themselves in.
 
Key Topics:
Creating Spaces of Belonging
The concept of belonging everywhere and the journey of self-discovery
Navigating Vulnerability and Self-Doubt
Challenges faced in feeling like the "only" in various contexts and the power of empathy in fostering belonging
Strategies for navigating vulnerability and self-doubt, particularly in male-dominated environments
Rituals of Self-Care and Empowerment
The importance of rituals in prioritizing self-care and introspection
Daring to Choose Yourself
The value of embracing authenticity, self-advocacy, and the daring choice of oneself
Time-stamped Discussion Points:
03:47 The importance of reframing mental adversity and empowering one’s self
10:28 Embracing a proactive, empowered mindset confidently
13:48 Approaching career decisions with deliberate curiosity and inquiry
17:14 Taking control of belonging and claiming agency
21:43 The value of creating sanctuary for self
Quotes:
"Embrace vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness."- Lauren Chesley
“I belong here. I'm not a third down person, I'm a first down person."— Lauren Chesley
"Belonging starts from within. It's not about fitting into spaces but creating spaces where you can truly be yourself. When you choose yourself, you're not just showing up for you—you're inspiring others to do the same." — Lauren Chesley
#TTDareoftheDay:
Dare to assert yourself in a space where you usually hold back. Whether it’s at work, in a social setting, or even at home, take a moment to be fully present and authentic. Share a thought, a feeling, or an idea that you’ve been keeping to yourself. Notice how it feels to be vulnerable and how others respond to your openness.
Share your insights and experiences with a loved one, or with the Truth Then Dare community on social media using the #TTDareoftheDay!
Connect with Lauren Chesley for ongoing inspiration:
Follow her on LinkedIn
Follow STREET SPEAK on Instagram
Buy her book, STREET SPEAK
 
Next Episode Teaser: In the next solo episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef delves into the power of finding beauty in the breakdown. Through personal anecdotes and transformative lessons, she walks us through her own challenging year and details the three pivotal steps she used to emerge stronger and more grounded: breaking open, breaking through, and breaking free.
 
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Instagram: @truththendare
YouTube: @truththendare
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.

Episode 2: We’re Only One Conversation Away From Transformation with Sylvia High

In this empowering episode of the Truth Then Dare podcast, Dr. Nandi Shareef welcomes Sylvia High, a master coach, transformational guru, and founder of the I Am Woman Conference. Together, they delve into how telling yourself a different story and daring to change the conversation with yourself and others can change your life
Key Topics:
Introduction to Sylvia High:
Sylvia's illustrious career in the pharmaceutical industry and her journey of self-discovery.
The pattern of success and self-sabotage she experienced.
The transformative power of shifting from a corporate career to a purpose-driven life.
Embracing Vulnerability:
The internal conflict between logical career choices and spiritual fulfillment.
The courage to leave a lucrative but unfulfilling job to pursue a larger vision.
The role of vulnerability in making life-changing decisions and the importance of being still and introspective.
The Power of Conversations:
The significance of having meaningful conversations with oneself and others.
The impact of shifting from a victim mindset to taking responsibility for one's life.
Practical steps for initiating transformative conversations, including asking powerful questions like, "What do you really, really want?"
Finding Purpose and Peace:
Sylvia's journey from feeling trapped in a corporate job to living a life of purpose and fulfillment.
The importance of identifying what truly matters and seeking peace as a core aspect of well-being.
Encouragement for you to consider the cost of not having transformative conversations and to take the leap towards their true calling.
Upcoming Events and Resources:
Details about the I Am Woman Conference held annually in Atlanta, Georgia.
Time-stamped Discussion Points:
00:36 - Overview of Sylvia's career achievements + an introduction to the I Am Woman Conference
2:26 - Transitioning from a successful corporate career to becoming a coach + breaking free of self-sabotage cycles
09:38 - The importance of taking risks for a greater vision and the necessary conversations with yourself to foster transformation
19:03 - Need for the right internal dialogue to develop self-awareness and purposeful living
22:57 - Consider the cost of not having transformative conversations and begin to ask yourself profound life questions: What do you really, really want?
20:55 - Choosing conversations that empower and distinguish yourself, as you begin living life by your spirit rather than your mind
Episode Quotes from Sylvia High: 
"You're only one conversation away from transformation."
"My spirit is ferocious, and I'm led and dominated by my spirit, not my mind."
"Aging is a requirement, but getting old is optional."
Resources:
Bonnie Wan: The Life Brief 
#TTDareoftheDay:
Reflect on what you really, really, really want in life. Consider the vulnerability involved in pursuing a different path and embrace it.Initiate a transformative conversation with yourself or someone who can support your vision.
Connect with Sylvia High:
Website: aiminghighinc.com
Conference: I Am Woman Conference
Follow on Social Media: Instagram, Facebook
Next Episode Teaser:  Tune in next time as Dr. Nandi explores the profound journey of self-discovery with multi-hyphenate powerhouse, Lauren Chesley. Don’t miss out on this candid conversation focused on choosing oneself to lead a life of authenticity and fulfillment!
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Episode 1: Fine is the Enemy of Fabulous

In this episode, Dr. Nandi Shareef explores the profound realization that living a "fine" life can prevent us from achieving a truly "fabulous" existence. She recounts a pivotal moment from five years ago when her seemingly perfect life began to unravel, revealing deep-seated dissatisfaction and unfulfillment. Through this journey of loss and self-discovery, Dr. Nandi connected with her most vulnerable self and learned to embrace her true dreams and aspirations. Now, she is here to spill the tea on how to become the best version of you you can be!
Key Topics:
The illusion of a perfect life
The metaphor of life as a hand-crafted sweater and its loose threads
The unraveling of Dr. Nandi's life: losing her partner, friends, and job
Connecting with the purest form of oneself and the inner child
Choosing to do the hard work to live authentically and daring to dream big
Time-stamped Discussion Points:
0:00- Dr. Nandi's life in the San Francisco Bay Area and the initial sense of contentment
2:07- The moment of realization in Berkeley, CA that everything was not okay
5:56- The intense emotional and personal impact of losing stable pillars in her life (significant relationships and a job)
10:31- The transformative power of embracing her vulnerability and authenticity to discern what she wants next
15:47- Encouragement for listeners to let their inner child guide their dreams and aspirations to cultivate a new future
#TTDareoftheDay: Dr. Nandi dares you to let your inner child take the driver's seat. Allow yourself to dream bigger, believe in your limitless potential, and refuse to settle for a life that is merely "fine." Instead, embrace the fabulous possibilities that await when you choose to live authentically and unapologetically.
 
Quotes:
"Fine is the enemy of fabulous."
"My protective self chose fine; the little girl inside chose fabulous."
"Dare to dream. Dare to choose fabulous over fine. Dare to win this thing called life on your terms."
Next Episode Teaser: Tune in next time as Dr. Nandi continues to explore the journey of embracing vulnerability and living a truly authentic life with an inspiring and powerful guest co-host. You don't want to miss it!
Join the Truth Then Dare Movement, Subscribe & Follow:
Join our community newsletter!
Check out the Truth Then Dare website
Follow Dr. Nandi on Social Media 
LinkedIn: Dr. Nandi Shareef, PCC
Youtube: @truththendare
Instagram: @truththendare 
Thank you for listening! Be sure to subscribe to the podcast for more episodes focused on going deep, embracing your vulnerabilities, and starting to live an authentic life on your terms.
 If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate and review the podcast. Your support and feedback helps our audience grow and improve the value of our content.