The Real Connect

Tamika Carlton
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The Real Connect is where people talk honestly about life. Hosted by Tamika Carlton, guests share real stories about connection, healing, and being human without pretending. Right now, too many relationships feel transactional. People don’t know how to date, build real friendships, or tell the truth anymore. We look connected, but we’re lonely. This podcast slows things down and brings the focus back to real bonds, real conversation, and showing up for each other.

  1. Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding and What's Right For You With Kate Okenatez-Mahoney

    HACE 3 D

    Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding and What's Right For You With Kate Okenatez-Mahoney

    Have you ever wondered if the wedding is getting more attention than the marriage? Eloping used to sound like “run to the courthouse in secret”… but in this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Kate Okenatez-Mahoney, founder of Soul and Sky Weddings, to flip that whole narrative. Kate specializes in adventure elopements—think Alaska glaciers, mountaintops, national parks, and even cliffside ceremonies that require rock climbing to reach. This conversation is about intention, boundaries, and choosing a love story that feels like yours (not your aunt’s, not your mom’s, not Instagram’s). Kate breaks down what modern elopements actually look like, how couples navigate family pressure, why private vows can be a game-changer, and the mindset shift that turns “we can’t” into “we just have to turn a little bit.” What You Will Hear About: 1. What a “modern elopement” really is. 2. Why Kate believes eloping is often a more intentional way to marry. 3. The real difference between planning a wedding for others vs. designing an experience for your relationship. 4. How couples handle family opinions, guilt, and boundaries. 5. Multi-day elopements: family day vs. private vow day. 6. Kate’s “villain origin story.” 7. Why Alaska is the ultimate elopement backdrop. 8. The “True North” planning exercise 9. Why “extraordinary” matters, and why you don’t have time to settle on your day. If you’re anticipating the strife of wedding planning or thinking about eloping, or feeling pulled between what you want and what everyone expects, this episode is for you. 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you’re trying to love better, set real boundaries, and stay connected. Connect with Kate/Soul and Sky Weddings: https://soulandskyweddings.com/ Connect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-okenatez-mahoney/ Connect with Kate/Soul and Sky Weddings on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulandskyweddings Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp Join The Connect (free weekly newsletter): https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika’s website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com 00:00 The Essence of Eloping 00:36 Introduction to the Podcast 01:02 Meet Kate: The Adventurous Elopement Photographer 02:55 The True Meaning of Elopement 05:41 Why Alaska? 06:50 The Origin Story: From Traditional to Adventurous 08:23 The Unique Challenges and Joys of Elopements 11:50 Finding the Right Clients 13:52 Creating Memorable Experiences 16:51 Balancing Family Expectations and Personal Desires 20:05 The Importance of Boundaries and Personal Vision 25:15 Elopement and Reception Ideas 26:11 Choosing Between Elopement and Traditional Weddings 27:59 The Importance of Extraordinary Weddings 29:00 Transition from Corporate HR to Photography 31:10 Embracing Change and Adventure 43:39 Speed Round and Final Thoughts #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #Elopement #DestinationWedding #MicroWedding #WeddingPlanning #Marriage #RelationshipAdvice

    48 min
  2. Why Conflict Doesn’t Ruin Relationships, Losing the “Same Team” Mindset Does With Honeyfund Founder Sara Margulis (S2, Ep 15)

    4 FEB

    Why Conflict Doesn’t Ruin Relationships, Losing the “Same Team” Mindset Does With Honeyfund Founder Sara Margulis (S2, Ep 15)

    Real Connection Doesn’t Mean “No Conflict”… It Means You Stay on the Same Team In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, host Tamika Carlton sits down with Sara Margulis, founder and CEO of Honeyfund (yes, the Shark Tank success story), for a real conversation about what keeps relationships alive when life gets loud. From honeymoon travel and why “shared experiences” are a love language, to boundaries, communication, divorce, and building a company with your spouse. Sara shares how she and her then-fiancé created Honeyfund from their own wedding dream (hello, Fiji), how Shark Tank changed everything, and the relationship science that helped her reframe conflict: it’s not about being right...btw. What You Will Hear About: 1. What “heart-centered connection” means and why it’s the difference between conflict and collapse 2. Why couples who travel together often communicate better (and feel like a team again) 3. The #1 thing you can do to stop arguments from going too far 4. Why you can’t be business partners + romantic partners 24/7 (and the boundaries that matter most) 5. How Honeyfund started with one honeymoon dream (Fiji) and turned into a platform for over 100,000 weddings a year 6. Behind the scenes of Shark Tank 7. Divorce, grief, and rebuilding 8. Why “I’m proud of you” isn’t enough 9. Sara's take on love and ambition 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you’re trying to love better, argue cleaner, set real boundaries, and stay connected. Connect with Sarah Margulis and Honeyfund: https://www.honeyfund.com Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp Join The Connect (free weekly newsletter): https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika’s website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com 00:00 Introduction to Heart-Centered Relationships 01:26 Welcome to the Real Connect Podcast 01:52 Getting to Know Sara Margulis 02:52 Sarah's Background and Career Path 06:10 The Birth of Honey Fund 09:21 Honey Fund's Growth and Success 17:23 Shark Tank Experience 26:20 Challenges and Personal Struggles 29:54 Navigating Business and Personal Life Post-Divorce 30:41 The Impact of the Pandemic on Business 32:10 Raising Funds and Moving Forward 32:52 The Importance of Boundaries 35:40 Balancing Work and Personal Life 38:59 Insights on Relationships and Communication 50:06 Defining Success and Personal Growth 54:32 Speed Round and Final Thoughts #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #Relationships #Marriage #Divorce #LoveLanguages #SharkTank #Honeyfund #SaraMargulis

    59 min
  3. How Nayana Ferguson Built Anteel Tequila as the First Black Woman in the Tequila Industry (S2, Ep 14)

    28 ENE

    How Nayana Ferguson Built Anteel Tequila as the First Black Woman in the Tequila Industry (S2, Ep 14)

    This is for anyone who’s been knocked down by life and decided not just to survive, but to build something meaningful on the other side. In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Nayana (Nay) Ferguson, entrepreneur, national speaker, and the first Black woman co-owner/operator of a tequila brand, Anteel Tequila, for a conversation that’s inspiring, and deeply human. Nay shares why she moved from Detroit to Atlanta, how Atlanta embraced her vision (including receiving a City of Atlanta proclamation just two weeks after arriving), and how one “couch conversation” turned into a tequila brand that disrupted the industry. The heartbeat of this episode is Nay’s faith in herself—something she traces all the way back to a childhood house fire. That moment became a lifelong anchor. What You Will Hear About: 1. The childhood fire story that shaped Nay’s identity and faith in herself. 2. Surviving pancreatic cancer and breast cancer, and the mindset that carried her through. 3. The “couch conversation” that sparked Anteel Tequila. 4. Building a business with your spouse. 5. What it means to be a pioneer in the industry and why legacy matters. 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you care about resilience, entrepreneurship, and the kind of connection that reminds you: you’re still here for a reason. Connect with Nayana Ferguson: https://www.instagram.com/nayanaferguson Follow Anteel Tequila on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anteeltequilas/ Visit Anteel Tequila's website: https://anteeltequila.com/ Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp Join The Connect (free weekly newsletter): https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika’s website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #Entrepreneurship #Resilience #FaithInYourself #Atlanta #TequilaBrand #BlackWomenInBusiness #MarriageAndBusiness #Connection

    53 min
  4. What Self-Care and Burnout Really Mean for Women with Lakila Bowden (S2, E13)

    21 ENE

    What Self-Care and Burnout Really Mean for Women with Lakila Bowden (S2, E13)

    What does self-care look like when you’re building a career, building a family… and life is still lifing? In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Atlanta powerhouse Lakila Bowden, COO, keynote speaker, and co-founder of Isee Technologies, for a fearless and fruitful conversation. Lakila breaks down why career success doesn’t have to cost you your health, what alignment really looks like in real life (not just as a buzzword), and how women can give themselves permission to prioritize themselves without guilt. Lakila also shares her story about leaving corporate on her own terms, building a business with her sister Camille (who is blind and absolutely unstoppable), and navigating one of life’s most emotionally complex seasons with intention, joy, and self-preservation. This episode is for the woman who’s tired of pouring from an empty cup and ready to build a life that actually feels good. What You Will Hear About: 1. Why weekends off and real rest are a non-negotiable (and how Tamika protects her peace). 2. The difference between being a “cultural fit” vs. a cultural addition in corporate spaces. 3. What “alignment” actually looks like and how to strengthen your intuition as a decision-making muscle. 4. How Lakila built a company with her sister Camille and why accessibility is about capability, not limitation. 5. Leaving the corporate world at 37 to create financial freedom and moving without fear. 6. The truth about women, burnout, and self-care guilt. 7. Love, partnership, and why her husband is genuinely part of her self-care. 8. Lakila's book: The Sho Nuff Principle: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-shonuff-principle-lakila-bowden/1148372350 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you care about self-care, burnout prevention, women’s wellness, alignment, and the kind of connection that feels like fuzzy socks. Take the Guilt Detox Quiz: https://app.agolix.com/assessment/28648 Connect with Lakila Bowden on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakilaj/ Follow Lakila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lakila-bowden-mba-0463272/ Visit Lakila Bowden's website: https://lakilabowden.com/ Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp Join The Connect (free weekly newsletter): https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika’s website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com 00:00 Introduction to Self-Care 01:49 Energy and Positivity 03:08 Career Success and Personal Happiness 03:27 Corporate Challenges and Alignment 08:09 Entrepreneurial Journey 13:26 Preventing Burnout 17:52 HBCU Experience and Personal Growth 20:15 Traveling the World: A Journey of Exposure and Growth 21:19 Family Support and Fearlessness 22:59 Meeting My Husband: A Fearless Love Story 28:45 The Importance of Accessibility and Capability 31:01 Writing and Self-Care: The Show N Principle 32:27 Balancing Joy and Grief: A Personal Story 36:46 Speed Round and Closing Thoughts #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #SelfCare #BurnoutPrevention #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CorporateToEntrepreneur #LakilaBowden

    40 min
  5. Top Chef Season 22 Winner Tristen Epps on Food as Culture and Connection (S2, Ep 12)

    14 ENE

    Top Chef Season 22 Winner Tristen Epps on Food as Culture and Connection (S2, Ep 12)

    This is for anyone who’s ever eaten something so good it felt like a memory and a hug at the same time because food isn’t just food, it’s connection. In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Top Chef Season 22 winner and Afro-Caribbean chef Tristen Epps for a conversation that goes way beyond the show. Tristen shares one of the most powerful compliments a chef can receive: not “this is delicious,” but “I’ve never felt so seen eating your food.” Tristen opens up about growing up as a military kid, moving 18 times, and learning how to adapt to new cultures across the U.S., Japan, the Philippines, Guam, and beyond. This conversation is equal parts thoughtful, funny, and grounding. Tristen breaks down the four reasons he cooks, why nostalgia and culture matter, what post-Top Chef life has been like, and how food can bridge people across backgrounds. This is a real one about connection, identity, culture, and the power of being seen. What You Will Hear About: 1. Why the greatest compliment is “I’ve never felt so seen eating your food.” 2. How Tristen’s Afro-Caribbean roots and global travel shaped his cooking. 3. The four reasons he cooks: deliciousness, nostalgia, the “aha” moment, and feeling seen. 4. What Tristen learned from living in Japan, the Philippines, and across the U.S. 5. How culture impacts belonging, friendship, and the way we connect. 6. Why people struggle to connect in new environments and how to adapt without losing yourself. 7. What life is like after Top Chef, private dinners, sold-out events, and building a platform with purpose. 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you care about culture, food, and the kind of connection that makes people feel seen. Connect with Tristen Epps on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheftristenepps/ or visit his website: https://www.eppsandflows.com/ Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp. Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika's website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 00:59 Travel and Cultural Experiences 02:22 Post Top Chef Life 03:17 Childhood and Culinary Beginnings 14:41 Top Chef Journey 17:40 Career Reflections and Inspirations 28:56 Celebrating Afro-Caribbean Culture 29:36 The Untold Story of Afro-Caribbean Cuisine 30:02 Connecting Through Food 34:36 The Journey to Top Chef 36:22 Family Support and Sacrifices 39:57 Perseverance Through Loss 43:06 Favorite Dishes and Culinary Inspirations 48:04 Future Plans and Collaborations 51:34 Speed Round: Quickfire Questions #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #TristenEpps #TopChef #ChefLife #AfroCaribbeanCuisine #FoodCulture #Friendship

    55 min
  6. How Atlanta Closing Attorney Tiffani Hawes Built Real Connection and Clients Through Social Media (S2, Ep 11)

    7 ENE

    How Atlanta Closing Attorney Tiffani Hawes Built Real Connection and Clients Through Social Media (S2, Ep 11)

    If you are building something, feeling tired, or trying to find your lane without pretending to be someone else, this episode will hit. In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Atlanta real estate closing attorney and TV personality (Ladies Who List), Tiffani Hawes, to talk about what it really takes to build a respected business in an industry that was not designed with you in mind. Tiffani opens up about walking into brokerages as the “little old Black girl” asking for a chance, realizing she did not understand how business was actually won, and then finding her edge through social media by simply being real. They also talk about the seasons of entrepreneurship, why burnout is often part of season one, and how relationships, consistency, and honesty can become the best strategy for success. This conversation is equal parts funny, practical, and grounding. Tiffani breaks down why you cannot outsource clarity, how she built a team that actually stays, what it means to lead without control, and how to keep your marriage and family strong while still going after what is yours. What You Will Hear About: 1. Breaking into a male-dominated industry and learning the real game 2. How Tiffani used social media to build trust, visibility, and consistent referrals 3. The truth about entrepreneurship seasons, burnout, and what the “grind” really looks like 4. Why you cannot hire help until you understand your own problems 5. Leadership, loyalty, and how she keeps long-term employees without micromanaging 6. Marriage, motherhood, and raising self-sufficient kids while building a business 7. Why real connection feels natural, not forced 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you are trying to build something real, stay consistent, and still feel like yourself while doing it. This one is for the people who are tired of pretending and ready to lead with truth. Connect with Tiffani Hawes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tiffanihawes_closingattorney or visit her website: https://thehaweslawfirm.com/ Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp. Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika's website: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected. 00:00 Discovering the Power of Social Media 01:19 Navigating the Real Estate Industry 01:40 Life in Atlanta and Personal Background 03:34 Building a Dream Home 08:03 Journey to Becoming a Lawyer 12:04 Entrepreneurship and Business Growth 15:50 Leadership and Team Management 24:52 The Importance of Relationships in Real Estate 26:27 Starting a Law Firm: The Early Struggles 27:33 Embracing Social Media for Business Growth 27:58 Authenticity on Social Media 30:52 Balancing Family and Career 33:27 Raising Independent Kids 39:33 The Reality TV Experience: Ladies Who List 41:35 Maintaining Relationships and Friendships 44:37 Marriage and Longevity 49:55 Speed Round: Fun and Personal Insights #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #TiffaniHawes #RealEstate #Entrepreneurship #WomenInBusiness #ClosingAttorney #Atlanta #LadiesWhoList

    55 min
  7. Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Jovon Q. Quarles on Quitting, Love & Real Connection (S2, Ep 10)

    17/12/2025

    Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test Jovon Q. Quarles on Quitting, Love & Real Connection (S2, Ep 10)

    Real connection is about choosing growth, accountability, and peace, even when quitting feels easier. In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with Jovon “Q” Quarles. A retired Navy SEAL, public speaker, and cast member on Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test for a real conversation about love, leadership, trauma, and the kind of resilience you only earn. Jovon opens up about finding peace in his relationship with his fiancée. He shares the truth about growing up with a mother struggling with addiction, being raised by a village led by his grandmother, and how that upbringing shaped his trust, dating patterns, and identity as a man. They also get into the moment Jovon quit during SEAL training. Why he rang the bell, how regret hit instantly, and what it took to come back and graduate not only as a SEAL, but as Honor Graduate—twice. Tamika and Jovon discuss the difference between motivation and inspiration, why humility is required to evolve, and how vulnerability becomes strength when your life is on the line. What You Will Hear About: 1. Why men often “know she’s the one” 2. How your upbringing can shape attachment, trust, and your life in relationships 3. The moment Jovon quit during Hell Week and what it taught him about regret and resilience 4. What Hell Week is really like (and why most people still have more in the tank than they think) 5. The difference between motivation and inspiration, and how to build a vision that carries you 6. Why humility is the entry point to becoming a better leader (and why celebrities struggle with it on Special Forces) 7. The reality of the SEAL team brotherhood, trust, and responsibility 8. Why vulnerability is a core part of military culture even for the most “emotionally controlled” men 8. Tamika’s challenge to Jovon 9. Jovon’s upcoming book, Why Not Me, and the mindset behind building a life you didn’t grow up with 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if it reminded you that relationships still sit at the center of every opportunity. Connect with Jovon on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jovonpquarles Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp. Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected. 00:00 Knowing When She's the One 00:14 Family Struggles and Support 00:34 Military Life and Brotherhood 01:20 Welcome to the Real Connect Podcast 01:53 Life in South Africa and Beyond 04:03 Engagement and Love Story 08:50 Childhood and Upbringing 14:22 Joining the Military 17:02 Navy SEAL Journey 23:13 Hell Week and Overcoming Challenges 28:52 Standing Out in Navy SEAL Training 30:42 Inspiration and Motivation 35:16 Reinventing After Retirement 37:40 Special Forces: World's Toughest Test 42:21 The Importance of Team Camaraderie 45:40 Vulnerability and Emotional Control 52:59 Personal Reflections and Future Goals 56:26 Speed Round and Final Thoughts #TheRealConnectPodcast #RealConnection #EmotionalResilience #HealthyMasculinity #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipMindset #TamikaCarlton #JovonQQuarles

    1 h 3 min
  8. Ashley Silva Gets Real About Love & Marriage DC + Life Off Camera (S2 Ep 9)

    10/12/2025

    Ashley Silva Gets Real About Love & Marriage DC + Life Off Camera (S2 Ep 9)

    This is for anyone who has ever been labeled, judged, or misunderstood and still had to show up like nothing was wrong. In this episode of The Real Connect Podcast, Tamika Carlton sits down with TV personality, writer, and entrepreneur Ashley Silva from OWN’s Love & Marriage: DC. Ashley opens up about growing up in Baltimore near the world of The Wire, becoming a young wife and mom, and what really happens behind the scenes of reality TV when the cameras go down and the comments start rolling in. She shares candidly about anxiety, suffering in silence, and how writing her book Do That Sht* helped her face her own story. Ashley and Tamika talk about friendship breakups, being labeled “mean” for telling the truth, navigating marriage when your partner is always working, and why so many women lose themselves in the roles they play for everyone else. They also dive into Ashley’s dreams of acting, her love of true crime, and building a beauty brand with her daughter. What You Will Hear About: 1. Growing up in West Baltimore 2. The cost of being “the honest one” on camera and online 3. Mental health, insomnia, and suffering in silence 4. The story behind Ashley’s book Do That Sht* and what she hopes readers feel 5. Friendship, loyalty, and why she does not play with the word “friend” 6. Big dreams, acting classes, and what is next for Ashley 🔗 Watch, subscribe, and share this episode if you have ever felt misunderstood, mislabeled, or tired of pretending. This one is for the people who are finally ready to be who they really are. Connect with Ashley Silva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybrittney or visit her website: https://ashleybrittneysilva.com/ Connect with Tamika on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamika_carltonjbp. Join The Connect—a free weekly newsletter with real insights on everything relationships! https://www.tamikacarlton.com/newsletter Visit Tamika's: https://www.tamikacarlton.com to stay connected. 00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles 00:46 Welcome to the Real Connect Podcast 01:00 Discussing Sleep and Daily Routine 02:16 The Real Connect Mission and Ashley's Journey 03:05 Life Changes and Reflections 04:01 Growing Up in Baltimore 05:26 Early Love for Entertainment 07:06 Reality TV Experience 10:52 Friendships and Authenticity in Reality TV 11:11 Podcasting and Social Media 15:19 Friendship Dynamics on Reality TV 25:09 Importance of Authentic Friendships 26:51 Writing 'Do That Shit' and Scorpio Energy 29:03 Silent Suffering and Misconceptions 29:34 Breaking the Silence and Finding Balance 30:14 Reflecting on Family and Personal Growth 30:58 Journaling and Relating to Others 31:23 Book Reveal and Reality TV Insights 33:22 Challenges of Reality TV and Personal Growth 36:52 Future Aspirations and Personal Projects 48:41 Balancing Public Life and Mental Health 54:53 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts #TheRealConnectPodcast #TamikaCarlton #AshleySilva #LoveAndMarriageDC #RealityTV #RealConnections #DoThatShit #FriendshipGoals

    59 min
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Información

The Real Connect is where people talk honestly about life. Hosted by Tamika Carlton, guests share real stories about connection, healing, and being human without pretending. Right now, too many relationships feel transactional. People don’t know how to date, build real friendships, or tell the truth anymore. We look connected, but we’re lonely. This podcast slows things down and brings the focus back to real bonds, real conversation, and showing up for each other.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    Tamika Carlton
  • Años en activo
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodios
    36
  • Clasificación
    Explícito
  • Derechos de autor
    © Tamika Carlton
  • Sitio web del podcast
    The Real Connect
  • Proveedor

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