Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity: Real Women, Real Talk for Personal and Professional Development

Shai Boston
  • 5.0 (7)
  • PERSONAL JOURNALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join me for candid and inspiring conversations that dive deep into the real issues we as women face like our career challenges, personal struggles, navigating invisible illnesses, and learning how to effectively lead and communicate from every seat at the table. We'll explore everything from overcoming challenges to celebrating successes, all with a relatable and authentic touch.   I’m here to support, inspire, and connect. Think of it as a conversation with your girlfriend, where you can be yourself, share your experiences, and find support, inspiration, and practical advice all over a coffee or cocktail – you choose.   Whether you're an entrepreneur, a working professional, or simply looking to grow and connect with other women, “Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity” is your go-to podcast for honest, inspiring, and empowering conversations.

  1. 11/18/2025

    When You’re the One Holding You Back

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. In this episode, I’m sharing the truth I had to swallow myself: when we make excuses for our problems, we keep those problems alive. Inspired by a line in Why Did I Get Married? and a recent conversation with friends, I take you through the moments that made me face my own excuses — from my health to my workload to the habits I’d been justifying instead of changing. I talk through how accountability really feels, how overworking myself knocked me out, and why some of the things we’re carrying (from weight to relationships to business struggles) trace back to choices we’ve been avoiding. This episode is your invitation to stop holding on to what’s hurting you and start focusing on what you can control with honesty, grace, and clarity. Grab your drink, take a sip, and let’s chat. TL;DR We talk about the hard truth that when we make excuses, we keep our problems. I share how accountability showed up in my own health, habits, and hard decisions — and how shifting from excuses to action can change everything. This episode is an invitation to be honest, choose differently, and take back control. TIME STAMPS  00:00 – Opening Thoughts: Tyler Perry, Movie Lessons & Excuses 01:00 – Welcome Back & Coffee Chat 02:20 – “If We Make Excuses, We Keep the Problem.” 03:45 – The Excuse Patterns We Don’t Notice 06:00 – My Real Reason for Getting Sick 08:20 – Burnout, Boundaries & Overworking Myself 10:40 – Weight, Food, Habits & Hard Truths 12:50 – Trauma Weight & What My Therapist Told Me 14:40 – What We Can Control vs. What We Can’t 15:30 – One Small Step Toward Accountability 16:40 – Closing Reflections & Clarity Moment CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page IG Threads  Facebook  RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference. Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  Ph: 988 Psychology Today  National Institute of Mental Health  Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Family Groups CREDITS  Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions Support the show

    17 min

  2. 11/11/2025

    Why Balance Is an Illusion (and What to Do Instead)

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. In this heartfelt episode of Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity, I open up about what balance really looks like — especially for women juggling life, work, and everything in between. Inspired by my own health journey and an interview with Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry, I unpack why “perfect balance” is an illusion and why it’s okay to shift, pause, and adjust as life changes. We talk about the emotional and physical toll of chasing perfection, how to protect your peace through boundaries, and what it really means to give yourself grace. This conversation is your reminder that balance isn’t something you find — it’s something you practice. TL;DR In this episode, I get real about what balance really means for women—letting go of perfection, setting boundaries, and learning to move with life instead of against it. TIME STAMPS  00:00 – Finding My Balance 02:00 – Welcome & Warm-Up 03:30 – Inspiration from Renée Goldsberry 05:45 – The Illusion of “Having It All” 08:00 – When Life Knocks You Off Balance 09:30 – The Gymnast’s Lesson 11:40 – The Act of Balancing 13:50 – Boundaries, Self-Care & Small Shifts 15:30 – Listening to Your Body 17:30 – Redefining Balance & Being Perfectly Imperfect 18:25 – Final Sip & Reflection CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page IG Threads Facebook  RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference. Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  Ph: 988 Psychology Today  National Institute of Mental Health  Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Family Groups CREDITS Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions Support the show

    19 min

  3. 11/06/2025

    One Phone, Two Paths: When Distraction Changes Everything

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. In this episode, I share a moment that shook me and forced me to face how powerful (and risky) distraction can be. One call became a crossroads — a reminder that every moment, we’re choosing our direction. Presence or autopilot. Fear or awareness. Reaction or intention. If you’ve ever drifted, gotten caught up in the moment, or forgotten how precious life is — this one’s a reminder to breathe, pay attention, and choose the path that leads to peace and purpose. TL;DR A real moment that reminded me how quickly distraction can lead us toward danger — or toward deeper clarity and intention. TIME STAMPS  00:00 Introduction to Distraction and Its Consequences 02:42 Personal Reflections on Distractions 04:58 Identifying Personal Distractions 07:27 The Ripple Effect of Our Actions 09:50 Navigating Life's Distractions 12:32 Awareness and Decision Making 14:45 The Role of Distractions in Our Lives 16:47 Conclusion CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page IG Threads  Facebook  RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference. Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  Ph: 988 Psychology Today  National Institute of Mental Health  Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Family Groups CREDITS Youtube  IG Stitch Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions Support the show

    23 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    Raw and Unfiltered: Embracing the Journey

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. In this candid podcast episode, I share my recent the emotional toll of facing disappointment in entrepreneurship. In it, I emphasize the importance of feeling emotions, having a back-up plan, and finding support systems to navigate setbacks. Through my raw and unfiltered approach, I will encourage you to embrace your feelings, seek solutions, and maintain hope amidst challenges. TL;DR I share my recent experiences with a professional challenge, emphasizing the importance of having a back-up plan, support systems, and maintaining hope despite setbacks. TIME STAMPS  00:00:00 Introduction and Raw Thoughts 00:03:00 Virtual Speaking Event Experience 00:06:00 Learning New Systems 00:09:00 Emotional Impact of Unmet Goals 00:12:00 Importance of Plan B and Support Systems 00:15:00 Finding Hope and Moving Forward CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page IG Threads Facebook RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference. Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Ph: 988 Psychology Today National Institute of Mental Health Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Family Groups CREDITS Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions Support the show

    15 min

  5. 10/22/2025

    When Life Hits Hard: Staying Calm When Everything Spins Out

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. Ever had life hit you out of nowhere — like, one minute you’re fine, and the next… boom, everything changes? Yeah, same. In this episode, I’m talking about impact — the kind that shakes you, tests you, and forces you to decide who you’re gonna be on the other side of it. I share what really happened after my car accident and how that moment taught me what it means to brace for impact, breathe through the chaos, and focus on recovery — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. We’ll unpack what it looks like to stay grounded when life spins out, how to shift from reaction to reflection, and why gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff — it’s about finding your power in the middle of it. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to bounce back when everything feels like “too much,” this one’s for you. Grab your coffee (or your cocktail — no judgment here) and let’s talk about resilience, recovery, and how to keep your clarity even when life throws you off course. TL;DR Sometimes life hits hard — and no, we don’t always see it coming. In this episode, I share how a car accident shifted my perspective on control, chaos, and recovery — and what it really means to brace for impact without losing yourself in the process. TIME STAMPS  00:00 Navigating Life's Impacts 08:06 Bracing for Impact 11:19 Maintaining Composure 14:13 Focusing on Recovery 20:34 Finding Gratitude in Challenges CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page IG Threads  Facebook  RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference. Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  Ph: 988 Psychology Today  National Institute of Mental Health  Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Family Groups CREDITS Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions Support the show

    23 min

  6. 10/14/2025

    Are You There, Y’all? It’s Me, Shai - Back with the Real Talk

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. Whew, y’all… it’s been a minute! After a little (okay, maybe longer than a little) hiatus, I’m back — and so ready to catch up. In this episode, I’m getting real about what’s been going on: burnout, mental health struggles, and the lessons I’ve learned about showing up for myself first. Life was life-ing and burnout had me all the way tapped out. I’m talking about what really happened, how I found my way back to myself, and why slowing down was the most powerful thing I could’ve done. I’m also sharing what’s next for Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity — more real talk, more amazing guests, and deeper conversations about personal and professional growth (the kind that feels good for the soul and the career). Grab your coffee, your cocktail, or whatever’s in your cup, and let’s chat like the sistafriends we are — honest, softer, wiser, and still a little spicy. TL;DR This episode is your reminder that the pause isn’t weakness — it’s strategy. Oh, and I’m back! Time Stamps  00:00 The Heart of Leadership 05:43 Authenticity and Transformation 07:38 Looking Ahead CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page IG Threads  Facebook  RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference. Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  Ph: 988 Psychology Today  National Institute of Mental Health  Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673) Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Alcoholics Anonymous Al-Anon Family Groups CREDITS Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions Support the show

    10 min

  7. 03/18/2025

    Supporting Your Spouse: A Guide to Navigating Grief Together

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. SHOW DESCRIPTION This week on Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity, I'm sharing my personal journey of navigating grief as a partner. I'll discuss supporting my husband through multiple losses while managing my own emotions. We'll explore the importance of open communication, sharing memories, and allowing ourselves to feel our grief. I'll offer practical tips that helped us grow closer during this difficult time. If you're coping with loss as a couple, this episode is for you. Let's find healing together.     TL;DR Let’s talk about supporting a grieving partner, my experience with loss, and tips on communication and healing with your partner. If you're dealing with grief as a couple, this is for you.   Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity 00:05 Understanding Grief as a Partner 01:18 Welcome and Trigger Warning 02:26 Personal Grief Journey 02:49 Significant Losses in the Family 05:05 Coping with Grief Together 08:47 Practical Tips for Managing Grief 13:01 Final Thoughts and Encouragement 13:46 Closing Remarks   CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page   IG   Threads   Facebook   RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.   Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  Ph: 988   Psychology Today    National Institute of Mental Health    Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)   Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services   Alcoholics Anonymous   Al-Anon Family Groups   Credits Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions  Support the show

    14 min

  8. 03/11/2025

    Redefining Rest: Beyond Sleep and Vacations

    Finished listening to this episode? Share your feedback with me. SHOW DESCRIPTION Let's get real. You know that feeling when you're running on fumes? Yeah, me too. On this week's episode, I'm ditching the fluff and diving into what rest really is and means. I'm sharing my own messy, real-life journey. We're talking about everything from that much-needed girls’ getaway that saved my sanity, to the daily grind of trying to find a moment of peace.   So, grab your favorite drink (mine's currently a strong coffee, don't judge), get comfy, and let's have a real conversation about prioritizing ourselves and finding that elusive rest. You deserve it, girl.     TL;DR I'm sharing my real-life tips for finding rest amidst a busy life. Let's get real about prioritizing ourselves.   Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles 00:41 The Annual Girls' Getaway 01:22 Welcome to Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity 02:17 Exploring the Concept of Rest 03:39 The Importance of Self-Care 05:23 Personal Experiences with Rest 06:48 Finding Daily Moments of Peace 10:07 Practical Tips for Incorporating Rest 12:23 Conclusion   CONNECT WITH ME Fan Page   IG   Threads   Facebook   RESOURCES Note: I do not have any affiliations with, sponsorships or endorsements from any of the resources mentioned. They are listed for your reference.   Mental Health Resources Suicide and Crisis Lifeline  Ph: 988   Psychology Today    National Institute of Mental Health    Sexual Violence Resources RAIIN Ph: 800.656.HOPE (4673)   Substance Abuse Resources U.S. Department of Health and Human Services   Alcoholics Anonymous   Al-Anon Family Groups   Credits Podcast Editor: Payton Cross Productions  Support the show

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Join me for candid and inspiring conversations that dive deep into the real issues we as women face like our career challenges, personal struggles, navigating invisible illnesses, and learning how to effectively lead and communicate from every seat at the table. We'll explore everything from overcoming challenges to celebrating successes, all with a relatable and authentic touch.   I’m here to support, inspire, and connect. Think of it as a conversation with your girlfriend, where you can be yourself, share your experiences, and find support, inspiration, and practical advice all over a coffee or cocktail – you choose.   Whether you're an entrepreneur, a working professional, or simply looking to grow and connect with other women, “Coffee, Cocktails, and Clarity” is your go-to podcast for honest, inspiring, and empowering conversations.

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