Crossroads & Callings

Chimere S. Brown
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

"Crossroads & Callings" dives deep into the moments that shatter the plan. This is an intimate, interview-style podcast built for those navigating life's major turning points. We talk to resilient, everyday people—from corporate leaders to community builders—who transformed their biggest crossroads into their most profound callings. This is an honest, faith-and-humanity-driven space dedicated to answering one question: How do you courageously move forward when life doesn't go as planned? crxrdscallings.substack.com

  1. 2d ago

    S2, Ep 3: The Art of Slowing Down (Welcoming Pamiya Opoku)

    Welcome back to Crossroads + Callings. If there is one overarching theme to our second season, it is learning how to stop outrunning our own healing. In this episode, host Chimere Brown sits down with wellness practitioner and founder of The Walking Hour, Pamiya Opoku. Pamiya’s journey is a powerful testament to the fact that transformation doesn’t always require running on a treadmill until you break. Sometimes, it requires lacing up your shoes, stepping outside, and letting a simple walk restore your nervous system. From dropping over 100 pounds through walking to authoring her upcoming book, Good, Better, Becoming, Pamiya breaks down what it truly means to trade hustle culture for community and joy. In this episode, Pamiya unpacks: * The Unmasking of COVID: How a pair of walking shoes and a weighted vest turned into a thriving community movement across Chicago. * The Weight of Perfectionism: Confronting family health histories and societal pressures around body image. * The Walker’s High: Why slowing your pace physically allows you to speed up your mental clarity, clear your debt, and process life’s hardest transitions. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of modern life, this episode is your official permission to slow down. Connect with Pamiya: * Book & Movement: Look up Good, Better, Becoming and The Walking Hour. 🎧 [Watch the full episode on YouTube] | 🎙️ [Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    S2, Ep 3: The Art of Slowing Down (Welcoming Pamiya Opoku)

  2. Aug 11

    S2, Ep 2: The Power of the Pause (Welcoming Morgan Nicole Martin)

    Welcome back to Season 2 of Crossroads + Callings. If our premiere episode taught us anything, it’s that grit gets you through the door, but surrender is what lets you heal. In Episode 2, host Chimere Brown visits the Live and Believe Wellness Center in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood to sit down with founder and wellness educator Morgan Nicole Martin. Morgan’s story is a profound reminder that you cannot outrun your healing. For years, she operated in overdrive—cheerleader, broadcast journalist, actress, and fitness instructor—carrying the weight of “Perfect Morgan” while fighting secret battles with burnout and emotional eating. When an unexpected family tragedy forced her life to a halt, she had to learn how to stop performing and start pausing. In this episode, Morgan unpacks: * The Visceral Fat Wake-Up Call: The exact moment a medical scan shattered the facade of her outward fitness and forced her to look at internal trauma. * Rebuilding After Tragedy: How she channeled her grief over her brother’s passing into building a safe haven for health, wellness, and community on Chicago’s South Side. * Regulating Your Nervous System: Why true self-care isn’t a bubble bath—it’s establishing strict morning boundaries, journaling through the ugly truths, and allowing yourself to drop the mask. If you are tired of running on fumes and need permission to slow down, this episode will change how you view rest. Connect with Morgan: * Website: https://www.liveandbelievewellness.com/ * Instagram: @liveandbelievewellness 🎧 [Watch the full episode on YouTube] | 🎙️ [Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    S2, Ep 2: The Power of the Pause (Welcoming Morgan Nicole Martin)

  3. Aug 4

    S2, Ep 1: The Beauty of Broken Bones (Welcoming Janae Wesby)

    Welcome to Season 2 of Crossroads + Callings. We spent our off-season resting, reflecting, and rethinking what this platform means to you. We are moving away from surface-level success stories to bring you raw, uncompromised blueprints for navigating life’s most difficult shifts. For our season opener, host Chimere Brown traveled to Changing Faces Atelier on Chicago’s Gold Coast to sit down with master esthetician Janae Wesby. Janae has spent 25 years making people look and feel radiant behind the counter at La Mer, on Windy City Live, and inside her own private studio. But the gold isn’t just in her skincare regimens—it’s in her grit. In this episode, Janae opens up about: * The 10-Year Traveling Sacrifice: Leaving a 5-month-old child to travel for L’Oréal because she needed to build something of her own. * The 2-Month Countdown: Receiving the sudden, crushing diagnosis of her mother’s adrenal carcinoma and stepping into the role of the primary caregiver overnight. * The Hard Reality of Forgiveness: What it takes to look a parent in the eye, reconcile decades of emotional distance, and reset a bone that healed wrong. If you are a high-achieving woman carrying the weight of a family crisis while trying to maintain your own empire, this episode will hold space for your humanity. Connect with Janae: * Instagram: @janaeischangingfaces * Website: https://www.changingfacesatelier.com/ 🎧 [Watch the full episode on YouTube] | 🎙️ [Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

  4. Jun 2

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1 Finale| The Master Plan vs. The Master Pivot: Navigating Cancer, Loss, and Leadership

    What happens when a lifetime of corporate execution meets an unexpected, life-altering halt? In our Season 1 finale of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown is joined by Jennifer Alexander, a powerhouse IT program delivery lead currently steering initiatives in the energy sector. Jennifer is a master of managing complex, global corporate scopes —but in this episode, she steps into her most vulnerable territory yet: sharing her story as a breast cancer survivor for the first time publicly. In this episode, we discuss: * The Courage to Pivot: How Jennifer recognized stagnation in her early finance career, bravely stepped into the unknown, and cultivated a mastery of project management that allowed her to jump seamlessly between healthcare and oil & gas. * The Reality of a Diagnosis: Jennifer takes us back to 2018 when a routine health check turned into a year of aggressive treatments, and how she navigated the emotional residual effects that last a lifetime. * Dismantling the “Strong Black Woman” Myth: Why it is so dangerous to try and “shake off” pain (including a hilariously telling story about a broken foot) and how true strength is found in letting your village carry you when you cannot carry yourself. * Miracles and New Joy: The beautiful transition into motherhood with her son, Rakim, and how she purposefully filled her life post-trauma with the simple things that bring her joy—like quality time, hot yoga, and rediscovering old hobbies. Jennifer’s story is a beautiful masterclass for anyone standing at a personal or professional crossroads. There is absolute, vibrant life on the other side of your toughest battles—you just have to be willing to lean into your supporters and step forward. Thank you for riding with us through Season 1! Drop a comment on Substack or YouTube to show Jennifer some love for opening up her heart today. Use your crossroads to lead you to your purpose and your calling. See you in Season 2! Connect with the Guest: You can reach out to Jennifer Alexander for mentorship or speaking engagements directly via LinkedIn. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1 Finale| The Master Plan vs. The Master Pivot: Navigating Cancer, Loss, and Leadership

  5. May 26

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 21: The Blueprint for Scale with Jeff Osuji

    How do you leverage a background in analytical chemistry and corporate sales into a diversified portfolio of successful businesses? In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown welcomes Jeff Osuji, co-founder and CEO of Eventnoire and Entrepreneur in Residence at 1871. Jeff discusses his upbringing as the son of Nigerian immigrants, explaining how early discipline, a relentless work ethic, and sharp analytical problem-solving helped him build a distinct competitive edge in the business world. We explore his journey from the chemistry labs at the University of Illinois to the top of the experiential marketing and tech industries, highlighting the raw grit required to raise venture capital and the strategic importance of remaining a grounded leader. Key Takeaways: * The Power of Hyper-Focus: How to strategically manage high-level professional demands and seamlessly switch between multi-faceted business operations. * The Sales Mindset: The art of identifying market challenges, understanding your professional value, and knowing precisely when to pivot from the corporate ladder to full ownership. * The 5 Entrepreneurial Commandments: Jeff’s strict operational rules for sustainable growth, from rigorous team-building standards to mastering your exact profit margins. * Standing with the People: Why true corporate humility and staying connected to your consumer base is a far more powerful tool for long-term legacy than ego. Stream now on all platforms and visit eventnoire.com to discover your next curated experience. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 21: The Blueprint for Scale with Jeff Osuji

  6. May 19

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 20: Embrace. Enhance. Evolve.: Navigating Life Beyond the Glow

    "Trouble doesn't last always." — Ashonti Sharkey How do you find your voice when you feel silenced by your circumstances? This week, Chimere Brown welcomes Ashonti Sharkey, the visionary behind “Work of Arch” and the viral “Makeup Monday” movement. While Ashonti is a master of aesthetic strategy, her personal journey is a testament to the grit required to move from victimhood to victory. Why you should listen to this episode: * The Reality of Resilience: Hear the unfiltered account of a woman who faced a “blackout” nervous breakdown and found the strength to rebuild her life from scratch. * Redefining Motherhood: Ashonti opens up about the rare and difficult experience of being a “part-time mom” during a custody battle and how she maintained a deep, loving bond with all five of her children. * The Power of the Pivot: Discover how a physical injury that left her unable to walk for a year actually accelerated her spiritual and professional growth. * Intentional Healing: Learn why Ashonti transitioned her brand to “Makeup Therapy” and how embracing, enhancing, and evolving can change your life. Whether you are in a season of isolation or standing at your own crossroads, Ashonti’s story provides the blueprint for getting back up. Listen now on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full visual experience on YouTube. Connect with Ashonti Sharkey: * Instagram: @CurveeMadame * Website/Booking: Work of Arch Brow Bar | Esthetician in Chicago, IL This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 20: Embrace. Enhance. Evolve.: Navigating Life Beyond the Glow

  7. May 12

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1|Episode 19: Finding God Again: Lessons on Faith, Fitness, and Forgiveness

    "My body is only a reflection of how I feel on the inside... I want my light to shine every time I step on stage." — Alicia Williams What do you do when the "long-suffering" of life feels like too much to endure? Alecia Williams joins the podcast to share her raw journey from being "done with God" to finding Him again on the bodybuilding stage. This episode is a masterclass in resilience for anyone standing at a crossroads. Key Takeaways for Your Journey: * Nurture One Thing: Don’t try to fix your whole life at once; pick one scripture or one habit to nurture until it flourishes. * The Power of Silence: Sometimes you need to shut out external voices to hear God’s voice for yourself. * Forgive the “Cowering”: Forgiveness isn’t just for others; it’s for forgiving yourself for the times you let situations take your power. * Anchor Points: Find what brings you joy and use it as an anchor when life’s challenges attempt to overtake you. Connect with our Guest: * Instagram: A_Estelle_Official Support the Show: * Subscribe for more stories on navigating life’s pivots. * Leave a comment: How has your faith been tested recently? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1|Episode 19: Finding God Again: Lessons on Faith, Fitness, and Forgiveness

  8. May 5

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 18: Soul with Strategy: Bridging Grassroots Culture and Global Brands

    “I just believe that God designed me for this type of stuff.” In the 18th episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with the ultimate "Renaissance Woman," Tamika “Mimi” Smith. As an award-winning creative producer, professional singer, and the founder of EyeKan Studios, Tamika has mastered the art of blending soul with strategy. Tamika’s journey is a masterclass in divine alignment. From her roots in Freeport, Illinois, to becoming a powerhouse in the Chicago music and corporate scenes, she shares how she transitioned from being a "subway girl" at Jackson State University to producing major activations for global giants like Nike, McDonald's, and Toyota. In this episode, we explore: * The “Mimi on the Mic” Origin Story: How a childhood rooted in the church and a musical family in Northwest Illinois cultivated the discipline needed for the global stage. * Winning the High-Stakes Game: The "illustrious" college pivot where Tamika won a national competition, earning a free car and a garden planted in her honor at JSU. * Scaling to Global Brands: Behind the scenes of producing the McDonald’s activation at Art Basel Miami and navigating $90,000+ fabrication bids. * The House Chi: Her role as a supporting producer for Chicago’s premier collective of independent artists and their journey from treehouse shows to playing for the Mayor of Chicago. * The "Kept" Entrepreneur: A candid discussion on the reality of maintaining a 9-to-5 at Salesforce to secure stock options and health insurance while scaling a creative empire. Tamika’s Gems for the Crossroads: * Posture Over Agenda: Why showing up with a good heart and authentic relationships is the ultimate currency. * Visit Fear, Don’t Live There: How to navigate uncertainty without letting imposter syndrome stall your journey. * Write the Vision: The biblical and practical necessity of creating a “plain” strategy that others can run with. Connect with Tamika: * Instagram/TikTok: @mimionthemic * LinkedIn: Tamika R. Smith * Email: Tamika@IconStudios.com If you enjoyed this episode, consider becoming a subscriber to the Crossroads + Callings Substack for more deep dives into life pivots and purposeful living. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 18: Soul with Strategy: Bridging Grassroots Culture and Global Brands
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About

"Crossroads & Callings" dives deep into the moments that shatter the plan. This is an intimate, interview-style podcast built for those navigating life's major turning points. We talk to resilient, everyday people—from corporate leaders to community builders—who transformed their biggest crossroads into their most profound callings. This is an honest, faith-and-humanity-driven space dedicated to answering one question: How do you courageously move forward when life doesn't go as planned? crxrdscallings.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Chimere S. Brown
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chimere S. Brown
  • Show Website
    Crossroads & Callings