Everything's Not Black & White

Brian and Lala
  • 4.9 (19)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

This show is about presenting different perspectives and points of view on topics trending in our communities and families today and understanding the experiences/backstories behind those perspectives. Most people come to a feeling or belief about something, based on past experiences or first-hand knowledge. This affirming and validating information-sharing makes it ever so important for others to respectfully ask curious questions and share opposing feelings/beliefs in a way that does not cause offense or creates further divisive harm to our human relationships.

  1. Humanizing the Healthcare System

    JAN 5

    Humanizing the Healthcare System

    In this episode of Everything’s Not Black and White, Lachandra sits down with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., a biomedical scientist and CEO of the STEMM and Cancer Health Equity Foundation, to discuss the life-saving necessity of measurable equity. Dr. Manley shares his harrowing personal experiences with medical racism—from witnessing his mother’s mistreatment to navigating a recent surgical recovery where his pain and expertise were ignored by hospital staff. Together, they explore how to turn empathy into a performance metric, the importance of diversifying funding for social impact, and practical frameworks for patients to advocate for themselves within fragmented systems. It is a raw, insightful conversation about shifting from mere survival to true thriving in the face of systemic challenges.  Facebook Instagram LinkedIn SCHEQ

    34 min
  2. The Audacity To Be Myself

    12/01/2025

    The Audacity To Be Myself

    Hosts Lala and Brian welcome Daniel Stoffel, a beloved family member, successful young businessman, and owner of West Oak Salon. Daniel shares his lifelong passion for the beauty industry—from styling Barbie heads to opening his own salon—and the profound impact his LGBTQIA+ identity had on building his business with the very "audacity to be me." He discusses the unique challenges and immense rewards of running a family business and offers insights on mentorship and leadership. Finally, Daniel addresses the current economic volatility affecting beauty supplies and his commitment to uncompromised quality and customer experience in the face of rising costs and societal challenges. West Oak Salon Instagram Facebook

    37 min
  3. Escape the Narcissist's Script

    11/17/2025

    Escape the Narcissist's Script

    Join Lala and Brian as they sit down with Nigerian-American psychotherapist and author Agatha Peters, founder of Beautiful Sunshine Therapy and author of Trapped in Their Script. Agatha shares her inspiring journey from working in the ER to starting her own culturally sensitive practice, focusing on helping people break free from the burden of cultural and family expectations. This eye-opening conversation deeply defines narcissism, distinguishing it from general conflict, and explores its devastating impact on family dynamics and mental health. Crucially, they discuss the unique complications of healing in collectivist cultures and offer practical first steps, like journaling, for reclaiming your life and self-worth from abuse. Agatha Peters  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram

    34 min
  4. Don't Deny Your Greatness

    11/11/2025

    Don't Deny Your Greatness

    Hosts Lala and Brian welcome the incredibly multi-hyphenate artist Leslie Battle to the show. Leslie, a comedian, dancer, writer, and poet, discusses her diverse career journey, from singing at a Bengals game during her 26 years in the US Army to her latest creative endeavors. She shares insights on overcoming her tendency to bury the lead about her accomplishments, the power of embracing new skills through just following directions, and the importance of grace and healing in an increasingly tumultuous world. Leslie also details her exciting Five for 55 birthday showcase, which blended all her talents, and gives a sneak peek into her upcoming poetry book, Caution: Reconstruction Zone, which explores themes of grief and trauma to help others feel less alone.  Leslie Battle Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

    35 min
  5. An Immigrant's Blueprint for Success

    08/20/2025

    An Immigrant's Blueprint for Success

    In this episode, hosts Lala and Brian are joined by their brilliant friend and business partner, April Wu, founder of InSphere Consulting. April shares her transformative journey from navigating strict cultural expectations and career burnout to finding her voice and launching her own company. She opens up about the immense pressure of a score-based definition of success she experienced growing up in China and how that mindset followed her to the United States. April reveals how a near-breaking point in a high-pressure corporate job became the catalyst for her to redefine success on her own terms. This raw and honest conversation explores the importance of self-trust, honoring your ambition, and making your own path. It’s a powerful story of survival, hope, and discovering that the most important blueprint is the one you create for yourself.  InSphere Consulting LinkedIn

    37 min
  6. Cognitive Wellbeing In The Workplace

    08/04/2025

    Cognitive Wellbeing In The Workplace

    Join hosts Lala and Brian as they welcome their friend, leadership advisor Brian John, to discuss a crucial topic: cognitive wellbeing in the workplace. Brian John shares his personal journey and professional expertise, explaining how a leader's mental state directly impacts an organization's culture. The conversation challenges the idea of a "perfect" leader and advocates for authenticity and vulnerability. The discussion explores how companies can move beyond empty promises and create a truly safe and supportive environment. Discover the key pillars of cognitive wellbeing and learn why a focus on self-leadership and genuine connection is essential to building a thriving workplace.  Brian John LinkedIn Brian John Instagram

    32 min
  7. Healing Beyond the Diagnosis

    12/20/2024

    Healing Beyond the Diagnosis

    Join us as Shanise Pearce, a Triple Negative Breast Cancer survivor, public speaker, and health equity advocate, shares her extraordinary journey of resilience and purpose. From confronting her mortality to discovering the power of community support and self-care, Shanise’s story is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. In this heartfelt conversation, she discusses overcoming the emotional toll of cancer, advocating for healthcare equity, and finding strength in vulnerability. Her courage and insights will leave you inspired to take action in your own life and support others in theirs. Susan G. Coleman LinkedIn Brave Path American Cancer Society: Making Strides Triple Negative Breast Cancer Month Women's History Month

    31 min
  8. You Are Enough

    12/02/2024

    You Are Enough

    On this episode of Everything's Not Black & White, we sit down with Hady Mendez, a NY-based Amazon best-selling author, Latina speaker, and ERG coach. Hady, the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC, shares how her personal journey has shaped her mission to empower underrepresented employees to self-advocate, self-promote, and ascend into leadership roles. From her creative passion for street art photography to her transformative work with incarcerated women, Hady offers heartfelt stories and insights into leadership, cultural identity, and driving change within organizations. Hady Mendez LinkedIn Boldly Speaking LLC Hady Mendez Instagram ERG Leadership Conference Book: Awareness Put Me On: Leading By Choice, Thriving By Design Latinas: Front and Center Podcast

    36 min
See All (52)

4.9
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

This show is about presenting different perspectives and points of view on topics trending in our communities and families today and understanding the experiences/backstories behind those perspectives. Most people come to a feeling or belief about something, based on past experiences or first-hand knowledge. This affirming and validating information-sharing makes it ever so important for others to respectfully ask curious questions and share opposing feelings/beliefs in a way that does not cause offense or creates further divisive harm to our human relationships.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian and Lala
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Everything's Not Black & White
  • Show Website
    Everything's Not Black & White