Brandy Was Here the Podcast

Brandy Nicole Walker
  • 5.0 (38)
  • Documentary

Lived experience doesn't just have a place, it is the place from which identity, culture and confidence form and grow. This space stays close to that intersection, so we can reinvent ourselves freely and with integrity. brandywashere.substack.com

  1. Jul 21

    S5E6: It's Not You, It's Capitalism (ft. Auzerais Bellamy)

    On this episode of the podcast I am joined by Auzerais Bellamy founder of Blondery, the modern dessert brand that earned national attention for its cult-favorite blondies and luxury-leaning approach to digital food culture. After formal pastry training, an internship in France, and years at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville, CA, Auzerais moved to Brooklyn and built Blondery into a beloved online bakery with partnerships ranging from Bloomingdale’s to Chase. Though the brick-and-mortar location has since closed, her work now extends far beyond dessert: her content and commentary focus on recovering from burnout, self-improvement, and accessible business insights for small business owners across all industries. Known for her candor, depth, and ability to blend storytelling with strategy, she’s shaping conversations at the intersection of entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal reinvention. This conversation is the one so many entrepreneurs need to hear: if your business didn’t make it, or is barely making it, it might not be you. We get into what it actually takes to fund and scale a business, why the “just get a grant, get a mentor” advice falls short for Black women, and why walking away from something you built isn’t failure. In this episode: * Growing up what watching Black women run restaurants taught her * From 500 orders out of a Brooklyn apartment to a nationally shipping bakery * Grants, mentorship programs, and investor meetings and why it still wasn’t enough * Is the average entrepreneur even a capitalist? Auzerais says no * Small and successful vs. scale at all costs and the retirement question nobody asks entrepreneurs * Closing the bakery, choosing a sabbatical, and moving to Mexico * How to be bold, advocate for yourself, and never let anyone talk you out of your destiny Connect with Auzerais:Substack | YouTube | Instagram This episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast is brought to you in part by: Riverside.fm. For the podcaster or content creator who values quality, Riverside.fm makes the process from hitting record to publish seamless. The “Pie” app (People I Enjoy) is a social networking platform designed to help people make new friends and discover real-life events, run clubs, and dinner groups in their local cities. Start connecting with all the cool kids in your city. Brand Worthy Solutions, where the goal is to help you feel seen, heard and worthy. Support the podcast by living into the journey — grab your merch and more at BrandyWasHere.com. Be sure to like, subscribe and comment below. For the full Brandy Was Here experience, become a subscriber on Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

  2. Jul 21

    S5E5: How to Be More Interesting and Keep Your Authenticity

    On this solo episode, I’m talking about something I’ve been noticing everywhere: the interest deficit. Simply put why aren’t people more interesting? In this episode, I break down the reasons so many of us blend into the background, and I reveal exactly what you need to make yourself more interesting. Why does this matter? Interesting people don’t just capture our attention they’re memorable. No matter what you’re building — an audience, a business, a personal brand you need to be able to do more than catch people’s attention. You need to hold it. In this episode: * The interest deficit: what it is and why it’s growing * The real reasons people aren’t interesting * What you actually need to become more interesting * Why being memorable matters for your audience, business, and personal brand * How to hold attention, not just catch it I’m curious to know what you think so drop me a comment below. This episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast is brought to you in part by: Riverside.fm. For the podcaster or content creator who values quality, Riverside.fm makes the process from hitting record to publish seamless. The “Pie” app (People I Enjoy) is a social networking platform designed to help people make new friends and discover real-life events, run clubs, and dinner groups in their local cities. Start connecting with all the cool kids in your city. Brand Worthy Solutions, where the goal is to help you feel seen, heard and worthy. Support the podcast by living into the journey — grab your merch and more at BrandyWasHere.com. Be sure to like, subscribe and comment below. For the full Brandy Was Here experience, become a subscriber on Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

    S5E5: How to Be More Interesting and Keep Your Authenticity

  3. Jul 21

    S5E4: How to Tell Stories That Move People (ft. Deryle Daniels, Jr.)

    On this episode of the podcast I am joined by Deryle A. Daniels, Jr. husband, father, podcaster, fundraiser, storyteller, and founder of Dollars & Stories, where he helps small-to-midsized nonprofits raise money through fundraising and storytelling strategy. Born and raised in North Carolina and a proud UNC Greensboro alum, Deryle spent over a decade in development, marketing, and communications with universities, community organizations, and independent schools. He now lives in Mexico City with his wife and son, leaning into his joys which are travel, photography, exercising, and exploring global cuisine. Deryle believes fundraising works best when it’s done through story and in this conversation, he breaks down exactly how to tell stories that make people want to be part of them. We talk about growing up between Durham and Chapel Hill, building a career by saying yes before he felt ready, and what happened when the job ended and he chose freedom over the scramble. How a new country, a slower pace, and having space to dream without external pressures is fueling his passion to create and help organizations tell better stories. In this episode: * Why your donor isn’t the hero of the story but the guide * Impact reports vs. annual reports: what actually moves people to give * Why the elevator pitch is shorter than you think * Realizing every story isn’t yours to tell * Why Deryle and his family left the U.S. for Mexico City and how they invest in their new community * Making the case for being bored Connect with Deryle:Dollars & Stories This episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast is brought to you in part by: Riverside.fm. For the podcaster or content creator who values quality, Riverside.fm makes the process from hitting record to publish seamless. The “Pie” app (People I Enjoy) is a social networking platform designed to help people make new friends and discover real-life events, run clubs, and dinner groups in their local cities. Start connecting with all the cool kids in your city. Brand Worthy Solutions, where the goal is to help you feel seen, heard and worthy. Support the podcast by living into the journey — grab your merch and more at BrandyWasHere.com. Be sure to like, subscribe and comment below. For the full Brandy Was Here experience, become a subscriber on Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

  4. Jul 21

    S5E3: Why Smart Entrepreneurs Stay Stuck and the Systems That Set Them Free (ft. Ali J. Taylor)

    On today’s episode of the podcast I’m joined by Ali J. Taylor, business consultant, TEDx speaker, and founder of Wisdom+Wayfinder, LLC. Brilliant but overextended founders hire Ali when the success they’ve worked so hard to create starts producing more fatigue than freedom. Through The Liberation Lab™, he helps entrepreneurs build the systems, decision frameworks, and accountability their business has been missing so they can shift from being their company’s hardest working employee to operating as a true CEO. Ali knows there’s a next level you’re trying to unlock and in this conversation, he breaks down exactly why the way you’re working isn’t getting you there. We talk business, but we also go deep discussing grief, resilience, boundaries, and deciding who you are before the world decides for you. In this episode: * Why you’re solving business problems with marketing solutions (and how to stop) * The systems and processes that unlock your next level * Why the guru playbook doesn’t work for your real life * How to build for your worst day to set the standard that keeps you consistent * Boundaries and accountability * Deciding who you are and making the world deal with it * Stepping out on Substack and sharing your lived experience Connect with Ali:Wisdom+Wayfinder | AliJTaylor.com | LinkedIn | Instagram This episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast is brought to you in part by: Riverside.fm. For the podcaster or content creator who values quality, Riverside.fm makes the process from hitting record to publish seamless. The “Pie” app (People I Enjoy) is a social networking platform designed to help people make new friends and discover real-life events, run clubs, and dinner groups in their local cities. Start connecting with all the cool kids in your city. Brand Worthy Solutions, where the goal is to help you feel seen, heard and worthy. Support the podcast by living into the journey — grab your merch and more at BrandyWasHere.com. Be sure to like, subscribe and comment below. For the full Brandy Was Here experience, become a subscriber on Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

  5. Jul 21

    S5E2 The Audacity to Be Free:Personal Branding Without the Filter (ft. Doctor Jon Paul)

    On this episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast I am joined by Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins better known as DoctorJonPaul award-winning educator, national speaker, freelance journalist, and media critic whose work has been featured in Essence, Ebony, Complex, Out Magazine, BET, and Entertainment Weekly. A TEDx, SXSW, and Coachella featured speaker, they're the creator and host of the Webby-honored, Shorty Award-winning Black Fat Femme podcast and author of Black Fat Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and How to Love Yourself, out now. In this episode: We get into what it really takes to show up authentically online (yes, even on LinkedIn), why playing respectability politics won’t save you, and how to protect your peace while telling the truth out loud. * Why getting fired was the best thing that ever happened to their brand * Respectability politics: why playing the game still won’t save you * Speaking up on LinkedIn when everyone says “that doesn’t belong here” * Authenticity vs. access and setting boundaries when people overstep * Networking as real connection, not collecting contacts for favors * The voice in your head that isn’t yours and how to talk back to it * Cuss ‘em out today so you can sleep better tonight 😌 Make sure you support my guest. For all things Doctor Jon Paul please visit www.DoctorJonPaul.com This episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast is brought to you in part by: Riverside.fm. For the podcaster or content creator who values quality, Riverside.fm makes the process from hitting record to publish seamless. The “Pie” app (People I Enjoy) is a social networking platform designed to help people make new friends and discover real-life events, run clubs, and dinner groups in their local cities. Start connecting with all the cool kids in your city. Brand Worthy Solutions, where the goal is to help you feel seen, heard and worthy. Be sure to like, subscribe and comment below. Grab Dr. Jon Paul’s book and follow them everywhere — all links in the show notes. For the full Brandy Was Here experience, become a subscriber on Substack. Support the podcast by living into the journey grab your merch and more at BrandyWasHere.com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

  6. Jul 21

    S5E1: The Personal Brand Mistake Everyone Makes When Life Gets Hard

    I'm BACK. After nearly three years away, I'm kicking off season five with the topic at the heart of it all: mastering your personal brand during the pivot. When life gets messy, most people go ghost disappearing until they can reemerge as a shiny "new" version of themselves. In this episode, I break down why that's the biggest branding mistake you can make, and how pivoting in public actually builds trust and community. In this episode: Why going ghost during hard times hurts your brand — and what to do instead My own story of rebuilding in public after my divorce Why your reputation IS your personal brand (yes, you have one) The difference between real vulnerability and oversharing The mindset and planning moves that keep you steady mid-pivot This episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast is brough to you in part by Riverside.fm. For the podcaster or content creator who values quality Riverside..fm makes the process from hitting record to publish seamless. The "Pie" app (People I Enjoy) is a social networking platform designed to help people make new friends and discover real-life events, run clubs, and dinner groups in their local cities. Start connecting with all the cool kids in your city. Brand Worthy Solutions, where the goal is to help you feel seen, heard and worthy. Be sure to like, subscribe and comment below. For the full, Brandy Was Here experience become a subscriber on Substack. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

    S5E1: The Personal Brand Mistake Everyone Makes When Life Gets Hard

  7. 08/26/2023

    S4E13:Activating Your Soul Mission w/ Colleen Lindburg

    Join me and my guest Colleen as she takes us on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and soul mission realization. We all possess an imprint to leave upon the world, and Colleen’s mission is to help us truly own it. She’s the host of “The Light Warriors Unleashed Podcast,” a platform where wisdom is shared, and empowerment flourishes. So, get ready to tap into your inner warrior as we delve into a conversation with Colleen Lindberg, exploring how to dismantle conformity, amplify our potency, and unleash our light. Stay tuned for an episode that’s set to ignite the spark of empowerment within you. Colleen has created a free video training for listeners called 3 Ways to Own your Truth in Life and Business, this is the link that I feel would benefit the message as to what we will lean into. ,,https://lightpreneurs.kartra.com/page/3waysfreeoffer To follow the podcast and join the community please visit www.brandywashere.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

    S4E13:Activating Your Soul Mission w/ Colleen Lindburg

  8. 08/10/2023

    S4E12: Connecting to Your Spirit Babies w/ Elaine Lopez-Bogard

    In this enlightening episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast, we delve into the remarkable world of Spirit Babies with the incredible Elaine Lopez-Bogard. As a highly regarded Medical Intuitive and Energy Healer, Elaine specializes in empowering women to heal their womb spaces, release past traumas, and embark on a transformative journey toward motherhood. Join us as we explore how Elaine's unique approach has helped countless women overcome the challenges of infertility and pregnancy loss. Through her intuitive gifts, she guides women in reclaiming their inner strength and preparing their mind, body, and spirit for the profound experience of becoming mothers. Elaine's expertise extends beyond conventional methods. She facilitates a deep connection between expecting mothers and their Spirit Babies—the souls of their unborn children. Discover the power of conscious conception as Elaine shares her insights into connecting with these ethereal beings, fostering a sacred bond that paves the way for a harmonious journey into motherhood. As a special treat for our listeners, Elaine has generously offered a free digital download of her "Connect with your Spirit Baby" guided meditation. This guided meditation is a transformative experience designed to help you tap into the spiritual realm of pregnancy, bringing you closer to the soul of your future child. Ready to embark on a journey of healing, connection, and conscious conception? Tune in to this episode of Brandy Was Here the Podcast, and explore the profound wisdom that Elaine Lopez-Bogard brings to light. Don't miss out on the chance to nurture your spiritual connection with your future child and experience the transformative power of her insights. For your free digital download of the "Connect with your Spirit Baby" guided meditation, visit: https://healingthewomb.com/guided-meditation-opt-in/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brandywashere.substack.com/subscribe

    S4E12: Connecting to Your Spirit Babies w/ Elaine Lopez-Bogard
See All (56)

5
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

Lived experience doesn't just have a place, it is the place from which identity, culture and confidence form and grow. This space stays close to that intersection, so we can reinvent ourselves freely and with integrity. brandywashere.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Brandy Nicole Walker
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Brandy Was Here
  • Show Website
    Brandy Was Here the Podcast