The Empowering Real Talk Podcast

Upgraded MindsetZ Media

The Empowering Real Talk Podcast is where the inner work meets the real world. Hosted by award-winning coach, Author, and Transformational Speaker Kisha Woods, this show offers real insight to cut through the noise with honest, unfiltered conversations that explore the mindset, self‑discovery, transformation, and holistic well‑being behind real growth. The Empowering Real Talk Podcast isn’t about surface‑level motivation or quick fixes. It’s about the inner game, meaning the beliefs, habits, healing, and breakthroughs that shape who we are and how we show up in life as a whole. Expect truth‑telling, perspective shifts, and the kind of conversations that make you pause, reflect, and rise, because for us to grow individually and as a whole...these conversations are necessary.  Empowering Real Talk is brought to you by Upgraded MindsetZ Media. To learn more about the mission and what we offer, visit: https://linktr.ee/LifeCoachKayWds

  1. Oct 26

    Colon Cancer Awareness & Early Detection with Rose B. Johnson

    Colon cancer awareness can save lives! In this episode of Empowering Real Talk, we discuss the importance of early detection, recognizing potential warning signs, and advocating for your health. We explore why regular screening matters, how family history can affect screening needs, and the barriers that prevent people in underserved communities from getting tested. This powerful conversation is a reminder to listen to your body, ask questions, and take action when it comes to your health. Meet My Guest Meet Rose B. Johnson, a stage 4 colon cancer survivor and founder of the Rose B. Johnson Colon Cancer Awareness Foundation. After facing a devastating diagnosis and fighting the disease for seven years, Rose turned her experience into a mission to educate communities, encourage early screening, and help individuals overcome financial barriers to getting tested. Rose's dedication reminds us that sharing our stories can make a difference and that no one should have to navigate their health journey alone. Join us for this inspiring conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the power of raising awareness to help save lives. Connect with Rose: Website:  https://www.rbjohnsonfoundation.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rbjohnsontt Email: rosejohnsontt@gmail.com Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    Colon Cancer Awareness & Early Detection with Rose B. Johnson
  2. Oct 12

    How Creativity Can Support Your Healing Journey with Foila Thomas

    What if creativity could become a part of your healing journey? In this episode of Empowering Real Talk, we explore how art, movement, and reflection can help us reconnect with ourselves, embrace authenticity, and create space for emotional healing. We also talk about why healing is an ongoing journey and the importance of slowing down, letting go, and allowing ourselves to grow. Meet My Guest Meet Foila Thomas, creative healing facilitator, artist, and founder of Foila’s Journey Diary. Through her creative experiences, including Color, Reflect & Reset, Foila encourages people to use creativity as a tool for self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth. Her beautiful philosophy, “I heal. We heal. The world heals,” reminds us that healing begins within but extends beyond ourselves. Join us for an inspiring conversation about embracing your journey, finding creative outlets, and learning to pour into yourself. Connect with Foila: Foila’s Journey Diary: https://foilasjourneydiary.com Experience Color, Reflect & Reset: https://foilasjourneydiary.com/products/color-reflect-reset-online-experience Explore the Reflection Coloring Cards: https://foilasjourneydiary.com/products/reflection-coloring-cards-collections Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foilasjourneydiary TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@foilasjourneydiary Podcast Listener Gift: https://foilasjourneydiary.com/products/the-journey-within-reflection-coloring-page-foila-s-journey-diary-upgraded-mindsetz Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    How Creativity Can Support Your Healing Journey with Foila Thomas
  3. Jun 1

    Unlocking Abundance Through Surrender and Gratitude

    In this powerful episode of The Empowering Real Talk Podcast, Author, Speaker, and Coach Melanie Cox opens up about her journey of faith, transformation, and rediscovering purpose through God’s love. She shares how true surrender, intentional gratitude, and embracing biblical truths can lead to deep healing, renewed identity, and a life aligned with God’s plan. You’ll hear real, honest insight on: Surrender in faith and trusting God fullyGratitude, as a mindset shift that unlocks abundanceBiblical truths that fuel personal transformationOvercoming shame through God’s unconditional loveBuilding a personal relationship with God for empowered Christian living****************ABOUT OUR GUEST: Melanie Cox is a passionate author, speaker, and marriage and business coach who helps women break free from shame, perfectionism, and religious striving. Melanie ministers from a place of radical authenticity, hope, and restoration. Her new book, You Have to Know, is a vulnerable and victorious journey from self-hatred to beloved identity. Through real-life stories, biblical truth, and soul-deep journaling prompts, Melanie helps readers encounter the Father’s love and reclaim their true voice. Follow Melanie on Instagram **************************** Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:40 Overcoming Shame and Embracing Surrender 07:32 Helping Women Recognize Shame 09:28 The Power of Surrender 13:02 Rebuilding Relationships with God 16:48 Daily Practices for Freedom Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    Unlocking Abundance Through Surrender and Gratitude
  4. May 3

    The Power of Divine Connection and Mindset Shifts

    In this powerful and soul-nourishing episode, Coach Kay sits down with transformational guide Lin Yuan‑Su to explore what it truly means to evolve from the inside out. Together, they dive into the deep work of personal transformation, mindset shifts, and the divine wisdom available to anyone willing to slow down, listen, and align with their highest self. Whether you're building a business, healing old patterns, or stepping into a new season of purpose, this conversation is a reminder that you are not meant to navigate life on autopilot. You are designed to evolve, expand, and co-create with something greater than yourself.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Empowering Real Talk 06:01 Awareness and Personal Development 11:40 Recognizing Signals for Change 18:05 Combining Science and Spirituality 23:00 Connecting with Your True Desires ABOUT THE GUEST: Lin Yuan‑Su is a Mindset Trainer and Strategist who helps heart‑centered entrepreneurs create aligned, meaningful success with more ease and joy. After leaving a successful but unfulfilling career as a registered dietitian, she rebuilt her life through mindset mastery, inner awareness, and spiritual alignment. Through the Enlightened Success Institute, she now guides entrepreneurs to release old conditioning, unlock their potential, and build soul‑led lives and businesses that feel good inside and out.  FREE GIFT ALERT! Success Oaths:  A powerful set of One-page Declarations to elevate Mindset, Confidence, and Alignment.  Connect with Lin Yuan-Su! Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Webinar | Programs https://cryunique.com Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    The Power of Divine Connection and Mindset Shifts
  5. Apr 9

    Activating, Embodying, and Trusting Your Voice

    In this inspiring episode of Empowering Real Talk, Barbara McAfee shares her journey as a 'midwife for voices,' exploring how embracing our authentic voices can lead to personal growth and impactful communication. Kisha and Barbara dive into the powerful journey of finding and owning your true voice, both the one people hear and the one that shapes how you move through the world. Other things in this episode include: ' Practical ways to move through stage fright and self‑doubt, and we break down How the Five Elements framework—fire, water, metal, air, and earth—is a guide for understanding your unique vocal expression. Sound and voice can become tools for healing, confidence, and transformation, and in this episode, we talk more about HOW. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:41 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Voice 05:13 The Connection Between Voice and Identity 07:48 Techniques for Vocal Empowerment 10:14 Authenticity vs. Performance in Communication 20:09 Overcoming Fear and Embracing the Journey 23:04 Books and Resources for Vocal Development  Thank you for watching and for subscribing to the Upgraded MindsetZ channel! Check out Barbara's books and more!  Full Voice: The Art and Practice of Vocal Presence - Vocal Intelligence: The Art and Science of Voice and Leadership Website - https://barbaramcafee.com Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    Activating, Embodying, and Trusting Your  Voice
  6. Mar 2

    Letting Go to Grow: The Courage to Choose Yourself

    In this episode of Empowering Real Talk, Coach Kay sits down with Debbie Weiss, author, speaker, and a woman who finally got the courage to choose herself and rebuild her life after decades of caregiving. Debbie opens up about what it took to finally choose herself after 50, her journey through caregiving burnout, weight loss, letting the outdated things go, and the mindset shifts that helped her step into a life she actually wanted to live. She reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue your passions, rewrite your story, and take small steps toward real personal growth. Debbie inspires women who’ve spent years taking care of everyone else to reclaim their resilience, shift their mindset, and move beyond the limitations that have held them back. Her message is simple and powerful: you can choose yourself, dream again, and begin again at any age. Learn more about Debbie at https://www.debbierweiss.com/ Comment, Like, Share, SUBSCRIBE to the Upgraded MindsetZ Channel!  Chapters:  00:00 Introduction 04:39  That Pivotal Turning Point 06:05 Debbie's  Health and Weight Management 12:09 The Importance of Understanding Resilience 22:38 Discovering New Paths after 50 24:43 Empowerment Through Storytelling: 27:08 Embracing Your Authencity Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    Letting Go to Grow: The Courage to Choose Yourself
  7. Jan 9

    Old Habits to New Healing: Rewriting Her Story

    In this transformative episode of Empowering Real Talk, Kisha sits down with Felicia Murray to explore how she moved from old habits rooted in survival to a new season of intentional healing. Felicia opens up about the health challenges, emotional weight, and mindset patterns she had to confront in order to rewrite her story from the inside out. Through honest conversation and powerful reflection, Felicia shares how choosing herself again led to renewed well‑being, deeper self‑awareness, and the birth of her business, Sister Luv Salads. Together, they explore the roles of mental health, grief, support systems, and self-compassion in creating a life that feels aligned and sustainable. This episode is a reminder that rewriting your story isn’t about perfection — it’s about courage, clarity, and the willingness to let go of what no longer serves you. If you’re ready to step into new healing and reclaim your narrative, this conversation will resonate deeply. 00:00 Introduction 02:03 The Health Scare That Started It All 05:34 Self-Care Struggles 10:48 Mental Health Importance 16:03 The Birth of Sister Luv Salads 20:22 Navigating Grief and Personal Relationships 24:17 Future Aspirations and Community Impact Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    Old Habits to New Healing: Rewriting Her Story
  8. 12/31/2025

    End‑of‑Year Reality Check: Get Ready for 2026

    In this raw, uncut episode of Empowering Real Talk, Kisha delivers an End‑of‑Year Reality Check to push you into real personal growth. If you’re serious about a success mindset, a New Year reset, and stepping into your next level, this one is for you. This conversation cuts straight into the discipline, clarity, and accountability required to break survival mode and build a life — and business — that actually supports your growth. This is the kind of self‑improvement talk women entrepreneurs and leaders need as they prepare for 2026. Kisha breaks down: Why sitting with yourself is uncomfortable — but necessary for growth Why your patterns keep repeating (and how to interrupt them) Why the next version of you is waiting on one thing: your decision If you’re ready to walk into 2026 with intention instead of excuses, this is your moment to tap in. This rant might sting… but it’s exactly the truth you need before the new year hits. Listen, comment, and share this with someone ready for a real reset and a real transformation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Empowering Real Talk 00:40 Rethinking New Year's Resolutions 03:05 The Importance of Discipline Over Motivation 05:25 Creating Clarity in Your Life 06:18 The Dangers of Waiting for Permission 08:11 Accountability and Personal Growth 09:28 Navigating Chaos and Negative Thoughts 11:26 Breaking Free from Survival Mode Support the show At Upgraded MindsetZ, we’ve been shifting narratives since 2020; breaking cycles, rebuilding confidence, and equipping women with the strategies, tools, and support they need to reclaim their voice in life and business.  To explore Upgraded MindsetZ’s products and services, visit www.upgradedmindsetz.life

    End‑of‑Year Reality Check: Get Ready for 2026

About

The Empowering Real Talk Podcast is where the inner work meets the real world. Hosted by award-winning coach, Author, and Transformational Speaker Kisha Woods, this show offers real insight to cut through the noise with honest, unfiltered conversations that explore the mindset, self‑discovery, transformation, and holistic well‑being behind real growth. The Empowering Real Talk Podcast isn’t about surface‑level motivation or quick fixes. It’s about the inner game, meaning the beliefs, habits, healing, and breakthroughs that shape who we are and how we show up in life as a whole. Expect truth‑telling, perspective shifts, and the kind of conversations that make you pause, reflect, and rise, because for us to grow individually and as a whole...these conversations are necessary.  Empowering Real Talk is brought to you by Upgraded MindsetZ Media. To learn more about the mission and what we offer, visit: https://linktr.ee/LifeCoachKayWds