Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas

Nicole Thomas
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Arts
  • Updated Daily

Welcome to Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas! Join host Nicole Thomas as she sits down with writers, artists, and visionaries who share their journeys and the services that helped them achieve their goals. Each episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and empowering conversations designed to help you discover your passion, live with purpose, and elevate your path to success. Tune in for motivating stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will inspire you to live a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.#PassionAndPurpose #Inspiration #Empowerment #NicoleThomas

  1. 1d ago

    EP 55 – "Protect the Dream: Purpose, Creativity & Resilience" | Jason Hayes | Filmmaker

    In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with independent filmmaker Jason Hayes, also known as Jay D. Hayes, for a powerful conversation about creativity, purpose, resilience, and protecting your dream. Jason shares his journey from a quiet child growing up in Mississippi to becoming a filmmaker whose work has been featured on HBO, PBS, BET, and film festivals around the world. He opens up about overcoming a childhood stutter, navigating racism and rejection, trusting intuition, and staying committed to his calling even when the path wasn't clear. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, artist, filmmaker, storyteller, or someone searching for greater purpose, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for pursuing your passion and staying true to yourself. Topics Discussed Protecting your dream when others don't understand your visionFollowing your purpose and trusting your intuitionOvercoming fear, self-doubt, rejection, and adversityGrowing up in Mississippi and lessons from early life experiencesHow a childhood stutter shaped Jason's voice as a storytellerThe connection between acting, listening, and effective communicationCreativity, filmmaking, and the art of storytellingBalancing artistic integrity with commercial successAI, creativity, and the future of artBuilding resilience and staying committed to long-term goalsPersonal growth, self-belief, and finding your authentic pathCreating work that helps people feel seen, heard, and understoodMemorable Quotes "Don't ever stress about anything, because it's always okay." "Confusion only happens when we refuse to accept the truth of a matter." "What is really for you is always downstream." "I don't think I chose filmmaking—I think filmmaking chose me." "You're not supposed to be anybody but you." About Jason Hayes (Jay D. Hayes) Jason Hayes, professionally known as Jay D. Hayes, is an independent filmmaker whose work has aired on HBO, PBS, and BET and screened at film festivals worldwide. With experience in writing, directing, producing, and editing, Jason is passionate about telling stories that help people feel seen, heard, and understood. Connect With Us If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who is pursuing a dream, creative passion, or purpose-driven life. What dream are you protecting right now?

    52 min

  2. Jun 11

    EP 54 – "Owning Your Voice as a Writer " | Ashley Cowger | Award-Winning Author

    Guest: Ashley Cowger is an award-winning author whose short story collections include On the Plus Side (Galileo Press) and Peter Never Came, winner of the Autumn House Press Fiction Prize. What makes someone a writer? In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Ashley Cowger to discuss writer identity, creativity, rejection, revision, and the habits that help writers stay connected to their craft. Ashley shares how she embraced the title of writer from an early age and why publication isn't what determines whether someone is a "real" writer. Together, they explore the inspiration behind her books, Peter Never Came and On the Plus Side, the realities of social media and mental health, ADHD and creativity, morning pages, reading like a writer, and how thoughtful feedback helped shape her path to publication. Ashley also shares practical insights on revision, overcoming perfectionism, and building a sustainable creative practice rooted in curiosity, consistency, and persistence. This episode is for: •    Writers who struggle to call themselves writers •    Aspiring and published authors navigating rejection and self-doubt •    Creatives looking to build a sustainable writing practice •    Anyone interested in creativity, storytelling, and personal growth •    Writers seeking practical insights on revision, routine, and the creative process •    People who want to create with more confidence and less perfectionism Memorable Quote "You're a writer if you write. You don't have to publish what you write."

    53 min

  3. Jun 4

    EP 53 – "Called to Create: Purpose, Discipline, and Destiny" | Emmanuel Senaya Fianu | Ghanaian Craftsman

    Guest: Emmanuel Senaya Fianu, Ghanaian Craftsman Host:  Nicole Thomas  Emmanuel Senaya Fianu’s journey from carving scrap wood as a young boy in Ghana to exhibiting his work on international platforms is a powerful story of perseverance, purpose, and dedication. In this conversation, he shares how he discovered his passion for carving, the challenges he faced from family and friends who questioned his path, and the sacrifices he made to remain committed to his craft. Emmanuel reflects on his years learning from master craftsmen at Accra Art Center, the cultural significance behind West African masks and carvings, and the discipline required to develop artistic talent. He discusses the importance of humility, surrounding yourself with positive influences, and staying focused on your goals despite obstacles and distractions. The episode also explores how persistence and hard work opened unexpected opportunities, including participation in international art initiatives such as Global Art for Peace in Switzerland. Emmanuel’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that purpose often requires patience, sacrifice, and the courage to keep moving forward even when others do not understand your vision.

    24 min

  4. May 28

    EP 52- "Craft, Identity, and Persistence" | Annell López | Louise Meriwether First Book Prize Winner & Author of I'll Give You a Reason

    What does it take to cross the bridge from storyteller to finally calling yourself a writer? In this episode, Nicole sits down with award-winning author Annell López to discuss her debut short story collection, I’ll Give You a Reason. Together, they explore identity, immigration, imposter syndrome, rejection, and the creative courage it takes to fully commit to your voice. Annell shares her journey from oral storytelling in the Caribbean to taking a massive leap of faith—leaving a stable teaching career and moving to New Orleans to pursue writing full-time. They also dive into the emotional and technical power of short fiction, making creative work feel truly substantial, and learning to see “no” as “not yet.” ✨ In this episode, we discuss: • Claiming the identity of “writer” after years of self-doubt • Reframing rejection and overcoming imposter syndrome • Why short fiction is one of the most demanding art forms • The emotional weight that makes stories stay with readers • Balancing creativity, deadlines, and real life responsibilities • Taking risks and trusting your creative voice If you’ve ever struggled with fear, rejection, or believing in your creative path, this conversation is for you.

    42 min

  5. May 21

    EP 51- "The Blueprint for Representation" | Bleu Pablo | Abstract Artist & Visual Storyteller

    In Episode 51 of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, host Nicole Thomas sits down with Bronx-born abstract artist and visual storyteller Bleu Pablo (Elijah Wrighton) for a powerful conversation about creativity, resilience, and building legacy through art. Bleu opens up about the mental and emotional realities of the creative journey—from battling imposter syndrome and self-doubt to navigating rejection, institutional gatekeeping, and creative burnout. The conversation explores the mindset behind his mantra, “We do not lose,” and how reframing failure as information—not defeat—helped shape both his art and career. As co-founder of Scott Bleu Studios and editor-in-chief of Bleucalf Magazine, Bleu is committed to creating spaces that amplify underrepresented artists and foster real community impact. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Bleu Pablo transformed self-doubt into creative purposePractical ways to navigate imposter syndrome as a creativeWhy community and collaboration matter in creative careersHow institutional gatekeeping impacts underrepresented artistsThe importance of building your own opportunities and platformsWhat legacy means beyond money and recognitionExhibitions & Projects Mentioned Bleu Pablo: Feng Shui Series — on view through June 28 at Rivaa GalleryA Song of Blue Part III at Scott Bleu StudiosDon’t We Just Exhibit, curated by Akeem Duncan in collaboration with Mr. Moda This episode is for the creative who has ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or shut out of the room—and is ready to own their voice, create their own opportunities, and commit to the long game of building a meaningful life through art, purpose, and community.

    37 min

  6. May 14

    EP 50- "How Art Connects Us Back to Ourselves" | Damon Mescudi | Abstract Artist

    In this episode of Let’s Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas, host Nicole Thomas sits down with abstract artist Damon Mescudi to explore how art becomes a mirror, a coping mechanism, and a form of service. Damon shares how he moved from corporate graphic design to a purpose-led art practice, why he believes “your art exposes you,” and how community, not celebrity, drives his work. If you’re a creative battling self-doubt, distraction, or fear of being seen, this episode offers honest insight and encouragement for your creative journey. What You’ll Learn How art can become a tool for healing, emotional processing, and self-discoveryWhy Damon says, “Your art exposes you,” and how creativity reveals truthThe difference between manifestation and choice in a creative journeyHow he transitioned from corporate graphic design to embracing life as an artistWhy community matters more than fame in his work and missionMindset shifts for overcoming insecurity and external validationWhy relevance and impact matter more than celebrity or salesHow creativity reconnects us to joy, humanity, and childlike freedom Key Quotes “Your art exposes you. Art exposes truth.” “I don’t want to be famous. I want to be relevant.” “If you’re not creating, life gets louder.” “Whether I’m rich or poor, I’m always going to be an artist.”

    44 min

  7. May 7

    EP 49- "Leading with Courage, Culture & Purpose" | Leslie Short | Author, Founder of The Cavu Group, and Culture & Brand Strategist

    In this episode, Leslie Short – Author, Founder of The Cavu Group, and Culture & Brand Strategist – sits down with host Nicole Thomas to explore what it really means to lead with courage, culture, and purpose. They discuss her journey from ballet to global business, being “the first” in rooms not built for her, and the movement behind her memoir Someone Has to Be the First—a call to stop waiting for permission and start stepping into possibility. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to lead when you’re “the first” or “the only” How to get unstuck in your career without losing yourself – how to reframe job loss and transition, ask “What do I really want?”, and build a path aligned with your values.How leaders can close the gap between culture and reality at work – the difference between transparency and visibility, and what it takes to create workplaces where diverse talent can actually thrive. This episode is for you if: You’re a high-achieving woman, creative, or leader navigating change or feeling stuck in your careerYou’ve ever been “the first” or “the only” in a room and questioned your value thereYou care about leadership, workplace culture, and creating space for others coming after you

    33 min

  8. Apr 30

    EP 48- "The Mindset Every Writer Needs" | Keisha-Gaye Anderson | Award-winning Poet, Author, and Artist

    In this episode, Nicole Thomas sits down with Keisha-Gaye Anderson — award-winning poet, author, visual artist, and educator — for a grounding conversation on creativity, purpose, and authenticity. Keisha shares how she moves through different “seasons” of creativity, from poetry to visual art, while balancing work, grad school, motherhood, and everyday life. Together, they explore a more holistic approach to creating — one rooted in discipline, self-trust, and spiritual alignment, not hustle or perfectionism. If you’ve been feeling blocked, behind, or hesitant to share your voice, this episode is your reminder: your creativity hasn’t left you — it’s waiting for your attention and courage. In this episode we discuss: •    Navigating different seasons of creativity  •    Balancing art with a full, demanding life  •    A compassionate take on writer’s block and creative fear  •    Why discipline and boundaries support creativity  •    Letting go of perfectionism and finding your rhythm  •    Handling rejection in publishing  •    The stories behind Keisha’s books and creative work  •    Why authenticity and self-belief matter most  Key Takeaways •    Creativity is always within you — nurture it with time and focus  •    Discipline creates space for creativity to thrive  •    Authenticity is your greatest strength  •    Rejection is part of the process — keep going  •    Your voice matters more than you think  This Episode Is For You If… You’re a creative navigating self-doubt, burnout, or a full life and you’re ready to reconnect with your voice and create on your own terms.

    33 min
See All (55)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Let's Talk: Passion & Purpose with Nicole Thomas! Join host Nicole Thomas as she sits down with writers, artists, and visionaries who share their journeys and the services that helped them achieve their goals. Each episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and empowering conversations designed to help you discover your passion, live with purpose, and elevate your path to success. Tune in for motivating stories, valuable insights, and actionable tips that will inspire you to live a more fulfilled, purpose-driven life.#PassionAndPurpose #Inspiration #Empowerment #NicoleThomas

Information