Vision Builders: The Podcast| Stories, Streams & Authorpreneurial Dreams

with Dr. Helane, Writing Coach
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This podcast is for writers, scholars, and educated professionals with a passion, a story to tell, and a desire to build a larger life for their work. Vision Builders are Authorpreneurs, Multipreneurs, and Creative Entrepreneurs with goals that reach outside institutional walls and expectations. This podcast helps you center the side hustles & scholarship into a brand you love. Take a closer look at the creative alchemy it takes to extend your identity, impact, and income. Explore the strategies, stories, and creative courage behind building a profitable, public platform.

  1. JAN 14

    Seen, Heard, and Valued: How to do the work you're meant to do [inside & outside academia]

    In this episode of Vision Builders: The Podcast, I'm talking with nationally recognized psychologist and award-winning professor, Author, and entrepreneur, Dr. Roxanne Donovan. She's walking us through the real talk about creating space to do what matters to us with deliberate, values-based effort--the kind that protects us as we balance our care and apply our skills inside and outside the academy. Higher Education Exit Strategy #Tenure-Track Burnout #Monetizing Research #Public Intellectual Brand #Authorpreneurship #Strategic Liberation In this episode, we get to talk about:00:00 Her Journey to Academic Coaching05:11 Her Empowering Women of Color Retreat09:56 Wellness and Balance in Professional Life15:13 Balancing Activism and Personal Well-being18:46 Mindful Retreat Planning and Boundaries24:32 Balancing Professional and Personal Well-being46:03 Challenges of Black Women in AcademiaYou can join Dr. Roxanne Donovan's email list for the Wellness Wednesday newsletter at https://www.wellacademic.com/Sign up for Focus Fridays, her faculty writing community especially for WOC: https://www.wellacademic.com/focusfridays ***************************Vision Builders: The Podcast highlights Artists and Academics just like you who share the stories that teach us, encourage us, and help us realize we are not out here by ourselves! Subscribe and don't miss an episode. Watch full episodes on my channel or on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/show/2kxILG77JnvaEUu9NysMiM?si=4UG17kGqRqKHL0Zepo8GNg*******************************Get on the mailing list to keep up with tips and tools for your journey: https://tinyurl.com/VBCmailinglist Find more ways to build your authorship and creative brand at https://prose4pros.com/ Get connected to FREE resources for your journey in the Vision Builders Community Library at https://tinyurl.com/VBCLibrary

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 7

    Storytelling as Context & Curiosity with P. Frank Williams

    Context AND Curiosity. Vision Builders: The Podcast is talking to @P. Frank Williams...P. Frank Williams is an Emmy And 8-time NAACP Award-winning Producer Of TV One’s 𝘜𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨, BET’s 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘎𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳, WeTV’s 𝘏𝘪𝘱 𝘏𝘰𝘱 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 and Director Of Hulu’s Highly Successful 𝘍𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘯𝘪𝘬. He was the showrunner and Executive Producer of the new Tubi true crime series 𝘒𝘐𝘓𝘓𝘐𝘕𝘎 𝘏𝘐𝘗 𝘏𝘖𝘗 and 𝘏𝘪𝘱 𝘏𝘰𝘱 𝘏𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘴 on WeTV. He was Co-Executive Producer of BET’s 𝘊𝘰𝘱𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 documentary series, and the Executive Producer and cohost of the A&E series, 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘒𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘛𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘤? BET, FOX, TMZ, NBC–he’s worked with them all. P. Frank has become one of the leading journalists and TV/Film producers of our generation…That makes him a Vision Builder for sure.P. Frank and I sit down to talk about his journey from curious kid to hip hop journalist, producer, and documentarian. We get into the weeds about how to use curiosity and context to build great stories... This episode features: 00:00 Producer Williams' Storytelling Journey 02:41 Childhood Influences on P. Frank's Writing Career 09:22 How He Made the Journalism to Documentary Transition 14:51 The Impact of Visual Storytelling in Media 18:03 How Voice and Language Play out in Storytelling 21:44 Holistic Storytelling in Documentary Production 27:38 The Path to Success in Media 33:37 How He Uses Storytelling in Higher Education 38:46 How Storytelling Shapes Black Media Representation Find P. Frank and his work at 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝗽𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝘝𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘈𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘶𝘴, 𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘶𝘴, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘶𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴! 𝘚𝘶𝘣𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘱𝘪𝘴𝘰𝘥𝘦.Watch full episodes on my channel or on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/show/2kxILG77JnvaEUu9NysMiM?si=4UG17kGqRqKHL0Zepo8GNg*******************************𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺?Vision Builders: The Newsletter 🆕 at 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘆𝘂𝗿𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺/𝗩𝗕𝗖𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁Take steps toward public authorship and creative freedom at 𝗵𝘁𝘁𝗽𝘀://𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗲𝟰𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀.𝗰𝗼𝗺/ 🎤Follow my journey: FB/Instagram @drhelane | Youtube/TikTok @drhelanewrites #Documentary #VisualStorytelling #NAACP #EmmyAwardWinner #ImageAwardWinner #Monetizing Research #Public Intellectual Brand #Authorpreneurship #Producer

    49 min

  3. 12/16/2025

    UNBecoming: When you Pivot on Purpose with Dr. Briana Whiteside

    What happens when your career is over because "your replacement is ready"? I'm talking with Dr. Briana Whiteside about her journey from English Professor on the tenure track to pursuing her passions full-time--publicly AND profitably. We talk about her pivot from the classroom to content creation and Independent Scholarship. This is where academic training meets intuition, faith, and self-awareness. Chapters 00:00 Academic to Entrepreneurial Journey 03:55 Leaving Academia for Content Creation 07:59 Career Risk and Intuition Journey 14:09 Academic to Public Intellectual Journey 20:39 Following Passion in Academic Dissertations 27:11 Balancing Academia and Social Influence 32:54 Authenticity and Personal Growth 37:47 Reimagining Identity Post-Academia 41:21 Combining Professional and Personal Growth 45:06 Authenticity and Self-Discovery Journey 51:29 Overcoming Challenges with Faith and Confidence 56:27 Journey of Faith and Perseverance Connect with me on my website where you can find more information and resources: https://prose4pros.com/ I’m so excited that you found this podcast highlighting Artists & Academics who are increasing their impact--and what we can learn from their stories. If you enjoyed this episode, felt encouraged by it, or it sparked something in you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it. If you do, email me at ⁠drhelane@prose4pros.com⁠ and let me know so I can thank you personally! If you want to really support this work, please RATE it. If you want to start your own journey, lock-in on the values that determine your unique brand story and your next steps in my Creative Clarity Seminar: https://prose4pros.com/webinar-registration. If you’re ready to write your book or film manuscript while you learn how to blend your talents into a personal brand that makes sense for your unique journey, apply to join The Workshop: https://prose4pros.com/theworkshop. Want my help with your Authorship Journey? Book a free 30 min consultation: https://tinyurl.com/MeetwithDrHelane. You can find free resources in the Vision Builders Community Library: https://tinyurl.com/VBCLibrary.  #Higher Education Exit Strategy #Tenure-Track Burnout #Monetizing Research #Public Intellectual Brand #Authorpreneurship #Strategic Liberation

    1h 4m

  4. 12/08/2025

    Your Life: The Director's Cut with Tony Suriano

    What if you were the Director of your life? I'm talking with my friend Tony Suriano, filmmaker, speaker, author and creative coach, as he shares his personal journey from shy child to confident leader through his experiences in acting and filmmaking, which he also details in his upcoming book, "Direct Your Life or Someone Else Will." We talk about the importance of balancing introvert and extrovert labels, how to apply the creative process of filmmaking to every day life, and the significance of taking control of your life story. He even shares 4 of the steps toward directing your life that are featured in his book! If you enjoy this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE it. Then, email me directly at drhelane@prose4pros.com and let me know you did, so I can thank you! If you want to really support this work, you can 5-star RATE it. Let's highlight the stories of Artists & Academics who impact us. If you want to start your own journey, lock-in on the values that determine your unique brand story and your next steps in my Creative Clarity Seminar: https://prose4pros.com/webinar-registration. If you’re ready to write your book or film manuscript while you learn how to blend your talents into a personal brand that makes sense for your unique journey, apply to join Vision Builders: The Workshop: https://prose4pros.com/theworkshop. Want my help with your Authorship Journey? Book a free consultation: https://tinyurl.com/MeetwithDrHelane. Find free resources in the Vision Builders Community Library: https://tinyurl.com/VBCLibrary.  Learn more about the book and Tony's content:https://www.tonysuriano.com/directyourlife(Sign up to get notified when the book drops + explore Tony’s creative work and podcast) All Socials & Resources (Konect):https://konect.to/tonysurianohttps://prose4pros.com/theworkshop Chapters 00:00 Embracing Confidence and Creative Leadership 03:37 Acting Transitions and a Confidence Boost 06:28 Embracing Introvert and Extrovert Traits 12:04 Filmmaking as Life Direction 16:48 Directing Life Through Daily Choices 20:07 Prioritizing Life with the Soul Cut Method 45:46 A 15-Beat Method for Life Improvement #EmbracingConfidence #SoulCutMethod #CreativeCoaching #Filmmaker #Authorpreneurship #Strategic Liberation

    53 min

  5. 11/27/2025

    Every Conflict is a Person: How to rewrite internal stories that trigger you

    I'm talking to Tamir Hasan, certified coach, mediator, and author of Stop Getting Triggered in Mediations because 'tis the season for conflict management...And, this conversation teaches us some surprising things about writing, communication, and how we can use storytelling to facilitate understanding and resolution. We make the connection between storytelling and character development to managing change and the role of grace in handling conflicts. This episode is for your life AND your writing... Chapters  00:00 Software Developer's Transition to Coaching 06:25 Rewriting Trauma Through Communication 11:42 Mastering Triggers in Mediation 16:19 Mediation Insights for Storytelling 22:18 Effective Communication and Retention Strategies 30:06 Curiosity and Engagement in Learning 32:36 Subjective Debates on Sports Legends 35:22 Navigating Career Change Challenges 45:51 Grace in Challenging Situations https://prose4pros.com/theworkshop #Mediation #Triggered #Communication #Resolution #Managing Change #Handling Conflict

    49 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    Creative & Contrary (Pt2): How NOT to be predictable in your writing

    We are continuing the conversation with my friend Silas Tibbs, award-winning writer, director, and executive producer at Dreamdoor Films. This is the part where we talk storytelling process, how to defy formulas, deconstruct your writing, master the ticking clock in your work, and apply speculation to avoid predictability. Please share & subscribe! Connect with Dr. Helane at ⁠https://prose4pros.com/⁠ Check out the Dreamdoor Films Channel on Youtube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@dreamdoorfilmsCHANNEL⁠ Connect with Silas on Instagram (@thesuitspeaks): ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thesuitspeaks/?hl=en⁠ Read his work in his newsletter, Ink & Light on Substack (@silasstoryteller):⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thesuitspeaks/?hl=en #BlackWriters #ScienceFiction #Filmmaker #WritingFilm #Dreamdoor #TickingClock #Deconstruction

    36 min

  7. 10/29/2025

    Creative and contrary without CRISIS (pt 1): Black Speculation

    It's Black Speculative Fiction month and we are talking religion, science, and the significance of representation with my friend Silas Tibbs, award-winning writer, director, and executive producer at Dreamdoor Films. Time to reconsider our dichotomies and dive into a future of storytelling that we can all participate in. Please share & subscribe! Connect with Dr. Helane at https://prose4pros.com/ Check out the Dreamdoor Films Channel on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dreamdoorfilmsCHANNEL Connect with Silas on Instagram (@thesuitspeaks): https://www.instagram.com/thesuitspeaks/?hl=en Read his work in his newsletter, Ink & Light on Substack (@silasstoryteller): https://www.instagram.com/thesuitspeaks/?hl=en References: Henry Dumas, The Echo Tree John Truby, The Anatomy of a Story Star Trek (original series) Black Panther The Lazarus Project Firefly Get Out **************************************** 0:00 - Introductions How did we get here? 3:18 - There's gotta be more 3:40 - The first time I created anything 4:50 - Visualizing & fan fiction 6:18 - Growing up a PK of academics 6:55 - Gravitating toward Star Trek 7:14 - Star Trek in context 8:47 - Black male representation 9:02 - LeVar Burton 9:48 - Black British speculation 10:14 - The Lazarus Project 10:47 - Watching everything for Black women characters 11:46 - Black Panther 12:10 - Images of SciFi masculinity 12:54 - Chadwick Boseman 15:13 - The Black male actors we've lost 17:00 - Predictions about American film 17:12 - Spirituality & Science 21:42 - Genesis, or science in fast forward 23:55 - What I know vs. what you can receive 24:48 - People who love scifi should do scifi 25:18 - The best kind of collaboration 26:00 - When they want to shrink you 26:48 - Black speculative horror 27:38 - But can you make it scary? 28:05 - The Echo Tree by Henry Dumas 29:06 - Turning the horrible into horror 29:51 - What was Get Out? 30:38 - Defying categories, nuances & belief #BlackWriters #ScienceFiction #scifi #HorrorWriting #ReligionvsScience #BlackPanther #LeVarBurton #StarTrek #BlackMaleActors

    34 min

  8. 10/03/2025

    An Audience, Not a Pedestal: how radical transparency amplifies your message

    I'm talking to Pastor Sherman Bradley of Warehouse Church and he's sharing his story--from his early days of journaling to heal from divorce, to acting, writing, and performing spoken word poetry as part of his ministry's social and economic justice advocacy. My main takeaways? There are 3 elements that amplify Pastor Sherman's message about healing and they all start with radical transparency. Learn more about Dr. Helane & Prose4Pros: https://prose4pros.com/ Find Pastor Sherman at the Warehouse Church: https://www.thewarehousechurch.org/ Band of Brother's Men's Retreat: https://www.thewarehousechurch.org/events/band-of-brothers-mens-retreat-2/ Join the mailing list for freebies & updates: https://updates.futurereadyconsulting.org/widget/form/pV4bOXgGq2JnsJCaMiQY #PastorLife #Transparency #Divorce #Acting #SpokenWord

    50 min
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This podcast is for writers, scholars, and educated professionals with a passion, a story to tell, and a desire to build a larger life for their work. Vision Builders are Authorpreneurs, Multipreneurs, and Creative Entrepreneurs with goals that reach outside institutional walls and expectations. This podcast helps you center the side hustles & scholarship into a brand you love. Take a closer look at the creative alchemy it takes to extend your identity, impact, and income. Explore the strategies, stories, and creative courage behind building a profitable, public platform.

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