Crossroads & Callings

Chimere S. Brown
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"Crossroads & Callings" dives deep into the moments that shatter the plan. This is an intimate, interview-style podcast built for those navigating life's major turning points. We talk to resilient, everyday people—from corporate leaders to community builders—who transformed their biggest crossroads into their most profound callings. This is an honest, faith-and-humanity-driven space dedicated to answering one question: How do you courageously move forward when life doesn't go as planned? crxrdscallings.substack.com

  1. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 20: Embrace. Enhance. Evolve.: Navigating Life Beyond the Glow

    6D AGO

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 20: Embrace. Enhance. Evolve.: Navigating Life Beyond the Glow

    "Trouble doesn't last always." — Ashonti Sharkey How do you find your voice when you feel silenced by your circumstances? This week, Chimere Brown welcomes Ashonti Sharkey, the visionary behind “Work of Arch” and the viral “Makeup Monday” movement. While Ashonti is a master of aesthetic strategy, her personal journey is a testament to the grit required to move from victimhood to victory. Why you should listen to this episode: * The Reality of Resilience: Hear the unfiltered account of a woman who faced a “blackout” nervous breakdown and found the strength to rebuild her life from scratch. * Redefining Motherhood: Ashonti opens up about the rare and difficult experience of being a “part-time mom” during a custody battle and how she maintained a deep, loving bond with all five of her children. * The Power of the Pivot: Discover how a physical injury that left her unable to walk for a year actually accelerated her spiritual and professional growth. * Intentional Healing: Learn why Ashonti transitioned her brand to “Makeup Therapy” and how embracing, enhancing, and evolving can change your life. Whether you are in a season of isolation or standing at your own crossroads, Ashonti’s story provides the blueprint for getting back up. Listen now on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full visual experience on YouTube. Connect with Ashonti Sharkey: * Instagram: @CurveeMadame * Website/Booking: Work of Arch Brow Bar | Esthetician in Chicago, IL This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    1h 16m
  2. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1|Episode 19: Finding God Again: Lessons on Faith, Fitness, and Forgiveness

    MAY 12

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1|Episode 19: Finding God Again: Lessons on Faith, Fitness, and Forgiveness

    "My body is only a reflection of how I feel on the inside... I want my light to shine every time I step on stage." — Alicia Williams What do you do when the "long-suffering" of life feels like too much to endure? Alecia Williams joins the podcast to share her raw journey from being "done with God" to finding Him again on the bodybuilding stage. This episode is a masterclass in resilience for anyone standing at a crossroads. Key Takeaways for Your Journey: * Nurture One Thing: Don’t try to fix your whole life at once; pick one scripture or one habit to nurture until it flourishes. * The Power of Silence: Sometimes you need to shut out external voices to hear God’s voice for yourself. * Forgive the “Cowering”: Forgiveness isn’t just for others; it’s for forgiving yourself for the times you let situations take your power. * Anchor Points: Find what brings you joy and use it as an anchor when life’s challenges attempt to overtake you. Connect with our Guest: * Instagram: A_Estelle_Official Support the Show: * Subscribe for more stories on navigating life’s pivots. * Leave a comment: How has your faith been tested recently? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    55 min
  3. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 18: Soul with Strategy: Bridging Grassroots Culture and Global Brands

    MAY 5

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 18: Soul with Strategy: Bridging Grassroots Culture and Global Brands

    “I just believe that God designed me for this type of stuff.” In the 18th episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with the ultimate "Renaissance Woman," Tamika “Mimi” Smith. As an award-winning creative producer, professional singer, and the founder of EyeKan Studios, Tamika has mastered the art of blending soul with strategy. Tamika’s journey is a masterclass in divine alignment. From her roots in Freeport, Illinois, to becoming a powerhouse in the Chicago music and corporate scenes, she shares how she transitioned from being a "subway girl" at Jackson State University to producing major activations for global giants like Nike, McDonald's, and Toyota. In this episode, we explore: * The “Mimi on the Mic” Origin Story: How a childhood rooted in the church and a musical family in Northwest Illinois cultivated the discipline needed for the global stage. * Winning the High-Stakes Game: The "illustrious" college pivot where Tamika won a national competition, earning a free car and a garden planted in her honor at JSU. * Scaling to Global Brands: Behind the scenes of producing the McDonald’s activation at Art Basel Miami and navigating $90,000+ fabrication bids. * The House Chi: Her role as a supporting producer for Chicago’s premier collective of independent artists and their journey from treehouse shows to playing for the Mayor of Chicago. * The "Kept" Entrepreneur: A candid discussion on the reality of maintaining a 9-to-5 at Salesforce to secure stock options and health insurance while scaling a creative empire. Tamika’s Gems for the Crossroads: * Posture Over Agenda: Why showing up with a good heart and authentic relationships is the ultimate currency. * Visit Fear, Don’t Live There: How to navigate uncertainty without letting imposter syndrome stall your journey. * Write the Vision: The biblical and practical necessity of creating a “plain” strategy that others can run with. Connect with Tamika: * Instagram/TikTok: @mimionthemic * LinkedIn: Tamika R. Smith * Email: Tamika@IconStudios.com If you enjoyed this episode, consider becoming a subscriber to the Crossroads + Callings Substack for more deep dives into life pivots and purposeful living. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    1h 27m
  4. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 17: The Architecture of a Reboot: Navigating Corporate Toxicity, Real Estate, and Preserving Black Stories

    APR 28

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 17: The Architecture of a Reboot: Navigating Corporate Toxicity, Real Estate, and Preserving Black Stories

    What happens when you realize that in order to build something to last, you have to be willing to start over? In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, I’m joined by Troy Martin—a man who masterfully balances the worlds of high-stakes corporate implementation and cinematic art. By day, Troy manages complex financial data solutions; by night, he is a filmmaker and the 2022-2025 SAIC Tower Artist in Residence. Troy shares his "reboot" story—a journey that took him from the pressures of corporate toxicity to the liberation of real estate and film. We discuss his work with the Black Film Club Collective and his mission to preserve Black stories through radical acceptance and intentionality. If you are currently feeling the urge to "restart" or looking for the courage to walk away from a toxic environment, Troy’s perspective on "tenacity and gratitude" is the guide you need. 💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode: * The “Reboot” Mindset: Why starting over isn’t a sign of failure, but a strategic move toward implementation and longevity. * Navigating Corporate Toxicity: How Troy moved from the boardroom to the tower, preserving his peace while managing complex data solutions. * Preserving Black Stories: The mission behind the Black Film Club Collective and the importance of archiving our history in real-time. * Radical Acceptance: Learning to accept the current season of your life as an avenue to find your true calling. 🔗 Connect with Troy Martin: Stay updated on Troy’s work with the SAIC and the Black Film Club: * Instagram: Black Film Club Collective 📸 Special Thanks: This episode was produced in partnership with the National Public Housing Museum. Their support is vital in helping us share authentic stories from the Chicagoland area. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    1h 7m
  5. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1|Episode 16: From Church Roots to Global Stages: Navigating the Maestro’s Marathon of Faith and Music

    APR 14

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1|Episode 16: From Church Roots to Global Stages: Navigating the Maestro’s Marathon of Faith and Music

    How do you bridge the gap between Sunday worship and high-stakes commercial success? In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with the multi-talented Paul Hall—drummer, singer, producer, and the creative force behind the Verzatile Band. Paul has shared the stage with icons like Lupe Fiasco, Avery Sunshine, and Syleena Johnson, but his journey began in the church. We explore the “Maestro’s Marathon”—the seven-year residency at Chicago’s Lazy Bird that shaped his discipline and the pivotal moment he decided to branch off into his own season of independence. This is a conversation about “divine timing,” the transition from church kid to corporate musician, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. 🎧 Listen & Watch * Watch the full experience on YouTube (Don’t forget to subscribe!) * Listen on Spotify * Listen on Apple Podcasts 💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode: * The Church to Industry Thread: How the foundations of gospel music prepared Paul for the rigors of the commercial music industry. * The Lazy Bird Residency: Lessons learned from a seven-year stint as a musical director and how to know when your “season of preparation” is complete. * The Art of the Pivot: Navigating the transition from backing independent singers to leading the Verzatile Band and producing global-scale performances. * Faith & Rhythm: How Paul maintains his spiritual roots while navigating high-stakes environments and the “corporate” side of music. 🔗 Connect with Paul Hall: Stay updated on Paul’s upcoming performances and curations in the South suburbs: * Instagram: yoitspaulhall and verzatileband 📸 Special Thanks: This episode was produced in partnership with the National Public Housing Museum. If you are in the Chicagoland area, please pay them a visit—they are a vital part of our community story! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    53 min
  6. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 15: Controlling the Vibe

    MAR 31

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 15: Controlling the Vibe

    How do you stay true to your vision when the world is trying to label you? In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, I’m joined by Chicago’s own G. Green—a renaissance man, curator, and the visionary behind the SVNGRN art gallery and the global lifestyle brand Nobodies a Nobody. G. Green isn’t just an artist; he’s an ecosystem builder. From the streets of Chicago to the galleries of Miami and NYC, G. has mastered the art of “catching a vibe” and turning it into a community. We dive deep into his “Nobody” philosophy—the radical idea that your value isn’t found in a title, but in the authenticity, you bring to the room. Whether you are navigating a career pivot or building a creative brand, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, relational capital, and the grit required to move from the “infancy” of an idea to a full-scale movement. 🎧 Listen & Watch * Watch the full experience on YouTube (Don’t forget to subscribe!) * Listen on Spotify * Listen on Apple Podcasts 💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode: * The “Nobody” Philosophy: Why embracing anonymity can actually be your greatest superpower in a world obsessed with status. * Building SVNGRN: The mission behind his non-profit gallery in Fulton Market and how he creates safe spaces for local creatives to thrive. * The Art of the Pivot: G. shares the “duct tape” moments of his journey and how he transitioned into a life of curation and community advocacy. * Relational Capital: Why being a “valuable” person is more important than being a “successful” one, and how to give more than you take. 📍 Timestamps: * 0:00 – Introduction: Navigating the Intersection of Art and Identity * 5:14 – The Story Behind the Brand: What is a “Nobody”? * 12:38 – Seven Green Gallery: Building a Creative Haven in Chicago * 21:50 – Branding vs. Authenticity: How to Control the Vibe * 32:15 – From Chicago to Miami: Scaling the Vision * 44:02 – The “Duct Tape” Interview: Resilience in the Pivot * 56:40 – Final Gems: How to Connect with G Green 🔗 Connect with G Green: Keep up with G’s latest drops and gallery shows: * Instagram: @ggreen.art | @svngrnart * Lifestyle Brand: @nobodiesanobody 📸 Special Thanks: This episode was filmed on location at Beyond the Book bookstore in Homewood-Flossmoor. Please support this amazing Black-owned, woman-owned business! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    1h 8m
  7. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 14: The Change Agent

    MAR 17

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 14: The Change Agent

    What does it take to reshape an entire industry? In Episode 14, host Chimere Brown welcomes Troy Pryor—a multi-award-winning producer and founder of Creative Cypher. Troy takes us behind the scenes of his 20-year career, sharing how he successfully pivoted from athletics to entertainment and why he is committed to building bridges for Black and Brown creators. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, strategic networking, and the importance of creating your own “table” in a gatekept industry. Key Takeaways: * The Transition Mindset: How to carry the discipline from one career into a completely different field. * Ecosystem Building: Why Troy created the XL Film Fest and Darkberry Productions to support the BIPOC creative community. * Navigating Industry Politics: Insight into his leadership roles and how he advocates for creators at the executive level. * The “Bridge Builder” Philosophy: Practical advice for creators who are in their “infancy” on how to find their path and stay the course. Support the Guest: Learn more about Troy’s work and upcoming festivals at creativecypher.org or follow @CreativeCypher on IG. Subscribe to Crossroads + Callings: Available on all major platforms. If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review and share your feedback! #CrossroadsAndCallings #TroyPryor #CreativeCypher #BlackExcellence #EntertainmentIndustry #CareerPivot #PodcastLife This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    1h 9m
  8. Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 13: From Skyscrapers to Social Justice

    MAR 3

    Crossroads + Callings| Season 1| Episode 13: From Skyscrapers to Social Justice

    In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with licensed architect and community advocate Deon Lucas to discuss the powerful transition from corporate prestige to community-driven purpose. Deon, the Director of Design for Beehyyve and co-founder of E.G. Woode, shares his journey from growing up on Chicago’s West Side to working for the legendary firm that designed the Sears Tower. Discover how a childhood dream sparked at age three evolved into a mission to “make the project” rather than wait for it, utilizing architectural skills to build safe, economically thriving spaces for underserved communities. Deon dives deep into his philosophy of “purposeful luck,” the importance of grit, and why he chose to leave the “Disneyland” of architecture to pursue a more relational, soulful career in social justice. Key Topics Covered: * The Architecture of Ambition: How seeing the downtown Chicago skyline from the 290 expressway inspired a lifelong career. * A Mother’s Vision: The role of intentional parenting in cultivating talent and providing vocational tools early on. * Purposeful Luck vs. Divine Timing: A debate on whether success is a matter of being present in the “game of life” or a product of spiritual alignment. * Overcoming the Transactional Trap: Why Deon prioritizes organic relationships over the cold, capitalistic nature of corporate “hyper-transactions”. * Grit & The Basement Test: Lessons learned from organizing files in a basement that built the foundation for an unbeatable work ethic. * Representation Matters: Navigating an industry where only roughly 2-3% of licensed architects are African American. Episode Chapters: * 0:00 – Intro: Choosing Purpose Over Prestige * 3:15 – From the West Side to the Sears Tower * 8:42 – The Village: How Family Support Built a Career * 14:20 – Purposeful Luck & Playing the Game of Life * 21:10 – The Basement Test: Developing an Unbeatable Work Ethic * 28:35 – Transactional vs. Relational: Why I Left Corporate Architecture * 35:50 – Don’t Wait for the Project, Make the Project * 42:15 – Outro: Navigating Your Own Pivot Connect with Deon: dlucas@beehyyve.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit crxrdscallings.substack.com

    1h 4m
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About

"Crossroads & Callings" dives deep into the moments that shatter the plan. This is an intimate, interview-style podcast built for those navigating life's major turning points. We talk to resilient, everyday people—from corporate leaders to community builders—who transformed their biggest crossroads into their most profound callings. This is an honest, faith-and-humanity-driven space dedicated to answering one question: How do you courageously move forward when life doesn't go as planned? crxrdscallings.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Chimere S. Brown
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Chimere S. Brown
  • Show Website
    Crossroads & Callings