Making Progress

Myra Reneé

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The Making Progress Podcast, hosted by therapist and CEO Myra Reneé, spotlights individuals creating positive change in their communities. Unlike typical self-help content, this show features credentialed expertise alongside authentic stories of growth, challenges, and real-world impact. Real people, doing real things, making real progress.

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Kim Young is a Revolutionary Hoodrat

real people. real stories. real progress. Hosted by Myra René When Kim Young became the "Dope Black Social Worker," she got mad about the gaps in mental health care for Black communities and started talking about it. Now she's leading a movement to transform social work licensure and reclaim helping professions for the communities they're meant to serve. From San Diego to Richmond, Virginia, Kim shares her journey of professional identity crisis to becoming one of the most influential voices in social work reform. She breaks down why the exam-based licensure system is broken, how fashion becomes resistance, and why Black folks already have the playbook for surviving what others are just now experiencing. What You'll Learn: Why social workers are the "middle child" of mental health professions How the Black Panther Party's community care work was actually social work The three key lessons: you're only an expert in your own life, build intergenerational bridges, and never make a job your identity Why licensure exams are barriers that don't measure competence or ethics How 2018's tragedies shaped Kim's approach to the work and self-care Why eliminating barriers to dreaming is central to liberation How making progress means reclaiming freedom of time and choice Featured Guest: Kim Young Founder, Dope Black Social Worker Host, Revolutionary Hood Rat Podcast Named in Essence Magazine's Essential Heroes list Connect: 🎙️ Host: Myra René → https://www.myrarenee.com/ → https://www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee 🔗 Kim Young → Instagram: @dope_black_socialworker → Threads: @dope_black_socialworker → Podcast: Revolutionary Hood Rat → Website: https://dopeblacksocialworker.com Produced by Puente Creative Studios Text Myra Support the show

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Myra Renee Q&A from fans of Making Progress Podcast (and her producers)

real people. real stories. real progress. Guest Host: Isaiah Oby In this special rapid-fire Q&A episode, Isaiah Oby flips the script on Myra Reneé to uncover the unfiltered truths behind building Wisconsin's largest Black-owned mental health clinic. Myra discusses not doing well in school and the isolating reality of being "the villain" in leadership, She shares lessons that social media doesn't show you. She opens up about 2023's hardest moments, why getting over herself was the biggest obstacle to growth, and the advice she hates but knows is true. Featured Guest: Myra Reneé CEO & Founder, Anesis Therapy Host, Making Progress Podcast Connect: 🎙️ Host: Myra Reneé → https://anesistherapycenter.com/ → https://www.myrarenee.com/ → https://www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee Produced by Puente Creative Studios Text Myra Support the show

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Black Hair Culture - Harper Cox and LaTanya Webb

real people. real stories. real progress. Hosted by Myra Reneé Why is Black hair always a hot topic? In this conversation, Myra sits down with two Madison salon owners to unpack the complex relationship between Black identity and hair. From the historical policing of our hair to creating safe spaces for authentic expression, LaTanya and Harper share how they've built businesses that go far beyond styling hair. What happens when salons become more than service providers? They transform into community hubs, safe spaces, and platforms for entrepreneurship. Through candid conversation, these stylists reveal the unexpected ways their businesses have become pillars in the Madison Black community – creating networks, supporting families, and fostering authentic expression along the way. What You'll Learn: Why Black hair has been historically politicized and what that means todayHow children are now proudly embracing their natural hair after generations of stigmaThe role salons play as community hubs and extension of familyWhat it really costs to run a Black salon (including $1,800 for a 4-hour class!)The hidden challenges of being both a skilled professional and a business ownerFeatured Guests: LaTanya Webb - Salon owner since 2005 who specializes in short hair cuts and hair restoration, carrying on her family's legacy in hair care Harper Cox - Owner of Harper's Hair Culture, specializing in natural curly hair from loose waves to tight coils, passionate about helping clients embrace their natural texture Text Myra Support the show

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Heels and Feels Special Pt. 2

real people. real stories. real progress. Hosted by Myra Reneé What does it mean to be a successful single Black woman in Madison, Wisconsin? In this special live episode "Heels and Feels," Myra sits down with five incredible women who are redefining success on their own terms while navigating life as "unicorns" in the Midwest. From therapy practices to wellness companies, these women have built empires while staying true to themselves. But success isn't just about titles and accolades—it's about peace, alignment, authenticity, and the freedom to show up as your whole self. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, they share what it's really like being single Black professional women in predominantly white spaces, the importance of deep friendships, and how they maintain their light when the world tries to dim it. Featured Guests: Afra Smith - Founder & CEO, The Melanin ProjectDelonda Jackson - Director of Operations, Anesis TherapyBobbie Briggs - Community Mental Health Outreach Specialist & PsychotherapistVanessa Statam - CCS Program Director & PsychotherapistKeena Atkinson - Founder & CEO, Rougey WellnessConnect: 🎙️ Host: Myra Reneé → https://www.myrarenee.com/ → https://www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee Produced by Puente Creative Studios #makingprogress #makingprogresspodcast #heelsandfeels #blackwomen #singleandsuccessful #madisonwi #blackexcellence #authenticity #friendship #womeninbusiness #blackprofessionals #selfdefinition #community #identity #wellness #mentalhealth #entrepreneurship #leadership Text Myra Support the show

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Heels and Feels Special Pt. 1

real people. real stories. real progress. Hosted by Myra Reneé What does it mean to be a successful single Black woman in Madison, Wisconsin? In this special live episode "Heels and Feels," Myra sits down with five incredible women who are redefining success on their own terms while navigating life as "unicorns" in the Midwest. From therapy practices to wellness companies, these women have built empires while staying true to themselves. But success isn't just about titles and accolades—it's about peace, alignment, authenticity, and the freedom to show up as your whole self. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, they share what it's really like being single Black professional women in predominantly white spaces, the importance of deep friendships, and how they maintain their light when the world tries to dim it. Featured Guests: Afra Smith - Founder & CEO, The Melanin ProjectDelonda Jackson - Director of Operations, Anesis TherapyBobbie Briggs - Community Mental Health Outreach Specialist & PsychotherapistVanessa Statam - CCS Program Director & PsychotherapistKeena Atkinson - Founder & CEO, Rougey WellnessConnect: 🎙️ Host: Myra Reneé → https://www.myrarenee.com/ → https://www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee Produced by Puente Creative Studios #makingprogress #makingprogresspodcast #heelsandfeels #blackwomen #singleandsuccessful #madisonwi #blackexcellence #authenticity #friendship #womeninbusiness #blackprofessionals #selfdefinition #community #identity #wellness #mentalhealth #entrepreneurship #leadership Text Myra Support the show

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Mandela Barnes - The Power You Don't Know You Have

real people. real stories. real progress. Hosted by Myra Reneé Mandela Barnes sits down with Myra for an unfiltered conversation about Wisconsin politics, the Democratic Party's disconnect with everyday people, and why he's considering another run for office. Named after Nelson Mandela while the South African leader was still imprisoned, Barnes shares his journey from Milwaukee mayor's office receptionist to Wisconsin's first Black Lieutenant Governor. He opens up about losing the 2022 Senate race by just one point despite being outspent by $26 million, and why that experience taught him that traditional political playbooks are broken. Featured Guest: Mandela Barnes - Former Lieutenant Governor of Wisconsin (2019-2023) Founder - Power to the Polls & Forward Together Wisconsin - 2022 Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Connect: 🎙️ Host: Myra Reneé → https://www.myrarenee.com/ → https://www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee Produced by: Puente Creative Studios → https://puentestudios.com/ Text Myra Support the show

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Angela Russell on the frustrations of doing DEI work in 2025

real people. real stories. real progress. Hosted by Myra Reneé As Chief Diversity Officer at TruStage and one of Black Enterprise's most powerful diversity executives, Angela shares the real cost of being the messenger and why every DEI practitioner needs therapy. In this conversation, you'll hear how Angela uses her Apple Watch to monitor stress during heated conversations, why she wears Harriet Tubman around her neck as a reminder, and the moment she realized people don't understand the difference between equality and equity. What You'll Learn: - The real definition of diversity, equity, and inclusion (and what it's NOT) - How to handle resistance and heated conversations in DEI work - The historical context most people in corporate America are missing - Why community and mental health are non-negotiable for this work - How to navigate being a Black woman leading change in predominantly white spaces Featured Guest: Angela Russell Chief Diversity Officer, TruStage Host of the Black Oxygen Podcast Angela has nearly 20 years of professional experience in diversity and inclusion, with a master's degree in Population Health from UW-Madison. Named one of the nation's most powerful diversity executives by Black Enterprise magazine in 2018, she leads DEI strategy at TruStage while breaking down complex concepts with refreshing honesty. Text Myra Support the show

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Sara Alvarado: Creating Family Money for Families Denied Generational Wealth

Sara Alvarado went to Mexico in 1999 to heal from trauma and accidentally fell in love. Today, she's dismantling racist practices in real estate and helping Black and brown families achieve homeownership through Own It: Building Black Wealth. In this deeply personal episode, Sara shares her journey from writing about "all the sh*tty things" in her life on Facebook to creating innovative solutions for systemic problems. From spiritual awakening on a Puerto Vallarta beach to getting 18 families into their first homes, Sara reveals the power of doing justice work right where you are. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How personal healing became the foundation for systemic change Why "once you see systemic racism, you can't unsee it" and how to act on that awareness How traditional down payment assistance actually perpetuates modern-day redlining The innovative approach to creating "family money" for communities denied generational wealth How to trust your spiritual intuition in business, even when it challenges conventional wisdom Why perfectionism is part of white supremacy culture and how to move beyond it The importance of showing up authentically, regardless of whether it fits your business model Featured Guest: Sara Alvarado - Author & Co-Founder, Own It: Building Black Wealth. Sara is the author of the memoir "Dreaming in Spanish: An Unexpected Love Story in Puerto Vallarta" and co-founder of Own It: Building Black Wealth. After her profound healing journey in Mexico, she returned to Madison, Wisconsin, where she now works to dismantle racism within the real estate industry. Through innovative private funding that functions like family money, Sara has helped 18 Black and brown families purchase their first homes, bypassing traditional barriers that perpetuate the racial wealth gap. She describes herself as "spiritual as f*ck" and advocates for trusting your intuitive path. Connect: Host Myra Reneé: www.myrarenee.com www.instagram.com/therealmyrarenee Sara Alvarado: www.sarahalvarado.com Own It: Building Black Wealth: www.ownitmadisonorg "Dreaming in Spanish" available in bookstores and online Making Progress is a podcast where we talk to Real People, Doing Real Things, and Making Real Progress. Produced by Puente Creative Studios. Text Myra Support the show

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Sagashus T. Levingston PhD: The True Cost of Breaking Generational Cycles

Dr. Sagashus T. Levingston shattered her Generational Cycles. From four generations of sex workers to founding Infamous Mothers and landing in Forbes, her journey reveals the hidden costs of success that no one talks about. In this raw, unfiltered conversation with host Myra Reneé, Sagashus shares the moment a TV show saved her from suicide, why her 81-year-old grandmother's divorce changed everything, and how achieving her dreams nearly destroyed the family she was trying to save. She opens up about discovering that her PhD was "worse than HIV" in the dating world, the reality of raising six kids while earning a doctorate, and why success has a price tag that goes far beyond money. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How being named "Sagashus" instead of "Salacious" (one letter difference) changed her destinyThe true cost of success when your family falls apart just as you achieve your dreamsWhy powerful Black women struggle to "cross their own thresholds" even after achieving everythingHow growing up with a father who had three women living with him shaped her view of relationshipsThe shocking reality of dating with a PhD as a Black woman ("I'll take the six kids but keep that PhD")What Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" teaches us about Black love, colorism, and sisterhoodFeatured Guest: Dr. Sagashus T. Levingston - Author, Entrepreneur & Founder of Infamous Mothers. After growing up in Chicago's projects as part of four generations of sex workers, Sagashus became a single mother of six while earning her PhD in English Literature from UW-Madison. Now featured in Forbes and Essence, she's building a movement to transform two million women's lives by 2027 through Infamous Mothers. Her memoir "A Pot to P*ss In" blends personal narrative with social commentary on race, gender, and resilience. Connect: Guest Dr. Sagashus T. Levingston: Book: "A Pot to P*ss In" (Available June 3rd)www.infamousmothers.comwww.instagram.com/infamous.mothersHost Myra Reneé: www.myrarenee.comwww.instagram.com/therealmyrareneeMaking Progress is a podcast where we talk to Real People, Doing Real Things, and Making Real Progress. Produced by Puente Creative Studios. Text Myra Support the show

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Myra Reneé: The Story of Anesis Therapy

What happens when a therapist accidentally becomes a CEO? Myra Reneé didn't set out to build an empire – she just wanted to escape the never-ending parking tickets eating away her paycheck. Now she leads Wisconsin's largest Black-owned mental health clinic with over 60 employees across four locations. In this special role-reversal episode, our usual host becomes the guest as Isaiah Oby interviews Myra about her unexpected journey from solo practitioner to CEO. She shares the raw, unfiltered truth about creating spaces where people can bring their whole selves to work, the isolating reality of leadership, and what it truly means to "step out of the boat" when no one else will. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How a moment of crisis over parking tickets became the catalyst for entrepreneurshipThe unexpected journey from solo practitioner to 60+ employees without planning to hire anyoneWhy creating authentic spaces transforms both the business and the broader communityThe isolating reality of being "the villain" in leadership positions and making tough decisionsHow maintaining clinical work "for her sanity" keeps her connected to her original purposeWhy the Peter stepping-out-of-the-boat metaphor captures the essence of true leadershipThe truth about entrepreneurship that social media doesn't show youFeatured Guest: Myra Reneé - CEO & Founder, Anesis Therapy. After starting her practice in 2016 with just herself working two days a week, Myra has built Wisconsin's largest Black-owned mental health clinic. Her organization now employs over 60 people across five locations, creating spaces where both clients and employees can bring their whole, authentic selves. By emphasizing accessibility and creating communal spaces for Black and Brown mental health professionals, Myra has transformed both individual lives and community well-being across Wisconsin. Connect: Myra Reneé: www.anesistherapy.comwww.myrarenee.comwww.instagram.com/therealmyrareneeMaking Progress is a podcast where we talk to Real People, Doing Real Things, and Making Real Progress. Produced by Puente Creative Studios. Text Myra Support the show

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Lisa Peyton & Annette Miller: Building Black Women's Wellness and Equity Organizations

What happens when two neighbors become empire builders? Annette Miller and Lisa M. Peyton didn't wait for permission to create change. They turned personal pain into powerful movements – transforming equity and wellness in Wisconsin and beyond. In this episode, host Myra Reneé sits down with two incredible Black women CEOs who reveal what it really takes to build organizations in spaces that weren't designed for you. From closing offices for a month to prioritize well-being, to "doing it scared" when the stakes are highest, their stories offer both inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone looking to create meaningful change. In This Episode, You'll Learn: How personal loss became the catalyst for a national wellness movementThe real strategy behind building equity-focused businessesWhy "doing it scared" is non-negotiable for changemakersHow self-care and rest become acts of liberation for Black women leadersThe difference between building from scratch vs. inheriting established organizationsWhy Black women entrepreneurs deserve multimillion-dollar investmentsFeatured Guests: Annette Miller - CEO & Founder, EQT By Design, LLC With 25 years in policy and analytics, Annette passionately drives inclusion and engagement across community and government. As a mixed-race woman and former military brat, she brings personal experience of not belonging to her work of building bridges and creating access for underserved communities. Lisa M. Peyton, MS.Ed. - Founder, CEO & President, The Foundation for Black Women's Wellness. Now in its 16th year, Lisa's organization empowers Black women and their families across Wisconsin to achieve healthier lives. After losing her mother in 2006, Lisa transformed personal tragedy into a movement that has grown from a solo founder to a $3.7 million organization serving thousands annually. Connect: Host Myra Reneé: www.myrarenee.comwww.instagram.com/therealmyrareneeEQT By Design: www.eqtbydesign.comFoundation for Black Women's Wellness: www.ffbww.org/Making Progress is a podcast where we talk to Real People, Doing Real Things, and Making Real Progress. Produced by Puente Creative Studios. Text Myra Support the show

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The Making Progress Podcast, hosted by therapist and CEO Myra Reneé, spotlights individuals creating positive change in their communities. Unlike typical self-help content, this show features credentialed expertise alongside authentic stories of growth, challenges, and real-world impact. Real people, doing real things, making real progress.

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Myra Reneé
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© 2025 Making Progress
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