True Talk Cafe Podcast

True Talk Cafe
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Welcome to the True Talk Cafe Podcast! We're looking forward to discussing everyday topics and getting real about some of the most common challenges for many of us, all the while enjoying a few laughs along the way. Join Anna Garcia, Karla DeCuir, Lollie Ramirez-Bennett and Renee Stewart Tuesday mornings @ 10:00 am CST starting September 7th. Talk soon!

  1. S5 Ep. 15 - Leadership Identity in Times of Change w/Host: Dr. Karla

    4D AGO

    S5 Ep. 15 - Leadership Identity in Times of Change w/Host: Dr. Karla

    Send us Fan Mail Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention—leadership identity. Not your title. Not your role. But who you are when the pressure hits. Because here’s the truth: leadership today is changing fast. Between shifting expectations, budget constraints, and evolving technology, leaders are being asked to adapt constantly. And in the middle of all that change, it’s easy to lose your sense of identity. So, what is leadership identity? It’s your internal compass. It’s the set of values, beliefs, and experiences that shape how you show up, make decisions, and influence others. And when that identity is unclear, leadership starts to feel reactive instead of intentional. Here’s the challenge: many leaders were promoted for what they did well in the past—but now they’re being asked to lead in ways they’ve never practiced before. That gap? That’s where identity work begins. Strong leaders don’t just ask, ‘What should I do?’  They ask, ‘Who do I need to become to lead well in this moment?’ So how do you strengthen your leadership identity? First, get clear on your values. What do you stand for when things get difficult? Second, reflect on your leadership story. What experiences shaped how you lead today and which leadership traits did you admire most in your earlier career? And third, stay adaptable. Identity isn’t fixed. The best leaders evolve without losing their core. I have a couple of books to recommend expanding your learning.  • Dare to Lead by Brene Brown  • Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Goodwin  In summary, leadership isn’t about control—it’s about courage, clarity of values, and the willingness to lead authentically even when the path isn’t clear.   Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. So, from all of us here at True Talk Café, stay tuned for another engaging episode!  Talk soon...

    4 min
  2. S5 Ep. 14 - Choice with Host: Renee

    APR 9

    S5 Ep. 14 - Choice with Host: Renee

    Send us Fan Mail This week’s TTC micro-episode with Renee is all about 'Choice' Choice isn’t just a word, it’s your leverage. Every day, you’re choosing: • Growth or comfort • Accountability or excuses • Speaking up or staying silent And here’s the part that might sting a little… Your life isn’t just happening to you— it’s responding to you. We love to say: “I didn’t have a choice.” But let’s be honest—you did. Even when it was uncomfortable. Even when it felt unfair. And here’s the kicker: Not choosing is still a choice… and it’s usually the one keeping you stuck. You don’t need more time. You don’t need another sign. You need to decide. Because clarity doesn’t come before the decision— it shows up after you make one. 👉 So here’s the question: What are you choosing differently moving forward? Not what you hope changes— What are you actually committing to? Action Step: Write a commitment statement—and mean it. Not something cute. Something that requires you to show up differently. In summary, every day you make choices.  When it gets hard or uncomfortable, remember that you always have another choice to make.   Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. So, from all of us here at True Talk Café, stay tuned for another engaging episode!  Talk soon...

    5 min
  3. S5 Ep. 13 - Fear and Money w/Host: Renee

    APR 3

    S5 Ep. 13 - Fear and Money w/Host: Renee

    Send us Fan Mail This is your True Talk Cafe micro episode, designed to start your day with intention, not noise. Today’s topic: “Money and Fear" Let’s talk about something you’re probably dealing with right now—  and have avoided dealing with it. Let’s be honest—  Most people don’t have a money problem… They have a fear problem dressed up like a money problem. Fear of not having enough.  Fear of losing what you have.  Fear of looking “bad” if you don’t have it all together financially.  Fear of success… yes, that too. And here’s the kicker—  Fear doesn’t yell. It whispers. It shows up as: “I’ll start saving next month.”“I deserve this—I’ve had a long week.”“Investing feels risky… I’ll wait.”Sound familiar? That’s not logic. That’s fear… wearing a business casual outfit. Most of what you believe about money didn’t start with you. It was modeled.  It was taught—directly or indirectly.  It was absorbed. Either way, you built a money story. And that story? It’s been quietly making executive decisions in your life ever since. So, here’s this week’s question: 👉 What money story is holding you back? Because here’s the truth most people avoid: You cannot outperform a story you haven’t challenged. But there’s good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire financial life overnight. Awareness is where power begins. Here’s your True Talk Café challenge for today: Review one financial habit without judgement. And ask yourself: “Is this habit driven by intention… or fear?” In summary, money is a tool. But fear? Fear is a filter. And if you don’t address the filter, it will distort every financial decision you make—no matter how much money you earn. So don’t just chase more money. Get curious about your relationship with it. That’s where real transformation lives. Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. So, from all of us here at True Talk Café, stay tuned for another engaging episode!  Talk soon...

    5 min
  4. S5 Ep. 12 - Avoidance with Host: Anna Garcia

    MAR 26

    S5 Ep. 12 - Avoidance with Host: Anna Garcia

    Send us Fan Mail This is your True Talk Cafe micro episode, designed to start your day with intention, not noise. Today’s topic: “Avoidance" Let’s talk about something you’re probably dealing with right now—  and maybe hoping it’ll just work itself out. That email you haven’t sent.  That conversation you keep pushing off.  That decision you keep delaying. That’s not timing.  That’s avoidance. Avoidance can feel productive. So, here’s this week’s question: 👉 What decision have you been postponing right now? INSIGHTS + RESEARCH Harvard Business Review found that 85% of employees avoid difficult conversations, even when they know it makes things worse. Now let’s be clear. Avoidance doesn’t remove the problem…  it just gives it time to grow. In your career, avoidance shows up as: Staying silent when expectations aren’t clearHolding onto roles that no longer alignDelaying decisions, you’ve already made internallyAnd over time, it costs you: 👉 Momentum  👉 Confidence  👉 Opportunity In summary, action breaks avoidance.  The longer you avoid it,  the heavier it becomes. And the moment you face it?  You’ll wonder why you waited so long. So, what action will you be taking? Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. So, from all of us here at True Talk Café, stay tuned for another engaging episode!  Talk soon...

    4 min
  5. S5 Ep. 11 - Draining Relationships w/Host Lollie

    MAR 19

    S5 Ep. 11 - Draining Relationships w/Host Lollie

    Send us Fan Mail This is your True Talk Cafe micro episode, designed to start your day with intention, not noise. Today’s topic: “Draining Relationships" Relationships should not be perfect, but they should feel supportive more often than they feel exhausting.  So today’s question is simple but powerful: Which relationship in your life currently feels heavy instead of supportive? Take a moment and be honest with yourself. Sometimes draining relationships are obvious.  Other times they’re subtle. It might be someone who: Constantly brings negativity into every conversationOnly reaches out when they need somethingMakes you feel guilty for setting boundariesOr dismisses your growth, your goals, or your peaceAnd the truth is, many of us keep these relationships going because of history, obligation, or fear of conflict. But here’s an important reminder: Just because someone has been part of your life for a long time does not mean they deserve unlimited access to your energy. Healthy relationships create space for mutual support, encouragement, and respect. They don’t leave you feeling like you have to shrink, fix, or constantly carry the emotional weight. Now, identifying a draining relationship doesn’t mean we immediately cut people off. Sometimes the answer isn’t distance—it’s clarity. Ask yourself: Have I clearly expressed how I feel?Have I communicated what I need from this relationship?Am I holding expectations that the other person may not even understand?So this week’s action step is simple but meaningful. Think about that relationship you identified. Then ask yourself: What does this situation need right now? Maybe it needs: • Distance – creating space to protect your emotional energy • Clarity – communicating honestly about what you need • Conversation – opening the door for understanding and growth Remember, boundaries aren’t about punishing others. They’re about protecting the healthiest version of you. In summary, at the end of the day, the people around us should help us grow, not constantly drain our spirit.  Because protecting your peace is not a luxury. It’s part of living a healthy, intentional life. Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. So, from all of us here at True Talk Café, stay tuned for another engaging episode!  Talk soon...

    4 min
  6. S5 Ep. 10 - People Pleasing w/Host: Anna Garcia

    MAR 12

    S5 Ep. 10 - People Pleasing w/Host: Anna Garcia

    Send us Fan Mail This is your True Talk Cafe micro episode, designed to start your day with intention, not noise. Today’s topic: “People pleasing" People pleasing doesn’t always look like someone who says yes to everything. Sometimes it looks like staying quiet when you have an idea.  Sometimes it looks like taking on extra work because you don’t want to seem difficult.  Sometimes it looks like agreeing in a meeting even when you see a better way. And over time, that pattern can slowly pull you away from your own goals and accomplishments. Where are you saying yes out of fear? INSIGHTS + RESEARCH Research from Harvard Business Review found that employees who take on too many non-promotable tasks — things that help the team but don’t advance their own career — are significantly less likely to be promoted. Another study from Gallup found that employees who frequently feel overextended are 2.6 times more likely to experience burnout. Research from the University of California shows that people who constantly prioritize others’ expectations over their own goals report higher stress levels and lower job satisfaction. Now let’s be clear. Wanting to be helpful is not a bad thing. Most successful professionals are collaborative, supportive, and team-oriented. But there’s a difference between being helpful and being automatically available. Which brings us to this week’s action. It’s simple — but powerful. Pause before responding. In summary, before you say yes to something, pause. Take a breath, think about your priorities and choose intentionally. Because your goals deserve the same respect you give everyone else’s. Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. So, from all of us here at True Talk Café, stay tuned for another engaging episode!  Talk soon...

    5 min
  7. TTC S5 Ep. 8 - Family Expectations w/Host Dr. Karla

    MAR 5

    TTC S5 Ep. 8 - Family Expectations w/Host Dr. Karla

    Send us Fan Mail This is your True Talk Cafe micro episode, designed to start your day with intention, not noise. Today’s topic: “Family Expectations" Here’s the question: "Whose expectations are shaping your choices?” Whose voice was in your head? Here’s the truth most of us don’t want to admit: Sometimes we are living a life that looks good on paper but feels heavy in our spirit. We meet expectations. We check boxes. We collect achievements. But we feel disconnected. Because somewhere along the way, we stopped asking:  “What do I actually need?” What nourishes you. What aligns with your values. What allows you to breathe a little easier. Self-abandonment is not strength.  So here’s your action for today: Make one decision based on your needs. Start small if you need to. But let it be yours. Not influenced. Not filtered. Not approved by a committee. Yours. In summary, when your choices start aligning with your needs, something shifts.  Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. Talk soon...

    4 min
  8. TTC S5 Ep. 9 - Guilt Detox w/Host: Lollie

    MAR 5

    TTC S5 Ep. 9 - Guilt Detox w/Host: Lollie

    Send us Fan Mail This is your True Talk Cafe micro episode, designed to start your day with intention, not noise. Today's Topic: Guilt Detox - Releasing What Was Never Yours to Carry Let’s talk about guilt. Not accountability. Not growth. Guilt. The kind that sits in your chest. or carry on your shoulders... Then we normalize it: High achievers feel guilty for slowing down.Caregivers feel guilty for saying no.Men & women Leaders feel guilty for disappointing people.And unfortunately, Women are socialized to feel responsible for everyone’s emotions“Today, we’re doing a detox.” Healthy Guilt vs. Toxic Guilt Healthy Guilt Signals misalignment with your valuesLeads to repair, apology, accountabilityHas a purposeToxic Guilt You feel bad for having needsYou feel bad for someone else’s reactionYou feel bad for choosing growthYou replay old decisions you made with limited information “Healthy guilt teaches. Toxic guilt traps.”“Healthy guilt teaches. Toxic guilt traps.” Why We Hold On To Guilt  We think guilt equals goodness.We think carrying guilt proves we care.We confuse guilt with loyalty.We believe letting go means we’reThe 3-Step Guilt Detox Framework Identify ItAssess Ownership Release It  Closing Reflection + Call to Action  Reflect on: What guilt are you ready to detox?What would your life look like if you weren’t apologizing for existing?In summary, guilt should guide growth — not govern your life.  You are allowed to evolve, to rest and choose differently. Join us on a live show! - learn how you can join us on a live show. You'll find the instructions on our Facebook page pinned to the top of the newsfeed:  click here Call To Action! Like us on the social media platforms below: Instagram – @truetalkcafe Facebook - @truetalkcafeTikTok - @truetalkcafeUse hashtags:  #truetalkcafe #TTCTalks #TrueTalkTuesdays #NoFluff #NoFilters #JustTrueTalk Don’t forget to like us, rate us and leave a review.  We value your feedback.  We want to ensure that we are provide content that resonates with you.  So, please don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast on whatever platform you listen to your podcasts. So, from all of us here at True Talk Café, stay tuned for another engaging episode!  Talk soon...

    7 min
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5
out of 5
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About

Welcome to the True Talk Cafe Podcast! We're looking forward to discussing everyday topics and getting real about some of the most common challenges for many of us, all the while enjoying a few laughs along the way. Join Anna Garcia, Karla DeCuir, Lollie Ramirez-Bennett and Renee Stewart Tuesday mornings @ 10:00 am CST starting September 7th. Talk soon!

Information

  • Creator
    True Talk Cafe
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 True Talk Cafe Podcast
  • Show Website
    True Talk Cafe Podcast