This episode of Conversations with Coach LA hits different.

Boston’s own Big Shug steps onto the Virtual Couch for a conversation that goes beyond music—into identity, healing, loyalty, and what it really means to evolve.

Rooted in the legacy of Gang Starr and shaped by his journey alongside Guru, Big Shug opens up about the unseen chapters—the pressure, the pain, the pivots—and how hip-hop became both an outlet and a lifeline.

This isn’t just storytelling—it’s narrative therapy in real time.

A masterclass in turning survival into strategy… and pain into purpose.

If you’ve ever had to rebuild yourself while staying true to who you are—this conversation is for you.

🎤 Identity & Origins

How Boston culture shaped Big Shug’s voice and foundation

The evolution from who he had to be… to who he chose to become

🔥 Pain, Pressure & Purpose

The struggles behind the spotlight—and the resilience it required

Hip-hop as emotional expression, release, and survival tool

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

We’re laughing—but let’s be clear, this is strategy, not distraction. Healing is in the room.

Comedian and radio personality Jonathan Gates pulls up to the 🎙️ Virtual Couch for an Up Close & Personalconversation that goes beyond the punchline.

Because every joke carries weight… and every laugh has a backstory.

In this episode, we unpack:
😂 Humor as a healing tool—not avoidance, but transformation
💭 Mental health and how it shows up in the culture
🔥 Turning real-life pain into purpose, power, and punchlines

📍 Streaming LIVE on all platforms

Pull up for the laughs… but stay for the insight, the honesty, and the kind of truth that actually shifts something.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

What does it really look like to rebuild your life—and your identity—after everything falls apart?

In this deeply impactful episode, Coach LA sits down with Asha J.W. Hardnett, also known as “The Purpose Doula,” to explore how purpose is not something you find—it’s something you activate through movement.

From surviving breast cancer and navigating profound grief to becoming a purpose strategist, speaker, and author, Asha shares how she transformed her life experiences into a platform that helps others align passion, purpose, and profit.

Grounded in principles from Positive Psychology and the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth, this episode highlights how meaning-making after adversity can lead to resilience, clarity, and emotional wellness.

Purpose is not discovered—it’s developed through action

Your pain can become your most powerful strategy

Healing requires letting go of who you were to become who you’re called to be

You can align purpose with profitability without compromising your well-being

Emotional wellness is essential when leading, serving, and building impact

“When you move with purpose, everything else has to catch up.”

“You don’t just survive your story—you learn how to use it.”

“Healing will change you… and that’s the point.”

Believe: Your experiences have value—even the painful ones

Empower: Give yourself permission to evolve beyond survival

Transform: Turn your story into impact, income, and influence

Topic: You Can’t Heal and Stay the Same

Growth requires release.

Healing will stretch your identity.

Purpose will demand movement—even when it feels uncomfortable.

Research in Positive Psychology shows that having a strong sense of purpose is linked to improved mental health, resilience, and life satisfaction

Post-Traumatic Growth highlights how individuals can experience transformation, deeper relationships, and renewed meaning after adversity

Platform: AshaOnPurpose

Founder: Life on Purpose Solutions

Author: WAS: What Asha Said

Stream this episode on iHeartRadio and all major podcast platforms.

Follow, rate, and share to keep the conversation going.

What part of your story are you ready to turn into purpose?

Tag us and share your takeaways using:

#BETonSELF #PurposeInMotion #ConversationsWithCoachLA

Because healing is the strategy… and purpose is the assignment.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

This episode is a call-back, not a makeover.

We unpack what it truly means to rebrand yourself from the inside out—not by becoming someone new, but by reconnecting with who you’ve always been beneath survival mode, expectations, and life transitions.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, out of alignment, or like you’ve outgrown old versions of yourself… this conversation will meet you right there and move you forward.

• The difference between losing yourself vs. evolving
• How life roles, trauma, and expectations impact identity
• Confidence as a practice and decision, not just a feeling
• The connection between body image and self-worth
• Why self-perception shapes behavior, relationships, and outcomes
• Letting go of outdated versions of yourself to step into alignment

• Body-image acceptance therapy has been shown to increase self-esteem by 28%
• Self-perception directly impacts:
  • Emotional regulation
  • Decision-making
  • Relationship dynamics
  • Overall confidence and life satisfaction

• You don’t need a new identity—you need reconnection
• Confidence is built through aligned action, not perfection
• Your environment can either reinforce your past or support your evolution
• The way you speak to yourself shapes the version of you that shows up

Take a moment to sit with this:

• When did I feel most like myself—and what changed?
• What parts of me have I silenced or abandoned?
• What am I ready to release that no longer reflects who I am?
• What would it look like to fully show up as HER right now?

• Believe: You are not lost—you are layered
• Empower: Choose yourself, even when it feels unfamiliar
• Transform: Align your actions with the version of you you're reclaiming

• Follow: @conversations_withcoachla
• Follow: @therapist_coachla
• Stream on iHeartRadio + all major podcast platforms

If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s in their rebrand season.

Because the truth is—
You’re not starting over… you’re returning with power. 💫

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

As we close out Women’s History Month, this episode of Conversations with Coach LA invites a powerful shift—from celebration to connection.

On the Virtual Couch, Coach LA is joined by James Lambert III and Mathematics, two men who have been intentionally creating spaces for men to connect, be vulnerable, and engage in conversations many were never taught to have.

In this honest and unfiltered dialogue, they share what they’ve learned from those spaces—offering women deeper insight into how men experience love, pressure, communication, and emotional support.

This episode is not about blame—it’s about understanding, growth, and building stronger relationships.

Because when we listen differently… we love differently.

• Why men often shut down emotionally
• What emotional support looks like for men
• The difference between love, respect, and understanding
• How men experience pressure and vulnerability
• Lessons learned from men’s healing and accountability spaces
• The importance of listening to understand—not just respond

The conversation culminates in a powerful reflection as each guest completes the sentence:

“Dear Women…”

A raw and meaningful moment you don’t want to miss.

Men are significantly less likely to seek mental health support, yet account for a higher percentage of suicide rates.

This highlights the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where men can express emotion, build connection, and engage in healing conversations.

Believe • Empower • Transform

This episode challenges listeners to reflect on how they show up in relationships—and how understanding, emotional awareness, and accountability can transform connection.

If this conversation resonates with you:

✔️ Share this episode with someone who needs it
✔️ Subscribe and follow Conversations with Coach LA
✔️ Join the conversation on social media

💌 Want to share your #BETonSELF story on the Virtual Couch?
Email: admin@weroclives.com

James Lambert III
Community leader and engagement specialist focused on leadership, equity, and systems change

Instagram: @3rdExposure

Mathematics
Motivational speaker and recovery advocate
Instagram: @motivatedbymathematics

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences—yet one of the least understood.

This week on Conversations with Coach LA, we hold intentional space to honor the life, voice, and legacy of Marrk “The Voice” Harris, while diving deeper into the emotional and psychological realities of grief. This episode blends heartfelt tribute with clinical insight, unpacking what it truly means to process loss in real time.

Did you know that while grief is natural, nearly 40% of individuals experience symptoms of depression during early bereavement, and many feel unprepared to cope with the emotional and physical toll? From the impact on the body and mind to the myths around “moving on,” we explore how grief shows up—and how healing begins.

Together, we’ll examine:
✨ The truth about grief beyond the stages
✨ How loss affects your mental, emotional, and physical health
✨ The power of meaning-making and legacy in the healing process
✨ Why staying connected to those we’ve lost can be a path forward

This is more than a conversation—it’s a moment of reflection, remembrance, and restoration.

Because grief isn’t something you get over…
it’s something you learn to carry with care.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and give yourself permission to feel, remember, and heal.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

Soft life with boundaries, burnout prevention, and women’s mental health are the focus of this Conversations with Coach LA episode featuring Shaquera Robinson.

• Why women experience higher levels of chronic stress
• How boundaries support mental health and burnout prevention
• The connection between trauma recovery and self-advocacy
• Balancing advocacy, motherhood, and leadership
• Practical tools for protecting your peace

“She believed peace was a priority and the universe adjusted.”

Living the soft life isn’t about luxury aesthetics.
It’s about creating emotional safety, protecting your energy, and choosing environments that support your growth.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media

What happens when women stop performing excellence—and start living whole?

This week, I’m joined by Jackie Roby, founder of Inspired Journey Consulting, for a bold, necessary conversation about women’s leadership, mental health, and the invisible cost of “having it all.”

We’re talking:

✨ Imposter syndrome & self-worth

✨ Mental health behind the success

✨ Femininity, motherhood & ambition

✨ Women of color leading in male-dominated spaces

✨ Why burnout is not a badge of honor

This isn’t hustle culture.

This is BET on SELF culture.

Women’s History Month isn’t just about celebrating what women have done—it’s about protecting who women are becoming.

Pull up. Listen in. Reflect deeply.

Because surviving is not the goal—thriving is.

🎙️ Thanks for tuning in to Conversations with Coach LA!

Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on your notifications so you never miss a new episode—dropping every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen live every Sunday at 10PM on Urban Heat 98.1FM or via iHeartRadio.

Want to join the conversation or share your story? We’re always looking for inspiring voices! Email us at admin@weroclives.com to be considered as a future guest.

This show is brought to you by Resiliency and Optimism Changes Lives, LLC, where we champion self-awareness, mental wellness, and transformational growth through therapeutic coaching and community empowerment. If you're looking for a therapist or support on your healing journey, visit our website or reach out—we're here to help you BET on SELF:
🌱 Believe. Empower. Transform.

Because when you bet on yourself, you invest in your peace, your power, and your purpose.

Opening Theme song created by Daniel Laurent www.daniellaurent.com

Closing Theme Song created by Nancia produced by Jay Hunt -SmokeHouse Media