Hello Beautiful Listeners, I’m so excited to share something close to my heart—my new audiobook, Someday, Now. It’s a love letter to the season of life when children leave home and families find new ways to connect, re-nest, and reimagine themselves. It’s about motherhood, blended families, returning to familiar places, and so much more. In this episode, I’m giving you the prologue—an opening glimpse into the journey. If it resonates, the full audiobook is now available wherever you get your audiobooks. I can’t wait for you to listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of Lifted, Tembi Locke sits down with visionary entrepreneur and changemaker Shiza Shahid – co-founder of the Malala Fund, founding partner of NOW Ventures, and CEO of Our Place – for a conversation that weaves together purpose, innovation, and heart. Shiza reflects on her journey from organizing protests in Pakistan as a teenager to becoming one of the most influential mission-driven entrepreneurs of her generation. Together, she and Tembi explore how service, storytelling, and social justice shaped Shiza’s worldview, and how she’s used each chapter of her life to uplift others. She shares the personal pivots that led her from McKinsey to the Malala Fund, and then to launching Our Place, a company that reimagines the kitchen as a place of cultural connection and community care. Shiza also speaks candidly about embracing her immigrant identity and learning that impact doesn’t always come through scale but through the values we center each day. For anyone building a life or business rooted in meaning, this episode is a powerful meditation on leading with empathy and purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tembi is joined by sommelier, entrepreneur, and hospitality visionary Cha McCoy for a conversation about community, culture, and the art of crafting a life—and business—on your own terms. From Harlem to Italy and Lisbon and back, Cha shares how she’s building a hyper-local hospitality brand serving flavors from around the globe. Together, she and Tembi explore global wine traditions and discuss how wine can act as a tool for cultural connection. Through her travels, Cha has become not simply an expert in wine, but has emerged as a “wine griot”, a bringer of story and wisdom; whether she’s curating travel experiences, pouring wine, or opening doors for others, Cha leads with intention, authenticity, and storytelling. This episode is an invitation to build from where you are, honor your story, and taste life more fully. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tembi Locke sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur, strategist, and bestselling author Kathleen Griffith-- founder of Grayce & Co and author of Build Like a Woman. Known for her business acumen and innovative thinking, Kathleen has worked with Fortune 500 companies and global brands to help women-led businesses grow and thrive. Together, they dive into how, years ago, physical travel in the form of a relocation to Los Angeles led Kathleen on a deep emotional journey. Four days into moving to LA, a life-altering accident gave Kathleen a newfound consciousness of death, and forced her to change the life she was living. What followed was a radical reinvention, blending hard-won wisdom, feminine leadership, and a new framework for success that integrates mindset with mastery. From advocating for yourself in a medical crisis to drawing strength from your grandmother’s story, Kathleen shares how the most disorienting moments can actually bring your deepest dreams into clarity. Her signature blend of business strategy and mindset mastery offers a roadmap for building careers-- and lives-- that are aligned, soulful, sustainable, and wildly successful. This episode is full of grounded wisdom for women at turning points; whether you're starting over, stepping into something new, or simply unsure what comes next, this conversation reminds you that it's never too late to build a beautiful, bold life -- one that's wholly your own. Mentioned: Build Like a Woman, Grayce & Co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this intimate and illuminating episode of Lifted, Tembi Locke welcomes death doula, attorney, and bestselling author Alua Arthur (Briefly Perfectly Human) for a transformative conversation on embracing the end of life—not as a tragedy, but as a portal to deeper connection, clarity, and purpose. Alua shares her unexpected journey to becoming a death doula, and together, she and Tembi explore what it means to truly live in the presence of death. They discuss the shame that often surrounds grief, the fear of death that permeates Western culture, and the courageous practice of preparing for the end with honesty, dignity, and love. With humor, reverence, and radical compassion, Alua reframes death as not something to resist, but something to welcome as a vital part of being fully human. If you're navigating grief, caregiving, or seeking more intention in how you live and love, this conversation is a sacred invitation to rethink your relationship with death -- and find deeper meaning in the present. Key themes: death and dying, end-of-life planning, grief, legacy, caregiving, mental health, cultural attitudes toward mortality, community, living fully Mentioned: Briefly Perfectly Human, Going with Grace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode of Lifted, Tembi Locke is joined by actress, dancer, author, and television host Amanda Kloots for an honest conversation about surviving loss, choosing joy, and redefining what it means to move forward with grief. Amanda opens up about the devastating loss of her husband, Broadway actor Nick Cordero, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic – a time marked by uncertainty, heartbreak, and visibility in the public eye. She reflects on how she leaned into movement, routine, motherhood, and creativity to stay grounded during unimaginable sorrow. Together, Amanda and Tembi explore what it means to hold grief and gratitude in the same breath, how community became an unexpected source of support and connection throughout her caregiving experience, and how, sometimes, life grants miracles in radically unexpected ways. Her story is a testament to the unpredictable shape of healing and the quiet bravery of showing up after everything has changed. Key themes: grief and public mourning, solo parenting, movement and healing, resilience, fitness, hope, caregiving, motherhood after loss, creative expression, dreams unfolding in unexpected ways Mentioned: Live Your Life (book), Nick Cordero, The Talk (TV show), AK! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does it take to turn discipline into joy and inner clarity into impact? This week on Lifted, host Tembi Locke sits down with therapist, entrepreneur, and mental wellness advocate Nina Westbrook for a powerful conversation about identity, ambition, and the long game of self-trust. Nina, founder of the online wellness platform Bene by Nina, creator of the Do Tell card game, and host of The Relationship Chronicles podcast, opens up about how her upbringing, athletic background, and clinical training inform her work at the intersection of emotional well-being and modern entrepreneurship. Together, she and Tembi explore how to sustain mental wellness while building something bigger than yourself. Nina shares the personal pivots that shaped her journey, from navigating transitions and grief to creating a life that reflects her values, and what it looks like when dreams come true in unexpected ways. With warmth, clarity, and strength, Nina reflects on: What healthy competition really looks like and how to redefine it from within Why self-care for Black women is an act of reclamation and power The importance of boundaries in relationships, business, and identity How building Bene by Nina became an extension of her values and expertise The healing power of community, travel, and support systems Key themes: mental wellness, boundaries, mental health advocacy, athletic discipline, licensed marriage and family therapy, travel as self-care, transitions in motherhood and marriage, self-care for Black women, competition, entrepreneurship, grief and identity, emotional clarity, wellness frameworks, community support Mentioned: Bene by Nina (platform), Do Tell card game Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tembi Locke is joined by creative force and entrepreneur Pia Baroncini – founder of fashion label LPA, co-founder of Baroncini Import & Co., podcast host, and mother – for a heartfelt conversation about culture, loss, identity, and building a life that holds it all. Pia opens up about how her Italian-American heritage, her early years in New York’s downtown art scene, and her deep connection to family shaped her creative path and business philosophy. Together, she and Tembi explore what it means to root your life in love and legacy while still navigating grief, motherhood, and the complexities of public life. From the loss of her father and her mother-in-law to the birth of her daughter, Pia shares how family, food, and ritual help her stay grounded. She reflects on building a business that feels personal, creating a public-facing brand without losing herself, and how travel – especially to Italy – is both a cultural homecoming and a space for clarity and reflection. Key themes: authentic entrepreneurship, grief and family loss, personal branding, motherhood, Italian-American identity, Italian culture, food and ritual, family legacy, supportive partnerships, the intersection of brand and identity, public vulnerability Mentioned: LPA (fashion brand), Baroncini Import & Co. (olive oil company), Pia’s podcast (Everything is the Best), Ghiaia Cashmere  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our Season 3 premiere, Tembi Locke welcomes bestselling author and literary powerhouse Cheryl Strayed (Wild, Tiny Beautiful Things, Dear Sugar) for a heartfelt conversation on the transformative power of travel, writing, and grief. Together, they explore how travel - across landscapes, emotions, and memory - serves as a catalyst for healing and self-discovery. Cheryl opens up about her earliest travel memories, her creative process, and how walking the Pacific Crest Trail became a metaphor for rebuilding after loss. They discuss her latest memoir-in-progress (about the journeys that changed her), her beloved newsletter Dear Sugar, and how writers can stay grounded while navigating the messy process of creation. From navigating grief to mapping out meaning with butcher paper, Cheryl and Tembi unpack what it means to truly listen to your "wise inner sage" and how staying present can unlock the deepest intimacy in art and life. They also discuss Cheryl’s healing trip back to her childhood home in Pennsylvania with her sister, an emotional reckoning decades in the making. If you’re seeking creative inspiration, emotional clarity, or simply permission to begin again, this conversation is a beautiful reminder that healing is not linear, and we can always find our way back to ourselves. Key themes: personal growth, travel as transformation, grief, writing process, healing through creativity, emotional resilience, family, intimacy, self-trust Mentioned: Pacific Crest Trail, Wild (book and film), Tiny Beautiful Things (book and Hulu adaptation), Torch, Dear Sugar newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hi friends, it’s Tembi. I’m so excited to share that my new audiobook memoir, Someday, Now, is coming this fall—September 30th. An immersive, ride-along audio experience, Someday, Now invites you into a turning point in my life—our family’s life—as we reimagined what it means to hold on while also letting go. Set in Sicily, it takes place during the summer before my daughter left for college—a season of anticipation, reflection, and emotional reckoning. As a blended family, we traveled to reclaim possibility in the face of big changes on an island that rarely changes. If From Scratch was a love story, Someday, Now is a story of re-nesting, reimagining, and reconnecting with trust in a sacred source during uncertain times. Follow Lifted on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen for updates and sneak peeks. And stay connected with me @TembiLocke for behind-the-scenes moments as we count down to the release. #SomedayNow #FromScratch #AudiobookMemoir #NewRelease Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for a captivating conversation with Chef Jenny Dorsey, a professional chef, author, speaker, and recent graduate of Harvard University's Master’s Program in Education. As the co-founder of Studio ATAO, an award-winning 501(c)3 nonprofit think tank, Jenny is at the forefront of defining more equitable standards for the food, beverage, and hospitality industry. In this episode, she sits down with Tembi to discuss: Her mission to use culinary arts as a platform for introspection, empathy, and real emotion. Jenny's work focuses on making food a driver of social impact and change, challenging social norms and provoking thought through her culinary creations. Her journey from working as a management consultant in the fashion industry and the youngest MBA candidate at Columbia Business School to finding her true calling in culinary arts, and using her experiences to fuel her passion for social change. The role of vulnerability in the dining experience, and how she confronts the complexity of identity in her work, often creating environments that deliberately evoke discomfort as a means to engage in honest conversation. Want even more? Delve into Jenny's recipes and articles here. Want to know more about Studio ATAO? Explore their initiatives and resources here. More from Jenny Dorsey: Website Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us in a delightful conversation with Amelia Rampe, Senior Editor at Food & Wine, as we uncover the multifaceted world of food and travel. As a food and travel writer, recipe developer, video host, and food stylist, Amelia delves into the intricacies of the Filipinx kitchen and shares how she skillfully brings Filipinx food stories to life. In this conversation, we tackle:  The intricacies of the Filipinx kitchen, and why it cannot be defined by just one word. Amelia's mid-life transition into the culinary profession and the transformative power of embracing new opportunities. Amelia's perspective on using grief as an opportunity to embrace life to the fullest. In 2020, Amelia wrote a piece on grief, wherein she discusses lentils and ditalini, From Scratch, and her own process of making the nourishing dish. Feeling hungry? Check out Amelia’s substack Did You Eat Yet? to find delicious recipes for any season.  More from Amelia:  Website  Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for a compelling conversation with Yasmin Khan, the British cookbook author and former human rights campaigner. Known for titles like "Zaitoun" and "The Saffron Tales," Yasmin shares her remarkable journey from social justice advocacy to cookbook writing, emphasizing the power of food as a universal connector in highlighting our shared humanity. We explore:  Yasmin's career shift from human rights advocacy to cookbook writing, driven by burnout and a desire to foster connections through cooking.  How Yasmin's cookbooks act as bridges between cultures, introducing readers to both recipes and the stories of everyday people from various Middle Eastern regions. The similarity between draining your energy and draining your bank account, and the importance of avoiding "the red". Discover Yasmin’s incredible cookbooks The Saffron Tales, Zaitoun, and Ripe Figs.  Read more about Yasmin’s reflections on energy, burnout, and how to thrive in a post-pandemic world in her substack Rising Up.  More on Yasmin:  Website Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dawn Davis, a renowned food editor and publishing powerhouse, who, in 2020, ascended to the role of editor-in-chief at Bon Appétit. In this episode, we delve into Dawn's remarkable journey and her insightful perspectives on the dynamic world of food and publishing. Highlights of our conversation include: A recount of a chance meeting on a plane to Nigeria in 1990, which became the catalyst for her illustrious career in publishing, a testament to the power of serendipity and the importance of seizing opportunities. Insights into Dawn's unique philosophy on navigating professional challenges, which includes embracing change without fear of failure. Dawn's strategies for maintaining authenticity in the workplace and embracing new career opportunities. Learn more about Dawn's work at Bon Appetit. Dive into Dawn's work as the Senior Vice President and Publisher at 37Ink, and explore their books. More from Dawn Davis Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us in this delectable episode as we sit down with Klancy Miller, a distinguished pastry chef, culinary educator, and the celebrated author of "Cooking Solo" and "For The Culture." From her journey at Le Cordon Bleu to her endeavors in highlighting remarkable Black women and femmes in the culinary industry, Klancy shares her insights and passion for blending cultural influences with the artistry of desserts. We explore: How Klancy’s sweet tooth turned into a passion for pastry making.  Her post-college journey, the decision to enroll at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and how she rewrote her experience with the city through culinary education and creative expression. Klancy's latest book, "For The Culture," which highlights remarkable Black femmes in the culinary world. Curious about For The Culture? Order Klancy’s extraordinary book here!  Dive into Klancy’s recipes with Cooking Solo: The Fun of Cooking for Yourself  Based in Philadelphia? Check out Honeysuckle Provisions Discover more about Le Cordon Bleu’s Diplôme de Pâtisserie More from Klancy Miller:  Website Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us for a gastronomic adventure with Katie Parla, the Rome-based New York Times bestselling cookbook author of “Food of The Italian Islands”, “Food of the Italian South”, and “Tasting Rome”, among others. Katie is also an Emmy-nominated television host, co-host of Gola Podcast, and expert in all things Italian cuisine. In a captivating conversation, we delve into:  Her incredible food tours in Rome, where she not only leads people to delectable bites but also serves up a generous helping of cultural, historical, and archaeological context for the food and region.  Her latest book, "Food of the Italian Islands," as well as Katie’s personal connections to the vibrant regions of Sicily and Southern Italy.  How Americans can adopt a more nuanced approach to travel within Italy, Why, in Katie’s words, “writing a cookbook will ruin your life”, and how she turned cookbook writing into a sustainable career by creating her own publishing company, Parla Publishing.  Buon appetito! Buy Katie’s delicious new book, Food of the Italian Islands Planning a trip to Rome? Learn more about Katie’s food tours or check out her city guides.  Discover Angelini Osteria, a staple Italian restaurant in Los Angeles. Katie will be publishing their forthcoming book under her publishing company, Parla Publishing.  In Katie’s opinion, the best city to eat in is Istanbul, and the best restaurant to eat at in Istanbul is Balat Sahil.  More from Katie Parla: Website  Instagram  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us in this episode as we sit down with the incredible Candace Nelson, founder of Sprinkles Cupcakes, Pizzana, and CN2 Ventures. From her pioneering work in the cupcake industry to her current role on Shark Tank, Candace shares her entrepreneurial journey and insights into the world of venture investing. We discuss:  The origins of Sprinkles Cupcakes and the early days of transforming a startup into a nationwide success. (Plus, the story behind the creation of the first cupcake ATM!)  The qualities that excite Candace about an entrepreneur and the key factors she considers when making investment decisions. Insights into time management, self-care, and the evolving nature of entrepreneurship over the years. Learn more about Candace’s inspiring story in her book, Sweet Success Need a treat? Find a Sprinkles Cupcakes store near you or order for nationwide shipping within the U.S.  Looking for something savory? Try Pizzana in-person if you’re in Los Angeles or Dallas, or take advantage of their nationwide shipping.  Discover more about Candace’s investing work at CN2 Ventures and on Season 15 of Shark Tank!   More from Candace Nelson:  Website  Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of this special two-part episode, we explore empowerment and collaboration with The McBride Sisters and Jess Druey, the dynamic force behind Whiny Baby wines. From the McBride Sisters' She Can Fund, to the viral success of Whiny Baby wines, we dive into how these women are shaping the future of the wine industry. We discuss: The story behind the creation of Whiny Baby wines and how Jess Druey's idea to create a wine that fostered connection between Gen-Z drinkers became an instant viral sensation How the McBride Sisters and Jess Druey leverage their unique viewpoints to make an impact for their consumers. How Jess, Robin, and Andréa’s collaboration is setting a new gold standard for cross-generational partnerships. Have you tried Whiny Baby wines? Let us know your thoughts @liftedpod! Explore Jess’ dynamic collection of delicious and engaging Whiny Baby Wines Interested in the She Can Fund? Learn more about Robin and Andréa’s initiative here More from Jess, Robin, and Andréa: McBride Sisters Wine Company Whiny Baby Jess’ Instagram  McBride Sisters’ Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us in this episode as we uncork the fascinating story of Robin and Andréa McBride, the visionary minds behind the acclaimed McBride Sisters Wine Company. From an unexpected familial reunion to the creation of Black Girl Magic wines, their journey is nothing short of extraordinary. We discuss:  Robin and Andréa's incredible origin story of discovering each other's existence in their mid-twenties and the emotional journey of uniting as sisters after their shared father's passing. How their experiences and background influenced the unique perspective they bring to winemaking. Insights into their approach to creating wines that resonate with and celebrate their community. Join us on social @liftedpod and share your thoughts on this inspiring episode. We'd love to hear your own stories of family reunions and triumphs! Learn more about their story and discover their full range of delicious wines at McBride Sisters Wine Company Try their acclaimed Black Girl Magic Wines More from Robin and Andréa:  Website McBride Sisters’ Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Season Two! In Season One, "Lifted" delved into the lives of artists who shaped the series "From Scratch." Now, in Season Two, we shift our focus to the heart of our homes – the kitchen. We invite you to join Tembi Locke as she sits down for candid conversations with top chefs, restaurateurs, nutritionists, entrepreneurs, and change-agents in the food equity movement to explore the transformative power of the table. From tales of resilience in the face of adversity to stories of innovation and culinary breakthroughs, this season weaves a rich tapestry of narratives showcasing the profound impact food can have on our lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices