At 68, Ande is not just a four-time founder and serial podcaster, but a true champion in dissolving ageist beliefs. Her podcast, "Don't Be Caged by Your Age," inspires folks to thrive beyond 65 by redefining societal norms and embracing age with pride.

In our enlightening discussion, Ande shared her journey of being "unemployable" since 1992 and how she empowered herself as a reluctant entrepreneur. Her stories of resilience, innovation, and wisdom are truly inspiring.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Embrace Your Authentic Self: Ande encourages us to celebrate our age and the wisdom that comes with it. Her mantra, "Pastures are for horses, not humans," invites us to participate actively in life at any age.

2. Overcome Adversity with Strength: From overcoming labor law challenges in a traditional workplace to thriving as an entrepreneur, Ande’s story is a testament to resilience. Her ability to raise substantial funding for startups showcases that passion and determination can drive success at any stage.

3. Challenge Ageist Norms: Through both personal experiences and professional endeavors, Ande highlights the importance of breaking age-related stereotypes. Her work is paving the way for others to pursue new dreams, proving that age is just a number.

Tune into our full conversation with Ande Lyons on My Cotton Patch Moments and be inspired to age out loud and proud!

Find Ande Lyons in these places:

Website: https://www.dontbecagedbyyourage.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/896290418961917

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This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

I am thrilled to announce the latest episode of "My Cotton Patch Moments," featuring an insightful conversation with my dear friend, the inspiring Syni Champion, performance poet, author, and motivational speaker.

Syni shares her journey in empowering young girls through poetry and dance, and how her book, "ABCs of Self Esteem," became a beacon of positivity and growth.

Here are 3 key takeaways from our conversation:

1. Embrace Authenticity: Syni recounts a transformative experience with her students that led to the organic creation of her book. It's a reminder to embrace authentic teaching moments, as they might lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.

2. Empower Through Vulnerability: Syni discusses the importance of sharing one's truth and the power it brings in fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Her story about responding to a student's challenging question about belief is a testament to vulnerability's role in leadership.

3. Antidote to Bullying: Her award-winning poetry is a tool to combat bullying by helping children view situations empathetically. It underscores the impact of creative arts in addressing critical social issues and building kinder communities.

Tune in as we explore themes of resilience, empowerment, and love, and discover more about Syni's compelling work and where you can find her inspiring literature and poetry.

Find Syni Champion in these places:

Website: www.synichampion.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/syni.champion.9

ABCs for Self Esteem: https://www.amazon.com/ABCs-Self-Esteem-Poetry-Purpose/dp/1647018919

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In today's compelling episode, we are joined by the unstoppable Stacey Ruth. Stacey is a trailblazer in the world of entrepreneurship and leadership, having founded two multimillion-dollar agencies and been recognized as one of the top 50 entrepreneurs under 50 in Atlanta. A metaphysical minister and certified executive leadership coach, Stacey brings together the worlds of neuroscience, positive psychology, and intuitive insight to help leaders harness their inner wisdom.

Stacey is also an award-winning, bestselling author, with works such as "Own Your Own Shift" and "Inside Out Smart." Now, she is channeling her talents into exploring women's contemporary and historical fiction, delving into the sacredness of women's experiences across the ages.

In this episode, Stacey shares her journey of transformation, vulnerability, and resilience. She reveals how personal challenges have shaped her path and empowered her to help others navigate their own. This episode promises an enlightening discussion about embracing our power, growth through adversity, and the art of crafting one's personal and professional narratives.

Tune in as Stacey Ruth paints a vivid picture with stories that resonate with authenticity and strength, inspiring us all to reflect on our own Cotton Patch Moments.

Find Stacey Ruth in these places:

Website: Unstoppable-leader.com

Website: https://www.herceo.life/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staceyruth/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/stacey.ruth

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/staceyruthwrites/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unstoppable_brand_leaders/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome to My Cotton Patch Moments, where authentic stories inspire growth.

In this episode, I sit down with my incredible granddaughter, Chynna Mills, a 3rd year clinical psychologist PhD student at Northwestern University, as she shares her journey in mental health and her dedication to breaking barriers for Black communities. We dive into her personal experiences of overcoming societal narratives, the significance of community and mentorship, and her passion for working with Black families, ensuring everyone knows the importance of dreaming bigger.

Tune in for a heartfelt conversation full of wisdom and inspiration from one brilliant mind.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome back to "My Cotton Patch Moment," where faith, community, and wisdom intersect. In today's heartfelt episode, I welcome a truly inspiring guest, Pastor Vandy Carl Simmons of Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia. With eight impactful years under his leadership, Pastor Simmons has not only enriched his congregation's spiritual lives but also spearheaded community initiatives like youth literacy programs and the Trinity Early Learning Center.

Together, Pastor Simmons and I delve into the daily practices and spiritual resilience required as a community leader, emphasizing the importance of starting the day with scripture, finding strength in exercise, and the profound value of fellowship. Hear how Pastor Simmons crafts his engaging sermons, inspired by the world around him, and the deep connections forged with his congregation.

The episode also explores themes of vulnerability, liberation through transparent relationships, and the critical impact of a supportive faith community. Join us for an enriching conversation that not only highlights the power of spirituality over religion but also invites you to rediscover the beauty of community and connection. Discover how you, too, can cross over to your 'what’s next' and find hope and joy in every new day.

Find Antioch AME Church in these places:

Website: https://www.antioch-ame.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AntiochAME/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/antioch_ame/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

In my latest episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Altimese Nichole, an award-winning renowned marketing expert, best-selling author, and diversity advocate, serving as the Founder and CEO of The Ezer Agency. With over 15 years of experience working with major brands, including CNN and Facebook, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her clients and partners.

Together, we journeyed through her transformative life experiences and discussed the importance of listening to your inner voice, embracing life’s unexpected turns, and the power of trust in oneself.

We explore themes of love, life’s transitions, and the courage it takes to write your own story. Whether you’re looking to make a change in your career, personal life, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with wisdom and heartfelt moments that can guide you on your journey.

Find Altimese and The Ezer Agency in these places:

Website: https://www.altimesenichole.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/altimese.nichole/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altimesenichole

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/altimesecurry

Agency Website: https://www.theezeragency.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theezeragency

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theezeragency

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theezeragency/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of My Cotton Patch Moment! In this episode, I had a deeply personal and enlightening conversation with none other than my own son, Richard Gates Jr.

Join us as we delve into Richard's reflections on reading my memoir, "Daddy's House: A Daughter's Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs, and Rising Above Her Roots." Richard reveals how the memoir brought newfound respect for my journey and allowed him to confront and share his own moments of vulnerability, including a courageous decision to embrace sobriety.

Through candid dialogue, this episode explores the powerful theme of confronting personal demons and the transformative impact it can have on one's life—true cotton patch moments that inspire change and growth. Tune in for this emotional and insightful discussion as me and Richard share our journeys and how we continue to shape our paths with authenticity and courage.

Find Richard in these places:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1richblk/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of My Cotton Patch Moments! I'm your host, Mildred J. Mills, and in this episode we have an incredible first guest joining us, Bethany Hawkins. Bethany is the powerhouse CEO and founder of Crackers and Soup LLC, a company dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices through podcasting. With over 18 years of corporate experience and numerous accolades in the podcasting industry, Bethany shares her profound journey of overcoming challenges as a Black woman striving to be heard.

In this episode, we delve deep into the essence of resilience, exploring personal vulnerabilities and triumphs. Bethany opens up about the impactful insights from my book, "Daddy's House," and how relatable cotton patch moments resonate with her own experiences. We'll discuss the importance of examining our lineage, understanding the challenges faced by past generations, and the profound influence parents have on shaping our paths.

Join us as we explore these empowering stories and more, reflecting on how life's unexpected turns often bring us closer to fulfilling our dreams. Whether you're seeking inspiration or interested in enhancing your podcasting endeavors, this episode with Bethany Hawkins is one you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned for an enriching conversation that promises to touch your heart and expand your perspective.

Find Bethany in these places:

Website: https://crackersinsoup.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcrackersinsoup/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crackersinsoup/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

This podcast is hosted by Mildred J. Mills. Mildred writes raw and poignant stories describing monumental highs and devastating lows as she takes her reader and listener on a journey of laughter and tears. Mildred survived a childhood of picking cotton on her strict, domineering father’s farm and thrived in a male-dominant IT industry for forty years.

You can find Mildred's memoir, "Daddy’s House: A Daughter’s Memoir of Setbacks, Triumphs & Rising Above Her Roots" here.

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

If you would love to connect with Mildred, join her in these following spaces:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

X

Have you been inspired by this Cotton Patch Moment? If so, Mildred encourages you to leave a review, comment, email and tell her about it! Also, share this episode with someone you love. You never know who needs to hear an inspiring word.

The music and sound effects for this episode came from Epidemic Sound, Soundstripe and/or Pixabay. Crackers In Soup is the audio editor and producer for this episode.