In this episode of My Cotton Patch Moments, I sat down with Monique Franz, the visionary founder of Kinsman Avenue Publishing. Monique shared her inspiring journey of setting up a non-profit press aimed at elevating BIPOC voices and stories that have been overlooked for too long.

We explored the powerful legacy of her grandmother, a pioneering preacher, and how it shaped Kinsman's mission. Monique revealed her strategic process for publishing emerging writers and her compassionate approach to nurturing new talent. She also shared a poignant poem inspired by life experiences.

If you’re curious about the intersections of culture, writing, and advocacy, this episode is a must-listen.

Here's a sneak peek into what we discussed:

🔸 Empowering BIPOC Voices: Monique shared the heartfelt inspiration behind Kinsman Avenue Publishing, drawing from her grandmother's legacy. Through the press, Monique aims to celebrate and equip BIPOC and underrepresented authors, ensuring their stories are heard and honored.

🔸 Handling Rejection with Care: We delved into the submission process at Kinsman—using a detailed review rubric to select works and extending opportunities for improvement to applicants. Monique's dedication to nurturing talent stands out, offering skill-building resources to those not published in their first attempt.

🔸 Writing from the Heart: Monique's journey as a writer is deeply personal, often reflecting her own vulnerabilities and life experiences. Her unique voice shines through in her poetry and prose, providing insight and solace to audiences around the world.

Contact Monique Franz here:

Email: monique@kinsmanquarterly.org

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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.

In today's heartfelt episode of "My Cotton Patch Moment," I have a conversation with my granddaughter, Asia Marie Jordan, to share her inspiring journey of single motherhood.

A student at Indiana Wesleyan University, an entrepreneur, and a customer service agent at Luxottica of America, Asia balances her roles with strength and vulnerability. With great faith and determination, she challenges the complexities of being a single mother while dedicating herself to personal growth and creating a nurturing environment for her three children.

In this touching conversation, Asia and I discuss the challenges and triumphs of motherhood, the importance of self-care, and the impact of family legacy.

Tune in as Asia highlights the significance of her children's support and her desire to foster a loving home filled with hope and perseverance, all while candidly sharing her admiration for role models like her grandmother and Viola Davis. Don't miss this episode as it will inspire you to embrace your journey, no matter where you are.

Below are three key takeaways from our discussion:

1. Faith and Self-Belief: Asia emphasizes the importance of having immense faith in both God's plan and her own capabilities. She acknowledges that although life's challenges may seem daunting, staying grounded in her faith provides reassurance and motivation.

2. Legacy of Strength: Inspired by our family's history of resilience, Asia is dedicated to instilling the same strength and resources into her children. She views her role as a mother as a continuation of a legacy, preparing her children for a world they will one day navigate independently.

3. Embracing Personal Growth: Despite the stresses of single motherhood, Asia values the significance of nurturing her own growth. She recognizes the necessity to invest emotionally and intellectually in herself, ensuring she can extend the same dedication to her children.

Find Asia Marie Jordan in these places:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hello.gorgeouz/

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

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.

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

📝👧🏽👩🏽🧓🏽📖

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.