Light Up the Mic Podcast

In this Light Up the Mic episode, host Kembala Evans sits down with a seasoned realtor Marci Muster with more than 30 years of experience helping families buy and sell homes across Rhode Island and Georgia. Marci puts the real in real estate — from how she got started to why great photos, honest communication, and negotiation skills matter more than fancy brochures or brand names. 

She shares stories about walking away from bad deal...

The holiday season is here — which means deals, discounts, and temptation everywhere. In this episode, Kembala Evans breaks down 10 powerful strategies to help you shop smarter on Black Friday and Cyber Monday so you can save more, stress less, and protect your wallet.

From planning ahead and comparison shopping to avoiding impulse buys and staying safe online, Kembala gives practical, real-world tips to help you stay on budget and ...

In this inspiring conversation, host Kembala Evans sits down with Lanée Blaise—screenwriter, producer, and co-host of Imagine Yourself Podcast—to talk about how delay is not denial when faith, patience, and persistence meet divine timing.

Lanée shares how a middle-school “dream binder” became real-life scripts, and her journey from writer to producer of the new Rekindled for Christmas film streaming on Apple TV and Amazon. She opens...

In this heartfelt Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode, host Kembala Evans sits down with Ms. Carmaneila Green, a breast cancer survivor and social worker of 50+ years. Carmaneila shares her candid, hope-filled personal journey. With honesty, humor, and faith, she shares her inspiring story—from early detection to healing—and reminds us of the power of mindset, gratitude, and people. 

After a routine mammogram, Carmaneila discovere...

Is social media quietly draining your wallet? 💸 In this eye-opening episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala Evans and Todd Christensen, financial educator and author of Everyday Money for Everyday People, dive into the digital spending trap millions of Americans fall into every day. From flashy ads and influencer “must-haves” to sneaky algorithms designed to trigger impulse buys, social media isn’t just shaping what we see—it’s shapi...

Money worries? From student debt to late payments to skyrocketing housing costs, Americans are losing sleep over money. In this candid episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans takes to the streets to hear real voices share their financial worries — and the wisdom they’ve learned along the way.

You’ll hear from:

• A student navigating new federal grad loan limits.
• An independent contractor juggling unpredictable income.
• A 21-ye...

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode mentions domestic violence.

Everyone wants to be loved, but it can be hard. In this open and candid conversation, Carla Marie Mills joins Kembala to share why real love starts within. And how you can find healing, happiness and love again after a major breakup. 

Whether you’re navigating relationships, healing after divorce, or learning to embrace being happily single, this conversation will encourage...

What happens when your doctor says you’ll be on meds “until your name is on the tombstone”? For Oscar Camejo, that became a challenge to prove his doctor wrong. In this powerful episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans sits down with the Beating Diabetes Lifestyle podcast host—to uncover his raw, emotional, and resilient journey of transformation.

Oscar opens up about the near-death diagnosis that forced him to confront his h...

268 Pounds. Emergency Room. Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosis.

For Oscar Camejo, that was the wake-up call of a lifetime. On a weekend, his doctor’s office told him to rush to the emergency room — because his life was on the line.

In this gripping and heartfelt conversation, Light Up the Mic host Kembala Evans sits down with WebMD contributor Oscar Camejo for a candid discussion that will both shake and inspire you. She uncovers how Oscar tu...

In this inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans reconnects with high school track teammate and wellness advocate Vanessa Lain. With over 27 years in the healthcare industry and a passion for running that spans decades, Vanessa shares her personal journey of resilience—from witnessing her mother’s battle with obesity and diabetes to forging her own path of health, discipline, and community connection.

They discuss t...

Content Warning ⚠️: This episode contains an open and honest discussion of depression and suicide. It may be triggering for some. Please use discretion before listening. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 in the U.S. to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline—available 24/7. 

In this inspiring and revealing episode of Light Up the Mic, Kembala speaks with renowned Zen student, teacher, and author Cheri Huber. ...

In this deeply enlightening episode, Kembala speaks with renowned Zen student, teacher, and author Cheri Huber. Cheri has over 45 years of experience with Zen. She is the author of 24 books, including There Is Nothing Wrong With You. 

They discuss the journey of self-acceptance, the layers that people build over time, and the transformative power of love and understanding in overcoming personal challenges. The conversation emphasize...

Born with one leg, Carl Joseph never accepted limits. In this deeply inspiring episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans speaks with Carl “Sugarfoot” Joseph—a Hall of Fame athlete. Carl Joseph's praying single mother raised him on a tobacco farm in Madison, Florida—without using the word “handicap.” Carl’s story is a powerful testament to faith, grit, and unwavering self-belief. 

With no prosthetic and no excuses, he exce...

In this colorful episode, Kembala speaks with engineer and devoted father Roderick Langrin about fatherhood. Growing up with a single mother, Roderick was intentional in creating his own father blueprint. 

They discuss the origins of Father’s Day from Sonora Smart Dodd’s campaign in 1910 Spokane, WA to its national recognition in 1972. Roderick shares his idea of a perfect Father’s Day and his most treasured gifts—against a backdrop...

Are you stressed? In this episode, Kembala shares some proven, practical and effective stress management techniques to help you find relief. She also discusses the state of Financial Stress in America today. And the negative impact it has on your mental health.

Just in time for #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth - This episode emphasizes the need for managing stress, having a positive outlook and actionable steps you may consider to help i...

What do moms really want? In this candid and lively Mother’s Day episode, Kembala Evans sits down with her dear friend Mayra McEvoy for an honest, uplifting conversation about the joys and struggles of motherhood. They also unpack what moms really want—and it might surprise you.

From navigating multigenerational households and dreams, the two explore how family, faith, and self-reflection shape a mother’s journey. 

Mayra shares how u...

In this heartfelt episode, Kembala Evans takes to the streets and a college campus across Florida and Georgia to explore a timeless question: What is love? Through candid interviews with everyday people of all ages (20-85) and backgrounds, she uncovers the different ways love is defined, experienced, and how love has shaped their lives.

Kembala also reveals what Americans think about love from a recent YouGov survey. And other stats...

“Light Up the Mic” listeners get answers to their burning money questions from nationally recognized personal finance expert Beverly Harzog. Kembala Evans and Beverly Harzog sit down and discuss the challenges many Americans have living paycheck to paycheck, side hustle ideas for more income, and the necessity of having an emergency fund. 

Beverly shares her insights on building a diverse retirement portfolio and the significance of...

Are you ready to transform your finances? Nationally recognized personal finance expert Beverly Harzog joins Kembala Evans for a money conversation on how to do just that. They explore the importance of setting specific financial goals, practical tips for budgeting and saving, and the emotional aspects of spending. 

Beverly stresses you don't have to give up everything to reach your financial goals. 

Beverly shares her remarkabl...