Light Up the Mic Podcast

Real Voices. Real Struggles. Real Money Lessons. In this episode of Light Up the Mic, host Kembala Evans hits the streets to ask people a powerful question: what keeps you up at night about your finances? She talks with everyday people, from college students and young adults to seasoned retirees, you’ll hear real voices share their honest and eye-opening take on financial worries—and the wisdom they’ve learned along the way.

This ep...

⚠️ 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...

In this episode of “Light Up the Mic,” host Kembala Evans speaks with Mark Carruthers about his transformative weight loss journey that began with a doctor's visit. Mark shares the real challenges and motivations behind losing 30 pounds in one month without any weight loss surgery, pills, or shots. 

And the secrets behind his success in losing 80 pounds —focusing on nutrition, cutting out processed foods, and making lifestyle c...

A “clean” mammogram almost cost today’s guest her life—hear what saved her. In this episode of “Light Up the Mic,” host Kembala Evans interviews Shalita Thrasher, a breast cancer survivor who shares her powerful journey of self-advocacy, faith, and resilience. Shalita recounts her experience of discovering a lump in her breast after receiving a clean mammogram, her relentless determination to seek more testing, and hearing the even...

In this engaging conversation, 2x Miami Hurricanes National Football Champion, Coach Hurlie Brown, shares his incredible journey from a young athlete in Merritt Island, Florida, to a successful football coach today. He reflects on the profound influence of his mother, who instilled a strong work ethic in him. And the impact his mentor Bubba McDowell (former Prairie View A&M football coach) had on his life. Coach Brown discusses...

Do you believe in the power of prayer? Kembala interviews her friend Jannie Grant. Jannie shares two amazing stories about the answers she received to prayers. Kembala and Jannie discuss the significance of these unbelievable and timely prayer responses. If you’re interested in the supernatural or have ever questioned anything in life, you don’t want to miss a word of this! 

Jannie is a devoted mother, committed to growth,...

Are you curious about why Kembala started "Light Up the Mic"? In this episode, she reveals the real inspiration behind it and gives you a peek into what’s to come. Get ready to be in the know!

A special thanks to Oscar Camejo from "The Beating Diabetes Lifestyle" podcast.

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