November 30, 2025 • 30 mins
Elijah gets you caught up on his past week, & answers your email questions.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
You're listening to The Elijah Winfrey Show, a space for inspiration, impact,
and community connection. Each week, Elijah shares the latest on
his work in the community, answers listener questions, and reflects
on the week that was, from acts of kindness to
real conversations that matter. This is where purpose meets positivity.
(00:23):
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Here's your host,
Elijah Winfrey.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello, folks, and welcome to the Elijah Winfrey Show. I
am indeed your host, Elijah Winfrey. I am so thankful
that you are with me today. We have a you
have a great show lined up for you today, folks.
We have some amazing questions, as we always do. I
hope that your Thanksgiving, if you celebrate it, was a
(00:56):
good one. Oh has some time to reflect and think
about where you are as we wind down the year.
It seems like when we get into you know, November,
things start to really pick up and you start to
think about, you know, the year as a whole, and
(01:18):
what you accomplished and what you didn't accomplish. I know,
I certainly kind of think about that, but I hope
that things have gone well for you, and you know,
as we step deeper into the holiday season. You know,
I'm sure you along with myself. You know, I continue
to think about reflection and and what the remaining few
(01:40):
weeks ahead lie for me, you know, or lay for me.
I this is the time of year that I really struggle,
and you know, I do know the reasons that you
know behind that. I won't get into too much of it.
But it's not always a bad thing, right I love
(02:02):
seeing other people, you know, spread joy. I love watching
families get together and you know, have fun, go shopping
and that sort of thing. You know, it's more, it's
really more about service to me this time of year,
me personally. That makes me feel good, makes me feel
(02:25):
at peace, and you know, it gets me into you know,
the holiday spirit. I was known throughout, you know, most
of my years as the Grinch because I just I
didn't really look forward to it. But you know, I've
gotten better about that, and I think my nonprofits helped me,
(02:46):
you know, turn that corner.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
So I'm excited about this time of year.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
My you know, my time away from things this past
week was really good. You know, I have some some
really exciting things coming up, and uh, you know, I
will once again step away sporadically as we wind down
the year, I'm gonna be caring for my wife and
she's having hip replacement surgery. He'll coming up in a
(03:14):
few days, and so you know, we are getting a
step closer to that, and we want to make sure
things are are ready for her as she, you know,
gets ready to recover. I'm excited for her because I
think her quality of life it's going to be so
much better. I will have a lot going on. We're
gonna adopt families, as many of you know, it's kind
(03:37):
of like a tradition that we do at Team Winfrey,
and we're going to collaborate with Restoration of the Arts.
Deborak Kendrick is a wonderful soul. You know, we we
kind of see each other as family, even though we're
not blood related. We we are all about service and
we see some of the things same things in the
(03:58):
community that our support and so collaborating with her amazing
organization is going to be really fun again. Year two.
I will have more on that if you follow me
on my social media channels at ELI six two six
on Instagram, follow Team Winfrey on Facebook, and at ELI
(04:25):
Underscore Winfrey on x or Twitter as they call it,
or they used to call it. I'm there too, I
will be talking more about it. You can also keep
up with my personal website Eli winfree dot com or
my Team winfree website teamwinfree dot org. Giving Tuesday is
coming here December second. We are excited about that and
(04:50):
we look forward to the support that we receive. I
want to thank all of you in advance, those who
support those who are going to support us this holiday season.
It means so much to us to reach these families
that are low income based and to make sure that
they have a very special holiday. So that's what we're
(05:10):
all about. That's what I've been working on this past week.
I did some photo shoots yesterday for my fifth children's
book that will be out Tuesday, January sixth. We start
promotion on that next week as well. It's kind of
gonna be in the latter half of next week, maybe
(05:31):
I'm thinking more like Thursday, Friday and into the weekend.
We'll start that process. And I'm really excited about that.
I worked hard on this story and I do believe
that it will connect with a lot of people, not
just kids, So be on the lookout for that it
was fun putting this stuff together, and I've tried to try,
(05:51):
you know, we try to stay ahead of things that
Team Winfrey at least a few months ahead. This year
being very important because of you know, my wife's surgery,
and I'd just like to stay ahead of the process
because you never know what's gonna come down the pike,
(06:12):
and you know, you want to make sure that you
are as prepared as you could possibly be. And I
feel like, you know, we're gonna be okay, and I'm excited.
So busy week ahead, but I am ready. We are
excited about it and can't wait to get started.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
All right.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
We have a list of questions, and as I always
do each and every show, I encourage you all to
send me questions in at Elijah dot Winfrey at gmail
dot com. We do our very best, or my amazing
producer Greg Nice does his very best to get the
questions on and get them answered. And we're gonna jump
into those questions here momentarily, I real quick, you know,
(07:00):
I know, I normally kind of go into this whole
spiel about you know, family and what I've been up
to and all that jazz. You know, We've been good
we've been busy. I think we're ready and excited for
the holidays, and you know, we are excited to finish
the year strong.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
So just a.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Quick plug on where you know I am with my
family and what we've been up to. All Right, my
amazing producer Greg Nice grap these questions this past week,
and he didn't tell me much about him, just that
(07:42):
they'd be interesting. And and we're gonna jump into the
first question. The first question we always try to lead
with a question from my hometown in Georgia.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Not my home.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
I wasn't born in Atlanta, but you know, Gusta, George
is where I was born and raised. But at l
is still close to my heart. And so we have
a lot of listeners in Atlanta, and you know, Greg
does a good job of kind of you know, finding
those questions from Atlanta to kick us off. And this
question this week comes from Tanya in the atl and
(08:21):
Tanya writes Elijah, But the holiday season in full swing
and Christmas coming up fast, what does this time of
year mean to you? And how do you keep your
energy and positivity going when it can be stressful for
so many You know, Tanya, as I said at the
top of the show. The holiday season for me is
(08:43):
it can be difficult at times. You know, I don't
come from a big family, and you know, sometimes you
see all these traditions that are that are out there,
which are great. By the way, I don't want to
knock anybody's tradition. Whatever you're doing, continue to do it.
I say that with all love and affection and praise.
It's just not something I'm used to. I don't know
(09:05):
if I'm ever gonna get used to that. You never
say never, but I you know, for me, I think
the holiday a lot of it's about intention and and
and in.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
Presence, right you know, are you? Are you there for?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
For folks, it's about slowing down, you know, just enough
though to notice the goodness around you.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
We we spend so much time and I'm guilty of
this too, where we we we see.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
A lot of negative things, images.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Of people, you know, doing bad things, and we have
to be cognizant of that.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
But you know, we we we have.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
To continue to work on seeing, you know, the good
things that are out there that we miss, that sometimes
are right in front of our faces. And so I
try to slow down and and take in all the
goodness that's around me.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Now.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
It doesn't mean I always want to go outside and
be amongst the crowd, right, you know, but you know,
every now and then.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
I don't mind getting out.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
I don't mind seeing people smiling and people shopping. You know,
I think, you know, the holidays, you know, reminds me that,
you know, giving, whether it's time, love of support is
really the greatest gift we.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Can offer one another. Right.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
It's easy to go into the store and get a
ten dollar gift or whatever, you know, for your for
your friend or your significant other. But you know, sometimes
it's just support, Sometimes it's just love. Sometimes it's just
being a presence in those moments during this time of year.
That that is is truly the best gift I know.
For me, it is, And you know, I really try
(10:53):
to smell the roses and I try to reflect on
my growth as a human this year, you know, where
can I get better?
Speaker 3 (11:06):
You know?
Speaker 2 (11:08):
And I try to remind myself that all this peace
around me that I'm seeing it comes from within. So
these are people pouring this out during this time of year,
and it's beautiful to see.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
It's beautiful to see.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Right, I'll always choose gratitude and kindness, you know, and people.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
I think.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
For me, that's at the center of my core. I
love seeing people happy and out and about being being
kind and positive. It you know, it does my body well.
So that's how I kind of stay grounded, Tanya.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
It means. It means a lot to me. You know.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
You may see me walk around with pensive look on
my face or as some folks will say, you know,
I look upset.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
I'm not upset.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
I'm just kind of taking things in. It's kind of
how I am. I've always been that way. So I
try to stay grounded. And I slowed all the way down,
all the way down. Next question comes from Marcus in Detroit.
Marcus rights Eli, how would you describe this year for
(12:23):
Team Winfrey?
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Was it a good year? What are you proud of? Stuff?
Speaker 2 (12:31):
But I think every year is a good year, you know,
when you're running a small business or nonprofit or whatever.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
You know.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
I think, you know, we we we've seen growth, you know,
we've been able to help more families.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Did we face challenges?
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yeah, you know, I think grant writing is extremely difficult
for me, you know, but I think we grew that department.
I know, I certainly. Did you know I write a
lot of grants for the nonprofit. It takes a lot
of time, and you really have to think about, you know,
what you're writing when you present it.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
You know.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
So the grant writing for me takes a lot of time, right,
So I may start it one day and come back
to it four or five days later and add a
piece of two or tear it all down and redo it,
you know.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
So you know, that's that's that's a challenge that we face,
you know.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
But I think every year, you know that we get
to the finish line, we're.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
Grateful and.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
We see the work, you know, and we continue to
show up for families, raising awareness for autism, right or
making sure that they're getting services that they need, making
a phone call or two. You know, I think that's important.
I think, you know, this year, I'm proudest of our consistency.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
A lot of the work you don't see. I don't
really post a lot of the work that we do
behind the scenes because it's it's you know, you try
to share some things hoping to inspire and impact someone,
you know, but the work isn't flashy, right. A lot
of the times you're really pouring your heart into you know,
(14:25):
these things behind the scenes. But I can tell you
every time that we do have these breakthroughs and we
help families, you know, it helps us breathe a little easier.
Every time we bring hope to a situation that that
feels hopeless or that's felt hopeless to families, it's been
a victory. So I would say it's been a good year,
(14:48):
you know. And you know, you only grow and you
get better and you keep learning from the mistakes that
you make. And I think that as long as we
continue to do that, it's it's gonna be okay. And
each year we want to be better than the last,
you know, whether it's taking on more families, whether it's
becoming a better grant writer to receive more funds, you know,
(15:12):
or raising more wells awareness like we are, you know,
constantly in motion and thriving to be the best that
we can be for our community.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
That was a great question, all right. Next question is
from Sophia in Dallas.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Sophia writes, Elijah, you've got a new children's book releasing
in January.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
Yes, I do. What can you tell us about it?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
And how excited are you for the world to read it,
So listen, I'm extremely excited.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
The title of the book is called Little E.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Learns About Responsibility.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
And you know, this book, it's going to focus on responsibility, compassion,
and understanding that outcomes of our actions.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Right. You know a lot of times when we make
when we make.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Mistakes, not all of us, but a lot of us,
we don't take accountability or responsibility for what's being said,
or what's being done, or the or the decision we've made.
But I think this children's book talks a little bit
(16:26):
about or a lot about taking accountability and responsibility. Uh,
you know, Little E learns an important lesson about that,
and you know, I think the story it's filled with heart.
I wrote this story over the summer, you know, and
(16:47):
it took a month. No, it took two months to
write this because I started writing, well, it took about
three months.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
I started writing this prior to.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
The end of the pre of your school year, and
I'd write a little bit, come back, edit, write a
little bit, come back at it, and then I finally
finished it. You know, I think there will be teachable
moments in the story growth that I believe every child
an adult can relate to and I can't wait for
(17:21):
families to read it. I can't wait for classrooms to
read it and share it. And you know, again, the
goal is to write it, and once it's out there,
whether you like it or not, it's out there. And
I'm proud of the time it took me to write it.
It was a very fun process, you know. I celebrate
the victories in in the writing. You know, I think
(17:43):
in the end I kind of sense what I would
what it's going to look like. So you know, I'm
not as surprised by the positivity that it receives. I'm
very thankful, right, I'll be very thankful. But the joy
for me is in writing, right because I kind of
let my mind just wander, and you know, I recall
(18:06):
some things that happen in my life, and you know,
you try to tie it into the story some way.
So I think it's going to be well received. I
can't wait for the release of the book. I can't
wait to start promoting it this upcoming week. I'm just
really really excited, really excited, and can't wait for you
(18:29):
to see it or read it and see it. Next
question comes from Kira right here in Seattle and Kira writes, Hi, Eli,
I love your show. Keep up the great work. I've
heard about your collaboration with Restoration of the Arts. How
did that partnership come about? And what has it meant
(18:50):
to you personally? The collaboration with Restoration of the Arts
has been a blessing.
Speaker 3 (18:59):
You know.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
I learned about them last year through two amazing friends
of mine who attend this amazing church where miss miss
Deborah speaks, and they talked about the work that she
(19:21):
did and how I should reach out and and collaborate.
And that's the thing, right, You know, friends that see
you work in the community and they feel like you
could be an asset to someone else, they kind of
reach out and say, y'all should meet. And that's how
it happened with with mister d Gerald and I. UH
and and this has happened with with the Restoration of
(19:43):
the Arts and and Deborah and I. But it's it's
been a blessing. I love the work that that she
does with the youth in the community, UH, and how
she brings them together. And you know, we we we
both UH really focused on core values and life skills.
We think it's important in the African American community, and
(20:09):
I just I enjoy my time with her when when
I do have it. She's a brilliant mind. And this
is gonna be so much fun. And I think as
a founder, as an advocate, as a founder of a
small business that is centered around service, and as an
advocate who's centered around service. You know, these connections are
(20:33):
inspiring to me because I know for a fact that
Debora leads with passion and compassion, right, she pours into
the kids, She does it with grace, She has vision,
she has this unstoppable energy, and you know, I think
our partnership is built on mutual respect and our shared
(20:54):
belief in what we see and how we can change lives.
And so I think that's very important to me. And
you know, personally, it fills me with joy to be
part of something or to collaborate with someone who sees
the same things.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
Right.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
We may not be looking at it through the same lens,
but we see the result, we see what we want,
and we know it's about the kids ultimately at the
end of the day, and it's about these families.
Speaker 3 (21:20):
So I am.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
I am excited about this collaboration and we'll talk about
that more this upcoming week. You know, we're gonna send
out a a little blurb talking about our collaboration in
ways that you can help. I think last year was
(21:42):
a huge success, and this year I don't see it
being any different. So I think it's going to be
even better this year. So I'm excited, really excited. All Right,
Let's take one more question here, and this question is
from Deborah.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Excuse me, I'm sorry, No, it's not put it back
up on the screen. Let me see that, Anthony. I'm okay,
Anthony from Richmond, Virginia. Okay, Anthony rights. You and Deborah
Kendrick seem to have an amazing friendship. What makes that
relationship so special? Again, she's a good friend. We call
(22:27):
each other cousin, you know, even though we're not related.
You know, we we just do that, you know. Uh,
for many of us black folks, that's how we see
each other because what's up, family, what's up family? You know,
we we kind of do that. I think I think
she's a great individual, a great woman. I think she
(22:52):
sees possibility everywhere. And I think what makes our friendship
special is the trust that we have in the vision
that we see for families and for our organizations. You know,
I think it's authentic and I think it's a share
of purpose. You know, she inspires me with her work.
You know, anytime we can get together and chat, I
(23:15):
feel like I've come out of it a better person,
you know, And you know, these collaborations, if I'm being honest,
it reminds me of what's possible when we all just
sit down and talk about our ideas and our values
(23:35):
and how we can help the community, and how you know,
we can use this to kind of change the world
for the better. Now, I know that sounds cliche to
some people, but that's how I've always seen it. Like,
all we have to do is sit down and talk.
I want to hear your vision in totality, and then
I want you to hear mine, and then let's see
if we can find you know, common ground to where
(23:56):
we can collaborate and really build something truly special. I
think we can do that, you know, I think, you know,
Debortt and I are well on our way of doing that.
We're both busy, but you find time to collaborate and
make it about those in need, right And you know,
(24:21):
I think Deborat she didn't just show up for her
organization either. Let me say that I think she shows
up for her community, for her team. She knows her purpose.
So I am forever grateful for her friendship and her leadership.
(24:44):
I'm grateful for the light that she shines. It's very bright,
and I think I try to learn from that and
I continue to build on my end. And I think
that's what it's all about this time of year, impacting
up right, not just thinking about yourself.
Speaker 3 (25:06):
Think about those who who really aren't.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Looking forward to Christmas because they don't have the funds
to go out and shop or catch a Black Friday
deal or a what is it Cyber Monday deal? Like
you know, you think about those families and you think
about how you can help, whether it's in a big
way or small way, but you all come together for
(25:33):
the greater good for others. That's what this year is
all about. That's what these collaborations are all about. And
I can't wait to get started. All right, That is
it for questions, And you know, as we close the show,
(25:55):
I want to remind you all, you know again that
this season, these moments that we share, it's about connection.
Don't forget that, it's about giving each other grace. It's
(26:18):
about the knowledge. It's about the acknowledging the journey that
we've all taken this year. And give yourself credit for
making it through. I think we sometimes beat ourselves up,
you know, as we stumbled toward the end of the year.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Give yourself some credit. You made it. You're here. I
know we have.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
What thirty plus days to go, but we are. We're
on the doorsteps of the finish line.
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Right. You made it through.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Continue to be present, continue to be intentional, and make
peace with the person that you see in the mirror.
Make peace with that person you're becoming. And to everyone
who's sent in a question this week, thank you really
(27:23):
appreciate it. We always do. I really enjoy it. And
you know, again, my amazing producer is just phenomenal at
grapping these questions and we get so many in. You know,
we know the success of the show is because of you.
(27:47):
If you've enjoyed today's episode, share it with someone who
can use a lot of encouragement, and I encourage you
to submit your questions. Next week, we'll have a lot
to talk about because promotion will be in full swing
regarding my children's book. We will be well on our
(28:07):
way of you know, shopping for families in the community.
So let's stay connected. Do me a favor this week.
Check in on your family and friends. All right, put
a smile on someone's face, and remember it doesn't take
(28:27):
a lot of energy to do that at all. I
want to thank you for listening to The Elijah Winfrey Show.
Please be sure to download this show wherever you download
your favorite podcast.
Speaker 3 (28:41):
Til next week, Take care, God
Speaker 2 (28:44):
Bless By Bie
You're listening to The Elijah Winfrey Show, a space for inspiration, impact,
and community connection. Each week, Elijah shares the latest on
his work in the community, answers listener questions, and reflects
on the week that was, from acts of kindness to
real conversations that matter. This is where purpose meets positivity.
(00:23):
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Here's your host,
Elijah Winfrey.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Hello, folks, and welcome to the Elijah Winfrey Show. I
am indeed your host, Elijah Winfrey. I am so thankful
that you are with me today. We have a you
have a great show lined up for you today, folks.
We have some amazing questions, as we always do. I
hope that your Thanksgiving, if you celebrate it, was a
(00:56):
good one. Oh has some time to reflect and think
about where you are as we wind down the year.
It seems like when we get into you know, November,
things start to really pick up and you start to
think about, you know, the year as a whole, and
(01:18):
what you accomplished and what you didn't accomplish. I know,
I certainly kind of think about that, but I hope
that things have gone well for you, and you know,
as we step deeper into the holiday season. You know,
I'm sure you along with myself. You know, I continue
to think about reflection and and what the remaining few
(01:40):
weeks ahead lie for me, you know, or lay for me.
I this is the time of year that I really struggle,
and you know, I do know the reasons that you
know behind that. I won't get into too much of it.
But it's not always a bad thing, right I love
(02:02):
seeing other people, you know, spread joy. I love watching
families get together and you know, have fun, go shopping
and that sort of thing. You know, it's more, it's
really more about service to me this time of year,
me personally. That makes me feel good, makes me feel
(02:25):
at peace, and you know, it gets me into you know,
the holiday spirit. I was known throughout, you know, most
of my years as the Grinch because I just I
didn't really look forward to it. But you know, I've
gotten better about that, and I think my nonprofits helped me,
(02:46):
you know, turn that corner.
Speaker 3 (02:48):
So I'm excited about this time of year.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
My you know, my time away from things this past
week was really good. You know, I have some some
really exciting things coming up, and uh, you know, I
will once again step away sporadically as we wind down
the year, I'm gonna be caring for my wife and
she's having hip replacement surgery. He'll coming up in a
(03:14):
few days, and so you know, we are getting a
step closer to that, and we want to make sure
things are are ready for her as she, you know,
gets ready to recover. I'm excited for her because I
think her quality of life it's going to be so
much better. I will have a lot going on. We're
gonna adopt families, as many of you know, it's kind
(03:37):
of like a tradition that we do at Team Winfrey,
and we're going to collaborate with Restoration of the Arts.
Deborak Kendrick is a wonderful soul. You know, we we
kind of see each other as family, even though we're
not blood related. We we are all about service and
we see some of the things same things in the
(03:58):
community that our support and so collaborating with her amazing
organization is going to be really fun again. Year two.
I will have more on that if you follow me
on my social media channels at ELI six two six
on Instagram, follow Team Winfrey on Facebook, and at ELI
(04:25):
Underscore Winfrey on x or Twitter as they call it,
or they used to call it. I'm there too, I
will be talking more about it. You can also keep
up with my personal website Eli winfree dot com or
my Team winfree website teamwinfree dot org. Giving Tuesday is
coming here December second. We are excited about that and
(04:50):
we look forward to the support that we receive. I
want to thank all of you in advance, those who
support those who are going to support us this holiday season.
It means so much to us to reach these families
that are low income based and to make sure that
they have a very special holiday. So that's what we're
(05:10):
all about. That's what I've been working on this past week.
I did some photo shoots yesterday for my fifth children's
book that will be out Tuesday, January sixth. We start
promotion on that next week as well. It's kind of
gonna be in the latter half of next week, maybe
(05:31):
I'm thinking more like Thursday, Friday and into the weekend.
We'll start that process. And I'm really excited about that.
I worked hard on this story and I do believe
that it will connect with a lot of people, not
just kids, So be on the lookout for that it
was fun putting this stuff together, and I've tried to try,
(05:51):
you know, we try to stay ahead of things that
Team Winfrey at least a few months ahead. This year
being very important because of you know, my wife's surgery,
and I'd just like to stay ahead of the process
because you never know what's gonna come down the pike,
(06:12):
and you know, you want to make sure that you
are as prepared as you could possibly be. And I
feel like, you know, we're gonna be okay, and I'm excited.
So busy week ahead, but I am ready. We are
excited about it and can't wait to get started.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
All right.
Speaker 2 (06:36):
We have a list of questions, and as I always
do each and every show, I encourage you all to
send me questions in at Elijah dot Winfrey at gmail
dot com. We do our very best, or my amazing
producer Greg Nice does his very best to get the
questions on and get them answered. And we're gonna jump
into those questions here momentarily, I real quick, you know,
(07:00):
I know, I normally kind of go into this whole
spiel about you know, family and what I've been up
to and all that jazz. You know, We've been good
we've been busy. I think we're ready and excited for
the holidays, and you know, we are excited to finish
the year strong.
Speaker 3 (07:20):
So just a.
Speaker 2 (07:22):
Quick plug on where you know I am with my
family and what we've been up to. All Right, my
amazing producer Greg Nice grap these questions this past week,
and he didn't tell me much about him, just that
(07:42):
they'd be interesting. And and we're gonna jump into the
first question. The first question we always try to lead
with a question from my hometown in Georgia.
Speaker 3 (07:57):
Not my home.
Speaker 2 (07:58):
I wasn't born in Atlanta, but you know, Gusta, George
is where I was born and raised. But at l
is still close to my heart. And so we have
a lot of listeners in Atlanta, and you know, Greg
does a good job of kind of you know, finding
those questions from Atlanta to kick us off. And this
question this week comes from Tanya in the atl and
(08:21):
Tanya writes Elijah, But the holiday season in full swing
and Christmas coming up fast, what does this time of
year mean to you? And how do you keep your
energy and positivity going when it can be stressful for
so many You know, Tanya, as I said at the
top of the show. The holiday season for me is
(08:43):
it can be difficult at times. You know, I don't
come from a big family, and you know, sometimes you
see all these traditions that are that are out there,
which are great. By the way, I don't want to
knock anybody's tradition. Whatever you're doing, continue to do it.
I say that with all love and affection and praise.
It's just not something I'm used to. I don't know
(09:05):
if I'm ever gonna get used to that. You never
say never, but I you know, for me, I think
the holiday a lot of it's about intention and and
and in.
Speaker 3 (09:18):
Presence, right you know, are you? Are you there for?
Speaker 2 (09:23):
For folks, it's about slowing down, you know, just enough
though to notice the goodness around you.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
Right.
Speaker 2 (09:32):
We we spend so much time and I'm guilty of
this too, where we we we see.
Speaker 3 (09:38):
A lot of negative things, images.
Speaker 2 (09:42):
Of people, you know, doing bad things, and we have
to be cognizant of that.
Speaker 3 (09:48):
But you know, we we we have.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
To continue to work on seeing, you know, the good
things that are out there that we miss, that sometimes
are right in front of our faces. And so I
try to slow down and and take in all the
goodness that's around me.
Speaker 3 (10:02):
Now.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
It doesn't mean I always want to go outside and
be amongst the crowd, right, you know, but you know,
every now and then.
Speaker 3 (10:11):
I don't mind getting out.
Speaker 2 (10:12):
I don't mind seeing people smiling and people shopping. You know,
I think, you know, the holidays, you know, reminds me that,
you know, giving, whether it's time, love of support is
really the greatest gift we.
Speaker 3 (10:27):
Can offer one another. Right.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
It's easy to go into the store and get a
ten dollar gift or whatever, you know, for your for
your friend or your significant other. But you know, sometimes
it's just support, Sometimes it's just love. Sometimes it's just
being a presence in those moments during this time of year.
That that is is truly the best gift I know.
For me, it is, And you know, I really try
(10:53):
to smell the roses and I try to reflect on
my growth as a human this year, you know, where
can I get better?
Speaker 3 (11:06):
You know?
Speaker 2 (11:08):
And I try to remind myself that all this peace
around me that I'm seeing it comes from within. So
these are people pouring this out during this time of year,
and it's beautiful to see.
Speaker 3 (11:19):
It's beautiful to see.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Right, I'll always choose gratitude and kindness, you know, and people.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
I think.
Speaker 2 (11:31):
For me, that's at the center of my core. I
love seeing people happy and out and about being being
kind and positive. It you know, it does my body well.
So that's how I kind of stay grounded, Tanya.
Speaker 3 (11:49):
It means. It means a lot to me. You know.
Speaker 2 (11:52):
You may see me walk around with pensive look on
my face or as some folks will say, you know,
I look upset.
Speaker 3 (12:00):
I'm not upset.
Speaker 2 (12:01):
I'm just kind of taking things in. It's kind of
how I am. I've always been that way. So I
try to stay grounded. And I slowed all the way down,
all the way down. Next question comes from Marcus in Detroit.
Marcus rights Eli, how would you describe this year for
(12:23):
Team Winfrey?
Speaker 3 (12:24):
Was it a good year? What are you proud of? Stuff?
Speaker 2 (12:31):
But I think every year is a good year, you know,
when you're running a small business or nonprofit or whatever.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
You know.
Speaker 2 (12:39):
I think, you know, we we we've seen growth, you know,
we've been able to help more families.
Speaker 3 (12:49):
Did we face challenges?
Speaker 2 (12:50):
Yeah, you know, I think grant writing is extremely difficult
for me, you know, but I think we grew that department.
I know, I certainly. Did you know I write a
lot of grants for the nonprofit. It takes a lot
of time, and you really have to think about, you know,
what you're writing when you present it.
Speaker 3 (13:10):
You know.
Speaker 2 (13:10):
So the grant writing for me takes a lot of time, right,
So I may start it one day and come back
to it four or five days later and add a
piece of two or tear it all down and redo it,
you know.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
So you know, that's that's that's a challenge that we face,
you know.
Speaker 2 (13:28):
But I think every year, you know that we get
to the finish line, we're.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
Grateful and.
Speaker 2 (13:37):
We see the work, you know, and we continue to
show up for families, raising awareness for autism, right or
making sure that they're getting services that they need, making
a phone call or two. You know, I think that's important.
I think, you know, this year, I'm proudest of our consistency.
Speaker 3 (14:01):
Right.
Speaker 2 (14:02):
A lot of the work you don't see. I don't
really post a lot of the work that we do
behind the scenes because it's it's you know, you try
to share some things hoping to inspire and impact someone,
you know, but the work isn't flashy, right. A lot
of the times you're really pouring your heart into you know,
(14:25):
these things behind the scenes. But I can tell you
every time that we do have these breakthroughs and we
help families, you know, it helps us breathe a little easier.
Every time we bring hope to a situation that that
feels hopeless or that's felt hopeless to families, it's been
a victory. So I would say it's been a good year,
(14:48):
you know. And you know, you only grow and you
get better and you keep learning from the mistakes that
you make. And I think that as long as we
continue to do that, it's it's gonna be okay. And
each year we want to be better than the last,
you know, whether it's taking on more families, whether it's
becoming a better grant writer to receive more funds, you know,
(15:12):
or raising more wells awareness like we are, you know,
constantly in motion and thriving to be the best that
we can be for our community.
Speaker 3 (15:22):
That was a great question, all right. Next question is
from Sophia in Dallas.
Speaker 2 (15:29):
Sophia writes, Elijah, you've got a new children's book releasing
in January.
Speaker 3 (15:34):
Yes, I do. What can you tell us about it?
Speaker 2 (15:37):
And how excited are you for the world to read it,
So listen, I'm extremely excited.
Speaker 3 (15:43):
Okay.
Speaker 2 (15:44):
The title of the book is called Little E.
Speaker 3 (15:47):
Learns About Responsibility.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
And you know, this book, it's going to focus on responsibility, compassion,
and understanding that outcomes of our actions.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
Right. You know a lot of times when we make
when we make.
Speaker 2 (16:05):
Mistakes, not all of us, but a lot of us,
we don't take accountability or responsibility for what's being said,
or what's being done, or the or the decision we've made.
But I think this children's book talks a little bit
(16:26):
about or a lot about taking accountability and responsibility. Uh,
you know, Little E learns an important lesson about that,
and you know, I think the story it's filled with heart.
I wrote this story over the summer, you know, and
(16:47):
it took a month. No, it took two months to
write this because I started writing, well, it took about
three months.
Speaker 3 (16:53):
I started writing this prior to.
Speaker 2 (16:58):
The end of the pre of your school year, and
I'd write a little bit, come back, edit, write a
little bit, come back at it, and then I finally
finished it. You know, I think there will be teachable
moments in the story growth that I believe every child
an adult can relate to and I can't wait for
(17:21):
families to read it. I can't wait for classrooms to
read it and share it. And you know, again, the
goal is to write it, and once it's out there,
whether you like it or not, it's out there. And
I'm proud of the time it took me to write it.
It was a very fun process, you know. I celebrate
the victories in in the writing. You know, I think
(17:43):
in the end I kind of sense what I would
what it's going to look like. So you know, I'm
not as surprised by the positivity that it receives. I'm
very thankful, right, I'll be very thankful. But the joy
for me is in writing, right because I kind of
let my mind just wander, and you know, I recall
(18:06):
some things that happen in my life, and you know,
you try to tie it into the story some way.
So I think it's going to be well received. I
can't wait for the release of the book. I can't
wait to start promoting it this upcoming week. I'm just
really really excited, really excited, and can't wait for you
(18:29):
to see it or read it and see it. Next
question comes from Kira right here in Seattle and Kira writes, Hi, Eli,
I love your show. Keep up the great work. I've
heard about your collaboration with Restoration of the Arts. How
did that partnership come about? And what has it meant
(18:50):
to you personally? The collaboration with Restoration of the Arts
has been a blessing.
Speaker 3 (18:59):
You know.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
I learned about them last year through two amazing friends
of mine who attend this amazing church where miss miss
Deborah speaks, and they talked about the work that she
(19:21):
did and how I should reach out and and collaborate.
And that's the thing, right, You know, friends that see
you work in the community and they feel like you
could be an asset to someone else, they kind of
reach out and say, y'all should meet. And that's how
it happened with with mister d Gerald and I. UH
and and this has happened with with the Restoration of
(19:43):
the Arts and and Deborah and I. But it's it's
been a blessing. I love the work that that she
does with the youth in the community, UH, and how
she brings them together. And you know, we we we
both UH really focused on core values and life skills.
We think it's important in the African American community, and
(20:09):
I just I enjoy my time with her when when
I do have it. She's a brilliant mind. And this
is gonna be so much fun. And I think as
a founder, as an advocate, as a founder of a
small business that is centered around service, and as an
advocate who's centered around service. You know, these connections are
(20:33):
inspiring to me because I know for a fact that
Debora leads with passion and compassion, right, she pours into
the kids, She does it with grace, She has vision,
she has this unstoppable energy, and you know, I think
our partnership is built on mutual respect and our shared
(20:54):
belief in what we see and how we can change lives.
And so I think that's very important to me. And
you know, personally, it fills me with joy to be
part of something or to collaborate with someone who sees
the same things.
Speaker 3 (21:11):
Right.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
We may not be looking at it through the same lens,
but we see the result, we see what we want,
and we know it's about the kids ultimately at the
end of the day, and it's about these families.
Speaker 3 (21:20):
So I am.
Speaker 2 (21:22):
I am excited about this collaboration and we'll talk about
that more this upcoming week. You know, we're gonna send
out a a little blurb talking about our collaboration in
ways that you can help. I think last year was
(21:42):
a huge success, and this year I don't see it
being any different. So I think it's going to be
even better this year. So I'm excited, really excited. All Right,
Let's take one more question here, and this question is
from Deborah.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
Wow.
Speaker 2 (22:06):
Excuse me, I'm sorry, No, it's not put it back
up on the screen. Let me see that, Anthony. I'm okay,
Anthony from Richmond, Virginia. Okay, Anthony rights. You and Deborah
Kendrick seem to have an amazing friendship. What makes that
relationship so special? Again, she's a good friend. We call
(22:27):
each other cousin, you know, even though we're not related.
You know, we we just do that, you know. Uh,
for many of us black folks, that's how we see
each other because what's up, family, what's up family? You know,
we we kind of do that. I think I think
she's a great individual, a great woman. I think she
(22:52):
sees possibility everywhere. And I think what makes our friendship
special is the trust that we have in the vision
that we see for families and for our organizations. You know,
I think it's authentic and I think it's a share
of purpose. You know, she inspires me with her work.
You know, anytime we can get together and chat, I
(23:15):
feel like I've come out of it a better person,
you know, And you know, these collaborations, if I'm being honest,
it reminds me of what's possible when we all just
sit down and talk about our ideas and our values
(23:35):
and how we can help the community, and how you know,
we can use this to kind of change the world
for the better. Now, I know that sounds cliche to
some people, but that's how I've always seen it. Like,
all we have to do is sit down and talk.
I want to hear your vision in totality, and then
I want you to hear mine, and then let's see
if we can find you know, common ground to where
(23:56):
we can collaborate and really build something truly special. I
think we can do that, you know, I think, you know,
Debortt and I are well on our way of doing that.
We're both busy, but you find time to collaborate and
make it about those in need, right And you know,
(24:21):
I think Deborat she didn't just show up for her
organization either. Let me say that I think she shows
up for her community, for her team. She knows her purpose.
So I am forever grateful for her friendship and her leadership.
(24:44):
I'm grateful for the light that she shines. It's very bright,
and I think I try to learn from that and
I continue to build on my end. And I think
that's what it's all about this time of year, impacting
up right, not just thinking about yourself.
Speaker 3 (25:06):
Think about those who who really aren't.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
Looking forward to Christmas because they don't have the funds
to go out and shop or catch a Black Friday
deal or a what is it Cyber Monday deal? Like
you know, you think about those families and you think
about how you can help, whether it's in a big
way or small way, but you all come together for
(25:33):
the greater good for others. That's what this year is
all about. That's what these collaborations are all about. And
I can't wait to get started. All right, That is
it for questions, And you know, as we close the show,
(25:55):
I want to remind you all, you know again that
this season, these moments that we share, it's about connection.
Don't forget that, it's about giving each other grace. It's
(26:18):
about the knowledge. It's about the acknowledging the journey that
we've all taken this year. And give yourself credit for
making it through. I think we sometimes beat ourselves up,
you know, as we stumbled toward the end of the year.
Speaker 3 (26:35):
Give yourself some credit. You made it. You're here. I
know we have.
Speaker 2 (26:43):
What thirty plus days to go, but we are. We're
on the doorsteps of the finish line.
Speaker 3 (26:54):
Right. You made it through.
Speaker 2 (27:00):
Continue to be present, continue to be intentional, and make
peace with the person that you see in the mirror.
Make peace with that person you're becoming. And to everyone
who's sent in a question this week, thank you really
(27:23):
appreciate it. We always do. I really enjoy it. And
you know, again, my amazing producer is just phenomenal at
grapping these questions and we get so many in. You know,
we know the success of the show is because of you.
(27:47):
If you've enjoyed today's episode, share it with someone who
can use a lot of encouragement, and I encourage you
to submit your questions. Next week, we'll have a lot
to talk about because promotion will be in full swing
regarding my children's book. We will be well on our
(28:07):
way of you know, shopping for families in the community.
So let's stay connected. Do me a favor this week.
Check in on your family and friends. All right, put
a smile on someone's face, and remember it doesn't take
(28:27):
a lot of energy to do that at all. I
want to thank you for listening to The Elijah Winfrey Show.
Please be sure to download this show wherever you download
your favorite podcast.
Speaker 3 (28:41):
Til next week, Take care, God
Speaker 2 (28:44):
Bless By Bie
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