In this episode of the Dig Life Podcast, we sit down with Johanna Leblanc, a powerhouse in global diplomacy and national security law. Immigrating from Haiti at age nine, Johanna’s journey takes her from navigating a new country to advising ambassadors and engaging with the White House.

We dive deep into the often-overlooked emotional costs of immigration, the uncomfortable truths about money in politics, and the future of economic power in Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Johanna also shares invaluable insights on mastering "unspoken rules" as a woman in male-dominated spaces and the profound responsibility of mentorship.

Join us for a conversation about reshaping power, finding peace in ambition, and the blueprint for global impact.

Timestamps (Questions Asked)

00:00 - Intro & Welcome

00:44 - When did you shift your mindset from adapting to America to shaping it? 

03:53 - What is the emotional cost of immigration that is often underestimated? 

07:02 - What is the most uncomfortable truth about how policy decisions are actually made? 

09:42 - Has your work changed how you feel safe or unsafe personally in the world? 

14:56 - Is there a risk that the African Continental Free Trade Area could enhance resource extraction? 

17:45 - As a woman of color in male-dominated rooms, what are some unspoken rules you had to learn? 

19:22 - What responsibility comes from being someone else's proof of possibility? 

26:42 - Which student has really touched your life? 

31:00 - If you could rewrite one global rule, what would it be and why? 

32:55 - What would your nine-year-old self be most proud of, and what advice would she give you?

What does it take to leave a 15-year career in media and build a solar energy business from scratch?

In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, host Raisa sits down with Augustus Ajahonnu (Your Energy Guy) — founder of Y-E-G Solar Solutions LLC — to explore how purpose, discipline, and service transformed his life and business.

• From Nigeria’s media industry to American solar leadership, Augustus shares:
• Why he shifted from music and media to renewable energy
• How he built a team focused on value and trust
• The truth about solar contracts and hidden fee
• Why discipline and routine matter more than motivation
• How he turns clients into a community

💡 Whether you’re an entrepreneur or homeowner, this conversation will redefine how you see energy, service, and success.

📌 Connect with Augustus:

Website ➡ www.yourenergyguy.com

Instagram ➡ @yourenergyguy

Email ➡ gosolar@yourenergyguy.com

🎧 Subscribe for more inspiring stories at The Deep Dive Podcast — where we go beneath the surface.

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps

00:00 – Intro | Meet Augustus Ajahonnu (Your Energy Guy)

00:49 – From Media & Music to Solar Energy

02:00 – The Pitch That Changed His Life

03:30 – Selling Energy vs. Selling Value

05:00 – How He Built Y-E-G Solar Solutions

06:30 – The Truth About Solar Fees & Misconceptions

08:40 – Building Trust Through Education

10:20 – Handling Challenges & Unhappy Clients

13:00 – Discipline, Routine & Waking Up at 4:30 a.m.

17:00 – Dealing with Rejection & Consistency

20:00 – The Future of Solar & AI in Energy

23:00 – How to Get Started in the Solar Industry

25:30 – Self-Motivation & Belief in Your Purpose

28:00 – Music That Drives His Energy 🎶

30:00 – How to Contact Your Energy Guy

In this deep-dive episode, we sit down with Theresa Hessler, CEO of Ashler Government Relations, to pull back the curtain on the world of lobbying and government relations. Theresa shares her unexpected journey from a career in advertising to becoming a powerful advocate for businesses and non-profits, navigating the complex landscape of local, state, and federal law.

Learn why lobbying is not just for big corporations, how a single "bad bill" can threaten to shut down a small business, and the intense, fast-paced reality of the Maryland General Assembly's 90-day legislative session. This is a must-watch for any business owner, entrepreneur, or citizen who wants to understand how laws are truly made and how to protect their interests.

From museum manager to a 6-figure coach, Zachary Cochran’s journey is one of resilience, personal growth, and betting on yourself.

In this episode of The Deep Dive Podcast, hosts Gloria and Raisa sit down with Zachary to unpack his toughest challenges, game-changing decisions, and how he’s now scaling his coaching practice to impact hundreds of young professionals.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to transition into entrepreneurship, survive the grind, and eventually thrive as a coach or business owner—this is a must-watch.

02:00 – Meet Zachary Cochran

04:00 – Rough Start at 28

06:00 – Finding the Why

09:00 – Hardest Path Chosen

11:00 – From Grind to 6-Figures

14:00 – Networking = $250K

17:00 – Growth Through Books

21:00 – Coaching Pivots

24:00 – Group Coaching Launch

27:00 – The $1M Skill

30:00 – Vision for 2030

33:00 – Making Coaching Accessible

36:00 – Power of Mentors

40:00 – Final Takeaways

Welcome to a new episode of the Deep Dive Podcast! Join your hosts, Raisa and Gloria, as they sit down with Council Member Wannika Fisher, representing District 2. Wannika, who also chairs the Health, Human Service, and Public Safety Committee, is now running to become Prince George's State Attorney. In this episode, we'll get to know more about her background, her policies, and her vision for the future.

Nigerian & South African-Indian Background: 0:03:52

Tackling "Universal" Issues: 0:08:58

Black Woman in Leadership: 0:18:24

Connecting to Daily Concerns: 0:22:20

Balancing Budgets & Safety: 0:26:12

Helping Schools, Teachers, & Families: 0:30:58

Advice for PG County Business Owners: 0:36:18

Advice for Young Women in Public Service: 0:40:48

Vision for District 2 & PG County: 0:44:00

In this episode of the Deep Dive Podcast, we unpack three of the most misunderstood laws from The 48 Laws of Power and how they show up in real life. From people smiling in your face while blocking your blessings… to the silent damage of oversharing… to the value of your reputation especially in a digital world, this one hit deep.

What we cover:

Law 1: Never outshine the master

Law 3: Conceal your intentions

Law 5: Protect your reputation at all costs

Real-life stories from Gloria and Raissa

Raw talk on jealousy, sabotage & staying one step ahead

If you’ve ever been blindsided by someone you trusted, this one’s for you.

Drop a comment if it hits home. We read everything.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

Join us for an inspiring episode of the Did That? podcast as we sit down with Mr. Eze Okwodu, a real estate agent who is truly a "movement". Discover how a simple rent calculation in the 90s ignited his passion for real estate. Eze shares his incredible journey, from working three hospital jobs to finance his investments to taking a "million-dollar mistake" and turning it into a catalyst for his career. Learn about his mission to help a million families own homes , his unique focus on educating the immigrant community , and his "10X" philosophy for massive action and consistent branding. Get ready for free game, invaluable tips, and a powerful reminder that success requires discipline and a genuine love for people.

00:01:46 - Starting in Real Estate

00:11:18 - Quantity or Quality: Housing a Million Families

00:13:47 - Handling Negativity

00:15:49 - Branding Advice for Realtors

00:18:28 - Investing in Africa

00:19:36 - Realtor Differentiation

00:23:59 - Uplifting Song

00:29:49 - Final Thoughts

Join us on Deep Dive Podcast with KJ Ross, a leading sports manager, scout, and trainer who helps elite college athletes reach the NBA, G-League, and overseas. Founder of KR3 Mental Health Plus Sports, KJ reveals his mission for performance and wellness, backed by names like Floyd Mayweather and Mario Chalmers.

He shares the ""grind"" behind the glamour, the sacrifices made, and his hands-on approach to athlete development. We also discuss the game-changing impact of NIL and invaluable lessons from his career. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about dedication, mental fortitude, and true impact beyond the game!

Timestamps:

Most Misunderstood Journey Part - 00:01:29

Balancing Athlete Development - 00:04:24

NIL: What It Means & Why It Matters - 00:09:25

KR3 ""AHA"" Moment - 00:12:49

Event Response & Sponsors - 00:18:56

Building & Maintaining Connections - 00:22:41

Lessons from Chalmers & Mayweather - 00:28:47

Message for Young Athletes - 00:31:22

Starting the Clothing Brand - 00:33:38

Mood-Lifting Song - 00:38:48"

In this episode of Deep Dives Podcast with Gloria and Raissa, we sit down with Kian Dikumba, a professional athlete and the visionary behind Don Amedeo, his own fashion brand. Kian shares his journey, from what inspired him to pursue soccer and how it shaped him as a person and player. He opens up about the significant roles certain individuals played in his life through all his experiences.

Kian delves into the story behind the name "Don Amedeo" and his passion for fashion. He reveals his unique strategy for balancing a demanding professional soccer career with running a growing fashion brand. Discover why Kian believes people should wear Don Amedeo and the importance of working with local vendors in Cameroon, which significantly influences his designs. Finally, Kian shares the one song that uplifts his spirit. Tune in to hear about discipline, passion, and the drive to excel in multiple fields.

Timestamps: 

Soccer Inspiration - 00:01:24

Shaped by Soccer - 00:03:48

Their Role in Your Life - 00:05:18

Don Amedeo: Name & Fashion - 00:08:21

Balancing Soccer & Fashion - 00:10:40

Why Wear Don Amedeo? - 00:13:41

Cameroon Vendors & Designs - 00:17:12

Spirit-Lifting Song - 00:24:44

Welcome to another powerful episode of The Deep Dive Podcast! Join Raisa and Gloria as they sit down with the incredible Eva Beale – not your average entrepreneur, but a faith-driven force behind Eva's Touch, a thriving project manager, and a dedicated philanthropist. 

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Eva shares the most challenging period of her life: losing absolutely everything between 2022 and 2023 – her job, her finances, her credit score plummeting, and even experiencing betrayal from a close friend. She opens up about the mistakes she made, taking full accountability, and the painful consequences of interacting with the wrong people. 

But this isn't just a story of loss; it's a testament to unwavering resilience. Eva reveals how this rock bottom moment became the unexpected catalyst for launching her business, Eva's Touch, with literally no money, only a plan and a vision. Discover how she stopped feeling sorry for herself, embraced personal growth, and found renewed purpose through her fitness journey and a deep reliance on God. 

Eva also shares her insights on navigating the highly competitive tech and beauty industries, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and prioritizing faith amidst the hustle. She touches on her passion for giving back, providing hope and opportunity to the less fortunate through scholarships and community building. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing adversity, aspiring entrepreneurs, or those seeking inspiration to push through their lowest moments. Eva's journey is a powerful reminder that if you can launch a dream with nothing, you can achieve anything when you have something. 

Lowest Moment & Comeback (00:02:51 - 00:07:12)

Staying Grounded in Hustle (00:07:18 - 00:09:13)

What Makes Our Brand Unique? (00:09:17 - 00:12:27)

African Diaspora & Uplift (00:12:34 - 00:15:55)

Rebranding Process & Advice (00:16:02 - 00:24:52)

Faith: Turn It Down? (00:24:57 - 00:28:42)

Business & Dating: Thoughts? (00:28:50 - 00:39:11)

Favorite Uplifting Song (00:39:17 - 00:41:16)

In this powerful episode of the Deep Dive podcast, we sit down with Mrs. Wala Blegay, the dynamic voice of working families and a fearless challenger of broken systems. Elected to Prince George's County Council in 2022, Mrs. Blegay has spent almost three years boldly pushing for critical reforms.

Join us as Wala shares her journey, from her family's roots in Liberia and Nigeria to becoming a dedicated advocate and elected official. Discover how her passion for community engagement led her to the County Council, where she's championed groundbreaking initiatives like healthcare reform, advocating for teenage rights, and ensuring real accountability from institutions.

Learn about "the people's agenda" she led, which has tackled vital issues such as long emergency room wait times, mental health support, incentivizing healthy restaurants in food-swamp areas, rent stabilization amidst mass evictions, and introducing electric vehicle infrastructure to the county. Wala Blegay is not just fighting for policy; she's fighting for people, proving that with determination, leadership, and a commitment to community, positive change is possible. She believes people need a voice, and she continues to do the good work.

Tune in to understand what it truly takes to fight for the community and shake the table in the world of politics, people, and power!

Political Inspiration: 00:04:58-00:09:24

Systemic Inequality Efforts: 00:09:03-00:14:11

District Support for Small Businesses: 00:14:16-00:18:41

Event Motivation: 00:18:45-00:21:17

Handling Pressure from Lobbyists: 00:21:25-00:23:21

Senator Van Hollen Meeting Takeaways: 00:23:29-00:25:55

Leading Amidst Bureaucracy: 00:26:03-00:29:03

Advice for Women in Politics: 00:28:10-00:31:22

Motivating Song: 00:31:27-00:34:08

Winning the Election: 00:34:14-00:39:18

In this empowering episode, we sit down with Linda Finding, a certified high performance leadership coach and inspirational public speaker, to explore the keys to unlocking your highest potential.

Linda shares invaluable insights on the importance of finding your "why" and how this fundamental clarity drives action. We dive into practical strategies for overcoming common roadblocks like fear and procrastination, setting meaningful goals, and the transformative power of accountability. Learn how high performance isn't just for the elite, but a learnable skill accessible to everyone with the right mindset and tools. Discover the value of coaching and community in supporting your journey toward self-improvement and achieving your dreams.

If you're ready to stop just dreaming and start taking consistent action towards your goals, this episode is a must-watch!

Key Moments:

Inspired to Get into Tech - 00:02:34-00:02:36

Getting to Board Roles - 00:04:39-00:04:41

Maintaining Work-Life Balance - 00:07:14-00:07:16

Understanding the 5 to 9 - 00:09:06-00:09:07

Overcoming Challenges - 00:10:39-00:10:42

Vulnerability as a Leader - 00:18:36-00:18:39

How Mentorship Works - 00:30:27-00:30:29

Prepare for a powerful and moving conversation. In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Oliver Linner Roy, who shares his incredible and challenging journey from being an abuse victim to becoming a dedicated advocate and now, a political figure.

Hear his raw and honest story of overcoming unimaginable hardship, finding his voice, and dedicating his life to fighting for vulnerable populations. This is more than just a personal tale; it's a deep dive into the issues of trauma, mental health, education, and the power of community.

Tune in to understand what it truly takes to turn adversity into advocacy and how lived experience can fuel a mission for change.

Key Moments:

Challenges that Shaped Advocacy - 00:02:56-00:02:58

Education for Special Needs - 00:09:40-00:09:43

Partnerships in Office - 00:17:33-00:17:35

Initiatives for Small Businesses - 00:19:58-00:20:00

What is Your Vision? - 00:25:51-00:25:54

In this authentic, relatable, and packed episode of the Deep Dive podcast, your hosts Gloria and Raisa share their personal entrepreneurial journeys, including the tough lessons learned along the way.

We dive into:

Why we decided to start the podcast together

How we went from an idea to actually launching the show

What made podcasting so appealing to us

How we decided to niche down and focus more on business development and growth

Raisa opens up candidly about her failed restaurant venture, detailing the half-a-million-dollar investment, the loss, and the significant debt incurred. Her story highlights the harsh realities and risks involved in starting a business.

Gloria shares her path, from helping people with credit and funding, and how she ultimately became a business broker (00:30:39,533 --> 00:30:40,566) because so many people came to me looking to invest, and I didn’t have the right credentials at the time. So, I use to direct them to business brokers. That’s how I decided I needed to become a business broker, so I could help more people.

We also discuss:

Some of the biggest challenges we faced

How important is trust and understanding in a partnership

Advice I would give to anyone trying to open their own business

What is next for Deep Dives

This episode is filled with valuable insights derived from real-world experiences, offering crucial lessons on failure, resilience, funding, and finding your true business path.

Tune in for an honest conversation about overcoming setbacks and building expertise through experience.

Ever wondered how someone goes from nursing to running a luxury fashion empire? In this episode, we sit down with Stanley, also known as "The Lion," the CEO and creative director of Stallion Clothing, to dive deep into his incredible journey.   

Stanley shares his early love for fashion, from designing his own school uniforms to the pivotal moment he realized nursing wasn't his ultimate calling.   

He opens up about the financial challenges of starting a fashion line, including a $40,000 mistake and the crucial lessons he learned about budgeting and production.   

This isn't just a story about fashion; it's a masterclass in entrepreneurship, resilience, and pursuing your passion against all odds.  

Culture, Identity & Heritage Matter! In this episode of the Deep Dive Podcast, we sit down with Rodrigue Yonga, a passionate educator, community leader, and author, to discuss the importance of cultural preservation, mentorship, and the real impact of divorce on families.

🚀 What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How language connects us to our roots

✅ The hidden struggles of African kids growing up abroad

✅ The power of mentorship & how it shapes success

✅ Why divorce is more than just separation—it can change lives

✅ How Rodrigue Yonga is helping kids reclaim their heritage

📢 Don’t miss this insightful conversation!

💡 SUBSCRIBE for more thought-provoking discussions & inspiring interviews!

🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

📖 Get Rodrigue Yonga’s Book: The Rocking Force of Divorce – Available on Amazon!

🎓 Learn more about the Francophone Heritage Society & its mission!

#RodrigueYonga #DeepDivePodcast #CulturalIdentity

What does it really take to build a successful business? In this episode, we sit down with Chinda Chinda, a resilient entrepreneur who turned his vision into reality despite the struggles. He shares the hard truths about business, the mistakes to avoid, and the key lessons that can help anyone looking to start or grow their own venture.

🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The biggest challenges in running a business

✔️ Why most entrepreneurs fail and how to avoid it

✔️ The mindset shift you need for success

✔️ How to overcome fear and take action

✔️ The truth about scaling and making it work

💡 This is a must-watch for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone striving for success!

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring content!

This episode focuses on uncovering financial myths, tackling common mistakes in personal finance, and exploring impactful strategies for building wealth and security with guest Philip Ndeska, a financial educator and advisor.

Join us in this eye-opening mini episode of the Deep Dive Podcast as financial educator Philip Ndezka reveals the keys to breaking free from financial pitfalls and building a secure future. Discover the common mistakes most people make, why debt is holding back communities, and how to take control of your financial journey. Packed with practical advice, this conversation will inspire you to make smarter money decisions and create lasting impact

Meet the Silent Millionaire: Ever wondered what it takes to become a millionaire without anyone noticing? Meet the Silent Millionaire—a self-made success who quietly built a fortune without the flashy lifestyle.

In this video, we dive into their story, exploring the habits, mindset, and strategies that helped them achieve millionaire status. These are real lessons you can apply to your own life, whether you're chasing financial freedom or just curious about their journey.

Tune in to discover how discipline, smart decisions, and a unique approach made all the difference. This isn’t just another success story—it’s one that might change how you think about wealth.

Discover the shocking truth behind the latest celebrity trend: using diabetes medication like Ozempic to slim down! In this eye-opening video, we delve into the phenomenon known as "Ozempic Face" and explore why so many stars are turning to these drugs for weight loss. From the science behind the medication to the potential risks and side effects, we cover everything you need to know. Join us as we uncover the real story behind this controversial trend and its impact on health and beauty standards.