How to Talk to [High Achievers] about Anything

Tuning Out Negative Body Image

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 20:23:27 +0000

Charlene is advancing in her career as an actor. But contending with narrow industry notions of AAPI body shapes is draining and distracting. Stevon and Juleyka discuss strategies for inventing your own path forward in a creative field. And Stevon offers advice to avoid internalizing negative feedback that has little to do with talent or skill.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Pushing Through Public Speaking Fears in Med School and Telling Your Inner Bully to Shut Up.

We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and what's ahead as you grow. Send us an email or detailed voice memo to hello@talktoachievers.com, You might be on a future episode! Let’s connect on Twitter and Instagram at @TalkToAchievers and email us at hello@talktoachievers.com. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Finding It Hard to Network in a New City

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

Lloyd, a content creator, just moved to Los Angeles but is struggling to build a fulfilling personal and professional network in his new city. Stevon and Juleyka break down the importance of making meaningful connections that are aligned with your goals, and Stevon shares strategies for setting realistic expectations during and after a big move.

Lloyd George is a content creator with a passion for empowering creators of Color. Learn more about his work here.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work and new journal here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Telling Your Inner Bully to Shut Up and Pushing through Fears of Public Speaking in Med School.

Grieving at Work

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 05:00:00 +0000

After a sudden passing in the family, Rita had a hard time adjusting to her “new normal" while balancing multiple responsibilities as CEO of her creative agency. Stevon and Juleyka discuss caring for ourselves during the grieving process, and Stevon shares tips for accepting help from loved ones.

Rita Thomas is an award-winning producer specializing in authentic storytelling that touches the heart of people. She established 110 North Creative Agency in 2022.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Uncertain During a Business Leap and Telling Your Inner Bully to Shut Up.

Telling Your Inner Bully to Shut Up

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

As an entrepreneur, wife and a mother of two, Jennifer cannot stop thinking about all the ways she falls short in her personal and professional life. Stevon and Juleyka discuss toxic self-criticism, and Stevon helps us interrogate our irrational demand for perfection.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to When Your Job is Killing You and Feeling Inadequate Because Her Clients Aren't Making Progress.

Uncertain During a Business Leap

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Elzie is stepping back from day-to-day operations to help his podcasting company grow. This stressful transition is forcing him to reconsider his business model, and even his own identity. Stevon and Juleyka unpack the dangers of narrow forecasting and Stevon offers strategies for staying grounded during business and career changes without catastrophizing the future.

Elizie Flenard is a business leader and entrepreneur and founder of Podcast Town.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work and his new journal, Silencing Your Inner Bully, here.

If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Learning to Trust Your Instincts and Tackling the Emotional Challenges of Starting a New Business.

Introducing: 100 Latina Birthdays

Fri, 6 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

The health and wellness of Latinas is crucial to the health and wellbeing of the U.S. economy. In 100 Latina Birthdays, an original documentary series from Peabody-nominated LWC Studios, reporters in Chicago investigate the health and lifetime outcomes of Latinas in the United States from birth to age 100. In season 1, the stories that unfold center Latinas during their perinatal journeys, childhood, adolescence, and up until age 20.

In episode 1, new parents Wendy Miralda and José Paz are navigating the first year of their daughter Jelyani’s life, in Spanish. Language is key to their connection as a family and as Hondurans living in a predominantly Mexican neighborhood in Waukegan, Illinois. The Paz family never questioned teaching their baby Spanish. But many Latinos in the U.S. grapple with the misconception that doing so could delay their child learning English, or affect their development. There’s also the stigma Latinos face when they don’t teach their children Spanish. Reporter Andrea Flores dives into the research on infant brain development that supports bilingualism, and tackles the harmful misconceptions that divide U.S. Latinos along language lines. For more information, all episodes, and transcripts visit us at 100latinabirthdays.com. Follow us on social media @100latinabirthdays.

Pushing through Public Speaking Fears in Med School

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 2 Oct 2023 04:00:00 +0000

To advance her career as a future doctor, Melissa is determined to improve her public speaking abilities, but doing so requires she overcome deep-seated insecurities. Stevon and Juleyka discuss strategies for tackling impostor syndrome head-on, including collecting evidence from your environment and questioning the stories you tell yourself in high-stress situations.

Feeling Inadequate Because Her Clients Aren't Making Progress

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Keyonna is a mental health practitioner who loves her work. But when she doesn’t see the client progress she expects, she questions her own abilities. Stevon and Juleyka discuss strategies for remaining clear-eyed about your accomplishments.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Your Lived Experience is Expertise and Proving Sel-Limiting Beliefs Wrong.

Your Lived Experience Is Expertise

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 4 Sep 2023 04:00:00 +0000

As the leader of an organization that supports formerly incarcerated individuals, DeAnna must constantly assert her authority when working with stakeholders who do not share her background. Stevon and Juleyka break down how to take back your power when your knowledge or skills are being undermined, and he offers tips for leading and negotiating without compromising our values.

DeAnna Hoskins is President & CEO of the nonprofit JustLeadershipUSA.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Giving Up on Perfection as the Standard and Asking for What You're Worth and Meaning It.

Proving Self-Limiting Beliefs Wrong

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

When Yare decides to change careers to become a model and disability advocate, she must confront not only industry stereotypes but her own restrictive mindset about her abilities. Stevon and Juleyka talk about why taking chances and looking for evidence can help high achievers overcome their perceived limitations.

Yarelbys Túa Pachano is a model, content creator, and disability and inclusion advocate. You can learn more about his work here.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Learning to Trust Your Instincts and Is Tenure the End or the Beginning?

When Your Job is Killing You

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 7 Aug 2023 04:00:00 +0000

Our show is back with a new format! Stevon welcomes Juleyka Lantigua, the show's creator, as a discussion partner as he delves into the complexities high achievers face. In this episode Deepa tells us that after 20 years of moving up in corporate America she felt like the epitome of success. But when physical symptoms of burn out began to intensify, she knew she'd reached a breaking point. Stevon and Juleyka talk about how to address somatized stress and his advice on stepping down from a demanding leadership role.

Deepa Purushothaman is a former senior executive, a corporate inclusion visionary; and co-founder of nFormation, a community for high achieving women of color. She is the author of The First, The Few, The Only.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Asking for What You're Worth, And Meaning It and Deciding When to Quit Your Day Job.

Introducing Still Paying the Price: Reparations in Real Terms

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:01:02 +0000

The newest narrative podcast from LWC Studios is out now! “Still Paying the Price: Reparations in Real Terms” is a 14-part series exploring how reparations should be paid and to whom. This podcast is meant to be enjoyed in an order that makes the most sense for our listeners. You can begin by listening to this episode or wherever you find your podcasts–-and start your own reparations exploration.

For more information, all episodes, and transcripts visit StillPayingThePricePod.com.

Original score by Kojin Tashiro. Cover art: "Gemini" by Fitgi Saint-Louis.

This series was funded by a grant from The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

REPLAY: When Self-Doubt Creeps Up

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000

As we look ahead to 2023, we leave you with one of our favorite episodes to set you up for success in the new year. Takara is an Emmy-nominated producer and director making her way in a new industry. She's doubting her abilities and questioning the decisions that got her here. Stevon helps us tackle self-doubt by updating our definitions of success.

This episode originally aired on April 4, 2022.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Giving Up on Perfection as the Standard and Changing Your M.O. to Put Marriage First.

Breaking In, Moving Up, but Not Feeling Welcomed

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000

David Bizzaro is an award-winning professional puppeteer, actor and filmmaker who has taken an unconventional path toward breaking into the entertainment industry. While successful, he sometimes feels pigeonholed by an industry that frequently treats him as a stereotype. Stevon offers strategies for standing out by emphasizing rather than downplaying our full selves.

Learn more about David's work as a professional puppeteer on his website. Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Learning to Trust Your Instincts and Asking for What You're Worth and Meaning it.

Giving up on Perfection as the Standard

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Amanda has transformed her love of travel and living abroad into a lucrative career as the creator of a digital platform that celebrates Black expats. But her rigorous efforts to represent the full spectrum of the Black experience have started to feel like a burden. Stevon helps us avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism by sharing practical tips on how to worry less about the "how" and focus more on what we want to accomplish.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Tackling the Emotional Challenges of Starting a New Business and Feelinge Pressure to "Catch Up."

Learning to Stand Up for Yourself

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 05:00:00 +0000

Chandi is a fundraising professional advancing her career in the nonprofit world. She’s the face of her organization and interacts with donors, but behind the scenes she often feels dismissed and overlooked. Stevon helps us develop a sense of belonging and get comfortable taking up space in rooms that don’t feel affirming.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Learning to Trust Your Instincts and Still Needs Validation. Please take a moment to take our listener survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and you might get a chance to win a gift certificate as a thank you from us. Find it here.

Changing Your M.O. to Put Marriage First

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Lindsey is a social media marketing leader who has witnessed his years of hard work and focus blossom into a successful career. As a newlywed, he feels torn between his desire to be a caring and attuned partner and his professional ambitions. Stevon helps us reevaluate our constant drive to produce and create a path forward towards a more harmonious work-life balance.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Afraid of Disappearing in the Role of Mom, and Tackling the Emotional Challenges of Starting a New Business.

Please take a moment to take our listener survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and you might get a chance to win a gift certificate as a thank you from us. Find it here.

"We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and what's ahead as you grow. Send us an email or detailed voice memo to hello@talktoachievers.com, You might be on a future episode! Let’s connect on Twitter and Instagram at @TalkToAchievers and email us at hello@talktoachievers.com. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts."

Managing the Emotional Risk of Pitching Your Passion

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Tech founder Anna DeShawn is driven by her startup's mission to elevate the work of BIPOC and QTPOC creatives. But asking potential investors for support and capital makes her feel raw and vulnerable. Stevon breaks down how we can make key decisions and talk about money confidently when business feels personal.

Please take a moment to take our listener survey. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us and you might get a chance to win a gift certificate as a thank you from us. Find it here.

Asking for What You’re Worth and Meaning It

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 3 Oct 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Felicia Pride has big ambitions for her production company, Honey Chile, but her sense of responsibility makes it hard to acknowledge the value she brings to creative projects, collaborators, and her team. Stevon helps us avoid burnout by honoring our needs and asking others for the time and money we deserve.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to When Self-Doubt Creeps Up and Feelinge Pressure to "Catch Up."

Felicia Pride is a writer, producer and director. She's also the creator of and Head Honey at HONEY CHILE.

Gut Punching Procrastination and Beating Our Inner Bully

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Risa is a therapist and writer who starts book projects with gumption and enthusiasm, but struggles to reach the finish line as self-doubt sets in. Stevon offers advice for standing up to our inner bully by building in down time and celebrating our accomplishments.

Lisa Williams is a writer and therapist. Learn more about her self-help book series, The Ultimate Toolkit Books and her other projects here.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to When Self-Doubt Creeps Up and Feelinge Pressure to "Catch Up."

Is Tenure the End or the Beginning?

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 5 Sep 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Associate professor Michelle Espino Lira feels uncertain about how to prepare to grow professionally. And Stevon offers advice on creating your own career rubric, and helps us figure out how to stay aligned with our purpose after significant benchmarks.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to When Self-Doubt Creeps Up and Feeling Pressure to "Catch Up."

We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and what's ahead as you grow. Send us an email or detailed voice memo to hello@talktoachievers.com, You might be on a future episode!

Let’s connect on Twitter and Instagram at @TalkToAchievers and email us at hello@talktoachievers.com. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Tackling the Emotional Challenges of Starting a New Business

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Akarsh never thought he would become an entrepreneur. As his product is about to launch, he doubts whether he can handle what's next. And Stevon offers advice on not catastrophizing, and helps us harness negative emotions in the face of business uncertainty.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Deciding When to Quit Your Day Job and Learning to Trust Your Instincts

Deciding When to Quit Your Day Job

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 8 Aug 2022 04:00:00 +0000

In addition to a full-time gig, Leslie enjoys her freelance work as a writer, voice actor and audio creator. And big ambitions have her looking for the next big project, one that might become a dream job. Stevon offers advice on figuring out the right time and necessary mindset to turn a side hustle into a promising career.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Learning to Trust Your Instincts and Still Needs Validation.

Pushing for More Despite a Chronic Mental Illness

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Dr. Pipkins is dealing with her severe depression while running a business, which poses significant limitations. Stevon offers strategies for adjusting our expectations and adopting a strength-based approach to how we define our skills and successes.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Afraid of Disappearing in the Role of Mom and Feeling Pressured to "Catch Up."

When Everything Feels Like a Personal Attack

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Mesh credits much of his career success in the investment and media fields to feeling like an underdog who needs to prove himself. But he also recognizes this outlook has come at a great cost. Stevon helps us understand trigger responses to rejection, and offers tips for how to avoid taking things personally.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Feeling Pressured to "Catch Up" and Learning to Trust Your Instincts.

Feeling Pressure to "Catch Up"

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

After building a stable career in the corporate world, Monica is ready to take risks and chase dreams she put off. But feels she's racing against the clock. Stevon helps us differentiate between safety and success, and gives advice on not discrediting our hard-earned accomplishments in pursuit of new goals.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Learning to Trust Your Instincts and Afraid of Disappearing in the Role of Mom.

Afraid of Disappearing in the Role of Mom

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Mykella is excited to become a mom, but fears she'll throw herself into the role and risk losing a fulfilling career as a media maker and the beautiful life she's created around it. Stevon shares strategies to remain adaptable and reframe our thinking when anticipating change.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Tired of Always Being in Charge and Still Needs Validation.

Learning to Trust Your Instincts

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 30 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Hector feels pressured to set aside his creativity to dedicate his energy to business operations, but running his company this way feels soul-crushing. Stevon shares strategies for gaining back our confidence and reconnecting with our true selves.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to When Self-Doubt Creeps Up and Tired of Always Being in Charge.

Tired of Always Being in Charge

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 16 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

As a serial entrepreneur, a mom, and the oldest daughter in an immigrant family, Georgie-Ann is a natural leader personally and professionally. But this life-long tendency is beginning to take a toll on her. Stevon offers strategies for relieving the pressure to be all things to all people.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Still Needs Validation and When Self-Doubt Creeps Up.

Tired of Being Overlooked

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 2 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Vanessa is a highly motivated communications professional looking to move up in her career and make an impact in her community. But she feels overlooked in her personal and professional life. Stevon offers advice on radical self-acceptance, and shares tips on how to build self-confidence by being a work-in-progress.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Still Needs Validation and When Self-Doubt Creeps Up.

When Self-Doubt Creeps Up

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Takara is an Emmy-nominated producer and director making her way in a new industry. She's doubting her abilities and questioning the decisions that got her here. Stevon helps us tackle self-doubt by updating our definitions of success.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here. If you loved this episode, be sure to listen to Still Needs Validation.

Still Needs Validation

hello@lwcstudios.com (LWC Studios) — Mon, 4 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker transitioning from working in corporate America to being an entrepreneur. But looking to others for approval and reassurance creates significant challenges. Stevon offers strategies for managing our need for outside validation.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here.

Welcome to How to Talk to [High Achievers] about Anything

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Black and brown folks reaching higher and defining success on their own terms. And host Stevon Lewis with strategies for leveling up.

Stevon Lewis is a licensed psychotherapist and coach. Learn more about his work here.

We’d love to hear your stories of triumph and what's ahead as you grow. Send us an email or detailed voice memo to hello@talktoachievers.com, You might be on a future episode! Let’s connect on Twitter at and Instagram @TalkToAchievers and email us at hello@talktoachievers.com. And subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts.