What happens when the discomfort you feel isn't a signal of danger, but rather an opportunity for growth? We dive into the often-overlooked challenges of making friends as adults, where the eagerness for companionship can lead to misplaced trust. Drawing from the wisdom of my father, we categorize friendships into four distinct groups: casual frien…

Have you ever felt on edge during life's transitions, questioning whether it's genuine danger or just discomfort? We dive deep into managing these feelings and offer our own experiences to help you feel more secure amidst change. From relationship shifts to job changes, we discuss how to manage rather than eliminate discomfort and the importance of…

By Ruth Abigail Smith

What if maturity didn't have to mean losing your joy? On this Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast, I revisit that very question, inspired by a poignant scene from "Inside Out 2." Imagine Joy, the ever-optimistic character, grappling with the reality that growing up could mean having less joy. This revelation hit me hard and prompted me …

Ever wondered what happens when preconceived notions of faith community clash with reality? Ruth recounts her eye-opening experience at divinity school, confronting her own self-righteousness and learning to see others through a more compassionate, God-like lens. Through their stories, Ruth and Jaquetta highlight the importance of personal growth, …

Have you ever felt shackled by your own internal rulebook? We'll unveil the steps to identify and transform the "always" and "never" declarations that dictate our actions, urging you to evolve these rules to align with your present self and leave behind those that belong to yesterday. Prepare to confront the possibly uncomfortable but ultimately li…

RA and Jaquetta then share their diverse faith journeys, revealing how their distinct backgrounds shaped their spiritual paths. From RA's upbringing as a pastor's kid to Jaquetta's transient life as part of a military family, we uncover how different experiences can lead to a shared commitment to faith. We delve into the importance of discipline an…

Have you ever found yourself running away from your inherent potential, simply because the weight of responsibility seemed too great? Join me on this transformative Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast, as I reveal the pivotal moment that made me embrace my role as a leader, a role I had long resisted. Listen in to uncover how recognizin…

Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences shape your leadership abilities? Explore the surprising ways Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development impacts your growth as a leader as we dive into how each life stage, from infancy to adulthood, influences your ability to lead effectively. We share compelling personal stories and PhD…

This Freedom Friday join me as we rethink the fundamentals of leadership by emphasizing the power of genuine connections, clear communication, and creative strategies. We'll dig deep into how nurturing relationships and learning from others can lead to continuous personal growth and enhance our leadership abilities. Plus, discover how structuring y…

Can effective leadership transform your team from good to great? Tune in to the Unlearned Podcast as we explore the heart of leadership with Ruth Abigail (RA) and Jaquetta. In this special two-part series, we reveal the origin story of our podcast, rooted in our mutual support and shared leadership experiences. This episode is rich with insights on…

Ever found yourself paralyzed by the fear of public speaking or hesitated in crucial conversations? Imagine transforming that anxiety into confident and clear communication. Drawing from ten years of leadership, we unravel how a lack of confidence or clarity can hold young leaders back, leading to missed opportunities and unresolved conflicts. By t…

Fear-driven decisions and underdeveloped leadership skills can be detrimental, but they don’t have to define your journey. Learn how to bridge the gap in leadership development and turn vulnerabilities into strengths. We delve into the significance of effective communication, the nuances of following a founder’s footsteps, and the importance of lea…

Hey everyone, it's RA here! Are you ready to transform your financial beliefs and liberate your life choices? On this Freedom Friday, I'm flying solo to guide you toward the financial freedom that comes with understanding your money. Forget the myth that you need to be a math genius to manage your finances. I'll share my personal journey to becomin…

We're peeling back the veil on the transformative process of holding a mirror to ourselves, whether we're single, mingling, or deeply entwined in partnership. Through candid tales and introspective musings, we explore the often-unspoken challenges of accountability in relationships, the myth of the 'simple' single life, and the profound impact of a…

By Ruth Abigail Smith

. This episode isn't just about counting pennies—it's about reshaping our attitudes towards wealth. We'll guide you through the tightrope walk of financial independence, stress the importance of wise giving, and disclose why mastering everyday budgeting is the real secret to financial freedom. Whether you're single, navigating a relationship, or pa…

Are you ready to dismantle the myth that your purpose should always ignite with the flames of passion? Join RA on this Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast we challenge the millennial mantra that intertwines passion tightly with purpose, and share insights that could redefine your career and personal calling.…

You've seen leaders who shine in the limelight, but what about the power of those who uplift from the shadows? Our discussion takes a twist as we dissect the evolution of leadership. It's a candid look at the maturity it takes to value support roles and collective triumphs. We chat about the tough transitions—from mentoring students to shepherding …

By Ruth Abigail Smith

Reflect on the joy of forming bonds that outlast life's fleeting moments with us, RA and Jaquetta, as we take you on a laughter-laced excursion through memory lane. We'll unwrap the stories that have become the fabric of our enduring friendship, born in the harmonious halls of Furman University's gospel choir. From name mix-ups to life's trials and…

This Freedom Friday, let's traverse the subtle landscape of personal growth, dissecting why society's glamorization of extremes can obscure the true milestones of our private victories. In an age where sensationalism reigns supreme, this conversation serves as a reminder to cherish the quiet, yet profound, revelations that lead to genuine transform…

Let's talk about that Florida trip that seemed like self-care but turned into a financial scare. The reality of adulting hit us like a ton of bricks, and we learned the hard way that self-indulgence doesn't equate to self-care. This episode isn't just about avoiding the pitfalls of retail therapy; it's about discovering the joy of creative, cost-ef…

This conversation between two middle adults, RA and Jaquetta, cross the realms of mentorship, personal growth, and the bravery needed to leap from the comfort zone into the realm of greatness. We traverse the tales of our own lives, including insights from my son Tyson's unfettered courage, to illustrate the importance of casting off the chains of …

This conversation is an open invitation for you to join me on a journey where we recognize our inherent worth, independent of the accolades and the often exhausting pursuit of productivity. No more chasing shadows of successes that belong to someone else's story. It's time to embrace the unique individuals we are, with all our quirks and dreams tha…

Why do we often toil without reaping the rewards we expect? This pressing question sets the stage for our latest Freedom Friday discourse here on the Unlearned Podcast. Today we're embarking on a journey through the heart of what it truly takes to achieve the success we're all chasing. As I engage with incredible individuals who spark inspiration a…

In this Freedom Friday, I'll share the nitty-gritty of breaking new ground—literally—with a tiller, the unexpected wisdom unearthed in each handful of dirt, and the life lessons that sprouted alongside our tomato vines. Whether you're a veteran cultivator or your idea of a garden is the produce aisle at the grocery store, you're sure to reap a harv…

Imagine if America's entire population sat on a therapist's couch, facing the mirror of our collective mental health—what would we discover? Phyllis Levitt, a psychotherapist with profound insight into the nation's psyche, joins me to unravel this question. Together, we venture into uncharted territories, discussing how the dysfunctions within our …

Unlock the secret to compelling meetings with Ashton Rodenheiser's insights on visual storytelling. Transform your tedious talks into dynamic visual narratives that captivate and retain attention, whether they're happening across the boardroom or bridging continents online. Ashton's artistic prowess and quick-thinking synthesis of conversations int…

This episode takes a deep dive into the art of self-compassion, comparing our adult struggles with the untainted innocence of our inner child. We unpack the transformative nature of kindness, how it battles insecurities, and the ways it can shift the immediate conclusions we all too often jump to. From the biblical understanding of ourselves as 'ch…

Feeling stretched thin by trying to excel at everything? Join us as we share insights and strategies for focusing on what really matters. Our latest Freedom Friday episode is an invitation to break free from the conventional chains of multitasking and to find liberation in mastering the skills that resonate with our soul's calling. We delve into th…

As we explore the fine line between knowing oneself and becoming self-absorbed, we confront the potential dangers of personal assessments. It's easy to brandish our results like a shield against the world, expecting others to conform to our self-declared identities. But what if we viewed these insights as a guide to personal growth, a chance to mov…

Ever caught yourself treating precious moments with loved ones as just another item on your to-do list? Join me, Ruth Abigail, for a liberating episode of the Unlearned podcast this Freedom Friday that shakes the very foundation of our 'box-checker' mentality. We're unpacking why life's interactions shouldn't be reduced to mere tasks and how this s…

Imagine, shaking off the chains of past experiences to step into a future of growth and liberation. That's what we are journeying into on this Freedom Friday episode of the Unlearned Podcast. I, Ruth Abigail, will take you through my personal stride of understanding that past experiences do not define future outcomes. We'll dive into the critical r…

We're tearing down misconceptions left and right in this episode, starting with the idea that strength training is a no-go zone for women. Spoiler alert: it's not! I get real about my own skirmishes with self-discipline, particularly when sweets are on the line, and the power of setting achievable health targets. As Joy shares her expert advice, yo…

Say hello to a year of embracing our talents and leaning into what makes us unique. During this inspiring session, we'll unravel the concept of New Year's resolutions and give it a fresh, positive spin. No guests this time, just us and our thoughts, discussing the power of focusing on what we're already good at and how that can lead to a more fulfi…

There was a time when the mere thought of taking a break felt like surrender, a silent admission of defeat or inability to keep up with life's relentless pace. But as I, Ruth Abigail aka Ra, have discovered and eagerly share with you this Freedom Friday on the UnlearntPpodcast, rest is not the end of activity but the beginning of rejuvenation. This…

Do you find it hard to accept periods of rest and unproductivity? Are you always striving to be productive, equating usefulness with constant activity? This Freedom Friday episode of the UnlearnT Podcast with your host Ruth Abigail (RA) addresses these struggles head-on. RA reflects on her own struggles with allowing herself to rest, particularly d…

Ever felt shackled by the constant pressure to plan, project, and predict your future? In our latest conversation, we unravel this very issue with the incredibly insightful Kara Rogers. We dive into an enlightening discussion about the liberating act of unlearning and the profound impact of living in the present moment. Kara opens up about her pers…

Do you find it tough to open up and be vulnerable, especially in therapy? Discover why vulnerability is the key to profound change. Kevin Palmieri shares his ingredients to embracing vulnerability and how therapy has helped him be more honest with himself. We reflect on the rising popularity of therapy and how it can help us all to open up and be m…

Have you ever considered how sarcasm, often seen as witty or humorous, can be a veil for deeper emotions? Or how it might impact your relationships more than you realize? RA shares her personal revelations about sarcasm's place on the spectrum of anger and the importance of authenticity in communication. But it's not just about self-awareness; it's…

Our guest, Paul Zolman, has an inspiring story about unlearning a life of anger and adopting the practice of love. Born into an anger-driven environment, Paul embarked on a transformative journey to break free from this cycle, and his reimagining of the Five Love Languages (originated by Dr. Gary Chapman) as a tool for doing so forms the crux of ou…

Ever wonder how politics directly impacts your community? Or how an ordinary citizen can create meaningful change? Today, we untangle these complexities with Cardell Orrin, Executive Director of Stand for Children. Cardell's fascinating transition from a non-voter to the founder of a Political Action Committee (PAC) is a tale that exemplifies the s…

Have you ever stopped to consider that personal growth is more than just a solo journey? This episode is a deep-dive into the popular phrase "do your own work" and its critical implications for personal transformation. I'll share personal insights on why "doing your own work" goes beyond amassing knowledge to consciously shaping our surroundings. W…

Ever pondered the complex world of local politics? This riveting episode offers a rare opportunity to engage with our esteemed guest, Robert Hill. Memphis' political landscape has undergone significant transformations, particularly with a demographic shift following the white flight of the 1950s and 1960s. Hill and I dissect this seismic shift, its…

Ever felt disillusioned by the idea that your single vote doesn't make a difference? Let's debunk that myth together as we tread into the world of voting, underlining why your vote indeed matters. Our vibrant guest, Ayanna Watkins, Executive Director of Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action Hope (MICAH), exposes the real power of voting, throwing…

In this episode creator the UnlearnT Podcast, Ruth Abigail (aka RA) talks about unlearning fear and she brought a friend to help her do it. She doesn’t love talking about herself, but we got her to do it this time!By Ruth Abigail Smith

Ever wondered about the intricacies of school board politics and the drama it entails? Strap in for a captivating conversation with our guest, Kristina Garner, a seasoned political figure and former executive director for the Republican party of Shelby County in Tennessee. Christina’s journey into the political arena is as insightful as it is unexp…

Have you ever found yourself giving disclaimers to avoid judgment from others? As my voice becomes more public through the podcast, I've realized that by constantly fearing judgment, I'm giving people power they don't deserve and can't handle. Join me as I reflect on the only one who has final say over our lives - our creator, God - and how we shou…

Ever crashed and burned in a video game, only to restart from the last checkpoint? Imagine if we applied the same concept to our lives. This episode is a lesson in resilience, urging us to keep going even when we feel defeated. We discuss how failures and mistakes are not the end, but rather opportunities for learning and growth as we continue our …