The Chat & Chew Show

Jennie Allen has a new book called, Finding Your People, Building Deep Community in a Lonely World. For most women "finding your people" is hard, periodt, but it can be even harder when you’re a solitude-loving introvert.   If you consider yourself an introvert, you probably feel alright about being with yourself.  But there may come a time, though, when you realize that you need a new friend or two to help walk with you on your journey.  Today I’m co-hosting with my daughter in law, Shanell McCoy Jones.  We talk candidly being introverts while trying to make and keep friends.    We also get another great vegan recipe from Melva McCoy.  Vegan quesadillas.

Can strong, single, Christian women find lasting love? Love and marriage is a life event most girls dream of, and few women think when they start dating that their road to marriage may be years in the making.  Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, former Miss America, our special guest, tells us a bit about her journey towards marriage and motherhood.  We also dive into how important faith was to her, as she maintained hope for, and eventually built a family of her  own.    Dr. Debbye Turner Bell, is a veterinarian, author, journalist, corporate trainer, minister, speaker and thought leader. For more than two decades, she has addressed audiences in the corporate, academic, and community service arenas.    If you are single and waiting this episode will bless you.  Chat Tribe you’re in for a good one.

Life is twice, if not three times as hard when we try to do it alone.  That’s why we believe that everyone needs a tribe.  In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Antionette D. Brookins, a licensed family and marriage therapist and senior pastor’s wife.  She’s also the author of The Anatomy of Anger.  A girl’s guide to living her best life in Christ.  In this episode of The Chat and Chew Show Dr. Brookins, also known as Lady Nett, shares what inspired her to become the founder and content creator of Holy Ghost HomeGirls, a Christian life coaching service that ministers to the whole woman.     Chat Tribe, get ready to take notes on this episode that's jam packed with wisdom and practical tips on how to find the right support system.   Also enjoy a delicious new recipe from our favorite chef, Melva McCoy teaching us how to make vegan ramen soup.

‘Tis the season! 🎄 And we’re helping you to get into the Christmas spirit with this fun episode of The Chat & Chew Show.    This week, we’re joined by YouTuber and decorator extraordinaire DaBoss Lady aka Charon Scroggins. She takes us on a virtual tour of her home showing off this year’s holiday theme. And trust us - you’ll want to see this 👀 and take away some ideas for upgrading your own holiday cheer.   Also, she lets us know exactly where and when to shop in order to get the best discounts. Tune in for a little joy and lots of creativity to get you in gear for Christmas!

We all define success in our own way. But in the end, we're all just striving to live our best life. In this episode, we sit down with Mona Phillips, Realty ONE Group, Inc. franchisee and all-around business guru, to discuss her experience as a successful sales executive, real estate investor, and business owner.    She'll share her secrets to success, including how she manages relationships and her work/life balance. And we learn more about Mona's philosophy on business. She says, "By giving value first, you create the connections and rich relationships that lead to your own success story."   Chat Tribe, get ready to take notes on this episode that's jampacked with wisdom to use on your way to success.

We all just want a little love, but how well do we show up in our relationships? 🤔  In this episode of The Chat & Chew Show, we sit with Cloyce and Shelia Dickerson who are founders of Intentionally Yours - a marriage ministry that promotes being purposeful, proactive, and conscious about the choices married couples make every day. Cloyce and Shelia tell us the story of how they learned to love each other with intention after both had experienced failed marriages.  This beautiful couple says that every decision, every wrong turn and every detour led them to and prepared them for each other. We promise that this episode will leave you encouraged and excited about love again. 🥰 Enjoy! 

“Finding My Father” is the title of Christa Armstead’s upcoming memoir. Not only is Christa the mother of NFL football player Arik Armstead, but she’s also a public speaker, pastor, and devoted wife with a very touching story of her own. In this episode of The Chat & Chew Show, Christa shares how it felt to be born to an African-American teenage mom and White Catholic priest in his mid-30s who abandoned both Christa and her mother. Christa takes us on her healing journey, reminding us that there is hope for any of us experiencing the void of an absent parent or loved one. Tune into this story of triumph to discover steps that might help you on your own path of healing.

"If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change." - Wayne Dyer.    The holidays can bring about a mixed bag of emotions for many, especially if you're missing a lost loved one or if some of your relationships have been strained. The great thing about being human is that we can change our perspectives and our output at any time. Though it's easier said than done, using gratitude as a pathway to hope is often our best bet.    In this episode of The Chat & Chew Show, we explore ways to lean into gratitude to brighten up your day. And who knows? You might be able brighten up someone else's day along the way. Everything gets better with a little pie and gratitude. 😉

Have you heard of people “finding their zen”, but you’re not quite sure where they found it or how you can get some of your own? 🤔 In this episode of The Chat & Chew Show, we introduce you to a new spin on meditation with the help of a spiritual guide.    We are joined by speaker, author, and creative artist, Pastor Fred Lynch @heyfredlynch. Pastor Fred is one of the founding members of one of the first gospel rap acts known as P.I.D. (Preachers in Disguise). He has been involved in ministry for over thirty-five years in multiple roles as a youth pastor, rap artist, evangelist, lead pastor, mentor, and spiritual coach.   Pastor Fred shares the meaning behind his new project entitled “Sacred Hum,” where hip hop meets meditation. His project provides an online resource that offers practical guided meditations to assist people with stress, anxiety, depression, and pain.   You’ll also get a heartwarming dose of Pastor Fred’s passion for engaging leaders in personal development to maximize their focus and effectiveness.    👉🏽 Remember! If you enjoyed this episode, then a friend might love it - *like, *share, & *subscribe! 😁

Ask the Coach! We’re excited because it’s been a while since we’ve had one of our classic episodes of Ask the Coach with our resident life coach, Donecia Norwood-Smith. With over 20 years of experience of advising and coaching in various arenas, Coach Donecia never fails to leave us 10 times more enlightened than where she found us. In this episode, we'll receive some great advice on facing the unknown. And Coach Donecia shares a little insight from her own experiences as a wife, mother of two, and co-owner of Influential, LLC., a speaking, coaching and consulting company that she co-owns with her husband, Rev. Dr. Efrem Smith. And wait, there’s more! Coach Donecia has some great news to share about an additional role that she has taken on as an integral part of the show. This is a jam packed session of Ask - the - Coooooach!