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REALTALK: Honest Conversations for High-Functioning Humans
REAL TALK began as a response to a traumatic event that swept the globe.
In the early days of the pandemic, when the world felt uncertain and disconnected, Emma G used her platform as a singer-songwriter, coach, and speaker to keep people inspired, grounded, and mentally well. What started as a simple idea — let's talk honestly about how we're really doing — quickly became something more.
REAL TALK evolved into a space for curious, compassionate conversations about resilience, creativity, leadership, and mental health — especially for people who are often expected to "hold it together."
At its core, the show brings together people from different backgrounds, beliefs, and lived experiences to explore wellness with integrity, nuance, and heart.
Season One: Holding Space During the Pandemic
Season One was hosted solo by Emma G and featured conversations with creatives, leaders, and thinkers navigating their inner worlds while continuing to show up publicly.
Guests included fashion designer Kenny "Kas" Flanagan, motivational speaker Billy Alsbrooks, politician Laila Harré, hip-hop artist King Kapisi, and the Punk Rock Doc herself, Dr. JJ Kelly, among many others.
These were conversations about staying human in an inhuman moment — about mental health, meaning, identity, and how we care for ourselves when everything familiar is stripped away.
Season Two: Mental Health Sounds Like This
In 2025, REAL TALK returned with a new chapter.
Season Two was co-hosted by Rawinia Judson (Ra) — authenticity and leadership coach — and leaned more deeply into what mental health actually sounds like for high-functioning humans: leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and changemakers.
Together, Emma and Ra explored burnout, self-trust, purpose, nervous system health, and authenticity through conversations with guests like Andrew Buerger, Robert Heath, Stephen Warner, and Sam Harvey.
Season Two wasn't about quick fixes. It was about naming what's real, reducing stigma, and reminding listeners they weren't alone.
Season Three: Raising the Vibration
Season Three marks a natural evolution — not away from mental health, but into integration.
Co-hosted by Emma G and Dinah Simpson, founder of High Ki Living, this season expands the conversation into holistic wellness — mind, body, and spirit — while staying grounded, practical, and deeply human.
Emma's bold, expressive "rockstar-meets-mindful" energy is balanced by Dinah's calm, nourishing presence. Together, they create a space that is both activating and regulating — honest without being heavy, elevated without bypassing reality.
This season features conversations with guests such as Dr. Dave Snell, Angela Kingdon, Molly Ruland, and Dr. Robb Kelly — people working at the intersection of mental health, leadership, healing, culture, and systems change.
Season Three is about raising the vibration not by escaping life — but by meeting it with awareness, embodiment, and intention.
Season Four: Live, In Studio, Unfiltered
Season Four brings REAL TALK into its most unscripted form yet. Co-hosted by Emma G and Dinah Simpson, this season is recorded live, in person, in Emma's home studio, streaming simultaneously on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn before reaching all major podcast platforms.
Every Monday, Emma and Dinah sit down with executives, healers, creatives, and entrepreneurs for real, honest conversations, no scripts, no teleprompters, just what actually gets said when the mics are on and the cameras are rolling.
Season Four opened with rapper, filmmaker, and entrepreneur Erie Ave, exploring the mindset behind "Before The Deal" and what it means to stay grounded through fast, unexpected success.
What REAL TALK Is Really About
REAL TALK exists because:
- High-functioning humans struggle too
- Wellness isn't one-size-fits-all
- Healing doesn't always look quiet
- Growth shouldn't come at the cost of your nervous system
- And honest conversation remains one of the most powerful tools we have
This podcast isn't about perfection or performance. It's about presence, perspective, and staying connected to yourself while doing meaningful work in the world.
REALTALK livestreams every Monday, live on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn, before dropping on all major podcast platforms, DC Television, and ROKU TV.
Episodes
Aug 6, 2025
Aug 6, 2025
36 min
Join us as we chat with Kari Swenson – multi-business owner, leader of 480 employees, and passionate advocate for people-first leadership – for Episode 16 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
Kari’s career spans decades in both the retail and restaurant industries, including her role as Owner/Operator of 12 McDonald’s restaurants across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. She also owns a thriving e-commerce and retail business importing Polish Pottery from Bolesławiec, Poland.
Her leadership philosophy is simple: treat people well, connect with them, help them grow—and they’ll stick around. She has seen team members go from working the front counter to managing entire stores, living out her personal motto: “As you look to the stars, always try to turn around and bring someone with you.”
In this episode, we explore:
Why people-first leadership is the secret to her business success
How she creates growth opportunities for her team
The importance of focusing on what you can control
How Krav Maga taught her to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”
The connection between creativity, resilience, and leadership
Plus: why process matters more than outcome in both business and life
If you believe great leadership is about empowering people and building community, you’ll love this conversation.
Connect with Kari Swenson
Instagram: @kariswenson
Facebook (Personal): facebook.com/kari.swenson1
Facebook (Business): facebook.com/ThePolishPotteryOutlet
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kariswenson
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #KariSwenson #PeopleFirstLeadership #BusinessOwner #McDonaldsOwnerOperator #LeadershipInAction #TeamGrowth #KravMagaMindset #WomenWhoLead #CommunityFocusedBusiness #ResilientLeadership #EmpoweringOthers
Jul 30, 2025
Jul 30, 2025
40 min
Join us as we chat with Terri Long – CEO of T2T Media, cohost of Spotlight Over The City, and creator of the powerful Trauma 2 Triumph Project – for Episode 15 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
Terri is on a mission to amplify the voices of women who have survived unimaginable trauma and gone on to live triumphant, purpose-filled lives. Through her groundbreaking T2T Project: Trauma 2 Triumph, Terri is shining a light on real stories of resilience and healing from women around the world.
Her journey into media began unexpectedly when her husband, author and filmmaker Stan Long, asked her to cohost his show Spotlight Over The City “just for a little while.” That one moment turned into a full-time partnership in life and business, with the couple now hosting one of the most beloved Black-led streaming TV talk shows, featuring guests like Tito Jackson, Israel Houghton, Vivian Green, Misa Hylton, and more.
In this episode, we explore:
The origin story of Trauma 2 Triumph and how Terri connects with women survivors
What it’s like to work side by side with her husband, and what they’ve built together
The importance of storytelling in healing trauma
Why her most cherished role is being a mom and wife—and how that grounds everything she does
Plus: how she’s turning pain into purpose through film, podcasting, and legacy-building
If you believe in the power of healing and storytelling, this episode will move and inspire you.
Jul 23, 2025
Jul 23, 2025
37 min
Join us as we chat with Jennifer Hamady – voice coach, psychotherapist, performer, and author – for Episode 14 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
Singing came naturally to Jennifer since she was a child. But everything changed when her formal vocal training in college left her disconnected from the very thing she loved most - her voice. After losing her voice physically and emotionally, Jennifer began a journey to undo everything that wasn’t working and to reconnect with her true, authentic sound.
Now Jennifer helps others—singers, speakers, performers, executives, and creatives—find their true voice, and express it with power, grace, and freedom.
In this episode, we explore:
How our histories lead to stored emotion that impact our voices
How vocal, emotional, and performance issues are often deeply intertwined
What it really means to “find your voice,” and why so many of us feel disconnected from it
Plus: how to express yourself more fully—on stage, in the boardroom, and in your own life
If you’ve ever felt stuck, silenced, or unsure how to speak or sing your truth, this episode will guide you back home to your most powerful and joyful expression.
Connect with Jennifer Hamady
Instagram: instagram.com/jennifer_hamady
Website: https://findingyourvoice.com/
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #JenniferHamady #FindingYourVoice #VoiceCoach #ExpressYourself #PerformancePsychology #VocalFreedom #PublicSpeaking #CreativeExpression #WomenWhoLead #Authenticity #HealingThroughVoice
Jul 16, 2025
Jul 16, 2025
35 min
Join us as we chat with Eli Lev, singer–songwriter, musician, spiritual storyteller, and founder of the Levitators community, for Episode 13 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
From the Navajo Nation to the Kennedy Center, Eli Lev is making the world feel more connected—one heartfelt song at a time. The Maryland-based singer-songwriter writes music for everyday enlightenment, weaving together stories of travel, transformation, and timeless wisdom.
In this episode, we explore:
Eli's approach to songwriting and music, and where it all started
Why music can be a tool for emotional healing and global connection
What it means to tell personal stories that unlock something universal in all of us
The deep intersection of past, present, and future in Eli’s creative process
Plus: what he’s learned from performing across six continents and 40+ states
If you’re a lover of music, meaning, and art that bridges hearts and cultures, this episode is for you.
Connect with Eli Lev
Instagram: instagram.com/elilevmusic
Website: https://eli-lev.com
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #EliLev #ThreeWorldsProject #FolkMusic #SingerSongwriter #IndieFolk #CulturalStorytelling #HealingThroughMusic #PastLives #PresentJourney #FutureMyths #GlobalMusic #MusicForTheSoul #SpiritualArtistry
Jul 9, 2025
Jul 9, 2025
40 min
Join us as we chat with Stephen Warner – husband, father, youth pastor turned entrepreneur, musician, and founder of Young Founders Academy – for Episode 12 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
Stephen’s journey has been anything but ordinary. From leading after-school programs to building a multiple 7-figure business with Modern Musician, to becoming a first-time dad, and the moment a kid named Jake knocked on his door and asked to mow his lawn which sparked the creation of Young Founders Academy.
In this episode, we explore:
- How Stephen’s background in ministry, mentorship, and business all led to founding Young Founders Academy
- Why entreprenuership and what it can do for our youth
- What it takes to raise up a generation of confident, capable youth who lead with purpose
- Plus: the impact of AI on education, fatherhood, and entrepreneurship
If you're a parent, educator, or future-focused leader who believes in empowering the next generation – this episode will move you, challenge you, and leave you inspired.
Connect with Stephen
Website: https://youngfounders.com/
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
Jul 2, 2025
Jul 2, 2025
36 min
S2 EP11 "Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This" - Defy Constraints Differently featuring Meg Trucano
Join us as we chat with Creative Strategist, Designer, and Marketer Greg Roland for Episode 10 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
Join us as we chat with Meg Trucano Psychology-based Confidence Coach for Episode 11 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
With a Phd in Psychology, Meg works with high-achieving business women who are ready to make a significant change in their lives, careers, or lifestyles.
She lives for the moments when clients tell her that they’ve seen something differently, or they’ve been able to approach the same problem in a new way that helps them move past it.
In this episode, we explore:
Where Meg started, and how she got into coaching high-achieving business women?
What holds back most high-achieving business women?
How to best overcome and remove these barriers?
What happens when women make big bold changes in their lives?
Plus more.
If you’re a high-achieving woman in business who wants to make big, badass change, this is for you.
Connect with Meg
Instagram: / meg_trucano
Website: https://www.megtrucano.com/
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
Jun 25, 2025
Jun 25, 2025
34 min
Join us as we chat with Creative Strategist, Designer, and Marketer Greg Roland for Episode 10 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
As part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re back this week with Greg, who is on a journey to create his first full-length album, making things no one has ever seen or heard before.
With emotional intelligence, empathy, and God at the centre, we know this episode will bring peace and meaning to many of you.
In this episode, we explore:
✨How Greg’s set of experiences, both good and bad, has combined to make him who he is today
✨How artistic creativity and creativity of thought shape you
✨Greg’s relationship with God and how it leads him
✨How emotional intelligence and empathy are the special sauce
✨Plus more.
If you’re a creative, musician, or leader who is looking for more joy, hope, and empowerment, this episode is for you.
Connect with Greg
Instagram: / gregrolandmusic
Website: linkedin.com/in/gregoryaroland
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
Jun 18, 2025
Jun 18, 2025
43 min
S2 EP9 - Real Talk With Emma G & Ra, "Break Free Of Overthinking & Anxiety" ft. Anxiety Coach Kieran Hedley. If you want to stop Googling “how to stop overthinking,” join us as we chat to Anxiety Coach Kieran Hedley for Episode 9 of Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This.
As part of Men’s Mental Health Awareness month, we’re back this week with another Kiwi (aren’t we cool!?), who leads the way when it comes to normalising conversations about men’s mental health and anxiety.
Keiran has over 240+ success stories across 10+ countries of supporting people to navigate everything stress-related, from panic attacks and OCD to social anxiety, trauma, addiction, and feeling completely lost in life.
In this episode, we explore:
✨Keiran's personal background with Anxiety to now supporting others to live a life free from overthinking
✨What actually sticks when it comes to anxiety and overthinking?
✨How Keiran navigates a full life with running, travel, business, and study
✨How do we break the stigma of speaking up?
✨Plus more.
If you are someone who spends your nights overthinking and trying to get to sleep, this episode is for you.
Connect with Keiran
Instagram: / neurokez
Website: https://www.healingwithkez.com/
Hosted by @emmagmusic & @rawinia__judson
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #KeiranHeadley #StopOverthinking #MentalHealthAwareness #Anxiety #LeadershipWellbeing #Wellness #Wellbeing #MentalWellbeing
Jun 11, 2025
Jun 11, 2025
35 min
This week on Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This, International Speaker, Founder & MD of Braver Leaders, Sam Harvey, joins us.
Sam has over 20 years of experience leading teams of up to 150 in corporate, SME, and Startup businesses across the globe, starting in New York City, then moving to the Caribbean, London, and now Dubai.
A former competitive 100m sprinter, Sam openly shares about how he got fired for doing drugs and how it’s now shaped who he is and how he leads.
In this episode, we explore:
✨Sam’s background of getting fired to now being the Founder of Braver Leaders.
✨Why vulnerability and how does it shape a culture?
✨What is psychological safety, and how does it build trust?
✨What happens when people feel safe to speak up?
✨The power of joy and playfulness.
If you are an ambitious leader, founder, or CEO who desires to lead with more authenticity and feel less pressure to perform, this episode is for you.
Want to know how to get the most out of your team productivity?
Click here to take our free quiz: https://sam-eood0wp2.scoreapp.com/
Connect with Sam
LinkedIn: Braver Leaders
https://www.linkedin.com/company/braverleaders
Instagram: Braver Leaders
https://www.instagram.com/rawinia__judson
Website: https://www.braverleaders.com/
Hosted by @emmagmusic (on IG) & @rawinia__judson (on IG)
Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Roku TV & YouTube.
#RealTalkPodcast #MentalHealthSoundsLikeThis #SamHarvey #BraverLeaders #MentalHealthAwareness #Leadership #LeadershipWellbeing #LeadingPowerfully #Wellbeing #MentalWellbeing
Jun 4, 2025
Jun 4, 2025
38 min
This week on Real Talk: Mental Health Sounds Like This, we’re joined by Leadership Expert & CEO of The Legacy Leadership Consulting Group, Robert Heath Snr.
Robert blends his background as an Officer and Company Commander in the United States Marine Corps with 20 years of experience leading, teaching, and coaching across multiple disciplines to support leaders in getting more from their whole lives. Robert works with leaders who desire to increase productivity, reduce stress and inefficiency, and get the very best out of their team on every project, regardless of who they may lead.
In this episode, we explore:
✨ Robert’s background in the military to now being the CEO of TLLC
✨ What is the mindset and the skillset required of a great leader
✨ Why your direction and your 'Why' is more important than the 'How'
✨ The pursuit of excellence over perfection
✨ Plus more
If you are an ambitious leader, entrepreneur, or executive who desires to live a more fulfilling life and leave with a renewed sense of who you are, this one is for you.
Loved what you heard from Robert Heath on today’s episode?
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You’ll get:
The Defining Success Self-Reflection Tool – a workbook to help you clarify your values, align with your purpose, and lead with intention.
The Courageous Communication Primer – a practical guide for navigating tough conversations and building trust.
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Connect with Robert
LinkedIn: Robert Heath
Facebook: Robert’s Page
Website: http://www.tllcg.com/