
H.E.A.L. (Honour Elevate And Love) Her Podcast
I'm Makini Smith!
After going through a divorce, my sister passing away, experiencing narcissistic abuse, and some significant health scares, I realized through sharing my story that I wasn't alone in my suffering...suffering; subjective distress generated by the experience of being out of balance.
In a deep dive to holistically heal mind, body and soul, is where I discovered peace, clarity and connection.
It is impossible to be truly wise without some real-life hardship. And we cannot develop post-traumatic wisdom without making it through and, most importantly, through it together.
Social connection builds resilience, and resilience helps create post-traumatic wisdom, and that wisdom leads to hope. Hope for you and others witnessing and participating in your healing and for your community.
A healthy community is a healing community, and a healing community is full of hope because it has seen its own people weather--survive and thrive.
Episodes

3 days ago
Anna Kloots ”Trusting The Magic Within”
3 days ago
3 days ago
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In this episode, Anna shares how she did her reappearing act by tapping into the magic within and how you can too!
Anna Kloots is a New York Times Bestselling Author, small business owner, content creator, and world traveller living in Paris.
So many people have said she is the real-life “Emily in Paris!”
Anna is the author of Live Your Life: My Story of Loving and Losing Nick Cordero which she co-wrote with her sister, television star Amanda Kloots.
Anna’s latest book is titled My Own Magic. Her writing candidly reflects on her travels, relationships, failures, and fantasies.
Anna adds a little sparkle to everything she does, thinks outside the box, and prefers dancing down the streets instead of strolling. She can often be spotted sipping champagne in a café, undoubtedly celebrating something.
In the last twelve years, she’s lived in New York, London and Paris - and travelled to 83 countries across 6 continents.
For every woman searching for her voice, Anna shares her story of starting over by trusting the magic that was always within.
We discussed:
How she was left without a job, a home and a husband on the same day.
How divorce helped her rediscover who she was and the magic within.
Her advice on how to turn unhappy endings into meaningful new beginnings.
Perception vs reality
Stay connected with Anna online:
Website
Instagram
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A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
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Thursday May 25, 2023
Dean & Nicky Samuels ”How To Be Stronger Together”
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
This episode is brought to you by Herbal Face Food.
Use promo code "Makini20" for 20% off ALL PLANT facial products.
In this episode, Dean & Nicky share how they have become stronger individually by being a team and how you can do the same.
Dean & Nicky Samuels founded BKBQ, a black not-for-profit that caters to the emotional and physical needs of black women, men and youth in Canada to push past their pain and into purpose.
Using his strong business acumen and passion for humanitarianism, Founder Dean Samuels identified an intense need for programs catering to advancing, rehabilitating, and rebuilding the black family structure. Pairing his background in music production and Nicola’s professional expertise and passion for children and education, they seek to create and establish a business model that provides resources to the black community and supports other Black-led community groups and projects in the greater Toronto area.
We discussed:
His BIG visions since childhood
Her love for caring for the next generation
Starting their podcast as a voice for those suffering in silence
Being robbed of $500,000 shortly after two miscarriages, right before the birth of their rainbow baby and the closing of the purchase of their home
His definition of being a “man”
Stay connected with them online:
Website
Dean's Instagram
Nicky's Instagram
Youtube
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday May 18, 2023
Vasavi Kumar “How To Redefine Our Labels”
Thursday May 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
In this episode, Vasavi shares how she has redefined labels for herself and how you can too!
Vasavi Kumar is a Former TV host, Licensed Therapist, Voiceover Artist, and Creator of the Say It Out Loud Safe Haven, an online support community. She is also the author of Say It Out Loud. A first-generation Indian immigrant raised on Long Island, NY, Vasavi has relentlessly searched to find her voice, access the freedom of her creative spirit, and help others along the way…out loud.
When diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 19, she made it her mission to understand how her mind works, starting with making room to hear herself think.
Her mission is to share everything—the good, bad, and ugly—to teach a more mindful, practical, and simple way of running every aspect of your life.
Through her Say It Out Loud podcast, keynote talks, group programs, social media, and weekly email newsletters, Vasavi has taught thousands of entrepreneurs, creatives, and artists from all walks of life how to work through any situation —by saying it out loud.
She was on the Cover of Austin Woman magazine and featured on VH1, NBC, FOX, Good Day Austin, CW, Wall Street Journal, and much more!
We discussed:
Growing up in an all-white community as a person of colour
Using humour to deflect in chaotic environments.
Being the first co-host of Lisa Nichols year-long mastermind and having her write the foreword for her book
Having her first book proposal rejected seven times by publishing agents
Recovering from a cocaine addiction
And much more.
Stay connected with Vasavi online:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday May 11, 2023
Rachael Downie ”How To Affect The Next Generation”
Thursday May 11, 2023
Thursday May 11, 2023
In this episode, Rachael shares how she's affecting the next generation and how you can too.
Rachael Downie is a business success coach, author and speaker who offers courses and services that help people set and achieve goals beyond what they think is possible for their businesses and lives. Rachael empowers her clients to take control of their lives and live their dreams.
She is the author of The Secret Millionaire Paradigm and leads several courses to build individuals, teams and corporations' motivation, effectiveness and entrepreneurial capacity.
We discussed:
Being the first one in her family to go to University
Being parented by two parents that were both an only child
Intentionally shaping the next generation
Tapping into the awareness of who we are
Learning how to become prosperous
And much more!
Stay connected with Rachael online:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday May 04, 2023
Michelle Thames ”Growing Pains”
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
Michelle Thames is an Online Business & Marketing Strategist and hosts the “Social Media Decoded” Podcast. She provides 1:1 coaching, strategy & online resources for creators to help monetize their passions.
Michelle's strategies have helped her and her clients build multiple six-figure businesses utilizing social media.
Michelle has over 11 years of experience as a content creator and influencer. She has worked with brands such as Lenovo, Toyota, Olay, Subway, and many more.
We discussed:
Monetizing and building social media when family and friends didn’t understand
Finding your community and safe spaces
What success means to her
How the pandemic allowed her to pivot, accelerate and also rest
And much more!
Stay connected with Michelle online:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Julie Lawrence ”From Addict To Advocate”
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
In this episode, Julie shares how she went from addict to advocate and how you can too.
Julie Lawrence is a communications specialist and journalist. She is the founder and Editor-in-chief of DEFY, a digital magazine for unapologetic women.
Forget recipes, workouts and diet tips; DEFY magazine is about validating women’s anger and frustration by exposing how misogyny infiltrates the workplace.
She has been seen on CBC, Business Wire, Financial Post and more.
We discussed:
How she started drinking to numb toxic environments and relationships that eventually led to trouble maintaining employment
Learning to respect the healthy boundaries of others
The power of mentorship and guidance
Processing the Alzheimer’s diagnosis of her mother
And much more.
Stay connected with Julie online:
Website
Personal Instagram
Business Instagram
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday Apr 20, 2023
David Burrus ”Our Hearts Need Language”
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Click here to download your FREE gratitude journal to improve all areas of your life, including a stronger immune system.
In this episode, David shares the language of his heart and how it can work for us.
David A Burrus is a husband, father, believer, author, speaker, consultant, and Life and Relationship coach.
We discussed:
the soft and hard parts of masculinity
where a man's greatest strength is found
how being numb to his own feelings opened the door to being numb to the feelings of his loved ones
leadership of a man
Stay connected with David online:
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Cynthia Dieyi ”How To Rediscover Yourself”
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Thursday Apr 13, 2023
Click here to download your FREE gratitude journal to improve all areas of your life, including a stronger immune system.
In this episode, Cynthia shares how she rediscovered herself and how you can too.
Cynthia Dieyi is an Award-Winning Hollywood Story Producer leveraging story-based marketing for entrepreneurs & business owners looking to become brands the competitor can't stop raving about.
She founded The Content Clinic ™ to help businesses and entrepreneurs escape the abyss of dead-end content and develop content strategies that bring in profits.
She has been featured on CBS, NBC, Vogue and more.
We discussed :
The self-exploration journey that led her to therapy and on a beautiful self-discovery path.
Having a North Star to help focus on values.
Recovering quickly after being triggered.
Identifying the root cause of some of her behavioural patterns.
The power of mindfulness.
And much more.
Stay connected with Cynthia online:
Website
Instagram
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Annesa Tabassum ”How To Not Ignore The Red Flags”
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Click here to download your FREE gratitude journal to improve all areas of your life, including a stronger immune system.
In this episode, Annesa shares she escaped an abusive relationship and how you can too.
Annesa Tabassum is a Psych Nurse, domestic abuse Survivor, and Women’s Advocate based in Austin, TX. She brings awareness to social issues such as domestic and sexual abuse that are often stigmatized. She is an advocate for empowering men and women across the globe to live healthy and purposeful lives. She’s always sharing advice with her audience from nursing, thriving post-trauma, and lifestyle finds or products.
With 446K Followers on TikTok and 48 K on Instagram, she hopes to continue to inspire and bring light to important issues the community faces to help the next generation of men and women.
We discussed:
Not feeling comfortable in her skin until her college years
Experiencing religious abuse pre-marriage and physical abuse one month after getting married.
The consequences of ignoring the red flags.
How therapy helped reframe and reshape her thoughts, feelings and actions.
Her advice on how to assist those in an abusive relationship.
And much more.
Stay connected with Annesa online:
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE

Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Kelley Bonner “How to combat the betrayal of burnout”
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Thursday Mar 30, 2023
Click here to download your FREE gratitude journal to improve all areas of your life, including a stronger immune system.
In this episode, Kelly shares how she combats the betrayal of burnout and how you can too.
Kelley Bonner is a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience helping people and organizations transform, evolve, and heal burnout. She believes black women have been systemically taught that their legacy is struggling while their legacy is actually one of joy and accomplishment.
In her "day job," Kelley transforms workplaces by reducing burnout and bias and increasing innovation and inclusion. She provides a framework for leaders to understand the deeper organizational issues that lead to symptoms of burnout and how to solve them at their core.
She hosts the Black Girl Burnout podcast and is the author of “Burnt.”
As the founder of Burn Bright Consulting, Kelley is revolutionizing diversity, equity, inclusion, sexual misconduct, and psychological safety training with proprietary frameworks proven to increase innovation and lead to happier work environments. Kelley has worked with several federal and international organizations to create safer environments and strategies for violence prevention, including the Biden Administration, the U.S. Military, the Library of Congress, the National Academy of Sciences, The United Nations, and NATO.
She has been seen on Ebony, Fast Company, Bustle and more.
We discussed:
The most common issues from women that she’s seen as a therapist.
Key issues women face working in correctional facilities.
Being the only Black woman working in a maximum security correctional facility.
The systems that operate on us and betray us.
Stay connected to Kelly online:
Website
Instagram
Stay connected with us online:
A Walk In My Stilettos
Legacy Leavers Media
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Youtube
LinkedIn
Books
Subscribe to our newsletter if you love the value and free stuff!
Send feedback/questions to info@awalkinmystilettos.com
Submit guest suggestions HERE