[To You, From Me] Celebrating 18 Years of Conversations

Thank you.

It seems appropriate as I am celebrating the 18th anniversary of this magazine that began in my parents' living room back in 2006 that I give the credit to where it belongs: with God and then you, our readers. 

Conversations Magazine and I have grown a lot together over the years. Both of us had humble beginnings, yet through hard work, dedication, persistence and faith we have reached places that have truly seemed impossible through human eyes. 

This magazine that you're reading began as a blog on Blogger---a place you can still read it for free---and then went to print, with my small budget allowing me to get copies done at my local Office Depot before now having the largest online retailer Amazon distribute it to the world. For me it has always been a passion project, all because I was ASKED in the beginning for it. I didn't know how it would grow or how long it would last, yet here we are.

In this issue I have included what is in many ways a time capsule from the past 5 years. Many of the interviews appear as when they were first conducted, with the years included for context for you. During the pandemic the Conversations brand grew and allowed me to interview individuals who had been too busy or unreachable before for the interviews. You'll read conversations with individuals like Columbus Short, Luenell, Michael Jai White, Preston James Hillier, Laila Ali, Stedman Graham and others who have impacted the world through their gifts. 

You will also be reintroduced to individuals like Dr. Velma Bagby, Tina Siemens, Iris Bolling, Dr. Teresa A. Smith and Chris and Kate Thurman who I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. 

Finally, there are brand new interviews with Stacey Thomas, Chris Collier and William McCreary. I'm excited about your getting to know them.

Enjoy this issue and the history it represents. It would not exist without you. 

Happy reading! 

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief,

Conversations Magazine/ MS Success Magazine

Stacey Thomas: Walking the Walk and Talking the Talk Towards Her Purpose (2024)

 

by Cyrus Webb

Sometimes we meet someone who doesn't fully see how great they are. Stacey Thomas has been one of those people in my world. I've been on this road in media for 21 years, so I know it's a marathon and not a sprint. It can be frustrating, however, when things don't happen as quickly as we would like. Stacey knows this all too well. What matters, though, is what we decide to do in those situations. 

In this honest conversation Stacey talks about what helps her to keep walking the walk and talking the talk when it comes to her purpose and using her platform for good. 

Stacey, you and I first connected because of your work as an author. What has it been like to share with the world your other gifts?

It's been a surprising journey as an author. Writing my first book stemmed from a dare by friends—they encouraged me to stop sharing stories just among them and to share them with a wider audience. To my surprise, I discovered that others, not just my friends, enjoyed reading my stories. Every time someone tells me they’ve read my book and shares their thoughts about my writing, it brings me so much happiness.  Being an author has also connected me with people I would never have met otherwise. It's incredible how writing creates connections that enrich my life in ways I never imagined.

What has given you the courage to pursue your passions, even when it’s not easy?

When it's not easy and I try to let go of pursuing my passions, God shows up with something or someone that reminds me not to give up. I have learned that nothing worth having is easily obtained. I gain motivation by learning from others and hearing their stories. I have a Publicist, Cyrus Webb, that believes in me enough to share his platform to show me that I can do more. He teaches and accepts no excuses.   Above all, I remind myself that God will do His part, and I have to do mine. Fear blocks blessings, but faith brings blessings

Thank you for the compliment. A lot of people are getting to know you from our show The Stacey Thomas show. How did it start?

Once I stopped worrying about how I looked on camera or how I should speak, I started doing Facebook Lives. As my audience grew, I decided I wanted to have conversations with others about what they were doing—not just to promote them, but also to motivate, inspire, and entertain both my audience and myself.  I reached out to people—honestly, they were individuals with larger platforms who had nothing in common with me as an author—but they said YES. I wasn’t focused on their follower count; I genuinely wanted to hear their stories.  Those "yes" made me realize I could host a talk show. Not one like the news, where you just get a summary. A platform where I could truly bring the story.

You talk a lot about your mom and ALS. Why is advocating so important for you?

When my African American mother was diagnosed with ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects the muscles and takes away the ability to walk, talk and eventually breathe; neither our family nor our friends had ever heard of the disease. After researching, asking questions, and navigating different agencies, I quickly realized that even the people at these agencies often don’t know the correct answers. This taught me how crucial it is to advocate for ourselves. When you don’t know about something, it’s hard to know where to turn for help, get answers to your questions, or learn how to properly care for a loved one. My goal is to ensure that others get the correct information they need—whether it’s from me directly or someone I can refer them to. The media has done little to educate African Americans and other minority groups about ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. 

You seem to love creating in lots of areas. What inspires you?

My creativity is inspired by true life events, relationships, and the dreams that run through my mind before I fall asleep at night, as well as moments of peace while sitting or driving.  The messages on my inspirational shirts and mugs, I believe, are things God shares with me—not just for myself, but to share with others as well.

Social media is something we all use to share the work we do. How has social media helped you in reaching your audience?

Social media has allowed me to reach people I never could have connected with otherwise. When others I’ve connected with share what I’m doing, it helps me grow my brand and expand my reach.  Going live on social platforms gives me the opportunity to showcase my passion for what I’m doing and what I’m advocating for. It has also become a space where I can learn from those I follow and build positive connections with others.

Has it become easier for you to say you are proud of yourself?

Yes, it has become easier to be proud of myself. I’ve realized that everything I have done, am doing, and will do are accomplishments—because I didn’t let fear or my own doubts sabotage my ability to use my gifts to bless not only myself but others as well.  Fifteen years ago, I would never have imagined I’d become an author, advocate, talk show host, and independent film producer—or that I’d know how to do these things,  connect with people who could teach me along the way and have a PR!  I can’t help but smile when I say my name and think about everything I’ve accomplished.

What has the reflection over the past year been like for you?

Reflecting on the past year, all I can say is, WOW!  Hiring Cyrus Webb as my PR has led to some amazing things. Looking back at how I was promoting and connecting with people, I’ve learned to do both much better.  My audience has grown, and I’ve had incredible guests that I never would have had the opportunity to connect with if I hadn’t hired a PR professional. My confidence has soared, and as I reflect, I feel even more determined to continue growing both as a person and as a brand.

Thank you again for the kind words. It's great to be on the journey with you, Stacey. What are you looking forward to going into the new year?

I am excited to see what God has in store for me now that I’ve decided there is no longer space in my life for fear, doubt, or procrastination. I’m thrilled about growing into being my own boss and doing what I love. I’m also looking forward to speaking at live events and sharing both my mom’s story and mine.

Thanks for all you do, Stacey. How can our audience stay connected with you?

Thank you, Cyrus Webb, for this interview.  I can be reached by email at iamstaceythomas@gmail.com, on Instagram @iamstaceythomas, Facebook: IamStacey Thomas, YouTube: Stacey Thomas Talk Show, and through my website at www.iamstaceythomas.com.

Take Ten with Media Personality/Coach Chris Collier (2024)

by Cyrus Webb

I have known Chris Collier for years, but we just met in person this year during his BRANDING BILLIONS conference in Atlanta, GA. It's been great watching his journey unfold, going after his own goals and dreams while being a resource for others. 

In this conversation we discuss the year, the journey and what's to come. 

Chris, great to have you share a bit of your story and your year with us. It was great meeting you in Atlanta earlier this year at your conference. What has it been like to look at 2024 and all you’ve been able to do?

Well it’s been a whirlwind of a year---you and Conversations being a big part of it---but we are just beginning. There are more people who want and deserve success in the online space. We have had 2 conferences, a bunch of interviews, did quite a bit of training, and many podcasts. It was and continues to be our focus to serve others.

Have you always known that you were meant to be an entrepreneur?

Not always, but close to it. At 9 yrs old I began to be a paperboy serving people by delivering their newspapers to them, collecting their payments. It wasn’t a job. It was a experience, teaching me the importance of freedom, leadership, and the spirit of free enterprise 

Marketing can be a challenge in the world we live in. What has helped you to find your niche and your audience?

Focusing and niching further down. I went from being a general digital marketer to focusing on YouTube and gaining traction through the narrowing of my view. We want to help as many as we can, but to do that we need to focus on a very limited space and expand that over time so that we do not face overwhelm or many other obstacles to our goals. 

Social media has kept us connected, even though we have only met once. What do you normally say to entrepreneurs about the importance of a social media strategy?

Be uniquely you, have fun, try meeting and making new friends. All the strategies in the world don’t help if you are not someone they like, know and trust. If you don’t reach your goals, start over and try again until you reach them, or until you find a path that leads you and others to success!

You recently did a training on YouTube. I found it to be helpful and informative myself. How important has YouTube been to your building your business?

For social media and digital marketing purposes I have chosen it to be my cornerstone of my “internet business”. I love it, because it is the closest thing we have to being in the room with someone. When you watch someone, you start to feel like you know them and unlike TV shows or movies, the person most YouTubers play is themselves not someone else!

Challenges come to all of us. What has helped you to navigate the tough times and keep going?

I have found perspective matters most! Even though there were some great highs this year, there were also a few lows and if I were to focus on them I would be overtaken by them! I choose to focus on the great things, on the good things that give me joy, and peace in achieving them. Even if all that was taken away, I still have my family and what God has allowed me to become! I choose to be grateful and joyful!

Your show Conquer with Chris is now accepting new guests. Tell us about the premise and what it’s been like to share the stories of others.

The premise is “success leaves clues,” and that by listening to how others have conquered and overcame, that you, too, can overcome! We want to help as many people to succeed as possible, but they have to be willing to search to find it! Our current mission is to help reach 12.5k subscribers on YouTube, helping them to hear and become successful in their own right!

What are you looking forward to as we look ahead to 2025?

I have so much to look forward to in the new year. We are experiencing growth now, we will continue to grow throughout 2025 and beyond! I am planning to help thousands of people in the new year, have more guests on Conquer With Chris, help others reach their audience and their goals! As far as the coaching/course side of things, we are preparing to help more make 2025 both impactful and profitable.

What advice do you have for others when it comes to pursuing their goals and dreams? 

Be decisive in making decisions but slow to change them. If something is not working the way you want it to, don’t quit. Pivot! You can and will be successful if you are ready to serve, and then keep serving! Don’t keep score. Instead keep helping others. It will come back to you!

Thanks again for the time, Chris. Continued success to you. Let our readers know how they can stay connected with you.

● On Youtube.com/@ConquerWithChris 

● Facebook: fb://profile/1084911368

● Instagram: @ConquerWithChris 

LaWanna Bradford: Building A Business and Brand One Day at a Time (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

I've known LaWanna Bradford now for over a decade, and it's been great to see not just the ways she has grown her business but also empowered others along the way. As the founder of The Bradford Group and through her work  with the Celebrate You community, she displays through example what happens when you work hard, push forward and inspire along the way. 

In this conversation we discuss her work up to this point and what she hopes others realize about what they can achieve. 

(Note: LaWanna and I FINALLY had a chance to meet in person in 2024 in Atlanta after years of trying to make it happen!) 

LaWanna, it’s great to catch up with you again. You have been able to find your own path when it comes to entrepreneurship and success. Why has it been so important for you to help others, in particularly women to do the same?  
I have always enjoyed helping others, particularly women who are navigating their careers and developing their businesses. I understand the struggles of both the professional and entrepreneur, and have personally navigated many turbulent waters in both of these areas. As such, I believe that I have acquired a wealth of experience that can serve to guide and support women so that they are positioned to avoid the mistakes that I made and achieve their respective goals with minimal pain.

My mindset is rooted in the following advice from my mother, which is to “learn from the mistakes of others because you cannot live long enough to make them all yourself.” I hope that at the end of the day women are able to learn and grow from my experiences and my challenges

Have you always known that you were meant to be a leader? When did it become the clearest to you?
I believe that everyone is a leader in some context of their life. Some have a higher call that has them at the forefront addressing issues and leading causes.  Leadership as you know, extends far beyond the official title or position that one may hold. When I look back on my life, I have always been one to influence, inspire, and be a voice to those who feel they do not have a voice. In recent years I think things started to become clearer and my leadership path more defined as I began to revel in my authenticity and my truth.

Today in my leadership roles as a chapter leader of a national women’s organization and founder of the Celebrate You Women Embracing Wellness & Life movement, I pray that my leadership character is demonstrative in my service, humility, self-control, humor, and positive attitude toward life and others.

Who are some of the leaders you have been inspired by? 
There are several from whom I received inspiration. The ones that immediately come to mind are Shirley Chisholm, Nelson Mandela, Gloria Steinem, and Oprah.  What these four all have in common is their global fight for women’s rights and for those who are disenfranchised.  One of the quotes that I love from Nelson Mandela is, “Freedom cannot be achieved unless the women have been emancipated from all forms of oppression.”

In 2019 you definitely brought women together to inspire, motivate and empower them. What has it been like to have these offline events? 
It has been quite exciting to have people who are willing to come offline and engage in a face-to-face platform.  I have found that through this type of interaction, women are allowing themselves to be more vulnerable and more authentic than on a social platform. These groups take the spotlight off of them, if you will, and creates a level of intimacy that allows transparency and trust to blossom.

Through our Celebrate You offline events, I have found that the notion of “sisterhood” is one that is not only expressed, but felt and experienced by those who participate.

We have talked about fear before on the radio show. It’s one of those things that stop so many from pursuing their own goals and dreams. Tell our readers what has helped you to not given in to it?
Many of us have heard the saying that fear stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. We tend to fear that which has not yet happened. We have placed ourselves in the seat of anticipation that doom and gloom is around the next corner. In reference to goals and dreams, it is an interesting paradox that individuals often find themselves in a dichotomy whereby they fear failure as equally as they fear success.

Most would nod and say that they understand the fear of failing because we are often concerned about how we are being perceived and what other’s think about us. Often we use the opinion of others as a barometer to evaluate our self-worth and value. This, unfortunately, should never be the case, but we have all been there at one point in our lives wondering what people are thinking. This brings me to a truism that I heard a couple of years ago that made me smile. When we are in our 20s and 30s, we worry about what other people think. In our 40s and 50s, you stop worrying about what other people think. Finally in your 60s and 70s, you realize that they were never thinking about you in the first place.

Now today, when I look back over my life, the things that I “feared” were the unknown: the unknown outcome, the unknown players, the unknown reactions or expectations. However, I learned to quickly trust myself and realize that the opposite of fear is FAITH: For All Things I Trust Him. Therefore, if I truly trust GOD, then I have to lean on Him and trust that where my step is ordered, there will be guidance, wisdom, support and encouragement along the way. When I rest in that knowledge, I rest in a state of peace where fear cannot reside.

Love that. LaWanna, you and I connected online. In fact at the time of this discussion we haven’t met in person, but I know it’s coming. How has social media helped you to rally the troops as it were and bring like-minded individuals together? 
Yes, our face-to-face is coming soon! Social media has helped me to establish a presence and a reach in an exponential manner that would have taken much longer to achieve using traditional methods of face-to-face networking or warm/cold calls. Through the channels that I most often use at this time, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, I have been able to tailor messages that cross the globe. I have been able to have meaningful engagement in an open format where I allow the audience or my tribe, if you will, to see my humanity, which at times includes my frailties. Basically it is a platform that allows me to create improved reality.

Thanks so much for this time, LaWanna. Continued success to you. How can our readers stay connected with you? 
My website is www.bradfordgroupmtg.com. My email is lawanna@bradfordgroupmtg.com. i can also be reached by phone at 404-618-2824. Thank you so very much, Cyrus. I enjoyed the interview, and I wish you nothing but life’s best.

Dr. Teresa A. Smith: Bouncing Back Through Her Own Transformation, Helping Others to do the Same (2023)

by Cyrus Webb

"Change is challenging."

That is something Dr. Teresa A. Smith aka Dr. TAS knows all too well. She addresses that topic in her book TRANSFORMATION, however, it is an ongoing lesson. As she continues to come out of the other side she is helping others learn from her own lessons, too. 

So much of your platform has been about helping others. What has it been like for you to remember the importance of taking care of yourself? 

It’s true that much of my platform has been centered around helping others, but I've also realized the vital importance of taking care of myself. Overcoming my own trauma has been a transformative journey, and realizing that I haven't cared for myself properly was tough. If not for my belief in resilience, I might have found myself curled up in a corner, overcome with shame and self-pity. However, I firmly believe in the power of forgiveness, both from a higher power and from oneself.

 Sometimes, we become our own worst enemies, piling unnecessary stress upon ourselves. Perhaps, we do it out of the belief that it's easier than negotiating with others. I have learned that there's a limit to how many hits we can endure before we find ourselves down for the count. So, I must take the first step if change is to occur.

So many people, especially women, feel they have to put others first. We both know that’s not the proper order. Has that been difficult for you, putting yourself first? 

Every day, I face the ongoing struggle of putting myself first. In the past, I prioritized taking care of others before even considering my own needs. I vividly recall a recent experience with a faculty member I was working with who was trapped in a perpetual cycle of stress and overwhelm. I observed her closely during a Zoom meeting and noticed the range of emotions flickering across her face, including frustration. It became clear that she was teetering on the edge, struggling to balance multiple deadlines. 

During a conversation about her work performance, we delved deeper into her inability to prioritize herself. It was a breakthrough moment when she cried, releasing the weight of unrealistic expectations and beginning her journey toward a Bounce Back. This story serves as a reminder that society often socializes women to endure, take hits, and be unbreakable superwomen. But it's time to transform this mindset because we are not superheroes, and our well-being matters, too.

Social media is a big deal for us both. How have you used it in your work? Social media plays a significant role in my work, providing a platform for me to share my message and amplify the voices of other like-minded creatives. It's an ever-evolving space, and I'm continuously adapting and finding new ways to connect and inspire through various social media channels.

Being an influencer or person in the public is not easy. It comes with a lot of responsibility. Has that been something easy for you to embrace? 

Becoming an influencer or being in the public eye is far from easy—it carries immense responsibility. Although I didn't set out to become an influencer, my primary focus has always been helping others overcome trauma and offering hope through practical strategies. Embracing the role of an influencer has made me aware of the responsibility that comes with it. I strive for transparency, letting my audience know I have both good and challenging days, just like everyone else. It's how I choose to face and handle those challenges that can make a real difference in my life and the lives of those around me. My goal is always to show up authentically.

You and I talk a lot about the importance of being kind to yourself. How has that helped you when it comes to the expectations you place on yourself and what you’re able to do? 

Our discussions on the importance of self-kindness have been truly transformative. Being kind to myself takes on various forms, and it has been eye-opening to explore this concept. Practicing self-kindness has profoundly influenced my expectations of myself and what I can achieve. Admittedly, it requires considerable effort, which can be disheartening at times. Yet, I've learned not to second-guess the importance of being kind to myself. 

I ask myself, "Are you truly being authentic when you are kind to others but neglecting your needs?" The answer is a resounding "no." To prevent myself from constantly feeling overwhelmed, I've prioritized taking care of myself and ensuring that I am in a good place before extending care to others.

Sharing one’s story is not easy. What advice would you give to others about the importance of using their story to help others? 

Sharing one's story is undoubtedly challenging, but it carries immense importance. My advice to others considering sharing their stories is this: Never be ashamed of your life or your story. Each of us plays a crucial role in this complex journey called life. Your story might be precisely what someone else has been waiting for, allowing them to experience a complete transformation. Remember, both you and your story are necessary; never diminish your worth or the power of your narrative.

Thank you for your time, TAS. How can our readers stay connected to you? 

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and work with your audience. To stay connected with me, readers can visit www.Linktr.ee/DRTAS, where they can access all my social media platforms, YouTube channel, information about the Transform With TAS Show, my website, and purchase my books.

TAKE TEN: Tracie O'Neil Horton, Author of K3 (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

We live in a world of uncertainty, but the good news is that there are always people and situations that remind us that all is not lost. That is definitely a message that presents itself in author Tracie O'Neil Horton's book K3. She is able to show us how the world COULD turn, but it also reminds us that as long as people are shining a light and making a difference we can overcome any challenge. 


Welcome to Take Ten, Tracie.  First of all, congratulations on K 3.  This is your first novel. What has it been like for you to see the response?
The response to K 3 has been overall very positive.  I was unsure of what to expect, due to the sensitive nature of racial issues in this country, but so far, everyone who has read the book has loved K 3.  Readers have likened K 3 to 1984, Divergent and Twilight (for the wolves)! Many readers have told me K 3 is going to make a great movie!

The book has many layers, dealing with topics that are definitely ripped from the headlines.  What gave you the courage to tackle race and class the way you did in your debut?
What gave me the courage to tackle race?  I would have to say my children. Someone has to address racial tension in this country, and it might as well be an average Jane like me!  I am not the only mother, who, after reading stories in the papers or watching stories on the news, wonders what the future is going to be like for my children if this already heated racial climate reaches a boiling point.  At the time of initially writing K 3, there were so many hate crimes happening. I was thankful my child wasn’t involved. That was in the 90s. Look at today. I don’t know what’s going on with our police force and race, and now good people are afraid to be in law enforcement due to retaliation.  Now I worry about my grandchild’s future. I wanted to see racial conflict stop in this country, so I came up with the idea of the divided states. The KKK seemed like the logical entity to accomplish that goal.

I think there are qualities of many of the characters that readers will be able to identify with or even root for along the way.  Was that part of your aim, to entertain but also get people talking?
I want readers to identify with everyday people in the United States.  Samuel Johnson, for example. A gruff fellow with his mind set in his ways, Samuel lives in an all-black community.  When a white butcher, Joe moves into town, Samuel resents him. Samuel is not racist he just has a hard time with change.   Samuel and Joe are so much alike, they can’t help but become good friends. Those are the kinds of relationships you want to root for.  Also, the relationship of the four girls in high school: Mikela, Alex, Lexi and Elena. We all had our best friends in high school. I wanted to capture and express the importance of building close relationships that last through the years after high school. 

The character of Brian Phelps, the bully is an important one. One never truly knows what goes on behind closed doors. Brian exemplifies so many young Americans who express their anger based on what their home life is like. Brian is a mean-spirited bully, and he is that way because of his father’s abuse.  It is only when he is saved by one of his victims that Brian starts to realize the importance of integrity and honor.

I didn’t want K3 to be a history lesson. The entertainment aspect is important to not losing your audience. I find River’s character very entertaining. His moods, his looks, his appeal to female readers young and old is important.  The fight scenes are action packed and will appeal to everyone. The sexual tension between Mikela and River is quite entertaining as well. The reader wants the two of them to get together. Beau, Wahya and the wolves are also quite entertaining at times, during play and during battle. They endear themselves to the reader with their love, courage, and playfulness.

One of the most powerful accounts in the book is what happens to Jose and Esperanza’s family in K 3.  Really heart-wrenching to read, but it definitely reminds you of what we have been hearing about in the news recently.  What was it like for you to put yourself with your characters that way and experience what they were experiencing?
Jose and Esperanza are a loving family.  Their children are their hearts, and that is obvious as you read how Esperanza cares about her children’s welfare in school and at home.  Jose loves his daughter, Gabriella, but he has a special bond with his son, Emilio. Racism does not discriminate between adults and children.  It is unfortunate that children are often the silent victims. I cried my eyes out as I watched this scene unfold in my head. A family is stunned and shocked and told they should have been packed.  They had to move. To Esperanza it wasn’t real. The President of the United States couldn’t really make families uproot and move, could he?

My heart went out to this family, to lose this dear little boy just because they didn’t move fast enough, because Jose was trying to defend his family.  As a mother, I don’t know what I would have done in that instant when the shot was fired, and Emilio lay slumped on the floor. An innocent little boy caught in the middle of racial upheaval. My heart would break.

I am an optimistic individual, Tracie.  And though the book is dark at times, K 3 does have its bright spots, mainly because there were those who were willing to stand up for what they believed.  Do you think that is the key to things turning around in the real world for the better?
Standing up for your beliefs is the key for turning things around.  It just takes one person. But Cyrus, people are afraid. In an overly politically correct world, people are afraid to do what they feel is right.  It takes guts to stand up for what you believe in. Mikela is like that. She endears herself to the reader for her guts, her honesty, her desire to do things right.  There are many Mikela’s out there, but I think they are afraid to act.

Faith has an interesting role in your book.  How has your own faith impacted the way you approach life?
Faith is what keeps a person going.  To believe in a higher power, to put your faith and trust in the hands of the One you believe will help you make the right decisions, to guide you, to protect you, has always been important to me.  I grew up going to Church, to Sunday school. When faith is torn from the people of the United States, the people were even more lost in mind and spirit after the separation of the Races. People adapted.  People learned to worship on their own, in the privacy of their homes. But the concept of people coming together, to celebrate their faith with each other, is lost. That is a very lonely concept. I believe in God with my heart.  I have not been to Church in a while, but I have daily conversations with God. I would be lost if I didn’t have him to talk to.

You and I have stayed connected on social media since I read your book.  How as Facebook and Instagram in particular helped you to spread the word?
FB and Instagram are important tools.  I use these tools a lot to post excerpts from the book and pictures of K 3.  The feedback is positive, and the word is spreading. 

Have you thought about what you want to tackle next in your writing?
Many people have asked me to do a sequel to K 3.  The lives of people after unification would make a good story.  I have some children’s books I have already written. I just need them illustrated.  Maybe that is something we can talk about in the future?

What advice do you have for other aspiring storytellers out there?
Cyrus, I would tell aspiring storytellers to not give up.  If you believe in yourself, keep pursuing your dream, accomplish your goal.  My circle of acquaintances are also my worst critics. They don’t sugar coat things for me, and I respect them for that.  So, when people tell me K 3 is a well-written, believable story, I can accept that as truth. Many literary agencies are wary of unknown names and won’t give you the time of day.  Don’t let them bring you down!

Thanks again for your time, Tracie.  How can readers stay connected with you and get the book for themselves?
I am on Face Book as Tracie O’Neil Horton and on Instagram.  K 3 is on Amazon Kindle and Barnes and Noble Nook. K 3 can also be bought in paperback from Outskirts Press for $15.41 at www.outskirtspress.com/K3tracieoneilhorton

One-on-One with Luenell, the ORIGINAL Bad Girl of Comedy (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

I first had the chance to interview Luenell in 2019, and it was definitely one of the highlights of the year. The talented comedian/actress has made a name for herself on the stage, on television and in film---but it is in LIFE that she really shines. In essence what you see is what you get, and her fans wouldn’t have it any other way.

Luenell has been recognized for her work literally around the world, and at the beginning of 2020 she was honored at City Hall in Los Angeles as part of the city’s Black History Month celebrations.  Even the Coronavirus pandemic hasn’t stopped her. Luenell started her own show on Youtube called “Hey Luenell” where she has been able to talk about current events and all things going on with pop culture and the world.

In this conversation we talk about her success, her realness and the importance of being you.

Luenell, thank you so much for the time. What has that been like for you to do something that you love and to see the type of response you have gotten, especially online?

Well, it's very beautiful for me, because with all the things that can go wrong with social media, there's a lot of things that have gone right with it. The fact that I can get emails and stuff from people in Amsterdam, from people in Sweden and from people in Zimbabwe has been amazing to me. I wouldn't even think that my brand of comedy or way of thinking would translate to those other countries when in all actuality it has!

I guess like you stated it’s my realness.  I've lived long enough to see the social and moral compass of our country go straight in the toilet. And I think that the fact that I have been literally the same person since I left the streets of East Oakland in California and moved to Los Angeles and incorporated myself into Hollywood and Beverly Hills, I think that's refreshing to a lot of people. You do see people change as they climb up the ladder, but I have not. I've not been affected like [some] people are when they have access to excess, you know what I mean?

 Yes, I know exactly what you mean. Luenell, you said something I want to go back to, because I think it is an important point. There are those who have not had a quarter of the success that you've been able to have and have changed. Do you think that realness is one of the reasons you have not been affected by the spotlight like others have?

The family that I have and the friends that I have would never allow that. If they saw me slipping into a ‘Me, me, me, look at me. I'm so great’ type of category I would be quickly slapped back down to reality. So there is no chance of me ever, ever, ever, going Hollywood as they say. I'm just such a regular chick that, you know, I'll curse out an executive in a meeting just like I'll cuss out a person on the street. That’s just me.

Well, again, that goes to why people love you so much. I mentioned there are so many different platforms you’ve been on: stage, television and film. Do you find that stage is where you're the most at home?

Yes, I do. I like the immediate interaction with people. I like to see the people. I like to be able to feel the laughter. It doesn't translate as well through film and television for me, unless you're shooting a television show that has a live studio audience.

I grew up in church choir, which had that immediate response. I went into theater and did a lot of theater when I lived in Oakland and performing in San Francisco. People in LA don't even know about my theatrical chops. I just enjoy people, and I enjoy the vibe of people. I enjoy the immediate reaction of people. That's why movies are such a hard thing for me, because you get excited about it, you build a family and a relationship, then it's over. They're gone, You're gone… and the movie doesn't come out for another year. For someone who doesn't have a lot of patience like me, that's a real ball-buster.

You have also embraced the things that sometimes people run from. Right. You're not afraid to go there. I noticed even when I was prepping for this segment and you know, am thinking about not only the special but just in your, you know, in your life you've been able to kind of just go in on these things. Do you find yourself kind of capturing or keeping your power by attacking things that some people might try to use as negatives?

Well, as far as age, weight, relationships and all that, these are obvious things. It's like there's nothing more pitiful to me than somebody who tries to be younger than they are. You know, you can be hip, you can be with it, you can be knowledgeable and up on some of the terminology and the slang and the culture, but c’mon. Have some class and maturity about yourself.

I think that it's cool to talk about the obvious. If you’re chubby, then you can't erase that away. You can't embarrass that away. You can't pretend like it's not there. Address it. If you have one arm, you wouldn't come out on stage and pretend like you have two arms. You don't. We can see that. So let's talk about that. You know, I'm not sure where I got this boldness from, but I know that it has been very liberating for me to just come clean about the obvious, you know?

 I don't aim my humor for anybody that I'm not. I aim my humor towards people like me. And those are ticket buyers, movie watchers. I appreciate the love that is reciprocated, because I definitely am talking to you about all these subjects with love in my heart.

Stay connected with Luenell’s journey at her website www.heyluenell.com, Instagram at www.instagram.com/luenell and her Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/heyluenell.