Turning 40 has been a whirlwind of emotions and reflections. This week, I uncork a bottle of Clasa Azul Reposado tequila to toast not just my milestone birthday but a transformative year filled with personal highs and lows. Join me as I share the joy of celebrating with my loved ones, reflect on the bittersweet moments of my mom's passing, and navigate the complexities of surrogacy and evolving friendships. As I savor my tequila on the rocks with a twist of lime, let's ponder together what crossing into this new decade truly means and how it contrasts with the vibrant chaos of my 30s.

What does it take to be a great leader? It’s a question I’ve grappled with while balancing personal passions like singing, acting, and dancing with professional aspirations. Accepted into the Millennial Leadership Initiative, I’m excited to share how this program is equipping historically marginalized leaders for greatness. From soaking in the soulful vibes of Avery Sunshine and Robert Glasper concerts to preparing for my baby's arrival, this journey is about growth, balancing dreams, and staying connected—whether with a glass of tequila or a bottle of milk.

Reconnecting with old friends as I approach 40 has been an emotional rollercoaster. Some reunions were heartwarming, while others brought the reality of drifting apart into sharp focus. Relive the awkward yet enlightening encounters from Puerto Vallarta and explore the societal labels we attach to relationships. Finally, let's chat about our growing community. Follow me, Samaad Wes Keys, on Facebook and Instagram, and join our 30,000-strong family on YouTube at A Sip With Samaad. Your support means the world, and I’m thrilled to have you with me on this incredible journey.

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As the pollen count soars and my heartstrings tug, I unveil the layers of my life in a story of unrequited love and the perennial fight against allergies. There's a glimpse into my battle behind closed doors, setting emotional boundaries, and the little things that keep me sneezing. But it's not all sniffles and sighs; I shake things up with a homemade "Tiger Woods" cocktail and a nod to the pride of Tougaloo College.

Our Colombian getaway paints a picture of sun-kissed skin and the rich tapestry of Palenque's history, yet not without its share of slip-ups—like that one time sunscreen was no match for a child's ambitious use of baby oil. Al and I share a tender, humorous moment with our surrogate, an encounter made unforgettable with the help of Google Translate. Back home, my musings on films and the latest tunes from Beyoncé stir up thoughts on how these cultural pieces mirror and shape our world. The tragic events on a Baltimore bridge serve as a sobering reminder of society's quick-fire judgments and the need for level-headed discourse.

As we wrap up this season, I'm filled with gratitude for the community we've built, and I'm already counting down the weeks until we reconvene. There's a promise of pop-ups during our brief parting, ensuring the conversation—our lifeline—remains unbroken. It's been a ride of laughter, reflection, and the shared moments that only our little corner of the podcast universe can hold. So as I sign off, remember that our story is just on pause, and the next chapter promises to be filled with even more adventures, musings, and, of course, you.

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Ever felt the weight of society's expectations bearing down on you? I, Samaad, am no stranger to that pressure and in our latest episode, I peel back the layers of what I call societal guilt. Without the usual musical pizzazz—thanks to a pesky bout of allergies—I greet you with raw authenticity, diving into the personal challenges of meeting external standards while juggling my own aspirations. I'll also recount a week filled with simple pleasures, like setting up that out-of-office email and enjoying a glass of Prosecco, and the meaningful embrace of brotherhood spiced with deep life chats at ASW Distillery in Atlanta.

Sometimes, the most perplexing puzzles of life lie in our friendships, particularly when money enters the equation. As I prepare to inspire the bright minds at Wiley University, I reflect on my own experiences with financial trust, starting with a pivotal moment involving my godfather Rodney. Money lending among friends can be a treacherous path, and I recount a recent situation that underscored the importance of crystal-clear expectations. Through these stories, I hope to navigate you through the delicate balance of maintaining relationships while also honoring commitments.

To cap things off, I'm thrilled to share that we've hit a new milestone - 4,000 subscribers on our YouTube channel! The journey doesn't end here; it's a stepping stone as we gear up for the season finale, and I'm all-in on the emotional rollercoaster that is impending fatherhood. Join me as I express heartfelt thanks for the unwavering support and invite you all to continue embracing our highs and lows. No guests, no filters, just a man and his thoughts—lending a voice to the shared human experience.

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