Don't be Koi

By: Melvin Smith
  • Summary

  • Don’t be Koi is a table talk podcast where guests share the tools they have used to navigate some of life’s challenging questions. Using interviewing, Don’t be Koi explores various life situations with diverse groups of people and through these perspectives we all learn and expand our life’s pond.
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Episodes
  • The Pond Journal Club: A Journey of Transformation
    Jan 14 2024
    Summary:Unkle Lew hosts the final episode of the year on "Don't be Koi Journal Club" with guests Brian Wesley Harrington and Darren Jenkins. The focus is on concluding the conversation around the transformation process, exploring topics such as embracing triumphs, cultivating presence, and charting the future in a journey of transformation. The discussion delves into the significance of celebrating victories, the impact on overall well-being, and mindfulness techniques for staying present during transformative experiences. Host: Unkle Lew Guests: Brian Wesley Harrington: A black queer man pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Mississippi, sharing insights on the transformative journey and the importance of authenticity. Darren Jenkins: A professional in the education sector emphasizing the role of mentorship and networks in personal and professional transformations. Key Themes: Celebrating Victories: Brian and Darren discuss the importance of acknowledging and celebrating small and big victories in daily life, emphasizing how it contributes to overall well-being. They highlight the role of gratitude and affirmations in building momentum and positively impacting mental health. Mindfulness Techniques: The guests share mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing, and intentional self-reflection to navigate challenges during the transformation process. Brian emphasizes the significance of being present, especially in moments of completion, and the role of mindfulness in recentering oneself. Community and Representation: Brian reflects on the impact of attending a black educators conference, highlighting the sense of community and representation it provided. The discussion emphasizes the importance of being authentic and creating space for oneself while also considering the impact on future generations. Closure and Accountability: The conversation touches on the critical aspect of closure after transformative experiences, including self-reflection on personal behavior and lessons learned. The guests stress the importance of holding oneself and others accountable for fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. The episode concludes with insights into maintaining closure, gratitude, and accountability as individuals embark on their next transformative journeys. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their own paths and consider the impact of their actions on creating more inclusive spaces.
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    41 mins
  • The Well: A Sip of Breaking Free From Shame
    Jan 7 2024
    Shame is something we all experience, not just those who have experienced trauma in their lives. We feel shame about the parts of ourselves that are most fundamental to who we are. But we don’t really talk about it.
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    3 mins
  • Don’t be Koi with Renaissance Dreams
    Dec 17 2023
    Episode Summary:Uncle Lew welcomes Rio Estollas to "Don't Be Koi" for a deep dive into his personal and professional journey within the theme of "Inner Renaissance." From growing up in a diverse, culturally rich environment to venturing into the world of vintage, Rio shares insights into his gradual evolution and the challenges he faced on the path to owning his own shop. The episode explores the mindset shifts, the importance of gratitude, and how facing challenges can be seen as a learning experience. As Rio shares his experiences, the conversation delves into the significance of giving back, offering a glimpse into Rio's upcoming projects that aim to inspire and educate the youth. Show Notes: Host: Uncle Lew Guest: Rio Estollas Key Themes: Inner Renaissance: Rio's journey from growing up in San Francisco in the vintage world. Betting on Yourself: Rio's transition from odd jobs to owning a vintage shop. Facing Challenges: Overcoming obstacles and the mindset shift towards learning. Gratitude and Mindset: Rio's perspective on gratitude and the evolution of priorities. Giving Back: Rio's projects to inspire and educate the youth in the realm of creativity. Lessons for the Youth: Emphasizing the importance of failure, self-belief, and active listening. This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys, embrace challenges, and consider the impact of gratitude and giving back in their lives.
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    26 mins

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