Podcast
Business of the Beat
Hosted by Mean Ole Lion Media · EN
Hosted by three-time founder, bestselling author, and award-winning industry thought leader Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, Business of the Beat takes you inside the business of beauty and wellness—unpacking the real stories behind starting, growing and accelerating breakthrough brands.
Each episode features candid conversations with founders, senior executives, influencers, and operators who are shaping the future of the industry. From funding to failures, pivots to purpose, and hustle to harmony, you’ll get unfiltered insights and actionable strategies to grow and scale with intention.
Now in its fifth season with over 180 episodes, Business of the Beat is the go-to resource for all business leaders ready to turn passion into profit and ambition into impact.
Subscribe today—and unlock the beauty of your success.
33episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
It's Sleep Awareness Month!
Mar 800:15:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Business of the Beat, host Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and co-host LaShasta Bell dive into a topic that impacts every aspect of our lives—sleep. The conversation becomes deeply personal as Kendra shares her family’s journey navigating sleep challenges with her daughter, Tierra Ferguson. Together, they discuss how sleep issues can affect health, energy, and daily performance, and why it’s so important to pay attention to the signals our bodies give us. From exploring sleep studies and journaling habits to advocating for better rest and recovery, this episode highlights practical steps families and professionals can take to improve sleep quality—and ultimately improve quality of life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone trying to function better day to day, this honest conversation reminds us that prioritizing sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for wellness, clarity, and long-term success.
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The Power of Partnership in Entrepreneurship
Mar 300:48:50Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with entrepreneur Stephanie Cartin for a heartfelt conversation about building community while building a business. Stephanie shares what the entrepreneurial journey has taught her about partnership, wellness, and the importance of not trying to do it all alone. The conversation unpacks how meaningful connections can create momentum, why self-care is not optional for leaders, and how initiatives like Founders Weekend are helping women entrepreneurs find support, strategy, and sisterhood along the way. This episode is a reminder that sustainable success is rooted in community, collaboration, and caring for yourself as you grow.
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The What, The How Are Important, But Character is Key
Feb 2200:59:43Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with leadership strategist and certified coach Jenequa Eldridge for a powerful conversation about what it really means to lead from the inside out. Jenequa breaks down the importance of internal alignment—for both individuals and organizations—and why leaders must first understand who they are beyond their job titles. She explores how strengths-based leadership, empathy, and intentionality can transform workplace culture and deepen collaboration across teams. The conversation also dives into navigating friction in relationships, articulating your needs, and building community in ways that support both personal growth and organizational success. If you’re leading people—or preparing to—this episode offers practical insight on how to show up with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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Healing in Real Time: Faith, Therapy & the Power of Self-Awareness
Feb 1500:41:35Tap to summarizeOn this powerful episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with licensed mental health counselor Jermai Harrison to unpack his journey into mental health and wellness and the role community plays in healing. Jermai reflects on generational shifts in how mental health is discussed, how faith and therapy can coexist, and why self-awareness is essential to long-term growth. The conversation centers on investing in yourself, honoring your scars as part of your story, and embracing healing as a pathway to real transformation and a healthier future. Find more shows like this on the Mean Ole Lion app.
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Wellness is the Work: Lead Well to Live Well
Feb 800:58:09Tap to summarizeOn this insightful episode of Business Of The Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken - Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with wellness coach Deon Hall Garriques to unpack why wellness is essential to sustainable leadership — especially for women navigating demanding careers and evolving life stages. Deon shares her powerful pivot from CPA to wellness coach and breaks down the often-overlooked realities of women’s health, including menopause, hormonal shifts, and the impact they have on focus, energy, and performance. The conversation centers self-care as a leadership strategy, highlighting the importance of boundaries, education, and self-awareness, while offering practical, real-world steps women can take to protect their health, advocate for their needs, and lead at their best.
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Healing Out Loud: Culture, Conflict, and Mental Wellness
Feb 100:56:53Tap to summarizeIn this powerful and thought-provoking episode of Business of the Beat, the hosts sit down with Dr. Patrice Douglas, a Black Mental Health Expert, and CEO of The Weight Room & Empire Counseling whose work centers on culturally responsive mental health care. With a deep focus on the emotional well-being of Black men and boys, Dr. Patrice unpacks the often-misunderstood role of anger—reframing it as a valid and necessary emotion rather than something to suppress or fear. The conversation explores how generational trauma, cultural expectations, and social conditioning shape emotional expression and conflict resolution. Dr. Patrice highlights the critical role of community, male friendships, and safe spaces in supporting mental health, while also emphasizing the importance of emotional rewiring as a pathway to healthier communication and healing. This episode offers insight, compassion, and practical perspective on what it truly means to support emotional wellness across cultures—and why collective healing starts with understanding.
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Purpose Over Pressure: Impact Without Burnout
Jan 2500:54:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Business of the Beat, hosts Kendra Bracken-Ferguson and LaShasta Bell sit down with Jenai Tidwell, LPC-S, for a thoughtful conversation about shifting from hustle culture to a more sustainable rhythm rooted in harmony, intention, and self-awareness. Jenai shares her journey from traditional therapy into entrepreneurship, explaining why expanding impact beyond one-on-one sessions became essential to her purpose. Together, they explore the power of community, the importance of mindful consumption—both in what we eat and what we consume mentally—and how small, consistent choices can lead to meaningful transformation. The conversation also introduces Jenai’s 3E approach—efficiency, effectiveness, and endurance—as a framework for building businesses and lives that don’t sacrifice well-being for success. From examining the effects of sugar on health to redefining productivity, this episode offers practical insights for anyone seeking balance without burnout. The episode concludes with reflections on Jenai’s collaborative book, Time Well Spent, which chronicles personal journeys of growth, healing, and intentional living—reminding listeners that success is most powerful when it’s sustainable.
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From Survival to Healing: Understanding Narcissistic Parenting
Jan 1800:31:16Tap to summarizeIn this powerful and deeply affirming episode of Business of the Beat, Kendra and LaShasta sit down with licensed clinical social worker Agatha Peters for an eye-opening conversation about narcissistic parenting and its lasting impact on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Agatha shares her personal journey from Nigeria to becoming a therapist, weaving lived experience with professional insight as she breaks down how narcissistic traits can show up in parents and caregivers. She explains why these dynamics are often difficult to recognize, how they affect identity, self-worth, and relationships well into adulthood, and why so many people struggle with guilt when setting boundaries. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but radical truth: love should not hurt. Agatha emphasizes the importance of self-protection, therapy, and intentional healing, while reminding listeners that joy and healing can coexist, even after deep relational wounds. This episode offers validation, clarity, and hope for anyone navigating the long road toward reclaiming their life and sense of self.
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From Mindset to Mortgage: The Real Path to Wealth
Jan 1100:25:40Tap to summarizeSeason 6 Begins! On this episode of Business Of The Beat, the conversation between new co-host LaShasta Bell and Kendra Bracken-Ferguson turns to Real Estate as a cornerstone of Generational Wealth and long-term stability with investor, realtor, mentor and owner of Sillers Realty Group Avery Sillers. They unpack how financial security impacts emotional well-being and why shifting our Mindset around Budgeting, Investing, and ownership is critical to building lasting wealth. The discussion explores the power of Family Collaboration in creating financial legacies, along with why tools like Life Insurance and Trusts are essential for protecting assets and securing future generations. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your financial strategy, this episode offers practical insights on taking action—even with limited funds—and aligning wealth creation with Purpose and clear goals. This is a blueprint for thinking bigger, planning smarter, and building something that lasts.
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“The Power of the Pivot: Season 5 Finale with Kendra & Leslie”
Nov 3000:55:56Tap to summarizeIt’s the Season 5 finale! After 20 episodes of insight, inspiration, and industry deep dives, Kendra and Leslie close out the season with an unfiltered recap of their biggest takeaways—from the power of confidence to navigating DEI rollbacks, retail shake-ups, founder journeys, and the realities of entrepreneurship. Together, they unpack: • The beauty of intentional pivots and how to pivot before the crisis arrives • Why community and partnership matter more than ever • Lessons from leaders, founders, and mothers • What it means to gracefully close one chapter and step boldly into the next • Their own journey from individual founders to powerhouse partners Filled with laughter, vulnerability, industry insight, and signature Kendra-and-Leslie chemistry, this episode is both a wrap party and a roadmap. Plus, stay tuned for what’s ahead—Leslie’s new podcast, the expansion of LumiNicole, and Kendra’s upcoming Business of the Beat Season 6 “From Hustle to Harmony.”
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