Living In Your Purpose

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Latest with Loren LoRosa

Episode: Living In Your Purpose
Host: Loren LaRosa
Date: December 17, 2025

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Loren LaRosa reflects on what it means to live and work in your purpose—especially as we transition toward a new year. Against a backdrop of holiday preparations, Loren discusses personal growth, professional evolution, and the balance between responsibility, ambition, and self-trust. She brings in the voices of content creator Kai Cenat and singer/actress Coco Jones for authentic conversations about vulnerability, mental health, finding your voice, and how to measure the real impact of your achievements. The theme is one of honest introspection and encouragement for listeners seeking alignment and meaning as creators or simply as people trying to navigate life's pressures.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Loren’s Reflections on Progress & Responsibility

• Seasonal Pause and Progress: Loren opens up about savoring time with family over the holidays and taking stock of personal and professional growth at iHeartMedia.
  • “My very first Christmas party that I ever attended with I Heart was two years ago and I wasn’t even working here. ... Now fast forward two years later, I’m working here.” (04:02–05:10)
• Navigating Growth and Self-Doubt: She addresses the tension between aspiring to longevity and substance while confronting the hesitation that comes with increased attention and responsibility.
  • “There is still a very real, real...sense of hesitance that I feel sometimes when I am wanting to do things or, you know, wanting to just trust my instinct…there’s a different sense of responsibility.” (06:10)
• Fears of “Messing Up”: Loren candidly shares her inner negotiation about trying new things, not letting fear paralyze action, and maintaining focus on her core purpose.
  • “I don’t want to get in my own way and allow my fears…I don’t want to allow...that I am focused on substance and longevity and purpose get in the way of trying things that might not align with, you know, where I’m going long term, but you gotta try it to know. You gotta throw things at the wall until it sticks.” (06:50)
• Advice for Listeners: The podcast encourages listeners, especially those feeling pressure at year’s end, to both honor their responsibilities and remain open to experimentation.

2. Vulnerability & Growth with Kai Cenat

• Mental Health and Creative Ambition: Loren plays a clip from streamer Kai Cenat, who discusses recent mental health struggles and how self-doubt and fear can limit creative risk.
  • “For the past few months, I’ve been struggling with mental health out of self doubt and fright of pursuing goals...I just wanted to do more….I am going to go private soon on that page so whoever gets in gets in....sometimes it is important to take care of your mental health.” (08:30–10:00)
• The Modern Creator’s Pressure: Loren reflects on how today’s digital culture elevates people “passionate about doing it well...creating longevity...doing it in a way that’s purposeful,” but notes that this level of care can be heavy. (10:00–11:13)
  • “You’re going to see people who are actually very passionate about what they’re doing...rise to the top and kind of quiet out a lot of the noise. But that can get kind of heavy sometimes.” (10:41)
• Balancing Blessings and Anxiety: She commits to “shedding that heaviness,” appreciating the blessing of creative freedom, and not ignoring the anxious feelings about “doing it right versus just trusting your instinct.” (11:15)

3. Coco Jones on Silence, Self-Discovery, and Purpose

• Handling Family Expectations: Loren spotlights Coco Jones’ advice to listeners on fielding questions about their relationship status during family holidays, keeping it light and self-assured.
  • “Every aunt wants to be in the business?...I actually have been very into nice, nasty reads...I would honestly prep, since, you know, that this happens every year.” (18:14–19:13, Coco Jones)
• Finding Voice in Silence: Loren shares a meaningful exchange with Coco about how periods of career downtime fostered self-awareness.
  • “The break took me. Honestly, the break took me. The space in between was not by choice. But now, you know, hindsight and looking back, the silence is where I could even hear my voice, you know, be like, oh, this is who I am.” (19:45–20:16, Coco Jones)
• Evolving Self-Perception and Shedding Dead Weight: Coco describes how professional growth meant losing people along the journey and realizing self-reliance.
  • “I guess people from that section of my life dropped off because, you know, when you go higher, people act weird.com...That’s when I was like, okay, I think I’m going to be the only one that I know for sure is not going anywhere. So I need to be the voice...” (20:18)
• Purpose and Service: Loren asks Coco to define her sense of purpose. Coco reveals how her struggle with self-doubt and perseverance turned into a commitment to inspire others.
  • “Yes, I do think about my purpose...why do I get to be here with this platform...What do I do with this?...I do try to be very transparent about the journey, the time that it took, the self doubt, the things that I had to work on to be who I am now.” (22:49–23:08, Coco Jones)
  • “It was only because I drilled in my head that I did deserve it. Cuz for a while I was like I don’t know, I don’t know.” (23:08–23:30, Coco Jones)
• Measuring Real Impact: Loren links her own pursuit of meaning to Coco’s, wondering not just about achieving goals but about the impact made on others’ lives.

4. Loren’s Year-End Rituals and Call to Reflection

• Journaling Exercise: Loren shares her method for identifying what to release and claim for the new year—writing what she’s “shedding” in the front of a notebook and what she’s “claiming” in the back.
  • “I got a notebook. In the front of the notebook, I wrote down everything that I am letting go of or I’m shedding. In the back of the notebook, I’m going to put everything that I’m claiming. The two are going to meet in the middle at some point in 2026 and we’ll be okay. We will be released. We will be free.” (24:50)
• Encouragement for Listeners: She encourages listeners to consider what’s in alignment and what feels forced or out of sync in their lives, making space for self-compassion and recalibration before the new year.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Loren LaRosa on Responsibility and Hesitation:
  “I don’t want to get in my own way and allow my fears. I hate that word. And allow my new. This is what it is. I don’t want to allow the fact that I am focused on substance and longevity and purpose get in the way of trying things that might not align...but you gotta try it to know.” (06:50)
• Kai Cenat on Transparency and Mental Health:
  “For the past few months I’ve been struggling with mental health out of self doubt and fright of pursuing goals that really want to achieve.” (08:41)
• Coco Jones on Finding Her Voice in Silence:
  “The silence is where I could even hear my voice...so finding my voice was really kind of what happened in the meantime. ... I guess people from that section of my life dropped off because, you know, when you go higher, people act weird.com.” (19:51–20:18)
• Coco Jones on Purpose and Inspiring Others:
  “I do try to be very transparent about the journey, the time that it took, the self doubt, the things that I had to work on to be who I am now, to live the life that I live now. It was only because I drilled in my head that I did deserve it.” (23:08)
• Loren’s Reflective Journal Exercise:
  “In the front of the notebook, I wrote down everything that I am letting go of or I’m shedding. In the back...everything that I’m claiming. The two are going to meet in the middle at some point in 2026 and we’ll be okay.” (24:50)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 04:02: Loren reflects on her evolving professional journey and growth at iHeartMedia.
• 06:10–06:50: Loren discusses feelings of responsibility, progress, and self-hesitation.
• 08:30–10:00: Kai Cenat’s message on transparent mental health struggles and the desire to create without fear.
• 11:13–11:57: Loren processes how pressure mounts as her audience grows and how to maintain joy and intuition.
• 18:14: Coco Jones gives witty advice for handling nosy family during the holidays.
• 19:45–20:18: Coco Jones talks about the self-discovery that happens in silent periods.
• 22:49–23:08: Coco on purpose, platform, and being transparent to inspire others.
• 24:50: Loren explains her journaling method to release and claim energies for the new year.

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Closing Tone & Takeaways

Loren maintains her signature warmth and honesty throughout, creating a safe space for creative professionals and everyday listeners alike to think more deeply about living in alignment with personal purpose. The episode encourages introspection, vulnerability, and intentional growth, especially as a new year approaches. Through candid stories and guest perspectives, Loren reminds her listeners:
“At the end of the day, there’s always a lot to talk about. ... When you understand purpose, I think you understand that even what hasn’t fell in line with you or for you yet, it doesn’t mean it’s not happening. It just hasn’t happened yet—you’re being prepared.” (22:49–23:05)

Listeners are left with actionable ideas for self-reflection, a sense of community, and permission to pursue their purpose with creativity and courage.

Transcript

[Lauren LaRosa]

This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human. Yes, it's me again. We prepped. It's the time for empowerment. And I've got a message for you. Guess who. Guess who. Guess who's back. You gotta think about sexual health no matter what, when, when, or with who.

[Coco Jones]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lauren LaRosa]

To all you lovers out there, ain't no judgment. This is your cue. Guess who. Guess who's back. It's time to talk about pre special prophylaxis, a part of HIV prevention. Talk to a healthcare provider and visit carefortheculture.

[Coco Jones]

To learn more.

[DJ Envy]

Hey, what up, y'?

[Coco Jones]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy. And the holidays are here. The time of year that's all about connecting with loved ones in person or over the phone. In fact, hearing someone's voice can emote a similar emotional response as a hug. And while most of us can hop on a video chat to really bring that connection to life, using tech isn't easy for everyone, especially some of the older folk in our lives. AT&T has been doing something special here to help. They offer digital literacy workshops that help older adults learn how to use technology to do things most of us take for granted, like video conferencing and sharing photos. Take Nancy Shand. She joined one of AT&T's workshops to learn how to video chat for the first time this holiday season. Nancy won't just be hearing about family gatherings, she'll be a part of them. Sharing stories, opening presents, and making memories all through a screen. Nobody should have to go through the holiday season alone. So be sure to connect and stay connected to your loved ones this holiday season.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Connecting changes everything.

[Sophie Cunningham]

AT&T.

[Diet Coke/Ulta Beauty/Pandora Advertiser]

Everybody needs a break. And that's why Diet Coke is the perfect reset. The crisp, refreshing taste turns any pause, whether it's after work, running errands, or kicking back with your crew into you time. It's that signal to slow down, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment. However you choose to recharge. An ice cold Diet Coke makes that break even better. Make time for a Diet Coke Break, Break Diet Coke. This is my taste.

[Shopify Spokesperson]

End of the year is when we finally stop, breathe. And with everything we juggle. Families, businesses, filming, life in general. If it's not making things easier, we're not using it. That's exactly why we love Shopify. For all things reasonably shady. Shopify keeps everything organized. No juggling, 10 logins, no chaos. Our whole storefront in one place. Website, social, selling, merchandise, analytics, boom right there. Local or global side hustle or full time, Shopify gives you the confidence to level up. So it's time to stop thinking and start doing. And there's no better way to start than with Shopify by your side. Use our link shopify.com ben to start getting serious about building your future.

[Sophie Cunningham]

This is Sophie Cunningham from Show Me Something. Do you know the symptoms of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, or osa, in adults with obesity? They may be happening to you without you knowing. If anyone has ever said you snore loudly, or if you spend your days fighting off excessive tiredness, irritability and concentration issues, it may be due to osa. OSA is a serious condition where your airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, which may cause breathing interruptions and oxygen deprivation. Learn more at don'tsleep on OSA.com this information is provided by Lily, a medicine company.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I'm a homegirl that knows a little bit about everything.

[Coco Jones]

And everybody knows you don't lie about that, right? Lauren came in hot.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Hey y', all, what's up? It's Lauren LaRosa. And this is the latest with Lauren LaRosa. This is your daily dig on all things pop culture, entertainment news, and all of the conversations that shake the room, baby. Now we are checking in behind the scenes of the grind. Now today honestly is it's very cold outside in New York City, but we are literally days away from Christmas. I have yet to do any Christmas shopping, but I am really excited about just being able. I told you guys about a week ago that I am counting down the days until I'm able to just be at home, not leaving my home when I don't choose to, not having to wake up at 4 o' clock in the morning, but also just being with my family. Thanksgiving was a bit short because it was also my birthday, so I went over to the Bahamas. But just those couple days I was home, it was good to just be home and then Christmas will be the same. Like Christmas, I'll get to really just chill, just spend time with the family. So I'm excited about that. Actually about to head on over to our Christmas party for iHeartMedia, the annual Christmas party that we do, which honestly just reminds me of like the progression of my journey here at I Heart because my very first Christmas party that I ever attended with I Heart was two years ago and I wasn't even working here. I didn't even have a badge, like anything like whatsoever. I was just here guest hosting and was like, I'm going to the Christmas party. And that was like the running Joke was like, you don't even work here. Why are you in the Christmas party? And now fast forward two years later, I'm working here. Headed to the Christmas party real quick to say hello to everybody and today is a good day to just be thinking about progress here with I Heart Media and with, you know, Black Effect and Breakfast Club and just all of the people that I've come into this with because we're going into a new year and in this year, one of the things that I've been thinking a lot about going into this year is things that I want to send ten toes down on, like claiming it has been my thought process. I think as much as you guys hear me talk about things I want to do and like, you know, all of that energy there, there is still a very real, real. I wouldn't call it fear because I don't claim fear, but there is still a very real new sense of hesitance that I feel sometimes when I am wanting to do things or, you know, wanting to just trust my instinct in the way that I did prior to, you know, being with all 5 million plus of my lowriders here and just, you know, on the Breakfast Club platform. Just because I feel like there's a different sense of responsibility like I do and going into 2026, I want to make sure, of course am always leaning in and honoring that sense of responsibility. But also too, I don't want to get in my own way and allow my fears. I hate that word. And allow my new. This is what it is. I don't want to allow my new found, not even newfound. I don't want to allow the fact that I am focused on substance and longevity and purpose get in the way of trying things that might not align with, you know, where I'm going long term, but you got to try it to know. You got to throw things at the wall until, until it sticks. And that's been something that I've been battling with a lot this year, to be honest. It's like, okay, as things grow, you want to keep the main thing. The main thing and you don't want to mess up. Like I'm always just like, I don't want to mess up and not wanting to mess up. I never want to bring in. I never want to put too much on myself to the point where like I'm getting in my own way and the main thing is not the main thing anymore. And Kai Sinette just posted a video that he recorded on his birthday not too long after speaking out at the Streamer awards about his mental health and some of the new things he wanted to try. He says he wants to go into fashion design and he wants to direct and do a ton of things in the creative space. But he talked about just where his mental has been around that. Let's take a listen to Kaisanat.

[Kaisanath]

Hello everybody. I'm currently on my laptop right now and I appreciate everybody who's been sending me birthday wishes as today is my birthday. So I felt like it was the perfect day to be transparent and honest with you guys. A few days ago I spread awareness on mental health and how important it is to take care of yourself. And honestly, for the past few months I've been struggling with mental health out of self doubt and fright of pursuing goals that really want to achieve. And the reason I really been in my head is because I just wanted to do more. I've gained to realize that I'm a true creator and I'm very passionate about creating and I have other goals and things that I just want to achieve and do more of. And I would love to show you guys what I've been working on for the past few months through my more personal page which is KC3 hidden. I am going to go private soon on that page so whoever gets in gets in. But I just want to let you guys know that sometimes it is important to take care of your mental health and honestly it's been getting better. It has, but out of frustration and fear I just been in my head for some reason. I never had this feeling before but I want it to be known that I truly want to create. And I don't know if I'm getting mature or I'm just looking things at a broad point of view. But I am so passionate about creating in general and I'm excited to show you guys what's going on. Thank you.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And I think that this is a very vulnerable and real place for any person to admit that they are at. But it's also one of those things that I think you never stop running into. So I think to identify it early to understand, you know, what resources you need to put around yourself to be able to get through that, work through that, stay consistent through that and keep the main thing, the main thing through that is important. But this is also why I love like this new era of like media and content creators. I feel like there and I said this when I sat down with Gabe P. From on the Radar. Not even just in journalism, but just in the media and digital space in general. I think we're going to start seeing like the cream of the crop is going to rise. I think that you're going to see people who are actually very passionate about what they're doing, who are passionate about doing it well, doing it of quality, of substance, creating longevity around it, doing it in a way that's purposeful, rise to the top and kind of quiet out a lot of the noise. But that can get kind of heavy sometimes.

[DJ Envy]

It can.

[Lauren LaRosa]

It definitely can get kind of heavy sometimes when you're figuring that out. So Kaisanath's conversation just made me kind of think about all of that as I go into this new year. Like, I want to honestly shed that heaviness because when I think about it, it's a blessing to be able to even be in the space to explore these things. I want to shed that heaviness, but I also don't want to ignore, you know, like mentally some of the. It's almost like an anxious feeling, like a antsy feeling that happens whenever you are trying to figure out am I doing this and am I doing it right versus just trusting your instinct and doing what you know to do. And the more people relying on you, the more eyes watching you. It changes your thought process around that.

[DJ Envy]

Hey, what up, y'?

[Coco Jones]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy. And the holidays are here. The time of year that's all about connecting with loved ones in person or over the phone. In fact, hearing someone's voice can evoke a similar emotional response as a hug. And while most of us can hop on a video chat to really bring that connection to life, using tech isn't easy for everyone, especially some of the older folk in our lives. AT&T has been doing something special here to help. They offer digital literacy workshops that help older adults learn how to use technology to do things most of us take for granted, like video conferencing and sharing photos. Take Nancy Shand. She joined one of AT&T's workshops to learn how to video chat for the first time this holiday season. Nancy won't just be hearing about family gatherings, she'll be a part of them, sharing stories, opening presents, and making memories all through a screen. Nobody should have to go through the holiday season alone. So be sure to connect and stay connected to your loved ones this holiday season.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Connecting changes everything.

[Sophie Cunningham]

AT&T.

[Lauren LaRosa]

You all know this time of year is my recess season. New energy, new plans, new ways to grow my brand. And if you're trying to start 2026 ahead of the game, like really ahead, now is the time to get Moving. For me, Shopify has been the platform that keeps my whole merch business tight. As a creator, as a businesswoman, I need my tools to work hard. And Shopify is like having a chief of staff, a personal assistant, and a co founder all in one. And look, I always tell other women building their own brands, especially small, independent black creators. Don't overcomplicate it. Whether you're running a side hustle or you're trying to run a full storefront selling in your community or around the world, Shopify takes the guesswork out of everything. Shopify also, like, my favorite thing about it is they teach you as you grow, you can look up anything, get information on anything, and it's simple. They give you, like easy 1, 2, 3 steps. I used to juggle 10 different logins and apps. Now one platform I manage my store, sell online, sell on social, even tag products right from my phone, wherever I am. And Shopify Sidekick. Listen, you keep hearing all about AI. Let me tell y', all this AI is a lifesaver. It gives me reports, content, ideas, helps me edit images. It's literally like having a smart assistant in my back pocket guiding me to my next move. So let's be real. It's time to stop thinking and start doing. And there is no better way to do that than Shopify. Use our link shopify.com b e n now to start getting serious about building your future.

[Coca-Cola Spokesperson]

What a matchup we got, y'.

[Big Loan]

All.

[Coca-Cola Spokesperson]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat, everybody showing that school pride. A game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, Crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there.

[Shopify Spokesperson]

Mmm.

[Coca-Cola Spokesperson]

Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere, and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Big Loan]

What's up, y'?

[Lauren LaRosa]

All?

[Big Loan]

This is big loan from it's up There podcast. In this powerful episode, we're breaking down the danger of silence and how way too many of us are taught to protect the vibe instead of protecting ourselves. We spend more time researching cars, microphones, sneakers than we will researching on how to protect our bodies and our partners. If you have an honest conversation, one uncomfortable minute can save you a lifetime of regret. The CDC says nearly one in five people carry an STI and most don't even know it. Real intimate isn't built in the dark, it's built in the disclosure. Condoms, testing transparency. Those aren't passion killers, they're peace builders. It's too much risk in our silence. Speak up. You can listen to this special episode of It's Up There podcast with Lone brought to you by Healthy Sexual from Gilead sciences on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Diet Coke/Ulta Beauty/Pandora Advertiser]

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[Lauren LaRosa]

Now speaking of a lot of eyes watching my girl Coco Jones. Okay, I recently got a chance to sit down with Coco Jones for a episode, actually the final episode that I shot with BET Talks, which is a sit down conversation over at bet or was anyway, the season and the show ended where they bring on different guests and you have a conversation just about their careers and new music and everything that they have happening. And we're going to get to that because there's one clip that I'm going to close this show with that I think will be in line with how I opened the show. But in the midst of that, Coco Jones is working with Apple Music and you know, she's doing a sit down show very similar to this, almost like a podcast or radio show. And she's giving tips, you know, on this certain episode of the show on dealing with the why are you still single? Question during the holidays. And y' all know Coco is far from single, honey. She's engaged. She is happy. She got engaged to Donovan Mitchell who plays basketball back in July, July of 2025. And baby been living her her best fairy tale life ever since. I love to see it for her. And I know that Sierra and Russell Wilson were a part of the planning phase for that engagement. They've talked about that a bit. But she's giving out some advice to the girls who ain't taking their fiance home this year for Thanksgiving. Let's take a listen.

[Coco Jones]

Brandy from New Jersey. So every holiday my aunt drills me with the same Questions about why I'm still single and when I'm going to get married and have kids. No matter how hard I try to change the subject, she keeps pressing me, how can I handle her this year without losing my cool or turning the family gathering into a scene? Oh, my God. Now, that right there is messy, girl. And I do have to chuckle. Just a touch. Just a touch. Because why does every aunt want to.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Be in the business?

[Coco Jones]

I even in my song, my aunt was in my business, and I had. And I had to call her out. Respectfully, girl, you know I love you, Auntie Kim. Anyway, here's what I think. I actually have been very into nice, nasty reads. Have you? You know what I'm saying? I've been watching a lot of Real Housewives, and they just love a nice, nasty read.

[Lauren LaRosa]

It's still, like, cut.

[Coco Jones]

But it was like, you said that really cute, and you gotta, like, you gotta listen to it twice. You know what I'm saying? So I would honestly prep, since, you know, that this happens every year.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Coco talked to me a bit about that too. Just kind of, you know, her journey with therapy and, you know, figuring out and finding her voice, and I thought it was really powerful. She said that she. Because she went through a downtime in her career where she had to really be still, like, she was not working at all. She said that that time actually helped her find her voice. Let's take a listen to Coco. You've been very vocal at certain points in your career with, like, your vlogs and. And telling what you were going through. What was the turning point for you where you realized, okay, I really don't have it all together and I need to take this break to figure it out.

[Coco Jones]

The break took me. Honestly, the break took me. The space in between was not by choice.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yeah.

[Coco Jones]

But now, you know, hindsight and looking back, the silence is where I could even hear my voice, you know, be like, oh, this is who I am. Oh, this is important to me. Oh, I do talk like this, and I don't talk like that, you know, so finding my voice was really kind of what happened in the meantime, in the between. Honestly, I was super happy with how everything happened with the ep. Even though I didn't make the final set, I still was doing what I loved. I was making songs, I loved doing music videos again. There was a budget again.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Yes, budget was up.

[Coco Jones]

I was up. Hello. I guess people from that section of my life dropped off because, you know, when you go higher, people act weird.com? and so when People started to drop off. That's when I was like, okay, I think I'm going to be the only one that I know for sure is not going anywhere. So I need to be the voice, I need to be the through line. Because now they gone and who am I again? Kind of took me shedding that skin to be like, what do I really look like and what do I want to look like in the future? Now it's up to me.

[Lauren LaRosa]

And that made me ask her, like, what does purpose look like for you? Like, you know, I think when you're young and you're creative and you just want to, you know, be successful because people are depending on you or because you have these goals you want to reach and then you get to a point where you start achieving these. There is that conversation about like, well, wait, hold on, this is happening. And, and then I don't know about anybody listening. But for me, once I achieve something, goal wise, I'm a very goal oriented person. But you know, now at this phase of my life, when I achieve something, I'm always looking around and like wondering like, how has this impacted people? I've talked about that here on the podcast, but I ask that question all the time to myself, like, what was the impact in that? What did that do for somebody? Did that do anything for somebody? And if not, what else have you done? You know, that, that will or that can. Or, you know, how can you be of service to other people? And the purpose conversation was one of my favorite parts of the conversation with Coco because, you know, with Coco Jones being this Disney star at one point and, or this child star at one point and having to kind of take a step back and figure it out all over again. A lot of times people will tell you who you are and honestly who you're not. Okay, Auntie at the, at the, the Christmas dinner will make you feel like you are not a person that is. Do. You're not doing. You could have everything else lined up, hit every other goal for 20, 25, but you show up to that dinner without your little boo thing and now you are not any of those, you know, good things you felt about yourself before you walked in that door because of this one thing that someone is identifying that you haven't success succeeded at. No, we not doing that over here. We're not doing that. Because when you understand purpose, I think you understand that even what hasn't fell in line with you or for you yet, it doesn't mean it's not happening. It just hasn't happened yet you're being prepared, you know what I mean? Like you're, you're being preheated like the oven at that Christmas dinner. Let's take a listen to Coco talk about purpose. Does Coco Jones think about like her purpose of her art? Like what is your purpose of your art?

[Coco Jones]

Yes, I do think about my purpose. I mean not just of my art, but like, why do I get to be here with this platform and why did I make it even after that time and there was so many years of nothing? Why? What do I do with this? And I hope I ain't doing nothing wrong, but sorry, I'm only human.

[Shopify Spokesperson]

Seriously.

[Coco Jones]

I do think about my purpose all the time and I'm trying to just do the best I can with what I got and hope that I he inspires someone. I do try to be very transparent about the journey, the time that it took, the self doubt, the things that I had to work on to be who I am now, to live the life that I live now. It was only because I drilled in my head that I did deserve it. Cuz for a while I was like.

[Lauren LaRosa]

I don't know, I don't know.

[Coco Jones]

I feel like when you don't know, nobody know, right?

[Lauren LaRosa]

I love Coco. That conversation you guys can listen to in full over on BET's YouTube channel was a great convo between me and my girl Coco. And definitely some things to think about. I mean, we're all maneuvering, we're moving, we're grooving, and the holidays are coming up and you will have time to sit still, you know, hopefully outside of providing dinner and all the things for your family or whatever it is that you do every holiday season around this time. But when you have that time to sit still with the people that really love you and really, you know, really love you, start to think about everything that feels like, okay, this is in line, meant for me. That's been my mantra for the last like a week or two. Charlemagne's been talking a lot about this being the year of the Snake and just shedding things internally and people and in me doing that because I went and bought a book all about claiming and shedding things. I'm writing down things that I want to shed, things that I want to claim. I began thinking about, like, what feels in alignment in my life, like what feels in alignment in my life, like what feels like it's flowing and it's not forced. What things am I doing that may make those things feel forced? Because those are things I need to shed for myself. Like, my thought processes, sometimes my, you know, like my defense. Like, there's a lot of things I'm working through. This is a therapy session. Lord God, Hallelujah. Won't he do it? But yes. Get you a notebook. Join me these next couple weeks. I am writing down. This is what I did. I got a notebook. In the front of the notebook, I wrote down everything that I am letting go of or I'm shedding. In the back of the notebook, I'm going to put everything that I'm claiming. The two are going to meet in the middle at some point in 2026, and we'll be okay. We will be released. We will be free. At the end of the day, there's always a lot to talk about. I'm your host, Lauren LaRosa, and this is the latest with Lauren LaRosa. And every single time you guys are here with me to talk about it, my lowriders. I appreciate y'. All. I really do. I'll see you guys in my next episode.

[DJ Envy]

Hey, what up, y'?

[Coco Jones]

All?

[DJ Envy]

It's DJ Envy. And the holidays are here. The time of year that's all about connecting with loved ones in person or over the phone. In fact, hearing someone's voice can evoke a similar emotional response as a hug. And while most of us can hop on a video chat to really bring that connection to life, using tech isn't easy for everyone, especially some of the older folk in our lives. AT&T has been doing something special here to help. They offer digital literacy workshops that help older adults learn how to use technology to do things most of us take for granted, like video conferencing and sharing photos. Take Nancy Shan. She joined one of AT&T's workshops to learn how to video chat for the first time this holiday season. Nancy won't just be hearing about family gatherings. She'll be a part of them, sharing stories, opening presents, and making memories all through a screen. Nobody should have to go through the holiday season alone, so be sure to connect and stay connected to your loved ones this holiday season.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Connecting changes everything.

[Sophie Cunningham]

AT&T. This is Sophie Cunningham from Show Me Something. Do you know the symptoms of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA in adults with obesity, they may be happening to you without you knowing. If anyone has ever said you snored loudly, or if you spend your days fighting off excessive tiredness, irritability, and concentration issues, it may be due to osa. OSA is a serious condition where your airway partially or completely collapses during sleep. Which may cause breathing interruptions and oxygen deprivation. Learn more at don'tsleep on OSA.com this information is provided by Lilly A medicine company.

[Diet Coke/Ulta Beauty/Pandora Advertiser]

Ulta Beauty's big holiday beauty sale is back with up to 50% off. Must have gifts Shop irresistible deals like the Shark Beauty Flex Style and Benefit Cosmetics Travel size mascaras with new offers weekly, same day pickup or delivery and our trusted associates. We make holiday shopping effortless. Head into Ulta Beauty today. Ulta Beauty Gifting happens here. Make their holiday unforgettable with a gift that says it all from Pandora Jewelry. A gift that tells a story and shows you know theirs that doesn't just sparkle but speaks. From new festive charms to forever rings and personal engravings, this season, give a gift that's perfectly theirs. Whether you're shopping for a shiny surprise for your significant other, matching bracelets to celebrate your friendship, or a heartfelt gift for a family member. Say more this holiday season with Pandora. Shop [e-mail] or visit your closest Pandora store. Look Santa, the kids left you.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Pepperidge Farm Cookies Milano mint chocolate, so rich.

[Coca-Cola Spokesperson]

Jessamine butter cookies so buttery. And Linza Raspberry A holiday classic.

[Lauren LaRosa]

These are Fancy Santa, Fancy Santa, Fancy Santa.

[Coco Jones]

Designer cologne.

[Coca-Cola Spokesperson]

Spritz Me Vintage timepiece, Classy o' clock.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Gold chain with diamonds.

[Coca-Cola Spokesperson]

Now that's fancy. Pepperidge Farm Cookies Fancy a taste.

[Diet Coke/Ulta Beauty/Pandora Advertiser]

This is an I Heart podcast.

[Lauren LaRosa]

Guaranteed human.