The “Light Up the Mic” podcast shines a light on meaningful topics to help you win in life. You’ll hear real stories from real people on how they overcame adversity, achieved success, found love, improved their finances, and more.
Amazing stories have a way of opening our eyes, teaching us life-changing lessons, and inspiring us to believe in the possibilities. Never underestimate the power of words to change your life.
Because hearing stories of triumph, wonder, and inspiration could empower you— to achieve your deepest desires. 😊
* New episodes every other Tuesday starting January 28th.
Kembala Evans is the host of the "Light Up the Mic" podcast. She is an entrepreneur, writer, and happy you are here. Kembala earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from the University of Miami. She is passionate about learning and sharing to help others.
Beverly Harzog is the host of “Your Personal Economy” podcast. She's also the bestselling and award-winning author of five personal finance books. She’s appeared on Fox News, CNN, NBC News, CBS Evening News, Cheddar and more.
She was the consumer credit columnist for U.S. News & World Report and has been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Money Magazine, The New York Times, Kiplinger, and hundreds more.
Beverly's personal finance books:
To learn more, please visit BeverlyHarzog.com.
Carl Joseph was born without a left leg, in Madison, Florida. He is the eldest son of ten. Carl grew up on a tobacco farm, doing household chores, and playing sports—all on one leg—with no prosthetic and no excuses.
Carl became a standout multi-sport athlete, played college football at Bethune-Cookman University, trained with NFL camps, and was featured on That’s Incredible, NBC, CBS, ABC, The Word Network, and Bobby Jones Gospel.
He holds a Master’s in Divine Counseling and a PhD in Theology, and has spent over 31 years as an educator. He was inducted in the FHSAA Hall of Fame.
An ordained minister for 25 years and founder of Carl Joseph Ministries. Carl has coached football at the college, high school, and middle school levels. Carl is a proud father of four daughters and a living example of faith, resilience, and purpose-driven leadership.
Cheri Huber has spent over 45 years as a student and teacher of Zen Awareness Practice. Author of 24 books—including There Is Nothing Wrong with You and The Depression Book—her work blends humor, compassion, and practical tools to end suffering. Her hand-lettered books offer profound and practical ways for dealing with the many difficulties in life.
Cheri teaches several innovative practices for supporting awakening to the inner wisdom, love and compassion of Authentic Nature, most notably Recording and Listening, a transformative practice.
She also founded A Center for the Practice of Zen Buddhist Meditation and the Zen Monastery Peace Center, offering virtual workshops and programs. And Cheri founded Living Compassion, a thriving project in Zambia supporting over 1,000 children with food, education, and healthcare. She hosts a weekly Open Air radio show.
Coach Hurlie Brown is the head football coach at Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy in Melbourne, FL. A trailblazer, he made history as the first Black head football coach at Merritt Island High, leading them to their first State Championship appearance in 34 years. His leadership earned him Coach of the Year awards: Florida Dairy Farmers, Brevard County, and the Gerald Odom.
With 16 years of collegiate coaching experience, Coach Brown was part of three University of Miami (UM) National Championships, winning two as a player and coaching in another. Recognized as one of college football’s top recruiters, he has coached at FIU, Louisiana-Lafayette, and Prairie View A&M.
He was a standout player at UM under Hall of Fame coaches Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson. Coach Brown played six years of professional football (NFL and CFL).
Today, Coach Brown inspires the next generation as a coach, mentor, and speaker.
Jannie Grant is a devoted mother, committed to growth, creativity, and community service. She balances her professional life as a government servant with her civic responsibilities and entrepreneurial ventures. Jannie has always had a deep interest in spiritual matters.
She is passionate about fostering a strong and vibrant community and strengthening her sisterly bonds as a silver star member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her talents as a composer and musician reflect her creative spirit, while her entrepreneurial ventures demonstrate her innovation and personal drive. Jannie enjoys traveling, embracing diverse cultures and experiences, and enriching her journey.
Mark Carruthers was born and raised on a farm in SW Ontario Canada. He earned a bachelor’s degree focused on accounting, taxation, management, computer science and mathematics, which resulted in a rather sedentary career over 40 years.
In mid-April 2016, as a result of some bloodwork test results, Mark's doctor asked if Mark was becoming diabetic on him. He said Mark needed to lose six pounds by his next checkup in November.
Spurred on by the question about diabetes, Mark kicked off his incredible weight loss journey on May 1, 2016. At his November doctor's appointment, Mark had lost 60 pounds and his new blood test was clear of any diabetes concerns.
Mark has lost 80 pounds in total! As of December 2024, he had only gained back five pounds.
Mayra McEvoy is a dedicated daughter, wife, and mother. She has a vibrant presence and positive attitude about life. Mayra is committed to being a lifetime learner to live her best life.
She is also active in her community and always looking to make a positive impact. Mayra is a University of Miami business school graduate, Accenture alum, and successful entrepreneur.
Roderick Langrin is a married father of two daughters - ages 19 and 25 years old. He was born in London, England to Jamaican parents. He immigrated to New York, NY with his mother at the young age of six-years-old. He grew up in South Jamaica, Queens. He was raised by a single mother, along with some help from her sister-in-law. His biological father was not involved in his life, and this inspired Roderick to be the father he never had.
He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School and went on to college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. Roderick earned a Bachelor's in Avionics. He pursued a MS in Electrical Engineering at Florida International University while working for Cordis, a Johnson and Johnson Company in Miami. Then Roderick relocated to New Jersey, where he has lived and worked for a defense contractor for over 20 years.
Shalita Thrasher has always had a larger than life personality and makes sure she lives her life with a purpose and passion for helping others.
A wife and mother of two, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer less than two months after receiving a mammogram and clean bill of health.
She started Shine Through Me as a way to bring about awareness for self-examinations and being an advocate for yourself!