In this deeply personal episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique sits down with her beloved stepfather, Carl Polite. Carl shares how he met Monique’s mom and stepped into the role of father figure with strength, heart, and humility. From building a blended family and launching a small business, to overcoming racism and profound personal loss, Carl’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and grace. You’ll hear powerful stories about family traditions, his entrepreneurial life, and the importance of showing up with love. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question about balancing a corporate career with entrepreneurship.

00:00 -- Opening

01:47 -- How I Met Your Mother

04:33 -- Building a Blended Family

06:47 -- Navigating Loss and Building Resilience

08.45 -- Reflections on Family and Legacy

09:33 -- Lessons from Grandma Weebie

14:19 -- Entrepreneurial Journey and Challenges

16:37 -- Navigating Racism: "Stand Your Ground"

27:32 -- Relationships Endure Even When Life Happens

30:16 -- Lessons from Family and Life Experiences

35:09 -- Looking Ahead: New Beginnings and Opportunities

36:40 -- AMA: Balancing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Careers

39:15 -- Wrap Up

In this episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with Stuart Knoop, a longtime friend with a shared history that spans decades. They reminisce about their childhood, first friendships, and their shared connection with New York City. From early crushes to career aspirations, this conversation is full of heart, humor, and reflections on personal growth. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question about her decision to close her restaurant and what she learned from the experience.

00:00 – Show Open
01:49 – All the Way Back to the 5th Grade
06:13 – Early Crush and the First Phone Call
10:29 – Getting to the Land of Turnpikes and Tollbooths
15:36 – "Transplant New Yorker" Raising Kids in the City
19:38 – Career Reflections and Aspirations
28:30 – Fondest Memories
32:38 – Ask Monique Anything
35:45 – Wrap Up

In this heartfelt episode of Monique & Friends: Our Stories. Unscripted., Monique reconnects with her best friend from high school, Bridgette Rumph, after a decade apart. They reminisce about their formative years at Richland Northeast High School (Go, Cavaliers!), share stories of personal and professional growth, and reflect on the power of friendships that stand the test of time. Bridgette opens up about overcoming adversity, navigating life with resilience, and the importance of faith, family, and community. Plus, Monique answers a listener’s Ask Monique Anything question on what has kept her entrepreneurial spirit alive through the years.

00:00 – Reconnecting After a Decade
03:22 – Life Changes and Challenges
05:28 – The Importance of Friends, Family, and Service
10:09 – Overcoming Adversity and Finding Joy
13:33 – Mentoring the Next Generation
20:40 – Reflections on High School Life
24:33 – Navigating High School Transitions
25:49 – Reunion Reflections and Personal Growth
28:37 – Embracing Aging and Life Changes
32:37 – Celebrating Our Milestone Birthdays
36:46 – AMA: Ask Monique Anything and Wrap-Up

In this very first episode of Monique & Friends, Monique Hayward welcomes her childhood best friend, Kevin Noble, to take a nostalgic and insightful journey through their 40+ years of friendship. From meeting as “big city kids” at a summer camp in South Carolina to navigating life’s twists and turns, Monique and Kevin discuss being “blerds” before it was cool, finding new life in fitness and dance, embracing identity, and making bold moves. Plus, Monique introduces her new segment, "Ask Monique Anything (AMA)," where she answers a listener's question about how to professionals can stay relevant in a world where AI is increasingly becoming more capable and sophisticated.

Chapters

00:00 – Where It All Began: Summer Camp in South Carolina
06:19 – The Original "Blerds": Finding Friendship in Books & Music
08:49 – Big City Kids & Southern Cooking (Good & Bad!)
13:36 – How a Curve Ball Changed the Life Plan
19:50 – Opening Doors in NYC & Finding a New Path in Fitness
27:34 – Embracing Identity: Overcoming Fear & Owning Who You Are
32:13 – Plans for the Future: “Florida Man” & The Next Chapter
35:31 – AMA: Ask Monique Anything & Wrap-Up

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