We don’t just get boxed in by others. We box ourselves in.

In this episode, Jade Simmons joins Sean Martin for a real conversation about race, labels, stereotypes, and the silent pressure to conform—especially for people of color.

Jade opens up about being judged for showing up “too Black” after growing up being told she was “too white.” Together, she and Sean break down how respectability politics, cultural expectations, and internalized bias continue to shape how we see ourselves—and how we limit ourselves.

They talk about:

• The pressure to shrink and fit into roles that weren’t made for us
• Racism, labels, and the mental cost of performing identity
• How race and appearance still define perception and access
• Why boldness is more than a look—it’s a tool for freedom
• Why you have to stop performing someone else’s version of you
• Navigating business, culture, and politics while staying authentic

This episode is about doing the work to unlearn who they told you to be—so you can finally become who you really are.

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Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/officialjadesimmons/

https://jadesimmons.com/

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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🔥 About the Guest – Jade Simmons

Jade Simmons is a transformational keynote speaker, concert pianist, CEO, author, and former presidential candidate. She’s also a trailblazer in pageantry—crowned Miss Illinois 1999 and named first runner-up at Miss America 2000, where she performed classical piano on a national stage and redefined what it meant to be a Black woman in pageantry.

A graduate of Northwestern University in piano performance and founder of Jade Media Global, Jade has created a category of her own with her signature “keynote concert adventures”—high-energy events that blend powerful storytelling, classical music, mindset shifts, and audience transformation. She’s been called “Classical Music’s Number One Maverick”, with performances at the White House, U.S. Supreme Court, and global corporate stages for brands like Dell, Pfizer, and NBC Universal.

In 2020, she ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States under Operation Restoration, bringing a fresh, nonpartisan voice to American politics focused on purpose, unity, and people over party.

Jade is also the author of Purpose the Remix and Audacious Prayers for World Changers, and she continues to speak on leadership, race, reinvention, boldness, personal branding, and unlocking potential through authentic expression.

Whether it’s breaking racial and cultural stereotypes in classical music, challenging conformity in corporate spaces, or using her voice to push for social and political change—Jade Simmons is a force for disruption, purpose, and liberation.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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Tags & Keywords:

Jade Simmons, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, race and identity, breaking stereotypes, internalized racism, keynote speaker, bold leadership, personal development, conformity, labels and expectations, people of color, racial identity, stereotypes,...

From navigating the complexities of higher education to revolutionizing student engagement, Dr. Angelina Carvalhal is reshaping how we think about learning and investing in education.

In this episode, Dr. Carvalhal shares her inspiring journey from an immigrant child in Brooklyn to becoming a thought leader in higher education. As the founder of ANC Consulting, she is on a mission to transform the higher education landscape, focusing on student success, enrollment strategies, and bridging the gap between academic and business practices.

Dr. Carvalhal explores the real challenges institutions face today, such as dwindling enrollment numbers and the struggle to keep students engaged. She reveals the importance of treating education as an investment rather than just a transaction and provides insight into how universities can evolve to meet the needs of today’s digital-native students.

Additionally, she discusses the rising importance of entrepreneurship in education and the shifting expectations of students, who are no longer just looking for degrees but real, applicable skills that will lead to future success.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Dr. Carvalhal transitioned from a passionate educator to a consultant driving change in the industry
• The impact of treating education as a business and why students should see themselves as investors
• The biggest challenges facing higher education today and how to overcome them
• Why universities need to adapt to the needs of modern students or risk becoming irrelevant
• How the future of higher education will be shaped by AI and digital learning platforms
• The importance of family involvement in education and how it affects student success

This podcast is for you if:

• You’re interested in the future of higher education and student engagement
• You’re questioning whether college is still worth the investment
• You’re passionate about shifting traditional educational models for a more relevant, inclusive future

Dr. Carvalhal’s story proves that the future of education isn’t about adhering to old systems—it’s about innovating, adapting, and empowering students to become the leaders of tomorrow.

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🔗 Connect with Dr. Angelina Carvalhal

@ancconsulting1 on Instagram | LinkedIn | ANC Consulting - Website

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords & Tags:

Higher education, student engagement, education investment, ANC Consulting, future of education, enrollment strategies, AI in education, entrepreneurship in education, REAL Mentors Podcast, Dr. Angelina Carvalhal, Sean Martin

#AngelinaCarvalhal #EducationReform #HigherEducation #EducationInvestment #REALMentorsPodcast #EntrepreneurshipInEducation #FutureOfLearning #StudentEngagement #AIinEducation #SeanMartin

From planning celebrity-packed events to launching innovative virtual experiences, Jeff Krauss is at the forefront of experiential marketing and event production.

In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from a party promoter to the founder of IE Group NYC, a leading event production company that works with top-tier celebrities and influencers. He dives into the challenges of building relationships in a high-stakes industry and how authenticity and humility have played a key role in his success.

Jeff also talks about the launch of FanRoom Live, a platform that offers fans unique virtual meet-and-greets with their favorite stars, and how he navigated the shift from live events to digital experiences during the pandemic. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at producing A-list events and the importance of staying grounded, regardless of the glamorous surroundings.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Jeff transitioned from party promoter to successful entrepreneur
• The key to building strong relationships in the entertainment industry
• How FanRoom Live was born and how it’s changing virtual fan experiences
• The struggles and rewards of producing high-profile events
• Why authenticity is more important than status symbols in business
• The impact of staying grounded in an industry focused on image

This podcast is for you if:

- You’re interested in the event production and experiential marketing world

- You want to learn how authenticity can help you succeed in a high-stakes industry

- You’re a fan of celebrities and curious about the behind-the-scenes of their events

Jeff’s story proves that true success doesn’t come from superficial status, but from creating genuine connections and staying true to who you are.

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🔗 Connect with Jeff Krauss!

Instagram: @iegroupnyc

🛜 IE Group Website | FanRoom Live | QuoteNotes

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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Keywords & Tags:

Event production, experiential marketing, IE Group NYC, FanRoom Live, celebrity events, authenticity, event planning, entrepreneurship, relationship-building, virtual fan experiences, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin

#JeffKrauss #EventProduction #AuthenticityInBusiness #FanRoomLive #EventPlanning #Entrepreneurship #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #Wrestling #WWE #BIGSHOW #UNDERTAKER #THEROCK #CMPUNK

From producing Emmy-winning shows to advocating for better maternal healthcare, Sasha Mitchell-Fuller is on a mission to create change.

In this episode, Sasha shares how her journey in television led her to become a passionate advocate for natural birth and women’s health. After learning about the challenges women, especially women of color, face during childbirth, Sasha co-founded Birth Pods, a project designed to offer mothers a safe, natural, and supportive birth environment.

Sasha talks about how she used her experience in TV production to make a real impact, the importance of creating a space where women feel heard and empowered, and how manifestation has played a big role in her personal and professional life. She also shares her personal journey of sobriety, fitness, and finding her true purpose.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll learn:

- How Sasha went from TV producer to maternal health advocate

- The vision behind Birth Pods and how it’s changing birth experiences

- Why manifestation and hard work is key to Sasha’s success

- The struggles women face in childbirth, especially women of color

- How fitness and self-care help Sasha stay balanced and focused

- The power of finding your purpose and using your platform for change

This podcast is for you if:

- You’re passionate about making a difference in healthcare or women’s rights

- You’re looking to create change in your own life and the world

Sasha’s story is a reminder that when you find your purpose, you can change lives — including your own.

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🔗 Connect with Sasha Mitchell-Fuller

Instagram: @myharmoniouslife

Website: https://sofierceproductions.com/ | https://thebirthpods.com/

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords & Tags: Emmy-winning producer, maternal health, Birth Pods, natural birth, doulas, midwives, wellness, motherhood, activism, women’s health, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin

#SashaMitchellFuller #BirthPods #MaternalHealth #NaturalBirth #Activism #Wellness #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin

In this episode, Sean Martin sits down with Jaime Santana Jr., Esq.—a Bronx-born attorney, former prosecutor, and the first Latino judge in Orange County, NY. From the crowded hallways of Castle Hill to the courtroom bench, Jaime’s journey is proof that purpose, persistence, and pride can break any cycle.

Known for defending both the innocent and the guilty with unmatched integrity, Jaime opens up about the hard truths of criminal law, how he reconciles morality with duty, and the deeply personal reasons behind his fight for justice.

-----

What’s inside this episode:

• Why Jaime left a $250k Wall Street offer to become a $34k prosecutor
• The truth about defending guilty clients (and how he still sleeps at night)
• The role of accountability vs. justice in criminal vs. civil cases
• His transition from lawyer to judge at just 34 years old—and how he made history
• Real talk on bail reform, broken systems, and criminalizing poverty
• Why mentorship and second chances are central to his mission
• The powerful story of a client accused of vehicular homicide after smoking weed
• And how Jaime is now inspiring the next generation—including his own children

This podcast is for:

• Aspiring lawyers, community leaders, and changemakers who want to serve with integrity.
• Anyone who's felt counted out but still dreams of making an impact.
• Youth from the inner city, men and women navigating second chances, and the people who believe in them.
• And for those hungry for real talk, real leadership, and real examples altering lives.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

@santanalawfirm

📞 (212) 448-0055

📩 jaime@santanalawpartners.com

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords and tags:

Jaime Santana, Santana Law Firm, criminal defense, civil rights attorney, Bronx judge, Latino leadership, Puerto Rican lawyer, Castle Hill Bronx, criminal justice reform, accountability over justice, guilty clients, personal injury lawyer, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin, second chances, Bronx lawyers, legacy building, family, mentorship, inner city law

#JaimeSantana #REALMentorsPodcast #BronxToBench #LatinoJudge #DefendingTheGuilty #JusticeAndAccountability #FromTheBlockToTheBench #CriminalDefenseTruth #SecondChances #LegacyAndLaw #SeeYouAtTheTop

From surviving childhood abuse, trafficking, and deep spiritual conditioning, Jennelle Gordon’s journey is not just about overcoming — it’s about redefining what healing, holiness, and feminine power really look like.

In this raw and real conversation, Jennelle shares how she reclaimed her body, her spirit, and her purpose through Tantra, somatic healing, motherhood, and radical truth. She opens up about escaping the life by faking her own death, finding unexpected mentorship, and discovering that what once brought her shame became the very path back to God.

Jennelle doesn’t hold back — from calling out modern narratives around womanhood and feminism, to explaining why sex is not sinful, but sacred. If you’ve ever battled shame, questioned your worth, or felt disconnected from your spirituality, this episode is for you.

🎙️ In this episode, you'll learn:

- How Jennelle’s trauma shaped — but didn’t define — her

- Why she says "sex isn’t dirty, shame is"

- The shocking truth about what Tantra really is (and isn’t)

- How she healed while raising a newborn — with no money, no support, no blueprint

- Why modern society keeps women in debt, disempowered, and disconnected

- What it means to find God through the body — not beyond it

- How her retreats and book are helping others break free from shame and reclaim their sacred power

This podcast is for you if:

- You’ve battled shame around sex, spirituality, or your identity

- You’re healing from trauma and want to reconnect with yourself and God

- You’re curious about Tantra, sacred intimacy, or embodied healing

- You want to break cycles, speak your truth, and fully reclaim your power

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too broken, too lost, or too far gone — Jennelle’s story will remind you: you’re not.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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🔗 Connect with Jennelle Gordon

Instagram: @shaktimastery | Website & Retreats: https://www.shaktisliving.com/

Book: Unf*ck Your Sex Life -- Available Now!

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords & Tags:

tantra healing, Jennelle Gordon, spirituality and sex, divine feminine, trauma recovery, sacred sexuality, healing shame, women empowerment, breathwork, somatic healing, tantra for beginners, REAL Mentors Podcast

#JennelleGordon #SpiritualityAndSex #TantraHealing #TraumaRecovery #SacredSexuality #DivineFeminine #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #BeyondTheBronx #HealingJourney #ShaktiMastery #UnfuckYourSexLife

In this special return episode, Violeta Galagarza—the founder of KR3TS (Keep Rising To The Top)—joins Sean Martin once again, not just as the podcast’s very first guest, but now as a partner and soul-sister in purpose. As KR3TS celebrates its 35th anniversary, this episode unpacks the real story behind the legacy, the hustle, the breakthroughs, and the new chapter: finally finding a home after 35 years.

What’s inside this episode:

- How a social media post sparked a life-changing partnership

- Violeta’s rise from abuse, abandonment, and teen motherhood

- How she built KR3TS from scratch while raising 3 boys—including In the Heights star Noah

- Why dance saved lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually

- The behind-the-scenes battle to secure a dance space for the next generation

- Their plans to turn the new KR3TS space into a true East Harlem community center

- The truth about running a nonprofit in the inner city

- And what’s next for Violeta, KR3TS, and the mission to raise future legends

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🎉 KR3TS 35th Anniversary: "THE JOURNEY"

🗓 April 25–26, 2025

📍 Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, Bronx, NY

🎭 Friday: Performance Night (feat. Ruperto Vanderpool)

🥂 Saturday: VIP Gala + Performance + Afterparty (feat. Kurtis Blow, D-STROY & more)

🎟 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kr3ts-35th-anniversary-show-the-journey-tickets-1268232811479

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🔗 Connect with our guest, Violeta Galagarza!

Instagram: @violeta_kr3ts | KR3TS Dance Company

Website: https://www.kr3ts.com

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

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Keywords and tags:

KR3TS, Violeta Galagarza, dance mentorship, youth empowerment, nonprofit leadership, East Harlem, Bronx, 35th anniversary, real stories, community impact, healing through dance, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, In the Heights, Noah, cultural legacy, inner city changemakers

#KR3TS35 #VioletaGalagarza #DanceForChange #REALMentorsPodcast #YouthEmpowerment #EastHarlemStories #CommunityLeadership #TheJourney #LegacyMakers #FromPainToPurpose #SeeYouAtTheTop

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From growing up in New York City to becoming a voice for change, Aaron Frager’s story is a full-circle moment of mentorship, purpose, and community impact. Once a “Little” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC program, Aaron now serves as their Vice President of Recruitment and Outreach, championing initiatives that connect youth with mentors—especially in underserved areas like the Bronx.

In this powerful episode, Aaron opens up about his journey, the challenges facing inner-city youth, and why he’s on a mission to recruit mentors from the very communities they aim to uplift. From combating imposter syndrome to navigating generational poverty, Aaron shares raw truths, real solutions, and a blueprint for how anyone—regardless of their background—can help shape the next generation.

💡 You'll learn:

• How Aaron went from mentee to mentor and VP at BBBS of NYC
• The purpose behind the “Be Bronx Be Big” initiative
• Why the Bronx has the fewest mentors despite high demand
• The harsh realities of imposter syndrome in underserved communities
• What being a mentor really looks like (hint: just 4 hours a month!)
• How mentorship creates ripple effects for generations
• Practical ways you can get involved—even if you have limited time or money

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about youth development, breaking cycles, and making a difference in their own community. Aaron’s story is proof that when you become who you needed, lives are changed.

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🔗 Connect with our guest:

Aaron Frager: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-frager/

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYC: https://www.instagram.com/bbbsnyc/ | https://www.bigsnyc.org

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

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Keywords and tags: mentorship, Aaron Frager, Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC, youth empowerment, community leadership, Bronx stories, inner city impact, breaking the cycle, imposter syndrome, purpose-driven life, REAL Mentors Podcast

#Mentorship #AaronFrager #BigBrothersBigSistersNYC #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityLeadership #BronxStories #BreakingTheCycle #REALMentorsPodcast #InnerCityChange #BeBronxBeBig