Sunday SoulDay

Building Genuine Relationships with Summer Watson, Consumer Tech Leader, Gaming, Co-Founder and more

Join us as we delve into Summer’s remarkable journey, from growing up in an interracial household to navigating various worlds, from law school at Stanford to entrepreneurship and building extraordinary relationships with talented tech designers, artist and legends such as Tom Ford, Pusha T, Pharell Williams and many others. Additionally, we discussed her overcoming personal challenges, and achieving groundbreaking success in the NFT space. We’ll explore her networking strategies, leadership insights, and vision for the future. We examined the importance of real, non-transactional relationships and the strength found in embracing multiple cultural identities.
 
Tune in and have a fantastic Father's Day!
 
About Summer Watson
Summer Watson, a renowned leader in the consumer tech, gaming, and media industries. Summer's impressive career includes leading content, marketing, and product teams at companies like Playdom (acquired by Disney for over $763M), Pocket Gems (known for the interactive story game Episode), TuneIn, and Skybound Entertainment.
 
Summer’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Aku, the first NFT optioned for film by a major studio and the first non-Disney IP to be featured at Disney’s D23. Aku has generated over $100M in sales and partnered with iconic brands such as Planes (Jay-Z, Emory Jones), Billionaire Boys Club (Pharrell Williams), PUMA, Google, Starbucks, Beats by Dre, and Black Ambition. Additionally, Summer co-founded CS Global, launching the TOM FORD brand, and collaborated with legendary artist Pusha T to create the Heir app.
 
Summer has built a vast network of exceptional talent and forged strong relationships with diverse, influential figures in various industries. Her journey is marked by resilience and a drive to inspire others.
 
Time Stamp
00:00 Family shapes identity and cultural diversity matters.
03:49 Sister helped him go to college and medical school.
08:03 Navigating diverse cultural spaces shapes personal superpower.
13:02 Studied my way, not the typical model.
16:01 Encouraging fearlessness, leaving school, pursuing urgency.
20:51 You achieved great success in diverse roles.
22:22 Value of teamwork in personal and professional growth.
27:50 Diversity fosters innovation and customer understanding.
31:08 Assumed busy, but both curious and reserved.
33:28 Separation doesn't change our meaningful connection. Respect.
37:06 Friend introduces opportunity to work with Pusha T.
41:39 Human hack for technical challenge; ethical concerns.
45:00 Music betting app, initially with crypto tech.
45:53 Stake-based music prediction app with artist rewards.
49:34 Build genuine, non-transactional relationships for growth.
53:08 Build with people who share your energy.
 
Sunday SoulDay: Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Career Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
 
Be a Guest: https://calendly.com/dameshacraig/sunday-soulday-guest-partnership
Connect with me:
Email me: damesha@leveld.org
Socials: @dameshacraig (Instagram, FB, Tiktok, LinkedIn, X)
https://sundaysoulday.com/
Youtube: @coachdamesha #subscribe
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter
 
Music by: Bryo
Song: Sunset Beach
https://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Grace & Resilience: The Journey of Clarissa's Phalen - Military, Law Enforcement, Coaching & more

Today, I had the pleasure of speaking with Clarissa Phalen, a powerhouse in bodybuilding, law enforcement, military, and motherhood. Clarissa shared her journey from overcoming personal loss to achieving professional milestones, all while emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and leaving people better than you found them. We dove into the discipline behind her fitness prep and the significance of having a powerful purpose. Clarissa also touched on balancing self-care with a demanding career and how her kids inspire her to lead by example. Tune in for some raw and inspiring life wisdom.
 
About Clarissa Phalen
Clarissa Eileen Phalen is a powerhouse, balancing multiple roles as a Major in the United States Army National Guard and a Detective with the San Antonio Police Department. A dedicated single mother of two, Clarissa's journey is nothing short of inspiring. In her military career, she has served in various leadership capacities, including as Commander for the 100th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment. 
 
Her commitment to excellence extends to her civilian occupation, where she has excelled as a Patrol Officer and recently as a Detective, all while running her own businesses as an Airbnb owner and leadership mindset consultant. Not content with her achievements, Clarissa is also a competitive bodybuilder, demonstrating her drive and determination on and off the stage. Join us as we dive into Clarissa's remarkable journey, exploring her experiences in leadership, law enforcement, entrepreneurship, and wellness.
 
Connect with Clarissa
https://clarissaphalen.com/
 
Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Career Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
 
Be a Guest: https://calendly.com/dameshacraig/sunday-soulday-guest-partnership
Connect with me:
Email me: damesha.craig@gmail.com
Socials: @dameshacraig (Instagram, FB, Tiktok, LinkedIn, X)
https://sundaysoulday.com/
Youtube: @coachdamesha #subscribe
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter
 
Music by: Bryo
Song: Sunset Beach
https://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach

Setting Boundaries: Protecting Your Time, Energy and Peace

I connected with Claudia Conti, Certified Life Coach and we dove deep into the essential yet often overlooked practice of setting boundaries. Whether it’s at work, in our relationships, or with ourselves, establishing clear boundaries is crucial for protecting our time, energy, and mental well-being.
 
Some Key Discussion Points
Understanding Boundaries
Identifying Your Needs
Communicating Effectively
Overcoming Guilt and Fear and more
 
Timestamp00:00 Setting boundaries is important for personal growth.
05:16 Reflect and assess what truly matters to you.
08:24 Boundaries are crucial for work and relationships.
13:41 Learning to set boundaries and say no.
16:40 Agreement, lost track, reframing mindset, empowerment.
18:47 Set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and ignore critics.
23:42 Listen to intuition, maintain boundaries, evolve intentionally.
27:08 Recognize when boundaries are not being respected.
28:29 Gratitude for pleasant conversation, eager for more.
 
About Claudia Conti 
Claudia is an accredited and certified life coach, she’s NLP certified, has a background in marketing with a career in the field, and is a mother. She focuses on helping professional and entrepreneurial women achieve their dreams, and step into their full potential by believing in themselves and finding their voice.
https://www.instagram.com/clau_conti_/claudiacontip@gmail.comwww.claudiaconti.com
 
Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
 
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Career Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
 
Be a Guest: https://calendly.com/dameshacraig/sunday-soulday-guest-partnership
Connect with me:
Email me: damesha.craig@gmail.com
Socials: @dameshacraig (Instagram, FB, Tiktok, LinkedIn, X)
https://sundaysoulday.com/
Youtube: @coachdamesha #subscribe
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter
 
Music by: Bryo
Song: Sunset Beach
https://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach
 

Dating Coach for Women: The Intersection of Energy Healing and Love with Carissa Montooth

Calling all Single Women! Check out this delicious conversation on ⁠Sunday Soulday ⁠with the incredible Carisa Montooth an international speaker, dating coach, and energy healer. Whether you're navigating the dating world as a single parent, a high-achieving professional woman, or simply looking to heal and attract healthy relationships, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable advice.
 
About Carisa
International Speaker, Dating Coach and Energy Healer Carisa Montooth shows successful single women how to attract and date marriage-minded men without self-sabotage.
Through a combination of practical strategies and powerful energetic healing techniques, she helps her clients identify their blind spots in love, heal their subconscious blocks to love, understand men and navigate the dating world with ease, grace and confidence.
Her international clientele includes entrepreneurs as well as successful women in entertainment and finance.
She holds degrees in Psychology and Counseling and has written extensively about topics relating to relationships, love, personality types, personal development and the power of creating change through mindset shifts. She is a 6th-generation healer and certified Awakening Dynamics Energy Healing Practitioner.
 
Connect with Carisa
https://carisamontooth.com/
carisa@carisamontooth.com
https://www.facebook.com/carisamontoothlovecoach
https://www.instagram.com/carisalovehealer
 
Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
 
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Career Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur and Author
 
Connect with me:
Be a Guest: https://calendly.com/dameshacraig/sunday-soulday-guest-partnership
Email me: damesha.craig@gmail.com
Socials: @dameshacraig (Instagram, FB, Tiktok, LinkedIn, X)
https://sundaysoulday.com/
https://leveldcoaching.com/
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter via LinkedIn
 

Breaking Stigmas: Maya Chupkov's Advocacy for Stuttering Awareness (Season 2 epi 19)

In today's episode, we sit down with the inspiring Maya Chupkov to unpack her incredible journey and dedication to stuttering advocacy. Joined by our insightful hosts, Maya delves into her unique experiences with stuttering, the stigmas she faced, and her efforts to promote awareness and understanding through her mulit-award winning podcast, Proud Stutter.
We'll uncover the stress-induced challenges of speaking disorders, Maya's personal methods for nurturing her mind, body, and soul, and the exciting projects she's spearheading, including an upcoming documentary. Be prepared for an engaging discussion that challenges misconceptions, empowers voices, and offers a new perspective on living with stuttering. Tune in for a conversation that promises to enlighten and inspire!
About MayaMaya Chupkov is a passionate advocate for stuttering awareness and community empowerment. As the creator, host, producer, and editor of the multi-award winning podcast Proud Stutter, Maya is dedicated to changing the narrative around stuttering one conversation at a time. Her journey as a woman who stutters has fueled her determination to challenge societal norms and uplift the voices of those in the stuttering community. 
Based in San Francisco with her fiancé and dog, Maya's commitment to advocacy extends beyond the podcast as she works towards making Proud Stutter a nonprofit organization. With numerous awards under her belt, Maya's dedication to advocacy and storytelling shines through in every episode, inspiring others to embrace their voices and advocate for change.
https://www.proudstutter.org/
Donate and Show SupportRock of Hope: Confronting Stuttering, Incarceration, and Rebirth - Film and Storytelling | Seed&Spark
https://seedandspark.com/fund/rock-of-hope-film?token=1945b68dc4ff5c0d77f1c9146628d2c10c3e90e053f7069b851b6a90821da3e9#story
 
Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Career Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter via LinkedIn
Music by: BryoSong: Sunset Beachhttps://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach
#mindbodysoul #stutteringawareness #stutteringcommunity #proudstutter

(Part 2) Deanna C. Hendrick MTV/Paramount Leader: Journey of Sobriety, Healing and Self Discovery (Season 2 epi 18)

(Part 2) In this episose Deanna C Hendrick shares her transformative journey with us. Deanna opened up about overcoming personal and professional challenges, from her pivotal sobriety journey to orchestrating major events like the Super Bowl parties, VMA's and more. She highlighted the indispensable role of her support system, including supervisors, family, and mental health professionals. Deanna's story is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of self-care and balance. Thanks for tuning in, and remember to fuel your soul by acknowledging your imperfections and extending grace to yourself every day.
In case you missed it, be sure to check out (Part One) In this episode Deanna Hendrick, a powerhouse in the world of events and brand experience at Paramount, has truly inspired. Deanna shared her profound journey from struggling with alcoholism to finding sobriety, and how this personal transformation fueled her professional success. Balancing life as a dedicated professional, loving wife, and mother, she emphasizes the essence of self-care, the power of staying present, and embracing life's imperfections. For anyone aspiring to merge personal health with professional excellence, Deanna’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience and honest self-reflection.
About Deanna
Sunday SoulDay sits down with Deanna Caligiuri Hendrick, Senior Director of Events & Brand Experience at Paramount (formerly ViacomCBS), for a candid and inspiring conversation. Growing up as a first-generation Italian in a traditional Catholic home in Pittsburgh, Deanna struggled with her identity and self-worth, leading her to become the ultimate people pleaser.
She began her self-discovery journey when at 21 she moved to New York City and embarked on an epic career at MTV during its peak. During her time at MTV, surrounded by celebrities like T.I., Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Beyonce, Sway and many others Deanna grappled with personal struggles, including heavy drinking and disfunctional relationships. However, a pivotal moment of introspection at age 32 led her to embark on a journey to sobriety, a decision that transformed her life.
Today, as a successful event producer at Paramount and a dedicated wife and mother of two, Deanna shares her story of resilience, growth, and finding her true authentic self. From navigating the challenges of addiction to overcoming career fears during the pandemic, Deanna’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of following one’s own path to happiness and fulfillment. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and glean valuable insights for your own journey of personal and professional growth.
#spotify #youtube #applepodcasts #mindbodysoul #sundaysoulday #podcastshow #tunein #sundayat11am #dameshacraig #alcoholism #addiction #traumarecovery #healingjourney #mtv #viacom #paramount
Part two airs: May 12th at 11am PST
Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Business Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter
Music by: Bryo
Song: Sunset Beach
https://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach

Deanna C Hendrick MTV/Paramount Leader: Journey of Sobriety, Healing and Self-Discovery (Season 2 epi 17)

(Part One) In today’s conversation with Deanna Hendrick, a powerhouse in the world of events and brand experience at Paramount, has truly inspired. Deanna shared her profound journey from struggling with alcoholism to finding sobriety, and how this personal transformation fueled her professional success. Balancing life as a dedicated professional, loving wife, and mother, she emphasizes the essence of self-care, the power of staying present, and embracing life's imperfections. For anyone aspiring to merge personal health with professional excellence, Deanna’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, resilience and honest self-reflection.
About Deanna
Sunday SoulDay sits down with Deanna Caligiuri Hendrick, Senior Director of Events & Brand Experience at Paramount (formerly ViacomCBS), for a candid and inspiring conversation. Growing up as a first-generation Italian in a traditional Catholic home in Pittsburgh, Deanna struggled with her identity and self-worth, leading her to become the ultimate people pleaser. 
She began her self-discovery journey when at 21 she moved to New York City and embarked on an epic career at MTV during its peak. During her time at MTV, surrounded by celebrities like T.I., Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Drake, Beyonce, Sway and many others Deanna grappled with personal struggles, including heavy drinking and disfunctional relationships. However, a pivotal moment of introspection at age 32 led her to embark on a journey to sobriety, a decision that transformed her life. 
Today, as a successful event producer at Paramount and a dedicated wife and mother of two, Deanna shares her story of resilience, growth, and finding her true authentic self. From navigating the challenges of addiction to overcoming career fears during the pandemic, Deanna’s journey is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of following one’s own path to happiness and fulfillment. Tune in to hear her inspiring story and glean valuable insights for your own journey of personal and professional growth. 
#spotify #youtube #applepodcasts #mindbodysoul #sundaysoulday #podcastshow #tunein #sundayat11am #dameshacraig #alcoholism #addiction #traumarecovery #healingjourney #mtv #viacom #paramount  
Part two airs: May 12th at 11am PST 
Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Business Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter
Music by: Bryo
Song: Sunset Beach
https://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach

Navigating Unexpected Twists: How Leaders Can Adapt and Thrive (Season 2 epi 16)

In today's episode of Sunday Soul Day, we discuss the embracing unexpected twists of change and thriving as leaders in any walk of life. We explored how unexpected events like market shifts or technological disruptions can unsettle even seasoned leaders. Key strategies include acknowledging discomfort, focusing on what you can control, and taking gradual steps to adapt. We discussed promoting a culture of innovation and resilience by embracing change, which can often be an opportunity in disguise. Remember, leadership isn't about title it's about leading with adaptability and vision, whether at home, in the community, or at a corporate level. Stay inspired and keep leading with courage!
Our engaging host, Damesha Craig, underscores how sudden changes, although daunting, often present unique opportunities and reveal true leadership. The episode is particularly touching as Damesha shares insightful reflections from her time navigating corporate restructuring at a previous tech startup, offering practical guidance for both leaders and individuals on managing change. From validating and recognizing emotions to fostering adaptability and recognizing incremental progress, her advice highlights the importance of empathy and resilience in the face of organizational shifts. Whether you're an entrepreneur leading a Fortune 500 company or leading and managing your household, this episode promises valuable insights into turning challenges into stepping stones for growth and success. Join Damesha Craig as she helps you transform your approach to change and enhance your leadership skills in the ever-evolving landscapes of life and business.
Question addressed in this episode with takeaways
1. How can leaders effectively acknowledge and manage their own feelings when faced with unexpected changes, as suggested by Damesha Craig in the episode?
2. Damesha emphasizes the importance of seeking support during times of change. What are some ways leaders can create a supportive network within their organizations to help manage transitions more smoothly?
3. In the podcast, Damesha Craig emphasizes the importance of focusing on what one can control when navigating change. Can you provide examples from your own experience where this approach was beneficial?
Book recommendation: "You Don't Need A Title To Be A Leader"
Sunday SoulDay: Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Business Coach, CEO, Entrepreneur, Author
Music by: Bryo
Song: Sunset Beach
https://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach

The Creative Pulse of Charney Kaye: DJ, Music, Post Production, Tech, & Entrepreneurial Endeavors (Season 2, epi 15)

In today's episode, we're joined by Charney Kaye. His multifaceted journey has taken him from hacker to the creative fields of film post-production and advertising art to the cutting-edge spheres of software development and music creation. As a virtuoso in piano and a veteran in electronic music production, Charney's passion for artistic expression shines through.
We'll explore the impact of generative systems and AI on the art world and why Charney emphasizes the indispensable value of the human touch in creation. Our discussion will also cover the essential nature of transparency in the use of AI-assisted tools. Charney shares insights into his disciplined lifestyle, focusing on the harmony of fasting, exercise, and sleep, as well as his transitional journey through different industries before solidifying his role as an engineer at Endeavor, where he's making waves with innovative mobile app solutions for large-scale events.
Join us as we delve into Charney's journey, discussing his experiences in software development, entrepreneurship, and his diverse range of interests. Stay tuned for insights into human-machine interaction, music composition, and much more!
About Charney
Charney Kaye, a multi-talented individual with a fascinating journey. Born and raised in Chicago, Charney's diverse background spans across art, music, and technology. From attending NYU Film in New York City to working in film post-production and software development, Charney has navigated through various industries with a unique blend of skills and experiences.
With a passion for detail and a knack for capturing value, Charney now focuses his efforts on building XJ music, a technology for exploring new possibilities in background music for video games, live streaming, and environments. Alongside his entrepreneurial endeavors, he builds mobile apps for big events in the entertainment industry at Endeavor and consults with a lab developing machine learning systems in biological engineering at Caltech.
Connect with Charney
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charneykaye
https://www.instagram.com/charneykaye/
Sunday SoulDay - Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Business Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
Co-Host: Alli Johnstone, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Co-AuthorSubscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter
Music by: BryoSong: Sunset Beachhttps://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach
#mindbodysoul #generativeai #mindsetshift #musicapp #engineer #tech #NYC #Chicago

From NHL Coach to Health Revolutionary: Justin Roethlingshoefer, Co-Founder of Own It & Author (Sea 2 epi 14)

We had the awe-inspiring Justin Roethlingshoefer share his journey from being a Hockey player to a NHL Coach to revolutionizing the health and wellness industry with his 'Own It' approach. Justin’s new book, "The Power of Ownership," is challenging the status quo, and his story of obedience and mission-driven living is a powerful reminder for us all. We dove deep into the importance of personalized health, rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions, and how Justin’s approach is transforming lives through empowerment and education.
More about Justin
Justin Roethlingshoefer, a performance coach with a holistic approach to health and well-being. As the co-founder of Own It Coaching, Justin applies his philosophy that optimal performance stems from prioritizing overall health—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
Through Own It Coaching, Justin works with a diverse clientele, from NHL stars to Fortune 500 executives and aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them reach new levels of success. Additionally, he has developed the Own It App, offering users personalized plans to enhance their habits, recovery, and performance.
Justin's expertise extends beyond coaching—he's a sought-after speaker, having graced the TEDx stage, and hosts both the Sports Science and Recovery Podcast and The Own It Show. With three Amazon bestsellers under his belt, including "Intent" and "Own It," Justin excels at simplifying complex scientific concepts into actionable steps.
Whether coaching, writing, or speaking, Justin's unique ability to understand and communicate the science of sports performance, sleep, and recovery sets him apart. Tune in to gain practical insights from Justin's wealth of knowledge and experience.
Weekly fuel for your mind, body and soul
Host: Damesha Craig, Certified Mindset Life & Business Coach, Founder & CEO of LevelD Coaching and The Craig Network, Entrepreneur & Author
Co-Host: Alli Johnstone, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Co-Author
Subscribe to The Soul Fueler Journal newsletter
Music by: Bryo
Song: Sunset Beach
https://soundcloud.com/bryomusic/sunset-beach
#mindbodysoul #coaching #mindsetshift #justineroethlingshoefer #nhl #author