In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, Jas Kirk sits down with Kimberly Y. Evans — CEO of Purposed Consulting, Executive VP at Five Rings Financial, and a powerhouse in economic development, strategy, and purpose-driven leadership.
Together, they explore what it truly means to get unstuck — in life, business, and belief. Kimberly opens up about the valley moments that shaped her growth, how faith and strategy can coexist, and why saying yes and no with intention can change everything.From redefining wealth and purpose to learning how to receive help and be honest about where we are, this conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and ask: How does this serve me?
✨ Topics We Explore:
The power of mentorship, accountability, and alignment
Planning your life with purpose — not pressure
Finding light in the valley and sharing your story
Balancing faith and fear when pursuing your next destination
Allowing yourself to have fun and still move with strategy
Why purpose is meant to be shared, not duplicated
This one’s for anyone standing at the edge of change, wondering what’s next. Kimberly reminds us that growth requires willingness — the willingness to plan differently, receive help, and allow yourself to become who you were always meant to be.
🎧 Listen in and let this conversation help you find your own rhythm of faith, purpose, and becoming.
Join us for a straight-up, powerful chat with Dr. Brian Nwannunu, an orthopedic surgeon who embodies Black Excellence. A proud graduate of Morehouse College and Howard University College of Medicine, Dr. Nwannunu’s story is about building a professional life that truly matters.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to be "Built Different": Why the HBCU environment is the ultimate proving ground that prepares you to thrive—and not just survive—in any professional space.
The Power of Identity: How Dr. Nwannunu turned being an "othered" Nigerian-American kid into his greatest strength, giving him the resilience to navigate microaggressions in medicine.
Legacy Over Validation: The honest lesson he learned about stopping the chase for outside approval and rooting his belonging in his own values.
Your Blueprint for Impact: The discipline and mindset behind a 20-year career that’s dedicated to excellence and expanding representation in healthcare.
This conversation is for anyone seeking to turn their unique background into a powerful legacy. Don't miss this one.
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, Dr. Michelle Rankine Jamaican-born entrepreneur, Ph.D., and owner of multiple Right at Home and Fastest Labs franchises joins Jas Kirk where they talk about moments when being strong isn’t enough.Dr. Michelle Rankine shares what it really means to care for others and how none of us are meant to carry it all alone. Through her story of becoming a caregiver for her brother and now leading a business that supports families through their hardest seasons, we explore the bigger picture: we all need care, community, and spaces that pour back into us.
You’ll walk away with perspective on how to ask for help, receive support, and rebuild your strength without guilt. Healing is a never a solo act, it’s something we do together.
This episode is a free therapy session for everyone caught in the cycle of perfectionism and burnout. Therapist Jettana Okoye (J Okoye Wellness) sits down with Jas Kirk and unpacks the core fear driving the "must-be-perfect" mindset. We explore how to set kind boundaries, shift to self-compassion, and finally accept that discomfort is the path to authenticity, not proof of failure. Start your journey to true mental wellness and resilience now.
This episode is about shifting your mindset — and while the lesson applies to everyone, in business it shows up most clearly in the difference between an employee mindset and a CEO mindset.
I’m joined by Zhanna Blazej, a strategist and CEO who has built her career helping entrepreneurs create sustainable businesses rooted in strategy, clarity, and boundaries. For Zhanna, motherhood was the catalyst that forced her to evolve — her son’s existence required her to stop running her business on poor boundaries and start making decisions that were truly worth her time.
Together, we unpack what it means to separate who you are from what your business produces, why emotions often keep people stuck, and how the CEO mindset allows you to lead with intention instead of burnout.
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, NFL star Matt Judon sits down to talk about life far beyond the game. We explore the discomforts that shaped him, the role of faith in his journey, and what fatherhood has brought into his life.Matt shares candidly about mental health, and what it means to be intentional with what you bring to your friends versus what you bring to your therapist or support system because not everyone can hold the same weight.
We talk about how he protects his peace in a career built on pressure, the routines that keep him grounded, and the vision he’s carrying for the future. It’s about being present, knowing where to place your trust, and choosing intentional living in every arena of life.
What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with, but something you build quietly, when no one’s watching?
At 19, Baylor wide receiver Taz Williams Jr. is living that truth. His story isn’t just about football, but the quiet battles we all face: the moments of doubt, the whispered prayers, the decision to believe in yourself when the pressure feels heavier than the spotlight.
In this episode, Taz shares share to us a mirror so that we are reminded that becoming who you’re meant to be is uncomfortable, uncertain, and deeply personal. And yet, it’s in those moments strength is born.
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, Jas Kirk sits down with Ben Thomas who shares the moment he realized he was much more than the title, the promotion, or the brand attached to his name. From the pressure of being underpaid and overworked, to the weight of always walking on eggshells, Ben’s story is about recognizing when it’s time to step away — and having the courage to do it on your own terms.
Together we explore:
-What it really means to bet on yourself when the outside looks good but the inside feels empty
-How to navigate the pressure of expectations and titles
-Why walking away can feel both terrifying and freeing
-The weight that lifts when you choose faith over fear
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TFRtjmQ9nJ66nqrbKEy4s?si=gQ3100vJQGGm2C5BmCDOMw
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk/id1750406919
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a090e40-0dc2-4ed9-acb3-2ab9e5c9b4bf/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk?ref=dm_sh_9bmHXfDPmYQcXHadbBN6PpDap
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@jasskirk?si=aahAiA3AlepLHPBv
“Do I have ADHD?” It’s one of the most searched questions online — and for good reason. Many adults and teens are just beginning to wonder if their struggles with focus, memory, or emotional regulation could be signs of ADHD. But with so much noise on TikTok, Instagram, and self-diagnosis checklists, it can be hard to know what’s real.
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, Jas Kirk sits down with Dr. Devang Patel, a specialist in ADHD who has built his entire practice on both lived and educational experience. Dr. Patel brings clarity to the conversation — breaking down:
✨ The real signs and symptoms of ADHD in children, teens, and adults
✨ Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed
✨ The difference between quirks, distraction, and a true diagnosis
✨ How to navigate misinformation online and get credible support
This is an honest, myth-busting dialogue that blends science, compassion, and lived wisdom. Whether you’re questioning your own attention struggles, supporting a loved one, or just curious about the realities of ADHD today, this episode is for you.
👉 If this conversation resonates, subscribe to Comfortable Conversations for more honest stories and expert insights.
💬 Share this episode with someone who might be asking the same question: “Do I have ADHD?”
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5TFRtjmQ9nJ66nqrbKEy4s?si=gQ3100vJQGGm2C5BmCDOMwApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk/id1750406919Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a090e40-0dc2-4ed9-acb3-2ab9e5c9b4bf/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk?ref=dm_sh_9bmHXfDPmYQcXHadbBN6PpDapYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jasskirk?si=aahAiA3AlepLHPBv
In this powerful conversation with Fab Roc, we dive deep into the ways limiting beliefs—our own and those passed down from others—keep us stuck, second-guessing, and playing small. From family narratives and societal expectations to the stories we tell ourselves, these mental blocks shape the way we show up in life and business.
Fab Roc brings her unique insight and energy to unpack why these beliefs stick, how to recognize when you’re operating from someone else’s limitations, and practical ways to break free so you can step into your power unapologetically.
Listen now:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5TFRtjmQ9nJ66nqrbKEy4s?si=gQ3100vJQGGm2C5BmCDOMw
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk/id1750406919
Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a090e40-0dc2-4ed9-acb3-2ab9e5c9b4bf/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk?ref=dm_sh_9bmHXfDPmYQcXHadbBN6PpDap
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@jasskirk?si=aahAiA3AlepLHPBv
In this episode, multidimensional artist and cultural curator Chukwuemeka “Meka” Ibe sits down with host Jas Kirk to explore the intersection of style, identity, and self-care and most importantly why what you wear says so much more than you think.
Meka opens up about fashion as a mirror for the soul, the courage it takes to express your authentic self, and how style can become an act of self-compassion in a world that often fuels our inner critic. From his journey as an art advisor and creative to his philosophy on dressing with intention, he reminds us that personal style isn’t about trends, but about truth.
Listen now:
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5TFRtjmQ9nJ66nqrbKEy4s?si=gQ3100vJQGGm2C5BmCDOMw
Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk/id1750406919
Amazon Music:
https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a090e40-0dc2-4ed9-acb3-2ab9e5c9b4bf/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk?ref=dm_sh_9bmHXfDPmYQcXHadbBN6PpDap
YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@jasskirk?si=aahAiA3AlepLHPBv
In this episode, former NFL Pro Bowler and successful entrepreneur Justin Forsett sits down with host Jas Kirk to explore what it means to graduate to a new level of discomfort and why growth doesn’t always mean going faster.Justin opens up about the power of pacing yourself, the beauty of the pause, and how discomfort can be both a launching pad and a teacher. From the NFL to launching a business, he shares how slowing down helped him speed up in the right direction.If you’re in a season of transition, reinvention, or simply trying to find your rhythm, this conversation will remind you that your pace is powerful and your pause has purpose.Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5TFRtjmQ9nJ66nqrbKEy4s?si=gQ3100vJQGGm2C5BmCDOMwApple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk/id1750406919Amazonhttps://music.amazon.com/podcasts/2a090e40-0dc2-4ed9-acb3-2ab9e5c9b4bf/comfortable-conversations-with-jas-kirk?ref=dm_sh_9bmHXfDPmYQcXHadbBN6PpDapYouTubehttps://youtube.com/@jasskirk?si=aahAiA3AlepLHPBv
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Antoine Howard—a dynamic voice in sports consulting and a beacon of faith-driven leadership—to explore what it truly means to elevate.
We dive deep into:
Vulnerability at its core—how embracing it unlocks strength
Faith on another level—trusting the process even when it’s hard
Navigating hardships without losing your voice
The intersection of sports and life—how elite performance principles translate into purpose, leadership, and spiritual growth
Antoine shares his journey of rising through adversity, staying grounded in faith, and recognizing when God is calling us to play at a higher level—even when it feels uncomfortable.
Whether you're an athlete, creative, leader, or someone navigating life’s transitions, this episode will inspire you to elevate with intention and lead with authenticity.
Spotify Link
https://open.spotify.com/episode/31bGGnpMNk3WfbF4OetR57?si=BS4IEiYSSsa2E5ArnWwyzw
YouTube link
https://youtu.be/aPuAY4UF3Wo?si=RTReTdwCsZ_dd7QZ
Apple Podcast Link
Amazon Link
On this episode of Comfortable Conversations Jas Kirk sits down with Michael V. Ledo who is a modern architect of legacy. In this deeply vulnerable episode we explore what it truly means to build a life of impact.
This conversation is raw, reflective, and real. We talk about the emotional weight of leadership, the unspoken pressures of success, and how healing must be part of the blueprint if we want to create anything sustainable. Michael brings a rare honesty to the table. He opens up about identity shifts, personal transitions, and the emotional weight behind building something meaningful. His story is a testament to what it looks like to lead from the inside out.
Together, we explore the inner game of legacy, the heart behind conscious entrepreneurship, the power of athlete empowerment, and the sacred intersection where vision, vulnerability, and strategy converge.
m.youtube.com/@jasskirk
https://open.spotify.com/show/5TFRtjmQ9nJ66nqrbKEy4s?si=OmmjocJ1R7eMn00cuAb5IA
Comfortable Conversations with Jas Kirk
This week on the podcast, Jasmine Carter and I unpack how love, faith, and even failure can become the richest soil for your creativity. You might be surprised by what grows from it.
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, Jas is joined by Jasmine Carter, the founder of Balacia, to unpack a radical truth: what if love, not fear, is the greatest creative fuel? Failure can become the richest soil for your creativity. You might be surprised by what grows from it.
This isn’t just about romantic love or even self-love in the feel-good sense. It’s about the deep, unwavering trust that allows you to create boldly, even through failure and discomfort. Jasmine shares how building Balacia was never about chasing perfection, but about planting seeds of faith and letting love lead — no matter what obstacles appeared.
Together, Jas and Jasmine explore:
💡 The Beauty of Discomfort – Why creative breakthroughs often require leaning into what feels uncomfortable.
💡 Faith as a Foundation – How creating from faith, rather than fear, can transform failure into a stepping stone.
💡 Love as Your Creative Anchor – Why loving what you do — and who you are — is the secret to resilience.
💡 Failing Forward – How to trust that exactly what you need will be planted, even in your most uncertain seasons.
💡 Creating Beyond Control – Releasing the pressure to get it right and letting love shape your process.
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
If you’ve ever felt like failure defined you or wondered how to stay creative when doubt creeps in, this conversation will feel like a breath of fresh air. Jasmine and Jas remind you that love is not weakness — it is the strongest force you can build on. When you create in love, and in faith, you create fearlessly.
Resources
https://www.instagram.com/jasskirk/
https://www.instagram.com/comfortableconversationspod/
https://www.instagram.com/jasminewcarter/
https://www.instagram.com/balacia/
https://www.instagram.com/iamhellostudios/
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, Jas unpacks a radical idea in a world that glorifies hustle: what if rest is the key to being your truest self?
This isn’t about taking a nap or squeezing in self-care. It’s about surrender. About learning to trust that being, not doing, is enough. Jas reflects on what it means to release control, embrace stillness, and let your authenticity emerge not through striving, but through softness.
We explore:
💡 The Courage to Pause – Why it feels so hard to rest when our culture idolizes productivity.
💡 Rest as a Bridge to Truth – How stillness reveals who you are beneath the roles, performance, and pressure.
💡 The Performance Trap – Unlearning the need to prove your worth through constant doing.
💡 Permission to Be – What it looks like to bask in your authenticity, unapologetically.
💡 Rest Isn’t a Break—It’s a Return – Coming home to your essence through intentional slowing down.Why You’ll Love T
his Episode:If you've been tired but afraid to stop, this episode is your invitation. It’s a reminder that rest is not weakness, it’s wisdom. And when you trust it, you unlock the most powerful version of you: the one that’s real, rooted, and already enough.
Resources
https://www.instagram.com/jasskirk/
https://www.instagram.com/comfortableconversationspod/https://www.instagram.com/fab_roc_/
https://www.instagram.com/iamhellostudios/
In this episode, we dive into the heart of We Rise to Our Systems, an event powered by Plug & Play and supported by EDC Frisco and Hello Studios. This conversation was not just about entrepreneurship or mental wellness—it was about creating a space where vulnerability meets strength, and where systems are built with intention to support both our personal and professional well-being.
Host Jas Kirk guides you through a deeply impactful conversation, featuring two incredible panelists: Mark Clayton, founder of LIVV Audio, and Michael Ledo, founder of RISE Family Office. Both Mark and Michael share their unique journeys, perspectives on mental resilience, and the importance of aligning our visions with a greater purpose.
Mark speaks powerfully about how true mental resilience isn't just about bouncing back from setbacks, but about staying grounded through life’s challenges. His journey as an athlete and entrepreneur has shown him that embracing vulnerability is key to enduring the hard times and finding strength through them.
Michael, on the other hand, brings to light the importance of having a clear vision and the role awareness plays in shaping that vision. He shares how vulnerability in business—allowing ourselves to be open and aware—can lead to profound transformation and untapped opportunities.
In this episode, Jas and the panelists discuss the courage to begin uncomfortable conversations, the importance of building intentional systems that support our mental health, and how joy can emerge from leaning into discomfort. Entrepreneurship is a journey full of highs and lows, but this conversation is a reminder that growth happens when we embrace vulnerability, show up authentically, and align our actions with our true values.
This is more than just a conversation—it’s a call to rise together, to build with intention, and to foster a community that prioritizes mental wellness as much as success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a wellness advocate, or someone simply looking for a bit of inspiration to face your own challenges, this episode will empower you to lean into vulnerability, embrace discomfort, and keep building with authenticity.
https://www.instagram.com/jasskirk/
https://www.instagram.com/comfortableconversations_/
https://www.instagram.com/_authenticmike/
https://www.instagram.com/rise_advisors/
https://www.instagram.com/clayton.mc/
https://www.instagram.com/iamhellostudios/
https://www.instagram.com/plugandplaytc/
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, we’re joined by Jeff Williams, Co-founder of Be Nimble and Marketing & Insights leader at PepsiCo, to explore what it truly takes to curate a culture of excellence, resilience, and service while navigating the challenges of balance, sacrifice, and ambition.
As a first-generation wealth creator and former athlete, Jeff’s journey is marked by bold decisions, strategic pivots, and the ability to stay nimble—knowing when to push forward, when to adapt, and when to let go.
We explore:
💡 The Unseen Costs of Success – The physical, mental, and relational sacrifices required to achieve big goals.
💡 The Power of Staying Nimble – How adaptability creates opportunities that others overlook.
💡 Ambition vs. Balance – The constant push-and-pull between pursuing greatness and preserving well-being.
💡 Curiosity as a Success Strategy – How staying open to change and asking the right questions leads to long-term fulfillment.
💡 Sacrifice & Service – What does it really take to build something bigger than yourself?
Why You’ll Love This Episode:
Jeff brings a fresh perspective on what it means to chase bold goals without losing yourself in the process. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or someone striving for more, this episode will challenge you to rethink success, lean into curiosity, and embrace the power of being nimble.By the end of this conversation, you’ll walk away with a renewed perspective on ambition, resilience, and the courage to pivot when necessary.
Resources
https://www.instagram.com/jeff.dreams/https://www.instagram.com/benimbleco/
https://www.instagram.com/weliketopardi/https://www.instagram.com/jasskirk/
https://www.instagram.com/hunniduoe/ https://www.instagram.com/iamhellostudios/
Resources
https://www.instagram.com/fab_roc_/
What happens when we choose love over fear—even when it feels risky?
In this episode of Comfortable Conversations, I sit down with Shannon Jamail (author & retreat expert) to explore the deep tension between fear and love, control and surrender, doubt and trust.
We get real about:
✔️ What it means to surrender to love in all forms—self-love, romantic love & love for life itself
✔️ Navigating fear when love feels uncertain or painful
✔️ The role of authenticity, hope, and intention in choosing love
✔️ How love and struggle can exist together—and why embracing the “messy middle” is the key
If you’ve ever questioned:
❓ How do I trust love when I’ve been hurt before?
❓ How do I surrender when I want control?
❓ How do I hold onto hope in difficult moments?
Then this episode is for you.
💭 Let’s talk in the comments: What’s one way you’ve had to surrender to love? 👇
📲 Follow @HunniDuoe for more real, raw conversations
#SurrenderToLove #FearVsLove #ChoosingLove #Healing #SelfLove #Authenticity #ComfortableConversations