Got questions about navigating your career, side hustle, or creative journey? Welcome to the Hustle Hotline, the career Q&A series from Heart to Hustle where host Layla Palmer tackles your biggest career questions. Whether you're wondering how to turn your side hustle into a full-time gig, negotiate a better salary, or stay motivated in the face of setbacks, we’ve got answers. Each episode, we dive into real questions from our listeners and bring in expert insights, personal experiences, ...

In this episode of Heart to Hustle, Layla sits down with Dr. Stevie Ames Roberts and Dr. Bobby Johnson, the husband-and-wife duo behind Duo, the toothpaste tablet company revolutionizing oral care. Stevie, a general dentist with a creative background in music, and Bobby, an oral surgeon, met at Tufts Dental School, where their shared ambition sparked a vision beyond traditional dentistry. They dive into the challenges of launching Duo while managing their full-time careers, the trial-and-erro...

In this episode of Heart to Hustle, my former professor Mneesha Gellman, an influential figure in education and social justice, explains how her lifelong activism led her to found the Emerson Prison Initiative (EPI), a program at Emerson College dedicated to bringing higher education to incarcerated individuals at the Massachusetts Correctional Institution - Norfolk (MCI Norfolk). Drawing on her extensive experience in education and advocacy, Mneesha discusses overcoming challenges like techn...

For nearly 20 years, Pierre Hurel’s improvisation workshop at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee has been a cornerstone for musicians looking to expand their artistry. As the workshop approaches its 20th anniversary, Pierre reflects on his journey from performing on stages with is trio to shaping the next generation of musicians. In this episode, he shares how his early experiences in jazz led him to a career in both performance and education, the evolution of his teaching philosophy, and wha...

In this episode of Heart to Hustle, I sit down with Reed Amber Thomas-Litman to explore her journey as both a sex worker and the co-creator of Come Curious, the influential sex-positive podcast and YouTube channel. Reed shares the realities of working in an industry often met with censorship and stigma, discussing how she’s built a career that allows her to educate, advocate, and inspire others. We dive into the complexities of sex work, the importance of dismantling shame around sexuality, a...

In this episode of Heart to Hustle, I sit down with my high school friend and talented musician, Gabi Gamberg, also known as Daffo. Gabi shares their journey from being a creative, musical child to taking the leap into indie music, signing with a label, and living their dream in California. We discuss the challenges of finding balance as an artist, navigating the tension between making music for profit versus passion, the exhilarating energy of performing live, and debunking myths about life ...

In this conversation, Marcus Collins shares his journey from being a product of Detroit to navigating various career paths, including engineering, music, and marketing, ultimately becoming a leader in cultural strategy. Drawing from his personal experiences, Marcus emphasizes the profound influence of culture on human behavior and the importance of understanding this dynamic in shaping effective marketing strategies. This discussion seamlessly ties into Marcus’s bestselling book, For the Cu...

In the world of journalism, Art Cohen has always believed in the power of storytelling to drive social change. In this episode, Art shares insights from his expansive career in Boston, where his reporting and documentaries often intersected with activism. We discuss how his personal experiences and identity influenced his work and how he’s used journalism to advocate for the issues that matter most. This conversation will leave you inspired by the way activism and journalism can work hand in ...

In this episode of Heart to Hustle, we sit down with Nita Akoh, the founder and CEO of MyAtlas, a groundbreaking startup transforming how individuals approach their mental health journeys. Nita shares the personal backstory behind MyAtlas, revealing how her own experiences inspired her to create a platform that blends resources, community, and care. She offers candid insights on the grit and discipline it takes to build a startup while prioritizing self-care for balance and sustainability. Ni...

Christina Thomas is a true multi-hyphenate, blending her talents in dance, acting, and filmmaking into a dynamic and fulfilling career. In this episode, she takes us through her journey in the arts, the challenges of producing her first documentary, and how her life shifted with a cancer diagnosis. Christina shares her honest and inspiring story of balancing work with treatment, overcoming career gaps, and finding renewed purpose in storytelling—most recently through a heartwarming documentar...

Heart to Hustle is for those who believe their passion can become their purpose. Every Tuesday we share stories from people who’ve turned their hustle into thriving careers. From creative sparks to business breakthroughs, we are diving into what drives them, how they made it happen, and the challenges they’ve overcome along the way. It’s not just about what they do—it’s about why they do it and how they’ve shaped their lives around their passions. Tune in for inspiring stories, unexpected les...