Some legacies are lived before they’re ever spoken.
In this episode of Living in The Sweet Spot, Angelique Francis sits with Carvin Williams of the Winans family to talk about heritage, healing, and purpose. Their conversation moves through faith and artistry and even hardship. All this and more in this episode of " Living in the Sweet Spot:
On this episode of Living in the Sweet Spot Angelique Francis sits down with Patrick L. Riley Emmy-recognized producer, author, and entertainment journalist whose career has helped shape some of the culture’s most unforgettable stories. From his years producing at The Oprah Winfrey Show, where he interviewed icons like Barack Obama, Diana Ross, and Beyoncé, to stepping into his own as the author of That’s What Friends Are For: On the Women Who Inspired Me, Patrick has built a path defined by truth and authenticity.
In this conversation, Angelique and Patrick talk about honoring the people who lift us up, the importance of representation, and what it means to show up fully as yourself. It’s a heartfelt exchange on resilience, gratitude, and the beauty of finding your voice and living in your own sweet spot.
Angelique Francis sits with civil rights attorney Areva Martin to talk about what the Palisades fires left behind for Black Altadena , the relief that misses the people who need it, insurance runaround, air and health worries, and that quiet push to leave your own neighborhood. We also sit with the grief of losing a home , the photos, the routines, the sense of place and how to care for yourself while you rebuild.
In this episode of Living in the SweetSpot , Angelique Francis sits down with bassist–vocalist Chris Walker—Al Jarreau’s longtime musical director and co-vocalist.
Chris talks about carrying Al’s legacy forward—on stage and through his tribute work. All this and more right here in The SweetSpot.
In this inspirational episode of Living in the Sweet Spot, Angelique Francis sits down with three legendary coaches—Walter Brown, Marc Genovese, and George “Gigi” Green—for a powerful conversation about what it really means to lead, mentor, and shape lives through sports. With over 25 years each in the game, these coaches reflect on the highs, the hard lessons, and the unforgettable moments that come from pouring into student-athletes. All this right here in the Sweet Spot.
In this episode of Living in the Sweet Spot, Angelique Francis sits down with Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford and Pastor Dr. Dre Humphreys for an honest and heartfelt conversation about the church and building the bridge betweem old faith and new school values. They open up about their own values that shaped them, the generational shifts they’ve seen, and how faith continues to evolve as the the times do. All this right here in Living in the Sweet Spot
In this episode of Living in the Sweet Spot, Angelique Francis sits down with Billboard-charting recording artist Tanya Nolan to discuss music, purpose, and the power of gratitude. Tanya opens up about the journey and inspiration behind her latest single, Blessings, and how staying grounded in her truth and steadfast in her faith shaped both her sound and her story. We're breaking all that down to get to the heart of the matter right here in Living in the Sweet Spot with Angelique Francis.
In this very special episode of Living in the Sweetspot the mic gets flipped when Angelique Francis hands the reins to the founder and host of the Ground Control Parenting Podcast, Carol Sutton-Lewis.Joining them in this conversation is Speaker and Activist Sage Francis. This trio breaks the journey of embracing acceptance and leading with love. They break down the myths and fears around coming out and get into what it really means to show up with love on both sides. From tough convos to soft landings, this episode is all about understanding, acceptance, and that deep kind of compassion that bridges generations. It's healing. It’s growth. It's love unconditionally. Tune in for wisdom, warmth, and a whole lotta truth in this episode of Living in the Sweetspot.
What happens when the curtain falls, the music fades, and the lights go out—but the dancer still moves?
In this powerful episode of the Sweet Spot, Angelique Francis host a former Broadway Dancer/ Choreographer who steps into the spotlight with his story a raw, unfiltered, and deeply human conversation which dives deep into the rhythm of survival, tracing Stephen’s unlikely and inspiring journey from Broadway dreams to street realities.
Join us as Stephen Semien shares with us how he found “The Sweet Spot…. Between the Sidewalk and the Stage”. That liminal space where identity isn’t defined by struggle alone, but by the grace that rises through it—the grace between the cracks.
All this and more in this episode of "Living in The Sweetspot"
Dr. Samuel A. Peters III and Dr. Cherliyn Lee join us in the Sweetspot to share the story behind their wellness app, the A.L.I.C.E System. Together, they explore how holistic healing practices and modern science can work in tandem to support well-being in today’s fast-paced world. All of this and more in this episode of Living In the Sweetspot with Angelique Francis.
SweetSpot Live touches down in South Africa for a journey through history, healing, and diaspora. Recorded live on the continent, SweetSpot in Africa Part One dives into the ugly legacy of apartheid and what it means for Black Americans to set foot on ancestral soil. From emotion exploration to cultural revelation, this conversation is both a homecoming and a calling. All this in the SweetSpot.
In this episode of "Living in the Sweetspot" we sit down with Andre Robinson — a respected playwright and theater director with a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue. We get into his book Things White People Shouldn’t Say, and it’s exactly as honest and unapologetic as it sounds. But the real gems come when Andre opens up about his divorce, how he faced it head-on, and even discusses where he went wrong. No sugarcoating, no dodging — just real conversation about growth, accountability, and speaking your truth here in the SweetSpot you don't want to miss it!
On this episode, of "Living In the Sweetspot" we’re joined by Winston Warrior — also known as The Dope Professor. He’s part of the Silverfoxes, a group of mature Black men known for keeping themselves sharp, stylish, and grounded. We talk about what dating looks like today, the importance of being aligned with your purpose, and why having a partner who supports that matters. Real grown-man talk with a touch of style and wisdom, all that right here in the Sweetspot.
In this deeply moving episode of Living in the Sweet Spot we sit down with Lisa Woodson and Denita Willoughby as they share their respective experiences navigating the aftermath of losing a child. Our conversation will bravely explore the complex tapestry of grief that arises, and they reveal the personal ways they continue to live, laugh, and learn while carrying the love and memory of their children with them.
In this episode of Living in the Sweet Spot, we sit down with the founders of the "Black-Owned" Old Hillside Bourbon.From North Carolina roots to a bottle of their own. Hear how a group of friends turned a vision into reality, launching Old Hillside Bourbon and building legacy from the ground up.
In this unfiltered episode of Living in the Sweet Spot, Angelique Francis sits down with Alex, Kelly, and Lori for a juicy conversation about self-love, sexuality, and owning your pleasure. From breaking old taboos to embracing confidence in and out of the bedroom, nothing’s off the table.
It’s fun, it’s freeing, and it’s all right here unapologetically , in the Sweet Spot.
My special guest in the Sweetspot will be bass guitarist Freddie Washington! In the music industry, there are bass players and then there's "Ready Freddie“, the first call studio musician, songwriter and live performance player who brings uniquely pertinent credentials to his role. Early in his career, he played with Herbie Hancock for several years including on the hit albums, "Feet Don't Fail Me Now," "Mister Hands" and
"Monster." But that was just the beginning and Freddie's influence was evident as he produced his own recipe for success as an artist by stirring emotions and eliciting reactions through his booming bass guitar. His collaborative efforts with friend and musician, Patrice Rushen, produced the early '80s hits "Haven't You Heard" and "Forget Me Nots." Yes, Ready Freddie played and toured with legacy artist including: Michael Jackson, George Duke, Kenny Loggins, George Benson, Jose Feliciano,
Anita Baker, Smokey Robinson, Whitney Houston, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder.
Guitarist Ray Parker Jr. says, “He is the rock and foundation that the grooves sit on!”
Join me in the Sweet Spot with “Ready Freddie Washington”!
Born and raised in Los Angeles, saxophonist Gerald Albright was already an accomplished saxophonist by the time he went to college but added the bass after experiencing the Brothers Johnson in concert. Playing both the sax and bass, he became the consummate session and touring musician in the 80s, working with everyone from Anita Baker, Ray Parker, Jr., Atlantic Starr, The Temptations, Maurice White, Les McCann, Teena Marie, the Winans and even Whitney Houston. He launched his solo career in the infancy of what became the smooth jazz format, with “Just Between Us” in 1987 and has been a core part of the genre with chart-topping albums, countless radio hits and as a member of many all star tours. In the late 90s, he toured with pop star Phil Collins and recorded with Will Downing “Pleasures of the Night” and huge hits with guitarist Norman Brown, Dave Koz, Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot and Jonathan Butler. Albright has recorded 23 albums and been nominated for nine Grammy Awards! He is currently topping the charts on Billboard for the third consecutive week with his new new smooth jazz hit “Full Throttle”.
Don’t miss this musical legend, Gerald Albright, up close and personal in the Sweet Spot!
Jackie Gouche Farris (1963-2024) Mother, Minister, Musician, Singer, Songwriter, Author, Sister and Friend. Jackie graced this world with love, laughter and charisma, while sharing her spirit of excellence and musical gifts freely and without measure! She traveled to six of the seven continents, sang in studios and on stages behind some of the most notable names in the music industry including Elton John, Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Chaka Kahn, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, Yolanda Adams, and a host of others. Authored several books including :
“How Would I Know”,
“Harmony: Cultivating Inner Peace”, and “Raising Kings” available on Audible, and her audio CD: Big God, Little Me”!
She is the proud mother of “Sir” Darryl Farris, signed to Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE); Daniel “D Smoke” Farris, the Winner of the 2019 Netflix rap competition, Rhythm &Flow and Grammy Nominated;
and Davion Farris, who
like his two younger brothers, is a sought after engineer, producer and singer/songwriter.
Jackie’s iconic sound and prophetic gift was first recorded with Bam Crawford’s Purpose, “Perpetual Praise” and in the now gospel standard, “My Help” written by Jackie (which went Platinum ) and has been downloaded over 2 million times and also recorded by Donnie McClurkin.
Hear her life story thru the music from “Sweet Spot Live”, and excerpts from interviews about her life and her legacy! Celebrating her wonderful life-lessons and music, with love, all in the Sweet Spot!
Monique Mitchell is a writer/poet from South Central Los Angeles and has collaborated with the likes of Puma, Lexus, March for Our Lives, Cass Bird, Cara Delevingne, Maria Shriver + more. Her writing has been published by The New York Times, A24 in their companion book for Academy-Award winning “Everything Everywhere All At Once”, Cultural Weekly, and in various print publications across Los Angeles, West Africa. Monique has performed and led workshops for museums such as LACMA, MOCA, and The Hammer, and for colleges, classrooms and conferences globally, Ghana.