In this conversation, I sit down with Rashan Brown—spoken word poet, founder of Poetry Me Please, and someone who's masterfully building his creative vision alongside a full-time career. What started with heartbreak in high school and a fascination with battle rap has evolved into a platform that's bringing spoken word poetry to stages like Brooklyn's Kings Theatre. Rashan's journey is the perfect example of what's possible when you commit to your authentic path without sacrificing financial stability.

We dig into the real challenges of entrepreneurship—the events that profit, the ones that don't, and why he views every "loss" as an investment in Poetry Me Please's future. He shares how having a nine-to-five has actually given him the freedom to take creative risks without the pressure of needing every event to generate revenue. We also explore the deeper "why" behind Poetry Me Please—how it's become a vehicle for healing, community building, and creating spaces where artists can express themselves authentically. Rashan opens up about the internal work required to sustain this vision, the importance of conviction over certainty, and those early breadcrumb moments (like performing Maya Angelou at Virginia Tech with Nikki Giovanni) that pointed toward his future.

This conversation is for anyone who's ever felt torn between creative passion and practical reality. Rashan proves you don't have to choose—you can build both, one intentional step at a time.

Takeaways

• The founding of Poetry Me Please was driven by a desire to create a platform for poets.
• Conviction and belief in oneself are crucial for success.
• Passion should guide one's pursuits, even alongside a traditional career.
• Performing poetry provides a unique thrill and emotional release.
• Humility is essential to maintain perspective in success.
• Receiving compliments is important for both the giver and receiver.
• Artistic expression can tell multiple stories through creative techniques.
• The importance of community support in pursuing creative endeavors.
• Balancing a career and passion allows for more creative freedom without financial pressure.
• Financial ups and downs are part of the entrepreneurial journey in the arts.
• Investing in one's passion is crucial for long-term success.
• Lessons learned from failures are valuable for future growth.
• Surrounding oneself with supportive people is essential for success.

In this episode, I sit down with Isik Tlabar to explore one of the most powerful tools we all have access to but rarely learn how to use: our intuition. Isik shares the remarkable story of how she discovered her calling. After leaving architecture, she found herself in Turkey with a lost passport, desperate to return to London. Through a series of synchronistic events—from finding the right cab driver who got her a passport in an hour to landing at a Tony Robbins meetup where she met someone who introduced her to intuitive training—the universe literally guided her exactly where she needed to be.

We dive into what intuition actually is and how it differs from our analytical mind. While our mind processes information we already know and often comes from fear, intuition is this instant knowing that connects us to something larger. Isik explains that intuition shows up differently for everyone—some people see visions, others hear guidance, some feel things in their body, and others just have this deep knowing. The key is learning your unique intuitive language.

We get practical about how to strengthen your intuitive muscle. Isik emphasizes the importance of getting into a neutral, relaxed state—whether through meditation, movement, time in nature, or whatever puts you in flow. Our phone habits and constant mental chatter often drown out our intuitive signals, which is why creating space and silence is crucial. I can personally vouch for Isik's work. When I had a session with her, she tuned into things I hadn't shared—thoughts I'd been having that we'd never discussed. It was one of those experiences that made me realize this stuff is real. Whether you're a total believer or still figuring out where you stand, this conversation offers practical wisdom on how to start listening to that inner guidance we all have.

Takeaways

• Intuition can guide you to where you need to be.
• Listening to your intuition is essential for personal growth.
• Intuition is often a whisper that can be drowned out by the mind.
• You can train your intuition like a muscle.
• Creating space in your life allows for intuitive insights to emerge.
• Intuition can be the voice of God or a higher power.
• Understanding the difference between intuition and projection is crucial.
• Releasing attachment to outcomes can enhance intuitive clarity.
• Intuition often provides the next step in a calm and relaxed manner.
• Your unique gifts contribute to the collective good.

In this episode, I'm joined by a special guest, my wife, Ang, as she prepares to close Roman and Leo, the boys' clothing boutique she's poured her heart into for years. This is one of the most honest conversations I've had about what it means to walk away from something you've built, even when you've mastered it.

Ang opens up about the fear of leaving behind what's familiar—a business where she's refined every process, developed real expertise, and created something beautiful. But mastery and success aren't always enough. She talks about sensing it was time for a new chapter, even without having all the answers about what comes next.

We explore the complex emotions that accompany closing a business: the grief of letting go, the fear of the unknown, and the courage it takes to honor what you've built while acknowledging it's time to move on. Ang shares what it's been like to make this decision—not from a place of failure, but from a place of growth and alignment.

This conversation is about endings that are also beginnings. It's about trusting yourself enough to close one door before you can fully see what's behind the next one. It's about knowing when something has run its course, even when it's still "working."

If you've ever felt torn between what you've invested in and where you're being called, this episode will resonate deeply. Ang's story reminds us that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is honor our evolution, even when it means saying goodbye to what we've known.

Takeaways

- The decision to close a business can be emotional but necessary.
- Recognizing when a chapter in life is over is crucial for personal growth.
- Passion for a business can fade, leading to the need for change.
- Fear of the unknown often holds people back from making important decisions.
- Cherishing past experiences while moving forward is essential.
- Community support can provide comfort during transitions.
- It's important to prioritize family and personal well-being over business.
- The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs.
- Embracing change can lead to new opportunities and self-discovery.
- Every ending can lead to a new beginning.

To shop Roman & Leo in this last month: www.romanandleo.com