What does it really take to rise from rock bottom and create a life you don’t want to escape? In this episode of Hold My Purse: A Self-Care Journey Through Life, Rho sits down with entrepreneur and leader Matthew Stern to talk resilience, purpose, and alignment.

From losing everything at 17 to building purpose-driven businesses in health and wellness, Matthew’s story is a masterclass in grit, perseverance, and redefining success. He opens up about surviving financial collapse, navigating depression, and discovering that true success comes not from money alone, but from freedom, harmony, and showing up fully for yourself and the people you love.

Here are a few takeaways you’ll walk away with:

• Resilience is built by proving to yourself daily that you are capable of more than you ever imagined.
• Purpose fuels perseverance. When your why is strong enough, you won’t quit.
• Harmony, not balance, is the key to showing up for yourself, your family, and your work.
• Protecting your energy starts with creating space just for you, every single day.

🌐 Connect with Matthew and learn more about his work:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• MyStart Health

💡 Want to go deeper? Explore these tools to support your journey:

• Love Yourself Journal: One Day at a Time — a 365-day guide to choosing you every single day.
• Mastering Self-Care: Steps to a Resilient & Peaceful Life— an ebook packed with rituals and strategies to protect your peace.
• 15-Minute Self-Care Ritual Guide — a free resource to help you reset and reconnect.
• Sign-up for our monthly newsletter

✨ Hold your own purse, and hold your peace.
And I’ll meet you right back here in two weeks — same space, same heart, new ways to choose you.

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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In this episode of Hold My Purse: A Self-Care Journey Through Life, Rho breaks down what karmic loops are, why they repeat, and how to finally close the cycle so you can step into your highest self. Plus, Aria pops in to share her adorable day at the beach — because joy is also part of healing. 🏖️

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✨ What karmic loops and subconscious contracts really are — and how they shape your life
✨ How to recognize repeating patterns in relationships, work, money, and family
✨ Simple, practical steps to break the cycle and choose differently
✨ How to use journaling, shadow work, and forgiveness to uncover the root cause
✨ Why choosing yourself isn’t selfish — it’s sacred

Your Free Gift:
🎁 Download my 15-Minute Self-Care Ritual (linked in the show notes) — quick practices to reset your energy and reconnect with yourself every day.

Go Deeper:
📓 Get my Love Yourself Journal: One Day at a Time — a 365-day guide to help you choose yourself daily and break free from old patterns.
📚 Grab my eBook Mastering Self-Care — packed with strategies to protect your peace and nurture your soul.

Whether you’re tired of attracting the same people and problems or just ready for a fresh chapter, this episode will give you the clarity, courage, and tools you need to rewrite your story.

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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When you’ve spent years hearing “try harder” or “you’re just not focused enough,” discovering ADHD later in life can feel both heartbreaking and liberating. In this episode of Hold My Purse: A Self-Care Journey Through Life, I sit down with Topeka McClain, the voice behind The Quiet Struggle, to talk about her late diagnosis of ADHD and how it reshaped her identity as a mother, creative, and professional.

Topeka shares the years of self-doubt, the relief of finally having a name for her experiences, and the systems she’s built to stay grounded—like lists, brain dumps, and visual planning. We talk about masking in corporate spaces, emotional regulation, and what it means to pursue ambition while raising a family. At the heart of her story is a reminder many of us need: You are enough.

And for a grounding close, my granddaughter Aria joins in with her own simple self-care practice: a one-minute meditation ritual that anyone—child or adult—can use to reset. Her sweet wisdom reminds us that it’s never too early—or too late—to make space for peace.

Key Takeaways

• Late diagnosis can be both grief and relief — it offers language for what you’ve always known deep down.
• Masking is real — many women with ADHD hide their struggles to appear “professional.”
• Systems bring peace — lists, timers, and brain dumps aren’t just tools, they’re lifelines.
• Your diagnosis is not your identity — ADHD shapes experiences, but it doesn’t define the whole of who you are.
• Vulnerability creates community — sharing openly can empower others to do the same.
• Self-care law to live by: Trust your knowing.
• Meditation can be simple — Aria’s 1-minute ritual shows how slowing down helps reset both kids and adults.

Topeka’s story is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t about perfection, but about honesty, compassion, and creating room for the real you to show up.

👉 Explore more of her writing at The Quiet Struggle and connect on Instagram and Pinterest

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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Dating in today’s world can feel like a minefield — but what if you could see every connection for what it truly is? In this powerful episode of Hold My Purse, Rho unpacks the viral Mirror, Window, Door concept, breaking it down into real-world lessons on love, healing, and protecting your peace. 🪞🪟🚪

From spotting relationship red flags early to making intentional choices that honor your worth, this episode is your guide to dating with clarity, confidence, and self-love. Whether you’re single, in a situationship, or in a long-term relationship, Rho’s insights will help you recognize patterns, set boundaries, and choose connections that reflect your growth.

And in a heartwarming opening, Rho’s granddaughter Aria shares her excitement about starting second grade, reminding us that joy, curiosity, and new beginnings aren’t just for kids — they’re for all of us on our journey.

💬 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How the Mirror reflects your patterns, wounds, and growth
• Why the Window shows you possibility — but not always reality
• When the Door means a brave new start or a firm goodbye
• Practical questions to ask yourself before letting someone in
• How to make dating a radical act of self-care

💌 Let’s Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to Hold My Purse so you never miss an episode of self-care, self-love, and real talk.
• Join the newsletter for exclusive tips, journal prompts, and updates:
• Shop the Love Yourself Journal: One Day at a Time — daily affirmations & prompts to nurture your soul.
• Download the eBook Mastering Self-Care: Steps to a Resilient & Peaceful Life for practical tools to protect your energy.

🎧 Press play and discover how to date with intention, heal with purpose, and protect your peace — one mirror, window, or door at a time.

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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In this episode of Hold My Purse, Rhonda Nelson is joined by powerhouse entertainment executive Queenie Donaldson, founder of Queens Entertainment Group, for a raw and inspiring conversation about legacy, leadership, and self-preservation in an industry that rarely prioritizes any of the three.

Queenie opens up about her 25+ year journey in the entertainment business—working with legends like Usher, Chris Brown, Snoop Dogg, and even planning Michael Jackson’s 45th birthday party—and what it really took to earn her seat at the table. But beneath the glitz and red carpets lies a deeper story: one of resilience, discernment, and radical self-love.

Rhonda and Queenie dive into:

• The transition from BET talent executive to entrepreneur and CEO
• Why Queenie now only takes on projects that align with her spirit and values
• How she navigated a toxic high-profile project that became her breaking point
• The daily self-care and spiritual practices that keep her grounded
• Her passion for philanthropy and desire to be a “new-day Mother Teresa”
• Why legacy isn’t about accolades—it’s about impact

This episode is both a blueprint and a balm for women who are learning to honor their power without sacrificing their peace. If you’ve ever questioned whether you could be successful and stay rooted in your values, this episode will remind you: not only is it possible, it’s the only way forward.

Aria and I share excitement for our first trip together.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and be inspired to protect your peace at all costs.

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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In this deeply moving and transformational episode of Hold My Purse, Rho is joined by holistic wellness coach Whitney Minor—a certified holistic nutritionist, plant-based chef, yoga teacher, and founder of Eat Plants & Prosper. Together, they explore the connection between food, emotional health, spiritual growth, and radical self-care.

Whitney opens up about her personal journey from a high-pressure marketing career into full-body burnout, chronic illness, and emotional stagnation. Her story is one of resilience and rebirth. After suffering from migraines, infections, anxiety, and a cycle of prescription medications that offered no long-term relief, Whitney decided to take her health into her own hands.

Her turning point? A 21-day Daniel Fast that shifted everything. Whitney went on to heal herself through a plant-based lifestyle, meditation, and yoga—and now she’s on a mission to help others do the same.

💡 In this episode, we unpack:

• How processed food and toxic systems in the U.S. are making us sick—and what to do about it
• The emotional weight of staying in careers and relationships that no longer serve us
• Whitney’s practical approach to transitioning into plant-based eating (without giving up flavor!)
• How yoga and meditation helped her reclaim mental peace and spiritual alignment
• Why understanding the chakra system can unlock generational healing
• The role of women, especially Black women, in breaking cycles of suffering and choosing joy
• How to start small and progress toward lasting wellness

Whitney doesn’t just talk about wellness—she lives it. Her story is proof that when we prioritize ourselves, choose nourishing foods, protect our energy, and tune into our spirit, we create space for purpose to unfold.

🛑 If you’ve ever felt like you’re surviving instead of thriving—this episode is your invitation to step into healing and abundance. Because peace isn’t a luxury—it’s your birthright.

🔗 Visit https://www.eatplantsandprosper.com to connect with Whitney or join her coaching programs or connect on Instagram @eatplantsprosper

🌿 Want to go deeper in your self-care journey?

• ✍🏽 Love Yourself Journal — a 365-day self-care, self-love & reflection journey
• 📘 Mastering Self-Care — steps to a resilient and peaceful life
• 💌 Sign up for the newsletter — get grounded reflections, podcast updates, and community love, straight to your inbox

✨ Sponsor Shout-out:
This episode is brought to you by Self Care Shawty 🌿, your go-to for homemade skin products that keep you moisturized, healed, and at ease. Explore their amazing offerings at selfcareshawty.etsy.com.

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode of Hold My Purse, Rho shares a personal story from an extended vacation that turned into an unexpected lesson in self-awareness, emotional boundaries, and energetic protection. What started as a dream vacation quickly became a wake-up call—a reminder that some friendships expire, and that’s okay.

💡 Inside the episode, you’ll discover:

• How travel acts as an x-ray for relationships 🧳
• Signs someone is draining your energy instead of pouring into you
• Gentle but powerful ways to set boundaries without guilt
• Rituals and reflections to help you release resentment and reclaim your peace
• Why outgrowing people is a natural part of self-love and growth

Whether you're dealing with a toxic friendship, questioning a connection, or simply feeling the need to protect your peace, this one’s for you.

Journal prompt: What part of me is asking to be seen, heard, or held right now?

🌿 Want to go deeper in your self-care journey?

• Love Yourself Journal — a 365-day self-care, self-love & reflection journey
• Mastering Self-Care — steps to a resilient and peaceful life
• Sign up for the newsletter — get grounded reflections, podcast updates, and community love, straight to your inbox

🎙 Hold My Purse is a bi-weekly podcast that centers healing, wholeness, and the sacred act of putting yourself first. Don’t forget to follow, share, and leave a review if this episode made you feel a little more seen today.

✨ Sponsor Shout-out:
This episode is brought to you by Self Care Shawty 🌿, your go-to for homemade skin products that keep you moisturized, healed, and at ease. Explore their amazing offerings at selfcareshawty.etsy.com.

💼 Remember: Keep holding your purse, because you are worthy of carrying only what’s truly yours. Take care of you first. 💖

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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Are you feeling stuck or unfulfilled—even though your life looks “fine” on the outside? In this soul-stirring episode of Hold My Purse: A Self-Care Journey Through Life, Rho invites you to pause, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose. 💛

You’ll learn what dharma really means, why living in alignment is the ultimate self-care, and how to take action—even when you’re unsure where to begin. From journaling prompts to mindset shifts, Rho shares five powerful steps to help you stop performing and start living.

Whether you’re navigating a life transition, recovering from burnout, or just feeling lost, this episode is your permission slip to evolve, rise, and reclaim the life you were meant to live.

✨ Topics Covered:

• What is dharma and how to recognize it
• How purpose is a form of self-care
• Signs you’re out of alignment
• 5 steps to reconnect with your gifts
• Why it’s never too late to begin again

🛠️ Grab your tools at Hold-My-Purse.com:

• Love Yourself Journal: One Day at a Time
• Mastering Self-Care Workbook

🧴 Sponsor Love: This episode is brought to you by Self-Care Shawty – Black-owned, handmade products that nourish your body and soul.

🎧 Subscribe now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Leave a review to help other self-care warriors find the show!

Email address: rho@hold-my-purse.com

Website: https://www.hold-my-purse.com/

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