The Art of Letting Go Podcast

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. In this episode of The Art of Letting Go, I’m joined by my friend and collaborator DDM (aka Manny), a genre-defying artist who’s built his own creative universe rooted in authenticity, boldness, and evolution. We talk about his journey from battle rap to redefining queer artistry in hip-hop, navigating identity, and what it means to measure success on your own terms. I also reflect on my return to the basketball court at a recent gay tournament, what it taught me about presence and self-acceptance, and why we have to meet ourselves where we are. This episode is for anyone learning to own their story—on the court, on the mic, and in life. 🧘🏾 Meditation by James “DatYogaDude” Woods 🎶 Music by Mike Brown 🎙️ Produced by Mike Brown 🔗 Learn more about DDM and his work on SoundCloud Support the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. In this episode of The Art of Letting Go, Mike Brown is joined by Talib Jasir—creative entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival—for a powerful conversation about reclaiming your voice as a creator. They dive deep into the realities of independent podcasting, bridging the gap between mainstream and indie creators, and what it truly means to be a liberated creator. Mike also opens the episode with a personal reflection on accountability, the power of community, and silencing the inner critic. Whether you're a podcaster, artist, or simply navigating your purpose, this episode is an inspiring reminder to keep showing up for yourself, your voice, and your vision. Plus: a meditation moment from James “DatYogaDude” Woods to help you ground and reset. 🎧 Featuring: – Talib Jasir (Founder, Afros & Audio) www.afrosandaudio.com www.vanguardpn.com www.talibjasir.com Mediatation by James “DatYogaDude” Woods (15 Seconds of Freedom) Hosted & produced by Mike Brown Support the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. In this episode of The Art of Letting Go, I sit down with Miss Sheila McDaniel, a powerful storyteller and mother of my dear friend Shaughn. We talk about her journey through faith, the life lessons that led her to write her first book Tears of Faith, and what it means to speak boldly about your relationship with God. Her honesty inspired me to reflect on my own connection to spirituality, and I share some of those personal thoughts at the top of the episode. This one’s about truth, connection, and how creativity can be a spiritual practice. Tears of Faith by Sheila McDaniel is available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This episode also features a guided meditation by James “DatYogaDude” Woods and original music by Mike Brown. Support the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. In this inspiring episode of The Art of Letting Go, host Mike Brown sits down with the multi-hyphenate artist MaryGold. They dive deep into what it means to create freely, how routines impact creativity, and the importance of defining success on your own terms. Mary shares her journey as an artist, her struggles with routine and structure, and the lessons she’s learned about trusting herself in a world that often tries to shape her identity. If you’ve ever struggled with creative blockages or felt torn between security and passion, this episode is for you. 🔹 How do routines support creativity? 🔹 The power of creating your own opportunities 🔹 The balance between personal fulfillment and external expectations 🔹 Overcoming self-doubt and creative fear 🔹 The importance of defining success for yourself Listen in for an honest, soulful conversation that might just inspire you to take a fearless step in your own creative journey. 📌 Follow & Support: @muzeumeSupport the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. In this powerful episode of The Art of Letting Go, host Mike Brown sits down with Joshua Michael Cruz—coach, community builder, and founder of Where the Soul Grows. They dive deep into the importance of community, vulnerability, and healing as queer men of color. Topics include: 🌿 The journey of self-love and emotional intelligence 🏳️‍🌈 The challenges of building queer community beyond the bar scene 🛑 Setting boundaries and maintaining healthy friendships 🧠 Overcoming negative self-talk with the support of community 📖 The power of journaling as a tool for self-reflection 🎭 The intersection of masculinity, femininity, and identity in ballroom culture Joshua also shares insights into his transformative work with Where the Soul Grows and the impact of healing in community. 🔗 Follow Joshua Michael Cruz: 📸 Instagram: @JoshuaMichaelCruz 📺 YouTube: @JoshuaMichaelCruz 📜 Substack: Where the Soul Grows 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to The Art of Letting Go and leave a review! Join the newsletter and Patreon to stay connected. 🎧 Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments! Support the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. In this episode of 'The Art of Letting Go,' host Mike Brown takes a reflective journey through some of the most impactful conversations with his longtime friend , James 'Yoga Dude' Woods. Mike and James discuss their individual paths to entrepreneurship, the distinction between gifts and passions, and the tools they use for personal growth, including sobriety, fasting, and celibacy. James shares insights on managing life's uncertainties and the importance of staying committed to one's goals. The episode also touches on the practical application of these tools and the consistent journey of self-discovery and personal development James "DatYogaDude" Woods Website: https://www.datyogadude.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/datyogadude Support the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. Mike Brown returns to his podcast, 'The Art of Letting Go,' sharing updates on his life and the show's future. He discusses moving back to Houston for family time, relocating to Newark, NJ, and restarting his creative journey. Mike emphasizes the importance of taking time for stillness, rebuilding, and community support. He talks about overcoming burnout, embracing opportunities, and the challenges of finding jobs in the audio industry. Mike encourages listeners to be creative and proactive. He aims to engage with the audience through his podcast, Patreon, and newsletter. Meditation by: James "DatYogaDude" Woods Music by: Mike Brown Support the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Got thoughts, feedback, or questions? We’d love to hear from you—send us an email. Mike Brown returns to The Art of Letting Go podcast, reflecting on his journey from co-hosting to going solo, his creative evolution during the pandemic, and surviving as a full-time podcaster. Sharing his experiences of leaving Los Angeles, living as a nomad, and reconnecting with his roots in Houston, Mike discusses overcoming fears, embracing creativity, and manifesting goals. In this episode Mike delves into the power of setting intentions and the significance of pride and self-acceptance in the Black queer community. Mike also gives a nod to his live podcast shows and the new season ahead, inviting listeners to join him on his ongoing journey. Support the show Let's stay in touch! Instagram: @theartoflettinggopodast Website: www.theartoflettinggopodcast.com Blog/Newsletter: https://justmikebrown362.substack.com/

Send us a text In this special live episode of "The Art of Letting Go," recorded at Newark Pride, we delve into the intricate world of relationships, exploring romantic connections, platonic bonds, and the essential practice of self-care. It was a truly beautiful event, enriched by the vibrant community of Newark. Special thanks to Newark Pride, Plantivia, DJ Dana J, and Raziya Tucker for their incredible contributions and support. Join us as we celebrate love and connection in all its forms! Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive content and to support the show. Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to all of our channels. Hope you enjoy! Music by Mike Brown If you would like to give us some feedback or just reach out to us feel free: https://anchor.fm/theartoflettinggopodcast/message (voicemail) info@theartoflettinggopodcast.com #mentalhealthpodcast #theartoflettinggo #feelfree2feelfree #1925society #blackmalevulnerability #blackvoices #knowledge #linkinbio #newepisode #linkinbio

Send us a text In this special live episode recorded at the Ludlow House in New York, NY, we dive into an enriching conversation in honor of Juneteenth and Pride Month. Joined by the dynamic YawnyBlew, we explore the intersections of Blackness and Queerness, touching on relationships, empowerment, and self-reflection. Our live audience engaged in meaningful dialogues, adding depth and diversity to the discussion. Expect a blend of serious moments and hearty laughs in this vibrant episode. Plus, don't miss the chance to join my Patreon community for free and enjoy exclusive content! YawnyBlew Instagram Website Join us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/theartoflettinggo Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to all of our channels. Hope you enjoy! If you would like to reach out to us feel free: info@theartoflettinggopodcast.com https://www.justmikebrown.com

Send us a text Jeremiah Marquez, a graphic designer turned business strategist, takes center stage in the season finale of The Creator's Toolkit. Jeremiah's journey from artist to entrepreneur is a testament to his unwavering dedication and innovative mindset. Throughout the episode, he offers invaluable insights into the challenges and successes encountered on his path, serving as a guiding light for fellow creatives embarking on their own entrepreneurial ventures. Jeremiah's expertise in branding, digital platforms, and strategic planning showcases the seamless integration of artistic passion with business acumen, inspiring a new generation of creative entrepreneurs to chart their own course to success. ⁠https://www.ascnsn.com

Send us a text Join us on this week's episode as we sit down with Keisha TK Dutes, a multi-talented audio storyteller and visual artist who successfully transitioned from the medical field to the world of audio. Delve into the art of artistic pivots as we explore Keisha's journey, discussing the transformative power of storytelling in product sales and the importance of embracing limitless creativity as an artist. Tune in for insights, inspiration, and a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of creative expression. Keisha TK Dutes ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Instagram

Send us a text In this episode of The Creator's Toolkit, we delve into the world of merchandising with She's Ryan, a multi-talented artist based in New York. She shares her insights on navigating the business of merch, revealing what sells and resonates with audiences. Discover how She's Ryan's self-aware approach has helped her create a brand with multiple merchandising extensions. Tune in as we explore how she manages to branch out in so many directions and the importance of prioritizing mental health in monetizing art. She's Ryan ⁠https://linktr.ee/ShesRyan⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok

Send us a text This week on The Creator's Toolkit, hosts Mike and Yawny take a moment to recap their second week of merch madness, share updates on their new song 'This Shit Hard,' and dive into a conversation with Christoph Jenkins, founder of The Poet Life. Yawny and Mike were recipients of The Poet Life grant earlier this year, which fueled their passion for creating art that brings awareness to social issues. They sit down with Christoph to discuss how he manages The Poet Life's extensive merch offerings while maintaining a focus on poetry and fostering positive change in the communities he serves. Christoph Jenkins ⁠https://linktr.ee/iamchristophjenkins

Send us a text In the premiere episode of The Creator's Toolkit, hosts ⁠Mike Brown⁠ and ⁠YawnyBlew⁠ dive into the world of relaunching as they gear up for their second annual March Madness. They talk shop with indie artist SADBOYMUSIC, discussing their various experiences with e-commerce and merchandising. Stylist Rio Japan also joins the conversation, offering expert advice on fashion and design. The episode features tracks including "This Shit Hard" from YawnyBlew, 3DDI3 WAYN3, and Mike Brown, as well as "Technicolor" from amir., SADBOYMUSIC and YawnyBlew. For merch related to the show, visit ⁠YawnyBlew's Etsy shop⁠. Guests: SADBOYMUSIC ⁠Instagram⁠ Check out SADBOYMUSIC's ⁠music at ffm.to/SBtouchme⁠ Rio Japan ⁠Instagram⁠ Explore Rio Japan's work and products at ⁠rioriginal.bigcartel.com⁠

Send us a text This week’s episode is brought to you by The Poet Life (@thepoetlife) and The African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council. John talks to us about his addiction to smoking and how he overcame it. He reflects on his origins of smoking, and how it became a habit, and shares the tools he developed on his journey. This episode was created to fight against big tobacco in the black community. If you or someone you know is looking for resources to stop smoking check out the AATCLC’s website here: https://www.savingblacklives.org Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive content and to support the show. Also support us on Ko-Fi Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to all of our channels. Hope you enjoy! Music by Mike Brown Artwork by Βασίλης Ταραμανλής from @pexels If you would like to give us some feedback or just reach out to us feel free: https://anchor.fm/theartoflettinggopodcast/message (voicemail) info@theartoflettinggopodcast.com #mentalhealthpodcast #theartoflettinggo #feelfree2feelfree #1925society #blackmalevulnerability #blackvoices #knowledge #linkinbio #newepisode #linkinbio

Send us a text This week’s episode was recorded in 2019. It was previously a Patreon exclusive featuring my dad. We had a conversation about happiness and I had a few of my subscribers say this was one of their favorites. All month I am giving previews to what the Patreon is like in hopes of gaining some new subscribers. Enjoy the show and subscribe to the Patreon! Check out my new releases: Desert Thoughts EP Desert Thoughts Demos Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive content and to support the show. Also support us on Ko-Fi Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to all of our channels. Hope you enjoy! Music by Mike Brown If you would like to give us some feedback or just reach out to us feel free: https://anchor.fm/theartoflettinggopodcast/message (voicemail) info@theartoflettinggopodcast.com #mentalhealthpodcast #theartoflettinggo #feelfree2feelfree #1925society #blackmalevulnerability #blackvoices #knowledge #linkinbio #newepisode #linkinbio

Send us a text This week’s episode was an exclusive to Patreon when the year first started. Originally recorded January 11, 2023. Mike talks about starting the year with his apartment flooded. manifests being a nomad, and being intentional in life. This episode Mike manifested alot of what the year looked like for him. Let’s reflect on the journey together!Check out my new releases:Desert Thoughts EPDesert Thoughts DemosSign up for our Patreon for exclusive content and to support the show.Also support us on Ko-FiThank you for listening. Please subscribe to all of our channels. Hope you enjoy!Music by Mike BrownIf you would like to give us some feedback or just reach out to us feel free:https://anchor.fm/theartoflettinggopodcast/message (voicemail) info@theartoflettinggopodcast.com#mentalhealthpodcast #theartoflettinggo #feelfree2feelfree #1925society #blackmalevulnerability #blackvoices #knowledge #linkinbio #newepisode #linkinbio Sound effects from Zapsplat.com

Send us a text In episode 207 of 'The Art of Letting Go,' Mike wrote a journal entry to share on the episode. This is also a rough draft to a new podcast that we will be starting next year. Mike has been in Houston for 3 weeks and these were the feelings that came up during journaling. Want to share a story for the new show? reach out HERE. Check out my new releases: Desert Thoughts EP Desert Thoughts Demos Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive content and to support the show. Also support us on Ko-Fi Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to all of our channels. Hope you enjoy! Music by Mike Brown If you would like to give us some feedback or just reach out to us feel free: https://anchor.fm/theartoflettinggopodcast/message (voicemail) info@theartoflettinggopodcast.com Sound effects from Zapsplat.com

Send us a text In episode 206 of 'The Art of Letting Go,' join your host Mike Brown and 3ddi3 Wayn3 as they reflect on Mike’s past month in New York. P&T Knitwear hosted them at their studio and the two friends had an honest conversation about their friendship, support, being black and queer and more. They also touch on the song they released this past month that was featured on Mike’s most recent release called Vibe Calibration. 3ddi3 Wayn3 @_eddiewayne_ Check out my new releases: Desert Thoughts EP Desert Thoughts Demos Meditation by James Woods aka Dat Yoga Dude (@datyogadude) Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive content and to support the show. Also support us on Ko-Fi Thank you for listening. Please subscribe to all of our channels. Hope you enjoy! Music by Mike Brown If you would like to give us some feedback or just reach out to us feel free: https://anchor.fm/theartoflettinggopodcast/message (voicemail) info@theartoflettinggopodcast.com #mentalhealthpodcast #theartoflettinggo #feelfree2feelfree #1925society #blackmalevulnerability #blackvoices #knowledge #linkinbio #newepisode #linkinbio