Listen Now

What is a Winnebago?Girl, it's like an RV or camper type vehicle. It's the camper bus that flew through the ether in the opening scene of the show Breaking Bad when we, the audience, met Walter White, Chemistry teacher turned drug kingpin all while battling terminal cancer.Sorry for spoilers...it's been out for damn near 20 years so that's on you if you haven't watched it yet. Winnebago, in this context, is the vulnerability we feel when our initial attempts at our dreams FAIL.  I mean FAIL in a DRAMATIC, EMBARRASSING FASHION. I mean the type of failure where there are witnesses and 'I-Told-You-Sos' from people who claim to care about you and your dreams.Give yourself grace to fight the good fight for your dream. You've been on a whole OTHER path most of your life and now you've decided to pivot....so, why do you expect this to be perfect...or, dare I say, easy...?You are learning and unlearning.You healing while still uncovering and discovering the root cause of the sickness.You are still in progress.In the Winnebago, Walter White's first attempts at selling drugs to provide for his family tap into his raw abilities as a chemistry teacher. As he discovers this "skill" (stay with me), his first bath is way above industry standard BUT that raw talent was not enough to prevent catastrophe. His "new business" begins in literal explosion, death, sirens and being stranded in his drawers in the desert. After beginner's luck usually comes beginner's struggle aka the rude awakening that tends to follow a crazy dream and that's okay.A failure doesn't mean finale. It means you're new at this. Website: www.ashleaannya.comEmail: ashlea@ashleaarcher.comIG: @mildlyqualifiedpodcast @ashleaannyaSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

We in here!Opportunity favors the vulnerable fool! Being foolish is okay! Fools have guts to gallop towards a dream.Things to think about:Do you want the opportunity because of the aesthetics or because of its essence?Somethings are shiny but not aligned for your purpose.Join me on this journey as we chat about why every opportunity is not for you BUT what is for you IS for you!Website: www.mildlyqualifiedpodcast.com                      www.ashleaarcher.comEmail: ashlea@ashleaarcher.comIG/ TikTok: @ashleaannyaAccompanying Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/8GICAkEv8q8 (Today's episode will be up TONIGHT)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

You are shrinking yourself.Why? For whom?It accomplishes nothing (but you know this cause you're smart). Here are my thoughts on why you should ABOLISH LESS and CRAVE MORE!The Story of Jack and the Beanstalk SUCKS!The short version of the story....Jack climbs a "magic" beanstalk, breaks into a giant's home, steals his gold and pet, and murders the giant when the giant tries to get his belongings back.Yet in this story, Jack is the hero. There is many versions of this tale but overall, the message is this...whoever tells the story and is the hero, period. TELL YOUR OWN STORY. Otherwise  you miss every chance in being your own version of the HERO of your dreams.TELL YOUR OWN STORYHost: Ashlea Annya @ashleaannyaWebsite: www.mildlyqualifiedpodcast.comStream "Clown College" Music Video & Single Out NOW!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

C is For CHOAS!This season's theme is around my new single "Clown College."We will explore all the ways we can laugh and still have joy in the midst of chaos.Enjoy my honest ramblings and humorous take on how chaos is a currency you can spend to better yourself, situation, and dare I say...the world?Clown College is Out NOW!Link to Clown College Music Videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLgHWROvRJUWhere to find me:Instagram/ TikTok: @ashleaannya Instagram @mildlyqualifiedpodcast Website: www.mildlyqualifiedpodcast.comSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

✴️Myke grew up in the entertainment industry. His father is the last surviving member of the legendary Motown group, the Four Tops. 🎼✴️Sugar pie honey bunch you know that I love you. Oh I can’t help myself🎼⚡️...sorry, that’s one of my fav Four Tops Songs 🤗 ...ahem...as I was saying...Myke has multiple degrees in entertainment, has taught at the collegiate level and managed multiple artists in various genres.⁣⁣⁣✴️He’s worked in film, music, sports broadcasting and served in the military. He has seen A LOT and has a lot to say about people chasing dreams today. And what SACRIFICES must be made to⁣win 💪.⁣⁣📳His episode is the FINAL episode of SEASON 1 of the Mildly Qualified Podcast 📳Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

Ivette Cabreja grew up in the Bronx, New York. The neighborhood, Ivette describes as a communal, everyone looking out for each other, but poor and at times susceptible to violence and crime. As a student, she was goal-oriented, driven and started working while in high school. Her dedication out of high school led to a job working for American Express in the World Trade Center. September 11, 2001, the World Trade Center was the target of a terrorist attack. Ivette was scheduled to work, but had called out of work for a job interview. Shortly after, she decided to leave New York and move to Florida to start a new life. Florida would prove challenging as the pay rate was dramatically less than her pay in New York, and she would end sleeping on the floor of a friend's home. Public Transportation in Florida is also vastly different from New York...so Ivette was walking two hours to work or waking up at 4:30 am to get to work by 10:00 am.Moving to Florida was no fairytale...and after a series of financial challenges, Ivette ended up filing for bankruptcy. Adults all have challenges with finances, but we tend to be secretive, which only causes more stress. No more shaming adults for how they handle money. Let's give solutions, not shame. There is more to the story, but we don't want to spoil it ;-). Her story continues over two episodes so be sure to hear the WHOLE tale on Tuesday & Thursday.Ivette Cabreja's contact:Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivette-cabreja-269b0915b/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ivette.cabreja.5Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

Mildly Qualified is a podcast that interviews adults about what in their lives make them feel like they are "very qualified on paper" but "mildly qualified" in real life. The host, Ashlea, is working on her doctorate but was homeless at the start of 2019 was homeless.We all have our reasons for choosing a profession--money, job security, benefits. Yolanda chose corrections when she was 21 and stayed for going on 30 years. She has seen a lot and will share her thoughts now that she is on the consulting side of things.Yolanda also runs a touring company, Explore Jax Core, which allows persons to explore Jacksonville, Florida's historic neighborhoods. Yolanda's contact is 904-510-5995 and her website is www.ExploreJaxCore.comOur website:www.mildlyqualifiedpodcast.comFor Audio Podcasts-- Go to our website or search "Mildly Qualified Podcast":iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay, SpeakerTo Give:www.patreon.com/mildlyqualifiedpodcastSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

Mildly Qualified is a podcast that interviews adults about what in their lives make them feel like they are "very qualified on paper" but "mildly qualified" in real life. The host, Ashlea, is working on her doctorate but was homeless at the start of 2019 was homeless.We all have our reasons for choosing a profession--money, job security, benefits. Yolanda chose corrections when she was 21 and stayed for going on 30 years. She has seen a lot and will share her thoughts now that she is on the consulting side of things.Yolanda also runs a touring company, Explore Jax Core, which allows persons to explore Jacksonville, Florida's historic neighborhoods. Yolanda's contact is 904-510-5995 and her website is www.ExploreJaxCore.comOur website:www.mildlyqualifiedpodcast.comFor Audio Podcasts-- Go to our website or search "Mildly Qualified Podcast" atiTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, GooglePlay, SpeakerTo Give:www.patreon.com/mildlyqualifiedpodcastSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

Our special guest for today's episode JCeles is a survivor, widow, father and entrepreneur who blessed us profoundly by agreeing to share his compelling story about growing up with parents perpetually struggling with addiction, being raised by his grandparents as a result, finding the love of his life in the eighth grade, eventually marrying her and starting a family, unexpectedly losing her to colon cancer at the age of 37 and now raising a family (three beautiful daughters and a son) as a single Black father. By: SenatorMills, MQP- ProducerJCeles, real name Jason Celestine, was introduced to this world in the midst of the 80's crack cocaine epidemic and unfortunately his biological parents were just two among the inordinate amount of people whose families were fragmented or destroyed. As someone personally affected, on his episode we delve into the difference between how the local, state and federal governments have addressed the opioid epidemic compared to the uninspired lack of effort given to eradicate the predominately urban areas of the same crack cocaine that they were later found to have been responsible for supplying in the first place. JCeles was blessed to have a capable support system around him and despite not having his mother or father around full time growing up, his grandparents stepped in willingly to provide the love, guidance, nurturing, discipline and principles that shaped him into the husband that he was and the father that he is. Not enough times, especially in popular media, are the great Black fathers celebrated rather we're inundated with vilification of poor examples which are truly in the minority.  Not only is JCeles a successful businessman with his own barbershop located centrally in the neighborhood where he was reared but he is an incredibly involved parent who sees to it that his children understand the imperatives of love, laughter, legacy and most prominently keeping the marvelous memories of his wife and their mother eternally  in their hearts. The overwhelming loss of the quiet but powerful family matriarch is still a bitter pill to swallow but motivates them individually and collectively to push through to greatness because she would accept nothing less than.      Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

Is it ever okay to "ghost" a friend?Is it always your ex's fault? Which excuse is good enough?Do people really need to like you?Dr. Maira Mortelo keeps the conversation going on how we can all be more qualified to be adults and how to be more authentically YOU and depend LESS on people's opinions.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

Dr. Maira Martelo came to the United States with only a suitcase 13 years ago with a lot of determination but no money in her pockets. She is originally from Columbia where she was all too familiar with the burden imposed by poverty and limited options. Despite her surroundings, and her parents only having an elementary school education, she learned firsthand the value of an education, community service and of paving your own path.Without spoiling her amazing story too much, Dr. Martelo says one of the greatest lessons she learned is building relationships with other people beyond a handshake and an email and that there is more than one way to do anything, including getting an education. She received her education with ZERO student loans and is a proud homeowner with limited debt and a strong social and professional circle. She details how she did this over two episodes, this one and the After Hours Show which posts on Thursday. Leave us a comment and a 5-star review after you have a listen. I'm sure you will find a lot of gems in this one.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

Who gets to decide who you get to be?Who decides what stage you get to perform on?When is ever okay to quit? Our guest, GeneDotCom, is a renowned radio personality with thousands of fans spanning national and international platforms. On paper, he is an entertainer, personality, actor, mentor, and a staple at  V101.5 in Jacksonville, FL, and iHeartRadio. The “Dot” stands for “Don’t Oppress Truth” or “Doing Other Things.” He hosts some of the most sought after events and continues to grow his brand power and influence. So why is this person on a podcast called Mildly Qualified, that focuses on the challenges of maneuvering adulthood? GeneDotCom became a father to his beautiful son as a teenager. The challenges of being a teen parent was a major factor in GeneDotCom turning down a college acceptance letter to Florida A&M University. This is the point in the story where many would have quit. To provide for his new family, Gene worked as a courier which then led to a chance encounter at a radio station on his delivery route. This chance-encounter started Gene down a path that would alter his career forever and create firm roots in the radio industry. Many years of hustle, perseverance, and courage built the career that continues to grow today. In his personal life, however, contrasting to his growing business success, his home was struck by tragedy. His only son, Desmond, was killed in a violent crime at the age of 24 years old. Less than a year after burying his son, his grandmother passed away, bringing Gene back to the same church where he laid his son to rest just seven months prior. No parent should have to bury his/her child. The pain and confusion can feel insurmountable, but the attitude and perspective of GeneDotCom during this interview can only be described as not only resilient but inspiring. Not only does he share his pain, openly and honestly, but he also shares advice and encouragement to those in similar circumstances.  You don’t want to miss this episode! Comment with your thoughts below. Tell us how you have overcome life’s challenges and share your story with us. We would love to hear from you. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)

My podcast, 🎙MILDLY QUALIFIED🎙, is a humorous look at the hard road weaved into adulthood. You try and fail and try again. And, of course, you laugh at yourself (or cry at yourself 😬). I could move back 🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♀️ home to The Bahamas🏡 , which I don’t judge anyone for doing, but I have a feeling my story in this country (The USA) isn’t done yet.In this episode, I interview Joe. Joe is a barber, actor, nursing student and founder of the fashion line Love Line which uses fashion to draw awareness to varying causes such as breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease.In this episode, we discuss why you need to be a multihyphenate (Barber-Actor-Nursing Student etc) to survive. We laugh at how I am still homeless and how I'm over answering calls from bill collectors. I'll call you guys when I'm ready (do people still say *Kanye shrug*?)Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rss/MildlyQualifiedPodcast?auth=yU-LZCJVSVc1OzZ5yEN7zVADs4xght6F)