We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaun Curry and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Shaun, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Covid-19 has affected us all tremendously. Before, I thought nothing of putting in long work hours during the day, staying up late to beat a deadline. Life BC (i.e., “before-Corona) was very busy. Sure you make time for friends and family, exercise when you can, etc., but the demands of family and professional obligations was a constant struggle. As crazy as it may sound, the pandemic did have its blessings. Although I have worked remotely for 5 years, this time I allowed myself a little extra grace and patience to navigate the transition we all were feeling. It allowed me to establish a routine of self-care that incorporated yoga and meditation, getting out in nature and preparing more healthy meals from home. Life is really about balance so I check in with myself periodically and ask ‘am I happy and fulfilled?’ This simple question allows me to tweak what I can for my wellbeing and health.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
That’s What I’m Saying! is a weekly podcast on hip-hop, entertainment news, dating, sex and social issues from a sometimes “ratchet” but mostly woke perspective. It was born out of the need to hear voices like my own (an educated black woman who enjoyed talking about quantum physics and politics just as much as she liked listening to Future or buying crystals). Representation is important to me and so I went to “YouTube University” and learned how to create, record and edit the show as well as run the marketing and branding. It wasn’t easy but the best way to overcome any challenge is to remain consistent. Even if you have two followers and one of them is yourself! Keep going!
My sister, Shatara Curry is the co-host and she is also a stand-up comedian based in New York. Besides the fact that we are sisters and best friends, our energy is crazy! In addition to the podcast we also have a weekly television show on Island TV. Our goal is to continue to expand our brand of “Ratchet/Woke-ness”. We are so thankful for our supporters who have given us the opportunity to speak to them in our authentic voices.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in South Florida I’ve learned that there is SO much more to do than to just go to South Beach! On Monday we can feed the giraffes at the Miami Zoo. Tuesday we’ll go to Hollywood Beach and rent paddle bikes and race up and down the boardwalk. For bargain shopping we definitely have to put on our sneakers and go to Sawgrass Mills and have sushi at Sushigami. For more upscale shopping and people watching we can go to Brickell Town Center and Aventura Mall and be sure to have dinner at Pollos & Jarras while we’re there. We’ll go Kayaking at Deering Point after we walk the grounds and have lunch at Deering Estate. On Thursday we’ll go to the Hampton Art Gallery then catch a comedy show at the Urban in Overtown after having dinner at Red Rooster. On Friday we’ll have dinner at BarOne then head to the Office for some late night fun. On Sunday we’ll have brunch at Victory in mid-town then wander around Wynwood and meet up at Dunkanoo for a cocktail. LIV is back so we will have to go there late Sunday night.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Shatara Curry
Website: www.twispod.com
Instagram: @twispod