enVision Together

PODCAST OF THE MONTH: enVision Together

EnVision Together: Going to Our Next Level of Best

Interview by Angela Anderson

“Transparency is the foundation for stimulating discussions from the heart.” – Dr. Pamela Mshana

Dr. Pamela Mshana, host of enVision Together: Going to Our Next Level of Best podcast, is an author, speaker, coach, and educator (who earned her Ph.D. in Urban Leadership). Her mission is to help people from diverse backgrounds use their talents and gifts for the good of the masses. The en- Vision Together podcast is an inspirational show that allows guests to share their expertise and passion on various topics. It is designed to help listeners gain a fresh perspective on achieving results in these areas.

Over the years, Dr. Mshana has determined that one way to put your worries aside is to focus on purpose. She is a firm believer that if you continue to reach your next level of best, you can help others along in the process. Thus, you have enVision Together podcast as a resource to help others on their journey of meeting their next level of best. The podcast explores timely topics such as overcoming anxiety and fear, educating the reluctant learner, cultivating lasting relationships, and strengthening one’s faith. The enVision Together podcast has created a space of transparency, candid conversations, and discussions to benefit and be a valued resource for the listening audience.

The Heat Seekers Magazine had the opportunity to speak with podcast host Dr. Pamela Mshana. Check out what she had to say about the enVision Together: Going to Our Next Level of Best podcast.

Angela Anderson: How did you get started in podcasting?

Dr. Pamela Mshana: It actually wasn’t a goal that I had for my life, but I now understand that it’s something I am called by God to do. About a year ago, I very heavily sensed that I needed to start doing something aligned with my sense of purpose. I didn’t know what that something was. I participated with a Christian group of entrepreneurs called Life on Fire and participated in TD Jakes’ Leadership Summit. Well, prior to that, God told me in my prayer time that He is revealing Himself through fire, and I didn’t know what he meant. Shortly after that, I became aware of the two previously mentioned events. Both of them happen to use fire as their logos. One thing led to the next, and I started a podcast, much to my surprise.

AA: What inspired you to start the envision Together: Going to Our Next Level of Best podcast?

PM: I’ve always believed that people should help one another with whatever is in their hands, so to speak, like when God asked Moses what was in his hand? We belittle the gifts given to us because we don’t value what’s in our hands as much as we might value someone else’s gifts and talents. I’m calling everyone to use what’s in their hand, whether it’s a life lesson learned, a particular skill, talent, advice, coaching, or ministry, to offer their knowledge and service to others. By doing so, we increase each other’s human and social capital. Maybe it will improve people’s financial capital too. My podcast is my way of trying to make the world a better place, one episode at a time and maybe even one person at a time.

AA: What makes the enVision Together podcast unique?

PM: The guests who share on my show have a common interest in helping others improve their quality of life from the inside out. How? Through whatever God has given them to share, expertise on a particular topic, encouragement, motivation, and practical steps to improve in a particular area. What I love is that my guests are very candid. When I ask them to be a bridge for others regarding their topic, if they hesitate at first, they always relax and step up to the task. Being a bridge is being vulnerable and candid about difficulties in their lives before they reach success. I ask the guest to share in this way so my audience knows that everyone faces challenges. Nobody was born with all the answers, and through perseverance, anyone can achieve. It’s a way of making very successful people seem less intimidating and accessible to my audience. I want them to see our human frailties along with our accomplishments, so they will know success is possible for them too.

AA: Share some of the behind-the-scenes of what is involved with making one enVision Together podcast episode?

PM: When a guest contacts me, or I contact them, a pre-chat is requested. This initial conversation is to see if we’re truly a good fit for an episode that will add value to my particular audience and make sure the topic is something my audience expects from my show. If the pre-chat turns out to be a match, we move forward with me designing questions based on what I learned from researching the potential guest. I send out an Agreement to be signed and returned, and request their approved bio, photo, and preferred place for guests to contact them. We also set a date for the actual interview. After we record, my editor prepares the recording for release and creates audio snippets and hanging quotes for advertisements that are shared with the guest.

AA: What is an aspect of your podcast that brings you tremendous joy?

PM: I love that in seeking to help others, I, too, receive help. I genuinely love to learn and grow and have sincere interests in a myriad of topics. I’m a conduit to get information (a type of water) to others, but I get wet in the process. I love the wonderful people I get to meet and the insightful conversations I get to have. But nothing is better than when a listener contacts me and says that a particular episode was recorded just for them. I don’t always release the episodes in the order that they were recorded so when someone says they were going through something at the very time an episode about their concern was released, I feel confirmed that I’m in the place of my purpose. It’s a lot of work to do the show, but I am so fulfilled by this journey. God once asked in my heart, “If it helps just one person, would you still do it?” I said, “Yes.”

AA: What can a listener expect to receive when they tune into the enVision Together podcast?

PM: They can expect to learn and grow from a diverse group of hand-picked guests who have something of value to add to their lives on various topics. Some will really hit home for an individual audience member, but if they listen carefully, something enriching either spiritually, practically, intellectually, or all three can be gleaned from each episode.

AA: What is one piece of advice you would share with someone who wants to start a podcast?

PM: Do it afraid because it can seem intimidating at first, but then you find your sweet spot, and it takes off and becomes great fun!

AA: You have been busy. We were told that you are an author in addition to being a podcast host. Tell us a little about your June 2022 release.

PM: I am releasing my debut novel, girls in search of cover; it’s a book that has wrapped arms around my younger self and helped her heal from sexual violation. It’s my hope that it will do the same for readers who have been such victims. It can also help readers who know someone who has been abused gain understanding in which to support. One of the strongest elements of the novel is the generational aspect and the psychological journey of the characters shared with the reader. In a nutshell, it’s a story of a girl’s journey from abuse to self-love.

AA: In honor of Mother’s Day, what motherly advice would your now adult self share with your younger 16-year-old self?

PM: Wow, there are so many things I’d say, like believe in yourself now and follow your heart and gut more than the voices around you that meant well but weren’t the right advice to follow. But, specifically from a mother’s POV, I’d say you’re enough, and you’re beautifully and wonderfully made. I hope all young people come to that conclusion a lot sooner than I did.

AA: What’s next for the enVision Together podcast?

PM: I hope to do a podcast tour in 2023 to spread the word. I have an international audience and a lot of faithful listeners. I believe it can be a blessing to so many more who haven’t heard about it yet.

AA: Share with us where and when people can listen to the enVision Together: Going to Our Next Level of Best podcast.

PM: People can listen to enVision Together: Going to Our Next Level of Best podcast on Apple podcast, Spotify, or wherever they choose to listen to their podcasts. A new episode is released bi-weekly on Monday mornings at 7:00 am.

AA: How can people stay connected with Dr. Pamela Mshana?

PM: They can connect with me on my website, www.pamelamshana.com. They can also find me on various social media platforms.

Facebook: @Pamela Mshana Instagram: @pamela.mshana.37 Twitter: @PamelaMshana