In this soulful and affirming episode of Culture Raises Us, Marquita Moore returns to challenge one of the most deeply rooted beliefs in our society—that what we do is who we are. From corporate ladders to social media metrics, we’ve been conditioned to measure worth by productivity and performance. But what happens when we stop doing? Who are we then?

Marquita speaks powerfully about detaching identity from occupation and returning to a foundation built on purpose, faith, and stillness. She shares how exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout can be warning signs that we’re living for performance rather than presence—and offers simple, spiritual practices like journaling and daily self-inquiry to help us reconnect with our God-given identity.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Who would I be if I didn’t have this job?”—this conversation is for you. Learn how to embrace rest as a form of resistance, make peace with stillness, and reclaim your identity outside of output.

This is your permission to just be.

#CultureRaisesUs #MarquitaMoore #FaithBasedLiving #PurposeOverPerformance #RestIsResistance #SpiritualGrowth #IdentityInGod #BurnoutRecovery #HealingThroughFaith #StillnessHeals #BlackWomenInFaith #PodcastHealing #PurposeDrivenLife #LetGoOfTitles #SoulCare

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In this powerful episode of Culture Raises Us, host Astor Chambers sits down with fashion icon and Union LA owner Chris Gibbs to explore the intersection of streetwear, authenticity, and cultural leadership. From folding tees in New York to curating one of the most influential boutiques in the world, Chris shares the journey that shaped his philosophy—and the culture.

Together, they break down the evolution of streetwear, the global influence of Japanese fashion, and how brands like Union continue to center creativity, community, and intention in every decision. Chris opens up about the value of self-expression, the business of fashion, and why working for the job you want—not the job you have—is a game-changer.

Whether you're a creative, entrepreneur, or just a fan of culture done right, this episode is a masterclass in how to show up, do the work, and build something that matters.

🎧 Tap in to hear about:

• The origins of Union LA and its cultural impact
• Chris Gibbs' philosophy on intention, identity, and work ethic
• The rise (and co-opting) of streetwear
• How brands can authentically support community

📢 Don’t forget to download and share this episode with someone building their own lane. Culture isn’t created in isolation—so bring someone into the conversation.

#CultureRaisesUs #ChrisGibbs #UnionLA #StreetwearCulture #AstorChambers #FashionPodcast #Hypebeast #BlackEntrepreneurs #DesignYourLife #CreativeLeadership #CommunityFirst #CultureCurator #DoTheWork

📲 Share this episode with a creative who needs a reminder that culture starts from within.

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ABOUT US

Culture Raises US. It isn’t just something we’re impacted by, it’s also something we can impact. As empowered stewards of Culture, it’s time to get smart on how we can continue influencing society while breaking new grounds. On Culture Raises US, Astor Chambers invites you to join for honest, insightful, and challenging conversations with pioneering cultivators across music, fashion, tech, sports, art, and entertainment.

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Kenny Mac and Astor Chambers deliver a masterclass in emotional intelligence and self-awareness through this profound exploration of control, gratitude, and the art of letting go. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, this conversation offers a roadmap to inner peace through radical acceptance of what is—and isn't—within your power.

Using the powerful metaphor of playing a "home game versus an away game," Kenny and Astor reveal how shifting your focus from external circumstances to internal responses can transform your entire experience of life's challenges.

What You'll Learn:

• The crucial difference between what you can and cannot control—and why this
• distinction changes everything
• How gratitude acts as a perspective-shifting superpower during difficult times
• Why meeting people where they are (not where you want them to be) revolutionizes
• relationships
• The counterintuitive truth that letting go of control often leads to better outcomes
• How to navigate relationships with difficult people while maintaining your peace
• Why "it's a choice to let go"—and how to make that choice repeatedly

Deep Insights:

This isn't surface-level advice about positive thinking. Through personal anecdotes and hard-won wisdom, Kenny and the host explore the emotional intelligence required to truly let go of outcomes while staying fully engaged with your choices and responses. Discover how miracles often unfold when you stop trying to control every variable and start trusting the process. Learn why personal growth frequently emerges from the most challenging experiences, and how clarity comes not from having all the answers, but from accepting what you cannot change.

Transform Your Relationships:

Whether dealing with family dynamics, workplace stress, or personal setbacks, this episode provides practical wisdom for anyone struggling with the exhausting cycle of trying to control outcomes beyond their influence. Perfect for leaders, parents, partners, and anyone ready to find peace in uncertainty while maintaining agency over their own actions and responses.

Episode Journey:

• Focusing on What You Can Control (00:00)
• Letting Go for Clarity and Peace (05:11)
• Recognizing Control in Relationships (10:23)

Ready to stop fighting what is and start embracing what could be? Sometimes the most

powerful thing you can do is "trust the ride you're on."

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Julian Reeves returns to Culture Raises Us to deliver a powerful reminder: the future isn’t owned by corporations—it’s being built by creators. In this inspiring conversation, Julian explores the rise of a builder’s culture, where AI, discipline, and spiritual intention collide to empower a new generation of independent thinkers, makers, and leaders.

He breaks down how consumer culture thrives on dopamine while builders thrive on discipline, and why now—more than ever—is the time to embrace creation over consumption. Whether you're starting a business, leveling up creatively, or seeking personal growth, Julian makes the case for building systems, rituals, and legacies that truly matter.

Learn how AI can be your army, not your adversary, and why self-mastery and intentional living are the keys to unlocking your full potential. This episode is a roadmap for the dreamers, doers, and disruptors who know they were made to lead.

Stream now and step into the life you’re meant to build.

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In this powerful episode of Culture Raises Us, Astor Chambers sits down with singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and co-host of R&B Money, J. Valentine, for an unfiltered conversation about fame, ownership, and legacy in Black culture.

J. unpacks why he intentionally dodged the spotlight, how the pandemic inspired the launch of R&B Money, and why betting on yourself is the new wave of success. From early music industry lessons to his thoughts on MC Hammer’s misunderstood genius, J. shares the blueprint for sustainable ownership—from your masters to your mindset.

They dive deep into:

• 🔑 The myth of “owning your masters” and what real ownership looks like

• 🎤 Why most stars don’t help create other stars—and why we should

• 🏀 How playing point guard shaped his leadership style

• 💡 Lessons from the Foreman Grill, MC Hammer, and Birdman on branding and business

• 🤝 The power of collaboration, integrity, and lifting up the culture without fear

Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or culture shaper, this episode is a masterclass in navigating the industry with heart, hustle, and humility.

Tap in for a rich conversation about music, mentorship, and the movement toward collective Black excellence.

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What if the journey of parenting wasn’t just about raising children—but also about raising yourself?

In this insightful episode of Culture Raises Us, host Astor Chambers sits down with cultural alchemist and joy strategist Grace Harry for a deeply personal conversation on the evolving nature of parenthood. Together, they explore how raising children invites us to revisit our own childhoods, interrogate generational patterns, and grow into more conscious versions of ourselves.

Grace shares candid reflections on learning from her children, redefining respect and boundaries, and embracing self-compassion along the way. This episode is a powerful reminder that parenting is not a static role—it’s a mirror, a teacher, and a call to evolve.

Whether you're a parent, thinking about becoming one, or simply on a journey of self-discovery, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, challenged, and inspired to lean into growth with grace.

Tune in and be reminded: the path to raising whole humans starts with becoming one.

#CultureRaisesUs #GraceHarry #ParentingWisdom #SelfDiscovery #GenerationalHealing #AstorChambers #JoyIsTheJourney

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In a world more connected than ever, why do so many of us still feel alone?

In this thought-provoking episode of Culture Raises Us, host Astor Chambers is joined once again by joy strategist and cultural force Grace Harry to unpack what she calls the “pandemic of loneliness.” Together, they explore how the global pandemic reshaped our understanding of intimacy, and how our hyper-digital lifestyles can often leave us feeling more isolated than connected.

Grace offers powerful insights on how to foster real relationships—rooted in vulnerability, authenticity, and self-awareness. She challenges us to stop outsourcing joy and start tuning into our own desires and emotional needs as the foundation for meaningful human connection.

This episode is an honest, affirming guide for anyone seeking deeper relationships, more joy, and a way back to themselves in an increasingly disconnected world.

It’s not about more likes—it’s about more love. Start there.

#CultureRaisesUs #GraceHarry #LonelinessPandemic #RealConnection #EmotionalWellness #JoyStrategist #AstorChambers

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In a world that worships busyness, Kenny Mac reminds us: being busy isn’t the same as making progress. Kenny unpacks how our culture — especially in communities of color and immigrant families — taught us that a packed schedule means success. But what if that’s just a fast track to burnout and emptiness?

Together, we explore:
-The difference between busyness and true productivity
-Why slowing down can actually speed up your growth. How to align daily actions with real goals and a clear why
-The hidden cost of hustle culture and social media’s fake highlight reels
- Why saying no is a superpower for peace and progress
- Simple mindset shifts to choose clarity over chaos

This episode is your permission slip to replace overwhelm with intentionality — and to find freedom in focusing on what truly matters. Listen in, reflect, and reclaim your time, energy, and purpose.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this conversation with someone who needs to hear: less really is more.

#CultureRaisesUs #KennyMac #ProductivityMindset #HustleCulture #ClarityOverChaos

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