We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brushae Stinson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brushae below.

Brushae, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Podcasting, it’s honestly a funny story on how all of this came to be. In the beginning, a co worker at the time now friend and I was discussing starting a podcast. It wasn’t supposed to be a solo show, but everything happens for a reason, right? This was back in 2019. Initially, it was going to be an entertainment kind of show. However, once I realized I would be doing this solo it kind of took a turn. I was in a funny space in my life, at the time, I was on my self discovery journey. I wasn’t too sure of who I was and was just floating along with life with no purpose. Then, Chris Brown dropped his “Indigo” album and my life kind of started to have meaning. You are probably wondering how one thing has to do with the next so let’s go on a trip down memory lane. As, mentioned, previously I was in a space of just wanting to figure out why was I here and what was my purpose being on this earth. He [Chris Brown] made a post about the frequency he was vibrating on which was 432hz 528hz. My curiosity was peaked and I begin to research, frequencies then one thing led to another. I started to do my research on spirituality, I grew up very religious, but when I began to explore my spirituality I felt more fulfilled. Fast forward I am now in a place of peace, I have a sound mind, and my purpose became clear to me. After months of me asking people what I was good at doing and trying to figure it out all on my own. I had my “ah ha” moment and realized it was something I did daily. TALKED. Literally, talking was my thing. I found myself being the problem solver for people around and even strangers. I discovered that my “super power” was being a healer. Making people and or their situations better. So for a while during my enlightening period I went by “The Loud Mouf Healer”. Once, I learned my purpose I was eager to help as many people as I can, by simply being who I was, and being a safe space for people. I didn’t know much about podcasting at the time, I am also an impulsive person, I just jumped head first in it and I KNEW being behind the mic was for me. To be totally transparent there were moments when I second guessed myself. Each time I had doubt I always remembered the “WHY”. If it was at least one person that I could help I knew my purpose for the podcast was not in vain. I never put my all into something, and I have never betted on myself completely, I knew this would be successful because as I have grown my audience I have also grown as the host.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am Brushae Stinson, host of multi award winning podcast called: The Unpopular Realist Podcast. I started in the podcast industry in 2019 and rebranded in 2021. I started a podcast to be the friend that I wish I had while going through the hardest times of my life. Often times we find ourselves shutting down for a few reasons: People expect you to always be strong, you have no one to listen, fear of being judge, and so on. I went through some dark times but I also learned a lot while I was there. Surely, if I was able to make it out with a smile. There was definitely someone else who may need to know that you are not alone. What sets me apart in this oversaturated industry is that there was a need specific to what I do. Only I was able to deliver the message in the way for those who needed to hear it, only I was able to heal those who were wounded. I do not try to appeal to everyone, I only want to appeal to those who I am supposed to.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I started podcasting in 2019, and I jumped in head first. I didn’t have a microphone, just talking off the dome into my laptop. What a time to be alive, but I realized that quality audio was important. So I did my research, most people like YouTube =, but I am a person who needs to be hands on and asks questions. I stumbled across my now mentor Carla Wilmaris who offrered a podcast course. Originally, the podcast was called Unpopular Realists because I was supposed to have a cohost. After rebranding and changing the mission, the name was changed to The Unpopular Realist. During, the rebranding period I wanted to change the name but after undergoing the why and reason for my podcast I realized there was no other name more fitting that what I have now. I completed the 30 day course and relaunched the podcast, with the relaunch I knew how to edit my audio, promote better, properly interview, create talking points but still be authentic, and a host of other things. I knew it was for the best, shortly after I had my logo redone, and added a website that offers merch. When expanding change is mandatory, and I take inventory at least once a year to see if there is anything that need to change.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One major lesson that I had to learn was everyone isn’t your target audience and your family and friends are not obligated to support you. When I first started podcasting I was in for a rude awakening, I personally felt like my friends and family should automatically support me, whether it was sharing a post, tagging me, word of mouth or whatever. I felt that way because I knew if it was the other way around I would do that. I had to unlearn that family and friends are not always your target audience and appealing to every is impossible, EVERYONE is not your audience. Honing down on your niche and knowing who you are showing up for each day is how you connect and grow an authentic tribe.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://theunpopularrealist.wixsite.com/website-1
• Instagram: @theunpopularrealist
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnpopularRealist

Image Credits
photo cred: Sumika Phillips