We recently connected with Yolanda Gore and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Yolanda thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

I wanted to start a podcast for two specific reasons: public speaking, and public awareness. My goal to become a speaker/panelist coupled with podcasting, allows me to discuss a wide variety of topics which helps prepare me for that ultimate goal. The second reason; I noticed an influx of motivational speakers and life coaches emerging that were not coming from a genuine place. They all seemed to be driven by money and not by helping. I understand that people should get paid for their time and expertise, however, these people were charging more than licensed professionals. They had no real expertise and didn’t give any actionable advice. Profit-centered advocates were not being transparent and honest about their personal experience and life challenges. The meaning behind my mission of starting the podcast was to bring honesty, real life experiences and a unique insight, and actionable advice on all of the chaos that life can bring. I believe, straight talk makes for straight understanding. I can’t tell someone they need to set goals, without explaining to them how to do that. I also don’t give advice I wouldn’t take or tell anyone to do something I wouldn’t. I’m not an expert or a therapist however I’m not afraid to be frank about the facts of my life.

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

I’m a high school counselor by trade and the host of the podcast Frank Factualities. My podcast serves as a vehicle to offer advice from a real world, actionable perspective. I’ve been through a myriad of life’s most challenging situations and despite all statistical odds, I’ve persevered: pre-teen pregnancy and childbirth, systemic poverty, homelessness, sexual molestation and rape, abusive relationships, racism, classism and colorism. I’ve triumphed through those obstacles to become an advocate for younger and seasoned adults looking to shift the paradigm of their circumstances. My frank and empathetic perspective on the turmoil of life, coupled with my first-hand experience in these matters, provides me with a calming advisement delivery that is honest and more importantly…actionable.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve learned that the pursuit of happiness is a personal journey. Don’t bring along the thoughts of what others might think! No matter what you decide to do in life, people will have an opinion and may even try to discourage you from pursuing your passions. Podcasting is not a path that will make you rich overnight, it may not even make you rich at all. It requires a lot of time, effort and more importantly…consistency. I felt like I had to justify my decision to start a podcast and I’m grateful that I learned to listen to my own voice.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I started my Instagram page before I started my podcast. The purpose of the original “Frank Factualities” blog was to share my poetry and original quotes. When I started the podcast, I kept that same page but branded it as a podcast and continued to share the same content but now I added quotes from my podcast episodes and clips from the video recordings as reels. It was the same type of content but amplified. When I noticed a post or reel doing well, I would pay to advertise it so it could reach a wider audience. I was blessed a few times to have my post reach the Instagram explore page which brought me the majority of my followers. There is much more to learn about marketing and gaining followers and supporters on social media and I am not where I want to be, but I continue to work on it daily. When I got the hang of Instagram, I decided to expand the brand across all social media platforms and now I have a Facebook, Twitter, TikTok account and a YouTube channel. The advice I have for others is the same advice and encouragement I give myself…be consistent and post content daily! Also, it takes money to make money so invest in your business! There is nothing wrong with paying to have your business advertised on social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/frankfactualities