In this very first episode of Monique & Friends, Monique Hayward welcomes her childhood best friend, Kevin Noble, to take a nostalgic and insightful journey through their 40+ years of friendship. From meeting as “big city kids” at a summer camp in South Carolina to navigating life’s twists and turns, Monique and Kevin discuss being “blerds” before it was cool, finding new life in fitness and dance, embracing identity, and making bold moves. Plus, Monique introduces her new segment, "Ask Monique Anything (AMA)," where she answers a listener's question about how to professionals can stay relevant in a world where AI is increasingly becoming more capable and sophisticated.

Chapters

00:00 – Where It All Began: Summer Camp in South Carolina
06:19 – The Original "Blerds": Finding Friendship in Books & Music
08:49 – Big City Kids & Southern Cooking (Good & Bad!)
13:36 – How a Curve Ball Changed the Life Plan
19:50 – Opening Doors in NYC & Finding a New Path in Fitness
27:34 – Embracing Identity: Overcoming Fear & Owning Who You Are
32:13 – Plans for the Future: “Florida Man” & The Next Chapter
35:31 – AMA: Ask Monique Anything & Wrap-Up

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