Reclaiming Your Voice and Living Intentionally with Nakea Bruce Artwork

Re-ImagineYOU Lab Podcast

Welcome to the Re-ImagineYOU lab, the space and place to learn, test, try and say goodbye to doubt and delay. I’m your host, Michelle Gines, the Re-Imagine Scientist called to create, cultivate and collaborate with YOU. The real you, the true you and the best of YOU that you haven’t realized yet. In the lab podcast, we are committed to learning from those that have done it, test ideas, untangle perspectives, create new hypothesis and be willing to try a new approach and committed to saying goodbye to anything that has ever stood in your way. There’s a new way or certainly another way to get YOU where YOU want to be, so join me. You’ll find good tips from smart, witty and wise men and women, gain insights on perspective, raise your thought life and come away with winning tools you can use today. If you’re here, you’re supposed to be here and I’m glad you found us. I’m grabbing my lab coat, take a seat and let’s go! You’ve entered the Re-Imagine YOU Lab podcast.

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Re-ImagineYOU Lab Podcast

Reclaiming Your Voice and Living Intentionally with Nakea Bruce

January 16, 2026 • Michelle Gines, The Re-Imagine Strategist

In this soul-stirring episode, Michelle Gines sits down with Nakea Bruce to explore how the profound weight of loss can become the catalyst for a more intentional life. Nakea opens up about the "pivotal moment" that changed everything: the loss of her father to COVID-19 in May 2020. She shares the raw reality of a Zoom-screen farewell and how God later provided a redeeming moment of presence while she cared for her bonus dad.

Beyond the grief, Nakea discusses her journey of self-awakening and the release of her book, Love Illusions—a collection of poetry and prose published in her late father’s name. This conversation serves as a guide for anyone navigating a "changed reality," offering practical advice on handling those who push back against your growth and finding the "But God" strength to move from longing to self-respect.

Key Discussion Points

The Impact of a Zoom Farewell: Nakea reflects on the trauma of losing her father during the height of the pandemic and the profound "thank you" she gave to God for the chance to be physically present for her bonus dad.
Intentionality in the Aftermath: How loss shifted Nakea’s perspective on time, leading her to prioritize deep connections and "check-ins" with those she loves.
A Legacy in Print: The story behind Love Illusions. Nakea explains why publishing the book in her father’s name and releasing it on his birthday was a vital step in her healing and his legacy.
The Changemaker’s Reality: Nakea’s hard-won advice for those evolving:
- Make space for the "new you" and your new perspectives.
- Prepare for the "you're acting different" crowd—and learn when to create distance to protect your peace.
The "But God" Motivation: A look into Nakea’s spiritual endurance. She discusses how sitting in silence and repeating "strength, comfort, and keep me, Lord" provides the fuel to live an abundant life.
Reclaiming the Self: Exploring the themes of Love Illusions—choosing oneself after choosing others first and the quiet triumph of returning to your own voice.

Are you ready to reclaim your voice after life has changed you? Listen to Nakea’s journey from heartbreak to clarity and discover how to live with intention, even in the midst of loss.

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