Conversational Lounge Network

09/15/2025

✨Meet captain Jack Sparrow, everyone!

Africalivenetwork.tv Carokims media network.

09/15/2025

Jack has worn many hats. He is a consultant, speaker, entrepreneur, film & TV expert. But the real story? How he connects it all and why his next big event matters now.

Catch the full interview for insights on success, media, and showing up as your best self.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/7GnAqBB98zc?si=BfJCpucxUhUpq-3

Tags: Motivation | Success | Entrepreneurship | Communication | Media | Personal GrowthGuest: Jack – Award-Winning Consultant, Speaker, Entrepreneur, Film & ...

09/01/2025

We’re so excited to welcome Jessie, the new Executive Director of CultureAll, to Conversational Lounge!

In this episode, Jessie opens up about her journey to leadership, the importance of inclusive cultural programming, and the exciting upcoming event that CultureAll is bringing to the community. You’ll also get to know her on a more personal level with some fun rapid-fire questions.

This conversation is light, refreshing, and packed with insight & a must-watch for anyone who believes in the power of culture and community.

Tag a friend who would love to tune in!

Production: Carokims media network
Set: Africalivenetwork.tv
Host: Trudy Carlson
Watch here:

Meet Jessie, Executive Director of CultureALL — A Visionary Champion of Community and Culture Jessie the newly appointed Executive Director of CultureAll, jo...

08/31/2025

Amazing conversations are happening!

Jessie, the newly appointed Executive Director of CultureAll, joins us on Conversational Lounge to share her inspiring journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for celebrating culture and community.

Learn more about the organization and the upcoming ball here: https://www.cultureall.org/

08/20/2025

Come show your support to this incredible organization 🙏🏾

Emcee Spotlight: Trudy Carlson

We are honored to welcome Trudy Carlson as the Emcee of the 2025 I Am Africa Gala!

~CEO & Founder of Conversational Lounge Network

~Senior AVP at Wells Fargo

~Author of It Starts With You

~Vice President of One Voice DSM

~Board Member for the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

~Mentor with Upwardly Global

Trudy was named a 2024 finalist for the Inspiring Women of Iowa Award and is an alum of the Lead DSM Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Her passion for connection, empowerment, and meaningful dialogue aligns perfectly with the Gala’s mission.

An Evening of Culture & Inspiration

~Live performances
~African cuisine
~Honoree recognitions
~Networking & celebration

Tickets & Tables

Reserve your seat today:
👉https://givebutter.com/l0wYtl

07/22/2025

✨ It’s HERE!
From battling bipolar disorder to launching her own braiding business, Miss Vie is proof that purpose can grow from pain. In this powerful, feel-good interview, she gets real about mental health, hustle, and healing.

Watch now & be inspired → https://youtu.be/exN9t8I63-g?si=v1qCnp2ODFLX1Fib

Meet the resilient and radiant founder of Miss Vie Beauty a braiding artist who turned her mental health journey into a message of empowerment and entreprene...

07/21/2025

We talk mental health, hustle, healing, and hair—plus get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to turn passion into purpose.

https://youtu.be/exN9t8I63-g?si=v1qCnp2ODFLX1Fib

07/21/2025

🔥 New Episode Alert! This week, we’re sitting down with the incredible CEO and owner of Miss Vie Beauty, a braiding queen who turned pain into purpose. 💇🏾‍♀️✨ From battling mental health setbacks to launching her own beauty business. Her journey is raw, real, and so inspiring.Get ready for laughs, truth bombs, and a few secrets from behind the braidYou don’t want to miss this!

https://youtu.be/exN9t8I63-g?si=v1qCnp2ODFLX1Fib

10/19/2024

In this powerful episode of our talk show, host Trudy sits down with Immaculee Butare, co-founder and Assistant Director of African Immigrants and Refugees Transition Services. (AIRTS). Imma shares her harrowing refugee journey, surviving the Gatumba massacre in Burundi that took the lives of many, including her mother and sister. Discover how her experiences shaped her mission to empower and support fellow refugees through AIRTS, an organization dedicated to helping African immigrants transition into their new lives in the U.S.

In this powerful episode of our talk show, host Trudy sits down with Immaculee Butare, co-founder and Assistant Director of African Immigrants and Refugees T...

10/15/2024

Join us for an inspiring conversation between Trudy and Sharon Ndikurugamba, co-founder and executive director of African Immigrants & Refugees Transition Services (AIRTS). Since 2016, AIRTS has been dedicated to empowering African immigrants and refugees in Iowa, providing them with essential resources to thrive in their new communities.

In this interview, Sharon shares her incredible journey from Rwanda to the U.S., her experiences as a multilingual advocate, and the vision behind AIRTS. Discover how this nonprofit organization is making a difference in the lives of immigrant families by offering tailored support and services.

African Immigrants and Refugees Transition Services.
Trudy Carlson

Join us for an inspiring conversation between Trudy and Sharon Ndikurugamba, co-founder and executive director of African Immigrants & Refugees Transition Se...

06/10/2024

✨CHANGING THE NARRATIVE

I recently had an opportunity to connect with Courageous Fire LLC on a very important topic of Domestic Violence.

Courageous Fire is a lot of things, but there are two parts of her identity she loves to share wherever she is. Number one is her authenticity: choosing to show up as fully herself everywhere - every single time. Number two is seeking out those in her encounters who need a level of permission. Permission to love themselves. Permission to say no. Permission not to know. Courageous is eager and honored to open those gifts with you today.

Find the full conversation on YouTube.

Courageous Fire is a lot of things, but there are two parts of her identity she loves to share wherever she is. Number one is her authenticity: choosing to s...

04/05/2024

Advice for new writers from Joe Levalley