Today we’d like to introduce you to PM Kester.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In September of 2017, I went to bed doubting that I would wake up. I felt like I could not breathe and it was so intense I was certain that when I closed my eyes, it would be my last time doing so. After being rushed into the emergency room the following day, I started a journey that would shape how I thought about my mental health, physical health, and spiritual growth. My body decided that day that I needed a break and since I would not listen to the signs that had been present for almost a year, it was going to shake me. My attention was grabbed! By the end of 2018, I was divorced, had sold my home, and was on a new journey to slowing down and embracing who I was. Those lessons, and then some, are shared in my podcast, How To Take A Break that was launched in October 2019.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No journey is ever without obstacles. Some of the challenges I faced on the road to starting my podcast included being brave enough to share my story. I began to wonder who was I to compete in a pretty crowded market! I also began to doubt if I would ever get guests! Persistence is key and I am happy to report that I have always gotten more “yes” responses than no to interview requests. I am also greatly humbled by the emails and direct messages I receive about how one of my episodes has resonated with someone. This is the reason why I wanted to share my story.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the creator and host of How To Take A Break – the podcast. How To Take A Break is a wellness-centered podcast that examines the different types of breaks people take – and why you may need to take one! I am a break-taking expert. Tell me how you spend your day and what your actual intentions for your day, month, or life are and I can tell you how to carve out the time for your needed breaks. I am most proud of my ability to showcase guests from all walks of life that share their stories and let the listeners know how they are taking breaks and why it is important to them. We all have the same amount of time and though we may have differing sets of resources, I believe everyone can take 15 minutes to have an impact on their career, money management, and/or health. I should also mention that I hold a Masters in Public Health, also known as population health, that makes me eager to examine people, their neighborhoods and how things impact our overall well-being!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is knowing that someone can hear my story and recognize signs and symptoms of needing to sit down! Women, especially African American women, are having strokes, getting diagnosed with heart disease, and other illnesses younger and younger. We need to know that it is okay to rest and/or take a break for our well-being.
Pricing:
- $19.99 for the I Am Open To Love Journal – via Amazon
- Podcast episodes are FREE!
Contact Info:
- Email: thekestergroup@gmail.com
- Website: https://thekestergroup.wixsite.com/howtotakeabreak
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmkester/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.
com/howtotakeabreakpodcast - SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-404963521
Image Credits
Included photos: 1. Podcast Logo (podcast logo for soundcloud jpeg) 2. Podcast Merch (podcast catchphrase jpg) 3. PM Kester, the host of How To Take A Break – the podcast (phaliaSmilingponce.jp) photo courtesy of Tenola Plaxico; Articulate Photography 4. Recent Event (I Am Open To Love flyer jpg)
