Unsugarcoated Media’s flagship podcast is a lot like that one random class from high school. It’s not calculus or physics or even a class with a lesson plan. It’s the class where you learn what matters. You never know what might happen when you walk through the doors. Maybe the teacher will bring in a snake or start a fire, but one thing is for sure, you’re guaranteed to leave with either a changed perception or an unexpected life lesson. 

There’s no snakes or fires on Unsugarcoated with Aalia, but there are a lot of changed perceptions and lessons learned—all in an effort to build more understanding and empathy for one another.

Listeners never know who Aalia Lanius will bring in as a guest or what topic they might cover. One episode could feature a top lawyer in the country detailing his racial stereotypes, and another episode could feature the founder of E! Entertainment providing an in-depth breakdown on his global rise. 

From the outside, that high school class may look like just another classroom, but once students step inside, they witness a unique atmosphere unlike any other. On its surface, it’s easy to see why a podcast with a charismatic host and esteemed guests may seem like, well, a typical podcast. But with one push of a button, the magic of Unsugarcoated with Aalia is revealed, and it becomes clear that what listeners are hearing is anything but typical.

Inside Unsugarcoated with Aalia exists a balance of entertainment and reality. Many people have become tone-deaf to hard-hitting subjects like minority media representation and human trafficking, but by layering those tough conversations with authentic friendly discourse, Aalia resonates with listeners. 

Unsugarcoated with Aalia follows the same principles of empowerment as the company she founded. 

Before launch, former co-host Alexandra Checa predicted, “it’s going to be EmpowerCon but in a podcast.” 

Although Checa is no longer co-hosting the podcast, she and Aalia remain in close contact, and her prediction for the podcast has come true. Each week Unsugarcoated with Aalia brings in a different guest and sets out to empower at least one listener. From world-renowned artists to Keanu Reeves’ talented filmmaker sister, Unsugarcoated with Aalia strives for the same objective as Unsugarcoated Media and EmpowerCon—to empower the community with stories from within.

“Unsugarcoated Media encourages serving the community at its base level,” explained TV/Film Executive Meredith Prunkard. “It gives a platform for a groundswell of inspiration and motivation for change-makers to go forth, create and serve.”

Unsugarcoated with Aalia continues to serve as a platform for change-makers as they head into producing season four, which will premiere in early August.  You never know whose voice you might hear or what you might hear, but something in you is bound to change with every episode. 

Written by Taj Mayfield

Unsugarcoated with Aalia can be viewed on YouTube or listened to on any major podcast platform such as iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.