<script data-pm-proxy="intercept"></script><?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Actor's Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes]]></title><description><![CDATA[Master your craft with veteran actor Dwayne Barnes (Menace II Society, Big George Foreman). No-nonsense guides to trusting your acting and  booking instincts.]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CqxQ!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4e409e4a-ec27-4fc7-8297-efb56a6505e9_427x427.png</url><title>The Actor&apos;s Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes</title><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:18:36 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="/__u/dbrichking.substack.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[Dwayne]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[Project.Barnes25@gmail.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[Project.Barnes25@gmail.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[Project.Barnes25@gmail.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[Project.Barnes25@gmail.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Two Black Men, Zero Masks: The Truth About Queer Acting Roles]]></title><description><![CDATA[Before joining my weekly On-Camera Acting Instinct lab, Kenzi sat down with me to crack his ultimate acting puzzle. Watch his "Vibe Check" now.]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/two-black-men-zero-masks-inside-kenzis</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/two-black-men-zero-masks-inside-kenzis</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:02:11 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/211517746.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span>Can you play a character completely different from who you are, while staying 100% true to yourself? That is the exact puzzle we are cracking today. Welcome to </span><em><span>Inside the On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab: The Vibe Check</span></em><span>.</span></p><p><span>I&#8217;m Dwayne Barnes, and today I&#8217;m sitting down with a fantastic new student, Kenzi. He has a theater degree, an Ivy league education and real talent, but after taking a break from acting, he is ready to conquer the camera. After jumping into my </span><strong><span>Free 1-Hour Zoom Lab</span></strong><span>, Kenzi decided to take the leap and join my ongoing </span><strong>On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes,</strong><span> weekly class.</span></p><p><span>This &#8220;Vibe Check&#8221; is my special ritual&#8212;a deep, honest sit-down to connect and lay the groundwork before we start the true training journey. In this episode, we talk about building unshakeable confidence, stepping into masculine-presenting roles as a queer Black man, and why the camera needs your authentic spirit. It is a powerful exchange between two Black men sharing space, history, and a love for the craft. Trust me, you don&#8217;t want to miss this one.</span></p><p><strong><span>&#127916; Inside the Episode</span></strong></p><ul><li><p><strong><span>The Return:</span></strong><span> Kenzi left acting behind for a moment, but film and TV are calling him back.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>The Goal:</span></strong><span> He has the Ivy league training, but he wants deep, unshakeable confidence in front of the lens.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>The Truth:</span></strong><span> We dive into identity and expanding your range without losing your core self.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>The Growth:</span></strong><span> Stepping back into the spotlight takes real courage, and Kenzi is fully ready.</span></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><p><strong><span>&#128640; Ready to Unlock Your Instincts?</span></strong></p><p><span>Kenzi&#8217;s journey started with our </span><strong><span>Free 1-Hour On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab via Zoom</span></strong><span>. If you want to build unshakeable confidence and take your craft deeper, come vibe with us!</span></p><ul><li><p><strong><span>Join the Weekly Lab:</span></strong><span> Take the next step and join my ongoing acting class by visiting </span><a href="https://sites.google.com/view/dwayne-barnes-acting-coach/home"><span>the Dwayne Barnes Acting Coach Website.</span></a></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Spread the Word:</span></strong><span> Do you know an actor who needs this? Please share this post with a friend, like, and follow to help spread the word!</span></p></li></ul><p><span>Keep trusting your gut, and I will see you next time inside the lab!</span></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[From Menace II Society to the Instinct Lab: What 90s Cinema Taught Me About On-Camera Acting.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hey everyone,]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/from-menace-ii-society-to-the-instinct</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/from-menace-ii-society-to-the-instinct</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:01:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/youtube/w_728,c_limit/Ke0SJf-aFNM" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey everyone,</p><p>I recently sat down with Joe over at <strong>@SquareTableDegenerates</strong> for a live interview that truly took me down memory lane.</p><p>We didn&#8217;t just talk about the industry today. Joe took me all the way back to my roots growing up in Detroit. We went credit-by-credit through my acting journey, leading up to one of the most pivotal moments of my career: <em>Menace II Society</em>.</p><p>We broke down exactly how I got that audition, what it felt like stepping onto that intense set, and the raw instinct it took to bring that role to life.</p><p>You can watch the full, deep-dive interview right here:</p><div id="youtube2-Ke0SJf-aFNM" class="youtube-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;videoId&quot;:&quot;Ke0SJf-aFNM&quot;,&quot;startTime&quot;:null,&quot;endTime&quot;:null}" data-component-name="Youtube2ToDOM"><div class="youtube-inner"><iframe src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Ke0SJf-aFNM?rel=0&amp;autoplay=0&amp;showinfo=0&amp;enablejsapi=0" frameborder="0" loading="lazy" gesture="media" allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowautoplay="true" allowfullscreen="true" width="728" height="409"></iframe></div></div><p><strong>Turning Acting into Mentorship</strong></p><p>One of my favorite parts of the conversation was having the space to share a deeper passion of mine. Beyond my own time on screen, I have always had a natural instinct to help other actors with their craft.</p><p>That passion is exactly why I opened the doors to the <strong>On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab</strong>.</p><p>Whether I am coaching fresh faces looking for their very first break, seasoned actors fine-tuning their skills, or celebrities preparing for massive roles, the goal remains the same: <em>teaching you to trust your gut when the lens is on you.</em></p><p><strong>What You Will Learn in This Episode:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong><span>The Detroit Roots:</span></strong><span> How my upbringing shaped my artistic drive.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>The Menace II Society Audition:</span></strong><span> The exact mindset that booked the role.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>On-Set Realities:</span></strong><span> What it is actually like working on a cinematic classic.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>The Instinct Method:</span></strong><span> How I translate my career lessons into modern coaching.</span></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><p><strong>&#127916; How to Connect with the On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab</strong></p><p>Are you ready to stop over-thinking and start booking? Whether you are a brand new actor or a seasoned professional, I want to help you master your camera presence.</p><p>Here is how you can work with me and join our community:</p><ol><li><p><strong><span>Book a Coaching Session:</span></strong><span> Work with me one-on-one to break down scripts, prep for auditions, and build real cinematic instincts.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Join Our Next Workshop:</span></strong><span> Practice live scene study and on-camera exercises with a community of dedicated actors.</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>Follow the Journey:</span></strong><span> Keep reading this Substack newsletter for weekly acting breakdowns, industry secrets, and lesson highlights.</span></p></li></ol><p>Click the button below to visit our main lab page, view our upcoming schedule, and secure your spot in our next session:</p><p><a href="https://sites.google.com/view/dwayne-barnes-acting-coach/home">On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes</a></p><p>Keep trusting your instincts,</p><p><strong>Dwayne Barnes</strong><br><em>Founder, On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab</em></p><div><hr></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wanna be like Karmen? (How to reclaim your acting dreams) 🎬✨]]></title><description><![CDATA[Inside the 15-minute meeting that changes everything.]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/wanna-be-like-karmen-how-to-reclaim</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/wanna-be-like-karmen-how-to-reclaim</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 12:03:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/211263736.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What happens <em>before</em> an actor ever steps in front of the camera?</p><p>It doesn&#8217;t start when the director yells &#8220;Action!&#8221; and it doesn&#8217;t start when the stage lights come up. It starts the exact moment someone decides to stop putting their dreams on the back burner.</p><p>Before I accept anyone into the <strong>On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab</strong>, we do a 15-minute &#8220;Vibe Check.&#8221; This is how I curate our class. It ensures we are a genuine creative match and it keeps our workspace safe, trusting, and focused.</p><p>Today, you get to be a fly on the wall for a real, unscripted first meetup.</p><p>Meet Karmen. She is a mother who has spent years pouring into everyone else, but she always held onto a deep, burning passion for acting. She showed up early and on time at the Lab ready to reclaim her space, rediscover her creative voice, and map out her career journey.</p><p>This meeting is completely raw, honest, and unscripted. No acting. No scripts. Just two creatives talking shop and building a foundation of trust.</p><p><strong>&#9201;&#65039; Inside This Episode:</strong></p><ul><li><p><strong><span>00:00</span></strong><span> - Intro</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>02:30</span></strong><span> - Part 1: The Roots (Where her passion came from and what held her back)</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>10:00</span></strong><span> - Part 2: The Vision (Mapping out exactly where her instincts are taking her next)</span></p></li><li><p><strong><span>19:24</span></strong><span> - Outro</span></p></li></ul><p><strong>&#9889; Wanna Be Like Karmen? Take the Leap.</strong></p><p>Ready to break out of your head, trust your impulses, and master the lens? I am currently curating our next safe, creative cohort. Let&#8217;s see if we are a match.</p><p>&#128073; <strong><a href="https://sites.google.com/view/dwayne-barnes-acting-coach/home"><span>Click here to book your 15-Minute Vibe Check and study acting with me!</span></a></strong></p><p><em>If you enjoyed getting to know Karmen, please drop a like and leave a comment below about what resonated with you!</em></p><div><hr></div><div><hr></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[ 1 hour in the lab: Detroit, acting, degrees, and the science of instinct 🎬]]></title><description><![CDATA[Deconstructing Human Behavior: An Actor and a Dr. of Leadership and Change Talk Instinct.]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/1-hour-in-the-lab-detroit-acting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/1-hour-in-the-lab-detroit-acting</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:01:29 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/210688744/25371bb8189e682e7ae49cd339f1287d.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span>What&#8217;s up, everyone? Dwayne here. Push play on this week&#8217;s drop because this conversation is incredibly close to my heart.</span></p><p><span>I&#8217;m sitting down for a one-hour deep dive with someone who grew up on the exact same block as me in Detroit. We came from a community where reading a room wasn&#8217;t just a skill&#8212;it was survival.</span></p><p><span>Today, Dr. Wendy Perkinson holds a Doctorate, mastering how people learn and lead. I&#8217;ve spent my life on camera, unlocking human behavior through acting. In this streamed session, we are bringing those two worlds together.</span></p><p><span>This isn&#8217;t a formal interview. It&#8217;s a raw, open conversation bridging the gap between the classroom and the acting lab. Lock in with us for the next hour as we dissect instinct, survival, and the absolute courage it takes to command a room.</span></p><p><strong>Want to sharpen your own screen instincts?</strong><br>If you are ready to break out of your head, trust your impulses, and master the lens, come train with me live on Zoom. To find out more about <strong>The On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab with Dwayne Barnes</strong> and secure your spot, check out the lab page here: </p><p><strong><a href="https://sites.google.com/view/dwayne-barnes-acting-coach/home">On-Camera Acting Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes</a></strong></p><div><hr></div><div class="install-substack-app-embed install-substack-app-embed-web" data-component-name="InstallSubstackAppToDOM"><img class="install-substack-app-embed-img" src="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CqxQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4e409e4a-ec27-4fc7-8297-efb56a6505e9_427x427.png"><div class="install-substack-app-embed-text"><div class="install-substack-app-header">Get more from Dwayne Barnes in the Substack app</div><div class="install-substack-app-text">Available for iOS and Android</div></div><a href="/__u/substack.com/app/app-store-redirect?utm_campaign=app-marketing&amp;utm_content=author-post-insert&amp;utm_source=dbrichking" target="_blank" class="install-substack-app-embed-link"><button class="install-substack-app-embed-btn button primary">Get the app</button></a></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[It’s been a minute... welcome to The Actor's Instinct Lab]]></title><description><![CDATA[A RE-BRAND]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/its-been-a-minute-welcome-to-the</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/its-been-a-minute-welcome-to-the</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:03:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/210390623/72358f52c5ef8d39af1e9b83c9120857.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hey everyone,</p><p>Dwayne here. It has been over a year since I last landed in your inbox, and I&#8217;ve missed this community.</p><p>When I started <em>The Courage to Be Dwayne Barnes</em>, we focused on having pivotal, courageous conversations. Over the last year, I&#8217;ve been diving deeper into my own journey of courage, especifically in the world of acting.</p><p>That journey has led to an exciting new chapter. I am officially shifting this space to <strong>The Actor&#8217;s Instinct Lab with Dwayne Barnes.</strong></p><p>I&#8217;ve realized that the tools actors use to trust their instincts, stay vulnerable, and listen deeply aren&#8217;t just for the stage. They are essential human skills for real life. I recorded a quick 7-minute video above to fill you in on everything!</p><p>Here is what is coming up next, and how you can get involved:</p><ul><li><p><strong>The Free Introduction</strong>: I am hosting a free, one-hour Eventbrite class on <strong>Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM PST</strong>. It is a low-pressure space to practice presence and connection. Because I want to keep it personal, I&#8217;m capping it strictly at 30 invites.</p></li><li><p><strong>The Deep Dive</strong>: I am currently gathering students for my ongoing monthly class, <strong>On-Camera Actors Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes</strong>. We launch in September and will meet on <strong>Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM PST</strong>.</p></li></ul><p>Whether you want to act on camera or just build the courage to command a room in your daily life, I would love to have you.</p><p>&#128073; <strong>Click Here to Claim Your Free Thursday  8/13/26 Ticket on Eventbrite</strong>: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-on-camera-acting-workout-w-seasoned-hollywood-pro-tickets-1997120774999   *<em><strong>Note every Thursday event will have a diff link. If you are interested in another Thursday.</strong></em></p><p><strong>And here to sign up for the On-going On-Camera Actors Instinct Lab: https://forms.gle/Nw1GjKoPzMbsxzA66</strong></p><p>It&#8217;s great to be back. Watch the video above, check out the new layout, and let me know your thoughts in the comments!</p><p>Best,</p><p><strong>Dwayne</strong></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Real Talk: Authenticity, Vulnerability, and Why It’s a Game-Changer]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hey Courageous,The Courage To Be: Dwayne Barnes' Life Insights is a reader-supported publication.]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/real-talk-authenticity-vulnerability</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/real-talk-authenticity-vulnerability</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:45:39 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/5eff7a45-3f5b-45b2-9830-b7a37e7dc3fc_993x695.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><p>Hey Courageous,</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">The Courage To Be: Dwayne Barnes' Life Insights is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p><strong>And we&#8217;re back to Courage To Be land</strong>&#8212;a space where we keep it 100 and share the real-life wisdom that helps us live boldly. </p><p>I wanna have another quick chat about a topic that continues to hit home for me: <strong>Being Real and Embracing Vulnerability.</strong></p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>1. What You Might Believe</strong></h3><p>Maybe you&#8217;ve been told that showing your soft side is a weakness. You might think:</p><ul><li><p>&#8220;If I open up, I&#8217;ll get hurt or looked down on.&#8221;</p></li><li><p>&#8220;I gotta keep my guard up to survive in this world.&#8221;</p></li></ul><p>That&#8217;s what we were raised to believe. But what if I told you there&#8217;s a better way?</p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>2. What the Data Shows</strong></h3><p>Here&#8217;s the lowdown backed by some solid research:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Stronger Connections:</strong> Studies show that when we let our guard down, we build deeper, more genuine relationships. People are drawn to authenticity.</p></li><li><p><strong>Better Mental Health:</strong> Opening up and being real with yourself can lower stress and anxiety. It&#8217;s a step toward healing.</p></li><li><p><strong>More Creativity:</strong> Whether at work or in life, when you&#8217;re true to yourself, you unlock creativity and innovation. Real talk, that&#8217;s how change happens.</p></li></ul><p>So, being real isn&#8217;t a weakness&#8212;it&#8217;s a strength.</p><div><hr></div><h3><strong>3. Why It Matters RIGHT NOW</strong></h3><p>Here&#8217;s why getting real matters today more than ever:</p><ul><li><p><strong>Changing Times:</strong> We&#8217;re living in a world that&#8217;s all about fake filters and perfect lives. Real connections are rare and powerful.</p></li><li><p><strong>Empowerment:</strong> When you dare to be vulnerable, you give others the green light to do the same. That&#8217;s how we start real change.</p></li><li><p><strong>Standing Out:</strong> In a sea of curated images, being authentic makes you shine. It shows you&#8217;re someone who values truth over pretense.</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h3><strong>Tune In For More</strong></h3><p>If you&#8217;re vibing with this message, you&#8217;re going to love my latest episode where I break down the <strong>Top 10 Lessons I&#8217;ve Learned from 35 Years in Hollywood</strong>. </p><p>I&#8217;m sharing my most authentic thoughts on what it really takes to stay true in an industry that often demands masks and pretense. These lessons tie right back to today&#8217;s topic&#8212;being vulnerable, standing in your truth, and lighting up your path with authenticity.</p><div class="digest-post-embed" data-attrs="{&quot;nodeId&quot;:&quot;9939208c-a39c-48aa-b7aa-8cd65cdb9fb0&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Join Dwayne Barnes&#8212;actor, storyteller, director, writer, and author&#8212;on The Pivotal Point podcast as he reflects on his 35-year journey in Hollywood. From iconic roles in Menace II Society and Big George Foreman to writing for Deadline and starring in the&quot;,&quot;cta&quot;:null,&quot;showBylines&quot;:true,&quot;showDescription&quot;:true,&quot;showImage&quot;:true,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;lg&quot;,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;35 Years in Hollywood: Lessons on Trust, Rejection, and Staying Authentic w/ Dwayne Barnes&quot;,&quot;publishedBylines&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:242116918,&quot;name&quot;:&quot;Dwayne&quot;,&quot;bio&quot;:&quot;Dwayne Barnes is an actor, writer, director, and author from Detroit. Known for Menace II Society, his work spans film, TV, and commercials. He&#8217;s also featured in Deadline and is the author of two ebooks on mental health and authenticity. &quot;,&quot;photo_url&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/1a8dc683-0b1d-4f89-9676-285c3dac8651_1242x1729.jpeg&quot;,&quot;is_guest&quot;:false,&quot;bestseller_tier&quot;:null}],&quot;post_date&quot;:&quot;2025-02-04T22:45:43.784Z&quot;,&quot;cover_image&quot;:&quot;https://substack-video.s3.amazonaws.com/video_upload/post/156409178/79744b29-beb7-4a30-8713-f8d6f110e7d0/transcoded-1738635860.png&quot;,&quot;cover_image_alt&quot;:null,&quot;canonical_url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/35-years-in-hollywood-lessons-on&quot;,&quot;section_name&quot;:null,&quot;video_upload_id&quot;:null,&quot;id&quot;:156409178,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;podcast&quot;,&quot;reaction_count&quot;:1,&quot;comment_count&quot;:0,&quot;publication_id&quot;:null,&quot;publication_name&quot;:&quot;The Courage To Be: Dwayne Barnes' Life Insights&quot;,&quot;publication_logo_url&quot;:&quot;https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fbc514750-668d-4acd-8d42-d0f973216981_256x256.png&quot;,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;youtube_url&quot;:null,&quot;show_links&quot;:null,&quot;feed_url&quot;:null}"></div><p></p><p>If this message speaks to you, hit reply and let me know your thoughts, or share this with a friend who needs a little extra encouragement today. </p><p>Let&#8217;s lift each other up!</p><p>Stay real, stay courageous,</p><p><strong>Dwayne Barnes</strong><br></p><p>P.S. &#8211; Follow me on Instagram @dwaynebarnes and Linkedin for daily doses of real talk and practical wisdom to help you live your truth.</p><p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">The Courage To Be: Dwayne Barnes' Life Insights is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[35 Years in Hollywood: Lessons on Trust, Rejection, and Staying Authentic w/ Dwayne Barnes]]></title><description><![CDATA[From Menace II Society to Big George Foreman: 10 Life-Changing Lessons from 35 Years in Hollywood]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/35-years-in-hollywood-lessons-on</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/35-years-in-hollywood-lessons-on</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 04 Feb 2025 22:45:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/156409178/2c944280aaf18a7ba669f17da4472aa5.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Join Dwayne Barnes&#8212;actor, storyteller, director, writer, and author&#8212;on <em>The Pivotal Point</em> podcast as he reflects on his <strong>35-year journey in Hollywood</strong>. From iconic roles in <em>Menace II Society</em> and <em>Big George Foreman</em> to writing for <em>Deadline</em> and starring in the <em>Need for Speed</em> franchise, Dwayne shares the <strong>raw, unfiltered truths</strong> about life in the entertainment industry.</p><p>In this deeply personal episode, Dwayne reveals <strong>10 pivotal lessons</strong> he&#8217;s learned about <strong>trust, rejection, envy, and authenticity</strong>. Whether you&#8217;re an aspiring actor, a creative visionary, or simply navigating life&#8217;s challenges, these insights will inspire you to stay true to yourself and thrive in the face of adversity.</p><p><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></p><ul><li><p>Why <strong>trusting your gut</strong> is more important than trusting smiles.</p></li><li><p>How to handle <strong>rejection</strong> without taking it personally.</p></li><li><p>The reality of <strong>transactional relationships</strong> in Hollywood and beyond.</p></li><li><p>Why <strong>authenticity</strong> is your greatest superpower.</p></li><li><p>The importance of <strong>therapy</strong> and choosing your circle wisely.</p></li></ul><p>Tune in for a candid conversation about the <strong>highs and lows of Hollywood</strong>, the power of <strong>pivoting</strong>, and the courage it takes to stay authentic in a world that often rewards conformity.</p><p><strong>Listen now</strong> to discover how Dwayne&#8217;s journey can help you navigate your own pivotal points in life.</p><p>If this episode resonated with you, <strong>share it with a friend</strong>, leave a <strong>5-star review</strong>, and follow Dwayne on social media for more insights and inspiration. Your journey is uniquely yours&#8212;embrace it, learn from it, and keep shining.</p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why 'Doing Nothing' Is Actually Everything: The Healing Power of Rest]]></title><description><![CDATA[How Stepping Back Helps You Reconnect, Reflect, and Reset]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/why-doing-nothing-is-actually-everything</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/why-doing-nothing-is-actually-everything</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:43:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/153152140/7492d7193dd1d5fe467389f88e91147c.mp3" length="0" type="audio/mpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;6d418538-a2c2-42e4-b74f-0db9fe5bfd93&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:75.180405,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p></p><p>In this episode, we explore the life-changing power of taking time <em>just for you.</em> <em>Life builds up stress. Life pulls us in a million directions. But what happens when you stop, pause, and simply give yourself permission to breathe?</em> </p><p>I share my personal journey from being a workaholic to discovering the healing space of rest&#8212;especially through my favorite self-care escape: a Korean spa. </p><p>I&#8217;ll also share insights from research on how taking regular breaks improves emotional health, sharpens decision-making, and restores clarity. Whether you&#8217;re burned out, overwhelmed, or simply curious about the power of doing absolutely nothing&#8212;this one&#8217;s for you. </p><p>Let&#8217;s talk about how stepping back allows you to reset, reflect, and heal.</p><p>*PLEASE NOTE: The podcast had a name shift from &#8220;The Pivot Point&#8221; to &#8220;The Pivotal Point&#8221; after this episode was recorded. </p><p></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Art of Pivoting]]></title><description><![CDATA[Finding Your Way by Learning to Shift Directions]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/the-art-of-pivoting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/the-art-of-pivoting</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 24 Dec 2024 22:45:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/510b6c0f-8f57-4c24-8a94-efbc7ced8990_270x148.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;0489d94a-4128-4649-ad5b-55883dd676be&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:549.12,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p></p><p>Hey favorite, </p><p>So, I&#8217;m accepting that life is a constant state of change. Sometimes growth is smooth, and sometimes it feels like we're fighting uphill against resistance, habits, circumstances, and fear. But growth isn't just about &#8220;moving forward;&#8221; it's also about knowing when to &#8220;pivot.&#8221;  </p><p>When we learn to pivot&#8212;to shift in response to life&#8217;s twists, turns, and demands&#8212;we learn the secret to staying resilient, adaptive, and joyful even when the journey gets rough.  </p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p> <strong>What Does It Mean to Pivot?</strong></p><p>The art of pivoting is simple: changing course when necessary to align with growth, healing, or discovery. Life will throw challenges, obstacles, and moments of transformation at us. Often, we resist the changes, clinging to old patterns, relationships, routines, or ideas because they feel comfortable&#8212;even when they no longer serve us.  </p><p>But here&#8217;s the truth: <strong>&#8220;Everything must pivot. Nothing stays the same. Not even you.&#8221;</strong></p><p><strong>My Story: From Sweet Comforts to Healing Change </strong></p><p>I grew up in a home where comfort food was our way of coping. Ice cream, donuts, candy bars&#8212;these were my go-to&#8217;s. They brought a momentary escape from stress and childhood struggles. And as the years went on, these habits stayed with me.</p><p>Fast forward to adulthood: prediabetes became my wake-up call. My body was struggling under the weight of choices I had made for years. I had to <strong>&#8220;pivot.&#8221;</strong> I shifted to a vegan lifestyle in an effort to save my health and my body. It was tough, it required discipline, but I did it because I needed to.</p><p>Eventually, I grew out of that. My body wasn&#8217;t improving as quickly as I had hoped, so I made another pivot&#8212;back to a balanced diet of healthy vegetables, proteins, fats, and lean carbs. Not extreme, not depriving, but healthier.  </p><p>And here&#8217;s the thing: I now have Type 2 Diabetes. The guess is that it may be genetic. Yes, some battles, no matter how much you pivot, may not fully disappear. And that&#8217;s okay. Pivoting isn&#8217;t about erasing struggles; it&#8217;s about accepting them, working through them, and finding peace and strength in the changes.</p><p><strong>Why Pivoting is Essential to Happiness &amp; Growth?</strong> </p><p>Pivoting isn&#8217;t just a reaction to health challenges or dramatic life shifts. It&#8217;s a way to make space for joy, peace, and clarity. Those who master the art of pivoting win, not just because they avoid obstacles, but because they stay open to the constant possibilities life offers.  </p><p>Think about it. Just like outgrowing a favorite shirt&#8212;it no longer fits, doesn&#8217;t sparkle the way it did before, or simply doesn&#8217;t make you feel good anymore. You don&#8217;t mourn that choice. You let it go and choose something that suits you better.  That&#8217;s not to say that some major pivots don&#8217;t require major mourning and grieving. Don&#8217;t miss that step. Your body and emotions will let you know. If the pivot makes you sad, feel sad. If it makes you feel mad, feel mad. Whatever emotions it brings up ride the waves til you eventually find peace and ease in the newly pivoted space. </p><p>But, the same way you, without hesitation, pivot from that no longer feeling good clothing item, this  applies to relationships, goals, routines, and beliefs as well: "This no longer serves me. I pivot for the health, joy and wealth of me.&#8221; And that&#8217;s okay. It doesn&#8217;t make you, them, or it wrong. It doesn&#8217;t make anyone a failure. It makes you wise, self-aware, and emotionally intelligent.  </p><p><strong>Where is Life Asking You to Pivot?  </strong></p><p>Take a moment to reflect. Where in your life are you clinging to old patterns, habits, or routines that no longer bring you joy, peace, or growth?  </p><p>- Is it time to pivot from toxic relationships?  </p><p>- Do you need to change your career path?  </p><p>- Could you shift your thinking to a more empowering mindset?  </p><p>- Is it time to change your habits&#8212;small or big&#8212;to support your well-being?  </p><p>Life is always trying to communicate with you, whispering messages through your feelings, your health, your circumstances. And many times, the power to transform comes through the simple, intentional act of changing direction.</p><p>Where is your <em><strong>yellow brick road </strong></em>pivot leading you?  </p><div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2" target="_blank" href="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_424, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_848, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_webp, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!,w_2400,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic" width="1200" height="657.7777777777778" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:false,&quot;imageSize&quot;:&quot;large&quot;,&quot;height&quot;:148,&quot;width&quot;:270,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:1200,&quot;bytes&quot;:12600,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/heic&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:true,&quot;topImage&quot;:false,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:null,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-large" alt="" srcset="/__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_424, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 424w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_848, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 848w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_1272, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 1272w, /__u/substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VpCu!, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/w_1456, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/c_limit, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/f_auto, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/q_auto:good, /__u/dbrichking.substack.com/fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3816c466-e27a-41a9-8f2c-4ea6d07c155b_270x148.heic 1456w" sizes="100vw" loading="lazy"></picture><div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><strong>The Yellow Brick Road: Your Next Pivot</strong></p><p>My favorite, the beauty of pivoting is that you&#8217;re always led toward growth, understanding, and possibility. It might not feel easy at first, but every pivot is a step toward a new version of yourself, one that is wiser, stronger, and more aligned with your purpose.</p><p>And the one thing I am constantly reminding myself.  I pray I master it is: Dwayne, you can&#8217;t always control what happens to you&#8212;but you &#8220;can&#8221; control how you respond to it.  Sometimes, the simple act of saying, "I&#8217;m going to try something different," can lead you to healing, peace, success, and joy.  </p><p>So fav, what&#8217;s your next pivot? Where is life asking you to take a step in a new direction?  </p><ol><li><p><strong>Here&#8217;s My Invitation to You</strong>:</p></li></ol><p>Take a moment this week to listen to what life is telling you. Ask yourself:  </p><p>&#128073;&#127998; Where am I resisting change? </p><p>&#128073;&#127998; What old patterns do I need to release?  </p><p>&#128073;&#127998; What would it feel like to take one small step toward change today?</p><p>You might be surprised at the opportunities that come from simply making a choice to pivot. As soon as I made a decision to leave something recently, the very next day a huge opportunity came my way. It&#8217;s real. And don&#8217;t be embarrassed to get the help of a trusted therapist or friend if you know a pivot is necessary and you just can&#8217;t turn that corner.</p><p>Remember: <strong>Pivoting isn&#8217;t about failure. It&#8217;s about growth, joy, and self-love. </strong> </p><p>Until next time, my fav and special subscriber, please, please take care of yourself and <strong>trust your heroic journey that is always waving at you</strong> in sometimes challenging ways to get your attention. It may not look like it, but I&#8217;m learning more and more, it&#8217;s truly on your side. </p><p>That&#8217;s right. You&#8217;re always one pivot away from a better you. </p><p>Peacefully,  </p><p><strong>Dwayne Barnes</strong></p><p>Connect with me: IG: dwaynebarnes </p><p>Share your thoughts on pivoting with me. Where are YOU being called to shift right now? I love to hear it.</p><p>Keep growing. Keep pivoting. Life is beautiful on the other side of resistance. </p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA["Get Thee Behind: A Journey to Joy and Alignment"]]></title><description><![CDATA[( I encourage you to read along with the audio version below for the complete inner and outer comprehension of this piece.)]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/get-thee-behind-a-journey-to-joy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/get-thee-behind-a-journey-to-joy</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 14 Dec 2024 03:09:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/84bfafb1-390b-4105-84c0-fa7b304c7ab0_240x148.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>( I encourage you to read along with the audio version below for the complete inner and outer comprehension of this piece.)</strong></p><p>When I speak of &#8220;Satan,&#8221; I think of anything that is not a part of your true authentic aligned, divine self.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>I think of fear, I think of doubt, I think of illness, I think of sickness, unhealthy toxic mentalities, toxic relationships, anything that is disturbing the sacredness of who you truly are ..</p><p>And when you are aligned with the sacredness of who you are, victory is yours, victory is yours, victor today and every day is yours.</p><p>You see when you tell &#8220;Satan&#8221; to get thee behind, then victory- victory is yours.</p><p>And joy is yours, yep, joy is yours yep, I know that joy is yours. You see when you tell &#8220;Satan&#8221; to get thee behind then joy- joy- joy is yours.</p><p>And healing, and peace, and love, and happiness, and laughter, and ease, and flow. When YOU tell &#8220;Satan&#8221; to get thee behind all of those things are YOURS. </p><p>So look at what the &#8220;Satans&#8221; are in your life, look around you, listen, see, hear sense, feel.</p><p>And do all of that to sense, and to understand where the &#8220;Satan&#8217;s&#8221; in your life are lying.</p><p>And once you do that,</p><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;40a81826-2091-4d28-a59e-1b24f2ca9ba5&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:189.46613,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p>You tell &#8220;Satan&#8221;- those are your &#8220;Satan&#8217;s&#8221;- to get THEE BEHIND. (GO AWAY. LEAVE ME ALONE. I DON&#8217;T HAVE TIME)</p><p>And all of those beautiful, victorious, joyful, healthy and loving, aligned divine things are yours, and mine.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Freedom Within]]></title><description><![CDATA[Letting Go of Worry, Trusting Yourself, and Living Life Lightly]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/the-freedom-of-being-yourself</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/the-freedom-of-being-yourself</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 10 Dec 2024 03:38:19 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/cf3c3765-1ebe-4a61-8186-ccaad70d22e0_3875x5812.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;0b8d847f-04f3-43e0-a866-94a202fc2709&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:345.8351,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p></p><p>Hey there greatness,</p><p>Lovers are the best. They&#8217;re the people you can relax with, trust, enjoy, and just be yourself with. And that&#8217;s the kind of freedom I&#8217;ve been chasing&#8212;not just in relationships but within myself.  </p><p>I want to be free. Free from worry, free from angst, free from stress. I&#8217;ve realized that holding onto the things that have happened isn&#8217;t just unproductive; it&#8217;s not cool. It&#8217;s a way of life that keeps you stuck rather than allowing you to live, love, and be present. Life should be sniffed, savored, felt&#8212;every moment fully lived. </p><p>How do I get there? By accepting. By laughing, playing, being as present as I can. I allow myself to be at fault, but without dishonesty, neglect, or disrespect. That kind of energy isn&#8217;t freeing&#8212;it weighs you down. I want freedom. Not just the absence of struggle but the ability to live light, to embrace joy, and to just chill.  </p><p><strong>Some Truths I&#8217;m Coming to Terms With </strong></p><p>Life has its complexities. There&#8217;s so much corruption, so much untruth, and yet, worry and concern can become their own prisons. They don&#8217;t set you free. They make you a prisoner to the world rather than a participant in your own life.  </p><p>I&#8217;ve spent much of my life outside myself&#8212;looking to God, family, friends, or circumstances to save me. I placed my value on their opinions, on the likes, on the applause. But here&#8217;s the thing: their thoughts are not my responsibility. And most importantly, they never should have been.  </p><p>I&#8217;ve learned that power doesn&#8217;t come from searching outward. It comes from turning inward&#8212;finding your answers, trusting your intuition, and learning that you are enough as you are.  </p><p><strong>A Lesson in Internal Freedom</strong></p><p>I wasn&#8217;t taught how to truly look within. I was always pointed outside, looking up, reaching for salvation elsewhere. And that taught me to rely on forces I couldn&#8217;t control. I lived in denial, in ego, in competition. I lived in my head and it hurt.  </p><p>But here&#8217;s the breakthrough: I only have power over myself. My feelings. My intuition. My choices. Everything I need to know is already inside of me. All I have to do is quiet the noise long enough to listen and trust. Sometimes, patience is the answer&#8212;not rushing for the answers but allowing them to come when they&#8217;re ready.  </p><p>And that&#8217;s freeing.  </p><p><strong>Let&#8217;s Reflect: What Does Freedom Look Like for You?</strong></p><p>- Letting go of unnecessary worries  </p><p>- Choosing presence over perfection  </p><p>- Accepting yourself&#8212;and others&#8212;for their imperfections  </p><p>- Trusting that answers come when you&#8217;re quiet enough to listen  </p><p>Freedom isn&#8217;t about having everything figured out. It&#8217;s about being&#8212;relaxing into life, loving without conditions, and being honest with yourself about what you really value.  </p><p>So, what would it feel like to live your life without all the noise? What would it feel like to trust yourself more, to own your choices, and to know that you are enough just as you are?  </p><p>Take a breath. Allow yourself to try.  </p><p>You are free. </p><p></p><p><strong>This Week&#8217;s Invitation:</strong></p><p>Take time this week to be still. Ask yourself:  </p><p>- What worries am I holding onto that no longer serve me?  </p><p>- Where am I giving my power away by focusing too much on the opinions of others?  </p><p>- How can I listen to myself more deeply?  </p><p>Sit with these questions. Don&#8217;t rush the answers. Trust that they will come when you&#8217;re ready.  </p><p>You are whole. You are worthy. And you are free.</p><p>With love,  </p><p><strong>Dwayne Barnes</strong></p><p>Let&#8217;s keep growing together.</p><p>&#8220;<em>Share this newsletter with someone who needs to hear it.&#8221;</em></p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA["HEALING THROUGH LISTENING"]]></title><description><![CDATA[Hello winners of life,Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication.]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/healing-through-listening</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/healing-through-listening</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 29 Nov 2024 01:21:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/dac1f88d-8f78-479e-ad4a-1cfe326c1fb1_1280x720.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;53db920e-c8d3-4711-8f28-6f3e58403ee9&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:441.18204,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p></p><p>Hello winners of life,</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>Life has a way of teaching us lessons in the most unexpected ways &#8212; lessons that often don&#8217;t make sense in the moment but become crystal clear in hindsight. And yet, I&#8217;ve come to believe that hindsight doesn't have to be the only time we understand the deeper messages life is trying to send. If we stay present, always listening, always paying attention, we can see that nothing is truly arbitrary. Every interaction, every experience, every moment is a &#8220;pointing&#8221; &#8212; a clue, a nudge, or a whisper from the universe, trying to show us something important.</p><p>I want to share a story with you &#8212; a personal story that helped me realize this truth in a very profound way.</p><p>&#8220;The Ear Infection That Wasn&#8217;t Just Physical&#8221;</p><p>There was a time in my life when I kept experiencing recurring ear infections. Every two to three months, I&#8217;d find myself in and out of the doctor&#8217;s office, going through rounds of antibiotics, ear treatments, and feeling frustrated as the issue never seemed to fully resolve. I kept seeing the same well-known doctor in Beverly Hills, but nothing helped. That&#8217;s when I realized: this wasn&#8217;t just a physical problem. This was a <em>spiritual issue. </em></p><p>The universe, or whatever higher power you believe in, was trying to communicate something to me &#8212; something I couldn&#8217;t yet fully understand. </p><p> &#8220;A Journey of Self-Discovery and Healing&#8221;</p><p>I sought help from a therapist, and we began to explore the deeper layers of my life. Through our sessions, I uncovered something powerful: I had been carrying abandonment trauma for most of my life. Without even knowing it, I had been operating from a place of deep emotional scarcity, constantly seeking validation and support from others, especially when I didn&#8217;t receive it from my parents. Both of my parents struggled with addiction, and as a result, they were never fully able to provide the love, care, or support I needed as a child. </p><p>As I worked with my therapist, he had me track my emotional triggers. &#8220;I texted someone and they didn&#8217;t respond.&#8221; &#8220;I spoke to someone and they ignored me.&#8221; Over and over, I noticed how I would get triggered by the smallest of interactions. And as I shared these findings with my therapist, the root cause became undeniable. &#8220;I had been seeking the love I never received as a child, from people who couldn&#8217;t give it to me.&#8221;</p><p>This realization was a game-changer. I understood that the pain I felt was not about the current situation, but about the wounds of my past. When those triggers happened, I could pause, connect and feel the pain of my childhood abandonment that I wasn&#8217;t able to feel as a child, and choose to feel it to heal it instead of projecting it onto others. It was a painful awareness and a painful process to work through.</p><p>This shift in awareness changed everything.</p><p>&#8220;The Ear Infection Ends: A Powerful Lesson in Healing&#8221;</p><p>Almost immediately after this breakthrough, something extraordinary happened: my ongoing ear infection &#8220;disappeared.&#8221; I went back to my doctor in Beverly Hills for my current infection follow-up, and something about the way he handled my treatment didn&#8217;t sit right with me. He seemed to be prolonging the issue unnecessarily. Once I got there and he took the medicine out and said &#8220;hmmm I think I need to put more in and you should come back in a few days&#8221;. </p><p>Immediately, I felt someting wasn&#8217;t right. I felt the spirit of dishonesty. I felt he was trying to get more money from me and my insurance company. So, I reluctantly allowed him to put the medicine back in, but as I was leaving the office my spirit directed me to go back and ask him to take it out. Angrily, I did. Yes, I was triggered. I felt I was being taken advantage of. He took it out. </p><p>I walked out of the office in frustration, but I felt liberated. That was the last ear infection I ever had. </p><p>&#8220;Everything Is Connected&#8221;</p><p>This experience taught me a profound lesson: everything is connected, and life is always communicating with us. Obstacles that seem like roadblocks can often be moments of breakthrough, if only we&#8217;re willing to listen to the messages behind them. When I healed the emotional pain I had been carrying from abandonment, the physical pain (the ear infection) was able to heal as well.</p><p>I realized that inner pain manifests as outer pain. If we hold onto emotional wounds, they will eventually show up in our bodies and in our lives in ways we don&#8217;t always expect. But when we listen to the messages life is sending us, we can begin to release what no longer serves us &#8212; and in doing so, allow ourselves to heal.</p><p>&#8220;What Are You Holding On To?&#8221;</p><p>What in your life are you holding onto that&#8217;s keeping you stuck? What emotional wounds are you carrying that need to be released? Sometimes it takes a professional to help us uncover what&#8217;s been hidden from our own awareness, but the healing is possible. What or who do you think you need to help you get free from the ties that bind you?</p><p>I&#8217;d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, your stories, your reflections. Let&#8217;s create a space where we can learn from each other&#8217;s journeys.</p><p>Take care, and keep listening to life.</p><p>Dwayne</p><p>If this story resonated with you, please feel free to &#8220;subscribe&#8221; to my newsletter for more insights, reflections, and lessons learned along my journey.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[My Journey Anew]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Place for Authenticity and Vulnerability]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/a-journey-anew</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/a-journey-anew</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 04:09:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/b4fffe70-6186-49f1-8caf-418217188867_1280x720.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="native-audio-embed" data-component-name="AudioPlaceholder" data-attrs="{&quot;label&quot;:null,&quot;mediaUploadId&quot;:&quot;1c097a2f-6462-4ecb-99a0-e2af65a8d544&quot;,&quot;duration&quot;:224.18286,&quot;downloadable&quot;:false,&quot;isEditorNode&quot;:true}"></div><p></p><p>Hey amazing! </p><p>I&#8217;m excited to launch this space as a way to share my amazing life story &#8212; the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Life&#8217;s journey hasn&#8217;t always been easy for me, nope, but through every challenge, I&#8217;ve learned deep and powerful lessons that have truly polished who I am today. My hope is that by sharing these insightful experiences, I can inspire others who are navigating their own paths, offering insight and encouragement along the way. Yes, we all face struggles, but with the right perspective, we can turn those challenges into opportunities for growth. This space is where I want to share those lessons, thoughts, and moments of clarity to help others along their journeys.</p><p>I believe we are all here to learn from one another. And I have a story &#8212; a real, raw, and powerful one &#8212; that I believe can make a difference. My intention is simple: to create a space that uplifts, educates, and sparks positive change. I hope my experiences resonate with you, and together, we can build something meaningful.</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><p>This isn&#8217;t just about sharing my story &#8212; it&#8217;s about creating a community where authenticity and transparency are celebrated. A place where you can come as you are, let go of pretenses, and be free to express your true self. I want this to be a space where we can be vulnerable, honest, and supportive of each other&#8217;s growth. Whether you're here for inspiration, encouragement, or simply a space to connect, know that you are welcome.</p><p>Here&#8217;s what you can look forward to:</p><p>- Weekly Posts: I&#8217;ll be sharing new insights, personal stories, and reflections on life&#8217;s journey every week.  </p><p>- Guest Contributions: From time to time, I&#8217;ll feature guest writers or creators who have unique perspectives to share.  </p><p>- Exclusive Content for Paid Subscribers: As a paid subscriber, you'll get access to deeper dives into personal stories, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and special Q&amp;A sessions.</p><p>Free Subscribers will receive:</p><p>- Weekly updates on personal reflections and life lessons</p><p>- Access to community discussions and resources</p><p>&#8220;Paid Subscribers&#8221; will receive:</p><p>- Early access to new posts</p><p>- Exclusive content not available to free subscribers</p><p>- Special events (Q&amp;A, live discussions) and deeper dives into the themes I explore</p><p>This is a space built on connection, vulnerability, and growth. I&#8217;m excited to share this journey with you and create something special together.</p><p>Thank you for being here. </p><p>Let&#8217;s start this journey, and let&#8217;s grow &#8212; together. </p><p>(Feel free to subscribe and join the conversation below!)</p><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Dwayne&#8217;s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.</p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Coming soon]]></title><description><![CDATA[This is The Actor&#39;s Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes.]]></description><link>https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/coming-soon</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://dbrichking.substack.com/p/coming-soon</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[Dwayne Barnes]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:44:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!CqxQ!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F4e409e4a-ec27-4fc7-8297-efb56a6505e9_427x427.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>This is The Actor&#39;s Instinct Lab w/ Dwayne Barnes.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="/__u/dbrichking.substack.com/subscribe"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>