Story & Lesson Highlights with Laila Hazel of Carson

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Laila Hazel. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Laila, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
There was a point in my life when I was afraid to use my voice. As a child, I believed that standing out could lead to judgment or misunderstanding, so I did everything I could to blend in and stay quiet. Over time, though, I realized that silence kept me from expressing who I truly was and what I believed in. Through podcasting, I found the courage to change that. My show, *Unfiltered Conversations*, has become more than just a platform for interviews—it’s a space where I’ve learned to speak openly, share my opinions confidently, and connect with others who value growth, success, and self-awareness. Podcasting helped me rediscover the power of my voice and the impact it can have when used authentically.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Meet Laila Simone Hazel — a dynamic media enthusiast, award-winning podcast host, and passionate mental health advocate whose voice is redefining authenticity in digital storytelling. Originally from Los Angeles, California, Laila is a proud graduate of Southern University and A&M College, the only HBCU system in the world, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. With a growing commitment to mental health awareness, she recently earned her certification as an Autism Behavioral Technician and plans to pursue graduate studies in 2026 to deepen her impact in the field.

As the creator, writer, and producer of her own podcast, Unfiltered Conversations, Laila has built a space where everyday people are given the spotlight to share their journeys, triumphs, and truths. Her show goes beyond interviews—it’s a community that celebrates real stories, self-awareness, and success in its most human form. With an undeniable passion for connecting people through honesty and empathy, Laila Simone Hazel continues to merge media and mental health in ways that inspire, empower, and elevate voices often left unheard.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents have always been my greatest teachers when it comes to understanding the value of hard work. Both come from hardworking families rooted in California, with strong ties to Arkansas and Oklahoma—places where resilience and determination were part of everyday life. From a young age, they made it clear that my education, comfort, and financial stability were direct reflections of their effort and sacrifice. My father, a proud Marine Corps veteran, taught me the importance of discipline, travel, and taking chances while never losing sight of the work required to achieve success. My mother, an accomplished attorney and HBCU graduate, inspired my love for learning and personal growth. She constantly reminded me to give 110 percent, because giving only 100 is what everyone else might do—and it’s that extra effort that sets you apart. Together, they instilled in me a drive to dream big, stay grounded, and work diligently toward every goal I set.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Laila, you are a hardworking Black girl whose creativity and compassion shine through everything you do. You’ve grown into someone who not only believes in your own potential but uses your voice and platform to inspire others to believe in theirs. The confidence you have today is a reflection of your resilience—proof that even in moments of doubt, you never gave up on yourself. You’ve transformed your personal challenges into purpose, becoming an advocate for mental health and a supporter of neurodivergent individuals who need understanding and representation. Your love for music and writing continues to be your source of strength and inspiration, fueling your creativity and guiding you toward new risks and opportunities. You are powerful, capable, and deserving of every dream you chase—and the world is better because you choose to share your light with it.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
The real me and the version of myself that people see in public are very similar, but there’s a difference in how comfortable I feel depending on the environment. Around my loved ones and friends, I’m completely at ease—free to express myself, laugh loudly, and speak openly without fear of being judged. In public, however, I tend to be more reserved. As a woman, I’ve learned to be highly aware of my surroundings to ensure my safety, and that awareness sometimes makes me appear quieter or less social when I’m alone. It’s not that I’m a different person—it’s simply that I protect my peace by being cautious. In comfortable spaces like home, I can truly be myself, embracing my personality without hesitation. For a long time, I struggled with wanting to be accepted, and in situations where I felt out of place or unwelcome, I often chose to stay to myself. Over time, I’ve learned that protecting my energy doesn’t mean hiding who I am—it means honoring my comfort while still being true to me.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had only ten years left on Earth, I would stop living small. By that, I mean I would no longer allow my own worries, doubts, or hesitation to stand in the way of what I truly want. Too often, I distance myself from my desires because I tell myself there’s still time—that I’m young and can get to them eventually. But if I knew my time was limited, I would realize how precious every moment really is and how quickly opportunities can slip away. My dreams would no longer feel like distant possibilities but urgent callings. I’d pour my energy into watching my podcast grow into its full potential, continuing to travel, create, and inspire others to believe that ordinary people have powerful voices too. What slows me down now are my own small habits—moments of procrastination or simply “not feeling like it”—but if I only had ten years, I’d push past those excuses. I’d use every ounce of drive and time I have to chase my dreams with intention, confidence, and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unfiltered-conversations-with-laila-simone/id1719465538
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DNEEStgvdxA/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lailasimonee03?si=Wot1Ej72xJbVELYf
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unfiltered-conversations-with-laila-simone/id1719465538

Image Credits
Instagram: @emeraldlense_
Instagram: @mcp_john