Valerie Nero Sits Down with Ericka Nicole Malone

n this deeply moving episode of The Bucket Wish, host Erica Nicole Malone sits down with an extraordinary woman who completely changed her life: minister, entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker Valerie Nero. As the niece of civil rights icon and "Queen of Gospel" Mahalia Jackson, Valerie shares intimate, never-before-heard stories from her childhood. Step inside Mahalia's vibrant home as Valerie recalls playing in her aunt's famous wig closet, getting "Shirley Temple curls" in her hair, and witnessing the exact lineage of strength that led Mahalia to shout, "Tell 'em about the dream, Martin!" at the historic March on Washington. But this episode is also about Valerie’s own fierce journey of perseverance. Together, Erica and Valerie dive into: The Power of the Hum: How the old-school tradition of humming brought healing and comfort through generations of hardship. Shrewd Business & Intuition: The sharp business acumen and protective foresight passed down by the women in Valerie’s family. Surviving Life’s Darkest Places: A raw, honest look at how Valerie survived the grief of COVID, losing her beloved brother, and a volatile separation from her mother by tapping directly into her DNA of resilience. Auntie’s Winning Wisdom: Valerie’s passion for launching a new movement to bring "kitchen table and front porch guidance" to a generation of young women who desperately need a village. Get ready to laugh, cry, and feel the undeniable spirit of the ancestors. "It is amazing when people transition. It's like they become you. Their spirit comes into you... and that gives you the strength." — Valerie Nero Connect with The Bucket Wish Community: Go out, live your dreams, and do something special just for you. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join us next week for another inspiring story!