Philly writer & podcast host talks grief, growth, and the power of choosing yourself.
Some people you meet and it just clicks. That’s how it was with Toya Wiley. I didn’t meet her in a studio or on some formal shoot—we crossed paths through community work and stayed connected through trust, loyalty, and a shared love for uplifting people. For years she was the one behind the scenes, managing talent, making moves, and pushing others forward. These days, she’s stepped into her own spotlight with her podcast Toya Moment and her book The Hand I Was Dealt, and I couldn’t be prouder to shine a little light on everything she’s doing.
Toya is the kind of person who reminds you why real ones matter. This conversation meant a lot to both of us, and I hope it brings something to you, too.
CLAIMING THE MOMENT 💫✨🃏
Andre: First off, thank you again for doing this. You know I always say it, but it means a lot to be able to spotlight the people who inspire me personally. And you know I had to bring you on here—you’ve been doing your thing for a while, and now it’s like you’re finally getting the shine you deserve.
Toya: Thank you for having me. I’m honored, truly. And I trust you—with the questions, with the way you tell the story. I know you won’t twist my words. It means a lot to feel seen and safe like that.
A: I appreciate that. And speaking of being seen—you’ve been rebranding lately, stepping into your own spotlight. What made you want to bring your voice front and center?
T: Honestly? I was pushed into it. Once the girls I was managing decided to take a break, I had this moment like, okay, now what? I’m a creative person. I need something to pour myself into. So I looked back at my undergrad degree—Broadcast Communications—and I thought, why not start a podcast? It gave me the space to share what matters to me. Real conversations, not just pop culture stuff. Things people don’t always want to talk about: grief, dating, self-worth, sibling relationships…
A: And that’s where Toya Moment came from?
T: Yeah. At first, it was just about living out loud, being my full self. But over time, it became more reflective. A “Toya Moment” is like a shift, a spark, a point of clarity. It’s when you say, “I’m claiming this moment for me.” Especially after losing my mom and my brother, that idea took on more weight. It became about finding joy and peace even when life’s been hard.
A: I relate to that so much. My first album was called Moments because that’s exactly how I see life—as these pivotal points where things shift. And I love that your show feels like a journey. Each episode is part of a season. There’s growth.
T: Thank you. That means a lot. I really try to build something honest. And it’s not just about me talking—it’s about creating space for stories people might not normally hear. Like when I brought on my sister for an episode. We’re really close, but it took us a while to get there. That conversation was real and emotional. And from the comments I got, I know it hit home for a lot of people.
A: I remember that. And I think that’s what makes what you do so important. You make space for vulnerability. And you don’t run from the hard stuff. Like talking about grief—you said one of your favorite episodes was about healing.
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T: Absolutely. That episode felt like therapy. And it reminded me why I started all this. If one person out there feels less alone because of something I said, it was worth it.
A: That goes back to something else I love about your voice—you really do believe in people. Like, genuinely. Even when you talk about being selfish, it’s not about pushing others away. It’s about making space for yourself, too.
T: Exactly. People act like being selfish is a bad word. But sometimes you have to choose you. You can’t pour from an empty cup. And when you’re the strong one in everyone’s life, that refill is essential.
A: Facts. So let me ask you about something you wrote that stuck with me. You said, “Chances make champions.” That hit me.
T: That’s my mantra. Look, you can play it safe your whole life, but if you don’t bet on yourself, how will you ever know what you’re capable of? Life is like a card game. You might not always get the perfect hand, but there’s more than one way to win. You gotta work with what you got and play it smart.
A: I love that. I always tell people, it’s not magic. I just do the work. That’s what separates people—hard work and consistency.
T: Right? There’s a lot of talent out here, but the ones who win are the ones who keep going. Even when it’s hard. Even when it doesn’t look promising. You have to believe in yourself when nobody else does.
A: So what’s next for you?
T: I want to keep building. Bigger podcast numbers, more live events, maybe even a talk show someday. But I’m not waiting for someone to hand it to me. I want to create those opportunities now. A live show this summer might be in the cards. And eventually, 50K subscribers and beyond. That’ll be a big party, you know that!
A: I already know you’ll get there. Because you’re not chasing a trend—you’re building something real.
T: And I appreciate you for always seeing that. For always pouring into me. Some days you just need that affirmation from someone who knows your heart.
A: We all do. Even the strong ones. And it’s an honor to give you your flowers now. You deserve all of it.
Toya is proof that you don’t need to shout to be heard—you just need to speak from the heart. She’s honest, funny, driven, and deeply rooted in something real. We talked about loss, love, loyalty, and the long game of doing things your way. And whether she’s interviewing her sister or reflecting on her own healing journey, she brings her full self. That’s what makes it powerful. That’s a Toya Moment.
MORE TOYA 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽
📖 Book: The Hand I Was Dealt
A powerful story of rediscovery, healing, and reclaiming self-worth after a high-profile breakup.
🗣️ Podcast: Toya Moment (buzzsprout.com/2408359)
Honest conversations about growth, grief, and showing up for yourself in your 30s.
✨ Favorite Episode: Navigating Grief and Healing
👀 Follow: @iam_labellatoya
What do you think? Hit the links for more info, and leave your comments below.
Spotlight Sessions is a series conceived of and developed by artist-educator Andre Saunders to highlight inspirational local people with personal, community-focused interviews. Read Andre’s previous Spotlight Session, a conversation with Bok Nero on art, evolution, and staying grounded.
⭐🏆📕 Congratulations to Andre on the immediate success of his latest book, Honest Becoming Me, where he shares his artistic journey in an interactive format that encourages young readers to find their voice. Read all about it in Philly ArtBlog’s insightful interview showcasing Andre as a dedicated and multi-talented Philly creative. And be sure to check out Andre’s latest music project “Better Late Than Never”, a deft, layered introspective with unforgettable rhymes and hooks. 🚀
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