Cornerstone Conversations

Got to sit down with the incomparable Anna Marie LaChance. Anna Marie is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Connecticut and she has been a leader in integrating concepts of anti-racism and abolition in her instruction of bio courses, chem courses...polymer-elasticity and promoting environmental justice. Being the nerd that I am, it was an absolute pleasure to learn some many new things and gain some new perspective. Check out her podcast The Rule 63!Topics of discussion- How activism and science can go hand in hand- How scientists and academics can take actionable steps as an ally- Highlighting transjoy when discussing resilience Let me know what you think this conversation, if you liked it leave a review and give it a rating. If you loved it share it with 1 family member, 1 friend, and 1 acquaintance.Be sure to subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOYFor the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notes

Today I sat down with healthcare worker and activist Anna Lovotti. Anna is a physical therapist who recently moved to California to put her newest niche as a Neurology Certified Specialist to good use. She like many, was jolted into action regarding anti-racist education as a white ally following the death of George Floyd. Today we talk about what the process has been like, the bumps along the way and what is left to be learned. Antiracism is not a checklist or a class where you complete a few assignments. I also want to note that we talked about 1 instance in which I experienced racism at my alma mater. The individual who committed this act is no longer with the institution, and I do want to say that sitting down with her to talk about about it and naming the wrongs did provide for some therapeutic healingTopics of discussion- The Journey to becoming anti-racist- What we have learned about ourselves and the system- Having tough conversation as a clinicianLet me know what you think this episode, If you like it give it a ratingIf you love this episode leave a review and share it with a healthcare provider in YOUR life.Let me know what you think this conversation, follow and subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOYCheck out Strong Coffee and use the promo code: STONE15 to get 15% off your purchases. https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

Activist, Friend, bald…..Why am I mentioning that she’s bald? Well as always you’ll see once you finish listening to the episode, but without giving up too much Kristina does a beautiful job of highlighting the title of this episode: Life gets life-y. From shaving her head to veganism to falling out of codependency the ultimate theme that I hope you gain from listening to this episode is that it is never to late to learn something new about yourself. Evolution of self is continuous.Topics of discussion- General Veganism- Shaving your head as a femme- Falling out of codependency Let me know what you think this episode, If you like it give it a ratingIf you love this episode leave a reviewLet me know what you think this conversation, follow and subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOY For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out Strong Coffee and use the promo code: STONE15 to get 15% off your purchases. https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

Not only is my friend Courtney Greth an entrepreneur, LMT, Reiki Practitioner, Certified Yomassage Therapist, she is lightning in a bottle. Her energy and enthusiasm for personal development is hard to contain and I didn’t want to! She was very candid throughout this conversation about anxiety, boundaries and the journey towards practicing self-care. There truly is no better way to promote your business than practicing what you preach so I want you to pay attention to how the energy shifted after we took a deep breath. It really is nature’s reset button.Topics of discussion- Guided Meditation- Anxiety- Difference between a massage therapist and a masseuse- Self care practicesIf you like this episode give me a ratingIf you love this episode share it with 3 people. Make sure you subscribe and follow so you never miss another miss another episode….and REMEMBER...Take. A Breath. For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out Strong Coffee and use the promo code: STONE15 to get 15% off your purchases. https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

“You preach a better sermon with your life than your lips.” Entrepreneur and podcast host Ramona Hylton sat down with me today to talk about spiritual health and being still. Ramona is the owner of Hylton Design & Multimedia a graphic design company whose mission is to serve organizations by establishing a strong culture and thriving community using various design and multimedia services. In the age of long-form podcasts (mine included) Ramona is well on her way to being a leader in the podcasting world with her short-form, succinct messaging on her podcast “Snacks 4 Thought” be sure to give them a listen on Apple, Spotify, or Google PodcastsTopics of discussion- Snacks 4 Thought- Entrepreneurship- Testimony and FaithIf you like this episode give me a ratingIf you love this episode share it with 3 peopleMake sure you subscribe and follow so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOY For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out Strong Coffee and use the promo code: STONE15 to get 15% off your purchases. https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

Coach + activist + entrepreneur = Sho. I sat down with him today to talk about how he has maximized being in the right place at the right time with the combination of self-advocacy and hard work. As founder and creator of Indianapolis-based event-hosting organization AfroDaze Sho has taken an active role in creating space for culture and diversity to thrive within the community. He outlined what inspired him to begin his Instagram Live Series “The Live Sho” and has been utilizing his platform to teach others about millennial relationships, social issues like police brutality, and love.Topics of discussion- Founding AfroDaze and "The Live Sho"- How you've been using your platform to teach others - Creating opportunities through sportIf you like this episode give me a ratingIf you love this episode share it with someone in your life to inspire them to NEVER SETTLE!Make sure you subscribe and follow so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOY For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out Strong Coffee and use the promo code: STONE15 to get 15% off your purchases. https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

The Pastor! The Minister! The Legend! Paullllllllllll CalcoteI LOVED this conversation with Pastor Calcote. We as humans tend to compartmentalize certain topics, but at the end of the day there is totally a message to be taken from every indirect interaction because everything is connected. On paper we talked about completely random topics and literally hit on every scope of conversation. From prayer to memes to Michael Jordan to mental health. This episode is a prime example of why I love podcasting so much. It allows the opportunity to have conversations with individuals you never would have otherwise get to.If you like this episode give me a ratingIf you love this episode share it on social media platforms letting us know what you think!Make sure you subscribe and follow so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOY For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out Strong Coffee and use the promo code: STONE15 to get 15% off your purchases. https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

If you love tattoos and the environment, you’ll appreciate this episode. My friend Drew is a Rope Access Technician, Art & Tattoo Enthusiast, Environmental Advocate, but most importantly he is wise beyond his years and this conversation supports that statement.I am so proud of everything he has accomplished already and I know that it is just the tip of the iceberg of the impact he will have on the world. He dropped some dope book and documentary recommendations for anyone looking to start or continue their journey in environmental health. He outlined: The meaning behind his tattoos and how the artwork is a form of self expression, what sparked his interest in the environment AND combining his work with the outdoors with a career in mental health and psychology.All super cool stuff. Check out the Show Notes for his recommendations, rate this episode, share it with someone who might like this and hit subscribe so you never. miss. another. Episode. ENJOY Topics of discussion- Artwork as a form of self-expression, meanings behind your tattoos- What sparked Drew’s interest for the environment- What he wishes more people knew about the environment?For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out Strong Coffee and use the promo code: STONE15 to get 15% off your purchases. https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

A lot of exciting life updates to share! Ultimately with this podcast, the website and the social media accounts, I hope that you all feel a sense of safety. Safe to ask questions, safe to learn and step outside of your wheelhouse so you can confidently have those tough conversations and not shut down.I wanna spread the platform as far as it can go, so my call to action. Follow, subscribe and like this podcast on whatever platform your listening too. Leave a review, leave a rating. And share your favorite episode with 3 of your closest friends.Alright. Season 2 let’s get it.For the fact check and full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out Strong Coffee Company (https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje) use code STONE15 to get 15% at checkoutCheck out my website and follow Cornerstone Conversations on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Enjoy some snippets of what season 2 has in store!Cornerstone Conversations is excited to announce our partnerships with Strong Coffee Company! Use the code: STONE15 at checkout to get 15% off of all purchases. Click here to browse https://strongcoffeecompany.com/?ref=gy2i4fuo1fje

So many lessons to be taken from Michelle's episode, and this short story is no exception. It's important to remember some of our most potent lessons come from take our biggest Ls. We're in the last month of what has felt like the longest year. It's never too late to commit to something that you've always wanted to do. Don't let fear of failure stop you from starting.Check out Michelle's full episode (8. READ THE DAMN BOOK! | MICHELLE PAGNOTTA, M.A., L.P.C.A) and visit https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notes to see the show notes for the episodes of season 1!

It’s the SEASON 1 FINALE and I’VE GOT SOME FEELINGS. I feel since I won’t be posting up any episodes on the Festivus, so I figure NOW would be a good time to air my grievances (Seinfeld fans know what’s up). I’ve learned a lot in these talks and I know I haven’t even scratched the surface. I CANNOT WAIT for you to hear what’s coming up in Season 2. Some of you like my solo convo tangents so buckle up. I’m talking about some causes that mean something to mean because they mean a lot to those I am close to. Topics of discussion- Native American Heritage Month- Movember - Men wearing dresses is literally finePromotions- Oyster Rock Apparel (oysterrockapparel@gmail.com)- Movember- GLAAD Organizations and ResourcesRecommendationsDonate if you can. If donation is not possible for you at this time, please share the pages below!The League of Extraordinary MoBro’s- Donate to Drew Broffman (https://movember.com/m/14482933)- Donate to R. John Reidy (https://movember.com/m/rjohn413)- Donate to Michael Crowe (https://movember.com/m/13363895)For the full fact check go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesCheck out my website and follow Cornerstone on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

*Trigger Warning* 15:00-16:15 There is potentially triggering discussion recalling September 11, 2001I was really excited about this convo, for the fact that I know I don’t know nearly enough about this as I should. Especially teaching cultural competency so I was grateful to sit down with him and dissect the implicit biases that exist in society as well as myself. He broke down what ableism looks like, where these discussions could best serve in education for future healthcare professionals, and what we can all do today to fight ableism. He gave some great activists followers on social media and recommended the book Disability Visibility for anyone looking to begin or further their awareness in ableism. This is my call to action to change my algorithm.Let me know what you think this conversation, give it a rating and hit subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOYFor the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notes Topics of discussionGeneral AbleismResearch in working with athletes with disabilitiesWhat academia do to better prepare ATsThe Intersectionality that exists among disabilities and race

I was brought to tears in this conversation that you are about to listen to. I love what I do. I hope to do more of it for a long time. Sarah is a Licensed Guidance Counselor/ School Social Worker/ School Adjustment Counselor with SEI Endorsement, podcaster extraordinaire. Her methodology and practice building relationships with students through speaking her truth which in turn give them permission to speak theirs. She hosts her own podcast call Leading Passionately where she seeks to answer 2 questions: what makes a good leader? And what does it mean to lead passionately? (I flipped the script on her…. You’ll get to hear her answer on that). She’s well on her way to changing the world; her students and colleagues are very lucky to have her.Let me know what you think this conversation, give it a rating and hit subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOYTopics of discussion- Journey to School Counseling- Her methodology and practice building relationships with students- What educators should keep in mind when teaching students during a pandemicGo subscribe to the Leading Passionately podcast for professional and personal development in leadership.Check out the full show notes to see our recommendations at https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notes

Today I sat down with Mental Health Counselor, Writer, Humorist, My friend, Michelle. happy to have recorded proof of just how insightful she is. She is one of the most thought-provoking individuals I have ever met and to sit down and talk with her for a couple hours was (no-pun intended) so therapeutic for my mind and my soul. We mentioned a ton of books in this episode, check out the full show notes to see our recommendations at https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesTopics Discussed-Her journey to become a counselor-The Lessons she learned will living on a reservation-How she’s integrated faith and spirituality into practice-She gave little wisdom on how we can find a greater power than yourself

Topics of discussion- The excellence of Nigeria- What is SARS- What we can do to supportMake sure to follow and hit subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOY For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesFor more information and resources on how you can support the #EndSARS movement visit https://endsars.carrd.co/

Today I sat down with Reiki master in training, Joanna O’Grady whose passion for all things sociology made for an in-depth conversation. You’ll hear me rave about her reiki skills for a few episodes and now you get the opportunity to meet her and her takes on being an empath, learning to set boundaries and how her background in sociology and early childhood education has come in handy in her current role as a supervisor. Maneuvering an unempathetic world as an empath is tough, but she give some sound advice while also sharing one of her favorite books, Citizen: An American LyricFor the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesLet me know what you think this conversation, If you like this episode give it a ratingIf you love this episode leave a reviewMake sure to follow and hit subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOY

Today I sat down with Senior Logistics NCO Sergeant First Class Robert Chadwick. On paper this friendship wouldn’t make sense to most... which is why it makes total sense for us to have this conversation. Robert holds his Masters of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management and is pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration, which aligns really well with what he does in the Army. He also works alongside his wife, Jasmine as founders and creators of the minority owned and veteran operated apparel company Oyster Rock Apparel. (High possibility you will get to meet Jasmaine on here at some point) . In the episode he answers my questions about the Army’s inner workings, what makes an effective manager, and he drops some solid life advice for engaging in conversations with people who may not necessarily have the same opinion and what you should do to make your voice heard in your community.For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notesTopics of discussion- Lessons you've learned being in the military- Secrets to being an effective manager- Importance of voting

Originally when I planned to sit down and record this solo episode, I was planning on breaking down the concept of community based on a quote I reposted a couple weeks ago, but I decided to shift gears a little. Coming off the heels of the first presidential debate between Former VP Joe Biden and President Trump, and the passing of the Notorious RBG, I wanted to share my thoughts on what it means to be an Ally and an Accomplice. If these conversations are resonating with you let me know! Leave a rating, a comment, and keep checking out the full show notes in the link listed below. I put a full fact check and links to books that the guest have discussed and mentioned here. Share these convos with someone who you think could benefit and hopefully start having your own and hit subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOYTopics of discussion- Allyship- The legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg- A call to action to accomplices in activismGet the fact check and links to recommendations in the full episode show notes at https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notes

Today I sat down with Cinematographer/Videographer, Matt Collamer. We talk about how he got into videography, psychedelics, and his journey of mindfulness.Matt is all around a great guy and I am glad I had the chance to sit down and get philosophical with him. If you like our conversation, head over to his podcast “The Mindful Creative” where he interviews entrepreneurs on their journeys of self-discovery and development. If you’re in the Boston area definitely hit up for any visual media, photo sessions or wanna check out projects he’s worked on head over to his website and Instagram all down in the show notes.Let me know what you think this conversation, give it a rating and hit subscribe so you never miss another miss another episode….ENJOYTopics Discussed- Journey to being an entrepreneur and diving into your craft- Psychedelics- Gems of Buddhist Teachingshttps://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notes

Welcome back!Today's episode I sit down with my academic soulmate Colleen Mistler. Colleen is entering her 2nd year of doctoral school in the Health Promotions Science Program at UCONN. In just 1 year of being a PhD student, Colleen has taken 36 credits towards her program, she has submitted 5 manuscripts for publication and she’s been awarded an NIH grant to fund her education in opioid use Disorder treatment. It was awesome to sit down with her and catch up about the rigor of her program how she's been managing and just getting a real opinion and having a conversation with her as far as substance use, perceptions of people who are in recovery, and how we can help those who want to get better.If you like this episode give it a rating and hit subscribe so you never miss out!Topics discussedRigor of being a doctoral studentHarm reduction strategiesWhy we should care about addiction For the full show notes go to https://www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.com/episode-show-notes

Here’s a short outline about how I got into podcasts and what I hope to accomplish in creating my own. RecommendationsJuly Recommendation - < href="https://amzn.to/3h41vIQ">The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present August Recommendation - < href="https://amzn.to/2F50i70">The Fred Factor: How Passion in Your Work and Life Can Turn the Ordinary into the Extraordinary September Recommendation - The Promise (2016 Film)Follow Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)Check out my website www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.comGot a topic you want me to discuss? Send me an e-mail at cornerstoneconversations@gmail.com**FACT CHECK**- Some of these conversations will most likely go WAY over an hour- Honestly tough to real me in when I get ranting so I may go over 25 minutes- Not all my interviews will be serious. Some will have light-hearted topics as I am a strong believer in balance.

Enjoy a sneak peek of what is to come on the Cornerstone Conversations PodcastFollow Social Media Facebook, Twitter and InstagramCheck out my website www.cornerstoneconvoswellness.comGot a topic you want me to discuss? Send me an e-mail at cornerstoneconversations@gmail.com