Faith Health & Home

EP. 127 - To inspire your budget-minded Holiday menu this season, I am joined by Chef Brigitte Nguyen of The Cooking Channel, who shares her expert-crafted perfect dinner party menu for eight people for under $100 featuring seasonal recipes and fresh, high-quality ingredients from your local grocer. Please subscribe and rate our show! #Holidays #Recipes #Cooking #HolidayMeals

EP. 126 - Money Saving Expert and ABC News Consumer Correspondent Elisabeth Leamy joined me to reveal Holiday shopping hacks families can use to get major discounts on their gifts this season.

EP. 125 - Recently retired NFL star Jason McCourty - twin brother of NFL New England Patriots star Devin McCourty - joined me along with his mother Phyllis Harrell to talk about Game Day and Holiday traditions that helped create their strong bond and wonderful family memories. They also discussed their love for football, and how a partnership with a special video shoot brought the entire family together and created even more family fun.* Please Subscribe and rate our show! *original air date: 2015.

EP. 124 - On this episode, Kyle Taylor also known as “The Penny Hoarder,” joined me to share ways that families can manage their holiday spending and stay within a budget. He also talked about the perks of taking advantage of cash back credit cards, and how to save money on gifting essentials.* Please Subscribe and rate our show! *original air date: 2015.

EP. 123 - On this episode, I am joined by Hematologist and Oncologist Dr. Ken Miller of Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, to discuss the impact of blood cancers such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia on the mental and emotional health of both patients and caregivers, and share resources to help meet this important need. Please subscribe and rate our show!

EP. 122 - As COVID-19 continues to evolve, it is essential to consider vaccine options that provide a broad immune response against a range of variants. The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine uses protein-based technology similar to technologies used in vaccines to protect against Hepatitis B, Flu and Whooping Cough. Now available in all 50 states, the two-dose primary series has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for ages 12+ and is also currently under review by the FDA for use as a booster. Novavax Executive Vice President & Chief Communications Officer Silvia Taylor joined me to share more information. Please subscribe and rate our show!

November is National Diabetes Month, a time when communities across the country come together to raise awareness and discuss detection and management of this prevalent disease. Some people with diabetes also suffer from painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a deliberating and progressive neurological disorder that affects approximately 30% of the diabetes patient population. I spoke with Dr. Silky Patel, an interventional spine, sports and pain management physician in Houston, to discuss the impact of DPN and the latest innovative way to treat the condition. Joining her was Ms. Farrah Stewart, a patient of Dr. Patel's with painful DPN and a spinal cord stimulator, to share her experience and the impact spinal cord stimulation has made in her life. #Diabetes #diabetescare #NationalDiabetesMonth #Health *Please subscribe and rate our show!

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – also known as Lou Gehrig's disease – is a rapidly progressive, neurodegenerative disease.1 Those living with ALS eventually lose their ability to walk, dress, write, speak, swallow and eat.1 ALS can affect people of all races and ethnic backgrounds, but did you know that Veterans are twice as likely to develop ALS than those who haven't served in the military? This Veterans Day, we honor those who have served in the U.S. armed forces and thank them for the sacrifices they've made to protect our country. I had the extreme honor of speaking with Juan Reyes, a U.S. Air Force Veteran living with ALS and a MTPA Patient Ambassador, to share his story of living with ALS, discuss how he's helping to spread awareness of this devastating disease among Veterans, and how others living with the disease can help support the ALS community. Along with his wife of 33 years, Meg.

Tamika is a 20-year cervical cancer survivor. At the time of her diagnosis, Tamika found that information and support for those with cervical cancer was very limited. Learn more about this amazing woman – what she'd learned through her journey with the challenges she faced and how and why she now wants to help others.

EP. 118 - Every Holiday season millions of Americans take their treasured pets with them when they travel to see relatives and friends. But before they go, there are steps to take to make sure their pet is comfortable and safe during the trip, especially when traveling by car. Veterinarian Dr. Tracey Deiss joined me to discuss “furry family travel tips,” this Holiday season. She also talked about the reasons behind motion sickness in dogs, how to take a quiz to find out if your dog is suffering from signs of motion sickness and explain how an FDA approved treatment can offer relief to your furry family member so you can all enjoy your holiday trip.

EP. 117 - Almost time to “Fall Back” instead of Spring Ahead leaving us a bit tired of the change in timing and leading to trouble falling asleep. But for the millions who have trouble sleeping. Now new ideas from an unlikely expert may help. Major Allison Brager, a U.S. Army Neuroscientist and sleep expert, joined me to discuss ways H2F aims to improve Soldier performance in the Army while sharing expert tips that everyday civilians can follow to sleep – and perform – like Soldiers do.

Recently celebrating a milestone birthday, successful wife and business mogul Tiffany Dorsey, Owner of Sugaz Kouture Boutique in St. Louis, MO. talks about living life 50 and fabulous, and how her faith-filled journey led to launching a booming fashion brand that empowers women to look and feel their best. She also shared advice on healthy aging, self-love and confidence, and her hottest store offerings and Holiday gift ideas for the season. SHOP HER WEBSITE (shipping worldwide): https://www.sugazkouture.com/ SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Twitter: @SugazKouture *Please subscribe and rate our show! #TiffanyDorsey #SugazKouture #SugazKoutureBoutique .

EP. 115 - On this episode, Connie Stark, Fertility Outreach Coach and April Christina, patient advocate joined me to share more about their personal experiences from the perspective of a coach and an aspiring parent and how this new text-based platform may offer help to those struggling on their journey to parenthood.

EP. 114 - Did You Know that there are different types of the chronic skin disorder Psoriasis? And no one type of treatment works for everyone? On this episode, I am joined by Dermatologist Dr. April Armstrong, and Leah M. Howard, President & CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation to talk about the challenges faced when living with Psoriasis, and a new once daily oral treatment option available to help people with Psoriasis manage their skin health better. #Health

**Originally interviewed on December 9, 2015,** Longtime Actress Tia Mowry-Hardict Joined me to share how she manages life as a busy mom, and her personal experiences with helping her family stay healthy, including getting annual flu vaccines. She also shared tips and resources for other moms to care for their families. *Please subscribe and rate our show! #tiamowry #entertainment #family #health

EP. 112 - IS IT HOT IN HERE? Why you're feeling the heat during menopause plus information and resources for October World Menopause Awareness Month with Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, OB/GYN and Clinical Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at the Yale University School of Medicine. *Please subscribe and rate our show! #womenshealth #menopause #health

EP. 111 - On this episode, Battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Anthony L. Taylor of the U.S. Army Reserve joins me to discusses notable achievements of Hispanic Americans in the Army Reserve. He will also talk about his Peruvian heritage, his family's proud history of service and his dedication to helping Soldiers reach their potential. *Please Subscribe and Rate Our Show!

EP. 110 - On this episode, I am joined by Father and son duo - Dr. Robert White and his entrepreneur son – Collin White to discuss the essential need for adaptive clothing for breast cancer patients and how it can help ease some of the stress and anxiety they and so many people feel as they recover from many types of conditions while empowering patients to look and feel their best. Please subscribe and rate our show Guests: Dr. Robert White and Collin White, Founders of Stitches Medical and Tootles Adaptive Apparel for #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #breastcancerawareness

EP. 109 - Blood Cancer patients recently have been waiting for the medications they desperately need, due to current drug shortages. A new unique partnership is now helping to ease those challenges. On this episode, I am joined by Abizer Gaslightwala, vice president, head of U.S. hematology and oncology at Jazz Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Rachel Rau, Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, to discuss some common causes and impacts of drug shortages, as well as unique approaches to collaboration during drug development to ensure reliable access to treatment for patients, specifically with certain rare forms of leukemia and lymphoma. Please subscribe and rate our show!

EP. 108 - On this episode, I am joined by Dr. Andrea Bozoki, Board-certified neurologist and division chief and professor of memory and cognitive disorders at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; along with Susan Dickinson, CEO of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFD) to share more about the most common form of Dementia among people under 60. *Please Subscribe and rate our show!

EP. 107 - On this episode, I am joined by leading Family Health experts Dr. Lisa Doggett, Family Physician and Senior Medical Director for HGS-AxisPoint Health; and Dr. Gregg Sylvester, Chief Health Officer at CSL Seqirus to talk about the latest data and predictions for this year's flu season in the United States, and the best ways to keep you and your family safe in the months ahead. **Please subscribe and rate our show!

Devastating flooding, summer hurricanes, extreme heat, wildfires and storms have dominated headlines this summer – and severe weather season is soon to come. Fortunately, soldiers in the U.S. Army's ARNORTH step up to support communities in need. Second Lieutenant Lane Harwell joined me to discuss the role of the U.S. Army in disaster relief efforts including wildland fires, hurricanes; as well as how Soldiers can serve their country and local communities in times of challenging weather events.

EP. 105 - On this episode, Dr. Harmony Garges, Chief Medical Officer at ViiV Healthcare, joined me to discuss key information on the newest advancements in HIV care as patients grow older and where treatment may be headed next. With nearly half of people living with HIV in the U.S. over the age of 50, HIV research and treatment efforts have shifted to consider how to optimize care over the long-term and reduce the number of medications in a complete regimen.

EP. 104 - On this episode, I am joined by Sally Ann Zoll, CEO of United Through Reading, a nonprofit organization that works to put books in the hands of children of service members. Sally has a doctorate in educational leadership and management, a master's degree in special education from the University of San Diego, and a BA in elementary education from Purdue University. Sally is also a former schoolteacher, military spouse, and mother.

** MY APOLOGIES FOR MY VOICE QUALITY, AS I HAD CONTRACTED COVID-19 SHORTLY BEFORE THE TAPING OF THIS INTERVIEW. ** EP. 103 - On this episode, I had the etreme honor of speaking with Chief Warrant Officer 5 Patrick R. Nelligan, Command Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Army Reserve Command. During our talk, he shared his commendable journey and extraordinary career from his initial enlistment in March 1982 to now.

EP. 102 - To discuss how incorporating fitness and nurturing music can be very beneficial to overall health, I spoke with tow time Grammy© nominated artist Skip Marley, grandson of the legendary Bob Marley and son of longtime Jamaican singer, producer and actress Cedella Marley.

EP. 101 - On this episode, I am joined by Dr. Cheyenne Bryant on Making LGBTQ+ Mental Health a Priority During Pride Month. Currently, Dr. Bryant is the only Female African American certified life coach on prime-time television and is recognized as a woman who has accomplished many successes in the field of life coaching and mentoring. She is the designated life coach for MTV's newest hit show, Teen Mom Family Reunion (which has already been renewed for season 2.

CELEBRATING OUR 100TH EPISODE!! Thank you so much for your continued support! EP. 100 - She's been called one of the most influential literary voices of a generation. My 1-on-1 discussion with Angie Thomas, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the novels, "The Hate U Give," and "Concrete Rose" being published for the first time in paperback, and her second novel-based film currently in production. #thehateugive #concreterose #onthecomeup #interview #books #angiethomas #podcast

EP. 99 - On this episode, I speak with award-winning and bestselling Author and graphic novelist Johnnie Christmas to talk more about the Issue of Swimming in the Black Community. Learning to swim is a very serious issue in the Black community. Longstanding issues of race and class have meant that pools are either not present in Black communities or are poorly maintained. Parents who can't swim are less likely to have children who can swim or encourage their children to learn. Drawing from his personal experience of nearly drowning as a child, Johnnie thought it important to look at the role of swimming in the black community. Johnnie's inspiration for SWIM TEAM was to encourage young African American children to get in the pool and learn to swim.

For the first time in 31 years of performing, Atlanta's Ballethnic Dance Company has been invited to perform in Washington D.C. as part of a week-long celebration in recognition of Juneteenth. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will present a special performance series, “Reframing the Narrative” featuring Ballethnic Dance Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem and Collage Dance Collective. I had the honor of speaking with Nena Gilreath, Co-Founder of Ballethnic Dance Company to discuss more about the upcoming historic performances and more. MORE INFO: June 14–19, 2022 in the Kennedy Center Opera House with the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra TICKET INFORMATION Tickets start at $29. Tickets can be purchased on the Kennedy Center website, at the Kennedy Center box office or by calling Instant Charge at (202) 467-4600. Patrons living outside the Washington metropolitan area may dial toll-free at (800) 444-1324. For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540. #Juneteenth #juneteenthcelebration #ballet #dance

EP. 97 - On this episode, I am joined by ATL native Jazmine, and young star who consistently uses her Faith to fuel her success. The multitalented R&B singer, dancer, and choreographer for artists such as Tamar Braxton and Xscape has inspired a community of young women who share the journey of what it means to be a dreamer.

EP. 96 - On this episode, I am joined by Education Expert Elizabeth Fee, currently Assistant Principal at the Ella Baker School, a Pre-K through grade 8 public school in New York City. During thirty years as an educator, she has served as a middle school Humanities teacher, ELA Instructional Coach, Social Studies Core Curriculum writer, and an advisor to principals.

EP. 95 - Soleil Moon Frye is an actress, director, producer, screenwriter and documentarian best known for her roles as Punky Brewster and The Proud Family's Zoey Howzer, currently streaming on Disney+. On the heels of her recent Kid90 documentary and reconnection to her teen-self, Soleil is also raising her own teens, including her oldest daughter who just turned 16. Like any parent, Soleil wants to help protect and prepare her daughter as she gets ready for life beyond high school. That's why Soleil wants to empower parents to ask their children's pediatricians about the meningitis B vaccination. Off-screen, the mother of four and advocate is working to raise awareness through CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) and Baby2Baby in addition to her work with Ask2BSure.

With attendance at the 148th Kentucky Derby returning to full capacity for the first time in three years, Churchill Downs Interim Executive Chef Kenneth Hardiman and his team plan to cook delicious dishes for more than 45,000 guests to enjoy during both the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby events. To bring the race day experience to those watching at home, Chef Kenneth joined me from his kitchen at Churchill Downs to show how home cooks can prepare dishes from the official menu of the 148th Kentucky Derby in their own kitchens. #KentuckyDerby #ChurchillDowns #Chef #Recipes #HealthyCooking

EP. 92 - We are continuing our series of the nurturing the emotional and mental health of kids through reading, especially when it comes to inclusivity and representation. On this episode, I am joined by New York Times bestselling YA author Dhonielle Clayton to discuss her groundbreaking debut novel for middle schoolers, THE MARVELLERS. The next evolution of the magical school genre in which readers from all backgrounds will see themselves. Intricately weaving the sensitive topics of racial bias and “otherness” into a relatable fantasy world of whimsical magic, Dhonielle has made it her mission to help diversity literature for middle school and YA readers while helping them explore the various facets of the development of their emotional health.

EP. 91 -- WELCOME TO THE NEW SEASON! On this special Mother's Day Episode, I am joined by Mom-Daughter duo Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Castro and her daughter Jaelene – currently an 8th grade student in VA. Along with serving her country in the US Army Reserve, Lieutenant Colonel Ruth Castro is the reigning Mrs. District of Columbia 2022, while her daughter Jaelene is the reigning Teen District of Columbia 2022. During our conversation, we discuss how Army Reserve Soldiers are more than public servants. Some are courageous and resilient parents and spouses balancing professional careers, family, health and well-being, all in the context of the Army Reserve lifestyle. This Mother's Day—and everyday—the Army Reserve reaffirms its commitment to its mothers and their families by improving their quality of life through providing the best care, support, and services for Army Reserve families.

EP. 90 - On this episode, I am joined by Nancy Devine, Chief Operating Officer of Verde Environmental Technologies Inc., to discuss details on the best practices of Disposing Prescription Medicines, and how to keep your medications from polluting the environment by using safe deactivation methods. #healthandwellness #health

We are continuing our series of the nurturing the emotional and mental health of kids through reading, especially when it comes to inclusivity and representation. We speak to the award-winning author Riley Redgate to discuss her newest YA fiction book titled, "Alone Out Here." This book poses the question to its young readers, “What Do You Stand for When You're One of The Last Left Standing?” PURCHASE THE BOOK HERE: https://amzn.to/3JV4lhX #Books #YABooks #YAFiction #YAAuthors #EmotionalHealth #BooksToRead #SummerReading #BooksForKids #KidsMentalHealth #KidsEmotionalHealth

EP. 88 - On this episode, I am joined by New York Times Bestselling Author Roshani Chokshi. You may already know of Roshani Chokshi, author of the Pandava Quintet, a 5-book series and part of the “Rick Riordan Presents” publishing imprint. According to Entertainment Weekly, she “puts girl power and diverse protagonists front and center,” and “spins a modern-day fairy tale that adults and children will love,” according to Bustle. Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality, the fifth and final book, is, according to Kirkus, “[the] thrilling closing adventure shines with the strength of sisterhood, South Asian representation and Chokshi's trademark humor and wit. A deeply satisfying conclusion to a superb, groundbreaking series. The quintet was inspired by the stories her grandmother told her as well as Roshani's consuming love for Sailor Moon. Paramount has optioned the books for a movie. We discuss the latest and last book of the series, what's to come for Roshani, and more. BUY Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality HERE: https://amzn.to/3DDgbMf

EP. 87 - On this special Women's History Month episode, I am joined by Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Raquel A. DiDomenico of the US Army. DiDomenico became the first female First Sergeant of a Combat Engineer Company in 2015, before combat-designated units were opened to women. In our conversation, we discussed her inspiring journey to becoming who she is today, and the achievements of other women in the military.

EP. 86 - On this episode, I am joined by Dr. Sharon Malone Holder, wife of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. Crowned "The First Lady of Justice," Dr. Sharon Malone Holder is the nation's leading Obstetrician / Gynecologist with a focus on the specific health challenges associated with menopause. Together along with Monica Molenaar, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Alloy - the new telehealth platform for women focused on perimenopause and menopause - we candidly discuss the ups and downs of entering menopause, why its symptoms have been a taboo subject, and trusted solutions and resources for women to navigate their journey into their next phase of womanhood. Please #Subscribe and rate our show! #Healthandwellness #WomensHealth #Health

EP. 85 - On this episode, I am joined by Dr. Lisa Waddell, MD, and chief medical officer for the CDC Foundation; along with Tara Robinson, founder and CEO of the Black Heart Association to discuss the impact of cardiovascular disease in the Black community, and resources available to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.

EP. 84 - In 2022, people are seeking more sustainable solutions for everyday items. To address this growing demand, many beauty brands are introducing products that harness plant-based approaches to deliver benefits, like anti-aging or antioxidant activity.  But did you know that the majority of mass-produced scents rely on synthetic chemicals like aldehydes? The beauty industry still has challenges producing plant-based ingredients at scale. That is why Calyxt, a plant-based synthetic biotechnology company, is taking a new strategic direction focused on engineering synthetic biology solutions. On this episode, Michael Carr, President and CEO, and Chief Technology Officer Dr. Travis Frey of Calyxt  joined me to discuss why plant-based solutions will be a driving force in the goal of sustainability in the future.

On this episode, I am joined by globally known New York Times bestselling youth author and Coretta Scott King Author Honor award winner Kwame Mbalia. I had the pleasure of talking to Tristan Strong in 2020 about book 2 in his Rick Riordan series. He returns to our show again to discuss the final book in the trilogy, ' Tristan Strong Keeps Punching,' which addresses emotional health issues that youth may experience such as conquering certain fears, anxiety, anger management, and more. Please #subscribe and rate our show!

On this episode, I am joined by globally known New York Times bestselling author and longtime Educator/National Teacher of the Year winner Sharon M. Draper to discuss the release of her new book entitled, "Out Of My Heart," her highly anticipated sequel to Out of My Mind; whose lead character's refusal to let her health and physicality hold her back is an inspiration to EVERYONE, and particularly to those kids who have their own unique ways of making their way through our world. Sharon also shares a special personal message to kids who are currently living with health conditions. Please #subscribe and rate our show!

On this episode, I speak with the one and only Mary J Blige to discuss how she manages her wellness and self-care with a busy schedule, her thoughts on the current state of women's health, the existing health disparities and associated mammography screening rates among Black women, and why she's committed to using her life and her platform to inspire Black women in every area of their health(physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual) around the globe. Please #Subscribe and rate our show! #MaryJBlige #WomensHealth

On this episode, I am joined by Dr. Monique Gary, DO, MSc, FACS, of the Grand View Health/Penn Cancer Network Cancer Program; and Ricki Fairley, breast cancer survivor and CEO and Co-Founder of The Black Breast Cancer Alliance to address Black Breast Cancer as a unique and special disease state, the outlook for Black women living with breast cancer, and how recent treatment advances offer hope of reducing the mortality rate for Black women. Please #Subscribe and rate our show!

On this episode, Dr. Geoffrey Barnes, Cardiologist, Vascular Medicine Specialist, and faculty member at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Center and Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, joined me to discuss the importance of early identification, intervention and management of PAD. If left undiagnosed and untreated, PAD can increase the risk of serious health outcomes such as heart attack, stroke, acute limb ischemia or even a lower limb amputation -- particularly among Black Americans -- despite being largely preventable. Please subscribe and rate our show!

On this episode, I am joined by Small Business Expert Melinda Emerson – aka: “SmallBizLady,” - Bestselling Author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months- to offer insight into the way the pandemic has changed the way we prioritize time, as well as practical steps to maximize productivity during work hours while avoiding work burnout. Please subscribe and rate our show!

On this episode, I continue the conversation with Tyrese Gibson as he opens up about the role that faith has played in his personal journey through stardom, and the power of keeping God first over everything. Please like, subscribe, and rate our show!