Harmonize Your Life: Conversation on Self-Care for Women of Color

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a research psychologist, focusing on ethnic minority families, African American adolescent development and health disparities, professor of practical theology and pastoral counseling at Columbia Theological Seminary, author of Too Heavy a Yoke, I Bring the Voices of My People and Sacred Self-Care. Dr. Chanequa is a 2-time breast cancer survivor who empowers women through her life stories, research, writing, healing journey, lifestyle of harmony and sacred self-care.

Chandra Jarrett is an executive leadership coach and consultant with a broad base of experience in automotive engineering, leadership, training, business and non-profit development, president of Joy Consulting Group, and author of How Cancer Saved My Life: (Re) Discovering Life in a Deadly Place. Chandra is a breast cancer survivor and a dynamic speaker who empowers women through her healing journey, life stories and Christian witness in the church and marketplace. 

Dr. Nicole Robertson is an Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Christian Theological Seminary, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Join me with Dr. Robertson as she offers our listeners creative coping strategies that can be employed when psychological distress, grief and seasonal depression is encountered. Dr. Robertson also leads listeners in a deep breathing exercise and shares how deep breathing can be used as a coping strategy for distress, grief and depression, especially during the holidays.

Dr. Jamie Eaddy Chism is a thanatologist, theologian, educator, activist, founder of Thoughtful Transitions. Join me and Dr. Jaime as we discuss how race, class and gender, particularly for black women, impact our expressions and experiences of grief. Dr. Jaime offers us healthy and creative ways to honor the memory of our loved ones during the holidays and throughout the year. Finally, Dr. Jaime shares how she guides her clients through grief by illuminating the paths of possibilities that emerge through loss and the grief services provided at Thoughtful Transitions.

Dr. Felicia Brackett-Owens is a psychologist, therapist, and motivational speaker. After years of building a successful mental health practice, serving in her local church, caring for her husband, children, and extended family, Dr. Owens discovered that her "cup was empty." Listen as we discuss the mindset that supported her behavior and how a journey through the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program gave her strategies for implementing replenishing self-care practices into her daily life and work.

Dr. Felicia Brackett-Owens is a psychologist, therapist, and motivational speaker. After years of building a successful mental health practice, serving in her local church, caring for her husband, children, and extended family, Dr. Owens discovered that her "cup was empty." Listen as we discuss the mindset that supported her behavior and how a journey through the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program gave her strategies for implementing replenishing self-care practices into her daily life and work.

Desireé Young is an ordained minister, life coach, author and speaker. Join me in conversation with Desiree as she shares how she improved her health, lost 20 lbs., and gained the courage to set healthy boundaries through a process of intentional self-care. Listen as Desireé talks about her experience in the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program and the power in choosing yourself.

Rev. Raushanah N. Butler is an ordained itinerate elder, serving at the Cathedral of Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, GA, where she has been heavily involved in various ministries for the last 24 years. She is presently serving as Minister of Online Engagement, leader of Domestic Violence Awareness Ministry, & the Prison Ministry. Professionally, she is the Director of Alumni Engagement for the Candler School of Theology, where she engages some of the most brilliant & creative minds of theology education & is presently a Doctor of Ministry student focusing on the clergy response to domestic violence. Rev. Butler is also no stranger to community service as she taps into her personal experiences. She spends her spare time as a domestic violence & sexual assault advocate while sitting on the board of directors for several nonprofits in the Metro-Atlanta area, including Tapestry Inc. & Interfaith Children's Movement. Above all, Rev. Butler states that her greatest accomplishment to date is being the proud mother of her daughter, Joy.

Dr. Ryland Gore is a board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology and founder of Dream Breast Care Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Join me in conversation with Dr. Gore about her passion for women's health, breast care, and her devotion the patients in her care. In this podcast episode, Dr. Gore offers a wealth of knowledge regarding breast health, breast cancer, breast cancer disparities, surgical disparities, and the importance of self-exams, mammograms, breast care before and after a breast cancer diagnosis. Let's share this vital conversation far and wide.

Dr. Kimberly Nash Alexander is a speech language pathologist, minister, professor, pastor's wife, mother, and spiritual director. Shawna Francis Watley is a senior policy professional and strategist, pastor's wife and mother. Together they seek to empower women through The Women Investing in Leadership Development Group.  Join me in conversation with Dr. Kim and Lady Shawna as we continue the conversation about how to practice self-care while managing multiple passions, political elections, stressful careers, and life events.

Jannie Cotton, MS, LPC, Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas and member of the Democratic National Convention is also a motivational speaker, leadership, and policy consultant. As a colon cancer survivor, Jannie advocates for cancer survivors and mental health services for women and children in underserved communities. Join me and Jannie in a conversation about how to practice self-care during political elections, stressful careers, and life events.

Mocha Lee is one of the country's top fitness professionals with over twenty-five years of experience.  She is the first African American to win the Ms. Galaxy title.  Mocha is also the first fitness host of “Heart & Soul”, Black Entertainment Television (BET)'s exclusive health, beauty and fitness show, which aired from 1998 – 2001. Jon me in conversation with Mocha Lee as she inspires us to maintain a consistent practices of fitness, health and wellness, amid hectic schedules and a fluctuating pace of life.

Talaya Clark, MD, practices medicine at Atrium Health Biddle Point Family Practice for 21 years caring for the underserved population in Charlotte. Dr. Clark strives for good health in own life by eating well balanced meals daily and exercising with a personal trainer for over 16 years. In April 2024, Dr. Clark earned 1st Place in her first Professional Figure Competition with SNBF (Supernatural Bodybuilding and Fitness). Tanya Henderson-Burke is an experienced IT professional, entrepreneur, and the owner of Caterpillar Consulting, LLC, a boutique consulting firm specializing in training, instructional design, quality assurance testing, and staff augmentation.  Tanya embarked on a bodybuilding journey and won two first-place titles in Bikini 45+ and Bikini Open in her debut show. Join us in a conversation about the bodybuilding journey they each embarked upon in their 50's. Listen as they share their unique stories, challenges they overcame, life lessons learned, and bodybuilding for women 50 Plus.

Bishop Marshall “Tripp” Mabry, MAJIC, CTP, is a pastor, educator, graduate of Morehouse School of Medicine in Justice Involved Care. Bishop Mabry is the author of several books to include his most recent book, Mr. Tripp's Classroom, I'm Not Weird, I have Autism. Join us in a candid discussion with Bishop Mabry about his willingness to confront inter-generational traumas that led to a successful weight loss journey. This conversation will inspire men of color to overcome personal, generational, and societal traumas and offer strategies for living healthier lifestyles.

Ricky Howell is the Media Director of New Covenant Christian Ministries (Lithonia, GA), whose passion for bodybuilding led him to become a promoter with the DFAC Georgia Natural Championships and former owner-operator of 9Round Fitness kickboxing fitness gym in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Join me and Bishop Johnathan Alvarado in an inspiring conversation with Ricky as he discusses the motivations behind his bodybuilding journey. Ricky shares valuable information regarding the physical, mental and emotional benefits fitness and active lifestyles for men.

Mia Hawkins serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Voices of Faith Church in Stone Mountain, Georgia and Owner of Mia Hawkins & Co, LLC, coaching rising entrepreneurs and teaching financial literacy courses for adults and children. Listen as Mia Hawkins discusses the financial strategies for wealth building, estate planning, and self-care practices that lead to financial wellness.

Brandi Gamble is the C.E.O. of MoneySMART, a Financial Education Platform that provides empowering concepts and strategies for her clients to make smarter money choices. Brandi is also the co-author of Design Your Wealth Mindset: Guidelines Principles and Strategies for R.E.A.L. Women. Listen as Brandi shares principles from "The Exit Strategy" that lead to financial freedom, security and wellness.

Senator Tonya P. Anderson and Representative Shelly Hutchinson proudly serves the citizens of Georgia and their respective districts in the Georgia State Legislature.  In addition to their political offices and committees, Senator Anderson is an ordained minister, a life coach, consultant, motivational speaker, mentor and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; Representative Hutchinson is a wife, mother, social services, mental health professional, and eucharist minister in her local parish. Join us as we discuss the unique issues women in politics face as public servants while creating and maintaining harmonious lifestyles of self-care, health and wellness. 

Yolanda Alexander and Mona Roberts are wives, mothers, grandmothers, serial entrepreneurs, business and corporate executives. Yolanda is the Director of Finance at The Housing Authority of Dekalb County, GA and Mona is the Owner/Operator of Kid's R Kid's Childcare and author of the Next Right Move. Join us as we discuss how we began walking together during the pandemic that led to what we affectionately call the "Diva's on the Trail Walking Crew". Listen as we share candidly about how our friendship formed around our need for support with fitness and other areas of our lives. This conversation will encourage and inspire women to get out of their comfort zone to connect and develop fun, nurturing and supportive relationships with women who refresh the soul.

Dr. Michelle Wallace is a pediatric cardiologist with Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Cardiology, assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory School of Medicine, and adjunct assistant professor of pediatrics at Morehouse School of Medicine. Join us in a conversation about the importance of pediatric cardiovascular care for children and adolescents. In this conversation Dr. Wallace discusses the connection between heart diseases that begin in childhood and often present in adulthood. She gives practical advice on how families, churches and community organizations can prevent heart diseases in children and adolescents through diet, exercise, family fitness, education and advocacy. Listen and share this conversation widely, because healthy hearts include our children. #hearthealth4children

Rev. Dr. Kelly U. Farrow is a preacher, educator, lecturer, mentor, social justice advocate, founder of the Circle of Scared Fire Preaching Intensive and the Kelly U. Farrow Institute for Black Preaching and Education. Join me in an engaging conversation with Dr. Kelly as she eloquently defines womanist theological concepts of radical self-love, and social factors that impact ways in which women of color may view themselves. Dr. Kelly shares candidly from her own life experiences and offers us ways in which we can celebrate one another and practice radical self-love.

Dr. Irene M. Abrons is the Dean of Business and Entrepreneurship of Generation College in Chicago, IL and former Dean of the Online and Innovative Programs at The Joseph Business School. She has over 20 years of progressive experience in strategic planning, operations management, project management and planning, building and managing high performing teams, business process mapping, and new program/initiative development. While she has had a successful career, she suffered from a lack of work/life harmony. Join me with Dr. Irene Abrons as she shares about the health challenges she experienced as a result of overperforming in the workplace and how she gained insight and courage to change her work habits, lifestyle, fitness, health and wellness through a process of intentional self-care.

Cynthia Wheeler, CPA is a well-versed accounting professional with over 25 years of progressive experience. Her career ventures include various positions with Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities and nonprofit organizations. Cynthia is the owner of All Things Accounting, LLC, a professional accounting and bookkeeping service, providing back-office service and support, accounting and bookkeeping services. In January 2023, Cynthia had no idea she would be dealing with the loss of her mother and a series of losses that would set her on a journey of grief. Join me in a candid conversation with Cynthia about her grief journey and how engaging in a process of intentional self-care has supported her fitness, health, wellness, and the healthy management of her grief.

Paula Burch Jackson is an author, teacher, preacher, Associate Broker and motivational life coach. Join me in conversation with Paula as she shares how she improved her health, lost 30lbs, and lowered her blood pressure, A1C, and cholesterol levels in 2023. Listen as Paula talks about the value of women investing in themselves and the support, encouragement, and accountability she received in the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program.

Tamara M. Brown is the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Think Common Entertainment. Her role is to ensure the continuity and success of the team, brand, marketing, business operations, and social impact efforts for the multi-hyphenate, multi-awarded artist professionally known as Common. Join me in a candid conversation with Tamara about her high-level career, busy travel and work schedule and how she is achieving her fitness, nutrition, health and wellness goals as a result of the coaching, support, and self-care strategies she discovered in the Harmonize Your Life Intentional Self-Care Program.

Cheryl Y. Coleman PhD, APRN, MBA is an ordained minister of the gospel, a holistic healthcare champion, Founder/CEO of Abundant Living Health & Wellness Resulting Services, Inc., a non-profit organization focused on ten-dimensional healing education modalities. Dr. Coleman has committed her passion, training, and skill set to helping others, especially women, achieve abundant life. Join me in a riveting conversation with Dr. Coleman about the signs and stages of compassion fatigue as she teaches us how to overcome it through a process of self-awareness and self-compassion.

Chanequa Walker-Barnes, Ph.D., is a prominent scholar, theologian, author, professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, known for her thought-provoking work on racial justice and spirituality. With a deep commitment to social change, she combines her expertise in clinical psychology and theology to tackle issues of systemic oppression, cultural trauma, and their impact on individuals and society. Through her research, writing, and speaking, Dr. Chanequa strives to inspire others to transformative social action and wholistic self-care. Join me and Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes as we discuss the motivations behind her new book, Sacred Self-Care: Daily Practices for Nurturing Our Whole Selves, and why self-care should be viewed and practiced as a sacred.

Rev. Danielle L. Brown, Sr. Pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church of Plainfield, NJ is an increasingly sought-after preacher and workshop leader with the ability to communicate across multiple generations. Dr. Brown is a compassionate pastor, community leader, educator, seminary and adjunct professor and actively engaged in the mentoring of pastors and women in ministry. Join us in a conversation about her recent weight loss, grief journey and the intentional self-care, health and wellness practices that ensures her longevity and success in life and ministry.

Rev. Anika Wilson Brown, PhD is a dynamic, engaging, transformative leader and pastor of the Union Temple Baptist Church in Washington, DC. Join us in a conversation about her weight loss journey that began with a reshaping of her thinking and relationship with food. Dr. Anika shares candidly about her personal struggles for perfection and acceptance and reveals how therapy helped her to overcome cultural expectations, and a spirit of martyrdom while serving in ministry. As a result, Dr. Anika is passionate about harmonizing her roles as a wife, mom of 3, businesswoman, pastor, national speaker, counselor, and ministry leader.

Jeanne Porter King, PhD, is an author, consultant, pastor, and leadership coach specializing in women's leadership. A trusted teacher and guide who has taught leadership at both the undergrad and seminary levels, Dr. Porter King is the founder and president of TransPorter Group Inc., a consulting company focused on leadership development. She is passionate about developing existing and emerging women leaders. Join me in conversation with Dr. Jeanne Porter King discussing principles from her new book, Leading Well: A Black Woman's Guide to Barrier Breaking Leadership. This conversation seeks to encourage and empower women to lead from a position of confidence and wholeness. 

Tisa Smart Washington, MBA, MPA was elected Rockdale County Georgia, Tax Commissioner in 2016 and re-elected in 2020. As a student in the Global Leadership PhD Program at Troy University, Tisa is researching the phenomenon of “Black Girl Magic.” Tisa proffers, “while black girl magic speaks to a black woman's ability to succeed against all odds, the odds are very real and challenging, especially when it comes to leadership.” Join me and Tisa in an enlightening conversation as she deconstructs some of the ideas of “black girl magic” and offer us ways in which black women can live and lead that are not injurious to our physical, mental, financial, spiritual, and relational health.   

Dr. Brian Keith Hodges is the senior pastor of Gathering of Champions Church in Marietta, GA. He is a leadership and executive coach, professor of religious studies, ministry consultant, team builder, leadership strategist and author of the book, Basic Money Matters. Join, Bishop Johnathan Alvarado and I, in a candid conversation with Dr. Hodges about his weight loss journey, stress reduction, healthy eating, fitness, self-care, health and wellness for black men. 

A man of varied gifts and talents, Derwin Davis is the passionate Sr. Pastor of Reach Church in Lithonia, GA, a brilliant businessman, masterful musician, and an empowering educator. Join me in a candid conversation with Pastor Derwin about his struggles with obesity, his unhealthy relationship with food and how losing 100 plus pounds has improved his health and his ability to enjoy simple pleasures in life. Whether mentoring, counseling, teaching, lending or ministering, Derwin's primary goal and mission is to help people WIN in every area of their lives including weight loss, self-care, health and wellness for black men.

Dr. Hardy is a Staff Psychologist for the Department of Justice and Adjunct Professor at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Listen as we continue the conversation on self-grace which involves the ability to forgive ourselves from past mistakes in order to move our lives forward. Dr. Hardy unpacks the cognitive disssonace that is associated with ones inability to offer self-grace and and self-forgiveness. She offers us strategies for reprogamming our thinking in ways that help us become the best version of ourselves. 

Dr. Keisha V. Thompson, Psychologist, Professor of Psychology, Author and Motivator is leading women in movements of intentional self-care. Listen as we discuss self-acceptance that leads to an internal sense of being good enough and self-esteem that does not rely on societal standards of beauty and success. Dr. Keisha further unpacks what it means to internalize grace in ways that are refreshing and results in lifestyles of peace, harmony and self-care.

Jayne Morgan, M.D. is a Cardiologist and Executive Director of the Covid Task Force at the Piedmont Healthcare Corporation in Atlanta, GA., CNN medical expert contributor, owner, and creator of The Stairwell Chronicles - a social media series directed towards addressing questions surrounding Covid vaccines. Join me in an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Morgan as she discusses health and science inequities and complicit biases toward people of color in American healthcare systems. Dr. Morgan aims to educate women of color, particularly in the areas of maternal health, cardiovascular diseases, and healthy heart health habits. This conversation is designed to educate, inspire and change the narrative for women of color as it relates to heart disease.

Georgia State Representative, Doreen Carter was sworn in for her fifth term on January 9, 2023. Representative Carter proudly serves House District 93 including the counties of Newton, Rockdale and DeKalb, Georgia. In addition to serving as a member of the Code Revision, Education, Industry and Labor, Small Business Development, and Special Rules committees, and Treasurer of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Representative Carter has partnered with the American Heart Association Go-Red for Women Heart Health Initiative and hosts events designed to educate communities of color regarding heart diseases. Listen as Doreen Carter share candidly about how she became a survivor of a heart attack and stroke and a thriving advocate for Heart Health Awareness among Women of Color.

Robin currently serves as a mental health therapist, a Life Coach and speaker. Her life changing advice has been featured in Essence Magazine, the Rickey Smiley Show and for many years weekly on Radio One's Gospel Station – Praise 102.5, the K.D. Bowe Show where for 5 years Robin was the featured life coach. Robin is the author of several books including “The 30 – Day Intentional Intimacy Project * For Married Women!” and a weekly devotional entitled “Live Intentionally, Fully Engaged”. Join me in an inspiring conversation with Robin and discover how your internal dialogue impacts your self-image, self-worth, self-confidence and self-care.

Debrena Jackson Gandy is a thought-leader, Renaissance Woman, and a trailblazer in the area of creating and living a deeply joyful and fulfilling life. With the national release of her best-selling book, Sacred Pampering Principles, nearly 25 years ago, she ushered “self-care” into the vernacular of Black Women and took it a step further to introduce us to the concept of SACRED Self-Care. Join me in a conversation with Debrena Jackson Gandy about Sacred Self-Care that includes care of the whole woman, mind, body, spirit and juicy relationships.

Dr. Shawna Brumfield, of Conyers Holistic Chiropractic offers services focused on integrative women's wellness, chiropractic care and nutrition response testing. As a patient of Dr. Shawna, I personally know the benefit of being under her chiropractic care. Join me and Dr. Shawna Brumfield as we discuss the value of holistic living, chiropractic medicine, the importance of spine health, wellness and self-care.

Alexis Gilmer, is a clinical licensed counselor in training, coach and speaker. Join us in a discussion about the mental health crisis, stigmas and fears facing GenZ's add Millennials. Alexis shares common issues young adult women experience in seeking clinical counseling and therapy and the importance of healthy systems of support in mental health and self-care.

Brenda Troy lost her mother at very young age to cancer. She states, this traumatic loss became the impetus and motivation for healthy living. After making radical changes to her lifestyle, Brenda has been a serious champion, teacher, coach and motivator for people who desire to live healthier. Join me and Brenda in this inspiring conversation and learn practical ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes healthy eating, exercise, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Ginger Miller is a native New Yorker and former homeless service-disabled Navy veteran turned White House Champion of Change for Women Veterans and President and CEO of the Women Veterans Interactive Foundation. Join us as Ginger shares her story and motivation for empowering women veterans through dedicated research, tailored support programs, training, and resources to equip them at all stages of their military transition. Listen as we discuss health, wellness and self-care needs for women veterans and the importance of family, friend and community support.

Dr. April L. Spencer is breast surgical expert, and founder of the Global Breast Health & Wellness Center. She states, “I have a front row seat to witness the most amazing stories unfold every single day. To see the growth of my patients– not just physically– but spiritually and emotionally watching them reclaim their power from cancer, it never gets old.” Join me and Dr. Spencer as she discusses the importance of breast health, self-care and the "ABC's of Breast Cancer Prevention."

Ladonna Roberts is one of the real faces of domestic violence. Her very tragic story of being shot by her estranged boyfriend who also shot and killed their 4-year-old son, Austin, before killing himself changed her life forever. Listen as Ladonna recounts the events of September 21, 2004, and reasons she ignored warning signs in her abuser's actions. Turning her pain into purpose through the Austin Tyler Foundation, Ladonna works to bring awareness, educate, and empower women, children and the community in an effort to break cycles of domestic violence.

Cynthia Williams Turner, PhD is a wife, mother, professor, Dean and Diversity Officer at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. Having revamped her entire dietary and physical lifestyle, in 2008, Cynthia wrote about the spiritual insights gained from her life-altering experience in her first-ever book entitled, “My Seven-Day Makeover: One Breast Cancer Survivor's Spiritual Journey.” Join us as we discuss insights and wisdom found in her book and the mindset, environment, and habits that supports for cancer-free lifestyle.

Sarah Michelle launched her Full-Scale Global Boutique HandbagsULike, and the Impact experience to celebrate women who have overcome toxic relationships and circumstances that directly affect their mental and physical well-being. In 2021 Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer which led to amazing healing journey. Listen as Sarah shares her treatment choices and the self-care, health and wellness routines she is practicing. Whether or not you have experienced breast cancer, this inspiring conversation with Sarah Michelle will bring healing, hope and joy.

As a survivor of Domestic Violence, Tamiko Lowry-Pugh transparently shares her story and has turned her pain into purpose. She is the founder of the Still Standing Alliance – a nonprofit organization that focuses on domestic violence advocacy, awareness, and prevention. Listen as Tamiko shares her story and gives insight into the impact of domestic violence on women's physical, emotional, and psychological self. Tamiko gives keys to thriving after surviving domestic violence.

Dr. La'Vel Hardy is a wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, visionary leader, counselor, motivational speaker and host of the I Love Me On Purpose Conference. Join us in conversation about her life as a "PK" (preacher's kid), assistant pastor and senior pastor and how she is revisioning her life and ministry through intentional self-care. Listen as Dr. Hardy teaches us what it means to live a life of self-love on purpose.

Dr. Valerie Bridgeman joined the 50 State Half-Marathon Challenge at age 63 with a goal of completing 50 States plus the District of Columbia by age 65. Join us in a conversation about her weight loss journey and her return to running half-marathons. Listen as Dr. Valerie shares insights from the emotional, physical and spiritual lessons she gleans from preparing and running half-marathons.

Crystal D. Stalling, wife, mother, grandmother, pastor, and Mary Kay Skincare & Cosmetics Consultant is enriching the lives of women through skincare education and Mary Kay entrepreneurship opportunities. Join us in an informational and inspirational conversation about the importance of skincare in self-care. Crystal advises that self-care must include skincare and is essential in maintaining healthy self-esteem, mental clarity, emotional, spiritual, and physical health, and wellness.