Inher Growth

*Trigger Warning* On this episode, I use the show “maid” on Netflix as an example of what generational trauma can look like. My guest and and very smart sister Liz Betancourt, MSW breaks down all aspects of trauma that are depicted on the show. We identify the different ways emotional abuse shows up in all relationships and make connections of family trauma within the story that leave the main character vulnerable to the abuse she faces. We leave you with tips on how to execute boundaries between yourself and family members and how to support someone in a domestic violence situation.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lorens-betancourt/support

In this long awaited episode, I share my personal experience with depression and anxiety from family history to when I noticed my symptoms to trying out medication, which I was always so against trying. I also speak on how seeking therapy enhanced my life for the better. I follow up this info session with mental health professional Samantha Smalls owner of New Chapter Counseling Services. Specializing in women services related to infant loss trauma, post-partum depression, and young adult female transitions, Sam adds precious value to this conversation. Together we discuss finding the right therapy match for you, symptoms to look out for when thinking of seeking help and tips on how to cope during quarantine. To book an appointment with Samantha you can reach out to her via email at S.smalls@newchapterservices.com she's also available on IG @new_sam_chapter I couldn't have asked for a better person to join me in this discussion and I hope you guys love the episode as much as I do! Don't forget to share! Thanks in advance friends!

Owner of The Curly Hair Salon by Luvena Leslie and Devacurl certified stylist joins me on this episode about  natural, curly hair. Luvena Jones' salon, located in New Haven, CT is one of the most popular curly hair salons in our state and I am honored to have her be a part of this episode. After all, she in an expert in what she does!  Today I share my childhood experience of internalizing a negative view of my natural hair from a cultural aspect and touch on how we view natural hair as a society. I speak on the negative undertones when it comes to embracing our crowns as they are and the alternate, more acceptable picture of beauty we see on a daily basis that leads to our inherent feelings about curls and textured hair. I speak on how the identity of a woman of color is largely based on her hair and how workplace comments or views and culture plays a part on how well we embrace it.  Luvena shares tips on how to love on yourself and hair from the inside out and stresses that it is always a personal decision to go natural. We discuss how the natural hair process can be long, tiring, pricey and and an overall journey. Her hope is to teach other salon stylists the art of caring for curly hair while spreading the knowledge and love that comes with embracing our natural selves. You can check out her work on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/luvena.leslie/ and on IG tag: @ctcurlyhairsalon   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lorens-betancourt/support

I felt compelled to publish an episode on this topic because it's time to shed light on all aspects of racism including this one. A friend and local agriculture teacher, here in CT, Stephanie Russell provides some information on this topic that you may have never realized. Join us as we discuss what environmental racism looks like. From simple things such as access to clean parks and rec areas in the city, access to markets that provide affordable produce and availability of safe recreational spaces for our youth such as playgrounds and sport courts. We get into more flagrant and harmful forms of environmental racism such as what't occurring in Flint, MI and fracking in western states. We discuss how these mostly unregulated processes affect people of color and low income communities more than any other. Lastly, we get into what we can do to better this situation right here in our neighborhoods. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lorens-betancourt/support

Join me on this on this episode as I share my thoughts and feelings on the current protest environment we are living in. Worldwide, protests have erupted in support of black lives, sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. As an Afro-latina, I believe it is my duty to educate my community and advocate for blackness in all the spaces I occupy. I share some facts you may not know about our history and touch on the systems in place that have kept and continue to keep black people down since we touched foot on this country. I invite you to listen to my perspective on this matter from a raw and real place in me. This is something I've been passionate about for years and I cannot go on without sharing my real view and personal experience on this matter. I encourage you to join to me in this discussion on in the Inhergrowth podcast Facebook page, I'd love to know about your experience too.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lorens-betancourt/support

Join me on this episode for a current and raw conversation with friend, boss hairstylist, and co-owner of Hairgods Suite at 161 Park Road West Hartford, CT.   During state re-open orders, hair salons, barbershops and other small businesses have been patiently waiting to open back up while complying with regulations. We will be touching on current difficulties small businesses are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the confusing business licensure dynamics, and how everything is affected by its impact. Natalie can vouch for her profession and give us a positive insight into this subject that we can learn from.  You can check out my girl Natalie slaying hair on https://www.facebook.com/TheHairGodsSuite and on Instagram.com/hairgods_salon_barbershop Her personal Instagram.com/nat_killa watch my friend kill it "inna di real life!"  Don't forget, your feedback is what keeps me goin'! Reach out to me on Facebook's Inher Growth Podcast page facebook.com/inhergrowthpodcast/?view_public_for=100286288367536 and follow my personal on Instagram Instagram.com/luh.rens or on the app @luh.rens with any episode ideas you may have. I'd love to hear your input on this current topic and let me know if you learned something new!  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lorens-betancourt/support

Kayla Cortes, personal clarity coach and friend joins me to discuss privilege and what it looks like these days. Privilege is something that can go unnoticed, we discuss what we can do to identify it, dismantle it and address it. Kayla and I share our views on creating a space of understanding in mainstream healing community instead of taking the "love is love" approach and discuss what's wrong with saying "I don't see color". You may be surprised to hear this possibly unsettling conversation but I believe things only change when you discuss them. This is the reason for sharing this episode with everyone I know and I truly hope you all get something out of it.  You can follow Kayla on her personal facebook page https://www.facebook.com/kayla.cortes.96 and on Instagram @_KaylaCortes_  I am a huge fan of her intention teachings online and not just cuz she's my friend but I truly believe Kayla has a beautiful, valuable and soul-nourishing talent to share with the world! Proud of you friend! Don't forget, your feedback is what keeps me goin'! Reach out to me on Facebook's Inher Growth Podcast page and follow my personal on Instagram @luh.rens with any episode ideas you may have. I'd love to hear your input on this current topic and let me know if you learned something new! facebook.com/inhergrowthpodcast/?view_public_for=100286288367536 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lorens-betancourt/support

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lorens-betancourt/support