At the intersection of mental health awareness and pop culture, we address real issues and give real solutions to help you pack light.
Ep 34 May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we talk about how quitting or ending things is a self-care act, giving plenty of examples of positive quitting. And Breaking News! Listen to find out why this is our final podcast episode. We have enjoyed producing this podcast and appreciate everyone who supported us. Pack Light and Stay in touch! Kendra www.KendraTSays.com @kendrat.the.slp Nedra www.NedraTawwab.com @nedratawwab @packlightpodcast Music by: Ryan Lucas
Episode 33 This week we are updating our position on a previously discussed topic...Jussie Smollett. When people say something happened to them believe them. In Jussie’s case, the polls are split. We talk about what we are watching and reading. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 32 This week we are demystifying the concept of "Be Strong". We will be using Beth’s interaction with her mother on "This Is Us" and the character Fiona Gallagher from "Shameless" to dive deep into the topic. In the news, you will hear our take on R. Kelly being arrested and B. Smith’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 31 This week we are talking about the stigma of mental health in the Black community. What keeps people from wanting to get better? Listen and find out. In popular culture, we are talking about the government shutdown, Surviving R.Kelly, Fyre festival and a few other pop culture topics. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 30 Did you happen to catch Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade on Oprah's Super Soul Sunday Podcast? We did! This week we are talking about infertility. Kendra shares her personal story on the topic and Nedra offers the mental health aspects of infertility. Kendra wondered, “How do therapists handle sadness?” Tune into this week’s episode to hear all of our chat. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 29 This week we are naming our favorite holiday movies. What do podcasters listen to? We are listing our favorite podcast (other than this one). We’re so excited to talk about Becoming, Michelle Obama’s autobiography. It’s an amazing must-read!!! Our forever FLOTUS talked about so many mental wellness related topics such as roles in relationships, busyness, and infertility. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 28 This week on Pack Light, Nedra and Kendra are talking about the recent Red Table interview with Will and Jada Smith. On this episode, we talk about defining your relationships on your terms. Also, we discuss what's new in entertainment and the news. Mentioned This Episode: The Connors, Captian Fantastic, The Kindergarten Teacher, Born A Crime by Trevor Noah, and The Red Table Talks If you love our podcast, rate and review us! If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 27 This week in the news we are discussing Bill Cosby and Kavanaugh. Both men lead us into a conversation on victim shaming. For the main event, we discuss if our idea beauty is tied into what others think about us. A new movie, Nappily Ever After, helps you to sort through our topic on self-acceptance. Mentioned This Week: WentworthNappily Ever AfterThis Is UsAtypicalInfluencer book by Brittany HennessyAmber Rose Show podcast If you love our podcast, rate and review us! If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 26 On this episode, we are talking about what we are into (tv and music), and dating someone who is depressed. Our main topic is pulled from, "You're The Worst". A show about a woman with a history of depression and how she and her partner cope with depression in their new relationship. Loving someone who is battling depression can be a challenge. This week we are giving you resources for being in relationships with depressed loved ones. Mentioned this episode: Blackkklansman, Dr. Pimple Popper, Unreal and Love IsBook- When Someone You Love is Depressed: How to Help Your Loved One Without Losing Yourself If you love our podcast, rate and review us! If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 25 This week we are using POWER to highlight children dying and how parents grieve. We are talking about Roseanne’s recent rants, R. Kelly's longggggg song and Demi LeVato. After our summer break, we are returning refreshed and with a new format. Our new lineup will include a recap of what we’re watching or listening to, what is in the news and the main mental wellness topic. We will now release one episode a month on the first Monday of the month. New episodes will be around 45 minutes. Mentioned This Episode: R. Kelly-I Admit It https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-EzJ3y-JoRoseanne Rant https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grcNSku3m_8"Cake" on Netflix "Mother of Black Hollywood" https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Black-Hollywood-Memoir/dp/0062410407"Collateral Beauty""The Affair" on Showtime Hidden Brain https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 24 This week we are talking about parents understanding their children's sexual orientation and lifestyle, and the connection with being able to have healthy relationships. We discuss Andre Leon Talley's comments about his own mother not understanding him. Subscribe to our Podcast and be sure to write us a review. Many thanks! Mentioned This Episode: NPR's Fresh Air Podcast. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 23 This week we are talking about emotionally and physically abusive parenting systems that produced highly skilled kids. We will be referencing Tonya Harding and Michael Jackson. Both of whom are acclaimed in their respective disciplines. The parents used abusive tactics to pull drive, talent, and commitment from their children but was it necessary? Maybe not. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 22 This past week the world experienced death by suicide of 2 prominent figures, Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. This week we are talking about how to help those who are in immediate need of support due to suicidal ideation. If you believe that someone you know may be suicidal use the resources below for support. Support for those who may need it:National Suicide Prevention LifelineCall 1-800-273-8255 If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 21 Have you been following the relationships issues between Bow and Dre on "Blackish"? Spoiler Alert: We are talking about dynamics of communication in their relationship. Listen as we talk about being passive aggressive and what the phrase means. Improving our communication improves our relationships. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 20 Have you seen "Roxanne" on Netflix? It's the movie about one of the first female battle rappers. We use the movie "Roxanne" to discuss how dating philosophies are passed on, but sometimes in unhelpful ways. Listen this week as we talk about what we are taught vs. what is useful for us to use. We explore patterns in relationships that lead to us creating relationships based on what we see in our family. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 19 Kanye West ignited controversy over his recent comments that prompted people to wonder "what is his deal?" Media and fans have speculated about his mental health but we suggest narcissistic personality disorder. Listen as we discuss narcissistic personality disorder: the characteristics, the label, and the person. From this episode: Kanye West interview with Charlamagne tha God Kanye West Interview If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 18 On the heels of Mother’s Day, we are talking about Mother as a role, not an identity. Chrissy Teigen’s recent comments on being a mother prompted this week’s episode. Many of us have some pretty clear ideas about what it means to be a mother. There are mothers who have changed their identities to be in line with their ideas about being a mother. Listen to this episode as we talk about what it means to be a mother. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 17 Nostalgia, looking back to another time with fondness, has been influencing an increase in television reboots. We discuss current reboots such as Roseanne, reboots we'd like to see, and how to approach nostalgia and reboots in a healthy way. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 16 Use your words. We often assume that people know what we want and how to meet our needs. This week we are talking about Tiffany Haddish and her assuming that a stranger would help her. Listen this week as we talk about the importance of asking for what you need. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 15 Beyoncé had an EPIC performance at Coachella. People were left feeling mesmerized and motivated to be great. This week we talk about being a trailblazer and creating your own blueprint. What does it look like for Beyonce to have support? Who is capable of supporting her? Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 14 We all have information that we are not willing to share when everyone else wants to know. On this episode, we do a follow-up to our episode "Eat your heart out" with Cardi B updates and give tips for delivering news in your way in your own time. Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 13 April is Autism Awareness Month. In commemoration, we are talking about empathy also known as emotional intelligence and perspective-taking. We all know someone with autism, but perhaps we are unaware of the signs. This week we are using the character Sam from "Atypical" on Netflix as a reference. Sam is an adolescent with autism who struggles with typical teenage concerns including dating and understanding his emotions and the emotions of others. Mentions:Atypical (series available on Netflix)The Accountant (Movie) Emotional Intelligence 2.0 https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Intelligence-2-0-Travis-Bradberry/dp/0974320625 Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 12 Kids have anxiety that is often minimized or not understood by adults. Social media has increased the access that bullies have. On this episode, we talk about allowing kids to be assertive and teaching them problem-solving skills as a way to cope with and prevent bullying. Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 11 This week we are talking about death and dying. The Walking Dead is the context for our talk as we will be discussing the recently deceased Carl. Is it possible to prepare for death? Sometimes knowing that someone is battling prolonged terminal illness helps us grieve. Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 10 Criticism about weight can be an issue whether you've been called “fat” or “skinny.” The judgments that people have towards us says a lot about their issues. Many terms are used to divide us such as “fat, skinny, bougie, etc.” We all have a place, so listen this week as we talk about the labels used to separate ourselves from others. Mentioned This Episode: Birth of a Nation Underground TV Show(WGN Network) Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 9 This week we are talking about Monique's interview on The Breakfast Club. Communication is so important to conveying our needs and expectations to others. We highlight 5 ways that people communicat, including healthy and poor ways to communicate. Mentioned This Episode: The Breakfast club Monique interview Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 8 We have given you guys a few weeks to watch. But, today we are talking about the Superbowl episode of "This Is Us." Most of us find it difficult to handle the death of loved ones. Knowing the "5 stages of grief" helps us know that what we are feeling is appropriate. Please subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 7 In light of recent school shootings, we talk about society’s anxiety as a result of watching the news. The intention of watching the news is to be informed. However, the bombardment of negative stories leaves many feeling anxious and afraid. In this episode we talk about our perceived sense of safety and security. Listen as we discuss how to be mindful about how you get your news. Mentioned This Episode: Safest School in America We need you to subscribe, rate, and review, Many Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 5 Resentment is the feeling of indignation/anger from the perception that you have been wronged by someone or a situation. Holding on to resentment causes physical and mental health issues. In this episode, we highlight the resentment seen in "Black Panther" and how we can move on or live with difficult experiences. Getting revenge and being apologized to doesn’t necessarily provide the closure that you will need. We give tips on how to find closure and truly leave the past in the past. We promise no spoilers if you haven’t seen Black Panther. But, why haven’t you seen it yet? Mentioned This Episode: Black Panther TrailerAnxiety Impacts Your Body We need you to subscribe, rate, and review, Many Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 6 People say they want you to be honest, but do they really? We count on our support system to keep us together and to be honest with us. Fergie’s recent rendition of the national anthem was an epic fail. How was she able to go through with this performance? In this episode, we talk about how you support system can communicate their concerns about you to you. Mentioned This Episode: Fergie PerformanceMariah Carey Special We need you to subscribe, rate, and review, Many Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 4 Emotional eating is sometimes used to cope with difficult feelings or problems in life. This week we will be talking about Cardi B’s weight gain and her comments about being happier before fame. Handling difficult feelings, if not faced head-on result in us relying on vices as an outlet. It’s possible to maintain your waistline while maintaining your feelings. Listen to the episode for this week’s pack light tips. We need you to subscribe, rate, and review, Many Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 3 How do we support our friends when we don’t agree with their decision to stay in unhealthy relationships? We use Wendy Williams and her situation with her husband to delve into this topic. Setting boundaries means telling our friends what we can tolerate hearing, and helps our friendships stay intact. Listen to the episode for this week’s pack light tips. We would love for you to subscribe, rate, and review, Many Thanks! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 2 We use the relationships between the triplets on "This Is Us" to talk about how relationships with family members can sometimes be forced. Many parents want their children to be close even when these connections don’t naturally occur. Fearing what other people might think about us, we maintain relationships with family members to appear connected when we are not. Listen to the episode for this week’s pack light tips. We would love for you to subscribe, rate, and review, Thanks so much! Itunes Stitcher Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp
Ep 1 Welcome to the first episode of Pack Light! Kendra T, SLP and Nedra Tawwab, LCSW have been friends for over 8 years and are both from Detroit, MI living in Charlotte, NC. Nedra will provide the mental health perspective and Kendra T will inject communication health, while discussing pop culture topics. You will get weekly episodes with topics ranging from “Wendy Williams” to “How to Handle a Toxic Friendship”. The podcast was developed as a result of conversations we have about how mental health and pop culture intersect. Mental Health is important so stay tuned for tips on how to Pack Light. If you love our podcast, rate and review us! Itunes Stitcher If you have other feedback, message us! Music by: Ryan Lucas Follow us on Instagram: @packlightpodcast @nedratawwab @kendrat.the.slp