The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema

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Dr. Thema Bryant is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist. Using artistic expression, spirituality, psychology and culture, Dr. Bryant-Davis is an internationally recognized lecturer, performer, and minister. The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema is a podcast to facilitate your journey home to yourself by providing weekly inspiration and health tips. Welcome home! Intro and Outro by: Joy Jones

Dr. Thema


    • Sep 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 29m AVG DURATION
    • 218 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema is a transformative and inspiring podcast that provides listeners with the tools and guidance they need to heal, grow, and find their way back home. With her gentle and soothing voice, Dr. Thema creates a safe space for everyone to explore their past traumas, confront their issues, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-love. The podcast is not only informative but also deeply personal, as Dr. Thema reads poems that touch the soul and bring comfort to those who listen. The episodes cover a wide range of topics, making it relatable to anyone who is seeking healing and transformation.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Dr. Thema's ability to connect with her listeners on a deep level. Her wisdom and insight are profound, shedding light on the darkest places in our lives and offering practical solutions for healing and growth. She has a unique talent for explaining complex concepts in simple terms, making them accessible to all listeners, regardless of their background or experiences. Additionally, the inclusion of poetry adds an extra layer of beauty and depth to the podcast, enhancing the overall listening experience.

    While there are numerous positive aspects to The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema, one possible downside is that some episodes may not resonate with every listener. As with any podcast or form of media, personal preferences vary, so there may be topics or discussions that do not necessarily apply or interest certain individuals. However, even in these cases, there are often unexpected gems within each episode that can still provide value and insight.

    In conclusion, The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema is an exceptional podcast that offers profound wisdom, guidance for healing from past traumas, and insights into personal growth and transformation. Driven by Dr. Thema's soothing voice and compassionate approach, this podcast provides listeners with a safe space for exploration and healing while also offering practical solutions for overcoming challenges and finding one's way back home. Whether you are on a self-love journey, seeking positivity, or simply looking for inspiration and guidance, this podcast is a must-listen.



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    Latest episodes from The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema

    Episode #218: Reclaiming Yourself After Burnout with Tanya Asim Cooper

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 27:16


    Dr. Thema explores overextending and burnout with Tanya Asim Cooper, a lawyer, clinical professor of law, and helper. Tanya directs a legal clinic for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking at Pepperdine University's Caruso School of Law. She is also a Christian, and her research focuses on training churches to respond to domestic violence. Dr. Thema explores with Tanya indicators of being overcommitted and ways to heal and practical strategies to reclaim yourself. Intro and outro music by Joy Jones.

    Episode 217: Finding peace as a multi-gifted person with Dr. Joy Jones

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 24:08


    Dr. Thema discusses with medical doctor, recording artist, and poet Dr. Joy Jones the challenges of being multi-gifted. They explore the benefits, challenges, and coping strategies. They also discuss the romantic relationship dynamics of being married and multi-gifted. Dr. Joy who sings our intro and outro embodies liberation medicine and also shares her journey as a daughter of immigrants. Dr. Joy Jones is a recording artist, anthropologist, urban farmer, and medical doctor. She is board certified in Family Medicine and Psychiatry as well as Functional Medicine and Lifestyle medicine. She is also the CEO and Founder of Whole Village Health, A global wellness firm deeply rooted in liberation medicine. Locally, she works with individuals impacted by the correctional system (both incarcerated and in the community) to help them redefine and achieve personal liberation. Globally, she has travelled to all 7 continents and can often be found leading medical missions to communities most in need. In her leisure she can be found in the community organizing, in the studio creating or in her garden cultivating. In all her work her personal goal is to help all who she comes in contact become “healthier, happier and more whole”.

    Episode #216 Healing from Intimate Partner Abuse with Ravina

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 25:15


    Therapist, author, and poet RAVINA shares her homecoming journey of healing from intimate partner abuse. RAVINA is a South Asian bestselling author, spoken word artist & licensed therapist, based in Long Beach CA. Her specialization and passion lies in trauma treatment for individuals of marginalized identities, and communities of color facing trauma caused by oppression and systemic violence. RAVINA was born and raised in St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. YELLOW is her collection of poetry published by World Stage Press & recipient of the Long Beach Best Poetry Collection of 2021. RAVINA is a Pushcart Prize Nominee and has performed poetry on nationally and internationally acclaimed stages including the United Nations, and the House of Blues. RAVINA is a performing spoken word artist with the collective Long Beach NeverSpeak!She is the founding director of WAHLA (Writing As Healing Los Angeles) - an award winning workshop and series that honors the intersection of creative writing, expression, and mental health. To learn more about our guest go to https://www.ravinacreative.com/ Intro and outro by Joy Jones. After you listen, don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. More about Dr. Thema can be found at www.drthema.com

    Episode #215 The Truth About Matters of the Heart with Zahra Heydari

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 25:25


    In this episode, therapist and author Zahra Heydari interviews Dr. Thema about her bestselling book, Matters of the Heart: Healing Your Relationship with Yourself and Those You Love. These two therapists talk about key aspects of healthy love including finding love later in life and finding love after heartbreak. Music by Joy Jones. Zahra has 18 years' experience in mental health, coaching, crisis intervention, and relationship issues. Zahra's book is entitled Stop the Bleeding. She works within a holistic approach that includes addressing the whole person, body, mind and spirit. Zahra respects your time, honors your journey and has faith that you deserve to have it all!

    Episdoe #214: Breaking the Cycle of Unhealthy Relationships

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 19:48


    Dr. Thema describes the causes and signs of unhealthy relationships before providing practical tips for breaking the cycle and building healthier relationships. To learn more check out her bestselling book Matters of the Heart. Music by Joy Jones

    Episode #213 Healing Emotional Pain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 29:18


    Dr. Thema describes the meaning, causes, and signs of emotional pain and then provides strategies to heal it. Music provided by Joy Jones. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share. To learn more, check out her self-help books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart.

    Epsidoe #212 : Healing Your Inner Child

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 24:19


    Dr. Thema describes the causes and consequences of inner child wounds, as well as specific strategies to heal those wounds. To learn more, check out Dr. Thema's books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart. Music by Joy Jones.

    Episode #211 The Truth About Social Comparison

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 20:42


    Dr. Thema starts this week's episode with an original poem to Heal the Healers. She then describes specific strategies for reducing the distress caused by comparing yourself to others. To learn more, check out her books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart. The intro and outro music are by Joy Jones.

    Episode #210 Healing from Psychological Abuse

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 24:37


    Dr. Thema describes aspects of emotional/psychological abuse and provides pointers for healing and recovery. A reading is shared from the book Dear Artist by Jaiya John. To learn more about healing, check out Dr. Thema's books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and the latest best seller Matters of the Heart.

    Episode #209: Resolving Conflict

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 28:06


    Dr. Thema describes the different approaches and skills needed to resolve conflict, whether personal or professional. To learn more check out her new book Matters of the Heart. Opening Poem by Devi Brown. Intro and outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #208 Addressing Boredom

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 26:10


    Dr. Thema provides some causes of boredom as well as ways of addressing it in various aspects of your life. This episode may help you shift to rediscovering fulfillment and joy. To learn more read Dr. Thema's new book Matters of the Heart which is available on hard cover, digital, and audio versions. Episode intro and outro by Joy Jones. To register for a May 10th full day retreat in San Diego for $375 email support@drthema.com.

    Episode #207 Building Self Worth

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2025 24:53


    Dr. Thema describes the importance of self-worth and explores potential causes of the sense of worthlessness. She then provides specific strategies for building your self-worth. To learn more, check out her new book Matters of the Heart. Intro and outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #206 Silencing the Inner Critic

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 28:09


    Dr. Thema describes the challenge of an inner critic/inner bully. She then provides strategies for silencing the inner voices that can keep us stuck and settling. To learn more, check out Dr. Thema's new book Matters of the Heart in hardback, digital, or audio book.

    Episode #205 Dating a Trauma Survivor

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 25:48


    Dr. Thema describes some of the dynamics of dating someone who is a trauma survivor. She provides pointers for partners for creating a safe and loving relationship. For additional insights, check out Dr. Thema's book Matters of the Heart and the earlier books Homecoming and Reclaim Yourself. Intro and Outro by Joy Jones. Poem by Dr. Jaiya John from his book We Birth Freedom at Dawn Volume One.

    Episode #204 Free Your Mind: Getting Curious

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 24:07


    Dr. Thema describes curiority and shares the benefits of opening our minds. She then prepares concrete strategies to becoming more curious, more open. Intro and Outro music by Joy Jones. Opening reading by Howard Thurman. To learn more check out Dr. Thema's new book Matters of the Heart.

    #203: Say no to manipulation

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 26:31


    Dr. Thema describes the importance of not taking the bait of manipulators. She empowers you with specific strategies for resisting manipulation. To learn more, check out her books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart. Also check out her interview with Oprah on the Oprah YouTube channel. Intro and outro music by Joy Jones.

    Episode #202 Coping with Political Stress

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2025 30:11


    Dr. Thema describes political stress, including its consequences and important ways of coping for us to sustain ourselves. The opening reading is an excerpt from Cole Arthur Riley. To learn more check out Dr. Thema's books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart. The intro and outro songs are by Joy Jones.

    Episode #201 Perseverance: How to Persist

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 22:46


    Episode #201 Perseverance: How to Persist by Dr. Thema

    Episode #200: How to Bloom

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2025 24:17


    Dr. Thema starts with a poem by Rumi and describes strategies for blooming so you can grow and thrive. To learn more, check out her new bestselling book, "Matters of the Heart" available wherever books are sold in hardback, digital, and audo versions. Intro and Outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #199 Birthing Freedom with Dr. Jaiya John-MIXED

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 28:58


    Dr. Thema discusses moving from soullessness to soulfulness with author and psychologist, Dr. Jaiya John, author of We Birth Freedom at Dawn. He shares poems from his latest book and sacred teachings on the path to freedom. To learn more about his work go to www.jaiyajohn.com where he also offers individual phone sessions to enhance connection to the sacred, creativity, and inner growth. Music by Joy Jones.

    Episode #198 Loving Deeply

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2025 29:58


    Dr. Thema starts with the poem Turning by Lucille Clifton. She then shares specific steps to loving more deeply and holistically. Intro and Outro by Joy Jones. Learn more with Dr. Thema's books Homecoming, Reclaim Yourself, and Matters of the Heart.

    Episode #197: Giving Yourself Grace

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 29:24


    Dr. Thema describes what it means to give yourself grace and the importance of self kindness, patience, and understanding. She provides strategies to increasing your graciousness with yourself. Poem read by Ife Davis and written by Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant. Intro and Outro music by Joy Jones.

    Episode #196: Tranquilty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2025 25:08


    Dr. Thema describes the path to tranquility and provides strategies for living a more tranquil life. To learn more, order her books Homecoming and the Reclaim Yourself Workbook, and preorder her new book Matters of the Heart. Dr. Thema starts this episode with an excerpt from Dr. Jaiya John's poetic story Ashia: A Soft Story of Pilgrimage and Peace from his book We Birth Freedom at Dawn: Volume One. Intro and Outro Music by Joy Jones. Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast info@nextdaypodcast.com

    Episode #195 Living Purposefully

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 27:43


    Dr. Thema describes the definition, benefits, and steps to living a purposeful life. This week's episode begins with the poem Ego Tripping by Nikki Giovanni. It is performed by Ife Davis.

    Episode #194 Social Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 28:57


    In this episode, Dr. Thema describes social anxiety, its causes, signs, and most importantly, ways of coping. She also attends to the realities of cultural identities, as she explores this important topic. For more information and support, check out her books Homecoming and Reclaim Yourself. The intro song is Beautiful by Joy Jones and the outro is The Joy also by Joy Jones.

    Episode #193 Rebirthing Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2024 29:07


    Episode #193 Rebirthing Yourself by Dr. Thema

    Episode #192 Body and Mind Connection with Dr. Julie Radico

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 28:58


    Dr. Thema interviews Dr. Julie Radico about her new book You Will Get Through This: A Mental Health First Aid Kit. The episode gives practical tips for addressing body image, relationship with food, insomnia, and chronic pain.

    Episode #191 Suicide Prevention With Dr. Marlon Rollins

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2024 28:04


    Dr. Thema talks with therapist, author, and motivational speaker Dr. Marlon Rollins about his sister's death by suicide as well as ways to heal from and prevent suicide. We also explore his work supporting men's mental health.

    Episode #190 Grieving Toxic Workplaces

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2024 29:08


    Dr. Thema speaks with life coach, minister, and author SharRon Jamison about "corporate grief" especially for persons with a marginalized identity. She defines the concept, describes the potential effects on our health, and provides strategies for holistic success. Dr. Thema illuminates the importance of self awareness and empowered decision making. Her website with her various offerings is sharronjamison.com.

    Episode #189 Holistic Health Nutrition, Wellness, And Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2023 26:17


    Dr. Thema interviews Harold Leffal, health promoter, author, and cancer survivor about his health journey and his desire to help others reclaim their health physically, mentally, and spiritually. Harold shares the important role that nutrition played in his recovery. You can follow him on Instagram at @haroldleffall or on his website which is www.thegoodlivingnow.com

    Episode #188 Liberation Psychology

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 24:54


    Dr. Thema explores liberation psychology and its importance to your homecoming journey. She provides principles and tips for you to apply to your mental health journey as a person with a marginalized identity.

    Episode #187 Decolonizing Your Mental Health With Dr. Jennifer Mulan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2023 28:46


    Dr. Thema speaks with Dr. Jennifer Mulan about how to decolonize your mental health and your emotions. Dr. Jenn shares highlights from her new book Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing your Practice. Dr. Jenn birthed Decolonizing Therapy: a psychological evolution that weaves together political, ancestral, therapeutic and global well-being.

    Episode #186 Healing From Partner Abuse With Dr. Vanessa Abernathy

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 25:40


    Dr. Thema interviews Dr. Vanessa Abernathy about partner abuse, including the different types, effects, and strategies for healing. To learn more follow her on social media and check out her website www.meetmonarch.com

    Episode #185: Holistic Healing from Sexual Trauma with Dr. Shena

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 26:19


    Dr. Shena Young, a licensed body centered psychologist-healer, joins us to explain holistic healing from sexual trauma including decolonization, indigenous medicine, and body autonomy. She integrates embodiment, poetry, and psychological science. You can learn more about her and her work on her website embodiedtruthhhealing.com and in her new book body rites: a holistic healing and embodiment workbook for Black survivors of sexual trauma. https://www.embodiedtruthhealing.com/

    Episode #184: Transformational Leadership with Coach Patrice Ford Lyn

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 27:46


    Dr. Thema speaks with Executive Coach Patrice Ford Lyn about being a leader. They discuss the qualities of a good leader, ways to handle those who are resistant to change, and unique challenges and solutions for leaders with historically excluded identities, including those who are BIPOC, Queer, and/or women. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #183 The Road To Authenticity With Pastor Mike

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2023 30:58


    Dr. Thema interviews Pastor Mike Walrond Jr., senior Pastor, author, and mental health advocate about the path to authenticity. They discuss the definition, costs, benefits, and path to living a more authentic life. Intro by Iyeoka. Outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #182 : Pain Management

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 25:22


    Dr. Thema interviews Dr. Jennifer Kelly, a past president of the Georgia Psychological Association and American Psychological Association. Dr. Kelly, a prominent healthy psychologist, provides an understanding of chronic pain and strategies for managing pain. She also gives pointers for loved ones of those living with chronic pain.

    Episode #181 Supporting Your Strong Friend

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 21:39


    Dr. Thema describes warning signs that your strong friend may be struggling and provides pointers for being a better friend to your strong friend.

    Episode #180 Choosing Love With Dr. Jaiya John

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 52:07


    Dr. Jaiya John, poet, psychologist, and freedom worker, joins us to discuss his new book "All these rivers. You chose love." In this episode he and Dr. Thema explore love, boundaries, ease, seeing our child nature, and grace. Check out his book everywhere books are sold including his website www.jaiyajohn.com

    Episode #179 Interrupt Self Harming Behaviors

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2023 25:21


    Caution: If hearing about self-harming behaviors is upsetting or triggering for you, Dr. Thema encourages you to select a different episode instead of this one. Dr. Thema defines self-harming behaviors, including the reasons some people engage in them. She then provides alternative strategies for coping and releasing emotional pain.

    Episode #178 Sexual Relationship Myths With Dr. Candice Nicole

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2023 28:04


    Dr. Thema in conversation with Dr. Candice Nicole describes myths about sex and relationships. To learn more about Dr. Candice Nicole go to her website drcandicenicole.com Intro by Iyeoka and Outro by Joy Jones

    Episode #177 Grounding And Soothing Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2023 26:03


    Dr. Thema describes strategies for grounding and soothing yourself, as well as the need for these strategies. To learn more, check out her book Homecoming. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #176 Signs Of A Healthy Relationship

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 29:35


    Dr. Thema shares signs of a healthy relationships. These have also been called green lights or green flags, as opposed to the warning signs of abusive relationships. To learn more, check out her book Homecoming. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro music by Joy Jones.

    Episode #175: Emotionally Reactive

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 25:35


    Dr. Thema describes reasons for emotional reactivity and strategies for being less reactive. Dr. Thema provides cognitive, behavioral, mindful, and embodied strategies for shifting and slowing down. For more information, check out her book Homecoming. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #174: Dealing with Disappointment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2023 22:53


    Dr. Thema describes sources of disappointment and ways to deal with it. To learn more, check out her book Homecoming which has been nominated by the NAACP for an award in Outstanding Literature. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #173: Kwanzaa Principles with the Bryant Family

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2022 32:58


    Kwanzaa is an African American celebration which focuses on seven African-inspired principles for living well. The principles are unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. Dr. Thema is joined for this special episode by her family: Bishop John Bryant, Rev. Cecelia Bryant, and Rev. Jamal Bryant as they describe the cultural, spiritual, and psychological significance of the principles.

    Episode #172: Growth Mindset

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2022 26:00


    Dr. Thema gives key principles for cultivating a growth mindset. To learn more, check out Dr. Thema's book Homecoming. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #171: Being More Mature

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2022 29:48


    Dr. Thema describes ways you can become more emotionally mature. Emotional maturity benefits your life and your relationships. Intro by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones. To learn more, check out Dr. Thema's book Homecoming.

    Episode #170: Addressing Motivation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2022 28:35


    Dr. Thema describes the barriers to motivation and provides specific strategies to get motivated or to stay motivated. To learn more, check out her book Homecoming wherever books are sold. Intro by Iyeoka and Outro by Joy Jones.

    Episode #169 Underemployed Coping With Dissatisfaction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2022 28:40


    Dr. Thema provides the definition, signs, and causes of underemployment and workplace dissatisfaction. She provides multiple strategies for coping with it. Intro by Iyeoka and Outro music by Joy Jones.

    Episode 168 : Bored in Your Relationship?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2022 29:29


    Episode 168 : Bored in Your Relationship? by Dr. Thema

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