The Real Therapists for the Culture

Sophia and Dr. L Kicked off the Morgan State University 2024 homecoming by presenting a live podcast in Baltimore, Maryland. As the 2 alums celebrated their 20th class reunion they sparked great trending topics with the audience and supported the crowd in learning and developing their knowledge about mental health. Being physcology majors they continue to educate others the EVERYTHING is connected to your mental health. This episode covers a little bit of everything from cheating, dating, marriage, sex, generational curses to experiences at the collegiate level.

The Real Therapists took their show to Baltimore's own Sangria Patio Bar and it was epic! They had a vibrant crowd that asked questions from "How do you cut the cord of your adult kid?" to "How do you manage this dating world?" Join this dynamic duo discuss mental health in front of a live crew.

For months now the situation involving Sean "Diddy" Combs and Cassie Ventura has dominated our timelines and our conversations. While many of us feel inclined to pick a side, Dr. L and Sophia sit down and discuss how each individual may have navigated the process of "Decision Making".

Clients ask Sophia and Dr. L all the time is that appropriate or not and they usually flip the question back on their clients to support them in finding their own answers. Today's episode they answered those questions from "is it appropriate to follow your ex on social media?" "Is it appropriate to have friends of the opposite sex while in a relationship?" "Is it appropriate to go to your ex's parents funeral?" and more. They even included their producer of Content Complex Dino to chime in, and of course they gave take aways to support their listeners.

Dr.L and Sophia often mention how they come to decide the weekly topic. This week, just 10 mins before walking into the studio, Dr. L decided that it was a good day to show our viewers + listeners how we therapize one another on a daily basis. Therapy is dope!

Sophia and Dr. L discussed the ups and downs, the challenges and advantages of co-parenting. Their guest Alex Coleman the father of Sophia's 16 year old daughter gave a candid version of what his experience has been like. This episode was raw, genuine and of course Real.

Sometimes a good office conversation makes for the the best podcast topics and this one will not disappoint. Why aren't Black Men choosing Black Women? Sophia and Dr. L dive deep as they professionally and personally reflect on the tendency for Black Women to be excluded as "Marriage Material".

Sophia had to bring a part 2 to Dr. L's topic last episode about Reesa Teesa's "WTF Did I marry." This episode we look at the core beliefs we hold that impact our choices in relationships and how we end up of staying when we know it doesn't serve us. The awareness supports each of us to introspect and make the needed changes. Take this ride with the realest to do it.

In an epic 50-Part TikTok series, a brave woman tell the story of how she mt, dated, married, and divorced her ex-husband who she deemed a "pathological liar". In this episode, Dr. L and Sophia dig into the types of Liars adn "red flags" we should be leery of in these dating streets! And stay tuned!!...there will be a part 2!

Guess who's bizaacck?!?! You know it, it's Sophia and Dr. L back in the studio with Content Complex and after 7 months away they are ready for the season. Sophia kicks this topic calling all parents, caregivers, aunts/uncles, godparents, grandparents etc off with "Are you raising a privilege children?" They go over privilege, entitled and spoiled children and of course they provide their listeners with jewels to support in the awareness and making choices in rearing caring and thoughtful little people. Let's Gooo!!! This season will be insane yet all about mental awareness!

Sometimes we do things without thinking and we later realize that these behaviours get in the way of some of our bigger goals and desires. Self-sabotaging behaviors are often ways that we try to protect ourself from some perceived hurt or danger, but in the grand scheme of things we end up blocking our ownsuccess. Listen in as Dr. L and Sophia breakdown the 9 self-sabotaging personalities.

Personal boundaries are your protection of your beliefs, thoughts, and values. They are also designed to model for others how you will allow them to treat you. Join Sophia and Dr. L as they explore 7 personal boundaries that will support you creating a healthy version of you and healthier relationships 7 Personal Boundaries: Physical, Conversation, Time, Material, Emotional, Mental and Internal

All Relationships typically start as cupcakes and rainbows, but everyone comes with their expectations that may change over time. Sophia and Dr. L break into the exchange of expectations related to sex, money and physical upkeep!

Sophia and Dr. L have a discussion about Parental Burnout Syndrome and it's effects. One of the major symptoms is a disconnect from your children and even at times not liking them. As much as it is important to understand this real life condition, it's important to normalize the feelings that we experience as parents. This episode will have you learning the concept of parental burnout and how it may show up in your life and ways to manage it. Join Dr. L, Soph and a couple of callers to express their thoughts on this topic and an opportunity to share why they don't like their kids at times. They are removing the guilt and shame that is associated with the idea that a good parent should be burned out!

Everywhere we scroll, woman are exploring and encouraging one another to embrace the "Soft Life". While the concept sounds so tempting, this way of life may not feel natural or come easy for most of us. Dr. L and Sophia take some time to discuss some factors that can make this "Soft Life" rather HARD.

Maslow teaches us we all desire to have a sense of belonging and acceptance. Validation is healthy until we start to seek it to make many of our decisions or when we rely on validation to dictate our self-esteem and self worth. Join Sophia and Dr. L as they breakdown what's behind seeking validation and ways to shift the mindset and behaviour.

As adults, most of us have found ourselves in a situation that did not serve us well and it was hard to determine what to do. Dr. L and Sophia take some time in this episode to chat about the primary reasons why we stay stuck in situations that we are unsure or uncomfortable with. Whether it's a friendship, business, relationship or job, understanding what keeps us ready to move into taking action steps.

In this last month of December Soph and Dr. L explore the reasons why intentions are so powerful in your life. We spend so much time setting goals for the new year and focusing on the outcome, we sometimes lose our way. However setting intentions allows you to identify what you desire and become empowered by taking charge of your life 1 intention at a time. Join The Real Therapist in this episode as we shift our way of being before 2023!

Sometimes when we dont see something up close and personal, we dont realize how serious it may be. Today Sophia and Dr. L discuss the growing seriousness of human trafficking and ways we can try to stay safe.

Many of us are going through life carrying the weight of the world and our own experiences and don't even realize we may be struggling with survivors guilt. In this episode Sophia and Dr. L break down what is Survivors guilt and how it may be showing up in your life. This episode highlights tragic events which supports the listeners to make their own personal connection. Of course Dr. L and Sophia will always leave you with effective take aways.

Everybody is promoting “Self-Love” but few can actually say what it takes to love oneself.  In this episode Soph and Dr.L outline the recipe to achieving self-love as well as the possible barriers to accessing each ingredient that is needed. This episode will make you laugh, reflect, and give you action steps to move accessing self-love.

This episode Sophia and Dr. L have a conversation about social media trending couple Blueface and Chrisean. This couple have publicly displayed many toxic traits, their last incident was an fight outside that was recorded by many bystanders. This lead to the 2 therapists to breaking down the psychopathology of why people stay in unhealthy relationships. Sophia and Dr. L openly shared their views and more importantly the clinical take aways which will support those who are in toxic relationships.

It's Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and contrary to popular belief, mental health issues are present in the Black Family. While the diagnosed individual will have a lot to deal with, we often overlook how families are affected.  Dr.L and Soph spend some time discussing and outlining steps to balancing compassion for others as well as self when Mental Health struggles are present. 

After almost half a century the supreme court overturned the famous Roe vs Wade decision and you know Sophia and Dr. L ha ve some deep thoughts surrounding this recent event. These 2 real therapists discuss the effects on women's mental health as well as the impact this new change in America has had on them.

We'rrrre Back Its been a little while since you've heard from the real therapists but they are back.  They took some time to rebrand find a new home and some selfceare. Join Dr. L and Sophia as they updated you about what they've been up to and how the world has been impacting them both.  Of course you know there are some gems you will receive.  They have an amazing store for you so stay tuned!

Being a woman in 2022 is less than easy. When success and melanin is added to that recipe, the word difficult can't even begin to describe how intense life can get.  As we witness Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson make history as the first Black Female Supreme Court Justice, we are also witnessing the offensive disrespect and disregard that successful Black Women have to navigate even after they have earned their seat at the table.  Dr. L and Sophia chat about how they have navigated the “Successful Black Woman” road and how it can affect mental health and well-being.

Statistics have shown for decades that the divorce rate is 50% in the United States, however with some further research it was found the rate is more like 16% which is the lowest rate it has been since the 70's. Today Sophia and Dr. L have a conversation about divorce and the many factors that come along with it. Their guest Cedric Launcher joins them as he describes his 25 year journey of marriage. This is a conversation that needs a part 2 even though so many gems and take aways were given of course from the realest clinical and personal perspective you can get.

Join the realest therapists Dr. L and Sophia as they look at a few hot topics in current events that impact people also outside of the news. Dr. L came out discussing the recent murder/suicide that took place in Baltimore, Maryland. The therapists broke down the importance of believing people when they say they don't feel safe. The jumped to something less serious of Tristan  Thompson allegedly having another baby on Khloe Kardashian. The therapists had some fun with exploring "once a cheater always a cheater." They ended the episode celebrating Travis Hunter the #1 prospect in the country who chose to commit with legend Deion Sanders at Jackson State University. All the topics varied in severity however they all lead to learning how to trust yourself and what you know so you will always bet on yourself.

We are at that time of year where people often realize they struggle with seasonal affective disorder also know as SAD however we forget to zone in specifically about the "Holiday Blues." Holiday Blues can be very challenging for many due to grief, financial issues, trauma, and many other reasons. Join Soph and Dr. L as they share how holiday blues have impacted them both and the effective ways to get through this time of year. 

Summer Walker released her album “Still Over It” and the internet went into a frenzy. The songs were relatable for some people who have experienced similar pain in relationships and it triggered others who thought they had already healed from their pain. Dr. L and Soph could not miss this opportunity to provide their professional and personal opinions of the relationship journey.

Dr. L and Sophia are proud Morgan State University Alums, and because its Morgan's homecoming week they decided to shed some light on the major impact HBCU's have had on peoples lives. Daryl aka "Dj Radio" joined the 2 as a in studio guest and shared his fondness of MSU. They also had Hope sharing her amaziing experiences working with the late Dr. Nathan Carter. Because they didn't want to be bias they decided to share some love to other HBCU alums such as Vernon repping Clark Atlanta University, and Sloane repping spending some time at Coppin State University as well as MSU. This was a great discussion sharing how HBCU's molded and developed them to who they are today.

Having a baby is overwhelmingly life changing, but for most new parents; both moms and dads, the emotions are often ignored.  Dr. L and Sophia talk today about their own experiences and assumptions related to postpartum depression and how it can show up for moms and dads.

Entrepreneurship is a challenging yet  rewarding journey. Sophia and Dr. L are both are entrepreneurs. They observed many people during the pandemic started businesses of their own and have shared how their mental health have been affected during the process. They invited licensed social worker, and business owner Tamika Stewart also known as "Mik The Builder" to share some great insight and jewels to their listeners. You only get the realest on this platform and of course some great take aways.

Although it is more socially appropriate for women to be emotional, women who disclose mental health vulnerabilities continue to be shunned, rejected, punished, and ostracized.  Soph and Dr. L discuss some of the myths related to women to express emotional or mental struggles.  Let's stop assuming and create a safe space for everyone to freely express themselves and their struggles.

The Real Therapists play by their own rules and today that bring a topic that has been having people on the edge of their seats. WE always knew politics, religion and talking about people's kids are those sensitive topics that most people stay away from. However, the climate of our country has everyone deciding if they should or shouldn't receive the Covid-19 vaccine. This question has caused a huge division in many cultures. Listen to Sophia and Dr. L go after this topic at the realest level and of course provide you with ways to manage your mental health while you get to decide what is best for you and your family.

After a long 16 months, Soph and Dr. L are back in the studio!  In this episode Dr. L and Soph offer new listeners some background information about how the Real Therapists for the Culture came to fruition while also dropping some gems on how to get back to the norm without draining the life out of yourself. 

They have stayed away far too long, however Dr. L and Sophia are bacccckkk and they jumped right  into what's happening in the culture. They described the uproar that was created by Meghan Markle and husband Prince Harry"s candid interview regarding why they left the royal family. Of course Dr. L  and Sophia explored how feelings of being unheard, unseen and unprotected could leave people feeling they want to escape their family as well. The ladies missed recording and are excited to reconnect with their listeners.

Dr. L and Soph have not been able to be in the same space since the beginning of the pandemic.  In this episode they physically reunite for a glass of wine, lots of laughs, conversation about emotional effects of the 2020 election and how SEX can help!  

Dr. L and Sophia have a candid conversation about the mental health of the side chick. Sophia invited 2 guests Shawn and Myke to give an individual perspective about this topic. Shawn discloses being in the position as a side chick at several different times in her life, while Myke gives us his view of this new era and how the roles have shifted greatly. This conversation is filled with humor, vulnerability and of course great take-aways to continue this journey of wholeness we are all on together.

2020 just has not let up! With things happening around us being so serious and stressful, Dr. L and Sophia decide to keep things light in their conversation about the personalities of each zodiac sign, what may cause anxiety in their lives, as well as suggestions to engage in self-care!  We promise to make you laugh all while dishing some useful mental health knowledge.

Join Dr. L and Sophia as they discuss how mental health affects black men. Sophia and Dr. L was joined by Robert Smith to provide a more personal experience as a black man growing up in Baltimore and changing his life as a father and a business owner. He schooled them on how life experiences impact black men's perception of mental health. This episode is filled with education, humor and of course realness.

In the history books, 2020 will be known as the "The Year when Shit just never Stopped"!  As if a global pandemic is not enough, everytime we think things are going back to normal, something else alarmingly unbelievable hits our news feed.  In this episode, Soph and Dr. L weigh-in on a variety of topics that are buzzing and because they are always for the culture, they have some perspectives and suggestions to offer all of the listeners.

Join Sophia and Dr. L as they kick.off July honoring Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and openly discuss why black mental health matters. While we are in the midst of fighting for social justice for black and brown people Dr. L  and Sophia encourage all listeners to nurture their mental wellness at all cost.

Juneteenth commemorates the anniversary of all slaves in America being Free.  Several years prior in 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which was intended to set all Slaves Free.  Unfortunately, all states did not comply and continued to maintain slaves.  In this episode Soph and Dr. L chat about the ways in which we continue to be bound by mental chains.  We are free and it is time for all of us to start acting like it.

Today's conversation was intense for Dr. L and Sophia being two black women living in America, they have lived through times of social injustice towards black and brown people which evokes an array of emotions. The recent murder of George Floyd has outraged the country and black people want answers and change. Join them on this difficult yet needed dialogue about race and injustice.

After a 2 month break due to the current pandemic we are currently experiencing, Dr. L and Sophia have a conversation about how they have been impacted by coronavirus. As usual they use humor as they describe the new way of life has put them in like becoming at home teachers, cooking several times a day and doing their own nails and feet. They give their gems or as they say "take aways" to support their listeners through this journey.

Coronavirus disease is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person, it has impacted 114 countries. This virus has been declared a pandemic, and has impacted many Americans on multiple levels such as emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. Dr. L and Sophia have a candid conversation about how this virus has impacted them on multiple levels. They invite several guests in the studio to add their perspectives and the effects. Sophia and Dr. L intention for this episode to uplift the spirits of their listeners and also provide some information about what's happening in our country.

Talks about addiction often focus on drugs, alcohol, and nicotine.  In 2020, conversations have expanded to include categories of addiction that also include behavioral addictions.  Soph and Dr. L have an open conversation about various types of addictions that can affect our psychological and physical functioning. 

Dr. L and Sophia have the conversation with a special guest Keisa Johnson on the importance of talking to your children about sex. Sophia realized in recent conversations with parents they feel they are having the sex talk “too late.” It is a difficult conversation however it is extremely important for a child to develop self acceptance, responsibility, and self-awareness. The way we impact and affect the people in our lives are also a part of our journey to wholeness.  

People are not separate from their experiences.  We take these experiences with us even when we think we have forgotten.  Soph and Dr. L are using this episode to discuss the their own reflections of being BLACK and how those experiences shaped the Real Therapists for the Culture.

Forgiveness is one of those principles which is perceived to be extremely difficult for many of us. Forgiveness is the act of forgiving or the state of being forgiven. What appears to be difficult for many of us to forgive is the ideas we hold about forgiveness, such as we have to reconnect with the person who offended us or excuse their behaviors.  Sophia and Dr. L discuss the reasons why forgiveness is hard to do and all the reasons why it is necessary for healing and growth.