Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed.
Lebert & Paul: Happy Saturday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have reinvited an amazing guest to help us have a great conversation. Now, we'll let our guests introduce themself to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode Topic: The Podcast So Far Segment 1: Recap of the Pod So Far (Lebert) Intro: Since putting this podcast idea together around December of 2019, we've come far. We've covered a wide range of topics, and have just passed recording our 40th episode. Honestly, it's kind've shocking to realize how quickly time has passed. (Paul) Question 1: As we think about the podcast, I think it'd be cool for our listeners to hear what some of our fav bits of being on it are. What about the work we do has stuck out to you? (Lebert) Question 2: Let's talk episodes now, cause that is a big part of having a podcast right? So, what are some of your favorite episodes and why? Segment 2: Intro to the Hosts (Paul) Question 1: Our listeners have heard our thoughts, they've heard from our people's, but you know what? They still don't really know us. So, what are some neat details about yourself you think our listeners should know about you? (Lebert) Question 2: Now to discuss how that segues into podcasting, what were some of your ultimate goals and visions when you first thought to yourself “I wanna be a part of a podcast” ? Segment 3: Critiques and Growth Areas (Paul) Question 1: A production on any level is only as good as the self-awareness of it's creators. So, what are some ways you've tried to improve the content? (Lebert) Question 2: In what ways can it be daunting to share a creation with the world? How do you work to overcome such nervousness? Segment 4: Closing (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you make room for improvement? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Intro to Masculinity (Lebert) Intro: In order to be sure everyone is on the same page for our discussions, we often go to dictionary.com to provide you a neat definition of what we are using to describe the focus point of the episode. Today, we will be using dictionary.com's second definition of masculine with defines it as an adjective that means “Having qualities that traditionally ascribed to men, as strength or boldness” (Paul) Question 1: We always kick off with a review of feelings on the definitions, so what does this definition make you feel? (Lebert) Question 2: When do you think you were first exposed to masculinity as a concept? Segment 2: Masculinity Under Review (Paul) Question 1: Toxic masculinity is an important topic, and it wouldn't be a good conversation if we did not talk about it. What are some ways you have seen toxic masculinity be presented? (Lebert) Question 2: Masculinity, per its definition, feeds into the gender binary by ascribing specific behaviors to men just as femininity ascribes specific behaviors to women. How do you feel about that? Segment 3: Masculinity Across the Lifespan (Paul) Question 1: As men, there have likely been instances where we have challenged or leaned into masculinity. In what ways have you done so? (Lebert) Question 2: Who are some individuals in your life that helped you foster healthy views of masculinity, and in what ways did they help? Segment 4: Closing (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you define masculinity? Key Takeaways!!!
Episode Topic: Transitioning Across the Life Span Segment 1: Intro to Transitioning (Lebert) Intro: Like most words, “transition” has multiple definitions. Today, we'll be using the first definition of “Transition” that can be found on dictionary.com. Transition is defined as a noun that means “movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, concept etc., to another; change. (Paul) Question 1: Since discussing the whole lifespan might be a little tough with so many wonderful people hear, let's instead start with a transition that is a little closer. What was the transition from high school to college like for you all? What experiences did you begin to have? (Lebert) Question 2: Transitions have both positive, and negative components, so what were the simple parts of this transition? What were some of the hard parts of this transition? Segment 2: Transitions as an Art (Paul) Question 1: As we go throughout our life span, we eventually learn better ways to navigate the transitions we experience such as transitions in and out of jobs, friends, intimate relationships etc. What is one way of transitioning that you had to really work at to learn? (Lebert) Question 2: As social creatures, we are always learning from and being built up by each other. So, what is one way of “transitioning” that you learned from someone in your network? Segment 3: Transitions and Identity (Paul) Question 1: While transitions have an outer component, they also have an inner component that relates to our identities. So, what is one way in which you transitioned from the older you to the current you? (Lebert) Question 2: How did you go about seeking information or support as you transitioned into the current you? Segment 4: Closing (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you transition from environment to environment? Key Takeaways!!!
Episode Topic: Juneteenth and Blackness Segment 1: Intro to Juneteenth (Lebert) Intro: Like we discussed on our first Juneteenth episode (which was episode 16, go play that), Juneteenth is used to commemorate the day when troops went to Galveston Tx to announce to the remaining slaves that they were free. Unfortunately, not *all* of the enslaved people got their freedom. Enslaved folk living with disabilities still were left on plantations, and share cropping continued to be one way slavery lived on past it's ending (Paul) Question 1: So, let's talk current times. Juneteenth is now an official holiday, so how does that make you feel? (Lebert) Question 2: As we reflect on Juneteenth and it's significance, it's always good to ask what a national day, recognized or not, means to us. So, what does Juneteenth mean to you? Segment 2: Juneteenth and What Came After (Paul) Question 1: Juneteenth lead to a lot of changes in our society, and more specifically opened the gates for the beloved HBCU's we attended and graduated from. So, let's talk about that. What HBCU did you attend, and how did you select it? (Lebert) Question 2: What significance did attending a HBCU afford you? What were some of the challenges you faced despite being at your HBCU? Segment 3: Dimensions of Blackness (Paul) Question 1: So, with Juneteenth now back in the mainstream, many convos have appeared related to what it means to be Black in America. With Juneteenth in mind, what does being Black in this country mean to you? (Lebert) Question 2: In what ways did last years Juneteenth influence how you view Juneteenth now? Segment 4: Closing (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you craft an identity? Key Takeaways!!!
Song Suggestion: Passionfruit - Drake Lebert & Paul: Happy Tuesday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have reinvited an amazing guest to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let our guests introduce themself to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode Topic: Counseling/Therapeutic Orientation Segment 1: Intro to Counseling/Therapeutic Orientations (Lebert) Intro: So, as some of you may or may not have known, there are multiple counseling/therapeutic orientations that your counselor or therapist may utilize when they are working with you! They also do not exist in isolation, and can often be used together! Some of the approaches include Adlerian, Psychoanalytic, Existential and more. (Paul) Question 1: Before we get into a discussion of our counseling therapeutic approaches, we have to discuss how we got into the field. So, at what point in time did you realize counseling/therapy was a field of interest to you? (Lebert) Question 2: How did the conversations with your network go when you were discussing it with them? Segment 2: Learning About The Field (Paul) Question 1: Next, I thought it meaningful to talk about how our learning process within the field looked. What were some things about the field of counseling/therapy that surprised you? (Lebert) Question 2: In what ways did being within the field of counseling/therapy affect your own self-view? Segment 3: Orientations (Paul) Question 1: Alright, now we’re at the part of the discussion we’ve all been waiting for. What counseling theory or theories are you most oriented towards? (Lebert) Question 2: How does your identity influence the specific approaches you emphasize in your work as a practitioner? Segment 4: Closing (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What do you know about counseling/therapy? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Intro to Legacy (Lebert) Intro: Y’all know we love our definitions, and we have a neat one to use to guide today’s conversation. So, we went to dictionary.com and we’ll be pulling from their second definition. Legacy is defined as “anything handed down from the past. As from an ancestor and predecessor (Paul) Question 1: So, it’s first question time. How do you feel about this definition of a legacy? (Lebert) Question 2: As a flip of that, now how would you define legacy? Segment 2: When We First Became Aware of Our Legacy (Paul) Question 1: Legacy is related to our lives, and we are always living them. We also have to be made consciously aware of the legacies we leave. So, when did you first become aware of the fact that you have or will leave a legacy? (Lebert) Question 2: How was the concept of legacy discussed with you by those around you? This can be anyone from peers to mentors or more. Segment 3: Legacy and Identity (Paul) Question 1: Our identities play a key role in how we craft our legacies because of the ways others may seek to make them our guides through stereotypes. In what ways have the views of others influenced your legacies? (Lebert) Question 2: For our closing question, we now want to ask in what ways you have included others into your legacy? Segment 4: Closing (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you craft a legacy? Key Takeaways!!!
Episode Topic: Vulnerability Segment 1: Intro to Vulnerability (Lebert) Intro: Announcing definitions are important because many words have multiple definitions. To make sure everyone understands the definition we are operating on, we are using dictionary.com’s 2nd definition of vulnerability. It defines it as “willingness to show emotion or to allow one’s weakness to be seen or known; willingness to risk being hurt or attacked” (Paul) Question 1: Now, we transition into our first question, what comes to your mind when you hear this definition of vulnerability? (Lebert) Question 2: While we pulled dictionary.com’s definition of vulnerability, it’s also worth noting that we often define words for ourself all without the help of dictionaries. So, how do you define vulnerability? Segment 2: First Exposure To Vulnerability (Paul) Question 1: When do you think you were first exposed to vulnerability as a concept? What happened at that time? (Lebert) Question 2: When was the first time you were purposely vulnerable? How did it go for you? Segment 3: Vulnerability and Identity (Paul) Question 1: So, a variety of factors influence our willingness to be vulnerable. What are some that were present in your life? (Lebert) Question 2: How has your view of being vulnerable changed over time? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you practice vulnerability? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Intro to Avatar the Last Airbender (Lebert) Intro: “Avatar the Last Airbender” is a 2005 show co-created by Michael DiMartino, Bryan Koneitzko and Aaron Ehasz. It follows the story of Aang, the avatar and the last airbender of his time. In a time of warring states (Paul) Question 1: Now that we have introduced the topic, we thought it good to start with a quick assessment with how you feel. How did you feel about your introduction to Aang and his world? (Lebert) Question 2: Now that we’ve set the stage, what did you think of the southern water tribe? Segment 2: Our First Introduction to Zuko (Paul) Question 1: One of the first things Avatar does is introduce us to our hot headed antagonist, Zuko. What did you think of him when you first met him? (Lebert) Question 2: Of course, we also can’t talk about Zuko without talking about uncle Iroh. What did you think of our tea drinking sort of antagonist? Segment 3: The Southern Water Tribe. (Paul) Question 1: Here, as is typical for segment 3, we wanted to discuss the ways in which we saw ourselves reflected in them. We typically do not see many brown characters, and this was a village full of them. How did seeing that make you feel? (Lebert) Question 2: We learned so little about the southern water tribe because of how quickly they left. What do you wish you had gotten to see or better know before team Avatar skated off to the next bit of their journey. (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How did you feel after you watched your first episode of Avatar? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Intro to Kipo (Lebert) Intro: “Kipo and the Age of Wonder Beasts” is a 2020 show created by Radford Secrist that actually started as a webtoon. The story focuses on the story of Kipo Oak, a half-mute half-human girl whom is searching for her lost father and the other missing humans in a post-apocalyptic world (Paul) Question 1: Now that we have introduced the topic, we thought it good to start with a quick assessment with how you feel. How did you feel about your introduction to Kipo’s world and of course Kipo? (Lebert) Question 2: Now that we’ve set the stage a little bit, whom is your favorite character and why? Segment 2: The Age of Wonder Beasts (Paul) Question 1: Kipo couldn’t live in the age of wonder beasts without of course any wonder beasts. So, what are your thoughts on the wonder beasts nicknamed “mutes” that we have seen throughout the show? (Lebert) Question 2: Now, what do you think of the humans that Kipo and her crew have met so far? Segment 3: Kipo and the Age of Identity (Paul) Question 1: This show was praised rather highly both for the casting, with the diverse casting being one such thing reviewers have cited. How do you feel they did in their depictions? (Lebert) Question 2: In what ways would you have adjusted the story? This can be from any perspective, but preferably focus on season 1. (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: In what ways have you felt represented in television? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Intro to Education (Lebert) Intro: As career students, Paul and I have had a good bit of time being in the classroom. Until last year and sort of this one tho, we have never been in the classroom during a pandemic. So, we thought it good to shoot an episode on the topic! That way, you all can get some meaningful info while Paul and I discuss the state of K-12. (Paul) Question 1: Now that we have introduced the topic, I’d love to hear how you got into being an educator. What influenced you? (Lebert) Question 2: As an add on, in what ways are your education processes influenced by your own experiences? Segment 2: Education as We Grow (Paul) Question 1: So, the way education happened when we were younger obviously was different from the way we were educated as we got older. What were some changes you noticed? (Lebert) Question 2: Now that we have experienced a degree of online, hybrid, and now back in-person due to covid, education has once again changed. What are some of the changes that were challenging for you? Segment 3: Education and Identity (Paul) Question 1: So, identity plays a lot into our educational processes. In what ways has your identity affected the ways that those who were educating you, as students and now as adults, treated you? (Lebert) Question 2: Now, how does your identity influence the ways that you educate the students and other people that you work with? How did your undergrad and lower school coursework affect that? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What do you know about learning in a pandemic? Key Takeaways!!!
Episode topic: Celebrating & Embracing Your Life Segment 1: #MoreLife:What does it mean to celebrate life ? (Lebert) Intro: To introduce our topic as always, we went to www.thespruce.com to pull a grounded definition of life celebration. A celebration of life is a complement to a funeral, and many cultures (shout out to Nola) actually have a variety of ways to celebrate life. As many people in this room approach or have had their birthday this month, we thought this a great episode to have. (Paul) Question 1: What are some influences in your life that affect how you celebrate it? At what age did you truly begin celebrating your life vs living your life? (Lebert) Question 2: Since we discussed community in the intro, what are some ways people in your life have affected the way you celebrate your life? Segment 2: Value in Our Life (Paul) Question 1: So we’re all individuals, and collabs are about hearing from individuals. How about we now decide what something that adds value to our lives look like? What does it feel like? (Lebert) Question 2: To now view this from the other angle, what are some barriers to engaging in valuable life experiences? Segment 3: Evolution through life (Paul) Question 1: Just like how our thoughts and habits grow through time, so do the things we value and celebrate. So, in what ways have you experienced such changes? (Lebert) Question 2: Evolution is a process of looking back to compare, but it can equally involve looking forward to comparison. So, what is one thing about where you currently are in life that you hope your future self will be able to celebrate? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work ADC segment Paris closing segment (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you celebrate life? Close
Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have reinvited an amazing guest to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let our guests introduce themself to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Anxiety and Coping Segment 1: Intro to Anxiety (Lebert) Intro: To introduce our topic as always, we went to dictionary.com to pull a definition of anxiety for you. Today, we will be utilizing the first definition which defines anxiety as a noun characterized by distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune. In addition to that, anxiety is also a psychological condition that is most readily diagnosed via utilizing the diagnostic statistical manual-5. (Paul) Question 1: Now that we have previewed anxiety, how would you define anxiety? (Lebert) Question 2: On par with our definitions, let’s now discuss our first encounters with anxiety. At what age did you first experience anxiety? Do you remember what you were doing? Segment 2: Anxiety As We Grow (Paul) Question 1: Anxiety is manifested in many areas of our lives such as in academia, in relationships, and more. Can you detail some ways the way anxiety is expressed can differ? (Lebert) Question 2: As we explore ourselves and more of our identities, we see that anxiety is also present here. What are some ways in which societal pressures have contributed to any anxiousness you feel? Segment 3: Anxiety In Society (Paul) Question 1: We are currently facing a pandemic that of course is collaborating with systemic pressures, and compounding the anxiety many people already faced. What are some ways you have seen or experienced anxiety lately due to these factors? (Lebert) Question 2: Our society tends to not supply tips that do not further induce anxiety, so as we wrap up we’d love to hear some tips from all of you about how to manage anxiety. What are some that you utilize? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What conversations have you had about anxiety? Key Takeaways!!!
Lebert & Paul: Happy Saturday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have reinvited an amazing guest to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let our guest introduce themself to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Growing Pains Segment 1: Growth as a Process (Lebert) Question 1: So, growth is a component of our journeys that people love to emphasize. All that considered, growth is pretty important. Growth is also something that has to be bought into as well as chosen. What is the first point in your life that you remember having or feeling growth in yourself? (Paul) Question 2: Growth touches a lot areas in our life from our work, our relationships, and even our hobbies. What are some of the various areas in your life you’ve experienced growth? Segment 2: Growth can be Scary (Lebert) Question 1: A key part of change is the reality that it is a spectrum. There are some parts that are obviously good for us, and other parts that seem relatively uncertain and scary. What are some instances where you were afraid to make a change? (Paul) Question 2: To take it a step further, change is also a process that does not happen overnight. Change can both happen at a slow pace, as well as be delayed by us. What are some instances where you have hesitated to make a change that you wanted to make? 47:00 Segment 3: Our Networks Always Have Input (Lebert) Question 1: Because they love us, our people’s always weigh in on the decisions we make. Of course, this can lead to both supportive and detrimental thoughts coming from them. What is some negative input about how you should develop that your network has offered you? 1:03:00 (Paul) Question 2: To flip it, sometimes our network has positive and even beneficial input to offer to us. What is some positive input about how you should develop that your network has offered you? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: In what ways have you grown? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Background into Addiction (Lebert) Intro: On our episode 8 on addiction we lightly introduced you all to the topic because, like a class, we want you all to have intro knowledge before we engage in depth on topics. To remind you, we will be using dictionary.com’s first definition. It defines addiction as a noun, and says addiction is the state of being compulsively committed to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. (Paul) Question 1: We’ve previewed the definition of addiction, so now that we have a wonderful guest with a background in addiction training here we wanted to have you tell us how you would define addiction? (Lebert) Question 2: We previously discussed our first exposure to addiction, so let’s add to that and now discuss our experiences with viewing, discussion addiction etc on college campuses. What sort of conversations did you have at your undergrad alma maters on addiction? Segment 2: Societies Role in Addiction (Lebert) Question 1: As with anything, society plays a role in our view of addiction. To build upon our earlier question of addiction on our alma maters, how did the media you consumed phrase addiction to you on college campuses? (Paul) Question 2: As people whom have experienced graduate school as well as currently in grad school, let us now talk about how conversations of living with addiction can look in graduate school. In what ways have you heard it discussed? Segment 3: Harmful Cultures (Lebert) Question 1: As we have discussed our experiences, we have also discussed the ways in which these harmful cultures society leads us to engage with ultimately hurts us all. As someone whom is now work towards licensure, in what ways have you seen these harmful cultures present even within your profession and sessions? (Paul) Question 2: Cultures are continually created throughout our lives, and the pandemic has added to the ways in which we seek to cope and navigate our day to day. In what ways has the pandemic lead you to reconsider or re-examine conversations around addiction? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What do you know about stigma? Key Takeaways!!!
Lebert & Paul: Happy Saturday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have reinvited an amazing guest to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let our guest introduce themself to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Accountability Segment 1: Background into Accountability (Lebert) Intro: “Accountability” sounds like a word many of us know and are familiar with, but it wouldn’t be an episode with us if we didn’t make sure everybody understands what we are talking about today. The definition of accountable we’ll be operating on to discuss accountability is the first definition from dictionary.com. It describes the word “accountable” as an adjective, and says that being accountable is “subject to the obligation to report, explain, or justify something; responsible; answerable”. (Paul) Question 1: We’ve previewed the definition of accountable, so let’s discuss our definitions of accountability. When you hear that word, what ideas come to your mind? (Lebert) Question 2: When did the idea of accountability first get exposed to you? What are some of your first memories of interacting with accountability? Segment 2: Accountability and It’s Dimensions *Insert snippet from Ep. 19 28:31-29:12 (Paul) Intro: On Episode 19: Community Psychology we segued into accountability, and you asked us how powerful it would be if Tory openly came out and apologized for his shooting of Meg Thee Stallion. That it would of meant a lot if we learned as a community from such an event. He didn’t do that, but we thought this was worth exploring. (Lebert) Question 1: Accountability ultimately has to be paired with the desire to be accountable, and as someone whom has worked in prisons, community groups and academia you have encountered in such individuals. What do you think accountability can look like for him? (Paul) Question 2: Far too often, conversations of accountability dwindle down to “returning to how things were before” rather than the sequence of acts that truly characterize accountability. In what ways do you feel accountability has been improperly viewed? Segment 3: Accountability and Relationships (Lebert) Question 1: Accountability is a core part of our interactions, and thus it’s important to make sure space is made for that in our relationships. So, in what ways have peers held you accountable? (Paul) Question 2: In an equal way, it is important to make sure we show our peers the proper care as far as holding them accountable. So, what does holding your peers accountable look like for you? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What does accountability look like to you? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Background to the Gems (Lebert) Intro: Steven’s Universe is a show created by Rebecca Sugar that first began airing in 2013. It centers the story of the main character, Steven Universe. More specifically tho, includes the gems. Mythical, ageless beings who draw their power from the power shards present somewhere on their bodies (Paul) Question 1: To kick it off with where we left off from last time, let’s open with how we feel about the gems? You can answer for all gems, or discuss one particular one if you have one on your heart. (Lebert) Question 2: How do you feel about the development of the gems? Is there a specific gem you feel like fell short of, or was way past the growth you saw them capable of? Segment 2: The Gem’s “universe” (Paul) Question 1: Like most social beings, the gems relied on their communities for support, guidance, and even sources of disagreement. How would you describe the bonds of the crystal gems? Now the homeworld gems? (Lebert) Question 2: The gems were all their own people, and thus we often saw ourselves reflected in them in both good and bad ways. In the name of self-awareness, what is an area of improvement in yourself that you also saw in a gem? Segment 3: The Diamonds (Paul) Question 1: As the omnipotent leaders, the gems spent a lot of their time serving as antagonists who were mostly disinterested in other beings. How do you feel about the gems and what they do? Edit fumble paul lol 1:00:00 1:06:00 (Lebert) Question 2: While we got to see homeworld, we still do not get the full understanding of what all the gems do. What are some conversations about the way gem society works that you feel went unanswered? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you view and assess yourself? Key Takeaways!!!
Lebert & Paul: Happy Saturday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have invited two amazing guests to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let our guests introduce themself to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Public Health Segment 1: Background into Public (Lebert) Intro: “Public Health” sounds like a self-explanatory term and field, but it wouldn’t be an episode with us if we didn’t break down the nuances involved in it. Public health is everything from community health to community health education and more specifically what factors affect communities' health. (Paul) Question 1: So we have two people here who are currently in the public health field, and so it’s only right that we have you two weigh-in. How would you two define public health? (Lebert) Question 2: Now that we have loosely defined it, is there a specific facet of public health that you have a particular focus on? Segment 2: Factors that affect Public Health (Lebert) Question 1: While many of us are uniquely aware of public health through our lived experiences, being in a graduate program for it as a specific focus provides proper terms, training and more. In what ways have your views of public health changed since beginning your programs? (Paul) Question 2: To now pair with the first question, education does not inherently mean we are learning the right things, but that we are merely learning things. What are gaps you have perceived in the field of public health? Segment 3: Public Health and Identity (Lebert) Question 1: Our specific journeys are often motivated and supported by our identities, so in what ways has your identity influenced your interest in public health? (Paul) Question 2: What are some “public health” recommendations you have for our listeners? They can be on an individual basis, as well as recommendations for how to have better conversations on public health. (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What do you know about public health? Key Takeaways!!!
Episode Topic: Honey Ad recording Intro (1 min) (Lebert): Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. Today’s episode is gonna be a little different from the others because we are recording an ad for the super cool Honey contest for podcasts known as SponsorMeHoney Contest. Before we get into that tho, I wanna bounce it to Paul to remind you who we are. (Paul): Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Now, I’ ma toss it to you Lebert so you can discuss Honey a lil bit (Lebert): Honey is a free browser add-on available on Google Chrome, Opera, Firefox, and Safari. They are a partner of the Los Angeles Clippers. The way they work is scanning the web for discount codes, and then offering results for you if they’re able to find some for you. Segment 1: Information on Honey (Paul): Honey has over 10 million subscribers and over 100,000 5 star reviews, unless you hate money, make your day sunny and go install Honey. If you want to install it just go to joinhoney.com, create an account, add it to your desktop, and then get to saving. Now, how do you feel about the idea of saving money, Lebert? (Lebert): On average, Honey members save $126 dollars, and they come with praise from places that are worth nothing. Business Insider, New York Times, Buzzfeed, and Time have all attested to how good the work Honey does is. Right now, about 30,000+ merchants are a part of Honey’s network. In an age of online buying, how does the idea of better doing it make you feel Paul? Segment 2: Notable Brands that work with Honey (Paul): Honey has partnerships with a lot of places that many folk shops from like Adidas, Macy’s, Target, Nike, and more. How does that make you feel? (Lebert): In a time when we are so distanced and unable to be around our people in our typical ways, Honey appears as a neat way to send gifts and show love at a cheaper price. To review our ad, just go to joinhoney.com/besthoney.ad. In what ways might Honey appear for you during these upcoming holidays, Paul? (Paul): Honey is offering this wonderful contest, but as we have detailed Honey is also a wonderful site that you and your wallet will love. Edit transition (Lebert): And who doesn’t love a happy wallet? Now that we are closing out tho, I just wanna remind you all who we are. Again, we are Thoughts From a Counselor and can be found on Instagram @Thoughtsfromcounselors. I am Lebert Lester III (Paul): And I’m Paul Singleton II unless you hate money, make your day sunny and go installHoney. Reminder joinhoney.com/besthoney.ad.
Podcast collaboration with After Dinner Conversations podcast collabs with Thoughts From A Counselor to discuss friendships, relationships, and the dynamics we must navigate to maintain them.
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Saturday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have invited some amazing guests to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let them introduce themselves to you. Edit 3:50 Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Edit Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode Topic: The Facets of Health Segment 1: What is health? (Lebert) Intro: For today’s definition that we will be operating on is dictionary.com’s 2nd definition of health, which defines health as “soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment” (Paul) Question 1: When you hear the word health as folk who work in physical health care and mental health care, what ideas come to your minds? (Lebert) Question 2: What influences your definitions of health? What went into your creation of your definition? Segment 2: Health as a Tandem (Paul) Question 1: Many people believe that mental health and physical health are separate rather than combined. What do you think informs this belief that two are not one? (Lebert) Question 2: In what ways have you seen physical health affect mental health and vice versa? Edit 51:20. Segment 3: Health and Identity (Paul) Question 1: In what ways has your identity influenced your journey into your area of health be it mental or physical health? 1:15:00 (Lebert) Question 2: What are some tips or suggestions you think that would greatly assist folk in maintaining and improving their mental or physical health? 1:25:00 (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work Edit 1:31:05 (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What do you know about physical and mental health? Key Takeaways!!
Segment 1: What is a career? (Lebert) Intro: As is on-brand with us, we pulled a definition for the word we are operating on today is dictionary.com’s fourth definition. It states that a career is “A choice, and especially a swift one”. (Paul) Question 1: As someone who has researched in this area, you have inside and expert experience. To start with Dr. Prescod, how would you personally describe what a career is? (Lebert) Question 2: What went into your career selection? Most importantly, was there another career or career you were interested in beforehand? Segment 2: Career Supporters (Paul) Question 1: In what ways has your network and your community-supported your journey as you explore your career? (Lebert) Question 2: In what ways does your mental health counseling add to and get incorporated into your discussions of career counseling and vice versa? Segment 3: Career and Identity (Paul) Question 1: In what ways has your identity affected your career navigation? (Lebert) Question 2: What are some ways you work to incorporate your identity and lived experiences into your current career? 59:55 (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: What influences your career choices? Key Takeaways!!!
Segment 1: Background to Steven (Lebert) Intro: Steven’s Universe is a show created by Rebecca Sugar that first began airing in 2013. It follows the adventures of a young boy named Steven Universe who must explore his town, his superpowered family, and most importantly himself. (Paul) Question 1: So many things come to mind when I think of Steven’s Universe, so I think what I first want to ask is how would you describe Steven? When you think of our introduction to him, how did you see him? (Lebert) Question 2: In what way has Steven’s Universe prepared you to better engage with yourself? A consistent theme in the show is actually including Steven in decision making, even if the result was not always what he selected We’ll prolly not use it for this one, since we already selected an opening. And filler Segment 2: Steven’s “universe” (Stronger than you) (Paul) Question 1: A vital part of Steven is his universe! Garnet, Amethyst, Pearl, Lapis, Peridot, Connie and more actively contributed to Steven’s development. Who was your favorite part of Steven’s “universe”, and what do you think they taught him? For “Stronger than you”, I’ll introduce it and then we’ll do a like 20 or 30 sec run of the song before we actually go into section 3 (Lebert) Question 2: Through his family Steven got to explore relationships, gender, sexuality and more. In what ways did all of the lessons and their lives affect you? *insert a recording of “Stronger Than You here” pls* Segment 3: Steven’s Universe: Future time-55:03 (Paul) Question 1: In Steven’s Universe: Future, we got the rare opportunity to see our hero actually attempt to live a normal life, and Steven quickly realized he had more work to do after saving the world. What did you gleam from this last chapter of “closure” that we were given for Steven? (Lebert) Question 2: What parts of Steven’s Universe: Future resonated with you? A driving them in this particular iteration of Steven’s life was that the work never finishes. What “work” did the work in Steven’s journey expose to you? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How does your identity affect the television you consume? Key Takeaways!!!
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have invited some amazing guests to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let them introduce themselves to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Music and Artistry Segment 1: Music and Us (Lebert) Intro: Music is a staple in all of our lives, and many of us are rarely without some form of music. Be it a song in our ears, hearts, or fingertips we often find ourselves always in a state of thinking of or creating music. (Jess) Question 1: Many of us have always had phases of listening to music, but experiencing and being conscious of music is a different journey altogether. At what point did you find yourself consciously consuming music? (Lebert) Question 2: Many of our music tastes initially start as our caretaker’s tastes by their grandparents, parents, etc., and eventually we develop our own musical interest. Who was the first artist or what was the first project that made you fall in love with music? Segment 2: Your Journey’s in Music (Paul) Question 1: As a singer, you have insight into what navigating a career in music may look like. How did you get onto your particular path? For the non-singers, how has music affected your path? 35:00 Bet (Lebert) Question 2: How would you describe your journey’s with your music thus far? What factors affected your musical journey in positive or negative ways? Plug Nina Simone here Segment 3: Music and Identity (Paul) Question 1: Identity plays a role in how we are treated and viewed by society, and of course that is also seen in our navigation of music. In what ways has your particular identity affected your journey through music? 52:00 (Lebert) Question 2: Music also plays a particular role in our lives because music has the potential to do so much for us. Music can heal, music can teach, and music can comfort. So, what does being an artist in music mean to you? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: Do you consume art, or do you merely view it? Key Takeaways!!!
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As is usual for this show, we have invited some amazing guests to help us have a great conversation. Now, we’ll let them introduce themselves to you. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode Topic: Acting and Identity Segment 1: Performances that Touched Us (Lebert) Intro: On August 28th of 2020, the news was broken to the world that Chadwick Boseman passed away from colon cancer. This inspired a variety of feelings in people, and especially in the Black community who often mourns as a unit when such an event reaches us (Paul) Question 1: Acting clearly has a major effect on us, and the rate at which many of us go to or bootleg movies clearly shows that. Today, I want to ask who the first actor was that made you really feel a movie? (Lebert) Question 2: When you discuss acting, we have to remember that these are people playing a role. Still, in a way we are all “actors” based on what each environment requires from us. In what ways have you found yourself having to “fit the role” of what is needed from you in your daily life? Segment 2: Acting As A Profession (Paul) Question 1: As our guests indicated, we have some actual actors present in the room who have experience with the field we are discussing. When you are looking for roles, what are you looking for? Actually, what are some ways you go about finding roles to even gauge? (Lebert) Question 2: What are ways in which you think your identity has influenced your experience navigating your career? (Paul) Transition: Now, before we go into our next segment, we’re gonna play a short but important clip for you all to digest. Record this Chadwick Boseman clip from 2:11 - 4:10 pls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgASaCn8XXs Segment 3: How Actors and Actresses Influence Us (Paul) Question 1: To pivot back to Chadwick Boseman and the often wonderful casts he worked with, performances often assist us in imagining ourselves in ways that perhaps we could not have before. What is one movie in particular that gave that feeling to you? Time-45:25 (Lebert) Question 2: What is one vision that you have for a movie and of course the actors/actresses that you would like to see realized? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: Do you consume art, or do you merely view it? Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor: Close/outro
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. As always, we have another exciting round of guests today that will be joining us and adding greatness to the conversation. Now, we’ll allow them to introduce themselves to them Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode Topic: Community Psychology Segment 1: Community Psychology Introduced (Lebert) Intro: As our viewers may or may not know, psychology has many areas and folk who are pursuing a degree in psychology have room to do a variety of jobs and tasks. Many think the field of psychology is only counseling, but it entails researching, marketing and even crossing over into other fields entirely. Today, of course, we’re focusing on community psychology. Dr. Younge, would you like to provide a definition of it for us? (Paul) Question 1: One of the first words in today’s episode topic is “community”, so I first think it would be great for us to define what that means to us. When you hear the word “community”, what comes to your mind? (Lebert) Question 2: Communities come with many dimensions, and for many of us our communities change as we do. So, what makes one a part of a community? Segment 2: Communities in Context-Paul edit (Paul) Question 1: Communities are composed of multiple people, and yet we often act is if community issues are related to individuals. What do you think influences our view of the ways communities function? (Lebert) Question 2: As a researcher and professor Dr. Younge you have examined health behaviors, discrimination, the carceral system, community systems, and more. Can you further explain to our viewers how these behaviors relate to entire communities? Segment 3: Community Care (Paul) Question 1: In addition to conversations of how communities work, we inevitably have to talk about ways in which we interact with our community as individuals. How do you engage with the various communities you occupy? (Lebert) Question 2: Service and more specifically directed service is direly needed in many communities, and especially now as we navigate COVID. What are some sustainable ways in which we can engage in community care? (Paul) Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work (Lebert) Listener question of the day idea: How do you engage with your community? Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor: Close/outro
Episode 18- Relationships and Their Complexities
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Monday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode Topic: Self Care: Did You Make Time For Yourself Segment 1: Self Care Explained (Paul) Intro: Self-care is important at all times but is especially important now given the more visible acts of racism in the media, the coronavirus pandemic, and the societal failures being enlarged by the pandemic. Before we begin the episode, it’s only natural that we provide a neat definition of self-care so you all will know what we are talking about when we say “Self-care”. (Lebert) Definition: Today, we will be operating off of dictionary.com’s first definition of self-care, which says “Self-care: noun; the act of attending to one’s physical or mental health, generally without medical or professional consultation (often used attributively) (Paul) Question 1: Now that we have a formal definition, let’s talk about what self-care looks like to us. How do you define self-care? (Lebert) Question 2: To add to how we view self-care when were you first introduced to the term self-care? Did you engage in it before you physically knew the word “self-care”? Segment 2: Growing our Self-Care (Paul) Intro: Self-Care is a journey, right. There is not really a set point in time where we stop engaging in it or stop adding to the ways we engage in it. (Lebert) Question 1: How did you engage in self-care before you currently did? What are some of your favorite ways of engaging with self-care? (Paul) Question 2: How have your friends assisted your self-care journey? How has your self-care grown because of the acts they’ve done or suggested? Segment 3: Self-Harm (Lebert) Intro: As the antithesis of self-care, we define self-harm by actively avoiding one’s physical or mental health and trying to act as if such acts are low priority. Additionally, we also define self-harm as overly participating in self-care. For a neat example of what we mean by that second sentence, think about drinking water. Not drinking any is horrible, but so is also drinking way too much. (Lebert) Question 1: What are some ways you’ve seen people knowingly engage in self-harm? As an add on to this, what are some ways you have seen folk unknowingly engage in self-harm? (Paul) Question 2: We’ve talked about others so now it’s time we discuss the ways that we as individuals engage in self-harm. What are some ways that you have? (Paul) Lead by example
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Monday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III and Paul Singleton II. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode Topic: Juneteenth and Protesting - What Do You Know? Segment 1: Background on Protesting (Lebert) Intro: Protesting is an integral part of civic duty, and its reoccurring need is always present in our lives. To do our duty and supply a neat definition for how we will be moving forward with the term of “Protest” that we will be operating on for this discussion. Today, we selected dictionary.com’s first definition which is “an expression or declaration of objection, disapproval, or dissent, often in opposition to something a person is powerless to prevent or avoid”. (Paul) Question 1: Now that we have a formal definition, let’s get down to explaining what folks mean to us. I mean, this is a show were we of our thoughts for people to agree with, disagree with, and comment on our IG page about. So, what does protesting mean to you? (Lebert) Question 2: To match the many definitions protesting has, protesting has also existed all throughout history. In a lot of ways, protesting is history. When did you first learn about protests and the importance of protesting? Segment 2: Juneteenth (Paul) Intro: On June 19th, we joined our community at the Juneteenth protest where various parts of the community came together to mutually heal due to the recent murders of multiple Black people in the media. This includes Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Shaki Peters, Brayla Stone and more. Originally, Juneteenth was created to honor federal troops arriving in Galveston, Tx to announce that the civil war had ended and the enslaved were now free. (Lebert) Question 1: Now I suppose we should talk about how we felt and what we observed at the protest, right? Start us off Paul, how did it feel to be at that space given the recent police brutality incidents as well as coronavirus going on? (Paul) Question 2: What kind of individual as far as age did you see out there at the protest?. Also, what are some ways folks who were not present physically, still supported or could support from afar? Segment 3: Miseducation about Protesting We open with a few clips (Lebert) Question 1: We wanted to play those clips Many folk have reacted to recent instances of protesting by trying to complain about the ways in which it is done, with some most notably implying that rioting and looting are inauthentic forms of protest. In what ways has our education on protesting influenced such thoughts? (Paul) Question 2: With the passing of John Lewis and C.T. Vivian, we are once again reminded that the issues of civil rights are still present at these very moments. In what ways can we draw upon the words of icons who have passed such as these two, but also those who are still living like Nikki Giovanni and Angela Davis? (Paul) Lead by example
Part 2 of our Real Justice, Black Peace: Panel Discussion series on racism within our society and how we can induce change
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Tuesday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III, Paul Singleton II, and today we are excited to introduce our newest guest. Rather than us talking for these wonderful guests, we’ll toss the microphone to them so they can introduce themselves Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Real Justice, Black Peace: Panel Discussion series on racism within our society and how we can induce change # Monday at 7 pm - Dr.Hines State Rep. Brandon McGee Ms.Jessica Fort Add Potential Panel Questions- Lebert & Paul Complete the following sentence: “Racism in America today is ...” In what ways has racism grown and adapted to suit the times as opposed to declined? Institutions often support racist and discriminatory practices, what are examples of such practices that you have observed? *Recent examples Experiences with racism are both similar and differ based on when they occur and whom they are being done to. What are the ways racism differs based on sexual identity, gender, etc? Microaggressions are a common aspect of racism many are subjected to. What are some examples of microaggressions you have experienced in your lifetime? Recent events have left younger people wanting to seek environments where they can discuss race and racism so they can better understand the two concepts. What are the strategies and tips they can use to seek such information? Mainstream news media and social media are many folks' main authority on the world, and of course racist events. What perception do you have of the way news media reports racist incidents? When you hear #sayhername what ideas and feelings come to your mind? When you hear #sayhisname what ideas and feelings come to your mind? Many discuss societal reforms as starting points to contend with racism. What are the components of our society you feel glaringly need to change? Black scholars theorize that American society cannot be reformed due to how it grows and adapts. Are there components of our society you feel we must divest from altogether? As recent events unfold, many non-Black people have found themselves offering responses of “I didn’t know” to their Black counterparts. What are the steps do you believe our peers can engage in to properly support their Black peers? What are your suggestions for how to implement change within the black community?
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Saturday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III, Paul Singleton II, and today we are excited to introduce our newest guest. Rather than us talking for these wonderful guests, we’ll toss the microphone to them so they can introduce themselves Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Anime and You. How Would Shonen Depict YOU Part 1: Perceptions and Experiences with anime (Lebert) Question 1: How did you get into anime? I’m sure between all of us we have seen a good amount. (insert guests name), would you like to kick it off? (Paul) Question 2: Now that we are discussing anime, Were there any anime characters you identified within particular? More specifically, how do those characters speak to your identity? (Lebert) Many casual fans like how anime brings “lost” or “misunderstood” souls together. It is their escape from whatever issues they may be dealing with and even a teacher to some. What thoughts and experiences have the anime you enjoy helped you navigate? Part 2: Representation in anime/animation Play before question 1:18-3:41 Black Representation in Anime https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAyIy3bEIZk by-Sistah Punk (Paul) One of the common terms in anime is ganbatte. It means, "Do your best." Characters say it because they want to make sure that everyone does their best, works together, and works hard. I like this concept because to me it embraces the concept of persistence. Bringing their team together making them into a cohesive group. Which leads to order and outcomes. However when we discuss the progression of black and brown representation in anime we seem to still be behind or misinformed. (Paul ) With that in mind, What do you think about the fact that anime character archetypes tend to be recycled (i.e. main characters having blue eyes and blonde hair, not being Black, women rarely being the lead, etc)? Was that a barrier to engagement for you? (Lebert ) Are there examples of animes where you feel like characters were misrepresented or even stereotyped? In what ways have you seen common themes in this way (Paul) Outside of anime fan culture at conventions like Otakon, Comic-Con, etc do you feel social media has affected anime and how people view it? Skip to next section? We’re at 1 hour Part 3: Fuuuuu-sion-ha!!!!: Intersecting Anime with identity (Lebert) Did your enjoyment of anime ever conflict with your identity? By that, we mean the way folk expected someone like you to consume media (ex. “Why would a woman enjoy anime”) (Lebert) Some people say they don't think about the race of anime characters since it's not live-action. How do you think that concept influences people's perceptions of themselves and the world around them? 1` (Paul) To you, are there parallels between anime/Japanese culture and your own cultural identity? Paul-Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work Close
Intro (1 min) Celebration Station Uzi Lebert & Paul: Happy Tuesday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III, Paul Singleton II, and today we are excited to introduce our newest guest. Rather than us talking for this great man, we’ll toss the microphone to him so he can introduce himself Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors in training who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce the topic Episode topic: Conceptualizing Satire Part 1: Definitions and Experiences Satire is an art form that many of us have come to learn and appreciate because it is so prevalent in media. Satire can be seen in many of the shows we enjoy such as The Boondocks, Black Mirror, Daria, and more, but what is satire? Well, dictionary.com defines satire as the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice (bigotry), folly (misunderstanding), etc. (Lebert) Question 1: Since we are discussing satire, why not name some of our favorite satire shows? I’m sure between the three of us we have seen a good amount. Josh, would you like to kick it off? (Paul) Question 2: Now that we are discussing satire, we also gotta discuss comprehension of it, so at what age did you begin watching satirical shows? As a follow-up, at what age did you begin to perceive the satire? I’ll let you start this one, Lebert. 5min Part 2: Satire in Depth (Josh) Question 1: Do you feel as if the black community falls back on satire driven humor to discuss issues our community faces? Why or why not? Paul can start this one 5 min . (Paul) Question 2: So, how do you prepare someone to consume satire? I know a lot of folks misunderstand it and even accidentally begin feeding into what should be the art. 5min (Lebert) Question 3: Now that we have discussed satire, let’s discuss what satire is not. Many comedians falsely believe cringey jokes and our outright bigoted jokes are satire. What experiences have you had with folks who make jokes as “The devil’s advocate?” Lebert let me know when -> 6:50-8:05 reasons why Comedian Dave Chappelle Walked Away From $50 million https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlScX2stRuo Part 3: Satire Expanded (Lebert) Question 1: The greatest difficulty of creating satire, really all art, is that it is left to the interpretation of the viewer. What are specific characters who are the object of satire that you have seen folk completely misperceive? (Paul) Question 2: As the dictionary.co definition said, satire plays upon many factors of our socialization such as classism, race, gender, and more, so how do we prepare ourselves to acknowledge this component of humor and satire? Paul-Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work Close Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor: Anime and Being Black While Enjoying It
Intro song Intro (2 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III, Paul Singleton II, and today we are here with some more special guests. Our guests today are the phenomenal hosts of After Dinner Conversations!!! Please introduce yourself and plug your pod, include a focus on your pod. Hood Loyalty Description: A conversation surrounded around balancing the responsibilities of your brotherhood with that of your neighborhood. Segment 1: How do you define Brotherhood? Lebert-Question 1: Since the topic of today is a brotherhood, why not have all our hosts define what brotherhood means to them? That way, our viewers can hear the ways brotherhood is similar, and yet different depending on who they are talking to Lebert-Question 2: What is the first experience that comes to mind when you hear the word “brotherhood”? How does brotherhood feel to you? Stephen leads us into our next segment-Segment 2: The dimensions of Brotherhood Stephen- Question 1: Now, what are some things you think do not exhibit brotherhood? What are some clear signs to you that someone is perhaps not your “brother”. Mike-Question 2: In what ways does your “brotherhood” cross the gender lines? How does your idea of brotherhood compare to the ways in which you view women? Corey lead us into our next Segment 3: Brotherhood through lived experiences Corey- Questions 1: How do you handle conflicts among your brotherhood? Paul-Questions 2: As college graduates and now grad students, our ideas of the brotherhood have grown as we have. What aspects of your brotherhood have you adapted? Paul & (Corey, mike, or Stephen) Our final segments for this episode will focus on how each show closes. So today we will not only be shouting out leaders in our lead by example segment but we will also be plugging a plug or passing the aux( we will need to explain). Plug-A-Plug (Shoutout of an entrepreneur, small business, artist, creators, etc.) Pass the Aux TBD- I would suggest that songs have some form of connection to the concept of brotherhood or connect to how you conceptualize brotherhood. Close show.
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III, Paul Singleton II, and today is also an extra special day because we have another round of guests appearing! Today we happily welcome back to today’s virtual table to kick some knowledge and good vibes with us. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce topic Episode topic: Let’s Talk About Black Ethnicities (Lebert) Question 1: Since we are discussing race and ethnicities, why not open with our own to start with? How do you identify racially and ethnically? (Paul) Question 2: How did your understanding of race and ethnicity begin?. 5min (Mai) Question 1: What misunderstandings have you seen amongst Black identities? In what ways have you seen that navigated? 5min (Lebert) Support: More specifically, I think about how a lot of us have internalized anti-Blackness that we have not contended with, and we do not often get the opportunity to interrogate that outside of academic spaces. (Paul) Question 2: How do we acknowledge the ways in which we have been anti-Black in the past? More specifically, how do we hold room for both deserving apologies, needing apologies, and creating our own “closure”? 5min Lebert let me know when -> 1:02-1:13 on #BlackAF official trailer on Netflix Gotcha. Will do (Mai) Question 1: Like most media, BlackAF is going to represent the internalizations we have (unless we unlearn them) no matter who has created them. What are some ways you have seen Black art still miss the mark? (Lebert) Question 2: Many of us have not had in-depth conversations of internalized anti-Blackness, so we are making sure we provide that space. Here go some definitions. 5min The question for this segment is in what ways have you worked through, and been exposed to your own biases as you have learned? 5min
Topic: Scholar Takeover Graduation Edition Week
Intro (1 min) “Hear Me Calling” or “Lucid Dreams” Paul-Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Episode Topic: JuiceWRLD and the criminalization of Black addiction Segment A: On December 9th, JuiceWRLD (real name Jarad Anthony Higgins) tragically passed due to an accidental overdose while onboard a flight. To some, this story speaks to how addiction has seemed to take hold of what appears to be a new generation of people. Instead, we plan to shed some information on how drug use has existed in the U.S. and then further interrogate what specifically caused his passing. Info Section: “Repeated drug and alcohol use causes chemical dependency or lasting changes to the way the brain functions and operates. In fact, all abused substances alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory and learning by hijacking the brain’s normal reward pathways” - A direct quote from the Caron Medical Department Question 1) So, addiction can take many forms, what are some ways in which you have observed addiction? 5 min Question 2) How do you know too much is too much? How can young people identify addiction around them and within themselves? Question 3) Those who are suffering from addiction may feel that the benefits of drugs outweigh the cost of drug use. Drug usage is an objective chemical action that assists you to escape. What advice would you provide to an individual who sees the benefits more than they see the cost of battling addiction? Benefits Escape Speeds up the brain Changes perceptions ( pain killers, mood-altering drugs) Sensations ( pleasure) Relief( from problems, emotions, and responsibility) More distraction vs escape from the issue Cost Life Relationships Dependency I Segment B: In our society addition is both demonized and glorified in our society. Is there a connection between music, social media, television, and movies or pop culture in general to addiction? How does fame impact celebrities' addiction and messages around it? Question 4) Should there be regulations on media production around drug and alcohol use? Question 5) What can we take away from JuiceWRLD’s death? What are some suggestions or supports that our listeners can use to assist them in battling or living with addiction? Lead By Example: A segment where we highlight Black people who we think are doing or did good work Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor: Shipping and Handling: The power of mentorship and its influence in our life Close/outro -
Intro (1 min) Lebert & Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III, Paul Singleton II, and today is also an extra special day because we have another round of guests appearing! Today we happily welcome back to today’s virtual table to kick some knowledge and good vibes with us. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Paul pass to Lebert to introduce topic Episode topic: Coronavirus and Adjustment Lebert-Segment A: Now, let’s introduce y’all to days topic: At some time in December of 2019, the first corona-virus case was confirmed in China, tho it is also believed that one was confirmed much earlier in November of 2019. In February of 2020, cases began appearing rapidly in Italy, and then cases emerged all throughout the world. Before we go into the direct questions, I just wanna shoutout and say thank you to Jeanna Bryner from “Live Science” and Mélissa Godin from “Time World”. Their hard work and writings are where we drew the information from that we just shared so, kudos! Lebert-Question 1: This is a heavy topic, you know health is a very important and delicate part of ourselves. At the same time, so is trying to maintain peace. So, what are some things you have done to maintain your peace amongst all this information? What does your peace look like? Paul-Question 2: What are some ways you have seen others maintain or try to create their peace? One thing for example I have seen is the reappearance of social media games to help fill the social void many of us feel is absent. 5min Mai-Segment B: Some of us are privileged enough to be able to take this as an impromptu vacation of sorts. We get to work from home, we get to spend a little time not commuting to our campuses, but this is not everyone’s reality. Mai-Question 3: How have recent events mirrored what you learned about how health is impacted by one’s race, and about how bigotry affects the world? 5min Lebert - Question 4: What would you say to those who are being unnecessarily risky? We see some people needlessly taking flights, ignoring social distancing, so how would you lovingly give them the metaphorical “Now, you know better” talk? 5min 0:00-0:45 on Professor Hugh Montgomery interview Paul-Question:5 How do you think COVID-19 will impact the way we view or live in the world? Mai-Segment C: Now, let’s get into adjustment and more specifically how we are adjusting. For today’s topic, we will draw upon Dictionary.com’s 5th and 6th definitions of adjustment which states Adjustment - noun: harmony achieved by modification or change of a position Adjustment - noun: a process of modifying, adapting, or altering individual or collective patterns of behavior so as to bring them into conformity with other such patterns, as with those provided by a cultural environment. Mai-Question 5: What have you adjusted to suit your new change? Has it mirrored the way you previously adjusted in the past? 5min Lebert-Question 6: What are some barriers to your adjustment? Adjustment is not all grand changes, it also minor setbacks. Can you talk about those? 5min Paul-Lead by Example: Where we highlight those doing good work, or who did good work Close
Intro (1 min) (song) Big Brother by-Kanye Paul: Happy Sunday everybody! You are currently tuned into another episode of Thoughts From A Counselor. We are your hosts Lebert Lester III, Paul Singleton II, and today is also an extra special day because we have another round of guests appearing! Today we happily welcome to today’s virtual table to kick some knowledge and good vibes with us. Introduce Dr.Hines - Dr. Erik M. Hines is an associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and Learning Systems at THE Florida State University as well as the coordinator of the Counselor Education Program and School Counseling Track. Dr. Hines prepares graduate students to be professional school counselors. Dr. Hines’s research agenda centers around: (a) college and career readiness for African American males; (b) parental involvement and its impact on academic achievement for students of color; and (c) improving and increasing postsecondary opportunities for first-generation, low-income, and students of color (particularly African American males). Additionally, his research interests include career exploration in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for students of color. Dr. Hines has secured research funding to study the college readiness and persistence of African American males to improve their academic and career outcomes. Further, Dr. Hines has worked on several grants aimed at increasing awareness of STEM careers for students of color and rural students. He has over 30 publications and secured over $6,000,000.00 in extramural and internal funding. His research has appeared in peer-reviewed journals, such as the Journal of Counseling and Development, Professional School Counseling, The High School Journal, and Urban Education. Dr. Hines received his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, College Park in Counselor Education with a concentration in Urban School Counseling. Finally, he has worked as a counselor in various K-12 settings and for the Ronald E McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Paul: Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. This podcast is our tool to support counselors globally !! Paul pass to Lebert to introduce topic Segment A: Defining mentor and mentorship Segment B: Mentorship for Black males Segment C: Mentorship in the counseling field Close
Intro (1 min) Who are we? (2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Today is a special day y’all, we have two great visitors who are gonna immensely add to the topic we are having today. Before we get into that, I’d love for y’all to introduce yourselves Introduce our guest speaker: Dr. Cleweston Challenger Episode Topic: Grief, Love, and reflection: How do we cope with losing someone /Kobe Segment A: Lebert gives Topic Recap: Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people recently died on January 26th in a tragic helicopter accident. The loss of life elicited emotional responses from a multitude of people, and many people found themselves reflecting on the various legacies that Kobe in particular left behind as an icon who had been in many of our lives for almost our entire lives. Info Section: As the professional in the room, can you speak to us about grief just a little bit, Dr. Challenger? Questions to guide your thoughts Dr. Challenger - 3 min Define grief The impact it could have on a person What is the difference between grief and mourning? As a counseling professional can you provide insight on why when a well-known person dies and we feel sad. Why do we feel this way? Question 1) What are some feelings you had in relation to Kobe’s passing? How did the passing affect you if it did 10 min Even as a celebrity who we do not actually know, the feeling of loss has been palpable in many of our lives. Research has evidenced the celebrity deaths can authentically feel like the passing of real family members- Great. a lil bit, but i hAve a lil something Question 2) What are some other instances where you have felt this way? In what way did you feel connected to them? How did it positively or negatively impact you? 5 min Celebrity, Family, Non -Family, mentor, community member Segment B: Gayle King recently attempted to due his legacy justice in a short interview where she covered a variety of topics, one of them being Kobe’s sexual assault case with Lisa Leslie. She covered a variety of topics, and her mention of the case caused an explosion via social media discussing precisely that. More specifically, Snoop Dogg, who recently apologized, had a large barrage of words for Gayle. Question 3) It seemed that Snoop’s attack on Gayle specifically attacked her Blackness, and this is a common trend Black women get when attempting to hold Black men accountable. How did the response make you feel? 5 mi Question 4 ) What does the term “Legacy” mean to you? What does Kobe’s legacy look like in your eyes 5 min Lead By Example: A segment where we highlight Black people who we think are doing or did good work Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor: Addiction is criminalized in our culture, and thus we often find that those who live with addiction can not properly get the help or support they so desperately need. Most recently, we have seen JuiceWRLD become one among many who are viewed harshly for their condition and ended up being a victim of the cruel system those who live with addiction are subjected to. Close/outro -
Intro( 1min) Who are we? ( 2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Today is a special day y’all, we have two great visitors who are gonna immensely add to the topic we are having today. Before we get into that, I’d love for y’all to introduce yourselves Episode Topic: Gabrielle Union and Women Just Like Her: How Do We, If We Support Our Black Women Segment A: Lebert gives Topic Recap: Gabrielle Union was fired from her job at “America’s Got Talent” last month due to speaking on the racist behavior her coworkers were subjected to or said behind their backs. She then followed up with saying that she, too, has received comments on her person and more specifically her hair. Question 1) Using your own experiences, Can you both describe or provide insight on how you navigated events such as this? 10 min- 3 min for both Mai & Paris to respond 4 min for group reflection. Black women are frequently praised for their strength, for their willingness to do the “right thing”, but this seems like more of a forced-choice than a decision. Question 2) How do such ideas make you feel? What critiques or supports do you have for such ideas? How can we transcend these unfair societal burdens? 5 min Segment B: As a survivor and advocate herself, Gabrielle Union was one of the loudest supporters of Terry Crews when he was assaulted. Sadly, Terry Crews did not return the favor, and I have heard many Black women say this is common. Question 3) As Black women and on a deeper level, In what ways do you feel Black men have, or have not supported you. We’re talking in general, personal, and/or professionally. In which ways have you felt misunderstood by them/us? 5 mi Bet Question 4) What suggestions do you have for our listeners around supporting black women better and how we can be stronger as a community vs as individual entities(i.e. Black Women, Black Men)? 5 min Lead By Example:: A segment where we highlight Black people who we think are doing or did good work
Intro( 1min) Who are we? ( 2 min) Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Topics: “The 1st Hood” Parenthood / D-wade and his discussions with and around his daughter Segment A- Parenthood is an idea that many of us find discussed often in our lives, but we rarely ask each other the ways in which they see themselves parenting. How does parenting look in your eyes? 5 min What are some Highlights/methods you liked & frustrations you have had in relation to the way others have “parented” you? As a child and or a teen, in what ways do you think you needed to be parented? 10 min Ready to discuss Wade? Segment B- The Black Man Can: Question A- What are your thoughts on this specific situation? Do you feel Dwayne is making the best decision for his daughter to grow up in the spotlight? Specifically added attention to her transition being in the public eye. 5 min Sound bite after In the discussion on his daughter, Dwade mentions a lot that he has to equally learn from as well as teach his daughter and all of his children. In what ways are you prepared to do the same? 10 min Segment C - As Black people how can we expect and pray for our people to evolve with the times be more empathic, more understanding and righteous but cast stones or judgment on them the moment they display these attributes? Why are we so critical of his decisions ? 10 min Period/Highlight/shoutouts( figured before we close we have a mini segment where we put a fact out there on counseling, black men, our community, etc and/or shout out someone or something that made an impact in your life. Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor: Black women and the ways in which Black men truly hear them. Actress, writer and activist Gabrielle Union has been at the center of a lot of discussions due to her recently losing her job at “America’s Got Talent” due to speaking up on negative treatment and discriminatory comments made in reference to her coworkers. Close
Intro Who are we? -Two Black counselors who are bridging the gap between what they were taught, what they know, and what they think they know. All through understanding the world by recognizing the world is still being formed. Topics: The Power of Patience & Understanding Segment A- Patience is used by taking positive action in the face of set-back, frustration, anger, and compulsion which leads to peace, calm and greater effectiveness! What role does patience play in your life? What type of relationship do you have with Patience? Is there a recent instance in your life that you can draw upon to reflect your journey with patience? What moments in particular support, or deny your use of your patience? Segment B- What’s the underlying reason for your impatience: Pride? Control? Comfort? Fear? Selfishness? Distrust? Lack of practice? Segment C - What are some ways you learned to replace frustration with positive action when the unexpected happened? Follow up question how has patience allowed you to achieve your dreams, goals, and aspirations? 10 min Period/Highlight/shoutouts( figured before we close we have a mini segment where we put a fact out there on counseling, black men, our community etc and/or shout out someone or something that made an impact in your life. Next time on Thoughts From A Counselor-The Black Man Can - A reoccurring segment where we dispel and discuss topics that put men of color specifically black males in a deficit mindset. Next week’s focus is ……….Dwade and Gabby discussions around/with their daughter. We'll also cover the wonderful support the Wade family is providing.
Intro( 1min) Who are we? ( 2 min) Topics: The Value of Communication & Using/Finding your Voice Segment A- How do you define communication, without using a dictionary? On a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being low and 10 being high), how do you rate the importance of communication?- Segment B - What is your communication style? What methods of communication have you found work best with you? Segment C- What are the problems that you see when it comes to the digital age and communication? What are some ways black men can find and use their voice? 10 min Segment D-The Black Man Can - A reoccurring segment where we dispel and discuss topics that put men of color specifically black males in a deficit mindset. -Black men and Advocacy 10 min Period/Highlight/shoutouts( figured before we close we have a mini segment where we put a fact out there on counseling, black men, our community etc and/or shout out someone or something that made an impact in your life. Close/outro - Discuss what particular lesson we learned since we are close to the year wrapping up, and how that compares to the particular lesson that we learned in 2018
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