Voices for Change Podcast

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Voices for Change, which is hosted by News 5 Cleveland anchor Danita Harris, offers diversity of thought, authentic expression and enlightening perspective on topics and issues affecting the world. 

WEWS News 5 Cleveland


    • Aug 21, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 32m AVG DURATION
    • 61 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Voices for Change Podcast

    Ep. 65 Finding Hope in a Crazy World

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2023 54:58


    We are living in tense times. Some might say the world has gone crazy. People don't feel safe anywhere anymore. In times like these, many turn to their faith for insight and answers. Joining Danita on this episode of "Voices for Change" is Bishop John Walden, senior pastor of Aspinwall Church in Cleveland and Rev. Dr. Lisa M. Goods, senior pastor of Shiloh Church in Cleveland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 64 Owning the Future: Women Entrepreneurs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2023 32:48


    Black female entrepreneurs earn an average of $24,000 compared to $142,900 among all female-owned businesses. Women of color were denied business-related relief funds 2 to 3 more times than white or male business owners. Since 2020, women of color (13%) have received less business-related financial assistance from banks and institutions than men. And yet there are many successful women entrepreneurs who are doing it and doing it well. Joining to discuss are Nicole Liatos, senior director of the Women's Business Center of Ohio; seven-figure CEO Tenora Mia Edwards; and Renay and Tracy Fowler of Fashions by Fowler.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 62: Attacking The Stigma of Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2023 27:53


    Let's talk about ways to attack the stigma of mental health in the Black community. Here to discuss are two people who represent key areas where mental illness is rising -- Black men and the faith community. Joining us are filmmaker and speaker Mike Berry and the Pastor of South Euclid United Church of Christ, Courtney Clayton Jenkins.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 61 Teens: Rethinking Work

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2023 27:26


    New research reveals that teens are thinking differently when it comes to their future in the workplace. They value work they enjoy over work that pays well. They're also very concerned about student loan debt. Their most desired jobs: healthcare, and social media influencer. Joining Danita to discuss are 18-year-old Karson Suppes, who started her own business "Safe Chain" though Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio; and Lori McCleese, President of Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 60 Black Moms and The Talk

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 45:41


    Many Black homes are led by a single parent, and that parent is often the mother. That means the weight of "The Talk" falls on her shoulders. The current news cycle of shootings has ignited the conversations around "The Talk" in the Black community. Joining Danita to discuss are Kim Harris, founder of Shaker African-American Mothers Support; and Xaviera Patrick, an etiquette coach. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 59 Gun Violence and Children

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2023 29:49


    There have been at least 13 school shootings involving grades K-12 this year, including the March 27 shooting in Nashville where three children and three adults were killed at a private Christian elementary school. According to the CDC, guns are the leading cause of death for American children and teens, surpassing car accidents in 2020. How has all this impacted our children? And how do we process the grief that comes with reports of our children dying from senseless gun violence in places that should be safe? Joining Danita to discuss are Julia Elfritt, director of education for Cornerstone of Hope, a center that provides support, education and hope for grieving children, teens and adults; and psychotherapist Ariel De'Freeze from The Centers for Counselling and Trauma Recovery.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 58 Teen girls, coping with trauma

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2023 40:16


    According to CDC data, nearly 57% of American teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021—double that of boys, representing a nearly 60% increase and the highest level reported over the past decade. Youth mental health has continued to worsen—with stark increases in widespread reports of harmful experiences among teen girls. Joining Danita to discuss are Robyn Hill, a licensed therapist, author and speaker; and Liz Ferro, founder of Girls With Sole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 56 Black Male Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2022 36:55


    There is a mental health crisis in America right now. Suicide deaths have ticked up in Ohio, with the increase greater in males, with Black Ohioans faring worse, with a 56 percent increase in suicide deaths over the last 14 years among those 25-64 years old. Today we are going to discuss Black males and depression -- suffering in silence. Joining the discussion are William Hasan, a mental health therapist with The Black Mental Health Corporation; and Donald; and Donald, a man who has experienced depression.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 54 Black Business Month

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2022 35:19


    August is National Black Business Month, a time when consumers are encouraged to focus on and support Black businesses. This year, as many businesses are trying to rebound from the pandemic, Black businesses are having a harder time than most. So today on Voices for Change we are going to talk to two Black business owners to see how they are taking care of business. Torrian Denise is the owner of Dornee, which formulates products from natural and organic ingredients to restore and maintain healthy skin. And we're talking to Gwen Penn, owner of Lotus Candles, a family business that makes handmade candles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 53 Black Women and Gun Ownership

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2022 24:53


    The picture of gun ownership in this country has changed. Black women are the fastest growing group of gun owners in America and make up the majority of the 40,000 members of the National African-American Gun Association. Why are we seeing this now? Because they feel an increased need to be secure. The deaths of African-Americans due to police brutality and violent acts by white supremacists fuel their need to protect themselves. Joining us from the Cleveland chapter of Chicks Who Carry is Renetta Atterbury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 51 Racially motivated massacres and the media

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2022 42:37


    Racially motivated massacres like the one that just occurred in Buffalo are a painful reminder of the evil that exists in this country. In this case, an 18-year-old gunman had specific plans to kill as many Black people as he could. Today on Voices for Change we want to express and discuss how Black journalists feel when stories like this erupt, and our job is to process and deliver information objectively, even though it's hitting us hard, personally. Joining Danita are her colleagues at News 5 who are Black and biracial to give their honest thoughts on how stories like this effect them: anchor DaLaun Dillard, reporter Camryn Justice, news planning editor Helen Maynard and operations technician Dennis Cavin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 49: The Kids Are Not OK

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2022 31:20


    Half of all high school students surveyed reported feeling sad or hopeless almost every day and no longer do their usual activities, while 47 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual teens said they had seriously considered committing suicide. But there is a thread of hope. Teens who feel a genuine connection to other people report better levels of mental health. The pandemic is putting in full view that our kids are not OK. Joining to talk about this problem and solutions are Robyn Hill of Robyn Hill Counseling & Professional Development Services, a speaker, author, licensed therapist and personal growth teacher with a personal focus on emotional wellness and soul-care; and Amy Mansfield, Facilitator of the Queer Youth Initiative at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland, a safe and affirming place for LGBTQ plus youth ages 11-20. It provides youth with a network of support and opportunities to express themselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 48 Tommy Davidson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2022 19:28


    He is a voice that has made me smile and laugh over the years. He's an actor, comedian, author and, now, singer. He will be performing at the Lorain Palace Theater on April 15 at 7:30 PM. There are many layers to this man -- Mr. Tommy Davidson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 47 Mayor Justin Bibb's First 100 Days

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2022 28:03


    Cleveland's 58th mayor Justin Bibb has reached his first 100 days in office. It kicked off with a cold welcome from Mother Nature as a major snowstorm hit the city. Residents couldn't navigate unplowed streets and called for the mayor to do something. A mayor who barely had the chance to warm his office chair was met with his first big challenge to fix the city's snow removal system. What he did with that time would be tested quickly because another storm hit soon after, and this time resident's complaints were met with action, utilizing technology by activating a brand new snowplow tracker to inform people of streets that had been cleared and it was updated hourly— progress tracked in time. Time is something Bibb wants voters to be mindful of, saying, "Change takes time. Structural change takes even more time." On the Voices for Change podcast, recorded in our station's podcast studio, Mayor Bibb joined News 5 anchor Danita Harris to share what his first 100 days have been like so far, the highs, the lows, the challenges and the unexpected. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 46 Money Makeovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2022 29:44


    Your money ... matters! What's your financial story? Struggling with finding ways to save? Credit score a 911 emergency? Does your mind go blank when trying to set a budget for your household? You have insurance on your cell phone but not life insurance? If you said "yes" to one of these questions, this topic is for you. Get ready to shift into a money mindset as we discuss ways to give your money a makeover. Joining us today are Meltrice Sharp, founder of visionary of Women Creating Wealth and Impact, and Clarissa Foster, executive director of Women Creating Wealth and Impact. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 45 The M Suite: Millennial Women in the Workforce

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2022 36:52


    The culture of our workforce is being challenged and changed by young women who want employers to address issues like diversity, mental health and family dynamics. They are also in need of women who have been where they are, to mentor them. We're highlighting a program that creates a safe space for millennial women to grow personally and professionally. Joining me are Alexandria Johnson Boone, founder and chairwoman of the Women of Color Foundation and creator of The "M" Suite; and ChiChi Nkemere, founder and director of strategy at Enlightened Solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 44: Before I say I do

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 41:31


    Before saying "I do," what needs to be addressed before joining someone in holy matrimony? Joining Danita to talk about what to do before you say "I do" is Rev. Dr. Trish Harleston, Angel Chapman-McDavid, just back from her honeymoon on her second marriage, and Melissa, who just got engaged on Valentine's Day. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 43: Suicide: Choosing Death Over Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2022 40:07


    When the news broke that a former Miss USA, 30-year-old Cheslie Kryst, committed suicide, many were shocked, and they were left wondering why. Joining Danita to discuss are Dr. Cynthia Woods, the Clinical Director/CEO of Foundational Counseling Sevices in Beachwood; and Lynette Haggins-Mother, a mother, wife, church leader, manager — and survivor of a suicide attempt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 42: Dads on Duty: Ready for the Assignment

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2022 33:55


    There are lots of guides, books and classes for expectant moms, but what about dad? Melvin White runs a daddy bootcamp and Darren Hesson, a recent graduate, talk with Danita about what new dads face. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 41: Gun violence -- something has to change

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2022 33:37


    Gun violence in America is a major problem, affecting many, but disproportionately impacting the lives of young adults, males and communities of color. In the first week of 2022 alone, there were 341 deaths and 561 injuries, according to a tracker created by ABC News and The Gun Violence Archive. Gun violence costs the healthcare system more than $1 billion a year, according to the Government Accountability Office. And guns remain the weapon of choice for homicides and suicides. Today we talk about gun violence and what's being done at the grass roots level with El Jay'Em of Project Ripple and Michelle Bell, founder of M-PAC Cleveland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 40: Medical Illustrations in Black and White

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 28:31


    Growing up, I can't remember a time picking up a health book or reading through a medical pamphlet in my doctor's office where I would see the human anatomy illustrated using a Black person. The lack of Black representation in medical publications is glaring. Why? Today on Voices for Change we have two people who can answer that question: Chidiebere Ibe is a 25-year-old Nigerian medical student whose illustration of a Black fetus in a Black woman's womb went viral; and Dr. Charles Modlin is a kidney transplant surgeon and was named one of the Top 20 Black doctors in America.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 39 Managing the Holiday Blues

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 26:45


    It's a very difficult subject, but no doubt one that many people are dealing with right now: managing the holiday blues. How do you get through this season while dealing with depression, loss and grief? Here to discuss are Barbara Ballard, who lost of husband of 59 years to COVID-19 in May, and Tracy Strosnider, who, in the last month, lost her mother to dementia, and her father, brother and former sister-in-law to COVID. Also joining the podcast to give information and perspective on how to manage is University Hospitals clinical psychologist Dr. Carolyn Landis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 38 Diversity in Law Enforcement ... The Challenge to Create Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2021 32:30


    Many police departments lack diversity. People of color cite mistrust of law enforcement as a kay factor in not pursuing it as a profession. How can that narrative be changed? Here to discuss are Sarah Shendy, an Arab-American Muslim veteran police officer who was tapped by Gov. Mike DeWine as the state's director of law enforcement recruitment; and Dr. Ronnie Dunn, associate professor of Urban Studies at Cleveland State University and a past member of the federal consent decree Cleveland Police monitoring team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 37 Children's mental health ... A 911 emergency

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 44:55


    The pandemic has taken a toll on all of us, but the mental health challenges that children are dealing with in this pandemic have been declared a national emergency. Joining Danita to discuss are Dr. Lisa Ramirez, a Board-Certified Child and Adolescent Psychologist and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at MetroHealth and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine; and Renae Moore, Dean of Engagement at Wilbur Wright Elementary School in Cleveland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 36 Surviving Breast Cancer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2021 31:46


    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but with 1 in 8 women developing invasive breast cancer over the course of a lifetime, it's really an issue that should be discussed all year round. In this episode we will hear the voice of a survivor and also learn what progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 35: Literacy and Children

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 36:25


    Almost half of fourth graders from low-income families read below the basic level. Kids who are read to by their parents are twice as likely to score in the top 25 percentile in reading. In order to succeed, children must learn to read, and joining the discussion are Annisha Jeffries, Youth Services Manager at Cleveland Public Library; Cori Sykes, owner of Write and Vibe Publishing and author of 'Curiously Cara Meets Pharaoh Hatshepsut.' See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    children kids write literacy cleveland public library
    Ep. 34 Silent Suffering ... Giving Voice to the Pain in the Pulpit

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 54:33


    We talk about coronavirus every day, but there's another pandemic in the land -- mental illness. How do pastors effectively manager their mental and emotional health when they are expected to be a 24-hour ER for the broken and the hopeless? Raising their voices to discuss are Rev. Courtney Clayton Jenkins, Senior Pastor and Teacher/South Euclid United Church of Christ in South Euclid, Ohio; Rev. Jeremy Wanton, Senior Pastor of East View United Church of Christ, Shaker Heights, Ohio; Dr. Tyffani Monford Dent of Monford Dent Consulting in Garfield Hts. Ohio, a licensed psychologist, motivational speaker and author. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 33 Women in Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2021 31:08


    Progress on gender equality and women in power and in decision-making roles has been disappointing, according to a U.N. report. Joining Danita to discuss are three powerful women in leadership roles within the Cleveland branch of the NAACP, all of them change agents in their own right: Danielle Sydnor, the organization's outgoing president, Kayla Griffin, the incoming president, and Crystal Bryant, executive director. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 32 Minorities and Medical Marijuana

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 25:49


    Legal marijuana sales are expected to hit the $24 billion mark nationally by the end of this year. But in Ohio, only 9 percent of the state's 57 dispensaries are under majority ownership from people of color and women. What are the factors creating this large gap? Are minorities getting their fair share of the pot pie? Here to discuss are Ariane Kirkpatrick, CEO of Harvest Grows, Inc., the first female minority-led vertically integrated cannabis operator in Ohio, and Justina Casiano, a recent graduate of the Cannabis College who works at Rise Dispensary in Toledo.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 31 Public Face ... Private Pain

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2021 41:23


    Many crave the limelight. The fame. The desire to be a household name. But being in the spotlight comes with a pressure to always live up to the public hype, even when you're dealing with issues that are pulling you down. Joining us to talk about it are Robyn C. Hill, a speaker, author, licensed therapist, and personal growth teacher, and Peter Lawson Jones a former Cuyahoga County Commissioner and actor/producer.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 30 No Vaccine ... No Matter What

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2021 33:51


    The delta variant is causing an increase in cases in Ohio and around the country as the head of the CDC calls this "a pandemic of the unvaccinated." The numbers back this up. Nearly all deaths are among unvaccinated patients. Yet a recent survey revealed that almost half of all unvaccinated Americans have no plans to get the shot. Discussing this issue are Todd Fenlason, a former healthcare worker who can't get the shot because of an allergy issue, and Dr. Lynn Millliner, who works in pediatrics at MetroHealth Medical Center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 29 Black Fatherhood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2021 31:55


    Black fathers. The stereotype is that they're absent. Leaving their children fatherless, and increasing the likelihood they'll commit crime, live in poverty and end up in prison. But a study by the CDC tells a different story -- one that says Black fathers are present and involved in their children's lives. More so than other races. So what's the real story with Black Fatherhood? Here to talk about it are Jewel Woods, Founder and Clinical Director of Male Behavioral Health, Al Grimes, who is responsible for developing, implementing and managing the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative, and Dave Ramsey, a father and founder of Higher Art.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 28 The Returning to Work Blues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 25:58


    Covid restrictions are lifted. Half of all American adults are vaccinated. And people are going back to the office. For many, home was a safe zone, and now we must engage and process the various energies that occupy your same space. What about the people who never left the building and now must adjust to the return of follow office workers? It sounds like the makings of a song. Call it the "The Returning to Work Blues." Joining Danita to discuss this timely topic are clinical psychologist Dr. Susan Albers from the Cleveland Clinic, Dee White, who is starting a new job that entails a return to the office, and Davreen Dixon, an immunocompromised individual who works in Washington and recently returned to work in the office one day a week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 27 Mental Health and Sports

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2021 30:52


    Tennis star Naomi Osaka ignited a firestorm when she announced that she would not participate in any post-match interviews at the French Open due to concerns about her mental health. After she was fined by tournament officials, she said she had been dealing with bouts of depression and talking to reporters would bring on anxiety and proceeded to withdraw from the tournament. What has Osaka's decision forced us to look at when it comes to sports heroes? Joining us to talk about it are Barb Anthony, one of the founders of the Northeast Ohio Women’s Sports Alliance; Special Jennings, girls basketball coach at Montverde Academy in Orlando, Florida; and Dr. Matthew Sacco, a health and sport/performance psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 26 Taking time for self-care

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2021 28:10


    Danita talks self-care, and its importance, with Cara King, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Women’s Health at Cleveland Clinic, Angela Gartner, Editor/Content Director at Northeast Ohio Parent magazine, and Valissa Turner Howard, First Assistant Deputy Inspector General (Chief of Staff) and Chief Diversity Officer at the Cuyahoga County Agency of Inspector. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 25: Closing the Achievement Gap

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2021 29:32


    How to overcome the achievement gap that occurred during the pandemic and what to do about it post-pandemic. Guests include: Kathi Howard Primes, owner of Momentuum Tutoring, Dr. Tiffany Darby, psychologist, and Martin Zeinway, a teacher at Apex Academy charter school in East Cleveland. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 24: Talking About News Literacy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 29:02


    As part of National News Literacy Week, we're talking about our efforts and those of our parent company Scripps to create an equitable, diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities where we live. How does that play into news assignments? Joining Danita to discuss are News 5 anchor/reporter Mike Brookbank, executive producer for investigations Mark Ackerman, assignment editor Helen Maynard and digital director Joe Donatelli. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    news scripps news literacy
    Ep. 23 The Mental Health of Healthcare Workers

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2020 27:31


    Healthcare workers are mentally and physically exhausted from the pandemic. A new survey shows that 93% of them are experiencing stress. Here to discuss are two doctors from University Hospitals Medical Center: Dr. Rana Hejal, a pulmonary and critical care specialist, and Dr. Patrick Runnels, medical director of emergency psychiatric services and program director of public and community psychiatry.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 22 Pastoring a Multicultural Church in a Racially-Divided Nation

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2020 26:33


    If more Christians of different racial backgrounds began worshipping together, could racial reconciliation follow? Joining us to talk about it are Rev. Robert Marva, pastor at St. Agnes Our Lady of Fatima, and Mario Hauser, pastor at Church of the North Coast - Wickliffe campus. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 21 Natural Hair and the Media

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2020 32:30


    In some states, Black women and girls who go to work or school with a natural hairstyle can still lose their jobs or be sent home. That’s why the CROWN Act was passed in seven states and by the House of Representatives, to fight hair discrimination. CROWN stands for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. Black women are wearing their natural hair and workplaces/schools have become more understanding or at least tolerant of a woman’s choice to wear her hair naturally, especially in the media. News management is coming around to the fact that natural hairstyles for Black women are a big part of their identity, and we are seeing more news anchors and reports sporting their natural do’s and doing it well. Joining me to discuss it are Donnella Jefferson, an artist when it comes to styling natural hair; Amanda VanAllen, an anchor/reporter at News 5 Cleveland who wears her naturally curly hair on the air; and Lena Pringle of WJXT4 in Jacksonville, Fla., an anchor/traffic/general assignment reporter who made national news headlines with her choice to wear a natural short cut with nice fades on the side. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 20 Love, Dating, Marriage: Corona Style

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2020 34:58


    Warning: Mature subject matter. Trying to find love is tough already. Add a pandemic, and the challenge becomes even more difficult. For those who are married, the quarantine has highlighted some weak areas in relationships. Joining us for this spicy conversation are Ebony Webster, a married mother of three and career woman; Masamba Moses, a single father of two; Joevida Byrd, a single self-proclaimed cougar; and Dr. Diana Wiley, a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sex therapist and author of "Love in the time of Corona: Advice from a Sex Therapist for Couples in Quarantine." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 20 The Currency of Empathy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2020 27:00


    We are dealing with a pandemic, racial reckoning, an election, natural disasters and remote learning. We are stressed to the max and trying to find successful ways to navigate it all. In this episode, our guests discuss how the power of empathy can help us heal what ails us. Our topic is The Currency of Empathy, which is also the title of the book written by one of our guests, Dr. Jackie Acho. Also joining us are two members of the Cleveland Police Department -- Detective Chris Gibbons and Commander Brandon Kutz. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 19 The Black Psyche

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2020 27:58


    What happens when a race of people becomes become mentally and emotionally exhausted by the repetitive injustices being served to them on an almost daily basis? What is happening in the minds of Black people who are ingesting sickness and racial reckoning at the same time? What is the condition of the Black psyche? Here to help answer those questions are Robyn Hill, a licensed counselor, Lamar Sharpe, a Canton police officer and Nicole Collier, a former news reporter for WTOL and WLNS. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 18 What's Going on in The CLE? Violence and Poverty

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 30:12


    Homicides in Cleveland are up, with 91 this year versus 68 at the same point last year. This week Cleveland was named the poorest large city in the United States according to census data compiled by the Center for Community Solutions. That same report says that almost half of the children in Cleveland are living in poverty. What's going on in Cleveland when it comes to violence and poverty? Our guests are Dr. Ronnie Dunn, chief diversity officer and professor at Cleveland State University, and Ward 6 councilman Blaine A. Griffin. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 17 Suffering in Silence - Male Depression

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2020 30:20


    Most people don't like to talk about their mental health, but when it comes to young boys and men, it's an ongoing crisis. The coronavirus pandemic has heightened depression and anxiety among men. It is National Suicide Prevention Month, and studies show an increase in Black boys committing suicide. Stigma and judgment prevent Black and African-American people from seeking treatment for their mental illness. Joining Danita to tear down the judgment and kill the stigma and discuss male depression are Marie Lassiter Black, who lost her oldest son, Tyree Black, in 2014 to suicide, and  Mor Rondo J. Roberts, a licensed independent social worker and therapist.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 16 Child Cancer Clusters

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2020 27:39


    Wendy and Warren Brown live in Clyde, Ohio, where they were raising their four children. Their daughter Alexa was diagnosed with cancer and died in 2009 at 11 years old. Her cancer diagnosis is linked to a medical mystery that also affected 34 other children in and around their hometown. It was called the Eastern Sandusky County Childhood Cancer Cluster. The story made local and national news, and one of the reporters who told Alexa's story was News 5's Jonathan Walsh. Her story touched him in such a personal way that it inspired him to write a book titled "Is My Child Next? The Alexa Brown Story." Joining Danita to discuss are Alexa's mother, Wendy Brown, and award-winning investigative reporter Jonathan Walsh. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 15 Mom Shaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2020 24:09


    Moms who receive sharp criticism from other Moms…and also family and friends, about decisions regarding their children and careers. Why do Moms shame other Moms? How do you deal with it? And how do Moms heal from the hurt that Mom Shaming causes? Joining Danita are Anita Flowers, career and life coach and founder of Blue Sage Career Strategies; Rhonda Carlson, an executive director for a non-profit who has two sons (one is 10, another 17 months) who was shamed by her family when she had her second child and struggled to breastfeed; Octavia Donnelly, an attorney who took a break to raise her two children, one of whom has special needs; and Teisha Douglas, an RN who went back to school to become a nurse practitioner, who has two sons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 14 Kamala Harris: What Is Black Enough?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2020 31:09


    When Sen. Kamala Harris threw her hat in the ring as a Democratic presidential candidate, one of the many questions asked was, "Is she Black enough?" When she accepted the nomination to be Joe Biden's running mate, the question was asked again. "Is she Black enough?" Joining Danita to discuss the question "What is Black enough?" are Jharie Parker, a licensed professional counselor at Cultivate Counseling Services, and Stephanie Brown James, co-founder and senior advisor of The Collective, which is dedicated to recruiting, training, funding and supporting Black candidates to run for office across the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 13 Cardi B and the Sex Revolution

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2020 26:11


    What is WAP you ask? Well, it’s an acronym that describes the female genitalia. Before some of you go into shock, I must tell you that this song has birthed a sexual revolution among women who praise it, and an attitude of disdain from women who feel its message is disturbing. Use your WAP to get a man, get his money, and get the ring. Joining me to discuss this are two of the hottest radio personalities in Northeast Ohio -- from 93.1 WZAK Sam Sylk and Bijou Star, as well as Joy Bostic, a professor at Case Western Reserve University in the department of religious studies who has taught courses on rapper Kendrick Lamar, popular culture and African history and culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 12 The Unspoken Struggle

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2020 27:06


    Infertility is a word no woman who is trying to have a child wants to hear. And when she hears it, a silence may follow, because of the feelings of embarrassment, shame and inadequacy she may experience living in a society where fertility is a defining factor of womanhood. It hurts, and nobody wants to talk about it, so it's what we're talking about in the latest Voices for Change, as we dismantle myths, discuss options and offer hope to women still fighting to make their dream of having a baby to reality. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Ep. 11 Pressing through depression

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2020 27:28


    According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people worldwide have depression including, according to the Census Bureau, one-third of all Americans. Depression is the most common mental health disorder for women, affecting more women than men. Former First Lady Michelle Obama says she suffers from low-grade depression, and it's her transparency that sparks this week's discussion. Joining the conversation is Dr. Patrick Runnels, Program Director, Public and Community Psychiatry, at UH Cleveland Medical Center. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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