When We Speak

On today's episode I am with my friend Marta Sierra and we are discussing what's changed in her life since her previous conversations on the podcast. Marta is discussing her recent divorce plus the impact of abandonment trauma on her grief process. Marta and I also discuss: her support system how she connects with pleasure her expression of queerness post-divorce what she tells herself to get through the pain of the divorce Marta has been immersed in IFS since 2013, she was legally trafficked from Colombia as an infant and now specializes in helping her community move through healing from adoption trauma, racial trauma and CPTSD. She is passionate about adopted and displaced people having the tools they need to be able to build and maintain healthy relationships, most importantly with themselves and all their parts. T0 reach out to Marta, contact her at martasierralmhc@gmail.com.

In this episode, I speak with Kaity Rodriguez about how she embodies self-love and self-confidence. We discuss when and how she found her voice which led to her working with her clients on developing more assertive communication. We also discuss: Kaity's blog series “100 Dates in Houston” Kaity's journal, “The Confidence Project” Kaity's guide, ” Welcome To the Couch” Kaity's IFS parts that are activated during the dating journey Kaity Rodriguez, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author, and media expert with a passion for educating and inspiring women and minorities to live amazing lives. Her virtual group counseling practice, Serenity Wellness and Therapy Services, specializes in treating individuals with anxiety and stress disorders, as well as self-esteem and self-confidence issues. Kaity is a former Miss New Jersey USA and the author of “The Confidence Project Journal: 52 Journal Prompts to uncover personal strength and stop self-doubt”, as well as “Welcome to the Couch: a Beginner's Guide to Therapy.” She has been featured on outlets such as FOX News, News 12 NJ, and NBC.   Read Kaity's Blog Purchase Kaity's Journal Follow Kaity on Instagram Take the Archetypal Quiz here Purchase “Women Who Run With the Wolves” here Purchase the Nonviolent Communication book here

In today's episode I am with my chosen sister and friend Marcie. We dive right into her book, ” Everybody Come Alive”.  We also discuss: Recognition of the Divine inside of her Marcie's process for honoring Blackness in her book Microaggressions and barriers for Black writers/authors The national book ban In praise of ” Everybody Come Alive”, the reception of Marcie's book by family and friends Our fun ideas for creating a Black Utopia Marcie Alvis-Walker is a writer and the creator of the blog and Instagram feed, Black Coffee with White Friends and the author of EVERYBODY COME ALIVE: A MEMOIR IN ESSAYS. She is passionate about what it means to embrace intersectionality, diversity and inclusion in our spiritual lives. She recently moved to Chicago, Illinois with her husband, daughter, and their dog Evie where she reads a lot of books, watches a lot of movies, and drinks a lot of tea and coffee. Visit Marcie's website : https://www.marciealviswalker.com/ Follow Marcie on Instagram @ Blackcoffeewhitefriends Subscribe to Marcie's newsletter @  https://blackeyedstories.substack.com/

In today's episode, I speaking with my sister, my friend, and fellow sojourner, Natalie Gutierrez. In this heart-lead, soulful conversation we discuss: Her book, ” The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color” The parts of her that she is embracing today We talk about the importance of love The ancestral work that is calling her today How Natalie is staying true to her calling Her truest ” I Am” Natalie is a Boricua trauma therapist and space-holder in New York and Author of The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color. She has spent 15 years supporting BIPOC in her trauma counseling practice that were hurting from the soul wounds of Complex Posttraumatic Stress. She has worked to help people on the healing journey navigating racial trauma, attachment trauma, generational trauma, and sexual trauma. She is a certified internal family systems therapist. Her individual and group decolonial healing work blends the intersections of psychotherapy, activism, intuitive and ancestral wisdom and connection. She is a mother of two beautiful spirits and works intentionally everyday to disrupt cycles of legacy wounding. Buy Natalie's Book ” The Pain We Carry” Listen Natalie and I discuss ” The Pain We Carry”  at Cafe con Libros Bookstore  here Learn more about Natalie and her work : traumacounselingnyc.com Read Women Who Run With The Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés Follow Natalie on Instagram

This episode is everything— such a beautiful conversation with my friend Tommy Allgood. We discuss intersectional identities, queerness, sacred earth medicine, what is inspired our connection with each other.  “Thomas Garvin (They/he), better known as Tommy Allgood, is a Registered Nurse turned Care Director doing work with community and organizational development based in Charlotte, NC. What is colloquially known as Charlotte and the surrounding area is the land stolen from the Sugaree, Catawba, Cheraw, and Waxhaw people. He/They have a passion for helping people navigate mental, emotional, and spiritual roadblocks by developing grounding practices centered in self and community that foster co-creation and resiliency in the face of adversity and resistance. Tommy works with organizations to facilitate cultural shifts that are people-centered and compassion oriented, breaking down what it means to be in authentic service of self and communities. Tommy's current work includes: Educating and transforming organizational visions + missions to meet the modern day challenges of diversity, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism principles and practices Spiritual care rooted in personal + collective discovery utilizing tools that center a holistic perspective + embodied self Knowledge sharing and strategy building with organizations so that they foster healthy people and healthy environments. Exploring + Advancing Bodily Liberation at the intersections of the Black and Queer experiences. To connect with Tommy visit his website @ www.teamallgood.com Dr. Hillary McBride The Wisdom of Your Body Tina Strawn Are We Free Yet? The Black Queer Guide To Divorcing America Resmaa Menakem My Grandmother's Hands bell hooks all about love Elizabeth Wurtzel Bitch: In Praise of Difficult Women Gabor Maté Myth of Normal Adrienne Marie Brown Pleasure Activism Rupa Marya and Rajeev Patel Inflamed

Today's episode is with Faitth Brooks. we discuss her book ” Remember Me Now:A Journey Back to Myself and a Love Letter to Black Women”. Faitth shares the following with listeners: What her faith in God looks like present day The parts of herself she's still working on embracing What liberation looks like today What's changed about her community and close-knit relationships Who and what is inspiring her liberation today Faitth Brooks is a writer, speaker, social worker, activist, and co-host of the Melanated Faith podcast. She engages in activism by working with nonprofits to find sustainable solutions to systemic issues, as well as by being a strategist and consultant for brands and influencers. Faitth leverages her speaking and social media platforms to enliven collective liberation centered on the sisterhood of Black women, crafting a communal space where Black sisters can explore rest, tenderness, and softness. Order Faitth's book “Remember Me Now” To check out more of Faitth's work go here Follow Faitth on Instagram

In today's episode which was recorded February 2023, I speak with Tina Strawn (she/they). Tina is a joy and liberation advocate, activist, author of “Are We Free Yet? The Black, Queer Guide to Divorcing America” (Row House Publishing, January 2023). Tina is also the owner and host of the Speaking of Racism podcast and she is the co-founder of the movement to ban guns and buy them back, Here 4 The Kids. The heart of Tina's work is founding and leading Legacy Trips, immersive antiracism experiences where participants visit historical locations such as Montgomery and Selma, AL, and utilize spiritual practices as tools to affect personal and collective change. Tina has three adult children, an ex-husband, an ex-wife, and an ex-country. She has been a full-time minimalist nomad since February 2020 and currently lives in Costa Rica. Tina travels the globe speaking, writing, teaching, and exploring where on the planet she can feel safe and free in her queer, Black, woman-identifying body. During our conversation we discuss Tina's book, ” Are We Free Yet? The Black Queer Guide to Divorcing America.” We discuss anti-Blackness and how it shows up. Tina shares how and where she has found love, belonging, and community. To show appreciation for Tina's work: CashApp $TinaStrawn Register and Support Here 4 The Kids Learn about Black history and take part in Tina's Legacy Trips  Purchase a copy of “Are We Free Yet? The Black, Queer Guide to Divorcing America”

On today's episode I am with Dr. Philip Butler. We discuss his introduction to IFS and what he's learned about himself and others, the Seekr App, his hope for IFS and the Black community, our faith evolution, and so so much more. This is such a breathtakingly truthful conversation and I feel honored to have had the opportunity. Philip Butler is an international scholar whose work primarily focuses on the intersections of neuroscience, technology, spirituality and Blackness. He uses the wisdom of these spaces to engage in critical and constructive analysis on Black posthumanism, artificial intelligence and pluriversal future realities. He is also the founder of the Seekr Project, a distinctly Black conversational artificial intelligence with mental health capacities. Philip has theorized artificial cognitive architectures for synthetic evolving life forms (SELF), presented on emotionally regulating and spiritual experience inducing brain computer interfaces, and has constructed block chain protocols and conceptual logistics infrastructures for a world leader in the industrial hemp space.   Connect with Seekr on Instagram  Connect with Philip on Instagram Purchase  Philip's book Black Transhuman Liberation Theology Purchase James H. Cone's Book ” God of the Oppressed” Purchase Barbara A. Holmes ” Crisis Contemplation”

Today's episode is with Chris Burris and we discuss all things IFS and his new book, Creating Healing Circles: Using the Internal Family Systems Model in Facilitating Groups. During the conversation we also discuss the two types of healing that must take place in a person's life how Chris learned to navigate difficult stages that occur within group dynamics  what Chris wishes people understood about IFS how he creates safety in Black and Brown-centered training spaces Chris Burris (M.Ed, LCMHCS, LMFT) is a Senior Lead Trainer for the Internal Family Systems Institute where he provides Level I, II, and III trainings in the IFS model. He has been an IFS Therapist since 1999 and a practicing psychotherapist since 1987. Chris is trained as a Marriage and Family Therapist and uses a mind-body approach to psychotherapy. He has worked extensively with children, adolescents, couples, individuals, and organizations. In addition, he has facilitated groups on topics such as men's issues, sacred activism, rite of passage, couples, healthy relationships, performance enhancement for artists, and bullying. Since 1990, he has been an active participant with men's groups and rites of passage programs. He also facilitates consultation and supervision groups for trained therapists. In addition to being a psychotherapist, Chris has trained in many nature bases models with Animus Valley institute, School of Lost Borders, The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and The Center for Conscious Eldering. Chris has been featured on multiple podcasts such as “IFS Talks”, “The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems Podcast”, “Truth, Love, and Beauty”, and “Bossy, Brilliant, and Badass”. He currently lives in Asheville, NC with his wife, Deena, and their daughters where they enjoy being active in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Follow Chris on IG @ Burris.Counseling Visit Chris' website @ https://burriscounseling.com Purchase a copy of Chris book here

In this week's conversation I am back with one of my closest friends, Monica DiCristina, LPC as we share personal stories in the form of heart talk.  In this episode, Tasha and Monica combine their years of training and therapeutic practice to address this all too often oversimplified question: What does it really mean to love yourself? It is  our way of answering the questions stemming from one of the most foundational parts of mental health – loving and accepting yourself. I also briefly discuss Internal Family Systems and what it means to connect with Self during the healing process. Monica DiCristina is a therapist with over fifteen years of experience in mental health. She runs a private practice in Atlanta, GA serving individuals and couples in therapy. Monica walks with people as they process difficult experiences, helping to bring healing to their relationship with themselves and others. She became a therapist after one changed her life in her early twenties, deciding she wanted to pass along the same hope and healing she experienced. The intersection of her years of therapy experience, her personal journey, and her faith inform her perspective. In addition to her work in the therapy office, Monica carries out her heartfelt mission to collaborate with others in their process of healing, hope, and becoming through her Still Becoming podcast, writing, speaking, and as co-creator of the here app. Monica lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children, as well as their dog Sweetie. Website: https://monicadicristina.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicadicristina/    

In today's episode I am with Max Smothers ( they/them, he/him) and we discuss their earliest memories of questioning their gender and sexuality, barriers faced in their journey, family and friend support, what they wish the Black community understood about being queer and trans, and their recommendations for parents of trans youth, plus their experiences in college.   Max Smothers is a junior at Columbia College Chicago. Max is a Creative Writing major and a Fine Arts minor. They are a nonbinary, LGBTQ+ artist and science fiction writer. They describe their work as wanting to be the loudest in the room. Max has worked on many poetry projects including a collaboration with artist Clara Spars and as an assistant editor for Allium magazine. Their focus has always been fiction, but Max loves to work mostly as a comic artist dealing with the conflicts and humor of sexuality, identity, and the chaos of life.   Learn more about Max at www.maxjsmothers.com Follow Max on Instagram

Today's convo is with Toko-pa Turner. Toko-pa We discuss her book, “Belonging” and  I get to read some of my favorite passages of her book which was transformative for my healing journey. We also discuss how she's practicing belonging today, what inspired the creation of ” Belonging”, and her gift of being a dreamworker.   Blending the mystical tradition of Sufism in which she was raised with a Jungian approach to dreamwork, Toko-pa founded the Dream School in 2001 from which thousands of students have since graduated. She is the author of the award-winning book, Belonging: Remembering Ourselves Home, which explores the themes of exile and the search for belonging. Sometimes called a Midwife of the Psyche, Toko-pa's work focuses on restoring the feminine, reconciling paradox, and facilitating grief & ritual practice.   Visit Toko-pa's website Purchase Belonging  Follow Toko-pa on Instagram

Today's convo is with my very good friend Marta and this is her second time appearing on the podcast. We discuss our queerness, religious upbringing, her introduction into polyamory and ethically non-monogamous relationships, the values that she brings into her work as an IFS clinician, and what she's learned about love because of her identity and relationships. Marta has been immersed in IFS since 2013, she was legally trafficked from Colombia as an infant and now specializes in helping her community move through healing from adoption trauma, racial trauma and CPTSD. She is passionate about adopted and displaced people having the tools they need to be able to build and maintain healthy relationships, most importantly with themselves and all their parts. Marta is also passionate about speaking about queerness and polyamorous relationships. For anyone who would like to reach out to Marta, email her at martasierralmhc@gmail.com

Today's episode is with three women who have deconstructed their faith and beliefs, are on a continued journey to become anti-racist, and they use their voice to advocate for marginalized and oppressed communities. I asked them to come on my podcast because I wanted to hear about their journey, which included a lot of loss, grief, trauma, and healing. We also discuss: Who or what influenced their deconstructing faith journey What they lost and gained along the way  Questions they have about God today Marla Taviano says, ” I read and write for a living (and a life). Mom to 4 freaking awesome kids. Passionate about books and anti-racism and rainbows and poems (and a hundred other things.” Connect with Marla via IG  Follow Marla's White Girl Learning Page Purchase Marla's book on Amazon Purchase The Hole In Our Gospel Becka Eppley is a writer, speaker, and co-host of the Permission to BE podcast. She has a passion for giving voice to those who are searching for belonging, community, and hope. Becka is daily learning what it means to be an advocate for intentional and radical community, LGBTQIA2S+ rights, women in leadership, and racial justice. One of many things that Becka has discovered on her journey is that when we tie our beliefs to absolutes we live in constant fear of letting go. Finding permission to be who we were created to be often means letting go of those absolutes. Read Becka's blog  “Mile Deep” @ Becka-Eppley.com  Listen to Becka's podcast @ Permission To Be Podcast Jen Kinney is a writer, podcaster, peacemaker, and disruptor who spent 15 years working in anti-trafficking, including communications for a non-profit anti-trafficking organization in Asia. After living in China for five years, Jen returned to the US with her family and created a community conversation project aimed at bringing people together around difficult topics called, “Food For Thought Dinner Parties.” In 2012, after the killing of Trayvon Martin, she began digging deeper into the topic of race in the US, thus starting her journey into anti-racism. On this journey, Jen discovered her love for podcasting and has started several podcasts, including her current project Story Power Podcast. Jen believes in the power of story to change the world and finds immense purpose and joy in the collective movement toward co-liberation. Connect with Jen on IG Purchase Jemar Tisby's The Color of Compromise

Today's conversation is with my friend Nicki Pappas and we are discussing her  forthcoming memoir, As Familiar As Family. We also discuss her experiences with spiritual trauma and other traumas,  deconstructing her faith, what it means to have an embodied faith. Nicki says, “I am a writer and the author of a recently completed memoir titled As Familiar As Family. In 2020, I started the Broadening the Narrative podcast and talk to people who are broadening the narrative I was taught within white evangelicalism. I have three young children, ages 7, 5, and 4, with Stephen, my steady partner in the chaos for the past 12 years. In all areas of my life, I desire to spark hope in the world around me so that people live an embodied faith now, “on earth as it is in heaven.” Connect with Nicki on Instagram Listen to Broadening The Narrative Podcast Follow Nicki's Blog  Visit Nicki's website

Today's episode is all about what I learned and what I wish I would have known while self-publishing my book, What Children Remember. The past 2 years of witnessing my book reach people all over the world has amazed me in ways I can't describe. Thank you to every person who has supported me, shared my book, and reached out to let me know that my story resonated with you.

Today's episode is with Marla Taviano, author of her newest book unbelieve: poems on the journey to becoming a heretic. This episode is in honor of Rachel Held Evans who inspired much of Marla's deconstruction and decolonizing journey. We discuss Marla's book, how she wrestled with her faith beliefs, what/who she lost, what she's gained, her passion for books and people, and lastly she turns the tables and asks me about my book What Children Remember. Marla says, ” I read and write for a living (and a life). Mom to 4 freaking awesome kids. Passionate about books and anti-racism and rainbows and poems (and a hundred other things.” Connect with Marla via IG  Follow Marla's White Girl Learning Page Purchase Marla's book on Amazon

Today's conversation is with my friend Marta and we are discussing IFS and transracial adoptee trauma, her experience of being raised in a predominantly White environment and the many layers of complex PTSD. Marta has been immersed in IFS since 2013, she was legally trafficked from Colombia as an infant and now specializes in helping her community move through healing from adoption trauma, racial trauma and CPTSD. She is passionate about adopted and displaced people having the tools they need to be able to build and maintain healthy relationships, most importantly with themselves and all their parts. Connect with Marta via email @ martasierralmhc@gmail.com

In today's episode I am with two of my closest f my friends Candace Oglesby, LCPC and Victor Cabral, MSW, LSW, CCTP-I. We discuss Internal Family Systems ( IFS), Psychedelic-assisted therapy, working with the Black community, and tips for finding psychedelic practitioners . Candace Oglesby is a licensed professional counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland and has a master's degree in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology. Candace has over 11 years in working with the mental health population and currently specializes in working with diverse adult populations. Specifically women of color, who present with substance use addiction and trauma like symptoms. Candace is certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS). She also has extensive training in psychedelic assisted therapy and certified to provide ketamine assisted therapy(KAP). She believes mental health treatment should be accessible for all despite race, religion, education, gender, economic status, or sexual orientation. Not only is Candace an LCPC but she is also a Board-Certified Supervisor for the State of Maryland. Visit Candace's website www.jurneewithcandace.com, Follow Candace on Instagram Victor Cabral, MSW, LSW, CCTP-I (He/Him/His) is a collaborative and strategic leader who has made an impact on historical inequalities in his community throughout his career. Victor serves as the Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Fluence Training, whose mission is to give healthcare providers the clinical skills and knowledge to provide effective, compassionate, evidence-based psychedelic therapy and integration services. Before joining Fluence, Victor served as Deputy Director for the Pennsylvania Governor's Office of Advocacy and Reform where he co-led the implementation of the Trauma-Informed PA Plan, helped establish the first Racial Day of Healing in Pennsylvania history, and developed free trauma trainings for Pennsylvanians in collaboration with internationally recognized experts. He is a research-based systems thinker with expertise in policy development, advocacy, BIPOC mental health, Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, racial trauma, and is a practicing psychotherapist with training in Internal Family Systems, and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy (MDMA and Ketamine). Victor was also listed on the Students for Sensible Drug Policy's list of '40 Under 40 Outstanding BIPOC Leaders in Drug Policy in the United States' for his work in psychedelic policy. Follow Victor on Instagram Follow Victor on Facebook Connect with Victor on LinkedIn Documentary trailer and donation link: www.pictureacolorfulworld.com

Today's convo is with my guest Christa Couture. We discuss her book, How To Lose Everything and how grief gave meaning to her gifts, shaped and redefined her role in her community, the importance of naming grief and attending to it, what grounds her today. We also discuss advocacy and how being disabled empowered her to advocate for herself and her daughter. Christa Couture is an award-winning performing and recording artist, filmmaker, writer and broadcaster. She is also proudly Indigenous (mixed Cree and Scandinavian), disabled, queer, and a mom. Her seventh album Safe Harbour was released on Coax Records. As a writer and storyteller, she has been published in Room, Shameless, and Augur magazines, and on cbc.ca. In 2018, her CBC article and photos on disability and pregnancy went viral. Couture lived for many years in Vancouver, BC, but now calls Toronto, Ontario, home. Her debut memoir “How to Lose Everything” is out now with Douglas & McIntyre, and her short animated film “How to Lose Everything: a Field Guide” recently won Best Animated Short Film at both the Imagine This Women's Film Festival and the American Indian Film Festival. Visit Christa's website here Connect with Christa on Facebook Connect with Christa on Twitter Connect with Christa on Instagram Purchase Christa's  How To Lose Everything on Amazon Listen to Christa's music via Spotify  

Today's convo is with Andre Henry and we discuss his new book All The White Friends I Couldn't Keep, compromises we make when we are in relationship with people who are non-Black, how the murder of Eric Garner became a wake-up call, and anti-Blackness that exists in all of us. When the rallying cry “Black Lives Matter” was heard across the world in 2013, Andre Henry was one of the millions for whom the movement caused a political awakening and a rupture in some of his closest relationships with white people. As he began using his artistic gifts to share his experiences and perspective, Henry was aggrieved to discover that many white Americans—people he called friends and family—were more interested in debating whether racism existed or whether Henry was being polite enough in the way he used his voice. In ALL THE THE WHITE FRIENDS I COULDN'T KEEP: Hope–and Hard Pills to Swallow–About Fighting for Black Lives (Convergent Hardcover; March 22, 2022; $26), Henry explores how the historical divides between Black people and non-Black people are expressed through our most mundane interactions, and why this struggle won't be resolved through civil discourse, diversity hires, interracial relationships, or education. What we need is a revolution, one that moves beyond symbolic progress to disrupt systems of racial violence and inequality in tangible, creative ways. Sharing stories from his own path to activism—from studying at seminary to becoming a student of nonviolent racial change, from working as a praise leader to singing about social justice—and connecting those experiences to lessons from successful nonviolent struggles in America and around the world, Andre Henry calls on Black people and people of color to divest from whiteness and its false promises, trust what their lived experiences tell them, and practice hope as a discipline as they work for lasting change. Andre Henry is an award-winning musician, writer, and activist contending for the world that ought to be. He is a columnist for Religion News Service and the author of the newsletter “Hope and Hard Pills.” His activism in pursuit of racial justice has been featured in The New Yorker and The Nation, and on The Liturgists Podcast Connect with Andre on Instagram   Purchase a copy of his book via Amazon and Indy booksellers

In today's conversation we speak with Dr. Patrice Berry about her book, “Turning Crisis into Clarity”, the mental health stigma in the Black community, how to find the right therapist, and how she became a social media influencer and content creator. Dr. Patrice Berry is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience. She provides outpatient therapy at her private practice, and specializes in treating children, families, and adults with histories of trauma, adoption, depression, anxiety, and adjustment/life stage issues. As a speaker, she provides educational trainings on mental health awareness, integrating faith and mental health, and the impact of racism on marginalized communities. She also provides educational information on social media including Tiktok, Youtube, and Instagram. She will be joining me today to discuss her new book Turning Crisis into Clarity: How to survive or thrive in the midst of uncertainty. Purchase Dr. Berry's book on Amazon Follow Dr. Berry on Instagram

Today my guests and I are discussing Internal Family Systems ( IFS), how we were introduced to the model, what we've learned about ourselves because of IFS, how it impacts our lives and relationships, and how IFS has given us the language to communicate our pain, and what it means to be a Black woman and Black therapist in the IFS community. Crystal R. Jones, LCSW is a proud graduate of Howard University and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She has over 18 years of clinical experience working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with families, children, and adults. She is a certified Internal Family Systems Therapist, Approved Supervisor, and an IFS Assistant Trainer Mentee. She is the founder of the group private practice, Life Source Counseling Center, Inc in Fredericksburg, VA. Crystal works compassionately and collaboratively with women from all walks of life to create healing from trauma, identify healthy coping strategies, and increase self-compassion. She is also passionate about creating safe spaces and common for BIPOC women to feel connected, heard, seen, and valued. Andrieah Johnson, LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor owner of Connected Conversations Counseling, L.L.C. Jacksonville, FL. She supports black women who are struggling with unresolved trauma that manifests as perfectionism and people-pleasing. Requina Barnes, LICSW is Certified IFS Therapist and has been in the field of social work for over 18 years. She has a small private practice and works with adults and couples focusing on attachment, codependency, relationship challenges and trauma. She practices from an IFS lens with her clients. She is an adjunct professor and teaches social work classes. She loves spending time with her family, friends, traveling and journaling. To learn more about Crystal visit Life Source Counseling Center To connect with Andrieah via Connected Conversations on Instagram  To reach out to Andrieah for coaching visit her at Andrieah Zelina on Instagram To follow Requina on Instagram visit Strength, Inc.

Today's episode is with Undrea Wright and Charlotte James, creators of The Ancestor Project. Our discussion is all about sacred earth medicines and their work with the BIPOC community. We delve into their inspiration for starting the Ancestor Project, reclaiming ancestral practices, the medical model's stigma against plant and animal medicine, what they've learned about themselves while doing this work, and what they've learned about healing and community. This is such a rich and beautiful discussion. Undrea has been working to heal himself with sacred medicines for over 11 years. He is a cannabis entrepreneur that was instrumental in the decriminalization and medical bill pass in Maryland. He has a focus on equity and inclusion in all healing work and communities. Dre practices in the Traditional Amazonian ways, informed by the South American Shipibo-Conibo and Quechua-Lamista lineages, having trained with various global indigenous masters. He focuses on ancient teachings as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment. At the core of the teachings lies the transformation of consciousness, a spiritual awakening that he sees as the next step in human evolution. An essential aspect of this awakening consists in transcending our ego-based state of consciousness. This is a prerequisite not only for personal happiness but also for the ending of violent conflict endemic on our planet. Charlotte has been a harm reductionist and psychedelic explorer for over 10 years, but her path through this work has certainly not been linear. After leaving harm reduction years ago because of rapid burn out, she is returning to this work with a new energy – thanks to the power of healing with Sacred Earth Medicines. Charlotte is fascinated by communication, has a love of language, and is captivated by the power of human connection. She has been in fearless pursuit of her passions since she can remember, always gifting herself new experiences and opportunities to expand her mind. Charlotte works to create a world in which everyone is able to live in fearless pursuit of their radical transformation. She uses her skills as a digital strategist, coach, and space holder to build and engage a community focused on pursuing equitable liberation. Follow The Ancestor Project on Instagram Donate and support their work at www.theancestorproject.com

Today I am speaking with my friend and Internal Family Systems peer Kim Paulus, LMFT. Kim and I discuss the intersection of queerness and BIPOC, being a first generation immigrant and biracial. We discuss legacy burdens and ancestral healing among BIPOC queers. We also discuss what it means to speak your truth, how to meet others in the LGBTQ+ community, what it means to live authentically, and how to navigate relationships with those who disapprove of the gay community. Kim Paulus describes herself as a fat, biracial, queer psychotherapist and IFS clinical consultant in private practice in Oakland, California. With a background in social justice activism, she serves primarily the LGBTQIIA+ and BIPOC communities, including multiracial people and adult children of immigrant parents. She first began using IFS in 2004, and was recently invited to join the IFS training staff as an Assistant Trainer. She is passionate about bringing the beautiful healing and empowerment that IFS offers to more and more of her people. Learn more about Kim via her website at https://kimpauluslmft.com/ Follow Kim on Instagram 

” Love is the ritual, compassionate attuning is the medicine.” -Alishia McCullough, LCMHCA Today I am speaking with Alisha McCullough, LCMHCA about disordered eating in the Black community. Alishia educates listeners on the many categories of disordered eating, how white supremacy shows up in discussions about food, the difference between decolonization and anti-colonization, how to have conversations about disordered eating, and how find safe spaces and seek support. Alishia McCullough (she/her) LCMHCA  Owner of Black and Embodied Counseling and Consulting PLLC  is a millennial Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist currently residing in the DMV. She is also an independently published author of the book Blossoming. Alishia is passionate about racial healing, and anti-colonialism within eating disorders. She is motivated to increase access and create spaces for Black, Indigenous and People of the Global Majority to come together and heal in ways that inspire holistic wellness and liberation focused healing.  Outside of her clinical work, she is a Co-Founder of the Amplify Melanated Voices Movement  and the Founder of The Holistic Black Healing Collective. Her work has been featured by Target, Bustle, LA Times, Popsugar, and Forbes.   Sabrina String Fearing the Black Body can be found via Amazon bell hooks all about love can be found via Amazon Eating Disorder Support Group for Black Folks  https://www.thesanctuaryinthecity.org/ed the third Tuesday of each month at 4pm PST/6pm CST/7pm EST @uncsolicitedftb https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unsolicited-fatties-talk-back/id1593026848 @myblackbodypodcast https://www.myblackbody.org/ Black Body Liberation Collective https://tbblcollectivewebs.wixsite.com/my-site “I'm Thrivin” Paola Hernandez https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1jXIhhaZO1oddJBiIoIj5w Follow Alishia on IG @ blackandembodied Visit Alishia's website @ http://blackandembodied.com

Today's guest is Melissa Guttman. We met via Instagram and bonded over Internal Family System ( IFS). We discuss how she found her voice and helps others to do the same, her work with creatives, performers, and singers, how we validate our own voice, and how music evokes memory. Melissa Guttman is a music therapist and IFS trained psychotherapist, with degrees from Berklee College of Music and New York University. Her purpose is helping creatives with perfectionism and performance anxiety to find their voice. She sees clients based in NYC. Her favorite past times are singing, swimming, dancing, and nature hikes. Follow Melissa on IG 

In today's interview I speak with Aundi Kolber about her books Try Softer and newly released, The Try Softer Guided Journey. Aundi and I discuss some of the most painful seasons of her life, the healing journey, what it means to be an authentic therapist, how we show empathy and compassion in our work, honoring your pain, and building a relationship with your younger self. Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC), an author, and a speaker living in Castle Rock, Colorado. She has received additional training in her specialization of trauma- and body-centered therapies and is passionate about the integration of faith and psychology. She has written for Relevant, CT Women, and (in)courage. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain. Aundi is happily married to her best friend, Brendan, and is the proud mom of Matia and Jude. Connect with Aundi on I Purchase Aundi's books here: https://www.amazon.com/Aundi-Kolber/e/B07VFVBYHH?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1636371153&sr=1-2

In today's episode and am speaking with my one of the funniest, and most intelligent Black women in my community, Joquina Reed. We discuss: Institutional racism Joquina's superpower and kryptonite The Triad (white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism) How whiteness and white supremacy harms Race being a social construct The importance of intellectual humility Divesting from Whiteness My name is Joquina Reed. But you all most definitely can call me Kina. By far one of the most important hats, I wear in life is being a fabulous aunt to 8 nieces and nephews! In addition to being Nanny Kina, I am also a DEI consultant and facilitator, researcher, learning strategist, and community advocate. Every day I wake up committed to moving us all closer to the goal line of shared humanity. I often find my words feel limited by not speaking my fore-parents tongue, but I still speak. I enjoy sticking my hand in soil to remind myself the universe is both bigger than I am and still enlarged by my acts. I'm constantly looking for opportunities to help others enlarge themselves and step out of the boxes they no longer fit. As a life-long learner and educator, I affirm the words of my great ancestor, Anna Julia Cooper, “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class – it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.” Follow Joquina on IG here at The Anti Blackness Reader  Follow Joquina's on IG here @ Divesting from Whiteness  Listen to Joquina's podcast Divesting From Whiteness

In today's episode I am speaking with my guest, Amber Webb Sims. This is one of the most powerful episodes I've recorded. Amber and I discuss her career as an attorney and how she uses her voice to demystify information. Amber shares what it means to divest from white supremacy, how racial capitalism affects Black people, Black pain being profitable, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) being trendy. Amber also shares:   why we must speak about pay inequity in the workplace why labor is not aspirational silence being a tool for white supremacy. Amber is an attorney, speaker, writer, abolitionist. These are just a few words that describe Amber Webb Sims. Asa trial lawyer with nearly 100 first chair jury trials, Amber is among the top attorneys in Texas as measured by actual cases tried. But her gift and passion are empowering people through making complicated, intimidating information understandable, engaging, practical, and fun. This passion has extended beyond the courtroom to topics such as theology, politics, and social justice. After graduating from The Hockaday School in 2003, Amber got a B.A. in Political Science from The George Washington University. Afterwards, she obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence, cum laude, from Texas Tech University School of Law. She worked briefly as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County during the tenure of Craig Watkins, the first African-American elected District Attorney in the State of Texas. Her primary field of practice is insurance defense litigation, and Amber has worked in a top insurance defense law firm as well as for three of the largest carriers in the country. Amber currently works as Assistant Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel in Litigation for AT&T, and her responsibilities include handling personal injury, premises liability, catastrophic loss, wrongful death, and commercial dispute cases in the six states that make up old Southwestern Bell. In her spare time, Amber co-hosts the Broke-ish podcast with Erika Brown, and they discuss the systemic and interpersonal impacts of racism and injustice on the Black community. She also regularly appears on radio shows, virtual events, and churches – discussing a wide range of issues. She lives in Prosper, Texas with her husband, kids, and crazy dog.  

Today's episode is all about honoring Oprah Winfrey. I am joined by my friends Andrea Kingsley-Miller, Cha Sears-Barefield, Marcie Alvis-Walker, and Monica DiCristina. I wanted a fun episode with some of my closest sisters and what better way to spend time with them than on a podcast talking about someone we all admire and have looked up to since childhood. We each share our earliest memories, what we've learned from Oprah, our own AHA moments, and what we would say to Oprah if ever given the chance. We love you Oprah and hope you know what a profound impact you've had on us and millions all over the world. Andrea Miller is a Jesus follower and justice seeker on a journey of discovering what it actually means to pursue both. She's a fellow sojourner and wilderness wanderer exploring life at the intersection of evolving faith and being fully who God created her to be while making space for others to do the same. With a degree in Communication/PR, she's worked in church ministry and in the non- profit arena but currently is a full- time mom raising two daughters- Grace (18) and Mary (12). Andrea is also the host of the HerStory Speaks Podcast which she created as a platform for brave women to share their stories over vulnerable conversations. Andrea believes nothing has the power to both break and heal like our stories. The power of collective story telling is central to her passion for lifting up the voices of women on the margins. After living in the Bible Belt for the last 6yrs, Andrea now resides with her family in the Kansas City area. As a recovering people pleaser and enneagram 5, you can usually find her outside connecting with nature or settled on her porch with a good book. Find her at herstoryspeakspodcast.com and Instagram @herstoryspeakspodcast Cha Barefield is a powerful speaker, entrepreneur and talk show host of The Cha Show. The Cha Show is committed to curating meaningful conversations that bring people together. It creates a safe space for people to share their stories. The Cha Show inspires our hearts to be better, love better and hope more. Cha believes in the power of pushing the needle towards love. She sees the extraordinary in the ordinary and causes us to see the same. The world needs what Cha seeks to amplify, now more than ever. Marcie Alvis-Walker is a writer and the creator of the blog and Instagram feed, Black Coffee with White Friends and Mockingbird History Lessons. She is passionate about what it means to embrace intersectionality, diversity and inclusion in our daily lives. As a history enthusiast, she believes that learning our comprehensive history from diverse narratives is not only racially healing but also radically anti- racist.  She recently moved to Chicago, Illinois with her husband, daughter, and their dog Evie where she reads a lot of books, watches a lot of movies, and drinks a lot of tea and coffee. Follow her story at: http://www.blackcoffeewithwhitefriends.com/Sign-up for Mockingbird History Lessons by becoming part of her Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/mockingbirdhistorylessonsforadults Stay in community with her daily on Instagram: @blackcoffeewithwhitefriends @mockingbirdhistorylessons ” Monica DiCristina is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than a decade of experience in individuals and couples therapy. She walks with people as they process difficult experiences, helping to bring healing to their relationship with themselves and others. Through her podcast, writing, speaking, and counseling work, Monica carries out her heartfelt mission to guide and collaborate with others in their process of becoming who they were made to be. Website: monicadicristina.com Instagram: @monicadicristina Podcast: Still Becoming Kids Podcast: Still Becoming Kids

Today's episode was inspired by Black Women Woes Part I but with a new group of beautiful, inspiring, powerful, and passionate women. This discussion felt like love,  family, strength personified, and spiritual. We laughed, held space for each other, snapped fingers, and said amen more than once. Having these heart talks are why my podcast exist  In today's discussion we talk about faith, boundaries, self-care, relationships, white supremacy, and more. This is an epic collaboration! Amber Webb Sims is an Attorney. Speaker. Writer. Abolitionist. These are just a few words that describe Amber Webb Sims. Asa trial lawyer with nearly 100 first chair jury trials, Amber is among the top attorneys in Texas as measured by actual cases tried. But her gift and passion are empowering people through making complicated, intimidating information understandable, engaging, practical, and fun. This passion has extended beyond the courtroom to topics such as theology, politics, and social justice. After graduating from The Hockaday School in 2003, Amber got a B.A. in Political Science from The George Washington University. Afterwards, she obtained her Doctor of Jurisprudence, cum laude, from Texas Tech University School of Law. She worked briefly as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County during the tenure of Craig Watkins, the first African-American elected District Attorney in the State of Texas. Her primary field of practice is insurance defense litigation, and Amber has worked in a top insurance defense law firm as well as for three of the largest carriers in the country. Amber currently works as Assistant Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel in Litigation for AT&T, and her responsibilities include handling personal injury, premises liability, catastrophic loss, wrongful death, and commercial dispute cases in the six states that make up old Southwestern Bell. In her spare time, Amber co-hosts the Broke-ish podcast with Erika Brown, and they discuss the systemic and interpersonal impacts of racism and injustice on the Black community. She also regularly appears on radio shows, virtual events, and churches – discussing a wide range of issues. She lives in Prosper, Texas with her husband, kids, and crazy dog. Courtney Napier is a writer, journalist, gatherer, and antiracism coach from Raleigh, North Carolina. She has written for national outlets like NewsOne and The Appeal, as well as regional and local publications such as Scalawag Magazine, WALTER Magazine, The Carolinian, and INDY Week. She is also the founder of Black Oak Society, a collective of Black creatives in the greater Raleigh area. Their flagship publication, BOS Magazine, is a literary magazine focused on giving Black Raleigh her flowers now. Finally, Courtney has coached individuals and organizations as they seek to lead and live in a way that undermines white supremacy and honors the humanity of all people. She loves to love her spouse, David, of ten years, and her two little humans who are endless hilarious meme reels. Faitth Brooks is an anti-racism educator, speaker, writer and co-host of the Melanated Faith podcast. Formed in the Christian tradition and Black liberation theology, Faitth uses her platform to enliven her following for collective liberation centering on the sisterhood of black women. Her work seeks to free Black women from the singular narrative placed upon them and release them into a life of living color where all are welcome and valued for their unique essence. Faitth is crafting communal space where rest, tenderness, and softness are commonplace for Black sisters to explore and take in the abundance of presence and purpose over hustle and performance. Faitth earned her Master's degree in Social Work and earned her certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. When Faitth is not working, she is hanging out with her family, traveling, or watching her favorite shows. Sharifa is the daughter of Jamaican immigrants,

Today's bonus episode is in honor of Suicide Awareness Month and the one person every eleven minutes who decides to end their life. I start this episode by sharing my own story of being a Black woman who struggled with suicidal thoughts since the age of ten years old. I also discuss some of the thoughts and experiences that led to my attempt to end my life.  I believe that we heal when we tell our story. We heal when we're honest about our experiences, about our pain, and about our trauma. I also discuss the following: the importance of confronting fear, discomfort, and uncertainty how to have hard, uncomfortable conversations how to care for yourself the importance of community care how we save a life showing intentional love radical love/radical self-care It's my hope that after listening to this episode you're able to have hard conversations with you loved ones and hopefully practice loving the people in your life and decreasing suicide rates.

Today's episode is with peacemaker, author, speaker, and advocate Diana Oestreich and we discuss her book ” Waging Peace” and why this book spoke to me. I select some of my favorite passages of her book that resonated with my experience and is the story of so many active duty and veterans across the world. We discuss how we met and what it's like leaving the wilderness and connecting with others who desire friendship and community. Diana shares what it means to love people and treat people like they actually matter. We delve into the military industrial complex, military culture, and the culture of fear. Diana and I talk about the importance of naming sexual assault, suicide, racism, and other issues we witnessed and/or experienced. Diana Oestreich is a Combat Soldier turned Peacemaker. She heard God's call to love her enemies in the most unlikely place: on the battlefield of the Iraq war. Diana is an Activist, Veteran, Sexual assault nurse, and relentless practitioner of Peace. Whether speaking across the country or in Iran and Iraq or at her son's middle school in Minnesota she empowers us to identify political or religious divides to cross our own “enemy lines” in order to wage peace. Because Justice and Joy can't wait. Diana is the founder of The Waging Peace Project, a movement activating everyday peacemakers to commit acts of courage for the sake of justice + joy, rooted in a relentless belief in the power of love to transform ourselves and the world around us. Her first book was Amazon's #1 New Release in War and Peace. Waging Peace exposes the false divide between loving our country and living out our faith's call to love our enemies–whether we perceive our enemy as the neighbor with an opposing political viewpoint, the clerk wearing a head-covering, or the refugee from a war-torn country. By showing that us-versus-them is a false choice, this book will inspire each of us to choose love over fear. Diana, her partner Jake and their two sons, Bridger and Zelalem live along the shores of Gitche Gumme on unceded Ojibwe land. She is raising her Black son to know his worth and her white son to work for justice. They are an Ethiopian-American family woven together through adoption and a shared love for bad jokes and competitive card games. www.dianaoestreich.com https://www.dianaoestreich.com/waging-peace-project https://www.facebook.com/DianaKOestreich https://www.instagram.com/dianaoestreich Diana's work has been featured on: Government for Grown Ups by Sharon McMahon, For the Love Podcast with Jen Hatmaker, Preemptive Love Coalition, Red Letter Christians, Red River radio, Duluth News tribune, Veterans for Peace, League of Women Voters, American Association of University Women, Duke Endowment, National Rural Assembly, Alworth Center for the study of Peace and Justice studies, Micah Synagogue, Forging Peace Conference, Womens Speakers Collective, Rural Women's Summit, Community College of Denver Military Sexual Trauma Panel and many podcasts across the land.

Today I am speaking to Sonja Price- Herbert about racism in the fitness industry. Sonja shares what ignited her to specialize in anti-racism in fitness industry and how racism has personally impacted her. Sonja discusses the importance of having diverse voices from the Black community to speak on this topic and the need to create safety for Black people in fitness/wellness spaces. Sonja also delves into what we mean when we say ” Black people are not a monolith”,  and her thoughts on blending fitness and mental healthcare for her clients in the future. Sonja is offering an Antiracism Refresher Course for All Fitness Professionals Saturday, September 25th 3-5pm EST Sonja is a Classical Pilates instructor, antiracism educator/consultant, competitive powerlifters and the founder/creator of Black Girl Pilates which is a platform highlighting/supporting Black/Afro Latina Pilates instructors and Black Girl Fit & Well – a platform designed to curate health/wellness events, workshops, conferences representative of Black women. In 2020, she co-founded Melanin Brothers of Pilates with 7 Black male identifying Pilates instructors to highlight Black men who teach or take Pilates. Sonja is committed to Black Female representation within fitness and improving the health/wellness in the Black community through writing, speaking and curating health/wellness events for Black women.   Connect with Sonja on Instagram Follow Sonja's Black Girl Pilates  Follow Melanin Brothers of Pilates  

In today's episode I am speaking with Ashley Easter and we discuss what it was like for her growing up in a cult, experiencing various types of abuse, and how her intuition played a major part in her own awakening and courage to leave the only faith and family that she knew. Ashley explores how her family reacted to her change, how she grew into her full self, and how she found support from others like Rachel Held Evans and Sarah Bessey. Ashley also discussed her organization Courage 365 and the Courage 365 conference. Ashley Easter is an intuition coach, speaker, and survivor activist. From religious cult and abuse survivor to thriving abuse survivor activist Ashley Easter empowers others to trust themselves by leveraging the science and powerful practice of tapping into their intuition for safety, abundance, and success. She is also the founder of the non-profit Courage 365 a judgement-free place for survivors of abuse—and those who love them—to gather and hear inspiring stories from other survivors about moving forward in boldness and healing.   Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Visit Ashley's Website Learn more about Courage 365  Connect with Ashley on Instagram

Today's episode is with my closest friend Andrea Kingsley Miller. We recorded this episode at Andrea's home during the weekend of my birthday weekend and it was easily one of the BEST birthdays I've ever celebrated. Having Andrea as a friend has honestly been the gift I didn't know I needed. She is one of the kindest, most empathetic people I've ever met and I am so glad that we both took a chance at getting to know each other and being intentional about growing our Instagram conversations into an actual friendship. On this episode we discuss the following:   Why I'll never be anyone's token Black friend The importance of safe friendship Being your full self in relationships The grief experienced when relationships end   Andrea Miller is a Jesus follower and justice seeker on a journey of discovering what it actually means to pursue both. She's a fellow sojourner and wilderness wanderer exploring life at the intersection of evolving faith and being fully who God created her to be while making space for others to do the same. With a degree in Communication/PR, she's worked in church ministry and in the non- profit arena but currently is a full- time mom raising two daughters- Grace (18) and Mary (12). Andrea is also the host of the HerStory Speaks Podcast which she created as a platform for brave women to share their stories over vulnerable conversations. Andrea believes nothing has the power to both break and heal like our stories. The power of collective story telling is central to her passion for lifting up the voices of women on the margins. After living in the Bible Belt for the last 6yrs, Andrea now resides with her family in the Kansas City area. As a recovering people pleaser and enneagram 5, you can usually find her outside connecting with nature or settled on her porch with a good book.   Amanda Seales Podcast Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0JPIy5uSOhAkqikR2LKTfy?si=rPQ4Fg-jRLO8vLZRbr6Krw&dl_branch=1 Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Listen to Andrea's Podcast  Visit Andrea's Website Connect with Andrea on Instagram

Today's episode is by request and I'm speaking about the people pleasing. I am discussing some of what I believe is the root cause of people pleasing behavior, symptoms of people pleasing behavior, Internal Family Systems perspectives as the behavior being a protector, and the long-term impact of people-pleasing, and ways to address the behavior and speak up without allowing fear to stop you. Follow me on Instagram Check out my website  

Today's episode was birthed from an idea that I had several months ago. So Cha, Lettie, Marcie, and Patricia all said yes to speaking about the power of being a Black woman and some of what we deal with on a regular basis.  I wanted to utilize the month of August to talk to feature all of us together. This episode is more than I could have dreamed. They represent healing, love, courage, authenticity, and truth. Listening to the convo made me proud to be in community with them and this wasn't just a podcast recording— it was Black Woman power being exemplified. Here are just a few of the questions that I asked them: 1. What will you no longer return to? 2. What will you no longer accept from others? 3. How are you honoring your Blackness from the perspective of self-care? 4. How is pleasure incorporated into your lives? What give you pleasure? 5. What have you learned about love? Marcie Alvis-Walker is a writer and the creator of the blog and Instagram feed, Black Coffee with White Friends and Mockingbird History Lessons. She is passionate about what it means to embrace intersectionality, diversity and inclusion in our daily lives. As a history enthusiast, she believes that learning our comprehensive history from diverse narratives is not only racially healing but also radically anti- racist.  She recently moved to Chicago, Illinois with her husband, daughter, and their dog Evie where she reads a lot of books, watches a lot of movies, and drinks a lot of tea and coffee. Lettie Shumate is a historian, educator, and facilitator in Wilmington, NC. She is also the host and owner of her podcast “History Shows Us” where she educates about history and bridges the past to the present, she discusses racial and social issues, and she doesn't hold back the truth. Her gift and ability to “connect the dots” is something that is critical to learning from the past. The love she has for history is evident! Lettie received her M.A. in History in 2015 where she focused on American history and specialized in Black history and race studies. She also completed her M.A. in Conflict Management & Resolution in May 2020 which equipped her with skills to incorporate effective communication with hard topics and how to navigate these situations, mediation and facilitation knowledge, and this MA contributed greatly to her work as both a historian and antiracism educator. Lettie's story and journey is filled with strength and resilience, receiving “noes” and continuing to have faith and be obedient, regardless, and learning what it means to truly choose and cultivate joy while growing and healing. Patricia Taylor is a wife, mom and California native turned Georgia peach. She believes in Jesus, loving all our neighbors, and having critical conversations around racial justice with grace and honesty. Her work is rooted in anti-racism education, and she currently serves as the BIPOC Educator for Be The Bridge. Patricia is also a co-host for Upside Down Podcast, which is an ecumenical faith space that has unscripted conversations around justice, spirituality, and culture. You may find her on Instagram @patricia_a_taylor and on Facebook at Some Thoughts From Your Black Friend by Patricia A. Taylor. Cha Barefield is a powerful speaker, entrepreneur and talk show host of The Cha Show. The Cha Show is committed to curating meaningful conversations that bring people together. It creates a safe space for people to share their stories. The Cha Show inspires our hearts to be better, love better and hope more. Cha believes in the power of pushing the needle towards love. She sees the extraordinary in the ordinary and causes us to see the same. The world needs what Cha seeks to amplify, now more than ever.   Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Lettie on Instagram   Follow History Shows Us on IG Listen to Lettie's Podcasts  Visit Lettie's Patreon Connect with Marcie on Instagram Follow Marcie's story on her website Support Marcie on Patreon Connect ...

On today's episode I get to interview my friend Lettie Elizabeth about what it means to be an actual historian and why it's important for history to be taught by people of color. Lettie also shares why this country has a fear of Black history and how education was kept from Black people. Lettie goes on to discuss the following: How she practices self-care Productivity vs self-worth How she shows up authentically The importance of doing what you're called to do How she honors her ancestors What she wants people to learn from her lessons Lettie Shumate is a historian, educator, and facilitator in Wilmington, NC. She is also the host and owner of her podcast “History Shows Us” where she educates about history and bridges the past to the present, she discusses racial and social issues, and she doesn't hold back the truth. Her gift and ability to “connect the dots” is something that is critical to learning from the past. The love she has for history is evident! Lettie received her M.A. in History in 2015 where she focused on American history and specialized in Black history and race studies. She also completed her M.A. in Conflict Management & Resolution in May 2020 which equipped her with skills to incorporate effective communication with hard topics and how to navigate these situations, mediation and facilitation knowledge, and this MA contributed greatly to her work as both a historian and antiracism educator. Lettie's story and journey is filled with strength and resilience, receiving “noes” and continuing to have faith and be obedient, regardless, and learning what it means to truly choose and cultivate joy while growing and healing.   Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Lettie on Instagram   Follow History Shows Us on IG Listen to Lettie's Podcasts  Visit Lettie's Patreon

“The more I began to really explore who God is apart from people who profess the name of God, then I started to know more about my own worth and my own value in God's eyes and the love that Jesus has for me regardless of what I've done.” – Patricia Taylor In this episode, Patricia Taylor shares her experience having an abortion at the age of 19 years old. Patricia reflects on the pain and trauma experienced after the procedure and what ultimately led to her desire to share her story with others. Patricia also reflects on the following: feeling unworthy of grace and love the importance of post-abortion after-care how the church weaponizes grace, love, and forgiveness post-abortion trauma triggers how relationships with friends were impacted the importance of safe people what churches can do better post-abortive stress syndrome the benefits of speaking her truth Patricia Taylor is a wife, mom and California native turned Georgia peach. She believes in Jesus, loving all our neighbors, and having critical conversations around racial justice with grace and honesty. Her work is rooted in anti-racism education, and she currently serves as the BIPOC Educator for Be The Bridge. Patricia is also a co-host for Upside Down Podcast, which is an ecumenical faith space that has unscripted conversations around justice, spirituality, and culture. You may find her on Instagram @patricia_a_taylor and on Facebook at Some Thoughts From Your Black Friend by Patricia A. Taylor. Lecrae's  YouTube Interview Lecrae's song  ” Good, Bad, Ugly” Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Patricia on Instagram  Listen to Patricia's Podcasts  Visit Patricia's website 

Trigger Warning: I discuss childhood sexual abuse, sexual trauma, and other forms of childhood maltreatment. This episode is inspired by Glennon Doyle's podcast ” We Can Do Hard Things”. I listened to her most recent episodes which pertain to sex. It made me realize the importance of speaking out and why we must do everything possible to de-stigmatize the topic of sex and sexuality. It also prompted me to want to discuss some of the barriers that we face that prevent us from having healthy sexual relationships with others and why at times we feel unsafe in our bodies. As many of us know, it is often due to child abuse. As long as I have a voice, I will never grow tired of advocating for abused children and anyone living with PTSD due to childhood abuse, neglect, and abandonment. I will never get tired of speaking about how we heal.  If you would like to listen to those episodes  here they are: Silent Sex Queen Sexy Qs, Farewell to Faking It & Vouching For Vibrators This episode was recorded in honor of the 1 in 4 females who are sexually abused in the U.S and the 1 in 5 males who are sexually abused in the U.S. —as of this date the Darkness to Light statistical research does not include gender inclusive language that also represents those who identify as non-binary. I discuss the  ways child abuse, abandonment, and dysfunctional and abusive family behaviors impact adult's ability to trust, form trusted relationships, and have healthy sexual relationships. I also share a small bit of my own story. I hope that anyone who listens to this episode will leave feeling less alone and prepared to seek help. If you would like to read my story of surviving child abuse, neglect, and abandonment you can purchase a copy of my book here or by emailing me for a signed copy. Visit Darkeness To Light  Darkness To Light Research Darkness To Light Child Abuse Statistics

” What I know for sure is, it's never too late and it's never over.” My friend Monica DiCristina joins me for today's show where we discuss anxiety, grief, fear, and common barriers to becoming the person you were always meant to be. Monica shares her experience with anxiety which is sure to encourage and inspire listeners to keep going even with fear. Monica also shares the following: Identity vs our struggle How we create a new narrative What we grieve on our journey to becoming How we welcome in tenderness and compassion The  benefits of opening our hearts Finding our worth and value Monica DiCristina is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than a decade of experience in individuals and couples therapy. She walks with people as they process difficult experiences, helping to bring healing to their relationship with themselves and others. Through her podcast, writing, speaking, and counseling work, Monica carries out her heartfelt mission to guide and collaborate with others in their process of becoming who they were made to be. Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Monica on Instagram  Listen to Monica's Podcasts @ Still Becoming and  Still Becoming Kids  

” If I have to modify myself for you to value, see, or hear me— then that means I'm not seen, valued, or heard.” Cha Sears- Barefield On today's episode, I get to talk with my friend and sister Cha Sears-Barefield. I first became acquainted with Cha while listening to her the Still Becoming podcast with Monica DiCristina, Episode 65 for anyone who would like to listen to this powerful, loving, and passionate woman. Cha has the kind of voice that commands anyone in her presence, to take a seat and just listen— because if you don't you're going to miss something valuable and potentially life-changing. Cha shares the following: what life has taught her about people what she's learned about authentic relationships how to exit toxic relationships what it means to show up for others how to know when you've found your people Cha Sears-Barefield is a powerful speaker, entrepreneur and talk show host of The Cha Show. The Cha Show is committed to curating meaningful conversations that bring people together. It creates a safe space for people to share their stories. The Cha Show inspires our hearts to be better, love better and hope more. Cha believes in the power of pushing the needle towards love. She sees the extraordinary in the ordinary and causes us to see the same. The world needs what Cha seeks to amplify, now more than ever. Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Cha on Instagram  Watch with Cha's Show on Youtube Visit Cha's website     

“Hey I see this pain. I see it. I'm willing to sit with you in it. I don't want to drag you out of it. I don't want to tell you it's going to be ok. I see you. And that pain is valid, but that pain won't last forever.” On today's episode we are hearing from Grace Kingsley Miller as she shares her journey healing from self-harm. Grace reveals what it was like growing up and being unable to express her feelings at a young age. During this conversation, Grace bravely shares past family difficulties that led her to protect herself by becoming a people-pleasure at an early age. While coping with painful and unexpressed emotions, Grace details the impact of not having any safe people or spaces.  Grace also shares the following: how she learned to give herself grace her experiences with therapy how the church responded her sources of encouragement how she copes with her emotions today how she plans to use her voice in the future Grace Miller is an 18 year old young woman currently living in Kansas City with her parents and 12 year old sister. Grace has a passion for social justice, and political advocacy. She attends the University of Kansas, studying political science. Follow me on Instagram Check out my website   ” In those lonely moments that was when I was able to love myself the best….” Grace Kingsley Miller

On today's episode we listen to Diamond Williams as she shares why we need more Black professionals in the STEM ( science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field. Diamond works in the engineering field and shares her professional journey. She delves into some of the barriers that prevents so many people from entering the STEM field and how they can move past those barriers. Diamond also discusses the following: The Black tax The pressures of being first to succeed in her family Recommendations for math comprehension STEM career navigation Diamond is  the host and curator of the Nahledge&Pettiness podcast. Nahledge&Pettiness is a podcast for those full of knowledge yet equally petty; the intersection of informative content and culture. Nahledge&Pettiness is available on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, iHeartRADIO, Pandora, Spotify, and many more. Diamond is a dog mom, data engineer, educator, and business owner. Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Diamond on Instagram  Connect with Diamond's podcast IG Page Visit Diamond's website 

” I know what real looks like and as a trauma survivor…I also know what healing looks like.” Today's interview is with Jackie Roby. Jackie details her story of surviving childhood sexual trauma, coping with family secrets, PTSD, and her journey to finding freedom from the shame and secrecy. Jackie's career in the travel industry led her to the world of wellness travel and healing retreats. Jackie shares how travel can heal those who suffer with depression, anxiety, and PTSD.  Jackie also started a movement called #TravelCanHeal to support those in need of healing. Jackie also discloses the following: the impact of being the family peacemaker the impact of family secrets on her mental health coming into her awareness of how much her words matter Jackie Roby is Chief Excellence Officer at Inspired Journey Consulting, a Boston-based business dedicated to wellness, healing, and transformational tourism. She is a sales strategist & social media amplifier for wellness travel businesses. Jackie is a Diversity Equity Inclusion advocate with over 19 years of experience in travel and hospitality sales. IJC's vision is to create a world where marginalized people feel empowered to be their authentic selves, where traveling is a tool for inclusion, to enhance the cultural wellness in the travel industry, and grow emotional intelligence, healing, and self-care for a kinder humanity. Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Jackie on Facebook Connect with Jackie on Twitter  Connect with Jackie on  Instagram Connect with Jackie on LinkedIn Visit Jackie's website         

” If one is committed and married to systems, structures, and any forms of hatred, oppression, and violence, it's probably not going to work for you here. You might want to keep it moving.” Today we are speaking with Reverend Felicia Parazaider about her Revolution of Love Ministry. We discuss what prompted her to create this community and why community is important. Rev. Felicia also shares her thoughts on the following topics: what it means to show love to another unprocessed grief and the connection to violence her work with transformative justice and social justice movements triaging pain the importance of inner child healing self-compassion the disease of oneness Rev. Felicia Helen Parazaider is an ordained interfaith minister, speaker, author, and expert in the field of nonviolence.  She attended the Chaplaincy Institute for Arts and Interfaith Ministry, and was ordained in March 2012.  She holds degrees from University of California Berkeley in both Religious Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies, and has completed training programs in Spiritual Psychology, Tree of Life Teachings, and Clinical Pastoral Education. For 20 years, Rev. Felicia has been involved in ministry and activism.  In the early aughts, she began with the Anti-Defamation League and the Feminist Majority Foundation.  During this time she cut her teeth in the world of social justice.  After moving to the Bay in 2006, she began working with Pace e Bene (PeB), a nonviolent nonprofit organization.  While working for PeB she deepened her skill set by leading workshops and trainings in nonviolence and de-escalation techniques. She has ministered extensively to drug addicts and alcoholics, both on the streets of Los Angeles and in the Bay Area. For several years she served as a Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) chairperson, in charge of taking panels of recovering alcoholics into USC County Hospital to carry the message of recovery. She also worked at Kaiser Hospital Oakland and Walnut Creek as a chaplain. Her more academic work has led her to teaching classes in nonviolence and meditation at UC Berkeley,  Since she is the only minister from The Chaplaincy Institute to launch an all faith/no faith ministry, she has since returned to her alma mater and taught students how to create community ministry from the ground up. Rev. Felicia is a radical sacred activist, traveling to India and the Middle East on peace delegations, walking over 500 miles through the Nevada desert against nuclear proliferation and for peace, as well as being arrested over 20 times for participating in nonviolent civil resistance protesting drone warfare, nuclear weapons, and the separation of migrant families from their children, to name a few. She is the founder of The Revolution Of Love (ROL), a ministry which emphasizes the intersection of inner work and outer work in the world for the purposes of healing and radical change.  The ministry met over 200 times in the San Francisco Bay Area for service from 2012-2017.  Upon moving back to her hometown of Los Angeles, she relaunched ROL services.  In August 2019, the latest branch of ROL, Speak Boldly, was born.  These events covered a variety of topics, redefining violence, anger, forgiveness, to name a few.  Since COVID-19 we meet every Sunday Night via Zoom.  All are welcome. Sign up here: https://slkt.io/7lAC She is the creator of The Prayer Rope and The Love Challenge, both branches of ROL that are specific ways to begin to transform oneself and this world.  A seer, energy worker, and intuitive, she is also trained in Jewish Mysticism and Indian Way.  Her speaking is a blend of her Roma roots of storytelling, channeling, and performance art.  She is committed to agitating people into new paradigms in a bold and loving way, for the sole purpose of world changing.  In 2022, her first book will be released on her story from violence to wholeness.  Stay tuned for updates about her one person show.  Rev.

” When you love you, nothing someone says will make you think differently about you.” Today we are speaking with Candace Joseph about her mental health diagnosis and the impact PTSD, depression, and anxiety has had on her life and entrepreneurial  journey. Candace shares her story with honesty and strength as she gives listeners insight on how trauma impacted her daily life activities and ability to form healthy relationships. Candace also shares the following topics: How PTSD, depression, and anxiety presented in her life The importance of 12 Step Groups The impact of mental health therapy The pain of solitude Finding her authentic self Creating safe spaces High vibrational relationships Being open to change Honoring your intuition Fearing change and evolving Candace Joseph is CEO of The Joseph Consulting Firm, LLC. She coaches entrepreneurs from start to growth. She creates marketing strategies, growth plans, and streamlines systems to strength a company's position upon launch. She also hosts a weekly radio, The Business Knowledge Broker Hour with Candace Joseph, on High Volume Music Radio gearing to highlight the vast hidden jewels of entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations all around the globe. Candace holds an accounting degree from Prairie View A&M University. In her spare time, she enjoys listening to opera, playing chess, and volunteering with local organizations on their marketing campaigns. Candace is a seeker of knowledge and believes in sharing it to all. She seeks to daily motivate, encourage, and empower all to be the greatest version of themselves. She is on a quest to create visibility success for all. Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Candance on Facebook  Connect with Candace on Instagram Visit Candace's website  Email: info@josephconsultingfirm.com  

” You still have to live. You still have to figure out what you were put her for…” Today we are speaking to Michele Johnson, MHS, PA-C about her own journey with chronic pain and how she found ways to cope despite her medical diagnosis. Michele shares tips with listeners regarding what helped her to continue to thrive and how she now uses what she's learned to help others. Michele covers the following topics on this episode: Her journey with fibromyalgia Her introduction to Chinese medicine How she learned to advocate for herself and how others can do the same What she lost due to chronic pain What she gained because of chronic pain The importance of finding your tribe Changing your physical environment The benefits of therapy The impact of certain foods on chronic pain The importance of faith Michele Johnson MHS, PA-C is a certified Family Medicine Physician Assistant, Certified Professional Life Coach Specializing in Stress Reduction as a form of healing, Speaker and Author of the International Best Seller Pain Free: How To Live A Full Life Despite Chronic Pain. Told from her perspective as a Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Warrior for nearly two decades, the self help memoir focuses on Healing the wounds Invisible Illness through the holistic health techniques, learned in her practice of western medicine as well her study abroad of China and Cuban Health Systems. As The Pain Free PA she trains clients in releasing the stress that's making them sick. Helping to regain their body, their energy and their time. Featured on various medical podcasts, SiriusXM Radio and as a Rare Disease Advocate Panelist, Michele's passion to help decrease the pain, anxiety and isolation of Invisible Illness through crushing the effects of stress on the body shines through the testimony of her clients and patients Follow me on Instagram Check out my website Connect with Michele on Facebook  Connect with Michele on Instagram Visit Michele's website  Email: thepainfreepa@gmail.com  

" God will love us right where we are, but I didn't really feel I was worthy." On today's episode Chandra Moyer shares her story of growing up in a military family in a predominantly White community. She details what it was like becoming aware of the abuse after more than thirty years of dissociative amnesia, shame, and her family's denial and abandonment. Chandra also discusses the following topics: the power of validation receiving revelations through dreams fear of upsetting family using journaling as a roadmap to healing the importance of community The #metoo movement's impact  reparenting herself sex trafficking advocacy Chandra Moyer is a sought-after speaker, author, and life coach. For three decades, she has empowered women through conferences, healing retreats, and workshops. Chandra is the author of the novel I Met Her Before and the memoir Tragically Taken. She is “four times” military: an Army veteran, Army spouse, Air Force mom, and Air Force brat. Chandra is the recipient of the FBI Director's Community Leadership Award for her child trafficking prevention work. A survivor of incest and complex trauma, Chandra has overcome insurmountable challenges to become the woman she is today. After her recovery, she became a healer, leading others out of the darkness and into the light. As an ordained minister, she launched a ministry to help other abused women. Chandra shares her story to empower and inspire women to overcome obstacles to be the best version of themselves. She is passionate about social justice and helping others find freedom through hope and truth. A wanderlust at heart, she has traveled broadly to over 40 states and 20 nations. Meeting people from all over the world is the most rewarding part of her travels. Chandra lives in Suffolk, VA, with her husband and fur baby Nyla. Chandra loves spending time with her growing family, a mother of four adult children, and Mimi to seven grandchildren.