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55 episodes with alfiee
55 episodes with alfiee
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“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids' resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. ________________ How can parents help their kids feel a sense of belonging when faced with social challenges? In this episode, celebrated psychologist & author Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble joins Reena and Dr. Lisa to explore how to support children struggling with isolation, loneliness, and the ups and downs of middle and high school. They discuss the importance of fostering belonging by encouraging new friendships, engagement in a range of activities, and promoting open communication. This episode highlights the many ways that parents, caregivers, and educators can help kids feel supported and connected. We want to hear from you! What are some ways you foster a sense of belonging for your child? Dr. Alfiee's website: https://dralfiee.com/ For more information about the AAKOMA Project, visit: https://aakomaproject.org/ ________________ Episode Keywords: belonging, modeling, communication, vulnerability, social media, self-reflection, self-awareness, social challenges, isolation, loneliness, alfiee breland-noble, dr alfiee, aakoma project Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
“Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting” is the essential podcast for parents seeking expert guidance, tested strategies, and psychological insights on raising kids, especially tweens and teens. Join renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour and former journalist and mom of two Reena Ninan as they explore real-life parenting challenges. Looking to learn more about how to boost kids' resilience, build their confidence, or support their emotional well-being? Dr. Lisa and Reena have got you covered! Together they address listener questions about stress, anxiety, social media concerns, school pressures, and challenges in peer relationships. Each episode provides practical advice and science-backed solutions to help parents raise resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids. Tune in every week for the latest topics in parenting, child psychology, and family wellness. Get answers to your most pressing parenting questions. New episodes drop every Tuesday. ________________ How can parents help their kids feel a sense of belonging when faced with social challenges? In this episode, celebrated psychologist & author Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble joins Reena and Dr. Lisa to explore how to support children struggling with isolation, loneliness, and the ups and downs of middle and high school. They discuss the importance of fostering belonging by encouraging new friendships, engagement in a range of activities, and promoting open communication. This episode highlights the many ways that parents, caregivers, and educators can help kids feel supported and connected. We want to hear from you! What are some ways you foster a sense of belonging for your child? Dr. Alfiee's website: https://dralfiee.com/ For more information about the AAKOMA Project, visit: https://aakomaproject.org/ ________________ Episode Keywords: belonging, modeling, communication, vulnerability, social media, self-reflection, self-awareness, social challenges, isolation, loneliness, alfiee breland-noble, dr alfiee, aakoma project Show Keywords: ask lisa podcast, dr lisa damour, reena ninan, psychology, parenting, podcast, teens, tweens, parenting teens, parenting tweens, teen parenting, tween parenting, parenting tips, parenting advice, positive parenting, parenting podcast, teen behavior, tween challenges, raising tweens, raising teens, parenting hacks, parenting help, family dynamics, kids podcast, mental health, teen mental health, attachment styles, emotional intelligence Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Did Lauren keep Jamie in line this week? Find out what Alfiee and Dee Dee have thought of their professional wrestling career and their future goals.
Dr. Alfiee, psychologist, host of the Couched in Color podcast and founder of the AAKOMA Project, dives into attachment styles, how depression can impact a partnership, and the ways our traumas and triggers can become unearthed in new relationships. Then this week's Dear Damona question is: I married too young and stayed too long. Can you please help me get back into the dating game? Ready to break free of your dating loops? Get Damona's signature online program, The Dating Accelerator by visiting: DamonaHoffman.com/program Submit your questions for Dear Damona on any of the socials @DamonaHoffman or by visiting DamonaHoffman.com Timestamps Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00) Attachment Styles Overview (00:00:59) Expectations in Relationships (00:03:30) The Desire to Change Partners (00:05:04) The Fantasy of Relationships (00:06:13) Effort vs. Work in Relationships (00:08:01) Unpacking Emotional Baggage (00:08:35) Understanding Attachment Styles (00:09:55) Cultural Context of Attachment (00:12:04) Personal Experiences with Attachment (00:14:23) Embracing Attachment Nuances (00:15:17) Understanding Family Dynamics and Attachment Styles (00:16:50) Personal Reflection on Attachment Styles (00:17:42) The Impact of Community on Relationships (00:18:26) Navigating Triggers in Relationships (00:19:55) Mental Health and Medication Statistics (00:20:37) Stigma Around Mental Health in Communities (00:22:13) Dating with Mental Health Challenges (00:23:05) Recognizing Deal Breakers in Relationships (00:23:43) Changing Attitudes Towards Therapy (00:25:51) Generational Differences in Mental Health Views (00:27:06) Healing from Trauma and Relationships (00:28:08) The Process of Healing and Trauma Management (00:30:25) Distinguishing Good and Bad Butterflies (00:32:22) The Importance of Self-Reflection Before Dating (00:33:14) Understanding Triggers in Relationships (00:33:50) Disclosing Trauma in Relationships (00:35:17) Trust and Safety in Sharing Trauma (00:36:12) Empowerment in Relationships (00:38:17) Unpopular Opinions on Relationships (00:39:46) Finding a New Relationship After Marriage (00:41:23) Going Where the People Are (00:43:24) Strategic Socializing for Dating (00:45:38). Creating Momentum in Dating (00:49:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a psychologist who has spent decades working to advance the mental health of youth of color, was selected as one of 12 global leaders to receive a $20 million grant-making fund from philanthropist Melinda French Gates. Dr. Alfiee discusses the state of youth mental health, particularly for intersectional youth of color, the biggest challenges facing young people today, how the conversation around youth mental health has changed in recent years and how she hopes to use the new funding to make a difference in young people's lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode I am joined by the awesomeness that is Alfiee A friend of a care Bear, we talk training at Pursuit. working at Kumite, Elevation Bolton Wrestling Her most recent trip to Italy working with a broken arm The rivalry with Harley Harris and loads more --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/worktheleftsidepod/message
After living through a global pandemic, missing years of in-person interaction, and dealing with the constant onslaught of violence displayed on social media, I think it's safe to say that our kids are far from alright. Joining me today to talk about some of the top concerns youth are facing when it comes to their mental health is fellow psychologist, Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble. A thought leader in her field, Dr. Alfiee focuses on mental health and suicide prevention for intersectional Youth and Young Adults of Color. She is a regular media contributor for outlets like The Grio, Today Show, The Breakfast Club, the New York Times, and others. During our conversation, we discuss the impact of racial trauma on youth mental health, how parents can monitor their child's activity without invading their privacy, and strategies for cultivating an environment in which a child can express themselves freely. About the Podcast The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast is a weekly conversation with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed Psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia, about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves. Resources & Announcements Grab your copy of Sisterhood Heals. Where to Find Dr. Alfiee Dr. Alfiee's Website AAKOMA Project Tiktok AAKOMA Project Instagram AAKOMA Project Facebook AAKOMA Project Website AAKOMA Project LinkedIn Stay Connected Is there a topic you'd like covered on the podcast? Submit it at therapyforblackgirls.com/mailbox. If you're looking for a therapist in your area, check out the directory at https://www.therapyforblackgirls.com/directory. Take the info from the podcast to the next level by joining us in the Therapy for Black Girls Sister Circle community.therapyforblackgirls.com Grab your copy of our guided affirmation and other TBG Merch at therapyforblackgirls.com/shop. The hashtag for the podcast is #TBGinSession. Make sure to follow us on social media: Twitter: @therapy4bgirls Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls Facebook: @therapyforblackgirls Our Production Team Executive Producers: Dennison Bradford & Maya Cole Howard Producer: Ellice Ellis Production Assistant: Zariah TaylorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
IntroductionT-Kea and Jordan are joined by Victor Armstrong, Vice President for Health Equity and Engagement with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), to discuss a new initiative called L.E.T.S. Save Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention for Black and African American Communities. SpotlightJoin us as we celebrate Renewed Resilience Day (considered one's second birthday), created by Jordan and T-Kea. This is a special day designated for reflection and celebration of individuals who have survived suicide attempts. The primary goal is to encourage survivors to reshape their narrative and perceive this day as a meaningful opportunity to honor themselves. It serves as a powerful acknowledgment of resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment among those in recovery, and collectively appreciates the strength demonstrated in one's journey.Feb. 11th is T-Kea's Renewed Resilience Day.Fun fact: Feb. 13th is Jordan's birthday.ResourceThe American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a voluntary health organization that gives those affected by suicide a nationwide community empowered by research, education and advocacy to take action against this leading cause of death. To learn more about AFSP and the L.E.T.S. Save Lives initiative, visit https://afsp.org/letssavelives/. Follow AFSP on Instagram at @afspnational.Community ChangemakerDr. Alfiee Breland-Noble (known professionally as Dr. Alfiee) is a psychologist and founder of the mental health non-profit The AAKOMA Project. She also hosts the “Couched in Color with Dr. Alfiee” podcast.Follow Dr. Alfiee on IG: @dralfieeCheck out the Aakoma Project: https://aakomaproject.org/Check out the “Couched in Color” Podcast: https://dralfiee.com/couched-in-color/Moment of InspirationWe want to encourage survivors of suicide to think about your Renewed Resilience Day, your second chance at life. Whether your Renewed Resilience Day/Second Birthday is this month or not, we want you to take time to honor yourself and do something that will celebrate your recovery. Connect with Us Follow us on IG: https://www.instagram.com/blackpeoplediebysuicidetoo/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackpeoplediebysuicide2?_t=8cjqDTiqHbq&_r=1Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BPDBSTPodcast Follow T-Kea!IG: https://www.instagram.com/t_keablackman/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@t_keablackman?_t=8bmrLfPUQV4&_r=1 Follow Jordan!IG:https://www.instagram.com/thelatebluumer/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D DonateYour support helps us to fulfil our mission of preventing suicide in Black community. Support the cause! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=FQZGPR7S9CJUN ShopGet your merch and support the show: https://bpdbst-podcast.printify.me/products EventsBlack & Suicidal: Peer Support GroupDate: Saturday, February 24, 2024Time: 11 AM to 1 PMhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/797342572097?aff=oddtdtcreator 10th Annual Peer Leadership Conference (virtual)Date: February 21, 2024Time: 9:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m.https://www.edgereg.net/er/Registration/StepRegInfo.jsp?ActivityID=42465&StepNumber=1&v=ODA3NzBhZTgtZGEyOC00NGYzLTg3YTktZmRmODM0ZWFmN2Q4
In this weeks episode of The Dude Therapist podcast host Eli Weinstein interviews Dr. Alfiee , a pioneering psychologist, scientist, author, and mental health correspondent. They discuss equity in mental health, disparities in mental health treatment between white and black children, and how racism and discrimination can contribute to mental health issues in young people. Dr. Alfiee identifies racism, racial trauma, and climate change as the biggest threats to the mental health of youth of color. [00:00:05] Pioneering psychologist scientist, author, media contributor. [00:04:37] Empowering voices, amplifying diversity. [00:09:31] Equity for youth mental health. [00:13:53] Equity for youth mental health. [00:18:44] Youth of color: racism, discrimination, unequal treatment. [00:22:36] Examining mental health holistically. [00:26:12] Racism, trauma, discrimination, institutionalized racism. [00:29:38] Mental health: Validate, Listen, Act. [00:33:29] Mental health: Everyone's journey to acceptance. [00:38:25] Heal self, help others. BIO: Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble (known as Dr. Alfiee) is a pioneering psychologist, scientist, author, mental health correspondent, and the founder of the million-dollar nonprofit, The AAKOMA Project. As an expert in her field, Dr. Alfiee focuses on mental health and suicide prevention for intersectional youth and young adults of color (including LGBTQ youth and those with disabilities). She is a regular media contributor for outlets including the Washington Post, SELF, CNN, Peacock, INSIDER, Fortune, the New York Times, and many more. She was co-host to Lady Gaga on the short film The Power of Kindness, produced by the Born This Way Foundation and launched on World Kindness Day and recently joined the Red Table Talk with Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Gammy Norris discussing mental health. With over 25 years of experience and widely recognized for her ability to draw in audiences and inspire, she embodies her belief that there is enough love and light, informed by strong culturally relevant science, to help everyone achieve #optimalmentalhealth. All Social Handles Dr. Alfiee Twitter - @dralfiee IG - @dralfiee TikTok - @dralfiee Facebook - @dralfiee LinkedIn - Alfiee (Dr. Alfiee) Breland-Noble Vimeo - Dr. Alfiee and The AAKOMA Project The AAKOMA Project Twitter - @aakomaproject IG - @aakomaproject TikTok - @aakomaproject Facebook - @aakomaproject LinkedIn - The AAKOMA Project Vimeo - Dr. Alfiee and The AAKOMA Project Couched in Color Podcast Twitter - @couchedincolor IG - @couchedincolorpod Facebook - @couchedincolor --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thedudetherapist/support
Today's show features a special conversation led by Kym and her close friend and fellow Mom - lauded actress and singer Tisha Campbell. The ladies jump into some real conversation about being mothers and caregivers to middle school age children and the struggle to balance the mental wellbeing of their families. Along with Kym and Tisha, we've invited two experts to join us for this very special TFM. Danae Aicher, representing our incredible community partner Mocha Moms, Inc. and our mental health expert advisor Dr. Alfiee to help share important tools and resources developed through the Sound it Out Together campaign. Thanks to all of our partners for making today's special edition a reality; Sound It Out Together, Pivotal Ventures, Ad Council, Huntsman Mental Health Institute, AAKOMA Project, and Mocha Moms, Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week I am honored to welcome Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble to the show for an inspiring and eye-opening discussion about mental health and her mission to make mental health services more accessible and more relatable within diverse communities. Dr. Alfiee knows how it feels to be an outsider and in this episode, she shares her journey from Virginia Beach Surfer and hip-hop lover to renowned psychologist and internet personality. Dr. Alfiee is a pioneering psychologist, scientist, media contributor, author, speaker, and founder of the innovative BIPOC mental health nonprofit, The AAKOMA Project. Dr. Alfiee is a fierce advocate of #optimalmentalhealth for all and has spent 25+ years illuminating and reducing mental health disparities for diverse communities. In this conversation, we cover a wide range of topics including the importance of showing up in your purpose and the beauty of holding space for others who may be in need. Dr. Alfiee shares her incredible experience working alongside Lady Gaga on The Power of Kindness Digital Special where she was featured as a mental health expert and panelist. In addition to discussing the power of that experience, Dr. Alfiee also shares her passion for continuing to create spaces where diverse voices can be heard through her work with The AAKOMA Project and her podcast, Couched in Color. This episode is a must-listen or must-watch for parents, teachers, mentors, or anyone working with young people in this modern world. Dr. Alfiee shares inspiring advice regarding everything from social media use to suicide prevention while reminding listeners how to live in their truth while loving others. Topics Include: Dr. Alfiee's Origin Story The Importance of Sticking With Your Dreams The Power of Kindness with Lady Gaga The Toxic Nature of Pre-Judging People Signs and Tips For Suicide Prevention Understanding Young People's Unique Mental Health Needs The Double-Edged Sword of Social Media The Goals of The AAKOMA Project The Mission of The Couched in Color Podcast Ways to Support Dr. Alfiee and Her Projects Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dralfiee TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dralfiee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee The AAKOMA Project: https://aakomaproject.org/ The Power of Kindness with Lady Gaga: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3393924860732409 Dr. Alfiee's Podcast: Couched in Color: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couchedincolorpod/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CouchedinColorwithDrAlfiee Podcast Apps: https://couchedincolorpodcast.libsyn.com/ Connect with Mike: https://linktr.ee/mikedicioccio Produced by Social Chameleon: https://www.socialchameleon.us Interview Recorded via Riverside.fm Mike'D Up! Merch: https://mikedupmerch.com
In this episode, guest Morgann Noble, daughter of Dr. Alfiee and an intern at The AAKOMA Project, gives unique insights for parents about the challenges that children of color experience. With a passion for bringing ideas to life, Morgann calls herself “a dreamer” at The AAKOMA Project, with a long list of people of influence she would like to engage in the non-profit's mental health initiatives. Topics covered in this interview: The anxiety that arose for Morgann growing up affluent as a person of color with well-educated parents in what was considered a progressive community. Her school experiences did not reflect that external progressive image. In 7th grade, Morgann was taunted by two boys for her hair. That story is now part of Morgann's appearance in Dove's “The Real Cost of Beauty Campaign”. Messages that parents need to hear about the challenges young people of color have trying to fit in, and how important it is also to have frivolous conversations as well as talk about more serious issues with their children. Morgann's passion for business, with appreciation for the example of watching her mom, Dr. Alfiee, succeed as an entrepreneur. Her internship experience at The AAKOMA Project, which is Dr. Alfiee's non-profit organization. The dream to get Jonathan Majors of The Harder They Fall and some role models in the NFL and elsewhere involved in the project. Morgann's learning to assert herself with others to meet deadlines and set priorities at the non-profit. About Morgann Noble: Morgann Noble is a rising sophomore marketing major at Howard University. She aspires to be Chief Marketing Officer in a Fortune 100 company and is passionate about business, social justice and reading. Recently, Morgann starred in Dove's national campaign, “The Real Cost of Beauty,” where she recalls a time when her hair and skin were ridiculed by her peers. As an intern at The AAKOMA Project, Morgann works with different partners to move the conversation surrounding mental health from concept to action. She plans to pursue a career in sports marketing, public relations, or advertising. Follow Morgann: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/morgann-noble-15682420a Twitter: https://twitter.com/morgannnoble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannnoble/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Super Producer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Morgann Noble, daughter of Dr. Alfiee and an intern at The AAKOMA Project, gives unique insights for parents about the challenges that children of color experience. With a passion for bringing ideas to life, Morgann calls herself “a dreamer” at The AAKOMA Project, with a long list of people of influence she would like to engage in the non-profit's mental health initiatives. Topics covered in this interview: The anxiety that arose for Morgann growing up affluent as a person of color with well-educated parents in what was considered a progressive community. Her school experiences did not reflect that external progressive image. In 7th grade, Morgann was taunted by two boys for her hair. That story is now part of Morgann's appearance in Dove's “The Real Cost of Beauty Campaign”. Messages that parents need to hear about the challenges young people of color have trying to fit in, and how important it is also to have frivolous conversations as well as talk about more serious issues with their children. Morgann's passion for business, with appreciation for the example of watching her mom, Dr. Alfiee, succeed as an entrepreneur. Her internship experience at The AAKOMA Project, which is Dr. Alfiee's non-profit organization. The dream to get Jonathan Majors of The Harder They Fall and some role models in the NFL and elsewhere involved in the project. Morgann's learning to assert herself with others to meet deadlines and set priorities at the non-profit. About Morgann Noble: Morgann Noble is a rising sophomore marketing major at Howard University. She aspires to be Chief Marketing Officer in a Fortune 100 company and is passionate about business, social justice and reading. Recently, Morgann starred in Dove's national campaign, “The Real Cost of Beauty,” where she recalls a time when her hair and skin were ridiculed by her peers. As an intern at The AAKOMA Project, Morgann works with different partners to move the conversation surrounding mental health from concept to action. She plans to pursue a career in sports marketing, public relations, or advertising. Follow Morgann: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/morgann-noble-15682420a Twitter: https://twitter.com/morgannnoble Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morgannnoble/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Super Producer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Shaka Senghor shares his inspiring story from incarceration to becoming a two times bestselling author, influencer and one of Oprah's “SuperSoul 100” – teaching lessons of redemption and vulnerability to the masses. He grew up spending 19 years in prison, seven of them in solitary confinement. Through reflection and writing, he later came to understand his story of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). At age 17, he was shot multiple times, and also has two brothers who were shot, one of whom ended up paralyzed. At the same time, he takes full responsibility for the death of another, which sent him to prison. Shaka is grateful for the many “incredible mentors” who believed in him, and offered suggested readings for moving forward. Topics covered in this interview: The reflective time in solitary confinement that helped him create his first bestseller, Writing My Wrongs, Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prisonhttps://www.amazon.com/Writing-My-Wrongs-Redemption-American/dp/1101907312. How being a father impacted his second book that just came out in January, 2022, Letters to the Sons of Society: A Father's Invitation to Love, Honesty, and Freedom https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Sons-Society-Fathers-Invitation/dp/059323801X. Here is a review of that book by The Chicago Tribune: “If you want to peer into a heart, if you want a story of brokenness and healing and fury and redemption and humanity, if you want to envision a different, better way forward, Senghor's letters are a beautiful place to begin.” Changing the narrative for Black men, into worthiness, beyond being a provider and protector. Dr. Alfiee also noted research showing that Black men are the single most present ethnic group to their children even when they are the non-custodial parent. Shaka being “an authentic survivor,” loved up by “brothers” who saw value in him in prison, and how he now mentors other “young brothers”--living what he talks about, and challenges them while winning. Shaka shares three ways to instill a greater sense of self-love: Journaling, and start by asking: “How did I get here, to this point in life?” ”Meditate to get it straight,” which can be “horrifying” at first to sit with one's self. Personal affirmations, to think into existence what you desire. Running “a unicorn startup,” that went from $0 revenue to $7 billion valuation in 20 months, by helping build culture in corporations. Closing words, his mantra, which he contributed to in the song “Composure” by Nas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-gYa5dk-8M): “Keep your composure. And believe in the magic of who we are. 'Cause what you believe is everything. And what someone believes about you, is nothing. Keep your composure.” About Shaka Senghor: New York Times bestselling author, speaker and influencer; one of Oprah's “SuperSoul 100” Shaka Senghor is the Head of Sales and Success Culture at TripActions. He is also the President of Shaka Senghor, Inc., and Founder of Redeemed Sole. His memoir, Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison, debuted on The New York Times and The Washington Post Best Seller Lists. Shaka's widely anticipated sophomore book, Letters to the Sons of Society, was released in January 2022. Shaka is a former MIT Media Lab Director's Fellow and a former Fellow in the inaugural class of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Community Leadership Network. His 2014 TED Talk was featured in their “Year in Ideas” roundup and has over 1.7 million views. In 2021, he was featured on the Nas track Composure. Shaka is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2012 Black Male Engagement (BME) Leadership Award, the 2015 Manchester University Innovator of the Year Award, the 2016 FORD Man of Courage Award, and the 2016 NAACP Great Expectations Award. He was recognized by OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network) as a “Soul Igniter” in the inaugural class of the SuperSoul 100. He has taught at the University of Michigan and shares his story of redemption around the world. Today, Shaka's priority is shifting societal narratives through storytelling and developing workshops with high entertainment value and deep social impact. Follow Shaka: Website: https://www.shakasenghor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaka-senghor-3b869934/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shakasenghor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakasenghor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShakaSenghor Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Super Producer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Shaka Senghor shares his inspiring story from incarceration to becoming a two times bestselling author, influencer and one of Oprah's “SuperSoul 100” – teaching lessons of redemption and vulnerability to the masses. He grew up spending 19 years in prison, seven of them in solitary confinement. Through reflection and writing, he later came to understand his story of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). At age 17, he was shot multiple times, and also has two brothers who were shot, one of whom ended up paralyzed. At the same time, he takes full responsibility for the death of another, which sent him to prison. Shaka is grateful for the many “incredible mentors” who believed in him, and offered suggested readings for moving forward. Topics covered in this interview: The reflective time in solitary confinement that helped him create his first bestseller, Writing My Wrongs, Life, Death, and Redemption in an American Prisonhttps://www.amazon.com/Writing-My-Wrongs-Redemption-American/dp/1101907312. How being a father impacted his second book that just came out in January, 2022, Letters to the Sons of Society: A Father's Invitation to Love, Honesty, and Freedom https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Sons-Society-Fathers-Invitation/dp/059323801X. Here is a review of that book by The Chicago Tribune: “If you want to peer into a heart, if you want a story of brokenness and healing and fury and redemption and humanity, if you want to envision a different, better way forward, Senghor's letters are a beautiful place to begin.” Changing the narrative for Black men, into worthiness, beyond being a provider and protector. Dr. Alfiee also noted research showing that Black men are the single most present ethnic group to their children even when they are the non-custodial parent. Shaka being “an authentic survivor,” loved up by “brothers” who saw value in him in prison, and how he now mentors other “young brothers”--living what he talks about, and challenges them while winning. Shaka shares three ways to instill a greater sense of self-love: Journaling, and start by asking: “How did I get here, to this point in life?” ”Meditate to get it straight,” which can be “horrifying” at first to sit with one's self. Personal affirmations, to think into existence what you desire. Running “a unicorn startup,” that went from $0 revenue to $7 billion valuation in 20 months, by helping build culture in corporations. Closing words, his mantra, which he contributed to in the song “Composure” by Nas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-gYa5dk-8M): “Keep your composure. And believe in the magic of who we are. 'Cause what you believe is everything. And what someone believes about you, is nothing. Keep your composure.” About Shaka Senghor: New York Times bestselling author, speaker and influencer; one of Oprah's “SuperSoul 100” Shaka Senghor is the Head of Sales and Success Culture at TripActions. He is also the President of Shaka Senghor, Inc., and Founder of Redeemed Sole. His memoir, Writing My Wrongs: Life, Death and Redemption in an American Prison, debuted on The New York Times and The Washington Post Best Seller Lists. Shaka's widely anticipated sophomore book, Letters to the Sons of Society, was released in January 2022. Shaka is a former MIT Media Lab Director's Fellow and a former Fellow in the inaugural class of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation's Community Leadership Network. His 2014 TED Talk was featured in their “Year in Ideas” roundup and has over 1.7 million views. In 2021, he was featured on the Nas track Composure. Shaka is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2012 Black Male Engagement (BME) Leadership Award, the 2015 Manchester University Innovator of the Year Award, the 2016 FORD Man of Courage Award, and the 2016 NAACP Great Expectations Award. He was recognized by OWN (the Oprah Winfrey Network) as a “Soul Igniter” in the inaugural class of the SuperSoul 100. He has taught at the University of Michigan and shares his story of redemption around the world. Today, Shaka's priority is shifting societal narratives through storytelling and developing workshops with high entertainment value and deep social impact. Follow Shaka: Website: https://www.shakasenghor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaka-senghor-3b869934/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shakasenghor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shakasenghor/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/ShakaSenghor Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Super Producer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Kheira Bekkadja, a Muslim Algerian American college student making an impact in mental health, inspires listeners with her insights on grounding in self-care and positive affirmations. As an example, she shares the Muslim practice of praying five times, at set times during the day, as challenging as it can be to stay persistent. There are movements that go with the prayer, including putting the forehead on the floor, which helps release negative energy and connect with God. “My faith is what rejuvenates me,” Kheira says. Surrounding oneself with good people is another way she recommends staying grounded. Topics covered in this interview: Kheira juggles being a college student, majoring in civil engineering, and doing mental health advocacy work. The importance of finding ways to “fill your cup” as it's very easy to get burned out and saturated working in mental health. The ways she builds bridges structurally (through civil engineering) and by de-stigmatizing mental health. Kheira's selection for, and later participation in, the MTV Youth Action Forum sponsored by the Biden-Harris administration. The goal of the Forum is to “share and tell everyone healing is within you.” She continues working on creating culturally relevant campaigns for MTV. She and Dr. Alfiee both share poignant moments of what it was like to be at the White House that day, when the Forum came together, and meeting the president and his wife, and being in the nation's capital. Kheira's desire to be a role model, especially after not seeing herself fully reflected back with other Muslim Algerian Americans in the audience- as beautifully diverse and culturally rich as it was. She shares many inspiring quotes of self-talk and how she empowers herself, and listens to others with empathy versus judgment. About Kheira Bekkadja: Kheira Bekkadja is a second-year student at George Mason University, working to build bridges [literally] by studying civil & infrastructure engineering and [figuratively] de-stigmatizing mental health and youth empowerment. Through her experiences as being a Muslim Algerian American Woman, Kheira worked alongside Our Minds Matter (OMM) which has enabled her with the courage to openly speak up about her challenges in hopes of inspiring others to be the healthiest versions of themselves. She has also had the chance to share her story at Harvard University's National Muslim Women's Summit 2020, The Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University, and advocate with VOICE-IAF, This is My Brave, and Promote Care Prevent Harm. This past May, Kheira had the incredible and life-changing opportunity to be selected as one of the mental health youth action forum participants where she and the #HiddenHealers team are working to cultivate creative mental health campaigns to help inspire culturally-relevant healing and action. Kheira finds great joy in making others smile and helping them to believe in their best selves! Follow Kheira: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kheirabekkadja/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kheirabekkadja/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Kheira Bekkadja, a Muslim Algerian American college student making an impact in mental health, inspires listeners with her insights on grounding in self-care and positive affirmations. As an example, she shares the Muslim practice of praying five times, at set times during the day, as challenging as it can be to stay persistent. There are movements that go with the prayer, including putting the forehead on the floor, which helps release negative energy and connect with God. “My faith is what rejuvenates me,” Kheira says. Surrounding oneself with good people is another way she recommends staying grounded. Topics covered in this interview: Kheira juggles being a college student, majoring in civil engineering, and doing mental health advocacy work. The importance of finding ways to “fill your cup” as it's very easy to get burned out and saturated working in mental health. The ways she builds bridges structurally (through civil engineering) and by de-stigmatizing mental health. Kheira's selection for, and later participation in, the MTV Youth Action Forum sponsored by the Biden-Harris administration. The goal of the Forum is to “share and tell everyone healing is within you.” She continues working on creating culturally relevant campaigns for MTV. She and Dr. Alfiee both share poignant moments of what it was like to be at the White House that day, when the Forum came together, and meeting the president and his wife, and being in the nation's capital. Kheira's desire to be a role model, especially after not seeing herself fully reflected back with other Muslim Algerian Americans in the audience- as beautifully diverse and culturally rich as it was. She shares many inspiring quotes of self-talk and how she empowers herself, and listens to others with empathy versus judgment. About Kheira Bekkadja: Kheira Bekkadja is a second-year student at George Mason University, working to build bridges [literally] by studying civil & infrastructure engineering and [figuratively] de-stigmatizing mental health and youth empowerment. Through her experiences as being a Muslim Algerian American Woman, Kheira worked alongside Our Minds Matter (OMM) which has enabled her with the courage to openly speak up about her challenges in hopes of inspiring others to be the healthiest versions of themselves. She has also had the chance to share her story at Harvard University's National Muslim Women's Summit 2020, The Global Health Leaders Conference at Johns Hopkins University, and advocate with VOICE-IAF, This is My Brave, and Promote Care Prevent Harm. This past May, Kheira had the incredible and life-changing opportunity to be selected as one of the mental health youth action forum participants where she and the #HiddenHealers team are working to cultivate creative mental health campaigns to help inspire culturally-relevant healing and action. Kheira finds great joy in making others smile and helping them to believe in their best selves! Follow Kheira: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kheirabekkadja/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kheirabekkadja/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
Dr. Alfiee Talks World Mental Health Day, Signs Of Illness, Religion vs Therapy + MoreSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Couched In Color | Season 3 | Episode 11 In this episode, guest Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach and widely followed social media expert, shares profound insights on ways to create a healthy mindset that takes the blame off the child. This mindset empowers parents and primary caregivers. Many parents come to the role without a plan, based on what they saw growing up, not understanding that it is normal to experience both positive and negative sides to parenting. “If I knew parenting was going to be this hard, I wouldn't have signed up for it,” is one of the most common phrases she hears. With compassion, and her own understanding as a mother of a 9- and 12-year-old, she talks openingly about her own parenting journey.. Raised as “an Island girl,” by a single mom in St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Lockhart grew up in a culture where you did not talk about your feelings or problems, and “everything was swept under the rug.” In later life, she was drawn to psychology after witnessing disadvantaged groups and seeing they needed help. She has a passion for intervening with children at an early age, which can have a huge impact. Topics covered in this interview: –The power of social media in allowing Dr. Lockhart to educate and inform in direct and real ways, versus all the “overprocessing” sometimes done in mental health. Here is an example of a recent Instagram post: “Five ways to restore your relationship with your tween/teen.” –The parents' unmet needs are often the cause of their reactions, such as getting mad or yelling, not the child's behavior, according to Dr. Lockhart. --Parents should ask: “What is this behavior from a child triggering for me?” –Overwhelmed parents need to have a goal. They can be on different pages with each other, but they need to be on the same team, so they can better understand their kids/teenagers. –You can influence your child, but It's not good or bad parenting that creates good or bad kids. “They are a separate being with a free will just like we are,” she says. –Two takeaways that parents of teenagers need to hear: Teenagers often feel misunderstood. Helping them feel understood opens doors “to a lot of personal stuff” they normally wouldn't tell the parent. Don't take their behavior personally. –The importance of mindset. All expectations of children–about why they're supposed to obey, or stay in bed, when they are supposed to potty train, what kinds of grades they're supposed to get, and how athletic they are–are all mindset. –Being “thoughtful, mindful and vigilant” as a parent is important, according to Dr. Alfiee. –It's often the parents who need to be educated, not the kids who need “to be fixed.” Parents sometimes use the child as a shield for their own issues, afraid of the stigma around mental health to seek help for themselves. About Dr. Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is president and owner of A New Day Pediatric Psychology in San Antonio, TX. She is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, wife of 23 years, a mom of two kids and has more than 16 years of experience in her field. She serves as a parent coach for those who have kids and teens with behavioral and emotional regulation concerns, or been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, or who are highly sensitive. Dr. Lockhart has spoken nationally at schools, conferences, online podcasts, summits, and corporate workshops for topics about ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning, emotional dysregulation, and racism. She has been interviewed and quoted in multiple online and print publications, including ABC News, the New York Times, New York Post, Pure Wow, MSN, Fatherly, Essence, HuffPost, San Antonio Magazine, Veronica Beard, Parents Magazine, and Therapy for Black Girls podcast. She is a freelance writer for PBS Kids for Parents, PureWow, and a contributor for The Gottman Institute and 4Moms. Dr. Lockhart also serves as a board member for the Verywell Review Board and Dadditude. Follow Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart: Website: https://www.anewdaysa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlockhart/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee 2Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
Couched In Color | Season 3 | Episode 11 In this episode, guest Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist, parent coach and widely followed social media expert, shares profound insights on ways to create a healthy mindset that takes the blame off the child. This mindset empowers parents and primary caregivers. Many parents come to the role without a plan, based on what they saw growing up, not understanding that it is normal to experience both positive and negative sides to parenting. “If I knew parenting was going to be this hard, I wouldn't have signed up for it,” is one of the most common phrases she hears. With compassion, and her own understanding as a mother of a 9- and 12-year-old, she talks openingly about her own parenting journey.. Raised as “an Island girl,” by a single mom in St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Dr. Lockhart grew up in a culture where you did not talk about your feelings or problems, and “everything was swept under the rug.” In later life, she was drawn to psychology after witnessing disadvantaged groups and seeing they needed help. She has a passion for intervening with children at an early age, which can have a huge impact. Topics covered in this interview: –The power of social media in allowing Dr. Lockhart to educate and inform in direct and real ways, versus all the “overprocessing” sometimes done in mental health. Here is an example of a recent Instagram post: “Five ways to restore your relationship with your tween/teen.” –The parents' unmet needs are often the cause of their reactions, such as getting mad or yelling, not the child's behavior, according to Dr. Lockhart. --Parents should ask: “What is this behavior from a child triggering for me?” –Overwhelmed parents need to have a goal. They can be on different pages with each other, but they need to be on the same team, so they can better understand their kids/teenagers. –You can influence your child, but It's not good or bad parenting that creates good or bad kids. “They are a separate being with a free will just like we are,” she says. –Two takeaways that parents of teenagers need to hear: Teenagers often feel misunderstood. Helping them feel understood opens doors “to a lot of personal stuff” they normally wouldn't tell the parent. Don't take their behavior personally. –The importance of mindset. All expectations of children–about why they're supposed to obey, or stay in bed, when they are supposed to potty train, what kinds of grades they're supposed to get, and how athletic they are–are all mindset. –Being “thoughtful, mindful and vigilant” as a parent is important, according to Dr. Alfiee. –It's often the parents who need to be educated, not the kids who need “to be fixed.” Parents sometimes use the child as a shield for their own issues, afraid of the stigma around mental health to seek help for themselves. About Dr. Ann-Louise T. Lockhart, PsyD, ABPP: Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart is president and owner of A New Day Pediatric Psychology in San Antonio, TX. She is a pediatric psychologist, parent coach, wife of 23 years, a mom of two kids and has more than 16 years of experience in her field. She serves as a parent coach for those who have kids and teens with behavioral and emotional regulation concerns, or been diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety, or who are highly sensitive. Dr. Lockhart has spoken nationally at schools, conferences, online podcasts, summits, and corporate workshops for topics about ADHD, anxiety, executive functioning, emotional dysregulation, and racism. She has been interviewed and quoted in multiple online and print publications, including ABC News, the New York Times, New York Post, Pure Wow, MSN, Fatherly, Essence, HuffPost, San Antonio Magazine, Veronica Beard, Parents Magazine, and Therapy for Black Girls podcast. She is a freelance writer for PBS Kids for Parents, PureWow, and a contributor for The Gottman Institute and 4Moms. Dr. Lockhart also serves as a board member for the Verywell Review Board and Dadditude. Follow Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart: Website: https://www.anewdaysa.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dr.annlouise.lockhart LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlockhart/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee 2Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Trent Out Loud, founder and CEO of Exclucity, a multi-million-dollar footwear and apparel company, shares his story of seeking therapy after losing $2.3 million dollars in his sneakers' business. That loss came when he forgot to tend to his own mental health during the ups and downs of his business, including the shifts occurring in the sneaker industry. As a result, he said started making wrong decisions. His therapist helped him deal with issues related to hypomania, mania and bipolar, and trained his brain to work in ways that benefited him. He continues to go to therapy weekly, as an act of self-care, and teaches others--particularly Black men and youth--about the ways it is transformative and empowering to get mental health support. Trent is also an author of two books, How Sneakers Saved My Life and How Sneakers Ruined My Life, (links at bottom of show notes), a youth mentor and a mental health advocate. The books are written in language, with hashtags, geared to pre-teens and young adults. He has a third book In the works about “how the quarantine saved my life” that he completed in 1.5 months. Growing up a “delinquent kid,” who left home at age 17 feeling lost, “which gets you into trouble,” Trent says he always knew he wanted to be successful. He had five failed businesses before creating Exclucity, with its first brick and mortar site in the basement of a tattoo parlor. When the pandemic hit, he transformed his business into an online store, resulting in the business recently having its most profitable years ever. Topics covered in this interview: —Trent's West Indian background and growing up in Canada, where only 3 percent of the population is Black versus 12 to 13 percent in the United States. —Trent's journey from start-up to successful business owner, now celebrating his company's 15th year anniversary. —Ways he self-medicated (through drinking alcohol which he later learned is a depressant), before accepting and appreciating help. —Why Trent chose cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for his approach to healing. —Some like CBT, which focuses on the problem, the behavior, the emotions, and the solution. Others may prefer different approaches such as psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. —The importance of choosing the right therapist and asking that professional to share what approach he or she uses and see if it aligns with your needs. —The freedom of the entrepreneurial life, with both Trent and Dr. Alfiee sharing the joys it brings them to fully express themselves. —The power of using video podcasts, which Dr. Alfiee likes because “you can't hear what people look like on audio.” Seeing others who look like themselves on camera is important role modeling. —Dr. Alfiee acknowledges Trent's “persistence and courage” in continuing his commitment to therapy. —She also praises him for the ways he mentors youth on mental health issues, helping them see they are no different than someone as accomplished as Trent who has struggled. —The importance of any entrepreneur having someone, whether he or she be a therapist or life coach, to check in with weekly, monthly, or as often as needed. ABOUT TRENT OUT LOUD: Founder and CEO of Exclucity Trent Out Loud's multi-million-dollar footwear and apparel business, Exclucity, laid the groundwork for sneaker culture in Canada. His autobiographical debut as an author, How Sneakers Saved My Life: Book 1 and How Sneakers Ruined My Life: Book 2, gives you an up close and personal look at the man behind the brand. A child of Jamaican immigrants, Trent Out Loud went from being on welfare to CEO of one of the most successful brands in Canadian history. From selling Long Tees and Du-rags out of the trunk of a car to ten store fronts that have employed more than 800 people, people were curious how he achieved such success. Today, he shares his “unfiltered truth” beyond just money and success. He talks openly about the toll it can take on your soul to reach these new levels, while also inspiring us with his story of innovation, creativity, resilience, self- discovery, wins, losses and love for culture and community. Trent is the recipient of the he 2022 RBC Royal Bank Young Entrepreneur x BBPA Harry Jerome Award: .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyP1uLffBJQ Follow Trent Out Loud: Website: https://www.trentoutloud.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trentoutloud Twitter: https://twitter.com/trentoutloud TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Trent-carter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-out-loud-6b4746234/ Business site for Exclucity: https://shop.exclucitylife.com/ Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exclucity Book links: (Book one—which is about how sneakers saved his life) https://www.amazon.com/How-Sneakers-Saved-Life-Entrepreneurial/dp/1777524504 (Book two—which is about how sneakers ruined his life) https://www.amazon.com/How-Sneakers-Ruined-Life-Entrepreneurial/dp/1777524512 Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com````` Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Trent Out Loud, founder and CEO of Exclucity, a multi-million-dollar footwear and apparel company, shares his story of seeking therapy after losing $2.3 million dollars in his sneakers' business. That loss came when he forgot to tend to his own mental health during the ups and downs of his business, including the shifts occurring in the sneaker industry. As a result, he said started making wrong decisions. His therapist helped him deal with issues related to hypomania, mania and bipolar, and trained his brain to work in ways that benefited him. He continues to go to therapy weekly, as an act of self-care, and teaches others--particularly Black men and youth--about the ways it is transformative and empowering to get mental health support. Trent is also an author of two books, How Sneakers Saved My Life and How Sneakers Ruined My Life, (links at bottom of show notes), a youth mentor and a mental health advocate. The books are written in language, with hashtags, geared to pre-teens and young adults. He has a third book In the works about “how the quarantine saved my life” that he completed in 1.5 months. Growing up a “delinquent kid,” who left home at age 17 feeling lost, “which gets you into trouble,” Trent says he always knew he wanted to be successful. He had five failed businesses before creating Exclucity, with its first brick and mortar site in the basement of a tattoo parlor. When the pandemic hit, he transformed his business into an online store, resulting in the business recently having its most profitable years ever. Topics covered in this interview: —Trent's West Indian background and growing up in Canada, where only 3 percent of the population is Black versus 12 to 13 percent in the United States. —Trent's journey from start-up to successful business owner, now celebrating his company's 15th year anniversary. —Ways he self-medicated (through drinking alcohol which he later learned is a depressant), before accepting and appreciating help. —Why Trent chose cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for his approach to healing. —Some like CBT, which focuses on the problem, the behavior, the emotions, and the solution. Others may prefer different approaches such as psychodynamic therapy, which focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. —The importance of choosing the right therapist and asking that professional to share what approach he or she uses and see if it aligns with your needs. —The freedom of the entrepreneurial life, with both Trent and Dr. Alfiee sharing the joys it brings them to fully express themselves. —The power of using video podcasts, which Dr. Alfiee likes because “you can't hear what people look like on audio.” Seeing others who look like themselves on camera is important role modeling. —Dr. Alfiee acknowledges Trent's “persistence and courage” in continuing his commitment to therapy. —She also praises him for the ways he mentors youth on mental health issues, helping them see they are no different than someone as accomplished as Trent who has struggled. —The importance of any entrepreneur having someone, whether he or she be a therapist or life coach, to check in with weekly, monthly, or as often as needed. ABOUT TRENT OUT LOUD: Founder and CEO of Exclucity Trent Out Loud's multi-million-dollar footwear and apparel business, Exclucity, laid the groundwork for sneaker culture in Canada. His autobiographical debut as an author, How Sneakers Saved My Life: Book 1 and How Sneakers Ruined My Life: Book 2, gives you an up close and personal look at the man behind the brand. A child of Jamaican immigrants, Trent Out Loud went from being on welfare to CEO of one of the most successful brands in Canadian history. From selling Long Tees and Du-rags out of the trunk of a car to ten store fronts that have employed more than 800 people, people were curious how he achieved such success. Today, he shares his “unfiltered truth” beyond just money and success. He talks openly about the toll it can take on your soul to reach these new levels, while also inspiring us with his story of innovation, creativity, resilience, self- discovery, wins, losses and love for culture and community. Trent is the recipient of the he 2022 RBC Royal Bank Young Entrepreneur x BBPA Harry Jerome Award: .https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyP1uLffBJQ Follow Trent Out Loud: Website: https://www.trentoutloud.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trentoutloud Twitter: https://twitter.com/trentoutloud TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Trent-carter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-out-loud-6b4746234/ Business site for Exclucity: https://shop.exclucitylife.com/ Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exclucity Book links: (Book one—which is about how sneakers saved his life) https://www.amazon.com/How-Sneakers-Saved-Life-Entrepreneurial/dp/1777524504 (Book two—which is about how sneakers ruined his life) https://www.amazon.com/How-Sneakers-Ruined-Life-Entrepreneurial/dp/1777524512 Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com````` Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Ayanna Kelly, an Afro-Latina advocate, disabled veteran and mom, shares an inside look at her mental health journey from burnout to standing at the White House as a leader of the Mental Health Youth Action Forum. (https://www.mentalhealthishealth.us/youth-action-forum/) That forum, which took place in May 2022, was created in partnership with MTV Entertainment Group and coordination with the Biden-Harris Administration. In a “surreal” moment, Ayanna found herself standing next to President Joe Biden and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and other highly accomplished people. She saw herself as a model of “being that one person that other people can see themselves in.” Before reaching such a significant milestone, Ayanna had been known for speaking of mental health challenges of intergenerational issues and the additional pressures of being an Afro-Latina woman, where sometimes it felt like “there was no space for me.” Topics covered in this interview: –Breaking away from being an enabler to regaining mental health, Ayanna talks of learning to make herself a priority. –Often asked to speak of dealing with children's mental health, she shares a poignant story of teaching her son to express the range of all his feelings. She talks of “letting the light shine in all the dark places.” –Dr. Alfiee recommends Happy to Be Nappy, a great book for teaching self-concept and self-image to children through the eyes of a young brown child:(https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Be-Nappy-Board-Book/dp/1484788419) –Commended by Dr. Alfiee for her “openness, vulnerability and perseverance,” Ayanna shares challenges with postpartum depression after her daughter was born, when she didn't want to get out of bed or even shower. –The power of learning from others is detailed, including “The Hidden Healers,” which is a group of advocates dedicated to providing accessible mental health resources for communities of color and other marginalized groups. Some teach culturally relevant mental health concepts, from praying five times a day, as shared by two Muslim women, to volunteering. –Ayanna explains the way poderistas (Latinas) help. She is an active Poderistas Power Squad member where she helps uplift the Latina community through civic engagement, social justice initiatives, and mental health roundtables. –The launch of Ayanna's new podcast, “Sazonycorazan,”is revealed, where people share stories from real life, and what they learned from others, including the Hidden Healers' group. The title means: “Seasoning in Heart.” She discloses her wish list of dream guests, the top one being Dr. Brené Brown. About Ayanna Kelly: Ayanna (she/her/ella) is a proud Afro-Latina residing in the DMV area with her family where she earned her master's degree in Human Resource Management after serving eight years in the military. Ayanna is an advocate for DEIBA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, Belonging, and Accessibility) )and mental well-being for people in the workplace. She uses her lived experiences as an Afro-Latina, mother, and disabled veteran to breathe life into her HR, DEIBA, and advocacy work. She teaches organizations how to create psychologically safe workplaces that foster belonging. Ayanna is an MTV Mental Health Youth Action Forum leader where she curated mental health campaigns to address the inequities which limit BIPOC youth from accessing mental health services. Ayanna truly believes in the inter-connectivity of mental health, anti-racist practices, and true belonging in the workplace and in society. In her spare time, you'll catch her at the soccer field with her first born, tending to her houseplants, walking her dogs, and reading as many books as possible. Words to live by: "You can't get to courage without rumbling with vulnerability." - Dr. Brené Brown Follow Ayanna Kelly: Website: https://www.ayannaskelly.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayannakelly/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayannakelly/ Podcast: “Sazonycorazon” with Ayanna Kelly https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saz%C3%B3n-y-coraz%C3%B3n/id1630800362 https://open.spotify.com/show/6VCC10D8JyZQjcdXGTPObG Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, guest Ayanna Kelly, an Afro-Latina advocate, disabled veteran and mom, shares an inside look at her mental health journey from burnout to standing at the White House as a leader of the Mental Health Youth Action Forum. (https://www.mentalhealthishealth.us/youth-action-forum/) That forum, which took place in May 2022, was created in partnership with MTV Entertainment Group and coordination with the Biden-Harris Administration. In a “surreal” moment, Ayanna found herself standing next to President Joe Biden and U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, and other highly accomplished people. She saw herself as a model of “being that one person that other people can see themselves in.” Before reaching such a significant milestone, Ayanna had been known for speaking of mental health challenges of intergenerational issues and the additional pressures of being an Afro-Latina woman, where sometimes it felt like “there was no space for me.” Topics covered in this interview: –Breaking away from being an enabler to regaining mental health, Ayanna talks of learning to make herself a priority. –Often asked to speak of dealing with children's mental health, she shares a poignant story of teaching her son to express the range of all his feelings. She talks of “letting the light shine in all the dark places.” –Dr. Alfiee recommends Happy to Be Nappy, a great book for teaching self-concept and self-image to children through the eyes of a young brown child:(https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Be-Nappy-Board-Book/dp/1484788419) –Commended by Dr. Alfiee for her “openness, vulnerability and perseverance,” Ayanna shares challenges with postpartum depression after her daughter was born, when she didn't want to get out of bed or even shower. –The power of learning from others is detailed, including “The Hidden Healers,” which is a group of advocates dedicated to providing accessible mental health resources for communities of color and other marginalized groups. Some teach culturally relevant mental health concepts, from praying five times a day, as shared by two Muslim women, to volunteering. –Ayanna explains the way poderistas (Latinas) help. She is an active Poderistas Power Squad member where she helps uplift the Latina community through civic engagement, social justice initiatives, and mental health roundtables. –The launch of Ayanna's new podcast, “Sazonycorazan,”is revealed, where people share stories from real life, and what they learned from others, including the Hidden Healers' group. The title means: “Seasoning in Heart.” She discloses her wish list of dream guests, the top one being Dr. Brené Brown. About Ayanna Kelly: Ayanna (she/her/ella) is a proud Afro-Latina residing in the DMV area with her family where she earned her master's degree in Human Resource Management after serving eight years in the military. Ayanna is an advocate for DEIBA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, Belonging, and Accessibility) )and mental well-being for people in the workplace. She uses her lived experiences as an Afro-Latina, mother, and disabled veteran to breathe life into her HR, DEIBA, and advocacy work. She teaches organizations how to create psychologically safe workplaces that foster belonging. Ayanna is an MTV Mental Health Youth Action Forum leader where she curated mental health campaigns to address the inequities which limit BIPOC youth from accessing mental health services. Ayanna truly believes in the inter-connectivity of mental health, anti-racist practices, and true belonging in the workplace and in society. In her spare time, you'll catch her at the soccer field with her first born, tending to her houseplants, walking her dogs, and reading as many books as possible. Words to live by: "You can't get to courage without rumbling with vulnerability." - Dr. Brené Brown Follow Ayanna Kelly: Website: https://www.ayannaskelly.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayannakelly/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayannakelly/ Podcast: “Sazonycorazon” with Ayanna Kelly https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saz%C3%B3n-y-coraz%C3%B3n/id1630800362 https://open.spotify.com/show/6VCC10D8JyZQjcdXGTPObG Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, Carson Daly, co-host of “The Today Show” and creator of its “Mind Matters” digital series, and producer/host of Emmy-award winning “The Voice”, openly shares his mental health struggles. He discusses the trauma of losing his father unexpectedly at age 5 and the subsequent night terrors he experienced. Later diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, Carson believes environment alone is not the cause of his mental health challenges. Rather, he sees them as a combination of both “nature and nurture.” Using his story to help others, Carson is passionate that all segments of the population be represented in getting the right help. He especially likes sharing stories, what he calls “mini movies,” in his Mind Matters series showcasing people from all walks of life–from a veteran with PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) who is now making bracelets, to a homeless couple. Dr. Alfiee also was moved by his story of a superstar Peloton bike instructor who was steps away from taking her life before her mother intuitively felt something was off. She checked her daughter's phone, which ended up stopping her from jumping when the light kept popping up. Topics covered in this interview: –The role of faith in dealing with mental health challenges, and Carson's belief “God made me this way.” –The “niche business” of mental health over the spectrum so each segment is represented according to their needs. Carson cites that Latino teens, for example, are at the highest risk for suicide in their age group. –Carson's ongoing struggles with generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks, including the time he wanted to run off the stage of “The Voice” when struck by one of these moments of suddenly feeling terror: https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/carson-daly-panic-anxiety-voice-rcna32140 –His involvement as a board member of Project Healthy Minds (check out #CouchedInColor S3E7 for Dr. Alfiee's interview with Phillip Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds) which focuses on: Breaking the stigma of mental health. Helping corporations take a “deep dive” and offer mental health services to their employees. Creating a tool to find tailor-made help as everyone's mental health needs are different. –The message Carson has for young people struggling with mental health issues is for them to know that they are not alone, that they are OK. Carson sees himself as an example of humbling himself to share his struggles. –His passion for connecting with “real people,” which he calls his “Red Carpet,” not the more glamorized celebrity version. He loves “meeting everyday human beings who struggle, or don't, and have a shared experience of the truth.” About Carson Daly: Carson Daly is a popular and well-loved American television host, radio personality, producer, and television personality. Prior to 2003, Daly was a VJ (video jockey) on MTV's Total Request Live (TRL), and a DJ for the Southern California-based radio station 106.7 KROQ-FM. He has won multiple Emmys, PGA and OFTA awards for the music show, “The Voice,” where he has served as producer and host. He is also co-Host of “The Today Show” and creator of its “Mind Matters” digital series, sharing powerful mental health stories of everyday people and how they cope:https://www.today.com/carson-daly https://www.today.com/mind-matters On the personal front, Carson is a champion of mental health and cancer awareness. He lost his father to cancer when he was five-years-old and his mother was a breast cancer survivor. He is vocal and actively works towards causes in which he believes.He serves on the Board of Directors for Project Healthy Minds:https://app.projecthealthyminds.com/ https://www.projecthealthyminds.com/ A doting dad and loving husband, Carson is constantly seen surrounded by his loving family. He has big plans for the future and does not shy away from putting in the hard work, seeing himself as serving God's will. Follow Carson: https://www.instagram.com/carsondaly Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, Carson Daly, co-host of “The Today Show” and creator of its “Mind Matters” digital series, and producer/host of Emmy-award winning “The Voice”, openly shares his mental health struggles. He discusses the trauma of losing his father unexpectedly at age 5 and the subsequent night terrors he experienced. Later diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, Carson believes environment alone is not the cause of his mental health challenges. Rather, he sees them as a combination of both “nature and nurture.” Using his story to help others, Carson is passionate that all segments of the population be represented in getting the right help. He especially likes sharing stories, what he calls “mini movies,” in his Mind Matters series showcasing people from all walks of life–from a veteran with PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) who is now making bracelets, to a homeless couple. Dr. Alfiee also was moved by his story of a superstar Peloton bike instructor who was steps away from taking her life before her mother intuitively felt something was off. She checked her daughter's phone, which ended up stopping her from jumping when the light kept popping up. Topics covered in this interview: –The role of faith in dealing with mental health challenges, and Carson's belief “God made me this way.” –The “niche business” of mental health over the spectrum so each segment is represented according to their needs. Carson cites that Latino teens, for example, are at the highest risk for suicide in their age group. –Carson's ongoing struggles with generalized anxiety disorder and panic attacks, including the time he wanted to run off the stage of “The Voice” when struck by one of these moments of suddenly feeling terror: https://www.today.com/health/mind-body/carson-daly-panic-anxiety-voice-rcna32140 –His involvement as a board member of Project Healthy Minds (check out #CouchedInColor S3E7 for Dr. Alfiee's interview with Phillip Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds) which focuses on: Breaking the stigma of mental health. Helping corporations take a “deep dive” and offer mental health services to their employees. Creating a tool to find tailor-made help as everyone's mental health needs are different. –The message Carson has for young people struggling with mental health issues is for them to know that they are not alone, that they are OK. Carson sees himself as an example of humbling himself to share his struggles. –His passion for connecting with “real people,” which he calls his “Red Carpet,” not the more glamorized celebrity version. He loves “meeting everyday human beings who struggle, or don't, and have a shared experience of the truth.” About Carson Daly: Carson Daly is a popular and well-loved American television host, radio personality, producer, and television personality. Prior to 2003, Daly was a VJ (video jockey) on MTV's Total Request Live (TRL), and a DJ for the Southern California-based radio station 106.7 KROQ-FM. He has won multiple Emmys, PGA and OFTA awards for the music show, “The Voice,” where he has served as producer and host. He is also co-Host of “The Today Show” and creator of its “Mind Matters” digital series, sharing powerful mental health stories of everyday people and how they cope:https://www.today.com/carson-daly https://www.today.com/mind-matters On the personal front, Carson is a champion of mental health and cancer awareness. He lost his father to cancer when he was five-years-old and his mother was a breast cancer survivor. He is vocal and actively works towards causes in which he believes.He serves on the Board of Directors for Project Healthy Minds:https://app.projecthealthyminds.com/ https://www.projecthealthyminds.com/ A doting dad and loving husband, Carson is constantly seen surrounded by his loving family. He has big plans for the future and does not shy away from putting in the hard work, seeing himself as serving God's will. Follow Carson: https://www.instagram.com/carsondaly Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this inspiring episode Dr. Alfiee interviews guest Phillip Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds, a non-profit created for a new era of mental wellness. Phillip, who was previously a Vice President & Chief of Staff to the Vice Chairman at BlackRock, the world's largest asset management firm, was so moved by the story of Logic, a rapper and record producer, he started the non-profit to more impactfully bring together mental health resources. Logic shed light on mental health challenges by writing a song with the phone number of the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as its title. Called 1-800-273-8255, the song has dramatically increased calls for help and been known to save lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb24RrHIbFk With 65 million people in the U.S. alone dealing with mental health challenges, Phillip is focusing on three primary drivers:1. The stigma. Where to get help. Lack of access to mental health resources. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS INTERVIEW: –Bi-racial struggles with having a sense of identity. –”Generational loneliness.” –Applying to mental health an “aggregate model on scale” (like Expedia, OpenTable and other companies do) by creating one place on the Internet for all mental health services to be part of a hub. –Even the smartest and most savvy people have difficulty finding what they are looking for, Phillip explains. And, others don't know the difference between a therapist, a psychologist and a psychiatrist. –His goal also is to fill in the gaps, with data showing where there is a mismatch between demand and supply. –COVID has escalated the mental health crisis significantly, with one out of four 18 to 24 years olds having seriously considered suicide. COVID also has brought to the surface mental health issues that have been overlooked for a long time. –Mental health is now on “the same glide” as climate change has been for the past decade. –”We have to prove that employee mental health is material to the long-term financial performance of corporations,” Phillip says. Project Healthy Minds partners with some companies, and targets those who have CEOS and members on the leadership team who make mental health a priority, and who can be vulnerable about their own challenges. Phillip says an ideal partner would be Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, who in 2014 courageously became the first chief executive of a Fortune 500 company to publicly come out as gay. –The shift from a manual labor economy, where physical strength was important, to a knowledge-based economy means we need workers who are mentally strong and resilient now. Dr. Alfiee: “I love the imagery and idea that we have to take care of people because the economy is shifting and we want to be able to move in the direction that this economy is going.” Phillip shares three observations since starting Project Healthy Minds: How people hide from full view who they are, and the trauma and pain they have encountered. And, when high profile people like Logic share their mental health journeys, it reveals “the shared humanity we all have.” The shocking stigma around mental health that is also harmful and discriminatory. The hope of younger people from Gen X and millennials who have a different view of mental health and its priority. ABOUT PHILLIP SCHERMERFounder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds Phillip is also Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Global Chief Marketing Officer at BlackRock. In his current role at BlackRock, Philip is focused on a range of initiatives relating to the future of purpose-driven capitalism, brand strategy, content creation & distribution model, and strategic growth priorities for the business. Before joining BlackRock, Phil worked in the Obama White House as an intern for the National Economic Council, for Warner Brothers Entertainment on the movie set of The Dark Knight Rises, for Summit Entertainment on the movie set of Perks of Being a Wallflower, and for Live Nation on U2's 360 tour. While in college, Phil founded MUSIC Matters, a student-run non-profit at the University of Michigan that hosts one of the largest social impact lifestyle festivals in the US. Business Insider recognized Phil for his work while on campus by naming him one of “The Most Impressive Students at the University of Michigan”. Today, Phil serves on the MUSIC Matters Board of Advisors. Phil graduated from the University of Michigan's Honors Program with a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). Follow Phillip Schermer: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pschermer/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/philschermer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-schermer-45007934/ Website: https://www.projecthealthyminds.com/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this inspiring episode Dr. Alfiee interviews guest Phillip Schermer, founder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds, a non-profit created for a new era of mental wellness. Phillip, who was previously a Vice President & Chief of Staff to the Vice Chairman at BlackRock, the world's largest asset management firm, was so moved by the story of Logic, a rapper and record producer, he started the non-profit to more impactfully bring together mental health resources. Logic shed light on mental health challenges by writing a song with the phone number of the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline as its title. Called 1-800-273-8255, the song has dramatically increased calls for help and been known to save lives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kb24RrHIbFk With 65 million people in the U.S. alone dealing with mental health challenges, Phillip is focusing on three primary drivers:1. The stigma. Where to get help. Lack of access to mental health resources. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS INTERVIEW: –Bi-racial struggles with having a sense of identity. –”Generational loneliness.” –Applying to mental health an “aggregate model on scale” (like Expedia, OpenTable and other companies do) by creating one place on the Internet for all mental health services to be part of a hub. –Even the smartest and most savvy people have difficulty finding what they are looking for, Phillip explains. And, others don't know the difference between a therapist, a psychologist and a psychiatrist. –His goal also is to fill in the gaps, with data showing where there is a mismatch between demand and supply. –COVID has escalated the mental health crisis significantly, with one out of four 18 to 24 years olds having seriously considered suicide. COVID also has brought to the surface mental health issues that have been overlooked for a long time. –Mental health is now on “the same glide” as climate change has been for the past decade. –”We have to prove that employee mental health is material to the long-term financial performance of corporations,” Phillip says. Project Healthy Minds partners with some companies, and targets those who have CEOS and members on the leadership team who make mental health a priority, and who can be vulnerable about their own challenges. Phillip says an ideal partner would be Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, who in 2014 courageously became the first chief executive of a Fortune 500 company to publicly come out as gay. –The shift from a manual labor economy, where physical strength was important, to a knowledge-based economy means we need workers who are mentally strong and resilient now. Dr. Alfiee: “I love the imagery and idea that we have to take care of people because the economy is shifting and we want to be able to move in the direction that this economy is going.” Phillip shares three observations since starting Project Healthy Minds: How people hide from full view who they are, and the trauma and pain they have encountered. And, when high profile people like Logic share their mental health journeys, it reveals “the shared humanity we all have.” The shocking stigma around mental health that is also harmful and discriminatory. The hope of younger people from Gen X and millennials who have a different view of mental health and its priority. ABOUT PHILLIP SCHERMERFounder and CEO of Project Healthy Minds Phillip is also Vice President and Chief of Staff to the Global Chief Marketing Officer at BlackRock. In his current role at BlackRock, Philip is focused on a range of initiatives relating to the future of purpose-driven capitalism, brand strategy, content creation & distribution model, and strategic growth priorities for the business. Before joining BlackRock, Phil worked in the Obama White House as an intern for the National Economic Council, for Warner Brothers Entertainment on the movie set of The Dark Knight Rises, for Summit Entertainment on the movie set of Perks of Being a Wallflower, and for Live Nation on U2's 360 tour. While in college, Phil founded MUSIC Matters, a student-run non-profit at the University of Michigan that hosts one of the largest social impact lifestyle festivals in the US. Business Insider recognized Phil for his work while on campus by naming him one of “The Most Impressive Students at the University of Michigan”. Today, Phil serves on the MUSIC Matters Board of Advisors. Phil graduated from the University of Michigan's Honors Program with a B.A. in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE). Follow Phillip Schermer: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pschermer/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/philschermer LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phillip-schermer-45007934/ Website: https://www.projecthealthyminds.com/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, Dr. Alfiee showcases 21-year-old youth advocate/mental health activist Marc Mendiola, who began making a difference in high school for those from low economic or diverse ethnic backgrounds. He has expanded his mission attracting millions of dollars of funding for new mental health initiatives. Now an undergraduate at Texas A & M University, Marc serves as Vice President of The Mexican Student Association, which is one the largest student organizations on campus, with more than 600 members. The focus is speaking for the minority and Marc wants to use his position to get better health resources at the University, and make mental health a priority. Previously, Marc was an integral part of The Mental Health Ambassadors of Student Leaders at South San High School and The Care Zone - Mobil Mental Health Collaborative with the Non-Profits in South San ISD. Dr. Alfiee tracked down Marc after seeing his interview on gun violence and mental health in this newspaper article, in which she also was quoted: https://mindsitenews.org/2022/02/28/suicide-by-gun-is-rising-among-youth-especially-teens-of-color/ Marc's passion to make a difference took off when he transitioned from middle school to high school and he began questioning “Who am I?” A teacher selected him for the “Enrichment Club” that grew far beyond beautifying the school and other activities. Instead, members started talking, opening up about their challenges, and breaking down walls of limitations of their ethnic or economic backgrounds. Marc shares that coming from the South Side San Antonio, a low economic side of town, with 98 percent of the population Hispanic: “There is a lot of stigma about what we can produce based on the resources we have.” The biggest wall is not only access to resources, but the community in which many live, Marc notes. Many students have the additional responsibility of taking care of their brothers and sisters, while their parents work, and then trying to find time to do homework after putting their siblings to bed. Topics covered in this interview: –MAKING THINGS HAPPEN: Marc and his classmates lobbied school officials and local lawmakers, resulting in the creation of a local mental health wellness center in the district. Later,, the County Board of Commissioners pledge $4.75 million to expand the effort, as noted in the article below: https://www.expressnews.com/business/health-care/article/Pilot-program-brings-long-awaited-mental-health-15309403.php+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us –Marc: ”It's about outreaching and using your voice.” –Beyond dealing with the disabilities that may limit students from producing in the classroom, schools also need to change the focus on their environments and what resources they have, and on mental health as a priority. –The start of The Mental Health Exposium teaching self-coping skills for good mental health and information about available resources in the local community (which got nationally recognized). –The stigmation of mental health, as something “not real” in Spanish and Latino communities. –Picking up the gaps where mental health services are not adequately provided on college campuses and elsewhere, including the lack of proper mental wellness checks and follow-up. Dr. Alfiee on social determinants of good mental health: “So moved by you, you were young, high school kids (who started this mental health initiative in schools).” “What's so amazing about it is you were not out for self, you were all out for community.” SOCIAL DETERMINANTS: “So you can't study, you can't have good mental health, you can't be engaged with your family in all the best ways, if your basic needs aren't being met, like do you have food in the house, toilet paper, the pencils and paper you need to do school? Do you have the people physically in the school to help you with what you need…the school social worker, the school counselor? And if you don't have those things it's really asking a lot for young people to show up and focus.” “You are managing the social determinants of health by taking care of the whole community, everybody and all types of needs. That is a model that people picked up on and you pushed it into other schools.” About Marc Mendiola: Mental Health Activist/Student Advocate Marc is a first-generation college student and the current Vice President of the Mexican Student Association at Texas A&M University, which is one of the largest organizations on the A&M campus that serves over 600 members. Marc is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and supporting communities to find their voices through student activism. He has currently obtained influencer roles in his community by making TikToks and collaborating with companies to shed the light on on-campus resources. He loves to write music and sing in his free time while keeping a bright smile on his face, always ready to make a new friend. Follow Marc:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marc.mendiola.395 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc2292/?hl=en Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this episode, Dr. Alfiee showcases 21-year-old youth advocate/mental health activist Marc Mendiola, who began making a difference in high school for those from low economic or diverse ethnic backgrounds. He has expanded his mission attracting millions of dollars of funding for new mental health initiatives. Now an undergraduate at Texas A & M University, Marc serves as Vice President of The Mexican Student Association, which is one the largest student organizations on campus, with more than 600 members. The focus is speaking for the minority and Marc wants to use his position to get better health resources at the University, and make mental health a priority. Previously, Marc was an integral part of The Mental Health Ambassadors of Student Leaders at South San High School and The Care Zone - Mobil Mental Health Collaborative with the Non-Profits in South San ISD. Dr. Alfiee tracked down Marc after seeing his interview on gun violence and mental health in this newspaper article, in which she also was quoted: https://mindsitenews.org/2022/02/28/suicide-by-gun-is-rising-among-youth-especially-teens-of-color/ Marc's passion to make a difference took off when he transitioned from middle school to high school and he began questioning “Who am I?” A teacher selected him for the “Enrichment Club” that grew far beyond beautifying the school and other activities. Instead, members started talking, opening up about their challenges, and breaking down walls of limitations of their ethnic or economic backgrounds. Marc shares that coming from the South Side San Antonio, a low economic side of town, with 98 percent of the population Hispanic: “There is a lot of stigma about what we can produce based on the resources we have.” The biggest wall is not only access to resources, but the community in which many live, Marc notes. Many students have the additional responsibility of taking care of their brothers and sisters, while their parents work, and then trying to find time to do homework after putting their siblings to bed. Topics covered in this interview: –MAKING THINGS HAPPEN: Marc and his classmates lobbied school officials and local lawmakers, resulting in the creation of a local mental health wellness center in the district. Later,, the County Board of Commissioners pledge $4.75 million to expand the effort, as noted in the article below: https://www.expressnews.com/business/health-care/article/Pilot-program-brings-long-awaited-mental-health-15309403.php+&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us –Marc: ”It's about outreaching and using your voice.” –Beyond dealing with the disabilities that may limit students from producing in the classroom, schools also need to change the focus on their environments and what resources they have, and on mental health as a priority. –The start of The Mental Health Exposium teaching self-coping skills for good mental health and information about available resources in the local community (which got nationally recognized). –The stigmation of mental health, as something “not real” in Spanish and Latino communities. –Picking up the gaps where mental health services are not adequately provided on college campuses and elsewhere, including the lack of proper mental wellness checks and follow-up. Dr. Alfiee on social determinants of good mental health: “So moved by you, you were young, high school kids (who started this mental health initiative in schools).” “What's so amazing about it is you were not out for self, you were all out for community.” SOCIAL DETERMINANTS: “So you can't study, you can't have good mental health, you can't be engaged with your family in all the best ways, if your basic needs aren't being met, like do you have food in the house, toilet paper, the pencils and paper you need to do school? Do you have the people physically in the school to help you with what you need…the school social worker, the school counselor? And if you don't have those things it's really asking a lot for young people to show up and focus.” “You are managing the social determinants of health by taking care of the whole community, everybody and all types of needs. That is a model that people picked up on and you pushed it into other schools.” About Marc Mendiola: Mental Health Activist/Student Advocate Marc is a first-generation college student and the current Vice President of the Mexican Student Association at Texas A&M University, which is one of the largest organizations on the A&M campus that serves over 600 members. Marc is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and supporting communities to find their voices through student activism. He has currently obtained influencer roles in his community by making TikToks and collaborating with companies to shed the light on on-campus resources. He loves to write music and sing in his free time while keeping a bright smile on his face, always ready to make a new friend. Follow Marc:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marc.mendiola.395 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marc2292/?hl=en Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In episode 5 of Couched in Color, Dr. Alfiee celebrates the comeback/reinvention of Shanti Das and her “Silence the Shame” mission. Shanti, well known in the entertainment industry for her work with some of music's top talent –like OutKast, Usher, Prince, TLC, Toni Braxton, and Erykah Badu, to name a few–shares a different type of success in this intimate interview. Shanti tells the story of the night she contemplated suicide, with pills nearby, and ended up reaching out for help. That night changed her life forever, as she was redirected to self-care and to teach others the same, especially encouraging others to open up about their mental health challenges. “That I am here is a blessing from God and I don't take that for granted,” Shanti shares. Hence, starting with a hashtag of the name, she founded Silence the Shame, a non-profit foundation dedicated to eliminating mental health stigma, reducing health disparities, and improving rates of suicide among vulnerable populations. Through community conversations, compelling content, and culturally responsive programs, the foundation aims to normalize the conversation, peel back the layers of shame, and promote mental wellness for vulnerable and disparate population groups, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+), individuals in high-stress jobs, older adults and those living in rural communities. Silence the Shame has received a prestigious award, national recognition and global awareness as a mental health movement. The beginnings: Looking back at her young life, Shanti says she was “introduced to mental health as a baby.” Her father died by suicide when she was seven months old, leaving her mom alone to raise her and two older siblings. Now, as an adult, who has faced her darkest moments and continues to heal, she shares her “toolkit” of resources that helped her move forward. Combining her faith journey with therapy is key, as is having a life coach, being outdoors, and traveling. Topics covered in this interview:–Walking away from a half-million-dollar per year job, with a corner office, and life on “the red carpet” supporting music celebrities. –Balancing the faith journey, that is often so important to people of color, sometimes exclusively, with the benefits of therapy. – Expanding Silence the Shame to include more major events such as the second annual, My Life is a Gift: Suicide Awareness Summit, on Sept. 14, 2022 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., livestream online and limited in-person seating at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, GA: https://silencetheshame.com/mlg-suicide-awareness-summit/my-life-is-a-gift-suicide-awareness-summit.html –The event is geared to youth and young adults, with a performance by a young rapper. It also will feature “an authentic hybrid opportunity of youth and young adult lived experience,” behavioral health and suicide prevention professionals, and family support. –A pilot “campus ambassadors program” at colleges. –May 1st being declared “Black Children's Mental Health Day” in the state of Georgia, and wanting to spread that concept to other states. –The launch of her new mind- body related company. Dr. Alfiee: “I'm so grateful that you're still here. And that night when you almost weren't going to be here anymore, that God put the right people in your place and in your space, and that you had that hotline to call.” Quoting one of her mentors, Dr. Alfiee commends Shanti for “turning learned helplessness to learned helpfulfuness.” Background on Shanti Das | Founder of Silence the Shame non-profit; accomplished entertainment industry veteran Shanti is an accomplished entertainment industry veteran (for more than 25 years), speaker, author, and philanthropist. Her music industry career (from intern to executive vice president) included positions at Capitol Records, LaFace Records, Columbia Records, Sony Urban Music and Universal Motown where she worked directly with some of music's top talent like OutKast, Usher, Prince, TLC, Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, and more. As a result of Shanti's extensive community work in the 2000 decade, she established her own nonprofit, The Hip Hop Professional Foundation, Inc. The foundation was later rebranded under the name Silence the Shame, Inc., which received global awareness and has become a commonly used hashtag to normalize the conversation in America. Shanti's foundation curates community conversations, offers wellness training, creates content and broadens awareness and education around mental health and wellness. In 2019, Silence the Shame was awarded one of five awards by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation for advancing minority mental health. Shanti has suffered from depression/anxiety over the years and has also experienced loved ones affected with mental health disorders. In addition to running her nonprofit, Shanti is a public speaker. She has presented live at companies/universities sharing her inspiring story and is now also facilitating virtual webinars around mental wellness with licensed mental health clinicians. Companies include: Warner Chappell Publishing, National Geographic, SB Projects, Translation agency, NBA, Sony ATV, EA Sports, LVMH, Sony Music UK, Warner Media, Warner Music Group, Def Jam records, Freddie Mac, Dillard University, Syracuse University, Alabama A&M and more. Awards and Honors: 2019- Shanti was named a Top Changemaker in the World (#7 out of 100) by a UK publication called The Big Issue! 2019- The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) has named Shanti Das as the recipient of the 2019 Media Award for Silence the Shame. 2020- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) awarded Shanti Das their 2020 Multicultural Award. 2020- Named an ESSENCE Magazine Essential Hero in Mental Health. 2021- Culture Creators Health and Wellness Award. EVENT: My Life is a Gift: Suicide Awareness Summit Sept. 14, 2022 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Livestreaming & limited in-person seating at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, GA Follow Shanti Das: Website: https://www.shantidas.biz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantidas404/ Silence the Shame: Website: https://silencetheshame.com Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/silencetheshame/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilenceThShame Podcast: https://silencetheshame.com/podcast.html Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In episode 5 of Couched in Color, Dr. Alfiee celebrates the comeback/reinvention of Shanti Das and her “Silence the Shame” mission. Shanti, well known in the entertainment industry for her work with some of music's top talent –like OutKast, Usher, Prince, TLC, Toni Braxton, and Erykah Badu, to name a few–shares a different type of success in this intimate interview. Shanti tells the story of the night she contemplated suicide, with pills nearby, and ended up reaching out for help. That night changed her life forever, as she was redirected to self-care and to teach others the same, especially encouraging others to open up about their mental health challenges. “That I am here is a blessing from God and I don't take that for granted,” Shanti shares. Hence, starting with a hashtag of the name, she founded Silence the Shame, a non-profit foundation dedicated to eliminating mental health stigma, reducing health disparities, and improving rates of suicide among vulnerable populations. Through community conversations, compelling content, and culturally responsive programs, the foundation aims to normalize the conversation, peel back the layers of shame, and promote mental wellness for vulnerable and disparate population groups, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning (LGBTQ+), individuals in high-stress jobs, older adults and those living in rural communities. Silence the Shame has received a prestigious award, national recognition and global awareness as a mental health movement. The beginnings: Looking back at her young life, Shanti says she was “introduced to mental health as a baby.” Her father died by suicide when she was seven months old, leaving her mom alone to raise her and two older siblings. Now, as an adult, who has faced her darkest moments and continues to heal, she shares her “toolkit” of resources that helped her move forward. Combining her faith journey with therapy is key, as is having a life coach, being outdoors, and traveling. Topics covered in this interview:–Walking away from a half-million-dollar per year job, with a corner office, and life on “the red carpet” supporting music celebrities. –Balancing the faith journey, that is often so important to people of color, sometimes exclusively, with the benefits of therapy. – Expanding Silence the Shame to include more major events such as the second annual, My Life is a Gift: Suicide Awareness Summit, on Sept. 14, 2022 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., livestream online and limited in-person seating at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, GA: https://silencetheshame.com/mlg-suicide-awareness-summit/my-life-is-a-gift-suicide-awareness-summit.html –The event is geared to youth and young adults, with a performance by a young rapper. It also will feature “an authentic hybrid opportunity of youth and young adult lived experience,” behavioral health and suicide prevention professionals, and family support. –A pilot “campus ambassadors program” at colleges. –May 1st being declared “Black Children's Mental Health Day” in the state of Georgia, and wanting to spread that concept to other states. –The launch of her new mind- body related company. Dr. Alfiee: “I'm so grateful that you're still here. And that night when you almost weren't going to be here anymore, that God put the right people in your place and in your space, and that you had that hotline to call.” Quoting one of her mentors, Dr. Alfiee commends Shanti for “turning learned helplessness to learned helpfulfuness.” Background on Shanti Das | Founder of Silence the Shame non-profit; accomplished entertainment industry veteran Shanti is an accomplished entertainment industry veteran (for more than 25 years), speaker, author, and philanthropist. Her music industry career (from intern to executive vice president) included positions at Capitol Records, LaFace Records, Columbia Records, Sony Urban Music and Universal Motown where she worked directly with some of music's top talent like OutKast, Usher, Prince, TLC, Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, and more. As a result of Shanti's extensive community work in the 2000 decade, she established her own nonprofit, The Hip Hop Professional Foundation, Inc. The foundation was later rebranded under the name Silence the Shame, Inc., which received global awareness and has become a commonly used hashtag to normalize the conversation in America. Shanti's foundation curates community conversations, offers wellness training, creates content and broadens awareness and education around mental health and wellness. In 2019, Silence the Shame was awarded one of five awards by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation for advancing minority mental health. Shanti has suffered from depression/anxiety over the years and has also experienced loved ones affected with mental health disorders. In addition to running her nonprofit, Shanti is a public speaker. She has presented live at companies/universities sharing her inspiring story and is now also facilitating virtual webinars around mental wellness with licensed mental health clinicians. Companies include: Warner Chappell Publishing, National Geographic, SB Projects, Translation agency, NBA, Sony ATV, EA Sports, LVMH, Sony Music UK, Warner Media, Warner Music Group, Def Jam records, Freddie Mac, Dillard University, Syracuse University, Alabama A&M and more. Awards and Honors: 2019- Shanti was named a Top Changemaker in the World (#7 out of 100) by a UK publication called The Big Issue! 2019- The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) has named Shanti Das as the recipient of the 2019 Media Award for Silence the Shame. 2020- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) awarded Shanti Das their 2020 Multicultural Award. 2020- Named an ESSENCE Magazine Essential Hero in Mental Health. 2021- Culture Creators Health and Wellness Award. EVENT: My Life is a Gift: Suicide Awareness Summit Sept. 14, 2022 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Livestreaming & limited in-person seating at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta, GA Follow Shanti Das: Website: https://www.shantidas.biz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shantidas404/ Silence the Shame: Website: https://silencetheshame.com Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/silencetheshame/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SilenceThShame Podcast: https://silencetheshame.com/podcast.html Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In Episode 4, Dr. Alfiee speaks with two “brothers” serving the Black Men Heal mission, expanding the non-profit's free online therapy out into the world with an ongoing tour in various cities across the U.S. The two guests not only work for Black Men Heal, but they each have used the organization's free therapy for themselves. Guest Doug McNeill Reed, Director of Partnerships, openly shares his healing journey after divorces, and tragically losing his father at age 12. Guest Reginald A. Howard, Senior Program Coordinator, who attempted suicide multiple times, bravely shares an early life experience related to an armed robbery. Reginald wrote an inspiring book called Suffering into Success: A Paradigm Shift Of Struggle To Achieve Happiness. (https://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Into-Success-Paradigm-Happiness-ebook/dp/B07L1XYHF). Both are passionate about using their lives to mentor others, and serving communities, both virtually Sundays through Black Men Heal's “King's Corner” Zoom sessions started two years ago, and now physically through the tour. The next is Aug. 20th in Houston and then Sept. 24th in Chicago (subject to change due to pandemic.) One of the key topics that consistently came up in the virtual meetings was that “Black men need hugs.” Reginald discusses how lack of affection as a young boy still challenges him now with his own children, to which Dr. Alfiee said how inspirational his transparency will be for others. Hence, the tour has been named “King's Corner–Black Men Need Hugs.” The community outreach effort is sending messages of hope, connection and vulnerability. Free food, massages, and mindfulness teachings are also part of the tour. Here's a clip describing the recent stop in Atlanta, Aug.6th, 2022.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wAdd1db2Fk The beginnings: Reginald: He went for free therapy from Black Men Heal in 2018, after multitude suicide attempts, and then after that experience, he was in horrible car accident. The first call he got in the hospital was from the therapist from Black Men Heal. He later became an advocate for mental health. “I went back to the organization that served me and that's how I became part of the (Black Men Heal) team,” Reginald shares. Douglas: He has worked in prisons for 25 years, had been in the military, and wanted to try free therapy, which he said helped him release a lot of baggage and that he now feels blessed by the experience. “Through my lived experiences, I just tell the story, and I try to be unapologetic, as I've heard you say Dr. Alfiee.” Dr. Alfiee: “I always want for us to have a way to identify us as collective…feel stronger when all of us who I identify as people of color can rise together.” –Marginalized identity: “I'm not centered in the mainstream unless I center myself.” –”Not only is it OK to ask for help, but to give them help that reflects them (the Black male).” Mission/Vision of Black Men Heal: Doug: “Sensitive to my needs, talking to therapist, and working those things out, released so much, and so free, and understanding vulnerability, just want to be open, no restrictions…she (the founder, Tasnim Sulaiman, a licensed professional counselor) created a space for he Black man to come in and feel comfortable sharing our thoughts, views and just being vulnerable.” Reginald: “ We got the connection of people showing up because they feel King's Corner is for them, and men come into the space and they see us, and feel this is for me, this is a home I can come to, and I can get support when needed.” More on King's Corner: King's Corner is a free weekly virtual mental health support group that has serviced over 2000 men. The George Floyd incident fueled the creation of the online event. Requests from all over the world for free therapy started coming in. Doug: “We called it a virtual free space, psycho-education. Let's come up with some subjects that affect Black men…overwhelming response…to learn about depression, anxiety and things that affect us like mass incarceration, pornography, divorce and infidelity.” –“One of the beauties about this is I'm a baby boomer, and Reg is a millennial. You get two sides.” Reginald:”There's healing happening on this Corner and that's what we say to people every week.” –Doug: “When a man starts to heal himself he needs a spiritual foundation.” –A DJ friend told him to “account for the details”: “I know we can account for details for the bad things we did, but let's start making more accountability for the good things we did.” Dr. Alfiee: “It's so healing for a Black man to say, yes, I made some mistakes, but I'm a work in progress too…so healing for women to hear that from them, too.” Reginald: Discusses an award given every year called the MVB–the most vulnerable brother, and who got it and why. Dr. Alfiee: “What you're doing is ministry…you're giving them living water, for wherever they are in the moment, this is the water you need.” Reginald: A new initiative on Gun Violence Group Therapy is discussed. “From listening to both of you, young people will see there is another way…and part of that is being vulnerable to a point…and understand you have a range of emotions, because you're supposed to experience a range of emotions…you can't be in one place all the time.” Reginald: “Every time you want to get to someplace great, there is going to be some turbulence. What you're going through is for a greater purpose. If you can embrace that, the outcome should be worth it.” Black Men Heal: https://blackmenheal.org Black Men Heal is a grassroots nonprofit organization, established in 2018, as a solution to a broken inequitable mental health care system that does not center the needs of marginalized Black and Brown Communities. It focuses on the mental health needs of Black men because of the lack of resources attending solely to this population. The mission is to provide mental health treatment, education, and resources to men of color–and to help increase the likelihood that Black men will self-initiate treatment for mental health struggles. Douglas McNeill Reed, Director of Partnerships Doug, (affectionately known as DReed), is a military veteran and dedicated social justice/mental health advocate. He has an expansive career that includes experience in law enforcement, organizational management, government contracts, and working toward achieving greater diversity and equity within our armed forces. In addition to being a crucial part of Black Men Heal's non-profit development. Doug was the 2nd Vice President, for the Partnership for Youth, a nonprofit organization focusing on instilling positive value in youth during a 3-day paramilitary camp and seminar. The organization conducted camps three times a year for 200 inner city youth from Camden, NJ. He served as an equal Opportunity Representative during his last active-duty station in Ft. Dix, NJ. As non-commissioned officer, Douglas was trained to report, instruct, and know the legal policy of discriminatory behavior in the armed forces. He taught diversity for more than 600 staff members and helped train employees, from executives to staff members, how to better interact with others of different backgrounds. Doug's positive and charismatic energy is a strong influence and motivational tool to those who engage with his passion and intellect. His dynamic speaking and presenting skills have been featured on panels alongside notable mental health advocates and experts such as Charlamagne Tha God, Dr. Alfiee, and former NFL players Jay Barnettt, and Ryan Mundy. Follow Douglas: https://linktr.ee/Douglasmreed https://www.instagram.com/douglas_mreed/ Reginald A. Howard, Senior Program Coordinator Reginald A. Howard is a multiple suicide attempt survivor turned mental health activist. Reggie's dedication to healing provoked him to start the Black Mental Health Podcast which currently has 50,000 downloads and earned media attention from the Philadelphia Tribune, Women's Health Magazine, and various other media outlets. Reg's commitment to seeing improvement in the health care system led him to become a Community Consultant with the Collaborative Opportunities to Advance Community Health (COACH) Trauma-Informed Healing – Centered Practices Advisory Group from the Health Care Improvement Foundation. His passion for mental health earned credentials from the Pennsylvania Certification Board as a Community Health Worker and Certified Peer Specialist. He serves on many boards including the board of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Drexel University and the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Reg has presented to a diversity of audiences including the City of Philadelphia, Rotary Clubs, Philadelphia Prison System Training Academy, the Philadelphia Police Department's Crisis Intervention Training and multiple engagements with the School District of Philadelphia. He currently attends Drexel University, intending to become a psychiatrist. He uses his life experiences to ignite, inspire and empower others to prioritize their mental health. Follow Reginald: Website: https://reginaldahoward.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldahoward/ Podcast: https://blackmentalhealthpodcast.libsyn.com/black-mental-health-podcast-053-prison-reform-mental-wellness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenheal/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In Episode 4, Dr. Alfiee speaks with two “brothers” serving the Black Men Heal mission, expanding the non-profit's free online therapy out into the world with an ongoing tour in various cities across the U.S. The two guests not only work for Black Men Heal, but they each have used the organization's free therapy for themselves. Guest Doug McNeill Reed, Director of Partnerships, openly shares his healing journey after divorces, and tragically losing his father at age 12. Guest Reginald A. Howard, Senior Program Coordinator, who attempted suicide multiple times, bravely shares an early life experience related to an armed robbery. Reginald wrote an inspiring book called Suffering into Success: A Paradigm Shift Of Struggle To Achieve Happiness. (https://www.amazon.com/Suffering-Into-Success-Paradigm-Happiness-ebook/dp/B07L1XYHF). Both are passionate about using their lives to mentor others, and serving communities, both virtually Sundays through Black Men Heal's “King's Corner” Zoom sessions started two years ago, and now physically through the tour. The next is Aug. 20th in Houston and then Sept. 24th in Chicago (subject to change due to pandemic.) One of the key topics that consistently came up in the virtual meetings was that “Black men need hugs.” Reginald discusses how lack of affection as a young boy still challenges him now with his own children, to which Dr. Alfiee said how inspirational his transparency will be for others. Hence, the tour has been named “King's Corner–Black Men Need Hugs.” The community outreach effort is sending messages of hope, connection and vulnerability. Free food, massages, and mindfulness teachings are also part of the tour. Here's a clip describing the recent stop in Atlanta, Aug.6th, 2022.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wAdd1db2Fk The beginnings: Reginald: He went for free therapy from Black Men Heal in 2018, after multitude suicide attempts, and then after that experience, he was in horrible car accident. The first call he got in the hospital was from the therapist from Black Men Heal. He later became an advocate for mental health. “I went back to the organization that served me and that's how I became part of the (Black Men Heal) team,” Reginald shares. Douglas: He has worked in prisons for 25 years, had been in the military, and wanted to try free therapy, which he said helped him release a lot of baggage and that he now feels blessed by the experience. “Through my lived experiences, I just tell the story, and I try to be unapologetic, as I've heard you say Dr. Alfiee.” Dr. Alfiee: “I always want for us to have a way to identify us as collective…feel stronger when all of us who I identify as people of color can rise together.” –Marginalized identity: “I'm not centered in the mainstream unless I center myself.” –”Not only is it OK to ask for help, but to give them help that reflects them (the Black male).” Mission/Vision of Black Men Heal: Doug: “Sensitive to my needs, talking to therapist, and working those things out, released so much, and so free, and understanding vulnerability, just want to be open, no restrictions…she (the founder, Tasnim Sulaiman, a licensed professional counselor) created a space for he Black man to come in and feel comfortable sharing our thoughts, views and just being vulnerable.” Reginald: “ We got the connection of people showing up because they feel King's Corner is for them, and men come into the space and they see us, and feel this is for me, this is a home I can come to, and I can get support when needed.” More on King's Corner: King's Corner is a free weekly virtual mental health support group that has serviced over 2000 men. The George Floyd incident fueled the creation of the online event. Requests from all over the world for free therapy started coming in. Doug: “We called it a virtual free space, psycho-education. Let's come up with some subjects that affect Black men…overwhelming response…to learn about depression, anxiety and things that affect us like mass incarceration, pornography, divorce and infidelity.” –“One of the beauties about this is I'm a baby boomer, and Reg is a millennial. You get two sides.” Reginald:”There's healing happening on this Corner and that's what we say to people every week.” –Doug: “When a man starts to heal himself he needs a spiritual foundation.” –A DJ friend told him to “account for the details”: “I know we can account for details for the bad things we did, but let's start making more accountability for the good things we did.” Dr. Alfiee: “It's so healing for a Black man to say, yes, I made some mistakes, but I'm a work in progress too…so healing for women to hear that from them, too.” Reginald: Discusses an award given every year called the MVB–the most vulnerable brother, and who got it and why. Dr. Alfiee: “What you're doing is ministry…you're giving them living water, for wherever they are in the moment, this is the water you need.” Reginald: A new initiative on Gun Violence Group Therapy is discussed. “From listening to both of you, young people will see there is another way…and part of that is being vulnerable to a point…and understand you have a range of emotions, because you're supposed to experience a range of emotions…you can't be in one place all the time.” Reginald: “Every time you want to get to someplace great, there is going to be some turbulence. What you're going through is for a greater purpose. If you can embrace that, the outcome should be worth it.” Black Men Heal: https://blackmenheal.org Black Men Heal is a grassroots nonprofit organization, established in 2018, as a solution to a broken inequitable mental health care system that does not center the needs of marginalized Black and Brown Communities. It focuses on the mental health needs of Black men because of the lack of resources attending solely to this population. The mission is to provide mental health treatment, education, and resources to men of color–and to help increase the likelihood that Black men will self-initiate treatment for mental health struggles. Douglas McNeill Reed, Director of Partnerships Doug, (affectionately known as DReed), is a military veteran and dedicated social justice/mental health advocate. He has an expansive career that includes experience in law enforcement, organizational management, government contracts, and working toward achieving greater diversity and equity within our armed forces. In addition to being a crucial part of Black Men Heal's non-profit development. Doug was the 2nd Vice President, for the Partnership for Youth, a nonprofit organization focusing on instilling positive value in youth during a 3-day paramilitary camp and seminar. The organization conducted camps three times a year for 200 inner city youth from Camden, NJ. He served as an equal Opportunity Representative during his last active-duty station in Ft. Dix, NJ. As non-commissioned officer, Douglas was trained to report, instruct, and know the legal policy of discriminatory behavior in the armed forces. He taught diversity for more than 600 staff members and helped train employees, from executives to staff members, how to better interact with others of different backgrounds. Doug's positive and charismatic energy is a strong influence and motivational tool to those who engage with his passion and intellect. His dynamic speaking and presenting skills have been featured on panels alongside notable mental health advocates and experts such as Charlamagne Tha God, Dr. Alfiee, and former NFL players Jay Barnettt, and Ryan Mundy. Follow Douglas: https://linktr.ee/Douglasmreed https://www.instagram.com/douglas_mreed/ Reginald A. Howard, Senior Program Coordinator Reginald A. Howard is a multiple suicide attempt survivor turned mental health activist. Reggie's dedication to healing provoked him to start the Black Mental Health Podcast which currently has 50,000 downloads and earned media attention from the Philadelphia Tribune, Women's Health Magazine, and various other media outlets. Reg's commitment to seeing improvement in the health care system led him to become a Community Consultant with the Collaborative Opportunities to Advance Community Health (COACH) Trauma-Informed Healing – Centered Practices Advisory Group from the Health Care Improvement Foundation. His passion for mental health earned credentials from the Pennsylvania Certification Board as a Community Health Worker and Certified Peer Specialist. He serves on many boards including the board of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Drexel University and the National Alliance of Mental Illness. Reg has presented to a diversity of audiences including the City of Philadelphia, Rotary Clubs, Philadelphia Prison System Training Academy, the Philadelphia Police Department's Crisis Intervention Training and multiple engagements with the School District of Philadelphia. He currently attends Drexel University, intending to become a psychiatrist. He uses his life experiences to ignite, inspire and empower others to prioritize their mental health. Follow Reginald: Website: https://reginaldahoward.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldahoward/ Podcast: https://blackmentalhealthpodcast.libsyn.com/black-mental-health-podcast-053-prison-reform-mental-wellness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackmenheal/ Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website: https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this third episode of Couched in Color, Dr. Alfiee goes deep with guest Adrienne Banfield Norrris, better known as “Gammy” or “Gam” from Red Table Talk, a popular talk show with candid conversations among three generations of Black women. Gam is the mother of Jada Pinkett Smith, mother-in-law of Will Smith, and grandmother to Willow who is also on the show. She courageously talks about living through addiction, continuously battling low self-esteem, not feeling good enough, and dealing with fame. Even now, as she appears visibly confident on so many platforms–from her own podcast to TV–she admits she still has great nervousness and anxiety when on stage. She shares how “I shrink, lose my voice,” noting her anxiousness when at a recent live event about her appearance on Black Love TV Series, now in its final season on OWN network: “How that feels, the physical way it manifests, that nervousness, anxiety, I get sick on my stomach, I kind of go blank, overthink things and feel nauseous…all of that is real feelings and, if you're Black in America, you're dealing with mental health challenges.” Dr. Alfiee: “What I love about what you do is you are so honest and open about your own experiences…I think it's really hard for people to talk about ever having had a struggle with addiction and low self-esteem…especially for those of us who are Black women. We are just beat up in so many ways. I don't care what your background is…you're out there looking glamorous and beautiful and sitting at the Red Table, you, Jada and Willow, being so beautiful.” –“I tell people a lot, I have to manage my own anxiety.” GIVING OTHERS SPACE TO “BE” ENOUGH Gam shares that even though she always felt loved and heard as a child, she felt pressure to meet her parents' high expectations, which she believes could be part of her low self-esteem. She met those expectations, graduating magna cum laude ”full-on addiction.” Dr. Alfiee: “Your daughter and son-in-law really give their kids space to fully express themselves…to let them know ‘You are a fully realized human being…so just go out there and be great,' and I don't know how many of us get that.” Gam: “It was your parents' way or the highway, all these rules to follow.” Dr. Alfiee: “My mom always said, baby, there is nothing you can't do…I always felt someone pushing behind me.” “Even when kids are successful, you were a successful high achieving kid, if you feel like there is a bar, you reach that bar, and there's another bar to follow, and you are never able to rest in the knowledge that who you are and what you do is enough. And I feel like a lot of us struggle with that…that we're not enough.” Gam: “When you're in a Black community and you have everyday struggles, it's like listen girl, put on your big girl panties.'' “You have to be careful with how you handle people, and allow people their journey and their space.” Dr. Alfiee: “If a person is spiritual, it's not us, so if we interfere with that person's journey, what lessons are we preventing them from learning by trying to rush in and fix everything.” She quoted an interview she recently heard about how “Things don't happen to you, they happen for you,” which she says profoundly changed her thinking. Dr. Alfiee: “I don't ever want to be late. When you're Black and a woman, in the workplace, you don't want to mess up, because your mess ups feel like they are the worst mess ups in the world. Other people can mess up but I can't mess up.” CHALLENGES OF FAME:Gam: “I'm always being observed so I can't always be my authentic self…I'm a representative of our family.” “You wonder about people who want to know you, is it really for you or is it for the fame?” (acknowledging even those without fame can struggle with that same question about why people want to get to know you). “Somebody always wants something from you, but it's all good. Where I would be if people didn't enjoy what I was sharing. It's a privilege, which keeps me humble and grateful.” Dr. Alfiee: “One thing I struggle with is people feeling entitled to proximity…like you should call me back, be present to me because I support you, you should give me your time. I try to manage my anxiety telling me I should respond, to go do this, just because someone asks. It helps me to practice mindfulness, and come back to the present. Just be here now and then I can make clear decisions.” Follow Adrienne "Gam" Norris: Positively Gam (Podcast): https://linktr.ee/gammynorris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gammynorris Red Table Talk:https://redtabletalk.com Positively GAM Podcast: https://linktr.ee/gammynorris Black Love TV Series (final season) Saturdays at 10 p.m. on OWN: https://www.oprah.com/app/black-love.html Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website at https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this third episode of Couched in Color, Dr. Alfiee goes deep with guest Adrienne Banfield Norrris, better known as “Gammy” or “Gam” from Red Table Talk, a popular talk show with candid conversations among three generations of Black women. Gam is the mother of Jada Pinkett Smith, mother-in-law of Will Smith, and grandmother to Willow who is also on the show. She courageously talks about living through addiction, continuously battling low self-esteem, not feeling good enough, and dealing with fame. Even now, as she appears visibly confident on so many platforms–from her own podcast to TV–she admits she still has great nervousness and anxiety when on stage. She shares how “I shrink, lose my voice,” noting her anxiousness when at a recent live event about her appearance on Black Love TV Series, now in its final season on OWN network: “How that feels, the physical way it manifests, that nervousness, anxiety, I get sick on my stomach, I kind of go blank, overthink things and feel nauseous…all of that is real feelings and, if you're Black in America, you're dealing with mental health challenges.” Dr. Alfiee: “What I love about what you do is you are so honest and open about your own experiences…I think it's really hard for people to talk about ever having had a struggle with addiction and low self-esteem…especially for those of us who are Black women. We are just beat up in so many ways. I don't care what your background is…you're out there looking glamorous and beautiful and sitting at the Red Table, you, Jada and Willow, being so beautiful.” –“I tell people a lot, I have to manage my own anxiety.” GIVING OTHERS SPACE TO “BE” ENOUGH Gam shares that even though she always felt loved and heard as a child, she felt pressure to meet her parents' high expectations, which she believes could be part of her low self-esteem. She met those expectations, graduating magna cum laude ”full-on addiction.” Dr. Alfiee: “Your daughter and son-in-law really give their kids space to fully express themselves…to let them know ‘You are a fully realized human being…so just go out there and be great,' and I don't know how many of us get that.” Gam: “It was your parents' way or the highway, all these rules to follow.” Dr. Alfiee: “My mom always said, baby, there is nothing you can't do…I always felt someone pushing behind me.” “Even when kids are successful, you were a successful high achieving kid, if you feel like there is a bar, you reach that bar, and there's another bar to follow, and you are never able to rest in the knowledge that who you are and what you do is enough. And I feel like a lot of us struggle with that…that we're not enough.” Gam: “When you're in a Black community and you have everyday struggles, it's like listen girl, put on your big girl panties.'' “You have to be careful with how you handle people, and allow people their journey and their space.” Dr. Alfiee: “If a person is spiritual, it's not us, so if we interfere with that person's journey, what lessons are we preventing them from learning by trying to rush in and fix everything.” She quoted an interview she recently heard about how “Things don't happen to you, they happen for you,” which she says profoundly changed her thinking. Dr. Alfiee: “I don't ever want to be late. When you're Black and a woman, in the workplace, you don't want to mess up, because your mess ups feel like they are the worst mess ups in the world. Other people can mess up but I can't mess up.” CHALLENGES OF FAME:Gam: “I'm always being observed so I can't always be my authentic self…I'm a representative of our family.” “You wonder about people who want to know you, is it really for you or is it for the fame?” (acknowledging even those without fame can struggle with that same question about why people want to get to know you). “Somebody always wants something from you, but it's all good. Where I would be if people didn't enjoy what I was sharing. It's a privilege, which keeps me humble and grateful.” Dr. Alfiee: “One thing I struggle with is people feeling entitled to proximity…like you should call me back, be present to me because I support you, you should give me your time. I try to manage my anxiety telling me I should respond, to go do this, just because someone asks. It helps me to practice mindfulness, and come back to the present. Just be here now and then I can make clear decisions.” Follow Adrienne "Gam" Norris: Positively Gam (Podcast): https://linktr.ee/gammynorris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gammynorris Red Table Talk:https://redtabletalk.com Positively GAM Podcast: https://linktr.ee/gammynorris Black Love TV Series (final season) Saturdays at 10 p.m. on OWN: https://www.oprah.com/app/black-love.html Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Website at https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us More Couched in Color: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this second episode of Season 3 of Couched in Color, Host Dr. Alfiee interviews two members of Lady Gaga's team from her Born This Way Foundation (based on her “freedom song” of the same name). Born This Way was created in 2012 to support the wellness of young people and empower them to build a kinder, braver world. The Executive Director, Maya Smith, and Communications and Creative Manager, Shadille Estepan, join us today to share powerful insights on mental health awareness for youth, and offerings that reduce the stigma and help them voice their concerns and stay connected for greater well-being. Topics Include: -COURAGE TO BE OPEN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH -SAFE SPACES -WHAT DO THE WORDS “BORN THIS WAY” MEAN TO YOU -EMPOWERMENT -INITIATIVES OF BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION -CHALLENGES THAT GEN Z & MILLENNIALS FACE ABOUT MAYA ENISTA SMITH: Executive Director/Born This Way Foundation Maya is the first Executive Director of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, which leverages evidence-based programming and authentic partnerships in order to work with young people to build kinder communities and improve mental health resources. In this position, Maya engages a diverse array of partners across sectors to conduct innovative research, builds authentic youth-focused programming, and leads effective campaigns that foster kindness and advance the conversation around mental health. With nearly twenty years of experience in the youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community development fields, Maya previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Mobilize.org and began her career as East Coast Coordinator for Rock The Vote. In addition to her work with the Foundation, Maya is a proud member of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2022 and serves on the Bullying Prevention Advisory Committee (BPAC) for the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). Maya grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Rutgers University. She currently resides outside of San Francisco with her husband, David, their two children, and their dog Kai. Here is Maya's impactful interview with Lady Gaga's mother, Cynthia Germanotta, President/Co-Founder of the Born This Way Foundation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kiCX... Follow Maya: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/menista INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mayabtwf LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-enis... ABOUT SHADILLE ESTEPAN: Communications and Creative Manager/Born This Way Foundation Shadille Estepan is Communications and Creative Manager for Born This Way Foundation. In this capacity, Shadille supports the Foundation's external communications efforts – including video production – as well as the organization's programming. Shadille has been part of Born This Way Foundation since 2012 when she served as part of the inaugural Youth Advisory Board. Shadille, originally from Miami, is a graduate of the University of Florida. Follow Shadille: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/shadille INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadille LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadille/ LADY GAGA's “BORN THIS WAY” Foundation: https://bornthisway.foundation Be There Certificate: https://betherecertificate.org Channel Kindness: https://www.channelkindness.org Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us Couched in Color Website: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this second episode of Season 3 of Couched in Color, Host Dr. Alfiee interviews two members of Lady Gaga's team from her Born This Way Foundation (based on her “freedom song” of the same name). Born This Way was created in 2012 to support the wellness of young people and empower them to build a kinder, braver world. The Executive Director, Maya Smith, and Communications and Creative Manager, Shadille Estepan, join us today to share powerful insights on mental health awareness for youth, and offerings that reduce the stigma and help them voice their concerns and stay connected for greater well-being. Topics Include: -COURAGE TO BE OPEN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH -SAFE SPACES -WHAT DO THE WORDS “BORN THIS WAY” MEAN TO YOU -EMPOWERMENT -INITIATIVES OF BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION -CHALLENGES THAT GEN Z & MILLENNIALS FACE ABOUT MAYA ENISTA SMITH: Executive Director/Born This Way Foundation Maya is the first Executive Director of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation, which leverages evidence-based programming and authentic partnerships in order to work with young people to build kinder communities and improve mental health resources. In this position, Maya engages a diverse array of partners across sectors to conduct innovative research, builds authentic youth-focused programming, and leads effective campaigns that foster kindness and advance the conversation around mental health. With nearly twenty years of experience in the youth empowerment, civic engagement, and community development fields, Maya previously served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Mobilize.org and began her career as East Coast Coordinator for Rock The Vote. In addition to her work with the Foundation, Maya is a proud member of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2022 and serves on the Bullying Prevention Advisory Committee (BPAC) for the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission (MHSOAC). Maya grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, and is a graduate of Rutgers University. She currently resides outside of San Francisco with her husband, David, their two children, and their dog Kai. Here is Maya's impactful interview with Lady Gaga's mother, Cynthia Germanotta, President/Co-Founder of the Born This Way Foundation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kiCX... Follow Maya: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/menista INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mayabtwf LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-enis... ABOUT SHADILLE ESTEPAN: Communications and Creative Manager/Born This Way Foundation Shadille Estepan is Communications and Creative Manager for Born This Way Foundation. In this capacity, Shadille supports the Foundation's external communications efforts – including video production – as well as the organization's programming. Shadille has been part of Born This Way Foundation since 2012 when she served as part of the inaugural Youth Advisory Board. Shadille, originally from Miami, is a graduate of the University of Florida. Follow Shadille: TWITTER: https://twitter.com/shadille INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/shadille LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shadille/ LADY GAGA's “BORN THIS WAY” Foundation: https://bornthisway.foundation Be There Certificate: https://betherecertificate.org Channel Kindness: https://www.channelkindness.org Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us Couched in Color Website: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this opening episode of Season 3 of the “Couched in Color” podcast, Host Dr. Alfiee is joined by guest, Dr. Jenny T. Wang, who has been acknowledged for her “groundbreaking and invaluable” knowledge, presence, and activism for mental health in the Asian American/Immigrant community. Dr. Wang released a new book in May, 2022, Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans that honors the journey so many felt in isolation, as she guides readers to become empowered by finding their home within. Dr. Alfiee is passionate about using her podcast to elevate conversations about mental health in diverse communities, bringing in experts like Dr. Wang, thought-leaders, people with lived-experience, celebrities, influencers, and everybody in between! SHARED PASSION FOR MENTAL HEALTH OF PEOPLE OF COLOR: Dr. Alfiee: “I just want to say how meaningful it is to me to have us as two women of color sitting here having this conversation about something we're both passionate about as mental health professionals, psychologists, as people in this space, and that is, the mental health of those of us who identify as people of color–and all the intersectionality that goes with that.” Dr. Wang: “Thanks for holding space and inviting me to be part of this. I find it so inspiring and empowering to be in conversation with you…and you are my dear friend, too, even though we haven't known each other super long. I just feel a kindredness.” “My hope is that people will see that mental health is in everything. It's not just what you see on TV, or severe diagnosable conditions. It is in the everyday moments and how we live our lives.” –She shares a fast-growing community of Asian American diaspora (dispora entails the dispersion of any people from their original homeland) and immigrant children through her social media account started on Instagram and her directory of Asian American therapists (links to all are at the end of show notes). “I think the most powerful part is people would leave comments and say, ‘I thought I was the only one. I thought it was just me.' And people started realizing there were these shared experiences within our community….Even though there are 45-plus ethnic groups that fall under the Aisan American umbrella, there were these kind of heartstrings that people could kind of feel…The posts put language to the experiences that people had known and felt their entire lives but could not yet put words to.” Dr. Alfiee: “That's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time…that there were so many people out there thinking it was just them.” She calls Dr. Wang's directory “a unifying force” bringing together clinicians, researchers, people who want care, clients/patients, and a place where everybody can come together. Dr. Wang: “The directory (Asians for Mental Health) affirmed for a lot of us that we are here, we exist and who is going to help us but ourselves.” Dr. Alfiee: “Wow, I get chills…In community members coming to do this because there is so much harm that happens in these established systems that people force us to go through to get to do what we love. So as a mental health professional, both of us are doctorate-level psychologists…even though you as Asian American and me as Afro American…there's this shared experience of being traumatized by these systems.” More on Dr. Jenny Tzu-Mei Wang, Ph.D.: A Houston, Texas- based Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, and Author of Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans Her Mission: To destigmatize mental health for Asian diaspora (the dispersion of any people from their original homeland) and children of immigrants. She is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist and national speaker on Asian American mental health and racial trauma in Asian American, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. Her work focuses on the intersection of Asian American identity, mental health, and social justice. She is the founder of the @asiansformentalhealth Instagram community, in which she discusses the unique experiences of Asian diaspora and immigrant communities. She spearheaded the Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American Therapist Directory and its companion Canadian directory to help Asians seek culturally-relevant mental health providers. Follow Dr. Wang: Website: https://www.jennywangphd.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.comasiansformentalhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiansformentalhealth Asians for Mental Health Directory:https://asiansformentalhealth.com Other Resources:https://linktr.ee/asiansformentalhealth Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us Continue following the Couched in Color Podcast: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
In this opening episode of Season 3 of the “Couched in Color” podcast, Host Dr. Alfiee is joined by guest, Dr. Jenny T. Wang, who has been acknowledged for her “groundbreaking and invaluable” knowledge, presence, and activism for mental health in the Asian American/Immigrant community. Dr. Wang released a new book in May, 2022, Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans that honors the journey so many felt in isolation, as she guides readers to become empowered by finding their home within. Dr. Alfiee is passionate about using her podcast to elevate conversations about mental health in diverse communities, bringing in experts like Dr. Wang, thought-leaders, people with lived-experience, celebrities, influencers, and everybody in between! SHARED PASSION FOR MENTAL HEALTH OF PEOPLE OF COLOR: Dr. Alfiee: “I just want to say how meaningful it is to me to have us as two women of color sitting here having this conversation about something we're both passionate about as mental health professionals, psychologists, as people in this space, and that is, the mental health of those of us who identify as people of color–and all the intersectionality that goes with that.” Dr. Wang: “Thanks for holding space and inviting me to be part of this. I find it so inspiring and empowering to be in conversation with you…and you are my dear friend, too, even though we haven't known each other super long. I just feel a kindredness.” “My hope is that people will see that mental health is in everything. It's not just what you see on TV, or severe diagnosable conditions. It is in the everyday moments and how we live our lives.” –She shares a fast-growing community of Asian American diaspora (dispora entails the dispersion of any people from their original homeland) and immigrant children through her social media account started on Instagram and her directory of Asian American therapists (links to all are at the end of show notes). “I think the most powerful part is people would leave comments and say, ‘I thought I was the only one. I thought it was just me.' And people started realizing there were these shared experiences within our community….Even though there are 45-plus ethnic groups that fall under the Aisan American umbrella, there were these kind of heartstrings that people could kind of feel…The posts put language to the experiences that people had known and felt their entire lives but could not yet put words to.” Dr. Alfiee: “That's beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time…that there were so many people out there thinking it was just them.” She calls Dr. Wang's directory “a unifying force” bringing together clinicians, researchers, people who want care, clients/patients, and a place where everybody can come together. Dr. Wang: “The directory (Asians for Mental Health) affirmed for a lot of us that we are here, we exist and who is going to help us but ourselves.” Dr. Alfiee: “Wow, I get chills…In community members coming to do this because there is so much harm that happens in these established systems that people force us to go through to get to do what we love. So as a mental health professional, both of us are doctorate-level psychologists…even though you as Asian American and me as Afro American…there's this shared experience of being traumatized by these systems.” More on Dr. Jenny Tzu-Mei Wang, Ph.D.: A Houston, Texas- based Clinical Psychologist, Speaker, and Author of Permission to Come Home: Reclaiming Mental Health as Asian Americans Her Mission: To destigmatize mental health for Asian diaspora (the dispersion of any people from their original homeland) and children of immigrants. She is a Taiwanese American clinical psychologist and national speaker on Asian American mental health and racial trauma in Asian American, BIPOC, and immigrant communities. Her work focuses on the intersection of Asian American identity, mental health, and social justice. She is the founder of the @asiansformentalhealth Instagram community, in which she discusses the unique experiences of Asian diaspora and immigrant communities. She spearheaded the Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American Therapist Directory and its companion Canadian directory to help Asians seek culturally-relevant mental health providers. Follow Dr. Wang: Website: https://www.jennywangphd.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.comasiansformentalhealth Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiansformentalhealth Asians for Mental Health Directory:https://asiansformentalhealth.com Other Resources:https://linktr.ee/asiansformentalhealth Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: https://dralfiee.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvTKmYKi24I Season 3 Produced By: https://socialchameleon.us Continue following the Couched in Color Podcast: https://dralfiee.com/podcast Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
Trigger Warning: Discussions of suicide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Therapy Thursday and Dr. Jenn Mann guest hosts! We talk about depression in our elder community, eating disorders, plus its Mental Health Awareness month but we are shifting focus to the women and trans men who may feel like second class citizens when it comes to the controlling of their bodies along side Dr. Alfiee. We also continue the conversation regarding how the LGBTQ+ community might be affected by possible overturn of Roe vs. Wade. Special guests: Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble - Mental Health Correspondent and Founder of The AAKOMA Project. Paula Canny - Attorney
As we continue to celebrate Women's History Month, this chef is making history by opening a sports bar that focuses on women's sports! Dr. Alfiee is back to discuss how to navigate feelings when people post about things like the war in Ukraine on social media in Therapy Thursday. Plus is the snooze button destroying your relationship? A sleep expert tells us why your bedtime habits could be more harmful than you realize. Special guests: Queer Portland Chef Jenny Nguyen - Founder & Owner of The Sports Bra Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, a psychologist, mental health correspondent, and founder of AAKOMA Project, a BIPOC mental health organization.. Dr. Daniel Barone - Associate Medical Director, Weill Cornell Center for Sleep Medicine and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology.
Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble is one of the most valuable mental health experts to be found anywhere. In this important episode, Hayley and Dr. Alfiee discuss the reality that how we talk about mental health with those suffering from mental illnesses can be the difference between life and death, making the need to learn more about each other and communities, cultures, and ethnicities different than our own of paramount importance to anyone who seeks to help friends, colleagues, and loved ones live happier lives. Listen in and learn what you need to know to make sure you're giving the very best help to those in need. Dr. Alfiee M. Breland-Noble specializes in building healthy programs for young people with the strongest need and healthy businesses and organizational cultures that support a happier, more productive workforce that avoid breakdowns in company morale. If we are going to learn to handle all the challenges we're facing now and those coming in the next few decades we are going to need a lot more people with the breadth, depth and wide range of expertise, talent, skill and dedication that Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble brings to the table. She is a Psychologist, Scientist, Author and Host of the podcast COUCHED IN COLOR - a weekly show designed to encourage dialogue on the mental health needs of youth and young adults of color and she is here to share with us how she is engaging marginalized youth and empowering them to care for their mental health as well as ways we can best execute self-care and keep ourselves in optimum mental condition. https://dralfiee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee https://twitter.com/dralfiee https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee www.hhasselhoff.com www.checkinwithyou.com projecthealthyminds.com/hayley https://www.instagram.com/hhasselhoff/ https://twitter.com/hhasselhoff https://www.tiktok.com/@hayleyhasselhoff?lang=en http://stage29.tv/ https://www.instagram.com/stage29podcasts https://twitter.com/stage29podcasts https://www.facebook.com/Stage29Podcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join Dr. Alfiee as she wraps up Season 2 of the Couched in Color podcast! After 22 episodes, Dr. Alfiee sits down with you and shares the driving forces behind the creation of this platform and her vision behind it all. From proud advocates to authentic allies, Couched in Color has hosted a wide range of guests from all backgrounds and cultures to tell their powerful stories. Tune in as Dr. Alfiee reflects on those guest experiences and the valuable lessons she has learned from hosting Season 2 of Couched in Color. Thank you so much for tuning in, and see you in Season 3! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The mission and vision of Couched in Color. Why do we need to keep talking about mental health? Biggest takeaways from the guests of Couched in Color. Lessons learned hosting the Couched in Color podcast. QUOTABLES: “The thread that ties all of this together is that we all have mental health needs. All of us. It doesn't matter who you are.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Subscribe to Couched in Color on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CouchedinColorwithDrAlfiee Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/ Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/ Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)
Join Dr. Alfiee as she wraps up Season 2 of the Couched in Color podcast! After 22 episodes, Dr. Alfiee sits down with you and shares the driving forces behind the creation of this platform and her vision behind it all. From proud advocates to authentic allies, Couched in Color has hosted a wide range of guests from all backgrounds and cultures to tell their powerful stories. Tune in as Dr. Alfiee reflects on those guest experiences and the valuable lessons she has learned from hosting Season 2 of Couched in Color. Thank you so much for tuning in, and see you in Season 3! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The mission and vision of Couched in Color. Why do we need to keep talking about mental health? Biggest takeaways from the guests of Couched in Color. Lessons learned hosting the Couched in Color podcast. QUOTABLES: “The thread that ties all of this together is that we all have mental health needs. All of us. It doesn't matter who you are.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Subscribe to Couched in Color on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CouchedinColorwithDrAlfiee Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/ Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/ Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/ Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)
As a huge advocate for inclusivity and being of service, Justin Graves embodies that very purpose in everything he does, especially through his organization, He's On Wheels. Tune in as Justin shares his experience of thriving with a disability, what inclusion means to him, and how he promotes that in all of his work. Dr. Alfiee and Justin also chat about the struggles of feeling invisible, how to be of service to others, and why we need to get comfortable asking hard questions (and how to ask them!). Join the discussion and uncover how even the little things you do can create inclusion in your community and allow everyone you encounter to feel valued and loved. KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The motivation and mission of He's On Wheels. What does inclusion mean to you? How can we create a sense of inclusion? The impacts of invisibility and how to tackle it. Thoughts on privilege, code-switching, and picking your battles. How to maintain a positive mindset and protect your mental health. Turning Cancel Culture into Counsel Culture. QUOTABLES: “If you are living your life with a service mindset and you're interacting with people in a thoughtful, caring way, then everyone's health, mental, physical, emotional is going to be better.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Visit the He's On Wheels website at http://hesonwheels.com/ Follow Justin on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hesonwheels/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesonwheels/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hesonwheels Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)
As a huge advocate for inclusivity and being of service, Justin Graves embodies that very purpose in everything he does, especially through his organization, He's On Wheels. Tune in as Justin shares his experience of thriving with a disability, what inclusion means to him, and how he promotes that in all of his work. Dr. Alfiee and Justin also chat about the struggles of feeling invisible, how to be of service to others, and why we need to get comfortable asking hard questions (and how to ask them!). Join the discussion and uncover how even the little things you do can create inclusion in your community and allow everyone you encounter to feel valued and loved. KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The motivation and mission of He's On Wheels. What does inclusion mean to you? How can we create a sense of inclusion? The impacts of invisibility and how to tackle it. Thoughts on privilege, code-switching, and picking your battles. How to maintain a positive mindset and protect your mental health. Turning Cancel Culture into Counsel Culture. QUOTABLES: “If you are living your life with a service mindset and you're interacting with people in a thoughtful, caring way, then everyone's health, mental, physical, emotional is going to be better.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Visit the He's On Wheels website at http://hesonwheels.com/ Follow Justin on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hesonwheels/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hesonwheels/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/hesonwheels Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)
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