Couched in Color
The Couched in Color Podcast is designed to elevate conversations about mental health in diverse communities. You’ll hear from mental health experts, thought-leaders, people with lived-experience, celebrities, influencers, and everybody in between. Remember to like, subscribe, and turn on your notifications so you are updated of each episode. New episodes will be released Thursday mornings! Couched in Color is hosted by Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, an internationally recognized psychologist, author, and mental health correspondent. She is also the Founder of The AAKOMA Project, a 501©3 nonprofit organization that works to address the unmet mental health needs of intersectional youth and young adults of color (including LGBTQ youth and those with disabilities). Couched in Color’s Season 3 music is produced by Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E16: Empowering Gen Z to Explore Their Passions Featuring Morgann Noble
11/24/2022
S3E16: Empowering Gen Z to Explore Their Passions Featuring Morgann Noble
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: Twitter: Instagram: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Super Producer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E15: Expanding the Narrative for Black Men Featuring Shaka Senghor
11/03/2022
S3E15: Expanding the Narrative for Black Men Featuring Shaka Senghor
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 Prison. 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 . 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 (): “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: LinkedIn: Twitter: Instagram: YouTube: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Super Producer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E14: Building Bridges Featuring Kheira Bekkadja
10/27/2022
S3E14: Building Bridges Featuring Kheira Bekkadja
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: LinkedIn: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E13: Spreading Hope Through Content Creation Featuring Gigi Robinson
10/20/2022
S3E13: Spreading Hope Through Content Creation Featuring Gigi Robinson
In this episode, 24-year-old guest Gigi Robinson, a master content creator, graduate student and model, shares insights for living with chronic illness and addressing mental health issues, inspired to use her story to move the masses through her highly successful social media channels. She calls the Internet “an oyster” for Gen Zers to see beyond the corporate world and live their dreams, based on their unique passions and dreams. Topics covered in this interview: Sharing the vulnerabilities that come with chronic illness and mental health issues to help others (and letting go of the stigmas related to getting therapy). Gen Z opportunities to create new careers for themselves on the Internet, as guest Gigi did, with an average of 100K TikTok views daily. The Internet has become “a game changer” for work and also for sharing chronic illness and mental health challenges. The “Elder Millennial” as described by Stand-Up Comedian Iliza Shelsinger on YouTube: and her related Netflix Show: . The burnout that comes from being an influencer, and “saying yes to everything.” Gigi’s contract with Spotify for “Everything you need is within” podcast (link below at end), which is Gigi’s mantra. Gigi’s selection for consideration as a model for the first “chronically ill” person to be represented in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition–as a 5’4” inch, 165-pound model of “empowerment.” Brands heavily female-dominated giving “everyone a seat at the table.” Struggle through college is “very normal”–mental health and weight will fluctuate, with this time period being the first time many are on their own. Know where to look for help, follow influencers and mental health resources. About Gigi Robinson: Gigi Robinson is a digital artist, health & wellness advocate, current M.S. Candidate, and graduate of the University of Southern California with a Bachelors in Fine Arts, Design, and Photography. She has strong presences across TikTok (100k views on average)and Instagram (15.5k+ followers), and, as of this year, she has been developing her YouTube and Podcast content. Living with chronic illnesses, she has been challenged in many ways with everyday tasks, such as showering, cooking, walking, and even sitting down. Despite all of the physical and psychological challenges that threatened the path to becoming who she is today, she has challenged adversity and dedicated a majority of her life to become a master content creator, always keeping her values of creating positive and impactful messages to her diverse audience as a priority. Follow Gigi: Instagram: TikTok: Twitter: Podcast: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E12: When You Hear Me, You Hear Us Featuring Brooke Simpson
10/13/2022
S3E12: When You Hear Me, You Hear Us Featuring Brooke Simpson
In this episode, singer-songwriter Brooke Simpson, who just made her Broadway debut in the revival of 1776, shares the impact her culture as an Indigenous woman has had on her creativity. From her early days dressing and dancing for her tribe’s “pow wow” ceremonies, she learned “to bleed creativity” into the foundation of who she is today. She has been a finalist for both The Voice and America’s Got Talent, and she also represents Nike's N7 campaign for Indigenous youth, supporting their mental health by promoting movement. Brooke sees her style of movement as being on stage singing, and her message in the campaign is “When you hear me, you hear us.” She loves shining her light as an example for other Indigenous people, to see someone who looks like themselves successfully performing. Topics covered in this interview: –Brooke “camouflaging” herself as one of five people of color growing up to fit in, while in school. –The power of her culture and community –from the trauma many moved through that is still “in the bones”–to their strength, resilience, passion and heart that manifests in her life in a different way today. –Her regret at not trying out to be “princess” in her tribe. –When performance anxiety shows up, Brooke remembers that she is a model for the next generation to look up to, so they know there is a space for them to succeed as well. –Representing the Nike N7 campaign and changing the slogan for the song she sings. She got introduced to Nike from Taboo of The Black Eyed Peas, who is also Indigenous. –Getting the part portraying Sir Roger Sherman in the revival of the Broadway musical 1776, which was like moving from “black and white to color, opening a whole new world of possibilities for creative sparkle.” –A poignant moment when she shares the piece of clothing she wears in the musical that belonged to her father, and was created by a cousin at age 12. –The excitement, fun, and power of being part of a racially diverse cast. About Brooke SimpsonSinger-songwriter, actor, creative, dancer and actor From recording her first song at the age of two years old to charting Top 10 in the iTunes and Billboard charts, Brooke Simpson is no stranger to music. She is a powerhouse vocalist who is passionate about music, people and her culture. Brooke is a full blooded Native American and is a member of the Haliwa Saponi Tribe of North Carolina. Brooke has had the opportunity to work with artists such as Miley Cyrus, Sia, Taboo (of The Black Eyed Peas), Bishop Briggs, Allen Stone and more. She also was a Top 3 finalist on Season 13 of NBC’s The Voice and even more recently was a Top 4 finalist on Season 16 of America’s Got Talent, where Simon Cowell compared her vocals to legendary singers Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia! While touring, writing, and recording her upcoming album, Brooke has released multiple singles including "Little Bit Crazy", "Stick Like Honey", and her newest release, "Haliwa." Brooke, as well as her new single, were recently featured in a global Nike7 campaign for Indigenous youth. . Brooke is now in the midst of making her Broadway debut in the revival of the Tony Award-winning musical 1776, directed by Diane Paulus and Jeffrey Page. Follow Brooke: Website: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E11: Creating the Right Parenting Mindset Featuring Dr. Ann-Louise T. Lockhart
10/06/2022
S3E11: Creating the Right Parenting Mindset Featuring Dr. Ann-Louise T. Lockhart
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: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: 2Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: 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)
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S3E10: How Sneakers Saved and Ruined My Life Featuring Trent Out Loud
09/29/2022
S3E10: How Sneakers Saved and Ruined My Life Featuring Trent Out Loud
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: . Follow Trent Out Loud: Website: Instagram: Twitter: TikTok: LinkedIn: Business site for Exclucity: Business Instagram: Book links: (Book one—which is about how sneakers saved his life) (Book two—which is about how sneakers ruined his life) Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E9: Mental Health Advocate, Mom, Veteran, Latina: A Hidden Healer Featuring Ayanna Kelly
09/22/2022
S3E9: Mental Health Advocate, Mom, Veteran, Latina: A Hidden Healer Featuring Ayanna Kelly
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. () 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:() –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: Instagram: LinkedIn: Podcast: “Sazonycorazon” with Ayanna Kelly Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E8: Carson Daly Feels Your Pain: A Special Conversation on Couched in Color
09/15/2022
S3E8: Carson Daly Feels Your Pain: A Special Conversation on Couched in Color
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: –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: 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: 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: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E7: Phillip Schermer’s Mastermind Approach to Mental Health for the Masses
09/08/2022
S3E7: Phillip Schermer’s Mastermind Approach to Mental Health for the Masses
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: 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: Twitter: LinkedIn: Website: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E6: Youth + Community Mental Health Advocacy: On a Mission with Marc Mendiola
09/01/2022
S3E6: Youth + Community Mental Health Advocacy: On a Mission with Marc Mendiola
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: 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: –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: Instagram: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E5: Beyond the Red Carpet: A Life Redirected to Service with Shanti Das
08/25/2022
S3E5: Beyond the Red Carpet: A Life Redirected to Service with Shanti Das
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: –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: Instagram: Silence the Shame: Website: Instagram : Facebook: Podcast: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E4: New Mental Health Models for All Generations of Black Men Featuring Douglas Reed & Reginald A. Howard
08/18/2022
S3E4: New Mental Health Models for All Generations of Black Men Featuring Douglas Reed & Reginald A. Howard
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. (). 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.: 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: 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: 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: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginaldahoward/ Podcast: Instagram: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E3: Knowing That You Are Enough Featuring Adrienne “Gam” Norris
08/11/2022
S3E3: Knowing That You Are Enough Featuring Adrienne “Gam” Norris
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): Instagram: Red Table Talk: Positively GAM Podcast: Black Love TV Series (final season) Saturdays at 10 p.m. on OWN: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: More Couched in Color: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E2: Healing and Holding Hands with Maya Smith and Shadille Estepan of Born This Way Foundation
08/04/2022
S3E2: Healing and Holding Hands with Maya Smith and Shadille Estepan of Born This Way Foundation
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: Follow Maya: TWITTER: INSTAGRAM: LINKEDIN: 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: INSTAGRAM: LINKEDIN: LADY GAGA’s “BORN THIS WAY” Foundation: Be There Certificate: Channel Kindness: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: Couched in Color Website: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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S3E1: Finding the Home Within with Dr. Jenny Wang
07/28/2022
S3E1: Finding the Home Within with Dr. Jenny Wang
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, 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 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: Instagram: Facebook: Asians for Mental Health Directory: Other Resources: Follow Dr. Alfiee: Website: Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Season 3 Produced By: Continue following the Couched in Color Podcast: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award-winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé)
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Season 3 Trailer
07/25/2022
Season 3 Trailer
This podcast is designed to elevate conversations about mental health in diverse communities. You’ll hear from mental health experts, thought-leaders, people with lived-experience, celebrities, influencers, and everybody in between! Remember to like, subscribe, and turn on your notifications so you’re updated of each episode. New episodes will be released Thursday mornings! Couched in Color Podcast: Music Produced by: Mark “King” Batson (Superproducer of your favorite artists and Grammy award winner for albums with Eminem and Beyoncé) Season 3 Produced By:
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S2E23: Season 2 is a Wrap! with Dr. Alfiee
05/31/2021
S2E23: Season 2 is a Wrap! with Dr. Alfiee
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: 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: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/ Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)
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S2E22: He's On Wheels with a Mission and a Message with Justin Graves
05/18/2021
S2E22: He's On Wheels with a Mission and a Message with Justin Graves
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 Follow Justin on social media: Instagram: Linkedin: Twitter: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E21: The Winding Road that Leads You Back to Yourself with Matt West
05/13/2021
S2E21: The Winding Road that Leads You Back to Yourself with Matt West
Join us as we uncover the power of mindfulness and journaling with special guest and founder of the Boom Journal app, Matt West! In this episode, Matt opens up about the pivotal moments in his life, from grieving his career-ending injury to creating his Boom Journal app. Matt has since been making waves in the mental health space by being a strong advocate for mindful journaling. Dr. Alfiee and Matt also chat about toxic positivity, self-growth, and how to be of support to others especially during trying times such as COVID. Find out what makes Matt such a strong believer in journaling, as well as the inspiration and mission behind Boom Journal. KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The pivotal moments in Matt’s life. How Matt discovered journaling and mindfulness. The key to managing and overcoming challenges. Tools to achieve self growth and actualization. What is the Boom Journal for? QUOTABLES: “We're all going to be faced with challenges. But it's more important to not avoid or escape, but being able to position yourself to respond, so you can know that you are going to get through this.” “When someone truly feels heard and understood, they will come up with a solution on their own, at their own pace and at their own time.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold Follow Matt West on Instagram: Visit Matt West’s website at Try the Boom Journal app: Follow Boom Journal on Instagram: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E20: The Joy Of Being Unapologetically Me with Juan Acosta
05/06/2021
S2E20: The Joy Of Being Unapologetically Me with Juan Acosta
From the young age of thirteen, Juan Acosta started his mental health advocacy for kids at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities. Now a fully-fledged mental health advocate and contributor to the new book from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, CHANNEL KINDNESS, Juan continues his fight for equality, awareness, and rights for marginalized youth. Join Dr. Alfiee and Juan as they discuss the stigma of mental illness in Latinx communities, what inspired him to begin his mental health advocacy, and the biggest challenges he has had to overcome in his journey! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: Thriving at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities. The driving force behind Juan’s mental health advocacy. What can children and parents do when dealing with bullying? How to have intentional conversations about mental health. About the Channel Kindness project and book. The struggles and pressures of mental health advocacy. How to practice self-care and ground yourself. The power of owning your truth. What to do when you’re dealing with mental health concerns. QUOTABLES: “There's so much more to one person's identity than just one thing. We all have different layers to ourselves that we need to address and I feel like that's something that needs to be addressed within the mental health system.” “I am more than one moment. And for me, that means I am more than one moment of success and I am more than one moment of me feeling unwell or feeling like I failed at something. So I am more than the success and I am more than any failure that I could ever undergo because there's so much more to it.” “I'm going to go after what I set myself out to do regardless of those who will oppose it, regardless of those who like it or not, because this is my truth. And when you own your truth, that's what will propel you to those heights.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Follow Juan Acosta on social media: Instagram: Twitter: Facebook: Visit Juan Acosta’s website at Visit the Channel Kindness website at Get your copy of the CHANNEL KINDNESS book here: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E19: The Doctors: Black Youth, Parenting + Racial Socialization
04/29/2021
S2E19: The Doctors: Black Youth, Parenting + Racial Socialization
In this three-part episode, Dr. Alfiee chats with the authors of the book African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D., Trenette Clark Goings, Ph.D., and Heather A. Jones, Ph.D. We invited the authors to the show to share a traditional academic perspective on best practices in supporting the emotional development of Black youth. As Dr. Alfiee discusses this new book with each of the authors, she uncovers the motivation behind their work and how their unique areas of expertise were woven into the publication. Listen and learn more about the term racial socialization is, why it matters for Black youth and how crucial it is in the upbringing of Black children. You'll also gain new insights into important conversations to have with children of diverse backgrounds. Tune in now so you can learn more about how you can best support and nurture your child in the fight toward dismantling racism, improving equity and inclusion, and promoting social racialization. This episode is one of our more academic leaning features but the authors make their material highly accessible and relevant for teens, parents and families. KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D. Dr. Belgrave’s work in the mental health field. About the book African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice What is racial socialization and why is it so important? How does racial socialization support mental health for African American youth? Trenette Clark Goings, Ph.D. Dr. Going’s work in identifying and preventing health disparities. How to reach out and get involved with the community and research on health disparities. Studying the coping among essential workers amidst COVID. How to help Black youth cope with the effects of the pandemic. Heather A. Jones, Ph.D. Dr. Jones’ work in improving the well-being of BIPOC communities. The story behind African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice What racial socialization looks like in Black families. How a colorblind society can be harmful. What BIPOC parents can do to take care of their mental health. QUOTABLES: “When somebody says a racial slur, I don't internalize it. It keeps my self-esteem intact. So I'm not internalizing the negativity. I am proud of who I am in spite of the negativity.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E18: My Culture Does Not Take Away From, It Only Adds to My Character with Jason Phillips
04/22/2021
S2E18: My Culture Does Not Take Away From, It Only Adds to My Character with Jason Phillips
We’ve all experienced growing pains in our lives. The struggles of fitting in, overcoming fears, even navigating insecurities can oftentimes be too much to bear, especially for young people. But therapist, life coach, and mentor Jason Phillips is a living example to BIPOC youth of how to wear confidence loud and proud! In this episode, Jason shares what sparked his passion for mental health in Black boys and men and teaches us about the importance of helping Black boys find their self-confidence. Dr. Alfiee and Jason also chat about their college experiences and the key sponsors and mentors in their lives growing up. Tune in now to join the conversation! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: Jason Phillip’s mental health and mentoring journey. The difference between mentorship and sponsorship. The sponsors and pillars of Jason’s life. What is a life coach, what to look out for in a life coach, and can kids benefit from them? How to fit in by standing out. The importance of positive racial socialization for youths. About the Peace and Prosperity Podcast. QUOTABLES: “Teens that I work with, they don't want to always fit in, from a mental health standpoint, they want to be understood. And that's the part where I think we kind of fall short because we want them to be like us and think like us.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Visit Jason Phillip’s website at For more information on his upcoming webinars, visit Follow Jason Phillip on Instagram @jphillipsmsw - Visit and like his Facebook page: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E17: My Journey to Knowing: Black Boys, Mental Health and Healing from Trauma with Brittney Morris
04/15/2021
S2E17: My Journey to Knowing: Black Boys, Mental Health and Healing from Trauma with Brittney Morris
In this episode, published author Brittney Morris joins us to chat about her latest novel The Cost of Knowing with your host, Dr. Alfiee. The Cost of Knowing is a celebration of Black men and shines a spotlight on the uniqueness of Black manhood and masculinity. This is an especially poignant conversation and celebration of Black boyhood, given the racial trauma all around us in this time of the loss of young #DaunteWright. Find out what motivated Brittney to write about young male relationships in the Black community, and why there is a strong need for more variation in how Black male interpersonal relationships are portrayed in storytelling. Brittney also shares what sparked her passion for writing, and how her experience as a writer has influenced her personal life and vice versa. KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The inspiration and motivation behind The Cost of Knowing. Exploring other types of male relationships. What is Demisexuality? Navigating the pressures on youths and children. What sparked Brittney’s passion for writing. Writing as therapy. QUOTABLES: “We need actual conversations about mental health that are accessible and meet Black men where they are because the struggles of Black men are unique to Black men.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Books by Brittney Morris: The Cost of Knowing Slay Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales - Wings of Fury Together, Apart The Jump Order them on her website at Follow Brittney Morris on Instagram @brittneymmorris - Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E16: U Good?: Black Mental Health in the Age of COVID with Ali Gates and Evans Anyanwu
04/08/2021
S2E16: U Good?: Black Mental Health in the Age of COVID with Ali Gates and Evans Anyanwu
Founders and creators Ali Gates and Evans Anyanwu of the U; Good? app have been making waves in the mental health space with their platform. Find out how they are breaking intergenerational chains as Black men by not only being open with their feelings, but by creating a platform that encourages others to do the same without judgment. Their incredible platform is straightforward and deeply engaging all at the same time allowing users to check in on their loved ones with ease. Tune in to see what exactly this app is all about and uncover the process behind turning this simple idea into an ingenious platform creating equity in the mental health space. Ali, Evans, and Dr. Alfiee also chat about boundaries, mental health in the Black community, among our young people and future hopes for the U; Good? app. KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The inspiration behind U Good? Placing emphasis on mental health for the Black community amidst the pandemic. Design Sprints: The process of turning the idea into an app. The story behind the red, yellow, and green colors. Biggest needs and opportunities at U; Good? The importance of setting boundaries and knowing yourself. QUOTABLES: “Relationships are these emotional banks, and we have to keep putting in deposits. Oftentimes we know there's strife because people come to this emotional bank and they want to make a withdrawal, but they never put in any deposit.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Download the U; Good? app here: Want to join the U; Good? team? Email or for more information. Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E15: I Woke Up Like This... On Purpose: Black Men, Medicine and Mental Health with Dr. Russell Ledet
04/01/2021
S2E15: I Woke Up Like This... On Purpose: Black Men, Medicine and Mental Health with Dr. Russell Ledet
In this episode, we invite medical expert and cancer scientist, Dr. Russell Ledet to discuss his life’s work and the moments leading up to his achievements as a Black man in the field of academic medicine. Tune in as Dr. Alfiee and Dr. Ledet discuss the countless systemic issues that Black students face in the academic space and how they navigate and overcome these hurdles through the support of sponsors and, more importantly, knowing their worth. Dr. Ledet also opens up about the most vulnerable yet pivotal moments in his life and the biggest epiphanies that they brought him. This is an episode you do not want to miss - tune in now and join the conversation! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The inspiration behind The 15 White Coats. The costs of being Black in the academic and medicine space. Systemic issues faced by Black graduate students. The importance of showing up as a disruptor or sponsor for the Black community. The story and process behind Bootless. QUOTABLES: “I always say that we don’t need more Black people in medicine, we need more Black people in medicine who are worried about Black people.” “Younger people need to see that who you are, and the fullness of who you are, there is a space for you in this thing called science, in this thing called medicine, in this thing called medical school or graduate school or any professional school because they don't have a lock on brilliance.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Follow Dr. Russell Ledet on Instagram: Visit The 15 White Coats website at Follow The 15 White Coats on social media: Instagram: Facebook: Twitter: Personal perspectives: bootless - read it here: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E14: On Eating Disorders, Yoga + a Tight Shoe Game with Dr. E2K Dzirasa
03/25/2021
S2E14: On Eating Disorders, Yoga + a Tight Shoe Game with Dr. E2K Dzirasa
Did you know that 9% of the U.S. population (that’s 28.8 million Americans!) will have an eating disorder in their lifetime? Yet many people struggling with it fall under the radar, especially among Black and diverse communities. In this episode, we invite mental health expert and clinical psychiatrist Dr. Dzirasa to educate us on eating disorders and clear up any misconceptions we may have about them. Dr. Alfiee also discusses the prevalence of harmful body image among Black youth and children with Dr. Dzirasa, as well as the more nuanced causes of eating disorders. There’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to mental health and eating disorders, tune in now to unveil what you may have been missing so that you identify the signs of a possible eating disorder and provide the right support and resources for your loved ones. KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: The different types of eating disorders. Misconceptions and biases on eating disorders. How do you know if your child or loved one has an eating disorder? Navigating eating disorders and body image in Black communities. The causes of eating disorders. How to reinforce body positivity among Black children and youths. Practicing mindfulness and self-love through Yoga. QUOTABLES: “With any kind of mental health concern or illness, mental illness doesn't discriminate, so anybody can be subject to it.” “What I always try to tell people is your body is perfect for you; that you're the only standard that you need to meet.” “When we're thinking about eating disorders and how we want to see our body in the world, we want to honor our bodies and take care of our bodies.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Follow Dr. Dzirasa on Instagram @dr_e2k - For more mental health resources and services from Dr. Dzirasa and her team, visit Be sure to keep a lookout for her upcoming business launch: Black Body Beautiful. NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) website: Project HEAL website: Therapy For Black Girls website: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E13: I Slay...All Day with Ryan Mitchell
03/18/2021
S2E13: I Slay...All Day with Ryan Mitchell
We are so excited to have Ryan Mitchell, host of the Channel Q radio show ‘Let’s Go There with Shira & Ryan’, joining us today! Ryan is a bright, glowing, unapologetic light and he takes pride in bringing his full self into his mental health advocacy and public work. In this episode, Ryan shares his journey to self-discovery and more importantly, self-love as he came to own and claim his identity in the loudest and proudest way. Dr. Alfiee and Ryan also chat about the importance of self-care, managing anxiety as Black people, and how to bring yourself back to peace amidst stress and chaos. Tune in now to join the conversation with Ryan and Dr. Alfiee! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: Intersectional identities and being a public figure. Adapting to professional spaces. Ryan’s journey into mental health. On being Black and managing anxiety. How to bring yourself back to peace. Thoughts on Bridgerton and other Netflix shows as a balm during quarantine. QUOTABLES: “I think a lot of the time when you're talking about entertainment, people think it's just the top line stuff, right? It's nothing deeper. But I pride myself on having conversations that dig a little deeper and really touch on things like that and touch on mental health.” “If you don't take care of you, you can't be present for any other person in your life. If you can't be present for your work, you can't battle that imposter syndrome or battle that anxiety. You've got to show up for you first.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Follow Ryan Mitchell on Instagram @theslaygawd - Follow Ryan Mitchell on Twitter: Listen to Ryan Mitchell on Channel Q: Catch Ryan on MTV’s Sound Up on SnapChat: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E12: The Sad Girls Club with Elyse and Brianne
03/11/2021
S2E12: The Sad Girls Club with Elyse and Brianne
In this episode, we are joined by the founders of the Sad Girls Club - Elyse and Brianne, to take a deep dive into mental health for BIPOC women and femmes who are part of their super inclusive Gen Z community. Driven by a strong passion for eliminating stigmas and smashing taboos behind mental illnesses, Elyse and Brianne created the Sad Girls Club as a safe space for people to discuss and maintain their mental health outside of traditional medicine. Find out how the Sad Girls Club came to be and how it has touched the lives of many since its inception. Dr. Alfiee and the duo also chat about toxic positivity, breaking cycles, recent events, and so much more - Join the club and tune in to this episode now! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: Behind the Sad Girls Club’s growth and success. How to overcome your hesitance to seek help. What are Soul Sessions and how do they work? Thoughts on January 6th and 20th. QUOTABLES: “You owe yourself the opportunity to live as free a life as possible. You owe yourself empowerment. You owe yourself love. You owe yourself dealing with generational or intergenerational trauma, and really trying to work through it so that you can have a freer, happier, and a more joyful life.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Visit the Sad Girls Club website at Access more of the Sad Girls Club resources here: Follow the Sad Girls Club on social media: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram: Follow Brianne Patrice on Instagram: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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S2E11: Gen Z Girls: Power Creativity and Mental Health with Madison, Ava, and Elle MacGregor
03/04/2021
S2E11: Gen Z Girls: Power Creativity and Mental Health with Madison, Ava, and Elle MacGregor
Meet Madison, Ava, and Elle MacGregor - writers, actors, and mental health advocates! Tune in as they each share their journey as artists, creatives and as supporters of mental health with us. You will also uncover the different ways you can be of true support to your friends or loved ones who might be struggling with mental health issues. These young women are amazing and they definitely pack a punch with the big waves they are making in the creative and mental health worlds. Join in on the conversation to learn more about their work and see what’s next for this fabulous Gen Z trio! KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: How to turn an idea into a reality. What it’s like to open up about personal mental health issues online. How to truly support your loved ones. The story behind My TEAM. What’s next for the MacGregor girls? QUOTABLES: “What I learned as far as what it takes to be able to do what you love and pursue these passions is also health. And how if you don't have health, mental or physical, it makes it a little bit more difficult to go after what you want. So I learned how to put just as much importance on my creative work, as I do on mental health. And that's not always easy, but it is a great lesson for sure.” “When you are support, [you need to be] open to being corrected, and open to learning from the person you're trying to support.” PRODUCTS / RESOURCES: Access the Quarantine Planner and other free resources here: Follow MY TEAM on Instagram @myteam.social - (If you have any mental health stories you would like to share, or if you have anything you would like to see on the MY TEAM page, message them directly on Instagram!) Visit the My TEAM website at Watch Madison on YouTube: Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! Instagram: Twitter: Linkedin: Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at )
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