Melanated Musings Podcast: Recent Episodes
Dr. Lavonna Connell
There are so many topics related to mental health, culture, and the Black & Afro-Latinx that are often swept under the rug. This podcast addresses many of these topics and brings real life stories that will bring these topics to life! Let us start addressing stigma and having the conversations that will bring hope, healing, and change to us individually and as a community.
In this final episode of Season 2, Dr. Connell is joined by Pastor Kimberly Bulgin in exploring the idea of living sexually fulfilling lives while also living a Christian life. This isn't you're stereotypical conversation about the Church and Sex. This is about liberation, freedom, and making choices that bring honor and fulfillment to your life. Jump in on the conversation, it's one that you don't want to miss!
Latinx...it's a term that has been growing in popularity but not all have embraced it with open arms. While things are constantly evolving, is there a place for this evolution within language? Dr. Lavonna Connell and Mr. Perez discuss this in addition to their experience as Afro-Latinos with special tribute to Panama!
We often hear about someone surviving suicide whether that's the person who attempted or the family or friends of the individual. This week, Ms. Stephanie Barbee, LCSW joins in on the conversation as she shares her experience as a survivor in many facets. As she shares this healing story, please remember all the resources available!
www.thetrevorproject.org
www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
1-800-273-8255
Many of us have experienced dysfunction but do we really understand the impact that is has on us or how it impacts our mental health? Join Dr. Connell and Ms. Irving as we explore this and discuss how to address it.
Grief can be difficult to talk about. When you are the one grieving, it may be hard to know what is helpful in that moment. When you are supporting someone grieving, it may be difficult to understand how to be of support. In this episode, Dr. Connell and Mr. Toliver of Melanated Social Work Podcast explore grief and how we can be better in supporting those around us.
Trauma. Research suggests that most adults will experience some type of trauma in their life. For many, that trauma has come in the form of domestic violence, sexual abuse, financial abuse, and physical abuse. For others, it may be car accidents, natural disasters, or a loss leading to grief. No matter the form of your trauma, it is important to address it to obtain optimal mental health. In this episode, Dr. Knight joins me again to explore trauma. This episode will discuss sexual abuse (no graphic details) so if this is triggering, please engage in self-care. Learn ways to protect your kids and heal thyself.
Resource mentioned: Darkness 2 Light: Stewards 2 Children www.d2l.org
In this episode, Dr. McMillan (OBGYN) joins Dr. Connell (Psychologist) in exploring more about women’s health. Listen in to this enlightening conversation as a down to earth and realistic view of fertility, perimenopause, and menopause are explored. There’s hope out there ladies!
To learn more about Dr. McMillan, go to https://www.housecallwithdrmac.comand check out her book: The Other PMS.
Have you ever wondered why you or your partner experience low libido? Some say that men are much more interested in sex than women. But what if the truth is, we all can have strong libido, if only our hormones were on point, we had the needed conversations, and we address the traumas that may impact our desire to have sex? All this and more is discussed as Dr. Connell (Psychologist) & Dr. Brandye (OBGYN) explore these topics and some of the historical influences that have left the Black community apprehensive to engage in medical care.
For more information about Dr. Bandye, go to her website: https://drbrandyemd.com/about
Depression, suicide, self-injury, anxiety…mental health stigma is perpetuated when we say that it doesn’t impact us. Reality is, we all know at least one person who has experienced a mental health diagnosis. In this episode, Dr. Connell speaks with Mr. Zach Troutman as he shares his experience with suicide. The ensuing emotions, conversations, and cause that came from such an impactful event are discussed. Healing relationships and passing on the importance of mental health to the next generation will be addressed as well.
For more information about Mr. Troutman and Follow the Leader, go to: https://joinftl.org
Faith is important in the Black community. What role does it play within mental health? Emotional health is important and we must learn how to address it in a healthy manner in order to obtain healing. Join Dr. Connell and Pastor Joshua Smith, counselor and minister, as he brings a unique perspective of allowing mental health and faith collide. For more information about Pastor Joshua Smith, go to: https://thejoshuasmith.com
Religion. Some love it, some hate it. Most of us have our own spiritual journey that guides our path throughout life. Whether you prefer to call it faith, religion, spirituality, or nothing at all, it can be enlightening to hear how others have navigated their journey. In this first episode of season 2, we move beyond Christianity and explore the impacts of conservative Christianity and taking the reigns in identifying what works best for each person as individuals. For more information about Dr. Powell-Hicks go to: https://www.allycinhicks.com
Book mentioned during episode:
Miseducation of a Negro
The 4 Agreements
The Art of Happiness
When Things Fall Apart
Every season must come to an end but fret not, this is not THE end! Many of you have asked about the inspiration behind the podcast and so, what better way to end season 1 by doing an interview with your host Dr. Connell!!! Stay tune for season 2. Some great things are in store and you won't want to miss it!!!
In this episode, Dr. Dee Knight joins Dr. Lavonna Connell in discussing sex and intimacy. What is intimacy? Is it the foundation to any relationship? Whether in a heterosexual relationship or anywhere on the LGBQTIA spectrum, this episode is for you! Listen in now to hear the valuable gems that are shared.
Dr. Connell and Lamon are back for part 2 exploring relationships between Black men and women. Dating in 2021 isn't easy. They explore steps to take, inter-cultural dating, and the concept of being high value. Have thoughts? Contact Dr. Connell!
Can men and women really be platonic friends? No strings attached? Join Dr. Lavonna Connell and her dear friend as they explore navigating friendships between men and women with the occasional side convo on the woes of dating. This is part 1 with the duo!
The Black family is dynamic. Whether you were raised my grandparents, adoptive parents, aunts, or others, there was some influence of "mama n 'em". In this episode, Dr. Connell and fellow colleague, Ms. T Bradley explore the importance of building relationships within and between the black family.
Tune in to this candid conversation with Dr. Connell and M3as they explore navigating relationships between Black women. They share candied conversations about navigating travel, men, and other shared experiences that often tear apart relationships but they somehow conquered. Listen to the end for an especially special surprise for Michelle!
Motherhood. As women, we often feel like we have to do it all. Whether you are a mother, single, supporter, or otherwise living in this place called Earth, this episode is for you! Dr. Connell joins Dr. Amber Thornton, founder of Balanced Working Mama. Join in on the conversation as Dr. Connell and Dr. Thornton discuss navigating motherhood, Blackness, and business.
Check out Dr. Thornton at: www.dramberthornton.com or www.balancedworkingmama.com
Dr. Connell speaks with J Hall and a special guest about the impacts of domestic violence. What does domestic violence really look like? Tune in to hear real life experiences and information that can help you get through the experience and/or how to be supportive to someone experiencing domestic violence.
In this episode, Dr. Connell and J Hall explore spirituality and its impact on mental health in the Black community. Tune in to this thought provoking discussion as we explore how spirituality developed in the Black community and some of the struggles people may face when it comes to religion and spirituality.
This episode jumps into the experience of mental health for men of color, particularly those with Black American and Afro Latino backgrounds. Dr. Connell and co-host J Hall discuss experiences bringing a real and relevant viewpoint to the table. Tune in to learn, think, listen, and make a change in your life.
In this episode, your host Dr. Connell gives you a snippet of what you can expect from this podcast. Check it out as you prepare to learn more content about mental health and culture in the Black American and Afro Latinx community!