Journey to Life Podcast: Recent Episodes
Arlette Jones-Lawson and Constance Fields
Journey to Life is a bi-monthly podcast that chronicles healing from abuse. Episodes will feature interviews with experts, survivors, and thrivers. Find peace in learning techniques to be able to process triggering moments, as well as how to be an ally for friends and loved ones. We welcome you to share your story and questions with us, anonymously, and we will dig deep with wisdom.
Our Topic is: Breaking the Stigma of Domestic Violence – 3 of 3 – Ep. 18
This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion on Breaking the Stigma of Domestic Violence. We will be gifted with the personal stories of both our guests. We are examining such topics as: Recognizing the warning signs of abuse; Signs of Love Bombing; Effects of domestic violence on children and the short & long-term effects; Plan for Safety; Internet Safety; Getting Help and a host of other related topics.
Our Special Guests: Stephanie J. Bond & her daughter Katherine Omo-Osagie
Stephanie Bond, CPA
https://stephaniejbond.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniejbond
In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 via:
• Phone - 1-800-799-7233
• Chat - thehotline.org
• Text - LOVEIS to 22522
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/VleY7HONcCk
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
- Recognizing the warning signs of abuse:
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/
https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/domestic-violence/effects-domestic-violence-children
Supporting Children During Abuse | The Hotline
- Can children recover from witnessing or experiencing domestic violence or abuse?
Effects of domestic violence on children | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)
- Plan for Safety:
Create a Safety Plan | The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
Domestic Violence Shelter Resources - The Hotline
Emergency housing for domestic violence victims - The Hotline
Domestic Violence Shelter Resources - The Hotline
Our Topic is: Breaking the Stigma of Domestic Violence – 2 of 3 – Ep. 17
This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion on Breaking the Stigma of Domestic Violence. We will be gifted with the personal stories of both our guests. We are examining such topics as: Recognizing the warning signs of abuse; Signs of Love Bombing; Effects of domestic violence on children and the short & long-term effects; Plan for Safety; Internet Safety; Getting Help and a host of other related topics.
Our Special Guests: Stephanie J. Bond & her daughter Katherine Omo-Osagie
Stephanie Bond, CPA
https://stephaniejbond.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniejbond
In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 via:
•Phone - 1-800-799-7233
•Chat - thehotline.org
•Text - LOVEIS to 22522
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/VleY7HONcCk
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
- Recognizing the warning signs of abuse:
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/
https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/domestic-violence/effects-domestic-violence-children
Supporting Children During Abuse | The Hotline
- Can children recover from witnessing or experiencing domestic violence or abuse?
Effects of domestic violence on children | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)
- Plan for Safety:
Create a Safety Plan | The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
Domestic Violence Shelter Resources - The Hotline
Emergency housing for domestic violence victims - The Hotline
Domestic Violence Shelter Resources - The Hotline
Our Topic is: Breaking the Stigma of Domestic Violence – 1 of 3
This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion on Breaking the Stigma of Domestic Violence. We will be gifted with the personal stories of both our guests. We are examining such topics as: Recognizing the warning signs of abuse; Signs of Love Bombing; Effects of domestic violence on children and the short & long-term effects; Plan for Safety; Internet Safety; Getting Help and a host of other related topics.
Our Special Guests: Stephanie J. Bond & her daughter Katherine Omo-Osagie
Stephanie Bond, CPA
https://stephaniejbond.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniejbond
In the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 via:
•Phone - 1-800-799-7233
•Chat - thehotline.org
•Text - LOVEIS to 22522
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/LSjuE-7uXVw
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
- Recognizing the warning signs of abuse:
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/
https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/domestic-abuse-warning-signs/
https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/domestic-violence/effects-domestic-violence-children
Supporting Children During Abuse | The Hotline
- Can children recover from witnessing or experiencing domestic violence or abuse?
Effects of domestic violence on children | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)
- Plan for Safety:
Create a Safety Plan | The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
Domestic Violence Shelter Resources - The Hotline
Emergency housing for domestic violence victims - The Hotline
Domestic Violence Shelter Resources - The Hotline
This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion about the Complex Healing Process of Grief. We are examining such topics as: What is Grief, the 4 types of Grief, the 5 Stages of Grief vs. 7 Stages of Grief, Grief & The Pandemic, the Differences Between Normal and Complicated Grief and a host of other related topics.
Our Special Guest: Alexia Ford
Alexia Ford is a LMSW and obtained a Master in Divinity in 2018. She completed a yearlong internship as a hospital Chaplain and is currently employed as a Hospice Chaplain since 2020. She is no stranger to helping individuals and families with processing death, dying and bereavement.
Links to The Complex Healing Process of Grief Episodes - Journey to Life Podcast
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/J0IGyskdBwQ
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
The 5 Stages of Grief: Processing Loss Doesn't Happen Overnight
Stages of Grief: 5 Stages vs. 7 Stages, and Tips for Coping (greatist.com)
The Stages of Grief: What Do You Need to Know?
The Stages of Grief: How to Understand Your Feelings (healthline.com)
Differences Between Normal and Complicated Grief
Differences Between Normal and Complicated Grief (verywellhealth.com)
This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion about the Complex Healing Process of Grief. We are examining such topics as: What is Grief, the 4 types of Grief, the 5 Stages of Grief vs. 7 Stages of Grief, Grief & The Pandemic, the Differences Between Normal and Complicated Grief and a host of other related topics.
Our Special Guest: Alexia Ford
Alexia Ford is a LMSW and obtained a Master in Divinity in 2018. She completed a yearlong internship as a hospital Chaplain and is currently employed as a Hospice Chaplain since 2020. She is no stranger to helping individuals and families with processing death, dying and bereavement.
Links to The Complex Healing Process of Grief Episodes - Journey to Life Podcast
YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/tAaUWhn_d5g
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
The 5 Stages of Grief: Processing Loss Doesn't Happen Overnight
Stages of Grief: 5 Stages vs. 7 Stages, and Tips for Coping (greatist.com)
The Stages of Grief: What Do You Need to Know?
The Stages of Grief: How to Understand Your Feelings (healthline.com)
Differences Between Normal and Complicated Grief
Differences Between Normal and Complicated Grief (verywellhealth.com)
Our Topic is: Plus Sized in America: Shifting the Beauty Standard
This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion on what it is to be Plus Sized and Curvy in America. Examining the beauty standards, marketing efforts and the inroads Plus Sized and Curvy people have made into the modeling industry. 67% of American women wear a size 14 or above. By most estimates, more than 2/3 of American women are plus-size consumers.
We are honored to be joined with our Special Guest – Mindy J. Lowery:
Mindy J. Lowery is a Curvy and Fashion Model, who began her journey in 2021. She has a base following that is constantly increasing on social media, to include 28.1k on TikTok alone. Mindy J. continues to make her mark in the fashion industry, while inspiring other women as she goes.
Mindy socials:
FB: @mindyjlowery
IG: @mindyjlowery
Tiktok: @mindyjlowery
For booking: info@mindyjlowery.com
Full Figured Fierce socials:
IG: @fullfiguredfierce
FB: @fullfiguredfierce
Stores mentioned:
Jluxelabel
H&M
Forever 21
Old Navy
Savage X Fenty
Not mentioned:
Fashion to Figure
Torrid
One Size Fits None: TIME
https://time.com/how-to-fix-vanity-sizing/
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
The Plus-Size Business Is Breaking From Its Past. That’s Good. - Forbes
https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardkestenbaum/2021/07/26/the-plus-size-business-is-breaking-from-its-past-thats-good/?sh=3ab8524f5d07
The Evolution of Plus-Size Fashion: Fit Analytics Blog
The Evolution of Plus-Size Fashion – Fit Analytics Blog
Two curve model influencers denied entry into club due to size - Alexa Jay and Ella Halikas
https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/two-influencers-say-denied-entry-club-size-rcna55993
Positive Words That Mean Plus-Size: (bustle.com); Offensive Terms To Retire: (bustle.com)
Thick, Curvy, Full-Figured, & 7 More Positive Words For Plus-Size (bustle.com)
Our Topic is “The Black Woman Experience in America” in honor of February being Black History Month. This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion on what it is to be a Black Woman in today's society. This is part three of a three-part series. Part three will focus on “Stereotypes of Black Women in Television & Film”, “Natural Black Hair Journey” & “The Crown Act”.
We are honored to be joined again with our Special Guest – Blaise:
Host of (2) YouTube Channels:
HeyItsMeB
https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsmeb &
Secret Life of B https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkFkXLGE2YYjQ2VxhGUDl-A
&
Blaire:
Blaire has her Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education and is a talented fine artist & face painter. Her art work can also be found on the front & back cover of my book, “There’s More Beyond Surviving – Journey to Life”
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
Stereotypes of Black Women in Television & Film
Titled: 7 Unconscious Biases That Still Affect Black Women Today (bustle.com)
7 Unconscious Biases That Still Affect Black Women Today (bustle.com)
Titled: Study Shows Positive Portrayals of Black Women on Big Screen and TV Have Increased, Colorism Issue Remains Unchanged
Study Shows Positive Portrayals of Black Women on Big Screen and TV Have Increased, Colorism Issue Remains Unchanged (atlantablackstar.com)
Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media
Titled: How Natural Black Hair at Work Became a Civil Rights Issue (daily.jstor.org)
https://daily.jstor.org/how-natural-black-hair-at-work-became-a-civil-rights-issue/
Titled: Permanent hair straightening
Permanent Hair Straightening: Types and Side Effects (healthline.com)
Perms and the link to Cancer
Titled: Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer (Journal of the National Cancer Institute)
Use of Straighteners and Other Hair Products and Incident Uterine Cancer | JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute | Oxford Academic (oup.com
Our Topic is “The Black Woman Experience in America” in honor of February being Black History Month. This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion on what it is to be a Black Woman in today's society. This is part two of a three-part series. Part two will focus on “Respectability Politics”, “African American Vernacular English (AAVE) vs. Standard American English (SAE)” & “Code-Switching”.
We are honored to be joined again with our Special Guest – Blaise - Host of (2) YouTube Channels:
HeyItsMeB
https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsmeb &
Secret Life of B https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkFkXLGE2YYjQ2VxhGUDl-A
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
Verywellmind.com
Titled: History of Respectability Politics
Playing the Game of Respectability Politics (verywellmind.com)
Talking Points Memo
Titled: The End of Black Respectability Politics
The End of Black Respectability Politics - TPM – Talking Points Memo
AFROPUNK
Titled: I’m is talking right”: how the stigma around black language holds us back from liberation
“i’m is talking right”: how the stigma around black language holds us back from liberation | AFROPUNK
hbr.org
Titled: The Costs of Code-Switching
The Costs of Code-Switching (hbr.org)
Verywellmind.com
Titled: Code-Switching
https://www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-impact-of-straddling-a-dual-identity-as-an-asian-american-5270470
Our Topic is “The Black Woman Experience in America” in honor of February being Black History Month. This is a frank & in-depth panel discussion on what it is to be a Black Woman in today's society. This is part one of a three-part series. Part one will focus on “Black Women: The backbone of family & society,” “Black Women & Medicine” & “Black Women in the Workforce”.
We are honored with our Special Guest – Blaise - Host of (2) YouTube Channels:
HeyItsMeB
https://www.youtube.com/@heyitsmeb &
Secret Life of B https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkFkXLGE2YYjQ2VxhGUDl-A
Links to Journey to Life Podcast Home Page:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@journeytolife4353
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CJNErVPV2jeLRXNiMWMdl
Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/journey-to-life-podcast/id1617176791
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/af2ca38e-0fa4-4a1e-9100-4c6020be5660/journey-to-life-podcast
Washington Post
Titled: Report: Black women are working hard but ‘our country is not working for them’
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/06/08/report-black-women-are-working-hard-but-our-country-is-not-working-for-them/
Blavity.com
Titled: This New Study Confirms That Black Women Have A Harder Time Than Other Americans
https://blavity.com/report-black-women-american-dream-struggle?category1=culture&category2=news
Forbes Magazine
Titled: The Nastiness That Black Women Experience In America Is Suffocating
https://www.forbes.com/sites/maiahoskin/2022/04/29/the-nastiness-that-black-women-experience-in-america-is-suffocating/?sh=4518406b25d5
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC.org)
Titled: How we fail black patients in pain
https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/how-we-fail-black-patients-pain
Father of Modern Gynecology - James Marion Sims
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/04/17/603163394/-father-of-gynecology-who-experimented-on-slaves-no-longer-on-pedestal-in-nyc
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Marion_Sims
Harvard Business Publishing - HBR.org
Titled: The Costs of Racial “Color Blindness”
https://hbsp.harvard.edu/product/F1307B-PDF-ENG
LeanIn.org
Titled: Working at the intersection: What Black women are up against
https://leanin.org/black-women-racism-discrimination-at-work
Suicide Postvention - Journey to Life - Ep. 8 - Part 2 of 2
Our Topic is “Suicide Postvention” and September is National Suicide Prevention Month
We are honored with our Special Guests – Katherine Sperry & Chaplain Justin Maynard.
Our Topic is “Suicide Postvention”. September is National Suicide Prevention Month
We are honored with our Special Guests – Katherine Sperry & Chaplain Justin Maynard.
Suicide Postvention
Suicide postvention refers to activities that reduce risk and promote
healing after a suicide death. Postvention activities may:
• Focus on support for the family and friends of loved ones who died by
suicide.
• Begin the healing process for individuals who are dealing with the grief
and distress after a suicide loss.
• Mitigate other negative effects of exposure to suicide.
• Prevent suicide among people who are at an elevated risk due to
exposure to suicide.
Link to 5 documents related to Postvention are listed in the Dropbox link below:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n4m6qyhzkowwdx9/AAA_B4b9wAh_4rmN0_rVZn6ya?dl=0
Organizations & Resources for Suicide Prevention are listed below.
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Zero Suicide
https://zerosuicide.edc.org/
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
https://www.sprc.org/
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org/
Katherine Sperry is the Suicide Prevention Program Supervisor for the Department of Veterans Affairs, North Florida South Georgia, she is the VISN 8 Lead Suicide Prevention Coordinator and the Reach Vet/Post Discharge Engagement Supervisor. Ms. Sperry is a licensed clinical social worker and has worked in mental health for over 20 years. She is a graduate of West Virginia University with a Master’s Degree in Social Work. She began her career in child welfare, specifically as the initial responder to allegations of child abuse, then working to become a forensic sexual abuse interviewer, supervisor, and expert court witness in child maltreatment. She has provided crisis intervention, family and marriage therapy, has completed a three-year training course through the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centers focusing on Structural Family Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and completed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Treating Depressed Veterans. She is credentialed through the National Association of Social Workers as a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM) and a Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW) and also as a Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW). Ms. Sperry was selected in both 2016 and 2020 by the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Director of the suicide prevention program to complete a tour with the Veterans Affairs Central Office (VACO) for program improvement. Ms. Sperry travels throughout the nation speaking about Veteran suicide. She and her husband reside in Brunswick, Georgia with their 8-year-old son, William.
Chaplain Justin Maynard is a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard and a board-certified clinical chaplain with a specialty certification in Mental Health. He provides spiritual and emotional support as a clinical chaplain on an inpatient mental health unit, and intensive care units. He received a Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School. He did his clinical pastoral education at Duke Hospital, residency at WakeMed, a second-year residency and mental health fellowship at Durham VAMC. He is passionate about suicide prevention and helping Veterans discover meaning and purpose for living another day. He also provides bereavement postvention support to family members who have lost a loved one to suicide.
Our Topic: “Suicide Prevention” - September is National Suicide Prevention Month
We are honored with our Special Guest – Nicole Dempsey, LCSW
Nicole is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and in her current role she is also a Suicide Prevention Coordinator. Nicole graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011. Nicole’s previous experience includes family and youth in home services, substance abuse and private practice. She has a passion for combating suicide by using research and best practices to help increase awareness in the communities around suicide prevention.
Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
Connect with a trained crisis counselor. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365.
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Zero Suicide
https://zerosuicide.edc.org/
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
https://www.sprc.org/
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
https://afsp.org/
In this episode, we examine how the churchcan influence emotional abuse in intimate relationships within the blackcommunity.
In this episode we’re taking a closer look at Adverse Childhood Experiences and Effects on Health with our Special Guest – Isabelle Valeus. We will delve into the Three E's in Trauma; Adverse childhood experience (ACES); and the effects of Toxic Stress. Link to PowerPoint Presentation by Isabelle Valeus:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/xuh54g...
Organizations, Resources & References are listed at the end of the PowerPoint Presentation.
In this episode we’re taking a closer look at the world of celebrities accused or convicted of sexual related crimes. We’re also examining society’s view of those who are brave enough to come forward with their accusations.
Erica Welsh, MA, MFT, LAPC, AMFT joins us to discuss the body’s response to trauma, and how to work through the process toward healing.
Arlette Jones-Lawson and Constance Fields discuss the impact of Arlette’s new book, There’s More Beyond Surviving: Journey to Life.
Order your copy here:
Link to eBook on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09NHK33CH/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=There%27s+more+beyond+surviving&qid=1639341593&s=digital-text&sr=1-1
Link to Shopify Store for paperback copy:
There's More Beyond Surviving – There's More Beyond Surviving (abbbcc6.myshopify.com)
Experiencing gatherings as a survivor can bring up a lot of emotions. From the moment we are invited to attend, to the decision to go or not go, knowing that your feelings are valid, and having tools in place to cope will be an essential aspect of your healing journey.