The Pure Social Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jennifer Thorpe, MSW
Be enlightened and empowered as we explore how wonderfully complex we are and the waves of life's experiences that impact us. Enjoy authentic conversations on faith, mental health, emotional wellness, relationships, education, culture, and much more. You'll hear from experts and people like yourself who share their wisdom and lives to educate and inspire.
Description: Carla is back to share her personal knowledge and journey regarding essential oils and the gift they have been in her life. Essential oils have natural benefits and may be another resource to utilize in your toolbox.
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Carla Grubb
Emotional Health Practitioner
Weightrelease™
Connect with Carla:
Free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/weightreleasewithcarla
E-mail: weightreleasewithcarla@gmail.com
*Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. Please seek guidance from a medical or mental health professional regarding your personal situation.
Stepping out of faith to live your dream is brave. Discovering your purpose and living it out with your dreams and goals is a gift. It’s not easy! Listen in as Brandon discusses making his vision become reality. As well, he vulnerably shares his perspective on growing while living on purpose.
Brandon Thorpe
Founder and CEO of Visionary Lending, LLC.
Creator of the Vision@Mission Podcast
Resources:
The E Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Business Don’t Work and What to Do About It
by Michael E. Gerber
Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before the Happen by Dan Heath
How can we develop our self-awareness in a way that allows us to cultivate connections with ourselves and others? Listen to learn some simple tips that will help you discover and remember more about yourself.
*Note: This podcast is NOT intended as medical or mental health advice. We encourage each person to make the best decision for their situation with the guidance of a medical or mental health professional.
Self-Compassion is an amazing gift that we can give ourselves as humans. Discovering how we can love and heal from the inside out is connected to the compassion and kindness we give ourselves. Listen in as Carla Grubb not only shares vulnerably but also provides some practicals for our toolbox.
Carla Grubb started Weightrelease™ to help other women get “unstuck.” As a wife, mother of two daughters and businesswoman, she was outwardly successful, but hated her body and was suffering internally. She discovered the importance of learning to love herself from the inside out. By approaching healing from all sides - the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual - she was finally able to start addressing the deeper issues keeping her stuck in the same cycles. After a career in ministry and women’s business leadership, she became a certified emotional health practitioner. She is now helping other women learn to love themselves and enjoy their lives fully.
Connect with Carla:
Free Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/weightreleasewithcarla
E-mail: weightreleasewithcarla@gmail.com
Resources:
Book by Dr. Kristin Neff, “Self-Compassion: The Power of Being Kind to Yourself”
YouTube video: Best Friends Get Brutally Honest About Their Bodies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzT2ZzDXceg
Handout PDF on the Three Steps of Self-Compassion
Becky Aste is the CEO & Founder of I Do Breakthrough. Listen in as she shares her own powerful story and learn how she is helping others thrive in their marriages by moving trauma out of the body.
Bio: Becky Aste is a trauma-informed marriage coach and the CEO of I Do Breakthrough, an 8 week transformational coaching program designed to teach emotionally drained married women to restore intimacy in their relationship by learning a somatic approach to moving trauma out of the body. After spending a decade researching and going through every mainstream modality of healing to save her marriage, she found herself 2 kids later, separated from her husband, and on the verge of divorce. At the final hour, she stumbled upon an unconventional game-changer that took her marriage from dying to thriving in less than a year and has made her mission ever since to get into the hands of every woman possible ever since. Whether it’s betrayal, addiction, abandonment, abuse, neglect, grief, or something else you’ve survived - your body keeps the score and can become an unconscious emotional block to the connection in your marriage. Even if you think you’ve tried everything to heal, even if your husband isn’t on board, and even if you know nothing about somatic work - establishing a deep, mutually fulfilling connection again in your marriage is 1,000% possible!
Additional resources:
Landing Page & 3 Secrets to Thriving Intimacy Webinar : www.idobreakthrough.orgFREE Gift - Guided Somatic Safety Visualization: https://vimeo.com/769176595Facebook Community: www.idobreakthrough.comInstagram: @rebeccaleeaste Email: idobreakthrough@gmail.com
The holidays can be a wonderful time of year! However, it can also be stressful and impact our overall well-being negatively. Listen in to learn some tips on how to handle holiday stress!
Resources:
NAMI
https://www.nami.org/blogs/nami-blog/november-2015/tips-for-managing-the-holiday-blues
Caring For Your Mental Health: NIMH
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
Books:
The Little Book of Self-Care: 200 Ways to Refresh, Restore, and Rejuvenate
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk, MD
Toxic relationships are harmful! When they become abusive and violent; it can be dangerous. Listen to one survivor’s real story on abuse, violence, and healing.
Jilliane is a native of Poughkeepsie, NY. She is a wife and a mother of one son. A 21-year Navy Veteran, she is now retired and working in the civilian sector. She enjoys spending time with family and God and has made it a continuous journey to improve her relationship with both.
Listen as Christine Benjamin shares her journey to healing by listening to her inner experience. The body speaks to us and learning its cues can transform your life.
Christine is a retired Lt. Colonel from the Air Force, Engineer, wife, mother of three, and caretaker. Along with medical professionals, here are some resources that have been helpful to her journey.
*As always, please consult a health professional to discuss your personal well-being. This podcast and resources are not meant to be medical advice.
https://www.facebook.com/fasterchanges/
https://www.weightreleasewithcarla.com/?fs=e&s=cl
https://www.facebook.com/rgrubb66
https://www.youngliving.com/us/en/referral/30028367
TJ Osby, a veteran, and entrepreneur, shares his personal story of trauma. He sheds light on the raw truth of war, the desire to heal, and the gifts he is able to impart with others.
Bridges Home Health Care LLC
https://www.virginiasbdc.org/bridges-home-health-care/
Veteran Resources:
https://www.maketheconnection.net/resources/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-IHXsJje-AIVC4_ICh2iqQ4_EAAYASAAEgJxDPD_BwE
Mental Health Resources:
Per NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health)
Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); En español 1-888-628-9454
Use Lifeline Chat on the web
The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis service available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Lifeline connects people to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
Crisis Text Line
Text “HELLO” to 741741
The Crisis Text hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the U.S. The Crisis Text Line serves anyone, in any crisis, connecting them with a crisis counselor who can provide support and information.
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1 or text to 838255
Oneika Mays shares her journey and gets vulnerable about the complexities and beauty of the human experience. From deep wounds to incredible triumphs - she highlights the process of inner transformation that is liberating and empowers one to thrive.
Oneika Mays (LMT, E-RYT) transitioned to yoga and meditation from a 20-year career in
corporate retail leadership over 10 years ago. Oneika used that experience to support social
justice non-profits and teach meditation/yoga inside jails. Today, she is the first Mindfulness
Coach at Rikers Island Correctional Facility. At Rikers she works one-on-one with community
members in a therapeutic setting. Sessions are a combination of modalities and are infused with
compassion. These sessions help people foster resilience and agency. She believes that our
justice system needs to focus on transformation and restoration rather than punishment. This
idea of liberation and compassion is woven into her work whether it’s in a jail, speaking to
audiences, or teaching meditation. In addition to teaching meditation and yoga Oneika facilitates
workshops and training centered around resilience, liberation and compassion. She believes
that meditation, movement and mindfulness practices can forge a path to freedom.
The process of forgiveness can be difficult. However, the benefits of moving through the process are liberating and healing.
Adversity, challenges, and setbacks are inevitable in life. However, how we have the ability to be resilience in our lives and encounter difficulties gracefully. Listen in as Dr. Addie J. McCafferty talks about “building resilience”.
Dr. Addie J. McCafferty, affectionately known as “Dr. Addie”, is an MSW Field Education Associate with Capella University’s Social Work Program. She received her doctorate in Higher Education and Leadership from Trident University International. Her MSW from the University of South Carolina (USC) advanced standing program and her BSW from Limestone College. She is licensed in two states as an LMSW (SC) and an LGSW (MN).
Dr. Addie is a transformational leader who focuses on empowering individuals through her social work experience. She has worked at USC on a national research project called Center for Adolescents Research in Schools (CARS) as a consultant in which she trained school counselors and psychologists on how to implement the intervention of the research project. She is the CEO of A.J. Consulting, LLC in which they contract services with community mental health organizations to administer behavioral modification to children who are struggling with success in the classroom. Also, she worked as a counselor/outreach coordinator at the Hinesville/Ft. Stewart Ga satellite office of the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire in Savannah, Ga.
Dr. Addie is the executive director of her internet TV show called: Wisdom Breaks with Dr. Addie and the author of Livin It Up Wholly and Beyond Betrayal: Standing in The Midst of Adversity, both of which can be purchased on Amazon.
She has earned a reputation as a dynamic catalyst for change in learners, individuals, and families seeking to expedite the journey along the path towards self-sufficiency. Dr. Addie’s insightful lectures/speeches are seasoned with humor, compassion, and personal candor. She opens the minds of her learners and challenges their thought processes with documented research and real-life examples. Dr. Addie translates psychology and human behavior into everyday language that enables individuals to transform their lives and helps change the path they take in the quest for knowledge, sustainability, dignity, and hope.
We all desire a place to belong and connectedness. Listen in as Kasia Kedzia discusses how to create community and its impact on our personal development.
International Development Professional and Community Building Coach
Over 15 years of experience in International Development performance management, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building. Has lived overseas and adapted well wherever she landed, building and growing her communities wherever she went. Passionate trainer and mentor. Dedicated to helping high-performance individuals grow in their faith and take action toward creating communities that feel like family. A community that helps them get more done with a lot less doing to live life to the full, unburdened, filled with peace & joy regardless of circumstances. Kasia believes that the community done right makes each individual stronger, without shame, to show up as their most authentic self. The individual voice rises in the collective. She's risen through many significant challenges and still created this type of community everywhere she's gone, she now shows the way to others.
To learn more about one on one coaching you can contact her via LinkedIn or DM her on Instagram: @stronggirlforlife www.linkedin.com
Critical Race Theory in America is a prevalent topic evoking great emotion and controversy. Is our individualistic culture a barrier to understanding and critical thinking that can bring forth unity and prominent change?
Excited to have previous guests:
Ted William III
Professor, Performing Artist, & Influencer of Change
www.tedwilliamsiii.com
FB/Youtube/LinkedIn Ted Williams III
IG @Changespeaker
Matt Tebbe
Pastor at The Table
Co-Planter l The Table
Co-Founder l Gravity Leadership
thetableindy.org
gravityleadership.com
Suggested Books:
Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair
by Duke L. Kwon & Gregory Thompson
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents
by Isabel Wilkerson
The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story
by Nikole Hannah-Jones
What external factors are causing you stress? Being able to identify those areas is key. Listen in to get tools that empower us to cope with stress.
When fear grips us, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. However, we can face our fears and learn tools to work through them and to trust.
Shame is a painful emotion that can render us powerless and keep us trapped in unhealthy cycles. Understanding shame and trauma is key to the process of healing. Robin Weidner helps us recognize shame and how grace, vulnerability, and more empower our lives and bring true healing and connection.
Robin Weidner is a Certified Trauma Professional and Life Coach, serving clients in the areas of Creative Recovery, Spiritual and/or Trauma Recovery, and Marriage Coaching. She is the author of four highly-acclaimed books including Secure in Heart, Eve’s Song, and Grace Calls: Spiritual recovery after abandonment, addiction, and abuse.
Robin and her husband Dave have traveled around the world teaching grace-based discipleship, sexual purity, security, and trauma. Alongside her husband Dave, Robin helps to lead the Purity Restored Ministry. Married for 41 years, Dave and Robin have 3 children and two grandchildren. Enjoying an active life in Idaho, Robin enjoys creating healing art, hiking, riding her bike, and stand-up paddleboarding.
To learn more about Robin's books, go to purityrestored.com. For more information on coaching or speaking, contact Robin at rwcopywriting@comcast.net.
Many of us are naturally are immersed in our life and/or the lives of those around us. We can easily lose our sense and awareness. Listen in and discover the benefits of pausing and accepting the gifts that come from self-awareness.
We are designed for intimacy and connection. Interpersonal traits, discernment, and more are key to identifying healthy people.
Description: Trauma and Complex trauma can be difficult to understand. In the church, when we don't understand trauma or know how to heal, we perpetuate more harm and pain. Listen in and gain insight into healing and God.
Bio:
Kyle Spears is a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner and Certified Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Nebraska. He works in private practice at the Attachment and Trauma Center of Nebraska utilizing EMDR in working with Complex Trauma, PTSD, and DID. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, he works to help heal marriages and complex family issues. He also specializes in helping men with trauma, masculinity, and depression. Last year he started a YouTube channel and a podcast and has a website where people can go to get resources for issues that relate to trauma and theology. Kyle is currently working on his first book that will provide a basic understanding of trauma to equip both ministers and members. He is also working on a book with Michael Burns called “The Big Lie” that will address the aspect of racial and intergenerational trauma.
Kyle was baptized as a senior in high school and has been a disciple for almost 20 years. His wife Kristi works as a Physician Assistant specializing in Cardiothoracic Surgery. Together, they are raising their son Shea Christopher who is 2 years old and Kristi is due to give birth to their second child Amya Renee in December.
More than ever, people are re-evaluating their careers and lives. Swadesh Sharma shares his story about stepping out on faith and pursuing his passions. There is nothing more amazing than living the life we are designed for! Listen in and be inspired!
Swadesh Sharma - After 22+ years within the pharmaceutical industry at Covance, Novartis, Allergan, and J&J, Swadesh took a leap of faith to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship. Leveraging his background in operations, team building, and science/technology, Swadesh has been able to "pay it forward" by supporting other entrepreneurs and those wanting to take the leap to realize their potential and their network to follow their passion.
Dario Santana shares his story and the importance of continuing the process to heal from trauma. As a man of faith, a family man, and a Marine veteran - he discusses getting help and making a difference in the lives of others.
As humans, we experience little and big changes that influence our lives and those around us. Change can be sudden, organic, self-determined, or even forced. How we navigate it, though, can be transformative!
Hope is powerful in our lives! It can bring us out of dark places, transform us, and change our lives -even save it!
Are there areas of your life that are not in clear view? Is your view blocked or distorted? Having blind spots are not always bad. Rather, they can be opportunities for growth.
Vanesa's Bio:
I am a visual artist, specializing in pattern drawing in ink.
I am the founder and owner of Mariposa Arts; whose objective is to make creativity accessible to all communities as a healing tool.
Being a cancer survivor, I found refuge in writing, drawing and photography during and after treatment. I became painfully aware at the lack of creative resources offered post cancer treatment.
This began a passion project and in 2017 I piloted a program called Healing Through the Arts, to offer creativity for healing to cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers.
One of my goals was to offer it at no cost to participants, because during a time when the sole focus should be on getting well, cost should not be an impediment. This type of healing, using creativity, should be accessible to all of us.
I presently continue to grow and coordinate this program through a partnership with the Delaware Art Museum, local organizations and with the help of a generous grant.
Our workshops offer participants ceramics, grief drumming, watercolor journaling, Zentangle© and painting classes.
In March 2019, I became certified to instruct in the Zentangle Method. I love to share the ease and joy of this art method, especially when it is focused in learning a meditative drawing practice for wellness.
I am proud to be involved in my local artist community through working as the Director of Lumina Arts Incubator and cofacilitating an Artist’s Way Creative Cluster.
I serve on the Delaware Shakespeare Board of Directors, and I am an active member of the Development Committee for their organization.
I hold a Creative Catalyst Certificate, a program from the Thomas S. Kenan Institute for the Arts at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. This program equipped me as an Artist Leader, Innovator and Entrepreneur. (May 2021)
I am so pleased that the virtual nature of our world in 2020 afforded me the opportunity to work with Carla Rey and the international artist collective Instantes Graficos, based out of my home country, Argentina. I have learned techniques working with Artist’s Books using many different mediums and book making methods. I explore themes of social justice, issues relating to immigrants and my healing journey. My books contain elements of writing, pattern drawing done in ink and photography.
In January 2021, the collection Yo Creo, Todxs Somos Unxs made with this artist collective was exhibited at 1/1 Caja de Arte in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Three of my artist’s books were presented and sold at this year’s Printed Matter Virtual Art Book Fair in NYC.
Contact: vanesa@mariposaarts.com
Follow Vanesa Simon on Instagram @vanesamariposaarts.
There you can see all that she is up to with Healing Through the Arts program with the Delaware Art Museum, Lumina Arts Incubator art shows and virtual programming and see her artwork.
The next Artist’s Way Creative Cluster will start in September. It is free, will be held virtually and open to all!
Visit https://artistsforjoy.org/theartistsway to register.
We are also looking for potential partners in the US & internationally to train to facilitate their own local Artist’s Way creative clusters.
We often go on the defense when we feel unsafe. Today’s episode discusses some psychological defense mechanisms that are commonly used for self-protection.
On today's podcast, Anton Keith will share his real-life story on complex trauma. He will discuss the traumatic events that occurred and his personal journey to continue the process of healing. Listen in and be inspired to "do the work".
To connect with Anton for production work, email him at visit www.smallcirclesocial.com
To read and listen to Anton, visit www.antonkeith.com
How do we know when we are experiencing burnout? What are the signs? Listen and learn the answer to these questions and three tips to change them!
Labeling is not new. In fact, it happens all the time. Thus, we rarely consider the impact of them, how they influence our lives, and social interaction with others. Being mindful of labels is key to growth and change!
Do you struggle with feelings of inadequacy despite being successful? Do you find being a person of color magnifies those emotions? Your emotions may just be signs of imposter syndrome. Listen in and learn what it is, how it impacts success, and what can be done to overcome it?
Sonja Malcolm, MA, Ed.M., LPC, ACS is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Supervisor in New Jersey. In her private practice, Mindspring Wellness Counseling, Sonja aims to create a safe space for clients to address issues using evidence-based interventions, and she privileges the individual goals of each client in their work together.
Sonja specializes in treating anxiety and depression, relationship issues, life transitions, and work-related stress.
Additionally, Sonja supervises developing counselors toward licensure as Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists.
Her graduate studies were conducted at Teachers College Columbia University where she earned Master of Education and Master of Arts degrees in Counseling Psychology, and she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Hampton University.
Instagram:
@mindspringwellnesscounseling
Facebook:
Mindspringwellnesscounsing
Website:
www.Mindspringwellnessllc.com
Toxic habits can be little pests that eventually grow out of control. We often don't notice negative behaviors until a relationship has been fractured. Listen in and learn tips to be able to notice toxic habits that may be lingering in your life. We can only change and transform toxic behaviors when we know how to identify them.
Resource:
Book: Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking by Dr. Caroline Leaf
The company you keep matters! This is not only true for children but for adults. Our primary relationships either strengthen or weaken character. Listen in and learn more!
Relatuonshios are dynamic! Ever wonder if this person the one? How do you build a solid foundation and what you can do to continually be committed to one another? Listen in and learn tools to nurture authentic love not only with your partner but with yourself!
QuinnShauna Felder-Snipes, EdS, LAMFT is a College Access and Success Counselor turned Couples Therapist, living and working in Central, New Jersey. QuinnShauna is driven by her faith, her love of family, and her desire to support and uplift her community. These values clearly guide her work with couples seeking to nurture healthy, loving, and fun-filled relationships. QuinnShauna is particularly interested in helping couples explore relational patterns and build skills for happy, successful next steps in their commitment to each other through offering pre-marital counseling and support. She is trained in Level 1 of Gottman Couples Therapy and is committed to providing financially accessible therapy options through her partnership with Open Path Collective (openpathcollective.org).
We all experience challenges in life. However, do we have the coping skills to tackle those challenges? Listen in and learn some practicals for coping and add to your toolbox.
Be sure to check out The Pure Social Blog by clicking here.
Also, follow me on social media by searching:
Facebook @thepuresocialblog
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Do you know what real wellness is and the areas that comprise it? Listen in and learn true wellness and more importantly the keys to access it!
Fabiola Paul is the Founder and CEO of Enlightening Counseling & Educational Services, LLC which provides online mental health counseling to women and teen girls. Fabiola Paul is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey. She is trained in Brainspotting, EMDR, and is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She received her master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. She is also a speaker, author, and empowerment coach who has been in the social service field for 10 years. Fabiola Paul has spoken on the topic of mental health, trauma, and wellness at private events, churches, and as a guest on various platforms. While working in community mental health, Fabiola has seen the impact that injustice and inequity has on mental health and uses this knowledge to inform her clinical approach. She has worked with children, adolescents, and adults impacted by abuse and neglect and those experiencing emotional/behavioral challenges in the U.S. and internationally.
There is so much going on in our lives and the world! You want to make a change but are unsure how or where to even begin. Listen in and learn some tips on how to make a change that will have a lasting impact!
Do you know what boundaries are? Even more, can you set boundaries and keep them in place? Listen in and learn some quick tips and tools to be ready to set yourself up for success.
Resource:
Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life
Book by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
Danny Cardenas, LCPC is a licensed mental health therapist who has dedicated his time to ending the negative stigmas associated with mental health. He is a mental health advocate and now dedicates his time to being a disaster relief clinician in response to National State's of emergencies.
Marriage & relationships can be beautiful and complicated. Listen in as we get honest about how to have real connections and break unhealthy patterns.
Will & Tosha Archer are Visionary Ministers with over two decades of experience in leading missional communities in diverse ministry settings. They are passionate servant leaders with a proven capacity to develop and amplify theologically sound and culturally relevant messaging across multiple digital platforms. They are deeply devoted to developing healthy communities of faith that engage both the business community and community partners committed to serving the poor.
Will became a disciple of Jesus at 18 years old in the Bronx, New York in 1993. Since that time, he has served in the Ministry in seven different North American Churches.
Tosha was converted as a college student at 21 years old in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996. She has served alongside her husband in six different North American Churches.
Will has an undergraduate degree in Public Policy from Arcadia University and a Masters's degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He is currently a Doctoral candidate at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. While Tosha graduated from Emory University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Tosha’s commitment to the community-led her to work as a therapist with autistic children as well as in other social service settings.
The Archers have been married for 21 years and they have two adventurous children, 17-year-old Mekhi, and 12-year-old Journey. Will & Tosha serve as the Lead Evangelist and Women’s Ministry Leader respectively for the Potomac Valley Church. Potomac Valley is a dynamic and diverse Northern Virginia congregation with a deep commitment to serving all people and multiplying authentic faith.
Resource: I Choose Us book by John Philip Louis & Karen McDonald Louis
Ever wonder why your relationship is growing further apart rather than closer? Your communication is the key to intimacy and authentic connection. Today's episode explores briefly toxic communication behaviors and ways to combat them.
Resources:
The Gottman Institute
https://www.gottman.com/
Books by John Gottman
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage
The Science of Trust
Listen in as my husband, Brandon and I have an open conversation on marriage with dear friends, Anton and Sulma Keith. It's an authentic chat on lessons learned. We get vulnerable and share our perspectives not only in our marriage but ourselves.
Practicing gratitude daily is scientifically proven to enhance our daily lives. The benefits are transformative and as we navigate this journey we call life!
Please check out my site https://www.thepuresocialblog.com/ and subscribe to my newsletter!
Francisco Javier Cornejo completed his B.S. in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University and continued his education at George Mason University, as he pursued a Master's degree in Social Work. Francisco has focused his work on trauma and recovery within the Latinx and migrant community by delivering behavioral health services in community health centers located in Prince William County. Francisco additionally has worked to increase the participation and collaboration among various community entities to aid in increasing access to necessary resources for the Latinx community.
Let’s get rid of mental health stigmas and discover how therapy can be our best decision yet!
Subscribe to my newsletter at www.thepuresocialblog.com
My dear friend Ted Williams III is back in the studio! Listen in as we discuss current events, emotional triggers, how to take information, and harness your individual power!
Writer, speaker, executive coach, and conversation architect, Gigi has spent nearly the last decade advocating for inclusion and fighting racism through her consultancy Gigi Gilliard Development. She's our hilarious and ridiculous Auntie who more than anything: loves God, her family, all things love + romance ...and is unafraid to speak the truth about the world we live in. She's the author of soon to drop "The Loud Brown Round Girl” and "The Inclusion C.O.D.E" and firmly believes that all the "G"s in her name really stand for....grateful.
Cresenda Jones, a counselor, and Life Coach has been a disciple since 1985 in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Florida Churches of Christ. She is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the State of Florida. Generational trauma and dysfunction led her to intently seek both spiritual maturity and emotional health. Along the journey, her MA in Professional Counseling, MBA, and M. Ed have provided clearer roadmaps and growth. She considers it a privilege to witness growth and miraculous transformations when she facilitates the Time Line Therapy® breakthrough process, discussion groups, and workshops. She is most excited when her clients eliminate negative emotions and limiting beliefs that have held them back, freeing them up for the life, performance, and success that God has planned! Her book, Spiritual Maturity: God’s Will for Emotional Health and Healing is available on www.ipibooks.com. Her new book, Spiritual Transformation: Emotional Intelligence and Freedom should be released soon!
Aidaliz Cuevas, LCSW has returned to the podcast to discuss Suicide Prevention. She provides insight, years of knowledge and experience to help shine a light on the warning signs, risks, and ways to get help in the event of a crisis.
https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month
Reggie Holmes bio: Reggie Holmes is Founder and Creative Director at Enthuse Creative, LLC, a strategic brand consulting and design business based in Tysons, VA. Reggie is both a thinker and a maker who has over 10 years of experience driving brand awareness and value for a number of successful startups, nonprofits, and businesses. Enthuse Creative is a valuable partner for its clients, offering a range of consultative and creative services focusing on brand strategy, branding design, and brand management.
Johnny Rivera serves as the Senior Pastor of the Central Jersey Church of Christ. He has served the church there for 16 years. Johnny married his high school sweetheart, Glori, 25 years ago. They have two adult children who are also both disciples of Jesus.
Johnny was a former atheist who became a believer in 1997. He enjoys helping others to have a rich faith that produces authentic Christian living. Johnny and his wife Glori share a passion for family and helping others to build spiritually healthy families as well.
Strategist. Youth Culture Enthusiast. Advocate for the voices of vulnerable populations. Joi has worked with companies such as The Boston Consulting, The YMCA, Money Gram International, McDonald’s & Burger King.
Recently, she founded Remnant Strategy a consultancy working at the intersection of culture and business to council brands through the process of mapping the next chapter to their story. Joi also mentors young professionals, enjoys exploring the globe and discovering new dishes to serve at dinner parties.
Pastor Matt Tebbe is the pastor of The Table, an Anglican Church in Indianapolis, and co-founder of Gravity Leadership, an organization that trains and equips Christian leaders to lead and love like Jesus. He's been married for 20 years and is the father of 2 children ages 12 and 8.
Dr. Michael D. Reynolds joined the Division of Education at Church of God International Offices as the director of Ministerial Development and the project director of the Lilly Initiative in October 2018.
Dr. Reynolds has served as an associate professor of Christian Ministries at Trinity College and an Affiliate Professor of Pastoral Theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He also served as the Executive Director and Associate Dean of Trinity International University at the South Chicago Regional Campus in Dolton, IL.
He served as senior pastor of New Life Celebration Church of God in Dolton, Illinois, from 1992 to 2020. The church has planted eight churches and has an elementary school that serves the community children from pre-school to 8th grade.
He serves as the president of the New Life Urban Educational Center, which is a discipleship arm for the church. In addition to his local responsibilities, he serves as a chaplain for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Dr. Reynolds, and his wife, Erica, have been married since 1981 and have four lovely children—Michael II, Celenna, Jonathan, Cicely Reynolds, and are grandparents to three children: Michael Reynolds III, Chloe Reynolds, and Eric Loggins.
Jennifer Thorpe on Unhealthy Thinking Vs. Healthy Thinking
As human beings, we are constantly thinking. Most times we are not even aware of how our thinking impacts our lives or those around us. Listen in and learn what is distorted thinking and some tips to begin to change it.
Detective Keith has served in law enforcement for over 15 years and has worked in the Special Victims Unit for over 8 years. She has a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from George Mason University. She also has a Masters in Security and Public Safety Leadership from George Washington University.
Elizabeth earned her MSW from VCU in 2000, and her BA from UVA, majoring in Spanish. She served in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica for 4 years and has worked as a program manager for the American Diabetes Association and Arlington Public Schools prior to her MSW. Elizabeth has worked for charter schools in DC, Inova Health System, and Fairfax County Public Schools since earning her MSW, working with clients of all ages, with a focus on Hispanic/Latino populations. In her current position, she works with students and families who are dealing with homelessness. In this position, she has encountered areas of sexual abuse and human trafficking and advocated for those vulnerable.
Dr. Kateri Picard Ray, Ph.D., LCSW, RYT is a social worker and a yoga practitioner/teacher. She is a certified Trauma Center Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator. She is also trained in Yoga Behind Bars (to bring yoga practice to incarcerated populations) and Trauma Informed, Brain Sensitive Yoga. She currently maintains a private practice in addition to serving as a part-time faculty member at Capella University and Brandman University’s Master of Social Work programs. Her work experience includes service in a variety of capacities as a social worker. She worked extensively at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels including private practice, day treatment, residential treatment, in-patient psychiatric, and academia. Her passions include working from a strengths-based, trauma-informed perspective and integration of physical, mental, social, and spiritual aspects of treatment to promote a holistic approach to intervention.
Dr. Addie J. McCafferty, affectionately known as “Dr. Addie”, is an MSW Field Education Associate with Capella University’s Social Work Program. She received her doctorate in Higher Education and Leadership from Trident University International. Her MSW from the University of South Carolina (USC) advanced standing program and her BSW from Limestone College. She is licensed in two states as an LMSW (SC) and an LGSW (MN).
Dr. Addie is a transformational leader who focuses on empowering individuals through her social work experience. She has worked at USC on a national research project called Center for Adolescents Research in Schools (CARS) as a consultant in which she trained school counselors and psychologists on how to implement the intervention of the research project. She is the CEO of A.J. Consulting, LLC in which they contract services with community mental health organizations to administer behavioral modification to children who are struggling with success in the classroom. Also, she worked as a counselor/outreach coordinator at the Hinesville/Ft. Stewart Ga satellite office of the Rape Crisis Center of the Coastal Empire in Savannah, Ga.
Dr. Addie is the executive director of her internet TV show called: Wisdom Breaks with Dr. Addie, and the author of Livin It Up Wholly and Beyond Betrayal: Standing in The Midst of Adversity, both of which can be purchased on Amazon.
She has earned a reputation as a dynamic catalyst for change in learners, individuals, and families seeking to expedite the journey along the path towards self-sufficiency. Dr. Addie’s insightful lectures/speeches are seasoned with humor, compassion, and personal candor. She opens the minds of her learners and challenges their thought processes with documented research and real-life examples. Dr. Addie translates psychology and human behavior into everyday language that enables individuals to transform their lives and helps change the path they take in the quest for knowledge, sustainability, dignity, and hope.
Dr. Coleman is a Special Education teacher and Department Chair in Loudoun County Public Schools. In addition to teaching in Loudoun County for seven years, she has worked with families in a variety of settings for 20 years. Dr. Coleman is a phenomenal educator who has been married for 16 years to her husband, Lamont. Together they have two children, 15 and 12. Listen in as she provides a unique perspective as an educator and parent.
Aidaliz Cuevas is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working as a School Social Worker in NJ for about 17 years. She supports students and families by providing counseling, crisis interventions, risk of harm assessments, and linkage to resources. An important part of her job is assessing students’ social, emotional, and behavioral development and providing best practice interventions to teachers and parents. She loves advocating and educating parents on children's’ rights to services especially those that are undocumented.
Resources: (These resources can help in understanding behavior as well as equipping with strategies)
Dan Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author: The Whole-Brain Child
Nurtured Heart Approach, Howard Glasser: About Nurtured Heart Approach® • Children's Success Foundation
Child Mind Institute | Transforming Children's Lives The website has great information on behavioral and emotional difficulties children and adolescents may have. Please check their Facebook page for live informational sessions with mental health clinicians. They also have them in Spanish.
Understood.org
Healthy Mental and Emotional Development
Parent Toolkit
Kidshealth.org: Nemours KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health This is a great Informational website on general health, illness, emotions and behavior and so much more. There are sections for parents, kids, teens, and educators. The information is also in Spanish.
GoZen: Online Programs for Children with Anxiety | Kids Anxiety Relief
GoZen: provides informational programs to teach children ages 5- 15 some research-based coping, resilience, and happiness skills. There are free activity printouts that are great for children and youth.
Common Sense Media: Our Mission (Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, books, and more so parents can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids)
The following websites focus on race and how to help children during this time:
How to talk to kids about race and racism, according to experts
Your Kids Aren't Too Young to Talk About Race: Resource Roundup — Pretty Good
ADL.org: Resources for Educators, Parents & Families
EmbraceRace
About the Brown Bookshelf - The Brown Bookshelf
Brandon Thorpe, Owner of Visionary Lending & Anton Keith, Owner of The Humble Savage Brand both provide their perspectives on equality, leadership, and the police. Both men are from inner cities and are now entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities. Anton is a former police officer and Brandon works in the mortgage industry. Listen in and consider how your perspective and experiences can make foster change.
Brandon Thorpe, Owner of Visionary Lending
https://visionarylending.net
The Visionary Experience Podcast
https://www.buzzsprout.com/992041
Suggested resources: The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America, by Richard Rothstein
How to Be an Anti-Racist: Kendi, Ibram X
Anton Keith, Owner of The Humble Savage Brand
https://thehumblesavagebrand.com
Greater Everyday Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-greater-everyday-podcast/id1502753445
Glorimar Rivera is a Women’s Ministry Leader at the Central Jersey Church of Christ. For the past sixteen years, she has made it her mission to help women see themselves through the eyes of Jesus, and to live out the life God has planned for them as they look intently into God’s word. Additionally, she has helped counsel women of all ages and life stages and has served in various ministries. Glorimar married her high school sweetheart, Johnny 25 years ago. He is an Evangelist and Elder at Central Jersey. They are the proud parents of two adult children, Amanda and Javi.
You can connect the Glorimar at https://www.cjcoc.org/
Ted Williams III is a Professor, Artist, and Influencer of change and a man of deep faith. Ted will discuss faith, working to find your creative voice and expressing your art, and why politics matter in our faith.
www.tedwilliamsiii.com
FB/Youtube/LinkedIn Ted Williams III
IG @Changespeaker
Listen in as David Arocho shares vulnerably about his personal story with addiction, overcoming it, and how he impacts the lives of others who struggle with addiction. Be educated and empowered how to recognize signs and how to be a support, and combat stigmas.
Resources:
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov
https://www.211.org
https://teens.drugabuse.gov
You can connect with David via email at DArocho76@gmail.com
Ratesha Berthier is a trauma therapist based in New Jersey. Joining with and guiding children and families on their journey to healing after experiencing traumatic life events is her lifework. She specializes in resolving trauma, traumatic stress symptoms, PTSD, and the residue trauma can often leave behind.
You can find resources on her YouTube Channel…Ratesha Berthier
You can reach her via email at Ratesha.Berthier@gmail.com
On Instagram: @rateshaberthier.
Autumn McCain is a Licensed Resident in Marriage and Family Therapist who encourages us to understand intimacy and how to cultivate in our marriages.
Autumn McCain, LMFT at The Center for Healing, Connection, and Change
https://www.thecenterforconnection.com/about-us/autumn-mccain/
Autumn McCain is a Licensed Resident in Marriage and Family Therapist who helps us to learn how to foster connections with our spouses and partners.
Autumn McCain, LMFT-R at The Center for Healing, Connection, and Change
https://www.thecenterforconnection.com/about-us/autumn-mccain/