SunVersations: Recent Episodes
Caprina Miles
The purpose of this Podcast is to have open discussion about any and everything under the Sun ☀️ thus the name SunVersations.
After overcoming her adversities, Makini Smith is passionate about helping others toward personal and professional growth. Leveraging her expertise and personal experiences, she helps individuals overcome self-limiting beliefs and detrimental behaviors. Her mission is to help individuals identify and overcome their limiting beliefs and behaviors to realize their full potential. Makini founded Legacy Leavers Media, assisting women entrepreneurs in self-publishing with the same tools and resources as traditional publishers without the need for their validation or approval.
She’s a five-time published author and hosts the 5-star-rated “H.E.A.L. Her” podcast—one of the top 1.5% most popular podcasts globally. She’s been seen on media platforms, including Chatelaine, iHeart Radio, CBC, CTV, Bell Media, Vice News, and multiple Times Square billboards.
In this conversation, she shares her inspiring story and provides valuable insights for women who have been through similar experiences. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of showing up, the impact of community, the challenges of being a teenage mom, the role of faith in overcoming adversity, and the necessary tools of life: faith, courage, compassion, and connection. The conversation explores the themes of courage, introversion, self-image, and overcoming limiting beliefs. Makini Smith shares her journey of personal growth and how she developed the confidence to show up and switch between introversion and extroversion. She emphasizes the importance of competence in building confidence and discusses her work as a mindset coach in helping individuals identify and overcome their limiting beliefs. Makini also discusses her books and resources for personal growth and healing.
Connect with her:
Website: https://awalkinmystilettos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealmakinismith/
Podcast: https://awalkinmystilettos.com/podcast/
Books: https://awalkinmystilettos.com/product-category/resources/
Keywords: transformation, mindset, challenges, inspiration, community, teenage mom, faith, adversity, necessity tools, courage, introversion, self-image, limiting beliefs, personal growth, mindset coach, books, healing
In this conversation, we discuss grief and how to handle it. Cynthia shares her personal experiences with grief, including the loss of her mother, sister, uncle, and friend, within a short time. She also talks about her role as a caregiver and how she has developed a gift for helping others through their grief.
Takeaways
- Grief can be experienced in various ways and is not limited to the loss of a loved one. It can also be caused by the loss of opportunities, friendships, or other significant changes.
- It is important to handle grief healthily and not suppress it. Seeking support from others, such as counselors or trusted friends, can be beneficial.
- Giving oneself grace and understanding that it is not always possible to prevent or control the loss of a loved one can help in the grieving process.
- Having honest conversations with loved ones before it's too late can help find closure and peace.
- Grief is a journey, and there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Each person's experience is unique and should be respected.
- Finding peace within oneself and accepting the reality of the loss can aid in the healing process. Give yourself grace, and don't dwell on regrets after the loss of a loved one.
- Ask questions and seek answers from those who are still alive.
- Be open to receiving guidance and revelations from the Holy Spirit.
- Communicate openly and honestly within your family.
- Live without regrets and resolve conflicts to find freedom and more life.
Keywords: grief, handling grief, caregiver, personal experiences, loss, grace, honest conversations, seasons of grief, peace, forgiveness, peace, loss, grief, regrets, questions, answers, Holy Spirit, revelations, communication, family secrets, resolution
In this conversation, Chye, a doula, shares her journey and expertise in supporting birthing mothers. She explains the role of a doula and the difference between a full-spectrum doula and other types of doulas. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your cycle and tracking fertility signs. Chye also advises preparing young girls for their first period and the importance of open communication. She explains the training and certification process for becoming a doula and the services provided during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Chye highlights the importance of using your brain and making informed choices when selecting a doula.
Find Her: https://www.instagram.com/chye.love/
Schedule an appointment: https://calendly.com/lovekarchye/doula?month=2024-09
Takeaways
- A doula provides informational, emotional, and physical support to mothers during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
- Full-spectrum doulas are trained in fertility, birthing, and postpartum support.
- Tracking your cycle and understanding fertility signs can empower women to have the experience they want and identify potential infertility issues.
- Open communication and education are key in preparing young girls for their first period.
- Using your brain (benefits, risks, alternatives, intuition, and saying no) is essential when selecting a doula and making informed choices.
Keywords: doula, birthing mothers, full-spectrum doula, fertility, cycle tracking, stress, early puberty, period talk, postpartum support, mental health, birth plan, communication, boundaries, informed choice
Ayoka B. is an author who recently published Love at Second Sight. I quote her here, and 100% agree, “A beautiful and layered story of artistry, relationships, and love, this unique novel spans generations. Love At Second Sight gives all the feels. It will make you laugh, cry, and cheer and inspire you to rethink what it means to love. And yes, it's steamy!”
The book explores so many things, but we focus on the theme of blended families and the importance of putting children first in these situations. Ayoka draws from her personal experiences as a single mother and being in a blended family herself. She emphasizes the need for clear and frequent communication, never disparaging the other parent, and listening to the children's feelings. The book is relatable, realistic, and a page-turner. Ayoka also has a playlist accompanying the book, adding another layer to the reading experience.
FIND HER and all the links we discussed https://linktr.ee/joyinhome
Takeaways
- Put children first in blended families
- Clear and frequent communication is key
- Never disparage the other parent
- Listen to the feelings of the children involved
- The book is relatable, realistic, and a page-turner
Keywords: Ayoka B., author, Love at Second Sight, blended families, single mother, personal experiences, communication, children's feelings, relatable, realistic
In this conversation, Lynz shares her story of surviving childhood sexual abuse, navigating abusive relationships, and battling mental health and substance abuse. She also opens up about her struggles with depression, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Lynz talks about the challenges of leaving an abusive relationship and the importance of setting boundaries. She also highlights the role of therapy in her healing process and her decision to become a trauma therapist to help others. Lynz emphasizes the need to break the cycle of abuse and raise strong, resilient children. Her journey toward healing and self-discovery is ongoing, and she emphasizes the need for self-compassion and seeking professional help.
Takeaways
- Recognizing the signs of distress in teenagers, such as changes in behavior, self-harm, or eating disorders, is crucial for providing support.
- Survivors of abuse and trauma may struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame
- It's never too late to leave an abusive relationship and start over.
- Recognize red flags and learn about triggers and boundaries.
- Seek therapy and support to heal from trauma and break the cycle of abuse.
- Raise strong and resilient children by teaching them about healthy relationships and emotions.
Keywords: childhood sexual abuse, abusive relationships, mental health challenges, substance abuse, trauma, healing, transformation, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, support, self-compassion, professional help, abuse, trauma, healing, boundaries, leaving, therapy, cycle of abuse, resilience
Mary shares her traumatic childhood growing up in foster care and the challenges she faced. She discusses the abuse she endured from her mother and the instability of her living situation. Mary recounts her experiences in various foster homes and group homes, highlighting the lack of understanding and support she received. She also shares the pivotal role played by supportive individuals who showed her love and compassion. Ultimately, Mary takes control of her own life and finds independence. Mary shares her journey of overcoming trauma and finding hope.
Find Mary:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryseverance/
Website: https://mariposatherapyservices.com/
Takeaways
- Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on a person's life.
- Taking control of one's life and finding independence can be empowering after experiencing trauma. Trauma can shape us, but it does not define us.
- Self-care and setting boundaries are crucial for maintaining stability and healing.
- Listening and offering support without judgment is essential when helping someone who has experienced trauma.
- There is always hope, even in the darkest moments.
- Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
- Resources like the hashtag 9-1-1 and local counseling services can provide support for mental health struggles.
Keywords: foster care, trauma, abuse, instability, support, independence, trauma, foster care, motherhood, toxic relationships, self-care, boundaries, hope
Hadassah Bauer, an adoptee and adoptee coach, shares her journey and the challenges adoptees face. Hadassah highlights the lack of access to adoption records and original birth certificates for adoptees, which can create identity and medical information gaps. She emphasizes the importance of therapy and coaching for adoptees to heal from trauma and overcome issues such as rejection, intimacy, loss, control, identity, grief, and shame. Hadassah also encourages adoptive parents to be open and supportive of their child's desire to search for their biological family.
Links
- Free EBook https://www.hadassahbauer.com/identity
- Unraveling Your Adoption Journey: Journal Prompts for the Adoptee's Journey by Hadassah Bauer https://a.co/d/2hoheOc
- https://adopteesconnect.com/
- Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood by Gretchen Sisson https://a.co/d/ieYI3Um
Takeaways
- Adoptees often face challenges related to identity, loss, and trauma, and it is important for them to seek therapy or coaching to heal and overcome these issues.
- Adoptive parents should be open and supportive of their child's desire to search for their biological family, as it is a natural part of their identity journey.
- Support groups and online resources, such as Adoptees Connect and Adoptee Healing Hub, can provide a sense of community and understanding for adoptees.
- Journaling and DNA testing can be helpful tools for adoptees to explore their identity and connect with their biological family.
Keywords
adoption, adoptee, adoptee coach, baby scoop era, adoption records, original birth certificates, trauma, therapy, coaching, identity, medical information, adoptive parents, support
*Trigger Warning (sexual abuse, rape, domestic violence)*
In this episode, Jessica shares her journey of overcoming childhood sexual abuse and domestic violence. She discusses the impact of the abuse on her relationships and the challenges she faced in seeking justice. She also talks about her healing journey, including therapy and techniques she used to cope with triggers and flashbacks. Jessica gives tips on how to start the process of filing charges, including going to the police and writing a detailed account of the abuse. Jessica advises survivors to seek counseling and consider medication if necessary for their healing journey.
Her IG: https://www.instagram.com/theitgurl85/
Takeaways
- It is important to educate children about their private parts and establish clear boundaries to prevent abuse.
- Survivors may struggle with trust and have difficulty forming healthy relationships.
- If you have experienced sexual abuse, it is vital to go to the police and file charges. Write a detailed account of the abuse and be as specific as possible.
- Remember that healing takes time, and it is essential to prioritize your mental and emotional well-being throughout the process.
Keywords: childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, resilience, healing journey, therapy, trust, support, sexual abuse, filing charges, pre-marital counseling, seeking help, court process, healing journey
In this episode, Jen shares her empowering transformation and the wisdom she has gained. After surviving childhood trauma, she made the courageous decision to prioritize her well-being and self-love. Jen shares her journey of self-discovery and finding her identity beyond being a wife and mother. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, seeking support from trusted individuals, and doing the inner work to heal and grow. She advises those who feel lost and encourages them to hold onto hope, seek therapy or coaching, and embrace their vision for the future. Jen shares her coaching business, which combines her project management expertise with empowering women to pursue their dreams.
Find Jen
IG: @jen.vertanen
Website: https://jenvertanen.com
Takeaways
- Prioritizing self-love and well-being is essential for personal growth and healthy relationships.
- Developing a relationship with your future self can provide guidance and motivation for personal transformation.
- Catching negative thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations is a powerful tool for self-healing.
- Letting yourself be loved and vulnerable is a key step in personal growth.
- Hold onto hope and be tenacious in pursuing your vision for the future.
Keywords
childhood trauma, self-love, relationships, divorce, change of heart, identity, self-discovery, therapy, support, negative thoughts, self-discovery, identity, self-care, support, inner work, equine therapy, healing, hope, therapy, coaching, vision, empowerment
In this episode, let's welcome Sharn from London, England. She is a courageous woman on a transformation journey to sobriety. Today, 7.26.24, she celebrates 33 days sober! She shares how addiction has affected her relationships with her children, family, and friends. She talks about the challenges she faced and the impact on her mental health. Sharon discusses her journey to sobriety and her hopes for the future. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support, relying on a higher power (God), and staying committed to the recovery process. Sharon also shares her daily journey via her social media platforms. Be sure to go follow and support her.
Find Her
IG @sharn_taylor
TicTok @sharnie111
Jehnae's journey is a testament to overcoming adversity and empowering others. She shares her experiences with body image issues, imposter syndrome, and personal hardship. Her childhood was marked by her brother's illness, which taught her independence and emotional suppression. In her friendships and relationships, she struggled with vulnerability and expressing emotions. Recognizing the need for help, she sought therapy and has been working on personal growth. Jehnae's journey led her to participate in pageantry, where she found a supportive community and a platform to inspire others. She discusses her experiences with pageantry, representation, and embracing her true self. She shares her journey of being the only black person in her cohort and how she showed up authentically, inspiring others to do the same. She also talks about her program, Don't Adjust Your Crown, which focuses on empowering young women and men through workshops on mental health, racial discrimination, body image, and more. She has also co-authored the book 'Ladies in Technology, Changing the Face of Technology, Volume Two.' Her message is to own your truth, celebrate your joy, and never adjust your crown.Takeaways • Overcoming adversity and empowering others • The impact of childhood experiences on personal growth • The importance of vulnerability and seeking help • Finding support and inspiration in communities Embrace your true self and show up authentically, even if it makes others uncomfortable. • Create programs and initiatives that empower and inspire young women and men. • Address essential topics such as mental health, racial discrimination, and body image in workshops and discussions. • Celebrate your accomplishments, and never adjust your crown for anyone.Find Her: IG https://www.instagram.com/jehnaejasmine_phd/ Website https://jlj-consulting.com/dtc Ladies in Tech Vol. II: Changing The Face of Technology - Buy Here https://jlj-consulting.com/shop/p/litv2 Keywordsjourney, adversity, empowerment, body image, imposter syndrome, personal hardship, childhood, independence, emotional suppression, friendships, relationships, vulnerability, therapy, personal growth, pageantry, supportive community, inspiration, pageantry, representation, authenticity, empowerment, workshops, mental health, racial discrimination, body image, co-author, technology
Summary
On the episode, Megan Devito, a former anxiety junkie turned certified life coach, shares her journey with anxiety and provides practical insights on managing anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders and highlights the role of seeking help and self-care in overcoming anxiety. Megan discusses coping mechanisms such as deep breathing and grounding and emphasizes the need for setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care to prevent burnout. She also encourages individuals to challenge their anxious thoughts and beliefs and offers guidance on finding the right coach for their needs.
Find Megan:
🎙️ More Than Anxiety podcast on all platforms
Instagram coachmegandevito
Website https://www.megandevito.com/
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@coachmegandevito
Takeaways
- Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but when it becomes chronic and interferes with daily life, it may indicate an anxiety disorder.
- Coping mechanisms such as deep breathing and grounding can help manage anxiety in the moment.
- Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are essential for preventing burnout and managing anxiety.
- Challenging anxious thoughts and beliefs can help shift perspective and reduce anxiety.
- Finding the right coach who aligns with your needs and personality is important for effective coaching.
Keywords: anxiety, anxiety management, coping mechanisms, boundaries, self-care, burnout, seeking help, coaching
On this episode we discuss some relatable examples of negative self talk and ways to change the negative to positive. Enjoy!
Welcome to Part 2 of How to Reframe Self-Critical Thinking & Boost Your Self-Esteem. Last week, we discussed what self-critical thinking looks like, where it comes from, and the 2 types: comparative and internalized. Today we are going to tackle the negative thought of "I Am Not Enough". I hope you enjoy.
It's the beginning of a new month. I don't know about you but this year flew by and here I am with a list of things I wanted to get done and haven't. I am working on my procrastination and thought I'd share and I hope it motivates at least ONE person to get busy and show up.
In this episode join me as I discuss my journey on grieving. I speak on my recent experiences with grief, cover the different types of grief and coping mechanisms. I hope this helps just ONE person.
On this episode we are talking about decluttering your life - it's good to purge every now and then.
I hope this helps someone.
Join my co-hosts Lanora, Eric Morgan and Jeffery as we dive deeper into communication and what the lack of communication looks like..
We got a few interesting stories from the guys that you don't want to miss. This will have you laughing.
To see the video version go to facebook.com/SunVersations..
Enjoy
Join us as Jeffrey and I discuss men raising daughters. We talk about the hard conversations med have with their daughters and how men have to keep a healthy line of communication open and be understanding so their daughters will be more willing to open up to them.
To see the live recording on Facebook live visit facebook.com/SunVersations.
Join me as my co-cost Lanora, Eric and I discuss the intimacy of communication. We discuss how important communication is in relationships. It's important to openly express how you feel, your needs, your wants and your deal breakers. This eliminates misunderstanding which results in resentment, confusion, anger or hurt. We discuss why it's so hard for some people to communicate openly and just be honest.
We discovered one episode was not enough because we barely touched the surface of this topic. Stay tuned for part 2 next week were we get deeper into the subject.
This episode was recorded live on Facebook. If you want to see the visual be sure to follow www.facebook.com/SunVersations
Be sure to follow and support my co-host. Their information is listed below.
Lanora - Fitness By Nori
https://www.facebook.com/FitnessbyNori
Classes with Mz.ButterflyBeast are:
Tuesday & Thursday 8 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM
TBF Studio
3711 W. Camp Wisdom Rd
Dallas, TX 75237
Eric Morgan
Club Owner / Promoter
Follow him on IG: Ericmorgan210.2
https://www.instagram.com/ericmorgan210.2/
Prïvat Social Club is located at 5138 UTSA BLVD, San Antonio, TX. Contact him for VIP or questions.
On this episode Cali and I discuss church hurt. I start off by telling a piece of my story and how I was 18, pregnant and shunned by the church. I felt so ashamed and did not return to church for several years. Cali's story is OMG.... you just have to tune in. She was a former member of the Jehovah's Witness Organization. She talks about how she was excommunicated from the religion on more than one occasion, how her own family disowned her when she decided Jehovah Witness was not for her anymore and her journey of where she is now.
Are you, or someone you know, taking high-cost medications? If so, this informational episode is for you. I discuss two ways you can potentially find savings from drug manufacturers and assistance programs.
No matter how inexpensive or expensive your medications are, you might find this beneficial.
Here are the two sites I reference in the show.
- www.GoodRX.com
- www.NeedyMeds.org
A lot had changed for me and I've had time to pause and reflect. I wanted to share 13 of my reflections with my listeners in hopes you can relate.
Enjoy.
Is society glamorizing drinking alcohol too much? Or, are we just bored out of our minds? Either way, in this episode I wanted to ramble about my thoughts around this topic. I was watching an episode of Red Table Talk and it really made me think about my drinking habits and the damage it does to our body. I hope you enjoy it!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Red Table Talk "Are You Drinking Too Much? A Wake-Up Call for Women" https://fb.watch/8hMmR_lFE_/
10 Signs of Liver Damage by Gilliam May, MSN 10 Signs of Liver Damage - Facty Health
National Institution on Alchohol Abuse and Alcoholism https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
Are you burnt out? On this episode I will review signs of burn out and talk about some ways to fix it.
What is Burnout?
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest and motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.
Burnout reduces productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.
The negative effects of burnout spill over into every area of life—including your home, work, and social life. Burnout can also cause long-term changes to your body that make you vulnerable to illnesses like colds and flu. Because of its many consequences, it’s important to deal with burnout right away.
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/burnout-prevention-and-recovery.htm
Join my guest Layna, Kamara, Murff, King and I as we talk about cheating. This episode is special because my guests are complete strangers to me. I was added to a group called TRIBE on Facebook. They always have insightful conversations but I just so happen to be looking for a new topic and I saw Murff post a statement on a topic me and a few of my girls were just talking about so I had to throw out the invitation for him to come on the show as a guest to discuss. He agreed and then I said - you know what, let's get a panel going and here we are! Here is the post he posted:
“You treat a MAN good he ain’t going to see no other WOMAN but You!”
Cheating generally means that you are not fully satisfied with your current partner or you feel that something is missing in the relationship. It’s often said that men cheat just for more sex or more exciting sex and women cheat to fill an emotional void. So we pose the question - if you are completely in love and happy in your relationship (mentally, physically, financially and spiritually) - why would you still cheat?
This is raw footage from the Facebook Live streaming so now much editing was done.. Excuse me in advance. I hope you enjoy!
Today we are going to be visiting with Devell Hawkins. He is a Florida native. I met Davell on Clubhouse and his story was so compelling that I had to reach out to him to see if he would bless us with his story. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, he struggled with dyslexia and obtained his GED while in prison and the most amazing part about that is that he wrote 3 books after he obtained his GED. He is now a #1 best selling author on Amazon, working on a 4th book and always spreading inspiration to others.
Be sure to check out his latest book on Amazon - I Come Before You
Crystell Publications : https://crystellpublications.com/crystal/
Listen in as we visit with my guest Levi who has agreed to share his story about the time he served in prison. Levi served 7 years of a 10 year sentence. I met Levi through skating, like most of my guest, and when I asked for people to volunteer to tell their story he was more than willing so I appreciate that. The purpose of this is not to glorify the time he spent in prison but to spotlight how he’s overcome spending time. Hope You Enjoy!
Listen in as we visit with my guest Redd who has agreed to share her story about the time she served in jail. I personally had no idea she served time in jail and this was my first time hearing her story. I met Redd through skating and so far what I know about her has been progressive. I was able to learn even more about her this year when I started an accountability group in Jan. We started with getting to know each other, vision boards then we met weekly to check in to see how we all did on our goals. During these weekly meetings I really got to see a side of Redd I never knew. The purpose of this is not to glorify the time spent but to spotlight how she’s overcome spending time and jail.
Like myself, my special guest London suffers from Anxiety. Tune in as she discuss how is starting and how she is coping with it. The goal here is to normalize discussing our mental illness in an effort to help others.
Be sure to visit her website www.bahnanabling.com for your custom made jewelry and body bling
This episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental disorder.
If you find any of the information in this podcast triggering or you are experiencing a mental health emergency please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Other Free Online Resources:
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - https://www.nami.org/
National Institute of Mental Health- http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
IMAlive (Virtual Crisis Chat) - https://www.imalive.org
The Greatest (80 different resources) https://greatist.com/grow/resources-when-you-can-not-afford-therapy#hotlines-and-call-centers
On this episode, Caprina (host of SunVersations) opens up about her struggle with anxiety. She hopes this will help others who struggle with any mental illness to open up and get the help they deserve and need. We will be interviewing others who suffer with mental illness. Stay tuned for those subsequent episodes. Warning - no edits took place - just straight from the heart so excuse errors and stumbling :-) Enjoy!
On this episode my guest Lauren, Tyrone and I dive into what MEN and WOMEN really want.
Tune in a discover the difference between Male vs Man and Female vs Woman (Tyrone) and what it means to marinate the meat (Lauren).
I promise you will learn something new and laugh.
Enjoy.
On this episode my guest Stormy, Jason, Drac and I dive into online dating. All my guest have online dating experience and they will let us in on the good and bad.
On this episode my guest Stormy, Jason and I talk about the the do's and dont's on a first date. I hope you enjoy.
Come chat with my sister, Naomi, and I as we go down memory lane and talk about how we didn’t always get along as well as we do now.