Get Happy With J Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jittaun Woods - Host, Voice Talent
In this podcast episode we discuss eccentric visionary Elon Musk. At first it may not seem like he would be a fit for the show, but much can be learned from his work ethic and dedication to achieving all of his entrepreneurial goals. You just might find him to be downright inspirational. Let the happy crew know what you think. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj https://gethappywithj.com/
In this episode J discusses fat shaming and how award winning artists such as Lizzo can even come under attack. We can all learn from Lizzo's body positivity and be allies against bullying in all forms. Congratulations to her for being names the entertainer of the year by both Time magazine and the Associated Press. Join the conversation at https://gethappywithj.com/.
Rusty old shackles with padlock and padded shackles used for locking up prisoners or slaves between 1600 and 1800.
In this podcast episode we discuss some of the many complexities of the reparations debate. There has been attention brought to this issue with the introduction in the House of Representatives of the HR 40 bill. Where do you stand on this issue? Take a listen and let us know what you think. Please remember to like and subscribe. Your comments are always welcome at the following links: https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj https://gethappywithj.com/
In this podcast episode we sat down with three generations of educated, middle class African-Americans to discuss politics and the issues that will determine their votes in 2020. It's a rare opportunity to hear such a candid conversation on this topic. With African Americans making up between 25 to 38% of the democratic base, party leaders would be wise to listen to such voices. There are some audio issues throughout the episode, so thank you for your patience. We want to thank all of the participants in this discussion. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
There seem to be an overwhelming number of church scandals featured on social media these days. It would make one wonder if Christianity is in crisis. Evangelicals such as Pastor Paula White are under scrutiny for their acceptance and support of Donald Trump, regardless of his lack of moral character. Hip Hop legend Kanye West's foray into gospel music and his Sunday service experience has received both praise and skepticism. I watched his Sunday Service at Pastor Joel Osteen's church last week, and I have to admit I enjoyed it. Say what you will about Kanye's motive or state of mind, his choir is phenomenal. Do you find it hard to maintain your faith in what seems like chaos? We discuss it all in this show. Thank you for listening to this podcast episode and join the conversation by sending a comment to our Facebook page or website. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
In this podcast episode we analyze what black male masculinity means today. We look at the subject throughout the history of the black experience in America. Is the feminization of black men of concern to you or are you offended at the very notion? There are many points of view regarding this topic and we would love to hear your opinion. Please send us a comment at https://gethappywithj.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj.
In this week's podcast episode Jittaun and the crew discuss the results of the Amber Guyger murder trial and what it means to African-Americans in the ongoing quest for equity in the criminal justice system. The panel examines the meaning of forgiveness and if and when it's appropriate to do so. The podcast ends on a celebratory note with a happy salute to the remarkable achievement of the new Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. Please join our conversation by leaving a comment at https://gethappywithj.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj.
Freedom of speech is under attack as never before, and what makes the future more bleak is the fact that many of the perpetrators are college students at campuses all across the country. They represent the brightest minds and indicate what the future of our country will look like, and the picture is grim. America is quickly becoming intolerant and taking political correctness to levels no one can achieve or maintain. Take a listen to this podcast episode and join the conversation. Also, please rate, share and subscribe. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/ Please check out our recurring guest, Michael Hurt's new show. http://ANCHOR.FM/MICHAEL-HURT
In this episode, my guests and I review season three of the hit Hulu show, The Handmaid's Tale. Are you still team June? It was an up and down season for all three of us, with one of my guests having given up on the show altogether. My other guest and I remain believers, although we both questioned if it had jumped the shark. Take a listen and join our conversation about the show. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
In this episode I review my experience at the Western & Southern Open, on the site of the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. This is a premiere tennis event which attracts the top players of the ATP and WTA every year. It's an amazing event that offers plenty to do and see for the entire family. Take a listen and share your favorite sports venues. https://gethappywithj.com/ https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj
Roger Federer
Ball kids and grounds crew drying the court after a rain delay.
One of the large viewing screens for fans to enjoy the action.
The Happy Squad: Karen Wilson, Jittaun Woods and Michael Hurt
The biggest news of the past week featured the deal made between the NFL and super star Jay Z. Jay Z is best known as one the greatest hip hop artists of all time, but now his fame transcends the music industry as he is now a billionaire entrepreneur. He is a business within himself and has been quietly taking on racial injustice for years, but as of late has stepped forward to be the voice of a generation addressing racism and the justice system. He has been a visible and vocal supporter of Colin Kaepernick's activism and his battle against the NFL. The black community seems to be divided down the middle with those siding with Jay Z's partnership with the NFL and those who criticize him as a sell out. In this podcast episode we discuss the issue from all sides. Please join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on our Facebook page or website. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj https://gethappywithj.com/
We are talking about gentrification in this podcast episode. We define and analyze this issue that is affecting historic neighborhoods all across the country. Low income residents, mostly people of color, are being displaced daily. There are serious consequences to this phenomenon and we discuss every aspect. Please comment, rate and subscribe. https://gethappywithj.com/
Tennis is a great love and it is my pleasure to talk all about the sport and Wimbledon which begins tomorrow. I review upcoming matches and potential upsets. Who are my favorites to win? Just take a listen to find out. https://gethappywithj.com/
When They See Us is an emotionally painful but necessary viewing experience. This film gives a snapshot of the grim reality of racism and poverty and how they are impacted by a flawed justice system. Take a listen to the Get Happy With J podcast review. Be sure to send us a comment on the website or on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/ https://gethappywithj.com/
Whether we like to admit it or not, we all have our guilty pleasures when it comes to what we watch on television. Reality TV is part of the cultural fabric of this country. We watch it by the millions and the more "ratchet" the behavior, the more we watch. This podcast episode questions whether or not reality tv creates the monsters we love to hate. Take a listen and join the conversation.
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Dealing with grief after the loss of a loved one is never easy. After you survive the acute grief, when the emotional devastation is at its worse, you may feel like that is the end. The truth is that as long as you live, you may experience grief bursts on certain days associated with the loss of your loved ones, such as their birthday or the anniversary of their death. The emotions can creep up on you slowly, or hit you out of the blue. In this podcast episode my husband and I open up and share tips on how we deal with such days after the loss of our son. Please share this episode with anyone that you know is suffering from grief. We are both witnesses that life goes on and you can experience happiness and joy again. Please share, rate and subscribe to the podcast. https://gethappywithj.com/
In this podcast episode we explore the phenomenon of the cancel culture. We analyze the concept and what it means specifically to African-Americans. In the world of social media it is all too easy to become divided and angry. As we all navigate the landscape of the internet, it is good to do self-checks and take care of our emotional wellbeing. Choose your battles and take breaks from the madness as necessary. Listen and join the conversation. Please do us a favor and comment, rate and subscribe to the podcast. https://gethappywithj.com/
Colorism in the black community is a sensitive topic to discuss. In this podcast episode, Karen and I open up about our personal experiences with colorism. We have to very different points of view on the issue in ways which may be surprising. We only touch the surface with an issue that runs deep. There will definitely be more in depth analysis and debate in future episodes. As always, you are encouraged to join the conversation at the website or on our Facebook page.
Weeks before the Mueller report was released to Attorney General William Barr, there was a murmur which began in response to the question we were all asking ourselves, "What if the Mueller report doesn't conclude much of anything?" The very thought that after two years of waiting for the report nothing much would come of it was an unthinkable conclusion. Yet as of today, that is where we stand. The release of the full unredacted report has been demanded by Congress under threat of a subpoena, with the Barr led Justice Department taking their time to comply. Trump has taken a victory lap before anyone other than the Mueller team and Barr know what exactly the report concluded. There is growing suspicion that Barr might be covering up troubling revelations that the report may reveal. We should know more in the coming weeks, but in the meantime we attempt to process what we know so far in the podcast episode. The release of Barr's summary was such a let down for many, causing people to feel the same sense of shock and hopelessness of the 2016 election night. Listen and join the conversation at the website https://gethappywithj.com/.
Attorney Don Jackson joins me in this week's podcast episode. With the help of Don's legal expertise, we analyze the recent public spectacle of the Jussie Smollett case and Cardi B's troubling admissions. The sudden unexplained dismissal of all charges related to Jussie Smollott's case creates an opportunity to have a larger discussion about crime and justice as it relates to celebrity and wealth. Cardi B has been a problem to the African-American community long before her recent admission of drugging and robbing black men. She has been promoting what has been dubbed as "Ho Culture" since she left the strip clubs to make her way on to reality tv and later the music industry. She is a walking stereotype and negative image of black femininity. Listen and join the discussion at our website http://www.gethappywithj.com.
Turn on any news show and you are likely to hear the political debate about healthcare. Sadly, what is usually missing is the actual personal perspective of individuals for whom healthcare is not merely a talking point, but a crisis. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has been under constant attack since it was signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2009. The health of millions of Americans has been used as a political punching bag. In this podcast episode, you will get to hear the story of a woman who was stricken with an illness and had a long journey to getting the care she needed and the continued care to maintain her health. Listen and be sure to know in the upcoming election in 2020 where all the candidates stand where it comes to healthcare. Your life could depend on it. No one plans to be sick, but when it happens we all deserve to have access to quality medical care.
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Guest Karen Wilson
This week's podcast episode is a mash-up of several hot topics. Take a listen and share your thoughts. We discuss the tragic mass shooting in New Zealand and the rise of white nationalism. We also delve into the Leaving Neverland documentary, the Jussie Smollett scandal and more. Thanks for listening!
In this podcast episode my guest, Jeanne Anders, and I review the HBO documentary Leaving Neverland and the Oprah Winfrey hosted show, After Neverland. It's a no holds barred discussion of the documentary with further commentary about child sexual abuse and pedophilia. Listen and join the conversation by sending a comment to the Get Happy With J Facebook page or the website. If you or someone you know needs help or more information about sexual abuse visit the website listed below.
https://www.rainn.org/
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This episode is a quickie! Jittaun shares podcast updates and answers a few listener questions ranging from politics to pop culture.
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The 2018 midterm elections saw an unprecedented wave of female winners. This is a phenomenon that not only saw big wins in Congress, but in local elections all over the country. Our guest for this podcast episode is Dr. Rita Ali, who is currently running for City Council at Large in Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Ali discusses her reasons for running and her political platform. It was a pleasure chatting with this amazing and accomplished woman. Her local primary election is this Tuesday, so if you are in the Peoria area please remember to vote. We would never tell you who to vote for, only to implore you to exercise your right to vote. Send a comment to us at our Facebook page or on the website. As always, thank you for listening!
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Karen Wilson returns for a chat covering current topics. In this episode we discuss the Grammy Awards, the Colin Kaepernick settlement and more. Whether you agree or disagree with the opinions expressed, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a line at our Facebook page or on the website http://www.gethappywithj.com.
My guest in this podcast episode is 27 year old Richie Crowley. At his young age he has already discovered what it takes to have balance, mindfulness and success. When I think about who I was at his age, I am in awe. I was a newlywed without a clue as to what my purpose was in life. We can all learn something from this inspirational millennial. I wish I had had his awareness and drive at that age, but it is never too late to get it together and follow your dreams. For any of us who are worried about the future in the hands of stereotypical millennials, don't fret. Young people like Richie are forward thinking, kind and thoughtful. With millennials like him, we are in good hands. Check out our episode now and the links below to keep up with Richie.
Medium
Wild But Well
When you think of segregation, the Civil Right's movement probably comes to mind. A time when African-Americans fought and even died for the right to go to schools of their choice, the right to vote and fairness in housing. So, fast forward several decades later and the stark reality hits that too many communities in America today are segregated; some even more than prior to the Civil Right's Movement. A new study has looked at segregation in Illinois, and found that Peoria, Illinois is ranked #1 for the most racially segregated schools and #6 for most racially segregated housing in the country. Since this happens to be the community where I reside, I had to address the issue in this week's podcast. I was blessed to grow up in a multi-cultural community where I made life-long friends with people of all races and socio-economic backgrounds. Those experiences enriched my life in many ways. It is sad to imagine not having that privilege, yet that is exactly the case right under my nose. Pastor Quinton Brown and Karen Wilson join me in the conversation.
In this podcast episode we speak with Dr. Maryann Akers. She imparts knowledge to help us understand sexual abuse victims and why they sometimes stay with abusers. We also explore the mindset of the offender and discuss whether or not they can change. We must continue the important discussion about sexual predators to be able to support victims and recognize the warning signs to prevent more girls and women from being victimized in the future. The problem is way beyond R Kelly, as we have offenders in our neighborhoods, schools and even churches. Let's keep the conversation going. Take a listen and join the conversation by adding a comment to our Facebook page or on the website.
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It's been a week now since the Surviving R Kelly docu-series shocked and disgusted the nation on the Lifetime network. The #MuteRKelly movement has picked up significant steam and there have been more conversations about sexual predators. However, the black community is still divided on how we move forward. As crazy as it seems, there are still countless R Kelly fans who refuse to stop supporting him. His digital music sales have spiked tremendously and the embattled singer was videotaped out at a Chicago nightclub shamelessly celebrated his 52nd birthday surrounded by fans as he crooned to them. Adding to the confusion are the revelations that at least two of the commentators in the documentary have also been accused of either sexual assault or inappropriate behavior, and even the producer of the documentary has been accused of misbehavior. The alleged victims have also come under scrutiny. R Kelly has denied all allegations and has even gone as far as to "out" his accusers on a website he has had created for that purpose. Although there may be some discrepancies in the stories of some of the alleged victims and some contributors of the docu-series, I believe it is safe to say that everyone was not lying. As of today there are prosecutors in several cities across the country who are looking to potentially come after R Kelly legally. It is uncertain how successful they will be, but in this time of the #MeToo movement, Kelly should not be sleeping well at night. He need not look any further than Bill Cosby to know that justice can be slow, but it has a tendency to catch up to you. As for the rest of us, we need to examine where we stand. It is my personal opinion is that we can't justify the continual support of this individual. If we support him then we are complicit, period.
In this podcast episode we dissect the revelations in the new Lifetime Network docu-series, Surviving R Kelly, and the much broader implications of race and rape culture. It's a tough but necessary discussion and it is our hope that it will encourage you to continue the conversation. Let us know what you think at https://gethappywithj.com/.
As we evaluate this past year and prepare for a new one, a good thing to do for yourself is to banish negativity. It's not difficult to do but will be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself. Listen to this last episode of 2018 to get some tips. Happy New Year!
On Friday, Trump signed the First Step Act bill, which could easily be considered a miracle during this unprecedented time of political chaos. This federal prison reform bill is a huge leap forward in righting some of the many wrongs of the justice system. Listen as more details of this bill are explained in this episode. Please join the conversation by commenting on our Facebook page or at the website www.gethappywithj.com.
In this awkward interview, I got to chat with my husband about his hip replacement surgeries. It was informative and funny, and I doubt I will ever be able to convince him to do it again. I give him credit for trying it at least once. Love and Merry Christmas from the Woods.
This podcast episode is extra special to me because I had the chance to speak with another mother who has lost a child. She lost her beautiful son four years ago in an accident. Since suffering her tragic loss, she has worked hard to overcome her grief. She is living an amazing and full life. Her photo should be beside the definition of superwoman. She's an author, entrepreneur, real estate agent and sought after speaker. If you want to know what it takes to be an overcomer, this podcast is for you! No matter what you have gone through or are going through right now, it does get better. You'll be hearing from two living witnesses! Please check out her websites and consider purchasing her books. They were written with love and you will be blessed!
http://www.parentingatyourbestwithoutregrets.com/
http://www.doitfordalton.com/
We are continuing our discussion about black women and sexuality in this podcast episode. We delve deeper into the myths and stereotypes about women of color. There is a historical component that can't be ignored, so we take it all the way back. The Jill Scott viral video was the initial inspiration for this discussion, but as you will hear we go much further. Listen with an open mind and feel free to join the conversation by sending a comment to the Get Happy With J Facebook page or the http://www.gethappywithj.com website.
The recent viral clip of R&B star Jill Scott getting intimate with a microphone was the inspiration for this podcast episode. It made me want to explore the stereotypes and myths about black women and sexuality. It's a difficult discussion because it's rooted in both racism and sexism in this country. From the moment our black female ancestors were taken from slave ships to step foot on American soul, they were objectified in every horrible way you can imagine. This episode may not be appropriate for a young audience. Joining me in the conversation are community activist, organizer and entrepreneur, Chama St. Louis and returning guest Karen Wilson. Let us know what you think about part one of our chat.
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In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful to each and every one of you who are taking the time to listen to this podcast. This episode is all about surviving the holidays, and hopefully enjoying them as well. As we all know, this time of year can be difficult for any number of reasons. I have provided several tips that will get you through the next few weeks. What are your holiday traditions? How do you deal with the hard times? I would love to hear from you. Reach me on our Get Happy With J Facebook page, or at the website http://www.gethappywithj.com. Happy Thanksgiving!
This is it, my final political podcast episode (at least for a while). I had no intention of addressing the midterm election results until I began to see the hurt and pain the results caused for so many people across the country. It's my goal to process what happened and I had the pleasure of speaking with an actual Floridian who is in the thick of the recount madness. Darryl Whiting calls himself a concerned citizen and that is exactly what he is. He grew up in Memphis with a father who introduced him to the civil right's movement, having marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Darryl maintained his interest in politics and has campaigned for many candidates over the years, and most recently for gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum. Darryl was a first hand witness to some of the voter irregularities and attempts at voter suppression. Despite those experiences he remains optimistic and a believer in the process. Listen to his story and keep the faith. Your candidate may not have won this time, but do not give up on future elections. Change is happening and it's up to each and every one of us. Send us a comment on the website or Facebook page.
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This podcast episode will make you think of binge eating in an all new way. Our guest is Dr. Glenn Livingston and he has not only extensively researched the problem of binge eating, but he has also overcome the issue himself. His theory is beautifully simple, yet challenging. Listen and learn his method for overcoming binge eating. As always, we encourage you to join the conversation at the website http://www.gethappywithjc.om and at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks.
The political discourse in America has gone from toxic to deadly. The past week has seen three different radicalized individuals commit acts of home grown terror. African Americans, Jewish Americans and various political leaders were the targets of such rage. Things have to change and it begins with each and every one of us. It's a crazy time, but we can remain sane. This week's podcast episode offers tips on how to deal with the midterm madness. There's no better time to do a self-check on where we stand as the holidays approach and we are sure to encounter uncomfortable situations with friends and loved ones who may have a different political ideology. We must get to the place where as former President Barack Obama used to say, "We can disagree without being disagreeable". Join the conversation at our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
Change is never easy. In fact, the very thought of change can invoke feelings of fear. Our returning guest, Lanisha Nazon, had a successful beauty studio and was surrounded by a loving and supportive family. She could have become complacent, but instead she acknowledged that the opportunities her talent afforded her were a bit stifled in the community where she lived. She decided not to settle for less than she knew she could achieve, and set out to take a leap of faith that would include a cross country move. Is the fear of change holding you back? Face it head on the possibilities are endless! Listen to Lanisha's journey of faith and be inspired. The change you desire may not include a literal and physical move, it very well may be much simpler than that. Tap into those dormant dreams and take your own leap of faith. It's paying off for Lanisha! Follow her incredible journey on her Instagram page and You tube channel.
https://www.instagram.com/softglamourbeauty/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr5AbQpGI7Ybe0sr9dE1vXQ
In this podcast episode we are talking to fitness and nutrition coach, Jeremy Reid. Jeremy has overcome obesity, having lost over 170 pounds, and now works with others to lose weight. He shares some of his tips and tricks for successful weight loss transformation. Listen and then join the conversation on our Facebook page. To learn more about Jeremy and download his e-books full of healthy recipes and fitness and nutrition help, visit his website. You can also find him on Instagram and Facebook as Jeremy Reid Fitness.
http://jeremyreidfitness.com/
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Winner of the first podcast giveaway.
Today marks the official anniversary of the launch of the Get Happy With J podcast! It's been an eventful year. We have had the pleasure of sharing with our listeners the wit and wisdom of our many guests. We have addressed too many topics to name, but given each one a thoughtful dialogue. It is our hope that as you have taken the time each week to listen and engage with us, that you truly feel closer to your happy place. Here's to another year of education, encouragement and uplifting content. Exciting things are coming! The podcast is going mobile. We will be able to interview guests in different settings and hope to be a presence at local events. If you are interested in being a guest on the show, please reach us on the contact page of the website, http://www.gethappywithj.com. As always, thank you for listening and helping to spread the word about this happy movement. We do not own the right's to any of the music in this episode.
The two dominating news stories this past week were both related to sexual assault. On Wednesday, Bill Cosby was sentenced to three to ten years in prison for a sexual assault that occurred in 2004. Thursday the nation watched as Dr. Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh faced a senate hearing. These two unprecedented events were viewed from very different lenses depending on many factors; some of which include age, race and personal history. African-Americans have expressed feelings of conflict in how they processed the Cosby verdict. This group is not monolithic and the varied opinions are proof. In this podcast episode both of these events are analyzed by a panel of African-Americans. Whether you agree or disagree with their opinions, listen with an open mind. Join the conversation at the Get Happy With J Facebook page.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual assault, help is available.
https://www.rainn.org/
http://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org/
The phone number the national sexual assault hotline is , 800-656-HOPE (4673). You can call anytime, 24 hours a day and be connected with resources near you.
In part two of my discussion with the all male panel, I continue to be pleasantly surprised by their commentary. The guys vary by age and race, but have more in common than not. The old adage that "men are from mars and women from venus" does not hold up in this conversation. They want the same things from relationships as women, a meaningful commitment with honesty and trust. Now how about that? Listen and feel free to comment on the Get Happy Facebook page. Please remember to rate and subscribe!
Check out part one of my fun conversation with a group of men who had much to say about women and relationships. Some of it may just surprise you. Some comments might also irritate you, but either way I hope it starts an interesting conversation. Please comment, rate and subscribe to the podcast. Also, like our Facebook page. We love to interact with you.
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This podcast episode is part two of my conversation with Cleo Daily. I hope that you listen with an open heart, and that it's filled with an appreciation for all he has overcome to be the man he is today. His story is all too familiar. An extremely talented young person who is abused and taken advantage of. Thankfully that is not the end of his story, but just a part of the journey. He has been through a lot and still has his smile. Fortunately for us, his amazing vocal talent has not been silenced and we can hear his song. It's a song of redemption, hallelujah!
Check out his book, "The Miseducation of a Miracle: The Memoirs of a Modern Day Lazurus". It's available to download on Amazon books.
We all love a come back story. The Biblical Lazarus was the ultimate come back, from being literally dead for three days. Cleo Daily likens himself to a modern Lazarus, having experienced the death of many things in his life and now rising from those ashes. His story is one of redemption. His joy is absolutely infectious and you can't help but fall in love with his beautiful spirit. Listen and enjoy.
Share your comments on our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
To get a copy of his book, connect with him on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ModerndayLazurusTwo?fb_dtsg_ag=Ady0zuCGsgBxvWulRaxYi0NdNJ6m22jvAGqBFjm0xAOjAw%3AAdxmx3XQy4thr40dmzXGOg2IPixwsZeKP1zetIBnIn7xEg
It's here! Contest time!! Words truly can't express just how much the support of our podcast listeners means to us. We wish there could be multiple winners, but there will only be one for this first contest. Just for review, you must be 18 years of age, live in the United States, and you must also like the Get Happy With J Facebook page. The gift basket is overflowing with goodies, all valued at over $300.00. It was important for us to support some of the many guests we have featured on the podcast, so several items have been purchased from their businesses. Thanks in advance to everyone who takes the time to enter, and for listening to the podcast.
Click on the link below to enter. Good luck everyone! The winner will be selected during a live video on our Facebook page next Sunday, September 2nd at 4:00 pm CST.
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Or try this link to the contest: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ca90004c0/?
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If there is any problem with the link to the contest, please let us know by sending us a message on the Facebook page.
Music is an integral part of the fabric of our lives. There are few artists with the impact and reach of Aretha Franklin. Her career spanned over six decades, and she remained relevant in all of the them. She never changed her style to fit any particular musical genre, instead she uniquely managed to seamlessly fit in wherever she chose to. Her four octave range and perfect pitch made her voice the one of a kind instrument that it was. There will never be another Aretha, and why would we want a copy when we were blessed with the original? There is so much that can be said of this icon. She will truly be missed. Please listen to this podcast as we attempt to honor this legend in our own way. We do not own the rights to any of the music you will hear in this tribute. We simply could not let this moment go by without acknowledging her precious gift that she shared with the world. We love you Aretha! Join the conversation with a comment at http://www.gethappywithj.com.
There could not be a more appropriate time to release part two of our conversation on race than on the eve of the anniversary of the tragedy in Charlottesville. As I type there is a heavy police presence as that beautiful college town braces for unrest. Last year an incredible soul, who was there to protest against the white nationalist hate rally, was killed horrifically. Her name is Heather Heyer and we remember and acknowledge her at this time. She is an example of all the good citizens who abhor hate and racism and are willing to sacrifice their life for justice. It shouldn't have to go that far. Having conversations like you will hear in this podcast is a start. Listen and join the conversation. Please remember to rate, review and subscribe to the podcast.
We are getting closer to contest time! Entering to win a gift basket full of goodies will be simple. All you will have to do is comment on episode 49, which is just two weeks away!
The happy movement is growing! You can now listen to us on Spotify. Check us out.
In this podcast episode we begin a conversation about race relations. I am joined by Alex Larson, Michael Hurt and Ruben Ramirez for this panel discussion. You may be surprised by some of what we have to say. We each brought our own unique experiences about race to the table. Although we had some differences of opinion, we were still able to walk away with a better understanding and appreciation of one another. That is how a constructive conversation about this topic should be. Listen with an open heart and by all means, feel free to join the conversation by posting a comment on the Get Happy With J Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
To all of you who took the time to nominate the show for a podcast award, thank you so much! We will find out later this month if we made the final cut. Also, we are just a few weeks away from our first ever give away! Get ready to enter to win. All you will have to do is comment on episode 49 at the website, http://www.gethappywithj.com and you will be automatically entered! Don't forget to add your shirt size to the comment.
His name is Ruben and he is the son of hard working immigrants from Mexico. He has faced countless obstacles head on with determination and grit. We hear so many bad things about millennials: they are lazy, unmotivated, no work ethic, etc. Ruben proves that the future of this country is in good hands with young men like him. He has clear goals and the drive to achieve them. I will be cheering him on all the way. I hope you enjoy part two of our conversation. Go Ruben!
You still have a few more days to nominate Get Happy With J for a podcast award! If you have not already done so, please visit http://www.podcastawards.com, register and look for this podcast under the People's Choice category. Thank you!
Ruben Ramirez has a story to tell and if you take the time to listen you will be just as encouraged as I am. He comes from a family that immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico while his mother was pregnant with him to be able to give him a better life. Forget the horrible racially insensitive remarks that come from the occupier of the highest political office in this country, If you ignore his false narrative of immigrants and accept the fact that Mexicans are not unlike any other immigrant population that come here seeking opportunities you will recognize them for the great contributions they make. Mexican- Americans greatly contribute to the tapestry of this nation. Never allow bigotry to make you feel differently. Ruben is an incredible young man with goals and dreams. He seeks to not only take care of his family, but to give back to others. If you ever wanted to know what it's like to be of Mexican decent in 2018, listen to this podcast with an open heart. You will meet just one of the millions of Mexican immigrants who come here, work hard and give back. Let me introduce you to Ruben.
Nominations for podcast awards are going on now through July 31st. Please consider nominating the Get Happy With J podcast. Visit http://www.podcastawards.com and find the show listed under the "People's Choice" category. Thank you for your support!
Before we get into the details for this week's podcast, I need to make a correction. If you are planning to nominate Get Happy With J for an award at https://www.podcastawards.com/, we are located under the "people's choice" category and not the "health" category. Nominations will be accepted until July 31st, and we thank you in advance for your consideration. This request is not for a thirst for accolades or ego, but to help spread the word about the podcast and our happy message.
Now onto this week's podcast! This is part two of my discussion with Dr. Maryann Akers on wellness. We delve deeper into the concept, and look at some of the ways that wellness can be realized. Most of us do a great job of taking care of ourselves, and whether we recognize it as such, we are practicing wellness. There are always areas in which we can improve and this chat will give you some valuable ideas.
As always, your feedback is welcome. Visit the Get Happy With J Facebook page where you can keep in touch and make comments. https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/?ref=bookmarks Also remember to subscribe and review the podcast.
Dr. Maryann Akers returns as a guest expert in this week's podcast. In part one of our discussion, we are defining wellness. According to the National Wellness Institute, wellness is defined as "an active process through which people become aware of and make choices toward a more successful existence". Just like happiness, wellness is a choice and that's good news. It means that no matter how bleak things may look in your life, you can choose to change. We all know what being unwell can look and feel like. Being unwell can manifest itself as depression, sadness and even suicidal thoughts. The flipside is a life full of possibilities.
If you like what you hear, please share the podcast and subscribe. Consider nominating Get Happy With J for a podcast award. Now through July 31st, visit the link below to nominate the show. Thank you in advance!
https://www.podcastawards.com/
The Get Happy With J podcast was intentionally created to be a positive listening experience where hope is shared. I was pleased to be able to chat with the CEO of another space on the web where hope reigns supreme, and that is the CaringBridge. Liwanag Ojala brings business skills, legal expertise and genuine concern for those facing health issues to this non-profit organization. The CaringBridge is where you can create a free website to share, connect and rally support for friends and family going through a health crisis. It's an opportunity to show love to someone who needs it most. In this podcast episode we chat with this incredibly accomplished woman, who tells us much more about this wonderful site and her vision for its future. The CaringBridge is able to operate mainly from donations from private citizens. If you are interested in making a donation after hearing more about the CaringBridge, then please click on the link below. As always, please subscribe, review and leave us a comment.
https://www.caringbridge.org/
Please consider visiting the link below to nominate Get Happy With J for a podcast award. Thank you in advance!
https://www.podcastawards.com/
This podcast episode is one of our most encouraging shows to date! My special guest, brain health expert Janet Rich Pittman, came with the hope of living your entire life without Alzheimer's or dementia. These conditions that are afflicting more and more Americans every year do not have to be your fate. Even if you are already exhibiting dementia like symptoms, it can be reversed. The power for life long good brain health lies within each of us. Want to know how you can avoid Alzheimer's or dementia? Just listen to this podcast to hear some of Janet's tips. To learn even more from this expert, click on the link below to download a free copy of her booklet, "9 Signs You're Experiencing Brain Drain." While you're visiting her website be sure to take her brain health quiz to see just how well your brain is aging. Early signs of dementia can begin up to 30 years before an official diagnosis. While this fact may be a bit frightening, why not know now when you can do something about it? There is hope and I am grateful for Janet sharing her years of research with us.
http://www.janetrichpittman.com/
In this week's podcast episode we meet Julia Carlson. Julia is the founder and CEO of Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group LLC. She is also an award winning wealth advisor and author of the book, Fit Money 7 Steps to Get Your Financial Life in Shape. In this interview Julia talks about her personal journey to becoming a successful business woman in the male dominated world of finance. She shares some starting tips on getting financially fit and I am sure you will be encouraged and inspired! As a special gift for Get Happy With J podcast listeners, you can click on the link below to download your free e-copy of her book! Thanks Julia! Now listen and learn how you can become financially fit.
http://www.financialfreedomwmg.com/fitmoney
http://www.financialfreedomwmg.com/
https://www.facebook.com/juliacarlsonfitmoney
https://www.facebook.com/FinancialFreedomWealthManagementGroup
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC.
The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on in-person and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.
The Forbes ranking of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative and quantitative data, rating thousands of wealth advisors with a minimum of seven years of experience and weighing factors like revenue trends, assets under management, compliance records, industry experience and best practices learned through telephone and in-person interviews. Portfolio performance is not a criterion for either award due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receives a fee in exchange for rankings.
I met Jarrell Turner by chance during a recent visit to Chicago. Everything in life happens for a reason, including meeting this amazing young man. He told me about his program for young at risk inner city children and my ears perked up. Nothing excites me more than giving back to others. I also wanted to know more about Jarrell's Chicago, not just the usual tourist version of which I am familiar, or the version that has been fed to us by the media. As it turns out there is some truth in all our experiences of the culturally rich and complex city. Jarrell's personal story has plenty of tragic elements, some of which you will hear in this podcast episode, but thankfully he came in contact with a few people along the way that made a difference in his life. Now as a successful adult he has not only chosen to remain in his native city, but now gives back to young people with similar challenges as he had growing up. Please listen, then review, subscribe and share the podcast.
Join Jarrell and his Blueprint SAPT team at a special fundraising event on Saturday, June 30th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The event is being held at the Metropolitan Apostolic Community Church at 4100 King Drive, in Chicago. If you can't make it but would still like to support this great endeavor, click on the links below to reach Jarrell directly.
https://www.instagram.com/theblueprintsapt/
https://www.facebook.com/The-Blue-Print-SAPT-2119066664995183/
This episode is the second half of my discussion with Lauren about postpartum depression. In part one we defined the condition and described what it is like to experience it. In this episode Lauren shares advice and tips on how to overcome postpartum depression. As I stated in part one, because it is similar to clinical depression anyone can get something helpful from this discussion. Please feel free to reach out and let us know what you think about this chat. Help us grow this happy movement by giving the podcast a review, sending a comment, and by sharing the podcast.
https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
https://gethappywithj.com/
Postpartum depression is real and goes largely under-diagnosed. The official statistic from the CDC says between 11 to 20% of all new mothers suffer from postpartum depression. My special guest this week believes the actual percentage is much higher. You will get to hear her personal story of living through this condition. It is rare to hear such a raw and honest depiction of postpartum depression and our guest will also explain why. Since this form of depression mirrors general clinical depression in so many ways, this is a great podcast regardless as to whether you are, have ever been or plan to be pregnant. Anyone, male or female, can learn something from this episode. Please share and help spread the word about this happy movement. http://www.gethhappywithj.com
This podcast episode was recorded months ago, in late 2017. I decided to hold onto this episode because it didn't fit the themes I was addressing for the kick-off of the podcast. It is usually the goal to encourage and inform, while keeping it light. Happiness is the over-arching theme of the podcast, hence the name, but we must not ignore the glaring problems that exist in our society. Many of these problems can impede our journey to happiness as they weigh down our spirits. Nothing is a bigger happy blocker than the insidiousness of racism. We touched on the topic in another recent episode, but as we are exposed to more incidents of racial attacks on the news and on social media, it is a topic worth revisiting. The challenge with racism is that while you must be aware of its presence and call it out when necessary, you must also not allow yourself to become bitter and dragged down by it. These two phenomenal young men have managed to find the perfect balance of being "woke", but not discouraged. They have a healthy attitude about bigotry and to learn how they do it, check out this episode.
Please let us know what you think. Also, please download the contemporary gospel hit of this great group, Reloaded, available on I-tunes and all other music services. You won't be sorry!
Get Happy With J welcomes first time author James Shaw to talk about his book and life in general. It was a free flowing chat that you should enjoy. Host and guest open up about challenges they faced in their lives and how they overcame them. Please check the link below to purchase your copy of this inspiring memoir. As always, please like, share and subscribe to the Get Happy With J podcast.
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Upside-Down-Inside-Out/dp/153560106X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1526169181&sr=1-1&keywords=james+l+shaw
Everyone has a story. You might not be able to guess what it is simply by looking at a person, but it's there. If you talk to them long enough you might even hear it, and it might just surprise you. That is exactly what happened when I sat down for my interview with Andre'ic Morris. We didn't even get to the topic we were there to discuss until near the end of our chat. It all began with me asking how he was doing. He gave me such an exuberant response that I felt lead to inquire further. He went on to tell me about the miracle of his existence. He should have been dead with what he went through a few years ago during an unexpected medical crisis. Not only did he survive when even his doctors counted him out, he is thriving and working toward fulfilling his dreams and goal each and every day. He has a renewed excitement about life and loves to share his testimony. Take a listen now to this walking miracle and I dare you not to appreciate your life a little more.
This is a teaser ad for his upcoming film "Dark Secrets". What to learn more? Hit him up on his Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/manwitheplan?lst=574576621%3A525265558%3A1525563857
Several incidents of questionable policing and run-ins where citizens have been asked to leave business establishments beg the following question: Is it dangerous to be black right now in America? It's hard to believe that such a question can be raised in 2018, but here we are. In this podcast episode J talks to local attorney and civil rights activist, Don Jackson. They dissect several of these incidents that have either gone viral on social media or gained national media attention. Race is always an uncomfortable discussion to have, but listen with an open heart and mind and feel free to comment.
This episode of the Get Happy With J podcast features a panel discussion by three super fans of The Handmaid's Tale. J and friends recap the award winning season one of the Hulu series and look excitedly toward what season two may bring. All fans of the beloved novel of the same name by author Margaret Atwood will also love the series. Season one pretty much follows the entire novel, but with even more detail. The season and book end at the same place, which leaves all of us in anticipation for the next season which debuts April 25th. We will all be starting from the same position, as all things will be new. The teaser trailers are brimming with excitement and tension. The countdown is on! To catch up on past episodes, visit https://gethappywithj.com
Please remember to comment, share and subscribe! Thank you for helping to spread the happy movement.
In this week's episode Jittaun reviews the first six months of the Get Happy With J podcast. It's been a fun ride so far with some incredible guests. Take a listen as Jittaun gives you personal insight on her guests and a look at future episodes. We are still looking for volunteers to help manage the Get Happy With J social media pages. Send us a message on the website or on our Facebook page if interested. Come join team happy! We hope you have enjoyed what you have heard so far. If you have suggestions for guests or topics we should cover, let us know! Perhaps you would like to chat with J for an episode yourself. We would love to hear from you! Here's to another six months of all things happy!
Jessica Thomas is one of a record number of women who are running for political office all across the country. Of the unprecedented numbers of those women, many like Jessica are first time candidates for any political office. This means there is an excitement and ground swell of people taking their dinner table concerns out of the kitchen and into their communities. What is bringing about this call to action? Look no further than the current occupant of the White House. With his chaotic leadership and divisive rhetoric, Trump is proving to be a motivator for many of these first time candidates. It was a delight to talk to Jessica, fresh off her democratic primary win for Peoria County Auditor. Since the recording of this interview, she has also won the battle against a proposed referendum that would have eliminated the position. She still has a long way to go to win her seat against a strong republican candidate in November, but she has an enthusiastic base of support behind her. The focus of our discussion was not just in her recent win, but in the deciding factors to run in the first place. I wanted to be able to talk to one of the amazing women who are a part of grass roots efforts to make change and she did not disappoint.
It's incredible to witness how much can be done with so little. Quinton Brown is the pastor of a small church on a side of town that is embattled by crime and poverty. Along with a supportive wife and small band of congregants, Pastor Brown is making a major impact in the community. He is taking the message of hope and love beyond the walls of his church to touch the lives of people that need it the most. He has already developed one park with the plans for another already in the works. The accolades and awards are adding up, but the only reward that matters to this pastor is in seeing first hand the positive change in the lives of his church members and nearby residents. Pastor Brown is proving that you can never underestimate the power of prayer and purpose. With all of the pressure that comes with being not only a pastor, but family man and healthcare professional, I wanted to know how he balances it all. In this podcast episode you will hear what it takes to manage his hectic life and keep his happy gauge on full.
Singing comes naturally to Juanita Williams. She hails from a family whose legacy is rich in vocals and musicianship. She is a pastor's kid or PK as known in church circles. Having her as a guest for the podcast was a delight. She is as real and down to earth as they come. She brings to her ministry an empathy that can only come from surviving personal pain. Her career in gospel music has taken her from singing in her local church choir, to providing backing for many groups. Her talent has now taken her from the background to the foreground. She has recently released an incredible EP entitled "Expected Glory". You can download it right now on ITunes and Google Play. If you are a gospel music lover, Juanita's voice will truly bless you. You will hear a snippet at the end of this podcast. Now it's time to get to know Juanita, in her own words and her own voice.
When I was 19 years old, I too was a college student, but unlike Nathaniel I was just concentrating on getting by in my classes and my social life. In all honesty, my priorities were not necessarily in that order. Nathaniel Prather is a young man on a mission to help as many people as he can. He has already helped to feed tens of thousands of hungry Americans in cities all across the country. That's right, hungry Americans. Millions of adults and children go to bed hungry every night and with no idea where their next meal is coming from. The so-called booming economy hasn't touched every household, far from it. Listen to this week's podcast and you will hear how Nathaniel is making a difference and get some ideas on ways you can help too. We may not have to energy, expertise or time management that he possesses, but each of us can find something to do in our own communities to impact lives. To donate to Nathaniel's effort to feed students in need, go to http://www.hoosiersagainsthunger.org.
It's a blessing to not look like what you have been through in life. This is especially true of Lester Reed. If you ever have the pleasure of encountering this gentle soul, you will not be able to guess the horrors he has experienced. The reason is that he does not allow those past troubles to define the man he is today. Instead of dwelling on haunted memories of his childhood and early adult years, he will share an encouraging word and one of his amazing smiles. Lester knows what it is like to overcome abuse and substance use issues. He knows what the view from rock bottom looks like, but he also knows how to rise above it. In an upcoming episode we will be defining and examining the concept of resilience, of which Lester is a perfect study. I dare you to be able to listen to his inspirational story and not smile. Listening to him will drive the conviction of being a better person right through your heart. As always, I would love for you to join this happy movement by subscribing to the podcast, liking our Facebook page and commenting and reviewing what we are doing. Thank you!
We are three weeks into the phenomenon that is Black Panther! Wakanda forever! I left my local movie theater with the biggest grin on my face and an extra pep in my step. To say I was proud of the beautiful melanin displayed in that film is an understatement. In this week's episode I have a friend on as a guest and we discuss the cultural relevance of the movie. Many people get to take for granted having positive images of themselves in film and television, but for African Americans this is a rare representation. We are used to images of brown bodies seen as dangerous, unstable and something to be feared. More often than not black men are seen as drug dealers, lazy, or thugs. Black women are usually seen in subservient roles or as hyper-sexual vixens. To be able to experience over two hours of a cinematic experience where absolutely none of those stereotypes existed was a dream come true. Hollywood managed to get one right! If you have not had a chance to see this film, I am not sure what you are waiting on. This is not a "black" movie. This is a movie with a super hero anyone can look up to. It's clean and family friendly. There is something for everyone to enjoy. Share your experience and opinion of the film Black Panther on my Facebook page or on the website.
Dr. Akers concludes her discussion on how to love yourself. Be prepared to laugh! The phrase "Now That We Found Love" comes from an old school Heavy D record of the same name. The song actually questions, now that we found love, what are we gonna do with it? First, listen to the episode, and then decide what you are going to do to love yourself better. Once you begin to practice self love and self care, then you can reevaluate how well you are actually loving others. So, now that you found love, what are you gonna do with it? Do yourself a favor and do a You Tube search of that classic hit. It will get you moving and grooving! Be sure and check out the website this week and I will post a blog which list all of the points outlined by Dr. Akers in this three part series. http://www.gethappywithj.com
Dr. MaryAnn Akers continues her exploration of self love in this podcast episode. Last week we defined what it means to love yourself and determined the importance of self love. This week Dr. Akers begins to outline the steps of loving yourself. While you enjoy the podcast, ask yourself how many of her points do you practice on a regular basis? Self care takes practice. Listen, laugh and learn now.
This episode is the first of a series dealing with loving oneself and self-care. Dr. MaryAnn Akers will make you smile as she spins her warm stories and make you think as she challenges the traditional ideas of self-love. Dr. Akers says that loving yourself takes daily practice. As she outlines her 12+ step guide to loving yourself, share with us how many of these steps you practice and feel free to add your own ideas. Nothing was off limits in this chat, so be prepared. Just as I was preparing for this interview, I came across this quote from the great Quincy Jones, "The most important lesson in life is to know who you are and love who you are." Listen now as class is in session!
The beautiful couple featured in this podcast are living proof that when it comes to love, age is nothing but a number. The trials and tribulations that have made up their lives would leave many people with the conclusion of giving up on the very notion of love. JoAnn lost her husband of 32 years about four years ago. Walter has endured two difficult divorces. Instead of being paralyzed by grief or bitter from divorce, these two decided to open their hearts once more and give love a chance. It is their hope that by sharing their story, they will encourage others to not give up on the chance at a great relationship. You never know when you might meet that perfect someone. It's never too late for a new beginning, even when it comes to romance. We would love to hear your love story. Comment on the Get Happy With J Facebook page or at the website http://www.gethappywithj.com.
All during the month of February the podcast is featuring discussions about relationships. In the first episode of the series I am talking to two girlfriends, one who is single and the other who is in a committed dating relationship. The ladies chat about what they look for and expect from the men they want to date. This is an unveiled conversation that will allow you to hear what women really talk about with their friends. It's a fun and lively discourse on the state of dating in 2018. Check it out and let us know what you think on the Get Happy with J Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/gethappywithj/
In part two of the discussion about bariatric surgery, Dana and Gloria are even more transparent about their experiences. They both open up about the successes as well as the struggles after surgery. Bariatric surgery is definitely not a quick fix for weight loss. It takes consistency and dedication to a healthy lifestyle. It is important to discuss all weight loss assistance options and it was a pleasure to learn more about bariatric surgery from people with real personal experience. Listen and join the conversation by contacting me on the Get Happy With J Facebook page. Please comment, review and share the podcast.
Take a listen as these two ladies share their personal experience with bariatric surgery. The Get Happy With J podcast is all about empowering listeners on their journey to happiness with encouragement and information. This is a rare opportunity to hear first hand experiences about the much talked about gastric bypass and gastric sleeve procedures. They keep it real about the success of their surgeries, as they both lost over 100 pounds. They also keep it real about the struggles and health scares that arose from the surgery. If you have a weight struggle and are considering your options to lose weight, I would strongly suggest you listen to what they have to say and also go back and take a listen to earlier discussions I had with a woman who has lost nearly 300 pounds without surgery. I am not pitting one option against another, but I am trying to provide information from a variety of people who have lost weight in different ways. I am a firm believer that no matter what weight loss option you choose, you will be successful with consistency. Stick to it and you can do it! Okay, that was a little corny but still true. Please share your own weight loss successes and struggles. Like my Get Happy With J Facebook page and place your comments directly to me on that page. Do your research and be as informed as you can possibly be. Let's do it together!
This week's podcast is a discussion about human trafficking with Sara Dillefeld, director of the Human Trafficking Department with The Center for Prevention of Abuse. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the need to spread the word about this growing global threat is great. The statistics are alarming. In the state of Illinois alone, 26,727 calls were made to the national human trafficking hotline in 2016! There are over 24.9 million victims globally, which is almost double the population of Illinois. It's easy to dismiss this issue as an under-developed country's problem on a continent far away. The harsh reality is that there are enslaved people in just about every community in our great nation. At this moment, it could be happening at your favorite restaurant, hotel, spa or even right in your neighborhood. Listen to this podcast and become more informed about human trafficking, how to recognize possible victims and what to do to help. If you suspect someone is being victimized call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If you are in Illinois call 1-888-559-SAFE. My grandmother had a favorite saying, "Silence gives consent." If you see something, please say something. For more information check out the following websites:
http://www.centerforpreventionofabuse.org
http://www.HumanRightsFirst.org
http://www.artofhopeforchildren.org
I was born in Peoria Illinois, and after being raised by my grandmother in a small town about 45 minutes to the west, I came back to attend a local university and decided to stay after graduation. It was not the lure of great career opportunities that influenced my decision to remain, but the desire to be close to family. Over the last 28 years I have witnessed a slow decline to the city's inner city areas. The recession did not help an African-American population already plagued by high unemployment, and has not since recovered. Communities of poverty are usually the breeding grounds for violence and this has been increasingly true of Peoria. While most of the country has seen the decline of violence, Peoria and Chicago have not. Chicago has managed to capture the attention of the nation for it's high gang related gun deaths, but these similar cases have been growing here. The first gun death of the year occurred this past week and was the inspiration of this week's podcast discussion. My guests are local radio personality Johnnette Johnson and returning guest and community activist Angennette Nathan. We explore some of the causes of tragedies such as the 22 year old man's untimely death due to gang violence. It's multi-layered dysfunction that begins in the home. The causes are many and solutions prove to be frustrating but we are not giving up on this city. Take a listen to our chat and please share your ideas.
It is difficult to imagine what saying goodbye to a loved one is like under any circumstance. Military families face this emotional plight on a regular basis. Our combined military is made up of over 3.5 million men and women, and over 54% of them are married. Can you imagine being a wife having to say goodbye to a husband that she can only hope and pray comes back to her? Add to that proposition that she may now have children to take care of, and at least temporarily alone. In this week's podcast we get a first hand account of what that life is like. We get to hear from a military wife with a young son and a deployed husband. This personal testimony should give us all a renewed appreciation for the great sacrifices that our military service people and their families make every single day. They are the reason we have the freedom that can be so easily taken for granted. Listen with an open heart and learn how you can best support these incredible families.
If the current political and social climate has taught us nothing else, we have hopefully picked up on the importance of entrepreneurship. At the very least everyone needs to have a "side hustle" if you will and preferably one that you can be passionate about. This week's guest has no shortage of passion about his lifestyle brand. Meet Michael Hurt, chief brand ambassador for Indigenous Protocol. Michael says of his brand, "Indigenous Protocol is a lifestyle brand that embraces native homage, cultural birthrights, social awareness, and musical evolutions through urban fashion design." It's fashion with a message of inclusion and self-expression. The logo is a unique and beautiful design that you can wear with pride, knowing that it was created with the idea of the celebration of the contributions of indigenous people to our culture. I was blessed with a t-shirt from the line and I love it! It is of great quality and the fit is perfection. I gave Michael a personal thank you for his line being what I call "fluffy friendly".
In this podcast you will learn all about this fashion line, from its inception to fruition. Do yourself a favor and check out the website where you can purchase t-shirts, hoodies, trucker hats and more! http://www.indigenousprotocol.com
This is a great way to support a small business, while creating the opportunity for dialogue when you wear your indigenous Protocol gear. The logo attracts attention and will give you a chance to explain its meaning, which you will be able to do after listening to the podcast. Get to know Michael and his mission, and hopefully you will be inspired to start your own business. The idea for the line was born from a question about a family photo. That particular conversation motivated Michael to learn more about his family history, leading him to a new awareness of his diverse gene pool. Listen to how he was able to manifest his thoughts into a growing business and go into 2018 with the mindset that if you can think it, you can achieve it!
Meet make up artist, Lanisha Nazon. She is the owner and founder of Soft Glamour Beauty Studio in Peoria, Illinois. In this podcast we are talking all things beauty. This discussion is a fun departure from our usual heavy topics. It's all about feel good fun in this chat! Lanisha knows cosmetics like few others. Check out her incredible work at http://www.softglamourbeauty.com. You can also find her on all social media sites as @softglamourbeauty. Playing in makeup and creating new looks is a passion of mine and having the opportunity to talk to a beauty professional with the same passion was a treat! We both share tips and tricks for makeup application and use. Freshening up your look can be an instant self-esteem booster. Remember, the makeup doesn't make you! You are a beautiful canvas and cosmetics are a tool to accentuate your beauty. Have fun, experiment and be creative. Feel free to share your own beauty tips on my Facebook page or in the comment section of my website http://www.gethappywithj.com. Need a last minute Christmas gift? If shopping for a fellow makeup lover, a gift card to Sephora or Ulta would be the perfect stocking stuffer! Merry Christmas and much love to you all! ...Jittaun
There's a story behind his smile. The ease at which a smile passes his lips is a testament to his personal journey. Do not mistake his joy as having never been through any challenging times. It would be easy to surmise that his friendly personality and good looks indicate a charmed life, but nothing could be further from the truth. You would never know simply by looking at him that health issues, heartbreak and insecurities make up part of the unique tapestry of his life. He has faced much adversity, including cancer, diabetes and self-loathing. After years of working on himself, the fruit of his efforts are contentment, happiness and self-acceptance. How did he evolve into the man he is today and what lessons can be learned from his journey? Listen to this week's podcast to find out. He courageously opens his heart with the desire to help others. Remember that if you would like to work on any area of your life and you need a little extra support, go to www.betterhelp.com/gethappywithj and receive a week of free therapy sessions from a licensed professional therapist. Get into the podcast and get on your way to happy!
In part two of the discussion with Megan Mutti and Jittaun Woods, you will hear how this mother went from losing a child to stillbirth to moving on with her life and thriving. How do you turn a tragedy into triumph? Take a listen to this week's podcast and find out. It was a long journey of ups and downs, stalls and starts, but when you want to heal badly enough you will put in the work and that is exactly what Jittaun did. Please subscribe to the podcast and you will know every time a new episode is uploaded. Review and share to help grow the happy movement! Remember that if listening to the podcast motivates you to get help from a professional, licensed therapist, visit http://www.betterhelp.com/gethappywithj. You will be able to try the service free for a week by clicking on the link provided. It's affordable, convenient and private. Now on to this week's episode!
What do you do when the unimaginable happens? How do you accept what you can not understand? These are two of the many questions facing a mother who has just been given the worst news she could ever hear. This was my dilemma a little over four years ago when I was told that the baby boy who was supposed to be born a week later no longer had a heart beat. Today's podcast makes me nervous. It's raw and real. My heart is completely exposed. The grief therapist that helped me navigate the loss of my son is interviewing me in part one of a two part discussion. Stillbirth is something so horrible that is makes you uncomfortable even if it hasn't happened to you or anyone you know. After my loss, I discovered that one in every hundred pregnancies ends in stillbirth. I never imagined that in our developed country, the most medically advanced country in the world, that this continues to happen. I can happily say that after all the grief work and the strength from my faith, I have my joy back. It's been tough but I can honestly say that you can be happy even after such a tragedy. Take a listen to the podcast and I would love to hear your feedback. Hopefully you'll be left with more empathy and inspired knowing that no matter what difficulties you may face, you too can still have a life filled with joy and promise.
As long as you live, you are constantly going through different transitions. You go from being a child to an adult, single to married, friends and loved one in and out of your life for a variety of reasons, etc. You get the idea. We seem to be living in a particular time where we are being bombarded with challenges from every direction. One of the ongoing themes of the podcast has been change and how to deal with it. In this podcast I had the pleasure of speaking with my brother, Jeremy. We discuss transition in a physical sense, as we explore his move from his home state to the great state of Texas. We also delve a little deep into our childhood and some of our family dynamics. We keep it light, for the most part, in this episode. I hope you enjoy getting to know us and I hope it makes you think about change in your life and learn to embrace it in a positive way. Some transitions are not as pleasant as a cross country move, some may be extremely painful. If this applies to you and you would like to get some help in whatever you are going through, give therapy a chance. Go to http://www.betterhelp.com/gethappywithj and you will be able to communicate with a licensed professional counselor. Click on the link and you will get a free week of counseling sessions. Please comment, review and subscribe to the podcast and help us grow this happy movement.
Get ready to enjoy part two of my conversation with weight loss inspiration, Chanda! As of today she has lost over 270 pounds and generously shares some of her best tips in this week's podcast. Hopefully as you listen to us as we share our journey thus far, you will be inspired to go for whatever goals in life you want to achieve. If you want to see more of this beautiful lady, look for her on all social media sites as @mrsbabyfat. You will see amazing before and after photos. Be sure and search for her videos on You Tube for an even closer look at her progress. We once again dig into some deep topics that may affect you. If you find that you need someone to talk to in a therapeutic manner, check out www.betterhelp.com/gethappywithj to get a week of counseling sessions at no cost. Please comment, share and subscribe to this podcast to help us grow this happy movement. We would love for you to share your own weight loss and fitness tips and tricks with us too!
This beautiful woman has lost over 250 pounds! Want to know what it takes to lose that much weight? Listen to part one of our discussion and you will find out. Even if you do not have a struggle with weight yourself, listen to the podcast and learn how to be empathetic to friends and loved ones who do. It takes an incredible amount of courage and tenacity to commit to the battle of extreme weight loss. In this chat, my guest and I both talk about facing the demons that got us to the point of morbid obesity. Like me, Chanda did it on her own, without bariatric surgery. Whatever method of weight loss you choose, the important thing is to do it. The biggest barriers to happiness always lie within ourselves. The good news is that anything is possible if you believe you deserve it! Be forewarned that we discuss some heavy subject matter in this episode. If you feel you could use some help from a professional therapist, visit www.betterhelp.com/gethappywithj. Click on the link and get a week of free therapy sessions, just by being a podcast listener! As always, please review and subscribe to the podcast. Feel free to share it and help us grow this happy movement.
From a distance the cupcakes in the photo you see probably seem sweet, having been drawn by young hands in a moment of innocent artistic expression. Upon closer inspection, you would more than likely be saddened and shocked at the raw anxiety and fear written along with the rainbow colors. This art project was completed by children who have been the victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. The idea of the project was to give the children an opportunity to take a bite out of their fears, thus the use of the cupcake art. No one had any idea just how deep their fears ran, ranging from the usual spiders, to the real fear of death. These are expressed concerns that you would expect to see from kids who have suffered trauma, but in looking at the state of our youth in general, it is alarming that similar fears are felt by young people across the spectrum. What is causing our children to be so fearful and stressed? There are many contributing factors, and in this week's podcast we also discuss real solutions. It was my pleasure to interview children's therapist, Shannon Erdmann. Shannon has many years of experience in therapy with young people and has witnessed a significant increase in anxiety in kids of all backgrounds. As always, where there is fear, there is also hope. Take a listen, and share your thoughts. It's time to get serious about the mental health of children, because if we do not, then those same kids grow up to be adults with deeply rooted issues which are much more difficult to heal. If after listening to this podcast you recognize some issues you may need help addressing, one great source of therapeutic help is Better Help. This is an internet based therapy option to consider. Click on the following link and as a listener to this podcast, you get seven days of free sessions. http://www.betterhelp.com/gethappywithj
When a passion for community activism and insurance merge, you have the boundless energy that is Angenette Nathan. Nette, as she is called by all those that love her, has been an insurance agent for over seven years. In that time, she has had too many sad experiences of dealing with families that did not heed her call for the importance of life insurance. It is an unnecessary burden that is left on grieving families all too often. Not to mention, the wasted opportunity of enabling loved ones left behind to build wealth. In addition to her successful career as an insurance agent, Nette also helps her beloved brother, former NBA star Howard Nathan, with his foundation which helps to educate about the perils of gun violence plaguing communities and to helping to eradicate the scourge. Check out this special bonus podcast as Nette shares her wisdom and knowledge of all things insurance and the drive behind her desire to help others.
Meet Kevin Turner:
Kevin is the perfect example of it never being too late to follow your dreams. After 22 years as a music educator and director of the much lauded University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Gospel Choir, Kevin is embarking upon a new journey of self-fulfillment. After decades of lending his musical talent to churches across the country, and his incredible achievements with the UAB choir, Kevin is doing his own thing musically. He has recently released his first single, "Prosper", to wonderful reviews. As you listen to our conversation, it is my hope that you take inspiration from him and receive the message that no matter what stage of life you are in, if you have a dream you can still achieve it. Follow your passion and see where it can lead you! Kevin is not only a recording artist, but a pastor as well. If you are ever in the Birmingham, Alabama area you would be well served by a visit to his church, Holy Harvest Ministries. In the meantime, look for his single available now on ITunes and Google Play.
The latest "Get Happy With J" episode is part two of a lively conversation with breast cancer survivor, Ronda Guyton. As you have already heard from part one, Ronda is a force to be reckoned with and nothing including cancer was going to stop her from living her best life. The grace in which she managed her battle is something we can all learn from. The moment she received her diagnosis she didn't think of herself, but instead how her experience could help save others. I'm not sure you can get more inspirational than that. Now check out this episode as we hear how Ronda got happy!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in this episode Jittaun speaks to breast cancer survivor, Ronda Guyton. Ronda has an amazing testimony of overcoming much more than breast cancer. She has successfully survived teen pregnancy, poverty and all the other road blocks that can come with being a woman in our society. She not only defeated her own cancer, but now helps thousands of women in her community through her foundation Living To Serve. Listen now to part one of the conversation and get to know this phenomenal woman.
This is the first episode of the Get Happy With J podcast. In this episode you will be introduced to Jittaun Woods, the show host and producer. You will hear about her personal journey as she navigated her way through the grief of losing her son and her battle with obesity. Her life experiences lead her to eventually wanting to share the knowledge she has gained along the way, and thus the podcast was born. Take a listen and hopefully you will want to hear more and subscribe.