Life Chats With Friends: Recent Episodes
Antonio Stephens
Welcome to Life Chats with Friends, discussions with people that are of service to others; sharing insights to help you show up as your best. Brought to you by Antonio Stephens and TWANIE FITNESS.
In this episode, Antonio Stephens and Diego Gonzalez-Zuniga, a fashion influencer and wellness advocate discuss the importance of authenticity and building authentic relationships within the LGBTQIA+ community.
They explore the significance of cultivating meaningful connections, both online and offline, and how it relates to mental health. They also touch on the role of vulnerability and empathy in creating a sense of belonging and connection in queer spaces. Diego shares his personal journey and experiences in building authentic connections, and offers advice for navigating challenges in this process.
The conversation explores the concept of allyship and the role allies play in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Diego defines allyship as holding space for others, giving them a seat at the table, and making them feel seen. He emphasizes the importance of allies educating themselves on LGBTQIA+ issues and actively participating in creating change.
The conversation also touches on the responsibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals to drive change by sharing their stories and having uncomfortable conversations. The key opportunities for growth and progress in the community include creating space for everyone to be their authentic selves and celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities beyond Pride Month.
Key takeaways:
- Building authentic relationships is important for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as it fosters a sense of belonging and combats loneliness.
- Authentic connections go beyond surface-level interactions and involve vulnerability, empathy, and intentional listening.
- Creating space and making time for one-on-one conversations can deepen connections and allow for more meaningful discussions.
- Being open to connecting with others who have similar experiences or journeys can lead to deeper and more authentic connections.
- Authenticity and self-acceptance are key in building authentic relationships and creating a supportive community. Allyship goes beyond our community and includes allies and advocates from different backgrounds and identities.
- Allyship can be shown through holding space for others, giving them a seat at the table, and making them feel seen.
- Allies should educate themselves on LGBTQIA+ issues and actively participate in creating change.
- LGBTQIA+ individuals have a responsibility to drive change by sharing their stories and having uncomfortable conversations.
- Creating space for everyone to be their authentic selves and celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities is crucial for growth and progress in the community.
Recommended reading:
- "The Velvet Rage:Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man's World,” by Alan Downs Ph. D. PhD
Connect with Diego:
- Instagram/Tik-Tok: @diegodowntown (You can also access “Your Insecurity is Showing” via Diego’s Instagram)
- LinkedIn: @Diego Gonzalez-zuniga
- Website: https://www.diegodowntown.com/
Follow Life Chats With Friends on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. If you enjoyed the show, please share this or consider leaving us a review.
Much love and we’ll see you soon.
Life Chats Team
In this episode, Dr. Andrea Holman, formerly a psychology professor at Huston-Tillotson University and now a leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) at Lyra Health, joins host Antonio Stephens to explore the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly within the African American community.
Dr. Holman sheds light on the primary barriers preventing access to mental health care for minority groups and offers practical strategies for overcoming these challenges.
We delve into the importance of collaboration between individuals, communities, and healthcare providers to effectively address mental health disparities. Dr. Holman also shares valuable insights and practices that individuals, regardless of identity, can adopt to promote mental wellness and resilience within their communities.
Additionally, we discuss the availability of resources and support for those navigating mental health challenges. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on breaking barriers and cultivating mental health awareness with Dr. Andrea Holman.
Connect with Dr. Andrea Holman:
- Instagram: @doctorholman
- LinkedIn: @AndreaHolman
Follow Life Chats With Friends on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. If you enjoyed the show, please share this or consider leaving us a review. You can also visit lifechatswithfriends.com to learn more about the show..
Much love and we’ll see you soon.
Life Chats Team
In this solo episode of Life Chats With Friends, host Antonio Stephens invites listeners to explore the multifaceted aspects of their identities beyond their 9-5 responsibilities.
As spring blooms around us, Antonio reflects on the importance of pausing to acknowledge personal growth and renewal.
Throughout the episode, Antonio dives into three key areas of self-discovery:
- Passion: Antonio shares his belief in the transformative power of creativity and encourages listeners to prioritize activities that bring them joy, no matter how small.
- Relationships: Reflecting on the profound impact of connections, Antonio urges listeners to nurture their relationships with genuine care and attention.
- Spirituality: Antonio explores the diverse ways individuals find meaning and connection, whether through nature, meditation, or acts of kindness.
For more inspiring conversations and to support the show, follow Life Chats With Friends on social media (Instagram, TikTok, Youtube) and subscribe to the podcast. Also, check out our new website at Lifechatswithfriends.com and subscribe to our newsletter for inspiration on your journey to becoming your best self.
Until next time, embrace your authenticity and remember — you are enough.
Much love,
Life Chats Team
In this episode, Dr. Andrea Holman, formerly a psychology professor at Huston-Tillotson University and now a leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) at Lyra Health, the foremost provider of workforce mental health benefits available to over 15 million people globally, joins host Antonio Stephens for a profound discussion. Together, they explore the intricate interplay of identity, privilege, mental health and spirituality. Their conversation sheds light on the challenges encountered by individuals, especially those in marginalized communities, and offers valuable insights into navigating these complex issues in contemporary society.
Key takeaways:
- Acknowledge and process the impact of past traumas and harms on your mental health and well-being.
- Recognize and reflect on your own privilege and its implications on how you interact with others.
- Embrace storytelling as a tool for understanding diverse experiences and fostering empathy and connection.
- Prioritize psychological safety in the workplace to support all team members, especially those from marginalized backgrounds.
- Cultivate cultural competency among managers and leaders to create inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and heard.
Recommended reading:
- "Rest Is Resistance" by Tricia Hersey
- "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer
Connect with Dr. Andrea Holman:
- Instagram: @doctorholman
- LinkedIn: @AndreaHolman
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this discussion, where Dr. Holman and Antonio will go deeper into the current state of mental health and well-being in the Black community. Follow Life Chats With Friends on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. If you enjoyed the show, please share this or consider leaving us a review. Also, check out our new website and sign up for our newsletter. https://www.lifechatswithfriends.com/
Much love and we’ll see you soon.
Life Chats Team
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Winston Thompson, a visionary in the world of beauty, color and connection. With over a decade of experience as a master colorist, educator and creative consultant, Winston brings a unique blend of artistry, curiosity and compassion to the world of beauty.
Winston's journey to self-discovery has been transformative, marked by moments of deep introspection and personal growth. Growing up in the D.C. area with a single mother and three siblings, Winston's childhood was loving, nurturing and creative. His mother encouraged them to explore their artistic talents, creating a warm and connected home environment.
However, Winston's journey took a turn when religion entered the picture. His family became heavily involved in the church, and Winston initially embraced this path, attending ministry school to become a youth pastor. But as he began questioning his own sexuality, he realized that his authentic self was not accepted within the confines of his religious community.
This was a dark and challenging time in Winston's life, as he struggled with self-doubt, feelings of isolation and the initial loss of his friends and family's support. Eventually, he made the courageous decision to embrace his true self and leave behind the oppressive beliefs and limitations imposed by his religious upbringing.
This moment of awakening led Winston on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. He moved to LA, where he had more freedom to explore his identity and connect with the LGBTQIA+ community. Through journaling, introspection and the support of friends, Winston began to unravel the layers of doubt and fear that had held him back for so long.
Reflecting on his childhood, Winston recognizes the influence of his upbringing on his worldview and authentic expression. His mother's encouragement to be creative and explore his talents fostered a sense of self-discovery and the desire to spread love and joy. It is this foundation that shaped Winston into the compassionate and authentic individual he is today.
When it comes to authenticity, Winston believes that being true to yourself requires self-awareness and the ability to listen to your intuition. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who support and affirm your true self. By building a community of accepting and loving people, you can find the courage to express your authentic self and live a more fulfilling life.
As a hair stylist and colorist, Winston integrates authenticity and self-expression into his work, helping clients project their true selves. He encourages experimenting with personal style and engaging in practices like journaling and meditation to stay centered.
Winston's ultimate message is to spread joy, embrace authenticity, and make positive impacts. His journey serves as an inspiration to find fulfillment aligned with our true selves.
Book with Winston in DC: https://www.pratpartners.com/team/downtown/winston-thompson
Follow Winston on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohsurewinston/?hl=en
MAJOR SHOUT to the crew that continues to support this project:
- Videography: Tony Nunez
- Camera: Stephen Elder
Subscribe to and follow our show so you get alerts on the latest drops. Also, share with a friend. 🤝
Sending much love and check back next month for our next episode! Stay well and be kind to yourself and others.
Thanks for tuning in!
Your Life Chats Team
Join Antonio in this insightful episode as he introduces Maillard Howell, a distinguished wellness expert, former head of fitness at Reebok® and entrepreneur with a diverse background.
Maillard shares his passion for guiding individuals toward wellness, particularly during the new year. The conversation dives into the intricacies of navigating the new year with mindfulness, exploring common mindset patterns and uncovering why traditional resolutions often fall short.
Maillard offers a fresh perspective on effective approaches, providing listeners with impactful strategies for long-term results beyond generic advice found online. Emphasizing the importance of personalized wellness, he guides listeners on tailoring strategies to fit their unique needs.
Learn from his wealth of experience and tune in for a dose of wellness wisdom for a successful year ahead.
You can connect with Maillard for further insights by visiting his website:maillardhowell.com. And you can also follow him on instagram and LinkedIn @MailladHowell.
Learn more about Jim Rhon and his work as mentioned in the show: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jim-Rohn/author/B002TW1O8E?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
Learn more about Tim Ferriss’s work: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Timothy-Ferriss/author/B001ILKBW2?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true
MAJOR shoutout to the team that continues to support the evolution of this show:
- Tony Nunez - videographer
- Steven Elder - Camera and set
We’re excited to continue refining this deliverable in the months ahead as we look to rebrand. Follow us here on Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram for our latest updates and episode launches.
Much love,
Life Chats Team
Welcome to a special year-in-review episode of 'Life Chats With Friends'! 🎉 Join me, Antonio Stephens, host of the show and wellness advocate, as I reflect on the incredible journey we've shared throughout 2023. Whether you're a first-time listener or a returning friend, thank you for being part of these meaningful conversations about self-discovery and living authentically.
In this episode, I'm excited to turn the spotlight on myself and share five key themes that emerged from your feedback. We'll dive into what I'm most proud of from 2023, including significant personal and professional growth. I'll discuss the deepening of relationships with family members and the transformative experiences that led to advances in my self-discovery.
Another highlight is the exploration of my relationship with tarot and how it intertwines with my spiritual discoveries in 2023. From indigenous practices in Oaxaca, Mexico, to guided therapy sessions with psilocybin and MDMA, I've been on an enlightening journey of healing and self-awareness.
I'll also share my thoughts on broader topics—love, peace, and war. As a firm believer in the power of love to create and unite, I'll touch on navigating global tensions and the importance of mindful information consumption.
As a bonus, discover my top five travel recommendations from the year, featuring vibrant destinations like Oaxaca, Zipolite, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco.
I encourage you to take a moment for self-reflection and celebrate your wins from 2023. Let's step into the new year with gratitude, mindfulness, and a commitment to authentic living.
Wishing you a joyful and restful holiday break with your loved ones. Tune in for more engaging conversations in 2024! Until then, be safe, take care of yourselves, and much love from the 'Life Chats With Friends' crew. See you in the new year! 🌟🎙️
Credits:
Camera and lighting: Antonio Stephens
Videographer - Tony Nunez
Social Media:
Follow me on LinkedIn: @AntonioStephens
Follow me on Instagram: @AntonioStephenss
LifeChatsYearInReview #ReflectAndCelebrate
In this heartfelt episode of "Life Chats with Friends," your host Antonio Stephens welcomes Bucky Mitchell, a health and wellness guide, to explore the transformative power of vulnerability in the journey toward authenticity. Together, they embark on a deep and candid conversation, sharing personal experiences and insights.
Discover the beauty in embracing your true self, as Bucky reflects on his early life as a sensitive and emotional child and how societal expectations pushed him to question his expressions of joy, sadness, and anxiety. Find out how therapy and supportive friendships played a pivotal role in helping him acknowledge and embrace his emotional depth.
As they traverse a scenic nature walk, the hosts and their friend explore the healing nature of vulnerability. The conversation highlights the value of sharing stories and traumas, breaking down barriers, and realizing our common humanity. Tune in to witness a genuine exchange on the power of vulnerability, leaving you inspired to embark on your own journey of self-discovery.
Join Antonio and Bucky as they challenge stereotypes and reframe vulnerability as a strength, paving the way for a more open, empathetic, and authentic way of being. Don't miss this enlightening episode that encourages you to "dance with the unexpected" and embrace the untamed beauty of your own humanity.
You can find and reach out to Bucky on Instagram @BuckyMitchell.
Also, you can follow us and subscribe to our channel on Youtube and Instagram @LifeChatsWithFriends. Much love and continue to take good care of yourselves. 🫶🏾
Welcome to season 2 of Life Chats with Friends! In this episode, we are thrilled to have Laman Ben-Trajoret, a passionate wellness coach and entrepreneur, back on the show. Laman's dedication to holistic wellness and his mission to foster a healthier and more balanced world are truly inspiring.
Laman's expertise spans physical wellness, personal growth, corporate wellness, and employee health. His ultimate goal is to make fitness accessible to all. Today, we dive into the topic of change and transformation, recognizing that these are inevitable aspects of life and exploring how we can navigate through them.
Change is something many of us desire, whether it's in our personal lives or professional careers. Laman shares his personal experience of desiring change and expansion in his business. However, as we all know, change doesn't always happen when we want it to. Sometimes, it occurs unexpectedly, throwing us off balance—something many people are experiencing on personal and societal levels right now.
Laman opens up about the roadblocks he's faced in expanding his business into the corporate wellness space. He's learned that change often happens when we least expect it, much like the changes we're currently facing globally, such as job loss, new opportunities, and entering new relationships. It's the unpredictable nature of change that can be challenging to navigate.
So, how do we maintain control and find balance amidst these turbulent times? Laman suggests seeking insight from others. By connecting with our communities and gaining different perspectives, we can find a sense of calm and understanding. It's essential to listen to those around us, even if we don't necessarily agree with their viewpoints. Opening ourselves up to different ideas broadens our understanding and helps us find new ways to navigate change.
In addition to seeking insight, Laman emphasizes the importance of grounding ourselves. He believes that even small connections with others can provide stability and upliftment. While he aspires to make significant changes on a larger scale, he recognizes that individual connections and interactions truly make a difference. By uplifting each other and seeing others as neighbors and friends, we can create a positive impact on both our communities and the world.
As the conversation continues, Laman delves into the concept of "Uplifted," a brand slogan idea he has developed. Uplifted represents the power of supporting others and making a positive impact. Laman believes that by spreading this mindset, we can create a world where people support each other through small actions. It's about recognizing the power of uplifting others and understanding that even small acts of kindness can have a significant impact.
Moving forward, Laman expresses his commitment to healing and personal growth. He believes that by healing from past traumas and focusing on his well-being, he can become a better coach, trainer, and advocate for wellness. He also aims to improve communication and connection, particularly within marginalized communities. Laman wants to emphasize that emotions and struggles are universal experiences, not limited to specific groups of people. By healing and communicating better, he hopes to build a stronger, more supportive society.
He encourages viewers to embrace the insights gained from this episode and to continue seeking knowledge and growth.
Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Life Chats with Friends. If you enjoyed this discussion, feel free to share it with a friend. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more inspiring conversations. Together, we can embrace change and transform our lives for the better.
Follow Laman on instagram @LiveLaman
Follow the host, Antonio on instagram @Antoniostephenss
Stay tuned for our episode next month! ✌️
I was so lucky to have Justin Borroto with me today to discuss what it means and what their experience has been like (re)defining their relationship with god. For the believer, seeker, the one questioning, and the one working to redefine faith, Justin shares insights into their journey, and practices centered around their relationship to one, source, brahman or god that will help you take and get one step closer to self.
Full show notes to come 4/11.
Much love, always.
Justin and Antonio!
In this episode, the guest speaker is Larissa Sativa, a practitioner of traditional healing practices and ceremonies. Larissa talks about her experiences with these practices and shares insights on the importance of intention and mindfulness in one's healing journey.
Section 1: Traditional Healing Practices
Larissa describes how she uses stones and the presence of her ancestors to create steam and medicine for healing. She heats the stones with the help of broiler foil, creating a connection between the three elements of fire, air, and water. This steam is breathed in and helps to release knots in the body, facilitating a sense of relaxation and connection. Additionally, Larissa performs Olympic Itzhak cleansing, an energetic cleansing with plants that helps recover energy that is not useful for us.
Section 2: The Ceremony
The ceremony begins with breathing exercises, which Larissa emphasizes are often done without full consciousness. By focusing on the breath, Larissa helps participants become more mindful and present. Following the breathing exercises, Larissa throws water onto the heated stones, creating steam and allowing the medicine to become a part of the body.
Section 3: Intention and Mindfulness
Larissa emphasizes the importance of intention in the healing process, defining intention as being clear, assured, and being oneself. She notes that it is important to identify what one needs to heal and to take steps toward that healing. Larissa also encourages listeners to be mindful of their healing journeys and to find activities that can help with their thoughts.
Section 4: Personal Background
Larissa explains that she comes from a long line of healers and that she initially tried to avoid traditional healing practices. However, after reconnecting with her family, ancestors and the practices, she realized the importance of healing for herself and others. She notes that her mother taught her how to perform these ceremonies when she was young, but that she had to move to the city to escape them. She eventually went back to her roots and reconnected with the practices.
Conclusion:
The episode concludes with key quotes, including "All it takes is healing one person, and that could change the entire world" and "We look the way everybody thinks or says they are, which is not always right." Overall, the episode provides insights into traditional healing practices and the importance of intention and mindfulness in the healing process. It encourages listeners to take care of themselves and be intentional about their healing journeys.
Key Quotes
[13:10-13:14] All it takes is healing one person, and that could change the entire world.
[18:43-18:48] We look the way everybody thinks or says they are, which is not always right.
Connect with Larissa Sativa
https://www.instagram.com/_mariasativa/
Jessica is a solo mom of two. She has spent the last five years redefining her life, finding passion and purpose after leaving an abusive marriage. Through years of deep inner work, self-discovery, exploration, and adventure; she has been able to build a life full of joy and authenticity. We share similar backgrounds, and we dive into our experiences and talk through the process of healing and finding your light again after abuse.
Link to the abuse hotline and resource:
https://www.acf.hhs.gov/fysb/programs/family-violence-prevention-services/programs/ndvh
Social Links:
You can connect with Jess here: https://instagram.com/jchandrasekharan?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Email: jessica.owings@gmail.com
You can reach Antonio: Instagram: @twaniefitness
Email: Antonio.k.stephens@gmail.com
So much fun having Dale Fetterman and Jess Vaughn back to celebrate the one-year inception and anniversary of Life Chats With Friends. A little over a year ago, sitting in a living room in Vail, Colorado, this show was born. Jess facilities a live tarot card reading for Dale, Antonio and herself. Jess talks about the history of tarot cards, and shares how they can be used as a self-reflection tool. They all create the space to reflect and share commitments to their development looking ahead. They also share insights and thoughts for consideration as you navigate 2023.
Mentioned in the episode:
- Sadhduru: https://isha.sadhguru.org/us/en/wisdom
- BiddyTarot: https://www.biddytarot.com/
You can find them on all platforms --
Antonio --
Instagram: @TwanieFitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-stephens-4450b6a1/
Dale --
Instagram: @FettermanDale
Website: dalefettermanfitness.com
Jess --
Instagram: @Fierce_phoenix_fitness
Thank you for tuning into this session! If you enjoyed, be sure to tell a friends and or share this. Subscribe so you know when our next episode goes live.
Peace and love,
Antonio & TWANIE FITNESS!
Back again on air with Greggory Marcus and Stephen Zepecki for a year-end round-up and check-in. We self-reflect and comment on current events and issues ranging from community, sexual health, the James Webb telescope and our recent Friendsgiving dinner.
Many thanks as always for listening. Greg, Steve and I will look to come together more frequently to do episodes like this. Let us know if there’s anything specific you’d like us to cover. You can reach me at Antonio.k.stephens@gmail.com.
Likewise, I welcome any feedback.
Much love,
Antonio
What is a soulmate or a true friend and what purpose do they serve in our lives? Such a beautiful conversation. This week I was joined by a friend of 10 years and counting to discuss friendships and soulmates. Goldie Goldschmidt is an artist, philosopher of thought, dancer, teacher, and overall explorer of this world. When I think about friendships and soulmates Goldie brings that to life for me and I hope through this conversation, she/we’ll be able to do the same for you.
As always, thanks for listening.
Much love,
Antonio & Goldie
What kind of system (society) are we living in and are you aware of it? As we continue to collectively engage in moments and lead lives that bring about the change we want to see in our world, understanding how it all works is a great first step. There are many benefits of being part of a system like ours (here in the U.S.), but every system has its flaws and loopholes that inevitably end up excluding people or exploiting them for personal power and gain. As sad as it is, this is just a part of our human experience.
The good news is that over time and through inspired action, there’s a lot we can do as individuals to build a more just and equitable future for those to come behind us. It was such a pleasure getting to tackle some of our biggest issues of today, with Laman Ben-Trahoret (Laman Lift), a wellness coach and entrepreneur from Arlington, VA and Charles Iantorno a third-year law student at the George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School.
As always, thanks for taking the time to tune in. Always welcome any feedback on how we can continue to grow and refine the show. You can reach me at: Antonio.K.Stephens@gmail.com
Much love,
Antonio
Took a break from this project as I went through an intense period of change, transformation and #selfdiscovery. I’m excited to be back and to have had the opportunity to sit down with John Kim (They/Them), a Health and Mindfulness Coach, to dive deep into the experience of self-discovery.
We define what self-discovery means, what the process looks like, tangible practices, highlights on challenges you might encounter and advice for anyone that may be feeling stuck on their journey.
As always, welcome any feedback as we continue to grow the show. You can reach me at: Antonio.K.Stephens@gmail.com
Thanks and hope you're keeping well.
A
Many of us often stumble across questions and thoughts that deal with our life’s purpose and what we were meant to do with our time here. Finding your groove and aligning #passion and #purpose can be daunting and can come with many challenges. Couldn’t think of anyone better to tackle this topic with than Natasha Filipov, Former #NFL Cheerleader and Founder of This Blonde Means Business. We dive into what it means to find your groove and how it feels once you’re there; how to figure out what drives and motivates you and how to identify and land on your purpose in life.
Thanks for your continued support, we really appreciate it. As always, I welcome any feedback you may have. Also, welcome any topics you would like to have considered for us to cover.
To learn more about Natasha, you can visit her website at: https://www.thisblondemeansbusiness.com/ . You can also find her across all social platforms @thisblondemeansbusiness and @natasha_filipov. You can find me on Instagram @TwanieFitness and @AntonioStephens on all other platforms.
Thanks again.
Much love,
Antonio
What does it mean to be unapologetic? This has been one of my favorite discussions so far. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Greggory Marcus, Ballroom Legend and Healthcare Consultant and Stephen Zepecki, Educator and Non-Profit Consultant to dive deep into this topic. I have seen and have experienced these two beams of light live and carry out their truest and most authentic lives. They share so many insights, tips and tools you can leverage to get more comfortable in your own skin, to figure out what self-discovery looks like for you and how to be accountable for who you are without fear or regret.
Thanks again for being part of this incredible journey. It may take me a while to push these episodes but know that I’m out making the right connections so I can bring you the best alchemist and insights possible.
As always, welcome any feedback you may have as I continue to improve the quality of the show. You can reach me at: Antonio.k.Stephens@gmail.com or on Instagram @TwanieFitness.
In honor of Pride, I'm so excited to open up, share more and let you into my lived experience as a Queer Black man – a part of my identity that has brought me great shame for years that I'm finally beginning to relinquish and embrace as I unfold. A few years ago, Laman Ben-Trahoret and I met in Washington D.C. and we bonded over our love for health and wellness. Over the course of the last year, our friendship has deepened the more we connected over our shared experience as Black Queer men sitting at the intersection of many dimensions of diversity. I am proud and honored to have shared this space and have this conversion with Laman. We dive into things like our upbringing and the environment and experiences that have shaped us. We discuss what it means to truly express as Black queer men – the work it takes to get to this point and important issues and nuances of the collective Black queer experience that can help to make stronger allies for us and our community. We engage in this courageous conversation with the hope that other young Black queer men know that they are seen, heard and valued. And, we hope that they will take the time and space to do the work (self-healing) so they can live a life that truly shines from the inside out.
To learn more about Laman, you can mind him on:
Instagram: @LiveLaman
LinkedIn: @ Laman Ben-Trahoret
Website: https://www.livelaman.com/
To learn more about me, you can find me at:
Instagram: @Twaniefitness
LinkedIn: @ Antonio Stephens
Contact: Antonio.K.Sephens@gmail.com
As always, thank you for listening. I always welcome feedback as I’m working to further refine the format and quality of the show.
With Love and Gratitude,
Antonio
Took a short break from this project to practice exactly this, while I navigated a challenging professional development experience and wanted to bring you all behind that. I'm super excited to have Caren Plummer on the show to share some real-life examples and stories of what self-love looks like. From developing habits to maintaining them and how to role model those behaviors for others. You should walk away with practical insights you can begin to apply today. Also, here's the life reflection wheel Caren mentioned if you'd like to try that exercise.
For more information on Caren, you can find her at:
Website: cpyoga.fitness
IG: @care_plummer // @cpyoga.fitness
You can find me at:
Insta: Twanie Fitness
LinkedIn: @Antonio Stephens
Enjoy the episode.
With love & gratitude,
Antonio
Adele Chee and I, tackle the importance of maintaining your social well-being in today's world for the third part of our 5 part series where we explore 7 dimensions of our wellbeing. Positive social habits can help you build support systems and stay healthier mentally and physically.
We share some good strategies to help build your social wellness and foster supportive social networks for yourself.
Thanks for listening and as always, welcome any feedback you may have on the show.
More about Adele --
You can find her on LinkedIn: @Adele Chee
Website: www.adelechee.com
Email: Hello@adele.com
More about me --You can find me on LinkedIn: @Antonio Stephens
Instagram: @TwanieFitness
Email: Antonio.K.Stephens@gmail.com
Subscribe if you liked the show and be sure to tell a friend.
Thanks, y'all. Peace and love!
Antonio
This week, I picked up the conversation exploring 7 dimensions of our well-being with Adele Chee, a Career Transition Coach and Mentor, discussing and connecting the importance of our Physical Wellness to all the other dimensions of our well-being. We share some practical tips and insights that can help you gain control and unlock this dimension.
Thanks for listening and as always, welcome any feedback you may have on the show.
More about Adele --
You can find her on LinkedIn: @Adele Chee
Website: www.adelechee.com
Email: Hello@adele.com
More about me --
You can find me on LinkedIn: @Antonio Stephens
Instagram: @TwanieFitness
Email: Antonio.K.Stephens@gmail.com
Subscribe if you liked the show and be sure to tell a friend.
Thanks, y'all. Peace and love!
Antonio
Such a blast finally getting to have and speak with Adele Chee, a Career Transition Coach and Mentor from the UK, on Life Chats with Friends. Over the course of the next 4 weeks, we'll dive in and explore 7 dimensions of our wellbeing. For each dimension, we'll define them, share our commitment to each for 2022 and share practical tips and insights that can help you live a more balanced and healthy lifestyle with each dimension in mind. This week, our first dimension in focus is Emotional and Mental Wellness. This is such an important topic, especially in today's climate. We hope you take something away from what we have to share and hope you enjoy the discussion.
Thanks for listening and as always, welcome any feedback you may have on the show.
More about Adele --
You can find her on LinkedIn: @Adele Chee
Website: www.adelechee.com
Email: Hello@adele.com
More about me --You can find me on LinkedIn: @Antonio Stephens
Instagram: @TwanieFitness
Email: Antonio.K.Stephens@gmail.com
Subscribe if you liked the show and be sure to tell a friend.
Thanks, y'all. Peace and love!
Antonio
This is part 2. of a conversation I had last week with Jess Falborn, a Women's Physique athlete. Last week, we explored the mindset of an athlete. This week, we'll share tips and insights on how you can develop healthy and sustainable habits and discipline. We dive into things such the need for community in whatever it is that you're pursuing and how you go about finding that. We talk about life setbacks and how you can look at those instances as a gift and the need for everyone to have the opportunity to push to their limit at least once in their life to help them better understand what it means to have and find balance.
I hope you enjoy the second half of our conversation.
To learn more about Jess you can find her at:
Insta: @Jfalborn
Website: Boss-building.com
To learn more about me, you can find me on instagram at @Twaniefitness.
Thanks for listening, as always welcome any feedback you may have as i continue to grow the show.
Best,
A
Jess Falborn, Fitness Entrepreneur and Women's Physique athlete, joins me for a conversation where we explore the mindset of an athlete. We dive into her career change, discuss some of the qualities you develop through athletics and explore some of the challenges, blind spots and what you learn about yourself being a solo competitor.
You can learn more about Jess and can follow her at:
Website: Boss-building.com
Instagram: Jfalborn
You can learn more about me:
Instagram: Twaniefitness
LinkedIn: Antonio Stephens
Thanks for taking the time to listen to this episode. Always open to feedback! If you found value in and enjoyed the segment, please share with a friend. Stay tuned for part 2, next week.
Peace and love,
Antonio
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chis Melancon, my coach and the person that’s been holding me accountable to all my health and wellness goals this year. In this episode we discuss and dive into what it means to live your life through structure and how your physical and mental health and wellbeing sits at the heart of that.
To learn more about Chris and his work, you can find him at:
Instagram: @Christopher_Melancon
Website: Teamlegacypro.com
You can find me on:
Instagram: @TwanieFitness
Youtube: @TwanieFitness
LinkedIn: @Antonio Stephens
Thank you for listening. Welcome any feedback you may have as i build this show. You can email me at: Antonio.K.Stephens@gmail.com
Peace and love,
Antonio
Welcome to the very first episode of Life Chats With Friends! In this episode Antonio sit's down with two of his close friends in the fitness industry - Dale Fetterman and Jess Vaughan. They discuss and dive into what it means to approach health and wellness holistically and share some practical tips and insights that can help you find and create the balance you need in your life to meet your daily goals in a sustainable and meaningful way.
You can find them on all platforms --
Antonio --
Instagram: @TwanieFitness
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-stephens-4450b6a1/
Dale --
Instagram: @FettermanDale
Website: dalefettermanfitness.com
Jess --
Instagram: @Fierce_phoenix_fitness
Thank you for tuning into this session! If you enjoyed, be sure to tell a friends and or share this. Subscribe so you know when our next episode goes live.
Peace and love,
Antonio & TWANIE FITNESS!