The Art of Balancing It All

Ep. 36: Supporting Black Men’s Mental Health

So many of our black men suffer in silence and lose their mental health battles. In 2019, according to the Dept. of Health and Human Services, suicide was the second leading cause of death for black people, with successful suicide attempts by black men being 4X greater than black women.

 

In this episode, we brought in an all-male panel to examine some of the sources of mental health challenges among black men and learn how to support our men through their mental health journey to wellness.

Ep. 35: It’s a Love Thang with Eric Roberson

It's the beginning of our third season, and what better way to kick it off than with GRAMMY Award-nominee, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Howard University alum, Eric Roberson.

 

We brought Eric on to talk about a night of music, love, and elegance he's bringing to Wake Forest, NC in February, but what we got was so much more. In the tradition of TAOBIA, nuggets of wisdom were dropped!

 

Eric shared with us the inspiration behind his music and how he's balanced the two most important things in his life - family and music. The wisdom he brings on maintaining a relationship and the secret sauce to starting a lifelong partnership is 'grab your notepad, pen AND MAP' worthy. You'll have to watch the show to know why we say you need to grab your map.

 

Trust us. You will enjoy this episode filled with ah-ha moments and plenty of laughter. You know what to do. Grab that pen, pad, and your favorite drink, and tune in.

Ep. 34: Coping with Grief During the Holidays

In this episode, we asked two remarkable women to join us and talk about what so many may be coping with during the holidays -- Grief. The impact of grief during the holidays can be crippling, whether experiencing the holidays for the first time without a loved one or grieving the loss of a relationship.

 

We thought it essential to bring on guests who could give you practical tools that you can apply today to navigate grief during the holidays. Our guests not only share valuable tools but, we take a deep dive into the effects of grief on your body, mind, and spirit that help give you a better understanding of what may be taking place in your life now.

 

Xanthia Johnson is the Owner, CEO, and lead licensed psychotherapist/coach of Urban Playology, LLC. She provides brain-body-based interventions and integrative wellness services to communities of color and queer folx impacted by trauma. Xanthia has a special interest in self-care healing resources to support healing. She is a licensed clinical psychotherapist, certified yoga teacher, sound bath meditation teacher, and expressive arts therapy enthusiast. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, CBS Morning, Forbes, and various other podcasts. Ms. Johnson is co-founder of the Compassionate Anti-racism Project. There she helps white people leverage their privilege to be a voice for the voiceless.

 

Helena Bates brand Heartthrob Access is dedicated to love after loss. Heartthrob Access has been recognized by Tabatha Brown and other social media influencers like I AM Zoie. Heartthrob Access's mission is to share love after loss by honoring loved ones, acknowledging grief, and supporting others.

As the child of a single parent, Helena’s mother was all she had. She was her provider, protector, and best friend. When she unexpectedly died at the young age of 33 from complications with asthma, Helena was 14 and had no experience losing a loved one. When her family arrived at school to tell her that her mother had passed away, she heard the words but did not know what they meant. It didn't register until months later that she would never see her again. Due to factors surrounding her mother's death, she did not have the support that she desperately needed.

 

In 2016, after an unexpected breakup, she began to do some self-reflection. She realized after every disappointment, failure, or bad experience the pain from losing her mother would resurface. She knew she needed to open up and allow healing to take place. She also knew that her mother would not want to be the source of her pain. She wanted to find a way to express her love for her mother and decided to start Heartthrob Access. This brand is a way to pay homage to her mother while supporting others who lost loved ones.

 

Grab your pens and get ready to take notes. More importantly, click the share button to gift someone with this episode who may need it during the holidays.

 

We are wishing you love and light during this season.

 

Ep. 33: Teaching Children Self-Acceptance: You‘re Gonna Love Me!

In this episode, we discuss self-acceptance and how important it is for kids to know and love themselves. To do that, we brought one of our dopest friends, Tiffani Staten, to The Art of Balancing It All to share her journey to acceptance and discuss her new children's book.

 

Tiffani Staten is the author of "You're Going to Like Me, Grumble! Grumble!" her debut children's book. Her book highlights the necessity of self-acceptance in our smallest members of society. She is excited for readers to meet and identify with the characters in a positive way.

Tiffani is also an AMA Professional Certified Marketer and holds a B.A. in Mass Communications from Hampton University (Hampton, VA) and a PCM in Digital Marketing. She is a former stage manager who has lent her expertise to shows such as "The Color Purple" (Justice Theatre Project), August Wilson's King Hedley (Ensemble Theatre, Houston), and on the Gospel Channel's Special: Robert Townsend's Musical Theatre of Hope.

She currently works in project management at an entertainment tech company. Tiffani currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her loving husband of 21 years, Terence.

 

Grab your copy of Tiffani's book for the children in your life at Target, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble! A perfect gift for the holidays.

 

Ep 32: YBE Entrepreneur Spotlight: Dava Greely, Greely Global Enterprise

In this episode of the Year of the Black Entrepreneur (YBE) Bonus Spotlight Series, we highlight Dava Greely. Dava Greely is the founder of Greely Global Enterprise LLC an umbrella company with two areas of focus: 1) Non-profit, which serves the needs of children in the foster care system, and 2.) Women's empowerment as a speaker, author, and life coach.

 

Learn more about Dava, what is driving her advocacy and how you can connect with her in building a foster care community:

Connect with Dava:

• Email: dava.greely@gmail.com
• Facebook: Dava Greely
• Sow A Seed With Greely Global Enterprise

Ep 31: Turning Pain Into Purpose

The Summer is over, and we are back! And, to start this next round of episodes off, we brought in a powerhouse who is an entrepreneur, community leader, mentor, and praise and worship member. The multi-faceted Shabawanna Wilson joins us to share her story.

 

In this episode, Shabowanna, who we lovingly call 'Shab,' gets vulnerable when she shares her unexpected journey to motherhood, her battles with depression, and her lessons from divorce, and how she ultimately learned always to turn her trials into triumph.

 

You won't want to miss this episode. Shab's energy will inspire you to own your own story and turn pain into purpose.

Ep 29: Special Father's Day Episode: The Driving Force Behind Dope Dads

It's that time of year again! The time where we celebrate both Juneteenth and fatherhood. In this year's special Father's Day episode, we wanted to take a deep dive into what drives dope Dads to be present, attentive, and active in their children's lives. To do that, we invited some of the dope Dads we know to share with us their motivation. Our special guests, Wes Jones and Jason L. Scott to join us and share their personal fatherhood stories. We also asked other dope Dads we know to send in videos of their stories as well. And, their testimonials are incredible and inspiring.

 

Jason L. Scott, is above all things, a servant leader. This certified John Maxwell Coach is an author, speaker, highly sought after leader, and success mentor, empowering everyday people into extraordinary six-figure income earners.

 

His days of growing up in the projects of the Bronx, New York, coupled with his leadership training as a Fort Bragg Paratrooper in the Army led Mr. Scott on a personal development journey, which resulted in him researching and studying hundreds of leadership development books and experts where he learned to transform his life and through heart-filled stories and innovative workshops he connects and transforms individuals from all walks of life.

 

As a serial entrepreneur, he owns and operates multiple businesses such as Jason L. Scott 1st Research International in which he is a highly sought-after empowerment speaker and peak performance strategist. He is also a proud Dad of nine children and is lovingly known as Papa to his grandchildren.

 

Wes Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of Umbrella Therapeutic Services, Inc., a public health agency specializing in behavioral health, child welfare, juvenile justice, returning citizens, and community empowerment in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Known for his dedication to public service, Wes has been at the helm of Umbrella for more than 15 years, managing a team of passionate problem-solvers that includes MDs, PhDs, MBAs, Nurses, LICSWs, LICSW-Cs, LPCs, and a host of other health professionals.

 

Originally from Danville, Va., Wes is a U.S. Army veteran who proudly served as a Signal Corp Officer. He holds an MS in Business Administration and Marketing from Johns Hopkins University, an MSW from Howard University, and a BA from Elon University. In his spare time, Wes enjoys spending time with his three kids and friends, cooking new dishes, traveling, and cycling.

 

You won't want to miss this episode full of inspiration and wisdom from the dope Dad's point of view!

Ep 28: YBE Entrepreneur Spotlight: Amy Cook, Photographer & Owner of Madalyne Dean Photography

In the first episode of our Year of the Black Entrepreneur (YBE) Bonus Spotlight Series, we highlight Amy Cook. Amy Cook is a teacher turned photographer who is following her passion and helping people capture their love and celebrations through her photography business Madalyne Dean Photography.

 

Learn more about Amy, what drives her and how she creates a unique experience for her clients below.

Connect with Amy

• Website: https://www.mdpnc.com/blog/denise-p-family-session/
• Instagram & Facebook: @madalynedeanphotography

Ep 27: Is Russell Wilson an Anomaly? And, Let‘s Talk Kirk Franklin

In this episode, we went live with a panel that was guaranteed to bring the fire! And, they did not disappoint. Our panel included:

• Elizabeth Overstreet, Relationship Expert & Love Strategist
• Bruce Bradshaw, Podcast Host of Brunch with Bradshaw
• Frank Henderson, Pastor of EPIC Church & Entrepreneur
• Jana Avery, Host of Conversate for a Few, Creative, & Author

We take on questions like:

• Is Russell Wilson an Anomaly?
• Why do men have a problem with him?
• Is there a double-standard in dating?
• Why is vulnerability in relationships so difficult? And, why is it so important in relationships?
• What's up with canceling Kirk Franklin?

And so much more.

 

This panel shoots it straight with no chaser and brings the laughs while our audience chimes in with their thoughts. Trust me; this is not an episode you want to miss.

 

Forget your pen for this one. Grab a glass and enjoy.

 

Ep 26: Int'l Women's History Month: Choose to Challenge

It's International Women's Month, so we brought in the dynamic Divya Parekh, who is passionate about challenging other women to excellence, to discuss:

 

• How women can continue to make an impact in our lives and the world
• How to incorporate a mindful mindset into your leadership

Divya brings over 20+ years of rich and varied experiences as a Business Coach, Influence Mastery Advisor, Speaker, and Author. Her professional career includes a university associate professor, scientist, biotechnology professional, and global business relationship and leadership coach. Her passion for coaching and the sincere desire to positively impact people led her to develop effective evidence-based leadership and partnership programs. Her worldwide recognition includes media coverage with BBC.com, CBS News, IGN, Daily Mirror, Daily News NY, The Independent, TooFab, USA Today, and more. She is 9X number one international bestselling author, authoring books on leadership, entrepreneurship, stress management, mindfulness mastery, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. To top it off, Divya is also a contributing author to Forbes and Entrepreneur magazine.

 

Divya drops some serious gems that will make you think and spark dialogue with colleagues, friends, and family. So grab your pen and dig in.