Flozell Daniels’s story is rather unique, yet some may say it's unfortunately not uncommon. These days Flozell thrives as the President and CEO of the Foundation for Louisiana, likely possible through the foundation he received growing up in an African American community in New Orleans that was idyllic and secure despite its issues. In this episode Flozell speaks of strong maternal figures and a father who always showed up and guided him, which helped him feel sure of the role he in turn would play in the future. But life dealt him one of the cruelest of blows. Only a few years past a trauma t ..read more

If pain is indeed inspiration for art, then poet, health advocate, and educator Nikki Napoleon’s first few decades were not short of material. From the layers of trauma in her home - heartbreakingly brushed off as “just learned behavior” by relatives who could have intervened - to losing some of her beloved siblings, Nikki could have drowned in a reservoir of pain. But “Earth Angels” like her maternal grandmother turned her on to reading books and writing poetry, in which she found healing and self-expression. Through that creativity and curiosity, and other therapies that are important to her ..read more

This episode focuses on one man’s journey to care for himself and his community during a time of loss and hardship. Flozell’s childhood epitomized the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” as he grew up in a tight-knit and supportive family and community. But within every community, there is a tragedy, and the loss of Flozell’s son significantly impacted his path in life. In that experience, Flozell has risen up as a compassionate leader, while also turning to his community for support. In this episode, he shares how he found meaning within his grief and a renewed calling for acceptan ..read more

Since the age of four, artist and activist Jasmine Davis was very clear about who she was, yet she felt burdened by the weight of other people’s prejudice, expectations and projections onto her, and she had to constantly navigate this lack of acceptance and understanding everywhere in her world—from church, to school, to even within her own family. Finally successful in her self definition and in harmony with the people in her life and work, now Jasmine honestly and openly recounts her path to get there: the unexpected people from whom she found acceptance and guidance, the vices she clung to ..read more

Despite all, bodyworker, healer and writer Amy Stewart gently reminds herself that “I’m better now than I was back then.” And that is saying a lot, because by the age of nine she had already experienced enough trauma to feel that the world and everything around her was sad. Amy reveals how that young girl - hurt, angry, and feeling unprotected - succumbed to harmful outlets to escape and to cope. Today, after decades of therapy ,she is proud of her growth and has found healthier outlets to speak her truth and fight for her healing.  ..read more

This episode focuses on two women that are dedicated to breaking the cycle of trauma in their families and who are using their stories as a means to help heal others. First, we hear from Lauren, a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, and pediatrician, who feels that there was no amount of training that could have prepared her for the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties, she continues to bring comfort to the patients she virtually meets with, all while continuing on the path of reconciling her personal childhood trauma. We also hear from Gina, a pillar of strength for her famil ..read more

Today Brennan Jacques is a thriving middle-school teacher, and a football and basketball coach, yet in his own words his early life “was not pretty.” The memories that play on repeat in his head aren't all bright and positive like the once in a lifetime community trip he took to Disney World, rather he is still plagued by a horrific situation that unfolded right in front of his eyes at age twelve. That wasn’t Brennan’s first intimate brush with violence - and it would not be his last - and when he became a young father he became determined to create a different life for his daughter and went d ..read more

 Dr. James is a psychologist, but today he is not going to be a therapist, he’s just going to be Arnold. On the other side of the couch, Arnold talks candidly with Dr. Shervington about his first few decades, which were lived under the inhibiting weight of unwavering rules and expectations; breaking free from that weight is his life’s journey. Through deep reflection, accented by moments of levity, Arnold describes his path to create freedom, self-worth, and balance in his relationships without shunning the parts of this deeply embedded rigidity that feel protective and connect him to the ..read more

Gina Brown could have settled with being one of many tragic stories of a human’s inability to claw beyond circumstances outside of her control. Beginning at just four and a half years old, Gina has endured a history of abuse, a devastating health diagnosis, failed familial relationships, self denial, and substance use. Yet instead of succumbing to the trauma, after a lot of work Gina has pushed through and become a national advocate and activist. With humor and conviction, Gina tells her provocative personal story of how she catalyzed her own healing and how she works daily to disrupt the harm ..read more

This episode explores the concept of freedom in two very different expressions. First, we hear back from Arnold, who exemplifies the idea that 60 is the new age of enlightenment. With every year, Arnold has found it easier to let go of his anxieties, his control, and the ghosts of his past that haunt him. Thanks to this new approach to life, Arnold has shed many of his self-imposed constrictions and found a new zest for life. While Arnold is thriving in his version of stability, Jasmine, on the other hand, is “always in transition.” While that may sound like a bad thing, to Jasmine it truly is ..read more