212: Christie Rocha: Prioritizing Wellness: Saying Goodbye to Focus on My Health & Family
The Inner Edit
enJanuary 12, 2024
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192 Mikaya Thurmond: Mental Health Strategies for Remote Workers: Discover Joy in Everyday Moments
enNovember 03, 2023
About this Episode
Today With Mikaya Thurmond:
Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Mikaya Thurmond, an award-winning Public Relations Strategist propelling brands to new heights with more than a decade of expertise. Mikaya is former television news anchor for WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is a politician’s daughter, Miss Georgia 2009, a University of Georgia and Harvard graduate, and a TedX speaker. But above all, Mikaya’s superpower is authentic storytelling. It’s what she lives and breathes—because if we aren’t being ourselves, then what’s the point, right?
Today, Mikaya and I are discussing how to be true to yourself at work and at home, online, and in real life. Mikaya says she is here for happiness, not the hustle, and is sharing strategies she uses to prioritize her mental health.
Pick It Apart
[5:24] Mikaya talks about working remote as a TV news anchor during the pandemic, and continuing to work remote now as a PR strategist, and what she has learned from these experiences.
[12:07] Christie asks Mikaya about her personal habits that help create intentional time for herself.
[20:25] Mikaya talks about leaving her news anchor position, how scary it was but why it was an important step in her growth.
[26:45] Mikaya shares her perspective on relevance and how she is able to be more authentic to herself as an influencer as opposed to a TV personality.
[29:56] Christie and Mikaya discuss how fast-paced our world is, and the importance of slowing down and taking a breath.
[32:21] Christie asks Mikaya how valuing mental health spills into her client relationships.
[40:59] Mikaya shares how she color codes her calendar to make sure she fits in time for her spiritual, physical, social, and future self.
Christie Rocha's and Mikaya Thurmond's Ah-Ha Moments
“I think we all should ask ourselves every day, ‘What did you do today, Christy, to make yourself happy? And it's got to be something just for you. And I think when you make a habit of that, I've been really successful at maintaining positive mental health.” – Mikaya Thurmond
“We often are looking for what we can add to our life to make it easier, when really we could probably start with what to take out—what can we remove?” – Christie Rocha
“The key to the magic sauce, especially if you're talking about a person or product, is authenticity and vulnerability.” – Mikaya Thurmond
More About Mikaya Thurmond
As an award-winning Public Relations Strategist, Mikaya Thurmond harnesses over a decade of expertise to propel brands to new heights. Her passion for messaging began as a journalist across the southeast. Most notably making waves as the youngest anchor for WRAL News in Raleigh, where she engaged with hundreds of thousands of viewers daily over a seven-year tenure. During her time reporting in North Carolina and Tennessee, Mikaya secured two Associated Press awards and received four Emmy nominations. Notably, she contributed to prominent platforms like CBS Evening News and NBC’s Today Show.
Honored as one of UGA's "40 Under 40" and recognized as a "Mover and Shaker'' by Cary Magazine, Mikaya's influence extends beyond journalism. A proud alumni of Harvard University and the University of Georgia, she's deeply committed to molding the upcoming wave of professionals. This passion led her to educate the future of communications as a 2023 lecturer at North Carolina State University’s communications department. Moreover, she proudly established a college scholarship with the North Carolina Education Scholarship Fund, aimed at financially supporting young women studying communications.
In October 2023, Mikaya will add another feather to her cap by taking the stage as a speaker at TEDxRaleigh. As she continues to shape the PR landscape, Mikaya remains a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of authentic storytelling.
Connect with Mikaya Thurmond
Connect with Christie!
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Other Shows Mentioned:
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211: Elizabeth Earnshaw: Thrive on Social Media: Transforming 'Shoulds' into Empowering Choices
Today With Elizabeth Earnshaw:
Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Elizabeth Earnshaw, LMFT, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and trusted relationship teacher. She is also a business owner, an author, a podcast segment host, and a content creator…you might know her as @lizlistens.
Liz is one of the original Instagram therapists, but as the platform and algorithms have changed, so has her mindset about how she uses the space. Listen now to hear how Liz remains true to herself, trustworthy to her clients, and ethical in her career as a therapist while sharing her message online.
Pick It Apart
[2:33] Elizabeth shares why she decided to start her Instagram page and its aim of introducing therapy to people who might not realize what it is or how it can help.
[8:05] Elizabeth and Christie discuss how Instagram has changed, along with how (and why) Elizabeth continues to use the platform in ways that align with her values.
[18:24] Christie has an AHA moment, realizing that Instagram began to lose its appeal for her when it became something she “should” do.
[25:45] Christie asks Elizabeth her thoughts on the pressure put on creators with large platforms to take a stance on every issue in the world.
[32:55] Elizabeth explains how taking public stances as a therapist can limit what her clients feel comfortable sharing.
[40:51] Elizabeth speaks about taking care of herself and her nervous system responses to negative comments on social media by setting boundaries.
[41:33] Christie asks Tomi about how she responds to current events with her audience.
Christie Rocha's and Elizabeth Earnshaw's Ah-Ha Moments“For years, I have always enjoyed [Instagram]. I've always liked it. And I think when it shifted to a ‘you should do this’ is when it starts feeling like ‘ugh’.” – Christie Rocha
“Once it became the obligation to say things a specific way…that obligation took the joy away…I'm only going to [post] now when I feel like it's something I really want to say or I feel confident about it, and it's aligned with what feels good. And I'm really trying not to look at metrics.” – Elizabeth Earnshaw
“[As a therapist], any [public] stance that you take can be read by your client…and that can limit the way they talk to you.” – Elizabeth Earnshaw
“It's much more powerful to talk about what you believe instead of what you don't believe.” – Elizabeth Earnshaw
More About Elizabeth Earnshaw
Elizabeth Earnshaw is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Certified Gottman Therapist, Clinical Fellow of the AAMFT, and the author of I Want This To Work: An Inclusive Guide to Navigating the Most Difficult Relationship Issues We Face in The Modern Age". She sees couples and trains therapists at A Better Life Therapy in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is a co-founder at Actually, a company focused on helping premarital couples have important conversations. She hosts a relationship advice segment on the iHeartRadio podcast, Good Risings, and creates relationship wellness content on Instagram @lizlistens.
Connect with Elizabeth EarnshawConnect with Christie!
Like Us: Facebook | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
SS #177: Katie McDonald: Gaining a Competitive Edge Through Self-Care
TIE #204: Kim Young: Building Genuine Influence: Strategies to Foster Authentic Connection with Your Audience
TIE #207: Christie Rocha: How to Cope With Creator Burnout
TIE #210: Chelsea Conners: Transforming Creative Ruts: The Breathwork Strategy for Digital Creators
The Inner Edit
enJanuary 10, 2024
210: Chelsea Connors: Transforming Creative Ruts: The Breathwork Strategy for Digital Creators
Today With Chelsea Connors:
Today on The Inner Edit I have on high-performance coach, former psychotherapist, and certified breathwork facilitator, Chelsea Connors. Breathwork is a growing outlet for self-care and I don’t know about you, but I’m not too familiar with it. Chelsea shares what breathwork is, practicing it tangibly, and its benefits. If you have ever been in a content block, you’ll appreciate this mindful technique to dig you out.
Pick It Apart
[2:35] Chelsea enjoys the creative process of social platforms, and she explains why.
[8:20] Chelsea talks about the support system that helps her when she’s feeling a lull in her work.
[14:00] Chelsea explains why she started her podcast, “The Ripple.”
[21:16] Chelsea shares how she battles creative blocks.
[30:22] The reality of the constant negotiation we have with ourselves.
[35:08] Chelsea defines a certified breathwork instructor.
[36:45] The science behind how breathwork changes your brain waves.
[43:53] How you can use breathwork for digital creation.
Christie Rocha's and Chelsea Connors's Ah-Ha Moments“What I do for work is an extension of who I am, so the fact that I get to share that freely on social media feels like a creative expression rather than an obligation.” - Chelsea Connors.
“When you are experiencing a creative block, don’t force it. Step away for a second. Do a task that gets you out of your head, so you can focus on the big picture.” - Chelsea Connors.
“Breathwork is a way to intentionally create an intense experience in the mind that creates new neural pathways through the intensity of your breath.” - Chelsea Connors.
More About Chelsea Connors
Chelsea Connors is a mental health therapist turned coach and a certified breathwork instructor. Through breathwork, coaching and her podcast, The Ripple, Chelsea is on a mission to bridge the gap between mental wellness and personal growth. She helps you reclaim your voice, embrace change and build unshakable confidence.
Connect with Chelsea ConnorsConnect with Christie!
Like Us: Facebook | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#204: Kim Young: Building Genuine Influence: Strategies to Foster Authentic Connection with Your Audience
The Inner Edit
enJanuary 05, 2024
209: Way Back Wednesday: Michelle Tangeman: How to Set the Foundation for Emotional Intelligence in Toddlerhood
The Inner Edit
enJanuary 03, 2024
208: Christie Rocha: The Dreaded Creative Blocks: Strategies for Overcoming Mental Barriers
The Inner Edit
enDecember 29, 2023
207: Christie Rocha: How to Cope With Creator Burnout
The Inner Edit
enDecember 27, 2023
206: Kristen Gingrich: How to Organize and Repurpose Your Content and Protect Your Privacy Online
Today With Kristen Gingrich:
Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Kristen Gingrich, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, author, and cohost of Welcome to Group Therapy.
I discovered Kristen during the pandemic and I think we all can agree, that the Covid era exposed a need for mental health and during this time, people were seeking more information about it. It became more recognized and relatable.
Kristen joined the social media world just in time to help people live authentically. She strives to destigmatize mental health and teach that at the end of the day, we are all human.
Listen in as we talk about gaining views and followers, how to credit audio in your videos, creating with values, and more!
Pick It Apart
[1:41] Kristen explains how she got started on her platform.
[9:27] How Kristen decides what content goes on Instagram and what goes on TikTok?
[11:25] Christie and Kristen discuss when you should credit someone else's audio.
[23:00] Kristen’s value system for what she puts out.
[34:23] How Kristen’s relationships started with Dr. Kristen Casey and others.
[45:50] Kristen on the personal things in her life she chooses not to share.
Christie Rocha's and Kristen Gingrich's Ah-Ha Moments
“People can follow you from your viral videos, but what about them keeps you staying?” - Kristen Gingrich
“When it comes to putting your kids on the internet, err on the side of caution and remember that digital footprints are real.” - Kristen Gingrich
“When you share things online, whether you want it or not, you are opening yourself up to feedback.” - Kristen Gingrich
Connect with Kristen Gingrich
Connect with Christie!
Like Us: Facebook | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#121: Lindsay Fleming: An OG TikTok Therapist on the Blessing and the Curse of Social Media for Us and Our Kids
#136: Dr. Kristen Casey: Are You Sabotaging Your Sleep?: A Harm Reduction Approach to Disordered Sleep
#203: Chasity Holcomb: The Value in Trusting Your Instincts and Pivoting in Content Creation to Create Evergreen Authenticity
The Inner Edit
enDecember 22, 2023
205: Jennifer Anderson: The Struggles and Responsibility of Growing a Platform to 2 Million Followers
Today With Jennifer Anderson:
Today I’m with dietician Jennifer Anderson, creator of Kids Eat in Color, an educational resource helping families navigate picky eating and feeding children
To say that Kids in Color is a success would be a major understatement. The page has 1.9 million followers, an astounding number that reflects the work and intention Jennifer has put into her platform every step of the way.
Today, Jennifer is here to tell the story of how she transitioned from working full-time and posting as a hobby to hosting arguably one of the most popular pages in the parenting space, along with her views on the responsibilities we hold as content creators and influencers in the public eye.
Pick It Apart
[0:14] Jennifer shares how she grew her platform from nothing to an amazing 1.9 million followers, eventually transitioning to running it full-time.
[5:59] Jennifer recounts some of the struggles she faced and how she knew it was time to commit full-time to her platform.
[18:58] Jennifer breaks down how the business brings money in and the steps she took to create that income.
[28:58] Christie and Jennifer discuss how consuming content creation can be.
[31:48] Jennifer shares her perspective on the choice to share children, or not share children, on social media.
[38:54] Christie asks Jennifer how she cultivated such a thriving community.
[44:12] Jennifer and Christie discuss the responsibility we have as creators to share accurate and non-judgmental information.
Christie Rocha's and Jennifer Anderson's Ah-Ha Moments“I am constantly reviewing the evidence and reading the research coming out every week. If at any point, I'm wrong, and certainly I have changed my position on things over time, I am more than happy to hear about it. I will acknowledge it, decide I will make a statement if I need to, I will change my position, and I will slowly shift over time.” -Jennifer
“I’ve kind of just erred on not showing the kids until I'm really clear on how I want to show them. And I think that's ultimately what I'm getting from you is whatever you decide to do, just have the clarity and intention behind what you're doing.” -Christie
More About Jennifer Anderson
Jennifer Anderson is a mom of two, registered dietitian and has a masters of science in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. In 2019, she founded Kids Eat in Color, a resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Prior to starting Kids Eat in Color, she coordinated youth nutrition programs at a food bank, performed research in urban food deserts, and consulted for the USDA national office SNAP-Ed program. Her academic background is in public health nutrition, cultural anthropology, and economics.
Connect with Christie!
Like Us: Facebook | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
The Inner Edit
enDecember 20, 2023
204: Kim Young: Building Genuine Influence: Strategies to Foster Authentic Connection with Your Audience
Today With Kim Young:
Today on The Inner Edit I am joined by Kim Young, Kim Young of Dope Black Social Worker and host of the Revolutionary Hoodrat podcast. Kim is a licensed therapist, a nationally recognized social worker, and an expert troublemaker.
For many years, Kim’s career centered on direct clinical services for youth, families, and communities. But over the last five years, Kim has shifted upstream, moving out of direct service, in order to make an even deeper impact in the field of social work, focusing on programmatic, organizational, and systemic changes.
Kim gets it. She knows who she is and who she wants to help. And she understands how her platforms—in addition to her real-life work—are all a part of that.
In this episode, Kim shares the story of how she ‘accidentally’ grew her amazing online following, how she has (reluctantly at times) accepted her influence, and how she uses humor, authenticity, and creativity to make excellent trouble.
Pick It Apart
[2:45] Kim explains how she began growing a community online—completely by accident
[9:40] Kim shares why she is so grateful for her online community and gives tips on cultivating respectful engagement.
[20:44] Christie and Kim discuss the importance of setting boundaries, especially within online platforms.
[31:38] Kim shares how she has resisted accepting the influence she has because she prefers to work behind the scenes.
[46:55] Kim unpacks why it is important for content creators to continuously ask themselves and understand who they are creating content for and why.
Christie Rocha's and Kim Young's Ah-Ha Moments“I'm not going to just create content just to create things. I'm not going say things just to say things…When I open my mouth and speak, it's real, deliberate, and intentional.” – Kim Young
“If you have the platform, even if you're not going to share your own point of view, put the resources out there of the people that do.” – Christie Rocha
“I'm a troublemaker and social worker at my core. Even though I'm online, I'm always thinking ‘how do I use what I have and what I have access to to make sure other people come along with me.’” – Kim Young
“I'm not going to concern myself with things I have no control over.” – Kim Young
“If we're creating content for external validation—because we're not giving ourselves internal validation—you're never going to find whatever you're looking for.” – Kim Young
More About Kim Young
Kim is a nationally recognized and sought after Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), expert troublemaker. and host of the podcast, Revolutionary Hoodrat. Kim has over a decade of experience working alongside at promise youth, families, and communities. Kim is deeply committed to cross sector collaboration that utilizes an asset based approach to develop strategies which promote community driven solutions to system created problems.
Kim has experience in providing direct clinical services to youth and adults in psychiatric hospitals , residential treatment and community based settings. Kim specializes in working with multi–systems involved youth and young adults who have experienced and participated in acts of community violence.
In 2019 Kim made the shift upstream and stepped away from direct service to begin working on programmatic, organizational and system changes. Kim has worked nationally with universities, localities, and organizations delivering consultations, training, keynotes, and lectures.
Kim focuses her work around three priority areas:
- Increase the visibility of Black social workers.
- Create pathways to opportunities for Black youth and young adults.
- Eliminate barriers to dreaming for Black youth and young adults.
Kim has been recognized as an Essence Magazine Essential Hero, Richmond’s Style Weekly 40 Under 40, Virginia Commonwealth University 10 Under 10 and featured in a number of publications and podcasts. Kim was born and raised in San Diego, California and is proud to have called Richmond, Virginia home since 2011. When not causing trouble Kim enjoys
moving with ease, reclaiming rest and listening to trap music.
Kim believes that relationships heal and there is power in empathy, compassion, and kindness.
Connect with Christie!
Like Us: Facebook | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
The Inner Edit #190: Renee Reina: Navigating the Intersection: Where Your Passions and Niche Content Meet on Social Media
The Inner Edit #198: Tomi Obebe: Transforming Passion into Profit: Lessons in Blog and Social Media Monetization
The Inner Edit #203: Chastity Holcomb: The Value in Trusting Your Instincts and Pivoting in Content Creation to Create Evergreen Authenticity
The Inner Edit
enDecember 15, 2023
203: Chasity Holcomb: The Value in Trusting Your Instincts and Pivoting in Content Creation to Create Evergreen Authenticity
Today With Chasity Holcomb:
Today, I’m joined by trauma therapist and coach Chasity Holcomb, creator of Momfully You.
Chasity’s content often centers on balancing motherhood and a career or business while breaking generational cycles and healing childhood wounds.
Chasity started creating content after a decade of experience as a therapist, using her platform as a place to help even more people.
Today, she is here to share her journey into content creation and discuss pivoting to a form of content that feels right to you and showing up as your true self.
Pick It Apart
[4:43] Chasity shares how she grew her platform and what she loves about creating content.
[8:36] Christie and Chasity discuss weighing out the value of helping your audience with your own time and effort put into your content.
[15:48] Chasity reflects on what to do when you feel like you “have to” create instead of doing it because you want to.
[33:25] Chasity shares why she decided to bring her faith into her platform and why being true to yourself matters.
Christie Rocha's and Chasity Holcomb's Ah-Ha Moments
"I do truly believe that even if people don't like a post or comment, they see it, and I have had experiences where total strangers will book something with me or enroll into one of my programs or something. So I don't think we'll ever truly know the impact that we're making.” -Chasity
“Social media is one of those places where it's the burden and the blessing in the same token.” -Chasity
“This thought of ‘even if I just help one person, that’s meaningful’ is true, but this is one of those situations where two things are true at the same time. It’s also a ton of work for potentially one person to be helped. And that is not to say that that one person doesn't deserve it. But it is a lot of work on the one person pointing at you behind the account to keep it going.” -Christie
More About Chasity Holcomb
"I fulfilled my childhood dream of being a Therapist and spent the first decade of my career doing trauma therapy for thousands of people. They all had one thing in common - a deep wound from a parent.
After having my girls, thirteen months apart might I add, I got a God-nudge to start creating content and open a private practice to help moms overcome anxiety. I noticed another pattern - 90% of them had a childhood wound from a parent.
Having gone through my own healing journey from childhood wounds, I absolutely know how hard it is to parent your children while reparenting yourself."
Connect with Chasity HolcombConnect with Christie!
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The Inner Edit
enDecember 13, 2023