Couched in Color

From the young age of thirteen, Juan Acosta started his mental health advocacy for kids at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities. Now a fully-fledged mental health advocate and contributor to the new book from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation, CHANNEL KINDNESS, Juan continues his fight for equality, awareness, and rights for marginalized youth.

Join Dr. Alfiee and Juan as they discuss the stigma of mental illness in Latinx communities, what inspired him to begin his mental health advocacy, and the biggest challenges he has had to overcome in his journey!

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Thriving at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Latinx communities.
• The driving force behind Juan’s mental health advocacy.
• What can children and parents do when dealing with bullying?
• How to have intentional conversations about mental health.
• About the Channel Kindness project and book.
• The struggles and pressures of mental health advocacy.
• How to practice self-care and ground yourself.
• The power of owning your truth.
• What to do when you’re dealing with mental health concerns.

QUOTABLES:

“There's so much more to one person's identity than just one thing. We all have different layers to ourselves that we need to address and I feel like that's something that needs to be addressed within the mental health system.”

“I am more than one moment. And for me, that means I am more than one moment of success and I am more than one moment of me feeling unwell or feeling like I failed at something. So I am more than the success and I am more than any failure that I could ever undergo because there's so much more to it.”

“I'm going to go after what I set myself out to do regardless of those who will oppose it, regardless of those who like it or not, because this is my truth. And when you own your truth, that's what will propel you to those heights.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow Juan Acosta on social media:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juanacosta__/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JUANACOSTA__
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/acostajuann/about/
Visit Juan Acosta’s website at https://www.juanacostaofficial.com/
Visit the Channel Kindness website at https://www.channelkindness.org/
Get your copy of the CHANNEL KINDNESS book here: https://www.channelkindness.org/book/

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee
Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

In this three-part episode, Dr. Alfiee chats with the authors of the book African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D., Trenette Clark Goings, Ph.D., and Heather A. Jones, Ph.D.

We invited the authors to the show to share a traditional academic perspective on best practices in supporting the emotional development of Black youth.  As Dr. Alfiee discusses this new book with each of the authors,  she uncovers the motivation behind their work and how their unique areas of expertise were  woven into the publication. Listen and learn more about the term racial socialization is, why it matters for Black youth and how crucial it is in the upbringing of Black children.  You'll also gain new insights into important conversations to have with children of diverse backgrounds.

Tune in now so you can learn more about how you can best support and nurture your child in the fight toward dismantling racism, improving equity and inclusion, and promoting social racialization.  This episode is one of our more academic leaning features but the authors make their material highly accessible and relevant for teens, parents and families.

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D.

• Dr. Belgrave’s work in the mental health field.
• About the book African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice
• What is racial socialization and why is it so important?
• How does racial socialization support mental health for African American youth?

Trenette Clark Goings, Ph.D.

• Dr. Going’s work in identifying and preventing health disparities.
• How to reach out and get involved with the community and research on health disparities.
• Studying the coping among essential workers amidst COVID.
• How to help Black youth cope with the effects of the pandemic.

Heather A. Jones, Ph.D.

• Dr. Jones’ work in improving the well-being of BIPOC communities.
• The story behind African American Families: Research, Theory, and Practice
• What racial socialization looks like in Black families.
• How a colorblind society can be harmful.
• What BIPOC parents can do to take care of their mental health.

QUOTABLES:

“When somebody says a racial slur, I don't internalize it. It keeps my self-esteem intact. So I'm not internalizing the negativity. I am proud of who I am in spite of the negativity.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

We’ve all experienced growing pains in our lives. The struggles of fitting in, overcoming fears, even navigating insecurities can oftentimes be too much to bear, especially for young people. But therapist, life coach, and mentor Jason Phillips is a living example to BIPOC youth of how to wear confidence loud and proud! In this episode, Jason shares what sparked his passion for mental health in Black boys and men and teaches us about the importance of helping Black boys find their self-confidence. Dr. Alfiee and Jason also chat about their college experiences and the key sponsors and mentors in their lives growing up. Tune in now to join the conversation!

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Jason Phillip’s mental health and mentoring journey.
• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship.
• The sponsors and pillars of Jason’s life.
• What is a life coach, what to look out for in a life coach, and can kids benefit from them?
• How to fit in by standing out.
• The importance of positive racial socialization for youths.
• About the Peace and Prosperity Podcast.

QUOTABLES:

“Teens that I work with, they don't want to always fit in, from a mental health standpoint, they want to be understood. And that's the part where I think we kind of fall short because we want them to be like us and think like us.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Visit Jason Phillip’s website at https://www.pnpcoach.com/

For more information on his upcoming webinars, visit https://www.wearconfidenceseries.com/

Follow Jason Phillip on Instagram @jphillipsmsw - https://www.instagram.com/jphillipsmsw/

Visit and like his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jphillipsmsw

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

In this episode, published author Brittney Morris joins us to chat about her latest novel The Cost of Knowing with your host, Dr. Alfiee. The Cost of Knowing is a celebration of Black men and shines a spotlight on the uniqueness of Black manhood and masculinity. This is an especially poignant conversation and celebration of Black boyhood, given the racial trauma all around us in this time of the loss of young #DaunteWright. Find out what motivated Brittney to write about young male relationships in the Black community, and why there is a strong need for more variation in how Black male interpersonal relationships are portrayed in storytelling. Brittney also shares what sparked her passion for writing, and how her experience as a writer has influenced her personal life and vice versa.

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• The inspiration and motivation behind The Cost of Knowing.
• Exploring other types of male relationships.
• What is Demisexuality?
• Navigating the pressures on youths and children.
• What sparked Brittney’s passion for writing.
• Writing as therapy.

QUOTABLES:

“We need actual conversations about mental health that are accessible and meet Black men where they are because the struggles of Black men are unique to Black men.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Books by Brittney Morris:

The Cost of Knowing

Slay

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales - Wings of Fury

Together, Apart

The Jump

Order them on her website at https://www.authorbrittneymorris.com/books1

Follow Brittney Morris on Instagram @brittneymmorris - https://www.instagram.com/brittneymmorris/

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

Founders and creators Ali Gates and Evans Anyanwu of the U; Good? app have been making waves in the mental health space with their platform. Find out how they are breaking intergenerational chains as Black men by not only being open with their feelings, but by creating a platform that encourages others to do the same without judgment.  Their incredible platform is straightforward and deeply engaging all at the same time allowing users to check in on their loved ones with ease. Tune in to see what exactly this app is all about and uncover the process behind turning this simple idea into an ingenious platform creating equity in the mental health space. Ali, Evans, and Dr. Alfiee also chat about boundaries, mental health in the Black community, among our young people and future hopes for the U; Good? app.

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• The inspiration behind U Good?
• Placing emphasis on mental health for the Black community amidst the pandemic.
• Design Sprints: The process of turning the idea into an app.
• The story behind the red, yellow, and green colors.
• Biggest needs and opportunities at U; Good?
• The importance of setting boundaries and knowing yourself.

QUOTABLES:

“Relationships are these emotional banks, and we have to keep putting in deposits. Oftentimes we know there's strife because people come to this emotional bank and they want to make a withdrawal, but they never put in any deposit.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Download the U; Good? app here: https://ugood.app/

Want to join the U; Good? team? Email evans@ugood.app or support@ugood.app for more information.

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

In this episode, we invite medical expert and cancer scientist, Dr. Russell Ledet to discuss his life’s work and the moments leading up to his achievements as a Black man in the field of academic medicine. Tune in as Dr. Alfiee and Dr. Ledet discuss the countless systemic issues that Black students face in the academic space and how they navigate and overcome these hurdles through the support of sponsors and, more importantly, knowing their worth. Dr. Ledet also opens up about the most vulnerable yet pivotal moments in his life and the biggest epiphanies that they brought him. This is an episode you do not want to miss - tune in now and join the conversation!

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• The inspiration behind The 15 White Coats.
• The costs of being Black in the academic and medicine space.
• Systemic issues faced by Black graduate students.
• The importance of showing up as a disruptor or sponsor for the Black community.
• The story and process behind Bootless.

QUOTABLES:

“I always say that we don’t need more Black people in medicine, we need more Black people in medicine who are worried about Black people.”

“Younger people need to see that who you are, and the fullness of who you are, there is a space for you in this thing called science, in this thing called medicine, in this thing called medical school or graduate school or any professional school because they don't have a lock on brilliance.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow Dr. Russell Ledet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrussellledet/?hl=en

Visit The 15 White Coats website at https://www.the15whitecoats.org/

Follow The 15 White Coats on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the15whitecoats/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the15whitecoats/

Twitter:https://twitter.com/the15whitecoats?lang=en

Personal perspectives: bootless - read it here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-020-00720-y

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

Did you know that 9% of the U.S. population (that’s 28.8 million Americans!) will have an eating disorder in their lifetime? Yet many people struggling with it fall under the radar, especially among Black and diverse communities. In this episode, we invite mental health expert and clinical psychiatrist Dr. Dzirasa to educate us on eating disorders and clear up any misconceptions we may have about them. Dr. Alfiee also discusses the prevalence of harmful body image among Black youth and children with Dr. Dzirasa, as well as the more nuanced causes of eating disorders. There’s so much more than meets the eye when it comes to mental health and eating disorders, tune in now to unveil what you may have been missing so that you identify the signs of a possible eating disorder and provide the right support and resources for your loved ones.

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• The different types of eating disorders. 
• Misconceptions and biases on eating disorders.
• How do you know if your child or loved one has an eating disorder?
• Navigating eating disorders and body image in Black communities.
• The causes of eating disorders.
• How to reinforce body positivity among Black children and youths.
• Practicing mindfulness and self-love through Yoga.

QUOTABLES:

“With any kind of mental health concern or illness, mental illness doesn't discriminate, so anybody can be subject to it.”

“What I always try to tell people is your body is perfect for you; that you're the only standard that you need to meet.” 

“When we're thinking about eating disorders and how we want to see our body in the world, we want to honor our bodies and take care of our bodies.” 

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow Dr. Dzirasa on Instagram @dr_e2k - https://www.instagram.com/dr_e2k/?hl=en

For more mental health resources and services from Dr. Dzirasa and her team, visit http://www.catalystnc.com/

Be sure to keep a lookout for her upcoming business launch: Black Body Beautiful.

NEDA (National Eating Disorders Association) website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

Project HEAL website: https://www.theprojectheal.org/

Therapy For Black Girls website: https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com) 

In this episode, we are joined by the founders of the Sad Girls Club - Elyse and Brianne, to take a deep dive into mental health for BIPOC women and femmes who are part of their super inclusive Gen Z community. Driven by a strong passion for eliminating stigmas and smashing taboos behind mental illnesses, Elyse and Brianne created the Sad Girls Club as a safe space for people to discuss and maintain their mental health outside of traditional medicine. Find out how the Sad Girls Club came to be and how it has touched the lives of many since its inception. Dr. Alfiee and the duo also chat about toxic positivity, breaking cycles, recent events, and so much more - Join the club and tune in to this episode now! 

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Behind the Sad Girls Club’s growth and success. 
• How to overcome your hesitance to seek help. 
• What are Soul Sessions and how do they work? 
• Thoughts on January 6th and 20th. 

QUOTABLES:

“You owe yourself the opportunity to live as free a life as possible. You owe yourself empowerment. You owe yourself love. You owe yourself dealing with generational or intergenerational trauma, and really trying to work through it so that you can have a freer, happier, and a more joyful life.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Visit the Sad Girls Club website at https://sadgirlsclub.org/

Access more of the Sad Girls Club resources here: https://linktr.ee/Sadgirlsclub

Follow the Sad Girls Club on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sadgirlsclubNY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sadgirlsclubirl?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sadgirlsclub/?hl=en

Follow Brianne Patrice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannepatrice/?hl=en

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com) 

Meet Madison, Ava, and Elle MacGregor - writers, actors, and mental health advocates! Tune in as they each share their journey as artists, creatives and as supporters of mental health with us. You will also uncover the different ways you can be of true support to your friends or loved ones who might be struggling with mental health issues. These young women are amazing and they definitely pack a punch with the big waves they are making in the creative and mental health worlds. Join in on the conversation to learn more about their work and see what’s next for this fabulous Gen Z trio!

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• How to turn an idea into a reality.
• What it’s like to open up about personal mental health issues online.
• How to truly support your loved ones.
• The story behind My TEAM.
• What’s next for the MacGregor girls?

QUOTABLES:

“What I learned as far as what it takes to be able to do what you love and pursue these passions is also health. And how if you don't have health, mental or physical, it makes it a little bit more difficult to go after what you want. So I learned how to put just as much importance on my creative work, as I do on mental health. And that's not always easy, but it is a great lesson for sure.”

“When you are support, [you need to be] open to being corrected, and open to learning from the person you're trying to support.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Access the Quarantine Planner and other free resources here: https://msha.ke/myteam.social/

Follow MY TEAM on Instagram @myteam.social - https://www.instagram.com/myteam.social/

(If you have any mental health stories you would like to share, or if you have anything you would like to see on the MY TEAM page, message them directly on Instagram!)

Visit the My TEAM website at https://www.myteam.org/

Watch Madison on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdOMuopKvtYxb9zMVRzkxFg

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

Dr. Jeff Rocker is a licensed mental health counselor specializing in individuals, couples, families, and teens. He is the founder of How We See It, a non-profit organization committed to dispelling myths about psychotherapy in communities of color and young people, and CEO of Rocker Management, where he trains early career mental health professionals to brand and market themselves as clinicians in the field.

As a strong advocate for mental health in youth, Dr. Jeff Rocker aims to bring the people who provide mental health care  to the forefront of personal development and self-improvement through social media and his close relationships with BIPOC celebrities. His main message? That it is okay to NOT be okay and to seek the right help! Tune in to this episode as Dr. Alfiee and Dr. Jeff Rocker chat about branding as a psychotherapist, creating relatability with your audience, and his thoughts on recent events such as the insurrection and inauguration. Watch over on You Tube, listen on all podcast outlets and join the conversation!

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• The importance of branding for mental health providers.
• Engaging with youth on social media.
• About How We See It and the Hip Hop Therapy Workshop.
• Navigating cultural and generational differences in mental health education.
• Ways to be an authentic ally.
• Thoughts on the insurrection and its impact on young people.
• Making space for youth to express themselves.
• How to find the right help.
• Sending his message through his work with celebrities.

QUOTABLES:

“You can write X amount of books, you can be on TV, and so forth. But if you're not relatable or personable, nobody wants to talk to you”

“Kids nowadays don't feel comfortable expressing their emotions, their thoughts, and their feelings. So what better way to do it in the music that they listen to?”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow Dr. Jeff Rocker on Instagram @askjeff - https://www.instagram.com/askjeff/?hl=en

Follow How We See It on Instagram @howwee_seeit - https://www.instagram.com/howwe_seeit/

Visit the How We See It website at http://howweseeit.org/

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

Dr. Charles Corprew’s personal revolution began just three years ago - since then, he has been on a path of vulnerability and honesty, and has not looked back . As a strong believer in everyone’s ability to transform their lives from the inside out and with a dedicated focus on Black men, Dr. Corprew is committed to helping others become the best versions of themselves.  He is leading his revolution of positive change as host of the What’s Your Revolution? podcast, serving as a role model and through creating educational and mentored experiences for Black-owned businesses through CamelBack Ventures. Tune in as Dr. Corprew and Dr. Alfiee talk about the dreaded “V” word, how vulnerability can empower you, and how you can spark your own inner revolution.

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• The reason and process behind What’s Your Revolution?
• What sparks an inner revolution?
• The power of vulnerability and authenticity.
• The story of Dr. Corprew's personal revolution.
• About CamelBack Ventures and what they do.
• What does it mean to work for a venture company?

QUOTABLES:

“Everyone has the ability to transform their lives, and particularly black men, we have this opportunity to look within ourselves and say, ‘how can I be better? How can I be the best and healthiest version of ourselves?’ and that's what I do every day.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow What’s Your Revolution? on social media:

Instagram @whatsyourrevolution - https://www.instagram.com/whatsyourrevolution/?hl=en

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wyrevolution?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsYourRevolution/

Tune in to the What’s Your Revolution? Podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-whats-your-revolution-show-with-dr-charles-corprew/id1438461235

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3lrC6NCVqxPNaQR6qbDprM

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/whatsyourrevolution

Sign up for the latest news and updates on the What’s Your Revolution? website at https://wyrevolution.com/

Have a story to share? Reach out to Dr. Charles Corprew at ccorprew@wyrevolution.com

Learn more about CamelBack Ventures on their website: https://www.camelbackventures.org/

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at  https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

Couched in Color is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at www.instapodcasts.com)

Tune in to this special episode as singer-songwriter and author of the NAACP award-winning book ‘My Brother Charlie’ Ryan Peete talks about her personal struggles with mental health. Learn about her journey towards finding proper care and medication, as well as how she rediscovered her artistic identity and craft amidst a pandemic. Ryan also opens up about her frustrations with misdiagnoses and being swept under the rug as a Person of Color with mental illness. As a strong advocate for the mental health and autism community, Ryan tackles many of the issues faced by these communities through her music and writing. Join in on the conversation to find out more about her story and her craft!

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Navigating mental illness and medication.
• The challenges and struggles of misdiagnoses among People of Color.
• Finding the right medication for you.
• Generational differences with mental health.
• About the book ‘My Brother Charlie’.
• Graduating and making music in a pandemic.
• High expectations and pressure in college.

QUOTABLES:

“There're a lot of people that have felt very anxious about graduating, but for me, it's been just like a breath of fresh air because I feel like I finally have peace to work on my music at my own pace however I want to without any outside opinions about anything.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow Ryan on Instagram @ryanepeete - https://www.instagram.com/ryanepeete/

Follow Ryan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanepeete

Get a copy of Ryan Peete’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Ryan-Elizabeth-Peete/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARyan+Elizabeth+Peete

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram @dralfiee - https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

INTRODUCTION:

Tune in to this special episode as singer-songwriter and author of the NAACP award-winning book ‘My Brother Charlie’ Ryan Peete talks about her personal experiences with mental health. Learn about her journey to finding proper care and medication, as well as how she rediscovered her artistic identity and craft amidst the COVID pandemic. Ryan also opens up about her frustrations with misdiagnoses and the mental health concerns of People of Color being "swept under the rug" and minimized.  As a strong advocate for the mental health and autism communities, Ryan tackles many of the issues faced by these communities through her music and writing. Join the conversation to find out more about her story and her craft!

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Navigating mental illness and medication.
• The challenges and struggles of misdiagnoses among People of Color.
• Finding the right medication for you.
• Generational differences with mental health.
• About the book ‘My Brother Charlie’.
• Graduating and making music in a pandemic.
• High expectations and pressure in college.

QUOTABLES:

“There're a lot of people that have felt very anxious about graduating, but for me, it's been just like a breath of fresh air because I feel like I finally have peace to work on my music at my own pace however I want to without any outside opinions about anything.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow Ryan on Instagram @ryanepeete - https://www.instagram.com/ryanepeete/

Follow Ryan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ryanepeete

Get a copy of Ryan Peete’s books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Ryan-Elizabeth-Peete/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ARyan+Elizabeth+Peete

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram @dralfiee - https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

We are excited and honored to have bright light Shira Lazar on this episode of Couched in Color! From creating the digital platform What’s Trending?, to hosting a show on the first-ever LGBTQ+ music talk station We Are Channel Q, to co-creating Peace Inside Live - a virtual platform for mindfulness and meditation, Shira constantly manages to put herself ahead of the curve by listening to her intuition and fully committing to her vision and passions. Tune in as she opens up about her journey of self-discovery which led her to bring some of her biggest ideas and visions to life. Learn more about true advocacy and allyship with Shira and how she stepped into her power to co-create inclusive spaces partnering white allies with intersectional BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities for social change and mental health.

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• The story behind ‘What’s Trending?’.
• Becoming a true advocate for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
• Claiming your vision and committing to it.
• Finding light and peace within yourself.
• Learning to minimize and simplify your life.
• How to make room for better things by letting go.

QUOTABLES:

“I'm doing it because this is what I do. I'm not gonna wait for someone to hire me to do it. And if people didn't get it at the time, now they get it.”

“Wherever you're supposed to land is going to be where you land. You have to trust and surrender to that while putting in the intention than force the hard work. It doesn't need to be hard.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES:

Follow Shira Lazar

Instagram @shiralazar - https://www.instagram.com/shiralazar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShiraLazar/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shiralazar

Follow What’s Trending?

Instagram @whatstrending - https://www.instagram.com/whatstrending/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatstrending/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/WhatsTrending?

Tune in to We Are Channel Q here: https://www.radio.com/wearechannelq

Listen to the Let’s Go There podcast here: https://www.radio.com/wearechannelq/podcasts/lets-go-there-with-shira-ryan-22293

Join the mindfulness community Peace Inside Live -here: https://www.peaceinside.live/

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love!

Instagram @dralfiee - https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee/

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com/

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org/

On this episode, behavioral health technology guru Solome Tibebu opens up about her struggles with Anxiety Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as a teen. She shares how she and her parents navigated a new and challenging experience,  which in turn allowed Solome to identify the lack of resources online for other teens like herself.  Since that time, she has committed herself to creating easy access for psycho-education of young people of diverse backgrounds experiencing struggles similar to hers as a young woman of color. 

This week, we share her journey in mental health technology innovation and allow her the space to describe how she took charge and began developing and leading tech innovations at just 16 years of age! Tune in to find out how she is changing the behavioral health landscape today and moving the field forward by connecting teens, providers and tech innovators to build and share resources and tech advances for BIPOC, Queer and LGBTQ youth of color and all teens and how you can help. 

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS: 

• The importance of committing and providing support to kids. 

• How Solome carried her experience into her company and work. 

• How the Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech Summit came about. 

• Using Empathy Matching instead of Face Matching. 

• The Upswing Fund: What is it, what they hope to do, and who it’s for. 

• What Solome envisions for behavioral health tech. 

QUOTABLES: 

“I'm of the opinion that to really be successful in supporting the end-users for seeing real behavior change, it has to be provider-driven digital.” 

“It's really important to know that these conditions are so common. You are not alone in what you're experiencing. And there is no shame in reaching out and connecting with a clinician because surely they have seen what you're dealing with.” 

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES MENTIONED: 

Visit the Going Digital: Behavioral Health Tech website at https://www.behavioralhealthtech.com 

Visit The Upswing Fund website at https://theupswingfund.org 

Visit Solome Tibebu’s website at https://solometibebu.com 

Follow Solome and her other resources on social media! 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/solometibebu 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/solome 

Anxiety in Teens on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anxietyinteens 

Anxiety in Teens on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anxietyinteens 

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee 

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com 

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org

INTRODUCTION:

We are thrilled to have special guest, Dr. Deborah Budding, with us today! Join in on the conversation as Dr. Alfiee and Dr. Budding share their passions and commitment for equity among the many diverse communities they serve. Dr. Budding is a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist with a pediatric specialization and is also a strong advocate for providing proper support to children with neurodevelopment differences. Tune in to find out exactly what she does, how she makes herself an authentic ally as a White woman, and why you should stop trying to ‘fix’ your kid.

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• What does a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist do?
• The pursuit of providing proper access to young people.
• Replicating bad behavior - what children see (and repeat) in our leadership and environment.
• How to be an authentic ally.
• Navigating the multiple points of intersectionality.
• Gaming in parenting, building rapport, and engaging with youths.
• How to acknowledge, see, and respond with support.

QUOTABLES:

“Parents aren't neutral. Parents have their own personalities, styles, and experiences. And so I always like to see parents and children working together.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Visit Dr. Budding’s website at http://deborahbudding.com

Listen to the NeuroCurious Podcast: 

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurocurious/id1078031049

Listennotes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/neurocurious-deborah-budding-xhdryamT58W/

Thinking Person’s Guide to Autism: http://www.thinkingautismguide.com

Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): https://autisticadvocacy.org

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org

Mr. David Johns of the National Black Justice Coalition is an educator, an unapologetic advocate for youths who far too often find themselves neglected or ignored, and so much more. We are honored to have him on this episode to talk about his passion for young people’s mental health and share with us the many important lessons that he learned in the process of helping them figure out their identities and navigate the environment in which they live and grow up in. Tune in to find out what he means when he says there is no such thing as a problem child, what parents can do to communicate better with their teenagers and kids, and other invaluable tools and insights in this episode. 

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Working with mental health in youths: Why it’s important to David. 
• Lessons learned in his work. 
• The omnipresence of white supremacy in data. 
• How you listen to learn and not listen to respond. 
• Why adults need to hold themselves accountable for their failures. 
• Why do we keep boxing our Black youths? How can we stop and do better? 

QUOTABLES:

“Too often adults seek to solve problems for youths without ever asking them what's wrong. The question is usually, ‘What's wrong with you?’ We don't ask, ‘What's wrong?’” 

“Whenever people talk about young people, for me, it's important that young people are able to talk for themselves and whenever young people are centered for me, it's important that people hold space for the fullness of their diversity.” 

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Visit the National Black Justice Coalition website at http://nbjc.org

Follow Mr. David Johns on social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrdavidjohns

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrDavidJohns

Like what you're hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit Dr. Alfiee's website at https://dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: https://aakomaproject.org

Landon Moss is an influencer, filmmaker, director, screenwriter, and so much more! In this special episode, Landon joins us to talk about his journey behind wearing these many different hats. After letting go of his full scholarship by dropping out of school and moving to LA, Landon continues to find himself at different crossroads in his life. Find out how he navigates these territories to not just survive, but thrive! Tune in as he shares his experiences of being Black in a White space, the many pressures that life brings, as well as how he copes with them. 

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• Vine: Landon’s turning point in life. 
• The pressures and struggles of content creation.  
• Being Black in a White space. 
• The Black Friend short film - the inspiration, process, and response. 
• Navigating pain and anger in today’s climate. 
• The benefits and stigma behind therapy. 

QUOTABLES:

“I think the most overwhelming thing for me was feeling like I had to be what other people wanted me to be. I felt like I was a caricature of myself.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Watch “The Black Friend” - a short film by Landon Moss on YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=XECQ-9AxS0U 

Follow Landon Moss on: 

Instagram: instagram.com/landonmoss

TikTok: tiktok.com/@landonmoss

YouTube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCThBq4YEMarupap-_0Mgyfg

Visit his other links here: linktr.ee/landonmoss

Like what you’re hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit her website here: www.dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: www.aakomaproject.org

In this episode, we invite special guest and author of The Black Kids, Christina Hammonds Reed, to talk about her book, her experience growing up as a privileged black kid, and finding her place in her community as a minority. Find out how they navigate the tricky territory of representing their race and their own identities, as well as observations made from parenting in black families (what is respectability politics and how does it affect your family?). So much more is uncovered in this episode, so tune in now and join in on the conversation! 

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• About The Black Kids, the book. 
• Why talk about black privileged kids? 
• Raising black children with respectability politics. 
• The burden of representing your race. 
• What isolation can do to a black kid. 
• Figuring out where you fit in the white structure. 
• The pressures of being the “good kid”. 

QUOTABLES:

“Even now, just because you're not out in the streets with a sign protesting, it does not mean that one you're not passionate about it. And it does not mean that you're not impacted by it. You just may have a different way of managing and engaging.” 

“We see a lot of coming of age stories about depressive white kids, but we don't really see what that depression can look like in black kids.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Get your copy of The Black Kids by Christina Hammonds Reed here: www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Black-Kids/Christina-Hammonds-Reed/9781534462724

Follow Christina on Instagram: instagram.com/christinahammondsreed

Like what you’re hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit her website here: www.dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: www.aakomaproject.org

Welcome to Season 2 of the Couched in Color Podcast! In our first ever episode, we meet the creators and innovators behind the notOK App, Charlie and Hannah Lucas. These two teens have left their mark on mental health communities and continue to do so on their mission to build strong support systems for those in need of it! Learn about their journey leading up to creating the notOK app, the struggles behind breaking communication barriers among black families regarding mental health, and the pressures of upholding higher and different standards as a black student. 

KEY POINTS / MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• What is the notOK app, how does it work, and who is it for? 
• The stigma of mental illness in black families. 
• Black families living in primarily white communities - A child’s experience. 
• The impacts of COVID-19: Virtual Prom. 

QUOTABLES:

“My dad was trying to pray it away instead of actually going to therapy and seeking solutions. You can't just pray something away and expect it to go away. You also have to act.”

PRODUCTS / RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Download the notOK app here: www.notokapp.com/download

Follow notOK on Instagram: instagram.com/notokapp

For more information on the notOK app, visit their website: www.notokapp.com

Like what you’re hearing? Follow Dr. Alfiee on social media and show some love! 

Instagram: instagram.com/dralfiee

Twitter: twitter.com/dralfiee

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/dralfiee

Visit her website here: www.dralfiee.com

Find out more about the AAKOMA Project here: www.aakomaproject.org