Dr. Thema describes the definition, benefits, and steps to living a purposeful life. This week's episode begins with the poem Ego Tripping by Nikki Giovanni. It is performed by Ife Davis.

In this episode, Dr. Thema describes social anxiety, its causes, signs, and most importantly, ways of coping. She also attends to the realities of cultural identities, as she explores this important topic. For more information and support, check out her books Homecoming and Reclaim Yourself. The intro song is Beautiful by Joy Jones and the outro is The Joy also by Joy Jones.

Episode #193 Rebirthing Yourself by Dr. Thema

Dr. Thema interviews Dr. Julie Radico about her new book You Will Get Through This: A Mental Health First Aid Kit. The episode gives practical tips for addressing body image, relationship with food, insomnia, and chronic pain.

Dr. Thema talks with therapist, author, and motivational speaker Dr. Marlon Rollins about his sister's death by suicide as well as ways to heal from and prevent suicide. We also explore his work supporting men's mental health.

Dr. Thema speaks with life coach, minister, and author SharRon Jamison about "corporate grief" especially for persons with a marginalized identity. She defines the concept, describes the potential effects on our health, and provides strategies for holistic success. Dr. Thema illuminates the importance of self awareness and empowered decision making. Her website with her various offerings is sharronjamison.com.

Dr. Thema interviews Harold Leffal, health promoter, author, and cancer survivor about his health journey and his desire to help others reclaim their health physically, mentally, and spiritually. Harold shares the important role that nutrition played in his recovery. You can follow him on Instagram at @haroldleffall or on his website which is www.thegoodlivingnow.com

Dr. Thema explores liberation psychology and its importance to your homecoming journey. She provides principles and tips for you to apply to your mental health journey as a person with a marginalized identity.

Dr. Thema speaks with Dr. Jennifer Mulan about how to decolonize your mental health and your emotions. Dr. Jenn shares highlights from her new book Decolonizing Therapy: Oppression, Historical Trauma, and Politicizing your Practice. Dr. Jenn birthed Decolonizing Therapy: a psychological evolution that weaves together political, ancestral, therapeutic and global well-being.

Dr. Thema interviews Dr. Vanessa Abernathy about partner abuse, including the different types, effects, and strategies for healing. To learn more follow her on social media and check out her website www.meetmonarch.com

Dr. Shena Young, a licensed body centered psychologist-healer, joins us to explain holistic healing from sexual trauma including decolonization, indigenous medicine, and body autonomy. She integrates embodiment, poetry, and psychological science. You can learn more about her and her work on her website embodiedtruthhhealing.com and in her new book body rites: a holistic healing and embodiment workbook for Black survivors of sexual trauma. https://www.embodiedtruthhealing.com/

Dr. Thema speaks with Executive Coach Patrice Ford Lyn about being a leader. They discuss the qualities of a good leader, ways to handle those who are resistant to change, and unique challenges and solutions for leaders with historically excluded identities, including those who are BIPOC, Queer, and/or women. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones.

Dr. Thema interviews Pastor Mike Walrond Jr., senior Pastor, author, and mental health advocate about the path to authenticity. They discuss the definition, costs, benefits, and path to living a more authentic life. Intro by Iyeoka. Outro by Joy Jones.

Dr. Thema interviews Dr. Jennifer Kelly, a past president of the Georgia Psychological Association and American Psychological Association. Dr. Kelly, a prominent healthy psychologist, provides an understanding of chronic pain and strategies for managing pain. She also gives pointers for loved ones of those living with chronic pain.

Dr. Thema describes warning signs that your strong friend may be struggling and provides pointers for being a better friend to your strong friend.

Dr. Jaiya John, poet, psychologist, and freedom worker, joins us to discuss his new book "All these rivers. You chose love." In this episode he and Dr. Thema explore love, boundaries, ease, seeing our child nature, and grace. Check out his book everywhere books are sold including his website www.jaiyajohn.com

Caution: If hearing about self-harming behaviors is upsetting or triggering for you, Dr. Thema encourages you to select a different episode instead of this one. Dr. Thema defines self-harming behaviors, including the reasons some people engage in them. She then provides alternative strategies for coping and releasing emotional pain.

Dr. Thema in conversation with Dr. Candice Nicole describes myths about sex and relationships. To learn more about Dr. Candice Nicole go to her website drcandicenicole.com Intro by Iyeoka and Outro by Joy Jones

Dr. Thema describes strategies for grounding and soothing yourself, as well as the need for these strategies. To learn more, check out her book Homecoming. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro by Joy Jones.

Dr. Thema shares signs of a healthy relationships. These have also been called green lights or green flags, as opposed to the warning signs of abusive relationships. To learn more, check out her book Homecoming. Intro music by Iyeoka and outro music by Joy Jones.