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Teka Johnson is on a mission to help people access their inner greatness so that they may live fulfilling lives. For more than twelve years, Teka has passionately worked to empower youth and women through personal and professional development, education, advocacy, and counseling. She is a believer in the power of living and sharing your story for wholeness and healing. First for yourself, but also for others. Teka is the CEO and Founder of Soul Empower Wellness, LLC. Her therapy private practice is designed for empowering individuals to shift their mindset, practice new habits, and create a healthy and whole life. Teka also enjoys writing for her personal blog HeyTeka.com. She wholeheartedly shares that she “is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by education and training, but a Soul Practitioner by purpose”. What’s a Soul Practitioner? It’s Teka’s divinely created purpose to see you, create space for you, and help you walk as an empowered and purposeful individual, clear and certain of your God given worthiness. ✨Blog: www.heyteka.com ✨Instagram: www.instagram.com/hey.teka/ ✨Website: www.soulempoweredwellness.com ✨SEW Instagram: www.instagram.com/soulempoweredwellness/ 📌Discussion Points: • Teka's journey to wholeness • What wholeness IS and is NOT • Soul Empowered Wellness, LLC Happy Listening! 🙂

Janelle of The Nurse Note is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Public Health. She received her Master’s Degree in Public Health from The University of Toledo, and Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. She holds a certification in HIV/STI Counseling and Testing. Janelle is also a writer, and speaker who is based in Atlanta, Georgia. She began my career in Public Health where I educated clients about chronic diseases, HIV, and maternal and child health. She transitioned into nursing working for one of the Best Children’s Hospital in the country. There she counseled girls and young women about birth control options, led discussions about sex and safer sex practices, and provided counseling and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. She’s even held a speculum or two during a well-woman exam! Her story has been featured in Voyage ATL Trailblazer Series and Shoutout ATL. Janelle has been fortunate to have collaborated with some great companies and organizations including The Honey Pot, TheBody, HPV Hub, Nixit, Ruby Cup, and Med IQ, among many others. ✨Blog: http://thenursenote.com ✨Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thenursenote 📌Discussion Points: • 7 Amazing Facts About Your Vagina ⇢ Article: http://thenursenote.com/7-amazing-facts-about-your-vagina/ • "WAP" Facts & Myths Happy Listening! 🙂

📌Discussion Points: Learning to “check-in” with ourselves can be a valuable means for personal growth and self-awareness. Introspection. So, how do we do it with ourselves? • 3-Steps towards Mindfulness: Notice, Identify and Acknowledge ✨ Website: https://www.thefemmefocus.com ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_femmefocus ✨Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefemmefocus Happy Listening! 🙂

Trap Therapist was founded in April 2018 by Dylesia Barner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) from the projects in Portsmouth, VA. She created the organization to provide a platform for mental health therapists from urban, low-income backgrounds to share their stories, connect with other "trap therapists," and market their services to potential clients, also from marginalized communities. The inspiration behind Trap Therapist was born from Dylesia’s desire to effectively break mental health stigma in marginalized populations, a task she believes goes beyond being a therapist of color. Trap Therapist confronts the reality that all minority therapists haven’t experienced life below the poverty level or lived in environments rich with violence and crime. It further reveals that there are safe spaces for clients who have such experiences to unpack and move beyond their muddled emotions, manipulative thoughts, and direct/witnessed traumas because there are therapists with not only clinical training but real life understanding. Currently, Trap Therapist offers statement apparel, cultural competency trainings for mental health professionals, a podcast, and a directory featuring licensed private practice clinicians who also identify as trap therapists. ✨ Website: https://www.traptherapist.com ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traptherapist/?hl=en ✨Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trapandheal/ ✨ Trap Therapist Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-671895525 📌Discussion Points: • COVID-19 Initial Thoughts vs. Thoughts once "Ish Got Real!" • Hysteria Begets Hysteria ⇢ Compassion ⇢ Recognizing the EVERYDAY Reality of Low In-Come Populations • Social Distancing from Social Media • 5 Tips on Maintaining our Mental Health in Times of Crisis & Chaos • Local Resources • TeleHealth Options Happy Listening! 🙂

Dr. Raé N. Lundy is a licensed clinical psychologist, mental health activist, TEDx Speaker, and the Associate Vice President for Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness at Wiley College. Her mission is to improve psychological health and wellbeing within communities of color by engaging in honest conversations about self-care, fostering healing dialogue, and reducing mental health stigma. Dr. Lundy has received several grants including the Rising Young Scholars Award from the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. She serves on several boards most prominently Stand Up Speak Out, a national nonprofit created to support survivors of sexual trauma. ✨ Website: https://www.theselfcaredoc.com ✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theselfcaredoc ✨ TedXWileyCollege Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg6mhJz-Ka0 📌Discussion Points: • Intentional Happiness: ⇢ What Does it Mean ⇢ How Does One Become Intentional With Their Happiness • Combating Negative Internal Dialogue: ⇢ Mindfulness ⇢ Identifying Emotions & What Triggered That Emotion • Defining Happiness For Yourself • Self Reflection: "How To Start a Simple Contemplative Routine" ⇢ https://www.higheredjobs.com/Articles/articleDisplay.cfm?ID=2097 • TedXWileyCollege: "It's Always Ok To CRI" ⇢ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vg6mhJz-Ka0 • Passive Self-Care vs. Active Self-Care Happy Listening! 🙂

Hi Femmes! It's the last day of 2017 and I wanted to upload a final podcast episode for this year. In this episode I wrap up my successes and shortcomings during this year when it comes to professional and personal matters. I also give a little insight to what I'm aiming for in 2018 and my theme going forward. Discussion Points: Thought for 2017 Successes: Personal & Professional Shortcomings: Personal & Professional Thank you to everyone who has listened, viewed, taken the time to read, and supported The Femme Focus in any kind of way during 2017. You are greatly appreciated. THANK YOU!

So I have a question for you femmes: You do know that it's okay to start over...right? Or that everything doesn't have to be done so perfectly within the first month of a New Year...right? I hope so! I titled this podcast, "Drive Slow Homie" as a reminder to everyone who is taking 2017 on at full speed. More power to you, BUT, take your time to smell the roses; and make some mistakes along the way. Just because your pace may be slower than others, doesn't mean you aren't making progress! Discussion Points: 2016 Wrap Up Goals for 2017: Personal & Professional Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin. Happy Listening! ♥Xo || Subscribe Below ||

Hi Femmes! We often attribute happiness to things...people...and places. We rarely think about it solely based on ourselves. It's the choices we make that hinder that happiness. This podcast is for those who are tired of going in circles and tired of making the same mistakes. I decided to title this podcast "Wanna Be Happy" because a lot of times in life there are many things that are out of our control, but happiness is one thing that we possess every single bit of power OVER. Discussion Points: Get out of your own way! Understand WHO you are Understand the parts of you that you don't like Live in your TRUTH Are you addicted to the pain? Doing things over and over that consistently bring u pain Allowing others to come and go as they please Making decisions that don't have our best interest in mind If you keep on giving your heart for people to tear apart, the healing will never start. Happy Listening!! ♥Xo || Subscribe Below ||

This podcast is titled, "You Gots To Chill," because sometimes, we have to recognize when that is exactly what we need to do. Take the time to really let a dream manifest itself before presenting it to the world. Be precise, proactive, and persistent in what it is you desire to do. But remember, just because the world doesn't know what's taking place behind the scenes, doesn't mean it isn't happening. Discussion Points: Pace Yourself: Rome wasn't built in a day Improper execution causes anxiety and frustration Work on it in phases Think Of ALL Your Other Priorities: Don't put previous dreams and desires on the back burner Finish what you started and then move to the next Fulfillment often occurs in future tense The Idea Is YOURS: What God has for you it is for you! Keep it in your 'dream bank' A dream deferred is STILL a dream As we do with life's journey, trust the process of a dream Have the time to put in to what you put out. Happy Listening!! ♥Xo, || Subscribe Below ||

I decided to call this Podcast, "Started From The Bottom." Why? Well, you'll just have to listen to find out! In this episode I am certainly being more transparent about my education and where it has taken me in my career path. Discussion Points: My Educational Background Educational history Job history The effects of moving from one sector to another Overqualified and Overeducated Humbling moment(s) Do it to the FULLEST Show yourself approved Title Means NOTHING 'Step Stools' to success Stay focused on your goal(s) It's only temporary Go into it gracefully, thankfully, and in a manner that shows your purpose. Happy Listening! ♥Xo || Subscribe Below ||

I decided to title this episode "COMEBACK SEASON" because I believe that after recovering from failure(s) we have to keep some things in mind in order enter into our comeback season stronger than ever! Discussion Points: The True Meaning of Failure Refusing to get back up again Letting fear have the final say Others do not determine your fate Perception What is it we perceive as failure? Is our perception true? Our cognitions control us! Success Is Bred Upon A Failed Attempt In order to succeed one must experience failure Failed attempts are one step closer to success Continuously feed your passion in spite of failing There is nothing more precious than self-trust! Happy Listening!! ♥Xo || Subscribe Below ||

In this last and final episode of Collaborative Thoughts, we chat with Marsha of The Finance Bar (@thefinancebar) for pt. 3 of the Crisis Change vs. Lifestyle Change series. Marsha is Certified Financial Educator and Founder of "Financial Empowerment Charlotte." In this episode we address the importance of financial readiness! Marsha has over 12 years of finance and facilitation experience including undergraduate and graduate degrees in Management & Leadership. (For more information on Marsha Barnes, visit: thefinancebar.com) Discussion Points: What is the difference between "crisis change" and "lifestyle change?" (Dylesia) How does this apply to my finances? (Marsha) How does changing only for a certain result versus changing permanently affect my long-term financial goals? What am I missing out on my doing this? (Dorian) Were you ever inconsistent with your finances? What happened to make you decide to make financial stability a lifestyle? What personal examples can you give so that I can better understand the contrast between how your life was then and how it is now that you've actually committed to living a financially stable life? (Marsha) I'm ready to commit, so what steps can I take to transition from inconsistency to consistency? (Marsha) When you are really ready for change, you will start to see a feel a shift within yourself. Happy Listening! ♥Xo ||Subscribe Below||

What better way to start off a new beginning, then with some fitness fuel to feed your mind? In part 2 of the of the Collaborative Thoughts: Crisis Change vs. Lifestyle Change series, we share information with Deanna Taylor (@dtaylor.bc). DeAnna is a NASM certified personal trainer who struggled with obesity from childhood through 2010, when she set out to become healthier, losing 85 pounds and founding "Taylored Fitness Charlotte, LLC." DeAnna’s weight loss story has been featured on several local news stations and newspapers as well as with the Huffington Post. (For more information on Deanna Taylor, visit: broke-and-abroad.com *Deanna is also a travel blogger*) Discussion Points: What is the difference between "crisis change" and "lifestyle change?" (Dorian) How does this apply to fitness? How did you discover that this would be a lifestyle change for you? (DeAnna) How does changing only for a certain result versus changing permanently affect my health? What am I missing out on my doing this? (Dylesia) Were you ever inconsistent with your faith? What personal examples can you give so that I can better understand the contrast between how your life was then and how it is now that you've actually committed to living a healthier lifestyle? (Dorian) I'm ready to commit, so what steps can I take to transition from inconsistency to consistency? (DeAnna) Consistency is KEY! Happy Listening! ♥Xo ||Subscribe Below||

The series, titled "Crisis Change vs. Lifestyle Change" focuses on faith, finances, and fitness, three areas that tend to be overlooked in all but crisis situations. With this series, we have engaged in honest subjective and objective observations. We have also recognized the need for a platform to share information on how to commit to lifestyle changes in these areas rather than situational changes, which ultimately lead us right back to the situations we were seeking to change. During this episode, we collaborate with Vernon Gordon on the subject of faith. Listen as we discuss to committing to lifestyle changes (permanent), rather than just changes in times of crisis (temporary). (For more information on Vernon Gordon, visit: www.vernongordon.com) Discussion Points: What is the difference between "crisis change" and "lifestyle change?" (Dorian) How does this apply to faith? And what does the Bible say about this? (Vernon) How does changing only for a certain result versus changing permanently affect my relationship with GOD? What am I missing out on by doing this? (Dylesia) Were you ever inconsistent with your faith? (Dorian) What personal examples can you give so that I can better understand the contrast between how your life was then and how it is now that you've actually committed to HIM? (Dorian) I'm ready to commit, so what steps can I take to transition from inconsistency to consistency? (Vernon) Are you living based on miracles or on discipline? Happy Listening! ♥Xo ||Subscribe Below||

Question! So, what's this new obsession with the phrase "doing too much?" ...and why is it made out to be such a bad thing? ...and what do I do when because of my commitment to success, it's used in reference to me? In this episode of Collaborative Thoughts, titled,"It's Hard Being The One Who Made It," we hear from three women committed to "doing too much" in spite of what others think. If you find yourself finding it hard to transition to your next level because of those around you, check out this episode of the podcast. For this episode, the guest collaborator was Christina Kanu, Director of Communication & Community Relations for Bonfire Impact, co-facilitator for The Dream Academy, Clark Atlanta Master's of African American Studies scholar, and self-titled leadership expert. Discussion Points: "Doing Too Much" What is it? Why do others seem to think it's such a negative attribute? How do I know I'm called to be great? Christina's Story At what point did you know you were different? (Christina's perspective) How do I handle the call on my life? (Dorian's perspective) How do I handle others being unable to handle the call on my life? (Christina's perspective) What if I know I'm called but I'm not willing to be set apart? (Dylesia's perspective) Examples of "Greats" throughout history Their story How he/she resisted the pressure to be like every one else The outcome of his/her resistance What can we learn from him/her? Often times people will be able to identify your talent, but that doesn't mean they will be able to identify your purpose. ♥Xo, Happy Listening! || subscribe below ||

This is certainly one of my favorite Collaborative Thoughts calls! At the time of the call, (last year, and ironically, this exact month) I remember that I was in a place in my life where I no longer felt the need to "broadcast" certain aspects of my life for social media. I wanted to protect my pearls! In this call, we discuss the correlation between privacy, discretion, and validation. The topic is derived from Matthew 7:6 --" Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces." Discussion Points: Dylesia's Perspective Not throwing things of value to people who are sloppy and messy Your THIRD STRAND has to be God! (You + ____ + GOD) Create a VIP relationship with God Dorian's Perspective Discern WHO you give particular information to (outsiders don't always belong in) Discretion is the derivative of mature happiness Feed the people you love, give your issues to God You must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world. ♥Xo, Happy Listening! || subscribe below ||

What is it that your happiness always seems to make someone else mad?! On this empowerment call, we discussed how to pursue, maintain, and restore happiness as well as how to identify and handle those who are displeased with yours. Discussion Points: Topic Overview The Pursuit of Happiness! How is happiness achieved? How do you keep it? How is it recovered when it is lost? How do I identify people who aren't happy with my happiness? Being aware of those you choose to keep around you Recognizing your feelings Keen discernment Happiness should never be tied to people or things because they are ever fleeting. Happy Listening! ♥Xo || Subscribe Below ||

This Collaborative Thoughts Podcast titled, "Stay In Your Lane" speaks to exactly what the title states. Staying in your lane can be difficult when so many people seem to be speeding past you...especially when those people are eager to share their opinions about what you should be doing and where you should be headed. In this podcast, we share our personal experiences while focusing on our goals in the midst of everyone else's' and provide you with insight on how to do the same. Discussion Points: Topic Overview Dylesia's Perspective Ignoring the opinions of those around you Focusing on what God has for you to do Be TRUE to yourself (not based on your age, your experience, etc.) Dorian's Perspective Going fast but not going anywhere at all Not honing in on your potential (get out of the slow lane!) Merging across a three lane highway (stick with something and FINISH it.) How Do They Collide? "Drifting over in what you used to do, when your calling in the present is not where you used to be." Happy Listening! ♥Xo || Subscribe Below ||