Along the Gravel Road Podcast

Join us for a transformative episode of the Along the Gravel Road Podcast as we welcome Mike Weary, a self-taught artist from New Orleans, who now serves as the artist-in-residence and artist liaison for the Arts Council of Baton Rouge. Mike's journey from sketching at his mom's Home Depot job to becoming a community activist through art is nothing short of inspiring. Hear about his unique upside-down painting technique and his unwavering commitment to using art for therapy, financial stability, and social change.

In a deeply moving conversation, Mike opens up about the personal and collective trauma experienced in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. We'll explore the psychological impact of displacement, particularly on children and adolescents, and the vital need for mental health support. Drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike emphasizes the role of art in processing emotional turmoil and building community resilience. His insights into the systemic neglect faced by black communities during this time offer a powerful reminder of art's capacity to confront social injustices.

As we journey through themes of healing, mental well-being, and the significance of art in advocating for social issues, Mike highlights the "Arts for EveryBody" initiative in Baton Rouge on July 27th. This innovative program demonstrates the health benefits of the arts across diverse communities, showcasing a creative blend of art and health for community well-being. We wrap up with Mike's personal reflections on family, joy, and the profound impact of art in our lives. Don't miss this compelling episode that celebrates creativity as a powerful force for good.

About Mike Weary
Mike Weary is a lifelong, self-taught artist from New Orleans, LA. He is the current Artist in Residence and Artist Liaison for the Arts Council of Baton Rouge. Mike is an active community organizer, leading various projects throughout the greater Baton Rouge area. He is the executive producer of “The Corner”, an artist collective that gathers once a month. He is also the project lead for “Arts for Everybody”, a city wide project measuring the arts and positive health outcomes. Since 2023, Mike has served on the board of directors for the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts (LPA). His signature is that he paints his works completely upside down from start to finish. Mike is on the forefront of incorporating oil paintings with rusted iron and patina in a style dubbed Dorian Gothic. His work can be found in galleries, exhibitions, businesses, and homes nationwide, predominantly across the Gulf Coast of the United States.

IG @mikewearyart
Mikewearyart.com

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Ever wondered why diet culture fails to deliver long-term health benefits? Amy Cimo sheds light on her personal battle with weight, depression, and anxiety, and how it led her to focus on internal healing rather than superficial markers of health. Gain invaluable insights as we dismantle common misconceptions about weight and explore the damage caused by chronic dieting, leaning into a more compassionate and respectful approach to self-care.

Imagine preparing for a storm—this is the analogy we use to discuss the physical and emotional toll of significant life events. We chat about the necessity of recovery periods and the importance of giving yourself grace and patience during stressful times. Amy emphasizes that your efforts toward maintaining health aren't wiped away by breaks or setbacks; they are building blocks in your ongoing wellness journey. Learn how to recognize and honor your body’s signals to rest and recover, embracing a balanced mindset over perfectionism.

Finally, we delve into the essential pillars for a strong health foundation: nutrition, physical activity, emotional well-being, and environmental factors. Amy highlights the significance of mindfulness and body awareness, offering practical advice on managing cravings and developing healthier eating habits. Understand the complex triggers behind eating behaviors and the benefits of whole foods over processed ones. Celebrate the journey toward self-acceptance and overall wellness with Amy's expert guidance on embracing body appreciation and nurturing a healthier relationship with food.

About
Amy is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner who values the respect for health and self-compassion first. Her own health and weight loss journey coupled with depression and anxiety led her on a path to internal healing. She uses foundational elements to support the body’s own internal balance for optimal wellness, because weight is rarely an indicator of health. She has a passion for eliminating diet culture, weight bias, and the stigma that goes along with body shape and size through guiding others to find balance between nutrition, movement and mindset. Because everyone truly deserves to live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life.

Learn more about Amy at amycimo.com

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Ever wondered how a passion for poetry can spark in the most unexpected places? That's exactly what happened to Alf, a communication and new media student at Universidad del Claustro de Sor Juana. In this episode, Alf takes us on a journey through his world, sharing how influential thinkers like Judith Butler and Carlos Scolari have shaped his views on art, psychology, and human rights. Alf's story is all about staying true to yourself and using poetry as a powerful way to express your authentic self in a world full of masks.

Poetry isn’t just about flowery language or abstract ideas—it’s a way to understand and connect with others on a deeper level. We explore how poetry can be therapeutic, helping with personal growth and building stronger relationships. Alf shares a bilingual poem that highlights how the essence of writing goes beyond appearances, much like the difference between online personas and real-life connections. This episode reminds us of the value of genuine relationships, the importance of being present, and the power of authenticity.

We also dive into topics like mindfulness, mental health, and how therapy is evolving in Mexico. Alf opens up about the generational shifts in attitudes towards therapy and the importance of finding what works best for you. We discuss how tools like ChatGPT are being used in education and the need to keep innovating. As we reflect on the beauty of life's fleeting moments, we emphasize cherishing the small details, avoiding toxic positivity, and truly enjoying the present. Join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with insights on personal growth, staying true to yourself, and living in the moment.

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Louisiana-native Antione Lacey joins us to  share his truth and journey of growth and discovery. Antione is an artist, educator, and entrepreneur, who finds joy and solace in immersing himself in art to create something new.  His honesty gives us a glimpse into the strength of the human spirit and the comfort we find in creativity.

Burnout is a real struggle, especially for those of us who pour our hearts into our work. We talk about finding balance between work and play, emphasizing how important it is to recharge—whether that's through gaming or indulging in childhood passions like anime. Antione reminds us that taking breaks isn't a roadblock to productivity; it's what keeps us going. Tune in for a chat that might change how you see downtime.

In the complex landscape of mental health, having support is crucial. Together, we explore the journey from darkness to light, highlighting the courage it takes to ask for help. We discuss the challenges of talking about mental health, but also the strength we find in community. Join us for a conversation about resilience, community, and the comforting truth that none of us have to face our struggles alone. It's a tribute to the healing power of art and a reminder to embrace our shared humanity.

Learn more about Antione's work at visionaryblessings.com

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When Ceisha James-Hayes speaks about her New Orleans roots, you can almost hear the jazz and feel the pulse of the city—but beneath that rhythm lies a deeper, more complex beat of familial challenges and generational trauma. Our conversation with Ceisha s unwraps the vibrant façade to reveal the impact of violence, substance abuse, and normalized trauma on the community and family unit. Through her candid storytelling, we're taken on a journey of self-discovery and healing, touching on the profound realization that true prosperity comes from mental, not financial, stability.

This episode examines the intricate dance between personal mental health and the web of family expectations. We discuss the art of setting boundaries for our own well-being and share insights on the significance of confronting past behaviors and forgiving ourselves to move forward. Ceisha explores the delicate balance of guiding loved ones through their own life lessons, reflecting on the ways in which our growth and empathy can help reshape family dynamics for the better.

We explore the lasting influence of parenting and the vital lessons we impart to our children. We emphasize the importance of self-worth, recognizing the beauty within, and the necessity of setting healthy boundaries. The power of parental behavior and its effect on the next generation underlines the conversation. Join us for a dialogue that is not just about unearthing the pains of the past, but also about nurturing hope for the future, as we come to terms with the lasting legacy of our families and the impact we have on those who follow.

Ceisha James-Hayes is from New Orleans and graduated from LSU. She has worked in education, supply chain operations, logistics, non-profit organizations and with databases within the legal system. She is the oldest daughter, which she notes is probably one of the most significant thing about her because her experiences, relationships and overall journey have been significantly shaped by something as simple as her birth order. 
 
She likes to consider herself a student of life and has paid attention and processed things around her for many years. 

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Have you ever stood at the crossroads of your own mental health journey, wondering how your past shapes your present? Sophia Ellisor joins us to share her deeply moving story of childhood, enveloped by the challenges of her mother's borderline personality disorder and the heartache of divorce. We uncover the raw and often silent struggles that children like Sophia face, and how these formative experiences make a lasting impact on their lives.

Navigating the intricate web of anxiety in the aftermath of childhood trauma is never easy. Our conversation takes you through the labyrinth of managing anxiety when addiction and illness are part of your lineage. Sophia and I discuss the fine line between awareness of one's mental state and being handcuffed by the fear of it, emphasizing the strength found in vulnerability and candid discussions with those we hold dear. 

We wrap up with a testament to the transformative impact of coping strategies, therapy, and the courage to establish boundaries. From Sophia's early introduction to therapy amidst her parents' divorce to the vital role of supportive communities, this episode illuminates the lifelong journey of understanding and healing from past traumas. Tune in for a discussion that not only spotlights the hurdles but also celebrates the resilient pursuit of mental wellness and personal growth.

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Join new mom Luisa, as we candidly discuss the unseen battles of motherhood, from mental health and the pressure of cultural expectations to the lifeline found in support systems and reaching out for help, and how these experiences shape the profound journey of raising a child.

Navigating maternal mental health isn't just about personal struggles; it's about the collective silence that shrouds the topic. Luisa's vulnerability in recounting her early days with baby Elena and the transition back to work peels back the curtain on the mental load that new parents carry. Our conversation honors the dualities of motherhood—the bliss of Elena's infectious smile against the backdrop of isolation and postpartum rage. We celebrate the victories, recognize the trials, and, most importantly, create a space for empathy and understanding that traverses cultural and societal boundaries.

As we wrap with Luisa, we shine a light on the resilience of new mothers. Through stories of empowerment and the encouragement to seek help, we underscore the message that no mother is alone in her journey. This episode is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the transformative power of shared experiences, inviting every listener to embrace the tumultuous, yet beautiful path of motherhood with open arms and hearts.

Watch via YouTube.

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Khoi Nguyen (he/him) is a serial hobbyist and a creator led by purpose and his desire to inspire. With his foot on the gas, he continues to break past the shackles of his self-limiting beliefs to usher in a new age of creative pursuits. It is through this effort he has found purpose in using his gifts as a creative to inspire, heal, and change the world and lives around him. 

GROW. I DARE YOU. is one of his latest efforts led by his internal mission to inspire others along their journey of self-discovery and transformation through creative content.

Beyond his personal and creative pursuits, Khoi works as a storyteller, content creator, and producer at ThreeSixtyEight. 

In this episode, Khoi sheds light on the creative journey and how it can be crucial in your internal growth and self-discovery. 

Determined to dispel and break past negative thought loops and self-limiting beliefs, Khoi will share life experiences and perspectives as a source of inspiration and call to introspection. 

"To better express ourselves outward, we must cultivate ourselves inward."

Join Khoi and Chelsea on the "Along the Gravel Road Podcast" to understand how to unleash the creative confidence within. 

(Spoiler alert: it all starts with yourself)

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You may not think that taxes, motherhood, and postpartum issues intersect, but you'd be wrong! Neva Butkus is a tax policy analyst with the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy where she studies and advocates on progressive tax issues that lift up workers and families. She is also a new mom being confronted with how societal expectations and public policy choices make the lives of parents (and especially mothers) more isolating and difficult than necessary.  

In this episode, we explore maternal mental health, gender disparities postpartum in cishet relationships, and the structural/societal choices in America that contribute to this all being harder than necessary. Join us to hear from this mom and advocate just trying to make the world a better place for her child. 

Recommended Resources:
thatdarnchat on tiktok and Instagram 
Louisiana Policy Institute for Children: policyinstitutela.org
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: cbpp.org
Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy: Itep.org 

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Welcome back to another season of the Along the Gravel Road Podcast! This episode is part of a special series on perinatal (the period of time when you become pregnant and up to a year after giving birth) mental health. In this episode, Dr. Enrique Flechas shares important information on the mental health of mothers and birthing people such as postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety along with how to access treatment and support.

Dr. Flechas received his medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans and completed a Psychiatry Residency at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans.  He was in private psychiatric practice here in Baton Rouge until joining Woman's Hospital last year to focus on women's mental health care.  He specializes in perinatal mental health and aims to help people understand anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to pregnancy and when they should seek mental health care.

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