In this episode of Around the Table with the AOTR, the enlightening conversation with cohosts Sai Marie Johnson & Beverly L. Anderson as they speak with Gissele Taraba, who shares her journey from child welfare to becoming a leading voice in conscious relationships and relational wellbeing.

She discusses the importance of compassion, mindfulness, and the concept of Maitri, which embodies loving kindness. 

Gissele emphasizes the integration of mind and body in self-discovery, the transformative power of deep listening, and the challenges individuals face on their paths to self-awareness. 

She also reflects on her advocacy work and offers valuable advice for those beginning their journey of self-discovery.

⁠Connect with Gissele Taraba and the Maitri Center here!⁠

In this episode of Around the Table with the AOTR, hosts Sai Marie and Beverly L. Anderson welcome Vonte Seven, a multi-genre artist known for his impactful music that blends rap, hip hop, and R&B.

Vonte shares his journey into music, the creative process behind his album 'Seven's World', and the messages of empowerment and positivity in his songs.

He discusses the importance of authenticity in the music industry, his reflections on mental health, and his aspirations for the future of music.

Vonte emphasizes the significance of creating music that resonates with the soul and inspires others, while also offering advice to young artists navigating the industry.

Connect with Vonte Seven online

IG: Vonte Seven Music

LinkTree: Vonte 7

This episode features Mila Johansen, and her insights as an author while discussing her book, The Cinderella Monologues!

Mila's childhood inspired her to write The Cinderella Monologues.

The book includes stories from various women, not just Mila's.

Cinderella stories have existed throughout history, highlighting women's struggles.

Mila's grandmother was a suffragette and a source of inspiration.

The Cinderella Monologues aims to give voice to marginalized women.

Storytelling can help women feel less alone in their struggles.

Mila emphasizes the importance of giving and sharing stories.

Pick up the Cinderella Monologues via her site here!

I’ve dropped to fourth after holding third through most of the 2-for-1 donation days. With just 3 days left, I need a final push—daily free votes and donations to the Starlight Children's Foundation are crucial. #halloween2025 #faceofhalloween #jamieleecurtis #matthewlillard #screammovieThey might do another 2-for-1 day this week, but I need everyone coming in hot every day. If I don’t hit first by Thursday, I’m out. But making it to third in the quarterfinals would mean everything—I barely missed it last year.Even if I fall short, helping these kids smile is a win. Let’s make this count. LINK TO VOTE: http://www.faceofhalloween.org/2025/sai-marieP.S. You can vote free daily and donate votes!

On this episode of Around the Table with the AOTR, Ireland Lorelei discusses her journey as an author, focusing on her latest work 'Big and Bad' and her exploration of mythic femininity, empowerment, and personal experiences. She emphasizes the importance of research in writing, the influence of her personal life on her stories, and her advocacy for various social issues.

Ireland also shares her inspirations and offers guidance for emerging writers, while expressing her passion for storytelling and its potential to shape future generations.

Tonight on Around the Table with the AOTR,

Reverend Sydney Francis stopped in to share her journey of spiritual empowerment through her work with Soul Gardener and her book, Activating Lunar Alchemy. 

The discussion delves into the importance of personal growth, community empowerment, and the transformative power of lunar cycles in spiritual practices. 

Reverend Sydney emphasizes the significance of introspection, self-responsibility, and the role of spiritual practices during times of uncertainty. She also shared her vision for the future of Soul Gardener, aiming to create a supportive, non-dogmatic spiritual community.

#soulgardener #revsydneyfrancis #lunaralchemy

#spiritualgrowth #communityengagement 

#selfdiscovery #mindfulness #healing #religious #religioustrauma #personaltransformation #selfhelp 

A Force Worthy of Recognition Rippling Empowerment Through Art & Advocacy:

In this episode of Around the Table with the AOTR, Tonya Todd drops in to chat with Sai, Bev, and Kindra!

Tonya is a multifaceted creator, discusses her journey as an author, actress, and activist.

She shares insights on her essay collection 'Comic Lit', the importance of representation in literature and film, and the challenges faced by marginalized creators.

Tonya emphasizes the significance of storytelling that centers diverse voices and the need for empathy in understanding different perspectives.

Tonya also offers advice for young writers and reflects on her current projects, including a retelling of Dracula from a fresh feminine perspective that empowers Mina Murray's agency!

Follow Tonya Todd on IG!

Tonya Todd's Official Website!

In this heartfelt conversation, Doug Lawrence shares his insights on grief, healing, and the transformative power of writing with Sai and Kindra.

Doug discusses the misconceptions surrounding grief, the cultural stigmas that prevent open discussions, and the importance of community support.

He emphasizes that grief is a journey without a defined timeline and encourages listeners to honor their feelings while seeking help.

Through personal anecdotes and reflections, he illustrates how grief can lead to personal growth and resilience.

Get Doug's book, Grief: The Silent Pandemic!

Grief is a profound and universal experience, a natural response to the loss of someone or something deeply cherished. Yet, for many, the journey through grief is made even more difficult by a lack of personal understanding and a society rife with misconceptions about what it means to grieve. This widespread misunderstanding has contributed to a mental health pandemic, leaving countless individuals feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and without the tools to heal.

In Grief the Silent Pandemic, Doug Lawrence offers a guiding light in the darkness of loss. Drawing from decades of experience as a grief mentor and the deeply personal pain of losing his beloved wife, Lawrence provides a compassionate and insightful exploration of the grieving process. With raw honesty and profound empathy, he delves into the complexities of grief, shedding light on the emotional, psychological, and societal challenges it presents.

Through heartfelt storytelling, practical advice, and actionable solutions, Lawrence empowers readers to navigate their own grief journeys. He challenges the stigma and misinformation surrounding grief, offering a roadmap to healing that is rooted in understanding, connection, and hope.

In this episode, the co-founders of Authors of the Resistance (AOTR) reflect on their journey over the past six months, discussing their individual writing careers, the themes of their works, and the importance of community support in the face of societal challenges.

Kindra shares her focus on dystopian fiction that addresses political issues, while Bev discusses her dark romance narratives that highlight queer representation and recovery.

The conversation shifts to the pressing issue of homelessness and mental health, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing these societal problems. The episode concludes with a look ahead to future projects and initiatives within AOTR, reinforcing their commitment to advocacy and empowerment.

Takeaways

The importance of community support among authors.

Dystopian fiction can reflect current societal issues.

Writing about trauma and recovery is essential.

Advocacy for marginalized voices is crucial.

Homelessness is a complex issue that needs compassion.

Mental health is often intertwined with homelessness.

Authors can use their platforms for activism.

Empowerment through storytelling is vital.

The need for open discussions about difficult topics.

Future projects aim to create positive change.

In this episode, the cohosts, Sai, Kindra & Bev discuss the implications of recent executive orders on mental health and homelessness, drawing parallels to historical institutionalization practices. 

They explore the societal pressures surrounding body image and the potential mental health impacts of these pressures. 

The discussion emphasizes the importance of distraction techniques for mental well-being and introduces a creative project aimed at resistance against these societal issues.

• The new executive order on homelessness is regressive.
• Historical practices of institutionalization are resurfacing.
• Mental health issues are often exacerbated by societal pressures.
• Eugenics themes are present in current policies.
• Body image narratives can lead to mental health issues.
• Distraction techniques are essential for mental well-being.
• Creative projects can serve as a form of resistance.
• The homeless population is vulnerable and often criminalized.
• Advocacy for mental health resources is crucial.

• Community engagement is necessary for addressing these issues.