In this episode of Black Moves First, host Alton Jamieson interviews Jevon Wooden, an Army veteran, mindset coach, and founder of 'Live Not Loathe.' They discuss the importance of helping one another in the Black community, overcoming adversity, and the significance of mental health. Jevon shares his personal journey through PTSD and depression, the power of vulnerability, and his commitment to uplifting and empowering others. The episode emphasizes changing mindsets, supporting one another, and the need for ongoing personal development.

In this episode, Olympic legend Dominique Dawes shares her journey of overcoming barriers in gymnastics, from facing criticism about her body type and identity to being celebrated by fans for her performances. She reflects on the sport's evolution, highlighting how athletes like Simone Biles are breaking boundaries, and discusses the culture shift she’s championing through the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics Academy. Focused on holistic development, the academy emphasizes mental, emotional, and physical well-being, creating a space where young athletes thrive with confidence and joy. Dominique’s story is a testament to resilience and her mission to redefine gymnastics culture for future generations.

If you loved this episode, subscribe to our podcast for more inspiring stories from trailblazers like Dominique Dawes. Don’t forget to leave a review and share this episode with a friend who needs a boost of inspiration!

In this inspiring episode, Danielle takes us on a journey through her remarkable career, beginning with her early days in Richmond, Virginia, and her rise to fame as a member of the acclaimed Christian music group Out of Eden. She shares her experiences of the pressures of the industry, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the valuable life lessons she’s learned along the way. Danielle opens up about her transition from music to entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of building a successful business after retiring from music. Tune in for insights on staying positive, planning for the future, and finding your true purpose in both your career and life.

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Lawrence Shakir, a man whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, family, and the unexpected ways God calls us to our purpose. Pastor Shakir, a former youth and children's pastor, shares a deeply personal account of his journey from rebellion to redemption, illustrating how his life was radically changed after a life-threatening experience led him to rediscover his relationship with God. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who might be inspired by his story.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Fredenburg to discuss his inspiring journey from a high school athlete to a sought-after speaker and mentor. Dr. Fredenburg opens up about how his father’s unwavering support shaped him during his formative years and instilled a drive to excel. In high school, he found both lifelong friends and a deep passion for basketball, with dreams to continue his athletic career at Long Beach State University. But when he narrowly missed making the team, his life took an unexpected turn.

Through what seemed like a setback, Dr. Fredenburg discovered a new gift in a college communications class. Tasked with a presentation, he felt an immediate spark and realized he had a powerful ability to connect and communicate. Embracing this talent, he began to nurture his passion for public speaking, and an emotional presentation at a campus-based ministry confirmed his calling to make a difference through his words.

Join us as Dr. Fredenburg shares how he transformed his life’s trajectory, moving from sports aspirations to inspiring countless others through storytelling, compassion, and purpose. This episode is for anyone seeking encouragement to pursue their passions, even when the path is unclear.

In this episode, Orrin shares a journey dedicated to service, beginning in the Air Force and continuing as a state trooper, all driven by a commitment to "serving and protecting." Now, this mission has evolved into teaching young people, particularly Black youth, vital skills for navigating law enforcement interactions and life’s challenges. Through lessons on pausing, thinking critically, and carefully choosing actions, Orrin emphasizes the importance of restraint, reminding that one impulsive move can have lasting consequences. With a deep commitment to uplifting Black children, Orrin seeks to guide them toward resilience and smart decision-making.

In this episode of the Black Moves First podcast, Alton Jamieson interviews the multi-talented Noelle Bellinghausen. Noelle discusses her journey from a basketball star at Old Dominion University to a professional musician and actress. She shares her experiences navigating the music industry, the challenges she faced as a tall woman in entertainment, and her ventures into acting and producing content through her company, Grown Woman Media. The episode delves into her creative process, the formation of her music group Chosen Three, and the life lessons she has learned along the way.

Pastoring during a Pandemic with Rev. Dr. William Smith

Alton is joined by Reverend Doctor Smith, a faithful and committed pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. Smith is passionate about proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, making the Word of God relevant in the lives of believers, and building the kingdom of God in the congregation and community.  In this episode Alton and Rev. Dr. Smith take a deep dive into the church of today, discussing the ways the current pandemic has required the church take a virtual shift, the current racial climate, nationalism within the church, and much more.

Pastor Smith has been recognized by Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC as a Lewis Fellow, Calvin College (Summer Seminar, Oasis Preaching Seminar), Morehouse College as a MLK Scholar. Reverend Doctor Smith has served on several denominational, ecumenical, and community boards. He is leading Second Missionary Baptist Church in participation with denominational conventions and associations. He is presently writing his first book with Westbow Press, a division of Thomas Nelson.

Enjoy this incredible conversation! 

1:42 Introduction to Reverend Dr. William Smith

2:41 Rev. Dr. Smith shares his journey into becoming a pastor. 

5:00 Rev. Dr. Smith’s current ministry

5:43 The ways the COVID pandemic has affected the church

16:23 The correlation between ministry and mental health 

20:33 Rev. Dr. Smith’s thoughts about the current racial climate

28:19 A discussion on nationalism within the church

40:28 Continued adjustments the church may need to make

43:47 Things to consider for churches that have been impacted economically during the pandemic.

50:26 Rev. Dr. Smith shares about his wife and family

Connect with us:

Subscribe to our podcast and share with others. 

Sign up for our newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/3ORVW8T/blackmovesfirstsignup 

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFdUxfpQdSfDm_TnB-iSsOg 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackmovesfirst 

The Life of a Single Mom with Jennifer Maggio

Alton is joined by Jennifer Maggio, an award-winning author of several books and an international speaker, whose personal journey through homelessness, abuse, and single motherhood is leaving audiences around the globe riveted. At 19, Maggio was pregnant with her second child, living in government housing on food stamps and welfare, and felt completely alone. On today’s episode, she shares her journey the struggles she faced as a young single mother and leaving her corporate success to start her ministry, “The Life of a Single Mom”.  

Jennifer has been featured in countless media venues in print, television, and radio, including The New York Times, The 700 Club, Moody Radio, Focus on the Family, Dr. James Dobson, Christian Mingle, Power Women, and many others.  She is a frequent guest at women’s conferences, single parent events, corporate training events, and churches.  Her passion is contagious and her story has been used to inspire millions around the globe.  Maggio was named one of the Top 10 Most Influential Leaders in America by John Maxwell in 2015 & 2017.

Get ready to be inspired! 

1:17 Introduction to Jennifer Maggio

2:07 Jennifer’s story of becoming teen mom and how “The Life of a Single Mom” was created.

5:37 Common struggles and challenges that single moms face.

8:36 Overcoming the stereotypes of single mothers. 

10:27 How churches can better support single moms.

14:54 How Jennifer transitioned from single mom herself, to supporting single moms through her ministry. 

19:05 Overcoming the shame that single moms can face.

22:16 Resources for single mothers

24:50 Resources to support Pastors helping single moms

26:05 Jennifer's hopes for the next 10-15 years within her ministry

28:06 Alton’s experience of rewriting his story from another perspective

28:57 Success stories from “The Life of a Single Mom”

30:36 Integrating faith with helping single mothers

34:53 Jennifer shares how she stays focused on her purpose

37:09 The Life of a Single Mom small groups

38:33 Dating advice for single moms

43:01 Resources for children of single parent homes

44:22 Alton thanks Jennifer for her time on today’s show

45:07 Final thoughts from Jennifer

Resources mentioned in today’s episode: 

Single Mom University: https://thelifeofasinglemom.com/single-parent-help/ 

Connect with us:

Subscribe to our podcast and share with others. 

Sign up for our newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/3ORVW8T/blackmovesfirstsignup 

You can also view us on the web at www.blackmovesfirst.com. 

Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/blackmovesfirst & Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blackmoves1st

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFdUxfpQdSfDm_TnB-iSsOg 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackmovesfirst 

Mental Health is Wealth with Dr. Sh’nai Simmons

In today’s episode, Alton speaks with Dr. Sh’nai Simmons, a licensed mental health professional, about all things mental health.  Dr. Simmons shares her perspectives on many common topics in the mental health world today, from the effects of COVID, the impact of social media, common trends she notices in healthy marriages, and much more.  She shares tips for getting help for not only yourself, but others as well. 

Dr. Simmons has a Master’s degree in Community Counseling and a doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Regent University. She is licensed to practice professionally in the states of Virginia and Florida and has a virtual presence for consultation with individuals in other states. She has an extensive history of supporting local agencies with her expertise and helping their efforts to dialogue with their stakeholders. Dr. Sh’nai is a passionate mental health professional, public speaker, and community activist who is focused on bringing restoration to communities and committed to “helping people use what they have to get what they want.”

This is an episode you don’t want to miss! 

1:45 Introduction to Dr. Sh’nai Simmons

4:08 How Dr. Sh’nai began her career in Mental Health.

9:09 Dr. Simmons shares her perspective on the correlation between minority communities and mental health. 

13:44 How the bible and mental health support each other.

16:59 The effects of the COVID pandemic on mental health.

20:46 How social media negatively impacts teen girls. 

26:14 Dr. Simmons shares about her work with married couples.

30:37 Alton and Dr. Simmons discuss marriage with a christian lens. 

34:39 Sex Addiction within the church

40:57 Common themes of marriages that lead to separation and divorce

43:35 The importance of meeting people where they are at to get them the help they need

51:07 Alton’s personal experience with his therapist

53:23 Dr. Simmons’ routines to ensuring her own positive mental health

57:10 Dr. Simmons shares about her family

59:06 How to get in touch with Dr. Simmons

Resources mentioned in today’s episode: 

Dr. Simmons’ Personal Website: http://drshnai.com/ 

Dr. Simmons’ Professional Services: http://communityvictory.com/ 

Get In Touch Network: https://www.facebook.com/GetInTouchNetwork 

Black Moves First Sex Addiciton Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvqeg7yhn_w 

Male vs Man by Dondre T Whitfield: https://www.amazon.com/Male-vs-Man-Children-Elevate/dp/0310357136 

Connect with us:

Subscribe to our podcast and share with others. 

Sign up for our newsletter: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/3ORVW8T/blackmovesfirstsignup 

You can also view us on the web at www.blackmovesfirst.com. 

Follow us on Instagram www.instagram.com/blackmovesfirst & Facebook https://www.facebook.com/blackmoves1st

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFdUxfpQdSfDm_TnB-iSsOg 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackmovesfirst