Clean & Simple with Carmen

This special episode features an intimate conversation between host Carmen Veal and Special Guest Debbie McDonald. We explore in great detail doing a big chop and transitioning, understanding texture, porosity levels and health and wellness. We later go on to answer some frequently asked questions by Brown Skin Women looking to build a healthy relationship and regimen for their hair.

In this episode of The Goal Is to Grow I chat with Samantha Forbes, a health and wellness coach who has helped hundreds begin to live a better life through individual coaching and wellness seminars. Leveraging her training and experience as a mental health therapist she went on to study nutrition, food and its role in our life and sense of well-being. In a culture obsessed with weight and body image she helped her clients ditch the diet mentality and cultivate a sense of empathy for themselves; to attend to and accept their whole self. Currently, Sam works as an Educator at NYU Langone Health, and lately has developed and facilitated training for hospital staff on the importance of empathy and team communication in providing the perfect patient experience, relationship building with colleagues and promoting positive workplace culture. She provides subsequent individual coaching to learners to ensure transfer of skills learned in the class, including when empathy is called for and how to express it. Sam admits this may sound strange given that so many go into healthcare in part because of the deep sense of empathy they feel for those who are in a vulnerable state but the truth is, many still don't quite know what empathy is and how to express it.

Donyelle V. McBride is Owner/CEO of McBride Hair Restoration LLC and Global Trichology Training LLC. She specializes in Alopecia Solutions for Male/Female including Medical Hair Replacement for Alopecians and Chemotherapy clients. Join us as we explore the importance of health, nutrition, and emotions with hair loss and restoration.

I’m always amazed and grateful for the missions God assigns me to fulfill. A recent opportunity to be the keynote speaker at an 8th grade graduation was unlike any I’ve ever experienced thus far. This was a significant event in the students lives. A milestone event. They were closing one chapter of their lives and preparing to enter another. And I was honored to be apart of it. I wanted to share what I told them with you because of how profound, truthful and helpful it was to the students, parents and faculty. Additionally, if you have a young person in your life, I encourage you to let her listen to this episode as well.

This BONUS recording offers a to the point healthy dose of inspiration.

So here is the thing about checking in on your strong friend. There's a saying, don't tell people your problems, most don't care and others are happy you have them. We live in a world that isn't capable of providing us the peace we need to successfully exist within it. Some of us aren't strong enough to realize the peace we hope for must start within. And since I've been on both ends of the mental stability spectrum, I know just have challenging and incredible both realities can be.

In this episode I will share not-so-pleasant real life examples of how being unclear about your focus and goals can welcome riff raff, and how building a brand with intention can literally change not only your life, but also many others. 

My therapist helped me grow through an emotionally taxing process of unlearning traumatic experiences I’d held on to since childhood. The journey of unlearning ways and habits to then learn a healthier way to exist is tough, and also so necessary. Have you ever asked yourself why me? I did time and time again, especially after my daughter’s health began to decline. I still managed to have this desire to feel, do and be better. It became my new obsession. I started with seeking out a therapist for myself because I realized I needed professional help, which can also help you. Listen to this episode to learn how.

Fact about me: At the young of 22, I started my own nonprofit organization called Hope 4 Autism, which was classified as a 501 c 3 tax exempt organization, by the IRS. The process was an incredible learning experience which shaped my perspective, while helping me fulfill my mission to support other families fighting my same battle. In this episode we will talk all about the juicy details. So if you are interested in starting an organization and would like to know how I did it, this episode is for you.

Not all opinions or advice comes from a place of love. Sometimes all it takes is open and honest communication. Some partnerships can work as long as you're both in alignment.