We sit down with Samantha Stern—facilitator, coach, and founder of Journeys to Remember—to explore the transformative power of collective healing, vulnerability, and personal growth. Samantha shares how her journey from service-based roles in the U.S. to impactful DEI work in South Africa has shaped her perspective on self-reliance, trauma, and the importance of "flocking" or collective support. Together, we unpack how shared experiences and openness can bring us closer to our truest selves, helping us live with intention, authenticity, and courage.

Join us as Samantha reveals how we can navigate complex social and personal challenges by holding space for both joy and pain, creating meaningful connections that remind us of our shared human experiences.

Chapters:

• 00:00 Start

• 03:53 Background and Roots in Service

• 10:45 The Turning Point: Discovering Her "Why"

• 18:30 Learning the Importance of Self-Healing First

• 26:50 Moving to South Africa & Embracing New Perspectives

• 34:40 Flocking: The Power of Collective Healing

• 43:15 Midlife Transitions & Empty Nest Reflections

• 51:20 Navigating Dating and Relationships Later in Life

• 1:02:30 Holding Joy and Pain in Life’s Complex Moments

• 1:10:10 Final Thoughts

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⁠⁠Newsletter Sign-up⁠⁠⁠⁠

You can find us @insidecoffeebreak on Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube.

If you'd like to support the podcast, please follow and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review letting us know. Sharing the show with friends is also incredibly helpful.

Today's show was edited by our co-host Grace Chung.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kyra Caldwell Templeton, a life-long learner and educator of over 15 years. From navigating her time at Spelman College—where she learned to see beyond stereotypes and celebrate diversity—to her current role as the Program Director of Student Engagement with Atlanta Public Schools, Dr. Caldwell Templeton’s journey has taught her the importance of releasing self-imposed expectations and fully embracing her own unique path.

With a background that spans from a B.A. in English to a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Caldwell Templeton has dedicated herself to uplifting students and fostering environments where every child matters. She has worked as a teacher, administrator, and co-founded Radiant Educational Services, LLC, a consulting group committed to improving student achievement and supporting educational excellence.

This conversation is filled with powerful insights for anyone ready to let go of preconceived notions and fully own their journey.

Topics discussed:

• How to identify and release self-imposed expectations

• Finding strength and confidence in embracing who you are

• Navigating stereotypes and celebrating diversity

• Building a purpose-driven career in education

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages you to let go, step out, and celebrate the path that’s uniquely yours.

--

⁠Newsletter Sign-up⁠⁠⁠

You can find us @insidecoffeebreak on Instagram and TikTok.

If you'd like to support the podcast, please follow and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review letting us know. Sharing the show with friends is also incredibly helpful.

Today's show was edited by our co-host Grace Chung.

From his family roots in Haiti to a life in Queens, NY, Jacques Léandre shares his journey through finance, law, and relentless community service. Discover how his education at Morehouse College and experiences at Rikers Island shaped his mission to break the school-to-prison pipeline and guide young Black men. We discuss balancing career with community involvement, the influence of family and faith, restorative justice, the evolving dynamics of relationships, and the importance of mentorship and community support.

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Chapters:

00:00 Start

03:58 Jacques' Early Life and Education

04:42 Morehouse College Experience

12:10 Career Beginnings and Law School

13:06 Working at Rikers Island

16:35 Current Professional Roles

17:59 Balancing Career and Purpose

27:30 Family and Fatherhood

34:23 Challenges Facing Today's Youth

39:22 Coaching and Community Impact

42:43 Personal Reflections and Mission

44:35 Reflections on Upbringing

45:05 A Close Call with the Law

46:43 The Impact of Family Support

47:54 The Harsh Realities of One Misstep

48:41 The Influence of Hip Hop Culture

49:28 Coaching Beyond Football

49:52 The Role of Faith

53:43 Lessons from Family and Friends

56:55 The Importance of Relationships

58:52 Understanding Male and Female Dynamics

01:05:22 Courtship

01:15:47 Advice for the Younger Generation

01:19:26 The Power of Discernment

01:21:43 What's Next and Gratitude

--

Newsletter Sign-up⁠⁠

You can find us @insidecoffeebreak on Instagram and TikTok.

If you'd like to support the podcast, please follow and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review letting us know. Sharing the show with friends is also incredibly helpful.

Today's show was edited by our co-host Grace Chung.

Madeleine Oden is a pioneer in advocating for Black maternal health, a doula, mother, and grandmother. After experiencing the tragic loss of her daughter during childbirth due to complications from an improperly used induction drug, Madeleine has dedicated her life to advocate for better maternal health practices. 

From the dangers of certain labor-inducing drugs to the critical importance of holistic birth practices, this episode is an introduction to what every mother-to-be should know about navigating the healthcare system, especially as a woman of color. Madeleine's insights and practical advice will encourage you to go deeper, educate yourself, and learn how to advocate for yourself and others during life's most vulnerable moments.

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Chapters:

00:00 Start

2:17 Her Story and Tragic Loss

11:41 The Role of Midwives and Doulas

18:49 Growth in Awareness of Reproductive Health

23:52 Madeleine's Advice

25:13 Organizations Making a Difference

27:56 Fostering Curiosity in the Family

33:45 Her Superpower and Final Thoughts

Newsletter Sign-up⁠

You can find us @insidecoffeebreak on Instagram and TikTok.

If you'd like to support the podcast, please follow and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review letting us know. Sharing the show with friends is also incredibly helpful.

Today's show was edited by our co-host Grace Chung.

In this episode, hosts Fatima, Grace and Liz sit down with Tomika Rayford, a symbol of resilience and hope from Selma, Alabama. Tomika shares her experiences battling kidney failure and type 2 diabetes, and how holistic healing transformed her life. The discussion highlights the significance of self-trust, purposeful living, and proactive health management. She introduces her upcoming book, 'How the Decision to Die Saved My Life' and her community initiatives in Selma, Alabama.

This conversation delves into personal growth, overcoming trauma, and the importance of self-consideration amidst life's challenges. Enjoy.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 Start

03:42 Tomika's Early Life and Friendship with Fatima

07:07 Facing End-Stage Renal Disease: Choosing Life Without Dialysis

12:30 The Emotions Around the Decision

14:37 Eliminating Animal Protein

17:06 Diabetes Diagnosis and Dietary Changes

19:02 More on Kidney Failure

20:07 Exisiting vs. Living

21:26 Reflecting on Childhood, Parentification

26:19 Realizing Self-worth and Value

29:17 Recognizing Your Own Needs

31:29 Deciding to Never Marry or Have Children

34:49 Reflections on Writing Her Book

37:30 Relationships with Parents

42:13 COVID-19 and the Path to Holistic Health

46:57 Digestive Rest

48:37 Circadian Rhythm and Our Bodies

51:38 The Misconception of Breakfast

53:18 Evening Digestive Processes

54:51 Personal Journey with Obesity

56:00 Liver Diagnosis and Decision to Stop Medication

59:26 Discovering a Broken Spine 

01:03:41 Connecting to a Past Injury

01:09:53 Progression Therapy

01:12:37 Black Womens’ Reproductive Health and Diet

01:17:55 The Industrialization of Food and Its Effects

01:21:15 The Food Desert Dilemma

01:23:02 Trusting Yourself and Your Journey

01:25:07 Obedience as a Superpower

01:33:20 Upcoming Book and Final Thoughts

01:38:20 Community Initiatives in Selma

01:39:43 Gratitude and Call to Action

--

Newsletter Sign-up

You can find us @insidecoffeebreak on Instagram and TikTok.

If you'd like to support the podcast, please follow and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review letting us know. Sharing the show with friends is also incredibly helpful.

Today's show was edited by our co-host Grace Chung.

We all have a purpose, we all have a gift, but do we obey the call?

Join Liz, Fatima, and Grace on Coffee Break Season 2 as they introduce the upcoming guests known as Disruptors - individuals who have faced major life turning points, chose not to be compliant, and challenged the systems and their environments.

Learn more about today's guests and find related links and resources at nexusexperience.com. If you'd like to support the podcast, please subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review letting us know. Sharing the show with friends is also incredibly helpful. You can find us @insidecoffeebreak on Instagram and TikTok. For updates, subscribe to our newsletter on Substack via the footer of our website at nexusexperience.com. Today's show was edited by our co-host Grace Chung.

This week, we are joined by Special Guest, Laura-Gayle​​, artist, designer, and former Montessori Head of School to discuss the importance of creating home within yourself and in the spaces around you. We explore themes of identity, the importance of pausing to find your threads of passion, and the concept of home both in a physical and emotional sense.

As a single-mother, grandmother and empty nester, Laura-Gayle shares her inspiring journey from creating a beautiful space for children at school to connecting with her interests in nature, painting, and birding as a form of self-expression and connection, to ultimately creating a sense of home within.

Enjoy!

Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode, and if you've enjoyed this podcast, we'd love for you to leave a review to help others discover the show.

Follow us:

Tiktok ⁠⁠www.tiktok.com/@nexusexperience⁠⁠

Subscribe to our newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Substack.⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠: www.facebook.com/groups/thenexusexperience/

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The information we offer is for educational purposes only. We are not licensed psychologists, medical doctors or mental health care professionals, and our services do not constitute medical or psychological advice; they also do not replace the advice offered by these professionals.

In this episode of Coffee Break, hosts Fatima, Grace, and Liz discuss their journey through modern dating as three single women of faith from different backgrounds. They share their personal experiences and insights on dating, highlighting various approaches and the cultural and faith influences that shape their perspectives. They reflect on their challenges with emotional intimacy and attachment styles, the significance of vulnerability in relationships, and the ongoing work required in personal healing and growth.

Topics we cover:

Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode, and if you've enjoyed this podcast, we'd love for you to leave a review to help others discover the show.

Follow us:

Tiktok ⁠www.tiktok.com/@nexusexperience⁠

Subscribe to our newsletter on ⁠⁠⁠Substack.⁠⁠⁠

Join our ⁠⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠: www.facebook.com/groups/thenexusexperience/

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The information we offer is for educational purposes only. We are not licensed psychologists, medical doctors or mental health care professionals, and our services do not constitute medical or psychological advice; they also do not replace the advice offered by these professionals.

Join us in this conversation as one of our co-hosts, Grace, walks through her journey of navigating multiple jobs, pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors, and confronting burnout. Through her experiences, we explore the importance of redefining success, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care in the pursuit of a fulfilling work-life balance.

Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode, and if you've enjoyed this podcast, we'd love for you to leave a review to help others discover the show.

Follow us:

Tiktok www.tiktok.com/@nexusexperience

Subscribe to our newsletter on ⁠⁠Substack.⁠⁠

Join our ⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠: www.facebook.com/groups/thenexusexperience/

-

The information we offer is for educational purposes only. We are not licensed psychologists, medical doctors or mental health care professionals, and our services do not constitute medical or psychological advice; they also do not replace the advice offered by these professionals.

Have you ever felt misunderstood as being overly emotional at times, when really, you're simply more sensitive and aware of the people around you? You may be the one in your family who "feels all the feelings."

Join us in this conversation as we discuss topics such as the complexities of family dynamics and patriarchal cultures, how to confront and break the cycles of generational trauma, the impact of family on identity and belonging, and how to trust in God while leading by example.

We share our personal stories and lessons learned, in hopes that you will be inspired and encouraged along your journey of self-discovery.

Topics we cover:

Subscribe to make sure you don't miss an episode, and if you've enjoyed this podcast, we'd love for you to leave a review to help others discover the show.

Follow us:

Instagram: ⁠@thenexusexperience⁠

Subscribe to our newsletter on ⁠Substack.⁠

Join our ⁠Facebook Group⁠, The Nexus Experience, and continue the conversation: www.facebook.com/groups/thenexusexperience/

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The information we offer is for educational purposes only. We are not licensed psychologists, medical doctors or mental health care professionals, and our services do not constitute medical or psychological advice; they also do not replace the advice offered by these professionals.