Critical Conversations

In this podcast episode, I dive into what happens when we release control, drop the perfectionism, and embrace the mantra that done is better than perfect. Every day, we have an opportunity to improve, evolve, and grow.

Instead of getting stuck in the endless pursuit of perfection, we can choose to be curious about simply getting things done and taking the first steps down the path to living our best lives. By letting go of the need for everything to be flawless, we open ourselves up to progress and transformation.

Join me as we explore the power of releasing control and embracing the beauty of imperfection. Together, we'll discover how to move forward, take action, and continually strive to become the best versions of ourselves.

Have you ever met someone with whom everything just clicked—simple, easy, and incredibly fun? It felt like you shared a deep connection as if you'd known each other in past lives. In this episode, join me for a unique conversation about how my time in London brought me back to what truly matters. I hope this episode inspires you to reconnect with what matters most in your life.

In this episode, I share the story of my spontaneous adventure to Morocco for a yoga retreat—a journey that has profoundly impacted my life. I'll reveal some intimate details about my experience and delve into the transformative power of being present. Discover how disconnecting from social media enhanced my journey and why we should rethink the influence we allow it to have on our lives. Join me as I explore the beauty of living in the moment and embracing true freedom.

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

Chrissy is the founder and lead practitioner of her virtual private practice focused on Functional Women's Health. She's been a Registered Dietitian since 2013 and is a wife and mom of two boys under 7. 

The CW Nutrition Mission: CW Nutrition is a private practice of Women’s Health Registered Dietitians who strive to empower women to support their health and well-being with a root cause approach. With evidence-based methods, we guide our clients through holistic lifestyle strategies and nutrition interventions for vitality, hormone balance, and optimal wellness. We believe that every woman deserves to feel their best from the inside out through our Nourished Era Method™

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

Links:

Follow Chrissy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrissywilliams.rd/

Learn more about CW Nutrition services: https://www.chrissywilliamsnutrition.com/

In this episode, Karissa opens up about the raw reality of experiencing burnout in the present moment, compounded by the recent loss of six hours of hard work—twice. It's as if the universe is throwing every obstacle her way, urging her to pause and reflect. Join her as she lays bare the struggles of coping with burnout while simultaneously dealing with the frustration of lost work. Through vulnerability and honesty, Karissa shares her ongoing journey of healing and renewal, bravely navigating the uncertainty and trusting that amidst the chaos, a unique path is unfolding—one that will eventually make sense.

Morgan Lewis is a Certified Holistic Nutrition Consultant and Restorative Wellness Solutions Practitioner. She utilizes diagnostic testing, holistic nutrition and lifestyle changes to help women experiencing IBS, SIBO and digestive issues heal for good. Morgan believes in supportive care and forming a team with her clients, empowering them along the way to make steps towards vitality.

Welcome to the conversation.

Karissa Dean

RESOURCES

Website - Free Guide on Website

Self Paced Course for IBS healing

Laura Jean-Jacques is a multifaceted leader whose passion for empowering others shines through her diverse endeavors in advocacy, coaching, and entrepreneurship. As the founder and CEO of Zanset Tea Co., Laura's journey into organic tea production is not just about creating beverages but also about promoting the idea of "food is medicine." This core belief stems from her deep-seated commitment to improving mental healthcare accessibility across communities.

Her role as a Community Development Strategist at Jean-Jacques Group further exemplifies her dedication to holistic growth. Drawing from her own experiences in small business development and holistic health practices, Laura brings a unique perspective to the table. Her insights into entrepreneurship, community building, and empowerment resonate strongly, especially in underrepresented communities where her work is making a tangible difference.

Beyond her professional roles, Laura's commitment to community revitalization is evident in her efforts to organize and revitalize Merchant Associations throughout Brooklyn. These grassroots initiatives showcase her hands-on approach to creating positive change at the local level, where meaningful connections and collaborations thrive.

Laura's artistic endeavors are equally impactful. As an Interdisciplinary Artist specializing in Analog Collage, Photography, and Creative Storytelling, she weaves narratives that celebrate her Haitian heritage, deep connection to nature, and daily experiences in New York City. Through her art, Laura amplifies the voices of black individuals, highlighting their journey of reconnecting with nature as a healing mechanism and honoring their ancestral roots.

In 2019, Laura curated the Belonging Art Experience, a groundbreaking exhibition that brought together 13 artists and survivors of sexual violence. This transformative event not only provided a platform for healing and expression but also sparked important conversations about trauma, resilience, and collective healing. The impact of the Belonging Art Experience reverberated far beyond the art world, touching the lives of over 5000 individuals and shedding light on the urgent need to address and eradicate sexual violence in society.

Currently, Laura is immersed in her latest project, IN:PRACTICE, which builds upon the themes explored in the Belonging Art Experience. This ongoing exploration of black and Caribbean identity, deep connection, and belonging reflects Laura's unwavering commitment to using art as a tool for social change and cultural celebration.

To connect with Laura and experience her work firsthand, you can also follow her on Instagram @littlelaurastudio and @Laurajeanjacques, where she shares insights, inspirations, and updates on her latest projects. Laura's dedication to empowering individuals, fostering community resilience, and advocating for meaningful change makes her a beacon of hope and inspiration in today's complex world.

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Welcome to the Conversation

Karissa Dean

Laura Jean-Jacques,

Community Development Strategist 

Jean-Jacques Group LLC

E: [email protected]

'22 CORO Neighborhood Leadership Fellow

'22 Communitas Ventures Accelerator Cohort 8

'21 Represented Foundation V.E.R. Incubator Fellow

Committed to being a Creative, Passionate, and Authentic Leader.

Now, I have a confession to make—I'm someone who deeply adores her alone time. Seriously, guys, I treasure those moments of solitude like they're gold. And you know what's funny? My husband is always pushing me to be more social. But hey, I love my alone time, and there's nothing wrong with that.

But here's the thing I've come to realize: as much as I cherish my solo adventures, community is everything. In this episode, I'm going to share with you why we really do need each other, even us die-hard introverts. We need to embrace vulnerability, and we need to stop underestimating the power of connection.

So, join me on this intimate deep dive into why community is the key to unlocking our greatest abundance. It's going to be raw, it's going to be real, and most importantly, it's going to be transformative.

Grace L Lamour is a licensed mental health counselor who serves the New York City tri-state area. A former Special education teacher, and served as a director of a Therapeutic school with students with learning disabilities, and mental health diagnoses. 

She currently works with individuals from all walks of life. Her clientele consists of eldest daughters, career-oriented/ burned-out gen-z and millennials, and 1st Generation Americans.

An advocate for workplace wellness partnering with Human Resource teams to foster positive work environments. 

Her current endeavors include creating safe spaces for self-care that include mental wellness, community, and connection. 

Grace believes that asking the qualifying questions gets us to a space of healing, introspection, and connection to ourselves and the people around us. 

Welcome to the conversation

Karissa Dean

Grace L. Lamour MS, LMHC 

The G.lamour Method Counseling 

Theglamourmethod.com

Believe it or not, everything is a relationship. Whether it's the connection we have with others, with ourselves, or with the world around us, relationships shape our experiences in profound ways.

In this episode, I'm going to take you on a journey into my own personal realizations and blocks around relationships. It's a raw and vulnerable dive into the depths of my own experiences, and I have to admit, I shared a lot more than I initially intended.

But sometimes, those unexpected moments of openness lead to the most powerful insights and transformations. I truly believe that this episode was divinely created to support some of you who may be on a similar journey of self-discovery and growth.

So, buckle up, because this one gets deep fast. But I promise you, it's worth it. My hope is that it inspires you to start on your own path to freedom and to embrace the power of relationships in your life.