Duncan Tree Podcast with Ouida

We recently had a very interesting conversation with Robert Ooghe, Jr., head of Marketing at Duncan Tree Ventures about the power of Kids in the Middle Coaching and Mentoring Scholarship Program.

If you're interested in learning more about Robert and his work, visit ooghe.com.

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Robert Ooghe, Jr. is a visionary entrepreneur and digital innovator. With over 15 years of experience in interactive entertainment and education, Robert has a proven track record of creating award-winning digital experiences for leading brands like Hasbro and Mattel. He holds a Master's degree in Interactive Telecommunications from NYU and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and History from William & Mary.

Passionate about the potential of immersive technologies, Robert has dedicated himself to mastering the art and science of virtual reality and game development. He aims to create research-based, emotionally intelligent educational experiences that empower individuals to lead more fulfilling lives. Robert leads a talented team in crafting thought-provoking games.

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Episode Summary

In this insightful podcast interview, Robert Ooghe, Jr. shares his journey as a digital producer and his involvement with the Kids in the Middle Coaching & Mentoring Scholarship program. Drawing from his extensive experience at Hasbro and Mattel, Robert highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating complex team dynamics and delivering successful projects.

Robert discusses his role in the Kids in the Middle program, which focuses on supporting students who fall between the gifted and at-risk categories. He emphasizes the value of the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) assessment in facilitating self-reflection and personal growth conversations.

Looking to the future, Robert envisions the Kids in the Middle program collaborating with educational institutions, gathering data to demonstrate its effectiveness, and expanding its reach. He also shares his personal aspirations to continue working in educational technology and exploring opportunities in virtual reality and game development.

Throughout the interview, Robert's passion for leveraging technology to support emotional intelligence and educational development shines through. He stresses the importance of establishing trust, being responsive to parents and educators, and creating a supportive environment for both students and coaches.

With his unique blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and commitment to social impact, Robert Ooghe is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of education and immersive entertainment.

For more information about Duncan Tree and KITM, visit duncantreefoundation.org

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

Welcome to Zambia: A Breathwork Journey!

Ouida Duncan hosted a live recording with Wolfgang Steiner on Thursday, 25th April.

This conversation introduces potential guests to a seven-day journey, with the 509 Community in Zambia which includes a three-day breathwork retreat led by Wolfgang Steiner, a seasoned breathwork coach with over two decades of experience.

This journey will take place in Zambia from 19 June to 25 June 2024.

Imagine the transformative power of breathwork amidst the stunning landscapes of Zambia. Wolfgang will delve into his insights from the Room 509 Community, where participants embrace equilibrium on the summer solstice, symbolizing the balance between light and dark, feminine and masculine.

On June 21st, amidst the heightened energy of the full moon, guests immerse themselves in conscious awakening, surrounded by the vibrant lights of Zambia, Africa, often regarded as the Earth's center. Experience the sights and sounds of Zambia from the comfort of your own home, joining us to breathe, connect, and foster inner peace.

The Being community is dedicated to providing 100 "Books of Being," also known as "The Ultimate Coach," to future leaders across the African continent, aiming to elevate consciousness, nurture beingness, and diminish destructive energies worldwide.

To bring "Beingness" to the world.

Embark on this journey of growth with us, empowering local individuals with the transformative Room 509 experience. Discover the profound benefits of conscious breathing as we explore techniques to cultivate mindfulness, alleviate stress, and facilitate emotional release.

Please note the dates and times below for weekly Room 509 sessions.

The Zoom Room is open Wednesdays at 2 pm CEST//8 am EDT and

Thursday 9 pm CEST//3 pm EDT

Zoom link www.vision-leben.at/Wolfgang

To support the Room 509 Scholarship Program designed to support progressive future leaders from the African Continent visit Room 509's GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/.../509-zambiaconscious...

Your help is needed to support our friends in Africa to be able to attend with scholarships. Thanks in advance for your support.

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

I recently had an AWESOME conversation with philanthropist Reggie Van Lee about what it means to stand in your worth.

Reggie Van Lee, is an Executive Partner & Managing Director at AlixPartners, who brings over three decades of global advisory experience. Former Chief Transformation Officer at Carlyle Group, he led organizational change programs. Prior EVP at Booz, Allen & Hamilton, focusing on strategic transformation and high-performance organizational design.

We discussed...

If you weren't able to attend and wish to support the work of K.I.T.M. which is all about showing young people what it means to know and to stand in their worth—here is a link to where you can plant a seed, have our team water it and watch the lives of, possibly, your children and your neighbor's children blossom.

Click here to plant a seed > https://bit.ly/3T2MSca

Think of it this way, you can write it off on your taxes next year.

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

The benefits of artificial intelligence go well beyond improved efficiency and decision-making. AI can also improve organizational effectiveness and strengthen teams and enterprise cultures.

Artificial intelligence can generate cultural as well as financial benefits for organizations. With AI systems in place, teams can perform tasks with more pride and confidence and collaborate more effectively: They can actually get stronger. These cultural benefits can penetrate the foundation of business operations, improving assumptions that drive organizational behaviors and ensuring the pursuit of smarter goals.

We sat down with Lawrence Edmondson, CTO, Barbarian, a while back to discuss his thoughts on the intersection of AI, Race and Culture. Listen to his insights and let us know where you land on this subject. We hope this conversation sparks a revolution in how AI is currently being used in recruitment and hiring practices. There is an opportunity to break down barriers here.

To learn about about Duncan Tree Foundation and our Kids In the Middle Youth Empowerment program for kids interested in STEM careers, please visit www.duncantreefoundation.org.

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

In this episode, Andrea Hoban, Certified Professional Executive Coach, and Co-Founder of Oji Life Lab, an e-learning platform used to develop business leaders by increasing their emotional (and business) intelligence, discusses the benefits of having a high level of emotional intelligence with Duncan Tree's Founder Ouida Duncan, MBA, Certified Professional Emotional Intelligence Coach.

5 ways emotional intelligence leads to more joy

For more information about Duncan Tree Foundation, please visit our website www.duncantreefoundation.org where at the top right nav you can stay connected with us on all of our social media platforms.

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

We are delighted to present this special episode with Dr. Millicent Ferguson Comrie, recorded on Good Friday 2022 Dr. Millicent Comrie is the epitome of excellence when it comes to empowerment, healing and teaching. In this episode she shares her journey into medicine. The explicit bias she overcame to rise to the top of her field. 

Millicent A. Comrie, MD,MPH,FACOG, is the Director and founder of the Center for Women’s Health, Maimonides Medical Center for Women’s health in Brooklyn. Dr. Comrie was also Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the State University of New York (SUNY) - Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn.

Named in the Top 100 Physicians in Obstetrics and Gynecology in New York City, several years in a row. She is a recipient of many prestigious awards and most importantly she is a proud wife, mother and grandmother.

Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez

If you want to learn about the real history of Jamaica, formerly Xamayca, the "land of wood and water" listen to this first of several episodes with Dr. Bertrand Bonnick. This fascinating historical perspective reveals how Jamaican history was forged by West Africans, Arawaks, Tainos, and Carib Indians who were living in Jamaica long before Christopher Columbus was commissioned by the Queen of Spain to travel there. 

Did you know the Vikings were in North America before the Spanish and Portuguese? The Spanish converted Catholics (some were Portuguese Jewish), and those who served Spain, along with Africans (some were maroons and could not be enslaved) were in Jamaica along with the indigenous people (some of whom intermixed).

Later came the British, some East Indians, Chinese, Scottish, Irish, Syrians, Germans, and others. If you are a history buff, you are going to love this episode. Comment below and let us know what you think. 

We sat down with DJ 'Lefty' Hernandez recently to have a very deep and healing conversation about his struggles with substance abuse and his ultimate recovery. He passionately shares his story from a place of vulnerability, fear, and triumph. 'Lefty' shares how, as a child of the sixties, living and growing up in Greenwich Village and how misfortune changed the trajectory of his family's life from the West Village to the Lower Eastside. Facing a new world where he goes from being Puerto Rican American, a minority, living in The Village, with European features. Although he was considered 'a minority' he was able to 'blend in' with other children of European descent. He now has to adapt and change when his family is forced to move into public housing in the Lower Eastside, where his family is now one of many Puerto Rican American families, but 'Lefty' is lost as a pre-teen who learns the mores of the other kids in his new community. He talks about how he picked up bad habits, is introduced to marijuana, booze, and sex at a very young age, and how it takes him off track. Later in the interview, 'Lefty' shares his painful memories of how becoming addicted to cocaine, takes a toll on him and takes him away from his family who loves him, whom he loves, but the influences are so strong he turns his back on his family. We share his story as a way to help others who are currently struggling with their own addictions. 'Lefty' learns how to survive during difficult times, spends a long-time in the darkness, and eventually finds redemption through the light through NA and through his relationship with Christ.

For more information on resources available to individuals struggling with addiction to substances please visit the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

For information on where to find a Narcotics Anonymous Meeting near you, we invite you to visit: https://www.na.org/meetingsearch/

We recently sat down with Nathalie Heywood-Smith, founder of Heywood-Smith Consulting, and Duncan Tree Foundation board member to hear what she had to say about job hunting strategies in a post-pandemic world, social distanced world. We think you'll enjoy learning from the insights Nathalie provides and are curious to hear your main takeaway from this important episode. Listen. Like. Share. 

In this episode Dr. Odis McKinzie helps us understand why it's important to understand "family of origin"; including a family history of suicide, the spiritual elements we need to pay attention to and how the church, families and society can play a more significant role in identifying when someone is in crisis, considering self-harm and needs immediate mental health intervention. 

In the United States, European ethnic groups have the highest suicide rate compared to all other ethnic groups. People with diagnosed mental illnesses and chemical use have a higher risk for suicide than the general population. While suicide rates among youth have increased, suicide rates are higher among middle-aged and older adults.

According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center-Racial and ethnic groups differ in their access to culturally appropriate behavioral health treatment, experiences of discrimination and historical trauma, and other factors that may be related to suicide risk. At the same time, our understanding of racial and ethnic differences in suicide and suicidal behaviors is limited by underreporting and other limitations in data collection systems.

If you or someone you know is considering self-harm and suicide, we implore you (and them) to call: 800-273-8255.

Dr. Odis McKinzie Jr., Ed.D, NCC, LPC (VA), LMHC (HI), ACS, CSAT

Bio

Dr. Odis McKinzie is a person-centered, clinical generalist. He helps his clients through their various life transitions: career change, grief and loss, premarital and couples, divorce and relationship transitions to include partner betrayal, family of origin (FOO) issues, veterans reintegration to civilian life, pre-deployment and post-deployment transitions, pursuit of life purpose, Christian counseling, trauma, sex addictions, and sexualized trauma, healthy sexuality, anger management, substance abuse, dual diagnosis, parenting skills and family team building, domestic violence (DV) transition,  forensic work with courts, divorce mediation, clinical supervision, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD)