In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Mell McCracken, Executive Director of No Matter What Recovery. Mell leads the organization’s clinical treatment program and developed its groundbreaking sexualized drug use curriculum, supporting clients at the intersection of chemsex, substance use, and LGBTQ+ identity. With nearly a decade of experience, Mell is a nationally and internationally recognized educator, co-author, and trauma-informed treatment provider specializing in inclusive care for the rainbow community.

As a faculty member at the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals (IITAP), Mell is a fierce advocate for breaking stigma around queer mental health and recovery. Their work blends clinical expertise with activism, aiming to uplift marginalized voices and create safe spaces for healing. Originally from Ojai, California, Mell also finds joy and expression through painting, writing, pottery, and music.

👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode to help spread awareness around LGBTQ+ mental health and healing.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Mell McKracken: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/contributor/mell-mccracken/

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Mely Quiroz, APCC—a dedicated mental health advocate specializing in gender-affirming care and trauma-informed therapy for trans and nonbinary individuals. Mely holds a Master's in Multicultural Counseling and Social Justice Education from San Diego State University and a BA from UC San Diego. Growing up in a mixed-status family and an underserved neighborhood, Mely draws from personal experience to support LGBTQ+ mental health and community empowerment.

Now at UC San Diego, Mely helps trans and nonbinary students thrive academically, socially, and holistically. Outside of their work, they enjoy cycling, exploring food, spending time at the beach, and taking city walks with their dog.

👉 Be sure to follow the Element Q podcast for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Mely Quiroz: https://stride.ucsd.edu/about/team.html

In this episode, TJ Woodward welcomes Tommy Rosen, a leading voice in the addiction recovery movement and founder of Recovery 2.0. Tommy shares deeply personal insights about growing up with toxic shame, including his experience of his father coming out, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of healing—particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. His approach redefines traditional recovery by embracing compassion, inclusion, and personal transformation.

With over 30 years of continuous recovery and experience in health and wellness, Tommy has developed a holistic method that integrates yoga, breathwork, meditation, and nutrition to support lasting recovery. Holding advanced certifications in Kundalini and Hatha Yoga, he teaches worldwide at retreats, festivals, and online, inspiring others to move beyond addiction and thrive in body, mind, and spirit.

👉 Be sure to follow the podcast for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Tommy Rosen: https://r20.com/

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Brian Whisenant, Clinical Outreach Coordinator at Breathe Life Healing Center. They explore the transformative power of therapy in mental health and addiction recovery, with a special focus on how creativity intersects with healing. Brian shares insights from his work in residential treatment and his personal journey as an actor, writer, director, and producer.

With roots in Mississippi and experience in both New York and Los Angeles, Brian brings a unique perspective shaped by years in indie film, theater, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. He also served as a programmer for the Oxford Film Festival and has written for Awards Daily, AwardsWatch, and his own site. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Brian Whisenant: https://www.brianwhisenant.com/

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Kathleen Murphy, a passionate advocate and ally for the LGBTQ+ community. As the Chief Clinical Officer at Friendly House LA, Kathleen shares insights into her decades of experience supporting individuals through trauma, addiction recovery, and relational healing. The conversation highlights her deep commitment to creating inclusive, trauma-informed care spaces and her ongoing advocacy for queer individuals.

With over 35 years of clinical experience, Kathleen F. Murphy, LMFT, has held leadership roles at top treatment centers across the country. She helped shape trauma recovery programs at Onsite Workshops, Breakthrough at Caron, and The Meadows, where she studied under trauma pioneer Pia Mellody. In addition to her role at Friendly House, Kathleen continues her private practice in Santa Monica and offers clinical supervision for Onsite’s Healing Trauma Workshop.

👉 Be sure to subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Kathleen Murphy: https://friendlyhousela.org/womens-rehab-team-la

In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host Tj Woodward welcomes Stephen Washington, who shares his journey as a recovery advocate and his work in the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on radical safe care and how it isn't selfish.

Steven is a Movement Master, Author, and Recovery Advocate who is deeply passionate about guiding others toward a happier, healthier life. A former Broadway performer and professional dancer with credits including Disney’s The Lion King, the New York City Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera, Steven used movement as a foundation for his spiritual fitness. However, to cope with anxiety and self-doubt, he turned to drugs and alcohol. Twenty years ago, he chose sobriety and discovered his true calling—helping others heal through mindful movement and connection.

A Certified Qigong Instructor, Pilates teacher, and Neuromuscular Massage Therapist, Steven integrates his knowledge of the body’s energy systems into his teaching. His book, Recovering You: Soul Care and Mindful Movement for Overcoming Addiction, blends his recovery journey with the healing power of Qigong. He also shares insights through his Heart/Mind Moments YouTube series, which has garnered over a million views, offering practical tools for emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Steven Washington: https://www.stevenwashingtonexperience.com/

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes Paulo Arranaga-Grayson, CEO of No Matter What Recovery, for an empowering conversation centered on Focusing On the LGBTQ+ Community Needs for Recovery Success. Together, they explore what truly makes recovery work for LGBTQIA+ individuals, how Paulo's personal and professional journey informs inclusive care, and why affirming spaces are critical to long-term healing and sobriety.

Paulo Arranaga-Grayson is a trauma-informed recovery professional, sober companion, and interventionist with deep roots in the recovery community. With a degree in Behavioral Health Science and years of hands-on experience in crisis management and client care, Paulo brings a compassionate, community-driven approach to treatment. Through his leadership at No Matter What Recovery—and alongside his husband Anthony—Paulo has built a safe, affirming space where queer individuals can begin their healing journey. He’s also an active member of AA and CMA, a committed advocate for LGBTQIA+ health, and a participant in the AIDS LifeCycle with the sober cycling team “Trudging Buddies.”

👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Paulo Arranaga-Grayson: https://nomatterwhatrecovery.com/

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host TJ Woodward welcomes Dr. Shannon Franklin, co-founder of Element Q Healing Center, for a powerful conversation on healing, identity, and inclusion. Together, they explore the mission behind Element Q, share inspiring stories from the mental health community, and unpack how therapy can serve as a transformative tool—especially for those within historically marginalized groups.

Dr. Shannon Franklin is a Black and queer-identified licensed psychologist who specializes in working with the LGBTQIA+ community, gender identity and gender-affirming care, multiculturalism, anti-racism, and trauma recovery. With a strong focus on collaboration, empowerment, and identity-centered therapy, Dr. Shannon brings deep insight into how social structures and power dynamics influence mental health.

👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations on consciousness, therapy, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Dr. Shannon Franklin: https://elementqhealingcenter.com/team/shannon-franklin/

Intro 00:00 What Is Neurodivergence 01:10 Can The Myers Briggs personality test help prosperity 04:30 Unique Needs For Healing In The LBGTQ+ Community 13:15 Recovery, Treatment & Healing IS About Safety 20:43 Communicating Through Energy? 24:11

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward welcomes Dr. Mel Pohl, Senior Medical Consultant at The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center and renowned expert in pain recovery and addiction medicine.

A bestselling author and Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Dr. Pohl shares powerful insights on chronic pain, addiction, and healing.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on culturally competent care, therapeutic transformation, and creating inclusive spaces where all identities are seen and supported.

👉 Be sure to follow, rate, and review for more conversations centered on transformation, consciousness, and community.

🔗 Learn more: Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: http://www.tjwoodward.com

Dr. Mel Pohl: https://www.drmelpohl.com/

Intro 00:00

Deeper Healing In The LBGTQ+ Community 01:23

Secrecy, Silence & Judgement Cause Shame To Thrive 05:30

Layers Of Shame 12:40

What Is Coregulation? 19:44

An Exchange of Energy, The Power Of Coregulation 26:09

🎙️ In this episode of the Element Q Podcast, host @TJWoodward sits down with Dr. Lauren Costine, a licensed clinical psychologist, author, relationship coach, and international presenter, for a powerful conversation on The Power of Therapy for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Communities.

Known as “Dr. Lauren,” she brings a wealth of wisdom to the conversation—drawing from decades of experience working with LGBTQ+ clients and a passionate commitment to holistic, intersectionally-oriented healing. Dr. Lauren is the CEO and Clinical Director of Awaken Therapy Center, a group practice she co-founded with her wife, Vanessa Costine. She was also a founding member of Antioch University Los Angeles' LGBT Specialization and is the author of Lesbian Love Addiction: Understanding the Urge to Merge and How to Heal When Things Go Wrong.

In this heartfelt and affirming dialogue, Dr. Lauren shares insights from her clinical work, her journey, and her mission to help queer women break free from dysfunctional relationship patterns and awaken their authentic selves.

Don’t miss this empowering conversation that highlights culturally competent care, the transformative power of therapy, and what it means to create spaces where all identities are deeply seen and supported.

👉 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations centered on transformation, consciousness, and community.

🔗 Learn more:

Element Q Healing: elementqhealingcenter.com

TJ Woodward: tjwoodward.com

Dr. Lauren Costine: http://www.lovedrlauren.com/

Intro 00:00 Dr. Lauren's Passion for Serving Others

01:28 Unblocking Your Radience 05:36

Stop Pretending To Be Someone You Aren't 12:23

We Meditate To Have An Expanded Awareness 19:34

Safe Space: Where We Disagree? 24:23

Feeling Fear & Doing It Anyway 26:50

What Is The Rubberband Effect? 29:24