For A Reason Podcast

This is PART 2 of a two part interview with Thomas Cotton. Be sure to listen to the first half of this interview (PART 1) before listening to this section.

ROM STREET HUSTLER TO A LIFE OF PURPOSE.

In this powerful episode of For A Reason, host Kenny Tenny sits down with his childhood friend Thomas Cotton for an honest and deeply personal conversation about where he came from, the choices he made, incarceration, faith, redemption, and the purpose he discovered on the other side of his past.

Thomas doesn't just talk about his transformation—he has spent nearly 30 years helping others transform their lives and communities.

Today, Thomas Cotton is an entrepreneurial polymath, urban missionary, strategist, and innovator whose work brings together lived experience, faith, community development, public health, research, and entrepreneurship.

He is the founder of Redemption & Advancement Alliance and Next Level Freedom, LLC, and initiated the New G Movement, an effort focused on transforming gangs and communities from within. He is also the author of New G Mentality, a blueprint for leadership, personal growth, and gang redevelopment.

And sometimes, the person who has been furthest from where they need to be can become the person who helps others find their way.

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CONNECT WITH THOMAS COTTON

Learn more about Thomas Cotton and his work:

https://www.newgmovement.com

https://nextlevelfreedom.net

The New G Mentality book on Amazon CLICK HERE


#ForAReasonPodcast #ThomasCotton #Redemption #Faith #Jesus #Transformation #SecondChances #Purpose #PrisonReform #CommunityTransformation #NewGMentality

This is the second half of my interview with Hollywood writer and educator Stacie Craig.

Listen to PART 1 first.

What happens when the person who helped shape your identity is suddenly gone—and you have to figure out who you are without them?

In the Season 2 premiere of the For a Reason Podcast, we welcome back writer, storyteller, teacher, and lifelong creative Stacie Craig for a deeply personal conversation about life, loss, identity, and finding your way back to yourself.

Stacie was born to write. Literally.

Her first novel, All About Stacie, was written at age six. By seven, she had written, directed, and starred in her own play, Magic Shoes. Years later, after earning an MFA in playwriting from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Stacie returned to Los Angeles with dreams of breaking into television.

She worked throughout Hollywood, gaining experience in casting, art, production, and writers' rooms while pursuing the one position she never quite landed: staff writer.

Then life changed.

After becoming a mother, Stacie stepped away from Hollywood and became a public school teacher in South Central Los Angeles. But the writer in her never disappeared. Between lesson plans, family responsibilities, and everyday life, she continued creating stories and developing original television projects.

In this episode, however, the conversation goes far beyond Hollywood.

Stacie opens up about losing her mother to cancer, the impact that loss had on her life, and what it took to begin finding herself again. We explore what happens when grief changes your sense of identity, how life can pull us away from the things that once made us feel alive, and what it means to reconnect with the person you were always meant to become.

We also dive into Stacie's passion for writing for Hollywood and her determination to tell stories that combine sharp humor with genuine emotion. She shares what she has been creating, including original pilots such as Straight A+Holes, Super Single, and My Boyfriend's a Vampire, and why storytelling remains such an important part of who she is.

This is a conversation about grief—but it isn't defined by grief.

It's about rediscovery.

It's about identity.

It's about pursuing the things that still matter when life doesn't go according to plan.

And ultimately, it's about asking a question that may resonate with all of us:

When life changes you, can you find your way back to yourself?

Welcome back to For a Reason.

🎙️ Guest: Stacie Craig
🎬 Season 2, Episode 1 — Welcome Back

If this conversation speaks to you, share it with someone who may need to hear it.

#ForAReasonPodcast #StacieCraig #Podcast #Hollywood #Screenwriting #Writing #Grief #Loss #Identity #Resilience #FindingYourself #Storytelling #Writers #LosAngeles

At 55 years old, Ron Mukai is still standing—by the grace of God! A devoted husband, father, attorney, broker, real estate developer, and entrepreneur, Ron’s true passion lies in building character through jiu-jitsu. In this episode, he shares his incredible journey of faith, resilience, and service—from starting jiu-jitsu at 39 to earning his black belt, founding multiple academies (including the nonprofit East LA Jiu Jitsu), and mentoring the next generation on and off the mats.

With deep roots in East LA, Ron blends the principles of faith, humility, perseverance, and self-control into both his martial arts philosophy and his Christian walk. Tune in as he discusses the parallels between jiu-jitsu and spiritual growth, his commitment to serving underserved communities, and why he believes “today is the best day of my life.”

Learn more about East LA Jiu Jitsu at www.eastlajiujitsu.org.

Tanya L. Brown (sister of Nicole Brown Simpson)  dives deep into the complexities of trauma, mental health, and personal growth. Tanya opens up about her move from California to Florida and how it shaped her journey of self-discovery. Together, they explore the lasting impact of trauma on identity, the power of coping mechanisms, and the necessity of seeking help.

This episode is packed with insights on overcoming grief and trauma, including Tanya’s personal experiences with loss, her journey through EMDR therapy, and how trauma has influenced her life choices. The conversation touches on high-profile cases like OJ Simpson’s, exploring the cultural shift it brought to domestic violence and mental health awareness. Tanya also discuss the challenges of maintaining family bonds, navigating fame, and the unexpected effects of media scrutiny.

Listeners will also enjoy perspectives on dating and relationships, the emotional journey of being an empath, and creating normalcy in chaotic times. From nostalgic reflections on the 80s to the challenges of modern dating and the contrast between life in affluent communities, this episode offers a raw, unfiltered look at the resilience required to thrive amid life’s uncertainties.

To learn more about Tanya L. Brown: www.Tanyabrown.net

In this episode, Kat Kerr shares her unique experiences growing up in Newfoundland, her journey through trauma and abuse, and the healing power of nature and travel. She discusses the complexities of her abusive relationship, the psychological manipulation she faced, and her eventual path to recovery and empowerment.  Kat shares her experiences and insights, emphasizing the need for community and understanding to overcome PTSD.

To learn more about Kat Kerr: www.the-happiest-sad-person-youll-ever-meet.com

In this enlightening episode of the For A Reason Podcast, Dr. Brian F. Licuanan, a California board-certified psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience, shares his expert insights on how to help a loved one seek addiction treatment despite their resistance. Dr. Licuanan, known for his work in substance use disorders and family crisis intervention, offers practical advice and compassionate strategies drawn from his extensive clinical background. Tune in to discover effective ways to support your loved ones on their journey to recovery. For more about Dr. Licuanan, visit www.drbrianlicuanan.com

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with Michelle Serna, a highly successful business executive, devoted mother, and loving wife, who has triumphed over adversity to build a life of fulfillment and purpose. Michelle opens up about her journey from a challenging childhood to a life of empowerment, sharing candidly about the trauma bond relationships she had to overcome along the way.

• Overcoming Childhood Challenges: Michelle dives deep into her past, revealing how she turned the negative effects of her upbringing into fuel for personal growth and success.

Michelle's story is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the unyielding power of self-love and divine blessings. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, seeking motivation, or looking for practical advice on self-improvement, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration.

Join us for an engaging conversation that will leave you empowered to rise above your circumstances and live with intention and purpose. Tune in now to the For A Reason Podcast and let Michelle Serna’s journey illuminate your path to greatness.

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#ForAReasonPodcast #MichelleSerna #OvercomingAdversity #SelfCare #Empowerment #Inspiration #PodcastInterview #DivineBlessings #HealingThroughLove

This is the second half of the interview of Heather Renee Barber. 

It's recommended that you listen to the first part of her interview before this episode.