On this show, I speak with Dr. Damon Murphy all about growing up in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, and how his loss(es) shaped him to become the clinical psychologist he is today. While this is not a linear conversation about the ACTION plan, all the factors are touched upon. Find out how to cope with systemic and idealistic loss in this deep yet hope-filled episode.

Some Key Takeaways from Dr. Damon Murphy:
* How he came to understand of the intersection of blackness and sexual orientation
* How the field of psychology helped Dr. Murphy to right a wrong and un-do his pain
* How does recent news of gentrification impact one’s soul and spirit
* How the Hetrick-Martin Institute of NYC helped Dr. Murphy find therapy...and himself
* What the phrase “To Whom Much Is Given Much Is Required” means to Dr. Murphy
* How does one create a sense of peace from inner turmoil (hint: it all comes back to therapy!)
* Integrating the past with the present so that you can change your future
* How can you do something different with the cards you’ve been dealt
* How losing (ideas and ways of thinking and being) can lead to tremendous gains
* Being in the space of fear leads to growth, including the fear of being a statistic
* The power of the human spirit to survive and show resilience
Book Resource:
* The Color Of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein
* Website: www.anewleafpsychology.com

From Mourning To Action: Powerfully Working Through Loss is a podcast that explores the loss or losses our guests have experienced, whether recent or in the distant past, and how they have employed an ACTION Plan to continuously and powerfully work through their loss. Using a touching, vulnerable, and sometimes humorous look at life’s dark times, we give the listener an inside look into pain, grief, mourning, and most importantly, hope.
Join us as we shift the conversation and perspective about loss to one where it’s all about learning and growth.

From Mourning To Action: Powerfully Working Through Loss is a podcast based on Dr. Damon Silas’s first two books - From Mourning To Knight: Overcoming Loss; and What’s Your ACTION Plan? 6 Powerful Ways To Get Unstuck in Your Life Now! In these books, Dr. Silas discusses the various losses he has experienced (and not just death), how he has personally worked through these losses; and what he has noticed professionally as a psychologist and coach that has proven helpful for clients and patients as they work through their own losses.

Nurse and Psychologist Dr. Wesley Willis discusses how he has navigated the recent loss of his grandmother, who was a primary figure for him growing up. As a nurse and psychologist, he offers a unique perspective of grief and mourning not only from a professional point of view, but from a personal perspective as well. Join us as he discusses the importance of acknowledging his emotional states on a moment-by-moment basis in his grieving process. This is a juicy one and chock-full-of great tips!

Key Takeaways from Dr. Wesley Willis:
* How a network of professors who believed in Dr. Willis’s future kept pushing him to the next level of success
* The rollercoaster of emotions that accompany his most recent loss of his grandmother
* How the affirmation of “Dead people don’t pay no bills!” keeps Dr. Willis going
* How stepping out of his comfort zone helped him connect with his grandmother through creativity
* Some people need to be led, some need to be heard, and there is sometimes nothing else to do
* There’s nothing to be fixed, it just needs to be expressed
* The difference between traditional therapy and psychoanalysis - how do we distinguish the two?
* How did Dr. Willis work through the loss of two patients within hours of each other while balancing his own loss? hint: it took vulnerability, realness, compassion…and being a human!
* Disconnection and how it leads to a desire to reconnect
* Acceptance of emotions is key; even the nasty and bad ones!
* Resources and tips: journal to be in the moment and then move on (alternative: dictate into your phone); From Mourning To Knight: Overcoming Loss
* Why being a strong superhero is not always a positive thing (especially for men)
* Social media: The Nurse Doc - www.thenursedoc.com - @thenursedoc

From Mourning To Action: Powerfully Working Through Loss is a podcast that explores the loss or losses our guests have experienced, whether recent or in the distant past, and how they have employed an ACTION Plan to continuously and powerfully work through their loss. Using a touching, vulnerable, and sometimes humorous look at life’s dark times, we give the listener an inside look into pain, grief, mourning, and most importantly, hope.
Join us as we shift the conversation and perspective about loss to one where it’s all about learning and growth.

From Mourning To Action: Powerfully Working Through Loss is a podcast based on Dr. Damon Silas’s first two books - From Mourning To Knight: Overcoming Loss; and What’s Your ACTION Plan? 6 Powerful Ways To Get Unstuck in Your Life Now! In these books, Dr. Silas discusses the various losses he has experienced (and not just death), how he has personally worked through these losses; and what he has noticed professionally as a psychologist and coach that has proven helpful for clients and patients as they work through their own losses.

Crishon Jerome, aka Crome, is the founder of Crome247, a company dedicated to excellence and "achievement despite adversity." He discusses how losing his dad at a young age has shaped how he has lived since, and how he continues to empower himself, his daughter, and community through loss. Join us as he drops many jewels of wisdom about his journey thus far as well as the road ahead!

Key Takeaways from this interview:
* How Crishon Jerome went from government and psychology to a life of Dance, Fashion, entertainment, to now, virtual reality.
* Learn how he turned tragedy to fuel.
* Find out how a dream helped Crishon recognize, shift and manifest his future.
* How does a self-loving belief as a young child lead to resilience and strength.
* “The unsettling uncertainty of tomorrow leads to a sense of urgency - if tomorrow isn’t promised, then I’ve got a lot of work to do today.”
* How Crishon powerfully took back the power from a negative to add a positive twist and spin to it.
* Learn how grief and loss can often manifest itself as anxiety and depression.
* Crishon discusses how he recognizes that looking inward is a lifelong process and not just a one-and-done thing.
* How does Crishon address everyone else’s discomfort with grief and loss and some of the comments they have made or make?
* Resources: Therapy; Listening; The Four Agreements
* Words of advice: “It’s tough right now, it does get better.” “Be intentional with what you can do to invite healing.” “Create in honor of that loved one.” “Surround yourself with love.” Time doesn’t mean you forget.
* Link to therapy: On a college campus; Psychology Today; Online via TalkSpace, Amwell, Live Health Online, and others
* Social Media: IG - Crome247; @crome247; www.cromevr.com; @cromevr
* “Creativity is the rent we pay for our existence”

From Mourning To Action: Powerfully Working Through Loss is a podcast that explores the loss or losses our guests have experienced, whether recent or in the distant past, and how they have employed an ACTION Plan to continuously and powerfully work through their loss. Using a touching, vulnerable, and sometimes humorous look at life’s dark times, we give the listener an inside look into pain, grief, mourning, and most importantly, hope.
Join us as we shift the conversation and perspective about loss to one where it’s all about learning and growth.

From Mourning To Action: Powerfully Working Through Loss is a podcast based on Dr. Damon Silas’s first two books - From Mourning To Knight: Overcoming Loss; and What’s Your ACTION Plan? 6 Powerful Ways To Get Unstuck in Your Life Now! In these books, Dr. Silas discusses the various losses he has experienced (and not just death), how he has personally worked through these losses; and what he has noticed professionally as a psychologist and coach that has proven helpful for clients and patients as they work through their own losses.