(T.W) In this episode, we are granted the space to hear about the life experiences and impacts on mental health from Molimau Fatu who is a Samoan self published poet and spoken word artist from Long Beach California. He is also a first generation graduate from CSUDH. He is a newlywed and first generation homeowner. He has also mentored the youth in cities like Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Hawthorne and all over L.A. county. Together we discuss the impacts of sexual assault as well reliving some moments from our childhood. Tap in for some validation, strength, and a surprise spoken word from Molimau himself.  

OUT THE MUD!! This episode was powerful!!! Shout out to Shorty for showing up and sharing her life testing of growing up in the hood, struggles with parents fighting addiction and the impact of grief!! Listen and be inspired by such a valuable life testimony! Remember, we ALL have a story that is worth sharing ! 

 Navigating breast cancer and pregnancy at the same time with Olivia Turner. She shares the journey of how she found strength when battling cancer as well as describing the joy her daughter brings into her life. We are also empowered to be in tune with our bodies and to check in with ourselves when we feel off, feel lumps, or feeling sick. Investing in our health and wellness is critical for the way we wish to exist in the world. Listen to the full episode for Olivia's advice for those going through something similar. 

On this episode, we are met with Raychel Homen and Estephanie Fuentes who openly share about their relationships during parenthood. Both exchange their unique relationships and the ways they each create similar experiences that others can relate too. Reflective conversations about the impacts incarceration has on the bond between a parent and child and the emotional toll it can hold on all involved. Listen in and live through their life experiences for just a moment.   

On this episode, we are joined with a special guest named Rebecca Ferguson who openly shares her experience during and after a miscarriage. Rebecca highlights the emotional impact it holds on one during the grieving process as well as providing insight on her relationship with postpartum depression. Listen for validation or for awareness of some of the struggles many women suffer with in silence. 

Join us as we welcome our special guest Anna Creighton who is a mother of two and a wife. Listen as Anna shares her experience navigating through healing and showing up for her family as a mother. Through Anna, we recognize why being gentle with ourselves during motherhood is so critical in the way we show up for our selves and our kids. 

Together we shared a real conversation about the history of implementing ethnic studies into our courses as well as the benefits held for student success! Topics ranging from identity, intersectionality, oppression and resistance are taught in David's curriculum. Listen as we also discuss some barriers and ways we as a community can get involved and hold our school systems accountable for the “equity, diverse, and inclusive” agenda they proudly proclaim! Pleasure having you as an educator for 200+ students David, and we know that the work only continues. 

Tune in as Karina Beltran and I engage in conversations about the impacts of poverty and food insecurity amongst college students. So many assume that once we make it into college, the oppression and systemic barriers are no longer experienced. It in fact continues to follow us and impacts our mental and physical health, our confidence, and our academic success. How can we advocate to bring forth the changes needed to address these struggles? Listen and find out what we suggested.  

Navigating through racist/oppressive systems with a forced resilience often times cost us our identity, our culture, our history, and so much more. There is often a sacrifice that comes with being a disrupter when you challenge systems in places that are designed to hold policies over people. Listen and tune in as Chino Contreras  @3rd.self_ and I share our experiences as experts in the hood navigating through an an MSW programs that uphold oppressive policies. May this conversation spark many to become advocates to highlight the work that is is still needed in our society!

Final conversation of this series granted Jocelyn Gama Garcia and I the opportunity to express the beauty and creativity that exists in our hoods. While we also experience oppression and lack of resources, we recognize that even what we have is just enough sometimes. Like roses that grow out of concrete, we flourish in spaces not meant for growth. Tune in here or on Healing Ourselves Heals Our Hoods podcast to listen in on this empowering conversation.