Think you understand 'good mental health'? Think again.

In this episode, our host Reonna Johnson shares her journey of connecting with her mental health after a lifetime of suppressing emotions.

Dr. Shelly Harrell, a professor, and expert, breaks down what constitutes good mental health—it's not just about feeling 'fine.' We explore the importance of acknowledging feelings

But wait, we want to hear from YOU! Share your thoughts, feelings, and reactions to this episode and join the conversation on mental health.

Scholar, Professor & Educator: Dr. Shelly Harrell

Creative Directors: Reonna Johnson, Cayce Sylvester

Sound Designer & Engineer: Cayce Sylvester

Host: Reonna Johnson

Producer: Reonna Johnson

Sponsored by: Deutsch LA

A Steelhead Production

Martin’s dream from 1963. And Kendrick’s dream from 2012 in his song Backseat Freestyle. The song makes you think about Martin’s dream through the lens of Kendrick Lamar. Both dreams talk about equal access to power. And in the Black community it’s always been a great divide on how to access power. Some Black people follow the vision and direction of MLK: “new laws, love, determination, and community…” It’s a collective change. But on the flip side, some Black people follow the dream of Kendrick: “acquiring as much money, and material things which is power in the U.S. It’s an individual change. They both clearly have a different approach, style and swag. BUT is either perspective wrong? Is Kendrick simply stating what America truly values as power? Is Dr King’s dream attainable? or something to one day live for? Do we NEED both perspectives? Outside of the song and speech are these men the same? OR when we place both dreams next to each other do we see the hypocrisy and contradictions of America.

Example of Kendrick’s Dream 2012 |

Example of MLK’s Dream 1963 |

Contrary to popular belief, all Black people are not the same. We are not a monolith. And unfortunately, monolithic thinking goes beyond just what society thinks of Black people. It also shows up in the way the Black people treat one another. How do we challenge our subconscious thinking and celebrate Black people and their glorious differences, perspectives, backgrounds, etc? Do we need to educate our peers, friends, and family more? Do we need to look at how class may play a role? OR do we simply say ‘f@ck it’ and stop fighting the normativity standard and just be ourselves?

Hosted by: VP/ Director of Growth Strategy, Reonna Johnson, featured guests in this episode include:

In addition, Glenn Singleton, author, thought leader, strategist, and creator of Courageous Conversation®, joined the conversation to let us know our responsibility as Black people to dismantle the term - ‘regular Black.’ We also invited Jason King, scholar, professor and Chair of the Clive Davis Institute to share his perspective on breaking through normativity thinking.

What’s the difference between ‘regular’ Black and ‘bougie’ Black? What are the perceived privileges and how does this create class tension and divisiveness among a group of historically excluded people?

Hear from LA-based Black creatives discussing what it means to be a ‘regular’ Black person versus ‘bougie’ Black person. The conversation gets heated as we dive into this class tension and perceived privileges rooted in white supremacy.

Hosted by: VP/ Director of Growth Strategy, Reonna Johnson

Featured guests include:

In addition, Dr. Maia Niguel Hoskins, who specializes in counseling, race relations and critical race theory, joined the conversation to let us know what privilege does and how it divides people.

Hear from Black creatives from around the globe discuss what it means to be a ‘regular’ Black person versus one with origins outside of the U.S. a.k.a. ‘ethnic’ Black.

Featured guests include British Jamaican Creative Director, Tahirah Byfield-Edwards;  Brooklynite and Grenadian-American Art Director Rae James; and South African Creator/D.J. Xolisa Tshomela. In addition, Dr. Maia Niguel Hoskins, who specializes in counseling, race relations and critical race theory, joined the conversation to let us know this is real and we’re not crazy.

Hex Code Black (#000000) is a podcast featuring honest conversations with Black creative professionals, who’ll tackle WTF moments at work that somehow end up on hot-button topics like colorism, classism, racism and colonialism. Alongside these discussions, we’re bringing our own kind of heat by showcasing top scholars, professors and industry outsiders to tell us we are not crazy and that our feelings, thoughts and actions are deeply-rooted in history, policies and laws that have influenced everything in our lives.