In this deeply resonant episode of How I Ally, Lucinda Koza is joined by Navi Hughes—a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, therapist, and emotional intelligence coach. Navi opens up about her journey from teen motherhood and widowhood to becoming a fierce advocate for mental health and emotional literacy.

Together, they explore:

This conversation is an emotional masterclass—equal parts grounding and galvanizing. Whether you’re a parent, practitioner, or simply someone who wants to live with more clarity, this episode is a must-listen.

Guest:

Navi Hughes

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Emotional Intelligence Coach

Instagram: @thenavihughes

Connect with Lucinda Koza:

Instagram: @lucindarogerskoza

Website: www.i-ally.com

Resources Mentioned:

Takeaways:

💡 Emotional intelligence isn’t a trend—it’s the foundation for peace, presence, and power.

🧠 Our children don’t need us to be perfect—they need us to be emotionally aware.

❤️ Real connection happens when we show up without an agenda.

Subscribe + Review:

If this episode moved you, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your support helps How I Ally reach more people who are navigating big feelings, big changes, and big growth.

Dr. LaNail R. Plummer is not just a mental health powerhouse—she’s a revolution in motion. In this rich and intentional conversation, we dive into how she’s built a life aligned with her values as a veteran, CEO of Onyx Therapy Group, Chair of Counseling at Trinity Washington University, and a proud bisexual Black woman.

Topics we cover:

The power of intentional communication

Parenting with purpose and presence

Her personal and spiritual journey to coming out

How core beliefs are shaped—and reshaped—in therapy

The alchemy of feminine energy and why it’s so transformative

Dr. Plummer’s clarity, strength, and compassion are truly unforgettable.

🧠 “You always know how to circle it back,” her father once told her—and in this episode, she does just that.

🔗 Subscribe and listen now for a deeply moving, deeply human conversation.

With guest Steven Lowell on How I Ally with Lucinda Koza

What happens when you stop hiding the hardest part of yourself—and start leading with it instead?

In this deeply human, candid conversation, Lucinda Koza sits down with career coach and reverse recruiter Steven Lowell, who shares how a late diagnosis of epilepsy reshaped his life. From collapsing on the job in Times Square to navigating the shame and silence that often surrounds invisible disabilities, Steven doesn’t just open up—he reframes the narrative.

This episode explores how living with epilepsy taught him to speak up, accept help, and ultimately turn what once felt like a weakness into his greatest strength.

Why invisible disabilities often go unspoken—even in families

How stress can impact neurological health in profound ways

What it’s like to have a seizure in public (and be misjudged for it)

The vital role of Steven’s wife in his journey to diagnosis and stability

How naming the hard thing can bring connection, not rejection

The power of blunt honesty in healing shame

Steven is a New York City–based reverse recruiter and career coach who’s worked across six industries and four countries. His coaching style is no-nonsense, deeply empathic, and grounded in lived experience—especially when it comes to helping others navigate their own nontraditional paths.

Learn more about Steven’s reverse recruiting work 

Epilepsy Foundation: epilepsy.com

👉 Subscribe to How I Ally for honest, hopeful conversations about disability, identity, and resilience.

⭐️ If this episode moved you, please leave a rating or review—it really helps!

Discover the lighthearted side of postpartum recovery, traumatic birth, and infertility with expert insights and real conversations on How I Ally.

Navigating the emotional and psychological landscape of fertility challenges doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. That’s where fertility coach Becky Ackerman comes in, sharing her candid experiences and insights from her own journey through infertility. With a focus on stress management and a positive mindset, Becky emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's fertility experience and exploring alternative therapies that can make a significant difference. We dive deep into the complexities of shame, the critical role partners play, and the societal pressures that often weigh heavily on those trying to conceive. This conversation is a vital resource for anyone facing similar struggles, filled with encouragement and practical advice to help lighten the load.

Fertility challenges can feel like a never-ending rollercoaster, but in this episode, we sit down with fertility coach Becky Ackerman, who really gets it. Becky opens up about her own journey through infertility, which she navigated two decades ago when resources were scarce and the conversation around it even scarcer. She shares how she fought against the tide of stress and negative thinking, emphasizing that mindset plays a crucial role in the fertility journey. It's not just about the eggs and the science—it's about how you feel. Becky dives into the importance of managing stress, the sometimes surprising benefits of alternative therapies, and the significance of taking control of your own experience. She talks about the emotional weight of shame and guilt that often accompanies fertility struggles, and how partners can sometimes feel lost in the mix. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone feeling isolated in their journey, reminding us that taking ownership of our story can lead to empowerment and healing. Plus, there's a light-hearted exchange about the weirdness of social media during this journey, and Becky’s advice is refreshingly candid. Whether you're knee-deep in treatments or just starting to explore your options, this conversation isn't just a resource; it's a lifeline.

Navigating the turbulent waters of fertility can feel like an uphill battle, and in this episode, we welcome Becky Ackerman, a fertility coach who brings both expertise and empathy to the table. As she shares her personal saga of infertility, Becky reveals how the landscape of resources has evolved over the past twenty years, highlighting the critical role of emotional support and mindset in the process. We explore the ins and outs of stress management—because let's face it, stress is like that uninvited guest that shows up at every fertility appointment. Becky’s approach isn’t just about the medical side of things; she advocates for exploring alternative therapies, which she credits with helping her transform her experience and ultimately find success. The conversation digs deep into the shame and guilt often felt by those undergoing fertility challenges, alongside the unique perspectives of partners who may feel sidelined in the emotional rollercoaster. By the end of the episode, listeners will find themselves equipped with actionable insights and a sense of community, knowing they’re not alone in the struggle.

In a candid and heartfelt conversation, we chat with Becky Ackerman, a fertility coach with a personal story that resonates with many. From her own trials with infertility to her current role helping others, Becky sheds light on the emotional and psychological complexities tied to the journey of conception. She illustrates how vital it is to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset, especially when the path to parenthood seems rocky. Becky offers practical advice about alternative therapies that can complement traditional methods, emphasizing that taking charge of one’s experience is empowering. We touch on sensitive topics like the feelings of shame and guilt that can cloud the journey, and how partners often navigate this landscape differently. With humor and warmth, Becky encourages listeners to let go of the pressure surrounding their fertility journey and to embrace the possibility of a fulfilling life, regardless of the outcome. This episode serves as a reminder that while the road may be fraught with challenges, there’s always room for hope, community, and personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Becky Ackerman emphasizes that stress management is crucial in the fertility journey, impacting both emotional well-being and potential outcomes.

You can reach out to Becky via email: [email protected]

As a single mother by choice, Lakia Holmes bravely turned to IVF after being diagnosed with infertility, reshaping her life and dreams in unexpected ways. In this laid-back chat with host Lucinda Koza, Lakia opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing her career in sports production with the joys of motherhood, all while contemplating her future as a fertility coach. We dive into the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and career paths, the importance of community support, and how Lakia's journey is paving the way for others facing similar struggles. So grab your coffee, kick back, and join us for a heartfelt conversation filled with candid reflections and light-hearted banter that reminds us we’re all just doing our best.

Stepping into the world of single motherhood can feel like diving into the deep end—no floaties and no lifeguard in sight. In this episode, Lakia Holmes opens up about her transformative journey from sports producer to single mother, sharing her heartfelt story of overcoming infertility through IVF and donor sperm. Lakia’s candid reflections on her unexpected path are woven with humor and warmth, as she grapples with the societal pressures and personal challenges that come with raising a child alone. The balancing act of career and motherhood is no easy feat, but Lakia navigates it with grace, humor, and a dash of chaos, revealing her day-to-day realities that resonate with many parents. Beyond her personal narrative, Lakia’s aspirations to become a fertility coach highlight her dedication to uplifting others within the community. This episode beautifully illustrates the power of resilience, the importance of creating supportive networks, and the unique joy of forging one’s own path to parenthood, making it a heartfelt conversation that invites listeners to reflect on their own journeys.

Takeaways:

• Lakia's journey to motherhood highlights the emotional toll of infertility, showcasing the strength it takes to navigate through IVF and donor sperm decisions.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Warner Brothers Discovery

Gloria Kolb, the brilliant CEO and co-founder of Elida, joins us to chat about her groundbreaking work in women's health, specifically tackling incontinence with her innovative Elitone device. Her personal journey with incontinence spurred her to create a solution that’s not just effective but also non-intrusive, breaking the mold of traditional treatments that often leave women feeling sidelined. We dive deep into the unique challenges female founders face in the notoriously male-dominated medical device industry, especially when it comes to securing funding and societal support. Gloria sheds light on the staggering statistics that show only a fraction of healthcare funding goes towards women's health innovations, and how this impacts early treatment options. With a dash of humor and a whole lot of heart, we explore the importance of open conversations about pelvic floor health and the mission to provide accessible solutions for all women, especially those in underserved communities.

Gloria Kolb's journey to creating Elida is nothing short of inspiring. As a biomedical engineer and a mother of three, she found herself grappling with incontinence after childbirth—something that many women face but often feel too embarrassed to discuss. Gloria shares her personal story of struggle and resilience, which led her to develop the Elitone device, a groundbreaking solution that offers a non-intrusive way to improve pelvic floor health. This conversation dives deep into the challenges faced by female founders in the medical device industry, where funding disparities are stark. Did you know that only 2% of venture capital goes to female founders? Gloria sheds light on the uphill battle for funding and the societal stigma surrounding women’s health issues, emphasizing the need for more awareness and support in this area. The episode also addresses the broader implications of incontinence on women’s lives, from social interactions to mental health, highlighting the importance of early treatment and open conversations about these taboo topics. Through her work, Gloria is not only changing lives but also paving the way for a future where women’s health is prioritized and normalized in society.

Takeaways:

• Gloria Kolb's personal battle with incontinence drove her to create Elitone, a groundbreaking external pelvic floor health device.

Liz Hilton is revolutionizing postpartum support with her innovative swaddle technology, the Swaddelini, designed to help babies sleep through the night. Host Lucinda Koza delves into Liz's inspiring journey from founding her company, KnitIt, to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship while raising a family. Liz highlights the importance of community feedback in developing her products and discusses the impact of her work on babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome. A significant part of the conversation centers around Liz's new initiative, Project CHIP (Cultivating Health in Postpartum), which aims to provide solutions for postpartum challenges through a documentary that emphasizes the necessity of proactive measures and community support for new mothers. Together, they explore how investing in postpartum care can transform the experiences of mothers and their families, ultimately fostering a healthier society.

Lucinda Koza's engaging discussion with Liz Hilton dives deep into the multifaceted world of postpartum support and innovation. Liz, an accomplished mother and entrepreneur, recounts her journey from launching KnitIt, a company specializing in soft goods, to developing the groundbreaking Swaddelini swaddle solution. This innovative product was born out of Liz's own parenting challenges, particularly the sleepless nights spent with a baby who would escape traditional swaddles. Drawing on her expertise in 3D knit programming, she crafted a swaddle that not only comforts but also addresses the developmental needs of infants, demonstrating how personal struggles can lead to impactful solutions.

Throughout the episode, Liz shares candid insights into the struggles of balancing her entrepreneurial ambitions with the demands of motherhood. She highlights the pivotal role that community feedback has played in refining her products and shaping her business model. This dialogue emphasizes the need for mothers to connect and support one another, illustrating how shared experiences can foster innovation and enhance wellbeing. Liz also introduces her latest initiative, Project CHIP, which aims to shift the conversation around postpartum experiences from one of struggle to one of empowerment and support.

Through a documentary lens, Project CHIP seeks to explore and promote healthy postpartum practices, emphasizing the importance of nourishing mothers and fostering community support. Liz's passion for creating a cultural shift in how postpartum care is viewed resonates strongly throughout the conversation, shedding light on the need for greater awareness and proactive measures in supporting new mothers. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that with the right tools and community backing, mothers can thrive during the challenging early stages of parenthood.

Takeaways:

• Liz Hilton's journey from a 3D knit engineer to a successful entrepreneur shows the power of innovation driven by personal necessity.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Knit It

Check out @swaddelini https://swaddelini.com/

A special thank you to @VETTEDDermlab Backed by science. Created by dermatologists. Effective and ethical ingredients. No gimmicks or fads. Use code LUCINDAK15 for 15% off your purchase: go.shopmy.us/p-11688145

Another special thank you to @kozakh2156 Jewelry. Uniquely on trend designer jewelry that’s waterproof, tarnish-proof, and sustainably handmade in the USA. Use code LUCINDA25 for 25% off: https://shopmy.us/collections/1146101

Navigating the challenges of the NICU and the complexities of grief, Elaine Roth shares her poignant journey as a mother and writer with host Lucinda Koza. After the premature birth of her daughter, Elaine found herself facing the emotional turmoil of an emergency C-section and the uncertainty of her child's health in the NICU. Through candid storytelling, she reveals how writing became a crucial outlet for processing her experiences and emotions. Elaine’s debut book weaves together themes of loss, healing, and the magic that can arise from the depths of sorrow. This heartfelt conversation highlights the importance of self-advocacy in motherhood and the transformative power of storytelling as a means of navigating life's most difficult moments.

Elaine Roth's journey through motherhood is one marked by unexpected challenges and profound resilience. In her conversation with host Lucinda Koza, she candidly shares the emotional rollercoaster of giving birth to her daughter nine weeks prematurely and the subsequent experiences in the NICU. Roth's narrative is both raw and enlightening as she recounts the fears that accompanied her emergency C-section and the subsequent struggle to navigate the complexities of caring for a fragile newborn in a hospital setting. The discussion highlights the critical importance of self-advocacy and intuition, as Roth emphasizes how she learned to trust her instincts amid medical uncertainties.

As the episode unfolds, Roth delves into the healing power of storytelling and how writing became a refuge for her during tumultuous times. She discusses her debut book, which weaves together elements of grief and magical realism, providing insight into her creative process and the cathartic nature of writing. Roth's transition from a NICU mom to an author speaks to the transformative power of sharing one’s experiences, both for herself and for those who resonate with her story. Listeners will appreciate her reflections on balancing the demands of motherhood with her passion for writing, as well as her insights into how creative expression can serve as a powerful tool for healing.

This episode is a celebration of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community in navigating life's challenges. Roth's story is a beacon of hope for parents facing similar circumstances, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace their narratives and recognize the beauty in their journeys, fostering connection and understanding through shared experiences.

Takeaways:

• Elaine Roth's journey through her daughter's premature birth highlights the importance of maternal instincts and self-advocacy.

You can find Elaine Roth's recently published book, THE MIDNIGHT GARDEN, at the link below:

https://go.shopmy.us/p-11109513

A special thank you to Vetted Dermlab. Backed by science. Created by dermatologists. Effective and ethical ingredients. No gimmicks or fads. Use code LUCINDAK15 for 15% off your purchase: go.shopmy.us/p-11688145

Another special thank you to KOZAKH Jewelry. Uniquely on trend designer jewelry that’s waterproof, tarnish-proof, and sustainably handmade in the USA. Use code LUCINDA25 for 25% off: https://shopmy.us/collections/1146101

Overcoming birth trauma is a vital conversation that needs to be addressed, and Lucinda Koza sits down with perinatal mental health specialist Marilyn Cross Coleman to dive deep into this important topic. Marilyn shares her personal journey of experiencing a traumatic birth and postpartum depression, which inspired her to specialize in helping others navigate similar challenges. They discuss the profound impact of societal expectations on maternal mental health, emphasizing the necessity of self-care and the often overlooked feelings of shame and guilt that mothers face. Marilyn also highlights the effectiveness of EMDR therapy as a treatment for birth trauma, offering hope and healing for mothers who have endured such experiences. The dialogue encourages open conversations among mothers, aiming to foster awareness, validation, and support in the journey toward recovery.

The emotional landscape of motherhood is complex, particularly for those who have navigated the tumultuous waters of birth trauma. Lucinda Koza engages with Marilyn Cross Coleman, a perinatal mental health expert, in an insightful dialogue that dives into the depths of postpartum challenges. Marilyn candidly shares her personal narrative of experiencing postpartum depression after her own traumatic birth, which serves as a powerful lens through which the conversation unfolds. Their discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing birth trauma as a legitimate experience that warrants attention and care, challenging the stigma surrounding maternal mental health issues.

Marilyn articulates the societal pressures that often compel mothers to suppress their feelings, leading to cycles of guilt and shame. The dialogue highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift that embraces self-care as a fundamental right for mothers, rather than a luxury. They explore the idea that when mothers prioritize their well-being, it not only benefits them but also enriches their families. Through this shared understanding, the episode fosters a supportive environment where mothers can feel empowered to voice their struggles and seek help.

As they delve deeper, Marilyn introduces EMDR therapy as a transformative approach to healing birth trauma, explaining its efficacy in reprocessing traumatic events and facilitating emotional recovery. She emphasizes that healing is not only possible but can lead to profound personal growth—a theme that resonates throughout the episode. Ultimately, this conversation serves as a call to action for women to acknowledge their experiences, seek validation, and foster connections that can lead to healing and empowerment in their motherhood journey.

Takeaways:

• Marilyn Cross Coleman emphasizes the necessity of addressing birth trauma for maternal healing.

A special thank you to Vetted Dermlab. Backed by science. Created by dermatologists. Effective and ethical ingredients. No gimmicks or fads. Use code LUCINDAK15 for 15% off your purchase: go.shopmy.us/p-11688145

Another special thank you to KOZAKH Jewelry. Uniquely on trend designer jewelry that’s waterproof, tarnish-proof, and sustainably handmade in the USA. Use code LUCINDA25 for 25% off: https://shopmy.us/collections/1146101