Know Your True Self

What do you want to achieve in life? Is a lack of confidence holding you back? One thing is sure; if we stay idle and don't get out of our comfort zone, reaching our goals is almost impossible. In this episode, Samantha and James unpack what it takes to become confident, share some personal stories and provide inspiration to help anyone who feels held back by their negative self-talk.

There are many circumstances when we rely on other people to help us, but we often don't get the assistance we need, and at times like this, we need to be our own advocates. Listen in as Samantha and James discuss navigating some recent life challenges, lessons they have learned about being persistent, and how to maintain a sense of grace while dealing with stressful situations.

All of the media we consume plays an influential role in shaping our cultural understanding of other humans. In this episode, Chris and James discuss the evolution of GLBTQIA+ representation in the media landscape, why accurate portrays are essential to fostering acceptance, and steps the media can take to ensure their storytelling lens reflects the diversity of people found on earth.

Christopher Joseph Westgate, Ph.D., is a media scholar whose research program includes digital cultures, Latinx media, popular music, and social identities. His journal articles have been published in Popular Music & Society, Media, Culture & Society, and elsewhere. Dr. Westgate is currently a Media and Communication Studies professor at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Links:

https://www.glaad.org/institute

https://www.glbthistory.org/about

https://www.pewresearch.org/topic/politics-policy/political-issues/lgbtq-acceptance/

https://www.splcenter.org/issues/lgbtq-rights

https://www.hrc.org/campaigns/the-state-legislative-attack-on-lgbtq-people

https://www.aclu.org/issues/lgbtq-rights

https://www.fcc.gov/news-events/events/2021/06/advisory-committee-diversity-and-digital-empowerment-june-2021

https://cals.cornell.edu/katherine-sender

Do you ever notice that cultural conversation on social media and many other news sources is full of destructive thought frequencies? In this episode, James and Samantha discuss how we become reflections of the content we choose to engage with, the importance of addressing issues personally instead of online, and how to break the cycle of non-stop complaining.

Do you make conscious choices about what goes into your body, or do you indulge in unhealthy temptations more than you should? It's difficult to say on track when it comes to eating well; however, an essential part of creating balance in our lives comes from what we eat. Listen in as James and Samantha discuss our relationship with food and how to redefine it.

Thanks to many brave humans that entertain us on the world's biggest stages, conversations about mental health have worked their way into the forefront of culture; however, the mental health crisis rages on. In this episode, Michelle Wagner and James Petrossi discuss the evolution of mental health care, the courage it takes to reach out for help, and why to find support before it's too late.

Michelle the CEO of Mindstrong, combines her passion for human potential with a deep knowledge of technology and its impact. She's dedicated to moving organizations forward with a laser focus on integrity, loyalty, and empathy. As a seasoned operator, Michelle is focused on the integration of novel technologies with mental health care delivery.

Website: https://mindstrong.com/

It can be challenging to listen in a world full of modern distractions. Still, the ability to tune into what other people are saying is essential for communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. In this episode, Samantha and James provide helpful tips for becoming better listeners so we develop more meaningful relationships in all dimensions of our lives.

Does the speed of life move so quickly that you don't have time to appreciate all the moments you're experiencing? Do you become impatient when events aren't unfolding the day you desire? In this episode, Samantha and James share personal stories, valuable insights, and helpful tips on when to be patient in life and times you may need to take action.

What type of relationship do you have with your parents? How has it evolved as you've gotten older? After spending the last few months visiting their families in various parts of the country, Samantha and James discuss the evolution of parent/child relationships, forming connections on new levels, and the importance of forgiveness before it's too late.