A special episode with Adrienne N. Spires "Roaring Resilience: Finding Grit in the Lion's Den" Adrienne discusses her book in this powerful story of strength, courage and resiliency.
"Roaring Resilience: Finding Grit in the Lion's Den" is an inspiring memoir that portrays the transformative power of faith and divine intervention in the face of adversity. Through the author's journey, readers witness how God's guidance and protection provided strength and courage during the darkest moments of domestic violence and as a non-offendingparent. In the midst of psychological manipulation and physical danger, the protagonist's unwavering faith serves as a guiding light, leading her toward liberation and healing. From seeking divine guidance to finding solace in prayer, the memoir showcases the profound impact of spirituality on resilience and survival. Through the lens of faith, "Roar Resilience" illustrates the miraculous ways God works in mysterious ways, offering hope, redemption, and a path toward a brighter future. It is a testament to the transformative power of belief and the unwavering presence of divine love in life's most significant challenges.

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Bebe Moore Campbell was a literary trailblazer, who used her words in books including, “The 72-Hour Hold” and “Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry,” to address the profound impact of racism, mental health and the enduring strength of culture, community and connections. However, her impact extended beyond her literary works.
 
She co-founded NAMI Urban Los Angeles and became a national change agent whose groundbreaking work revolutionized the way we approach mental health in underserved communities. She recognized and understood the detrimental consequences of silence rooted in stigma — one of the reasons for the lack of mental health care and treatment within communities of color.
 
Campbell fearlessly challenged the status quo, shedding light on the unique struggles faced by people of color and advocating for their voices to be heard. Her firsthand experience underscored the need for safe spaces for people in communities of color to share their stories and experiences without shame or judgement. She advocated for spaces of hope and healing where the unheard and untreated could find inclusive and equitable resources for support and mental health care.

NAMI

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The Let’s Go Show with Doug Reed is excited to partner with the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) @apa_foundation to bring meaningful conversation surrounding the mental health and wellbeing of African American/Black (AA/B) Men and Boys, and the allies who love them.

Stay tuned for one of these impactful conversations with APAF’s Rawle Andrews Jr @mr_rawle, Dr. Amanda Calhoun @amandajoymd and Rev. Jermaine Alberty @jdalberty on all podcast streams, Wednesday, June 19, 2024 (#Juneteenth).

Historically, men and boys have been taught to hide their feelings and deal with problems quietly. This is especially true for AA/B men and boys. It’s really important to create safe places, both online and offline, where they can talk openly about their feelings. Talking about mental health helps manage stress and opens up avenues to get help when needed.

One big issue for AA/B men and boys is “high-effort coping” or “hustle culture,” also known as “John Henryism.” This means they feel they have to work twice as hard to prove they are equal, especially when facing tough situations. This can lead to high stress and health problems like depression and high blood pressure. “High-effort coping” is a harmful habit that can be very dangerous.

The APAF encourages honest conversations about this issue. We need to move from a “man up” attitude to understanding that asking for help when needed is a sign of strength. Health professionals also need to be aware of these struggles to provide better care that meet the needs of AA/B men and boys.

We want to “normalize” conversations around mental health; but not make the mentally ill feel or seem abnormal.

#dreedletsgoshow #podcast #blackmen #blackboys #mentalhealth #investinyourmentalwealth💚 #justakidfromcincy

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Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Credle, Jr. is an Adjunct Professor for the Department of Counseling Ministries in the School of Counseling & Psychology at Regent University. Dr. Credle earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership with a Concentration in Ecclesial Leadership at Regent University, a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Sociology and Religious Studies from Virginia Wesleyan University. Dr. Credle also holds a Certificate in Transformational Leadership from the African Leadership Institute for Community Transformation in Wellington, South Africa.

Dr. Credle's work in leadership has been published in the Journal of Biblical Perspectives in
Leadership/Regent University, Palgrave/Macmillan's Christian Faith Perspectives in Leadership and Business, and the 5th International Conference on Research in Business, Management, and Economics in France.

Dr. Credle is the CEO of Credle LLC, alongside his wife, Passion, which provides leadership development, graphic design, and consulting resources for faith and small business leaders. He is also the curator of Ministr2Society: The Podcast, a platform that intersects faith, leadership, and well-being.  

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Don't miss this engaging conversation with Octavius L. Blount where he
talks about a conversational journey about Black males needing to be vulnerable, cry, laugh, smile and allow their inner black boy to be seen, heard, acknowledged and LOVED!

Octavius l Blount is a leader, thinker, innovator, and proud Philadelphian who is committed to anything for and about the advancement of Black men and boys. Currently, serves as Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Engagement - tasked to help create an equitable Philadelphia for men and boys of color by eliminating disparities and creating opportunities. Has a combined 15+ years in the field of Black Male Advocacy/Achievement/Engagement as a consultant, mentor and behavioral prevention and intervention specialist.

He is the Founder & CVO of UrbanThinker Media (UTM), where we strive to illuminate
the full spectrum of Black males' humanity in America. We execute this by spreading
ideas, creating spaces and producing stories that are for and about Black men and boys.
This is done to Engage minds, Express truth, Empower lives and Elevate voices across all major platforms.

He is the host of The Middle Brotha Podcast where he takes a deep dive into the
minds, lives, and voices of Black males & The Black Man Express ShowTM where he
goes on a conversational journey with Black males to be vulnerable, cry, laugh, smile and allow their inner black boy to be seen, heard, acknowledged and LOVED!
Octavius possesses a BA in Sociology from Arcadia University and MSW from Bryn
Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research with Community
Practice, Policy and Advocacy (CPPA) Concentration.

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Elana Governor or as some may call her Lala.  Is another of 2 . A lupus warrior and mental health advocate.  A Philly native who refuses to give up "Resilience is key" is her motto . Elana also does modeling and write poetry in her free time.  You can hear her amazing story of "Resilience"

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Can we take it back to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, track and field. The 1996 Games were given a dramatic and emotional start when the cauldron was lit by sporting legend Muhammad Ali. Michael Johnson of the U.S. became the first man in Olympic history to run and win both the 200m and 400m. Floyd Mayweather won the bronze medal in the Featherweight Division but a young kid from Willingboro, NJ is given an opportunity. He believes in himself.

LaMont Smith won a gold medal with the 4x400 relay at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. He ran at Willingboro High School in New Jersey, where he was inspired by Carl Lewis, also a graduate of that school. Smith started out at Blinn Junior College but then attended the University of Houston. He made the 1996 Olympic team by finishing fourth at the US Olympic Trials.

A great story of believing in yourself.

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As a professional George decided to go into the Law Enforcement Profession. He has been working as a Deputy Sheriff in Philadelphia for over a decade now. He believes it is a calling and not a career choice. Because growing up this was not something, that he planned on going into. But somehow he ended up becoming 5th generation law enforcement officer. He is currently serving at the rank of Sergeant and he believes that more than ever, if we want to change the culture. We need to show
more Black Men & Women behind the badge positive role models that our youth can relate to and learn from. If we want to truly bridge the gap between Police and the communities that we service and protect.

George has  always had a passion for serving his community because we need more access to resources and more equitable legislation working in our favor. So he devoted his time to volunteering with a few boards/committee's to make sure that my community had a voice at the table. He served on the Pennsyvania NAACP State Conference Criminal Justice Committee for over a year. He also
serve as an Advisory Board Member with the Greater Philadelphia YMCA. Most recently was appointed to serve on two Committee's with the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives(NOBLE).
George joined the Black Men Run Philadelphia Chapter in the spring of 2015. Once he joined the Healthy Brotherhood, he knew that this was going to be something special for him. Seeing a group a Black Men Running and enjoying it at the same time was the buy in for him. Since that time he has completed numerous Half Marathons and Full Marathons nationwide. He began serving as the Vice Captain of the Philly Chapter back in September 2020. While serving in leadership with BMR Philly alongside my fellow Captains. He has spearheaded many impactful community
initiatives. He believes in a collective value and ability to transform lives mentally and physically.

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On June 26th, 1995, he was incarcerated at the age of 23 in Binghamton, NY; eight days later he turned 24. Nine years into his prison sentence, a spiritual shift occurred.  In 2004, Barrett surrendered and gave his life to the Lord after experiencing what he now knows to be the Holy Spirit, while attending Bible Study in the prison’s chapel. Three years later, in 2007, he started ministering while still incarcerated.

After 18 years and three months of served time, Michael G. Barrett, Jr. was released from prison on July 29, 2013. Warden Linda Thomas granted his release six months early due to the Second Chance Act. Following his release, he had to spend one year in a halfway house.

During this time, he was an assistant pastor, under Bishop Ronald C. Hill, founder of Love and Unity Christian Fellowship in Compton – who he would sit under for five years. Six months after his liberation, he met his wife, First Lady La’Kesia Barrett. She would bring him to and from Bible Study and Sunday Service at Love and Unity Christian Fellowship and the halfway house.

Unbeknownst to him, years before they met, a pastor prophesized that she would meet a man who had been in prison, and he would “change her life.” The couple has since celebrated 10 years of marriage.

Pastor Michael G. Barrett, Jr. has overcome major feats in his life by the grace of God, the acceptance of Jesus, and the uplifting nature of his support system.

Barrett rejoices in the “restorations season” that he has been in, during this period of his life. He has connections with his four adult biological daughters and five grandchildren and has made monumental and impactful accomplishments- such as becoming as senior pastor at Do Right Christian Church, establishing Kingdomtainment (a TV network that reaches 55 million

households), involvement with the Southern California Food Bank, along with many others.

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If you don’t know, I am an advocate for veterans. Next on the Let’s Go Show with Doug Reed featuring Coco Culhane, who is the Executive Director for Veterans Advocacy Project. The work she does is beyond honorable. I wish it was available throughout the U.S

The Veteran Advocacy Project at the Urban Justice Center provides free legal services to low-income veterans, with a focus on those living with PTSD, TBI, substance abuse problems, and mental illness. We are partnered with VA hospitals, mental health clinics, and local veterans' groups to reach service members where they are. While our attorneys tackle the legal challenges, our peer advocates ensure that our clients are connected to appropriate social services. With a dedicated team, the project allows veterans to achieve the stability needed to regain their health and rebuild their lives.

Coco Culhane is the founder and executive director of the Veteran Advocacy Project. She is also an adjunct professor of clinical law at Brooklyn Law School, where she teaches the Veterans’ Rights Clinic and seminar. Coco presents on veterans’ legal issues and conducts trainings for attorneys, social workers, and students across the country. She also sits on several advisory boards, including the New York State Discharge Upgrade Advisory Board, and has served on Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s service academy selection committees each year since 2014. After launching VAP as a part of the Mental Health Project of the Urban Justice Center in 2010, Coco received an Equal Justice Works Fellowship sponsored by the CIGNA Foundation and Cravath, Swaine & Moore, LLP. She started expanding VAP and its services and eventually spun off the project to form an independent not-for-profit.

Coco received a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, where she was the symposium editor of the Brooklyn Law Review and co-president of the student health law association. Prior to law school she was an editor at The New Republic for six years. She received a B.A. in English from Wesleyan University.

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