(Family Series) When thinking of a military dad, what are your honest thoughts? Do you think loving, open communication, and a testament of respect to his wife for her role? Or, cold, unemotional, and mission first? Who will this military service member be to you?

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?”

Dads are a big deal! For some, we never know how big of a deal they are until we feel the full absence of their presence. Whether that's because they’re never around or because their presence is missed when it counts the most. Either way, fathers are always teaching lessons. 

So, what does it mean to be dad and to be dad in the military? Well, U.S. military service member Jordan Hamilton answers this question in his own way and has some very interesting things to say.

Jordan’s story as a dad goes much deeper than deployments and 15 years of military leadership. He is also the spouse of someone who serves in the military, and they navigate life together, parenting not only one, but three children. How is it all possible?

He unpacks the peculiar way how he and his spouse met, and how his recent visit to the role of Mr. Mom has taught him a lot about wearing both pants in the family. So, what is his biggest epiphany?

Jordan really pulls in #thediversityduo when he has a profound moment with his own father, leaving Dr. Loren Michaels Harris and Cowboy Jax speechless for a moment in self-reflection towards their own relationships. 

The heartbeat in this conversation is strong! If you ever had any judgment on military dads and the relationship with their children, ask yourself now, if you have changed your mind after this awesome moment with a G.I. Dad.

(Family Series) "You don't have to be qualified to be qualified," says our guest, Charlynda Scales. This single mom is a serial entrepreneur, women's advocate, and philanthropist. She talks about rising above stereotypes and breaking through bias ceilings; are you curious what they are?

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?”

The CEO of Mutt's Sauce somehow found time to sit down with #thediversityduo between running a company, changing diapers, and helping to solve hunger problems. So, we asked how she does it all as a single mom.

She takes us on the journey to some of her darkest moments and how she overcame them. What was her motivation to do so? How did she not just give up?

The Diversity Duo gets a rare opportunity to see through the lens of a woman business owner. She took this company from zero revenue during the pandemic to transforming it into an ecommerce success, all while creating social connection. 

Charlynda goes on to explain why "box checking" can limit you in your business, relationships and being a parent. 

Sitting down and digging deep with her, we find her story to be both inspirational and thought provoking.

Some things to know: 

There are nearly 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S.

This figure represents 42% of all companies in the U.S.

Women own 4 out of 10 businesses, and these businesses generate about $1.8 trillion annually.

Yet women still experience gender bias, limited funding, and lack of support 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2021/09/21/overcoming-some-of-the-barriers-to-women-entrepreneurship/amp/

Single Mom Myths:

They got what they deserved 

They are on welfare and do it for welfare checks

They are raising kids in broken homes

https://www.google.com/amp/s/bluntmoms.com/stereotypes-single-mother/amp/

(Family Series) What message are we conveying by pointing the finger at generations of our children, call them "snowflakes," and send them off into the real world with their belongings in a trash bag? Can the comfort to change the world come in a case? 

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover?”

"I'm a dad who happens to be gay" says our guest, Rob Scheer (U.S. Veteran). Ponder that for a moment! Then feel the emotion or the frustration of why anyone, especially a parent, would be compelled to want to say anything about their sexuality.

Well, our guest rarely has time to say that in his household because he and his husband are too busy being at PTA meetings, football games, and raising great children like the "chicken whisper."

Rob is both candid and respectfully pushes back on statistics of the LGBTQ+ community, especially those centered on parents. Can you guess which ones?

He takes us freely inside his own moral compass, his .com past to this .org present and explains how one of his children caused him to look in the mirror and make over 100,000 children thankful that he did.

Make no mistake about it, our guest Rob Scheer pulls no punches and has no apologies for believing that blaming the system is not a get out of responsibility free card.

What does he have to say about his foster care journey and how does his quote, "our children" pertain to you?

Rob hosts the #1 podcast “Fostering Change” centered on foster care and more. Over 150 million people and counting, know his family’s name and their journey. How did all this happen?

The end of the episode is like none we've ever had before and Dr. Loren Michaels Harris’ tendered heart confession, simply was a moving moment for #thediversityduo. How will it all move you?

(Family Series) Careers of parents is the hot topic post pandemic. Some have given up their career to become a stay-at-home parent and some decide to work remotely to manage multiple children. We answer the question though, what if none of that's an option?

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”

On average, during a lifetime, men held 12.6 jobs and women held 12.3 jobs, according to https://www.bls.gov/nls/questions-and-answers.htm

Military Service members can achieve a career of 30 years or more before entering back into the workforce as a U.S. Veteran for the purpose of seeking a second retirement. Sometimes in this journey these women and men elect to be parents.

Depending on their MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) I.E., their job, they could work on an average, 80 to 100 hours a week or attend schools that keep them out of the traditional home space for 3 months or more at a time. In today’s guests’ example, her spouse is also active-duty military.

Doc and Cowboy Jax #thediversityduo sit down with Bryanna Hamilton, U.S. Army Drill Sergeant who’s now about to graduate as an officer.

In this episode we laugh but also feel the serious emotions of Bryanna being mom away from home and discuss how quality is always more important than quantity. We answer these questions; How does she manage it all? Why is counseling important? and what’s the importance of having a strong spouse?

We also talk about military resources, what a family plan is and why it is important. These recommended resources are approved, directly by someone who has used them.

If you are in the military considering a family, you don't want to miss this! If you are a mom, you will get so much inspiration for managing your own daily life. 

(When the music stops, $hit gets real) We all have a muse. For some, the world seems surreal as we follow it, but is the fruition of the limelight as picture perfect as it's sold to be? This author tells the rest of the story.

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”

This episode, affectionately known as "Hiatus," was gleaned from the title of this guest’s book. It was an eye-opening experience, to say the least. Not from the perspective of what one’s doing, but more so, what happens in the pause in-between. The author and our guest, Treston Irby (Community Neighbor/non-Veteran) doesn't refrain from telling how real, life got, from moment to moment. From the rush of having #1 records and the world knowing your name, to being back on the block and "needing to eat."

They say fame is fleeting but you don't know the truth until you've lived it; all of it...

Treston takes us on his humble beginning of how another muse, almost led him to a completely different story that would have been written about his life. You’ll be surprised!

How did the Hiatus in his life help to shape where he is now? What did he come to realize in the calm of the moment? The things he endured, what is the book about, and why did he write it?

The Diversity Duo was honored to sit down with arguably one of the members of the biggest groups from the 90's. You know them as Hi-Five, but you will learn that this guest is also honest, real, and an advocate of faith and mental health awareness. 

His sentiment in the last words of the interview were simply "compelling." Prepare to be moved.

(Artistry unapologetically unpolarized) In a world where it seems everything has only one side or the other, her voice makes a home in the middle where everyone is welcome. A refreshing breath of fresh air and literally music to your ears. Are you a Bryniac?

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”

Let us define polarize: To break up into opposing factions or groupings.

When we think of our society it seems like the biggest trend in the past few years has been to polarize our neighbors, but why? Where does the compulsion come from to draw a line in the sand by saying "if you're not with me, you're against me." Thus, the root of cancel culture, and its cancer has spread like a wildfire. Its biggest influence is social media, but it has infiltrated our music, movies, and streaming productions as well. When did we lose our way to simply co-exist? Have we lost the ability to agree to just disagree? 

Our guest Laura Bryna (Community Neighbor/non-Veteran) has a very strong belief that you should love what you are passionate about and celebrate who you are, but absolutely, not at the cost of others doing the same. This reflects in her diverse artistry in multiple genres of music and messaging of including "everyone." From where does she get her courage and inspiration?

It's not all heavy in this episode, we talk music, her fans, and projects and yes, her special guest on this episode. 

The Diversity Duo also discusses and gets heated in the debate about polarization in the entertainment industry in general. 

We answer, is it really that big of a deal to have our entertainment polarized? You will be shocked about how much this division potentially effects your health! But is that good or bad?

(A parent’s journey in the wake of suicide) The quote from our guest says it all "A parent shouldn't have to bury their children." Here’s an intimate look inside the life of a parent and an honest testimony about how much an unanswered tragedy lingers.

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”

Our Community Neighbor/non-Veteran, Jack unfortunately, deals with so many unanswered questions. He finds himself longing for just one more hug or conversation and clings to filling in the hole that is left in the aftermath of how his loved one made a permanent choice to temporary problem. How does he do it?

We spend time with this retired attorney and historian, who has taken a loss that in some instances can literally cripple some from finding a quality of life. He however, along with his family have not only found a quality of life but are blazing a path by leaving a light on for others. How are they doing this?

If you're a parent, you need this wisdom in your life. If you have thought or are thinking about suicide, you need to hear the pain and the longing in this parent's voice.

The Diversity Duo was inspired and moved to find out about the foundation and all it's amazing work to help take this tragedy of losing Michael and turning it into hope and solutions for several issues in our society today.

This episode will move you; it moved us!

Let’s shift from talking suicide prevention to educating more on anxiety.

Facts:

Every day, approximately 125 Americans die by suicide.

Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year old Americans.

https://save.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/

Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:

Feeling nervous, restless, or tense

Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom

Having an increased heart rate

Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

Sweating

Trembling

Feeling weak or tired

Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry

Having trouble sleeping

Experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) problems

Having difficulty controlling worry

Having the urge to avoid things that trigger anxiety

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

(Dispelling rumors of being Bi) Options appeal to most, but could options do more harm than good sometimes? Jamila (Community Neighbor, non-Veteran) unlocks the bisexual myth by answering the question...All pleasure? or Does the desire to attract men and women come with a price?

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”

This episode is raw, real, and our most explicit yet. Leave it to #thediversityduo to pull no punches and honestly neither did our guest Jamila Wright and why should she? Love is hard at times for any of us, but imagine for a moment you are attracted to men and women, it may seem easier right? I mean if one fails to deliver... just date the other or... date them both... or check the monogamy at the door and just love the one you're with or more so please the one(s) you're with...but…

Does bisexual mean no monogamy? Can you lean more towards one sex, and occasionally be with another and you still be bisexual or do you default to bi-curious?

Is it all pleasure? No rules? Why are there the assumption and stereotypes of anyone bisexual are probably down for a third person...

Where do love and relationship fit into the equation?

So much is unlocked in this episode. 

At times your heart will hurt during this episode and at others, you will be in shock at what you find with this sneak peek behind the curtain and closed doors behavior someone may have towards you when they find out you're bisexual. 

We learned so much about the heart and character of this brave woman.

Fact:

Only 19% of those who identify as bisexual say all or most of the important people in their lives are aware of their sexual orientation.

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/18/bisexual-adults-are-far-less-likely-than-gay-men-and-lesbians-to-be-out-to-the-people-in-their-lives/

(Part 2 of One Breath at A Time Literally) Brad's a father and husband, his wife has a life-threatening disease and needs a double lung transplant. On the road for his career and only home a few days a month, does the stress manage him?

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?”

Men in modern-day society seem to have lost that persona of being strong, reliable, and honoring their agreements, or so the media would have us believe or more accurately perceive.

Why, though? What has been the cultural shift that makes it not seem worthy or worthwhile to celebrate men and masculinity? Would it be fair to say, men themselves may not be able to define a distinct road map to that nostalgia of the above-mentioned?

Well, Brad Allnutt is living proof that an example of a man honoring his agreements is alive and well, but what toll does it take? What are the requirements of unconditional love? Is there a breaking point in a relationship with a partner with a potentially life-ending disease? Is there room for your feelings and well-being? Or are you just the rock that everyone expects you to be because of what you show on the outside?

I cannot imagine even a moment through the lens of this man's eyes. I shudder to think about even the idea of losing my one and only much less living it 24 hours a day.

What happens without a stress plan?

Stress is a significant a risk factor for a heart attack

Stomach or digestive problems.

Trouble having sex. 

Suggestions for your stress plan:

Set goals for your day, week, and month. Narrowing your view will help you feel more in control of the moment and long-term tasks.

(A queer journey to the blessing of the Dalai Lama) Lisa had an epiphany, she wanted the blessing of one of the most notable spiritual and philosophical figures in the modern-day world to endorse her book, but the question burns, is she not ready?

Get over the hump every Wednesday with a new "Heartbeat in Relationship Conversation" episode. Join the Diversity Duo for all the feels and then ask yourself, “Do I judge a book by its cover...?” 

This Community Neighbor (non-U.S. Veteran) has had over a million ears listen to her podcast, All Things Therapy. She is highly educated and an insightful author but like in all things there must be a beginning, a manifestation. For the heart of our guest, a peculiar combination of ingredients contributed to a life moment few have the liberty to touch. Find out how an encounter with a telemarketer, not being ready yet, and an unapologetic truth to oneself, led to the fulfillment of her goal. 

Ever heard of the Kinsey Scale? It was a first for at least one-half of the #thediversityduo! What are your thoughts on holistic medicine or the way of the woo-woo? Some call it the crystals under the house, others say get your head out of the clouds, and in this case, the stars.

We discuss so much, honestly feel so much more, and you guessed it, the cowboy half of the diversity duo was 100% skeptical going into this episode…confessions will be made!

A few facts:

Kinsey Scale definition:

Dr. Alfred Kinsey, Dr. Wardell Pomeroy, and Dr. Clyde Martin developed the Heterosexual-Homosexual Rating Scale, also known as the “The Kinsey Scale,” in order to account for research findings that showed that people did not fit into exclusive heterosexual or homosexual categories.

The Kinsey team interviewed thousands of people about their sexual histories. Research showed that sexual behavior, thoughts, and feelings towards the same or opposite sex were not always consistent across time.

https://www.idrlabs.com/kinsey-scale/test.php

About one-third (32%) of U.S. adults say they have heard a lot about alternative medicine, and 54% say they have heard a little, while 13% say they have heard nothing at all about alternative medicine.

https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2017/02/02/americans-health-care-behaviors-and-use-of-conventional-and-alternative-medicine/#:~:text=About%20one%2Dthird%20(32%25),at%20all%20about%20alternative%20medicine.